1 in 3 Surgery Patients Suffer Complications
Complications are related to surgical procedures, followed by adverse drug events, infections and hospital-related problems like falls or pressure ulcers
More than a third of surgical patients develop complications as a result of their procedure, a new study shows.
About 38% of adult patients suffer an adverse event during or following their surgery, researchers reported Nov. 13 in the BMJ.
Nearly half of these complications result in serious, life-threatening or fatal harm, results showed.
What’s more, about 60% of the complications were potentially preventable and 21% were definitely or probably preventable, researchers report.
“Adverse events remain widespread in contemporary healthcare, causing substantial and preventable patient harm during hospital admission,” concluded the research team led by physician Andre Duclos, a professor of public health with the University Claude Bernard Lyon in France.
However, surgeons aren’t the only reason why these complications occurred, the researchers found.
“These incidents were not solely a concern for surgeons in operating rooms, but involved healthcare
professions throughout the hospital,” their report noted.
For the study, researchers analyzed more than 1,000 admissions for surgery at 11 Massachusetts hospitals that took place in 2018.
Complications developed in 383 (38%) of surgeries, with major adverse events occurring in 160 (16%), results show.
About half (49%) of the complications were related to surgical procedures, followed by adverse drug events (27%), healthcare-associated infections (12%) and hospital-related problems like falls or pressure ulcers (11%).
Half of the complications cropped up in general care units, compared with 26% in operating rooms and 13% in intensive care units.
Worse, many of these complications could have been avoided, researchers said.
“About one-fourth of all patients experienced potentially preventable adverse events, with one in 10 concerning events that were probably or definitely preventable,” the researchers concluded in a journal
About 38% of adult patients suffer an adverse event during or following their surgery, researchers reported Nov. 13 in the BMJ.
news release.
Possible reasons for these complications could involve doctor burnout, inadequate nurse staffing and failure to utilize technology that could detect and prevent the health problems, according to an accompanying editorial written by Helen Haskell, president of Mothers Against Medical Error.
But these events also keep oc-
curring because little progress has been made in recruiting patients and families to help unravel the causes of complications, Haskell added.
“If we are truly interested in advancing patient safety, patients and families need to be empowered to weigh in on the accuracy of the accounts of their own care and participate in finding solutions,” Haskell concluded.
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Crouse Health Board of Directors
Names Tim Kennedy New Chairman
Kennedy is the president of Advance Media New York, the publisher of The PostStandard newspaper and syracuse.com
The Crouse Health board of directors has announced the appointment of Tim Kennedy as new chairman of the system’s board, effective Jan. 1. Kennedy succeeds community leader Patrick A. Mannion, who has served as chairman since 2012. Prior to that he served as vice chairman for six years. Mannion will remain a member of the board.
“We are grateful to Patrick for his many years of dedicated leadership, service and support to the Crouse family and look forward to his continuing contributions to our organization as a valued member of the board,” said Crouse Health CEO Seth Kronenberg, MD.
“Patrick has had a significant and lasting impact, not just on Crouse Health, but the community as well. Continuing to have him on the board ensures that his valuable insight, experience and passion for Crouse will help guide us into the future.”
“Being part of one of the most impactful boards in Central New York has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career,” says Mannion. “I have always been impressed with the leadership and management team at Crouse as they have built one of the preeminent healthcare organizations in the region, and I look forward to Tim’s leadership as we continue to shape the future of Crouse Health.”
Kennedy is the president of Syracuse-based Advance Media New York, the publisher of The Post-Standard newspaper and syracuse.com. He is also the regional president for Advance Local’s media operations in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. He has been a member of the Crouse board since 2015 and serves as vice chairman.
“It is an honor to be appointed board chair. For generations Crouse has cared for families across Central New York and stayed true to its mission. I look forward to building on that legacy with the support of our dedicated board and in support of the exceptional people who are the heartbeat of the Crouse family.”
“Over his nearly 10 years as a member of the board, we have come to rely on Tim’s steady leadership, thoughtful insight and unwavering support of the Crouse mission. In his new role as chair he’ll bring valuable continuity and vision to our organization,” said Mannion.
Meet Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Jay Varanasi, M.D.
New cardiologist at Auburn Community
Hospital excited with the construction of a catheterization lab at the hospital: Patients won’t have to travel to other hospitals for routine angiograms, heart catheterization and other cardiac services
Q: How recently did you join Auburn Community Hospital?
A: A little over a month ago, actually.
Q: What put Auburn on the map for you?
A: I grew up in New York state. I’m originally from the Hudson Valley area and went to medical school in Buffalo. So, even though I’ve been out of the state for 25 years or so, I’m pretty familiar with it. The possibility of staring a cath lab here was very compelling. The opportunity was brought to me by Dr. Dan Alexander who was a med school classmate of mine. He’d been trying to recruit me to Auburn for a couple years now. With the cath lab starting that just seemed like an interesting opportunity to bring that service to the community.
Q: Why did the hospital decide to go ahead with building its own catheterization lab?
A: So right now patients who need a heart catheterization are transferred to another hospital be cause we don’t have a facility. So there should be some construction going on over the next few months that will help us build a cath lab that will allow us to do these procedures here so that patients wouldn’t have to travel for routine angiograms and, hopeful ly in the future, even stents and things like that.
Q: How helpful is it for emergent situations?
A: Oftentimes cardiac care is urgent or an emergency, so the transport time can be harmful if it’s too long. So the goal is to be able to treat some emergencies here. So not only is convenience improved but patient outcomes and safety as well. There’s a phrase we have “time is muscle.” The faster you can get blocked arteries opened
the better. When it’s an elective procedure the timing is not as important.
Q: What’s the timeline for the lab look like right now?
A: With construction like this there are often some delays, so I really can’t say right now.
Q: How big is your team?
A: Overall in cardiology right now we have five doctors and then a staff of nurses and ultrasound and nuclear techs who help with stress testing. For the cath lab there will be a doctor and three other people for a single procedure. One person scrubbed with the doctor, one person monitoring the patient, one person logging the procedure in the back for paperwork purposes. And we need enough staff to cover days off and vacations. I anticipate we’ll need around nine or 10 cath lab staff members.
Q: Which patients are generally
home, come to the emergency and then found to have had a heart attack based on blood test results or an EKG. Those patients would need a heart catheterization.
Q: In the meantime, what does your practice look like?
A: Right now I’m seeing patients in the office, on call in the hospital, reading ultrasounds, stress tests. So the noninvasive parts of cardiology I’m still doing until the cath lab is open.
Q: What drew your interest to cardiology?
A: You do see with catheterization or stents people who are really suffering feel better very quickly when you open up the artery. So it’s very gratifying to be able to do a procedure that makes them feel better, prolongs their life. And in elective situations we can still improve quality of life so that people who are having trouble exerting themselves, who may even have trouble walking, we can help them be more active and have a better quality of life.
Q: What are some targets you’re hoping to hit in terms of patients scene and procedures done?
A: I don’t have any specific numbers. I think the most important thing is that we build the cath lab well, we do the procedures well, we do a good service. So however long that takes in terms of getting staff trained is how long it will take. To me the quality is more important than the numbers.
Lifelines
Name: Jayadeep S Varanasi, M.D.
Position: Cardiologist at Auburn Community Hospital
Career: Most recently served as medical director of cardiac catheterization lab at Moses Cone Memorial Hospital, Greensboro, North Carolina
Hometown: Wappingers Falls
Education: SUNY Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; residency in internal medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; fellowship in cardiology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; fellowship in intervention cardiology at University of Massachusetts
Affiliations: Auburn Community Hospital
Organizations: American College of Cardiology
Quote: “It is my good fortune to be in a profession that can be supremely gratifying. Seeing a patient quickly recover from a heart attack is rewarding. However, I especially enjoy working with patients actively to prevent cardiac disease and maintain good health.”
Family: Wife, two kids
Hobbies: Cycling, tennis
It’s Monday. Be Careful
One day of the week has highest suicide risk
A“case of the Mondays” is more perilous than just the returnto-work blues, a new study warns.
Suicide risk is highest on Monday in the United States and around the world, an international team of researchers has discovered.
“Mondays and New Year's Day were both associated with increased suicide risk in most countries,” concluded the team led by Yoonhee Kim, an associate professor with the University of Tokyo's Department of Global Environmental Health.
Mondays constitute 15% to 18% of total suicides, compared with other days, researchers found.
Results also show that weekend suicide risk varies greatly between countries.
Suicide risk is lowest on Saturdays or Sundays in many countries across North America, Asia and Europe. However, suicide risk increases during the weekend in South and Central American Countries, Finland and South Africa.
For the study, researchers analyzed suicide data for 740 locations in 26 countries and territories from 1971 to 2019, including more than 1.7 million suicides.
Previous studies have shown that suicide risk differs by day of the week, but results have been inconsistent, researchers said in background
notes.
Suicide risk increased on New Year's Day in all countries, especially in men, the results showed.
The researchers said there are several potential explanations for the increased suicide risk on Mondays and New Year's Day.
One is the “broken-promise effect theory,” which holds that people experience a negative mood when things don't go as planned. In essence, a bad weekend or a trying year causes an intense feeling of depression or despair that increases suicide risk.
The beginning of the week might also increase work pressure and stress, a phenomenon called “Blue Monday,” researchers said.
It also could be that people drink more on the weekends and on New Year's Day, which is considered a major risk factor for suicide, researchers added.
“Notably, our study showed that men who died by suicide were more affected by the day of the week and New Year's Day compared with women,” the researchers wrote.
The new study was published Oct. 23 in the BMJ.
Men are more susceptible to isolation and stress, while women typically have a bigger and more diverse social support system, researchers said.
Layout & Design: Angel Campos-Toro • Office Manager: Allison Lockwood 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
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Healthcare in a Minute
By George W. Chapman
The Affordable Care Act is Not ‘Lousy Healthcare.’ Is it in Jeopardy?
House Speaker Mike Johnson has more than once threatened to repeal the Affordable Care Act. President-elect Trump baselessly calls it "lousy healthcare," which must make our hard working physicians, nurses and ancillary professionals feel really appreciated. After 10 years, 45 million people are covered by the ACA, giving them access to the same hospitals and providers as the rest of us. By significantly reducing (almost eliminating) the uninsured, it has provided sorely needed revenue to hospitals and physicians virtually saving providers
Physician Pay Threatened
CMS (Medicare) has proposed to cut, yes cut, physician reimbursement by 2.5% next year, despite its own medical economic index showing 3.5% inflation. The cut is tantamount to an in flation-adjusted 6.3% reduction in reimburse ment. Recognizing this absurdity, a bipartisan committee has hurriedly proposed a bill eliminating the possible cut and proffering a 4.7% update to the physician reimbursement schedule. The committee wants to push the bill before Congress goes on recess. The ridiculous and untenable cut would be further compounded and exacerbated by copy cat cuts from commercial insurers. The pandemic has created incomparable increases in staff and supply costs for physician practices.
serving inner cities and remote rural areas from closing. It is by no means "lousy healthcare." The ACA was carefully crafted by the AHA, the AMA, commercial insurance carriers, CMS and various industry experts. It was bipartisan and non-political. It works effectively in both red and blue states alike. Congress has enough things to fix, including inflation, immigration, public safety, women's reproductive rights and infrastructure. Like everything else, the ACA could be tweaked. But in no way is it "lousy healthcare" screaming for repeal.
Ghost Networks
No, not as in Halloween. It refers to provider directories that list non-participating or even non existent providers. Individual consumers and businesses typically base their purchasing decision primarily on premiums, benefits and the plan's provider network. An inflated
directory of providers has created legal problems for NYS plan Anthem BCBS. The case is centered around "ghost" mental health providers listed in the iAnthem directory. With increasing mental health problems, especially among younger adults, provider participation can be paramount to plan selection. Attorneys for the plaintiffs called the first 100 mental health providers listed in the Anthem directory. Only seven providers out of the 100 were actual participants. The other 93 providers did not accept Anthem insurance, were retired or never existed. Plaintiffs argue that this deception caused them undue anguish and financial hardship by having to seek out and use more expensive out -of-network care. (The Anthem directory lists a total of 4,300 providers.) The Departments of Labor and Health have promulgated rules to protect and expand equitable access to mental health services. Provider directories are updated annually as older physicians retire, newer physicians join the plan, office affiliations or addresses change, the provider is not accepting new patients or the provider has opted out altogether. Normally, this activity would account for maybe 5% of the listings from year to year. It becomes a ghost or false network when 93% of providers don't participate or even exist. When changing plans,
product that will simplify the patient experience, reduce costs and improve quality. (Not exactly an innovative concept.) By directing members to "high-quality" providers (Just how is that determined? I am skeptical. Are high-quality providers the ones that will accept a lower fee from Aetna in exchange for higher volume and year end profit sharing? Just saying.) Aetna claims it will save the client money. So far, they claim a 60% increase in the use of high-quality providers saves the self-insured plan about 12%. Members can search for the high-quality providers via an app. Aetna-CVS seems to be a victim of over-diversification having to divest or shrink certain lines of business that are not profitable. Aetna might want to stick with selling insurance and CVS with selling drugs.
Racial Disparity in Health
The ACA impacts all of us. It ended pre-existing conditions. It capped commercial insurer profits at 15%. If a carrier spends less than 85% of premiums on claims, it must rebate the difference to members. It eliminated the confusion in comparing plans by establishing minimum benefits for three levels of coverage: bronze, silver and platinum. The ACA was not an issue in the election this year because it works. Trump inexplicitly attempted to repeal the ACA more than 60 times. He failed every time. I'm concerned he still doesn't get the message.
especially for mental health, it is recommended you call the particular provider office you are considering and verify they are accepting new patients AND accept the insurance.
AI in Medicine
There is no doubt in the technical power of artificial intelligence in medicine. Billions of dollars are being invested in AI development. (Even the ubiquitous Elon Musk is getting involved.) AI innovations have improved care and future AI applications are endless. However, while the technical aspects of AI are a given, AI must also engender patient trust, be transparent, offer choices and protect privacy and autonomy. Otherwise, success will be compro mised. For example, patients want to know when they are talking to either a real human being or chatbot. We don't want to be "catfished." Providers need to keep the patient's experience personal, not cookie cutter, especially in times of crisis.
Dating back to the end of the Civil War, Black Americans have lagged far behind whites when it comes to overall health and life expectancy. Study after study has concluded there has been little to no progress even in the last two decades. Lingering racism in government, intentional or not, bears a lot of the blame. South Carolina's notorious "corridor of shame," 17 predominately Black poverty-strick- en rural counties along interstate 95, has some of the nation’s worse outcomes.
According to the few providers serving the area, most of the residents cannot afford care, so they don’t seek care. South Carolina is one of the few states to refuse Medicaid expansion which would have given the residents at least some insurance. The Black residents living in the corridor suffer much higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease than whites. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine concluded our fragmented and uneven system of healthcare results in millions of preventable deaths and the loss of billions in economic benefit. Many states, Louisiana for example, allow residents to carry concealed and unregistered guns. Gun violence is the No. 1 killer of kids and young adults. Blacks are 18 times more likely to die by gun than whites. Adding to the disparity, 80% of all solid waste incinerators are located in low income communities. An AMA study in 2023 calculated that in the last 20 years there have been 1.63 million excess deaths among Blacks versus Whites, resulting in 80 million years of lives lost. America is still caught up, consciously or not, in our deep seeded racial history and government decisions regarding gun control, expanded medical insurance or even incinerators contribute to the continuing disparity in health among
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Aetna-CVS is offering self-insured businesses and organizations a
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.
Urologic oncology; robotic and laparoscopic surger y of prostate, kidney, bladder and adrena
Urologic oncology; robot
By Eva Briggs, MD
My Turn Revisiting the Cold Facts From Years Ago
This is a revisit of the very first article that I wrote more than 20 years ago for In Good Health, because cold season is here again. Time for a look at what science says about treating colds.
Another term you may hear for the common cold is upper respiratory infection. It means exactly the same thing. Colds are the most common acute illness in the United States. They are caused by an assortment of viruses — rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, enterovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus. Sadly, infection with one virus offers no immunity to future colds caused by different viruses or by other strains of the same virus.
Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, low-grade fever and generally feeling yucky. Eventually the common cold will go away on its own. But before you improve, you will feel lousy for 10 days. The cough can linger even longer, especially in smokers. Colds in children often drag on for two or three weeks.
What Does Work
When people hear the word infection, they often think antibiotics are the answer. Antibiotics won't help since viruses, not bacteria, cause colds. Antibiotics not only won't help, but they can lead to future resistant bacterial infections and cause side effects including allergic reactions, diarrhea and yeast infections.
A host of other things are ineffective for treating colds.
Antihistamines alone, taken by mouth, don’t work. Cough medicines including codeine are no more effective than placebo for cough. Nasal steroid sprays help for allergies, but they don't make cold symptoms less severe or lead to faster recovery. Steam or heated humidified air, does not speed the recovery from respiratory infections. Also ineffective are Echinacea, African geranium, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E. Vitamin E actually causes more severe respiratory symptoms than placebo!
What Works
With so many things that don't help, what does work?
First, analgesics help for aches pains and fever. This includes acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Azelastine (brand name Astelin) is a nasal antihistamine that does seem to help, especially in reducing cough. Antihistamines in combination with decongestants are helpful. Nasal decongestants sprays, such as
oxymetazolone, can decrease nasal congestion. But use cautiously for no longer than three days. Prolonged use of nasal decongestants leads to rebound, worsening nasal congestion when the dose wears off. A probiotic called “Lactobacillus casei” shortens the course of colds when taken every day throughout cold season. Zinc started within three days of the onset of a cold, continued until the cold resolves, also reduces cold duration. There is that old standby, honey. It actually works better than commercial cough medicines. Honey is not safe for children under 1 year old. The dose studied was half a teaspoon at bedtime for children aged 2 to 5, one teaspoon at bedtime for children aged 6 to 11 and two teaspoons at bedtime for older children and adults. What a great way to support our local New York state apiaries! Local honey contains more of the good ingredients and fewer contaminants than supermarket honey. In children younger than age 4, over-the-counter cold medicines produce more side effects than benefit. Another useful treatment is petrolatum ointment with camphor, mental and eucalyptus oils, such as the brand name Vicks VapoRub. Since it works by inhalation, rub it on the chest and throat. For some strange reason, many of my patients believe in rubbing it on the feet. There is no reason to do that.
Just the Beginning
Some diseases resemble the common cold. At the time of writing this article in November, New York state is reporting sporadic low numbers of influenza. That season is just beginning. Influenza usually starts more suddenly, has a high fever, severe body aches and a dry hacking cough. There is still time to get your flu shot.
Bacterial sinusitis often occurs as a complication of an upper respiratory infection. Characteristics that help distinguish bacterial sinusitis from a cold include failure to start improving in 10 days, fever and double sickening. This last term refers to a cold that starts to improve and then takes a turn for the worse.
Allergic rhinitis is associated with nasal congestion and runny nose, sneezing and itching. It often recurs at the same time every year.
If you have an upper respiratory tract infection, here are reasons to return to your doctor: fever greater than 101°F, productive cough, shortness of breath, severe headache or severe facial pain.
There is some new information since I first wrote this article. COVID-19 now exists. There is a vaccine to reduce the severity of COVID illness. At the time of this writing, the region is reporting two-three cases of COVID per 100,000 people in the previous seven days. And there is now also a vaccine for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus.) It’s recommended for older adults and pregnant women. RSV numbers are currently low, less than 3% positive tests in New York state.
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◘ Answering your questions related to Medicaid and long term care.
◘ Helping you decide what plan is right for you.
◘ Helping you solve problems with your managed care plan.
◘ Meeting with you over the phone or in-person.
◘ Conducting educational sessions for consumers, caregivers, and professionals
Eva Briggs is a retired medical doctor who practiced in Central New York for several decades. She lives in Marcellus.
Q & A with Dan Sieburg
Rescue Mission CEO tackles LGBTQ youth homelessness issue
By Mary Beth Roach
Q: Earlier this year, Rescue Mission opened a nine-bed emergency shelter for youth 12 to 17, named the Alejandro Garcia Runaway and Homeless Youth House, near Syracuse University. Although it is open to all youth, there is a focus on the LGBTQ youth. Why did the organization decide to take on this project?
A: In 2012, I went to a National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference in Washington, D.C. I noticed there was a breakout session on LGBTQ youth homelessness. I hadn’t really heard anybody talk specifically about LGBTQ youth homelessness, so I went to this session. I was in shock and a bit appalled at the numbers and statistics that they were sharing and surprised that it wasn’t being talked about across the country and locally. I’m asking the question, ‘Is this a gap in our services in our community?’ Because the Rescue Mission’s main focus is homelessness, is there something that we can provide in the community that will help alleviate some of this problem?
Q: Have you been able to determine how prevalent this situation is here in Onondaga County?
A: Onondaga County and Syracuse are very similar across the country to most major cities. What we have seen in the national data was that young people that identify as LGBTQ are two times — and even in some studies four times — more likely to experience homelessness. You look at that number and you think, when the population of young people that identify as LGBTQ is less than probably 10% of our youth population, maybe even more like 1%, but they’re experiencing homelessness at two and even four times
‘Onondaga County and Syracuse are very similar across the country
to
most major
we
the rate of other young people, to me it highlighted that there’s not just a need nationally, but that’s got to mirror what’s going on in Syracuse. I’m not sure we were providing shelter space that affirms who they are, but also provides that maybe a more unique environment or setting or have specialized staff that can talk to them about different situations that they’re working through.
Q: What kinds of services are provided to the youth at the shelter here?
A: Our main focus is to maintain their education. In the United States, the McKinney-Vento Act puts into place that any young person who’s experiencing homelessness still can access their school. It’s not like you’ve got to go to the school that’s near the shelter. And we work with their healthcare needs. Any of the things that a typical young person is experiencing in their day-to-day life, we try to create some amount of continuity, even though they’re experiencing homelessness. We’ll wrap them around with casework support and keep them on track so they can continue their education while we look for the next best housing placement. We do have our case management team and we have social workers on staff. We’re not therapists. We’re not providing therapy for the young people. Just trying to talk through what they’re working with, what challenges they’re facing, how school’s going.
Q: How long can a young person stay at the shelter?
A: We partner with Onondaga County’s Office of Child and Family Services, as well as Department of Social Services. Young people get
cities. What
have seen in the national data was that young people that identify as LGBTQ are two times — and even in some studies four times — more likely to experience homelessness.’
referred to our youth shelter through the county. Typically, we want to get a young person rehoused, reconnected with family within 30 days. I think on a very extended stay, a young person might be with us for 60 days.
Q: What would you say are some of the reasons for such homelessness among teens?
A: It’s sad to say, but from what we hear, from what the studies show, its family rejection. Homelessness is difficult, but you can find the path that somebody went down to become homeless, whether it’s dealing with mental health issues; they’ve dabbled in drugs, they’ve got some gambling addiction, alcoholism problem, trauma. Or you’re a straight A student, you go to church every Sunday, you’re really respectful to your family. You’ve got big dreams. You want to go to college. You come out, you identify as something different than your family was ready for and then you might be experiencing homelessness. That’s difficult. That one path to homelessness really isn’t a negative choice you made or a traumatic experience. You’re just sharing who you were and now you’ve been rejected. And I think that was a key piece to why the Rescue Mission got involved. We’re a faith-based organization and we don’t believe that God would want any of these kids on the street or under bridges or being sex trafficked or whatever. I think that was another driving force.
Q: What do you see as the next initiative?
A: As we’ve been operating this shelter space, I think what’s emerging or what I’ve heard from my team is that this shelter space is maybe more affirming, inclusive, more compassionate perhaps. But then you turn 18 and you’re off to the adult shelters. If you think about the development of young people or young minds, 18 to 24 is a really fragile time in their life as well, especially for LGBTQ individuals who are still maybe experiencing homelessness or are experiencing it for the first time in those young years. Some of my team have said, ‘Could we take a look at that age group, that population? Is there a way that we could or should, consider doing shelter services differently for some subpopulations of adults?’ It’s really a great perspective from my team. I think it helps to push me to think differently.
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Colonoscopy Still Beats New Blood Tests at Spotting Colon Cancer
Middle-aged folks facing a colon cancer screening now have a blood test they can choose over a standard colonoscopy.
However, the blood test isn't as effective as colonoscopy at detecting and preventing colon cancer, a new review finds.
About two and a half times more colon cancer deaths can be expected to occur in people taking the blood test every three years as recommended, compared to those who undergo colonoscopy once a decade.
Colon cancer death rates will increase if too many people choose the blood test over either colonoscopy or stool-based tests, researchers predicted.
“The first generation of blood tests are a really exciting development in the colorectal cancer screening paradigm,” said lead researcher, physician Uri Ladabaum, a professor of gastroenterology with Stanford Medicine. “But for now, if you're willing and able to do a colonoscopy or stool-based test, don't switch to a blood test.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July approved the first blood test for screening colon cancer in people at average risk of the disease.
The FDA based its approval on a clinical trial involving nearly 8,000 people, which found that the test detected colon cancer in more than 83% of people with a colorectal tumor.
However, the test only was able to detect precancerous colon polyps in about 13% of people.
Colonoscopy is not an easy pro-
cedure. People must take powerful laxatives ahead of time to completely empty their bowels and are put under sedation while doctors use a thin tube to examine the inside of the entire colon.
However, colonoscopy makes colon cancer one of the only fully preventable cancers, because doctors can remove any precancerous polyps they come across during the examination.
“This makes colonoscopy a unique cancer screening method because you also have the possibility of cancer prevention,” Ladabaum said. “Despite that, there are many people who are not getting screened at all, or who are not getting screened as often as they should.”
Patients who get a positive result from a fecal or blood test are urged to undergo colonoscopy, to double-check whether they have either cancer or polyps.
For the study, researchers pooled together data on six commercially available or in-development bloodand stool-based screening tests, as well as on gold-standard colonoscopy.
Using this data, they estimated the relative rate of colon cancer cases and deaths among people who used each screening approach.
The estimated case and death rate for every 100,000 people who choose:
• Colonoscopy: 1,543 cases and 672 deaths
• Stool tests: about 2,200 to 2,500 cases and 904 to 1,025 deaths
• Blood tests: about 4,300 cases
Can a Water Flosser Teally Blast the Debris Away?
By Deborah Jean Sergeant
About two and a half times more colon cancer deaths can be expected to occur in people taking the blood test every three years as recommended, compared to those who undergo colonoscopy once a decade.
and 1,600 deaths
• No screening: 7,500 cases and 3,600 deaths
Researchers also found that colonoscopies and stool tests are more cost-effective than blood tests.
The study was published Oct. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
“The blood tests are certainly much better than nothing, but you'll worsen the population outcomes and raise health care costs if you see people switching from colonoscopies to first-generation blood tests,” Ladabaum said in a Stanford Medicine news release.
The best-case scenario will be if most people continue to use colonoscopy or fecal tests, and resort to a blood test only if they find those two options so repellant they would
ensure the best outcomes of water flossing.
otherwise not be screened, researchers said.
“Ideally, we want as many people as possible to get screened for colorectal cancer, and that's likely going to mean a combination of different tests being used across the population,” Ladabaum said.
However, the blood test is still so new that it isn't covered by existing colon cancer screening guidelines, and it's not clear how many people will choose it, researchers noted.
“It remains to be seen who will really use the blood tests,” Ladabaum said. “Will it be people who have never been screened using any other method? And will they be willing to get a follow-up colonoscopy if indicated?”
If either choice — water flosser or conventional floss — are used correctly, they work well at keeping teeth clean. However, getting between teeth is harder with a water flosser.
Water flossers such as Waterpik look and generally work like mini power washers. But do they replace conventional cleaning with dental floss?
“A water flosser does not have as much of an effect on dental plaque as regular floss does, although it is better than not flossing at all,” said dentist Matthew Hall, director of dental residency program at St. Joseph’s Health. “The water flossers do benefit the gums by stimulating them and by removing retained food particles from the areas around the teeth. They are especially helpful in patients who are wearing braces
or have bridge work that gets food trapped in areas where teeth may be missing. Most dentists recommend the use of water flossers, not as a substitute for a toothbrush and regular floss, but in addition to them.”
According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, only one-third of American adults floss daily. One reason is that flossing can be time consuming and difficult.
The water flosser offers ease of use compared with conventional floss for people with arthritic hands. People with orthodontic braces often prefer water flossing because of their oral hardware, which can be challenging to keep clean with conventional flossing.
But that doesn’t mean that conventional flossing should go the way of the dodo. Water flossers require potable water and electricity — not the best option if you’re camping, for example.
Using water flossers properly can help improve their effectiveness. Following the directions from the manufacturer and asking for advice from the dentist or hygienist can help
In addition, floss picks — the tiny bits of floss on a stem — may help clean teeth for people who want to use conventional floss, but struggle with dexterity. But avoid jabbing the gums with the pointed end, which can irritate them.
The bottom line is that brushing is not enough — but neither is using only a water flosser.
“In general, water flossers are not a necessary tool to fight dental diseases such as tooth decay and gingivitis-periodontitis,” Hall said. “The best weapons against these are an electric toothbrush (although a traditional toothbrush is OK when used properly), fluoride toothpaste and some type of dental floss.
“Tooth decay and periodontal disease are primarily caused by dental plaque. This is a film that builds up on the teeth from the oral bacteria which are constantly present in the mouth. These bacteria adhere to the surfaces of the teeth and gums and slowly multiply to create plaque. Most plaque takes around 24 hours to form. It can only be removed by physically scraping the plaque off the teeth and gums through the use
of a toothbrush and dental floss. We recommend cleaning your teeth at least twice a day because it is rare to get all the plaque off of every surface of the teeth every time.”
Visit your dental care provider twice a year and more often if needed. Never worry that your dental issues will shock or dismay your provider.
Dentist Matthew Hall, director of dental residency program at St. Joseph’s Health: water flossers are not a substitute for brushing and regular floss.
Consider Eliminating or Cutting Down on Your Alcohol Intake
By Jennifer Faringer
With the holidays right around the corner, have you considered taking a different approach for your celebrations? Perhaps consider hosting an alcohol-free party or cutting down on alcohol and offering alcohol-free beverages available to support improved health and well-being during the holiday season.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that alcohol accounts for approximately 4 percent of newly diagnosed cancers worldwide. The IARC has gone so far as to classify alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen based on strong evidence that demonstrates the causal relationship between alcohol and cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol increases a person’s risk for six types of cancer involving the mouth and throat, larynx, esophagus, colon, rectum, liver and breasts. The risk increases with the number of drinks one consumes, therefore the less you drink, the lower your risk for cancer. Drinking three or more alcoholic beverages a day increases the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancers.
How does alcohol cause cancer?
• When we drink alcohol, our bodies turn it into acetaldehyde, the chemical that can damage cells and stop cells from being repaired.
• Alcohol increases the levels of some hormones in our bodies such as estrogen and insulin. Higher levels of these hormones can make cells divide more often, increasing the chance that cancer will develop.
• Alcohol can damage the cells in our mouth and throat, increasing the absorption of harmful cancer-causing chemicals.
“Research shows that even small amounts of alcohol can carry health risks, including for certain cancers and cardiovascular issues,” according to George F. Koob, PhD, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The more you cut down, the more you can reduce your risk.
If eliminating alcohol is currently not an option, consider following the recommended guidelines from the American Cancer Society and the United States Department of Health and Human Services that suggest limiting daily alcohol intake to one drink or less for women and two drinks or less for men.
For recipes for hosting an alcohol-free party, please visit the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – Rochester Area’s “Alcohol Free Drinks for the Holidays” resource found at: https://ncadd-ra. org/resources/awareness-campaigns/alcohol/.
Jennifer Faringer, CPP-G (Credentialed Prevention Professional—Gambling), is the director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence — Rochester Area (NCADD-RA).
10 Tips to Avoid Gaining 10 Pounds During the Holidays
By Shaina Zazzaro
1. Stay away from the cheese platter. I know you love cheese, I do too. But when I lost my initial 60 pounds I cut cheese out of my diet almost completely and I stopped grazing on cheese platters. One ounce of cheese is practically nothing and it is filled with calories, 114 to be exact. Grazing on cheese and crackers before your holiday meal could easily add on a quick 500 calories.
4. Go light on salad dressings. Be careful with salads. Just because you have a bowl of greens doesn’t mean it is necessarily low calorie if you dump ranch dressing on it unmeasured. Find a fat-free dressing or when in doubt use balsamic vinegar.
8. Drink water before and during your meal. Drink a glass of water 30 minutes prior to your meal and you will feel more satiated.
9. Eat your effortlessly healthy meals religiously before a holiday. Eating portion-controlled meals will keep you on track so you can indulge this season without adding a bulge to your waistline.
10. Exercise. Get your steps in and exercise regularly.
5. Don’t go for seconds. Why do you need two plates of food? Your body needs one plate for energy. Going for seconds got me in trouble and caused me to be very overweight. One plate of food is enough. Eat it slow, enjoy it.
6. Taste your food when you are eating. When you are eating food you don’t even taste it. Make sure you eat your food slowly so you can enjoy it. Take small bites and take your time. You waited all year for your holiday dinner, why are you rushing it?
When you have adapted a healthy lifestyle, you will be more apt to want to keep on track during the holidays and not ruin your progress.
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2. Avoid mixed drinks. If you want to drink alcohol, I get it. I will never tell you not to enjoy a glass of wine as I certainly love wine. But if you are going for a cocktail made with juices or a yummy chocolate martini, you could be drinking 400 calories in one drink. Save your calories for your food.
7. Be careful with desserts. I love sweets, they are my weakness. But the calories in a dessert add up fast. Pick one thing that you really want to enjoy and indulge. Don’t get a whole plate of desserts and be careful with
“Have a question for Shaina Z? Ask her on Instagram @shainazazzaro.
Shaina Zazzaro is a devoted wife and mother of two, blending her roles
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SmartBites
By Anne Palumbo
The skinny on healthy eating
Humble Oats Roar with Bold Benefits
Raise your hand if you only eat oats for breakfast. Now, raise your other hand if you were raised on single-serving packets of instant oatmeal.
Both hands up? Mine, too.
Just thinking about the maple and brown sugar flavor fills me with dreamy nostalgia.
But that was then.
These days, I go for healthier versions of oats, including savory dishes.
Yes, savory! What’s more, I consume this superfood daily.
Like many Americans, I suffer from high LDL cholesterol, the bad kind that clogs the arteries that feed the heart and brain. This stealthy buildup, as many studies have shown, can lead to heart attack, stroke and other health problems. While my level isn’t high enough for cholesterol-lowering medication, it is high enough for lifestyle changes.
According to Harvard Health, adding foods that lower artery-clogging LDL cholesterol is the best way to achieve a low-cholesterol diet.
And the food at the top of many lists? Oats!
Loaded with whole-grain goodness, oats stand out for their soluble fiber, the coveted fiber that binds cholesterol in the digestive system and drags it out of the body before it gets into circulation. This type of fiber also keeps you feeling full for hours, which can help with weight control. Carrying extra weight raises your chances of having too much bad cholesterol in your blood, with every 10 extra pounds producing as much as 10 milligrams of extra cholesterol daily.
Multiple studies suggest that those who have or are concerned with Type 2 diabetes could benefit from a daily dose of oats. Why oats over other whole grains, like whole wheat or brown rice? Oats (and barley) are the only whole grains
that carry a distinctive kind of soluble fiber — beta-glucan — which forms a thick gel that delays the emptying of the stomach and absorption of glucose into the blood.
Nutrient-dense oats boast a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. A few superstars include manganese, which improves brain function, lowers inflammation, and is vital to bones; and vitamin B1 (thiamine), which helps turn food into energy, boost memory, and fight depression. One cup of cooked oats has 150 calories, 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 28 grams of carbs, and scant sugar.
Ingredients
2 hard-boiled eggs
1 avocado, sliced lemon juice
3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
3 cups spinach or other greens
¼ cup finely chopped onion or shallot
1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
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.
1. Peel and slice hard-boiled eggs; set aside. If making fried, fry up right before serving. Slice avocado, drizzle with lemon juice, and set aside.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the greens, lightly sauté until wilted (about 1 minute), remove, and set aside. In same pan, heat remaining oil over medium heat; add shallot or onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
Helpful Tips
Since the nutrition profiles are quite similar for the three main types of oats — steel-cut, rolled, and quick — choose the oatmeal whose texture and method of preparation suit you. Steel-cut, the least processed, have a firmer bite while rolled and quick have a smoother, creamier texture. All forms now come in instant versions. Do check the nutrition facts of your preferred oats, especially flavored instant oatmeal. Remember that maple and brown sugar flavored instant oatmeal I adored?
A measly ½ cup has 12 grams of added sugars!
¾ cup instant rolled oats (or preferred oats)
1¼ cups water
Salt and coarse black pepper
½ cup black beans cherry tomatoes, sliced ¼ cup cheese of choice
Hot sauce or pesto
Add-ons: toasted nuts or seeds, fresh herbs
3. Add the oats and garlic and stir to coat in oil; then add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until the oats are thick and creamy, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Remove from the heat and portion into bowls. Top with the sautéed greens, egg, avocado slices, beans, cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle of cheese. Serve with drizzles of hot sauce, a squeeze of lemon juice, and other add-ons.
Holidays
Gift Ideas for the Man or Woman Who Has Everything
By Kimberly Blaker
Are you tired of spending hours, days, or weeks scouring the planet for just the right gift? Only to find yourself giving the usual standby, such as a sweater or bottle of cologne? After a while, doling out the same boring gift feels like giving a worn-out consolation prize.
This year, try one of these gift ideas that'll elicit surprise and enthusiasm for your thoughtfulness.
• Concert tickets. Whether the person on your list is a rock-n-roller or symphony fan, a pair of concert tickets will be a sure pleaser, especially if you can swing the best seats.
• Dinner at a posh restaurant. The old adage goes, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Women enjoy gourmet dinners just as much. So give a gift certificate to a top-notch restaurant that your recipient's reluctant to splurge on. It's the perfect way for the person on your list to enjoy a gourmet meal without guilt.
• Golf package. Give a round of golf at an elite course or a weekend away at a favorite golf resort.
• Massage certificates. This luxury is sure to please. Best of all, you can find plenty of great deals for massages at Groupon.com.
• Chef supplies. Who says kitchen appliances and gizmos are for women only? Men who enjoy playing chef will appreciate the tools to create their gourmet dishes. Consider a top-quality butcher block knife set,
rotisserie, food processor, blender, or crockpot.
• Sporting event tickets. Whatever your gift recipient's favorite sport, a pair of tickets, particularly to a top rival game, is sure to be a hit.
• Remote car starter. This is an excellent gift for both hot and cold climates. With a remote starter, your recipient can heat or cool their car before stepping out into uncomfortable temperatures.
• Magazine subscription. Whether the person on your list is a sports fan, outdoors person, world traveler, hobbyist, professional, or business owner, there's a magazine out there for every niche.
• Gadgets. A person can never have too many of these. How about a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, multi-device charging valet, night vision binoculars, heated ice scraper, smartphone Wi-Fi storage, espresso maker, or wireless TV speakers?
• Record player & LPs. These are again gaining popularity. You can find collectible vintage record players as well as brand new ones online in every price range. Look for LPs at vintage record stores, antique malls, or online.
• Audiobook subscription. If the person on your list loves to read but just doesn't have time for it, an audio subscription may be the perfect alternative. Your recipient can download books to his or her smartphone
Kitchen Herbs to Give
Why not give a healthful potted herb to those on your gift list?
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
During the longest, darkest days of winter, caring for a living herb plant indoors can bring some much-needed green to the home, in addition to spicing things up in the kitchen.
“The herb plants can be very, very helpful,” said physician Az Tahir, practicing in functional medicine
or iPod. Then they can listen while working out or on the drive to work.
• Music download subscription. One can never have too much music. Find subscriptions for music downloads at Amazon, Napster, iTunes, eMusic, and Spotify, to name a few.
• Annual nonprofit membership. Make the person on your list a card-carrying member of the National Audubon Society, Earth Policy Institute, Republican National Committee, Democratic National Committee, National Coalition for the Homeless, American Humane Society, or another organization that fits their interest. Most organization memberships include periodicals, among many other benefits.
Tahir added that growing herbs offers the benefits of growing something in soil. Even seeing green, growing things in one’s environment calms the nervous system and promotes wellbeing.
“God created the herb as a health partner because we need oxygen and we give off carbon dioxide,” Tahir said. “Plants need carbon dioxide and give us oxygen. It’s natural. I promote to my patients to grow their own vegetables. It’s very, very important.”
Although an “outside guy,” Jim Sollecito, lifetime senior NYS certified landscape professional and owner of Sollecito Landscaping Nursery, LLC Syracuse, picks up sweet basil plants to grow indoors during the winter.
“I have repotted them if need be and successfully grown and used them for about eight to 12 weeks during the winter,” Sollecito said. “They are probably the easiest herb to grow and have decent winter flavor. As long as they are not over-watered and are placed where they can access sunlight, they are a fun little thing to have in your home.
• A trip or weekend away. This gift could be as simple as a nearby weekend away for rest and relaxation or a week-long adventure to a favorite destination. Watch for travel deals at Travelzoo, Travelocity, Google Flights, Airfairwatchdog, and Kayak.
• Museum membership. Is the person on your list an art enthusiast or history buff? If so, look for museum memberships in your recipient's nearby metropolitan area. In addition to free entrance, museum memberships typically include extra perks such as entry into special exhibitions, discounts on special events, and periodic newsletters.
a large colander. Another idea is to give a cilantro plant with a basket full of fixings for the Mexican condiment pico de gallo (tomatoes, onion, jalapeno and a lime), along with a recipe card found online at https:// www.mexicanplease.com/classic-pico-de-gallo.
in Syracuse at High Point Wellness. He suggested dill, cilantro and more that can be used in cooking.
“The biggest advantage is that cooking with them at home is they’re the freshest of fresh,” Tahir said. “The herbs you buy dried; you don’t know when they were harvested.”
In addition to culinary benefits,
For all of my indoor plants, I add leftover cold black coffee to their pots every few weeks. It seems to perk them up, pun intended.”
Potted herbs can foster more interest in home cooking. Consider giving a potted herb with a recipe card and the ingredients to make a meal, such as an oregano plant with, dried pasta, jarred sauce and a pasta server cushioned with a tea towel in
Or give a basket of hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, mugs and a potted peppermint plant. Making meals, snacks and drinks at home nearly always means fewer calories, sugar and additives. Most purchased plants include a small care guide so the recipient will know how to care for their new herb. If not, take a few minutes to research and print a care guide to give with the plant. You could also replant the herb in a decorative planter instead of the typical plastic container from the store.
Jim Sollecito is the owner of Sollecito Landscaping Nursery, LLC Syracuse.
TParenting
By Melissa Stefanec MelissaStefanec@yahoo.com
It’s a Wonderful Strife
he month of December brings holiday celebrations for many of us. Gift-giving is an aspect of many of those celebrations, so the season of gifting is upon us.
That means many of the children in our lives are crafting lists with items that cost half a mortgage payment. (I’m looking at you, virtual reality goggles.) Meanwhile, many of us parents are spending precious time, energy and money trying to find the perfect gifts for all of the wonderful people in our lives.
Here are some small ideas for evolving the practice of gift-giving:
• Host a meal or small gathering for the people you always wish you could spend time with. Offer to transport people if they need it. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. Just gather around some food and talk.
When you take a step back and think about it, gift-giving has evolved wildly from its original intentions. I would even dare to say gift-giving has been distorted. Although most of us have good intentions, modern expectations have outpaced sanity. And those expectations are hurting families.
In some families, people go into debt to buy gifts. In other families, going into debt isn’t an option, so they struggle to buy even the most meager gifts for their kids. In other families, children need a new addition put on their bedrooms to make room for all of the holiday loot. Each of these scenarios drain people in different ways. Gift-giving isn’t supposed to drain you. The purpose of giving a gift is to warm two hearts. It can really be that simple.
But it’s not that simple. No matter how much some of us want it to be. Instead, for many parents, gift-giving has become a wonderful strife. Whether we’re spending too much time, money, energy, guilt or worry, the contention is palpable. We should feel good about gift-giving, but there are so many reasons we can’t.
So, what do we do about it? Stage an uprising against the corporate powers who puppeteer the holidays? Ban the grandparents from buying more than one gift? Make wishlists and hope people buy off them? Tell our kids even though there isn’t money for gifts that the holidays are still full of magic? (Just not the kind of magic that sends you back to school with sneakers without holes in them.) I’m not sure of what the answer is, but I know the solution starts small.
Maybe we could start by changing the sorts of gifts we give. Maybe, the holidays could be a little more magical if we all stopped trying to buy magic. Magic can’t be bought, because magic isn’t tangible. When most of us think of magic, what we are really thinking of is connection. Connecting to something or someone other than ourselves is one of the greatest joys in life. It gives us purpose and fulfillment. It does the same for the people on the receiving end of that connection. So, this season, I’m going to share my ideas on how to give the gift of connection.
• Write a letter to your loved one highlighting one of your favorite memories with them. It’s so easy to forget how special we are to each other. Remind someone and give them a reason to smile on a tough day.
• Learn a loved one’s favorite song and sing it to them during a holiday celebration. Learn a favorite carol, a wedding song or a favorite song. Watch their face light up when you sing to them.
• Make someone their favorite dish and freeze it into individual portions for them. Giving someone freezer meals ahead of time is an easy way to be there for them when things get tough.
• Share one of your favorite books with someone who will like it and write a meaningful inscription in the front.
• Design a holiday carnival using stuff from around the house and invite your loved ones over to participate in the fun. Give out simple prizes to the winners.
• Give someone a coupon book of things you plan to do for them. Try to give coupons for things they can’t or don’t want to do for themselves.
• Offer to watch someone’s favorite movie with them. Make popcorn. Ask them to tell you about why they love that movie so much.
• Offer to take someone to a place they love and you don’t. Let them tell you about why they love that place so much. Soak in the joy on their face.
• Give someone a coupon book full of times they can take your phone away. Most of us are on our phones too much and are hurt when our loved ones ignore us. Give someone you love the right to take your phone away and get your full attention.
• Volunteer together. Find something that will add meaning to both of your lives. Embrace what follows. Maybe these ideas for gifts of connection will catch on. Maybe you will come up with your own ideas. There are millions of ways to connect. If we can all see the value in connection, maybe we won’t be in a hurry to bury our children in gifts (or feel like failures if we can’t bury them in gifts). If we can see the value in connecting, the holidays will become something we build, not something we buy.
Holidays
Active Gifts Give presents that get kids moving
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
The average US child spends about eight hours per day in a sedentary state, according to the National Institutes of Health. Furthermore, excessive time spent as inactive negatively affects a child’s emotional, mental and physical health, both short-term and longterm.
Giving presents that foster play and movement can help increase physically active hours.
“Children need to have plenty of physical activity to remain healthy,” said physician Az Tahir, practicing in functional medicine in Syracuse at High Point Wellness. “It is very, very
important.”
Of course, a membership to a gym or for lessons such as dance or martial arts can keep kids moving. Toys they can play with at any time can also increase their activity level, such as a bicycle.
“Table tennis can help them to stay active indoors,” Tahir added.
Although most adults view activity as purposeful, children see it purely as fun if they have the right tools: toys.
Sarah Marsh, pediatrician at St. Joseph’s Primary Care Center West, recommended dance mats, mini trampoline, sumo balls, jump rope,
Holidays and Mental Health
Not such a wonderful time of the year?
Here’s how to deal with the season’s mental health issues
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
The holiday season evokes many emotions: joy, anticipation, peace and love. For some people, it can also contribute to mental health issues as they stress about their many plans, dread unpleasant encounters or feel depression ramp up.
“It is important for each individual to be in tune with their own thoughts and emotions related to the prospect of holidays and social gatherings,” said Monique Winnett, clinical psychologist at St. Joseph’s Health. “Understanding our own personal triggers, as well as what tends to make us feel more positive and comfortable, can be helpful going into these situations. It can be helpful to prioritize what is most important to us during the busy season.”
You don’t have to do it all yourself — or even do “it all” to begin with. Prune back your plans to reasonably manageable levels and delegate what tasks you can.
No law says you have to make everything homemade or have every
“There have been studies that show activities keep the mind active which helps with learning, helps reduce depression and can help with diagnoses such as ADHD. Games that involve more than one player also encourage problem solving, communication and social interaction skills. Studies have also shown that physical activity such as sports can boost a child’s confidence and social skills.”
Most children enjoy technology. Although that tends to skew towards inactivity, some tech encourages movement. Terrlicia Shipe, public health educator for Onondaga County, suggested fitness trackers.
single holiday food yourself. Could you assign to your relatives a few of the side dishes for your family gathering instead of cooking it all yourself? Maybe spring for gift wrapping at the store so you won’t have to tackle that task at home. Or use more gift bags to make it easier if you do it yourself.
“This allows people to put energy and focus into those activities, while also giving ourselves permission to say no to some of the tasks, traditions or gatherings which cause more stress or anxiety than they may be worth,” Winnett said.
Instead of hauling out every décor item, choose a few you like and leave the rest in storage for another year. Skip traditions that you and your family decide aren’t that important to you.
Sometimes, it’s other people who bring on the stress during the holidays.
“Set boundaries around your time and energy,” said Nell Garvey, public health social worker for Onondaga County. “Try to limit interac-
hula hoops, weighted hula hoops, finger boards and virtual reality helmets as examples of indoor use toys.
For outdoors play, consider ice skates, snowshoes, snowball maker, sidewalk chalk (include a black vinyl tablecloth for indoor use during winter), snowman kits, sleds, kites, light up Frisbee and sports gear such as for baseball, basketball, soccer, football and lacrosse.
“Increasingly, children spend a more time in front of screens, in transit from one place to another such as on the school bus and in other sedentary activities,” Marsh said. “It is extremely important for them to get up and move their bodies. Being active helps them not only with their physical health but their mental health as well. Movement teaches children coordination, memory, language, attention, emotional regulation and decision making.
tions that feel draining and practice saying ‘no’ when needed.
Decide ahead of time where you will go, how long you will stay and who you will invite to your home. For some, spending time with family can trigger past conflicts, unresolved trauma or simply intense emotions. Spend time thinking about potential conflict and how you will handle those situations.”
If it’s a social obligation you can’t get out of, stay neutral when unpleasant topics arise. The “gray rock” technique means staying as emotionally unresponsive as a gray rock. Some people like to provoke drama and controversy for their own twisted entertainment; others are simply thoughtless and tactless at times. In any case, your business isn’t theirs. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your life choices or preferences. To diffuse the provocative comments and questions, try phrases like, “Thanks for sharing your thoughts” or “I don’t prefer to discuss that right now.” And change the subject.
Feel free to step outside or use the restroom to get away from annoying people or conversations and don’t rise to their bait or call out their own bad behavior. No lout has ever said, “Thanks for telling me I’m a rude jerk! I’m going to be kind and polite from now on.”
Financial challenges can ramp up holiday stress. Garvey advised setting a budget and sticking with it, along with considering handmade
“Many of these gamify activity allowing kids to track their steps, set goals and compete with friends,” Shipe said. “This combination of tech and movement can foster a lifelong love of physical activity. When it comes to encouraging kids and preteens and being more active, the right gifts can make all the difference.”
She suggested for older children, a scooter, skateboard or bike can offer both a fun way to explore their neighborhood and a means of exercise.
Gifts don’t always come in a box. Gift certificates to a trampoline park, climbing gym or summer camp can help kids enjoy more movement as well as “spark excitement about being active,” Shipe said. “These experiences promote physical activity and provide valuable opportunities for social interaction and teamwork, fostering a sense of community and shared fun. By choosing gifts that encourage movement, you can encourage healthy habits that last a lifetime.”
gifts and thoughtful gestures. For example, a gift of homemade jam instead of a store-bought gift set for a teacher gift.
“It’s easy to lose sight of self-care amid holiday chaos,” Garvey said. “Sticking to routines that support physical and mental health — such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep — can have a big impact. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Incorporate relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, meditation or a calming hobby, to help you feel more grounded.”
Staying social through connecting with supportive loved ones can help prevent lonesomeness, as can volunteering. The gift of your time may be a present to you too.
Remember, there’s no single “right” way to celebrate.
“Prioritizing well-being and genuine connections can make the season a fulfilling time, regardless of outside pressures,” Garvey said.
For some people, the weather during this time of year can impact their mood. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is caused by too little exposure to sunlight during the wintertime. If you have SAD or simply feel “down” during the darker time of the year, you have options other than waiting for longer, brighter days. Sitting under a light therapy lamp a few minutes each day may brighten your mood and not just the room.
Anyone experiencing moderate to significant mental health challenges should seek professional help.
Sarah Marsh is pediatrician at St. Joseph’s Primary Care Center West: “It is extremely important for [kids] to get up and move their bodies.”
Experts suggest giving children presents that foster play and movement, such as a hula hoops, jump ropes, bouncy red playground balls or kites to fly, for example.
Holidays
Gifts from Heart to Home
What to give homebound people on your gift list
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Are any people on your list homebound? A thoughtful gift can provide a meaningful gesture that indicates they are very special to you.
Most homebound people who are older already have plenty of tchotchkes. Focus on gifts that are consumable and usable.
“So many like puzzles and crossword books and sudoku to keep mentally active,” said physician Az Tahir, practicing in functional medicine in Syracuse at High Point Wellness.
Older adults on tight budget may appreciate a fresh fruit basket, gourmet pasta basket or fancy chocolates (keep any dietary restrictions in mind).
“I also would give healthy foods that fit in with their diet,” Tahir said.
Many homebound people find it difficult to exercise. Tahir recommends exercise bands and lower body “peddlers” as these can help encourage exercise at home. Light hand weights can also help promote activity as well.
Gregory Faughnan, primary care physician with St. Joseph’s Health, sees many older adults. He suggest-
ed giving supplies for the person’s hobbies.
“Crafting is relaxing and therapeutic for everyone, especially those who are homebound,” he said. “Coloring and other art projects are relaxing and help people convey their thoughts and emotions.”
“Adult” coloring books with color pencils may spark interest.
It may sound too simple, but visiting an older adult may be “the best gift you can give older homebound adults,” Faughnan said.
“The best gift you can give older homebound adults is to spend time with them. For many, the holidays can be very isolating. Loneliness can lead to depression, anxiety and other physical and mental health concerns,” Faughnan said. “Spending quality time with your loved one can lift their spirits and help them feel connected to those around them.”
This thought also struck Desta Anthony, nurse practitioner certified in adult health and palliative and hospice care, specializing in serving patients with dementia at Loretto Heritage and The Nottingham.
“If you live in the vicinity of your loved one, I guarantee that the most
desired gift is going to be time spent with you,” Anthony said. “A homemade coupon book for anything from help with chores around the house to special outings is bound to spread holiday cheer.”
Giving a craft project to complete together can also offer a means to enjoy each other’s company.
For people who enjoy birding, Anthony suggested a bird feeder that attaches to a window so the person can enjoy birdwatching from inside.
Not all older adults embrace technology. But for those who do, Anthony said that voice-activated devices like Google or Alexa can add convenience and entertainment to a homebound person’s life.
“My 87-year-old mother loves her Alexa,” Anthony said. “She uses it daily to find out the weather, play songs and tell her jokes. She also enjoys her iPad so any kind of tablet or e-reader is a nice idea, especially if your loved one might enjoy listening to audiobooks. Digital photo frames are a great way to stay connected to your loved one. You can preload them with pictures and then easily text or email photos as you get them.”
A digital photo frame loaded with family photos may be a good gift. Consider labeling each photo before loading it onto the frame. (Use large print so it’s readable for someone with poor vision.)
Order a custom pillow or blan-
ket printed with a favorite photo, as these can elicit happy memories while serving a practical purpose.
“Many seniors enjoy heated throw blankets in the colder months,” Anthony said. “Weighted blankets are another great choice. They have been shown to help with sleep and decrease anxiety.”
A cozy robe and slippers are classic gifts for homebound people. If you give clothing items, consider the person’s physical challenges and choose items easy to get on and off. For example, a zippered nightgown is easier to change than one with a long row of tiny buttons for someone with arthritic hands. Or choose a ¾ zippered pullover shirt instead of a crew neck shirt. Shirts with smallsized armholes are tougher to get on than those with a raglan sleeve.
Consider giving “monthly subscriptions for special treats or snacks,” Anthony said. “That can be a nice surprise. For those who have access to a smartphone or tablet, gift cards to Amazon, Instacart and Doordash for example can allow them to order what they need from the comfort of home.”
People living on a fixed income may appreciate a break in their payments. Paying bills ahead for things like snowplowing, housecleaning, and home maintenance “are wonderful gifts for seniors living at home,” Anthony said, as is pet care.
Gregory Faughnan
Desta Anthony
Proudly serving Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego Counties
During the holiday season, people often find themselves feeling stressed and overwhelmed by a dizzying array of seasonal demands, including parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining.
The holidays may also highlight family issues, conflicts, political differences, and loneliness. Then there’s the challenge of excessive eating and financial concerns arising from unreasonable spending on gifts. So how can we enjoy ourselves, our family and our friends?
Jeffrey Borenstein, a Manhattan-based psychiatrist and president and CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, outlines practical steps people can take to dial down their stress and anxiety during the season.
“With a little planning and some positive actions, you can minimize the stress that so often accompanies the holidays,” says Borenstein. “You may even end up enjoying yourself more than you thought you would!”
• Give yourself a break. Make time for yourself and try simple activities that make you feel better. Exercise, for example, is a natural antidepressant that can lift your mood by boosting endorphins — natural chemicals in the body. You don’t have to run a marathon. Even a casual walk can be a big help. Find something that clears your mind, slows your breathing and restores inner calm.
• Learn to say no. By saying yes when you should say no, you can feel resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity or host a big holiday party at your home.
• Forget perfection. Striving for
De-Stressing the Holiday Season
12 tips for happier holidays
perfection — the perfect tree, dinner, decorations, gift wrapping — can be anxiety-provoking and extremely stressful. Be kind to yourself by focusing more on enjoying time with yourself and others, and less on trying to have a storybook holiday season.
• Be open to change. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't visit, celebrate together in other ways, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
• Set aside family differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress also.
or friends ahead of time to help with party preparation and cleanup.
• Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try alternatives, like donating to a charity in someone’s name, giving homemade gifts or starting a family gift exchange. Perhaps you and your family can agree to skip the gifts completely, and just enjoy fun times together during the season.
Jeffrey Borenstein is the president and CEO of The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. The organization awards research grants to develop improved treatments, cures, and methods of prevention for mental illness. For more information, visit https://bbrfoundation.org.
• Maintain healthy habits. The temptation to cope by self-medicating, binge eating or excessive drinking coincides with the party spirit of the holidays, which can increase negative feelings. Try not to over-indulge. Alcohol, for example, is a depressant and can increase feelings of depression, stress, anxiety and guilt. Consider these suggestions: Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so you don't go overboard on sweets or drinks; get plenty of sleep and drink plenty of water to stay refreshed.
• Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
• Connect with people you trust. If you feel lonely, seek out trusted friends, if possible, or attend community, religious or other social events
that offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others is another good way to lift your spirits.
• Make a plan. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. And make lists. That will help prevent last-minute scrambling. Ask family
• Make realistic New Year’s resolutions. Most people don’t keep the resolutions they’ve made the year before. If you make a resolution, pick something realistic and short term ¬– maybe something you can handle in the month of January – a simple goal you can achieve without adding more stress to your life.
• Seek professional help if you need it. If despite your best efforts, you find yourself feeling persistently sad, anxious, irritable and hopeless, unable to sleep or face routine chores, seek help by talking to your doctor or a mental health professional.
By Jim Miller
How to Know if You’re Getting Osteoporosis
Dear Savvy Senior,
Can a person in their early fifties have osteoporosis? When I fell and broke my wrist last winter the doctor that treated me told me I might have osteoporosis.
Surprised Susan
Dear Susan,
While osteoporosis is much more common in adults over age 60, it can strike younger people too. In fact, according to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, half of women and up to 25 percent of men in the U.S. over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
Here’s what you should know.
Osteoporosis, a disease that weakens your bones, is also called a “silent” disease because there are no warning signs until a fracture occurs. Around 10 million Americans over age 50 currently have osteoporosis, and an additional 44 million have osteopenia (lower than normal bone density) — 80 percent of whom are women.
Most people, by the time they reach their late 30’s, gradually start losing some of their bone mass, but for women, the biggest decline happens in the five to seven years following menopause, when levels of estrogen, which helps to keep bone strong, plummets. Bone loss for men occurs much more gradually. However, by age 75, osteoporosis is as common in men as it is in women.
To help you determine your risk of osteoporosis, the International Osteoporosis Foundation has a quick, online test you can take at RiskCheck. Osteoporosis.Foundation.
Bone Checkup
According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, all women over 65 and men over 70 should have a baseline dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, which is a painless measurement of the calcium in your bones. But those at high risk should start around age 50. Factors that make a good case for early screening include having a family history of osteoporosis, a broken bone after age 50, vitamin D deficiency, a smoking habit, medical conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis or previous or current use of medications that can weaken bones, like steroid prednisone and certain antidepressants.
Most bone density tests are covered by health insurance companies including Medicare, and are done in hospital radiology departments, private radiology practices and standalone clinics.
Bone-Builders
If your bone scan finds that you have osteopenia but have a low to moderate 10-year fracture risk, lifestyle measures are usually the best course of action. Three important things you can do to boost your bone health include:
• Get enough calcium and vitamin D: Calcium helps keep bones strong, and vitamin D helps us absorb calcium. Women older than 50 and men over 70 need at least 1,200 mg of calcium per day ideally from foods like dairy, canned sardines, kale and fortified orange juice. Adults over 50 need 870 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D each day, but that’s hard to get from food. Have your levels checked to see if you need a supplement.
• Exercise: Low impact weight-bearing exercises like walking, and strength training with light weights or resistant bands several times a week can actually help build bone strength, as well as improve balance and muscle strength.
• Don’t smoke: Women who smoke a pack of cigarettes per day as adults have less dense bones at menopause.
Osteoporosis Meds
If, however, your bone density test finds that you have osteoporosis your doctor will probably recommend medications. The first line of treatment is usually bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Binosto and Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel and Atelvia), and ibandronate (Boniva). These oral or injectable drugs slow the breakdown of bone but won’t build it back.
For severe osteoporosis your doctor may instead prescribe an anabolic: teriparatide (Forteo), abaloparatide (Tymlos), or romosozumab (Evenity). These are typically given as daily or monthly injections and they increase the amount and strength of bones.
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.
When you need lab work,
we’re
in your neighborhood
Walk-ins welcome
Baldwinsville, Camillus, Cazenovia, Cicero, East Syracuse, Fayetteville, Liverpool, Pulaski, Syracuse and Watertown
Visit our newest Patient Service Center located at 5000 Campuswood Drive in East Syracuse. Monday to Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm. Prompt, courteous and no appointment needed.
The Social Security Office Ask
From the Social Security District Office
We’re Making It Easier to Do Business With Us Online
By Warren Beck Social Security District Manager in Syracuse.
We’ve listened to your feedback concerning your preference to do business with us online. You want the option to submit forms, evidence and other information electronically. You also want to sign documents electronically before submitting them.
This year we released eSignature/Upload Documents as an option to submit documents. This new online service option allows our employees to electronically request, and our customers to electronically submit, 50 forms and nearly 80 types of evidence. This option eliminates the need to mail, fax or deliver information to a local Social Security office. By streamlining our document submission process and reducing mail, we are improving the way you do business with us.
How Does it Work?
1. Our employee sends the customer a link with the request for the forms and evidence we need to process their application.
2. The customer authenticates by signing in to, or creating, their personal My Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. The customer then reviews the request, completes the form, electronically signs (when signatures are required) and uploads the completed forms and any supporting evidence to our portal.
Customers have 30 days to electronically submit requested information and may receive an email reminder. If the electronic request expires, they can contact our office to ask for a new request or submit the forms and information by mail, fax, or by visiting an office.
To learn more about Upload Documents, visit our FAQ webpage at faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/?id=-
Q & A
Q.: I worked for the last 10 years, and I now have my 40 credits. Does this mean that I can get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?
A.: The 40 credits are the minimum number you need to be eligible for retirement benefits. However, we do not base your benefit amount on those credits, but on your earnings over a lifetime of work. To learn more about how you earn Social Security credits and how they work, read, or listen to our publication How You Earn Credits, available at www.ssa. gov/pubs/EN-05-10072.pdf.
Online Forms and Signature Removal
In addition to the eSignature/ Upload Documents option, we are converting many of our frequently used forms to more convenient online versions. Customers will have the option to complete a user-friendly, fillable online form, then electronically sign and submit it.
Some of our frequently used forms now available to sign and submit electronically include:
• SSA-827, Authorization to Disclose Information to Social Security Administration.
• SSA-820/821, Work Activity Reports.
• SSA-632, Request for a Waiver of Overpayment Recovery.
• SSA-634, Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate.
We have removed the signature requirement for 12 of our most used forms. These forms include:
• SSA-L4201, Employer Requesting Wage Information.
• SSA-789, Request for Reconsideration/Disability Cessation Right to Appear.
• SSA-787, Statement of Patient’s Capability to Manage Benefits.
To learn more about the removal of signature requirements from certain Social Security forms, check out our YouTube video Signature Removal from SSA Forms at www.youtube. com/watch?v=vmben-skPo4&t=2s.
Whether you do business with us online, by phone, or in person, we’re committed to making it easier for you. We continue to explore more opportunities to make doing business with us easier. Please share this information with others.
Q.: Will my Social Security disability benefit increase if my condition gets worse or I develop additional health problems?
A.: No. We do not base your Social Security benefit amount on the severity of your disability. The amount you are paid is based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. If you go back to work after getting disability benefits, you may be able to get a higher benefit based on those earnings. In addition, we have incentives that allow you to work temporarily without losing your disability benefits. For more information about disability benefits, read our publications “Disability Benefits and Working While Disabled — How We Can Help.” Both are available online at www.ssa. gov/pubs.
Health News
Upstate names new chair of obstetrics and gynecology
Physician Timothy P. Canavan
Timothy Canavan has been named chairman for the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Upstate Medical University. Canavan most recently served as vice chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPMC) in Central Pennsylvania. There, he also held leadership posts in maternal fetal medicine program and labor and delivery (2021-2024).
Canavan is board-certified in maternal-fetal medicine by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Canavan has extensive expertise in the field of maternal health. He is the author of more than 30 published papers in peer-reviewed journals, authored numerous books, chapters and abstracts and earned more than $240,000 in research grants for six different studies. He has also done extensive manuscript review and conference planning. He is a member of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine. He serves on the advisory editorial board for the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, the editorial board of the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound and is the international editor for Ultrasound (British Medical Ultrasound Society).
His current research focus includes abnormalities in fetal growth and the influence of the placenta on fetal congenital heart disease.
Canavan did his undergraduate work at St. John’s University in Queens, where he graduated magna cum laude and earned the Gold Key in chemistry. He earned his medical degree at the SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn in 1988 and his MSc (Master of Science in Medical Sciences) at the University of Pittsburgh in 2005. He earned the Galloway Oncology Fellow Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center New York in 1991.
He got his clinical start at Staten Island Hospital, where he did his residency in obstetrics and gynecology and a fellowship in maternal fetal medicine at Pittsburgh Medical Center. He spent several years as a professor at Pitt’s School of Medicine and is currently a primary investigator for the Magee Women’s Research Institute in Pittsburgh. He has also taught at Temple University and East Tennessee State University, where he chaired the OB-GYN department.
He is a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and a Fellow with the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.
Physician joins Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY
Natalie Hartigan, medical oncol
Natalie Hartigan ogist and hematologist, has joined Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOA) and will care for patients in its East Syracuse location at 5008 Brittonfield Parkway.
A native of Upstate New York, Hartigan is board-certified in internal medicine and a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida. She completed her medicine residency at Albany Medical Center in New York and specialty fellowship training in hematology and oncology at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Hartigan to the HOA physician team,” says Maryann Roefaro, HOA’s chief executive officer. “She has a strong commitment to treating each patient’s body, mind and spirit and patients already love her.”
HOA is a private community cancer center established in 1982 with a mission to provide the highest level of quality care in a healing environment for the mind, body and spirit of patients dealing with cancer and blood disorders. A member of the Community Oncology Alliance, HOA has offices in Auburn, Camillus and East Syracuse.
ConnextCare welcomes three new providers
ConnextCare recently welcomed three new providers to its team in the Pulaski office and the school-based health center at the Pulaski JuniorSenior High School.
• Mckenzie Brubaker is a family nurse practitioner. She received her education and clinical training at Binghamton University and specializes in family practice.
• Aubryn Stelmashuck is also a family nurse practitioner. She received her education and clinical training at LeMoyne College and specializes in family practice.
• Rebecca O’Hara is a licensed mental health counselor. She received her education and training from Walden University and will work with the school-based health center team at the Pulaski Jr.–Sr. High School. O’Hara.
“We are excited to welcome these new providers to our growing team,” said Tricia Peter-Clark, ConnextCare’s president and chief executive officer. “Their additional support will enable us to expand our reach in primary care and school-based mental health services, providing an opportunity to better serve our community’s needs.”
Nurse named to inaugural SUNY Nursing Simulation Fellowship’s class
Amanda Adams, a clinical assis
tant professor in Upstate’s College of Nursing, has been named to the inaugural class of SUNY’s Nursing Simulation Fellowship and will be one of the key architects of simulation-based learning for nurses across the state.
Adams was named to the fellowship along with 10 other SUNY faculty members from campuses across the state by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.
The SUNY Nursing Simulation Fellowship will advance SUNY’s effort to prepare more nurses for New York state’s health care workforce — a major objective of Gov. Hochul and SUNY.
In 2023, Hochul signed legislation permitting nursing students to complete up to one-third of their clinical training through high-quality simulation experiences.
Adams holds a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Rochester and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University at Buffalo. She has a wide range of nursing experience including oncology-hematology, chemotherapy and infusion, cardiothoracic plastic and ENT service at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Strong Memorial Hospital and Erie County Medical Center. She currently practices clinically as a part-time family nurse practitioner caring for Indigenous populations in Western New York.
Her teaching experience includes a faculty post at the University of Buffalo and as a nursing student success specialist at Upstate’s College of Nursing. She began work in her simulation throughout her previous academic roles and assumed the College of Nursing director of simulation role at Upstate last May.
Francis House names new executive director
The board of directors of Francis
House announced the appointment of Jillian Trionfero as its new executive director. Since its founding in 1991, Francis House has been a part of the Central New York community offering compassionate care to those in need in their final days.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jillian to the Francis House family,” said Alicia Calagiovanni, board chairwoman of Francis House. “With
over 15 years of creative leadership in the nonprofit sector, her strategic vision, collaborative approach, and dedication to our mission will be invaluable as we continue to serve the community.”
“I am honored to carry forward the important mission of Francis House,” said Trionfero. “For over three decades, Francis House has been a beacon of care in this community, a legacy that began with Sister Kathleen Osbelt. I look forward to working with the incredible team here as we continue to serve those in need.”
Trionfero holds a Bachelor of Science degree in child and family studies from Syracuse University and has extensive experience in leadership roles within the nonprofit sector.
Francis House provides a home and extended family to persons with terminal illnesses so they can die with dignity. Over the years the organization has cared for more than 4,000 residents and supported over 12,000 families.
Upstate appoints new surgeon to faculty
Physician Asama Khan has been
appointed assistant professor of surgery at Upstate Medical University. He has most recently served as a surgical oncology clinical research fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York (2021-2022) and a general surgery resident at Upstate. He has contributed to numerous medical journals, such as Journal of Surgical Oncology, Annals of Surgical Oncology, on research related to colon cancer and colon and rectal surgery.
Among his honors from Upstate are the 2023 Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award, Chief Resident Teaching Award and Excellence in Trauma award.
Khan earned his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve University and his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
Orthopedic surgeon joins Upstate
Physician Ryan Cox has been
named assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Upstate Medical University. Cox previously served as shoulder and elbow fellow at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Cox
Amanda Adams
Jillian Trionfero
Ashama Khan
Ryan Cox
Health News
completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute after receiving his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2018. He earned his undergraduate degree from John Carroll University in Ohio.
Cox specializes in evaluation and surgical and non-surgical treatments for shoulder and elbow injuries and conditions, such as fractures, dislocations, tendinitis, osteoarthritis, osteochondritis, frozen shoulder, and rotator cuff injuries.
He is experienced with total- and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and is skilled in both open and arthroscopic surgical techniques. He has made numerous contributions to shoulder and orthopedic research including techniques in shoulder reconstruction, treatment strategies, and infection management.
St. Joe’s recognized for efforts to improve blood Pressure control
St. Joseph’s Health has once again received the highest recognition by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association for its commitment to improving blood pressure (BP) control rates, earning the Gold+-level recognition as part of Target: BP.
This is the sixth year St. Joseph’s Health has earned this honor.
The Gold+ award recognizes practices that demonstrate a commitment to measurement accuracy and in which high blood pressure is controlled in 70% or more of the affected adult patients.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and preventable death in the U.S.
“Addressing blood pressure management is key for better cardiovascular health – and critical today, when heart disease and stroke continue to be leading causes of death for adults in the U.S.,” said Russell Silverman, cardiologist and director of the heart failure clinic at St. Joseph’s Health. “High blood pres-
sure is a leading risk factor of heart disease and stroke that can often be prevented or managed if diagnosed and treated properly.”
Target: BP is a national initiative formed by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure. The initiative aims to help health care organizations and care teams, at no cost, improve blood pressure control rates through an evidence-based quality improvement program and recognizes organizations, like St. Joseph’s Hospital, that are committed to improving blood pressure control.
Oswego Health announces leadership promotions
Oswego Health announced
the promotion of Elizabeth Rice to director of inpatient services at the Lobdell Center for Mental Health & Wellness at Lakeview and the hiring of Heather Cosgrove, Ph.D., as director of outpatient mental health services.
After earning her Master of Science in nursing from SUNY Polytechnic in 2022, Rice served as the assistant director of inpatient mental health and wellness at Oswego Health. Prior to her leadership role at Oswego Health, she worked as the health occupation coordinator at Oswego CiTi BOCES, where she oversaw practical nursing and other health programs.
Cosgrove earned her Ph.D. from
the University at Buffalo, where she honed her expertise in mental health services and counseling. Her career includes significant leadership roles, most recently as the training director at the
Cardiologist Joins Auburn Community Hospital
Marc L. Baker, a renowned cardiologist with over 20 years of experience, has joined the Auburn Heart Institute, affiliated with Auburn Community Hospital.
Baker brings extensive expertise in treating heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions.
His addition reinforces Auburn Community Hospital’s dedication to delivering top-tier cardiac care to the Auburn community and beyond,
Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling in Syracuse. Before her role at the Barnes Center, Cosgrove served as the assistant director and staff psychologist at the Hamilton College Counseling Center.
Cosgrove’s formal training includes diverse experiences in various settings, from her doctoral internship at Illinois State University, where she provided individual counseling and facilitated therapy groups, to special ized work with eating disorders at the Buffalo Centre for Eating Disor ders.
Her credentials include doctoral-level supervision of interns and postdoctoral fellows, the development of unique therapeutic programs, including a women’s empowerment retreat, and expertise in a range of therapeutic modalities, including dialectical behavior ther apy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Catherine Gridley appointed to Crouse Health board of directors
Crouse Health Board of Directors
Catherine Gridley
St. Joe’s welcomes new family medicine physician, hospitalist
Physician Amy Carter is continu
ing her medical career as a family medicine physician and hospitalist at St. Joseph’s Health following her three-year residency at the hospital. Receiving most of her education in Ontario, Canada, Carter is fluent in both English and French. She received her Bachelor of Science in human kinetics from the University of Guelph where she was on the dean’s list. She went on to study biomedical science at Carleton University in Ottawa and received her Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, where she received an International Peace Scholarship.
Carter worked as a medical assistant for a medical group in Ottawa and as a clinical research assistant at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.
according to a hospital news release. Baker, a graduate of Louisiana State University School of Medicine, completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowships in cardiology and heart failure at the University of Rochester. He is board-certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine
He has been committed to serving patients in the Auburn area throughout his career. With the closure of Auburn Cardiology Associ-
ates, Auburn Community Hospital is stepping up to fill the gap in local cardiac care, ensuring residents have access to world-class heart care with-
Chairman Patrick Mannion has announced the appointment of Catherine Gridley to the health system’s board of directors.
An international executive with more than 20 years of global leadership experience in defense and commercial industries, Gridley currently serves as executive vice president and president of the aerospace and defense sector of TTM Technologies, which has a significant presence in Syracuse.
Before joining TTM, Gridley was with Northrop Grumman Corporation, holding the position of vice president and general manager, and leading the $1.3 billion Advanced Defense Services division with over 5,000 employees worldwide. Gridley has also held leadership positions with GE Aviation, Goodrich and TRW.
“Cathie is an accomplished, highly regarded leader with over 20 years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry. Her strategic vision, combined with her operational expertise, has driven significant advancements and growth in each role she has undertaken and we are pleased to welcome her to the Crouse board,” said Mannion.
Gridley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Ithaca College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Binghamton University. She grew up in Upstate New York, has lived in multiple cities in the U.S. and the U.K., and now resides in Central New York with her husband, David.
Crouse Health is the only locally governed community hospital system in Central New York, comprised of 507 beds, more than 800 physicians and 3,500 employees with locations throughout the area.
out needing to travel far from home.
“I am thrilled to continue serving Auburn and ensuring that our community receives the exceptional cardiac care it deserves,” said Baker. “Auburn has always been home to me, and Auburn Community Hospital has given me the platform to advance cardiac care for the region. I look forward to the exciting future of the Auburn Heart Institute and the positive impact we will have on our patients’ lives.”
The Auburn Heart Institute has recently expanded its team, now including five board-certified cardiologists and two mid-level providers, solidifying AHI as a leading center for comprehensive cardiac care in the region.
Elizabeth Rice
Heather Cosgrove
Amy Carter
Peter-Clark Achieves Fellowship in the American College of Medical Practice Executives
ConnextCare’s President and CEO Tricia Peter-Clark has become a fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). ACMPE is the certification entity of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). Fellowship in ACMPE’s industry-leading program demonstrates mastery and expertise in the profession of medical practice management.
To achieve fellowship, Peter-Clark first earned the Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) designation by passing rigorous examinations that assess knowledge of the broad scope of medical practice management, as outlined in the Body of Knowledge for Medical Practice Management. This includes business operations, financial management, human resources management, infor mation management, organizational governance, transformative health care delivery, quality management and risk management.
In addition, Peter-Clark com pleted a minimum of 50 continuing education credit hours to achieve CMPE status. To earn fellowship, Peter-Clark demonstrated leadership,
innovation and professional engagement in the healthcare industry and the advancement of the medical group management profession.
“Becoming a Fellow in the ACMPE is no small task. It takes an immense amount of time, dedication and hands-on experience to earn this level of achievement,” said Steven Gaffney, president of the ConnextCare board of directors. “Tricia’s knowledge, education and dedicated determination has led ConnextCare to new heights with greater access to care and expansion of quality healthcare outcomes for our patients. The board of directors are honored and privileged to have Tricia leading ConnextCare.”
Peter Clark was recognized
CANCER CONNECTS
We’re in your corner in the fight against breast cancer.
“Being able to take away a breast cancer patient’s financial stress is huge.”
As someone who deals directly with breast cancer patients – and as a cancer survivor herself – AnnMarie Gianno, from CancerConnects, has seen first-hand the positive impact Saint Agatha Foundation’s support has on CNY breast cancer patients. By helping with unmet financial needs – like transportation costs, co-pays, specialized garments, and much more – the CancerConnects/ Saint Agatha Foundation partnership helps alleviate financial strains for those already fighting a breast cancer diagnosis. If your medical or non-medical organization would like to provide financial support to CNY breast cancer patients, too – visit s saintagathafoundation org/ for-providers to learn more and watch an interview with AnnMarie. New provider partners are always welcome!
AnnMarie
Gianno
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Best CPAP Alternatives for Sleep Apnea
By Jim Miller
For those whose aren’t familiar, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes your breathing to pause during sleep because something blocks your airway, like your tongue or relaxed throat muscles. Losing weight, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol can all help ease obstructive sleep apnea symptoms such as snoring.
The primary treatment for people with moderate or severe OSA is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which keeps your airway open by pumping air through
a mask you wear over your mouth or nose when you sleep.
But many people have difficulty tolerating CPAP and don’t stick with it. But CPAP machines have become smaller and quieter, with more comfortable options available. And for some people with mild to moderate OSA, less invasive alternatives to CPAP may be worth considering.
Here are several to ask your doctor about.
• Dental device: This is designed to move the jaw so that the tongue shifts toward the front of the mouth
to help keep the airway open. It’s one of the primary alternatives to CPAP and can also be used with CPAP to help make severe obstructive sleep apnea milder.
A dentist who specializes in sleep medicine (find one at dentalsleep. org) will be able to customize its fit to help your breathing without causing harm to your bite or teeth. These custom-made oral appliances can cost between $2,000 and $4,000 but may be covered by insurance.
There are much cheaper options available online to treat snoring, but experts say these may not help with OSA, and could move teeth out of place or cause jaw issues if they’re not properly fitted.
• Position therapy: For some, sleeping on the back can make obstructive sleep apnea dramatically worse. In these cases, switching
to side sleeping — perhaps using pillows or a tennis ball attached to a shirt back — can sometimes help.
• Tongue trainer: In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration approved a tongue-stimulating device for mild sleep apnea called eXciteOSA (exciteosa.com), which people wear for 20 minutes a day for six weeks and then 20 minutes a couple of times a week indefinitely. It costs $1,650 and is not covered by insurance.
• Surgery: Those who can’t tolerate CPAP could have upper airway surgery to reduce the size of their soft palate or other tissue in their throat. But such options don’t always work, have serious potential complications, and cannot be reversed. So, in general, they should not be first-line treatments.
• Inspire: A newer option is a surgically implanted device called Inspire (inspiresleep.com). Approved in 2014, it stimulates a nerve that moves your tongue to keep your airway open. Inspire can be removed if it is not tolerated, but it should also be tried only if someone is unable to use CPAP, and it is not an option for everyone.
Drug therapy
A new study, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that tirzepatide — the main ingredient found in Type 2 diabetes medication Mounjaro and weight loss treatment Zepbound — helps reduce symptom severity by almost two-thirds in adults with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. Ask your doctor about this option.
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5 Ways to Make it Through the Holidays Without Getting Sick
By Barbara Pierce
Tis the season to get sick. Colds, flu and respiratory illnesses will be at their peak this winter. We’re traveling more, spending more time with others, inside more. All these mean viruses pass more easily from one person to another. Babies, older folks and those with compromised immune systems are especially susceptible.
William McCue, regional chief of primary care, Bassett Healthcare Network, suggests tips to prevent some of the most common illnesses common during the holiday season. Outsmart germs with these simple strategies:
1. Wash your hands frequently: “The simplest of things are the most effective,” said McCue. “That’s the case with all these illnesses. The simplest thing to do is hand-washing.”
Colds are typically infections of the nose and throat, caused by more than 200 different respiratory viruses. Colds are highly contagious. Hand-washing is the easiest way to prevent the spread of cold germs. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching commonly touched surfaces, including pens, pencils, public doorknobs and light switches, grocery carts, etc. unless necessary. If others use your work station, wipe down your keyboard, phone and mouse after them. Germs can be transmitted by spray from coughs and sneezes. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Viruses live on your hands and easily enter your body this way.
Though there’s no cure for a cold, rest and keeping hydrated will help you feel better. Most colds reach the peak of their severity between three to five days. Over-the-counter
medicines can ease your symptoms. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting a new medication, including OTC medications. Not all medications are safe to take. Always read the label and use medications only as directed. Antibiotics are not useful to treat a cold.
2. Get a flu shot: “A flu shot is the most important thing I do for the people I treat,” said McCue.
It works by caus ing the body to develop antibodies that provide protection against the flu.
as your immune system is more sluggish,” said McCue. “If you’re over 50 and have a risk factor like diabetes, COPD, congestive heart failure, get vaccinated.”
“Treatment for COVID works extremely well,” he added. “Start treatment within the first five days to reduce illness. Most pneumonia are bacterial. Therefore, getting vaccinated is important.”
CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine every year to reduce the risk of getting the flu and its complications. As well as reducing the risk that you’ll get the flu, the shot decreases the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death from the flu.
The flu is a viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. Often mistaken for a cold, flu tends to present quickly and severely. Coughing, sore throat, headaches, body aches and high fever are common flu symptoms. OTC fever reducing medication helps.
“Tamiflu helps to reduce the length and severity of the flu,” added McCue.
Tamiflu is a prescription medication.
3. Get vaccinated: “Get vaccinated for COVID and pneumonia if needed,” advised McCue.
The pandemic may be over, but we’ve still got COVID worry about. New variants of the disease continue to pop up.
“If you’re over 70, It’s highly recommended that you get vaccinated
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a risk for older adults and infants younger than 12 months. RSV is a common virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, including nasal congestion, cough, fever, wheezing and dehydration. It can last one to two weeks and has the potential to become serious.
“Pregnant women should get vaccinated for RSV at 36 weeks to protect the infant,” advised McCue.
Norovirus, also known as stomach flu, is extremely contagious and rages during the winter, leading to severe vomiting and diarrhea.
“There’s no vaccine or treatment,” said McCue. “Push fluids with electrolytes and eat a bland diet.”
(Fluids with electrolytes: Gatorade, Pedialyte, etc.; bland foods include foods that are easy to digest — eggs, broth, pudding, cream of wheat, tofu, lean meat.)
Symptoms tend to last only one to three days. If anyone in your family has this bug, avoid contact as much as possible and wash your hands frequently.
4. Other preventive actions: “Get adequate sleep, eat healthy and stay active,” suggested McCue. “Cardio activities help boost our immune system.”
Tired, run-down people are more susceptible germs. Drink
plenty of fluids.
5. When to see your health care professional: While most of these illnesses will run their course without intervention, see a professional if your symptoms worsen. Monitor your temperature if you’re getting sick. For adults, a high fever is one that is above 100.5 degrees. “See your health care professional if you have fever for a week,” suggested McCue. Contact your health care professional if you have difficulty breathing; a cough that gets worse while other cold symptoms improve; or flare-up of any chronic lung condi-
If your child is younger than 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4 °F or higher, call your health care professional right away.
William McCue, regional chief of primary care, Bassett Healthcare Network, suggests tips to prevent some of the most common illnesses common during the holiday season.