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APRIL 2022 • ISSUE 268
Integrative Medicine Integrative health seems to bring the best of conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way.
From reflexology to lifestyle medicine to gua sha: Find 13 health modalities that may help improve your health
MORE CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS New chief science officer at Hematology-Oncology Associates, physician Ajeet Gajra, wants to bring more cancer-related research, new clinical trials to the area. P. 4
DIABETES A new study by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield shows that one third of adults are prediabetic — and most don’t know it. P. 13
THEY’RE COMING Upstate Medical University researcher predicts “huge” season for ticks. Find out why. STORY ON P. 12
U.S. Traffic Deaths Rise to Highest Level Since 2007
E
ven though Americans drove less in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, close to 39,000 lives were lost on U.S. roadways in 2020 — the highest death toll since 2007, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports. Fatal collisions spiked almost 7% between 2019 and 2020, the safety administration revealed in its annual crash report. “The tragic loss of life of people represented by these numbers confirms that we have a deadly crisis on our nation’s roads,” said Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s deputy administrator. “While overall traffic crashes and people injured were down in 2020, fatal crashes and fatalities increased,” Cliff said in an agency news release. “We cannot allow this to become the status quo.” In 2020, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled rose to 1.34, a 21% increase from 2019. When many Americans were in lockdown, road deaths increased even though total vehicle miles traveled fell by 11% from 2019 to 2020, the data showed. Risky behaviors contributed to many of these tragedies: In 45% of fatal crashes, drivers of passenger vehicles were either speeding, impaired by alcohol or not wearing a seat belt. Other major findings from the 2019-2020 data: • Deaths involving drunk driving jumped 14%. • Deaths of people in passenger
cars increased 9%, and deaths of unrestrained people in passenger vehicles rose 14%. • Motorcyclist deaths rose 11%, reaching the highest number since data was first collected in 1975. • Bicyclist deaths increased more than 9%, hitting the highest number
since 1987. • Fatalities in cities rose almost 9%, and pedestrian deaths approached 4%, the highest number since 1989. • Deaths in hit-and-run crashes jumped 26% • Deaths in large-truck crashes
Opening a New Door to Addiction Treatment Addiction affects all, regardless of background, race, ethnicity, gender, religion or socio-economic status. In recent years, communities across our nation — including Central New York — have experienced alarming increases in the number of people needing addiction treatment services. As the longest running treatment program in the region, Crouse Health’s Addiction Treatment Services remains committed to our mission to expand access to care and ensure delivery of high-quality addiction and mental health treatment in our community. We are proud of our new facility that matches the caliber of our staff and provides a nurturing, safe and uplifting environment that is already greatly enhancing our focus on holistic patient care: The Bill & Sandra Pomeroy Treatment Center at Crouse Health. If you, a loved one, friend or colleague is in need of treatment for substance use disorder, please contact us at 315-470-8304 or visit crouse.org/addiction. Bill & Sandra Pomeroy Treatment Center in Syracuse. The two-story, 42,000 square-foot facility at 2775 Erie Blvd., East, replaces the 100-year-old former location of Crouse’s outpatient treatment services at 410 South Crouse Avenue.
Page 2 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
declined 1.3%. • Police-reported crashes declined 22%. • Number of people injured fell 17%. “This sudden uptick of lives lost in preventable crashes is caused by a combination of factors,” said Pam Shadel Fischer, senior director of external engagement with the Governors Highway Safety Association. “The safety of all road users must be the top priority when it comes to roadway design. We continue to face an ongoing safety crisis threatening people walking, biking, scooting and rolling. Drivers are still engaging in risky behaviors that put all road users at risk,” Fischer said in an association statement. “The U.S. Department of Transportation has established a national framework for action in its new National Roadway Safety Strategy based on the Safe System approach. However, more action is clearly needed on the federal, state and local levels,” Fischer said. The DOT strategy calls for safer roads, safer people, safer vehicles, safer speeds and better post-crash care. “The rising fatalities on our roadways are a national crisis; we cannot and must not accept these deaths as inevitable,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “People should leave the house and know they’re going to get to their destination safely,” Buttigieg added in the NHTSA news release.
NOT JUST A JOB
A VALUED CAREER
VIRTUAL HIRING EVENT FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES CLEANERS AND JANITORS
MONDAY, MAY 16 2 - 4 PM Meet our managers on Zoom and learn about the important role of Environmental Services (EVS). • Full-time and part-time positions. • Great benefits: health insurance, dental/vision coverage, paid vacation, sick leave, and NYS retirement plan (pension). • Downtown Syracuse and Onondaga Hill locations.
Get your Zoom pre-registration: email EVSCareer@upstate.edu or call 315-464-4166. See available openings or apply:
www.upstate.edu/jobs
Job Keyword Search Cleaner2022A & Janitor2022A
April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 3
Meet
Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Ajeet Gajra, M.D.
New chief science officer at HematologyOncology Associates wants to bring more cancer-related research, new clinical trials to the area Q: You’ve recently joined Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York. A: Yes, I did. Though I’m not new to the area. Q: How did you become involved with the group? A: So I’ve been in this community for about 25 years, since the ‘90s, when I arrived to train at Upstate Medical University where I completed my internal medicine residency and then my hematology-oncology fellowship. Then I stayed on, worked for the VA for a little bit. So I was always aware of Hematology-Oncology Associates throughout that time. But at that time I was very focused on being an academic physician, in being an educator on top of being a practicing doctor. I was also very involved in research. At some point I decided to make research my main focus. About four year ago, I transitioned to an industry position where I was working on clinical research, designing and conducting trials for new and emerging therapies. Eventually, I found myself dearly missing actual patient contact and decided to come back to practice. Q: What were your main considerations? A: All this while, I never left the area—some of the positions were remote and that was before work from home became fashionable. But I decided I needed to return to bedside, to the clinic. Hematology-Oncology Associates has a high quality of care, they’re very involved in research, and I have many friends here. Many of the doctors were collaborators in the past. And when you’ve been in the community this long, you tend to share a lot of patients. So I knew the practice well, and it seemed like a very good fit, especially in terms of
Page 4 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
bringing access to research and new therapies to the community. Q: How do you balance research and patient work? A: I think oncology is somewhat unique out of all specialties, because research is almost a daily part of our clinical care. Even though we’ve made great progress in therapeutics, there’s still a lot of ground to be covered. We do this by providing the appropriate clinical trials to patients. The way clinical trials work is already ingrained in our clinical practice. Of course there are certain regulatory requirements for conducting research in an ethical and appropriate manner. We’re able to offer trials as part of our daily practice. And oncology patients tend to be more receptive to participation. Many times they’ll even travel to New York City or Boston to participate in them. Our goal, as much as possible, is to bring new trials to our community to minimize travel and make it easier to find the newest therapies right here in town. Q: Is there any research you’re working on now that you’re particularly proud of? A: I would say, having just gotten here, we’re really wrapping up our research on breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer and blood cancer. That’s one part. Number two, there’s a greater emphasis on what’s called real world evidence research. Meaning not necessarily within the confines of a clinical trial. In the real world, when patients get treated, outcomes may be different with different therapies. So we’re working with a large national organization, the National Cancer Care Alliance. I recently got named as the chair of the research committees for NCCA. So we really hope that we’ll be able to enhance our real world evidence-based research through our
participation. So in the short term, I’d say that’s something that I’m proud of. And also it’ll give our practice and our geographic area some visibility throughout the country. Q: Are you still doing any teaching? A: I maintain a voluntary position as a clinical faculty professor at Upstate. Certainly as opportunities present I’d like to do it in a more formal manner, but informally, of course, we have many nurse practitioners and physicians assistants here. I happen to have a research team with research nurses. So I enjoy sharing knowledge and educating other team members. Q: You’re coming off a medical director position. Are you trying to move away from administrative work in general or are you still taking on some administrative duties at your new position? A: My position here is chief science officer, so my focus is going to be on building up the research program and modernizing the research infrastructure and enhancing the offerings for new clinical trials that we can bring to the area. So that’s going to be my main focus, at least for the next three years. Q: What elements make a good research program in this age of vast, distant networks? A: While the pandemic has been a very unfortunate situation, it’s also forced a rapid growth in technology. I will say there are two components. The first is you need the appropriate staff, with the appropriate training on site. And you need other things, like a dedicated laboratory with the appropriate facilities and pharmacy support to conduct research. The other part is that the art and science of conducting clinical research is evolving rapidly in this post-pandemic world. We’re able to do many things electronically. We’re able to do telehealth visits for patients who are in the study, which can make it a lot easier for them. We’re able to sign consent documents electronically. So these things were not done in the past out of concern for regulatory compliance, but now that we’ve demonstrated that it’s feasible and safe to do a lot of these things, so hopefully that will make it simpler not only for patients, but for staff conducting research to successfully carry out the trials.
Lifelines
Name: Ajeet Gajra, M.D. Position: Chief science officer at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY Hometown: New Delhi, India Career: Recently served as chief medical officer at Cardinal Health and associate director of the Upstate Cancer Center, where he also served as medical director. Has published over 110 peer-reviewed manuscripts in journals including Journal of Clinical Oncology, Cancer, Lancet Oncology, New England Journal of Medicine and Blood. Affiliations: St. Joseph’s Hospital; Crouse Hospital; University Hospital; VA Hospital Organizations: American College of Physicians; American Medical Society; American Society of Clinical Oncology; American Society of Hematology; National Cancer Care Alliance Family: Wife; two children Hobbies: Hiking, nature-based activities
Our ConnextCare Central Square team is now accepting new patients!
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April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 5
2022’s Most Obese Cities in the U.S.
T
he personal-finance website WalletHub recently released its report on 2022’s Most Overweight and Obese Cities in the U.S., as well as accompanying videos and expert commentary. In order to call attention to the communities where weight-related problems are most prevalent, WalletHub compared 100 of the most populated U.S. metro areas across 19 key metrics, used to determine a total score out of 100 (see chart at right). The data set ranges from the share of physically inactive adults to projected obesity rates by 2030 to healthyfood access.
Key Stats • The McAllen, Texas, metro area has the highest share of obese adults, 44.90%, which is 2.4 times higher than in Asheville, North Car-
olina, the metro area with the lowest at 18.50%. • The McAllen, Texas, metro area has the highest share of physically inactive adults, 36.90%, which is 2.7 times higher than in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the metro area with the lowest at 13.90%. • The El Paso, Texas, metro area has the highest share of diabetic adults, 16%, which is 2.6 times higher than in Reno, Nevada, the metro area with the lowest at 6.20%. • The Jackson, Mississippi, metro area has the highest share of adults with high blood pressure, 40.60%, which is 1.8 times higher than in San Jose, California, the metro area with the lowest at 22.80 %. To read the full report and your city’s rank, visit: https://wallethub. com/edu/fattest-cities-in-america/10532.
MOST OVERWEIGHT & OBESE CITIES
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
McAllen, Texas Total Score: 84.78 Memphis, Tennessee Total Score: 83.94 Knoxville, Tennessee Total Score: 83.92 Mobile, Alabama Total Score: 83.04 Jackson, Mississippi Total Score: 82.94 Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama Total Score: 82.91 Little Rock-Conway, Arkansas Total Score: 82.82 Shreveport, Louisiana Total Score: 82.76 Augusta, Georgia Total Score: 82.42 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Total Score: 81.91
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
WALLETHUB, MAR. 2022
Chattanooga, Tennessee Total Score: 80.50 Lafayette, Louisiana Total Score: 80.28 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Total Score: 78.39 Youngstown, Ohio Total Score: 78.24 Huntsville, Alabama Total Score: 78.24 Winston-Salem, North Carolina Total Score: 78.06 Wichita, Kansas Total Score: 77.95 Nashville, Tennessee Total Score: 77.65 New Orleans, Louisiana Total Score: 77.54 Fayetteville, Arkansas Total Score: 77.29
Healthcare in a Minute
By George W. Chapman
Alexa, Please Connect Me with My Doctor…
D
epending on where you stand, the corporatization of healthcare is either an unnecessary and unwanted intrusion into your healthcare or a welcome improvement. Amazon, the corporate giant with seemingly unlimited resources, has partnered with Teladoc, an online 24/7medical service, to provide virtual on demand, nonemergent care. On the surface, 24/7 on demand care provided by out-of-network providers is not new. The twist here is you contact the provider through an echo device like Alexa. As crazy as it sounds, several hospital and physician systems have already signed up, including Boston Children’s,
Cedars Sinai and Houston Methodist. It remains to be seen how well out of network Teladocs can be successfully integrated into comprehensive hospital and physician systems that are in the midst of organizing to accept reimbursement from insurance companies based upon value added or overall outcomes. Alexa type Teladoc services can relieve the pressure on overworked hospital and their network providers and certainly offer consumers convenience. Unless these services are effectively integrated into hospital and physician systems, they will be perceived as intrusions upon and leakage from value-based care.
Telemedicine in Jeopardy
reimbursement. And consumers, who have come to embrace telemedicine, will be denied a convenient way to access and maintain their care. President Biden has threatened to veto the bill.
They say necessity is the mother of invention. When it came to telemedicine, the necessity created by the pandemic didn’t exactly invent telemedicine, but it certainly expanded its use to the point where it is now firmly entrenched in healthcare delivery. When a public health emergency was declared two years ago to combat the virus, Congress and Medicare authorized both the expanded use of telemedicine and enhanced reimbursement to providers. Providers are paid the same for in-person and virtual visits. Telemedicine proved to be a critical and effective tool to combat the virus, protect staff from infected patients and not harm providers financially. The senate just voted 4847, along party lines, to terminate the PHE. It now goes to Congress. If passed, it could virtually kill telemedicine. Providers cannot afford to offer telemedicine if there is a return to pre-pandemic inadequate
More COVID-19 Money The Office of Management and Budget is requesting another $22.5 billion from Congress to continue the fight against the virus. Just over half of the new funding would go toward buying more medicines, vaccines, boosters, oral anti-virals and monoclonal antibodies to treat those infected. Roughly $2 billion is for testing and much needed financial support for inundated commercial and public health labs. $1.5 billion will provide coverage for the uninsured and a similar amount is slated for research on next generation vaccines. The bill contains no additional relief for hospitals and physicians who have absorbed both financial and staffing losses fighting
Page 6 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
the virus over the last two years. To add insult to injury, a moratorium on a bill that would reduce their reimbursement by 2% expires in April.
CVS Philanthropy? The retail drug giant announced it invested $185 million in 6,600 affordable housing units in several cities throughout the US. Poor or lack of safe housing is a social determinant that negatively impacts both access to and outcome of care. Residents of the CVS subsidized housing now have access to a variety of services conveniently provided by CVS-like pharmacies, durable medical equipment and clinics. Kudos to CVS. Right? Last year, CVS revenues were $77 billion, resulting in net cash flow of an astounding $13 billion. The $187 million “investment” in affordable housing is a paltry 1.4% of their $13 billion net cash flow. It is virtually nothing compared to $77 billion in revenues. So, is there an ulterior motive? You be the judge. Hospitals and physician healthcare systems can’t afford to provide subsidized housing to improve the care provided to their patients. Their reimbursement is fixed by Congress and Medicare and commercial insurers typically follow suit. Drug prices continue to escalate unregulated or encumbered by Congress andMedicare, so CVS and other drug giants can easily afford to reinvest their profits and capture market share.
Physician Shortage Addressed Aging baby boomers and early retirement due the pandemic have increased fears of an impending physician shortage. Certainly, the unencumbered increase in nurse practitioners and physician assistants has helped mitigate the shortage. But there has not been an increase in the number of encumbered physician
residency slots in decades. Congress and Medicare finally authorized the funding of an additional 1,000 residency slots in teaching hospitals with emphasis on hospitals serving health professional shortage areas which are typically inner city and rural. Medicare pays hospitals for resident salaries and related teaching expenses. The biggest change in residency slots will be a preference among hospitals for primary care versus specialty slots.
Cost of Insulin Diabetes is one of our most pervasive, but treatable, chronic conditions impacting the lives of millions. President Biden vowed to cut the cost of insulin when he addressed the union in early March. One in four insulin users cannot afford to use the drug as prescribed, which inevitably will result in other serious conditions. Since not one for-profit insulin manufacturer has offered to help, not-for-profit drug manufacturer Civica Rx is partnering with BlueCross BlueShield and health system giants Intermountain Health, Trinity Health, and Kaiser Permanente to develop and distribute affordable insulin at about $30 a vial by 2024. The price will be based solely on the cost of development, production and distribution. It will be interesting to see if this competition causes current manufacturers to lower their prices. George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.
Arthritis Is a Scourge Worldwide Arthritis cases worldwide up 113% —from 247.5 million people in 1990 to 527.8 million in 2019
O
steoarthritis has become increasingly common in recent decades, and authors of a new study say preventive steps are needed to bring numbers under control. “The disease burden ... is formidable,” said co-senior author physician Jianhao Lin, of Peking University People’s Hospital in China. “Due to population expansion, aging and the epidemic of obesity, one would expect such a burden would increase in the near future.” The chronic joint disease, which causes pain, disability and loss of function, is a major worldwide public health concern, according to the authors. Their analysis includes data collected as part of an ongoing effort that involves more than 7,000 researchers in more than 156 countries and territories. It found that arthritis cases worldwide rose from 247.5 million in 1990 to 527.8 million in 2019. That’s an increase of more than 113%. Age-adjusted rates of arthritis rose for knee, hip and other joints but decreased for arthritis of the hand. Arthritis prevalence rose with age and was higher in women than in men. It was also higher in more developed countries. Arthritis of the knee contributed the most to the overall arthritis burden, while arthritis of the hip had the highest estimated annual percentage increases in most regions, according to the findings published March 2 in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology. “Primary and secondary prevention, including refraining from overweight or obesity, preventing knee injury, and avoiding heavy repeated joint-loading activities are effective measures in alleviating the burden,” Lin said in a journal news release. “In addition, exercise therapy could delay functional loss and should be recommended as core treatment” for arthritis of the knee, he added.
Arthritis prevalence rose with age and was higher in women than in men. It was also higher in more developed countries.
The Syracuse City School District is currently hiring for the following positions: School Nurse, School Nurse Substitute, Health Aid, Health Aide substitute. If interested, please visit the our career page and apply at Syracusecityschools.com/jobs.
ONONDAGA, OSWEGO, CAYUGA & MADISON COUNTIES A monthly newspaper published by Local News, Inc. 33,500 copies distributed throughout more than 1,000 high-traffic locations, including all Wegmans stores.
In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2022 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
Recognizing the important work of our laboratory professionals Medical Laboratory Professionals Week April 24 to 30 celebrates medical laboratory professionals who play a vital role in health care and patient advocacy. The people behind the laboratory report are critical players in the diagnostic process. While most patients do not have contact with the laboratory professionals, they play key roles in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Laboratory Alliance recognizes our professionals. Rarely seen by patients, they have enormous impact on the delivery of quality patient care.
Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Writers: Deborah J. Sergeant, Jim Miller, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, Melissa Stefanec, Eva Briggs (MD), Ken Sturtz, Mary Beth Roach, Ernst Lamothe Nelly Kazzaz (M.D.), Kathleen Squires, Philip T. Ondocin, (M.D.) • Advertising: Amy Gagliano, Cassandra Lawson Layout & Design: Joey Sweener • Office Manager: Kate Honebein
No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.
We’re hiring skilled medical technologists and technicians. Visit laboratoryalliance.com/careers to learn more. April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 7
My Turn
By Eva Briggs, MD
Stay Safe Around Water This Summer
S
prings is here. The ice has melted. Soon it will be time for water-based recreation like swimming, boating and fishing. More time in and around pools, lakes, rivers and streams means more risk of drowning, although it can occur at any time of the year. In the US about 18,000 people are hospitalized for drowning and about 4,000 die each year. Among children, toddlers make up half of all cases of submersion. They’re naturally curious and their relatively large head size compared to adults means that they go headfirst into any water source, even a mop bucket. Yes, a toddler can drown in a bucket of water. Other at-risk groups include children of color and kids of low socioeconomic status who don’t learn to swim. Among adults, men are more likely to drown than women. Other risk factors include drug or alcohol use, elderly age and medical conditions
such as seizures that lead to loss of consciousness. When a person is submersed in water, they naturally hold their breath. This leads to a rise in carbon dioxide and a fall in oxygen level. The victim eventually starts to hyperventilate and aspirates water into the lungs—wet drowning. Sometimes, especially in cold water, there is a spasm of the larynx preventing water from entering the lungs, oxygen level falls and brain cells die—dry drowning. Another mechanism of drowning is shallow water blackout. A person hyperventilates before entering the water in hopes that they can hold their breath longer to stay underwater longer. This lowers the carbon dioxide level. Their oxygen level falls and renders them unconscious before the carbon dioxide level rise enough to trigger the urge to breathe. Cold water immersion can also spark lethal heart rhythm abnormalities, due to sudden surges of both sympathetic and parasympathetic responses. If you encounter a drowning person, remember to first keep yourself safe to avoid becoming a victim yourself. Call 911, or send someone to call. Get the patient out of the water, onto a firm flat surface and start CPR. If you haven’t been trained in how to rescue a drowning victim, don’t enter the water yourself. Instead, extend a pole or similar object or toss them a flotation device. Don’t do the Heimlich maneuver; it can cause the victim to aspirate more water. In case of a
diving accident be aware that a spine injury is possible and use precautions to stabilize the spine. Prevention is superior to treatment. Here are tips from the CDC on drowning prevention. • Learn basic swimming and water safety skills. Children still require close supervision even if they are good swimmers. • Build fences that fully enclose pools. The fence should completely surround the pool AND separate it from the house, so that children can’t just dash out the back door and wind up in the water. The fence should have self-latching and self-closing gates. Remove toys that might lure a young child into the area. Consider an alarm that will sound if someone enters the water unsupervised. • Supervise closely. A responsible adult should watch children near water, whether bathtub, pool, lake or creek. That means no looking at cell phones, no reading, no drinking alcohol and no recreational drugs. Drowning happens fast! • Wear a personal flotation device. People of all ages and abilities should wear an approved PFD when boating or in other situations where an accidental fall into water might occur. Inflatable toys are NOT an adequate substitute. • Learn CPR. Great general advice for everyone. • Know the risks of natural waters. These include dangerous currents, rocks or other submerged objects, vegetation and limited
WE’VE DOUBLED OUR HEART TEAM
visibility. Dams, waterfalls and swift water pose special risks. Educate yourself if you will be near these features. Be cognizant of weather so that you don’t become caught in an electrical storm or high winds while boating. • Avoid alcohol and drugs. Wait until you are safely on dry land. • Use the buddy system. Never swim alone, have a buddy and keep watch on each other. • Take precautions for medical conditions and medications. A person with a seizure disorder should have one-on-one supervision for swimming and boating and consider showers rather than baths. Patients with autism and heart disease also have a high risk of drowning. Certain medicines can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination or impaired judgment. • Don’t hyperventilate or hold your breath for a long time. This is a risk for shallow water blackout as described above. Go out and enjoy the water, but remember to stay safe. Eva Briggs is a retired medical doctor who practiced in Central New York for several decades. She lives in Marcellus.
THE CARDIOVASCULAR GROUP OF SYRACUSE JOINED UPSTATE CARDIOLOGY FACULTY.
PHYSICIANS FROM TOP LEFT:
Dana C. Aiello, MD Larry S. Charlamb, MD Mark J. Charlamb, MD Christopher A. Nardone, MD Matthew S. O’Hern, MD Charles Perla, MD Theresa Waters, DO Andrew M. Weinberg, DO
UPSTATE PHYSICIANS FROM LEFT: Timothy D. Ford, MD Robert L. Carhart, Jr., MD Debanik Chaudhuri, MD Hani Kozman, MD Sakti Pada Mookherjee, MD Amy Tucker, MD Daniel Villarreal, MD
Our united expertise brings you advanced technology and streamlined care. As part of the Upstate Heart Institute, we provide connections to research and surgical care.
OUR OFFICE LOCATIONS
Cardiovascular Group Page 8 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
5112 WEST TAFT ROAD Liverpool • 315-701-2170
208 TOWNSHIP BLVD Camillus • 315-488-2372
102 WEST SENECA STREET Manlius • 315-464-9335
510 TOWNE DRIVE Fayetteville • 315-663-0500
90 PRESIDENTIAL PLAZA Syracuse • 315-464-9335
138 EAST GENESEE STREET Baldwinsville • 315-720-1305
This Is
Nursing.
This is your next step. At St. Joseph’s Health, we know that nurses are exceptional people. Whether your path keeps you close to patients at the bedside or steers you to leadership, education or expansion of your skill set, we provide the collaboration, resources and support to guide and grow your career. We’re looking for passionate, driven nurses to join our Magnet® designated team. To become part of the team providing Central New York with a higher level of care, apply now. To apply, text 41411 to SJNURSE or call 833.SJNURSE.
A HIGHER LEVEL OF CARE
| jobs.sjhsyr.org
© 2022 St. Joseph’s Health. © 2022 Trinity Health. All rights reserved.
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2:04 PM9 April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper3/23/22 • Page
Live Alone & Thrive
By Gwenn Voelckers
Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone
25 Things I Know About Living Alone
I
have been living alone for over 25 years now. Twenty-five years! One might think I’ve become stuck in my ways, but, honestly, just the opposite has happened. Being on my own has given me the freedom to live unencumbered, to change, to grow and to embrace lifelong learning. The only thing I’m stuck on is living life to the fullest! And apparently, I’m not alone. According to recent census data, singles make up almost 30% of US households. That suggests to me that more and more single, divorced and widowed men and women are making peace with living alone. Or better, they are having the time of their lives! Here are 25 things I know about living alone: 1. Living alone doesn’t mean being alone. In fact, it may offer more opportunities to pursue friendships, find true love and spend time with family members. 2. Loneliness is not a “state of being” reserved for single people. Were you ever lonely while you were married? 3. Rediscovering your “authentic
self” and identifying those things that bring meaning and joy into your life can turn living alone into a fulfilling adventure. 4. Accepting party invitations, even if it’s a party with mostly couples, is worth doing. It gets you out of the house. Couples often separate into groups of women and men, so singles blend right in. 5. The stereotyped image of single women and men as desperate and miserable are exaggerated and just plain untrue. Recent studies on the subject bear this out. 6. Doing a “random act of kindness” is a great antidote when you’re feeling sorry for yourself. 7. Friends matter. Reach out. Nurture your friendships. Honor your commitments. 8. Accepting a dinner invitation does not obligate you to anything. Take your time. Get to know your date before you embrace romance — literally. 9. Letting go of the idea that you need to be married to have any chance of being happy and fulfilled is essential. That idea will only keep you mired in self-pity. 10. Living alone can release your inner Martha Stewart. Do you have a craft project secretly lurking inside
you? Set it free! 11. Treating yourself well builds esteem. Prepare and eat decent meals at home. Get enough sleep. Exercise. You’re worth it. 12. Getting out of your comfort zone is worth the discomfort. Try something new — dance lessons, pickleball, jewelry making, a book club, or community band. It’s a great way to expand your horizons and meet people. 13. Isolating on holiday, birthdays, Sundays, etc. is for the birds. Solitary confinement is punishment for criminals, not single people. Make plans. 14. Traveling solo is a journey toward self-discovery. Whether it’s Paris or Peoria, striking out on your own will enlarge your world and build self-confidence. 15. Comb your hair. Lose the sweat pants. Put a smile on your face. It’s important to create your own positive feedback. Looking good will draw people (and compliments) to you. 16. Self-confidence and humor are powerful aphrodisiacs. Neediness and desperation are not. 17. It’s all yours — the good, the bad, the chores, the bills. Living alone, just as being married, is not Shangri-La. It’s real life. 18. There’s no shame in asking for help. It’s not a show of weakness. On the contrary. 19. Doing anything alone means you enjoy life and your own company; it does not mean you are a loser. 20. Expanding your definition of love beyond “romantic love” will stand you in good stead. Embrace “passionate friendships” – those relationships in which you can be yourself and feel completely comfortable. 21. Hanging out with negative
people is a real downer. Put yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and about life. 22. Time alone can make you philosophical: If I vacuum in the buff and no one is watching, did it really happen? 23. Your dream house can be yours. Whether it’s a shoebox-sized apartment or cottage in the county, you can — at long last! — make your home your own. 24. Velveeta mac and cheese may be just what the doctor ordered. There’s no harm in occasionally indulging in your favorite comfort food and tear-jerker movie if it soothes your soul. “The Way We Were” is my elixir movie of choice. 25. Living alone and loving it takes practice. Know that there is always someone you can call or something you can do to improve your situation. A little prayer doesn’t hurt either.
• Kids often feel more control over a situation if they can help in some way, such as donating items or part of their allowance, or making up a card or banner for Ukrainian children. Any of these acts teach compassion and help your children feel they are making a positive difference. • Monitor your children’s media exposure and limit it when necessary. Find out where they are getting their
information about the war so you can clarify or restrict it if needed, Lynch advised. Even if kids appear fine, parents should talk to them to assess their thoughts and feelings. “Talking to your children about the invasion will show them that it is OK to talk about difficult feelings and that we are there to help them,” Lynch said.
Those of us who have learned to enjoy living along are not spending our time bemoaning our fate. We have overcome adversity and we are the stronger for it. We have taken our lives into our own hands and have embraced the choices and possibilities that living alone has to offer. Here’s to the next 25 years!
Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Alone and Content, empowerment workshops for women and author of “Alone and Content,” a collection of inspiring essays for those who live alone. For information about her workshops, to purchase her book, or invite her to speak, visit www. aloneandcontent.com
Talking to Your Kids About the War in Ukraine
I
f Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has left your children confused and frightened, there are several ways to help them feel more secure, a psychologist says. First and foremost: Talk to your kids, and be honest, said Christopher Lynch, director of Pediatric Behavioral Medicine for Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, New Jersey. Kids can often tell when parents are withholding information. If you don’t provide the full picture, they may get wrong ideas about the situation and think they’re in danger. “Children benefit from honest explanations about what is happening, but those explanations must be tailored to the age and developmental level of the child,” Lynch said in a hospital news release. Here’s how to talk with your
children about the war and allay their anxiety: • Use age-appropriate words and concepts that your children can understand. Asking them to repeat back what they heard you say can help identify any need for clarification. • Reassure your children they are safe. Kids need to know that the adults around them are in control and know what to do to keep them safe. In this case, kids may need to understand that the war is far away and that they are well protected from it, Lynch said.
Page 10 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
CELEBRATE LIFE. BE THERE… FOR THEM, AND FOR YOU. FOR THE EVERYDAY MOMENTS, AND THE MILESTONES. Fresh crawfish flown up from the Gulf Coast the day before the Syracuse festival.
Crawfish Festival Offers a Taste of the South
The star of the show is 3,500 pounds of fresh crawfish. Funds benefit Operation Northern Comfort By Steve Yablonski
T
he 15th annual Crawfish Festival will provide Central New Yorkers a taste of the south. The event helps to promote and fund the work of Operation Northern Comfort, a 100% volunteer organization based in Liverpool. The Syracuse Crawfish Festival is a fun, family friendly event held the first Saturday in May in the heart of downtown Syracuse, Clinton Square, according to Laurel Flanagan, CEO, Operation Northern Comfort. This year’s festival will be held from 11 a.m. -– 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, with 100% of profits earned to fund future ONC projects. It holds the bragging rights of being the first festival of the season, offering authentic Cajun music, lively dancing, crafters, vendors and an endless assortment of delicious food otherwise only offered on the Gulf Coast. It is organized and executed by the nonprofit, Operation Northern Comfort. The group of skilled volunteers works tirelessly year-round to serve the needs of the community, Flanagan said. Approximately 3,500 pounds of crawfish are sold during the festival. The bands booked for 2022 include The Confabulateurs, Soul Risin’, Ripcords and Brass Inc. There will be just over 50 crafters and vendors. The festival has free admission. It includes a kids’ area where children will enjoy face painting, a magician, wood working activities, games and kid-friendly food options. New this year, there will be an acoustic performance tent that will feature local musical artists. “We are proud to present more than 50 small business crafters and vendors who will offer their products and creations for sale. DJs from our local radio station will introduce the bands and the annual Mascot Dance Off, where Syracuse’s favorite mascots will compete for the title of best dancer,” Flanagan said. The star of the show, she added, “is our fresh crawfish and shrimp flown up from the Gulf Coast the day before our festival and prepared by our Louisiana-trained boilers.” Event-goers are offered the
LOSE WEIGHT. GET HEALTHIER.
unique experience to talk with boilers and learn the proper way to eat crawfish. There are also opportunities to indulge in authentic Cajun cuisines, including crawfish bread, crawfish mac and cheese, jambalaya, gumbo and beignets. Attendees may choose from regional favorites, including Hofmann’s hotdogs, Gianelli sausage, pulled pork and New England clams. Nine local food trucks will feature their specialty drinks and dishes.
Helping those in need This festival acts as a fundraiser to provide operating dollars for ONC’s mission, “empowering and giving hope to those in need.” The roots of ONC, originally known as “Operation Southern Comfort,” were planted following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005; a small group of brave Central New Yorkers donated their time and energy to travel to New Orleans and aid in the cleanup effort, Flanagan said. Since then, there have been 63 trips to provide relief to areas devastated by natural disasters. “The individuals behind ONC pride themselves in their projects, including five home rebuilds, 70 ramp installations and hundreds of home improvements,” Flanagan said. “Most recently, ONC began the Desks4Kids Initiative, which saw 1,300 desks built for children in need of a home work space for school following the pandemic, as well as Bookshelves4Kids, a literary initiative to provide children with books and bookshelves. Our goal is to continue providing services for our community and develop new projects in accordance with the needs of our local people.” Oswego County specific projects that ONC has done include: Two wheelchair ramps installed in Phoenix, two wheelchair ramps in Volney, one wheelchair ramp in Central Square, one wheelchair ramp in Pulaski, 50 desks delivered to AltmarParish- Williamstown schools and a storm door installed in Mexico. The work is all done by ONC volunteers at no charge to the recipient, Flanagan added.
Timothy R. Shope, MD, FACS, FASMBS Lauren A. Rabach, MD
Upstate Community Hospital 4900 Broad Road | Syracuse, NY 13215 Phone is 315-492-5036 To learn more or to register for a free seminar visit:
WWW.UPSTATE.EDU/WEIGHTLOSS
April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 11
Parenting
the teacher before your partner does. Being an attentive dad is hot.
By Melissa Stefanec
MelissaStefanec@yahoo.com
Things Some Moms Find Hot
I
had numerous serious topics I wanted to address this month: How to teach your child self care; the weight of a mother’s mental load; how dads can become as revered as moms; ways to talk to your middle schooler about sex. However, the gravity of those topics soon became too much for my tired brain. I decided this month’s column should contain more levity. So, I’m going to share what I, as a mother, think is alluring behavior from my spouse. This has really changed over the years. There was a time, before children, where I thought him writing chain poetry with his friends and sipping a beer with an orange slice in it was very attractive. Many years ago, him playing music in bars until 2 a.m. and me being his favorite groupy was a real thrill. Then, we got married and became parents. The “what’s hot” goal post moved. I stopped finding a rockand-roll lifestyle or artsy-young-man antics quite so titillating. That stuff was still cool, but I needed more. I needed a man who could change
a diaper and go to bed at 9:30 p.m. I needed a partner who was quick with wit and quick with a burp cloth. My husband rose to the occasion. Now that our children are in elementary school and middle school, the “what’s hot” goal post has moved again. So, if you’re a dad (or the person who assumes the societal norms of being a dad), listen up. Here are the cliff notes from my “What Drives Middle-aged Women Wild.”
• Cleaning the house while listening to music she likes If you’re a middle-aged dad, you should know how absurdly attractive men doing housework is by now. If you missed that memo, it’s not too late. Pick up a broom or mop and do a clean deed while listening to her favorite songs. Rocking out to spinclass hits while singing into a mop microphone is bound to land you on the nice list. • Reading to the kids instead of giving them screen time Limited screen time can be a savior. After a long day of work, chores and life tasks, getting some quiet time by way of screens is very appealing. However, if you want to really knock the socks off your partner, skip the screens and go LeVar Burton on your kids. Whether it’s a picture book or a chapter book, you can score extra “hot” points for doing all of the characters’ voices.
• Knowing your kids’ shoe sizes I know it’s a minor detail, but knowing this information without looking inside a dirt-caked sneaker is really hot. If you want bonus points, cruise the second-hand marketplace sites for like-new finds. Forget candles and soft music; bring your partner a pair of kids’ barely used winter boots that are sized up for the next season.
• Not texting her about kid stuff when she’s out with her friends Kudos to all the dads out there who let their spouses sneak off for some solo time or time with friends. However, there is a way you can spice up this little act of kindness. Try not calling or texting her things like, “Do we have another bottle of ketchup?” or “Where are the bike helmets?” Your silence will speak sexy volumes.
• Emailing the teacher before I do Whether it’s for birthday treats, the family vacation, details for the science fair or just to say thank you, you can gain admiration by emailing
• Cleaning out your stuff Clutter is no good for anyone’s brain, but if your spouse is adversely impacted by clutter, try getting rid of it. Sure, you can wait and see if a
sweater vest with a dagger and skull falls back into vogue. Or you can stuff a few trash bags full of stuff you don’t need and donate accordingly. If that vest becomes a coveted vintage item in 2035, you can enjoy a night of “I told you so.” • Phoning the pediatrician If you want to wow the mother of your children, try calling the pediatrician the next time your kid is sick. Sure, talking about the color of mucus, when the rash started, whether the rash is raised or flat, and recounting the number of times someone vomited last night doesn’t seem like pillow talk. However, taking that task away from your spouse is hot, hot, hot. And, you know what’s even hotter? Taking an hour off from work to bring your kid to an appointment. • Teaching the kids how to do something new Kids may learn fast, but teaching them new skills takes time. If you are the sort of dad who can teach the kids a new skill, your partner will take note. It doesn’t matter if that skill is tying shoes, flipping a pancake, Texas hold ‘em, how to rollerblade or the proper angle to hold the dustpan. Giving your valuable time to do something extra for your kids makes a mom’s heart beat faster. Despite what mainstream marketing feeds us, most women don’t want fancy jewelry, flowers or the best handbags. We want something money can’t buy—headspace. As a hardworking mom who has a lot on her plate, I can almost guarantee that giving your partner a little headspace is hot. Now, all you have to do is get the kids to bed on time.
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Page 12 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
we let the next of kin or family know the individual was on the Donor Registry and then the donation would occur. If they are not on the Donor Registry, we talk with them about organ donation and tissue donation and give them an opportunity to make that decision on behalf of the individual.
Q A &
with
Robert Gruenenfelder There’s a dire need for more organ donors, says executive director of Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network By Mary Beth Roach Q: When was the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network established and why? A: It was established in 1986 to work with the community to increase organ and tissue donation for those who wait for a transplant. Q: How long have you been at the network? A: I started here in October of 2016. Q: Does the network have a defined service area? A: Yes. We serve 37 hospitals, 20 counties and we go up toward Watertown, south to Elmira, west to Batavia, Rochester and a little east of Syracuse. Q: According to the Human Resources and Services Administration’s website, organdonor.gov, 106,277 people are on the national transplant waiting list. Seventeen people die each day waiting for an organ transplant. Thirty-nine thousand transplants were performed in 2020. Every nine minutes another person is added to the transplant waiting list. By current estimates, 54% of U.S. adults (more than 145 million people) have joined organ donor registries. Do you agree with those numbers? A: Yes, in 2021, we’ve had an 11th consecutive record-breaking year in the United States, where there were more than 41,000 transplants. Q: How do those numbers compare to New York state or your service area? A: I can talk about the number of individuals waiting. In New York state, we have about 8,300 individuals waiting for a transplant, and in our service area, which includes both Rochester and the Syracuse area,
those lists have about 835 patients waiting for an organ. Q: Have organ donations increased in your service area? Why or why not? A: Yes, organ donation in our area has certainly increased over the last four or five years. I think the big reason is because of the Donor Registry. We have more individuals who are choosing to sign on the Donor Registry and that has really helped increased donations. Families know what their loved ones want to do for the most part. It makes our conversation with families at the appropriate time go much smoother. Q: Can you explain what the Donor Registry is and how one might make their wishes known? A: The Donor Registry is a registry that an individual can sign up for if they would like to donate organ, tissue and eyes after they die, to pass on the gift of life. If they do, they can sign up at www.passlifeon.org or www.donorrecovery.org Q: Is there also a way to make your organ donation wishes known on your driver’s license? A: Absolutely. When they go to the DMV to sign up for a driver’s license, that question is asked. If they so choose to donate, that information is then processed and given to the Donor Registry. Q: How are organ donations and requests handled by the network? What is the network’s role in this process? A: When an individual passes away at the hospital, we are called. We work with the families directly. We double-check the Donor Registry and if they are on the Donor Registry,
Q: You’ve seen an increase in your service area. Are you where you want to be? A: No, we are not where we want to be. As long as there is someone in need of an organ or dies without an organ available, we have to continue to improve. We are always looking for ways to improve organ donation. Q: What are some of the obstacles, fears or concerns that people have in making the decision as to whether to become an organ donor? A: When you look at the common myths out there, individuals believe that they are too old or they’re not healthy enough to donate. What we encourage people to do is to go to the Donor Registry or go the driver’s license bureau and sign up to be an organ and tissue donor. We will evaluate the medical, social history and make a determination at the time of death, if that individual would be able to donate. Another myth is that not all religions support organ donation. I would say that all major religions in the world view organ donation as a charitable act and make it clear that it is decision to be left up to the individual or family. One other myth is that it costs to donate. There is no cost to donate an organ and tissue to the donor or donor family or estate. [Another myth is that] organ donation does affect their funeral wishes. It does not. The recovery of organs is a surgical procedure and does not disfigure the person’s body. An open-casket funeral or viewing is possible following donation. Q: I have read that some people believe that if they are an organ donor, and if they’re in an accident, for example, the medical team may not try as hard to try to keep them alive. A: Medical professionals are trained to save your life, first and foremost. The doctors and the team involved in saving your life is different from those involved in organ and tissue recovery. The hospital staff doesn’t have access to the Donor Registry, so they don’t know if you’re a registered donor or not. Q: Is there anything you’d like to add? A: I think it’s important for individuals to know the facts about organ and tissue donation and transplantation, make an informed decision, sign up on the Donor Registry and share that decision with their family. Q: What resources are out there to help people make a good decision and get the facts? A: There are plenty of websites available. Every transplant center has information. I would encourage people to go to donorrecovery.org. That has a lot of the information, a lot of the myths and it would allow families or individuals to sign up on the Donor Registry while they’re on that site. For more information about Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network or organ donation, go to www.donorrecovery.org or www.passlifeon.org.
What’s More Accurate, Blood Pressure Readings at Home or Doctor’s Office?
R
egular blood pressure readings at home are more accurate for diagnosing high blood pressure than those taken at a doctor’s office, according to a new study. “Blood pressure varies a lot over the day … and one or two measurements in clinic may not reflect your average blood pressure,” said study author, physician Beverly Green, a senior investigator at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. “Home blood pressure monitoring allows you to collect many more readings and average these.” The study included 510 adults at high risk of developing high blood pressure. They were divided into groups who got blood pressure readings in three different ways: at home; in a Kaiser clinic; or at kiosks in pharmacies and other locations. All of the patients also received 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). ABPM is the gold standard for diagnosing high blood pressure, but it’s not widely available for use. The portable device is worn continuously for 24 hours, providing blood pressure readings every 20 to 30 minutes during the day and every 30 to 60 minutes at night. The researchers found that blood pressure readings taken at home were consistent with ABPM, according to findings published online March 3 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Compared to ABPM, readings at clinic visits were significantly lower for the systolic measure. The systolic reading measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. It’s the top number in a blood pressure reading. Diastolic blood pressure, the bottom number, measures the pressure in your arteries between heart beats. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. Blood pressure readings from kiosks were significantly higher than ABPM readings, resulting in a higher likelihood of overdiagnosis of high blood pressure. “Home blood pressure monitoring was a better option, because it was more accurate than clinic blood pressure readings,” Green said in a Kaiser news release.
April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 13
AUTISM AWARENESS
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Is There a Link Between Diet and Behavior? Experts discuss efficacy of eating gluten-, casein-free food as a way to reduce behavioral problems By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
F
or years, parents of children on the autism spectrum have claimed that adjusting their child’s diet has helped reduce effects of autism. Most do not claim to “cure” autism, a developmental disorder marked by a reduced capacity to communicate, interact and interpret sensory input. But these parents give hope to parents of newly diagnosed children who want to reduce behavioral problems and improve their children’s chances of leading a more typical life. Tanya Pellettiere, Ph.D., is a child and family psychologist with Liberty Post in East Syracuse. While she has read of accounts of parents adopting a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet for their child and experiencing big improvements, she remains skeptical that this is a specific mechanism for improving autistic behavior. “If all of us change our diet, we’ll feel better, sleep better, focus improves and irritability goes down,” she said. “The research doesn’t suggest an autism-specific diet. I’d say a good diet, good exercise, good outside time and good sleep are imperative for all children and especially kids with autism. But simply working on diet, sleep and exercise is not enough for kids on the spectrum. A comprehensive, integrative plan is best.” Gluten is inherent to wheat, barley and rye; casein is part of milk and other dairy products. Little research supports eliminating these foods can improve the behavior of children on the autism spectrum. Laurel Sterling, registered dietitian and educator with Carlson Labs
Page 14 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
in Canastota, said that research by physician Alessio Fasano indicates that “gluten impairs the gut lining integrity by interfering with the gap junctions between GI lining cells.” This can then make the gut “leakier” and allow certain particles and toxins to leak outside the GI tract which can affect the body in various ways. “When they eliminate gluten, individuals have seen benefits as the gut lining gap junctions can tighten up and allow nutrients to be digested, absorbed, and eliminated more effectively,” Sterling said. She added that other studies indicate that people on the autism spectrum are more likely to struggle to digest gluten, which may exacerbate autistic behaviors. Physician Susan Stone has completed a fellowship in integrative medicine and is trained in medical acupuncture. She practices at Willow Health Integrative Medicine in Syracuse. “I think changing the diet is worthwhile to try,” Stone said. “There is an important connection of the gut-brain. There is a fair amount of acknowledgement that people on the autism spectrum have some gut sensitivities. It’s low risk to try a special diet if you desire.” Jason Zelenyis a master of science and is board-certified in behavior analysis at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, said that several studies have looked at the gut biome and the severity of symptoms associated with autism. “Some research has found a correlation between poor gut biome diversity and increased social withdrawal, worsening of inappropriate speech, and increased problematic GI symptoms in children with
autism,” Zeleny said. “While other research indicates that changes in the gut biome may be a product of the worsening of the symptoms of autism through dietary preference or restriction.” Autism is a brain developmental disorder and experts do not yet clearly understand the correlation between the severity of symptoms associated with autism and the gut biome. Zeleny added that the research findings in studies such as this tend to be inconsistent. But the higher prevalence of GI disturbances among people on the autism spectrum is widely known. This can include reflux, constipation, abdominal pain, pain while stooling and diarrhea. But it is not clear which factors influence the others. Not all children on the spectrum experience GI symptoms, so it does not appear causal. Many children on the autism spectrum exhibit strong preferences and aversions for certain types of foods. This disordered eating may cause some of the GI disruptions they experience. “Regardless, it is generally in each child’s interest to work toward a healthy diet with a wide variety of foods and food groups to benefit the child’s overall developmental growth, GI health, and gut biome,” Zeleny said. This includes a consistent mealtime, presenting a wide variety of food types and textures from a young age (as long as they are age-appropriate), and encouraging children to try new foods. “Working toward a healthful diet with a wide variety of foods and food groups will help to ensure their child’s gut biome is healthy,” Zeleny said. “If caregivers continue to work at the above suggestions but still feel they are making little to no progress, seek out professional help from a feeding specialist (e.g., speech-language pathologist, behavior analyst, occupational therapist). “Every child and their needs are different and sometimes the help of another professional can give the child and their caregivers the tools and structure needed to help work toward a healthier diet,” Zeleny said.
AUTISM AWARENESS
Early Signs of Autism Experts offer tips on what to look for By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
A
utism expert Stephen Shore, a physician, once said, “When you meet one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” The oft-quoted comment underscores the uniqueness of any person, including those with autism. While every person is an individual, parents should be aware of traits that could indicate that their children could be on the autism spectrum. Common signs your children maybe on the autism spectrum: • “Some signs to look for as early as 6 to 12 months old include no or few smiles, little eye contact, minimal babbling, few back and forth gestures such as waving good-bye, and does not respond to name. • “Other signs to look for as the child continues to grow during the toddler years include delayed language development, such as few or no two-word phrases by 24 months old; loss of previously acquired speech or skills; repetitive speech; avoidance of eye contact; difficulty reading/understanding other people’s expressions and feelings; prefers to play alone; little or no pre-
tend play; lining up of toys without regard for functional play; restricted or few interests; repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning); watching things spin or move repeatedly; looking at parts of an object, such as wheels on a car, instead of the item in its entirety; listening to the same sounds repeatedly; sensitivity to sounds, smells, tastes, and/or sights; difficulty with changes to routine. • “Early intervention services are beneficial for a child with developmental differences such as autism to elicit improved social, communication, and play skills. Multiple research studies have shown positive long-term outcomes. • “Appropriate intervention uses evidenced based strategies to target joint attention, social deficits and behavioral challenges of children with autism and can influence the ways a child learns. It can lead to significant improvement in functional performance by school age. One of the beauties of early intervention is the parent involvement during sessions and carrying over suggested strategies in everyday interactions to promote continued development. When a parent observes possible signs of autism, they should look into receiving services as early as possible. A
parent can refer a child less than 3 years old to the early intervention program by calling their local county health department.” — Wendy Miles, clinical leader/occupational therapist at Golisano Center for Special Needs, Syracuse • “The upside of the increase of numbers is we do get better and better at earlier detection. We have seen children as early as 18 months. There’s benefit in getting diagnosed earlier. We don’t know what causes autism, but we know the earlier kids get comprehensive services, the better the prognosis. • “Look for delays in communication, not only delays in expressive language, receptive language, but the more unusual uses of language. They might have vocabulary but it’s all repetitive. It might be they repeat what they hear and not engaging in spontaneous language. It might not be functional to meet their needs by asking for things and letting people know what they need. This is called echolalia. • “Obviously, the thing most people understand is social delays. At this age, kids are typically very interested in other children and adults and getting attention. The typical baby in the high chair might drop a spoon and look at Mom. These kids won’t. • They don’t approach people. Their reference is self-direct-
ed. They’re not interested in other children. A typical 2-year-old runs to other kids at the playground. A kid on the spectrum may not show interest at all. • “Parallel play is typical for young toddlers, where kids play near but not with other children, but kids on the spectrum extend well into the pre-K years. By a certain age, we expect interactive play. • “At this age, you’d start seeing creative play where they create stories and use items as other items. Kids on the spectrum may line up toys and sort by colors and shapes but don’t use toys in the fashion for which they’re developed. They might focus on a part of the toy instead of using in the way it was designed. • “They may home in on the parts of things and are visually drawn to lines in their environments and tracing things. • “At this age, parents start to see stereotypes and repetitive movements like jumping, stiffening arms when excited or under-excited, hand flapping and spinning. • “I still hear in 2022 so many pediatricians say, ‘They’ll grow out of it.’ Early intervention is the best intervention. It’s frustrating when pediatricians brush it off as ‘typical boys’ or ‘she’ll grow out of it.’ Trust your gut. Early intervention is a county-paid program.” — Tanya Pellettiere, Ph.D., is a child and family psychologist with Liberty Post in East Syracuse
April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 15
Students in seven schools in the Syracuse school district participate in the Growing Healthy Hearts program, designed to decrease obesity by increasing physical activities. The program introduces approximately 4,400 students in those schools to various facets of health and well-being, including nutrition, leadership, mental health and stress reduction.
Growing Healthy Hearts Program Benefits Students, Families Program encourages youngsters to continue healthy habits By Mary Beth Roach
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he halls at Seymour Dual Language Academy in Syracuse are more than just passageways for students to get around. They are also walking trails, decorated with bright decals, instructing the students to walk, hop and jump their way to class. Along with these markings are stickers that offer messages to encourage the youngsters to continue healthy habits. These trails lead throughout the two-story elementary school on the city’s near westside. It is all part of an initiative called the Growing Healthy Hearts program, a collaboration between the Syracuse City School District, the Syracuse Chapter of the American Heart Association and St. Joseph’s Health aimed at reducing the rate of obese and overweight students and increasing the amount of time for structured physical activity in the schools. Many of the teachers use the trail during the day as a “brain break” for their students or another way to move through the school, according to Aimie Sarkodie-Mensah-Best, a physical education teacher at Seymour. With April as “National Move More Month,” the program has helped students in some of the city schools move more since it was launched in 2018. Growing Healthy Hearts began with five schools taking part. It’s grown to seven currently: Seymour, Dr. Weeks, Franklin, H.W. Smith, McKinley-Brighton, Porter and Van Duyn. When the program first began, 20.8% of the Syracuse city school elementary school students met the criteria for being obese; with another 16.8% considered overweight, and students were only receiving 80 minutes of structured physical activity a week. The goals are to reduce the rate of obesity to 18.8%, the rate of overweight to 14.8% and the number of minutes increase that to 120. New York state has an unfunded mandate that calls for 120 minutes of physical education for students. Representatives from the participating organizations say that the schools have been
Walkways at Seymour Dual Language Academy in Syracuse encourage student to exercise. able to provide those two hours of activity has been achieved, but the pandemic has hampered the ability to conduct student health screening to gauge any progress. They are planning to screen the students at the end of the school year. “We really believe that the more our students are active and engaged in healthy lifestyles and behaviors, they’re not going to do just better in school and the core academics, but also lead active and healthier lifestyles outside of the school day, finding resources in the community to continue leading those healthy behaviors. We also know that when our students are healthy and active, that they feel better about themselves, they’re more confident about what they can be in the world,” said Benjamin Steuerwalt, director of health, physical education and athletics at the Syracuse City School District. While physical activity is a key component of Growing Healthy Hearts, the program is introducing the approximately 4,400 students in those seven schools to various facets of health and well-being, including nutrition, leadership, mental health and stress reduction. Each month of the school year highlights a different theme, with nutrition and physical activity getting two months. Students also meet a cartoon-like hero, which reinforces that month’s topic, according to Franklin Fry, executive director of
Page 16 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
the Syracuse chapter of the American Heart Association. For example, this year’s characters include Dash, who loves to stay active and dance; Kai, who chooses water over sugary beverages; and Sam who reminds students to make good health choices and say “no” to tobacco and vaping. These mascots appear on various materials in the schools, including key chains, which are given to the students as incentives or rewards. As part of Growing Healthy Hearts, Steuerwalt explained that the classroom and physical education teachers are collaborating to discuss different activities revolving around the theme for each month. Augmenting the lessons in school are newsletters and presentations for the students’ family members. Taking those messages home is important for the overall success of the program. The feedback from the students has been positive, Sarkodie-Mensah-Best said, with some reporting back that they and their families haven taken walks in their neighborhood or that they’ve eaten “the rainbow” — different colors of fruits and vegetables. By bringing the program into elementary schools, it is hoped that the students will learn these habits young and be able to incorporate them into their daily lives. “If we can get the messages out and have them internalize those concepts young, it’s going to be so much
easier for them going forward to stay healthy. They’ll remember to make healthy choices with food, put those little activity breaks into their day,” said Sarkodie-Mensah-Best. Bringing those messages into the community is a key component, as well. “Owning the health of our next generation has got to be a community responsibility and a community investment,” said Franklin Fry, executive director of the Syracuse Chapter of the American Heart Association. Toward that end, the Onondaga County Health Department, the Onondaga County Library system and Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs are helping to push that messaging through its programs and facilities. St. Joseph’s Health is a funding partner, providing $50,000 annually, according to Kristen Richardson, director of community engagement in the community health and wellbeing department at St. Joseph’s Health. That support helps to create materials for the program, such as a monthly, bilingual printed newsletter that students take bring home, and as the AHA explained, allowed for a coalition to further the program’s reach and offer parent presentations. “Beyond the health care that we provide, St. Joseph’s also recognizes that it is our responsibility to enhance community health and well-being,” Richardson said.
SmartBites
(regular, light, or mix of both)
The skinny on healthy eating Nutritious Potatoes Worth Digging Into By Anne Palumbo
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he average American eats four to five potatoes a week. Surprised? Join the group. Even though this tasty spud is America’s most popular vegetable, it’s also dogged by enough myths to put some of us on the fence about consuming it. Myth #1: Potatoes are starch bombs that cause weight gain. It’s true, potatoes have more starch than most vegetables. And, yes, starch, especially refined starch (think donuts, cookies, cakes), can zip through your body and leave you hungry in no time. But here’s the good news about a potato’s particular starch: It’s a special type of starch known as “resistant starch,” which means it can’t be fully digested or absorbed by the body, much like fiber. Instead, it reaches the large intestine where it becomes a source of nutrients for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Research has linked resistant starch to many health benefits, including better blood sugar control and improved health of the digestive system.
Myth #2: Potatoes have no nutritional value. Why do we think potatoes are dietary deserts? Is it because they’re pale? A welcome mat for caloric toppings? Too common? Who knows why, but this humble spud deserves its day in the nutritional sun. Drum roll, please: One medium baked potato with the skin has 4 grams of heart-healthy fiber and more than a fourth of our daily needs for three essential nutrients: vitamins C and B6 (both boost the immune system) and potassium (supports healthy blood pressure). Perhaps another drum roll is in order for potatoes being sodium-, fat-, and cholesterol-free! Myth #3: Diabetics can’t eat potatoes. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes can be included in the diet of a person with diabetes, according to the American Diabetics Association. Although most potatoes have a high glycemic index, the effect of potatoes on an individual’s blood glucose level is highly variable and depends on a number of factors, including the kind of potato, how it is prepared, the portion size, and what it is consumed with. Ideally, waxy potatoes (small new potatoes, fingerlings) that have been cooked (and cooled) and then consumed in moderation with a protein or healthy fat would elicit a lower glycemic response. Myth #4: A potato’s skin has all the nutrients. The majority of the nutrients are found within the potato itself, not the skin. The potato’s skin contains about half the total dietary fiber.
Could the Keto Diet Help People With MS?
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he keto diet is a low-carb lover’s dream, but a new study suggests the popular eating plan may also improve some symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your body attacks
the insulation wrapped around its nerves, causing numbness, fatigue, bladder problems, mood issues and mobility problems that can interfere with daily life. There is no cure for MS. But there may be a way to ease symptoms. In the study, when folks with MS ate a keto diet for six months, they reported less fatigue and depression and an improved overall quality of life. “Our study provides evidence that medically supervised ketogenic diets are safe and tolerable when studied over a six-month period, and convey clinical benefits to persons living with MS,” said study author physician J. Nicholas Brenton. He is the director of the Pediatric MS & Related Disorders Clinic at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Keto diets restrict your intake of
Myth #5: A baked potato has 250 calories. Yes and no. Yes, a baked potato laden with butter or sour cream or cheese can have up to 250 calories (or more!). But, no, a plain baked potato has only 110-120 calories.
Helpful tips Look for smooth, firm potatoes with no cuts, bruises or discoloration. Store potatoes in a cool, dark place such as a pantry, away from onions (proximity accelerates spoiling for both). Don’t refrigerate potatoes before cooking because it turns the starch to sugar and ruins the flavor. Potatoes with sprouts can still be used. Just remove the sprouts and cut away any green areas. Stored properly, most potatoes last about a month.
Preheat oven to 400F and lightly oil a 7 by 11 inch baking dish. Slice potatoes thin (about 1/8 inch thick) and layer half of the potatoes on the bottom of the dish, in overlapping layers. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft, stirring often. Add garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, cayenne, and flour, stirring until combined, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a low simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add in 1/3 cup of the cheddar cheese and stir to melt. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first half of the potatoes and spread out with a spoon. Layer the rest of the potatoes over the top and then pour the remaining cheese sauce on, spreading evenly with a spoon. Top with the remaining grated cheese and bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Healthier Scalloped Potatoes with Garlic and Thyme Adapted from erinliveswhole.com Serves 6-8
2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes (about 3 medium) 1 tablespoon butter 1 small onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper pinch of cayenne (optional) 1¼ tablespoons flour 1¼ cups reduced-fat milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-
carbs while increasing fats and protein. The goal is to shift from burning blood sugar for energy to a fat-burning state (ketosis), producing weight loss. Exactly how a keto diet improves symptoms of MS isn’t fully understood yet, but the researchers have their theories, starting with the weight loss it induces given the emerging role of obesity in MS. Ketogenic diets may also reduce inflammation and help rebalance the bacteria in the guts of people with MS. Certain gut bacteria create more inflammation in the body and this has been observed in some people with MS, Brenton said. The study included 65 people with relapsing-remitting MS, the most common form of the disease. It is marked by periods of flares followed by remissions. Patients ate a strict keto diet for six months. Researchers measured ketones in their urine each day to see if they were sticking to the diet. (Ketones are produced by the body when it is burning fat for fuel.) Fully 83% of participants adhered to the diet for the six-month study period.
Those who followed the diet had less body fat and showed about a 50% decline in fatigue and depression scores after six months. What’s more, their quality of life and mental health scores improved over the course of the study. They also performed better on tests measuring MS disability. Specifically, study patients walked an average of 1,631 feet on a six-minute walking test at the start of the study, compared to 1,733 feet after six months on a keto diet. Levels of inflammatory markers in their blood also improved through the study period, Brenton said. So, should everyone with MS start eating a keto diet? Not necessarily, Brenton said. There is no one-size-fits-all MS diet. “What works for some patients may not work for others, and accumulating evidence suggests that there are numerous benefits to diet interventions in patients living with MS,” he said. “My current advice is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and to maintain a healthy weight, as both of these aspects likely play a positive role in MS.”
nist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.
April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 17
ogy can offer the benefits of the massage without the full body massage.” • Caveats: “Anyone with an issue with their hands and feet may not be able to have it.”
5. Chinese Herbs • How it works: “I work with women, specializing in hormonal and gut health issues. I meet with the women for an initial intake for two hours to do a health history,” said Chelsey Mollin, licensed acupuncturist, Chinese medicine practitioner and owner of Aliyah Health in Syracuse. “I look at their tongue diagnostically. Based on subjective symptoms and objective symptoms, we order the formula from a Chinese dispensary in New York, based on their symptoms.” • Why it works: “Chinese herbs work in a formula. It’s several herbs working together in a pattern. They work to get the body back to homeostasis so the body can work out its own curative actions.” • Caveats: It takes a little patience to see results.
6. Neurofeedback
TOP INTEGRATIVE HEALTH MODALITIES IN CENTRAL NEW YORK Some tips to help you live better By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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ntegrative health “brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way,” according to the National Institutes of Health, This can include multiple interventions in addition to conventional medicine. Integrative health is on the rise. According to www.goodtherapy. com, almost 69% of Americans use some form of complementary medicine in any given year. The most popular modalities are (in order): massage therapy, chiropractic care, nutrition counseling, health-life coaching, acupuncture, reflexology, detoxification, B12 shots, acupressure and alternative healing, as listed on www.mindbodybusiness. com. The growth in popularity is particularly notable considering many people pay for these services in full. Although chiropractic care is sometimes covered by health insurance, typically complementary modalities are out-of-pocket expenses. The Buffalo region offers numerous integrative health modalities from a large variety of providers. Here are five of them:
1. Lifestyle Medicine • How it works: “For every one of my patients, we assess diet, exercise, rest, relaxation, sleep and relationships,” said physician Susan Stone, who completed a fellowship in integrative medicine and was trained in medical acupuncture. She operates Willow Health Integrative Medicine in Syracuse. • Why it works: “I believe in our body’s intrinsic healing mechanism and look to tap into that as much as possible,” Stone said. “I blend it with conventional medicine and help people to custom-tailor treatment. I refer people if I need to.”
• Caveats: “A lot of times, people have come to integrative or functional medicine from their own research and maybe they’ve had some bad experiences with the medical system in the past,” Stone said. “People may have a fair amount of trouble with trusting a process. Or, on the other hand, you have to — like with any treatment — be realistic about expectations.”
3. Reiki
2. Cupping • How it works: “We stick silicone cups to the skin and move them around to lift up the tissue and get the blood moving,” Amanda Wells, licensed massage therapist with CNY Healing Arts based in Syracuse. “We leave them in an area for a while and massage around it and move them and massage the area that just had the suction on there.” • Why it works: “It’s good if you have chronic tension or issues that seem to not be letting go,” Wells said. “The cups create a nice negative pressure and draws the blood into the area to get the stuck adhesions loose and gets things moving again. If you have chronic issues like a shoulder issue that never really healed or past injuries, it can help. Fibromyalgia patients often get some relief. It helps open up the tissue.” • Caveats: “There can be bruising,” she added. “You don’t want to do it if you’re going to a wedding and your back is exposed.”
Page 18 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
• How it works: “It is a Japanese energy healing technique,” Wells said. “We can combine it with a massage or do it as a separate treatment. The way I do it is put my hands on the body and feel where there’s constriction and depletion and the energy runs through my hands. That shifts the energetic patterns they’re holding. Anyone can get reiki.” • Why it works: “The practitioner helps channel and balance energy discrepancies. Some areas are depleted; some are stagnant. The practitioner gets everything flowing again. It’s very relaxing. It’s good for people who feel ‘stuck.’ Or if you’re having a hard time unwinding.” • Caveats: “I can’t think of any except for someone who does not like to be touched.”
4. Reflexology • How it works: “We apply pressure and stroke specific points on the hands and feet,” Wells said. • Why it works: “The philosophy is all the nerve endings are in the extremities,” she added. “Every part of the hand or feet has a corresponding body part. By going into the areas of the feet and hands, it affects the nervous system of the whole body. For someone that shouldn’t get a traditional Swedish massage, the reflexol-
• How it works: “It’s a non-pharmaceutical means of determining any imbalances in the brain and training the brain so brain patterns are closer to normative brain patterns by using different patterns of pulsed light and also sound pulses and frequencies of sound through headphones,” said Heidi Baldwin, practice manager and board-certified integrative nutrition holistic health coach at Integrative Medicine of Central New York. • Why it works: “The brain mapping it will help determine the best brain training protocols for that individual,” she said. “Many times, the brain map will determine if there are certain nutritional deficit or imbalances that need correcting to improve brain function. It works for many different brain ailments or disease processes. It’s very individualized for a person’s situation. I don’t think we know the mechanism, but it trains the brain to develop more normative brain waves in different areas of the brain. • Caveats: “For people with a history of seizures, we might modify the light’s intensity. There are no major contraindications.”
7. Acupuncture • How it Works: “We use needles,” said Reni Fairman, nationally certified and licensed acupuncturist and owner of Origin Acupuncture in Auburn. “Clients are often afraid and thinks it will hurt like an injection needle. They’re like a cat whisker, thin and flexible. We want to get harmony going between any organ systems that are out of balance. The point prescription is specific for that person. There’s not a particular protocol.” • Why it Works: “From a Western perspective, where we’re inserting the needles has an effect where the nervous system and vascular system meet. When we’re needling these areas, we stimulate them and propagate responses. We can have a local or distal effect on the brain, depending on where we put them and what we’re trying to achieve.” • Caveats: “Patient education. They want something different. Western medicine is failing a lot of patients, but they’re not necessarily up to the challenge to put in the time for the work for recovery.”
6 COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH MODALITIES YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD ABOUT
• Caveats: “There are no contraindications because everyone can breathe and think and feel,” Baldwin said.
5. Gua Sha • What it is: “It’s a soft tissue technique,” said Reni Fairman, nationally certified and licensed acupuncturist and owner of Origin Acupuncture in Auburn. “We use a gua sha spoon or other specific tool made of jade or other materials to scrape the skin in one direction.” • How it’s used: “We’re doing this to free up the tissues below if there’s any stagnation or fluids and blood not in proper circulation,” she added. “It creates a little therapeutic trauma.” • Why it’s used: “The fluids may be stuck and the tissues may feel stiff. Some feel pain or discomfort and this frees up those tissues so they’re supple.” • Caveats: “We don’t do it over bony prominences, only soft tissue. We do it only to the patient’s tolerance. If someone had a large varicosity, we may need to go in a different area. I wouldn’t do it on someone who’s pregnant, depending on where they are in gestation. If there’s a clotting disorder or if someone’s on a blood thinner, we’d want to know that. We wouldn’t do it over any damaged skin.”
6. Tuina
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
2. Hot Bamboo Massage
ou may be familiar with many of the more commonplace complementary health modalities. However, some are less well-known than others. These are all available in the Central New York area.
• What it is: “It’s similar to hot stone massage, except we use bamboo sticks,” Wells said. • How it’s used: “We can get a lot more pressure with the bamboo,” she added. “The ends are for trigger points and they’re slid across the skin.” • Why it’s used: “It is good for deep tissue and trigger point modality.” • Caveats: “It is not good for people sensitive to pressure.”
Y
1. Dry Brushing • What it is: The practitioner moves a coarse, natural-fiber bristle brush in a pattern on the skin over the whole body either dry or with an oil. • How it’s used: “It’s beneficial on a few levels,” said Amanda Wells, licensed massage therapist with CNY Healing Arts, based in Syracuse. “The most noticeable is it’s exfoliating to the skin, resulting in smooth, radiant skin. It gets the blood flowing. It supports the lymph system, which is in charge of the immune system. It gets lymph moving. It helps with the immune system. We also use an almond oil which is high in vitamin E — rosemary-peppermint oil is optional. It opens the skin and nourishes it.” • Why it’s used: “It’s nice to do in the winter as we get stagnant in our bodies,” Wells said. “It helps our health in the winter when we’re less active. It’s also good for warmer months as it helps with removing dead, dry skin, which is nice when you’re wearing shorts.” • Caveats: “We don’t do it during pregnancy,” Wells said. “If someone has open skin, we wouldn’t want to do it then or frail, thin skin.”
3. Pranic Healing • What it is: “It’s similar to reiki, as it’s an energy therapy,” said Heidi Baldwin, practice manager and board-certified integrative nutrition holistic health coach at Integrative Medicine of Central New York. “Clients lie on a massage table. It can be hands-on, but doesn’t have to be.” • How it’s used: “It uses universal life force energy to balance a client’s energy,” she added. “If there are areas of congested energy, pranic healing can remove that. That typically is not done in reiki.” • Why it’s used: “If there’s anything a person feels anxious or depressed about or they aren’t sure why, or for people with trauma in their past, this can help,” she said. “If a patient is on herbals or medications, this can assist in their physical healing.” • Caveats: “A client must have the willingness to accept the healing that comes from it,” she said.
4. HeartMath • What it is: “It is one means of trying to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system,” Baldwin said. “Many of us are in high stress situations, fight or flight mode. This is a biofeedback technique to bring us more in the relaxed or parasympathetic state. You can train through seeing the coherence waves of the heart and different colors on a phone, laptop or a device that’s called an EM Wave and it gives you feedback about how your state of being is and shows you how to go from a fight-or-flight state into a relaxed state by using breath, thoughts and emotions of love and gratitude.” • How it’s used: “There’s a strong connection between the heart’s coherence and how it beats and how it translates to the brain’s response,” she added. “We are feeling very anxious in that fight-or-flight mode. We cannot think clearly and it is a high cortisol state, which is not good for our blood pressure and health and wellbeing if that is a constant state of being.” • Why it’s used: “It’s for anyone who is highly stressed, particularly those who are chronically highly stressed and have no good means to control it,” she said.
• What it is: “It’s a soft tissue modality. You can think of it as an Eastern version of massage. You’re fully clothed. There’s no lotion. I use my hands on the body. It has the same benefits as a traditional Swedish massage. I’m also thinking about acupuncture channels and may apply acupressure on channels to open up communication in that channel.” • How it’s used: “If you don’t want needles, you can have tuina,” she added. “Some people don’t want cream or to get undressed as with massage.” • Why it’s used: “You can use it if you’re in pain.” • Caveats: “It’s a short session, maybe 15 minutes. It’s more general and not as specific as a myofascial massage or if someone wanted deep tissue of a specific area. It’s a broader tool.”
April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 19
SUPPLEMENTS AFFECT HEART HEALTH Check with your health care provider to see what’s right for you By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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aintaining heart health is vital for healthy longevity. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, topping nearly 100,000 more deaths annually than all forms of cancer combined. It may seem that turning to supplements can help boost heart health. Not quite, according to Julie Mellen registered dietitian, certified diabetes care and education specialist
at SUNY Upstate Medical University. “I go back to heart-healthy eating and trying not to recommend too many supplements unless there’s a need for it,” Mellen said. For any supplements needed, it is important to not shop solely on price. “Make sure you are taking quality supplements, as it’s not regulated by the FDA,” Mellen said. “People making them don’t have to prove any health benefits.” Many people rely on energy
shots and drinks to power through absorption,” she said. “It’s a complitheir day and feel more energetic to cated process. If you don’t have those, exercise. Many of these contain herbs, calcium will lie along blood vessels vitamins and minerals. While many and arteries and start hardening consumers think of these as pick-me- them, which leads to hardening of up beverages on par with coffee, they the arteries. We want the calcium to are classified as supplements and go into the bone structure, which is not foods because the beverages are why you need vitamin D, vitamin K, fortified. They also contain a wallop magnesium and boron to help with of caffeine. pulling calcium to where it should go, “Anything that has caffeine or the bones.” things that affect heart rate, I don’t Many supplements include the recommend,” Mellen said. “As for ‘helper minerals’ in a calcium formuvitamins and minerals, a lot of relation; however, reading the label is search isn’t showing any benefits as important. far as protection from cardiovascular Sterling said that people takdisease. You don’t need supplements ing medication like a blood thinner unless you are deficient.” should be careful about supplements The extraordinary amount of as some have a propensity for thinsupplements found in some energy ning the blood and can heighten the shots and drinks are far beyond a effect. typical level of consumption and “Consult with your doctor,” Sterhave been known to create irregular ling said. “Supplements do work like or racing heartrates. medications in certain aspects. They The drinks have been linked to can contraindicate or exacerbate and cited as the cause of cardiovascu- what medication you’re taking.” lar events. Over-the-counter supplements Many people take vitamin D and such as St. John’s wort, ginkgo calcium to promote bone health. Too biloba and ginseng can interact with much of these may have unintended prescription medications and lead to consequences. elevated heart rate and blood pres“Some research says if you’re tak- sure. For people who already have ing too much vitamin D and calcium, issues in these areas, supplements it can negatively affect cardiovascusuch as these can lead to serious lar health,” Mellen said. complications. Laurel Sterling, registered dietiOverall, it is important to eat a tian and nutritionist and educator for healthful diet rich in colorful fruits Carlson Laboratories, said that how and vegetables, lean sources of prothese supplements are taken makes a tein and whole grains and discuss difference. supplementation with a healthcare “Calcium needs all those ‘helper professional. minerals’ and vitamins D and K for
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY OFFERS PAIN RELIEF By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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hether it’s a frozen joint or localized pain, trigger point therapy from a licensed massage therapist (LMT) can help. “I’ve had patients come in with sciatica pain,” said Margaret Miner, licensed massage therapist and owner of Ohio Street Studio in Oswego. “They have trigger points at the waist. But the pain was in the hips and legs. When I relieve those trigger points, the sciatic pain went away. It wasn’t true sciatica, but areas of tight muscle compressing against the nerve, plus trigger points. Oftentimes, shoulder pain can be trickier because you don’t want to overlook a tear. Some patients express surprise that just one treatment offers relief. For others, especially those who have
endured a long-term issue, may take multiple treatments and need monthly “maintenance.” Miner advises patients to rest and hydrate well after treatment. They should also improve the healing process by alternating application of ice and heat to reduce any inflammation and to increase circulation. Some trigger points transfer pain between a series of trigger points. Cues from the patient can help the LMT to follow the path of the trigger points. Miner said that posture and ergonomics play a big role in the development of trigger point issues. She leads a restorative yoga class and teaches how clients can adjust their posture for improved alignment. “It can change how well your body functions,” Miner said. “If you knees hurt, it often comes from standing with your weight forward.
The shoulders, hips and ankles should be aligned. Shift your weight back and engage your butt and hamstrings to take pressure off the knees. You get more direct pressure on hips to build bone too.” The trigger points are in the “belly” of the muscle, usually—the area where the muscle is at its widest. The therapist applies pressure to the trigger point knot for 30 to 90 seconds, depending on the patient’s tolerance. At times, trigger point therapy can be uncomfortable. “Trigger point therapy is not necessarily the entire muscle but particular fibers of the muscles that have become hypersensitive or tight,” Miner said. She applies consistent pressure to trigger points, which may be uncomfortable, so she relies upon clients to let her know if the pressure becomes too much. She can feel the area relax
and release, which means the patient has relief. Daria Janecek, licensed massage therapist in private practice in Liverpool, said that trigger point therapy does not involve intense pain. “It includes pressing down with my fingers on a trigger point, which means it’s a point in the body that has very, very tight muscles,” she said. It may take a few sessions to find relief for areas that have been in pain for a long time; however, “once it releases, it won’t come back,” Janecek said. Some therapists recommend stretching or exercise such as yoga or Pilates to their clients so that they stay limber and avoid trigger point pain. Practicing proper posture and ergonomics at work can also make a difference in prevention.
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Page 20 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
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MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health Issues Can Decrease Longevity
Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia can shrink lives of people by 25 years By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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ental illness not only diminishes quality of life, but it can shorten lifespan. People with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, for example, have “a substantially reduced life expectancy compared with the general population,” according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health. “One study showed people can die up to 25 years earlier with serious
mental illness,” said Sarah Rosner, psychiatrist with St. Joseph’s Health. “They also have a lower quality of life.” Further studies link depression and anxiety to shorter lifespan and not only because of raised risk of death by suicide. Mental health’s effect on longevity stems from multiple issues. “It’s complex,” Rosner said. “Studies have only begun looking at the link between mental health
and longevity. It’s in part due to health-related behavior leading to chronic conditions like obesity and alcohol and drug use. Mental itself may cause biologic changes in the body that increase risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease. “They’re feeding into one another. Having anxiety and depression can feed into chronic conditions and chronic conditions can feed into anxiety and depression.” Although risk of suicide increases with depression and is a very important issue, that risk is statistically minimal compared with other risk factors for decreasing longevity. “Some of the more recent evidence about the biology of depression and anxiety speak to less of an old-fashioned thing about chemical imbalance,” said physician Chris Lucas, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Upstate Psychiatry.” He said that some of the reason mental health disorders may lower longevity is that the medication used to mitigate them can cause an inflammatory reaction. “Those inflammatory processes affect physical health as well,” Lucas said. “It can be bidirectional, where a physical health problem leads to inflammation and vice versa. There are increased rates of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.” Increased risk of substance use and alcohol abuse among people with untreated mental health issues can contribute to reduced lifespan. Some self-treat mental health with
substances or alcohol instead of or in addition to seeking mental healthcare. Lucas said that people not receiving needed mental healthcare are less likely perform vital self-care such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity regularly and monitoring chronic physical health issues. Many of these outcomes stem from lack of self-care and preventive medicine. Untreated depression and other mental illnesses can leave people feeling unmotivated to take basic steps to improve their health or misguided on how to improve their health. “There could be comorbidities,” Lucas said. “They may be more prone to use substances and engage in other unhealthy behaviors which would impact their longevity.” Lucas encourages people to work on mitigating stress, improving quality and quantity of sleep and physical activity. “The earlier, the more aggressively you treat mental health issues, the better outcomes you get,” Lucas said. “It will optimize the functioning and minimize symptoms. They need to understand the lifestyle things that may be associated with anxiety and depression. “There’s reasonable evidence that improving someone’s movement will have a strong effect on wellbeing, as well as a supportive person to support and cajole someone to do good things that they don’t want to do.”
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April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 21
MENTAL HEALTH only one sign. Someone who normally dresses nicely, looks fresh out of bed, for example. Housekeeping and car care may drop off. Formerly enjoyable hobbies may be forgotten, especially if they involve
sired relationships, such as meeting a friend for lunch, professional help is warranted. “The key indicator is impairment of functioning,” said physician Chris Lucas, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Upstate Psychiatry. “They’re less able to do things or being able to do things less well. Generally, just because someone has a symptom of depression or anxiety, does not mean they necessarily require professional help unless it impacts their functioning.” He encourages people concerned about their mental health to perform an online assessment available at reputable sites such as American Psychological Association (www. apa.org/apf), American Psychiatric Association (https://apafdn.org), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (www.aacap. org). “We’ve seen a major increase in teens coming to the ER because of social isolation and a lack of the ability to have normal social supports that help them,” Lucas said. Asking for a recommendation at a primary care or pediatrician visit can help as well, as these care providers can offer insights and as needed make referrals. “If you’re concerned about someone else, ask fairly open questions,” Lucas said. “Often, people will disclose what’s going on if someone asks them. You’re not going to make them worse by asking how they’re doing and what you can do to help.” An offer to accompany them to an appointment may help also. Anyone with thoughts of harming themselves or another person should admit at the emergency room or call the National Suicide hotline at 800-273-8255 or 911 or text “home” to 741741.
grams at Horizon Health, RIT and Upstate Foundation that expand and redefine the traditional mental health workforce to include other trusted partners, such as primary care,” said Lee Foundation Executive Director Jane Mogavero. “Our goal is not to replace clinical services, but to create more opportunities.” Upstate Medical University will utilize intensive workshops and the Project ECHO platform to increase the capacity of primary and family medicine providers in the eight counties of Central New York to systematically screen, identify, treat and appropriately refer patients suffering from mental health disorders. In Project ECHO, which uses video technology, Upstate experts function as the “hub” to deliver education, knowledge and best practices to the primary care clinicians in the region. The goal is for primary providers to enhance their competencies in the treatment of mild to moderate mental health disorders and provide much needed mental health care in a timely and appropriate manner. Upstate will also provide information about appropriate referrals, particularly with complex situations, encourage comfort in a consultation model and enable the development of a collaborative care pathway between the providers and psychiatrists. Physician Nevena Radonjic and Seetha Ramanathan, from the Department of Psychiatry and Behav-
ioral Sciences, are leading this project and applaud this opportunity to support greater access to mental health expertise for patients. “Most primary care physicians are already addressing a large number of mental health issues in their patients,” explains Radonjic. “This effort, supported by the Lee Foundation, will help strengthen their capabilities. We anticipate that at the end of every cycle of training, primary care physicians will be able to notice an increase in their competencies to address a range of mental health needs and make appropriate referrals when needed.” “This effort will not only improve competencies, but can also act as the first step towards establishing a more streamlined system of care between the primary care and mental health systems,” says Ramanathan. An estimated 122 million Americans — including 4 million in New York — live in a mental health shortage area, as designated by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Although the workforce shortage existed prior to the pandemic, the recent increase in demand for mental health services has made the situation even more critical. In 2020, four in 10 adults in the United States reported symptoms of anxiety or depression – a significant increase from the previous year when one in 10 adults reported these symptoms.
Sarah Rosner
Signs You’re in Need of Mental Healthcare
Friends, partners often are the first to notice you may have a problem By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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veryone occasionally feels blue, upset, worried or “off” emotionally. Feeling in a funk for a couple of days does not necessarily mean that you need professional mental healthcare A chat with a friend, taking time to rest or indulging in a favorite hobby may restore your normal mood. But just as physical healthcare providers check for vitals like breathing, pulse, temperature and blood pressure, a few mental health vital signs can indicate something serious is going wrong. Depression and anxiety are commonplace. Sarah Rosner, psychiatrist with St. Joseph’s Health, said that one in five people experiences major depression in a year and one in 10 adults and one in three teens experi-
ences anxiety in any given year. “There are several reasons to seek professional care,” Rosner said. “That should be considered when someone notices multiple changes suggestive of anxiety, depression or other mental health issues that affect their family and social life, ability to perform at work or school or take care of themselves.” She listed changes in mood, sleep, appetite, motivation or concentration, interest in activities that used to bring them joy and excessive worrying. Withdrawing can represent another vital sign. Holing up to sleep or engage in activities that are mind-numbing or distracting can indicate an issue. While everyone needs some “me time” to rejuvenate, this goes beyond a typically helpful among of alone time. Dropping typical self-care is
Upstate Foundation Gets Grant to Improve Treatment of Patients with Mental Health Problems
Funds to aid area primary care physicians in diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues in patients
A
$100,000 grant by a Buffalo-based foundation will fund Upstate’s program to train primary care physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. The support comes from the Patrick P. Lee Foundation, a private, Buffalo-based foundation focused on
mental health and education. The Lee Foundation provided similar grants to improve access to mental health services to Horizon Health Services and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). The grant was awarded to the Upstate Foundation. “We selected innovative pro-
Page 22 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
other people. While many of these factors can present while grieving, a persistent down mood—especially for no apparent reason—can also indicate help is necessary. A period of grieving differs in that it is situational. Once the person heals from the loss, they start feeling and acting like themselves. Most people have felt down about the changes occurring during the pandemic and have acted in ways they might not normally but employing a healthy coping mechanism can help mitigate that effect. For someone requiring professional care, that mental health first aid isn’t helping much anymore. Self-medicating with substances to numb the effects of mental health problems indicates a problem. These include alcohol, illicit drugs or misused over-the-counter or prescription medication. Feelings of satisfaction with life may be absent. As most regular activities have resumed, some people may wish that they could continue isolating at home. The levels at which people feel comfortable socializing and interacting varies. It should not curtail necessary interactions or harm healthy relationships. If mental health struggles interfere with tasks of daily living, such as shopping at the grocery store or maintaining de-
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et ready Central New York. Despite the lingering cold temperatures and the ever-present chance of more snow, tick season is officially here. Upstate Medical University’s Saravanan Thangamani, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology, says ticks behave just like people do. They emerge when the sun is out, and the weather is warm and dry. And the few warm days CNY has experienced lately have been enough. But despite the mostly cold temperatures, for the week of March 14 to March 21, he said the Upstate Tick Testing laboratory had received 176 tick submissions. He said given the weather, that’s a lot for this time of year. “That’s a sign of things to happen,” said Thangamani, director of the SUNY Center for Vector-Borne Diseases. “We are anticipating a real uptick in the number of ticks submitted to our lab. This is going to be a huge year for the ticks. Technically every year is a huge year for the ticks, but we are seeing a gradual increase in the number of ticks humans encounter and submit to the lab. This trend will continue.” The community-engaged tick surveillance program, started by Thangamani in 2019, relies on the general public to become citizen scientists and submit to the lab ticks they find on themselves, on their pets or in their yards. The project helps the lab track tick hot spots and the prevalence of tick-borne diseases across the state. With the data collected through this program, Thangamani and his team created a tick map to track the emergence of ticks and tick-borne disease-causing agents in New York state. Since the map’s inception, the lab has tested more than 17,000 ticks, identified 15 different tick species present in the state and the presence of six pathogens. More than 30% have tested positive for Lyme disease. From January to June 2020, the lab tested 2,021 ticks. From the same time frame in 2021, it tested 5,005. In that time, the number of ticks carrying Anaplasma phagocytophilium (causative agent of anaplasmosis) more than doubled from about 4%
to 8.7% and ticks carrying Babesia microti (causative agent of babesiosis) tripled from 5 to 15 percent. Both diseases are rare but can be fatal if not treated early. In addition, in that same time frame, the number of ticks carrying Lyme disease increased to almost 33%. The Heartland virus has been in the news lately because ticks carrying it have been found in six states. It is carried by lone-star ticks, which are historically found in southern states, but are making their way north. A cluster was recently found on Long Island. This virus is also rare but can be fatal. For the next five years, Thangamani’s lab will continue to study environmental and ecological factors, including climate change, and how they influence the spread of ticks and disease-causing agents. Thangamani said ticks don’t die in the winter, they go into dormancy around 35 degrees and hide in perfectly formed igloos under leaf litter. As soon as the frozen ground thaws and the ground temperature reaches 45 degrees, ticks will begin to emerge in seek of a host for blood feeding. And if the weather gets bad again, they seek shelter, but they don’t disappear. Thangamani said several important things people can do to minimize their risk of tick bites and infections. First, apply tick repellent to your skin and clothing, especially your shoes and socks. Wear long pants and pull your socks over your pant leg. When you’re out, stay on the trail. When you come home, make sure you do a thorough tick check, focusing on your thighs, groin area and the back of your head. Then shower. Also, put the clothing you wore outside in the dryer at high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may be hiding. Deer ticks are commonly found on the thighs and groin, while dog ticks are most commonly found on the head. Thangamani urges the public to submit the tick and accompanying information to https://nyticks.org. “When the public encounters a tick, we encourage them to complete the tick submission form at nyticks. org,” he said.
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April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 23
One Third of Adults Are Prediabetic — and Most Don’t Know It O
ne in three adults in the U.S. — or about 88 million Americans — has prediabetes, yet more than 80% of them don’t know it, according to an Excellus BlueCross BlueShield review of current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a result, these adults can’t make the lifestyle changes or have the medical interventions needed to address their condition, the health plan’s research concluded. If you have prediabetes, your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered Type 2 diabetes. Still, you are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes within five years. In addition, 50% of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GD) during pregnancy will go on to develop Type 2 diabetes within five years. “If you know you have prediabetes, or another risk factor, there are things you can do to reduce your blood sugar and decrease the risk of it progressing to Type 2 diabetes,” said physician Lorna Fitzpatrick, vice president of medical affairs and senior medical director at Excellus BCBS. “People with Type 2 diabetes have a high incidence of serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and the loss of toes and feet.” The need to prevent Type 2 diabetes has never been greater, according to a news release by Excellus BCBS. Diabetes is currently the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. If current trends continue,
the CDC predicts one in five adults will have diabetes by 2025. About a quarter of all health care spending is on people with diagnosed diabetes. Prediabetes can be determined with a simple blood sugar test prescribed by your doctor. If you are found to have prediabetes, the American Diabetes Association says early treatment and moderate lifestyle changes can return blood sugar levels to a normal range, effectively preventing or delaying Type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes include losing around 5-7% of your body weight, or just 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person, and getting regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 150 minutes a week. “We’re talking about 20 minutes of physical activity a day, which could be as simple as a walk around the block after dinner with a walking partner or your dog,” said Fitzpatrick. As always, check with your doctor before starting, or making changes to, an exercise routine. DoIHavePrediabetes.org was created by the CDC in partnership with the American Diabetes Association, the American Medical Association and the Ad Council. Visitors to the site can take a brief online test to learn their risk. The CDC also offers a free online National Diabetes Prevention Program to help people lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 58 percent (71% for those over age 60). Find more information at www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention.
Excellus: Partnership to Increase Access to Affordable Insulin Objective is to manufacture and distribute three insulins for $30 or less per vial
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xcellus BlueCross BlueShield, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and other Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies joined Civica’s initiative to manufacture and distribute affordable insulins that, once approved, will be available to people living with diabetes at significantly lower Chitre prices than insulins currently on the market. The medications are expected to be available to all consumers for $30 or less per vial starting in 2024. Excellus BCBS, BCBSA and BCBS companies are collaborating on this initiative with Civica and other partners across the health care industry, representing nearly every corner of the diabetes ecosystem. “We’re proud to be part of this national collaboration to bring more
affordable insulin and other medications to our communities,” said Mona Chitre, chief pharmacy officer and vice president of integrated health strategy for Excellus BCBS. “The Civica initiative will help us fulfill our critical role of controlling rising health care costs while also ensuring that more patients take their medication as prescribed since their prescription drugs will now be more affordable.” “This is an important milestone in our continued partnership with Civica as we advance our shared goal of bringing lower-cost prescription medication directly to consumers,” said Kim Keck, president and CEO of BCBSA. “Access to affordable insulin can be the difference between life and death for diabetics — and we’re proud to be a part of Civica’s effort to ensure that millions of Americans have access to the medicine they need at a price they can afford. When we come together, we can make health care more affordable.”
More than eight million Americans rely on insulin to live, but as many as one in four insulin users report having to skip doses or take less than prescribed amounts due to the high cost of the medicine. The financial burden has made the drug inaccessible for many and has led to patients developing health conditions that were once preventable. Through this initiative, Civica will manufacture and distribute three analog insulins — glargine, lispro and aspart — which will be biosimilar drugs of the brand-name insulins Lantus, Humalog and Novolog. The insulins will be available in vials and prefilled pens at no more than $30 per vial or $55 for a box of five pens. “Diabetes is arguably America’s most expensive chronic condition, and it is heartbreaking that millions of people are rationing their care and putting their lives at risk because they can no longer afford insulin,” said Dan Liljenquist, board chairman of Civica. “Through mission-driven
partnerships, we are choosing to create a new market reality where no one is forced to ration essential diabetes medications.” This insulin initiative is one of the many ways BCBS companies are partnering with Civica to increase access to safe and affordable medications. This announcement follows the founding of Civica’s subsidiary, CivicaScript, by BCBSA, 18 BCBS companies and Civica Rx to develop and manufacture common generic medications for which there is currently not enough market competition to drive down prices. The first of these lower-cost generic prescriptions are expected to be available to consumers through specialty and home delivery pharmacies later this year. For more information on the insulin initiative, visit https://civicainsulin.org. For more information on CivicaScript, visit: www.bcbs.com/ civica-rx.
CELEBRATE NURSES WEEK WITH IN GOOD HEALTH In Good Health will once again highlight Nurses Week in a special May issue. Call Cassandra Lawson (315-532-1531) or Amy Gagliano (315-402-3370) for more information. Page 24 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
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Health Careers: Genetic Counselor
Understanding How Genetic Information Impacts Lives By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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any people think of genetic counselors as only pertaining to couples having a baby. However, their work spans the lifetime and can take place in many different settings. Genetic counselors help families understand their health history for managing their own conditions and understanding how it can affect their family. They may work in a clinic, lab or research facility. The most hands-on setting is in a medical clinic, which can include prenatal genetics, pediatric genetics or adult genetics. The least handson setting is in a lab, which is where the testing takes place. Genetic counselors perform the tests and advise medical personnel on how to interpret them. In education, genetic
U.S. Smoking, Vaping Rates Fell in First Year of Pandemic: CDC
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onsider it a silver lining, courtesy of the coronavirus: A new government report reveals that both cigarette smoking and electronic cigarette use dropped slightly among American adults during the first year of the pandemic. The findings, published March 18 in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, are based on a survey of more than 31,000 U.S. adults
counselors research genetics and teach others who desire to enter the field. Patients seek genetic testing for very serious reasons. What interventions may my baby need? Do I carry a gene mutation indicating a predisposition to a disease? How will my genetics affect my cancer treatment? “You have to have empathy and be able to put yourself in patients’ shoes,” said Jessica Salamone, a certified genetic counselor and director of Genetic Counseling and Cancer Risk Assessment at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care. “You have to have difficult conversations with patients, once-in-a-lifetime conversations. Ten to 12 times a day, you’re doing this.” Elizabeth Wende Breast Care operates several offices in Upstate New York. Most patients know little about that found 19% of respondents used at least one tobacco product in 2020, down from about 21% in 2019. Broken down, cigarette use fell from 14% to 12.5%, e-cigarette use decreased from 4.5% to 3.7%, while use of cigars, smokeless tobacco and pipes remained stable, according to the researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For comparison, 42% of U.S. adults were smokers in 1965. While CDC officials said public health campaigns and policies prompted the recent decline in smoking, experts point to factors such as tobacco company price hikes and pandemic lifestyle changes. “People who were mainly
genetics, so genetic counselors must know how to help make complex facts simple. Adapting to meet various patients’ communication styles represents a continual challenge for genetic counselors. They must also act as detectives at times. Salamone said that many people do not know much about their grandparents’ or even their parents’ health. Many will not bring up information that they think is irrelevant but is actually important. “You have to pull out information,” Salamone said. Genetic counselors communicate with patients, their primary care providers, lab personnel and insurance representatives. The field is also challenging because the science on genetics changes quickly. As with most medical fields, continuing education credits and periodic exams are required to maintain board certification. Genetic counselors can promote to managerial roles. “It’s incredibly fulfilling,” Salamone said. “I don’t go home wondering what I did for the world. You change people’s lives and that’s an every day, every moment feeling. It doesn’t mean it’s all rainbows and sunshine, but you know you’re impacting people positively. People are thankful that you’re meeting them in the middle of a crisis. You see some of the weight come off as they know what is going on and they will have a plan. “I’m very proud of the work I do as difficult as it is. It’s a privilege to
sit in that sacred place where patients trust you.” The required degree to be a genetic counselor is a master of science in genetic counseling. “The specific prerequisite courses differ for each school, but typically include some courses in genetics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, statistics and psychology,” said Mystimarie Geiger, genetic counselor with Wilmot Cancer Institute’s hereditary cancer screening and risk reduction program in Rochester. A knack for science is helpful. After earning the master’s degree, the candidate must pass the American Board of Genetic Counseling national certification exam. Geiger added that a background in counseling, patient care or other hands-on role can help prepare a candidate. “Genetic counselors are one of the few medical providers who have the time in their schedule to really sit down and speak with a patient,” she said. “Most genetic counseling sessions take about an hour and the genetic counselor will spend a good portion of that time educating their patient and providing them with psychosocial support.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a genetic counselor in New York state makes an average mean wage of $96,850 annually. Regional data was not available. Ziprecruiter.com estimates the annual wage in the Syracuse area $ 87,622.
The annual wage for genetic counselor in the Syracuse area $87,622, according to ziprecruiter.com
social smokers just didn’t have that going on any more,” Megan Roberts, an Ohio State University researcher whose focus is on tobacco use among young adults and teens, told the Associated Press. Also, parents who had to be at home with their kids full time may have cut back on smoking, and some people may have quit in response to reports that smokers were more likely to develop severe COVID-19, Roberts added. Ironically, the number of cigarettes sold in the United States actually went up in 2020 — the first such increase in two decades, the Federal Trade Commission reported last year. It’s possible that while fewer people smoked, those who did were
just smoking more. “That’s a viable hypothesis — that you had people with more smoking opportunities because they weren’t going to work,” David Sweanor, a global tobacco policy expert at the University of Ottawa, told the AP.
April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 25
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Page 26 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
Nutritional needs shift as we grow older By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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here’s a reason that pet food companies make kitten food, adult cat food and senior cat food: dietary needs change as the animal ages. Feeding humans correlates. As we grow older, our nutritional needs shift. “The metabolism gets a little slower so energy needs decrease,” said Julie Mellen registered dietitian, certified diabetes care and education specialist at SUNY Upstate Medical University. “You don’t need as many calories every day. You’re not absorbing as well, so vitamin and mineral needs may increase. There’s a lot of talk that protein needs may increase to prevent muscle loss over time.” To support good health, that means older adults should carefully monitor their diet to include the most nutritious foods to make every calorie count. Unfortunately, changes in hunger cues, sensing flavors or medications that cause depressed appetite or nausea can make few foods appealing. Depression, living alone, limited income, physical challenges and dementia can also lead to making poor food choices. “Simple meals don’t have to be unhealthy,” Mellen said. “You can make them well balanced. Have three food groups represented and keep food on hand that doesn’t require a lot of work. Consider bulk cooking or meal prepping. Family can help out.” Poor oral health contributes to poor nutrition, as many nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, nuts and lean meats are difficult to chew. For those already struggling with chewing, dentists may be able to improve their oral health. Or, finding forms of these foods easier to chew can help. Mellen recommends cooking vegetables, cooking meat in a slow cooker and trying nut butters to make consuming these healthful foods easier. To address changes in the senses of taste and smell, “try more spices and seasoning,” Mellen suggested. She likes the plate method: covering half the plate with fruits and vegetables (mostly vegetables, onefourth with a whole grain and onefourth with a lean source of protein. The local county health department can refer seniors to organizations that can help with dietary needs, from senior cooking class to senior meal sites to meal delivery. Companies such as Hello Fresh, and RealEats deliver meal kits or heatand-eat meals for those who can afford these services. Aging affects digestive enzymes. This can cause quite a few problems in breaking down foods and the subsequent absorption.
“Vitamin B12 is related to memory and nerve issues,” said Laurel Sterling, registered dietitian and nutritionist and educator for Carlson Laboratories. “Definitely get your levels tested, but B12 supplements are wonderful, along with nutrient rich foods, and digestive enzymes, if taken with every meal.” Whole grains represent one source of B12. Many older adults do not get enough calcium, which is ideally paired with vitamin D for better absorption. Fortified orange juice, dairy foods, plant-based milk substitutes, maple syrup, broccoli, bok choy, and kale are all sources of calcium. Sufficient vitamin D is difficult to get from food sources. The body generates it when exposed to sunlight. From fall through spring, nearly everyone should supplement with D and some may need supplementation year-round. “There are helper nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K,” Sterling said. “They all work together for calcium to get where it needs to be for mineralization. Take it with a meal. The same thing is true for most vitamins, unless it says otherwise, for that synergistic effect of absorption.” For supporting brain health, she said that supplements or foods rich in omega 3, coenzyme Q, are helpful, though some may have blood thinning effects, so check with a doctor before taking them. Another change in nutrition in older age includes slower digestion. Lower activity level and water intake along with minimal fiber intake all worsen the problem. “Fiber is a tricky thing,” Sterling said. “It can bind them too much if they’re not drinking enough with that extra fiber. They need to really increase their liquid intake. I definitely recommend getting it through diet, where there’s insoluble and soluble fiber we need for digestion and cholesterol health. Some people as they age, their bowels go in the other direction. Having too many fruits and vegetables can cause bowels to loosen. It’s not one size fits all.”
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What to Do with Cremated Ashes
Dear Savvy Senior,
A while back I saw an article on different ways to scatter a person’s ashes after they’re cremated, but I’ve misplaced it. Can you help me with this? I’m preplanning my funeral and would like to include instructions on what to do with my remains. — Planning Ahead
Dear Planning, There’s no shortage of options when it comes to handling or disposing of your cremated remains after you’re gone. Your family can keep, bury or scatter them in a variety of imaginative ways that reflect your life and personality. Here are some different options to consider. Scatter them: The most popular option is to have your ashes scattered at a location you loved to be, a favorite fishing spot, camping area, golf course, beach, park or at home. If you choose this route, keep in mind that some places, such as national parks, require a permit. And many public areas, like parks or sports stadiums may prohibit scattering. Store them at home: Many families choose to keep their loved ones close, by storing them at home. If you and your family choses this option, you can purchase a decorative urn through your funeral provider or online at Amazon.com. Or you may want to use an old cookie jar or favorite container that reminds your family of you. Bury/inter them: The burial option is good if you wish to have a special place for your family to visit. This is also the only option for cremated ashes sanctioned by the Catholic Church, which specifies that ashes of the dead should be kept in sacred places like a cemetery or a columbarium and not kept at home or scattered. Plant them: If you’re the environmental type, you can have your ashes planted with a tree. There are companies that offer living urns — like TheLivingUrn.com or UrnaBios. com — that mix your ashes with other nutrients that can be used to grow a plant or tree in your yard or a place of your choosing. Scatter them at sea: If you love the water, there are many businesses that offer ash scattering services at sea, especially close to coastal areas,
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or your family could rent a boat and do it themselves. There are also companies like EternalReefs.com that offer reef memorials so your ashes can rest on the ocean floor. Scatter them by air: This option will scatter your ashes into the sky so the particles can be taken by the wind. To do this, they could hire a private plane, helicopter or hot air balloon service, or use a balloon scattering service like Mesoloft.com. Or they could even send your ashes into outer space with Celestis.com. Turn them into a record: If you love music, a UK company called Vinlyly (Andvinyly.com) will turn your ashes into a vinyl record. You supply the music (or voice recording) and cover image, and the company creates a memorial that your family can listen to for years to come. Turn them into jewelry or glass: If you love jewelry or glass trinkets, there are companies – like CloseByMeJewelry.com, SpiritPieces. com and ArtFromAshes.com – that will turn your ashes into wearable jewelry or glass art memorials. Go out with a bang: If you’re a hunter or a gun lover, a company called Holy Smoke (MyHolySmoke. com) will create loaded ammunition out of cremated remains. Your family could store the ammo in the engraved wooden box it comes in, or they can send you off in a gun salute. Turn them into art: If you love art, arrange for an artists or family member to paint your portrait, or a picture, with some of your ashes mixed into the paint. Or, if your family is into tattoos, many tattoo artists will mix some ashes with ink to create a memorial tattoo. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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Moving Past the Guilt: Transitioning a Loved One Into Senior Living By: David Heisig, M.D.
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lacing a loved one in a senior facility is a tough decision and it is often one accompanied by a tremendous amount of guilt. It is very common for families to feel guilty when they can no longer care for a beloved elder on their own. We work with families every day, in order to help them navigate the emotional toll of caring for an ageing loved one, and considering residential care. Here’s just a quick overview for alleviating caregiver guilt: • Plan ahead, as much as possible, and involve all relevant family members, when possible. Major life changes are usually better handled with planning and communication. • Acknowledge, recognize and understand that ageing is no one’s fault. Infirmity happens, and must be managed. • Know that there are resources in the community. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. • Understand that it is vital to engage healthcare professionals to help care for declining elders. • Consider the fact that a nursing home or facility may offer a safer environment of care than the family can provide. • Ask questions and talk with the team who will care for your loved one. Knowledge is power. • Appreciate the fact that you
have other responsibilities beside your elder family member. You cannot care for them, if you cannot care for yourself. • Remember that all we can do is the best we can do. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. • Give the life change some time to “settle.” Many times, struggling families look back and realize that the move was overdue. How can people move beyond this emotional time? I would like to make one thing clear: there should be no guilt in wanting to make a loved one’s life better. Often, once a loved one is settled into the right care environment, families get quality time, or can make the most of their time together, and often they wish they had done it sooner. Physician David Heisig, Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), is the medical director of PACE CNY, a community-based program for the elderly, where he supervises a team of dedicated primary care practitioners, who provide medical care to more than 500 PACE CNY program participants, each year.
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Guard Your Card: Protect What’s Important to You
e encourage you not to carry your Social Security card with you every day. The best way to guard your card is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, a Social Security card isn’t required to request a real ID. Only Pennsylvania requires it. Please be careful about sharing your number when asked for it. You should always ask why your number is needed, how it will be used, and what will happen if you refuse. Also, you shouldn’t carry documents that display your number. If you need a replacement Social Security card, we make it easy. You may be able to use a personal my Social Security account to request a
Q&A
Q: I’m 65, not ready to retire, but I want to apply for my Medicare coverage. How can I do that? A: The easiest and most convenient way is to apply online. Use our online application to sign up for Medicare. It takes less than 10 minutes. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if we need more information. You’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail. It’s convenient, quick and easy. There’s no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. Get started today at www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare. Q: How do I get a copy of the form, Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs? A: If you wish to apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs, we recommend you use our online application at www. ssa.gov/i1020. You can find instruction sheets in 15 different languages to help you understand the English application at www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp. If you prefer not to fill out this application online, you can call our toll-free number, 1-800-7721213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), to ask for a paper application. Also, you can make an appointment at your local Social Security office to apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
replacement on our website. If you live in one of 46 participating states or the District of Columbia, and are requesting a replacement card with no changes, like a name change, you can use our free online service at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/replacement-card.html. • Visit our Social Security Number and Card page at www.ssa.gov/ ssnumber to learn more about your Social Security card. • Read our factsheet, “How You Can Help Us Protect Your Social Security Number and Keep Your Information Safe,” at www.ssa.gov/ pubs/EN-05-10220.pdf • Our “Guard Your Card” infographic at, www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ assets/EN-05-10553.pdf, is another great resource to understand whether you need to show your card. Please share these resources with your friends, and family — and post them on social media.
Q: I’m going to visit relatives outside the country for two weeks. Can I still get Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) payments while I’m there? A: Your SSI usually will stop if you leave the United States for 30 consecutive days or more. Since you are going to be away for only two weeks, your SSI should not be affected. However, it’s important that you tell Social Security the date you plan to leave and the date you plan to come back. Then we can let you know whether your SSI will be affected. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Q: Can a noncitizen get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? A: The laws and regulations concerning noncitizens differ for Social Security and SSI programs. Social Security administers both, even though they have different eligibility requirements. Some noncitizens do qualify for SSI. See Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For Noncitizens at www.ssa.gov/pubs for more information. Q: My brother had an accident at work last year and is now receiving Social Security disability benefits. His wife and son also receive benefits. Before his accident, he helped support another daughter by a woman he never married. Is the second child entitled to benefits? A: The child may qualify for Social Security benefits even though your brother wasn’t married to the second child’s mother. The child’s caretaker should file an application on her behalf. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov.
Health News The Commons at St. Anthony has new chief Loretto hired Bryan Petko as administrator of The Commons at St. Anthony in Auburn. He has more than 20 years of experience in longterm care management in New York and Pennsylvania. Prior to joining The Commons, Petko served as Bryan Petko senior executive director of Golden Living Center Oil City, a long-term care and rehabilitation center affiliated with Guardian Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in Oil City, Pennsylvania. He worked at the center for 14 years. From 2004 to 2006, Petko worked at Brothers of Mercy Nursing Rehabilitation Center outside of Buffalo in Clarence Petko began his career in longterm care management in 2002, when he worked as assistant administrator at the Waters of Aurora Park in East Aurora. Petko holds a master’s degree in health services administration from D’Youville College in Buffalo and a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from University of Buffalo. Petko is a licensed nursing home administrator in New York and Pennsylvania. “I am very excited to be back in New York and join the Loretto family in Auburn,” said Petko.
New board members at CNY Lyme & Tick-Borne group The Central New York Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Alliance announced eight new, local leaders who
joined its board of directors. Each of the eight members brings a unique skill set to move the mission of the alliance forward to address the growing Lyme disease epidemic in Central New York. They are: • Barbara Connor. She works as a COVID-19 staff physician for Cayuga County and as sub-investigator with Velocity Clinical Research. She is a SUNY Upstate Medical University alumna, board-certified in internal medicine, who has been a director, and worked in emergency departments and urgent cares in Central New York for 35 years, and in New Zealand for a year and a half. • Michael Jennings II. He is a financial adviser with an emphasis on financial planning. He is fully licensed as both a broker-dealer agent and investment adviser representative. He also has experience as a business development associate within a financial planning firm. Jennings II has an anthropology and forensic science background from Syracuse University and is an active volunteer and ambassador with multiple organizations around Syracuse and CNY. • Ryan Maness. He is a government relations expert, with a particular focus on state tax and budgetary policy. He is focused on analyzing the political landscape, devising legislative strategies, and executing influence campaigns. A former indigent criminal defense attorney, he holds a law degree from Syracuse University College of Law. He also studied political theory at University of Illinois at Urbana. • Christine Paul. She is the
executive director for the Madison County Rural Health Council and instructor at Mental Health First Aid with more than 30 years of experience, including extensive work in mental health positions in the Chenango Health Network in Norwich. • Georgina Pinckney. Chairwoman of development committee, she is a native of the Annapolis, Maryland, area and has experience in government affairs working for the US Senate, as well as holding roles in the public energy and publishing fields. She brings the perspective of a parent with a child who went undiagnosed with chronic Lyme disease for years. She has been on the board of Matthew House as treasurer and fundraising committee. She also served on the Skaneateles Education Foundation board. • Emilija Postolovska. She is a senior analyst in public health. A senior consultant at M.S. Hall & Associates, LLC, Postolovska is a public health practitioner with experience in tackling social determinants of health in vulnerable populations. Approaching her work through a health equity lens, she leads with goals of advancing community engagement and collective impact through policy, systems and environmental change strategies. • Michelle Saya. She is a clinical research compliance specialist helping to manage the SUNY Upstate human subject protection program. She has 22 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She was a member of
the Leadership Greater Syracuse Class of 2021. • Douglas E. Wojcik. He is a small animal veterinarian and has owned the Liverpool Village Animal Hospital since 1998 with a focus on creating an environment for excellent animal care through learning and collaboration. This approach provides for a better work environment, comprehensive client care, and the best medical care for the patient. The CNY Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Alliance is a collaborative of providers, scientists and community members who support research, drive education and promote awareness to combat tick-borne diseases. The board is chaired by Anne Messenger.
Psychiatrist joins St. Joseph’s Health Sarah Rosner, a psychiatrist, has joined St. Joseph’s Health Hospital. She will work with a team of diverse physicians who provide comprehensive psychiatric care and mental health services to the Syracuse community. Rosner is a certified psychiatrist with experience treating children and adolescents as well as adults. Before joining St. Joseph’s Health, Rosner served as an attending psychiatrist at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx where she managed new admissions, provided psychiatric evaluations and emergency care to the psychiatric unit. Rosner is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Association for Emergency Psychiatry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Geneseo and a medical degree (continued on next page)
Crouse Partners with Massachusetts College of Pharmacy to Offer Advanced Certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology
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rouse Health and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MSCPHS) School of Nuclear Medicine have partnered to provide local health professionals an opportunity to become a certified nuclear medicine technologist. Designed for students located in the Upstate New York region who hold an associate’s degree in medical imaging or a bachelor’s degree in any field, this 12 to 14-month program builds on previous college studies, preparing participants to become a board certified nuclear medicine technologist licensed in New York state for the practice of nuclear medicine technology. Course work will be completed online through MSCPHS, with clinical training to be provided at Crouse Hospital, one of three New York state hospitals to participate in the program.
Students will learn how to obtain rapid-succession images of where radiopharmaceuticals concentrate
in the body, giving the medical team insight essential to diagnosing patients. Students will also discover
the functions of the many organs and tissues found in the human anatomy and learn how to treat a variety of medical conditions using targeted radiation. “We’re excited to partner with MSCPHS on this innovative educational and clinical opportunity,” said Brad Hellwig, director of medical imaging at Crouse Health. Students will follow a synchronous distance/ online class schedule, offering the flexibility of online education coupled with the community-building experience associated with classroom learning. “Program participants will work alongside industry experts and gain firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to be a Nuclear Medicine Technologist,” adds Hellwig. For more information or to apply, visit www.mcphs.edu and type “Advanced Certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology” in the search menu.
April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 29
Health News (continued from previous page) from University of Vermont. She completed her medical training with a residency at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx during which she was elected to the Quality Improvement Committee of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science. Rosner sees patients at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital.
St. Luke Health names new nursing director St. Luke Health Services in Oswego recently promoted registered nurse Melinda Ford-Prior to director of nursing at the skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. “Ms. Ford-Prior’s leadership style and experience are two valuMelinda Ford-Prior able assets that she brings to the role as our director of nursing,” said St. Luke CEO and Administrator Catherine Gill. “Melinda has been with our organization since 1998 serving in various leadership positions, most recently as our assistant director of nursing. In her new role Melinda will lead a team that includes registered nurses,
licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants and temporary nurse aides.” St. Luke is the largest provider of residential skilled nursing and short-stay rehabilitation in Oswego County. “I am very proud and excited to assume my new role and to lead a team that is both hardworking and dedicated to the residents entrusted to our care,” said Ford-Prior. “As we emerge from the global pandemic I am committed to developing professional opportunities within our nursing department while empowering each team member to deliver quality care in an atmosphere of trust and respect.” Ms. Ford-Prior received her nursing degree from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Syracuse. She and her husband Earl reside in Mexico.
Oswego Health practices in Fulton earn recognition When Oswego Health opened its second primary care practice in Fulton in 2021, its vision was to be the region’s first choice for quality care. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has just recognized both practices — located at 98 N. Second St. and 522 S. 4th St. — as patient-centered medical home programs. The NCQA patient-centered medical home standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-cen-
tered, coordinated care that supports access, communication and patient involvement. It was developed to assess whether clinician practices are functioning as medical homes and recognize them for these efforts. “NCQA patient-centered medical home recognition raises the bar in defining high-quality care by emphasizing access, health information technology and coordinated care focused on patients,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. “Recognition shows that Oswego Health’s PrimeCare practices in Fulton have the tools, systems and resources to provide its patients with the right care, at the right time.”
CNY Lyme Alliance gets grants The Central New York Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Alliance, an emerging leader in the fight against the growing Lyme disease epidemic, announced it had received two grant awards that will enable the organization to further its work in the prevention of Lyme and other tick borne diseases. The first grant is from the Mother Cabrini Foundation in the amount of $150,000 to enhance educational awareness programs related to Lyme and tick-borne disease. The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation grant enables the Central New York Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Alliance to continue critical geographic expan-
sion in 2022. Through the addition of an education coordinator, continued multimedia outreach and ongoing market research, the alliance will further reach neighbors across Central New York who are at-risk of contracting Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. “The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a key partner in making strides to prevent Lyme and tick-borne disease,” said Executive Director Royale Scuderi. “We are grateful for their continued commitment to our work.” The second grant award is from the Central New York Community Foundation in the amount of $40,000 to enhance the education program by transitioning to a full-time education coordinator position. This funding from the Central New York Community Foundation is critical to the group’s efforts to broaden educational outreach. The increased capacity of the education coordinator from a part-time to full-time position provides opportunities for additional community engagement, innovative program development, and further prevents the greater Central New York community from contracting Lyme and tick-borne disease. “The Community Foundation’s generosity is partnering with us to build the infrastructure needed to support long-term community health and wellbeing,” said Anne Messenger, the board chairwoman of Central New York Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Alliance.
Living Like Loretta Starts with Loretto. As one of Central New York’s largest and most comprehensive continuing healthcare organizations, Loretto delivers personfirst, affordable adult care. Through our 19 specialized programs and communities, we empower each resident and patient to continue living their best life, Like Loretta. Want to live like Loretta?
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