In Good Health: CNY #271 - July 2022

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JULY 2022 • ISSUE 271

The recent shortage of baby formula raises questions about the low number of moms who breastfeed. Why don’t more women breastfeed their newborns? Story on page XX

The recent shortage of baby formula raises questions about the low number of moms who breastfeed. Why don’t more women breastfeed their newborns? Story on page 19.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE ■ Spider Veins: Should You Worry About Them?

■ It’s Pool Day! ...But What If You’re Menstruating?

■ Why Kids Need a Summer Break

NEW SOLO PRACTITIONER James Prezzano, a new dermatologist in Fayetteville, is happy to be a solo practitioner. “My patients appreciate it because they know who they’re getting when they come in,” he says. P 4

PORK RIBS 101: WHY MODERATION IS KEY!

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Are Taller People More Prone to Certain Conditions?

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f you’re taller than average, your genes may affect your risk for a variety of diseases, a new study suggests.

These include a higher risk for the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation and varicose veins, but a lower risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Other investigators have reported similar findings before.

This new study found new links between being tall and a higher risk for nerve damage leading to peripheral neuropathy, as well as skin and bone infections, such as leg and foot ulcers.

But just because you’re tall doesn’t mean that you’re destined to develop one of these conditions, said lead researcher, physician Sridharan Raghavan. He is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver.

“Personally, I don’t think a person should worry about their height as a predeterminant of their risk for medical conditions,” Raghavan said.

The new study provides a catalog of conditions with which height may be biologically or causally related, he said.

“This is really a starting point for future work, first, for considering whether height can help identify individuals at risk for specific conditions and guide preventive measures targeting modifiable risk factors for those conditions and, second, for understanding the biological mecha-

nisms tying height to clinical conditions,” Raghavan said.

Those mechanisms are likely to differ for various medical conditions, and the new study may provide direction for future research, he noted.

Raghavan said that most conditions arise from a combination of factors. And while people can’t change their genetics, many studies have shown that healthy behaviors, which people can control and modify, can be protective.

“Nonmodifiable risk factors like height and family history might give us information about who is at risk for a condition, but they do not determine whether a person will get that condition,” Raghavan said. “Modifying other risk factors is likely to still be helpful in most cases.”

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Page 2 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 3

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

James Prezzano, M.D.

New dermatologist in Fayetteville happy to be a solo practitioner. “My patients appreciate it because they know who they’re getting when they come in,” he says Q: I understand you’ve recently started a private dermatology practice in Fayetteville.

A: So I took over the practice from a dermatologist who had been there since the 1980s. I had been talking to him about joining his practice, but everything changed once he passed away. So I took it over. I opened last August. I see all types of dermatology patients, all ages, all conditions. I do a lot of skin checks, a lot of surgeries. So I pretty much see it all. A lot of my patients were patients from the previous owner and I’ve also been working on getting referrals from local primary care and urgent care. So I pretty much do everything related to the skin, including a small amount of cosmetic surgery. I usually keep two appointment slots open each day for any urgent issues, which patients seem to appreciate.

But, yes, right now I’m a solo dermatologist. One of the few in the area, I think.

So every time patients come in, they’re seeing me.

Q: Have you been in the area long?

A: I did my medical schooling at Upstate. I was here for four years and really enjoyed the area. I’m from Rochester originally.

I did my residency over at the University of Rochester.

And right after residency I came back and took over this practice.

Q: How has the experience of being in private practice been? You’re going against the trends.

A: It’s definitely not the norm. I was reading about it in journals over the last month. Dermatologist graduates from the year 2000 or 2010, something like only 1%

Page 4 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

of dermatology graduates were in solo practice. So it’s very unusual now, but I really enjoy it. And I think my patients appreciate it because they know who they’re getting when they come in. I don’t know if that will be the case forever, but it’s been going well. I think there’s still a place for private practice.

Q: How hard has it been to handle the business aspects of the practice?

A: There’s a steep learning curve in the beginning, but I was able to manage it. I’ve had a number of friends and mentors around Upstate New York who were able to advise and help me through the process.

Q: Are dermatological issues in Upstate New York typical compared to the rest of the country? I remember reading a while back that the Pacific Northwest actually had a very high rate of melanomas despite the reputation for cloudy weather.

A: We do see a good amount of skin cancers here in Syracuse. We see a lot of melanoma. I don’t know if there’s a specific reason why that is.

If you look at us on a map, we’re still about the same latitude as Italy. When we do get the sun it’s pretty strong.

So I do see skin cancers every day, including melanoma every week.

Q: Do you think the cloudiness gives people a false sense of security?

A: Yeah, it could be because you still get UV-A rays through the clouds. But also people here sometimes hibernate half the year and then, once it gets sunny,

they’ll overdo it and get burnt, which can lead to skin cancers down the road.

Q: You also treat hair and nail issues. What would that include?

A: Yes, I also take care of hair and nail conditions. I see a good amount of alopecias. One extremely common subtype that we’re seeing a lot of is something called telogen effluvium. It’s secondary to COVID-19.

Many people, after recovering from COVID-19, have a temporary hair loss or shedding event.

Q: I’m one of them.

A: I’m seeing it almost every day.

You don’t hear about it so much in the media, but in dermatology we see it all the time.

Q: How do you go about talking to your patients about it?

A: The good thing about it is it’s a nonscarring, nonpermanent hair loss, so it will all come back. The key is just to have faith that it will come back and wait it out. There’s not really anything you can do to speed it up.

Q: What kinds of nail-based conditions do you treat?

A: Probably the most common is fungal infections of the nails. So I see those. They’re pretty common, but not the easiest to treat. And very rarely I see skin cancers under the nails.

Q: What makes fungal nail infections so hard to treat?

A: They very frequently get reinfected after you treat them, and you have to treat them for a very long period of time—six months to a year. And the treatment is not very effective, so not everyone gets better.

Q: What makes nails so prone to fungal infections?

A: It’s not so much that they’re more prone to fungal infections as they become more atypical from fungal infection and are more difficult to treat than a fungal infection on, say, the skin.

Q: How frequently should patients have their skin checked for abnormal growths?

A: There are no set guidelines.

For people with a history of skin cancer, I’d recommend a full skin exam at least once a year. For people without a history of skin cancer, it’s not a bad idea to do a baseline skin check, and then you can establish how often it makes sense to get follow-up checks, whether yearly or every few years. If you have lighter skin or a lot of moles, oftentimes more frequent exams are a good idea.

If you have darker skin and fewer moles, then you probably need less frequent exams. But a baseline check is a good idea for anyone.

Lifelines

Name: James Prezzano, M.D. Position: Dermatologist and owner of Fayetteville Dermatology Hometown: Rochester Education: SUNY Upstate Medical University Affiliations: St. Joseph’s Health Hospital Organizations: American Academy of Dermatology; American Society of Dermatologic Surgery; American Board of Dermatology Family: Married, one daughter Hobbies: Hiking, skiing, travel

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FOR QUESTIONS OR TO MAKE MAK KE A REFERRAL, CALL 315.464.1500 July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 5

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The 988 Mental Health Hotline Is Coming

T

he mental health equivalent of 911 is about to launch across the United States, but a new study finds that many communities may not be prepared for it.

Beginning July 16, a new 988 number will be available 24/7 for Americans dealing with a mental health crisis. It’s akin to 911, long used to get help for medical emergencies.

The new code will replace the 10-digit number currently used to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which was established in 2005. Health officials expect the easy-to-remember 988 to spur a surge in calls.

The trouble is, few jurisdictions are ready for that, according to the new study, by the nonprofit research organization RAND Corp.

“At the service level, the 988 transition is a simple number change,” said Ryan McBain, a RAND policy researcher who co-led the study.

But on the ground, McBain said, it’s a different story.

For one, local crisis centers need enough counselors to handle any influx of calls. Beyond that, some callers will need additional in-person help.

Yet, the study found, many jurisdictions lack such resources. It surveyed 180 state, regional and county health officials, and found that only half said their jurisdiction had shortterm “crisis stabilization” services to which callers could be directed.

Even fewer — 28% — had urgent care units that could be dispatched to people in urgent need. Meanwhile, only 22% had call centers that could schedule mental health appointments

on behalf of people who wanted them.

On top of those shortfalls, most local hotlines did not offer text or online chat options. That’s a key gap, McBain said, since teenagers and young adults often prefer those modes of communication.

Overall, McBain said, the findings confirm the concerns of many mental health experts: Jurisdictions have not had the time or resources to prepare for the 988 rollout.

The 988 code was authorized by Congress in 2020, with the intent of giving Americans an easier way to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline is a network of almost 200 crisis centers throughout the United States. When people call the national number, they are connected with the center closest to them to speak with a trained counselor and, if needed, get help finding local resources.

The intent of the Lifeline, and 988, goes beyond suicide prevention, McBain noted. It offers help to people in mental health distress, including problems related to substance abuse.

The looming 988 launch is only the beginning of efforts to shore up that system, said physician John Palmieri, acting director of the 988 coordination office at the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

“The Biden-Harris Administration has made significant strides in strengthening and expanding the existing Lifeline, and we expect 988 will continue to grow and evolve in the coming months, as more states start to step up,” Palmieri said in a statement.

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 Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Steve Yablonski •Writers: Deborah J. Sergeant, Jim Miller, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, Melissa Stefanec, Eva Briggs (MD), Mary Beth Roach, Kimberly Blaker, Steve Yablonski, Molly English-Bowers, Chef Jim Mahler • 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.

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July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 7

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

G

What My Garden Has Taught Me

ardening season is in full swing, as evidenced by the long check-out lines at gardening centers throughout our area.

July is the perfect month for folks to dig in, get their knees dirty, and try their hand at growing a few flowers and vegetables at home.

It’s also a good time to reflect the many life lessons that gardening offers to those who live alone. It has taught me the value of planning, preparation, patience and pleasure — four essential “P’s” for a bountiful garden and ... a bountiful life.

Fertile ground exists in each of us, and a little tending can produce beautiful results.

Here’s what I have learned:

Likewise, envisioning your life goals and committing them to writing can help you flourish and grow.

• Cultivate. Good, cultivated soil promotes healthy, deep roots. When you add fertilizer to your garden you are rewarded with abundance. Adding essential ingredients to the foundation of your dream garden (and your dream life) will nourish all that follows.

You can’t go wrong with nutritious food, a walk in nature, a good book, soothing music or saying “yes” to a new adventure that’s been tugging at your heart.

• Plant. So many choices! Revisit your plan and embed your carefully selected seeds or seedlings with a tender, loving touch, being careful not to overcrowd or plant more than you can manage.

And remember: We reap what we sow, so follow your dreams.

Plant a tomato and you get a tomato; neglect to pull a dandelion and you’ll

• Plan. Realizing the garden of your dreams begins in your imagination, followed by careful planning.

Diagram your garden and it will help you avoid planting onions on top of potatoes or mistaking basil for a weed.

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• Weed. We all need room to breathe and space in which to blossom. It holds true for your garden and your life. Gardening is all about consistent caretaking. Slack off, even for a few days, and all things unwelcome show up and take root.

Weed out the negativity and any dream-stealing toxins that contaminate your life, dash your hopes, or spoil your fun. When you pull out the bad, you can more easily focus on the good in your life.

• Prune. When weeding is not enough, a major pruning may be in order. A job, relationship or home that no longer satisfies or meets your needs may need a hard look. It may be time to pull out that pair of “life loppers.”

• Mulch. Mulching keeps weeds at bay, the ground moist, and adds nutrients to the soil. It also adds a finishing touch.

Mulch offers a blanket of protection, in the same way that regular doctor appointments, insurances, vaccinations, and safety measures protect our lives. We can learn a lot from mulching.

• Wait. We all know that good things come to those who wait. Enjoy the gradual unfolding of a garlic scape, a lettuce leaf, an idea, or a

friendship. When you exercise patience, life can be savored and more deeply appreciated.

Each year, I look to my garden to remind myself that growth takes time.

• Enjoy. Before you know it, your labor of love and patience will pay off. Take pleasure in the transformation as the colors, textures, and fragrances emerge. Too often, we fail to “stop and smell the roses” in our gardens and in our lives.

So get busy, then step back and take a good look. There’s nothing quite as gratifying as admiring what you’ve accomplished. It’s reason to celebrate!

By osmosis, gardening has taught me how to take better care of myself. I have absorbed its rich messages and learned how to nurture my inner garden and growth as a woman on her own.

I encourage you to grab a spade and join me. Beauty, growth, and an energizing sense of renewal can be yours, season after season after season.

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

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Page 8 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

5

Things You Should Know About Foot Care

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

T

aking the proper precautions for foot wound care can be the difference between saving your essential limbs or amputation surgery.

There are 130,000 hospitalizations a year for amputations in those with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, up to 11.8% of those with diabetes have a wound.

“Your feet affect your quality of life,” said Lorraine A. Ladd-Falanga, registered nurse at the Center for Wound Healing as part of Oswego Health in Oswego. “If a condition causes someone to have their toe amputated that affects the kind of activities they can perform.”

Ladd-Falanga sees patients at the center which offers leading-edge treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure therapies, bioengineered tissues along with methods to reintroduce the body’s innate ability to heal. She offers five essential pieces of information about wound care.

1.DIABETES AND THE FOOT

Diabetes has a direct correlation to the foot. Patients with diabetes can be at risk for diabetic foot ulcers, infections and complications from those infections. Diabetic foot ulcers or wounds put patients at a higher risk of hospitalization and need for surgery or amputation.

Diabetes comes in two forms; Type 1 which typically affects people 21 and younger who lack insulin and, the most common, Type 2, which can develop at any age and affects the body’s ability to absorb insulin. Taking steps to prevent Type 2 diabetes, can help lower your risk for other health problems directly linked to diabetes, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vision loss.

“If a diabetic doesn’t monitor their symptoms it can lead to infections and problems in the foot that require immediate intervention such as amputation,” said Ladd-Falanga.

2.WARNING SIGNS

If redness spreads out from an injury site, if there is swelling, if green or yellow fluid is emerging from the wound or if the area around the wound is warm or tender, you may have an infection. Other signs of infection include body aches, chills, fever or swollen lymph nodes. If you have any of these symptoms, promptly seek medical attention.

“A lot of patients just feel like it will resolve itself on its own so they don’t seek immediate help,” said Ladd-Falanga. “If you are not proactive, there could be serious harm to your feet.”

Your feet can serve as an impactful litmus test for your overall health.

Dry skin can be an indication of thyroid conditions, foot numbness can be a sign of early diabetic issues and black spots could be the first signs of melanoma. Even sore feet may be an indication of heart disease.

3.

CAST

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Lorraine A. Ladd-Falanga, registered nurse at the Center for Wound Healing as part of Oswego Health. contact cast that offers an easy way to provide the gold standard of care for the management of diabetic foot ulcers. The contact cast system is used to treat patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, Charcot neuroarthropathy or postoperative surgical foot wounds.

“When you have any wound, especially if you are a diabetic, you want to avoid putting pressure and contact on that wound. That can be both for pain management as well as infections,” said Ladd-Falanga.

“It can impede the healing of the wound and that is why the cast is so essential. It also allows you to walk without the use of crutches and we have had some incredible results.”

4.SEE A SPECIALIST

If you suffer from sores or wounds that have not significantly improved from conventional treatments, experts believe specialized treatments can help you heal.

The center offers treatments, including debridement, dressing selection, special shoes and patient education. Care includes infectious disease management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, laboratory evaluation, nutritional management, pain management, diabetes education and other areas to address total patient health.

“Some patients may not have a primary care physician to refer them to a specialist so that is another reason for inaction,” said Ladd-Falanga. “We encourage people to get a primary care physician so there are no delays in getting to the proper care they need.”

5.TREATMENT

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves exposing the body to 100% oxygen at a pressure that is greater than normal. Wounds need oxygen to heal properly. Exposing a wound to 100% oxygen may speed healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is commonly used for diabetic wounds of the lower extremities, delayed effects of radiation injuries, such as osteoradionecrosis and soft-tissue radionecrosis and preparation and preservation of compromised skin grafts.

“By applying 100% oxygen to the wound, it can significantly increase healing. It is an incredible treatment if you suffer from wounds that have not healed through other conventional treatments,” she added.

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UPSTATE.EDU / NURSING July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 9

My Turn

By Eva Briggs, MD

Coming to Grips With Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis

T

humb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA) is a long name for arthritis at the base of the thumb joint. It’s also called basal arthritis. By the time people reach their 50s and 60s about one third of women and one tenth of men suffer from CMC OA. I’m one of them.

Suffer really is the right word because that we use our hands all day long.

The pain of CMC OA is aggravated by gripping objects. The thumb is required for pinching (like holding a car key), fine manipulation and stabilizing heavy objects.

In other words, almost everything you do with your hands can aggravate CMC OA. Gender is one risk factor. Women are more often affected than men. The risk increases with age. Occupations requiring repetitive motion or heavy lifting can lead to CMC OA. Examples are waitressing, keyboarding and factory work. People whose joints are loose — think double-jointed or patients with certain connective tissue disorders — are at increased risk.

Their thumbs move around while

grasping or gripping. This applies abnormal stress to the CMC joint leading to OA. The symptom people notice is pain at the base of the thumb. X-rays help determine the extent of the arthritis. It’s important to see a doctor

‘Bad news for the younger generation: frequent texting and other cell phone use might lead to earlier development of Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis.’ for correct diagnosis because other problems, such as tendinitis, cause pain in that area.

The first step in treatment is to wear a brace. That’s easier said than

done if you work at an occupation like healthcare, where you must your hands often. On workdays I estimate that I see 50 patients, which means washing or sanitizing my hands well more than 100 times per day: before and after each patient, before eating, when using the bathroom, after playing with my dogs, etc. But even wearing a brace only at night will help.

There are different styles of splints, some hard and some soft. The best splint is probably the one that the patient is willing to wear.

The next step may be a steroid injection into the painful joint. The relief is temporary, but could last weeks or months. Steroid pills are not effective and have more side effects. Injections of hyaluronic acid have been tried but are not very effective and are not FDA-approved.

Fat cell injections into the joint attempt to relieve pain by providing a cushion between bony surfaces of the joint. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the thumb. Adaptive devices such as pen and pencil holders can relieve stress on the CMC joint.

A few patients’ disease progresses to the point of surgery. Debriding (scraping damaged joint surfaces) done via arthroscopy can help short-term.

Surgery to tighten the ligaments and stabilize the basal joint is another short-term surgical treatment. There

are several options for more invasive surgical procedures for longer lasting relief. First is complete removal of the trapezium bone, a small wrist bone, which forms part of the joint. I was surprised to learn that this often provides good pain relief and function.

Because this can leave the joint loose or unstable, removal of the trapezium is often combined with tendon tightening surgery. A third option is to replace the joint with a prosthetic implant. Implants actually have a higher failure rate. The recovery from surgery involves a splint or cast for four to six weeks followed by six weeks of physical therapy, so it’s not a quick fix. Full recovery of thumb function takes six to 12 months.

Bad news for the younger generation: frequent texting and other cell phone use might lead to earlier development of CMC OA.

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

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of mobile sports betting in New York state in January, what kind of impact do you think that will have on problem gambling?

A: It’s going to have a big impact. We’re starting to see it a little bit right now, but I think the biggest thing with the mobile sports betting, it’s 24/7. It’s accessible 24 hours a day. You can place endless numbers of wagers. That’s going to have a big impact on us. We don’t worry so much about the money part as much.

What we see is the more accessibility, the more problems happen.

Q: When you say you don’t see the money part of it as much, explain that.

A: The money is a cause of it, but the greater concern is when there’s increased availability of any type of gambling, it leads to more problems.

Q: What would those problems look like?

A: We see with mobile sports betting the problems look a lot like the warning signs that we see with regular gambling, except for the fact that it’s on your mobile device. You spend more time and you’re more apt to bet more.

Q A &

with Elizabeth Toomey

Mobile sports betting in New York state expected to effect problem gambling, says team leader for the Central Region Problem Gambling Resource Center

By Mary Beth Roach Q: What does your organization do?

A: We have two main goals.

One is to educate about the adverse effects of problem gambling. The second is to help individuals and families that are affected by problem gambling.

Q: Can you define social gambling vs. problem gambling?

A: Social gambling is what the

majority of people do. They go out, they bring their 20 bucks, their 30 bucks, they go in, they have a nice evening, and they leave. Problem gambling is when your gambling experiences start to affect other parts of your life such as relationships, money, financial, work, that type of thing.

Q: What trends are you seeing?

A: Right now, it’s mobile sports betting.

We’re seeing some trends around gaming and gambling. A lot of the internet games that people are playing now have different gambling options within the games.

We’re seeing Bitcoin and Deutsch coin. That’s a form of gambling that people don’t understand. You have to look at the stock market. (For) somebody, even with a gambling addiction they might be recovering from, the stock market gives them that thrill also.

Q: With the legalization

Page 12 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

Q: Have you seen the number of calls into your organization increase over the past few months?

A: We have seen an increase in calls. Some of them being mobile sports betting, some of them just people realizing they need help and getting the help that they need. We’ll start to see more on the mobile sports betting side in another couple of months.

Q: There seems to be with the addiction, a physical manifestation, and some people have said gambling or gaming provides an adrenaline rush.

A: We call gambling the hidden addiction because it’s just like any other addiction we have out there, the opiate addiction, the alcohol addiction or even the nicotine addiction. That high or that rush, and then you need more of that to keep going.

The only difference is that with gambling you can’t smell it, you can’t taste it and you really can’t see it until they’re really deep into the addiction—when the houses are being repossessed, the money’s gone, can’t pay bills. Those everyday needs can’t be met because they’ve gambled that all away.

Q: There’s been talk that there’s a correlation between alcoholism and problem gambling. Do you agree with that?

A: We are seeing a correlation.

About 73% of people diagnosed with a gambling disorder also had an alcohol use disorder. Everywhere you can gamble, there’s alcohol involved.

Alcohol can heighten the effects of the excitement and can lower the inhibitions in a sense to how much are you really spending and how much time have you put into gambling.

Q: What are some of the signs that a loved one might look for if they suspect problem gambling with a friend or a family member?

A: I think some of the most common ones that we see are: language will probably change a little bit.

There will be more of the gambling language, especially with mobile sports betting things. Things like parley, point spread—words like that they might have not used before.

With mobile sports betting, someone getting into a sport that they’ve never been interested in before and now

they’re kind of obsessed, looking at the scores. The general one, no matter whether it’s mobile sports betting, casino, cards, lottery tickets—spending more than you can afford; looking for those bailouts from friends and family because you don’t have the money; bills not being paid; loved ones rushing home to get the mail before you do because they don’t want you to see that they didn’t pay that bill or the rent this month. I think a big one, too, is missing those events that you normally have in your life with your family and friends because you want to go to the casino or you want to watch that football game; missing out on those life events.

Q: Do you see a lot of problem gambling associated with gaming?

A: We’ve had calls to our helpline for people that are struggling and looking for help. But the biggest concern for us is a lot of those games now have a casino right in it that you can put your credit card in and gamble within the casino. Gambling is defined as risking something of value for a chance of a reward, and if we look at the loot boxes that come in some of the games, you’re giving them a couple bucks and hope that you’re getting the big package.

That’s kind of a form of gambling, also. (According to the website intenta.digital, “loot boxes are virtual items in video games that contain randomized rewards. They are one such technique borrowed from the gambling world that has become profitable for the gaming industry.”)

Q: Your organization provides resources for problem gamblers or the loved ones of a problem gambler. What kind of resources are out there?

A: The New York Council on Problem Gambling and the Resource Centers are in all 62 counties and boroughs of the city of New York.

So we cover the whole state. All our services are free. If somebody calls us here in Central New York, you’re going to get myself or somebody on my team here in Central New York. You’re getting someone who knows your community. We have our own special network of private practitioners within our region who have been trained in counseling for problem gambling. We also know because it is the hidden addiction, some people have lost their jobs (and) don’t have insurance at this point. We keep our staff very small so that if somebody calls us and can’t afford to pay for it or a family member calls and it’s not covered under their insurance, we’ll pay for it.

Q: Is there anything you’d like to add?

A: Just that we’re here to help. By this point, when people are realizing they have a problem, they’re desperate, they need hope. We’re the hope.

We’re judgment-free. All we’re trying to do, either with the family member or the individual back to breathing a little easier and getting the help to be healthy again.

Anyone looking for help or more information can call the area Resource Center at 315-413-4676 or go to NYproblemgambling.org or nyproblemgamblinghelp.org. Under the “Find Help” tap is a map of New York state. Select your region and see the different ways to contact a resource center and other helpful information.

Reiki Grows in Popularity

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

O

nce dismissed in many circles of Western medicine as quackery, reiki has gained a reputation as helpful for pain, anxiety and stress relief among many healthcare providers.

For example, Upstate Medical University hosts a reiki team of volunteers to provide reiki to patients, outpatients and caregivers. Other health systems in Rochester, Buffalo and elsewhere also provide reiki.

“I took a reiki course and have had many clients who’ve had reiki,” said Stephen Wechsler, doctor

of chiropractic at Network Healing Arts. “It’s a very relaxing, peaceful experience. It’s a wonderful thing for people to connect with themselves.

The practitioner also connects with themselves at the same time. It comes through them as they’re a conduit for the healing.”

How reiki works and its benefits is not well understood by many people. Jeanne Farrell, reiki practitioner in the Syracuse area, explains reiki as “bringing the coherence and harmony out of those energy systems in the body.”

She views it as enhancing the body’s natural healing ability but not

a replacement for standard medical care.

“It’s always complementary to medical practices,” Farrell said. “It’s never in place of medical practice or advice. It’s working with it.”

She said that many clients use it before surgery or during recovery to enhance their healing process by invoking a relaxation response and reducing inflammation. Farrell encourages clients to speak with their practitioner about why they want reiki, such as a physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issue.

“There are many schools of reiki,” Farrell said. “They’re basically the same. You find different techniques, depending on with whom your teacher was learning. There’s no one complete right or wrong way. It’s just exposure to many different ways.

Each practitioner is a conduit for the natural universal life energy, which is what we all have. It’s how we were born. It is why we exist.”

She added that reiki has no contraindications and cannot be “overdone” or cause harm.

The energy clients receive is not from the practitioner. Brittany Terotta, reiki master teacher and practitioner through Peaceful Remedies in Oswego, said that practitioners giving reiki open themselves up to “universal life force energy. We can send that to the other person’s energy field. We’re rebalancing the natural flow of a person’s energy system. Injury, illness and stressors can get your energy out of whack. When it’s not flowing, you experience more illness.”

Clients remain fully clothed and practitioners place their hands slightly above them. Unlike massage therapy, the practitioner does not

manipulate tissue.

Some focus on energy centers of the body, major joints or chakras.

Typical sessions last about an hour.

“I do it a little differently with a guided meditation to help people get more relaxed to open up that energy,” Terotta said. “Then I start the hand position. You start at the head to the chest, stomach, legs and feet.

You become in tune with sensing energy so you can sense where there’s a blockage. It becomes an intuitive practice.”

Some people think that reiki drains the practitioners, that it’s their energy going into clients, but Terotta said that “it’s just going through me.

It’s universal life force.”

She joked that it is a little like “the Force” of “Star Wars” fame, but it takes reiki training, not Jedi training, to learn how to direct it. And it cannot be used for anything negative.

“Reiki will do no harm,” Terotta said. “It will go towards the person’s highest good. You can’t overdo it. If you have a blockage, the energy will not continue to flow. It’s a conscious energy system.

“It’s complementary to anything you are doing. If you have cancer or diabetes or something, take your medicine. This just supports people’s wellness.”

She said that reiki has helped her with anxiety. It is anecdotes like those that draw people to reiki. Though a small amount of research supports its benefits, Terotta chalks that up to science not catching up with what she and other reiki practitioners and clients have observed and experienced.

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Phelps Sauerkraut Festival Phelps www.phelpsny.com/sauerkraut-weekend It celebrates everything sauerkraut and cabbage. Phelps was once lauded as the sauerkraut capital of the world. See who will be crowned the Sauerkraut Festival Prince and Princess. Aug. 4-7.

It’s ‘Eat Up’ Season

Festivals across Upstate New York feature all sorts of food — from chicken wings at the National Buffalo Wing Festival, to sauerkraut at Phelps Sauerkraut Festival in Phelps… and that’s just the beginning!

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

n addition to the great weather, summer brings a bevy of foodbased events. Taste the flavors of the season at these food fests across the state. Each features the expected vendors, local food and live entertainment. Some include a midway or special events like a parade or fireworks, and they all focus on a notable food raised locally. Dig in!

Finger Lakes Wine Festival Watkins Glen www.flwinefest.com It offers tastings of 90-plus wines, seminars, cooking demonstrations, toga contest, live music, fireworks, and, for those who plan to stay the weekend, on-site camping. July 7-10.

Cheddar Cheese Festival Adams www.cheddarcheesefestival.com Festival allows you to browse ar-

tisan booths, sample wine and cheese and explore the kids’ zone. July 9.

Lyons Peppermint Days Lyons www.lyonstown.com/peppermint-days It commemorates when Lyons produced more peppermint than anywhere in the world. Visit the nearby H.G. Hotchkiss Essential Oil Museum, which chronicles Lyons’ minty history. See who will be crowned Baby Mint and stay late enough for the fireworks show—one of the best in the region. July 15-17.

BurgerFest Hamburg www.hamburgburgerfest.com It is not just about burgers, but numerous kinds of foods, plus food trucks. Bring along the children for activities and inflatables. Explore crafts, the car show and the beer tent.

July 16.

Eden Corn Festival Eden www.edencornfest.com It highlights one of the region’s top crops and includes the Agricultural and Community Showcase, and plenty of corn on the cob. Aug. 4-7.

Avon Rotary Corn Festival Avon www.avonrotary.org Festival includes an annual corn eating contest. Aug. 13.

The Glorious Garlic Festival Geneva www.genevadowntown.com It had been held in Penn Yan at Fox Run Vineyard but this year will be at the Geneva Lakefront. The event includes wine tasting, cooking demonstration and the chance to sample and purchase freshly harvested garlic of several varieties. Aug. 6-7.

National Buffalo Wing Festival Buffalo www.buffalowing.com Inspired by a Bill Murray character attending the fictitious National Buffalo Wing Festival in the film “Osmosis Jones,” the real event was founded by local Drew Cerza in 2002 to promote Buffalo. Attendees flock from each U.S. state and 50 countries for eating wings, cooking and eating competitions and bobbing for wings from a kiddie pool of bleu cheese dressing—no hands allowed. Sept.

3-4.

Niagara County Peach Festival Lewiston www.lewistonpeachfestival.org Enjoy the midway, peach treats and see who is crowned the Peach

Queen. Sept. 8-11.

Central New York TomatoFest Auburn www.cnytomatofest.org It raises money for local food pantries and offers eventgoers live tomato-based goods like salsa and the annual Bloody Mary Bar. Sept. 10.

Cream Cheese Festival Lowville www.creamcheesefestival.com It includes many children’s activities along with the recipe contest and games. Grab a bagel and head over. Sept. 17.

Naples Grape Festival Naples www.naplesgrapefest.org) It showcases area winemakers, local foods and of course, everything grape, including the grape pie baking contest. Sept. 24-25.

Syracuse Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival Syracuse www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com The festival brings the best of local foods and brews, along with national brands to the New York State Fairgrounds. Oct. 1.

Lafayette Apple Festival Lafayette www.lafayetteapplefest.org) It celebrates the apple harvest with apple-themed foods along with food competitions, midway rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, juried craft show and more. Oct. 8-9.

——— Check the venue’s social media page in advance for event guidelines.

Bring along cash for purchases, as some food festivals do not accept cards or app-based payments, and totes to bring home local purchases.

Need a second helping? Attend your county fair and other local events and the State Fair. These feature local and specialty foods to savor.

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SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

Helpful tips

The skinny on healthy eating

Pork Ribs 101: Why Moderation is Key!

D

uring the grilling season and especially on the Fourth of July, my husband and I indulge in something we rarely eat all year long: pork ribs.

It’s a summer tradition that allows us to enjoy this tasty meat with an understanding that it won’t last forever.

We rarely eat ribs because, much like addictive chicken wings, we tend to devour them without really thinking about what or how much we’re eating. And while ribs certainly have some nutritional merit, they also have enough drawbacks for us — cholesterol-worriers that we are!

— to put them in the “occasional” food category.

What have ribs got going for them? You might be surprised. An average serving of ribs (3-4 oz) has around 20 grams of protein, which, for some, provides nearly 50% of the recommended amount. Protein is a powerhouse nutrient that we need throughout our lifetime, from growth and development when we’re young to maintaining muscle mass and strength when we’re old.

More pork perks: Ribs teem with several B vitamins, including the coveted B12, a critical vitamin whose deficiency is marked by extreme fatigue and lethargy. All together, the mighty B-team plays a vital role in helping to maintain good health, provide energy, improve memory, and boost immunity.

In addition to all those good B vitamins, pork ribs are an excellent source of selenium and zinc, two powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals — unstable molecules

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

that can harm your cells and contribute to many age-related diseases.

So, what’s not to love about this lip-smackin’ cut of red meat? Three biggies: fat, cholesterol, and calories.

Although some cuts of pork fall into the lean category with 10 grams of fat or less, baby back ribs and spareribs do not, delivering 20 grams of fat (or more!) per average serving. What’s more, a notable portion of that fat is saturated fat, the unhealthy fat that can raise cholesterol levels and increase risk of heart disease or stroke.

As for cholesterol, a 3-oz serving of ribs has 70 mg, a hearty chunk of the 300-mg recommended daily limit.

Last but not least, calories. Ever see someone eat an entire rack of barbecued ribs in one sitting? You’ve just witnessed the inhalation of nearly 2000 calories, perhaps more if the ribs were slathered in rich barbecue sauce. At about 300 calories per 3-oz serving, pork ribs on their own won’t land you in eater’s jail, especially if

Most People Think Their Diet Is Healthier Than It Is

U.S. adults commonly overestimate the quality of their diet, study shows

H

ow healthy is your diet? It seems like a simple question, but according to a new study, it’s one that most Americans struggle to get right.

“We found that only a small percentage of U.S. adults can accurately assess the healthfulness of their diet, and interestingly, it’s mostly those who perceive their diet as poor who are able to accurately assess their diet,” said Jessica Thomson, PhD, research epidemiologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricul-

Named for their shorter length (not the piglet), baby back ribs are leaner, more tender, and have less meat than heartier, fattier spareribs. To cut calories and make ribs a tad healthier: season ribs with a dry rub; read barbecue sauce labels carefully and cut your sauce with some apple juice or cider.

To further reduce salt and sugar, consider making your own rub and sauce.

tural Research Service in the Southeast Area, the study’s lead author.

“Additionally, most adults overrate the quality of their diet, sometimes to a substantial degree.”

Thomson presented the findings during the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held June 14-16.

The researchers wanted to find out whether a single, simple question could be used as a screening tool for nutrition studies — to replace or complement the detailed dietary

you practice portion control and only eat them occasionally. What may land you in the culinary clink, however, is the finger-lickin’ sauce, which can add hundreds of calories, not to mention loads of sugar and salt.

Lightened-Up Baby Back Ribs

Adapted from foodnetwork.com 1 (3-lb) rack, bone-in baby back ribs dry rub mix ½ cup 100% apple juice ½ cup barbecue sauce Dry rub mix: 2 tablespoons paprika 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon cumin questionnaires commonly used in nutrition research. Previous studies have found that self-rated health is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality, but there is scant research on whether self-rated diet quality is predictive of the actual quality of one’s diet.

The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults conducted every two years. Participants were asked to complete detailed 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires and rate their diet as excellent, very good, good, fair or poor.

Researchers used the food recall questionnaires to score each participant’s diet quality. Examples of foods ranked as healthier include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, lower-fat dairy products, seafood and plant proteins. Foods considered less healthy included refined grains and foods high in sodium, added sugars or saturated fats.

The study revealed significant disconnects between the researcher-calculated scores and how participants ranked their own diet. Out of over 9,700 participants, about 8,000 (roughly 85%) inaccurately assessed their diet quality. Of those, almost all (99%) overrated the healthfulness of

Preheat oven to 225 degrees. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for dry rub, using a fork to crush any clumps.

Place ribs on a double layer of aluminum foil (tear enough to encase ribs). Rub mix on both sides and then wrap foil around ribs, leaving a small section open at the top. Place wrapped rack of ribs on a large sheet pan and pour apple juice on the ribs through the opening in the foil. Cook for 2 hours. Remove ribs from foil and reserve ¼ cup of the juices.

Preheat outdoor grill to medium. Mix reserved juices with barbecue sauce and set aside. Grill over indirect heat for 10 to 15 minutes per side. For the last 10 minutes of cooking, baste with barbecue sauce.

Remove from grill, allow to rest 15 minutes before cutting, enjoy!

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-

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.

their diet.

Surprisingly, accuracy was highest among those who rated their diet as poor, among whom the researcher’s score matched the participant’s rating 97% of the time. The proportion of participants who accurately assessed their diet quality ranged from 1%-18% in the other four rating categories.

Thomson said further research could help to elucidate what factors people consider when asked to assess their diet quality. For instance, it would be helpful to know whether people are aware of particular dietary recommendations and whether they take into consideration where their food is purchased or how it is prepared.

“It’s difficult for us to say whether U.S. adults lack an accurate understanding of the components of a healthful versus unhealthful diet or whether adults perceive the healthfulness of their diet as they wish it to be—that is, higher in quality than it actually is,” said Thomson. “Until we have a better understanding of what individuals consider when assessing the healthfulness of their diet, it will be difficult to determine what knowledge and skills are necessary to improve self-assessment or perception of one’s diet quality.”

July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 15

Left Dozens of kids touched by cancer at Camp Good Days near Keuka Lake in Yates County gather around a campfire. “Here at Camp Good Days, they get a chance to be with others who are probably the only other people in the world who can really understand what it’s like to be them; other children also going through cancer,” says camp founder Gary Mervis.

Camp Good Days Resumes In-Person Camps for Kids with Cancer

Founder talks about the evolution of the camp for children with cancer.

‘We didn’t have any money. We didn’t have a camp. But we had a dream.’

By Steve Yablonski

C

amp Good Days was founded by Gary Mervis after his daughter, Elizabeth “Teddi” Mervis, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at the age of 9, in 1979. She ultimately died in 1982.

“For me it’s a memorial to my daughter, Teddi — she’s the reason that I started it and it’s helped to keep her a part of my life every day,” he said. “And, to be honest with you, I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have this. I retired from my state job in 1994. Then I coached football up until two years ago at St. John Fisher College. This has become my everything else. I never looked at this as a job. This was my memorial to Teddi and probably the only thing in my life that really makes some sense out of something that didn’t make any sense.”

Marvis believed the loneliness of being the only child in her school and neighborhood dealing with cancer was as painful to his daughter as the treatments.

Camp Good Days has helped kids with cancer — and their families — for 43 years, until COVID-19 hit.

“Over these past three years it’s been really tough. We weren’t able to operate,” Mervis said.

But he is opmistic about the activities the camp plans for this year.

In July, Camp Good Days is going to do family camps then in August a traditional children’s camp, Mervis explained, adding, “We’ll be real busy pretty much all summer.”

What has made Camp Good Days so successful for over four decades is because it takes children who are dealing with cancer and it gives them a chance in a beautiful part of our state where people are there because they want to be—gives kids a chance to be kids again, Mervis said.

A lot of these children grow up too quickly, make adult decisions, he said.

“The treatment options are some of the most potent that medical science can come up with. Sometimes when a child is going through treatment a lot is happening to them and

Above Camp Good Days founder Gary Mervis (centered, seated) gathers with kids and family members in 2021.

Right Gary Mervis and his wife Wendy started Camp Good Days after daughter, Elizabeth “Teddi” Mervis, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at the age of 9, in 1979.

At Camp Good Days, All Programs Are Free Camp Good Days and Special Times, commonly called “Camp Good Days,” is a residential summer camp which provides summer camping experiences for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. It was the first organization of its kind in the United States to be started by a lay person, Gary Mervis. The camp is operated by a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, “Camp Good Days and Special Times Inc.,” which is one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country.

The camp offers weeklong summer

Page 16 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

camping sessions, weekend adult retreats, and year-round programs for families who have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. These include programs for children, adult oncology programs, family programs and brain tumor family retreats. All programs are provided free of charge.

Programs are open to: Children with cancer or sickle cell anemia, children who have a parent or sibling with cancer or sickle cell anemia, children who have lost a parent or sibling with cancer or sickle cell anemia, women and men with cancer.

Visit www.campgooddays.org for more information.

their bodies and they don’t feel very comfortable,” he continued. “They might be the only one in their neighborhood or church or synagogue or school dealing with this thing called cancer. Here at Camp Good Days, they get a chance to be with others who are probably the only other people in the world who can really understand what it’s like to be them; other children also going through cancer.”

Mervis’ daughter is always in his mind and helps guide his decision.

“I tell people all the time — at night a lot of times before I go to bed I will just kind of say to myself what would Teddi think; would she think I’m doing a good job?” he said.

“That’s what keeps me going and the day that I ask that question and I’m not doing a good job, then it’s time to do something else; unless the good Lord intercedes before that.”

Mervis made a promise to himself when he first started Camp Good Days. When Teddi was in the hospital, he’d run into some other parents who had a child in the hospital at that time and realized how blessed he was.

“I had a good job with good benefits, our marriage was very good … Teddi was doing OK. But I saw a lot people who were really torn because they quit work to be with their child; especially initially to get them to the many doctor appointments and sitting with them when they are getting their treatment. Finances was a big thing and I didn’t want to see anyone with a child who had cancer have to make a choice to take a child to Camp Good Days or make a car payment or pay the rent or mortgage.

So I said that all of our services and programs would be provided free of charge,” he said.

That was great in the early years; they didn’t have a lot of kids, he noted. But over the years with the increase in kids and just the overall cost of things, it became very expensive.

“But because of the support of so many people who believe in what we are trying to do I’ve been able to keep that promise. No family has ever had to worry about paying. I never wanted potential campers to be turned away by cost,” he explained.

“I never wanted people to have to choose between a car payment and going to camp.”

The camp is located on Keuka Lake. “It’s a beautiful part of our state. We’re right across from Keuka State Park. It’s a total of about 15 acres, all level and we use every bit of it. It’s a very special, special place.

The camp also maintains offices in Buffalo, Syracuse and Ithaca,” he added.

Mervis heard about a doctor in Michigan who had taken children from their clinic, rented an outdoor

camp and took the children there.

“The camp was as far removed from the sterile environment of the hospital as you could get. I saw those kids having fun and all I could think about was I wanted to send Teddi to that camp,” Mervis said.

He tracked down the doctor — a pediatric oncologist with the Upjohn Corporation in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

“He explained to me it was a new concept and his was only the fourth in the country. We didn’t really have anything for our kids here. So, I made an appointment with the head of Roswell Park and Upstate Medical Center. There were more than enough childhood cancer patients in the area to warrant such a program, albeit it many of them were too young to go to camp; some were in the midst of treatments and couldn’t go. But there were more than enough,” Mervis said.

That doctor was going to be in Buffalo on business. Mervis decided he’d drive to Buffalo and pick him up, bring him to Rochester and he’d stay overnight and the next morning at the Rochester Academy for Medicine they’d have an informational meeting.

And so, Camp Good Days was born.

“We didn’t have any money.

We didn’t have a camp,” Mervis said. “But we had a dream!”

The first event was held in the Adirondacks at Inlet, New York.

“No sooner had we put the children on the buses to go home, we were sitting around talking about how we could make this bigger and better the next year,” he said.

By the time the third year rolled around, 1982, Teddi had lost her battle. Many of the other children were sicker, as well. The medical staff decided camp needed to be closer to a major childhood cancer treatment facility.

Most of the medical staff came from the University of Rochester.

“So we drew a 60-mile radius around the U of R and looked at camps that we might be able to rent in that area,” he said. “Some of the camps that we looked at were in such disrepair that they wouldn’t meet the needs of our children.”

At first, week-long camp experiences were held at private camps. In 1986, the Branchport property, formerly cottage resorts Campbell’s Beach and Pebble Beach, was purchased to provide expansion of the program.

“We spent, I think, almost three years getting it ready so we could get permission from the state so we could operate a children’s camp,” he said. “It was a real blessing when we were able to move all our programs to one facility.”

The camp has served more than 50,000 campers from 22 states and 27 foreign countries.

“Before this COVID came, during the course of a summer, we’d have 1,200 to 1,500 children from the time we opened up our program at the start of June and ended usually with our weekend programs in September and October… right before election day,” he said.

Juvenile Arthritis

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

ost people think of arthritis as an affliction of middle-aged through older

adults.

Although that is largely true for the worn-out joints affected by osteoarthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JA) represents an autoimmune disease that is typically diagnosed in youth.

Previously called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, it is a lifelong condition causing joint pain, swelling and if left untreated, causes organ damage throughout the body.

“Arthritis means joint inflammation and everyone thinks of it as something their parents and grandparents might get. But juvenile arthritis has been around, too,” said physician William Hannan, associate professor of pediatrics at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, on the organization’s website. “It is one of the more chronic diseases of childhood, but it doesn‘t have the reputation of other chronic diseases.”

Because few people think of arthritis as affecting children, this can lead to difficulties of all sorts for families with children with JA. “Because it’s so insidious, a diagnosed child looks fine one day in school and playing with peers and the next day, the child cannot walk,” said Nancy Sorbella, community engagement director for the Arthritis Foundation’s New York chapters in New York City and Albany. “Even the best teachers will say, ‘You’re not in pain; you were fine yesterday.’

Often parents have to educate their

Allen Anandarajah own community.”

That is why the Arthritis Foundation provides both community education and social outlets to families dealing with JA. This can help families get the advocacy and help their children need and help them connect with others in the same struggle.

One of the biggest struggles with JA is that so few board-certified specialists treat it. Sorbella estimates that they number only 420 nationwide, meaning each has an average patient load of 700 children. That is about half the number that an average pediatrician sees, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. But visits for complicated medical cases such as JA tend to take much longer and require more frequent visits than an average, healthy child who visits annual for a well child check-up and an occasional illness.

JA specialists tend to work in larger cities, meaning most families

CALENDAR of HEALTH EVENTS

Aug. 13

‘For Your Health’ 5K to take place in Oswego The Seventh Annual For Your Health 5K will be held at 8:30 a.m, Aug. 13, on the Seneca Hill campus, between Fulton and Oswego, off

Route 481 on Route 45A. Runners and walkers of all ages and levels are encouraged to participate. The event is organized by the Oswego Health Foundation and proceeds benefit the healthcare needs and initiatives of the community. This year’s presenting sponsor is Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Awards will be presented to the top three overall

must travel long distances for care, missing work and school.

“It really does not matter how much money you have,” Sorbella said. “To find the right specialists, they often have to travel all over the country.”

The Arthritis Foundation helps families find care providers and often serves as a resource to which providers refer their patients, both for practical and informational resources and for social outlets such as the free JA camps hosted around the country.

Allen Anandarajah, rheumatologist who directs the Early Arthritis Clinic at University of Rochester Medical Center, also runs the RA CHAMP program.

“I believe in empowering patients with education,” he said.

RA CHAMP helps patients find a care provider, learn how to share information with the provider, understand their medication and side effects, coordinate appointments, and find activity programs.

Anandarajah said that early diagnosis is so important because “it causes inflammation with the synovial tissue in the joint. When inflamed, it causes joint damage and disruption if not diagnosed and treated adequately.”

Typically, patients would notice joint pain, swelling and redness. Very young children may only cry without the ability to express what hurts.

JA can also affect other areas of the body, including eye and bone health. They may also become less active, which increases risk of other diseases and suffer mental health issues because of the challenges they face.

Rheumatoid arthritis drugs of the past typically mitigated pain but did little to slow the damage to joints and organs.

“The good thing is in the last 15 to 20 years, there have been the development of more medications that can make a meaningful difference to patients,” Anandarajah said.

“Children can do better with how they can deal with medicines,” Anandarajah said. “Some of the medications we use in quite high doses because their bodies can metabolize better than others. It’s an exciting time. We now may have tools to treat kids.”

He encourages parents and patients to stay positive and focus on promoting good health with a balanced, healthful diet low in sugar and fat and with physical activity. male and female 5K finishers in both the walking and running divisions of the Oswego Health race. New this year, the event will focus on overall wellness and feature community partners, local vendors, and resources to help strengthen the health of the community. In addition, the event will feature a kids’ fun run at 8 a.m.

Local businesses or organizations can also enter a team. For more information, please call Michele Hourigan at 315-326-3788. Community members can register online at https:// raceroster.com/events/2022/58508/ for-your-health-5k.

The For Your Health 5K is proud to be part of the Make it Happen 20K Race Series. Oswego Health’s race is the third race in the series. The series concludes with the Go Bucs 5K Run/ Walk on Oct.10.

July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 17

OMEN'S HEALTH

Self-Defense Classes Offer Women Ways to Prevent Possible Assaults

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A

bout 141,778 women in the United States were raped or sexually assaulted in 2020 by well-known or casual acquaintances according to statista.com, a leading provider of market and consumer data with office in New York City. which reports 6,464 men were also victims.

Women’s smaller size and stature tend to make them perceived as easier targets than men.

Violence against women has promoted women’s self-defense classes, particularly at martial arts schools, which often provide short-term classes lasting a few days or weeks for those who just want to learn self-defense.

In addition to belt-earning classes, Denise Neacosia, fifth degree blackbelt and owner of Kuk Sool Won in Wolcott, offers women’s self-defense classes.

“These have become popular, as more people want to feel confident and safe,” Neacosia said.

Andrea Williamson, fourth degree blackbelt instructor who leads the self-defense classes, said that self-defense classes differ from the belt-earning classes in several ways.

The self-defense classes “focus a few techniques pulled from Kuk Sool Won that are gross motor-motion and easy to remember,” Williamson said.

The classes cover how to use everyday objects, such as keys, a broom or an umbrella as self-defense tools. While these techniques and strategies are an important part of a self-defense class, Williamson said the most important part is learning to minimize scenarios where an attack could happen.

“I feel that most students are surprised that attacks are mostly perpetrated by people they know, and it’s normally not the ‘boogie man’ in the alley, but a close friend, neighbor or family member,” Williamson said.

She also walks students through the mentality of an attack from both the attacker’s and defender’s perspectives. They also learn how to think quickly to avoid freezing during an attack and “break the attacker’s mental loop of thought to knock them off balance in the pro-

Women practice self-defense at Kuk Sool Won in Wolcott. cess,” she added.

For a person who is timestrapped and/or financially unable to commit to a year-long contract, taking a short-term self-defense class can at least provide a few methods of evading or minimizing the effects of an attack.

A belt-earning student learns techniques more slowly and with greater repetition over a longer period. This helps increase what is known as “muscle memory,” when a person responds instinctively and immediately, ideal for an unexpected attack.

Marvin Lebatt, ninth-degree black belt and owner of CNY Okinawan Karate and Kobudo Schools in Syracuse, said that many younger

self-defense students are high school seniors and recent graduates preparing to go to college.

“When you enroll as a student, you embrace the whole art, history, philosophy, etiquette and culture,” Lebatt said. “You go into the science of martial arts. It’s a physical science.”

His short-term self-defense course includes basics like evading grasps, targeting vital areas, and other moves that are “simple and effective to execute,” he said.

In belt-earning classes, students also become more physically fit.

While that is helpful for self-defense, it is not required. The course includes using everyday objects as weapons, including cellphones, since these are

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Page 18 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

what people would have on hand.

They also learn to remain aware of their surroundings and to walk with purpose so they do not appear to be an easy target.

“We want to give them confidence and an ability to control themselves and their breathing, which is important to execute the appropriate response,” Lebatt said. “If they lose their ability to reason, everything else they know is in vain.

“I tell them upfront, you’re not going to be Jackie Chan. It’s like taking a piano lesson. You’re going to have to practice these techniques and get into a class or otherwise, if you don’t use it, you lose it. Still, it’s a step in the right direction.”

He encourages self-defense students to at least take a refresher course annually so they do not forget.

Rudy Duncan, 10th-degree black belt in karazenpo go shinjutsu and grandmaster and owner of Duncan’s Martial Arts in Syracuse, is also a licensed clinical social worker and trauma specialist. He said that many women feel drawn to self-defense classes because of a past trauma.

“We talk about the three A’s: awareness, assessment and action,” he said. “We talk about what we need to be aware of in our space, assessing it. Action can be a lot of things. Self-defense doesn’t always been something physical. It can mean moving away.”

As with the other schools, Duncan’s self-defense classes emphasize a small assortment of easy-to-perform techniques and strategies that can be broadly applied instead of the broad array of techniques that it can take several years to master.

“If people want some basic skills to have some idea of how to handle themselves, we can do that in a four-hour workshop,” Duncan said.

“I invite the people back to work on those skills again. They should do something every year. It’s like the police department. They do retraining every year.”

He helps students work through how they would feel if attacked so were it to ever happen, they would not freeze and remain passive but take action to stay safe and thwart the threat.

“If they only learn techniques, they think they can do them, but they have to think about the response,” Duncan said. “If not, your body shuts down.”

OMEN'S HEALTH

Barriers to Breastfeeding

Shortage of baby formula raises questions about the low number of moms who breastfeed

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A

few different factors have contributed to the recent shortage of baby formula, including breaks in the supply chain and fewer mothers choosing to breastfeed during the pandemic.

The latter reason stems from the limited availability of lactation consultants at hospitals and other nursing experts, sick mothers fearful about nursing their infants and fewer peer and family supports available to help.

Experts estimate that about 95% of mothers are physically and medically capable of breastfeeding. However, only 24.9% do for six months for a variety of reasons.

“While ‘breast is best’ has been our saying, some women don’t breastfeed for reasons that have nothing to do with health but are social determinants,” said Darcy Dwyer, representing March of Dimes in New York state.

March of Dimes supports legislation that promotes lactating at work and longer maternity leave so that mothers both start and continue longer in lactating.

“The more often you feed, the more milk you make,” Dwyer said.

“The more time you spend with baby, the more milk you make.”

For those willing to breastfeed, reducing barriers can increase the percent of moms who breastfeed.

“Looking at the breastfeeding world over the last 20 years, we’ve

shifted from promoting to supporting breastfeeding,” said Jayne Charlamb, associate professor in internal medicine, OB-GYN and pediatrics, and director of the division of breast health and breastfeeding medicine, department of OB-GYN at SUNY Upstate Medical University. The difference between promoting and supporting is important because for those moms who choose to breastfeed, “it takes significant support and information. So many families don’t get the support and information they need.”

She said that one of the barriers to breastfeeding among the 95% of women physically capable of breastfeeding includes culture. Not seeing other moms breastfeed may mean that it appears abnormal to do so.

Friends and family members may come over to “help” by holding the baby, when what would really help moms is if they ran a load of laundry, washed dishes and shopped for groceries so mom could rest and focus on establishing breastfeeding.

“In traditional cultures where breastfeeding is the norm, that’s what happens: the mom is surrounded by a group of supportive women who take over everything else,” Charlamb said. “It’s hard to do that in our society.”

Returning to work also lowers breastfeeding rates. Typically, women who must return to work right away make less money than those with more generous leave. That is why Charlamb believes that socioeconom-

ic level predicts breastfeeding likelihood.

“If you look at the way there are so many women in the workforce, the maternity leave is horribly lower than in many developed nations, like one or two years,” CharJayne Charlamb lamb said. “Their breastfeeding rates are much higher.”

Learning how to use a breast pump can help moms leave behind milk for their baby’s childcare provider. However, they must pump during the workday to keep up the milk supply. Just nursing while home will not do it.

Recently passed legislation requires employers to provide a place for moms to pump, but a fair number of loopholes exempts certain industries and sizes of employers.

Plus, there’s a difference between providing the bare minimum to meet the requirements. For example, a conference room with a locking door would be considered sufficient, even though psychologically, some moms may find it hard to pump in a room where they sat in a meeting with colleagues minutes beforehand. Or moms may have to use a room where scheduling is problematic. Pumping cannot be delayed, as waiting too long can cause leaks and contributed to mastitis.

While the shift to work from home may boost breastfeeding, Charlamb has not seen any data to show that is a trend.

“We want the nursing mom and baby together especially until the milk supply is well established,” Charlamb said.

Creating a working environment where lactation is accommodated and honored can encourage more mothers to continue to provide breastmilk. Nursing babies longer can mean fewer missed days for mom as breastfeeding reduces illnesses among infants.

Some women think that taking medication prevents breastfeeding.

“There aren’t many medications that would prevent a mom from breastfeeding,” Charlamb said.

“There are some where we say it isn’t but it’s extraordinarily rare that we can’t find a medication that is compatible with her medical need and she can still breastfeed.”

Some women mistakenly believe that they need to eat a special diet to produce healthful milk and think that because they cannot afford those “special foods,” breastfeeding will not work. A basic balanced diet is all that is needed.

New York Milk Bank in Valhalla provides milk by prescription for sick or premature babies whose mothers cannot provide milk, or for adopted or surrogate babies (although it is possible for women to induce lactation, even if they have not given birth), as well as full-term, healthy infants. Milk donors are screened for health issues and the milk is pasteurized and tested for bacteria.

Education on breastfeeding makes a difference. Many women who begin nursing quit within a few weeks because of concerns about milk supply. A woman’s bodily size and breast size are not determinates of how much milk she can produce.

Normally, milk does not immediately come in when the baby is born. It can take a few days. Once it does, factors such as stress, hydration, and sufficiently frequent nursing and pumping all contribute to adequate milk supply—not the woman’s cup size or clothing size.

Lisa Emmons, leader at La Leche League of Oswego, encourages moms to seek breastfeeding education and support from both professionals such as certified lactation consultants and other breastfeeding moms.

“Lack of support is sometimes the number one barrier,” Emmons said. “If mom isn’t fully supported with her breastfeeding experience, that can cast doubt in her abilities.”

For example, a mom who worries her baby is getting enough milk can look for regular bowel movements, wet diapers and weight gain to show her milk suffices.

“A newborn’s stomach is about the size of a marble,” Emmons said.

“It grows slowly to the size of a ping pong ball to the size of a chicken egg at 10 days. When they want to nurse all the time, moms think they’re not getting enough. They can only fit so much in. The easy answer is to give a bottle.”

Unfortunately, that strategy reduces milk supply.

Many physicians and nurses have not received much education in lactation and infant nutrition. That is why Emmons encourages moms to seek help from lactation consultants.

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July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 19

Parenting

reinforce that men are better, smarter and more deserving of pleasure than the rest of us. We teach boys that kindness is weakness and power is theirs to lose. This societal norm is rotting us from the inside out.

MelissaStefanec@yahoo.com

• If we love our sons, we need to change the way we parent them.

If you’re raising a son, I implore you to try to teach him the following things: Teach your son he is exactly as special as every other human on this Earth.

Teach your son to stop at “no,” no matter who says it or when they say it.

Teach your son how to handle rejection. It’s a parent’s job to help our children navigate painful feelings.

Don’t let your son be the default leader. Teach him good leaders know when to follow.

Don’t let your son be the default talker. Teach him to let others’ voices take up equal space to his own.

Teach your son that this world owes him exactly as much as it owes everybody else, and nothing more than that.

Talk to your son about inner beauty. Be mindful that what you say and how you treat others teaches him about beauty standards.

Teach your son to cry. Let him cry over physical pain. Let him cry about emotional pain. Support him every time he cries.

Don’t let your son always have his way, whether that’s on the playground or in a high school club.

Praise your son when he does something that breaks the patriarchal mold. Teach him to see strength in going against the grain.

Teach your son to talk about his

By Melissa Stefanec

We Are Ruining Our Sons, But We Don’t Have To

T

hese past few weeks, I’ve been thinking about the problem of gun violence in America, especially mass shootings.

Mass shootings are complex; there isn’t a single solution or group to blame for this societal ill.

No single law, politician, regulation, guidance counselor or good guy with a gun is going to decrease the incidence of mass shootings. But that doesn’t mean we should all throw up our hands while innocent people die, sometimes on the floor of their classrooms.

Gun violence and mass shootings are examples of wicked problems. So-called wicked problems are policy and social issues that are often thought to be unsolvable (think of climate change or global poverty).

Wicked problems have so many real-world constraints, that solving them comes with undesirable consequences. These consequences mean there will always be losses. And the threat of those losses often keep people from taking action.

Mass shootings may be a wicked problem, but that won’t stop me from doing my small part to chip away at it.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be given a public platform. I’ve said a lot of unpopular things over the years, but I simply cannot hold this column back any longer.

• One way to decrease gun violence in America is to talk about how we raise our boys.

Because our boys are the ones responsible for these mass shootings.

According to the National Institutes of Justice (NIJ) — the research, development and evaluation agency of the United States Department of Justice — from 1966 to 2019, men have been responsible for almost all of the mass shootings in America. Of the 172 individuals who engaged in public mass shootings covered in the NIJ’s database, 97.7% were men.

In this nation, we indoctrinate every citizen into the ideals of male elevation and forced masculinity. We

feelings. When he reveals his feelings, show him all the love you have to give.

Teach him there is more to being a man than getting girls and playing sports.

Teach your son the value of his word.

Teach your son the value of others’ hearts. Help him see the consequences of being reckless with others.

Teach your son to be a friend instead of an excluder, especially when it will be unpopular to do so.

Encourage your son to not talk about other people’s appearances, unless what he has to say is wholly positive.

Teach your son that it’s OK to be unpopular. Popularity isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.

Teach your son that doing the right thing may mean breaking from the pack, but that when he breaks from the pack, he will attract a stronger and happier pack.

Teach your son to spot warning signs from his friends, and give him a safe place to confide his concerns.

What I’m trying to say is, love your son in a way that won’t destroy him. Raise your son so he doesn’t think he has a right to destroy others.

This will take courage. It will hurt. It will take immense amounts of energy. It won’t make you popular. But, it will be worth it, for your son and everyone else he interacts with.

Our boys deserve to live in a world where they don’t have to learn one way to be a man and then unlearn it later in life. We all deserve to live in a world where men aren’t people to fear. Men deserve more and parents have the power to give it to them. We need to find the courage to change the way we raise our boys.

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Community Programs

12/21/21 1:54 PM

OMEN'S HEALTH Laser treatments offer another option. Krystal Waters, registered nurse and esthetician at The Plastic Surgery Group of Rochester in Rochester, uses this as her primary treatment.

“I use one lens to heat up the area and with the other lens, I trace along the spider vein to get it to coagulate, reabsorb into the body and disappear,” she said.

The procedure can take up to two hours for a client with numerous spider veins. Treating just one small area takes only a few minutes.

If clients continue with behaviors that contribute to spider veins, the veins will likely return.

Intense pulsed light therapy is another form of treatment. The high intensity, nonlaser light heats and damages the walls of the veins until they disappear.

Jennifer Ellis, medical director Illustration shows spider veins of a patient. The photo on the right shows the leg of the patient after treatment. of UR Medicine Vein Center, encourages patients to maintain a healthy weight, as carrying extra weight increases risk of spider veins. Sedentary lifestyle, smoking, or standing or sitting too much all contribute. vessel,” Locastro said. “It’s enough

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant it,” said David Locastro, general “If you’re very sedentary, take fresurgeon at Locastro Vein Center in so it scars the vein so there’s no flow.” quent breaks to elevate your legs or Skaneateles, Watertown and FayettePatients may require two to four mall, squiggly and red, blue get up and walk around,” Ellis said. ville. “The other reason is you have treatments over several months to or purple in color, spider veins “That can be effective. Another option varicose veins that push open these achieve the best results for large bother some women because of is compression stockings. They are vessels. If you have spider veins relareas. Locastro said that the areas how the veins look on their legs and knee high socks that help support ative to varicose veins, the varicose may itch a little for a few days and feet. your legs.” veins have to be treated first. Varicose patients should avoid direct sunlight But they are not only cosmetic.

She recommends a balanced diet veins left untreated can cause issues. for two weeks, but most patients can Spider veins can also cause pain low in cholesterol, salt and processed They can cause ulcers, phlebitis and go back to normal activities right and they may be associated with foods to promote circulatory health. away. underlying varicose veins, which can blood clots.”

Ellis also makes sure that patients Healthcare providers offer a few While some patients can excause aching, throbbing and swelling. don’t have underlying venous issues. different means to get rid of spider perience staining at the site of the They often appear on the legs While for some women, spider veins. Locastro uses sclerotherapy. injection, these typically disappear and face but can develop anywhere veins can become painful. She wants He uses a tiny needle to inject mediwithin three to six months. Some on the body. more people to seek treatments cation to reduce the color and size of also have development of new, small “instead of waiting until they experi“There are two main reasons veins and cause them to disappear. spider veins at or near the site of the for spider veins: the first is they’re ence irreversible effects on their legs,” “It causes an inflammation in the previous veins. female and their hormones cause she said.

Help for Spider Veins

S

It’s Pool Day! ...But What If You’re Menstruating?

Experts discuss options for women who want to swim while menstruating

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

S

wimming during menstruation can help relieve cramping pain.

It used to mean using tampons to absorb flow (pads are not recommended as they will also absorb water from the pool, lake or pond).

But women have a few other options.

Menstrual cups have gained popularity in recent years for both their convenience and low environmental impact. Because they can stay in place for up to 12 hours catching menstrual flow, women do not need to remove them for emptying as often as they would change a tampon.

A tampon should be changed more frequently when worn while swimming. Menstrual cups need replacing after years of use, unlike single-use pads or tampons.

For anyone concerned about absorbing chemicals commonplace in most tampons and pads, menstrual cups skip that issue as well, since they are made of medical grade silicone. They are also a good choice for swimmers. Women new to menstrual cups should try them out first, since it may take a little practice to insert them correctly and get a good seal.

The user should press the wider end of the cup flat, fold it into a “c” shape to insert, and then allow it to open while inside. It is also wise to empty, rinse and reinsert the cup before swimming to ensure no leaking will occur.

In a similar vein, menstrual discs collect flow. They also provide protection for many hours at a time since

they can collect more flow than a tampon. They are disposable, unlike menstrual cups. Both menstrual cups and discs reduce risk for toxic shock syndrome compared with tampons.

Another option is period swimwear. Ruby Love (www.rubylove. com) in East Farmingdale is one example of a period swimwear manufacturer.

“The world is shifting away from sanitary pads but the insertable options are dangerous, riddled with chemicals and often fail,” said Crystal Etienne, CEO and founder of Ruby Love. “Many people choose comfort even though they are unsafe.

Ruby Love’s patented technology offers comfort along with protection against protection from leaks and stains—even when in the water.”

The swimwear that is similar to period underwear, but with a high-tech design that makes it both effective and undetectable in water.

The swimwear also allows users the option of adding a sanitary pad for extra protection. The swimwear includes an absorbent cotton layer, the company’s proprietary “Super Absorbent Layer” to keep the user dry, a leak-resistant layer to draw away moisture, and the exterior layer to hold it all together.

Kelia Muniz, urogynecologist with St. Joseph’s Health, encourages taking the plunge for any women concerned about the safety of swimming while menstruating.

“It’s not contraindicated to go swimming while using these protective measures,” she said. “There is no danger overall.”

Swimming while the flow is light can lessen the chances of leaks. Women with heavy menstrual flow should speak with their healthcare provider, as this could indicate a concerning health issue.

July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 21

OMEN'S HEALTH

Yeast Infections More Common in Summertime

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

T

hree out of four women will experience a yeast infection at some point in her life, according to date from the Mayo Clinic.

During summertime, yeast infections are more common since yeast favors warm, moist environments which are typical during hotter months.

Usually indicated by burning, itching and discharge, yeast infections (candidiasis) may go away on their own if mild. However, moderate to severe infections will require over-the-counter medication or prescription medication.

To prevent yeast infections, keep the vaginal area dry. Change out of wet swimsuits and workout clothing promptly.

“Having an overly moist environment like going swimming and having a bathing suit on for a long time can give the environment that leads to an overgrowth of bacteria,” said Keila Muniz, urogynecologist with St. Joseph’s Health. “It’s more

chronic use than just occasionally.”

Although she said that studies do not strongly associate clothing types with increased risk of yeast infections, some women relate that sticking with breathable cotton fabric over synthetic fabrics reduces risk since synthetics tend to cause more sweat and trap moisture against the skin.

“Sometimes, just not wearing underwear is good,” she said.

Some women experience yeast infections after their period from using tampons or pads. Some have yeast infections after using some types of personal lubricants. Switching brands may help or trying menstrual cups instead of pads or tampons, as some contain citric or lactic acid, which can negatively affect the natural flora in the vagina.

“There are several risk factors to predispose people, like some disease, medications and hormonal changes,” Muniz said. “Women with diabetes with poor blood sugar control are prone to these infections. They need

to be seen and screened by their providers and they need to maintain good glucose control.”

Taking a broad-spectrum antibiotic can increase the risk because it changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina.

Muniz added that immunosuppressant drugs or conditions such as HIV infection can also increase risk of yeast infections.

Some women say that eating foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, helps them maintain healthy balance in their system and reduce the number of yeast infections they have. The vagina naturally has beneficial bacteria, lactobacillus, that keeps yeast in the vagina within healthful limits. Taking an antibiotic for an illness can wipe out these good bacteria and trigger a yeast infection, and increasing intake of probiotics may help.

It may seem like douching or using yoni pearls will clear out an infection. However, these can make infections worse or increase the risk

of vaginal problems for those who do not have a yeast infection.

“They affect the pH of the vagina and they decrease the normal, healthy flora and increase the bacteria that cause these horrible symptoms,” Muniz said. “There are things on the internet that aren’t monitored by the FDA and if a social media influencer tries it, people start using it.”

Women who know they have a yeast infection can try over-thecounter products such as Monistat for treating mild to moderate symptoms. Women should carefully follow package directions and precautions.

Women should see a healthcare provider if they are unsure if they have a yeast infection, it is not getting any better after trying an overthe-counter medication or if other symptoms develop. Women with severe symptoms, multiple yeast infections a year, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes or compromised immune system should see their healthcare provider right away.

Upstate Cord Blood Bank Turns 5

Mothers delivering cord blood at birth help save lives, urged to donate The Upstate Cord Blood Bank, the region’s only nonprofit public cord blood donation center, is dedicated to saving and improving lives through the life-saving gift of cord blood. It has recently turned 5 this years.

The term “cord blood” may sound daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. After a baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut, the blood remaining in the umbilical cord is called cord blood. Cord blood is abundant in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are blood-forming stem cells, similar to those contained within bone marrow.

These stem cells can reconstitute an immune system and have the ability to treat, repair, or replace damaged cells in the body. For those suffering from blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, and as many as 80 other life-threatening diseases, a cord blood transplant might be the only hope of a cure.

“Umbilical cord blood is typically discarded as medical waste,” says physician Matthew Elkins, medical director of the Upstate Cord Blood Bank. “We encourage expectant mothers to donate so that lives may be potentially saved through this painless, five-minute process just moments after giving birth.

Cord blood donation is completely safe for mother and baby; labor and delivery is not affected and blood is not taken from the newborn; it is only removed from the umbilical cord after birth. The designation of Upstate Cord Blood Bank as a public blood bank is important in that there is no cost to donate and donated cord blood is available to anyone who needs it.

Once donated, the cord blood is stored in the bank and made available to transplant centers in the United States and throughout the world for patients in need. The cord blood units will be listed on national and

SHORT-TERM REHAB

international registries to be matched to patients who need them. Any units collected that are not suitable for transplantation may be made available to researchers, with parental approval, both at Upstate Medical University and around the country.

Deciding whether to donate cord blood is best done during the early months of pregnancy. Various forms are completed by the expectant

parents and submitted directly to the cord blood bank. After delivery, the blood is removed from the umbilical cord and then packaged and transported to Upstate’s 20,000 squarefoot facility that features a state-ofthe-art processing laboratory and cryogenic storage containers.

The Upstate Cord Blood Bank, opened in February of 2017, operates under strict guidelines and protocols, established by state and federal health organizations, including the state Health Department; Food and Drug Administration; AABB Center for Cellular Therapies; and the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy.

The center partners with Crouse Health, St. Joseph’s Health and Upstate Community Birthing Center to collect cord blood immediately after a baby is born.

To learn more, visit upstatecordbloodbank.com.

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Page 22 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

Where your neighbors are like family!

InvitingInviting one bedroom apartments essential services one bedroom apartments close close totoessential services and stores, as well as emergency and health services for and stores, as well as emergency and health services for Seniors (over 62) or receiving SS with a permanent mobility Seniorsimpairment (over 62) or receiving SS with a guidelines permanent mobility within income

impairment within income guidelines

By Jim Miller

How to Choose a Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) Policy Dear Savvy Senior, I’m planning to enroll in original Medicare in a few months and have been told I probably need to get a Medicare supplemental policy too. Can you offer any tips on selecting one?

— Almost 65

Dear Almost, If you’re enrolling in original Medicare, getting a supplemental policy (also known as Medigap insurance) too is a smart idea because it will help pay for things that aren’t covered by Medicare like copayments, coinsurance and the Part A deductible. Here are some tips to help you choose an appropriate plan.

Medigap Plans: In all but three states (Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin), Medigap plans, which are sold by private health insurers, are available to new enrollees in eight different standardized plans. These plans are labeled with the letters A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N, with two more, C and F, that are only available to those eligible for Medicare before 2020.

Plan G is the most popular policy among new enrollees because it covers the most comprehensive range of benefits. Monthly premiums for Plan G typically range between $100 and $300, depending on your age and the state you reside in. If that’s more than you’re willing to pay, there are also high-deductible plans that have lower premiums but impose higher out-of-pocket costs.

For more information on the different types of plans and coverage details, including Medigap options in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, go to Medicare.gov/ publications and type in “choosing a medigap policy” in the Keyword box, and download their 2022 guide. Or call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask them to mail you a copy.

How to Choose: To pick a Medigap policy that works best for you, consider your health, family medical history and your budget. The differences among plans can be small and rather confusing.

To help you choose, visit Medicare.gov/medigap-supplemental-insurance-plans and type in your ZIP code. This will give you a list of the plans available in your area, their price ranges and the names, and contact information of companies that sell them. But to get specific pricing

information, you’ll need to contact the carriers directly or call the state health insurance assistance program.

See ShipHelp.org or call 877-839-2675 for contact information.

Since all Medigap policies with the same letter must cover the exact same benefits (it’s required by law), you should shop for the cheapest policy.

You’ll get the best price if you sign up within six months after enrolling in Medicare Part B. During this open-enrollment period, an insurer cannot refuse to sell you a policy or charge you more because of your health.

You also need to be aware of the pricing methods, which will affect your costs. Medigap policies are usually sold as either: “community-rated” where everyone in an area is charged the same premium regardless of age; “issue-age-rated” that is based on your age when you buy the policy, but will only increase due to inflation, not age; and “attained-age-rated,” that starts premiums low but increases as you age.

Community-rate and issue-age-rated policies are the best options because they will save you money in the long run.

You can buy the plan directly from an insurance company, or you can work with a reputable insurance broker.

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Drug Coverage: You also need to know that Medigap policies do not cover prescription drugs, so if you don’t have drug coverage, you’ll need to buy a separate Medicare Part D drug plan too. See Medicare.gov/ plan-compare to compare plans. Also note that Medigap plans do not cover vision, dental care, hearing aids or long-term care.

Need help getting long term care or behavioral health services through your managed care plan?

Alternative Option: Instead of getting original Medicare, plus a Medigap policy and a separate Part D drug plan, you could sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan (see medicare.gov/plan-compare) that provides all-in-one coverage. These plans, which are sold by insurance companies, are generally available through HMOs and PPOs that require you to get your care within a network of doctors.

“Without the help of ICAN, my mother would not have received the home care services I requested.”

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.

Call ICAN at (844) 614-8800 or visit icannys.org

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ICAN is funded by the State of New York July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 23

Navigate with Kate!

Tips for Navigating Through Senior Healthcare Options

By Kate Conan If you or a loved one are considering long-term care options, you’re not alone. According to the Administration for Community Living, nearly 70% of adults aged 65 or older require some variation of long-term care service. However, many people find themselves overwhelmed with the different options and levels of care.

As Loretto’s senior outreach coordinator, my goal is to help steer you in the right direction. Through the new “Navigate with Kate” program, I guide clients through each step as they learn about different facility options and levels of service.

Long-term care and finding the right fit can be confusing during this transitional phase in life.

That’s why I am here to help you navigate through all of your questions.

As I’ve been working closely with families and community resources, I am finding that there are a lot of questions on how to get started, whether it is at Loretto, or any longterm care facility. Here are some of my navigating tips: As you consider what kind of care you or your loved one will need, your first step should be to see your primary care provider. They will either evaluate you themselves or send you for an assessment using the patient review instrument.

This phrase — patient review instrument or PRI — is a common term used in long-term care lingo, but what does it mean? According to NY Connects, a PRI is “an assessment tool developed by the New York State Department of Health to assess selected physical, medical and cognitive characteristics of nursing home residents, as well as to document selected services that they may receive.”

Once you receive the results of a PRI, a tour of the facility is an excellent next step. Taking a look around will help you determine whether or not a particular location is the right fit for you or your loved one.

Another concern that clients often wonder about is how long does

the entire process take? Even though there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, the process tends to go much more smoothly and quickly with some guidance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

However, I can tell you a few key steps you need to take before a resident can enter the facility. Before the move-in process begins, a prospective resident will need: • a PRI • physical examination • tuberculosis and COVID-19 tests • completed housing and financial applications.

When considering senior care options, many people worry about the cost — one of the most common topics that folks ask me about. Pricing varies by each facility. Be sure to ask questions and explore your options.

It’s important to fully understand the financial requirements and responsibility for long-term care.

One benefit of Loretto’s continuum of care is that there are a variety of services we provide for every budget. We accept many payment options, such as private pay, Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance. Through our navigator program, we can help to walk you through cost and financing options.

We will work with you to provide all the necessary information and help you find the best solution for you and your loved one.

If you feel like you need more guidance, don’t worry, that’s the purpose of our new navigator program.

If you are looking for comprehensive long-term care for yourself or a loved one but are unsure where to start, learn more at lorettocny.org/navigator.

Kate Conan is a registered nurse and the senior outreach coordinator at Loretto in Syracuse.

MEETING YOU WHERE YOU ARE

Page 24 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

Apply for Social Security Benefits Online Did you know, you can do much of your business online with Social Security? This means no need to call or visit a local Social Security office.

You can take your time completing our online applications and even save your progress to return to later.

You can apply online for: • Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. You must be at least age 62 for the entire month to be eligible to receive benefits. If you were born on the first or second day of the month, you meet this requirement in the month of your 62nd birthday. If you were born on any other day of the month, you do not meet this requirement until the following month.

When you’re ready, apply at www. ssa.gov/retireonline.

• Disability Benefits – You can use our online application, available at www.ssa.gov/disabilityonline, to apply for disability benefits if you: – Are age 18 or older; – Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record; – Are unable to work because of a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death; and – Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. If your application was recently denied, our online appeal application is a starting point to request a review of the

Q&A

Q: My child receives SSI. He will be 18 in a few months. Will his SSI payments continue after he turns 18?

A: When a child who is on SSI turns 18, we conduct both a medical and a non-medical review to see if they are still eligible for SSI payments. If the child continues to meet the income and resource requirements, and is still considered to be disabled under the adult disability rules, then payment continues. For more information, read What You Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18 at www.ssa.gov/pubs.

determination we made. Please visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/ appeal.html.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI also makes payments to people who are age 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications. If you plan to apply for SSI, you can tell us you want to apply and we will make an appointment to help you complete the application. Or you can complete a large part of your application online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi.

• Medicare – Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, some people younger than 65 who have disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease.

If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, and are not working, you should apply for Medicare three months before turning age 65 at www.ssa.gov/medicare.

• Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs – Some people with limited resources and income may be able to get Extra Help paying their monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments related to a Medicare prescription drug plan.

People who need assistance with the cost of medications can apply for Extra Help at www.ssa.gov/i1020.

Please share these helpful resources with your friends and family.

can continue to get mail from Social Security when necessary, even if you get your benefits electronically by direct deposit or Direct Express. Learn more about SSI at www.ssa.gov/ssi.

Q: I get Social Security because of a disability. How often will my case be reviewed to determine if I’m still eligible?

A: How often we review your medical condition depends on how severe it is and the likelihood it will improve. Your award notice tells you when you can expect your first review using the following terminology: • Medical improvement expected — If your condition is expected to improve within a specific time, your Q: How do I report a change of address first review will be six to 18 months if I’m getting Supplemental Security In- after you started getting disability come (SSI)? benefits.

A: A person receiving SSI must • Medical improvement possible report any change of address by — If improvement in your medical calling our toll-free number, 1-800condition is possible, your case will 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or by be reviewed about every three years. visiting a local office within 10 days • Medical improvement not exafter the month the change occurs. pected — If your medical condition You cannot complete a change of adis unlikely to improve, your case will dress online. You should report your be reviewed about once every five to new address to Social Security so you seven years.

Health News Michael Backus Appointed New CEO at Oswego Health

E

ffective Jan. 1 Michael Backus will be Oswego Health’s new president and CEO, following the retirement of President and CEO Michael Harlovic later this year.

Backus is currently the system’s chief operating officer and executive vice president.

“We’re confident in Michael Backus and his ability to take Oswego Health to the next level and provide the quality of care this community deserves and needs,” said the board’s Vice Chairman Ed Alberts.

“Lifelong resident, a local leader, and someone who is beyond vested in this community, Backus will not only offer a smooth transition for staff but continue to advocate and position Oswego Health as a leader in local healthcare.”

At 29, Backus was elected to the post of Oswego County clerk in 2012, the youngest to ever hold that position in New York state. In 2020, he was named executive vice president and chief operations officer at Oswego Health, after serving as president of the hospital’s board of directors.

In just two years Backus has proven to be an advocate for local healthcare as he currently has several multi-million-dollar grant applications in front of state and federal agencies to further increase access to high-quality care for Oswego County residents, including strategic infrastructure planning for Fulton

Upstate launches Hospital at Home program

Daoust said, the program build beleviate parking lot traffic,” according gan in earnest with policies and proto a news release. tocols development, vendor contracts, ConnextCare operates health and education for staff involved. The centers in Central Square, Fulton, systems were tested to ensure the Mexico, Oswego, Parish, Phoenix correct pathways were followed. and Pulaski. It also operates eight “And since the CMS waiver is school-based health centers located new, it took some time to be apin APW, Mexico, Pulaski, Fulton and proved by NYS Department of Sandy Creek School Districts.

Health as we worked to explain the model and provide sufficient documentation which demonstrated our ability to do this safely,” she said. “There has been a tremendous amount of program build that’s happening in the background,” Daoust said.

Laboratory Alliance of Central New York has announced that Mark Jordan will serve as director of human resources. Jordan returns to Laboratory ConnextCare recently kicked off Alliance from to the 2022 Pulaski site project. The Van Duyn construction, which started in June, Center for will include a covered drive-thru Rehabilitation testing area, additional parking lot and Nursing, spaces, the installation of four elecwhere he was tric charging stations and a walking the director of trail with a gazebo and deck overhuman resourclooking a stream on the west side of es. Prior to his the property.

Mark Jordan tenure at Van According to officials, this project Duyn, he was the human resources will bring much-needed updates to manager for Ichor Therapeutics, Inc. the property and additional ameniJordan began his career as an ties for the staff and community to analytical chemist supporting the enjoy. pharmaceutical industry and then Due to limited parking lot transitioned to a career in educacapacity throughout the duration of tion, teaching regents and advanced the construction there will be some placement chemistry to high school changes to ConnextCare’s organizastudents. Discovering a new passion tional flow in Pulaski. Patients will for social sciences, Jordan earned use the same drive to exit and enter his doctorate in education with a the property, with new directional focus on change leadership for social arrows added to provide a visual of justice. the intended flow of traffic.

Jordan brings more than 20 years “In the coming weeks, Connexof experience in laboratory science, tCare staff will be reaching out to and seven years of prior experience patients with existing appointments with Laboratory Alliance in various to see if they would prefer to switch roles. Initially he served as research their appointment to telehealth to al-

Upstate University Hospital has launched a new initiative that will allow patients to receive medical care in the comfort of their own home.

Upstate Hospital at Home allows for some patients who need inpatient care but are well enough to be home to safely finish their treatment in their own home. These patients receive two in-person nurse visits and one in-person or telemedicine visit from a provider daily, delivery of all necessary equipment, supplies and prescriptions, and 24/7 remote monitoring.

So far, seven patients have been admitted to the program.

“It makes sense to be able to extend care into the home setting,” said Nancy Daoust, chief ambulatory officer. “That’s where patients want to be.”

Programs like this have been in development across the country over the past several years and require approval from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to start them.

In the past, the application process was lengthy and the requirements for nursing care were high: a nurse had to be at the home 24/7.

But the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. Hospitals struggled to meet the demands of the patient surge and the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency. In conjunction, CMS issued a waiver approval for its Hospital Without Walls initiative. The waiver streamlined the process to apply and reduced the nursing requirement to two daily visits.

Daoust said these changes helped pave the way for Upstate to begin developing its program.

A team was assembled in May of 2021 and Upstate’s program was approved by August. From there

and Oswego, according to a hospital news release.

He’s made significant impacts on the health system as he manages the daily operations of the health system, including renovations of the AMS building in Fulton as Oswego Health opened its second PrimeCare location. He has been the conduit for local government and community providers throughout the pandemic to ensure resources are readily available, and he’s very focused on the culture of the organization by being actively involved in recruitment and retention efforts as one of the major employers in Oswego County.

Backus holds a master’s degree in public administration, along with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Le Moyne College, where he is also a member of the board of regents and was recently accepted into the American Hospital Association NextGen Fellowship Program.

“It is the honor of my professional life to succeed Michael Harlovic as president and CEO of Oswego Health,” said Backus.

Harlovic and Backus will con-

Laboratory Alliance names director of human resources

ConnextCare begins construction in Pulaski

tinue to work together to ensure a smooth transition throughout the remainder of 2022.

Legacy Since 2017, Harlovic has overseen the strategic, executive and operational guidance for Oswego Health, and his leadership has been pivotal in the expansion of services and has made access to local healthcare a priority of the organization.

“Though his career in healthcare spans nearly 40 years, Michael’s leadership and forward-thinking has never been more evident than throughout the past two years as he’s helped guide not only the health system but this community throughout the pandemic,” stated Board Chairman Atom Avery. “His ability to take on significant challenges and responsibilities, combined with his foresight for growth and resources, has positioned Oswego Health as a strong, independent health system, one in which our community needs.”

and development specialist, playing a critical role in bringing on new tests. He later transitioned into the human resources department in the role of education coordinator. In this capacity he assumed several responsibilities including recruiting, training and onboarding new employees, and was the primary liaison to Laboratory Alliance’s clinical education partners.

Jordan earned a Doctor of Education in 2015 from Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California, and a bachelor of science in 2002 from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse.

He has his Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.

Upstate designated as Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease The department of geriatrics at Upstate Medical University has been redesignated as a New York State Department of Health Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease.

“We are thrilled that this five-year, $2.3 million award that will Sharon Brangman allow us to continue our work in providing high quality dementia care to the people of Central New York,” said Distinguished Service Professor Sharon Brangman, MD, who also serves as chairwoman of the department of geriatrics and director of the Cen(continued on next page)

July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 25

Health News (continued from previous page) ter for Excellence for Alzhemier’s Disease.

The award also supports the education and training of students at Upstate, and has an active clinical trials program for evaluating emerging drugs for this disease. One such trial under way at CEAD is Phase 2/3 study, called T2 Protect AD, that is evaluating the investigational drug troriluzole (BHV-4157), which may have the potential to protect against, slow down, and even improve memory and thinking problems that increase as Alzheimer’s disease progresses.

The Upstate center consists of an interdisciplinary team of healthcare providers who served more than 4,500 people last year by providing diagnosis, management and support services for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

The CEAD serves as a regional resource, serving 14 counties, providing coordinated delivery of services to patients and their families which is essential to allow these individuals to remain at home in their communities for as long as possible.

Crouse Health Nationally Recognized for its Quality Stroke Care Crouse Health has received the American Heart/ Stroke Association’s GoldPlus Get With The Guidelines – Stroke quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest researchand evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“We are committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Crouse Health Chief Operating Officer/ Chief Medical Officer Seth Kronenberg, MD. “Get With The Guidelines helps our team to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a

daily basis, which leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Crouse Health for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said physician Steven Messe, chairman of the Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Crouse has also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus award.

To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster alteplase.

In addition, Crouse received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award by meeting specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment to remove the clot causing the stroke.

Oswego Family Physicians earns national recognition Oswego Family Physicians, an affiliate of Oswego Health, was recently recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a patient- centered medical home program.

The NCQA patient-centered

10 Local Nonprofits Receive Awards from Excellus

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xcellus BlueCross BlueShield recently announced that it is awarding a total of 65 Community Health Awards to nonprofit organizations across Upstate New York, including 10 in the Central New York region.

Community Health Award funding will support innovative programs and solutions to advance health equity and ultimately improve health outcomes for underserved segments of the communities the health plan serves.

Through a competitive application process, Excellus BCBS’s Community Health Awards will provide over $260,000 in funding to launch, expand, and sustain programs and services that promote health. These investments will also advance health equity by extending the reach of preventive health services or health-promoting programs to vulnerable populations.

“Providing access to high-quality health care for people who need it is core to our mission as a nonprofit health plan,” said physician Gina Cuyler, Excellus BCBS vice president, health equity and community investments.

“This essential community health funding will allow our community organizations to continue to address and remove barriers impacting economic stability, address social determinants of health, and reinforce overall community health improvement programs.”

The 10 Central New York region nonprofit organizations chosen to receive Excellus BCBS Community Health Awards are:

tions to community members and other professionals. Additionally, plans include a mixer for professionals and community members in the field to network and strengthen community connections.

• Dunbar Association — Funding will support a three-part health and wellness fair that includes a community health fair, on-site health screenings (including STD/STI, mammograms and dental), half-day conference-style events with breakout sessions for listening sessions and data collection, as well as speaker presenta-

• Helio Health — Funding will support the food for thought program offered within the Recovery Center. The Recovery Center provides a safe space to support individuals in recovery. The Recovery Center offers various programs, meetings, and special events that are inclusive to the entire recovery community. Its purpose is to help

Page 26 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

• Farnham Family Services — Funding will support the community connections program by providing the local community with nonperishable food boxes and hygiene kits on a biweekly basis. The boxes and kits may be delivered to help break down the transportation barrier that some face in rural communities.

• Food Bank of Central New York — Funding will support the purchase and distribution of 1,000 health and hygiene kits. The items included in the kits may include: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, razor, deodorant, comb, shampoo, shaving gel, and toilet paper.

These items will be distributed through the Mobile Food Pantry program and included on an online ordering system for Food Bank partners to select for their clients.

• Girl Scouts of NYPENN — Funding will support a LGBTQ+ camp program in August at the council’s Camp Amahami property. The camp — open to any eligible youth — will operate for one week and will be run by council staff and volunteers in addition to seasonal staff with LGBTQ+ expertise, including an on-staff counselor.

medical home standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, 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.

The NCQA patient-centered medical home program reflects the input of the American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Osteopathic Association and others.

“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 Family Physicians has the tools, systems and resources to provide its patients with the right care, at the right time.”

the individual and their support network develop the skills they require to maintain a successful recovery. The Recovery Center is open to the public.

• Rise Above Poverty — Funding will support a spring, summer, and fall reading clinic in 2022. The reading clinics will be for thirdand fourth-grade students with critically low reading proficiency levels.

• Seven Valleys Health Coalition, Inc. — Funding will expand the Seven Valleys food rescue program through the purchase of equipment and supplies enabling volunteers to transport perishable foods from local food donors across Cortland County to local organizations and community programs that feed food-insecure community members.

• Syracuse Northeast Community Center — Funding will support a pilot program designed to promote health connections within the New American, refugee, and immigrant communities through improved engagement with the Center’s economic stability and health services.

• United Way of Central New York — Funding will support the Layla Wellness Retreat, focusing on mental and reproductive wellness for young women aged 18-25. Following the retreat, these young women will serve as reproductive wellness champions, providing support to their peers.

• YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County — Funding will support the A Matter of Balance program to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. The evidence-based program teaches participants how to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

Because women deserve the quality care they strive to provide everyone else.

In most households, women are the managers of their families’ health care needs.* Combined with the challenges associated with juggling child care and workplace demands – it can be a struggle to ensure women, quite literally, take care of themselves.

FCMG can help. Available across CNY’s widest network of general practitioners and specialists – with short wait times, convenient hours and family-friendly offices – we make it easy to access a wide range of women’s care options, including: • Reproductive health care and gynecology, including ultrasound exams • Heart health, cholesterol management, and treatment of high blood pressure • Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes • Chronic care and pain management • Nutrition • Dermatology • Bone density, including diagnosis and care of Osteoporosis • Among others To learn how FCMG can address women’s health care needs – for women of all ages – contact us today. New patients and families are welcome!

Let our family care for yours!

315-472-1488 • fcmg.org * Kaiser Women’s Health Survey (2017) indicated that 79% of the time, women are the one who take charge of health care responsibilities such as choosing their children’s provider; that 77% of the time, women take children to appointments; and that 77% of the time, women follow through with recommended family care.

WE’VE DOUBLED OUR HEART TEAM

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

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

July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 27

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Page 28 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022