Health Eagle Newspapers
Excellence – A Mid-year Report
Why walk?
W
alking is one of the easiest ways to be physically active, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health. It requires no more than a pair of shoes with heel support and a place, indoors or outdoors, to walk. According to the NIH walking: ✓Gives you more energy and makes you feel good. ✓Reduces stress and helps you relax. ✓Tones your muscles. ✓Increases the number of calories your body uses. ✓Strengthens your bones and muscles. ✓Improves your stamina and your fitness. ✓Lowers your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
✓Gives you an opportunity to socialize actively with friends and family. What is a walking program? Mosby’s Medical Dictionary defines a walking program as “An aerobic exercise regimen of walking 30 to 45 minutes a day 5 or 6 days a week. It may be part of a program to condition the heart or to lower blood pressure.” There is no hard or fast rule about length or frequency of a walking program, however, and this should be determined on a case-bycase basis, depending upon factors such as strength and ability. How to start First of all, you should always check with your healthcare provider to make sure that starting a walking program is right for you. If your physician approves, you should discuss with him or her what duration and frequency of
A walking program can help reduce stress, increase energy and burn calories
the walks is appropriate for you. Once you have established these guidelines, you should: ✓Figure out when you can make time in your schedule to walk. ✓Choose a safe place or route to walk. ✓Try to find a person or group to walk with you. ✓Make sure you have shoes with proper arch support, a firm heel and thick flexible soles that will cushion your feet and absorb shock. ✓Wear clothes that will keep you dry and comfortable. If walking outdoors in the winter, wear a knit
Top 10 reasons to walk
Please see Walking on page 3
A runner’s view
Making my way through the pack
M
ore than 14 years ago nastics club, I came to love I personally discovrunning when I joined my ered one of the school’s fifth grade cross most cost-effective country team. I can still health regimens. Running. All do many gymnastic tricks, you need is your body, some but my passion for that sturdy running shoes and some sport faded by the age apparel, nothing too flashy and of 12 when I decided to By Farah you’re set to go. dedicate almost every Jadran Pike During my many years of moment to running. running, I have found this sport to be Thanks to my older an amazing tool for the mind and body, sister, who encouraged me no matter your age or your budget for to join the cross country leisure activity. team, I found a natural Even though I began my athletic ability for long distance career at age 5 by joining an elite gymPlease see Running on page 2
Why do you walk?
July 1, 2009
Feel the burn:
Walking - 280 calories/hour Running - 590 calories/hour Hiking - 370 calories/hour Bicycling - 290 calories/hour Dancing - 330 calories/hour
Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Numbers are based on activity of a 154pound person.
1.Walking prevents type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program showed that walking 150 minutes per week and losing just 7 percent of your body weight (12 to 15 pounds) can reduce your risk of diabetes by 58 percent. 2.Walking strengthens your heart if you’re male. In one study, mortality rates among retired men who walked less than one mile per day were nearly twice that among those who walked more than two miles per day. 3.Walking strengthens your heart if you’re female. Women in the Nurse’s Health Study (72,488 female nurses) who walked three hours or more per week reduced their risk of a heart attack or other coronary event by 35 percent compared with women who did not walk. 4.Walking is good for your brain. In a study on walking and cognitive function, researchers found that women who walked the equivalent
of an easy pace at least 1.5 hours per week had significantly better cognitive function and less cognitive decline than women who walked less than 40 minutes per week. 5.Walking is good for your bones. Research shows that postmenopausal women who walk approximately one mile each day have higher whole-body bone density than women who walk shorter distances, and walking is also effective in slowing bone loss from the legs. 6.Walking helps alleviate symptoms of depression. Walking for 30 minutes, three to five times per week for 12 weeks reduced symptoms of depression as measured with a standard depression questionnaire by 47 percent. 7.Walking reduces the risk of breast and colon cancer. Women who spent one hour and 15 minutes to two and a half hours per week of brisk walking had an 18 percent decreased risk of breast cancer compared with inactive women. Many studies have shown that exercise can prevent colon cancer, and even if an individual person develops colon Please see Top 10 on page 2
Eagle Newspapers asked Central New Yorkers at Onondaaga Lake Parkway why they choose to walk as part of their exercise routine. “It’s good for me and I like being outside. I do tend to walk everyday between my job and walking my dog.” -Mike Lapp of Hamilton, right, campus safety employee at Colgate University, with Millie
“To stay healthy and young. It’s great when you can talk while you’re walking together, even if you’re married. After 53 years we are still walking and talking.” “To lose the baby fat.” “To get back in shape -Karen Kitchner of De- after baby.” Witt, above left, with son Liam, 11 months
Photos by Jennifer Wing
-Kathleen Hicks of Syracuse, above right, with daughter Keira, 6 months
-Tom and Helen Bardenett of Syracuse, both 79
“I walk to lose the extra weight. The fact that it makes me feel better is a side benefit.” -Chuck Pacer of Baldwinsville, left
“I try to get here every day to walk. I do it for the exercise, to get outdoors and because of the beauty of this place. I walked six miles yesterday.” -Sylvia Snyder of Syracuse, left, with Shelby, 11
Inside Excellence:
Dr. Shapero............................................................................3 Auburn Orthopaedic Specialists.........................................3
Gold’s Gym............................................................................4 Benefit Specialists of NY......................................................4
Springside at Seneca Hill.....................................................4 Syracuse Home.......................................................................4
Excellence - A
/ Excellence, July 1, 2009
mid-year report
Healthy living Keeping bones and joints healthy A skeleton seems so hard and durable that it can be difficult to believe that bone is living tissue—constantly forming and reforming in response to growth, injury and other factors. Bone is built up and strengthened where needed and removed where it is not required, in an ongoing fashion. Up until about 30 years of age, this tug-of-war favors bone buildup. When bone is being built, calcium—the primary mineral stored in bone—is pulled from the bloodstream to form new bone, which is why adequate intake during this time is so important. Vitamin D also plays a critical role by helping the body to absorb calcium. Physical changes and changes in diet and lifestyle that occur with age can affect skeletal health, tipping the balance toward bone breakdown. Calcium and vitamin D deficits, inactivity
and smoking, for example, can all affect bone density. Joints are affected by age, too. The cartilage that smoothly covers the ends of the bone gets thinner. Production of glucosamine sulfate, a natural compound made by the body that helps form this cartilage “cushion,” also decreases with age. “Keeping bones healthy is important for all ages,” notes Luigi Gratton, M.D. “But,” he adds, “adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D are important throughout life, and many adults don’t consume enough of these nutrients on a regular basis to meet needs.” The best thing younger people can do is aim for three to four servings of dairy products daily during peak bone growth. Calcium needs remain high into adulthood, but many people do not take in enough from dietary sources. Supplementing with
Top 10 From page 1
cancer, the benefits of exercise appear to continue both by increasing quality of life and reducing mortality. 8.Walking improves fitness. Walking just three times a week for 30 minutes can significantly increase cardiorespiratory fitness. 9.Walking in short bouts improves fitness, too! A study of sedentary women showed that short bouts of brisk walking (three 10-minute walks per day) resulted in similar improvements in fitness and were at least as effective in decreasing body fatness as long bouts (one 30-minute walk per day). 10.Walking improves physical function. Research shows that walking improves fitness and physical function and prevents physical disability in older people.
-Source: medicinenet.com
Are you a recent graduate ? Have you recently lost your job?
First-ever Joint Replacement Run set Will be part of the 2009 Syracuse Festival of Races held Oct. 4
Weight-bearing activities - such as walking or jogging - can help to build and maintain healthy bones.
products such as Herbalife’s XtraCal Advanced, which contains an extended-release form of calcium and 100 percent of the daily value of vitamin D, can help meet needs. Weight-bearing activities—such as walking or jogging—along with strength-training exercise also help to build and maintain healthy bones. Strong muscles can help absorb some of the stresses put on joints through daily activi-
ties. Products such as Herbalife’s Joint Support Advanced can help to supplement the body’s natural production of glucosamine and support joint health. Staying active, eating right and taking supplements when needed will give you the best chance of maintaining your skeletal health —no bones about it. You can learn more at www. Herbalife.com. -NAPS
The 2009 Syracuse Festival of Races will include, for the first time ever, the Fitness Forum/SOS Joint Replacement Run. According to Dave Oja, race director, this “race within a race” will score joint replacement recipients separately from all other 5K finishers and help promote the message that joint replacement Dave Oja recipients should and can return Syracuse Festival of to an active lifestyle following sucRaces director cessful replacement procedures. “We’re tremendously excited to be hosting this type of event for the first time in the Syracuse area,” Oja said. “The main reason people have joints replaced is they want to stay active and improve the quality of their life. We are doing all we can at the Festival of Races to encourage everyone to maintain an active lifestyle and this is an extension of that.” The Festival of Races is set for Sunday Oct. 4 in Syracuse. It features a men’s 5K run at 9 a.m., a women’s 5K run at 9:45 a.m., a 3K Fun and Fitness Run at 10:45 a.m. and a community walk at 10:45 a.m.
Festival of Races Sunday Oct. 4
Men’s 5K run - 9 a.m. Women’s 5K run - 9:45 a.m. 3K Fun and Fitness Run -10:45 a.m. Community walk at - 10:45 a.m.
Running From page 1
running. I had just transferred to the school the year before and didn’t know anyone very well. At the least, I hoped that joining the team would help me make friends. With only a few practices under my belt, it was time for my first cross country race. In the parochial league that I competed in, we ran a one-mile race in fifth grade, 1.5 miles in sixth grade and two-mile courses for seventh and eighth grade. I still remember every step I took during that first race. I had my barely broken in Kmart running shoes and my brand new team shirt and shorts. That’s all I had. I didn’t have any big race strategy or a coach that was riding my case to win. Instead, I had my dad wishing me well with a hug and a coach who told me to go out there and have fun. What fun should I have? What does it mean to go out there and have fun? I asked myself that before the race official fired off the starting gun. When that gun goes off, what was I supposed to do? I had no clue. I was a mere
nine years old and did not know the first thing about racing. Be that as it may, when the gun went “bang,” I went racing. I ran to the middle of the pack of 80-plus girls at a jogging pace. I could tell that other girls around me were already breathing hard at the 400meter mark, but I was fine, I wasn’t even struggling. I took that as a green light and decided to set an internal goal for the 800-meter mark. My goal was to pass at least 20 girls by the half-mile mark. As I passed that marker, a race official counted me off as the 20th girl to pass by. “I’m in 20th place,” I said to myself. “That’s not bad at all.” I actually said those words out loud, the girl running along side me though I was crazy, but I didn’t care because I was racing. All bets were off at this point, I still wasn’t breathing hard and I knew I could advance even more before the finish. I kicked in as much as I could without holding back.
I crossed the line as the first finisher for my team, ninth place overall and with a mile time of 6:56. I was pretty pleased at that moment. I did what my coach said to do, I had fun. I just finished in the top 10 of my very first race. I gave my racing tag to the finish line officials and ran out of the shoot to cheer on my other teammates. My dad found me and picked me up with a bear-hug and told me he was proud of me. After my team gathered near our school’s tenet on the course, we all shared our experiences. And I will never forget what happened next. My coach finally caught my attention and told me something that has always been with me. “I didn’t know you knew how to race,” Coach Joyce said. I replied with all honesty. “Neither did I.” Farah Jadran Pike ran cross country and track in college and competed in the Division I Big XII. She is editor of the Madison County Eagle and can be reached at fpike@cnylink.com
Introducing
Do you have a small business? Are you a sole proprietor?
Introducing Healthcore: An affordable health insurance product sponsored by NEW YORK STATE* Compared to typical commercial health insurance products, Healthcore provides
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Our new Assisted Living Residence. Opening mid-2009. For those who need some assistance and security in their everyday lives, McHarrie Pointe will offer a comfortable choice. Featuring home-like apartments, gracious dining, and a full array of activities and services customized to meet our residents specific individual needs. When complete, this program will become part of the continuum of care on our campus in Baldwinsville. To learn more about the Assisted Living Residence or any of our programs – including independent retirement living, short term rehabilitation or skilled nursing, please call Karen at 638-2521.
Or talk to a Healthcore representative at
Benefit Specialists of NY
(315) 470-1930 1-877-427-6901
*United Healthcare is the insurance carrier providing Healthcore coverage on a limited basis in the following participating counties: Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego.
Honoring our Past…Building our Future…Leading the Way 7740 Meigs Road, Baldwinsville, New York www.syracusehomeassn.org
Excellence - A
Dental office goes digital Dr. Shapero’s office features digital x-rays, intraoral camera, interactive patient education software
The Dental office of Dr. Suzanne Shapero, has The death rate for oral cancer in the United made several changes over the last year in order to States is higher than the following types of canbetter serve the Baldwinsville community. Accord- cers: Hodgekin’s Disease, cervical, brain, liver, ing to Dr. Shapero, “In uncertain times like these, kidney, ovarian and testicular. Over the past 40 it is important to have state of the art equipment, years, overall death rates from all types of cancers frequently update your skills, has decreased, however, not and make yourself available so for oral cancers. The into as large a group of resicidence of oral cancer has dents as possible�. increased by 5.5 percent and As for new equipment, Dr. the death rate has increased Shapero has installed digital by 1.1 percent. x-ray equipment, an intraoral The good news is that camera, computer screens in oral cancer is 90 percent every room, and interactive curable when found in the patient education software. early stages. “This update has been Dr. Shapero has just befantastic� said Dr. Shapero. come certified to perform “We can show patients acthe only FDA approved in tual pictures of the inside of office test for early stage oral their mouths, right there on cancer detection. the screen in front of them. The test takes less than The new digital x-ray system five minutes, doesn’t hurt, works off the same screen, and can be done during a so they can really see what is regular dental visit. This test going on and ask questions.� Dr. Suzanne Shapero and her staff look costs $50 and is covered by She further explained that forward to meeting new patients. some insurance providers. the amount of radiation is Dr. Shapero encourages significantly reduced using a digital versus a film every one to get tested, and to ask your dentist based system. specifically for a VizLite oral cancer screening. The education system contains animated still She feels that it is especially important, for those pictures and movies on a wide range dental pro- patients in a high-risk category. This includes, any cedures and topics. Patients can take a printed type of tobacco use, especially smokeless tobacco. The version of any of these subjects home with them risk goes up significantly when combined with alcohol for further review. consumption. Dr. Shapero and her staff regularly update Make an appointment today. It’s easy, painless and their skills through continuing education classes can save your life. accredited by the American Dental Association. In October of 2008, the office became certified Notably, their emphasis has been on the most re- for Invisalaign invisible braces, an adult orthodontic cent research linking periodontal disease to heart system used for minor tooth corrections. This system attacks, strokes, and reduction of the body’s ability allows patients to wear tight fitting arch trays, similar to control blood sugar. “My staff and I are com- to clear retainers, without the inconvenience of wires mitted to showing patients how dental health is an and brackets. important part of their total healthcare package,� In order to be more available, the office is now open said Dr. Shapero. Mondays and Tuesdays until 7:00 PM. They are also a And here’s news you can’t ignore about oral par provider for three dental insurers. First is Excellus cancer. Blue Cross Blue Shield whose local employers include Did you know that every hour of every day, one Wegman’s, Excellus, Cavalier Transportation, and American dies of oral cancer? Did you also know Clifton Springs. Second is Delta Dental Premier curthat 70 percent of oral cancers are detected in the rently offered by Anheuser-Busch. The newest addition late stages, and that 43 percent of these late stage is DeCare offered by the Brotherhood of Teamsters. diagnosed patients die within five years? The practice of Dr. Suzanne Shapero is located at 1 These statistics from the American Cancer So- Charlotte St. in the heart of Baldwinsville. Dr. Shapero ciety are alarming. If those were not enough, here and her staff look forward to meeting new patients. are a few more from the same report: Call 635-6043.
mid-year report
Excellence, July 1, 2009/
Auburn Orthopaedic Specialists offers quality care, close to home The seven Board Certified physicians of Auburn Orthopaedic Specialists welcome new patients. Their comprehensive care includes arthroscopy, hand and foot surgery, sports medicine, total joint replacement, work injury treatment, fracture care and other services. The office is located at 77 Nelson St., Auburn, and is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments can be made by calling 315-252-7559. Physicians include Dr. Thomas Sullivan, Dr. Frederick Kaempffe, Dr. Richard Byrne, Dr. Kathi Teixeira, Dr. Eldridge Anderson, Dr. Bruce Greene and Dr. Stepha- Robert Miller of Auburn nie Roach. The practice also includes Mary Scozzari, PA; Kristy Ventura, NP; and Sam Bean, NP. Dr. Kaempffe also has an office at 4425 Old Ridge Road, Suite 100, Williamson, NY, phone 589-2800. For patients needing surgery or admission to the hospital, Auburn Orthopaedic Specialists is affiliated with Auburn Memorial Hospital. It is a division of Auburn Memorial Medical Services, P.C. Patients are seen by appointment only. When you make an appointment, please specify the reason for the appointment so that the appropriate amount of time can be reserved. While Auburn Orthopaedic Specialists participates with most insurances, Dr. Frederick Kaempffe is shown here discussing an x-ray please contact your insurance carrier showing a cyst with Courtney Crowley in the Auburn Or- prior to your appointment to ensure thopaedic Specialists office at 77 Nelson Street, Auburn. payment/coverage.
“Auburn Orthopaedic Specialists really have their act together. After a minimal wait, Dr. Kaempffe took the time for a thorough examination of my ankle and, more exceptionally, a frank, unrushed discussion of my problem and treatment options. Deciding on a medical approach, he administered a cortisone shot that brought me immediate relief – not a cure, but a practical way of continuing my active life without crippling pain.�
Dr. Kaempffe joined the group in January 2009.
C C C
rouse ommunity enter Also Offering:
Adult dAy HeAltH ServiceS in Cazenovia and Hamilton, NY
Walking From page 1
cap, or in the summer wear a visor or baseball cap to help keep cool. The logistics Make sure to start slowly, with an easily attainable distance in order to avoid stiff or sore muscles and joints. Make sure to stretch before and after your walk. Begin your walk with a slower gait
for five minutes. Increase your speed to a fast walk, then cool down with a slow walk for five minutes. If you can, try to walk at least three times each week, adding two or three minutes to your walk as you go. If you find your walk is too wearing, decrease the length of the walk. Keep motivated As you continue your walking program, you may find the fact that you
feel better and are burning calories keeps you more than motivated, but in order to stick to the program and avoid monotony, you can also set goals and rewards for milestones achieved and keep track of your progress with a walking journal. Another way to keep motivated is to try different venues and routes for your walk. Enter a fun walk or visit a local park.
Auburn Orthopaedic Specialists
For Information call 315-824-6230 (Hamilton Facility) or For Information call 315-655-5464 (Cazenovia Facility)
A Residential Skilled Nursing Facility A One-Hundred and Twenty Bed Nursing Center • Professional Compassionate Care • Outstanding Facilities • 24 Hour Nursing Services • In-House Physician/ Supervised Medical Care • Extensive Activity Program
For Further Assistance (315) 684-9595
101 South St., Morrisville, NY 13408 www.crousecommunity.com
Who knew such a great senior community is right in our own backyard? Premier retirement living at your own pace a real alternative close to home. t .BJOUFOBODF GSFF t /P TUBJST UP DMJNC t #SJOH ZPVS QFU t 3FTUBVSBOU TUZMF NFBMT t )PVTFLFFQJOH TFSWJDFT t "QBSUNFOUT BOE %VQMFY IPNFT
Call 343-5658 for a tour. Duplex-hOme NOw AvAilAble
Quality Care‌Close to Home Dr. Thomas Sullivan Dr. Frederick Kaempffe Dr. Richard Byrne Dr. Kathi Teixeira Dr. Eldridge Anderson
Dr. Bruce Greene Dr. Stephanie Roach Mary Scozzari, PA Kristy Ventura, NP Sam Bean, NP
Office hours: M – F, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Appointments: 315-252-7559 We welcome new patients
77 Nelson St. Auburn NY 13021
4425 Old Ridge Road, Suite 100 Williamson, NY 14589 315-589-2800
10 Co. Rte 45A, Oswego, NY 13126 315-343-5658
Excellence - A
/ Excellence, July 1, 2009
mid-year report
Governor Paterson selects Benefit Specialists of NY to lead pilot project
Gold’s Gym is located in 7455 Morgan Road in Liverpool and also in DeWitt at 5791 Widewaters Parkway.
Gold’s Gym offers Teen Connection program Does a free gym membership for high school students this summer sound too good to be true? Thanks to Gold’s Gym and their Teen Connection program, it’s not! The program is free for any high school student with a C average or better, and it will run from the first week in July until the end of August. Students will have daily access to everything the gym offers between 1pm-4pm. There are many different reasons students should take advantage of this program, as well as other activities and events offered at Gold’s Gym. Kulaa Bacheyie, the director of personal training, said that it’s proven that high school age kids are less active than younger kids, which leads to higher rates of teen obesity. It’s a major issue that kids don’t play anymore, and Bacheyie said that while he has nothing against physical education classes, it can be sports based. Gold’s Gym offers classes such as yoga and pilates, along with treadmills, weight machines, a pool and an indoor track, giving students the opportunity to find activities and exercises they are interested in. Plus, students can work out and watch MTV at the same time! Along with trying to keep exercising fun, Bacheyie said it is also important to make and keep exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle for both kids and adults. The gym has coaches and trainers on staff that have master’s degrees, professional sports experience, and Bacheyie said a price can’t be put on health. Bacheyie said that a full body routine provides better cardiovascular and muscular benefits than weights alone. His philosophy is that exercise and proper nuitrition can prevent almost all of the top ten deaths in the country, and the gym’s goal is to not only educate people but to inspire them as well. Bacheyie also said that later on in the summer, corporate fitness is a goal and are working on both outsourcing the information and exercise equipment, as well as get companies to come to the gym. Two other programs offered are Boot Camp and Kidz Club. Boot Camp is just what it sounds like, a high intensity and disciplined workout, and is available to both members and non-members at different prices. Kidz Club is a program that runs daily for kids from as young at 6 months to 12 years old. If after the Teen Connection program is over and you or your child is still interested in going to Gold’s Gym, student memberships are currently $99 per month. Gold’s Gym is located in 7455 Morgan Road in Liverpool and also in DeWitt at 5791 Widewaters Parkway. Anyone with any questions should call 451-5050.
Sight is Precious Please Don’t Take Yours For Granted William m. Tucker mD Eye Physician & Surgeon
Board Certified New Patients Welcome - All Ages
Complete Eye Exams • Diabetes • Glaucoma • Cataract • Macular Degeneration Free Parking • Most Insurances Accepted
New Location • Northeast Medical • Suite 207 4000 Medical Center Dr. • Fayetteville
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Price:
$15,000 - $40,000 depending on size and location
Radisson Development Office (315) 638-0271 www.radisssoncommunity.com qhubbard@empire.state.ny.us
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The State of New York is expanding the Healthy NY product offering of affordable health insurance for working individuals, students, sole proprietors, and small businesses through an initiative branded as “Healthcore.” Benefit Specialists of NY, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, has been chosen as the Healthy New York Upstate Pilot Project Administrator. The pilot project is designed to examine the impact on the uninsured and health care industry by testing premium subsidies and pricing models, utilization patterns, cost sharing variations, and marketing and community outreach strategies in a nine county Central New York region. On Thursday March 12, Governor David A. Paterson was in Syracuse at the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner to introduce Healthcore to the public. In a release shortly after his announcement
Governor Paterson noted, “By offering low cost health insurance to small businesses and individuals, Healthy NY helps make New York competitive so that we can attract and retain great employees and employers. I am pleased that Benefit Specialists will take the lead on this pilot project in Central New York.” Benefit Specialists is very proud to have been selected as the project administrator. Paul Muoio, president of Benefit Specialists, stated, “The project focus will be to develop effective outreach, educational, and facilitation efficiencies and strategies to enhance enrollment and help individuals and businesses obtain more affordable health care.” Healthcore will be offered in the following counties: Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego. The state continues to improve on the Healthy NY program and just recently announced the annual wage update on small
employers. The New Small Employer (2-50) wage level for Healthy NY has increased to $40,000. This means if you want to offer Healthy NY to your employees at least 30% of a small employer’s eligible employees must earn $40,000 or less in annual wages. Please contact us for more detailed information on this and other eligibility criteria for small employers. There are also improvements to our Healthcore pilot project and the student eligibility: The new has been improved to an individual must have been employed or a full-time student in the last 12 months. This provides opportunity for more individuals who have just graduated and aged off their parent’s insurance to participate in the Healthcore program! To see if you qualify for the Healthcore program, and for more information on cost and benefits, please contact Benefit Specialists of NY at 1-877-427-6901 or (315) 470-1930. Visit hnyhealthcore.com for benefit summaries and rates.
Springside at Seneca Hill Retirement Community celebrates ninth anniversary The Springside at Seneca Hill retirement community is celebrating its 9 th anniversary at the Seneca Hill Health Campus. The “for seniors only” community is unique in Oswego County where spacious private apar tments combined with elegant common areas under one roof provide for a safe and healthy living environment in a secure setting. The design of the one-story congregate apartment building allows Springside residents to have everything on one level and under one roof. Their freedom and independence are enhanced in this type of setting, and they are uninhibited in their activities, without worrying about weather or physical obstacles. Chief Operating Of f icer Teresa Ferlito said, “One of the most common reasons for choosing retirement style living is that as people get older they begin to feel burdened by maintenance involved with caring for a house and yard, and also would like to have a helping hand with housekeeping, transportation, cooking, and other chores.” The lifestyle choices at Springside allow seniors to simplify life yet, maintain the quality of living they want, while living in a neighborly environment with others who share the same experiences. “At Springside, residents feel confident about being able to do things they enjoy whenever they like. It’s very
comfortable, and a comforting feeling at the community,” said Ferlito. “Residents make new friends in the family-like environment at Springside.” Springside residents know that they can stay close to family and friends in the same area where they have always lived. They know that when family and friends come by they can spend time visiting socially, and not be concerned with asking for help to fix things, cook, clean, or do chores that they needed help with before moving to Springside. Mrs. Ferlito said, “By removing that stress from their lives they feel relief and experience new independence.” Currently there are fiftyone residents in the beautiful Springside apartments and fifteen residents in the condo-style homes. Residents live a carefree lifestyle that allows them to be independent and remain active in the community. Some of the weekly recreational activities include cards and games, gardening, arts, crafts, puzzles, movies, exercise, shuffleboard, and shopping trips. Use of the residents’ library, as well as visits from the traveling public library, provide plenty of access to literary works and culture. Springside also maintains a relationship with SUNY Oswego faculty and students who present workshops annually. Retirement-style living is a new beginning for those who
Residents at Springside at Seneca Hill celebrated the 9th Anniversary of the opening of the Retirement Community. Honored at the event were the individuals having the longest tenure of residence. Pictured are Albert and Helen Pfaff (seated), and Muriel Harrison, and Sherwood Dunham, all of whom moved to Springside in 2000 as some of its first residents. Also, honored were Ralph and Marion Spencer, who were unavailable for the photo.
recognize the time to make the change to this carefree lifestyle. Mrs. Ferlito added, “The choice to live at Springside is rewarded daily when they share happy times with new friends and old.” Currently available are a cottage and a duplex home. The public is invited to tour the apartments, duplexes and cot-
tages at Springside at Seneca Hill. Information is available by contacting Teresa Ferlito, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, at 343-5658. Springside at Seneca Hill is a not-for-profit corporation, and an affiliate of Oswego Health. Visit the website at oswegohealth.org.
Syracuse Home introduces McHarrie Pointe Throughout 158 years, and several generations, Syracuse Home Association has kept a fundamental promise to provide exceptional healthcare. This mission continues today as, Syracuse Home is poised on the threshold of becoming a continuing care community by opening central New York’s premiere assisted living residence: McHarrie Pointe. McHarrie Pointe, Syracuse Home’s new program offering, will open soon and it will create a seamless transition for seniors as their needs and wishes change. Located in the picturesque hills of historic Baldwinsville, within the Syracuse Home complex, McHarrie Pointe is designed with the newest aesthetics and technology available today. McHarrie Pointe will emphasize individual living apartments and studios in a social, home-like setting. Residents will enjoy architecturally unique apartments that they furnish themselves while partaking in stimulating activities, dining, social groups
and outings as they choose. Each resident’s privacy will be maintained, with assistance and attentive care provided as needed. The expansion and enhancements resulting from this project and vision will secure the longevity of Syracuse Home as a leading provider of senior healthcare services for generations to come. Within McHarrie Pointe is Sage Court. Sage Court is a secured home environment with healthcare and programs provided by staff trained in dementia care. Sage Court will offer the most attentive and stateof-the-art care available within the central New York region. An array of engaging, daily activities will be provided, a lovely, enclosed patio will be available for outdoor enjoyment and sensory stimulation, dining areas and lounges are well appointed and aesthetically appealing. Sage Court is designed with the most recent techniques and amenities available in the marketplace to
Maggie Reap, director of residential services for McHarrie Pointe
meet the needs of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Maggie Reap is the newly appointed Director of Residential Services for McHarrie Pointe; she will be the coordinator for the new program. Maggie has been with Syracuse Home for six years working as a rehabilitation social worker for the growing, fast-paced rehabilitation
program. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Oswego State, and she is excited to develop the McHarrie Pointe programs from the ground up. Reap has lots of ideas and enthusiasm for the assisted living program while incorporating the existing mission and philosophy of Syracuse Home. Maggie and husband, Jesse, of seven years, have two children, Nathaniel 11 and Hannah 6. They recently moved to the Cicero area after living in Syracuse for four years. Reap is a lifelong resident of the Liverpool communit;, she enjoys spending time with her family. “We truly feel that McHarrie Pointe and Sage Court will be the industry leaders within our central New York community” said Reap. She encourages prospective residents and their families to call (315) 638-2525 for a tour, and visit SyracuseHomeAssn. org for more information.
Green Excellence - A
mid-year report
Excellence, July 1, 2009/
Make your life greener ...see page 6
From trash to treasure
Easy
Covanta Energy converts trash into clean energy, is a net reducer of greenhouse gases
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By Georgia Keene
o you ever wonder where your garbage goes? Covanta Energy holds all the answers. Many would be happy to know their trash is a part of Covanta’s Energy-from-Waste process, which powers 25,000 homes in Onondaga County. Located at the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Facility, Covanta is doing notable, environmentally friendly work to process the county’s garbage into clean, renewable energy. “Our mission is to convert regular household trash into clean, renewable energy to help power the county,” Covanta Energy’s business manager Kathy Carroll said. “At the same time, we are a net reducer of greenhouse gases and can help mitigate climate change.” Every day, garbage trucks fill the refuse pit at Covanta Energy with about 990 tons of garbage. From the control room, operators use a crane to feed this garbage into large boilers. This process goes on 24 hours a day. Waste is reversed through the boilers until it is completely burned. The steam formed from this process generates electricity to power 25,000 homes around Onondaga County. This process alone eliminates 90 percent of the garbage’s mass. The remaining 10 percent consists of ash, which is landfilled, and scrap metal, which Covanta recycles and sells Jennifer Wing to a metal processor. No gas “hog” for this environmentally- and economically-minded biker. Eagle Observer Editor Ami Olson shows off the preNew Programs owned 2003 Aprilia Scarabeo 50 she purchased this spring. Last year, Covanta added a non-ferrous recycling system that captures By Ami Olson aluminum, copper and other recyclable metals. “This was a large capital the midst of Go Green mania able to roll easily into a tight parking aolson@cnylink.com investment we made to increase the amount of products recycled,” says we started to search for the spot takes the stress out of trips Here’s how some of the most Carroll. most affordable eco-friendly downtown, and often ensures a popular 2009 models compare: tories of west coast mo- car. But Hybrids are still priced closer parking to my destination. Covanta is continuing programs it began last year with OCCRA to torists who bucked the improve the recycling program. “We, along with OCRRA, are involved out of range for us, and being Not to mention the fun of riding four-wheeled status quo so new to the market few used in a Mercury Bounty Program, where we encourage the recycling and it, watching heads turn and earning last summer when gas prices removal of items containing mercury from the waste stream,” Carroll models are available. the approving nod of “real” bikers said. “As part of this, residents can drop their old, mercury thermometers soared past $4 and $5 per A scooter was a great alteron the road. at OCRRA’s transfer stations or at Covanta’s facility and, in exchange, gallon are popular everywhere native based on fuel consumpAnd the cost of maintaining the they will receive a new solar thermometer and a $5 gift certificate to from news radio to blogs to tion and emissions. Averaging scooter is a fraction of our other Home Depot.” Carroll reports that this program has been successful, morning talk shows. But none around 90 miles per gallon and vehicle, at about $200 a year for an and in recent months Covanta has seen an increase in the amount of of those stories seem to origiwith a two-gallon tank capacannual inspection, registration and nate here in Central New York, ity, I can fill my new wheels for insurance. The one-time purchase thermometers and thermostats brought in. Covanta is also partnering with OCRRA on the Best Blue Bin pro- where the precious motorcycle less than $6, once every couple of riding gear - a helmet, eye protecseason is counted in weeks, not of weeks, with regular ungram, which rewards avid recyclers. tion, a sturdy jacket - can be pricey, Genuine Buddy 50cc “County recycling enforcement officers determine which residents months. leaded petro. Though there is but accessorizing is part of the fun. $1,999 MSRP; 100 mpg Are you scooter-ready? Still, when it came time for are the most successful recyclers and should be honored as having one some debate about how clean 30 mph (restricted) Making the decision to downsize of the Best Blue Bins,” Carroll says. “Winners then receive a lovely my fiance and I to replace my the exhaust is of scooters and Balsam Fir donated by Covanta to enhance the resident’s green space old Volvo, which had already mopeds compared to tradition- from four wheels to two, though, even temporarily or as a second been demoted to our secondary al autos, by nature my scooter in the community.” vehicle, requires a little soulCovanta Energy wants to change the way people think about Energy- vehicle over the previous year, emits significantly less greenfrom-Waste. Carroll said many people still have the negative image of I couldn’t entirely discount house gas because it burns less searching. Will you have alternate transportation in “incinerators of old” emitting black smoke and pollutants. Covanta does the idea of at least supplement- fuel to operate. the inclement weather ing our transportation with a quite the opposite, not only eliminating garbage without harmful smoke, Indirectly, the scooter has but also generating energy and recycling in the process. Covanta’s truck scooter. helped me become more Earth and winter months? How many miles Please see Covanta, page 6 The first time I saw a Vespa conscious by forcing me to each day do you I knew I was in love. One look really question how necessary generally drive back at those sexy curves and the that trip to the store is, or Piaggio Fly 50 and forth to work and to shine of the chrome and I was whether I could walk instead. $1,999; 110-115 mpg run errands? Do you carry with you hooked on the idea of having Because you are significantly 39 mph top speed a lot of extra cargo that would be one for myself. less protected on a scooter or difficult or dangerous to cart along That was 10 years ago, and motorcycle, riding requires exthough I found the iconic tra awareness of your surround- on two-wheeled transportation? Do you rely heavily on that to-go coffee Vespa was out of my league, ings, other drivers, even potin the morning, or could you live this spring I finally took the holes and debris on the road without, (chances are you won’t find plunge and purchased a prethat you wouldn’t think twice owned 2003 Aprilia Scarabeo about rolling over in a car. Add a scooter with a cup holder - but if you do, let me know)? 50 for under $2,000. to that the ever-changing CNY Luckily for me, the stars aligned: And suddenly, getting myself weather, and the decision to from one place to another was take a trip on the scooter must I live in close proximity to my office, and have my other car for longer fun - I even found myself excit- be a well-planned one. trips. ing for the morning drive to Forcing myself to consider the If you find that you have differwork. scooter before the car means I only ent needs, there is probably a scootVespa LX 50 make trips that are necessary, and Go green in style er available to fill them. Ranging $3,299 MSRP; 95 to 100 forgo a lot of extra “quick trips” that Our decision to opt for two from around 50ccs to more than mpg; 39 mph top speed are a waste of gas and contribute to wheels instead of four was 200, scooters these days come in air pollution. Note: All models feature an engine Tom Ludwig of Inventory Control, Business Manager Kathleen made easier by the price tag. Fringe benefits flavors as powerful as motorcycles. displacement of 50cc or less, which requires Carroll and Equipment Operator Will Holdren showcase Covanta’s Our first instinct was to reThere are, of course, other For the most green-conscious, insurance and registration in New York State Facility Model. Covanta offers educational tours and this facility place apples with apples, but in advantages to the scooter. Being Please see Scooter, page 6
rider
Scooter stats
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model gives visitors an idea of what they’ll see.
but does not require a motorcycle license.
Excellence - A
/ Excellence, July 1, 2009
mid-year report
Green living Going green has never looked so good As more people try to take better care of the environment, there is an increased interest in “green gardening.� This concept is surprisingly easy, and it often saves gardeners money by reducing and reusing materials. Here’s how to get started: Containers Reuse items you already have, such as wooden barrels, an old birdhouse, or a wheelbarrow for a container. Anything works, just put holes in the bottom, at least one-half inch wide. Light-colored materials work best, as they reflect heat away. If you purchase a container, look for pots made of recycled or biodegradable materials. Ask the folks at the garden center if they take back the plastic pots the plant
came in, or bring it to a recycling center. Newspaper in the bottom of the pot will prevent soil loss from drainage holes and limit the amount of soil needed to fill the pot. Soil Compost is key to green gardening, and for good reason. Compost can be made of grass clippings, leaves, vegetable peels, coffee grounds (especially good for acid-loving plants such as hydrangeas), sawdust, straw and shredded paper. Its benefit is twofold—it reduces waste while producing a rich organic soil amendment. Mix the compost with your potting soil, at a ratio of 25 percent compost to 75 percent potting mix. Water
Reduce water use by watering at the roots, where the water is needed. Don’t water when it is very windy, which can cause water to evaporate. Likewise, water plants either early or late in the day to prevent evaporation. When purchasing potting mix, look for mixes with polymers that retain water. After planting, apply a layer of mulch to help keep the plant from drying out. Use barrels to collect rainwater runoff from your roof and gutters. Place a screen on the top to filter out bugs. Plants Swap annuals, which have to be replaced every year, with plants such as the Forever & Ever Hydrangea. These small flowering shrubs suit containers because of their compact size and long-
Household tips for getting greener Increasingly, people are demonstrating how it’s getting easier to be green. They’re doing this by taking steps to save money and energy and help the environment all at the same time. Even better, many are making these environmental contributions without leaving home. Here are some examples of easy, low-cost things you can do: • Break the bottled water habit and drink tap water instead. It’s estimated that families often spend hundreds of dollars a year—maybe more—on bottled water. Many, if not most, of these empty water bottles are destined to end up in a landfill. Making the move to drink tap water from a reusable bottle can help
consumers save money and aid the environment. • Switch to paper towels made from recycled paper. Over 90 percent of American households use paper towels, creating over 3,000 tons of waste each day. Switching to recycled roll paper towels can help cut down on all this trash. If every household in the U.S. replaced one roll of nonrecycled paper towels with a roll of 100 percent recycled paper towels, some say it could save over 850,000 trees and nearly 3.5 million cubic feet of landfill space. It would also save water and energy and help reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air. These and similar environmental tips are the focal point of a half-hour
Every week, “Wa$ted� co-hosts Holter Graham and Annabelle Gurwitch visit a household to show how avoiding waste while saving energy and the environment can add up to a trash can full of cash.
reality series called “Wa$ted� airing on the Planet Green television network. Each week, co-hosts Annabelle Gurwitch and Holter Graham audit a household’s waste as well as its energy, water and transportation consumption. The members of the household then have three weeks to reduce consumption. If successful, the participants receive financial rewards that reflect the amount of money they are saving now—and may save in the future. Author, activist and actress Gurwitch is well known for taking on social and environmental issues with her own brand of humor and perspective. As Annabelle’s dashing co-host, Holter is never afraid to share his broad range of conservation knowledge with even the most treacherous of eco-offenders, happily helping them to break their bad habits without. “Wa$ted� airs on Wednesdays at 9 PM ET/PT on Planet Green television network. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.planetgreen.com. -NAPS
Rethink.
For almost 14 years, Onondaga County has led the way with its progressive environmental and economic solutions for managing municipal solid waste. In rethinking what they do with regular household trash, the municipalities of Onondaga County adopted a renewable energy solution called Energy-from-Waste that helps power the County while helping the environment. At the Energy-from-Waste facility in Onondaga, municipal solid waste is converted into electricity by Covanta Energy. Annually, this process saves approximately 350,000 tons of waste from being landfilled while generating enough clean energy to power about 25,000 homes and offset about 350,000 tons of greenhouse gases. Covanta is committed to the communities it serves and to safeguarding the environment in which we live and work. Operating five of New York State’s Energy-from-Waste facilities, Covanta is proud to be an integral part of a solution for Onondaga County’s communities that converts municipal solid waste into clean, renewable energy.
Covanta Onondaga, LP 5801 Rock Cut Road Jamesville, New York 13078 Phone: 315.498.4111
e Connection
(with a “C� average or above!)
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Program
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• GAIT Analysis • Tennis Training • Kids Fitness • Corporate Membership • Group Classes • Aquatics
• Elite Sports Performance Training • Massage Therapy • Boot Camp • Personal Training • Nutrition
Official Training Facility of the Syracuse Crunch & Syracuse Chiefs
From page 5
here’s something else to think about: the Vectrix scooter is a flashy little number that also happens to be a 100 percent electric vehicle. Though not alone in the electric category, it packs the most punch with a top speed of 62 mph and a 68-mile range per charge. It’s also one of the priciest scooters on the market, at around $9,300, but an
anticipated 2009 model is rumored to cost around $5,000. Whether you’re ready to drop a small fortune on a brand new Vespa or would rather break yourself in with a less expensive pre-owned model, scooter season is short, so don’t wait too long to join the club! Other models After I decided to replace my
secondary car with a scooter, it was time to pick the perfect model. As scooters and mopeds have enjoyed increased popularity in the United States in recent years, many more makes and models have become available to American consumers. Ami Olson is editor of the Eagle Observer. She can be reached at aolson@cnylink.com
Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it’s caught early. Oral cancer screening is key. Early detection with ViziLite Plus makes it simple. • By the time you can see oral cancer it’s too late. We recommend this 5 minute screening test as a part of your regular visit. • Oral Cancer Screening should be viewed the same as a pap smear, PSA or Dr. Suzanne Shapero mamogram. DMD, MBA, PC • $50 fee (if not covered by insurance.) The only FDA approved test for oral abnormalities
Call our office for more information Now Accepting DECARE Through Brotherhood of TEAMSTERS
ATTENTION EMPLOYEES OF
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WE ACCEPT
Excellus BlueCross Blue Sheild, Delta Premier, DeCare through Brotherhood of Teamsters.
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during three Earth Day cleanups. Covanta is also a major sponsor and volunteer of the Envirothon, put on by the County Water and Soil Conservation Group. The Envirothon is a competition of high school students pertaining to environmental issues. In 2008, Power Magazine named Covanta “Best Renewable Facility� and ran an article about the array of renewable energy projects in progress at the facility. In 2007, Covanta Energy received the North American Solid Waste Association’s countrywide silver award. That same year, Covanta received the Volunteer Protection Program Star designation from OSHA. Covanta worked voluntarily with OSHA to become certified as a result of employees’ commitment to safety. Two of the elements of the VPP recognition include employee safety and health training and hazard prevention and control. This status was achieved solely through worker initiation and is an indicator of the 46 employees’ commitment to a safe and environmentally sound workplace. Carroll emphasizes Covanta Energy’s ongoing commitment to creating clean, renewable energy from waste. “We will continue to work with OCCRA to enhance our recycling program,� she says. Covanta Energy at the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Facility is located at 5801 Rock Cut Road in Jamesville. If you have questions or would like to arrange a tour, please call 498-4111.
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Liverpool • 451-5050 www.goldsgym.com
scales have radiation detectors to ensure no radioactive waste enters the plant. Because combustion in the three boilers is done in enclosed spaces, no smoke is emitted from the plant’s stack. Ammonia is injected into the boilers to neutralize any harmful gases from the garbage. Waste water from the plant is treated and reused on site. Additionally, Covanta has a carbon silo, which neutralizes the final gases that come out of the stack into carbon dioxide and water. Carroll said when Covanta Energy started in 1995 many people thought they would compete with existing recycling programs. However, the county’s recycling rate has increased greatly since Covanta began. About 65 percent of the recyclable material in Onondaga County is now recycled. Covanta Onondaga’s affiliation with the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) also ensures that the only materials used to produce energy are non-recyclable waste products. Education, outreach is key at Covanta Not only does Covanta Energy do its part to help the environment, but it is also involved in education. Covanta emphasizes community outreach, giving tours to students from various schools and universities. On Earth Day, Covanta employees participate in cleanups with Syracuse and Jamesville-DeWitt schools. This year, over 100 students and Covanta volunteers recovered more than 600 pounds of litter
ORAL CANCER SCREENINGS
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Covanta From page 5
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
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lasting blooms. They perform best in morning sun and afternoon shade, and can easily be moved around whenever the spirit moves you. Forever & Ever Peppermint has gorgeous 10� mophead blooms, which display a brushstroke of pink or blue (depending on soil acidity) in the center of each white petal. Forever & Ever White Out features the eye-catching combination of pure white individual flowers atop deep green foliage. Utilizing these ideas will result in earth-friendly, eye-catching displays that improve your landscape and your planet. Add accent plants to increase the texture, shape and -NAPS color of your display.
OPEN MONDAY & TUESDAY until 7:00pm
• 315-635-6643 • In the old post office building opposite the village hall 1 Charlotte St. • Baldwinsville