Wny health 11 30 14 by Community Papers of WNY

COMPLIMENTARY

DECEMBER 2014 Holiday Issue

wnyhealthmag.com

contents

features

4 9 10 14 15 20

For Glorious Holiday Goodies

5 Watching Out for

13 Healthy Connections

International Traditions,

8 Attention Caregivers:

16 Volunteer Opportunities

Food Safety

Celebrations, and Holidays. December - January

Healthy Programs For the Entire Family

Age Appropriate Toys and Safety Tips

Children, Holidays, and Behavior Problems

Holidays in the White House: First Family Traditions

We’re Online: w WNYHealthMag.com facebook.com/wnyhealth pinterest.com/wnyhealth2004

in this issue...

Food Allergies this Holiday Season

Making Use of Helpful Services

12 Epic Income Levels

Expanded to Provide Drug Coverage for more NYS Seniors

Around Western New York

Health Benefits of Volunteering

22 Surviving the Holidays For Those Who Have Lost a Loved One

editors ’ corner Dear Valued Reader:

WNY Health© promises to deliver timely and credible information that supports your wellbeing and interests for living a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle can help you thrive as you move through your life’s journey, and though it may be hard to find time to exercise regularly and prepare healthy meals, your efforts will pay off in many ways, and for the rest of your life. That is why WNY Health© promises a healthy outlook with each issue. This December issue provides Holiday Food Safety tips, International Traditions between December and January, Healthy Programs for Families, Age Appropriate Toys and Safety Tips for holiday shopping, Children, Holidays, and Behavior Problems, and a closer look at Holidays in the White House: First Family Traditions, and much more. We invite you to contact us with letters, emails, chats, and social media posts for any health related topics you would like us to entertain in WNY Health© magazine. Though we can’t promise or guarantee using all recommendations, we will consider all suggestions. WNY Health© is committed to providing valuable, relevant, and timely information to our ever growing community of readers. We wish you and your families good health and memorable celebrations of new and old traditions this holiday season! Happy Holidays! Dr. Janet Gane Health and Lifestyle Editor • Community Papers of WNY • www.cpowny.com

Buffalo General Medical Center and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital Receive Consumer Choice Award

uffalo General Medical Center (BGMC) and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital (MFSH) have received the 2014/2015 Consumer Choice Award from National Research Corporation, as announced in the October 13 issue of Modern Healthcare magazine. The annual award identifies hospitals across the United States that healthcare consumers choose as having the highest quality and image.

“We are honored and privileged to have our two hospitals recognized as consumer choice award winners this year,” said Jody Lomeo, president and CEO of Kaleida Health. “This recognition further demonstrates that we are not only focused on providing the best care, but we are delivering on our commitment to do so.” Winners are determined by

consumer perceptions on multiple quality and image ratings collected in the company’s Market Insights survey, the largest online consumer healthcare survey in the country. “The BGMC team continues to receive national recognition for the expertise and care provided to our patients,” said Cheryl Klass, senior vice president, operations, Kaleida Health and president, BGMC. “This Consumer Choice Award recognizes our frontline staff – those at the bedside. I am very proud to work with this team.” National Research surveys more than 290,000 households in the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia. Hospitals named by consumers are analyzed and ranked based on Core Based Statistical Areas defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, with winning facilities being ranked the highest.

Murawski appointed Transplant Administrator for the Regional Center of Excellence for Transplantation & Kidney Care at ECMC at ECMC.

Phyllis Murawski, MS, BSN, RN, Transplant Administrator, ECMC Corporation

rie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation recently announced the appointment of Phyllis Murawski, MS, BSN, RN, as Transplant Administrator for the Regional Center of Excellence for Transplantation & Kidney Care

“After working with the Transplant Leadership Institute to conduct a national search, Phyllis Murawski, who previously served in an interim leadership capacity since August of 2014, was identified as the strongest candidate to oversee our transplant program and move it forward,” stated Richard C. Cleland, MPA, FACHE, NHA, President / Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer, ECMC Corporation. Recognized for inspiring employees to succeed while working toward unified goals, Murawski is an experienced instructor and skilled

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communicator who has proven to be a team builder. “Phyllis has proven to be a strong leader and valuable asset. She worked closely with our transplant physicians and staff to assure the reopening of our Living Donor Program,” explained Mary L. Hoffman, RN, MBA, FACHE, Senior Vice President of Operations, ECMC Corporation. Murawski joined ECMC in February of 2014, as Assistant Vice President of Critical Care and Emergency Services. She previously held transplant positions as Vice President of Clinical Services at Unyts (20122014) and Director of Medical Surgical Nursing and Transplant Administrator at Kaleida Health (2008-2012). Prior to holding top level administrative/clinical positions, Murawski served as Manager, Surgical Intensive Care and Nursing/Telemetry Units (20082009), Kaleida Health; Manager of Organ Services, Unyts (2004-2008); Director of Patient Services, Niagara Hospice and Palliative Care Group (2000-2004); Registered Nurse, Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital, Kaleida Health (1996-2001). Phyllis Murawski earned a Master of Science in Executive

“We are proud to have been chosen by our patients as a National Consumer Choice award winner,” said Chris Lane, president, MFSH. “This honor is truly a reflection of the dedication, care and skill our staff and physicians demonstrate each and every day.” This is the 19th anniversary of the Consumer Choice Award. “The complexity of healthcare has urged consumers to play much more of an integral role in their care decisions, which in turn, is prompting hospitals and healthcare systems to lead a proactive approach to brand awareness,” said Brian Wynne, vice president of sales at National Research. “This year’s winners have done an exceptional job of representing their organizations in terms of high-quality care, improvement initiatives, and positive consumer perceptions and experiences.” Leadership and Change and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Daemen College, Amherst, New York; and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at Erie Community College. Phyllis Murawski is a member of the WNY Organization of Nurse Executives (2010-present) and treasurer of American Legion Auxiliary Post 410 B. Leo Dolan (2009-present). The Regional Center of Excellence for Transplantation and Kidney Care at ECMC is the result of the merging of two transplant programs—from Buffalo General Hospital and ECMC—into a single streamlined, highly specialized program that offers patients world class care. The mission of the Center is to provide lifesaving kidney and pancreas transplants, vascular access surgical care, hemodialysis for outpatients and inpatients, and treatment and disease management services for patients with all stages of chronic kidney disease. This concentration of services means a greater number of procedures performed, a high level of expertise among the medical staff, and the most favorable outcomes for renal patients at all levels of care. outpatient specialty care services and Terrace View, a 390-bed longterm care facility. ECMC is the regional center for trauma, burn care, behavioral health services, transplantation, and rehabilitation and is a major teaching. © WNY Health|December 2014

feature

thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is safe when the temperature reaches 165˚F.

Food Safety for Glorious Holiday Goodies

poultry before cooking in order to avoid spreading bacteria to areas around the sink and countertops.

he holiday season is a time for celebration and great food. Don’t let merriment change to misery because food makes you or others ill. The Invisible Enemy You can’t see, taste, or smell bacteria, but it can be on food and multiply rapidly in moist, warm conditions. If consumed, harmful bacteria can cause foodborne illness. Be Egg-stra Cautious Around the holidays, people eat a variety of foods, some of which may contain uncooked or lightlycooked eggs. But even grade A eggs with clean, uncracked shells can be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis bacteria. That’s why it’s important to cook eggs thoroughly to kill any bacteria that may be present. Don’t give the gift of food poisoning; Keep things clean • Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling any food.

Separate to Avoid CrossContamination • Whether shopping in the store, storing food in the refrigerator at home, or while preparing meals, keep raw eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices away from foods that won’t be cooked.

• Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under cool running water and use a produce brush to remove surface dirt. • Do not rinse raw meat and

• Keep fruits and vegetables that will be eaten raw separate from other foods such as raw meat, poultry or seafood—and from kitchen utensils used for those products.

Cook to a Safe Internal Temperature • Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature. To check turkey for safety, insert a food thermometer into the innermost part of the

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• Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm. When making your own eggnog or other recipe calling for raw eggs, use pasteurized shell eggs, liquid or frozen pasteurized egg products, or powdered egg whites.

• Consider using one cutting board only for foods that will be cooked, such as raw meat, poultry, and seafood, and another one for those that will not be cooked, such as raw fruits and vegetables.

• Do not put cooked meat or other food that is ready to eat on an unwashed plate that has held any raw eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, or their juices.

• Wash food-contact surfaces (cutting boards, dishes, utensils, countertops) with hot, soapy water before and after preparing each food item.

• Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling boil when reheating.

• Don’t eat uncooked cookie dough, which may contain raw eggs.

Chill Because Harmful Bacteria Grow Rapidly At Room Temperature • Refrigerate leftovers and takeout foods—and any type of food that should be refrigerated, including pie—within two hours. • Set your refrigerator at or below 40ºF and the freezer at 0ºF. Check both periodically with an appliance thermometer. • Thaw safely in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave—never at room temperature. Cook food that has been thawed in cold water or in the microwave immediately. • Allow enough time to properly thaw food. • Don’t taste food that looks or smells questionable. When in doubt, throw it out. • Leftovers should be used within three to four days, unless frozen.

Pet Food

Many people don’t realize that the basic principles of food safety apply to their pets’ foods too. For example, pet food or treats contaminated with Salmonella can cause infections in dogs and cats. And contaminated pet food that is not handled properly can cause serious illness in people too, especially children.

or feeding your pet, and especially after contact with feces, wash your hands for 20 seconds. Wash hands before preparing your own food and before eating. Because infants and children are especially susceptible to foodborne illness, keep them away from areas where you feed your pets. Never allow them to touch or eat pet food.

If you’re a pet owner, one of the most important things you can do to keep your pets, your family, and yourself safe from foodborne illness is to wash your hands: Before and after handling pet foods and treats, wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot running water and soap. (Tip: Sing “Happy Birthday” twice to time yourself.) After petting, touching, handling,

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Watching out for Food Allergies this Holiday Season By Linda Morgan

or many people the holidays mean gathering with friends and family and sharing wonderful meals. But for families whose children have food allergies, all the tempting treats can be downright scary. If you have a child with a food allergy, you worry all the time. That’s because a food allergy means the immune system is having an abnormal reaction to a food protein. The most severe form of this reaction is called anaphylaxis. If not treated promptly, anaphylaxis can be fatal. Around the holidays, people bring special dishes into homes; there’s more baking going on, more entertaining, and it’s just more difficult for parents to really keep their eye on what their children are eating. There are school parties with candies, cakes, and other treats. Nut allergies can be particularly dangerous. According to the research, people who have either a peanut or tree nut allergy are at higher risk for having a severe reaction such as anaphylaxis. First of all, most reactions happen after the child – or adult – eats an ingredient they didn’t expect to be there. If a child is allergic to peanuts, for example he’ll be allergic to peanut oil. It’s not always obvious that nut oil is an ingredient in something. And many sauces contain peanuts or nuts.

Symptoms of a reaction vary from person to person – and might include vomiting, hives or respiratory distress. The symptoms may progress from mild to severe in several minutes. Ideally, that child will have an EpiPen with her – or her parent will have given you one if that parent has left the child in your care. This is epinephrine and it’s injectable. It can be life-saving. It is most effective when it’s given as soon as the symptoms of an allergic reaction show up. Then call 911 or go to an emergency room because the child should be observed for four hours. Recently, the government released voluntary guidelines for the way schools should deal with food allergies. These ask schools to identify kids with these allergies, plan ways to prevent exposures and train teachers how to use epinephrine injectors. Many people don’t take them seriously – especially nut allergies. Sometimes people get annoyed if there’s a nut free classroom and they can’t pack peanut butter in their child’s lunch. Understand that another child’s life might be at risk. If another parent asks if there are nuts in the cupcake, “I don’t think so” isn’t a good answer. If you used a mix, say so – that can rule that cupcake out for many kids, but they need the information. Know the signs of an allergic reaction and know what to do if you see one. Put yourself in another parent’s shoes and talk to your own child about what it’s like to have a food allergy - and maybe, why he can’t bring banana nut muffins to school.

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If you are currently a denture wearer, there is a good chance that you are not happy with the way your full dentures fit. Alltown Dental gives you a long term solution for a reasonable fee - mini dental implants. By using these type of implants to stabilize your dentures you will no longer need to worry about your dentures coming loose when you eat the foods you enjoy at your favorite restaurant.

a mini dental implant is secured to the jaw bone by placing a pin hole in the bone and inserting the dental implant gently by hand. Next your denture is fitted with a snap that attached to the implants and gives your dentures security. After the mini dental implant placement, there is no need for denture adhesives and you can still remove your dentures for hygiene. In fact, you should brush your implants just like teeth. For more details and pricing, please call Alltown Dental at (716) 688-5046. Consultation and x-rays are always free of charge and financing options are available.

alt — sodium chloride — is essential for survival. Your body depends on sodium to transmit nerve impulses, contract muscle fibers, and, along with potassium, balance fluid levels in all your cells. The body is so efficient at conserving this vital mineral that you need to consume only a tiny amount of sodium each day. Too much sodium sets off a cascade of physiological changes that can raise blood pressure. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can stress the heart and blood vessels. Simple ways to control sodium The Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health teamed up with the Culinary Institute of America to create two dozen science-based strategies for cutting back on salt — without compromising the flavor of the foods you enjoy. Here are five of those tips.

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1. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Our bodies need more potassium than sodium. But most Americans’ diets are just the opposite, which can contribute to high blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium, and many fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium. Filling your plate with them will boost your potassium and shift the sodium-potassium balance in your favor. 2. Embrace healthy fats and oils. Unfortunately, the big low-fat and no-fat product push in the 1990s wasn’t rooted in sound science. Many well-meaning product developers cut both

the good and bad fats out of formulations, and in order to maintain consumer acceptance of their products, they were forced to increase levels of sugar and sodium. So skip most fat-free salad dressings and other similar products, and you’ll be doing your blood pressure a favor. 3. Stealth health. The average person can’t detect moderate changes in sodium levels, including reductions of up to as much as 25%. Many food manufacturers and restaurant companies have already made or are in the process of making substantial cuts in sodium — some all at once and some over time — that their customers will not be able to detect. 4. Retrain your taste buds. We can shift our sense of taste to enjoy foods with lower levels of sodium. One key to success: make the changes gradually and consistently over a period of time, rather than trying to cut back by a large amount all at once. Try this trick: combine a reduced-sodium version of a favorite product (like vegetable soup, for example) with a regular version in proportions that gradually favor the reducedsodium version. 5. Watch out for hidden sodium. “Fresh” and “natural” meats and poultry may be injected with salt solutions as part of their processing, and manufacturers are not required to list the sodium content on the label. Some foods that are high in sodium may not taste especially salty, such as breakfast cereals, bakery muffins, energy drinks, and sports drinks.

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Attention Caregivers: Making Use of Helpful Services Harvard Medical

eing a caregiver for an ailing parent, spouse, child, or other loved one can feel like a lonely undertaking. But it doesn’t have to be, even if you don’t have family nearby to pitch in. Help for caregivers is available from various organizations. Once you learn what’s available, it may be easier to chart a less-demanding course toward meeting the needs of your spouse, relative, or friend. Here are some types of services and professionals you might want to investigate. • Adult day services. These programs offer comprehensive packages of assistance, though what’s in the package varies from place to place. Services may include transportation, nursing care, meals, personal care (such as help with bathing or toilet use), social opportunities, or rehabilitative activities. Such facilities are immensely helpful if your loved one needs supervision or assistance with daily activities, health care, or social support for physical or cognitive impairments. Typically, adult day services are

open during normal business hours. Some offer evening and weekend hours. • Certified nurse’s aides. These trained aides can help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and personal care. Keep in mind that they are not nurses, and so can’t administer medications. • Hired companions and homemakers. You may want to hire someone to help

arrangement—such as a college student who lives in a home and provides help in exchange for rent—can work well. • Home health aides. These aides perform personal services such as bathing and dressing, and may do light housekeeping. • Meal programs. Hot, nutritious meals may be available through programs like the Meals on Wheels Association of America (703-548-5558, or www.mowaa. org) or the federally funded Eating Together Program, which offers lunch and companionship at community centers. Senior centers, community groups, or

oversee and coordinate health care. Case managers are often registered nurses or social workers. They help coordinate services, keep tabs on a patient’s progress, and communicate with the patient, caregiver, family, clinicians, and key departments, such as billing. • Nurses. Nurses offer skilled nursing care, such as inserting intravenous lines, cleaning wounds, and changing bandages. They can also administer medications. • Physical, occupational, or speech therapists. These trained professionals may do in-home therapy sessions. • Respite care workers. Respite care workers provide caregivers with time off from their care-giving duties.

with meals, shopping, and laundry; supervise activity; and provide companionship and transportation. Some people may also be willing to help with personal care. An informal

religious organizations may have similar services. • Case managers. Some hospitals and health insurance plans assign case managers to

• Transportation services. Some communities offer free or low-cost transportation to medical appointments for seniors or people who are disabled. Other potential sources of free or low-cost transportation help are religious and community organizations, such as churches or synagogues, councils on aging, and senior centers.

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feature International Traditions,Celebrations, and Holidays in December and January Text adapted from National Graphic Society

collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. New Year’s Day New Year’s Day is the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar on January 1. There are often fireworks at midnight to celebrate the new year. Commonly served in the southern part of the United States, black-eyed peas are thought to bring luck and prosperity for the new year, greens (usually collards) bring wealth, and pork because pigs root forward.

earn about unique traditions, celebrations, and holidays that occur around the world during December and January. Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It falls on different dates each year, between January 21 and February 20. Visits to friends and family take place during this celebration. The color gold is said to bring wealth, and the color red is considered especially lucky. The New Year’s Eve dinner is very large and includes fish, noodles, and dumplings. Christmas Christmas is celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas in the United States brings together many customs from other countries and cultures. Around the world, family members help to decorate the tree and home with bright lights, wreaths, candles, holly, mistletoe, and ornaments. On Christmas Eve, many people go to church. Also on Christmas Eve, Santa comes from the North Pole in a sleigh to deliver gifts; in Hawaii, it is said he arrives by boat; in Australia, the jolly man arrives on water skis; and In Ghana, he comes out of the jungle. Eid Al Adha, the Festival of the Sacrifice Eid Al Adha is celebrated by Muslims on the 10th day of the month of the lunar calendar (In

2008, it fell on December 8) to commemorate the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim (or Abraham) to sacrifice his son for God. Today, Muslims sacrifice an animal—usually a goat or a sheep—as a reminder of Ibrahim’s obedience to God. The meat is shared with family, friends Muslims or non-Muslims, as well as the poor members of the community.

leave good presents. In France, a delicious King cake is baked. Bakers will hide a coin, jewel or little toy inside it. Winter Solstice The Winter Solstice occurs around December 21st. It is the shortest day of the year. People all over the world participate in festivals and celebrations. Long ago, people celebrated by lighting bonfires and candles to coax back the sun.

Three Kings Day At the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas comes a day called the Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. This holiday is celebrated as the day the three wise men first saw baby Jesus and brought him gifts. On this day in Spain, many children get their Christmas presents. In Puerto Rico, before children go to sleep on January 5, they leave a box with hay under their beds so the kings will

Hanukkah Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah, a holiday honoring the Maccabees victory over King Antiochus, who forbid Jews to practice their religion. For eight nights, Hanukkah is celebrated with prayer, the lighting of the menorah, and food. A menorah has nine candles, a candle for every night, plus a helper candle. Children play games, sing songs, and exchange gifts. Potato pancakes, known as latkes in Yiddish, are traditionally associated with Hanukkah and are served with applesauce and sour cream. Kwanzaa On December 26, Kwanzaa is celebrated. It is a holiday to commemorate African heritage. Kwanzaa lasts a week during which participants gather with family and friends to exchange gifts and to light a series of black, red, and green candles, which symbolize the seven basic values of African American family life that are unity, self-determination, © WNY Health|December 2014

feature Healthy Programs for the Entire Family Submitted by: Configuration School of Ballet and Dance Theatre

ake a closer look in at the studios of Configuration School of Ballet and you will find healthy options in Dance, Music, and Fitness for every member of the family. Storybook Dance classes are filled with the sounds of delighted 3-5 year olds, experiencing their first dance class. This popular creative movement program incorporates children’s literature with dance movement and an introduction of ballet terminology through rhymes and song, in a fun and safe environment. This class, designed as a first experience to the art of dance for kids, helps develop musical awareness, dance etiquette, improves motor skills, and promotes self confidence. For all kids, it’s just plain fun and a flurry of activity suddenly erupts when children rush out of their class excitedly, to show off their stickers and coloring sheets to awaiting family members. The schools directors, Kolleen Fischer and Joseph Cipolla, believe music and dance are perfect partners. That is why they recently added Music FunTime to their dance programs. The group music lessons for children ages 18 months through 7 years, teaches music theory with games, crafts, singing, and instruments in fun, exciting small group classes. In the same way children learn colors, shapes, numbers, and letters, Music FunTime teaches students to read music and eventually play instruments in a natural way. Fischer and Cipolla,

have marveled at the rate of progress the music students make, in a very short time. “It’s amazing that after one or two half hour sessions, children as young as two can recognize and beat out whole and half note rhythms” says Fischer. In recent years, there has been a considerable amount of research on the effect of music on brain development and thinking. Neurological research has found that the higher brain functions of abstract reasoning as well as spatial and temporal conceptualization, are enhanced by music activities. The discipline of the arts is known to be a formidable tool for advancing learning skills in other areas beyond the dance or music class. When talking to some of the more advanced ballet students, this seems obvious. They speak articulately, are well mannered, confident and poised, and say they do well academically at school. In the waiting area parents can often be heard commenting on the benefits of their children’s ballet lessons. On this particular occasion, parents are waiting for a rehearsal of, Configuration School of Ballet’s ‘Tales of Winter’, to end. ‘Tales of Winter’ is a holiday show featuring ‘The Grinch’, based on the Dr. Seuss classic and Duke Ellington’s jazzy version of the traditional Tchaikovsky score of the Nutcracker Suites. While they wait for their children, family members speak enthusiastically

about last year’s production, and how much they are looking forward to the performance this year. The show is appropriate for all ages and is, according to Cipolla, “…of comfortable duration.” Of course parents and adults are never left out of the wonderful mix of activities at Configuration’s studios. The adult ballet and fitness programs are keeping them happy, healthy, and in fine spirits for the holiday season. Most talked about are the Ballet Barre classes that combine Ballet Barre, dance conditioning and Pilates-based movements designed to lengthen and tone the muscles for a safe yet challenging workout. For most adults, the great thing about the class is that you can be an absolute beginner, have never taken a ballet class in your life and join right in. It’s this accessibility that they love. Configuration School of ballet is

a studio that promotes healthy living for all ages for the young and the young at heart, this multi-generational arts center has something for the entire family.

For more information about programs or classes visit WWW.BalletBuffalo.com or call... Village of Williamsville (204 8192) & Elmwood Village (883 4510), Tickets for ‘Tales of Winter’ can be purchased at either location. Enrollment for all classes at Configuration, are ongoing throughout the year.

What is Really Causing My Low Back Pain? Part 1: Michael Cicchetti, MD

tudies show a 90% incidence of low back pain over one’s lifetime. When back pain is severe or persists beyond a reasonable period of time a specialist’s opinion is necessary. The vast majority of low back pain patients will not need surgery as a primary treatment option. Therefore a physiatrist (fyz-i-a-trist) is ideal. Physiatrists are physicians who specialize in restoring function lost to injury or illness. Physiatrists are well trained in treating back pain. Lumbar disc pain, spinal stenosis, facet joint pain, lumbar dysfunction and sacroiliac joint dysfunction account for the vast majority of diagnoses seen by spine specialists. Less common are fractures, tumors, infection, and inflammatory and noninflammatory connective tissue diseases. It is important to seek a physician’s opinion if you are not improving, as you don’t want to miss one of these less common diagnoses. Also, if you have weakness in the legs, sensory loss or unexplained bowel and bladder changes seek a medical opinion urgently.

Injury to the lumbar discs is very common, especially in younger patients 20’s-50’s. This includes, but is not limited to, disc herniations and degenerative disc disease. Many patients who have these findings on imaging studies may be asymptomatic, which is why it’s best to not interpret you own MRI, CT or X-ray reports. Research shows that the most common way a disc is herniated is with repetitive forwards bending at the lumbar spine (lumbar flexion). This means that every day activities are actually the most common mechanisms of injury. Raking leaves, shoveling snow, changing car tires, vacuuming the house, moving furniture and sitting for the majority of your day are very typical mechanisms. Lumbar disc pain can present variably, but the most common complaints are low back pain worse with forwards bending, sitting and rising from sitting. Many will say the just can’t get comfortable. If the disc cause inflammation to one of the lumbar nerve roots than leg symptoms will typically be reported. Leg pain is called sciatica. Symptoms

in the legs are described as shooting, sharp and electric-like. A sensation of pins and needles in the leg is commonly present. If there is compression of the nerve root by a disc herniation patients may also have weakness in the leg specific to the nerve root that is affected. An MRI is the best way to confirm a lumbar disc injury. Typically antiinflammatories are started along with a specific exercise or physical therapy protocol. More severe pain may require stronger pain medications temporarily to control symptoms. If sciatica is not well controlled a lumbar

epidural steroid injection may be very effective in reducing inflammation and pain. Epidural injections are very safe when performed using imaging guidance by a fellowship-trained physician. Those that fail to improve with may be referred to a spinal surgeon. Some patients may need a surgical intervention sooner in lieu of non-surgical treatment. Your specialist will discuss all options with you. Dr. Cicchetti will discuss other common causes of low back pain upcoming.

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Medicare Part D premiums but will receive Part D assistance in the form of reduced EPIC deductibles.

By Gabrielle Dotterweich

GOOD NEWS! The New York State 2014-15 budget included the expansion of the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program (EPIC) to cover the prescription needs of more seniors. Eligible income brackets were expanded from $35,000 to $75,000 for singles and from $50,000 to $100,000 for married couples. The new income brackets will be added to existing ones and current EPIC members will not be impacted. EPIC income is based on the previous income year and does continue to include the reporting of net Social Security Income. Seniors must also be a NYS resident, 65 or older and be enrolled or eligible to enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan and not be receiving full Medicaid benefits. EPIC provides secondary prescription coverage for Medicare Part D and EPIC covered drugs after any Medicare Part D deductible is met. By using EPIC together with Medicare Part D, members save more money on the cost of their prescription drugs. For many seniors, it is less expensive to enroll in EPIC and Medicare Part D than just Medicare Part D alone. EPIC pays the Part D drug plan premiums up to $36.94 per month in 2015 for members with income up to $23,000 single or $29,000 married. Higher income members are responsible for paying their

Seniors may apply for EPIC at any time during the year even if they do not have a Medicare Part D Plan. Enrolling in EPIC will provide eligible seniors a Special Enrollment Period from Medicare allowing them to join a Medicare Part D drug plan or switch to another Medicare Part D plan outside of their Open Enrollment Period. Join EPIC today for additional savings on your Medicare Part D prescription drugs. For an application or more information, please call the toll-free EPIC Helpline at 1-800-332-3742 Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM or visit the EPIC website at www.health.ny.gov and click on EPIC for Seniors on the left side of the page.

HEALTHY CONNECTIONS Around WNY Your “go to guide” for health seminars, events, support groups and opportunities all around WNY. If you’d like your organization’s meetings listed, call (716) 668-5223 Ovarian Cancer Support Groups - Monthly Meetings open to women with Ovarian Cancer. For more info. contact Kathy Kurtz, LMSW Facilitator at kkurtz@wnyovariancancerproject. org or (716) 675-0301 Sponsored by WNY Ovarian Cancer Project www. wnyovariancancerproject.org Trinity Old Lutheran Church in Amherst - Monthly Respite Care Program for those with Alzheimer’s and dementias. Volunteers, trained by the Alzheimer’s Association, and guests will participate in a variety of activities, as well as having a nutritious lunch. Trinity Old Lutheran is wheelchair accessible and is located at 3445 Sheridan Drive, near Sweet Home Road. The program is held on the first Wednesday of the month, from 10:30AM to 2:30PM. For more information, or to register for the program, please contact Sue Wloch at (716) 836-4868. This is a FREE program. Alzheimer’s Association – For more information on support groups, respite services, education & training, and Memory Wellness Programs, please call the WNY Chapter at (716) 626-0600. AIDS & HIV Support Groups - HIV positive gay/bisexual men, Friends & family members, Gay/bisexual prevention group, Women’s group. Contact AIDS Family Services at (716) 881-4612 x 20. “Sing for Health” - Feel good by singing with the Friends of Harmony male chorus. Rehearsals are 7:30PM Tuesday evenings at the SE Works Center, 181 Lincoln St, Depew. Info: (716) 876-7233 Women’s Support Groups - For victims of domestic violence, meets 5:30PM-7PM Tuesdays in Cheektowaga, 5:30PM-7PM Thursdays in the Southtowns. For meeting locations or more info call (716) 884-6005. Hepatitis and Liver Disorders Support Group - Meets at ECC North Campus, Williamsville, every 3rd Monday of the month, 6:30PM -8PM. Building S, Dental Hygiene Conference Room. Info: 1 (877) 716-3850. Leukemia & Lymphoma Family Support Group - Meets 6PM, 3rd Tues. of month, Roswell Park. More info/reg. (716) 834-2578 ext. 206. Anxiety and Depression Support Group - The group meets every Thursday at the Mental Health Association, 36 Pine Street, Lockport, NY 14094. Info: (716) 433-3780. Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) - Chapter meets every Thursday morning at 9AM, at St. Luke’s Church, located at Union Rd. and Maryvale Dr., Cheektowaga. Meetings are held in church basement. New members are welcome and should contact Karen at

(716) 430-9758 for information. Erie County Senior Services has New Website - Go to www2.erie.gov/ seniorservices to find out details about programs and resources for seniors, families, and caregivers, 24hours a day/7 days a week! R.E.A.C.H. – A support group for family members with loved ones who suffer from mental health issues. 2nd Monday of Month, 7PM, Elderwood Village, 5271 Main St, Williamsville. Info: (716) 901-1696. Parkinson’s Disease Walking/Fitness Class - This is an excellent opportunity to improve your walking, gait and balance, Tuesdays at 6PM, Main Gym at Alumni Arena, University at Buffalo’s North Campus (main gym is on the ground level). For more information e-mail tam38@buffalo.edu or visit website www.npfwny.org Amputee Support Group at VA Western New York Healthcare System - Support group to meet the last Friday of each month at 2PM in room 503. For more info., contact Rich Jones at (716) 862-7350. Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets the second Wednesday of every month from 6PM-8PM, in Harlem Professional Parks Lobby, located at 3085 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga. Info: (716) 844-5585. Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group - For those who care for people with Alzheimer’s or other memory problems. Meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday each month from 1PM–3PM, At the Mental Health Association, 36 Pine Street, Lockport NY 14094. Info: (716) 4333780. WNY Brain Aneurysm Support Group - Meets the 3rd (third) Thursday of each month at Millard Suburban Hospital, 1540 Maple Road, Williamsville, NY. 6:30PM-8:00PM in the Board room on the lower level. Find out more information at bafound.org or email wnybafound@gmail.com. Game-Anon Can Help - If you are affected by a loved one’s compulsive gambling problem, then call the WNY hotline at (716) 254-4941 and speak to someone about getting support in coping with the gambling problem or to find the time and location of a meeting near you. You can visit the national website at www.gam-anon.gov. Grandparents as Parents Support Group - Come join other grandparents and relatives raising a child in absence of the natural parent. Child and school issues discussed, help with entitlement programs, peer support and more. Please call (716) 343-2908 or go to http://www.lifesorchard.com/ for more

information. Life’s Orchard is located just off the Harlem exit of the 33, at the Maryvale Presbyterian Church. Thyroid Cancer Support Group – Meets the 3rd Saturday of each month, 10:30AM-11:45AM, St. Amelia School Room 30, 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda, NY. Contact Nancy at (716) 833-2330 for further info. Stroke Support Group – Meets every 2nd Thursday on the month, at Buffalo General Medical Center, 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY. This discussion group is for stroke survivors, their caregivers, family, and friends. It is held on the 5th floor in the Rehabilitation Medicine wing from 4PM-5PM. Info: (716) 859-5280 or (716) 859-7110. Always welcoming new members! Adult Sibling Group Support (ASGS) Held every fourth Monday from 6:30PM8PM at the Hospice Life Transitions Center, located at 150 Bennett Road, Cheektowaga. If you have lost a loving sibling and need support, we are here to help. For more info call Shauna at (716) 984-5867 Caregivers, Take Care of Yourself - There are classes and seminars, transportation options and safe driving assistance, support groups, and much more to help you better face the demands and challenges of caregiving. Info: (716) 858-8526. FREE 10 Minute HIV Testing Available - “Getting tested saved my life!”AIDS Community Services, 206 South Elmwood Ave, call (716) 847-AIDS(2437). WNY Mitochondrial Disease Support Group - Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month, 6:30PM-8:30PM, United Methodist Church, 5681 Main Street, Williamsville. For more info please contact Linda Roesch at mito_linda@ yahoo.com. Info: (716) 681-8662 The WNY Migraine and Headache Disorder Support Group - Meets at 7PM on the third Tuesday of each month, in the All Care for Women building, 6095 Transit Road, East Amherst, NY 14051. Gay & Lesbian Youth Services (GLYS) of WNY - Provides safe space, cultural & leadership opportunities, resources, referrals and much more for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (GLBTQ) youth and their families and friends. Call (716) 855-0221 or visit our website at glyswny.org. US Too! Prostate Cancer Support Group - Meets 7PM, 1st Tuesday every month, Veteran’s Hospital, Room 301, Buffalo and 1st Thursday every month at Sisters Hospital – St Joes Campus, Harlem Rd Cheektowaga. Info: (716) 834-9200 ext 5169, weekdays from 10AM-2PM or (716) 743-7595.

National Parkinson Foundation Western New York Chapter (NPFWNY) - For information about on-going activities and group support, call (716) 218-1027 or visit www.npfwny. org. The Breast Cancer Network of WNY Meets monthly at 6PM in its Bella Moglie building at 3297 Walden Avenue, Depew. For more info. call Georgia at (716) 6748683 or Sharon at (716) 861-3038. Headway of Western New York – Is a support and advocacy agency for persons with brain injuries and other disabilities. 2635 Delaware Ave, , Buffalo, NY 14216. Support groups meet at Delaware location – PEER Support 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month, 6:30PM8PM; CARE GIVERS SUPPORT 1st Tuesday of the month, 6:30PM-8PM; SUPPORT for WOMEN 1st Tuesday of each month, 1PM-2:30PM. Info: (716) 408-3100 Bereaved Parents of WNY - For those who have experienced the loss of a child any age, any reason. Meetings held 2nd Friday of the month 7:30PM Life Transitions Center 150 Bennett. More info at (716) 675-3844 or visit www. BPWESTNY.BPchapter.org or email amisita@roadrunner.com. Brain Tumor Support Group – Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM, Dent Institute, 1st floor, 3980 Sheridan Dr., Amherst. Info: (716) 432-4431 Stay Fit Dining - Offers Seniors Over 60 a hot and nutritious lunch for only $3.50 confidential donation (no one is refused due to inability to pay). Food Stamps and EBT may be accepted too. There are 45 sites throughout Erie County every weekday. Call (716) 858-7639 for a location convenient to you or more info! Do You Stutter? - If you are a person who stutters or have a special interest in stuttering, you are welcome to attend the National Stuttering Association’s local Buffalo Chapter. We meet at Buffalo State College at Kethcum Hall - Room 108, the first Wednesday of each month, from around 7PM-9PM. If you have any questions, please e-mail Michael at mike. daigler@gmail.com Grief Support Group - Dengler & Roberts Funeral Homes - Meets 2PM3:30PM, 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Pine Lawn Chapel, 2951 Harlem Rd, Cheektowaga, NY. All are welcome. Info: (716) 873-7825. Free Child Immunization/Private Pay Adult Immunization Clinics – 9AM11AM, 3rd Tuesday each month, Niagara County Health Dept., Lockport, Info: (716) 278-1903 Al-Anon Meeting – 11AM, Thursdays, Kenmore Alliance Church, Room 505, 175 Bonnet Ave (off Delaware), Tonawanda. © WNY Health|December 2014

feature Safety Tips and Age Appropriate Toys ToyInfo.org

hese tips from ToyInfo.org’s toy, play and safety experts will help parents and other caregivers keep playtime fun and safe! Outdoor Toy Safety Tips Outdoor play is all about being active and having fun! Some of the top tips for families while experiencing the “great outdoors” include:

Children should wear hats, 100% UVA sunglasses, and a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen (UVA and UVB protection) that is water resistant. Sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Children should drink plenty of fluids during and after play.

• Make adult supervision a crucial element of outdoor play. • Children should never be left alone near water sources (pools, inflatable “kiddie” pools, beaches, etc.). Water toys should be kept out of sight or out of reach when not being used so children aren’t tempted to play in or near the water alone.

• Be sure to use protective gear (helmets, knee pads and other protective wear) when playing with ALL ride-on toys, including bicycles, tricycles, scooters, skateboards and skates.

• Organize and store toys to prevent slips, trips and falls. An outdoor shed should be set up with designated “parking” spaces near the door for bicycles and other ride-on toys; smaller items like skateboards and skates should be hung up or stored on shelves to prevent slips, trips and falls.

• Keep young bodies protected from the sun and heat. Outdoor play areas should be covered to protect sensitive children’s skin from the sun’s intense rays.

Age-By-Age Toy Guide Based on child development research, the following guide will help in your selection of toys for various age groups.

• Inspect toys regularly and repair (or replace) damaged or broken parts as soon as they’re spotted.

Birth to Six Months Experts agree that even babies benefit from toys. Infants use their senses to learn about their world. For the first few months of life, babies are unable to grasp objects with their hands, but enjoy exploring with their ears and eyes. Therefore, toys that make noise or feature high-contrast, blackand-white or brightly colored images are especially appealing to newborns and young infants. Once infants can reach for objects, they enjoy toys that are textured and safe for mouthing. Remember, to avoid dangerous entanglement. Six Months to Twelve Months In the second half of the first year, infants master the motor skills that enable them to play with toys in new and exciting ways. When babies can sit up, they enjoy toys they can manipulate – to bang, drop, stack, put in and take out, and open and shut. Once they can crawl, “cruise” (walk while holding furniture) and walk, they enjoy things that move along with them. Toys that show cause and effect are also thrilling at this age. One to Two Years In the second year of life, children are explorers. Fueled by curiosity and wonder, toddlers also possess the physical skills that make it easy for them to play and learn. A busy toddler needs toys for physical play – walking, climbing, pushing and riding – and ones that encourage experimentation and manipulation. At this age, children imitate adults and enjoy props that help them master life skills. Two to Three Years Older toddlers love testing their physical skills – jumping, climbing, and throwing – and enjoy toys for active play. This age group also

possesses good hand and finger coordination and enjoys putting these skills to work with basic arts and crafts, puppets, blocks and simple puzzles. Imaginative play also begins in the third year. Three to Six Years After the age of three, children begin to play actively with each other. Preschoolers and kindergartners are masters of make-believe. They like to act out grown-up roles and enjoy costumes and props to help them bring their imaginations to life. It is quite common for children this age to develop strong attachments to favorite toys, expressing feelings to a special doll or teddy bear. Materials for arts and crafts are also popular with this age group. Six to Nine Years Abilities and Interests School-age children enjoy play that requires strategy and skill. Board games, tabletop sports and classic toys like marbles and kites are favorites. Gradeschoolers also enjoy exploring different kinds of grown-up worlds like fashion, career dolls, and action figures. Children this age seek out new information and experiences through play and enjoy science, craft and magic kits. In addition, this age group possesses the physical skills and coordination to enjoy junior versions of adult sporting equipment. Nine to Twelve Years Abilities and Interests Preteens begin to develop hobbies and life-long interests and enjoy crafts, model kits, magic sets, advanced construction sets, science kits and sophisticated jigsaw puzzles. Active play finds its expression in team sports. Painting, sculpting, ceramics and other art projects continue to be of interest.

feature Children, Holidays, and Behavior Problems DeanCare.com

“When the adults work together and plan for the children’s needs in advance, everyone’s behavior and mood will stay more positive, allowing for a truly memorable holiday time.”

he children are exhausted but rambunctious from a day spent cooped up driving across country. Meals have been a lot of rich, fatty foods consumed on the go. Everyone is over stimulated from being greeted by a bunch of excited relatives

of all ages. Now no one can fall asleep because of the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells of a new place. Sound like a familiar holiday scenario? It is also a recipe for behavior problems, particularly in younger children or in children with sensitive, reactive, and inflexible temperaments. The Disconnect Parents want to make happy holiday memories with their children, but many holiday traditions are stressful for children. Holiday time usually

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means a complete change in a child’s routine. School is often out, and there is no predictable rhythm to the day. Meals, maps, and bedtime are all disrupted as relatives travel and gather together. Activities involve a lot of adult socializing and conversation, and outdoor weather can prevent needed movement and space for children to “let off steam.”

As with any social occasion combining children and adults, be prepared for a familiar adult to take a child away from the larger group for one-on-one, calming down time if needed. Make sure you have access to appropriate clothing for local weather, and take the children outside for an extended period of play each day during your visit.

What You Can Expect Don’t be surprised if children are having some difficulties with naughty behavior during holiday celebrations. Even fairly placid and agreeable children can become cranky, weepy, withdrawn, argumentative, defiant, or aggressive due to the stress and changes associated with the holidays. Parents love to see children starry-eyed with excitement, but there is a fine line between healthy excitement and disruptive over stimulation. When that line is crossed and your child shows signs of “melting down,” be prepared to intervene quickly to help the child calm down and get back in control.

Work with your hosts or other relatives to provide indoor activities as well. A wellplanned period of making arts and crafts or playing a simple board game can help everyone have a smoother and more enjoyable day. Try not to change a child’s diet too much, in order to prevent tummy aches or other types of gastric distress, and do the best you can to maintain a regular bedtime for the children throughout your stay.

Happy Kids, Happy Parents Parents need to be flexible when making holiday plans for children. Perhaps others can travel to where the children are, rather than requiring the children to travel. If the children must do the traveling, try to allow enough time for two or more breaks during the day, when the children can get out of a moving vehicle to stretch and play. Take advantage of parks and playgrounds along your route. Many airports now offer indoor play areas for children as well. Once arrived at your destination, give children the opportunity to explore their new surroundings before having to get dressed up or participate in a formal activity.

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Volunteer Opportunities If you’d like your organization listed, please call (716) 668-5223 or post your needs on our website www.wnyhealthmag.com The Kenmore Mercy Hospital Auxiliary is seeking new members interested in working on a variety of activities the organization sponsors, such as the hospital gift shop, a sewing group, and numerous fund-raising events, as well as volunteering in the hospital. For more information, contact L. Grieco at (716) 8366564. VolunteerWNY believes it is through people that change happens in our world! People like you. Join us and find ways to get connected to volunteer opportunities that are transforming our community! Visit www.volunteerwny.org for a complete listing of opportunities in the Western New York area. Canopy of Neighbors is searching for volunteers that would like to teach classes in art, cooking, crafts, exercise, gardening, tai chi, pastoral care, planning trips, helping with a book club, helping out in the office, and more. Canopy of Neighbors assists seniors over the age of 62 remain independent in their homes in the zip codes of 14222 and 14209. For more info please go to canopyofneighbors.org or call (716) 235-8133. Weinberg Campus offers both long-term and short-term flexible volunteer opportunities and can accommodate both individuals and groups, including students. For more information, call Volunteer Coordinator Katie Phillips at (716) 639-3311, ext. 2125. Feral Cat FOCUS Inc. is an allvolunteer 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization. Our mission is to help solve WNY’s feral and freeroaming cat overpopulation crisis through the humane use of TrapNeuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) as a long-term solution. For more info visit www.feralcatfocus.org or call 1-888-902-9717 (toll free). The Niagara Lutheran Home & Rehabilitation Center in Buffalo seeks volunteers, age 16 and older, to help in various ways. Volunteers visit and transport residents, help with clerical work, share hobbies or interests, and more. For more information, call

Noreen Kayser at (716) 886-4377, ext. 312. American Red Cross Blood Services, Apheresis Department is seeking volunteers to assist in recruiting Apheresis blood donors in WNY. For details please contact Mylinda McCrady at (716) 8782028 or email McCradyM@usa. redcross.org. Compeer Niagara (both the adult and youth programs) match a trained volunteer with a child or adult who receives mental health services. Ongoing supervision and monthly programs are provided. For information call (716) 433-3780 or visit www. mhanc.com. AIDS Community Services is always in need of volunteers to run errands for clients with AIDS, such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, etc. Contact Eugene at (716) 3322268. Buffalo Psychiatric Center seeks volunteers to visit residents 1-2:30PM Saturdays. 400 Forest Ave. Buffalo, NY. Info: (716) 836-0822. Amateur & Professional performers & musical groups sought to volunteer their time and talent to entertain Roswell Park Cancer Institute patients, 10AM–2PM, M – F. Info: 1-877275-7724. Second Chance, an all volunteer, no-kill, tax-exempt, 501(C) (3), animal rescue organization located just outside of Buffalo, NY, is seeking volunteers to assist with fund raising activities, animal (mainly cat) maintenance and socialization at showcasing locations (e.g. Petsmart, Petco), and foster homes. For more information please contact (716) 652-6051 or go to www. secondchanceshelteringnetwork. com. Big Brothers and Sisters of Erie County needs volunteers for oneon-one mentoring relationships with children ages 6-16. Volunteers welcome from high school students to senior citizens, and everything in between. Contact Alicia at (716) 873-5833 or visit www.beafriend.org.

Erie County Medical Center has an ongoing need for volunteers. A variety of areas and opportunities available including clerical work, help directing patients, assisting in waiting areas. For more information please contact Kathi Mitri, Coordinator at (716) 898-5337 or kmitri@ecmc.edu. Central Referral Services Inc. is seeking volunteers to answer our community hotline. If you are interested in helping others, please call (716) 851-5413 for more information. Compass House seeks volunteers interested in helping runaway and homeless youth. Many opportunities are available. Must be a caring individual over 21 years of age. Contact Michelle Moore at (716) 886-1351 or michelle-moore@roadrunner.net. Crisis Services Advocate Program is seeking women and men to help provide immediate crisis intervention and support to victims of physical and sexual violence. Extensive training is provided. Contact (716) 8342310, ext. 123 or rstevens@ crisisservices.org. Kids Escaping Drugs needs volunteers this upcoming summer for all our exciting events! Contact our offices at (716) 827-9462 or e-mail aleitten@ked.org for more information. Thank you for your support!

jobs. Volunteers are needed to assist in music & pet visits with patients, deliver supplies, or just read or sit with a patient while the caregiver takes a well-deserved break. Non-patient related jobs include help with mailings, office work, community education, special events, and fundraisers. All volunteers are provided complete, free training and one of the most rewarding experiences they may ever have. Learn more by calling (716) 280-0748 or visit www.NiagaraHospice.org. Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service needs volunteers to record readings of books, magazines and newspapers, and to do two-person “live” readings of daily newspapers. Typical volunteers come in for approximately 90 minutes to record a one-hour reading. There is no minimum requirement of volunteer hours. Contact Bob Sikorski, at our Cheektowaga studios, (716) 821-5555. Olmsted Center for Sight needs volunteers to help out in the office and clinic weekdays, greeting and talking with patients, assisting in patient scheduling, and office work. Contact Sarah Marché at (716) 882-4532 or hr@ olmstedcenter.org.

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Health Benefits of Volunteering By Patricia Degan

n recent years there has been a growing body of research that indicates volunteering provides not only new social opportunities but also individual health benefits. This research,

presented by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in a report titled “The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research,” has established a strong relationship between volunteering and health: those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer. Some of the findings also indicate that volunteers who devote a “considerable” amount of time

to volunteer activities (about 100 hours per year) are most likely to exhibit positive health outcomes. For many, volunteering increases self-confidence, combats depression and even helps them stay physically healthy by lessening symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease. The first and biggest benefit many people get from volunteering may be the satisfaction of incorporating service into their lives and making a difference in their community. Personal benefits such as pride, satisfaction, and accomplishment are worthwhile reasons to serve. But volunteers who share their time and talents also solve problems, strengthen communities, improve lives and connect to others while often transforming their own lives. Imagine a community without the services we rely so heavily on: hospitals, senior centers, YWCA, YMCA, churches, schools, Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Hospice – and the list goes on. More than likely, many of these services would cease to exist without the generosity of

dedicated volunteers. Volunteers made our country strong and continue to be the heart and soul of our communities. The power of volunteerism is far reaching. It can brighten the day of someone who is truly alone, sooth a grieving heart, or feed a hungry child. Thomas Jefferson once said: “I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.” Volunteers know this and will attest to the personal benefits of positive volunteer experiences.

can change a life, and it may be their own.” American writer and educator, Leo Buscaglia, wrote: “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

Just one hour a week can change a life

Niagara Hospice in Niagara County, and most not-forprofit hospices, rely heavily on dedicated volunteers who provide a variety of services. “Because some of our volunteers still work or simply have very busy lives, they are only able to give an hour or two a week of service – but that gift of time means the world to the patients they visit,” says Niagara Hospice director of marketing & public relations, Tricia Degan. “That’s why we launched The Power of One campaign, to let working and busy people know we do have a place and a need for them. Just one hour a week

If you want to experience the health benefits and joy of volunteering, call your favorite charity; or call Niagara Hospice at 280-0748 or e-mail info@ NHAlliance.com to learn how you can help, and help yourself.

Niagara Hospice has provided end-of-life comfort, care and support since 1988 to over 20,000 Niagara County individuals and families faced with terminal illness. No one is ever denied hospice care due to inability to pay. For more information, visit www.NiagaraHospice.org or call 716-439-4417.

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Don’t fall for these skin myths Harvard Medical School

hink you know a lot about skin and skin care? You might be surprised at how much “common knowledge” about how to keep your skin clear and healthy is simply not true. Here, we debunk 10 common myths about skin. 1. The right skin cream can keep your skin looking young. There are hundreds of skin treatments that claim to help you look younger or slow the aging process. For reducing wrinkles, the topical treatment with the best evidence behind it is retinoic acid (as in

Retin-A). Many over-the-counter products contain retinoic acid as well, but it’s difficult to say if one is better than another. But the best ways to keep wrinkles at bay are using sunscreen and not smoking. 2. Antibacterial soap is best for keeping your skin clean. Skin normally has bacteria on it. It’s impossible to keep your skin completely free of bacteria for any amount of time. In fact, many experts are concerned that the use of antibacterial soap could lead to more antibiotic-resistant

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bacteria. Antibacterial soap is not necessary for everyday use. Regular soap is fine. Thorough and consistent hand-washing, not antibacterial soap, is what helps prevent the spread of infection. 3. Eating chocolate or oily foods causes oily skin and acne. The truth is that an oily substance called sebum causes acne. It’s made and secreted by the skin. In fact, there’s no evidence that any specific food causes acne. 4. Tanning is bad for you. Spending an excessive amount of time in the sun or in a tanning booth can increase skin cancer risk, especially if sunscreen is not used. Skin cancer risk is correlated with total lifetime sun exposure and frequency of sunburns. Excessive tanning can also damage skin, causing it to wrinkle and age prematurely. But developing a light or gradual tan through repeated, but careful, sun exposure isn’t dangerous. As long as you’re taking precautions — such as using a sunscreen of at least SPF 30, applying it thoroughly and reapplying when necessary, and avoiding peak sun exposure times — a light tan with no burning isn’t a warning sign.

5. Tanning is good for you. People often associate a dark tan with the glow of good health. But there’s no evidence that tanned people are healthier than paler people. Sun exposure does have a health benefit, though. Sunlight activates vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D helps keep bones strong, and may also lower the risk of certain cancers and boost immune function. Depending on how much vitamin D you’re getting in your diet, a lack of sun exposure could increase your risk of vitamin D deficiency. 6. The higher the SPF of your sunscreen, the better. Above a certain level, a higher sun protection factor (SPF) has little added benefit compared with a lower SPF. Experts generally recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which

blocks out 97% of UVB radiation. It may be worth a higher SPF if you’re planning to be outside for more than two to three hours, especially during hours of peak sun exposure (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). But in most circumstances, a higher SPF may not be worth the extra cost. 7. A scar that is barely noticeable is the mark of a good surgeon. The true skill of a surgeon is demonstrated by what he or she does between making and closing the incision. While surgeons routinely pay more attention to incisions on the face (using thinner suture, making stitches closer together, or avoiding the use of sutures altogether if possible), the appearance of a scar tells you little about the skill of your surgeon. 8. Vitamin E will make scars fade. There’s little evidence to support this claim. Talk to your surgeon or dermatologist if you have concerns about the appearance of a scar. There are many options for improving the appearance of scars, including laser treatments. 9. Crossing your legs causes varicose veins. There are a number of risk factors for varicose veins, but crossing your legs is not one of them. Heredity is one of the most important — an estimated 80% of people with varicose veins have a parent with the same condition. Other things that make a person prone to varicose veins include smoking, inactivity, high blood pressure, pregnancy, obesity, and having a job that requires prolonged standing. If you already have varicose veins, elevating your legs and using compression stockings may be helpful. But keeping your legs “uncrossed” won’t prevent or improve the condition. 10. Scalp massage can prevent baldness. There’s simply no evidence that scalp massage prevents baldness, tempting as it is to believe. If you see something unusual on your skin or have concerns about how to keep your skin healthy, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. And if you hear someone repeating these skin myths, you can set them straight. For more advice on caring for your skin and keeping it healthy, buy Skin Care and Repair, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.

RPCI Receives Special Funding Aimed at Increasing HPV Vaccinations One of 18 centers to lead effort toward greater protection against cancer-causing viruses

he National Cancer Institute has awarded Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) a new one-year, $150,000 supplemental grant as part of an effort to increase the number of adolescents — both girls and boys —receiving the HPV vaccine. The three-dose vaccine protects against infection with certain high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) that are responsible for most cases of cervical and anal cancers as well as many genital and head/neck cancers. RPCI is one of only 18 centers around the country that will be leading this national effort. Public-health agencies and medical societies endorse HPV vaccination for all boys and girls at age 11-12 years, yet only about one-third of 13-to17-year-old girls received all three recommended doses — considerably short of the 80% goal set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy People 2020 report. Immunization rates for U.S. boys are even lower — just 7% of boys age 13 to 17 are fully vaccinated. This grant will support the efforts of two staff members working within Roswell Park’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences. Field staff will include Frances Harfouche, MSW, Evaluation Coordinator, and Christy Widman, Cancer Control Coordinator. The project will be led by RPCI’s Martin C. Mahoney, MD, PhD, a primarycare physician and researcher in RPCI’s Population Sciences Program. “We have a real opportunity to prevent thousands of cases of cancer in this country,” notes Dr. Mahoney, an expert on HPV and vaccines. “We see much more successful uptake — vaccination rates above 75% — with comparable adolescent vaccines like Tdap, for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, and the meningococcal vaccine. This important project is part

of a strategic nationwide effort to identify and address existing barriers so that we can see similar compliance levels for HPV vaccination.” The primary goals of this project include completing an environmental scan to identify and establish partnerships with relevant stakeholders such as local and regional health care plans, hospitals, pediatric practices and other medical groups that provide care to adolescents and teens, agencies, immunization coalitions, urgentcare centers, school nurses, Native American tribes, minority health coalitions, and colleges and universities. This effort will yield a compendium of information summarizing local/ regional data, programs and resources focused on HPV vaccination and cataloging the challenges to HPV vaccination specific to the Western New York region. “This NCI award once again demonstrates the nation’s confidence in Roswell Park Cancer Institute as a leader in cancer prevention and care,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “The best way to fight cancer is to prevent it from happening in the first place. This project aims to educate, raise awareness and better connect with the community toward the goal of saving lives.” “This funding gives Roswell Park the opportunity and resources to be a key player in the nationwide effort to vaccinate more adolescents against HPV infections,” said acting New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “HPV and HPVderived cancers threaten tens of thousands of people’s lives each year, and yet the vaccine remains vastly underutilized. Only through continued education and unwavering efforts to raise the vaccination rate among adolescents will we win the fight against HPV.” Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) has been a longtime partner to Roswell Park, working closely with the RPCI Office of Cancer Coalition Health Disparities and Dr. Mahoney as part of the Western New York Cancer Coalition (WNYC2) Center to Reduce Disparities. They will

remain active in assisting with this project helping to create necessary links within the community and with NFMMC clinical staff. “As a vested partner in the Western New York Center to Reduce Cancer Disparities, Memorial Medical Center is committed to improving the health of residents in Niagara County and, more specifically, Niagara Falls,” said NFMMC President & CEO Joseph A. Ruffolo. “This project has tremendous potential for understanding

why more adolescents are not getting the HPV vaccine, and we wholeheartedly support this effort.” Roswell Park Cancer Institute endorses the use of HPV vaccination to prevent HPVrelated cancers. Through this project, Roswell Park will actively pursue collaborative processes that will result in a significantly increase in the use of this vaccine. The HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent substantial numbers of cervical, genital and anal cancers in both genders.

Photo from www.roswellpark.org

Nine Ways to Beat the Bah Humbugs By Meredith Whitten

Not everyone delights in all the festivities and joy of the holiday season. People from all walks of life and in all sorts of situations feel depressed, sad or out of it during the holidays. If you have the holiday blues, the following tips may help lift your spirits. 1. Relax. Take time out of your hectic holiday schedule to pamper yourself, says Peter A. Wish, Ph.D., a psychologist in Sarasota, Fla. “People need to remember to be nice to themselves. You should treat yourself to something you like and do things you like to do, even if it’s just going to the movies.” 2. Plan and prioritize. Don’t plan more than you can accomplish comfortably, Mayo Clinic officials advise. Develop a calendar of specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other events. 3. Set realistic expectations. Holidays can be difficult for people, especially when reality doesn’t measure up to their expectations. 4. Budget. Know your spending limit and stick to it, CDC officials say. Enjoy holiday activities that are free, such as driving around to look at holiday decorations. 5. Don’t force festivity. “Feeling down is valuable,” said Jim

Bentley, Ph.D., a psychologist and hypnotherapist in Austin, Texas. “It lets you know that something in your life is not working. If you listen to your depression, it may help you make changes in your life. So, embracing the blues is a good thing.” 6. Be healthful. The Mayo Clinic reminds you not to abandon healthy habits and eat and drink more than usual just because it’s the holiday season. Get plenty of sleep and schedule time for exercise. 7. Volunteer. Giving of yourself through volunteer efforts is a very effective counterbalance to sadness and depression, according to officials at Seton Hospital in Austin, Texas. It can give meaning and purpose to holidays that would otherwise seem empty. 8. Be introspective. “Explore why you aren’t in a holiday mood,” Cobb said. “Ask yourself gently what’s going on and if you can pinpoint it.” “You might be able to know the specific cause of why you feel depressed or sad,” Goldberg said. This can help you address any changes you might make in your life, she adds. 9. Start new traditions. Knowing what caused you to be blue in the past can help you create happier memories in the future by beginning new traditions, Bentley says. © WNY Health|December 2014

feature

was decorated with candles and toys and placed in President Benjamin Harrison’s living quarters.

Holidays in the White House: First Family Traditions Washington.org

lanning a trip to DC this December? You wouldn’t be the “first family” to spend the holidays here. Holidays at the White House are a family affair…with about 85,000 guests. Each December, the President and his family deck the White House’s halls and opens the doors for dozens of parties and public tours. It’s a big job to prepare the country’s most famous residence for a month of celebrations. In fact, it takes about 400 staff members and volunteers to decorate the public rooms. From numerous Christmas trees to a 300-pound white chocolate replica of the White House, the First Lady and her staff devote much of December to decorating and entertaining guests from all across the country. Over the years, White House holidays have evolved from an intimate family affair in the

private quarters to the national celebration that it is today. But through it all, some heart-warming traditions have developed and endured. See how the holidays have changed over the years, then compare them to your own family’s traditions: 1834, An indoor snowball fight: Washington, DC doesn’t always get a White Christmas, but President Andrew Jackson made sure to remedy that with an elaborate Christmas party he threw for his children and grandchildren. It included games, dancing, a grand dinner

and culminated in an indoor “snowball fight” with specially fashioned cotton balls. Today, the White House remains a particularly magical place for children at Christmas. School groups and other youth-oriented civic organizations are invited to participate in many of the holiday parties and fill up on delicious holiday treats prepared by the White House chef. 1889, The First Tree: Prior to the 20th century, Christmas at the White House was celebrated privately. The first White House Christmas tree, pre-electricity,

1903, A ‘Green’ Christmas: Noted conservationist President Theodore Roosevelt didn’t believe in cutting down trees for Christmas decorations. Instead, he threw a carnival for 500 children complete with dinner, dancing, souvenirs and Santashaped ice cream. However, Roosevelt’s son Archie defied the Christmas tree ban and smuggled a small tree into an upstairs sewing room. Today, the environmentally friendly tradition continues with the National Christmas Tree. Instead of getting a new tree each year, a fur tree planted on the White House Ellipse is redecorated each year. 1909, A ‘Blue’ Christmas: President William H. Taft was the first president to have a tree in the public portion of the White House. His children helped him decorate that first tree in the Blue Room. Today, the Blue Room still hosts the official tree (one of many trees in the White House) and many presidents and their families have posed in front of it for their official

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Christmas photo. Click here to see First Family holiday photos throughout the years. 1923, A National Tree: President Calvin Coolidge expanded the celebration beyond the Blue Room with the lighting of the first National Christmas Tree, located outside The White House in a public viewing area. The celebration became the monthlong Pageant of Peace following World War II and the Korean War as a way to commemorate the end of the wars. Today, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace on the White House Ellipse is the centerpiece of the holidays in Washington, DC. The First Family officially lights the National Tree and National Menorah in special ceremonies.For the remainder of the month visitors can enjoy nightly musical entertainment, visit Santa’s Workshop and explore the mini-Christmas trees each featuring homemade ornaments from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. 1961, A Camelot Christmas: First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy started the tradition of selecting a theme for the official White House Christmas tree. That first year she selected the “Nutcracker Suite” – a popular theme. First ladies Barbara Bush and Hilary Clinton both revisited the theme in later years. Visitors who attend a White

House holiday party or go on a public tour have the opportunity to view the official tree, as well as the decorations in about 10 other rooms. A commemorative program highlights the decorations in each room and their significance. 1995, A Chocolate Christmas: A highlight of the holiday decorations has become the white chocolate replica of the White House. A tradition since the 1960s, today visitors will find this delicious architectural feat, which can weigh up to 300 pounds and take months to create, displayed in the State Dining Room. In 1995, the White House pastry chef also created a replica of the First Lady’s girlhood home on Wisner Street in Park Ridge, Ill. No detail was left unturned, including tiny stocking hung by the chimney with care.

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2008, A Red, White and Blue Christmas: While the First Lady picks the official holiday theme, she is often inspired by American citizens. In 2008, First Lady Laura Bush selected a patriotic theme after receiving many letters suggesting the White House make it a red, white and blue Christmas to recognize the nation’s patriotic pride during war time. 2014, A ______ Christmas?: This year’s theme will be announced soon. Who knows, maybe a letter you wrote the First Lady will inspire this year’s decorations!

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By Jennifer Amor, MS Niagara Hospice Manager of Bereavement Services Decide which things are special and important to you, and which you could do without. And remember, what you choose to do this year, you can always do differently the next year. Realize your limitations. Maybe this year it’s too overwhelming to have holiday dinner at your house, or to spend lots of time picking out gifts. Don’t push yourself Niagara Hospice manager of bereavement services Jennifer Amor, MS and Niagara Hospice volunteer Rita Beitz prepared a baked good too hard. Consider package for a Niagara Hospice caregiver to enjoy with family over the some ways to holidays. lighten the load, he holidays can be a like asking another particularly difficult time for family member to host dinner or those who have lost a loved giving gift cards. one. They are usually a time of Understand your needs, and joy and celebration, a time to make them known. Don’t feel come together with family and like you are letting anyone down friends to share traditions and by making some changes to your to make warm memories. After usual holiday schedule. Know a loss, the holidays may instead what you need to help make it feel cold and lonely. What was through this difficult time, and once a happy season now serves make those needs clear to your as a painful reminder that your friends and family. loved one is not here to share it Honor your loved one’s memory. with you. You may not feel like The holidays will never be exactly celebrating at all. What’s worse, the same as they were before. just when you are at your lowest, Creating a new holiday tradition you may even feel pressure from to remember and pay tribute to others to “get in the spirit,” and your loved one is a good way to celebrate anyway. embrace the future as well as When everyone else is filled with acknowledge the special place the holiday spirit, it can make us your loved one will always hold feel isolated in our grief, like there in your heart and mind. Here are is no one who understands how some suggestions: we feel. Rest assured that there are many other grieving people • Light a candle at meal time in memory of your loved one or going through the same struggle. hang a special ornament on Since we cannot make the the tree. holidays disappear, here are some • Make a donation to a favorite tips for how to get through them.

Make a plan. Sit down with your family and discuss how you will celebrate this year. Make sure everyone has an opportunity to express what things are most important to them, and what things might be difficult. Having an open discussion in advance can help eliminate potential stresses and hurt feelings of having different expectations for the holiday season. Do things a little differently this year. Not all holiday traditions have to be kept exactly the same.

charity in your loved one’s honor. • Share stories about your loved one, maybe remembering special moments from holidays past. • Give a special gift of a framed photograph of your loved one to another grieving friend or family member who will cherish it. • Bring your loved one’s favorite food to holiday dinner, and include their name in the blessing. • Spend the holidays helping those who are less fortunate. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or other charitable organization.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reaching out for extra support, especially around the holidays, doesn’t mean that you are weak. It means that you are strong enough to know what you need and to seek it out. Consider attending a grief support group, which are often available through local churches or community groups. For those who have lost a loved one in the Niagara Hospice program, the Niagara Hospice bereavement department offers a variety of support groups and workshops. There can be great comfort in coming together with others who are also grieving a loss. Rita Beitz is now a Niagara Hospice volunteer after her husband passed away while under hospice care in 2009. Rita says, “We were both very happy with the wonderful care that he was given. But even after losing Gerry, hospice care did not stop.” Rita said about the grief counseling she received: “It was helpful. I was very nervous about joining the group that met at our local Tim Horton’s; however, there was an instant connection with this group of eight wonderful ladies. They made me feel so welcome. We had all lost our husbands within a few months of each other. We had so much in common.” Bereavement support is one of the unique services hospice provides to family members that is like no other health care provider. Many people think that grieving is a lonely process. However, many find that communicating and sharing experiences with others can help. As Rita said, “I found that we all had the same feeling, and that I wasn’t an odd ball or crazy.”

emotionally and physically. Be understanding of the fact that you are going through a very difficult time in your life, and you deserve the time and space you need to deal with your loss in whatever way is best for you. Instead of a time of stress, let the holidays be a time of peace and renewal. Who knows, maybe you will even find some unexpected moments of new joy this holiday season, points of light in the darkness of your grief. Hospice is a way of caring for patients with end-of-life illnesses, and supporting their family and loved ones through the illness and grieving process. Niagara Hospice bereavement services are offered to family members of hospice patients before death, and for the 13 months following. Call 439-4417 or visit NiagaraHospice.org to learn more.

Above all, be patient with yourself. Make time to rest and take care of yourself,

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Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain By Peg Fitkowski, RD, CDN

inter can be really tough for people who are striving for proper nutrition and to achieve a healthy weight. Between the constant goodies at the office and the string of parties and get togethers, it can be very hard to find the time or willpower to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, there are some tricks to help you avoid gaining weight this holiday season. At Work: • Avoid the break room or other areas where people may share items such as doughnuts, pastries and cookies. It is easier to maintain willpower when unhealthy items are out of sight. • Work to add some extra steps. Take the stairs. Take the long route to your next meeting or your colleague’s office. • Bring in healthy snacks, such as nuts or fruits and veggies, so that you can stay full, helping you stave off cravings.

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At a Party: • Make sure the dish you bring to pass is healthy – for example, a green salad or a vegetable platter with light dip. This ensures there will be something healthy that you can eat. • Choose your indulgences. Rather than having a little bit of everything, take a look at all of the options and decide which two or three “treat” items

you would really like to try. Put a small amount of each of those on your plate and then fill the rest of the plate with healthy items. • Look for dishes made with whole grains, seasonal produce, and lean meats. Avoid sauces, creams and dips. Fill up your plate with green salad with light (or no) dressing and vegetables that are not glistening (made without butter). Keep Moving: • When you are out shopping, do a brisk lap (or two) of the mall or the store prior to browsing. These extra steps will help offset the extra treats you may be having. • Keep up (or increase) your workout frequency. Look for creative ways to squeeze workouts in around other obligations. A 30-minute walk may become three, 10-minute walks. Or, you may decide to exercise before work on days when you have evening events. •Planning a big meal? Fitness experts recommend a rigorous workout the day of the big feast and another one the day after to help keep your metabolism working. If you have a bad day, don’t give up on the entire holiday season. Plan out your food and fitness to have a good day and stick to it; this will help to re-motivate you and get your body back on track. Most importantly, make sure to enjoy the holiday season! Some careful planning about your indulgences can help ensure that you are able to relax with friends and family and enjoy your favorite things without beginning the new year with guilt or regret. Peg Fitkowski, RD, CDN, is the Director of Nutrition Services for Meals on Wheels for WNY. Homebound seniors and others looking for healthy meals may be a fit for Meals on Wheels delivery; 716-822-2002.

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