Profiles

Urgent Care Takeover:Capital Region Edition

BY DR. CAROLYN DRISCOLL, DC

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you: There really does seem to be a new urgent care center popping up on every corner around the Capital Region these days. Nationwide, from 2013 to 2019, the number of urgent care facilities has increased by nearly 50 percent to 9,000-plus, according to the Urgent Care Association. And many of these new centers are right here in our community. Offering services and access beyond those of a typical primary care doctor’s office— including extended hours and weekend/ holiday availability—urgent cares are satisfying the need for affordable, flexible and convenient healthcare. This uptick in non-ER options couldn’t have happened at a better time, as the COVID-19 crisis has created even greater need for triage, treatment and testing on a rolling basis that these centers have been tending to.

For those of you who have never set foot in an urgent care clinic, know that these types of clinics are legitimate places where the endgame is getting you feeling better. They accept walk-ins and do not require an appointment to promptly see a board certified physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. As an added bonus, most urgent care clinics are typically transparent about their costs, and generally cost much less than what a trip to the emergency room might run you. That said, they’re designed for medical situations that require immediate attention but aren’t life- or limb-threatening. In other words, if you accidentally ran over your foot with the lawn mower, an emergency room visit would be a much better option.

So what exactly do urgent cares treat people for? The Urgent Care Association notes that the most common conditions

treated in urgent cares are fevers, sprains and strains; upper respiratory infections; lacerations; contusions; and back pain. Most clinics can also stabilize and treat fractures and provide intravenous fluids while offering onsite X-ray, laboratory and phlebotomy services. And many are also offering COVID-19 tests and in-car triage for patients who think they might have contracted the virus.

Fortunately, the Capital Region offers a multitude of urgent care options. Here are a few to keep on your radar:

St. Peter’s Urgent Care Centers St. Peter’s Urgent Care Centers are open seven days a week on a walk-in basis and have locations in Troy, East Greenbush and Saratoga Springs. St. Peter’s Urgent Care Centers in Albany, Clifton Park, Hudson and Niskayuna have been rebranded as

WellNow Urgent Care centers.

WellNow clinics offer conveniences such as online check-ins and current wait times—and they’re also offering COVID-19 virus and antibody testing, as well as in-car triage protocols for COVID-19 symptomatic patients. sphpma.com; wellnow.com.

Community Care Physicians

Community Care Physicians offers urgent care services in Albany and Latham. Both locations are open 365 days a year and treat patients of all ages. They’re also providing COVID-19 antibody testing and diagnostic lab testing to those who meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)–based screening criteria. communitycare.com

OrthoNY Urgent Care

OrthoNY Urgent Care is intended specifically for orthopedic injuries, sprains and strains. The clinic offers walk-in visits for evaluations, X-rays and casting services at locations in Albany, Saratoga Springs and Schenectady. orthony.com

EmUrgentCare

Albany Medical Center’s EmUrgentCare provides unscheduled treatment for urgent and nonurgent illnesses and injuries. Open 9am-9pm, seven days a week, EmUrgentCare’s locations include Brunswick, Colonie, Glenmont, Glenville, Guilderland, Latham, Mechanicville, Niskayuna, Rottterdam and Saugerties. amc.edu

If you’re worried about the potential for being exposed to COVID-19 at one of these local urgent cares, it’s worth noting that all of the Capital Region’s facilities are taking all of the necessary precautions to maintain safe and sanitary facilities, and are following guidelines set forth by the CDC and local health departments. These steps include up-to-date disinfecting processes in all rooms; and on furniture, computers, door handles and surfaces, with EPA-registered cleaning products. Also, all clinics are requiring both staff and patients to wear PPE and providing it to those who don’t have it. And the clinics have also greatly expanded telehealth services to ensure providers are available for patients who require or prefer care from home.

Again, it’s best to call 911 and/or go to the nearest emergency room for catastrophic health problems and injuries. Otherwise, Capital Region’s urgent care clinics are an affordable and convenient option for most healthcare matters that require immediate attention.

(from left) Penny Bruso, MS, FNP-BC, MSCN; Antonietta Jacobs, LPN; Keith Edwards, MD, FAAN; Director Jill Goron, MA

(from left) Carol Frazer, LPN/CCRC; Martha Hernandez, BBA; Rosila Sarrosa, C.LT/CRC

The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Northeastern New York

The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Northeastern New York in Latham remains the only recognized Comprehensive MS Care Center in the Tri- State area. The main purpose of the MS Center is to achieve early control of MS with safety, effectiveness and tolerance of treatments needed. Education of the patient, family and caregivers with understanding of diet, exercise and genetic risk is all part of the Center’s ongoing program. The MS Center of Northeastern New York continues to be qualified by the National MS Society since 2009.

Qualifications of a Comprehensive Care MS Center:

• Board Certified neurologist with specialty training in MS

• MS nurse specialist as certified by the International Organization of MS Nurses

• Dedication to MS Care at least 90 percent of the time

• Infusion and injection therapies for MS

• Education for MS including diet and alternative treatments

• Research and publications in the field of MS

• Referrals to specialists in urology, ENT, PT, OT, speech therapy and psychological services who have knowledge and expertise in MS

• Beginning new study treatment for secondary MS

The MS Center’s qualification as an affiliated Center of the National MS Society is based on strict criteria, which include staffing neurologists with special training and expertise in MS, as well as nurses who are qualified in MS and can provide special services to care for MS patients. The staff is dedicated to serving MS patients with the mission of stopping or reversing the disability with safety and tolerance of treatment. This includes awareness of diet, exercise, Vitamin D and control of infections or other conditions that may accelerate the MS disease process. New and emerging disease-modifying treatment is making positive improvements from disability in MS.

The primary objective of the MS Center of Northeastern New York is to correctly diagnose MS early in the disease process and begin treatment to eliminate its progression, thereby decreasing symptoms and disability due to nerve damage.

Early, effective treatment may stop MS disability by limiting damage which may contribute to:

• Mitochondrial damage from the progression of MS (Mitochondria are organelles that generate energy for the cells except for blood cells)

• Oxidative damage from iron deposition which may speed up cognitive decline

• Microglial activation (which may cause fatique, pain and mental fogginess)

• Glutamate toxicity (Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter and is an important neurotransmitter for learning, cognitive function and memory; at toxic levels it may cause headache, anxiety, depression, restlessness, inability to concentrate and insomnia)

Undiagnosed MS may cause damage to the nervous system with no loss of function and therefore may not present with overt pathology as the body has significant reserve and may compensate initially; however, after reserve is lost, symptoms may present, typically decades after disease onset. The MS Center has long adhered to the concept of early, effective treatment to stop the progression of MS, which is now the standard care, as published in an important paper in the journal Neurology, Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation in September 2020.

The MS Center continues to strive to bring the most up-to-date research, information and treatment options to the Tri-State area. In October of 2019, the Center held a patient education day at the Desmond in Albany, with renowned professors and speakers Bianca Weinstock- Guttman, MD, from Buffalo, NY, and Howard L. Winer MD; James Stankiewicz, MD; and David Rintell, EdD, from Boston. The meeting was very well attended with more than 230 patients and caregivers in attendance.

Because of the COVID pandemic, the Center is unable to have a large gathering this year. However, it continues to have patient educational programs in the area and currently has scheduled virtual meetings for new patients seeking treatment on September 26 at 10am, October 21 at 7pm and November 21 at 10am. These virtual programs will help patients that are newly diagnosed with MS navigate steps to better understand their diagnosis and treatment considerations. If you are interested in registering for any of these scheduled virtual programs, please contact the MS Center for more information.

“Sharing what’s known, Discovering what’s not.”

CONTACT INFORMATION: 1182 Troy Schenectady Road, Suite 203 Latham 518.785.1000 www.MSNENY.org

Mark Friedman, DPM

ALBANY PODIATRY

›› PODIATRIC MEDICINE ‹‹

For more than 20 years, Dr. Mark Friedman has provided comprehensive podiatric care for patients of all ages. His primary objective is helping patients enjoy an active and pain-free lifestyle. Dr. Friedman specializes in wound care, heel and arch pain, bunions, hammertoes, neuromas and diabetic foot care.

Albany Podiatry prides itself on offering the latest in technological advancements and state-of-the-art treatment options, including cuttingedge laser therapy for pain and inflammation. It also offers shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and tendinitis and 3D scanning for custom orthotics. Albany Podiatry is the Capital District’s most experienced provider of Clearanail ® antifungal treatment and KeryFlex ® nail restoration system for immediate relief of unsightly nails.

Over the past six years, Albany Podiatry has built an exemplary team. Dr. Morgan Hebert provides comprehensive in-office podiatric care, as well as surgical care. Dr. Douglas Mason is an elder care specialist, offering crucial care to homebound patients. Dr. Joseph Park is a skilled podiatric surgeon, experienced in foot and ankle trauma and complex reconstruction.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 6 Executive Drive Albany 518.482.4321 albanypodiatry.com

Dr. Tejas R. Pandya, DPM, FACFAS

CAPITAL DISTRICT PODIATRY, PLLC

›› PODIATRY ‹‹

Dr. Tejas R. Pandya sees patients on a daily basis who are suffering from foot pain. His podiatry practice offers simple solutions to help address your foot problems, because no one should have to live with pain.

A board certified podiatrist specializing in the treatment of simple and complex foot conditions, Dr. Pandya sees patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, for conditions such as ingrown toenails, fungal toenails, heel pain, bone spurs, bunions, hammertoes, foot tumors, fractures, neuromas as well as for diabetic foot care.

Dr. Pandya graduated from Siena College in Loudonville and went on to study Podiatry Medicine and Surgery at New York College of Podiatric Medicine in Manhattan. He then completed a surgical residency in foot surgery at Little Falls Hospital in Little Falls, NY. He has served as vice president and currently serves as president of New York State Podiatry Association - Northeast Chapter and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatry Surgery and American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Hyperbaric Medicine Certified. He also serves as chairman for the department of Podiatry at Samaritan Hospital.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 763 Hoosick Road, Troy 855 Route 146 Bldg. B, Clifton Park 518.273.0053 capitaldistrictpodiatry.com

How the COVID-19 Crisis HasTransformed Dental Visits

BY BETH KRUEGER

Remember when your dentist’s office would call you before an appointment, reminding you to arrive on a predetermined date and time with your insurance card in hand? On that date, you would’ve taken a seat in the busy waiting room next to other patients. Now because of the COVID-19 crisis, that process is no more. So, what are dental appointments like nowadays?

Luckily, dental professionals who work in offices or clinics are trained in infectioncontrol protocols (such as sterilizing equipment, sanitizing surfaces and changing disposable items) anyway, so they were a step ahead of the game when COVID hit. Of course, additional procedures have since been put in place to protect both the onsite dental team and its patients. In New York State, for example, dental offices could only perform emergency care at the outset of the pandemic but were then authorized to fully reopen on June 1.

“Dentists have a long history of infection control and take extreme care to assure the safety of patients, doctors and staff,” says New York State Dental Association Executive Director Mark J. Feldman. “With the experience, knowledge and equipment gained over the past several months, dentists are well-prepared to safely serve their patients. We encourage you to visit your dentist, as your oral health is vital to your overall health.”

Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn, owner of Adirondack Orthodontics—which has offices in Albany, Latham, Clifton Park, East Greenbush and Glens Falls—notes that his dental service “has always adhered to all relevant infection control protocols and procedures and required all clinical staff to do the same. Out of an abundance of caution and in keeping the health and safety of our patients and staff first and foremost, we have further expanded those efforts during the pandemic.”

Whereas that call you used to get before your appointment may have asked you if there were any updates to your medical history since your last visit, these days you might be asked questions about your current health, whether you’ve been exposed to (or tested for) the COVID-19 virus or if you’ve taken any recent trips. You also may be reminded to wear a mask while in the office except (obviously) during your dental procedure. The office may even ask you to call when you arrive in the parking lot, so it can limit the number of patients it has onsite at one time.

Now, imagine that you’re in your dental office. It’s entirely possible that you could be asked to use the available hand sanitizer as you enter, have your temperature taken or review any pre-visit questions. You could also be handed paperwork on a clipboard, along with a sanitized pen, that you either take with you or deposit in a cup after using. Those magazines, toys and other items you might’ve handled months ago in the waiting room? They’re likely all gone. And there might also be fewer chairs or some space cordoned off between chairs to promote social distancing. The dental team itself could be wearing different masks, face shields and gowns, depending on what procedure you’re in for. “We are scheduling additional time between appointments to minimize the number of patients in the office at any one time, and we ask that child patients be accompanied by only one parent or guardian,” says Dr. Berenshteyn. “We require all patients and family members coming into the office to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines, and our waiting areas are closed to maintain proper social distancing. Parents and guardians check in at the reception desk with their child, make any payments due and schedule upcoming appointments, and then return to their cars during treatment. We call them when treatment is complete to return and pick up their child.”

Adirondack Orthodontics also conducts daily temperature and health checks of both administrative and clinical staff and requires all staff to wear protective gear, including masks and gloves, in accordance with local, state and federal health guidelines. Treatment chairs in the operatory have been set to ensure social distancing. Cleaning is done between appointments, and the office is thoroughly disinfected, as per appropriate guidelines.

So, the next time you make an appointment to go see your dentist, know that the process will be a little bit different, but you’ll get the same great care you always did. And that’s a reason to smile.

Gregory Dodd, DDS, FAGD

SARATOGA SPRINGS FAMILY DENTISTRY

›› COSMETIC AND FAMILY DENTISTRY ‹‹

286 Church Street, Saratoga Springs: For almost half a century that address has provided compassionate dental care to tens of thousands of community residents. Today, our mission to provide access to exceptional dental care has helped us grow to seven locations, including Clifton Park, Greenwich, Gloversville, South Glens Falls, Queensbury and Lake George. Every day, from the Capital District to the North Country, our offices are working to exceed your expectations.

Owner Dr. Gregory P. Dodd, along with Chief Operating Officer Laura Perretta, have set out to reimagine the dental office experience. Let’s be honest, nobody really “likes” going to the dentist. Is it painful? Too expensive? Do you feel judged or ignored by the dentist? Inconvenient office times and locations? High pressure sales tactics? Or is there something else that makes going to the dentist just one more chore? Our offices are working to change that experience. Do you go to the dentist every six months only to have more problems every time you return for a check-up? Do you visit your dentist regularly but are still losing teeth, still having pain or living with a smile that you dislike? These are the issues that cause patients to dread seeing the dentist. Our mission is to change that experience. Imagine leaving your dentist’s office happy and confident. Imagine an office you and your family enjoy and trust. Now imagine that office is closer to you than you think!

This year has been a challenging time for everyone, but through adversity there is an opportunity to change and grow. Our offices embrace the “new normal”. We are dedicated to blending the art and science of dentistry in a patient-first environment. We are dedicated to your safety and strive to exceed standards. Most importantly, we want you to be able to trust your family’s dental care to our family. Call your nearest location and experience dentistry done differently.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Clifton Park: 518.371.3333 Greenwich: 518.692.9333 Gloversville: 518.725.1031 Saratoga Springs: 518.584.8150 South Glens Falls: 518.792.2187 Queensbury: 518.792.1108 Lake George: 518.668.5457 SaratogaSpringsDentists.com

Rachel Hargraves, DDS

RACHEL HARGRAVES, DDS, PLLC

›› GENERAL DENTISTRY ‹‹

This Ballston Lake general dentistry office focuses on improving the oral health of Capital Region families. The team is dedicated to giving you the best dental care in the most comfortable and professional environment, ensuring that you have the best experience possible. Dr. Rachel Hargraves practices conservative dentistry using state-ofthe-art technology, while treatment recommendations consider your long-term dental health and wellbeing.

Dr. Hargraves graduated summa cum laude in the top 10 percent of her class from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Following graduation, she relocated to Miami to pursue rigorous postgraduate training at the Miami Veterans Hospital. A fan of warm sun and bright smiles, she stayed in Florida for several years to practice dentistry in private practice in Pompano Beach, before returning to her

New York roots to practice dentistry in the Capital Region.

Dr. Hargraves is an active member of the American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, Fourth District Dental Society and Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. She enjoys being an active member of the community and improving the oral health of her neighbors.

In her spare time, Dr. Hargraves enjoys running, spending time with her family and reading. Aside from dentistry, her other passion is dogs. As a patient, you will hear a lot about her little chihuahua named Suzy!

CONTACT INFORMATION: 30 Round Lake Road Ballston Lake 518.899.2252 drhargraves.com

Adirondack Orthodontics

Adirondack Orthodontics is equipped with the knowledge, technology and passion to address all individual patient concerns. To ensure you are getting the best treatment, the team will review your motivations for seeking treatment, conduct a review of your medical and dental history and perform a thorough exam to ensure that you can make an informed and educated decision regarding your treatment. Adirondack Orthodontics’ goal is to have every patient leave with all the confidence that a beautiful new smile offers! The team at Adirondack Orthodontics is committed to its patients as well as the community and is one of 750 practices across the country partnering with Smiles Change Lives, a nonprofit that gives young people life-changing orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn

›› ORTHODONTICS AND DENTOFACIAL ORTHOPEDICS ‹‹

Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. He completed a year of General Practice Residency, which was followed by two additional years of post-graduate orthodontic training at the University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan. Dr. Berenshteyn, a board certified specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, is a member of both the American Dental Association and the American Board of Orthodontics and resides in Guilderland with his wife, Biana, a Family Practice PA, and their two children, Emma and Joseph.

Dr. Larisa Takhalova

›› ORTHODONTICS ‹‹

Dr. Larisa Takhalova grew up in Queens and resides in Albany with her husband, Eugene, and son, Michael. Dr. Takhalova graduated summa cum laude from CUNY Queens College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2006. She earned her DDS degree with high honors from New York University College of Dentistry in 2010. Dr. Takhalova also garnered years of experience as a cosmetic dentist prior to specializing in orthodontics.

Dr. Garrison Copeland

›› ORTHODONTICS ‹‹

Dr. Garrison Copeland believes that self-confidence and a beautiful smile go hand in hand. Using his own life experience as motivation, he is committed to providing exceptional care and treatment for every patient he has the privilege to serve at Adirondack Orthodontics.

Growing up in Cleveland with severely misaligned teeth, he understood at an early age the significance of having a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. Determined to help others facing similar circumstances, he pursued a career in orthodontics. Dr. Copeland earned his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Howard University in Washington, DC and upon graduating was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. That propelled him to continue and complete post-graduate orthodontic training at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

Dr. Copeland returned to Cleveland, where he practiced orthodontics for seven years and was responsible for helping more than 3,000 patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. In 2018, he chose to continue his training at BronxCare Health Systems, where he focused on cosmetic and implant dentistry and was named chief resident.

In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to rapidly spread both nationally and globally, Dr. Copeland felt a strong call to duty and service. Considering it both an honor and an obligation, he volunteered in the hospital’s Family Medicine Department to assist COVID-19 patients with treatment and recovery.

Dr. Copeland’s career goal is to continue to bring light to people’s lives through their smiles.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 939 Route 146 | Clifton Park | 518.631.9771 1465 Western Avenue | Albany | 518.512.3001 713 Troy Schenectady Road | Latham | 518.724.0770 4 Middle Mannix Road, Suite 100 | East Greenbush | 518.280.8882 88 Broad Street, 1st Floor | Glens Falls | 518.961.1739

cliftonparkbraces.com | adirondackorthodontics.com

J. Craig Alexander, DMD

J. CRAIG ALEXANDER›› GENERAL DENTISTRY ‹‹

Dr. Craig Alexander is one of only a few dentists in the Capital District who places and restores dental implants, so your entire treatment can be done in one office. Other reasons to choose Dr. Alexander’s practice include:

• He has more than 30 years of experience providing comprehensive, quality dental care

• He is a summa cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College and member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society

• He graduated first in his class from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

• He had two years of medical and surgical training at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston

• He is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry

• He is a fellow of the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants and a diplomat of the International Dental Implant Association

Dr. Alexander treats all patients as friends and neighbors. Watch informative videos with the doctor on YouTube! Enjoy eating again! Smile with confidence!

CONTACT INFORMATION: 739 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush 518.477.1008 jcraigalexanderdmd.com