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February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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february FROM THE EDITOR.........................................................................6 CONTRIBUTORS.............................................................................. 7 PAST EVENTS................................................................................. 11 FASHION Fashion Forward: Red is the New Neutral.......................... 12 SYRACUSE EATS Oh My Darling .......................................................................................14 KINDNESS COUNTS Syracuse's Salem Hyde Studentsr.......................................... 16 GO RED FOR WOMEN Addressing the Vaping Epidemic.............................................18 Early Menopause: What's the Risk?...................................... 20 More Women Needed in Cardiac Research.................. 22 WBOC LEADING LADY Belinda Porter....................................................................................... 25 ON THE COVER Kate Rolf, 2020 Go Red for Women Chairwoman........ 26 SYRACUSE WOMEN OF DISTINCTION Elaine Lytel.............................................................................................. 31 HEALTH & WELLNESS Self Care: What is Self-Love?...................................................................... 32 Reproductive Health Clinic: Have a Heart and Keep it Strong!...................................... 34 INSPIRE Jane Tretler........................................................................................... 38 Lindsay and Stella Shaw...............................................................42 Eva Williams......................................................................................... 46 UPCOMING EVENTS.................................................................. 48 MOVERS AND SHAKERS.......................................................... 50
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EDITOR'S WORD
S
ome 8 million deaths a year can be linked to mental health issues, from depression to eating disorders — but that’s a deceptively low number. People who suffer from mental illness are more likely to suffer from a chronic illness or engage in unhealthy behaviors which contribute to a higher mortality rate, twice that of the general population. Among those chronic illnesses, studies have found again and again, is heart disease: high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, stroke, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease, and more. New research continues to support these findings. The American Heart Association hosted its annual Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia from Nov. 16 to 18. The event allows researchers and clinicians to share the latest advances in cardiovascular science each year. Among those studies is yet more evidence that heart health and mental health are linked. The research presented this year found particular links between women’s cardiovascular health and their mental wellbeing. Among the findings presented this year: • A strong link exists between depression and heart disease or stroke • The way women with existing heart disease respond to stress puts them at increased risk for heart attack and stroke; the same is not true for men • Postmenopausal women in certain high-stress jobs like healthcare, social work and retail had poorer heart health than women in other jobs • Female vets with PTSD have more risk factors for heart disease than female vets without PTSD, and at a younger age Researchers are still investigating which is the chicken and which is the egg: the old thinking was that people react to mental health issues with poor health habits, causing heart disease. But new research is beginning to suggest that there are there biological and chemical factors that trigger both kinds of disorders. So how can women, especially those who struggle with depression, anxiety and stress management, keep their hearts healthy? Take this advice from the American Psychiatric Association: Talk to your doctor. He or she can help you determine the appropriate treatment plan. Focus on changing one habit at a time (exercise, healthy eating, etc.). Setting reasonable goals makes it more likely that you’ll accomplish them, instead of trying to change your entire lifestyle at once. Know the symptoms of depression. While we tend to think of depression as just feelings of extreme sadness, depression can also manifest as numbness, anger or irritability for no discernible reason, insomnia or wanting to sleep all the time, eating too much or too little, and loss of interest in hobbies or pleasurable activities. While these feelings are normal after a life-changing event, if they persist for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor. Try to find ways to manage your stress. Some sources of stress are impossible to reduce — jobs, families, finances. But we can find better ways to manage them through exercise, meditation and talking to a professional like a psychologist. Doing so will not only help prevent heart disease, but can also help speed recovery from a heart attack when uses along with other intensive lifestyle changes. Rely on your support system. Enlist the aid of friends, family, and work associates. Talk with them about your condition and what they can do to help. Social support is particularly critical for overcoming feelings of depression and isolation during recovery from a heart attack. A qualified psychologist can provide all kinds of help in managing the behaviors associated with heart diseases and your general mental health. If you’re looking for a therapist, psychologytoday.com/us/therapists is a good place to start; enter your city and state. From there you can narrow the field based on your necessary criteria. Don’t forget that Friday, Feb. 6, is Go Red for Women’s Heart Health. Wear your red to remind everyone you know that your heart matters.
Sarah
February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
SyracuseWomanMag.com
PUBLISHER David Tyler
EDITOR Sarah Hall
DESIGN
Andrea Reeves
PHOTOGRAPHERS Ana Gil-Taylor Steven J. Pallone Alice G. Patterson Maureen Tricase
CONTRIBUTORS Angela Antonello Nichole A. Cavallaro Alyssa Dearborn Sarah Hall Farah Jadran Jamie Jenson Alicia Madonna Carol Radin Heather Shannon Larry Stansbury
Cover photo by Alice G. Patterson at her studio in Baldwinsville. Makeup by j. luxe salon.
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CONTRIBUTORS
This month, we asked our contributors: When you think “red,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
ANGELA ANTONELLO
STEVEN J. PALLONE
NICHOLE A. CAVALLARO
ALICE G. PATTERSON
ANA GIL-TAYLOR
CAROL RADIN
FARAH JADRAN
HEATHER SHANNON
JAMIE JENSON
LARRY STANSBURY
ALICIA MADONNA
MAUREEN TRICASE
When I think of red, energy, strength, power and love come to mind.
I think of love and strength.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think red is: LOVE, pure beautiful love!
When I think “red” — I think about health, energy, determination and passion. I don't think it's a coincidence that all four of those things link back to our hearts. When I hear the word "red," I think of love in all of its many forms.
When I hear the word "red," I think: love, passion and intensity. Red is a strong, intense color that demands attention. Our eyes naturally pick out red above all other colors.
Pretty sure that red elicits urgency in humans though so I would say my first thought would be a call to action. Red requires a response! Red is a fearless exclamation point to any subject its associated… love, health, fashion or warnings!
“...like a red, red rose.”
When I think of red, the first thing that comes to my mind is bull fighting. Not sure why?
When I hear the word red, I think of passion. My passion is creating content for women because I empower women to be women. When I think of the color red I think of power. When going on an interview, I say, “Wear Red!” Never mind the boring navy that most suggest you wear. They won’t forget you in a gorgeous red suit!
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February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
PAST EVENTS
Photos courtesy of Frieda Weeks Tawn Marie's Dance Center held their annual fundraiser for Hope for Heather on Sunday, Dec. 1 at Destiny USA Mall. The event raised over $2,400 for the cause. Pictured are Tawn Marie and top fundraiser Alli Forderkonz.
Supermodel Emme was the keynote speaker at the Go Red Luncheon. She was also featured on a Syracuse Woman Magazine Cover in August 2012. Pictured with Emme is Trina Tardone, Director of Go Red for Women and Kristy Smorl, AHA Communications Director.
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Terri E Krueger Senior Financial Advisor
Terri.Krueger@lpl.com
Office: 315.975.1955
www.kruegeradv.com
“Driven by your dreams to succeed”
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FASHION FORWARD
Red is the New Neutral By Angela Antonello
T
he color red is one of the boldest and most exciting shades that one can wear, which explains its unwavering popularity on the runway. When you wear red, people will notice you. Red is a very versatile color, easy to combine with black, white, pink, blue, camel and even mustard. Red is the new neutral! Pantone Color Institute released its color trend report for spring/summer 2020, and Flame Scarlet is right at the top of the list. Red has various meanings all over the world, representing luck, passion, happiness, and even danger. One word that sums it up across all boards is energetic — Flame Scarlet fits that description to a tee. Wearing red makes a bold statement that the wearer is in charge, and is full of energy and excitement. Extroverts and daring fashionistas will love rocking this season’s red trend from head to toe. Wearing red all over is completely on-trend and incredibly stylish. Step out of your comfort zone: now is the time to rock a pair of red pants with a red blazer, red top, and even red shoes. Feeling spicy? Mix things up with a lighter, darker or top with a pattern, while opting for a bottom and jacket in matching shades. Not ready to go red all over? Dip your toe in the water and try focusing on your legs instead. Opting for a pair of red pants or a red skirt can still create statement style without feeling over the top.
Something as simple as a red midi skirt with a white T-shirt, denim jacket, and a pair of Converse can look seriously chic! Every color has the potential to impact the people around you, but when it comes to success and prosperity, you should strongly consider using red. This warm and positive color is associated with our need to survive and represents strong and powerful energy. It motivates and helps the wearer to take action. Whatever your comfort zone with the color red, there is a way to add this color to your wardrobe for everyone. SWM
Angela Antonello owns Fashion Rescue 911 Fashion Truck & Boutique, located at 52 Oswego St., Baldwinsville; (315) 857-6690. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday andThursday, noon to 6 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
GO RED FOR WOMEN GO RED FOR WOMEN GO RED FOR WOMEN GO RED FOR WOMEN
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SYRACUSE EATS OH MY DARLING Photo by Steven J. Pallone
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"To know that a crowd could come wine and dine at our restaurant before or after a show was an exciting appeal to us." — Leigh Ann Boatman Benz
Leigh Ann Boatman Benz
Fresh Energy OH MY DARLING By Larry Stansbury
J
ust across the street from the Landmark Theatre, there’s a place in the downtown Syracuse area that recreates the image of the old theater and honors the Syracuse orange colors. It’s also the place to honor its crowd with a wine and dine restaurant.
February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
Oh My Darling opened two years ago and owners Ryan Benz and Leigh Ann Boatman Benz knew the building available across the street from The Landmark Theatre was perfect for a restaurant to reflect the arts culture of Syracuse. This restaurant is the place for a perfect date night,
drinks on the town, boozy brunches, big birthday bashes, and a work lunch. Obsessed with building a restaurant with a positive, empowering, and supportive culture, Oh My Darling dedicates to its every meal and moment. “I have always appreciated the metropolitan style culture,”
Leigh Ann Boatman Benz explained. “I think the culture of our restaurant attracts people who have like-minded appreciation for a space that is a bit more modern and open.” The Benzes lived in New York City for seven and a half years. They returned home for the holidays every year with
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energy, however, and a feeling they could build something impactful for the community. Every time they came home to see their friends and family, it seemed that there was a want and need for a renaissance in downtown Syracuse. Their favorite childhood area needed grown and positive change; this is where they stepped up to create that future of downtown Syracuse. They moved back to Syracuse with their two-month-old and planned a restaurant from scratch, while nurturing their son through the process. “We are both passionate and have our backgrounds in the arts,” Ryan said. “To know that a crowd could come wine and dine at our restaurant before or after a show was an exciting appeal to us.” The concept of Oh My Darling, the Benzes thought about the image of the Syracuse orange and wanted to soften that to a Clementine. The owners believed a clementine fits with the name of the restaurant. Fresh white colors with hints of light blue and light orange treasures the homage of Syracuse. The logo is structured like its sister company, Lee Lee's Forest, a woman’s dress boutique in NYC, where they owned it for six and a half years. They brought that idea from the big city to Syracuse and wanted their visitors to feel that energy. With its restaurant scene being incredible with a lot of long-standing followings, their brunch and dinner service
Housemade Veggie Burger with Oh My Darling Imperial Wheat Ale
Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon
has a coffee shop, Clementine, attached with a great cocktail bar, The Fitz, where cocktails are made with fresh juices. Their signature cocktail, the Clementine whiskey smash, is made with fresh Clementine juice and packs a good punch for a drink of the town. The Fitz is Oh My Darling’s 1920s-inspired speakeasy cocktail bar, featuring live music Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The upstairs is light and airy, with the ceilings low and space dark and intimate, so they can keep it in the 1920s style. The restaurant partners with The Landmark Theatre, Redhouse, and Syracuse Stage to host many of the shows’ cast parties down at The Fitz. The restaurant is the NewAmerican restaurant, with its signature dish, the Darling Burger, which has Pat LaFrieda beef, goat cheese croquette, onion jam on a toasted Portuguese muffin served with truffle fries. Other dishes are the rosemary hot honey chicken, shrimp + grits; the banana bread French toast and California avocado Benedict are the crowds favorites. Plus, the restaurant has a great children’s menu named after their one-and-a-half-year-old son called Oliver’s Corner, for the Syracuse families. Oh My Darling is located at 321 S. Salina St. and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday, with brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner service from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, check out darlingsyr.com/ or call at (315) 290-3330.
Shrimp & Grits (full portion) with Clementine Whiskey Smash cocktail
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KINDNESS COUNTS
Syracuse's
SALEM HYDE STUDENTS
By Farah Jadran
W
e all know that saying, “I’m too old to change.” Perhaps, you’ve said it yourself. Whether it was a serious statement or you were kidding — I am here along with many others — ready to advocate for change! This month, I want you to meet four shining examples of how kindness is thriving in the hearts of Syracuse youth. Each child makes it their mission to be kind every day they walk through the doors of Salem Hyde Elementary on Durston Avenue in Syracuse.
JASMINE — PRE-K
Young Jasmine says, “I love school.” Her sweet but humbling smile says it all. She has a natural ability to be caring to her classmates. “I help them and be nice,” she said. Jasmine’s teacher says she is a hard worker and always tries her best. When she is not helping a fellow student with a warm smile, Jasmine says she loves to learn every day.
SMRITI — KINDERGARTEN
Teachers and staff describe Smriti as “respectful and caring.” She walks the halls of Salem Hyde with positive thoughts. Smriti says she does her best to, “be good so others are good too.” Her good attitude has earned her many “Life Skills Tickets” — notes from teachers and staff rewarding students for a number of positive actions. While being a good student, Smiriti says she loves “the best things like gym.”
AUSTEN — SECOND GRADE
With pride, Austen says he is a good math student. It’s his favorite subject. Teachers are also proud as Austen shares his knowledge with others. “I’m able to help other people,” Austen said. His willingness to help his classmates has shown great kindness to others. When his homework is done — Austen has other plans. “I like gym because I get to play.” Smriti Jasmine
February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
AUDREY — THIRD GRADE
“I greet everyone with a warm smile,” Audrey said. “I like making other people feel good.” Passing on kindness has become a part of Audrey’s everyday life. She says it is important to do. “When you are kind to someone, they will be kind to another person,” Audrey shared. “And it goes on and on.” It’s all about setting a good example. Audrey says she enjoys being polite to others and especially enjoys lunchtime because she takes a break from learning and spends that time with friends. No matter how young or old we are — it is time to be kind, caring, compassionate and willing to share knowledge. It’s a movement we are all a part of. Salem Hyde Principal Becky Groat looks at Jasmine, Smriti, Austen and Audrey and knows the future is bright. These four elementary kids are on to something. Kindness can change someone’s heart. It can help others realize there is a world around them and more to life than possessions and petty arguments. Kindness can be the message you wear and walk with because you choose to live life with genuine gratitude for each day you are given. Tomorrow is not promised. Why not spend today being kind and being positive? SWM Farah Jadran is the anchor of CBS5 This Morning and CBS5 News at Noon for CNYCentral in Syracuse. Farah also served as editor of SWM for more than four years after she helped launch it in January 2011. If you or someone you know is spreading kindness in our community -- tweet at her — @FarahJadran using #BeKindSyracuse.
Audrey Austen
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SPECIAL FEATURE GO RED FOR WOMEN
Addressing the Vaping Epidemic From St. Joseph's Health
V
aping is becoming an increasing epidemic among teens. Many users believe vape pens, e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery devices are safe, but that’s not the reality. “When using e-cigarettes, one is not just inhaling flavored water vapor as a fair number of people believe,” said Christopher Owens, director of the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health. “Not only do these products contain nicotine, there are other harmful chemicals within the aerosol, such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and toxic compounds. Some examples include formaldehyde (found in embalming fluid), cadmium (used in batteries), benzene (found in gasoline) and toluene (an industrial solvent). Both long term and acute damage to the lungs are possible as a result of exposure to e-cigarette aerosol chemicals.”
With the intense amount of tobacco marketing of the flavors and of e-cigarettes in general across the nation, youth e-cigarette use rates are skyrocketing. In New York state, the rate of high school youth usage increased 160 percent (from 10.5 percent to 27.4 percent) between 2014 and 2018. Flavors are cited by the majority of youth as being a primary reason for trying the products.
“For decades, tobacco companies have used flavored tobacco products to attract youth to try their product and then eventually that experimentation leads to addiction,” said Owens.
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There is a strong correlation between e-cigarette flavoring and pulmonary issues. Recognizing that, Governor Andrew Cuomo recently banned the flavoring. “Limiting the addition of flavors to the solutions is a great step in helping to curb the growing number of high school age and younger people trying the products and becoming increasingly nicotine dependent,” said Owens. Vaping has proven to be a gateway to traditional tobacco products for youth. And, adults trying to quit traditional tobacco products have tried to quit with these products, but the data on the success of this is not in their favor. “The e-cigarette products are not designed for this purpose, so as a result, when adults use them with the intention
of quitting, more often than not, instead of quitting, the result is someone who is now a duel-user,” said Owens. “They transition back and forth between traditional tobacco products and the e-cigarette products based on situational opportunities.” These people usually become more nicotine dependent, not less. Instead of trying to quit with e-cigarettes, talking to a doctor about their desire to quit is the
best first step. Clinicians have access to both prescription and over the counter medications that have been proven to help quit. If you are a current e-cigarette user and have questions about pulmonary illness or your e-cigarette use, please call the New York State Vaping Hotline (1-888-364-3046). SWM
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SPECIAL FEATURE GO RED FOR WOMEN
Early Menopause: What’s the Risk? By Dr. Riya S. Chacko, Cardiologist and President of the Syracuse Board of Directors of the American Heart Association
O
ur understanding of women’s cardiovascular health has continued to evolve since the 1980s, thanks in part to large research studies such as the Women’s Health Initiative, UK Biobank and Framingham Heart Study. In addition to changing stereotypes about women and heart disease, such research has also changed how we assess women and their risk, leading to improved outcomes. Furthermore, we are becoming more aware of the cardiovascular effects of sex hormones and the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and the onset of menopause. What we know is that early menopause reduces a woman’s lifetime exposure to estrogen. Menopause is defined as the complete cessation of a woman’s menstrual period for one year. Early menopause is often defined as menopause before the age of 40. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 10 percent of women in the U.S. experience menopause before the age of 45. Surgical menopause, as opposed to natural menopause, is defined as a bilateral oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), which would be expected to affect a women’s sex hormone levels. The Framingham Heart Study, started in 1948 in Framingham,
Massachusetts, has followed 2,873 women. Kok, et al, published a study in 2006 based on the Framingham data that found the presence of cardiovascular risk factors (total cholesterol, weight gain, rise in systolic blood pressure, higher 10-year Framingham risk score) could predict the age of onset of menopause. At the annual AHA Scientific Sessions in November 2019, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital reported a study evaluating roughly 5,500 women who experienced natural menopause before the age of 40 and those with surgical menopause before the age of 40 based on the UK Biobank. They found that premature menopause increased the risk to develop cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, as well as cardiac conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, aortic calcification and stenosis, to name a few. They found this association regardless of whether women took postmenopausal hormone therapy and that the risk lasted for decades after menopause. These findings have been supported in other studies such as the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities), which found those who achieved menopause before the age of 45 had a 20 percent
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higher risk of heart failure. Parikh, et al, reported in the Journal of American College of Cardiology in 2017 based on their analysis of the Framingham data that a woman’s duration of reproductive time (age of onset of first menstruation to menopause) predicted her risk of developing heart failure. Several studies so far suggest that early menopause has been linked to a higher risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. The mechanisms for the association between the onset of menopause and cardiovascular risk are not well understood. What we do know is that estrogen positively affects the relaxation and expansion of blood vessels, affects cholesterol metabolism and insulin resistance to name a few. Progesterone as well has been shown to decrease blood pressure. As a result of such research, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association now recommend in their 2019 updated guidelines for primary prevention of heart disease that women discuss their cardiovascular risk with their doctors if they have had premature menopause. Although we still have much to learn about the unique risks to women and heart disease, one fact is clear — there is widespread
recognition of the importance of this topic and increased global dedication to improving cardiovascular outcomes for all women. The conversation will continue. SWM
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SPECIAL FEATURE GO RED FOR WOMEN
More women needed in cardiovascular research By Maria Kondaridis
T
he impact women are having on lifesaving cardiovascular research is ever-evolving — and in a good way. I am currently the Gordon K. Moe Professor and Chair of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine and Director of Research at theMasonic Medical Research Institute in Utica, NY. In addition, I am also an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School (part-time), in the Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. My research program primarily focuses on the mechanisms underlying both congenital heart disease and end-stage heart failure, as well focuses on the processes that lead to abnormal development, dysregulated signaling and onset of autoimmunity, gastrointestinal disease, and neurocognitive disorders. Like many women, I strive to make impactful contributions to scientific research, to be instrumental in the understanding of disease mechanisms and to find effective strategies for treating cardiovascular disease. Women are needed in research and continue to change the field through their intellect, leadership, scholarship, and mentorship of other women. Through their scientific and academic pursuits, many women have, either in the past or in the present, shaped the areas of active research. Importantly, the number of women succeeding in research and academia is now actively growing. This is in large part due to the concerted efforts of research institutions in focusing on professional needs and concerns of women in cardiology and research. Moreover, we are seeing that women are increasingly visible in many aspects of cardiology leadership, including in research, editorial boards, health systems, professional societies, and clinical practice. Bringing more women to the table has several added benefits, including getting improved quality of cardiovascular care for women, getting an increased perspective on poignant research questions, and getting dedicated individuals that will make a difference for the betterment of all humankind. These all-positive consequences also indirectly increase the numbers of women leaders in cardiology departments, professional meetings, speaking engagements and committees, a change that is now more evident than ever. Many have asked me how it is that I got here, how I balance everything and how it is that I was able to rise to a leadership role in a field that has historically been male-dominated. The honest answer is that much of this is a consequence of mindful serendipity. And I definitely have not learned the art of anything to do with balance! Indeed, I view my life, like many, as a see-saw, where when work needs priority, I shuffle in one direction and when kids/family/life need me, I shift back to the other. Like that of many women in academic research, this is the reality of succeeding here, and ultimately is a consequence of what I call the three tenets of academic success: persistence, perseverance and grit.
February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
Persistence is about taking chances, being bold and knowing the world needs smart, talented and hardworking women to make a difference. Perseverance is about learning it is ok to fail; indeed, failure teaches us things about ourselves that we may not have been able to learn in any other way. It is important is to learn to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and try again. Finally, there is grit, perhaps the single most important element. Grit is being determined, knowing your value, and never giving up, even when the path is hard and uncertain. In the end, science, as we’ve come to realize, isn’t just about learning the facts; it’s a habit of mind, an approach to dealing with the world. The most important thing in science isn’t an organism, or a tissue, or a chemical formula. It is the wonder of always asking why-of working towards resolving a problem, making a change for the betterment of our community and our world, and for paving the road, not following the path already taken. Women are there now. SWM Maria Kontaridis, PhD, is the Gordon K. Moe Professor and Chair of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine and Director of Research at the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory in Utica, NY. She is also Associate Professor of Medicine (part-time) at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She recently attended the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia.
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WBOC LEADING LADY BELINDA PORTER
BELINDA PORTER By Alyssa Dearborn
and now that they’re getting older, they’re really longing for something,” she said. “They want that deep connection but they’re not sure how to get it.” Some of these clients are dealing with the inevitable effects of aging and menopause. But through coaching a unique sense of empathy, Heat Effect Life Coaching helps those couples find a long lost connection and their erotic voices. Being the only company that does what Heat Effect Life Coaching does in Central New York is significant because Belinda and her husband bring an important resource to the community. Belinda’s work has become even more of a resource as sex positivity has become a much more talked about topic. They are a local business contributing to a global conversation. “One of the big thigs is that we are actually addressing a topic that is an interest to a lot of self-help. There are not a lot of sexual counselors in Syracuse — in fact we’re essentially the only ones. There are more around the country, and we actually work with people all around the world,” Belinda said. “And what makes us special in the world of sexuality coaching is that we are a couple who knows the pain of disconnection. We really know what our clients are going through and we’ve found that it’s a good dynamic to work with a couple as a couple.” SWM If you are interested in receiving coaching, taking a class, or simply learning more about Heat Effect Life Coaching, visit heateffectcoaching.com and stay tuned for new episodes on their official YouTube channel.
Photo by Alice G. Patterson
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eat Effect Life Coaching founder Belinda Porter aims to change the conversation surrounding sexuality. “Like many people — or at least people my own age — I was brought up that [sex] was not something you talked about,” Belinda said. “I want it to become more comfortable to talk to your partner, to talk about sex period, in a consensual way. Particularly I want people to be able to talk to their partners about their desires.” Coaching and teaching clients to communicate effectively and empathetically is just one of Belinda’s business offerings. Communicating openly about what one desires is an essential practice taught at her business. And the success of Heat Effect Life Coaching is special because, as Belinda explained, she and her husband are life partners as well as business partners. “My husband and I have a very different relationship now,” she said. “We’ve been married for more than 30 years, and the last six years have been the best because we decided to make our relationship a priority. Part of that was working with coaches and taking some courses to focus on not just our relationship, but on our sexuality.” After working through the disconnect within their own relationship, the couple decided to dedicate their professions to helping others overcome relationship issues and sexual health. “We’ve seen an awful lot of couples in the same boat,” Belinda said. “And quite frankly, we have a 50 percent divorce rate in this country, and it doesn’t have to be that way. If we can help change that, we want to do that. Just learning to talk in the way that our partner can understand is helpful.” Heat Effect Life Coaching offers a variety of classes to both couples and individuals. Each class is targeted to help clients with a specific aspect of sexuality. But the company’s most popular offer is its course in the Erotic BlueprintTM. “It was a concept developed by my mentor, Jaiya,” Belinda said. “It understands that when it comes to sexuality, we all aren’t turned on by the same things. We have a cultural meaning behind what sex is, and that works for a certain segment of people. But it does not work for everybody. An Erotic BlueprintTM is a roadmap for understanding desires, outside of what we’ve been trained or culturally assimilated to think. “When it comes to sex,” she said, “we have an idea of what sex is supposed to be like. And one of the things that I’ve found is that both men and women are trying to fit themselves into that box.” The Erotic BlueprintTM quiz is available online, but in order to fully benefit from the concept, Belinda recommends working with a licensed coach such as herself or her husband. “Jaiya was once coaching people on her own, holding classes and that type of thing,” she said, “and it became more than she could handle. So when she announced that she was going to train coaches, I was one of the first to sign up.” Belinda said she has a passion for working with a population that needs the most attention. “I love working with the older couples, the empty-nesters, the retirees who have put their relationships aside because they’re focused on their children, they’re focused on their careers
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COVER STORY KATE ROLF
KATE ROLF NASCENTIA HEALTH
A Relentless Force By Sarah Hall
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ate Rolf has spent her entire career in health care. So it’s only fitting that she’s the chair of the American Heart Association’s 2020 Go Red for Women Campaign. “I feel like it gives me an opportunity to speak what we're doing as an employer and what others can do out there in the community to make a difference,” said Kate, CEO of Nascentia Health. “Just taking small steps can make a big difference in your heart health.” That’s the idea behind the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign — that making small life changes can help defeat cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of women. The campaign was first launched in 2004 by the American Heart Association. The effort aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of heart disease in women — a woman dies of cardiovascular disease every 80 seconds. Meanwhile, 80 percent of cardiovascular disease is preventable. The Go Red Campaign shares health facts and tips to accomplish the following: • Provide women with opportunities to prioritize and take charge of their own health • Build communities that support and provide access to healthy choices • Demand equal access to healthcare for all women and their families • Increase opportunities for women in STEM for future generations
February2020 January 2020The TheHealth Go Red& for Wellness Women Edition Edition
This year’s campaign aims to raise $450,000 towards these efforts. It’s Kate’s job to act as the face of the campaign and to head up the fundraising efforts. She’s also responsible for spreading the message from the national American Heart Association: Be a relentless force. For Kate, that means using every means possible to spread the word. “It's just being relentless about giving the information out,” Rolf said. “It’s like work. You can send an email, you can put it in a newsletter, you can put it in the newspaper, you can put it on the radio, you can put it on the TV. But the information is
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only as good as the person receiving it. They're not going to read it or for nothing, you know? So it's sometimes it has to hit home. And sometimes it's just got to be in the right medium and the right form for that person to ingest it or in that right situation or have the right friends that connect with them the right opportunity.”
The future of health care
Kate already has some experience in this arena, having run the Mohawk Valley’s Go Red campaign two years ago. She spent a number of years in the Utica-Rome area, starting in the health insurance industry before moving to human resources at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare. Kate climbed the ladder at St. Luke’s, earning a master’s degree in health sciences and an MBA along the way, ultimately ending up as executive director of Managed Long Term Care and Home & Community Based Services. In 2011, Kate was recruited to take over as CEO of Nascentia Health as it sought to consolidate the various programs and services provided by Visiting Nurse Association of Central New York, Inc., CCH Home Care & Palliative Services, Inc., Independent Health Care Services, Inc. and Home Health Aides of Central New York together under one umbrella. Under the auspices of Nascentia Health, home and community-based care is provided to seniors across Central New York, allowing them to maintain their independence while still receiving quality care.
“We’ve expanded Nascentia Health across 48 counties and providing long-term home care across Upstate New York,” Kate said. “It keeps individuals aging individuals out of nursing homes in the communities to live.” Kate said providing this kind of care is especially important as the Baby Boomer generation reaches retirement age. “I see this as the future of healthcare,” she said. “There's not enough nursing homes. Some people don't want to be in nursing homes, they don't want to be in the hospitals. So what can we do to keep them at home for as long as we can?”
Heart-healthy habits
And as Nascentia works to keep its clients healthy and in their homes, its staff works to stay healthy in the office. The company has embraced a number of heart-healthy measures to encourage employees to hold themselves accountable and encourage healthy habits. Those efforts were enough to earn the organization a bronze award through the American Heart Association’s Healthy Employer Program in 2018 and a gold last year. “We have a gym on-site, started bringing in physical trainers,” Kate said. “We changed up the cafeteria food so that there are now healthy choices in the vending machines instead of just junk food. We do Lunch and Learns with them with physicians, with people providing different opportunities for people to learn about heart health and different types of health conditions to help them improve. We have these standing desks. And just trying to do things to engage people to move more.” Nascentia employees and clients are also encouraged to sign on for the American Heart Association’s Check-It Challenge, a wellness program where participants stay accountable for their cardiovascular health by monitoring their blood pressure. Participants can use an app for online tracking or fill out a worksheet. According to the AHA’s website, the program aims to “eliminate high blood pressure as a health disparity among Americans. The program launched as a pilot in August 2012 with a focus on top 18 markets nationwide. As of June 2017, the program has expanded to over 150 cities, with 400,000 participants enrolled with an average drop in systolic blood pressure of 11 mm Hg.”
"How do we push it more and vocalize it more so that [the message] spreads? So I mean, yeah, it'll start on a campaign level, but word of mouth is so much stronger most of the time than anything else." — Kate Rolf
Photo by Alice G. Patterson
Continued on page 28
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COVER STORY KATE ROLF
A Relentless Force from page 26 Kate said the initiative has really taken off. “It's a really good opportunity to have a collective number of people really follow and reduce their blood pressure,” she said. “Having a collective group trying to do the Check-It Challenge in a workplace, you have a whole group of people doing it, that makes it a little more fun. ‘Okay, everyone's going do it, so I'm going do it too.’ And then it just adds that little safety measure.” The Check-It Challenge launches Feb. 1 and runs through May 31. For more information, visit heart. org/en/affiliates/missouri/saint-louis/check-it-stl. Nascentia also encourages employees to keep track of their weight and cholesterol and offers insurance incentives for those who see an improvement in those numbers. Kate said doing so pushes employees to make healthier choices. “Doing steps like this help and it's something engaged in our employees to exercise more,” she said. And those initiatives come straight from the top. “We designate different leaders to participate and help me get others involved,” Kate said. “And that's one thing we're trying to do — each meeting, we'll start that meeting, let's check her blood pressure, but I want them also to go back, let's go to your organization to do the same thing. And then we start tracking and then make that not just your organizations, but your friends and your coworkers. How do we push it more and vocalize it more so that it spreads? So I mean, yeah, it'll start on a on a campaign level, but word of mouth is so much stronger most of the time than anything else.”
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Empowerment through knowledge
For Kate, it’s all about empowering women to make better choices about their health. “Empowering women has always been very important [to me],” she said. She noted that as she’s come up in the workplace, women have become more and more of a dominant force. “Even back when I was a kid, there was so many more women in the home,” she said. “It was just now there’s almost as many men at home as there are women. You know, it's commonplace for either way.” Kate said while nursing tends to be a female-dominated profession, she’s still proud to say Nascentia’s employee base is more than 75 percent women. “It's a great thing to feel and see that we have that give that opportunity and pride to women that come here,” she said. Kate said she also feels empowered to take on the Go Red campaign for this year. Her hope is to not only meet the $450,000 financial goal, but to really make a difference in expanding women’s knowledge about their cardiovascular health. “[It’s] being able to really say that we did make a difference in people learning more. Have we been able to do this and we've been able to make a difference?” she said. “And is there a measurable difference that we can actually come back and say, ‘Yes, look at that. Look at this Syracuse, New York, this small city in the scope of the United States really did this and that, holy cow, they're on the map for this.’ That'd be great.” SWM
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February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
SYRACUSE WOMEN OF DISTINCTION ELAINE LYTEL
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HEALTHY WOMAN
SELF CARE
What Is Self-Love? By Nichole A. Cavallaro
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irst, I can tell you what it’s not. It’s not at your expense. It’s not someone doing nice things or giving you nice things. It is not exhausting, harmful or unhealthy. Loving yourself, or being selfish (the good selfish), is your self-maintenance. You are, in a way, parenting yourself. Taking care of your needs and making them a priority. Self-love is important to living your best quality of life. It affects who you pick for a partner, the selfimage you project at work and how you deal with personal issues in your life. So, what is self-love? Is it a beauty makeover or a new pair of shoes? Can you increase your stock in self-love by reading about it or finding self-love in someone else? Perhaps a new relationship will make you love yourself more? No to all of those. Of course, things feel great and you have gotten some gratification from these things. But growth in self-love does not happen in these types of activities. According to Deborah Khoshaba, Psy. D, self-love is “not simply a state of feeling good. It is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support your physical, psychological and spiritual growth.” She writes, “Self-love is a dynamic; it grows through actions
that mature us. When we act in ways that expand self-love in us, we begin to accept much better our weaknesses as well as our strengths, have less need to explain away our short-comings, have compassion for ourselves as human beings struggling to find personal meaning, are more centered in our life purposes and values, and expect living fulfillment through our own efforts.” Boom. Want more insight on this and how to improve your relationship with yourself? See the list below: 1. Become more mindful of your needs, thoughts and feelings. 2. Choose what you need over what you want. 3. Practice good self-care. Take care of those basic needs such as hygiene, eating and hydrating, sleeping, intimacy, exercising and health social interactions. 4. Forgive yourself. (This one is my favorite) We are too hard on ourselves. Accepting yourself as you are, mistakes and all, the fact that you are not perfect, is a pre-requisite to loving yourself, thus, loving others. 5. Set boundaries. (This is another favorite of mine) You will respect yourself more when you set parameters or say no to
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work, love or activities that deplete or harm you physically, emotionally, spiritually or express poorly who you are. 6. Protect yourself from toxicity. Bring the right people in your life. Have people who celebrate your successes and happiness. Don’t promote relationships that you’re not invested in. You’re being dishonest with them and with yourself. 7. Live with intention and purpose. Live with design and a positive intention. Is your intention to live a healthier, quieter and richer quality of life? By quieter I mean, less drama and noise. By richer I mean happier experiences and quality relationships. Choose one or a few of the above to start thinking about. After you have thought about the, start engaging. In other words, start doing them. You will start to see yourself in a better light, a more loving and respectful light and others will see this and follow suit. Positivity effects positivity. And we need more of that contagions these days. SWM (Resource: Deborah Khoshaba Psy. D, Psychology Today.) Nichole A Cavallaro LMHC is a mental health provider in Syracuse. More info on her can be found at www.mentalhealthwellnesstherapy.com or you can contact her at mhwellnesstherapy@gmail.com
WOMEN GO RED FOR WOMEN GO RED FOR WOMEN
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HEALTHY WOMAN
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Have a Heart and Keep It Strong! By Heather Shannon, MS, CMN, WHNP, MPH
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ebruary is heart health month and so much effort is focused on keeping our hearts strong and healthy. We know that diet and exercise are imperative in keeping women on the right track, but genetics can get in the way, despite doing all the recommended things. Despite your risk, would you know if you were experiencing a cardiovascular event (stroke or heart attack) or have heart disease? As you may already know, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women (of all ages), not breast, cervical or ovarian cancer. One in three women die from a cardiovascular event each year, which is one woman every minute (American Heart Association, 2019). What is concerning about women’s heart disease is that it does not present as the usual “heart attack” as in men (crushing chest pain). What happens when we have a heart attack? An ischemic event (lack of oxygen) occurs to the heart muscle, causing damage and then ineffective heart functioning. The usual cause is a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which blocks the blood flow to the heart. The American Heart Association’s (AHA) Go Red For Women campaign is making great strides in creating heart health awareness and has developed an informative website, goredforwomen.org/, with all the facts and support to arm you with knowledge. There are still false assumptions that cancer is more of a health risk, it is a man’s disease, or that older women have heart disease. Let me say this again, heart disease the leading cause of death in women and age does not discriminate. In fact, many younger women, even athletes, are faced with heart disease.
How can younger women be at risk for heart disease? When looking at lifestyle, younger women are taking combination birth control pills (BCP) with estrogen and progesterone. Taking these alone poses a slight increase risk of heart disease. However, if you smoke tobacco cigarettes and take BCP, you now have a 20 percent increased risk for heart disease or cardiovascular event (AHA, 2019). We already know that overeating/obesity, high blood pressure (BP), diabetes (glucose), high cholesterol and lack of exercise affects our heart by clogging our arteries. We may not show signs until later in life, but living a healthy lifestyle can slow or prevent heart disease. It is important to know your numbers (BP, cholesterol, BMI and glucose) and talking to your health care provider, even at a young age, is important. February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
Am I Having a Cardiovascular Event? Women do not have the “tell-tale” sign of crushing chest pain as with men experiencing a heart attack. Our symptoms are vague, atypical and often ignored. It may be as simple as shortness of breath, dizziness/lightheadedness, nausea and/or vomiting or simply back pain. Some might experience jaw or upper arm pain or lower chest/upper abdomen. Extreme fatigue could also be a sign of heart attack. As you can see, these signs are not clear-cut for a heart attack. How many of us are over tired? Or have back pain? Most of us. Let’s not forget about stroke symptoms. Refer to FAST diagram below for specifics.
Many women experience a “silent heart attack” with no or minimal symptoms. Much of the time, the event is diagnosed weeks to months later. It has often been confused as anxiety or “it’s nothing at all”. If you think you are having a silent heart attack, calmly call 911 and clearly notify the emergency staff you think you are having a heart attack and not an anxiety attack. The risk factors for a silent heart attack are the same as that for a recognized heart attack. What does a healthy lifestyle look like? Unfortunately, there is no magic pill or secret recipe. It is simply eating healthy nutrientrich foods, maintaining adequate activity each day, getting enough rest, avoid tobacco cigarette smoking and keep your weight/BMI in the recommended range, which are all within our control. However, knowing your numbers and regular health care provider visits are important. American Heart Association recommends getting your cholesterol checked at age 20. If you have a family history, you should have it checked earlier.
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What are your best resources? Your primary care provider of course, but have you considered your OB/GYN? An OB/ GYN is uniquely qualified to identify and treat women in all aspects of their health. Besides reproductive health, they screen, counsel and educate women on heart health (ACOG, 2018). In fact, in many cases, the OB/GYN is the only health care provider a woman will see annually and knows your current health status. They also know the details about your pregnancy and childbirth history, which is important since certain pregnancy conditions could increase your risk for heart disease later in life. Becoming knowledgeable of your risks of heart disease and recognizing any unusual symptoms will keep you on the right path to a healthier life, even if you are told you have heart disease. Be your best advocate. Have a heart and keep it strong! Bottom line, you know your body best. If you think something is not right, listen to the inner you and talk to your health care provider today. The worst thing that could happen is some testing and hey, possibly saving your life. SWM Resources: American College of OB/GYN (ACOG). 2018. https://www. acog.org/About-ACOG/News-Room/News-Releases/2018/Annual-wellwoman-visit-to-the-OBGYN-can-keep-your-heart-healthy, American Heart Association (AHA). 2019. https://www.goredforwomen.org/
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INSPIRE
JANE TRETLER
CARDIAC AMYLOIDOSIS SURVIVOR
"I don’t want to sugar coat it — it was very difficult on our whole family. When someone is diagnosed with a lifethreatening disease, it is not just hard on the patient, it’s hard on the whole family." — Jane Tretler February2020 January 2020The TheHealth Go Red& for Wellness Women Edition Edition
Photos by Maureen Tricase/Capture Your Moments
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What if six weeks of treatment gives you five more years of life? By Sharee Turpin
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ane Tretler was no stranger to strenuous physical activity. An avid swimmer and hiker, she thought her body had no limitations. That changed in September of 2010, when she and her husband Peter Wirth took a 40-mile hiking trip in rugged terrain at Glacier National Park. A graduate of Clarion State University, Tretler received a degree in elementary education and a master’s in information studies at Simmons College in Boston. Her love for knowledge led her to become a school librarian for over 30 years; a career that would play a vital role in her medical journey. That same summer of the hiking trip, mowing the lawn now was a challenge. “You just don’t think about what might really be going on,” she said. A physical with her primary care physician and an abnormal EKG raised concerns. She was sent to what her doctor believed to be the best cardiologist in Syracuse, Dr. Christopher Nardone, to get further testing. “I truly believe Dr. Nardone saved my life because during my very first visit he picked up on something going on with me that he knew was very unusual,” Tretler said. An echocardiogram revealed thickened walls in the left ventricle of her heart. Medically, there were many factors that could have caused this, none of which Tretler had. The signs leaned toward a diagnosis of Cardiac Amyloidosis. Naming it was pivotal. “I remember being the good librarian that I am, and saying to Dr. Nardone ‘How do you spell it? I want to look it up,’” she said. Armed with a pamphlet on the rare condition in hand, she and Peter googled four words: “cardiac amyloidosis best doctor.” The search led her to Boston within the next few days. More tests and biopsies confirmed she indeed had Cardiac Amyloidosis. As it is a progressive illness, Tretler was already experiencing damage to her heart. The disease starts within the bone marrow. Light chains in the bone marrow can have one amino acid on one light chain that starts producing an unwanted protein called a misfolded protein. It gets into the blood stream and gathers around organs; the most common is the heart, as in Tretler’s case. Before her treatment, which consisted of a stem cell transplant, a hematologist recommended a clinical trial of chemotherapy. With reservations, she worried about time off work and obligations that would prevent her from doing it. It was an option and completelyher choice. Her husband, Peter, put things into perspective with a simple question: “What if six weeks of treatment gives you five more years of life?” After thinking about it deeply, she agreed. The youngest of four children, Tretler’s siblings were all able to take turns and come be with her during her treatment in Boston. “I don’t want to sugar coat it — it was very difficult on our whole
family,” she said. “When someone is diagnosed with a lifethreatening disease, it is not just hard on the patient, it’s hard on the whole family.” She indeed had a few dark moments and feelings of discouragement, but her doctors in Boston reminded her she was now in remission because of her participation in a clinical trial. She had reached what they consider the gold standard. Had she not chosen to follow through with the clinical trial, things could be different. Cardiac Amyloidosis is so complex,if three patients were given the same treatment, one will go into complete remission, one partial remission and one no response at all. Often misdiagnosed, even cardiologists often overlook it. Tretler was overjoyed. She had reached solid remission. Because of research on her own, Tretler came to realize the importance of clinical trials. “Clinical trials are important to participate in because research shows that statistically patients who participate in them live longer,” she said. “I am so glad I did that, that put me in solid remission and I’ve never been out of solid remission since then.” She is now going on nine years in remission. Tretler now spends her time retired but still active. Yoga, Reiki, and plenty of massages and meditation contribute to her daily life. She credits the Boston Medical University Amyloidosis Center of Excellence for helping her get through such a trying time but she wants to make it known there is hope for this disease. She stressed the importance of education of rare diseases and encourages everyone to be proactive with their health and aware of their own body. “Eating healthy and exercising was always part of my life and I think that made me a candidate for the treatment,” she said. “I honestly believe that I’m here today because I was in good shape when I got the disease.” Her zeal in research and educating herself about her condition eventually helped tremendously but still she is a firm believer in paying attention to your body. “As a woman, if something is seeming strange it might be strange,” she said. “As I look back, I wish I had gotten to my primary care [doctor] sooner than I did.” From physicians and the medical teams she spent time with, to the family members who held her hand, and employers and colleagues that supported her throughout this journey, she is forever grateful. But the fight she had inside came from her faith and refusal to watch life fade. “Nothing compares to the fact that I was able to see our daughter Reena graduate from high school,” she says. “To see her become a young woman. That’s why all of us want to be alive — for the special moments.” SWM
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February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
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INSPIRE
LINDSAY & STELLA ANNMARIE SHAW
OTIS HEART WALK HONOREES SURVIVOR AND MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE
Title Here By Alyssa Dearborn
Photos by Maureen Tricase
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Be brave. You're stronger than you think. By Carol Radin
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hat does a mother say to her 10-year-old daughter, who is about to take on a big responsibility with her mom in a very public community event? “I tell her,” Lindsay Shaw said, “‘You should be blessed you have this opportunity.’ I want her to be proud of what she’s been through… to wear her scars with pride.” Lindsay and her daughter Stella are this year’s honorees in the Syracuse American Heart Association’s Heart Walk in April. And for both mother and daughter, it’s personal, as both have experienced cardiovascular problems. Lindsay is a stroke survivor, and Stella is living with a congenital heart defect. Their involvement in the Heart Walk is their way of raising awareness about cardiovascular health to people of all ages. For Lindsay, life changed in October, 2014. It was the day after her 33rd birthday and she and her husband, David, were planning on dinner out that night with friends. She’d had a headache for days. As a nurse at Upstate University Hospital and the mother of a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old, she simply attributed the pain to the usual demands of a working mother. That day, however, the headache was much worse. She recalls the rush of pain at the back of her skull when she bent down while cleaning, and then nearly fainting. Even as a nurse, Lindsay didn’t acknowledge that the symptoms might be due to a stroke. At the Emergency Room later that day, the report was a shock to say the least: Lindsay was experiencing a subarachnoid hemorrhage from a damaged artery. Surgery, two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit, and three months of bed rest followed, a time when Lindsay could concentrate on nothing other than the alarm which awakened her every four hours for a round of medication. Fortunately, she recovered, in small increments — first enough strength to get into a chair, a little more strength to raise herself to a walker, then to take a step, then to take a few more steps. Once able, Lindsay returned to work, doing part-time for the next nine months. Today Lindsay appears healthy and fully functional, though she admitted “nothing’s the same as it was.” Still, she knows how lucky she is. “We are both blessed,” she said of her herself and her daughter. “You’re never promised tomorrow.” Today Lindsay is an active mother again, back to the outdoor water sports she enjoys with her husband and children at their camp on Wellesley Island each summer. Then, two years ago, Stella was diagnosed with her heart defect. In retrospect, both Stella and Lindsay now recognize some of Stella’s early symptoms. When bike-riding, the then-eight-year-old always took up the rear. She couldn’t run and was often tired. Her legs would ache and she would have nosebleeds. Stella herself matter-of-factly describes the surgery to repair her aorta. She draws two cross-sections of an aorta side-by-side. “Normal aortas look like this. Mine,” she pointed out, “looks like this.” Said Mom, “We didn’t keep anything from her,”
to which Stella added emphatically, “Mom can be very honest!” Like her mom, Stella also seems perfectly healthy, and has racked up plenty of school and sports activities to prove it. She swims three to four times a week with the Baldwinsville Sharks, a competitive swim team, covering as much as 20 laps in a practice. Lindsay said swimming was a huge part of Stella’s recovery. Just this past December, Stella participated in a 200-yard swimmeet competition. Out of the water, Stella’s pastimes cover the spectrum from science to the arts. In school, she is a member of the STEM Club (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Her career goals? “I want to go to Cornell to be either a veterinarian or an aeronautical engineer,” she said. It would be hard for her to choose right now because, while she enjoys all things outer space, she also cares for three pets: two cats and a bearded dragon lizard named Bernie. Her artistic pursuits include drawing, making bracelets, and learning to play the saxophone, which she started last year. Though mother and daughter lead very busy lives, their activities with the American Heart Association are essential to the values they want to share. “We like giving back,” Lindsay said, so it was a natural for them to look for a community organization they could be involved in together. Last year, Stella raised $1200 for the Heart Walk. At age 10, she is especially impressed that the Heart Walk activities at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena are fun for kids. “They have GAGA ball, and educational quizzes, and free food, like chips and snackies,” she said. For other adults and children, whether facing surgery after diagnoses, or needing to understand the signs of cardiovascular problems, the mother and daughter share their advice in tandem. First Lindsay said, “Trust your instincts” when looking for signs of a problem. “Trust your body. And trust your motherly instincts!” At that, Stella joined in. They continue in unison, “Be brave. You’re stronger than you think.” Finally Stella’s face lit up as she is struck by one more message that is meaningful to her. She spoke up on her own to exclaim, “It’s okay to be different!” SWM
"We are both blessed. You’re never promised tomorrow." — Lindsay Shaw
THE SYRACUSE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HEART WALK TAKES PLACE SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2020, AT THE SRC ARENA AND EVENTS CENTER AT ONONDAGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE. REGISTRATION AND EVENT INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT HEART.ORG OR WWW2.HEART.ORG. SyracuseWomanMag.com
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ATTENTION EMPLOYEES OF: • Wegmans • Anheuser-Busch • AARP • Erie Insurance • Lockheed Martin Corp. • M&T Bank • NY Power Authority • Clifton Springs • Cavalier Transportation We Accept: Delta Premier, Delta PPO and Cigna 1 Charlotte Street, Baldwinsville (across from the Police Station) In the old Post Office building opposite the Village Hall
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INSPIRE
EVA WILLIAMS PRINCIPAL VAN DUYN ELEMENTARY
Photos by Ana Gil-Taylor
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February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
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Connecting to kids' education By Jamie Jenson
V
an Duyn Elementary School was a vastly different place than it is today when its principal, Eva Williams, took the helm seven years ago. The school was consistently cited by the state as underperforming, and Eva, who has spent nearly 34 years in education, wanted to turn the it around. She and her team quickly embraced strategies they felt could take the school to the next level. The strategies center around three important aspects of growth: social-emotional, physical, and academic. “When these three things are in alignment and a child feels safe and comfortable and healthy and fed and loved, then they’re going to thrive, and that’s my foundation for how I see how we need to make Van Duyn run.” Eva said the school really hit its stride three years ago, when the staff, who Eva says is “absolutely phenomenal,” began noticing the positive changes. This positive growth inspired everyone to up the ante and even further enhance the experiences the students have at the school. Jackie Shostack from the Onondaga County Health Department helped lay a walking path inside the school. Following the steps several times around the building adds up to walking an entire mile. Eva said teachers will send students to walk the path when they feel they a brain break. Next came a sensorypath, which involves the participating hopping, leaping, and doing push-ups against a wall, which helps students de-escalate when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Teachers also use the sensory path as a teaching tool, reinforcing the rules of multiplication and division while the students are on the path. Eva said the initiative is the work of the entire staff. “We’ve all come together and are pretty much a like-minded group, which really is the benefit to the students and to the community that we’ve built here,” Eva said. Once a month, the school offers fun events for students through its Positive Behavior and Supports. Students who have earned a certain amount of points can participate in activities such as roller-skating, dances, and even ninja obstacle courses. Eva said that by offering these activities as incentives, it’s reinforcing an important message. “Physical activity is relatable to fun and learning,” Eva said. The entire building also participated in a challenge that involved doing 100 jumping jacks. “We try to do things that are fun for the kids, embracing fun with learning but also doing those other components so that they can feel whole,” she said.
Eva said she ran around to about half of the classrooms to encourage the staff and students while the entire school participated in the event. Aside from a robust physical education program, Eva said that all teachers try to incorporate mindfulness and physical activity into their lessons. “There is nothing happening here in isolation,” Eva said. “As much as we’re taking care of our bodies, learning cannot occur in a human form that is not whole. You don’t learn. So if we’re not making sure our children are happy, healthy, whole, no matter what lesson plan is sitting in front of them, they’re not connected to it, so we have to make sure that we have created a school that allows our children to grow as individuals so that they can also grow that academic part. It’s all connected.” Eva said the school has received help from outside sources, as well, including the local chapter of the American Heart Association, which sends monthly newsletters home to Van Duyn families. The American Heart Association also brings little charms and other goodies for each student to wear or attach to their backpacks. Megan Corey, Kristin Thompson-Henry and Executive Director Franklin Fry from the American Heart Association, Eva said, have been invaluable resources for the students and staff at Van Duyn, and just before summer vacation, St. Joe’s sent each child home with a tote filled with equipment such as a pedometers, jump ropes, and healthy eating placemats; the school wanted to add even more to the bags, so they included books for the students to take home to read with their families. The YWCA also comes to the school twice a week in order to work with a group of girls to teach them about their bodies, minds, and building healthy relationships. The Y also provides transportation so that the girls have a ride home after the program. In June 2018, Van Duyn received a brand new playground, thanks to the generosity of Darco Manufacturing, who donated funds to the district. Eva said they’ve infused recess into the schedule so that the students get a break. “If it’s not freezing,” Eva said, “they’re outside.” While Eva and her staff have made tremendous strides to ensure the health and well-being of all of the students at Van Duyn, Eva said it really has taken a village. “If we didn’t have community partners and relationships,” Eva said, “we wouldn’t have these things.” SWM
"... we have to make sure that we have created a school that allows our children to grow as individuals so that they can also grow that academic part. It’s all connected." — Eva Williams
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UPCOMING EVENTS Wednesday, Feb. 5
Sandler Strategies: Product Knowledge Can Hurt You!
When: 8:30 to 10 a.m. Where: OneGroup Center, 706 N. Clinton St., Syracuse What: Have you ever found yourself doing too much talking during a client meeting? Do you dispense product information too soon? Are YOU getting in the way of engaging in business? Attend this Sandler program to learn some strategies and tactics that will help you control your sales process and gather the necessary information to qualify, close and present! Cost: Free Info: lmetot@centerstateceo.com Wednesday, Feb. 5
Syracuse Hard Hats with Heart
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA, 311 Hiawatha Blvd., Syracuse What: Hard Hats with Heart is an industry specific event for the American Heart Association, bringing together premiere construction, real estate, engineering and architecture companies, along with the region's top corporate sponsors, for an evening of networking and heart health information. Sponsored by Life is Why sponsor St. Joseph's Health, KeyBank and IBEW Local 43/NECA. Cost: $125 single event ticket Info: Contact Denise McGraw at (315) 728-7546 or denise.mcgraw@heart.org Wednesday, Feb. 5
WBOC Member Program
When: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Where: SKY Armory, 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse What: Program: Cyber security... Should we be concerned? Informed? Yes! Cost: Members: $10; non-members: $25 Info: wboconnection.org/event-3700157?CalendarViewType= 1&SelectedDate=2/13/2020 Wednesday, Feb. 5
Syracuse Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2020
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Where: North Syracuse Junior High School, 5353 W. Taft Road, North Syracuse What: From approximately 400 films entered into the annual festival, award-winning films and audience favorites are among the films chosen to travel the globe. Presented by the Friends of the CanTeen. Cost: $17 presale; $20 at the door. Info: eventbrite.com/e/syracuse-banff-centre-mountain-film-festival-world tour-2020-tickets-77894361131?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Friday, Feb. 7
Wild Beginnings: Animal Opposites
When: 10 a.m. to 10:45 and 11:15 a.m. to noon Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse What: Big or small, hard or soft, quiet or loud! Join us at the zoo as we explore different animals and their opposites. We will compare animals to their opposite and see what makes them alike and different from each other. Cost: Members: $8 per child/adult pair; non-members: $10 per child/adult pair; $5 per additional child in same session Info: syracusezooevents.org/event/wild-beginnings-animal-opposites/
February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
Friday, Feb. 7
Winter Fair 2020
When: Fri. 3 to 11 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sun. Noon to 8 p.m. Where: Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse What: Two ferris wheels, the Avengers ride and at least 15 rides in the mini midway. Games, amusements, carnival food and Winter fireworks! Cost: $7 for adults and $5 for teens/pre-teens and seniors. Children 10 and under will be admitted free of charge Info: Call (315) 487-7711 Friday, Feb. 7
Snow Leopard Soiree: Northern Lights
When: 6:30 to 11 p.m. Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse What: This year’s winter gala tradition — benefiting the education programs of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo — is inspired by our Amur leopards and the beauty and splendor of the northern lights visible in their native habitat. Black tie attire and animal prints are encouraged. Cost: $220 per person Info: Call (315) 435-8511 ext. 8518 Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8
Edventure Academy: Tundra
When: 10:30 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse What: Even though it sometimes seems like it, we do not live in a Tundra in Syracuse! Join us as we learn where this habitat really is found, what animals call it home, and how they survive such harsh temperatures. Cost: Members: $18 per child or child/adult pair; non-members: $23 per child or child/adult pair; additional seat (child or adult) $12 Info: syracusezooevents.org/event/edventure-academy-tundra/ Saturday, Feb. 8
Strong Women Strong Hearts
When: 10 a.m. to noon Where: HealthLink Learning Site, 6333 Rt 298, East Syracuse (off Carrier Circle 1 Telergy Pkwy) What: Join us for a special event dedicated to keeping your heart at its healthiest. Learn from our expert speakers and enjoy new ways to bring more exercise, good food, and stress management into your life. Refreshments included.. Cost: Free Info: Info: (315) 464-8668 or upstate.edu/SWSH Saturday, Feb. 8
NEBDA Women’s Auxiliary 27th Annual Valentine’s Luncheon
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Where: Pascale Italian Bistro, 800 Nottingham Road, Syracuse What: Northeastern District Baptist Association Women’s Auxiliary present thier 27th Annual Valentine’s Luncheon. Cost: $5 to $50 Info: eventbrite.com/e/nebda-womens-auxiliary-27th-annual-valentines luncheon-tickets-84775139725?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
49 Saturday, Feb. 8
Thursday, Feb. 20
When: 6 to 11 p.m. Where: SKY Armory, 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse What: Wine tastings, beer tastings, raffles, food stations, passed hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Proceeds benefit Helping Hounds Dog Rescue and the Live Like Kelly Fund. Cost: $75 Info: eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-kellys-k9-wine-dine-tickets 82066652567?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
When: 8 to 10 a.m. Where: TERACAI, 217 Lawrence Road E., North Syracuse What: Bring your business cards and be prepared to engage in small group dialogue while building relationships with other members. There is time for informal networking and sharing your one to two minute "pitch.” Space is limited. Please pre-register. Cost: CenterState CEO members: $15; non-members: $25 Info: lmetot@centerstateceo.com
Kelly’s K9 Wine and Dine
2020 Speed Networking
Friday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 23
Thursday, Feb. 20 and Sunday, Feb. 23
When: Various events 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fireworks 2/14 at 8:30 p.m. at Iron Pier Apts. Where: Various locations throughout Syracuse What: Join over 100,000 attendees for 11 days of fun. Don’t miss the second largest event in Central NY! Treasure hunts, cornhole tournaments, trivia, chili and corn chowder cook-offs, mix-offs, wing walks, exhibits and more. Cost: Free Info: syracusewinterfest.com
When: 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: NYS Fairgrounds the Expo Center & Exhibit Center, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse What: More than 500 all-new models of power and sailboats, including cruisers, sport boats, pontoon boats, personal watercraft and docks on display. Come see the largest Upstate selection of boats on display in two huge buildings at the New York State Fairgrounds. Cost: Adults $10. Children 12 and under free. Info: cnywinterboatshow.com
Winterfest
Friday, Feb. 14
Central New York Boat Show
Kids’ Night Out
When: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse What: Looking for a babysitter for Valentine’s Day? Drop your kids off at the zoo to party like an animal! Kids will enjoy pizza upon arrival; meet animals up close, tour the zoo after hours, make crafts and play games throughout the night. Cost: $30 for members, $35 for non-members Info: syracusezooevents.org/event/kids-night-out/
GO RED FOR WOMEN GO RED FOR WOMEN
Sunday, Feb. 16
Sweet Treats
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse What: Watch the animals receive special Valentine treats and heart-shaped items throughout the day as part of the zoo’s animal enrichment program. Cost: Free with admission or zoo membership Info: syracusezooevents.org/event/sweet-treats/ Monday, Feb. 17 to Friday, Feb. 21
Winter Break Camp
When: 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday for ages 3 to 5; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for ages 6 to 8; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday for ages 9 to 12 Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse What: Join us for winter break zoo camp. Choose one day or all week! Topics vary each day. You can expect zoo tours, animal interactions, crafts, snacks and different activities each day as we explore the zoo. Cost: $28 to $45 per day for members; $38 to $55 per day for non-members Info: syracusezooevents.org/event/winter-break-camp/
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS
St. Joseph’s Health expands into Auburn OB-GYN Eileen Murphy joins St. Joseph’s Health Women’s Health Services
St. Joseph’s Health welcomes Eileen Murphy, M.D., a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, to its team of nationally recognized women’s health providers. Prior to joining St. Joseph’s Health, Murphy held her own practice, Women’s Health Specialists, in Auburn. She will continue to serve patients in Auburn. Murphy is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and obesity medicine specialist with over 30 years of experience in women's health. She specializes in comprehensive gynecologic services that include menopause and osteoporosis management as well as female urology services. Murphy also has expertise in weight loss services including nutritional and wellness counseling. Murphy earned her Doctor of Medicine from SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse and her Bachelor of Arts in biology from Wells College in Aurora. Murphy completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Murphy is a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is a certified physician by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the International Society of Densitometry with a focus on clinical measurement and interpretation of bone density measurements.
Murphy is a member of the Cayuga County Medical Society, the New York Medical Society, the North American Menopause Society, the International Society of Clinical Densitometry and the American Society of Bariatric Physicians.
Crouse Health Foundation appoints Kimberly Pietro as director of development
The Crouse Health Foundation announces the appointment of Kimberly Pietro of Pompey to the position of director of development. In her new role, she will design, implement and manage Crouse’s major gift program and the annual activities that serve as a pipeline for such charitable contributions. She will also work to engage current and prospective donors, board and committee members, senior and department leadership, physicians, and other key constituents in the Foundation’s fundraising efforts. Pietro previously served as assistant dean for advancement in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University; vice president for college relations/institutional advancement at SUNY Cortland; and associate vice president for development at Onondaga Community College. A native of New Jersey, Pietro holds a master of business administration from Le Moyne College; a master of science in higher education administration from Syracuse University; and a bachelor of science in physical education from the University of South Carolina. She was a recipient of a 2012 Business Journal “40 Below 40” award.
GO RED FOR WOMEN GO RED FOR WOMEN GO RED FOR WOMEN GO RED FOR WOMEN
February 2020 The Go Red for Women Edition
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SyracuseWomanMag.com
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