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AUGUST 2019 • ISSUE 162
Grandma’s on Facebook Again!
Ranjna Sharma New leader of SUNY Upstate’s breast cancer program shares her perspective. Page 4
Medical marijuana comes to Utica
Grandparents take to social media to the chagrin of their grandkids Page 7
Golden Years Special Edition
Health careers Elizabeth Pritchard is director of community services for UCP in the Mohawk Valley
Control aging process
State of nursing in Mohawk Valley
Everyday choices make a huge difference
Page 14
See story, Page 5
Baby Red Potatoes Packed with nutrition, baby reds are the choice of many for a variety of reasons, including no adverse effect on blood sugar levels.
See SmartBites, Page 12
Varinya Sheppard, president of St. E’s College of Nursing, shares her thoughts Page 3
Heading for surgery?
Social anxiety
Let clinical supervisor Shawna Marmet help you to prepare
Here’s how to take control of your feelings
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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BREAST HEALTH CARDIAC CARE WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY UROLOGY PELVIC PHYSICAL REHAB GYN GYN ONCOLOGY
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LOW & HIGH-RISK OB REGIONAL NICU LACTATION CONSULTANTS PERINATAL ANXIETY & MOOD DISORDER SPIRIT OF WOMEN Page 2
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019
Bucking a trend While state numbers unimpressive, Mohawk Valley takes care of its graduate nurses By Daniel Baldwin
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ew York state as the second worst state to work as a nurse, according to a recent study from Wallethub.com, a personal finance website, Wallethub noted the average annual salary working as a nurse in New York is also second to worst. Varinya Sheppard, the president of St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica, said there are a lot of criteria an applicant must meet just to be eligible to get into a nursing school. “It’s a very competitive field,” Sheppard said. Sheppard “It’s a very rigorous curriculum. For us, we look at their high school transcripts. We look at standardized testing such as the SAT [Scholastic Aptitude Test] and the ACT [American College Test]. By graduation, they also have to pass the nursing state board test.” Even if a student graduates from nursing school and passes the board test, he or she must have an adequate amount of experience in the medical and customer service fields. “When it comes to looking at students who are interested in becoming nurses, we obviously know that they’re not going to have a great deal of experience, but we look at things like have they ever worked as a care attendant or in the medical field,” said Colette Wilk, the director of clinical education for the Mohawk Valley Health System. “We look to see if they worked in a customer-service field. We’re looking for someone who’s definitely motivated and knows a little bit about the organization.” But recent graduates throughout the Mohawk Valley have gotten through these challenges and have been hired into nursing roles. “All of the graduates from our local colleges that would like a
nursing job, are employed,” Wilk said again. “Typically, that number is around 100 percent. They have a variety of positions offered to them, and most of our graduates secured a job prior to graduation.”
Access to jobs plentiful
As far as the Mohawk Valley is concerned, nursing graduates and other residents throughout the region have had Wilk no issues getting these jobs. While Wallethub.com ranked New York state the second-worst place for nurses, another study by Forbes ranked the Mohawk Valley the third-best program for nurses in the state. Sheppard said the study doesn’t take into account the disparities between downstate and Central New York. “We have been recognized by Forbes for having the third-best program for nurses in this state, which was also based on employment opportunities and earnings, she said. CNY was recognized for having great earnings potential for nurses, yet part of the criteria for the Wallethub study was earnings ability. Martin “We have such a different reality as far as job opportunities and cost of living,” Sheppard said. There are many hospitals and medical facilities throughout the Mohawk Valley — Little Falls Hospital, Faxton St. Luke’s, St. Elizabeth Medical Cente, and the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center — that translate to more employment opportunities. “As for salary, nurses who work
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in the region get a very competitive wage, and new registered nurses get a good starting rate,” Sheppard said. “Our starting rates at the hospital are north of $52,000,” said John Martin, MVHS director of talent acquisition. “That’s a brand new RN coming out of school. That’s going to be the offer. It progressively goes up each year.” Utica was recently ranked No. 9 on Realtor.com’s “10 Hottest Places for Millennials to Buy Homes in the
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Nation,” according to Martin. While there are a lot of requirements for a student to become a nurse, the opportunities continue to increase in the Mohawk Valley, he noted. “The one great thing about nursing is there are so many different opportunities,” Wilk said. “There’s opportunities in long-term care. There are homecare services. People could even become a school nurse. It’s a great field to go into.”
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August 2019 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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MVHS, Community Foundation to conduct hospital study
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fficials from the Mohawk Valley Health System and The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties have released an online survey for members of the community to provide feedback on what they think should happen to the current MVHS campuses. In February, MVHS announced its decision to work with CHA Consulting, Inc., an international engineering consulting firm, to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the potential repurposing of current MVHS facilities. The repurposing project looks at the potential reuse of the three main MVHS campuses: St. Luke’s, St. Elizabeth and Faxton. Based on prior assessments, MVHS has indicated the Faxton Campus — which provides cancer treatment, outpatient rehabilitation and a variety of other services — will likely remain open. However, Faxton will be included in the study to ensure that keeping it open best meets the needs of MVHS and the community. CHA’s scope of services for the study, which has been in progress since February, includes five broad components for the three MVHS campuses: market research and analysis, zoning analysis, hazardous material assessment, preliminary conditions assessment and redevelopment scenario analysis. Incorporating these components into the repurposing project will help MVHS develop a plan for the facilities that fits in with the long-term development plans of the surrounding municipalities and allows the facilities to become positive economic contributors to the area. “Since we announced the new hospital project, one of the main questions from the community has been, ‘what will happen to the old facilities?’” said Robert Scholefield, executive vice president-chief operating officer for MVHS. “The online survey will allow all community members to give input.” Participants are only permitted to take the survey one time. To access the survey, visit mvhealthsystem. org/mvhsrepurposing.
Parents: Learn baby care basics
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arents-to-be can learn about childbirth, newborns and other related topics by attending Baby Care Basics, a two-hour program taught by Rome Memorial Hospital maternity nurse Michelle Bates. Classes are available from 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays on Sept. 25 and Nov. 6, and from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays on Sept. 7 and Nov. 16 in the hospital’s classroom. The program is free and no advance registration is required. Call 315-338-7143 for more information. Page 4
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Barbara Pierce
Ranjna Sharma, M.D. New chief wants to turn SUNY Upstate’s breast cancer program into national leader for breast care management Q.: You’re the new head of the breast cancer program at SUNY Upstate. What does the program do? A.: We take care of patients with both benign and malignant breast disease. We’re involved in multi-disciplinary management, particularly of breast cancer patients. I’m really excited to be here. It’s a great institution and a great group of people. Q.: How much of the program is focused on detection versus innovating news ways to treat the disease? A.: We do recommend that women over the age of 40 start getting screened. The prior recommendations were every year; some groups are saying every two years. That’s really a conversation to have with your physician based on your family history of breast cancer. You should still definitely have a clinical breast exam every year. The earlier that we’re able to find cancers, the more options we’ll likely have for treatment as well as clinical trial options. So, we’re big advocates of screening and mammography. Q.: What made you want to lead the program and where do you want to take it? A.: I think this is an amazing institution with incredible people. My thought was it would be wonderful to help the program grow and expand. I think there’s an excellent framework here, but I think there are things we can do to make our services more wide reaching, not just locally, but regionally. We’d like to be the regional leader for breast care management in Central and even Upstate New York. And over time, we’d like to be a national leader as well. Q.: What are the steps to getting there? A.: The first step is to have a good multi-disciplinary clinic where patients see a breast surgeon, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, have their imaging reviewed, and see a geneticist and any support staff they need to. We already have that in place. I believe we’re one of the few local institutions really offering that level of a clinical experience. Other institutions do offer multi-disciplinary care, but we actually have the opportunity to be seen, say, on a Friday afternoon by as many of these providers as they need to. So, I think being seen in that fashion is the most optimal way to ideally treat breast cancer because you have all the experts who will be involved in your care coming up with a plan together, and then you have all the support services that are available to you.
So that’s a huge foundation. The next in line I’d say is research, whether it’s participation in national clinical trials or investigation-initiated studies. That’s huge. I think the fact that we’re a teaching institution is important as well. Since we’re teaching residents, our clinicians have to be very up-to-date with the latest literature and advancements. Q.: As far as the Central New York region is concerned, are there particular challenges the area has, either in logistics or pathology? A.: I think access to care is always an issue no matter where you are. As you get away from the cities and the major academic areas, it gets harder to come in for your screening mammogram or come in to see your physician. One thing Upstate is doing is rolling out our mobile mammogra-
phy van. We just had our unveiling recently. This van is going to cover about eight counties in the region. It’ll be going out to more remote areas and will be able to offer advanced, high-tech screening. And then, if there are abnormalities, they can be asked to come into one of the bigger centers. I think it’s very exciting, because it will allow more access to care. Obviously, there are lots of great hospitals in the region capable of taking care of breast cancer patients, but we do feel as though there’s a benefit to being seen in an academic setting in terms of multi-disciplinary care, research and teaching opportunities. Because of that, we’re trying to set up satellites or partner with local hospitals to offer our services locally. For example, we have oncologists who go up to Oswego and offer services there. I’ve personally started to go out to Auburn Community Hospital. As time goes on, I think you’re going to see more physicians go out and bring some of the care you’d find in an academic setting out to patients in remote areas. Q.: What level of care are you able to provide remotely? A.: When we’re in these other regions, we partner with the teams that are already there, and many of them are already doing a great job. They’ve set up screenings, mammography and diagnostic imaging in place. So, we take a look at what they’re already providing and if we can use those services, we will. If not, we’ll bring patients down to us.
Lifelines Name: Ranjna Sharma Position: Division chief of breast surgery at SUNY Upstate Previous appointments: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, 2010-2019 Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio Education: Ohio State University at Columbus Affiliations: SUNY Upstate Medical University; Auburn Community Hospital Organizations: Society of Surgical Oncology; American Society of Breast Surgeons; American College of Surgeons Family: Husband, daughter, twin boys Hobbies: Travel
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019
Golden Years You can control aging process Everyday choices to ensure you thrive as you age By Barbara Pierce
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ore of us are living longer. If you’re in your 60s, chances are you’ve got another 20 to 25 years ahead of you. If you’re in your 70s, you’ve may have 15 or so. You want those years to be happy; you want to thrive, to live independently doing the things you love. To increase your odds of doing so, it’s never too late to benefit from some simple changes to lessen the chances that your later years will be clouded by physical or mental disabilities. Increase your odds of living longer and better with a few easy choices you can make in your everyday life. Genetics probably only accounts for 20% to 30% of how we age; the everyday choices we make are important for the quality of our life as we age. Some suggestions from experts on how to thrive in old age: • Move more: Move naturally throughout the day — walk, garden, walk the dog or do housework. The more activity, the better off you will be. So get up and move throughout the day, choose the stairs over the elevator, and take short walks throughout the day. A Harvard study of older people found that beginning a light workout routine, even if you’ve never exercised before, reduces your chances of becoming disabled by 25%. • Improve what you eat: Instead of focusing on what you’re going to cut out of your diet, focus on what you need to add. Like beans: Beans are standard among the world’s longest-lived peoples. Enjoy them in hummus, soups, stews, and salads. “Eat the food God has given us,” suggests Dr. Mark Hyman online. “Ask yourself, ‘Did God make this or did man make this?’ Did God make a Twinkie? No. Did God make an avocado? Yes. It’s pretty simple.” • De-stress wisely: Chronic stress leads to inflammation and is
the foundation for every age-related disease. Find ways to manage your stress that doesn’t involve food, alcohol or smoking. • Consider meditating. Even 10 minutes a day can lower stress. Meditation is an umbrella term for the goal of achieving a relaxed state of being. There are many types of meditation and relaxation techniques; you can’t do it wrong. “The No. 1 health benefit — beyond diet and exercise— to complete the cycle of well-being is meditation,” said Melanie Pandit, meditation instructor of Sahaja Meditation, Upstate New York. Pandit offers free classes on Sahaja meditation (see https://meditateupstate.com/ for details.) April Cacciatori, certified life coach, licensed massage therapist and owner-operator of Zensations Therapeutic Massage in Rome, also believes in the value of meditation.
“If you do it for even five minutes — set a time and sit in quietness. This will clear your mental space, help you prioritize and let go of things that aren’t important,” she said. Cacciatori also teaches a form of meditation.
Find source of stress
Dr. Dean Ornish, well-known advocate of lifestyle changes to treat and prevent heart disease, says online that reducing stress starts with realizing where stress comes from. “The stress comes primarily not from what we do, but how we react to what we do,” he said. In other words, you can’t control the world around you, but you can control how you react. • Get out, every day: Make a point to get out as much as you can. Research finds that older people who
leave their homes every day live longer than those who do not. Those who don’t get out are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. Besides giving you physical activity, it’s a chance to engage with the outside world. Simply going outside to chat with the neighbor or take a quick trip to the local grocery store could do you a world of good. “People tell us they were sitting at home alone and unhappy, then came here and got involved and it saved their life,” said Sara Spezzano, communications director of the Parkway Center, Utica. “That’s why we’re here.” Parkway offers a variety of activities. • Connect with others: Although physical fitness is important, so is psychological fitness. People who maintain connections to others, through family, friends, work, volunteering, church, remain healthier in old age. “Feeling loved and supported and having intimacy in your life helps keep you healthy,” said Ornish. “People who are lonely and depressed are three times more likely to get sick and die prematurely when compared to those who have social connections.” “The need for a social network is a big issue,” said Spezzano. Churches are a good way to connect. “I definitely believe that those who are part of a church have better health and longer lives,” said Father John Hogan of St. Mary of the Assumption, Oswego. “In our parish, the senior citizens’ interactions with one another are a source of support; their camaraderie makes all the difference in the world to them.” • Have a purpose: One of the things people who live long, healthy lives have in common is that they have a strong sense of purpose — such as volunteer work or taking care of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mohawk Valley Practitioners
Health News in Brief Valley Health Services accepts syringes
Parents: Learn baby care basics
Valley Health Services is accepting the community’s medical waste of needles, syringes and lancets from noon until 2 p.m. on Aug. 21. The service is available on the third Wednesday of every month. The waste must be in approved puncture-resistant containers available at local pharmacies and properly marked “biohazard.” The containers may be brought to the outpatient receptionist on the ground floor at VHS. VHS is located at 690 W. German St., Herkimer.
Parents-to-be can learn about childbirth, newborns and other related topics by attending Baby Care Basics, a two-hour program taught by Rome Memorial Hospital maternity nurse Michelle Bates. Classes are available from 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays on Sept. 25 and Nov. 6, and from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays on Sept. 7 and Nov. 16 in the hospital’s classroom. The program is free and no advance registration is required. Call 315-338-7143 for more information.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Golden Years The Balanced Body
By Deb Dittner
Don’t get inflamed! Inflammation notorious for speeding up aging process
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he words seem to be endless when it comes to speaking about those who are in their “golden years.” Personally, I’m not fond of any of these words as I continue to feel young and am always on the go despite my actual age. So what makes people feel not so young anymore? I think a lot of it has to do with everyday habits and how these Dittner habits play a part in inflammation. Inflammation is not always a bad thing. It helps remove toxins and fight against infection to create the best of health. There are two types of inflammation — chronic and acute. Chronic inflammation increases the aging process and risk for chronic disease such as diabetes or heart issues lasting for months or years. Acute inflammation can occur after an injury causing pain, redness and swelling. As the injury heals, these symptoms go away. So how can we fight inflammation? Let’s start by changing some habits. — Eliminate processed foods from your everyday nutrition. Foods such as white bread, vegetable oils, candy, margarine, meals in a box and other processed foods increase inflammation and cause aging. It’s best to look for foods with omega-3 fatty acids such as avocado, flaxseeds and olive oil. — Eliminate red meat as this increases gut inflammation, promoting aging. Other meats such as poultry and fish lower the risk of inflammation. If you do eat red meat, make sure it’s the best quality that you can
afford. — Stop smoking. Smoking is linked to many diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Smoking also breaks down collagen, a protein keeping your skin young and healthy looking. — Drinking too much alcohol, more than seven drinks weekly, increases the risk of inflammation, which accelerates aging. Drinking can cause the skin to wrinkle, creating fine lines, and also produce acne. However, drinking one to seven drinks a week may lower the risk of heart issues and death.
Get proper sleep
— Poor or inadequate sleep can cause you to age faster. If you suffer from insomnia, consult your primary provider for ways to deal with this lack of sleep.
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Some helpful hints include but are not limited to taking a bath in Epsom salts with essential oils such as lavender; removing the TV from the bedroom; eliminating the TV, iPhone, iPad and other electronics a minimum of one hour before retiring; enjoying a relaxing cup of tea, or reading a book or magazine. — Vitamin D levels are too low.
Vitamin D can help curb inflammation, keeps your bones strong, and aids in immunity. Summertime is great for sunlight exposure for at least 20 minutes daily. Some foods are fortified with Vitamin D, particularly mushrooms and tofu. Request from your health care provider a test for Vitamin D level to determine if a supplement is necessary. I often recommend having Vitamin D tested during the four seasons as your exposure to the sun will vary as will your need to supplement. — Sitting for many hours causes a chronic low-grade inflammation in the body creating deficient metabolic health. Sitting for too long also adds to the waistline. If you work from home, on the computer for hours on end, watch TV from the 6 o’clock news to the 11 o’clock news, this will cause stress to the body. It’s recommended to stand up multiple times each hour, go get a refill on your water, use the bathroom, or invest in a standing desk. — Make time for community. Get out with family or friends daily, go to a movie, go to the farmer’s market, walk the dog at the dog park, take a class in a subject you’re interested in, go to the gym — in other words, get out there and socialize. • Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. For more information, check out her website at www.debdittner. com or contact her at 518-596-8565.
Health News in Brief Slocum-Dickson names employee of quarter
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akeisha Watkins was recently named employee of the second quarter at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group, New Hartford. Watkins began her career at SDMG in 2008. As a medical assistant, Watkins has both clinical and clerical responsibilities. As a member of Celesta Hunsiker’s internal medicine office, she schedules appointments, greets Watkins patients, takes vital signs, and ensures a comfortable environment for patients during their visit. With more than 18 years of experience in the medical field, Lakeisha is often called upon to train new employees. “She is always willing to share her clinical skills and knowledge with new staff members and pro-
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019
vides valuable feedback to the clinical management team,” said Grace Panetti, clinical director.
Rabies clinics scheduled
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he Oneida County Health Department is scheduling rabies vaccination clinics throughout the year. The next clinic is set for 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Vienna Highway Garage. Clinics are also scheduled for: — Sept. 10: Back to Basics Dog Obedience, Forestport, 6-7:30 p.m. Dogs need to be on a leash, and cats need to be in a carrier or laundry basket. All cats, dogs and ferrets 3 months or older must have a current rabies vaccination, even if they stay indoors. Dogs and cats need to be vaccinated at 3 months old, 1 year, and the once every three years. Ferrets must be vaccinated every year. Pets will receive a one-year certificate if no prior proof of rabies is shown. A $10 donation per pet is requested to help cover costs. Pre-register for clinic dates by calling 315-798-5064.
Golden Years Between You and Me
By Barbara Pierce
Grandma, stay off my Facebook!! Survey says grandparents humiliating their grandkids on social media
I
can’t look at my granddaughter’s Facebook page! It makes my stomach turn and my skin crawl! It scares me! It’s unsettling to see the sultry, seductive, provocative face that her Facebook page reflects. That’s not the sweet, shy, innocent 15 year old, the girl I know and love. Her Facebook page is a girl heading into perilous territory without a clue about where she’s going. So I don’t look at her Facebook, ever. And I don’t think she looks at my Facebook page. It probably doesn’t reflect the grandma she knows. Pierce Here’s the big secret uncovered by a recent survey: Many grandkids secretly want to unfriend their grandparents — as many as 54% have thought this. In our world today, where teens and young adults have moved past phones to communicate, text messages and Facebook postings make that the preferred way to keep up with grandkids. Social-network sites, such as Facebook, are changing the way we interact with one another, with our kids and grandkids. Facebook has pros and cons for grandparents. It makes staying connected with grandkids a snap, especially for those who live at a distance. It’s simple enough that those who aren’t tech savvy can handle it. Still, these interactions come with some hazards. The national survey, conducted by Visiting Angels, which provides in-home support to seniors, found that as many as half of teens wish someone would sit down and show their grandparents how and when to use Facebook. The survey found most grand-
kids do enjoy having you on Facebook, but some secretly want to un-friend you because you post stuff that’s embarrassing. Here’s what the survey uncovered from teens as the top Facebook no-nos for their grandparents: — Don’t post too much personal stuff: One in four teens who were surveyed said their grandparents post TMI (too much information) about their love life, social life, or sex life. More than one in three said Grandma or Grandpa post dirty laundry about family feuds, and that’s not OK. You may have a lot of medical issues that may interest your friends, but your grandchildren will be totally grossed out by hearing about Grandpa’s prostate exam or Grandma’s colonoscopy. The only thing worse is reading about their grandparents’ romantic interludes. Yes, they should know that romance is possible in the grandparenting set, but posting on Facebook is not the way to tell them. Generally, kids like having their
grandparents as Facebook friends, but “Please, Granny: NO posts about your love life!”
Trying too hard to be too cool
— Don’t rant and rave: Some grandkids say Grammy goes “emoji crazy” in comments or posts. And many don’t like it when grandparents get too political or too religious. One boy said he wants to hide when a grandparent COMMENTS IN ALL CAPS. — Don’t tread on their personal turf: It’s not cool to try to friend their friends, or for you to post personal comments on their timeline. Additionally, do not post comments on their social life or their appearance. Said one young woman: “Every status that is posted, every picture that is uploaded, will be commented on by my grandma. It is mortifying. So very mortifying.” — Don’t try to be cool: And don’t use their jargon. (Like LOL or IDK). Most teens prefer that grandparents
talk, write, and post like a grandparent, not like their friends. That means not only avoiding “text speak,” but also using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation. — Don’t spread doom, gloom, or guilt: Grandkids do not like to see a grandparent post that he or she is lonely, unhappy, sick or sad. They don’t like to see comments about grandparent’s health, medical issues or procedures. And they don’t want to feel guilty when Grandma posts: “Why don’t you come over or call more?” Also, be aware that posting personal information, no matter how innocuous appearing, can expose you and their friends and family to crime. For example, some despicable people have used bits of personal information gleaned from social media to run the grandparent scam. Also, burglars may target those whose posts indicate that they are not at home. The best rule is not to post information about where you’ve been until you’re back. Is that confusing? Burglars will be confused, too. — Posting unflattering photos: This is the worst Facebook offense in the eyes of grandchildren, and your adult children won’t appreciate it either. You may believe that all of the photos you take of them are masterworks, but they may not see it that way. A hundred of their friends will see it and they’ll be mortified. And yes, I do intend to have a face-to-face chat with my granddaughter about the risks that a naïve 15-year-old girl is facing. • Barbara Pierce is a retired licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience helping people. If you would like to purchase a copy of her book, “When You Come to the Edge: Aging” or if you have questions for her, contact her at barbarapierce06@yahoo.com.
MVHS launches system-wide health record
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he Mohawk Valley Health System successfully launched a new, system-wide electronic health record called Epic, which for the first time puts its two hospitals — St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare — and physician practices on the same platform. Previously, MVHS used five different systems in its facilities. “This is a momentous step in improving and supporting patient quality and safety and outcomes at MVHS,” said Darlene Stromstad, MVHS president-CEO. “This is truly an ‘Epic’ moment for our health system,” she said. “There are many benefits of Epic,
most notably improved patient safety and quality and improved efficiency of care. We are now able, in real-time, to monitor patient activity by unit and by patient, decreasing the opportunity for delays in patient care. “It gives us the ability to share real-time patient information throughout the health system and with our peers to better coordinate our patients’ care. That results in less testing because we can share up-to-date results. And, for patients who wish to sign up with our patient portal, it provides them direct access to their own health record. Moving to Epic is a significant step toward transforming health care in our region.” August 2019 •
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Golden Years PT for pain Seek alternatives for pain management By Barbara Pierce
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hose of us on Medicare are the most vulnerable to becoming addicted to pain medication. We’re the fastest growing population with opioid use disorders. Opioids are pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and others. As older adults, we’re the age group that most often has the need for pain medication. To treat pain, doctors frequently prescribe opioids because they work so well. But the consequences for many are grave, as opioids are highly addictive. The risks of opioid use are well established. Research has found that taking opioids for more than a few days increases your risk of long-term use, which increases your risk of addiction. The number of people who become addicted to pain medication is staggering. While addiction is the most serious consequence of taking opioids to manage pain, there are many other
unpleasant side effects of opioids, including constipation, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, mental clouding, and hallucinations. There are alternatives to opioids to manage pain. “Physical therapy is a proven alternative to treat pain,” said Shawna Marmet, outpatient clinical supervisor and wellness coordinator at Sitrin Health Care Center, New Hartford. “Utilizing physical therapy to treat pain through movement is a much better option than masking pain with opioids.” The Centers for Disease Control recommends physical therapy to treat pain. It’s a natural way to lessen pain and the need for opioids. By getting physical therapy within two weeks of an injury, the need for opioids is reduced by as much as 60%. The CDC’s recommendations point to “high-quality evidence” that treatments provided by physical therapists are especially effective at reducing pain and improving function in cases of low back pain, fibromyalgia, and hip and knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, a number of studies show the effectiveness of physical
therapist interventions in preventing, minimizing or eliminating pain in patients following surgery, in patients with cancer, and in other scenarios. “Physical therapy treatment can utilize different ways to treat pain including exercise, manual therapy and education,” said Marmet. “Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly experience less pain.” Physical therapists develop exercise programs to address poor conditioning, impaired strength, musculoskeletal imbalances, or deficiencies that may lead to pain.
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Eliminating discomfort
“Manual therapy, using handson manipulation of joint or soft tissue, can reduce pain by improving mobility and decreasing the swelling and inflammation that causes pain,” she added. Research shows manual therapy techniques are effective at reducing low back pain, discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, and other sources of pain. “Also, education from a physical therapist can be provided as a tool to help people understand the science behind pain and what things contribute to the experience of pain. This education will lead them to seek opioid treatment less frequently,” she added. When people understand the mechanisms and contributors to their pain, they are more likely to seek alternatives to medication. Stress management is effective in reducing pain. Interventions such as mindfulness, relaxation and visualization can help reduce pain and improve overall functioning. These interventions can be taught by a physical therapist.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019
Persons with pain often have difficulty sleeping; sleep deprivation can make one more sensitive to pain. Physical therapists can educate patients regarding better sleep habits to help combat the vicious cycle of persistent pain. When physical therapists work with a patient in pain, they use tests and measures to determine the causes of that pain and to assess its intensity, quality, physical characteristics, and how long it has been occurring. They also evaluate the patient for risk factors for pain to help prevent future issues. Once the contributors to a patient’s pain are identified — and the patient’s functional and mobility goals are clear — the therapist designs an individualized treatment program combining the most appropriate techniques, including but not limited to exercise, manual therapy, and patient education to address the underlying problems. This means that the diagnosis and prescribed treatment you receive is truly customized to help you achieve the best possible results. The bottom line is physical therapists are experts in human movement and rehabilitation. So the next time you’re in pain, before you resort to opioids, see a physical therapist and restore painfree movement. With the help of a physical therapist, you could eliminate pain without opioids. “Opioids don’t help you recover. They don’t help you get your range of motion back. They don’t help you make the progress that you need to make to get your strength back and return to your life,” said patient Joan Maxwell online, in support of physical therapy to alleviate pain.
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Golden Years Going under the Knife Scheduled for surgery? Here’s what you need to know to prepare By Barbara Pierce
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ear Doctor: I’m 75 years old and am scheduled to have minor surgery next month. My doctor has been pushing me to walk every day and to perform core exercises — not to mention eating right — ahead of my operation. Does this really matter? (From syndicated column by UCLA physicians.) “Yes, it is beneficial to prepare,” said Shawna Marmet, outpatient clinical supervisor/wellness coordinator Marmet at Sitrin Health Care Center, New Hartford. Preparing to undergo surgery is important for persons of all ages. Surgery is physically and mentally taxing for anyone. Experts recommend you have a strategy to consume the right nutrition, drop or pause unhealthy habits, and boost your exercise in the weeks before surgery to promote post-op recovery. Surgery is even more of a challenge for older adults who have an increased risk for a range of complications during surgery and recovery. Chronic medical conditions place added stress on the body. Problems with vision, hearing or mobility
affect surgery and recovery. Prescription medications can increase the risk of complications. To improve the odds of a successful outcome of your surgery and minimize risks, there are several things you can do before your surgery. “Receiving physical therapy prior to surgery can be beneficial in several ways,” said Marmet. A physical therapist will prescribe exercises to improve both strength and flexibility that will help jumpstart your recovery. “Common surgeries in which PT is especially beneficial prior to the procedure are knee, hip and shoulder replacements,” she added. Studies show there are positive effects for persons undergoing replacement surgery when they have PT prior to surgery. Those who complete strength, aerobic, and flexibility exercises prior to surgery are less likely to need inpatient rehabilitation and typically recover faster. As surgery and recovery is physically taxing, PT prior to surgery will improve your flexibility, strength, and endurance to go through the procedure. You will have an improved recovery if you improve your body’s functioning prior to surgery, explained Marmet. Another benefit of PT prior to surgery is that it will provide education on what to expect post-surgery, said Marmet. This includes exercises to be completed, activity restrictions
and preparations for appropriate equipment or home modifications that you may need. Also, it’s an opportunity to establish rapport with the physical therapist who will be guiding you through your rehabilitation process. Outcomes after surgery are determined 50% by the surgeon and 50% by the patient’s commitment to recovery before the surgery even takes place, according to experts.
Prepping for surgery
Other things that will prepare you for a successful recovery: • Eat plenty of protein in the weeks before surgery. This will boost your immunity, promote wound healing and assist in maintaining muscle mass, all of which can help you get back on your feet after your surgery. Your protein needs are increased during times of stress, such as surgery. • Include a healthy amount of fiber in your pre-op eating. A combination of pain medications and reduced physical activity post-surgery can often cause constipation. Recovering from surgery is already a rather uncomfortable situation, so it’s best to avoid increasing your discomfort as much as possible. Foods high in fiber include bananas, pears, strawberries, apples, avocados, carrots, beets, broccoli, and beans. • Quit smoking or at least stop lighting up right before your opera-
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tion. People who smoke right before their surgery have a much greater chance of developing an infection at the point of incision than nonsmokers, according to a study. Smoking decreases the body’s blood flow, which can also increase the odds of post-surgery complications such as heart attack, shock, stroke and even death. Try to stop smoking at least two weeks before your operation, say experts. Every cigarette counts. If you can’t stop smoking two weeks before your operation, at least don’t smoke the day of it. • If you’re overweight, lose a few pounds. Unless you’re at your optimal weight or underweight, losing about 10 pounds before surgery will improve your surgeon’s visibility during the operation and allow him or her to operate more quickly and efficiently so you’ll spend less time under anesthesia, which cuts down the odds of post-op complications. • Increase your physical activity in the week before your surgery. If you have a favorite form of exercise, keep it up. Or make a point of walking at least 30 minutes every day. Keeping your body in shape can help you bounce back after the operation. • Follow your doctor’s instructions. Before and after your surgery, follow your doctor’s orders regarding nutrition and what you should be eating and doing. Your doctor’s instructions take precedence over any general tips.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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New wave of painkiller Medical marijuana dispensary opens in Utica By David L. Podos
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arlene Riley, a local Utica resident, has recently been given a prescription from her doctor for medical marijuana. She is adamant that it has helped in coping with her post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as a number of physical ailments. “I have severe post-traumatic stress from childhood abuse and that is one of the reasons that medical marijuana has been prescribed for me in my treatment. I also have chronic pain throughout my body. I was very excited about getting the prescription because marijuana is the only drug that has helped me with my post-traumatic stress and works well with my chronic pain,” she said. Psychiatric drugs have had negative effects for Riley, with many side effects that she doesn’t get from medical marijuana. “The delivery system for taking the marijuana is very easy as well. It comes in both liquid and vape form. I also have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which makes it very difficult for me to inhale. So, getting the marijuana in vape or liquid form is very beneficial.” If you think just young or middle-aged patients are the only
ones using medical marijuana, think again. Cannabis use among older adults is growing faster than any other age group, and Riley represents that age cohort. In a study published recently in the medical journal, Drugs & Aging, researchers found older people are turning to cannabis to treat symptoms of problems like arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain. Further, a 2016 national survey of drug use and health found that cannabis use among adults over age 65 has increased tenfold. The most common reason among seniors was to treat arthritis and back pain, followed by anxiety and depression. Riley has been using medical marijuana for less than two months but notices a big improvement in her mental as well as physical condition. When asked if it was a difficult to obtain a prescription for the drug, she has high praise for the dispensary — Remedy NY — that helped her through the procedure process. Remedy is a licensed dispensing facility and a resource center open to all qualified patients. Locally, it is located on Commercial Drive in New Hartford. Remedy NY dispensaries are unique in that patients will not only be able to obtain pharmaceutical-grade products, but will have
Pictured above are Dave Katz, left, and Jason Browne of Remedy NY in New Hartford. a team of experts on hand to assist in selecting the most appropriate product for their approved medical condition. One of those experts is a licensed on-site pharmacist that assists all patients. Jason Browne and Dave Katz, both employees working at the New Hartford facility, are excited about bringing medical marijuana to people living in the Mohawk Valley suffering from any number of physical and or mental issues. Katz is the general manager while Browne serves as a patient care specialist. The New Hartford facility opened in January. Browne noted the company has a number of other locations throughout New York state. According to Katz, the New Hartford facility sees about 30 people per day, with a total client base of
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019
near 300. “In the last month alone, we saw 150 new patients,” Katz said. Browne says their New Hartford dispensary serves all age groups but they tend to skew toward folks who are middle-aged and older. The pair agreed that chronic pain seems to be the most prevalent reason clients seek help. Katz says the New York State Department of Health website lists doctors in New York state who can assist patients in prescribing medical marijuana. “We can direct patients to the website, but we cannot direct them to a specific doctor,” Katz said. “Lots of patients have limited use of a computer and or have difficulty navigating a website. We will do whatever it takes to help them and make sure the patient registers properly and follows all procedures.” Browne said.
Anxiety-ridden? Feeling uncomfortable in social situations? Here’s how to keep it together By Barbara Pierce
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I can’t even walk out to my mailbox. I’m afraid one of my neighbors will come out to talk to me,” 37-year-old Phillip confided to me. I knew what he was talking about — I’ve crossed the street or ducked into a store to avoid talking to someone. “I try to have normal conversations with people, but when I do, I have nothing to say. My mind goes blank, so I keep quiet and walk away. I feel like the odd person out each time and like I’m not good enough, and it really sucks,” Frustrated Guy in Fairbanks wrote to Dear Abby. “My grandfaCuda ther has died like 15 times to get me out of social situations. What a champ!” says a guy on social media. Each of us thinks that we’re alone in this discomfort, this need to avoid others, this anxiety about talking with people. We avoid others because we won’t know what to say, or we might say the wrong thing and they’ll judge us. “You’re not alone in this,” explained licensed clinical social worker Andre Cuda, owner and operator of Cuda Counseling in Herkimer. “It’s very common; millions of people are anxious about interacting with others.” It’s much more than avoiding people and not wanting to talk with them. It’s constantly worrying about what other people think of you. It keeps you from doing everyday things and can prevent happiness in your professional, romantic, and social lives. Therapists call it social anxiety. Anxiety because it causes intense fear — anxiety — of certain social situations, especially situations that are unfamiliar or in which you feel you’ll be watched or evaluated by others. These situations may be so frightening that you get anxious just thinking about them or you go to
great lengths to avoid them, disrupting your life in the process. Most people cope alone with social anxiety, said Cuda. Thinking of coming for therapy is too scary; it’s a trigger for anxiety — coming to a strange place, meeting a new person, and facing your vulnerabilities. Social anxiety is the fear of being embarrassed, scrutinized, or judged. You may be afraid that people will think badly of you or that you won’t measure up in comparison to others. And even though you probably realize that your fears of being judged are somewhat irrational and overblown, you still can’t help feeling anxious. “When we get anxious,” Cuda explained, “our stress response kicks in. We might get a fast heartbeat, a stomach ache, or even throw up. That’s stress; that’s our stress response. And it’s hard to think clearly when we’re so stressed.”
Thinking the worst
Stress is a primitive response; you don’t think well when you’re stressed. Instead, you catastrophize and think the worst possible thing will happen. To help people overcome social anxiety, Cuda uses cognitive behavioral therapy. He shared his tips: — For example, ask yourself: “If the worst possible thing happened and you got embarrassed in front of someone else, a week after it happens, how would you feel about it? How would you feel a month later?” — Also, it helps to learn mindfulness: “Be aware of the thoughts you’re having when you feel anxious. Observe those thoughts. Remind yourself that they are not real; they are coming from your stress response. Let them pass over, like the clouds.” “Acceptance of those thoughts is another important thing to learn,” he learned. “Most of us fight anxiety and fight the thoughts that cause our anxiety. We tell ourselves: ‘I shouldn’t feel this way.’ Instead, just accept the way you feel and know that it won’t last forever. Ride the wave of emotion.” — Breathing consciously is an
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effective way to reduce stress, Cuda advised. Breathe in to the count of four and breathe out to the count of four. Do this several times. It will cause your brain to kick out of the stress mode and into a rational mode. “It really works! It’s pretty awesome!” he said. — Although it can be tempting to avoid social situations, one of the most helpful things you can do to overcome social anxiety is to get yourself out there. Face the social situations you fear rather than avoid them. Avoiding these situations keeps the anxiety about them going. While avoiding nerve-wracking situations
may help you feel better in the short term, it prevents you from becoming more comfortable in social situations and learning how to cope in the long term. In fact, the more you avoid a feared social situation, the more frightening it becomes. Just take one small step at a time. “We’re humans; we all get embarrassed in front of others some times. We do survive this,” he added. Change is possible. It does take willingness to change, he said. And practice. “Be brave enough to face your vulnerabilities. Lots of folks have improved,” he added.
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August 2019 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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SmartBites
By Anne Palumbo
The skinny on healthy eating
Nurturing those baby red potatoes
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aby red potatoes are my go-to variety of potato and here’s why: They offer a smidge more nutritional benefit than white; their nutritious skin is easily edible; they affect our blood sugar levels slightly less than white; and they hold their shape when roasted or boiled. First, let’s unearth a potato’s nutrition. From red to white to purple, this popular vegetable delivers the same nutritional goods across the board. All potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C (nearly half of our daily needs in one serving) and a good source of potassium (more than a banana). Antioxidant-rich vitamin C is vital to our overall health, helping to repair tissues and boost immunity. Potassium, on the other hand, helps to maintain normal blood pressure and keeps the hardest working muscle in our body beating strong. Naturally low in fat, sodium and cholesterol, potatoes also serve up healthy amounts of disease-preventing fiber, mood-boosting vitamin B 6, and bone-strengthening manganese. Un-doctored and simply boiled or roasted, potatoes are not that caloric: around 110 per average serving. Deep-fry them in oil or smother them with the works, however, and this healthy spud quickly becomes a nutritional dud. Red potatoes are moderately more nutritious than white because
Helpful tips:
Go easy on the add-ins and caloric toppings (one meager pat of butter adds 100 calories); avoid processed potatoes, like chips and fries. Select firm potatoes, minus sprouts and green coloration. Store potatoes in a cool, dark place — away from onions, as they cause potatoes to spoil faster of their thin, rosy-hued skin, which comes packed with nutrients, fiber and health-promoting phytochemicals. Their red color also means they contain anthocyanins, a specific antioxidant that may fend off major health problems, including heart disease, cancer and obesity. Studies have found that red- and purple-skinned potatoes have nearly two to three times more antioxidant powder than white. Potatoes have gotten a bad reputation for causing weight gain and having a high glycemic index (GI), a measurement of how quickly a food raises blood sugar. But, according to experts at Tufts University, the type of potato, the preparation method, and the foods eaten in tandem can lower the GI. Recent studies suggest the following to lower this tasty tuber’s GI: choose fingerling or red potatoes, elect to boil or roast, and pair potatoes with protein-rich foods to slow digestion and slow the release of glucose into the blood.
Cream Potato Salad with Lemon and Fresh Herbs Adapted from Bon Appetit (Serves 8) — 3 pounds baby red potatoes, washed and dried — 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided — 1 teaspoon kosher salt — ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper — ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt — 2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice — 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest — 1 garlic clove, minced — ½ cup chopped fresh dill — ½ cup chopped fresh basil — 2 celery stalks, diced — 3 green onions, thinly sliced salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut the potatoes in half (or quarters, if large) and place in a bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper; toss until the potatoes are well coated. Dump the potatoes on two baking sheets, spread out into 1 layer, and roast for 35-40 minutes, flipping once with a spatula during cooking to ensure even browning. While the potatoes are cooking, combine the yogurt, remaining olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and garlic in a large bowl. Add the herbs, celery and green onions on top (don’t stir yet). When the potatoes are cool, add them to the large bowl, stirring gently to combine (hands work great!). Taste and adjust seasonings.
Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-
nist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.
Often feel bloated? One ingredient may be to blame
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f you often feel bloated after a meal, don’t be too quick to blame high-fiber foods. The real culprit might surprise you. Your gut may be rebelling because you’re eating too much salt, a new study suggests. “Sodium reduction is an important dietary intervention to reduce bloating symptoms and could be used to enhance compliance with healthful high-fiber diets,” said study researcher Noel Mueller, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. He and his research colleagues looked at data from a large clinical trial conducted in the late 1990s known as Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension-Sodium, or DASH-Sodium for short. Their conclusion: Consuming a lot of salt increases bloating, as does a healthy, high-fiber diet. Although it’s not clear exactly how salt contributes, Mueller suspects fluid retention may be the key. Eating more salt can promote water retention and make digestion less efficient, which can lead to gas and Page 12
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bloating, he said. Studies in mice have shown that dietary salt can alter the makeup of gut bacteria. And that, in turn, can affect gas production in the colon, Mueller said. “Our study suggests that selecting foods with lower sodium content, such as those that are not ultra-processed, may help relieve bloating in some people,” he said. Bloating affects as many as a third of Americans, including more than 90% of those with irritable bowel syndrome. It’s a painful buildup of excess gas created as gut bacteria break down fiber during digestion. For the current study, the researchers used findings from a 19981999 trial. In that trial, the DASH diet — one low in fat and high in fiber, fruits, nuts and veggies — was compared with a low-fiber eating regimen. The trial’s goal was to learn how salt and other factors affected high blood pressure. The new review found that about 41% on the high-fiber diet reported bloating, and men had a bigger problem with it than women. And diets high in salt increased the odds
of bloating by 27%. “We found that in both diets, reducing sodium intake reduced bloating symptoms,” Mueller said. The upshot is that reducing sodium can be an effective way to prevent gas — and may help people maintain a healthy, high-fiber eating regimen. Many things can cause bloating — lactose intolerance, celiac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, infection or other conditions, said Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at New York University Langone Health. “If someone is experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating on an ongoing basis, they should see their health care practitioner to see if the cause can be pinned down,” said Heller, who wasn’t involved
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019
with the study. “This way they will know how to manage the issue.” Occasional bloating is not uncommon, she added. To help you avoid excess gas and bloating, Heller offered these tips: • Increase physical activity. • Limit highly processed foods, such as fast food, frozen meals, junk food and fried food. • Increase your fluid intake, and make peppermint tea part of it. Avoid carbonated beverages. • Eat more foods that are rich in fiber, such as vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Increase these slowly and in small portions, and be sure to increase your fluid intake at the same time. • Have smaller meals. The report was published recently in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Only your server knows Information your restaurant server won’t tell you By Barbara Pierce
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ifty eight percent of us eat out at least once a week. Servers know a lot about the restaurant industry. What would servers tell you if they could get away with it? Revelations that aren’t on any menu can be found on Google. We asked some of the local restaurants for their input. • Watch out for the specials: At a lot of restaurants, the special is whatever they need to sell before it goes bad, say servers online. Your server would likely advise you to pick something else if they could, as chefs often come up with specials to use leftover ingredients that would otherwise go to waste, ingredients that may have passed their prime. “We don’t use leftovers,” Barb Ceneviva said. Barb and Vinny Ceneviva own and operate Paesano’s Pizzeria in Mohawk. “Our meat is prepared daily.” Their dough and sauce are also made daily. They’ve been providing quality food to the Mohawk Valley for 25 years. • We get sick too: As a restaurant worker, you definitely should stay home if you’re sick. But that’s not always the reality for people with low-paying jobs. A study found that 53% of restaurant workers reported going to work when sick. They’re not giving up the $100 they’d make in a shift because they’re sick. “We don’t want our employees
to come in if they’re sick,” said Ceneviva. “I haven’t been ill, but my husband has been. And he stays home when he’s sick. I don’t want anyone’s germs around me or our customers.” • Eggs are normally made from powder: Even at the best breakfast buffet in the world, 99 times out of 100, the big pan of scrambled eggs is made from powder, says a server. “We don’t use powered eggs,” said Scott Trayner, owner of Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner in Herkimer, voted as Readers’ Choice Best Upstate New York Diner. “Our eggs are all real eggs, extra large.” • We add sugar: “We put sugar in our kids’ meals so kids will like them more,” said a waitress at a well-known pizza chain. “Seriously. We even put extra sugar in the pizza dough.” “We never add sugar to anything,” responded Trayner. • Requests to alter a dish are a pain: “Tiny modifications you would like, such as butterflying your steak, cooking a steak well done, getting no bell peppers, etc., are often more time consuming than you think,” a restaurant worker said. “The restaurant preps as much as they can ahead and some things come pre-made, so there’s no way of taking the jalapenos out of the queso. If you order things like that, be prepared for it to take longer.” Trayner agrees it’s difficult to alter dishes: “That’s why our menu says, ‘no substitutions.’ However, if
CALENDAR of
HEALTH EVENTS
Got a health-related activity or event that you would like publicized? Call Lou Sorendo at 315-749-7070 or email lou@cnymail.com.
Mondays
Grandparents support group takes shape The Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc., in partnership with the Parkway Center, will be providing a grandparents support group. The support group will be held from 2-3 p.m. Mondays at the Parkway Center, 220 Memorial Parkway, Utica. The group is open to grandparents who are raising children of loved ones that are experiencing active addiction, working on recovery,
in residential-outpatient treatment, are hospitalized, incarcerated, or are dealing with other familial concerns. Those interested may contact CFLR’s Utica office at 315-733-1709 or the Parkway Center at 315-223-3973.
Food Addicts in Recovery to meet Food Addicts in Recovery holds an anonymous meeting from 6:308 p.m. Mondays at Trinity United Methodist Church, 8595 Westmoreland Road, Whitesboro. For more information, call Helen at 315-794-2314.
a person is on a special diet, we do accommodate them by doing things like substituting tomatoes for hash browns.”
Calorie count fudged
• I can’t talk about calories: Servers aren’t nutritionists. But they know what goes into your food. Many of the meals you assume are healthy aren’t at all. A chicken salad, for instance, sounds like a health-conscious meal. However, if it comes with a giant serving of chicken, dressing, and tons of nuts, cheese, and fatty toppings, it might pack in as many calories as a burger. Many of the calorie counts on menus are inaccurate. Those numbers may be low-balling what you’re actually eating. That’s what the latest study of menus at dozens of popular eateries found. “The Federal Drug Administration allows wide latitude in the accuracy of the calories listed on labels — 20% in either direction,” said registered dietitian Cindy Donovan. With husband Brian, she owns and operates the Balanced Chef, a healthy prepared-meal company in Utica. With 20% latitude, that means if a label says 200 calories per serving,
Tuesdays
Insight House offers family support group Insight House Chemical Dependency Services, Inc. is offering a family support group meeting from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Insight House, 500 Whitesboro St., Utica. The group is free and open to anyone who is concerned about a loved one’s relationship with alcohol, opiates/heroin, or other substances. For more information about the group, call 724-5168, ext. 265, from 8:30-4 p.m. weekdays. All calls are strictly confidential.
Thursdays
Loved one on drugs? There is support CNY Services Milestones is featuring a support group for anyone dealing with another person’s drug and/or alcohol addiction. The support group meets at 6 p.m. Thursdays at 502 Court St., Suite 210, Utica. The support group is free and open to those struggling with a
August 2019 •
it could be 240 calories or 160 calories or anything in between, she added. “At the Balanced Chef, we use nutrient analysis software to determine nutrition content; we also review all recipes for common allergens people look out for (dairy, gluten, shellfish, etc.). I review all recipes and ingredients. Our chefs use scales and other tools to make sure the size of the contents accurately reflects the nutrition content,” she said. • Avoid the lemons: “Now that I’ve worked in a restaurant, I never ask for lemon in a drink,” said one waitress online. “Everybody touches them. Nobody washes them. We just peel the stickers off, cut them up, and throw them in your iced tea.” • Don’t ask for hot tea: “The single greatest way to get your waiter to hate you? Ask for hot tea. For some reason, an industry that’s managed to streamline everything else hasn’t been able to streamline that. You’ve got to get a pot, boil the water, get the lemons, get the honey, and bring a cup and spoon. It’s a lot of work for little reward,” said a maitre d’hotel.
child, partner, wife, husband, mother, father or friend who is battling addiction. For more information, call Tony at 315-717-9153.
Aug. 6
MVHS schedules blood drive Mohawk Valley Health System will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 6 in the Allen-Calder Conference Rooms 1 and 2 at the St. Luke’s Campus, 1656 Champlin Avenue, Utica. Donors are asked to enter through Allen-Calder entrance 7 at the back of the campus. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed each day in the United States, but only 38 percent of the population is eligible to donate. Just one donor can help save or sustain up to three lives. Use American Red Cross online to schedule your appointment. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED- CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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Health Careers Director of Community Services Elizabeth Pritchard is director of community services for Upstate Cerebral Palsy in Herkimer and Oneida counties By Barbara Pierce
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I love what I do. This is why I get up in the morning,” said Elizabeth Pritchard about her position as director of community services for Upstate Cerebral Palsy in Herkimer and Oneida counties. In her position, Pritchard is responsible for several programs that provide vital services to persons with mental Pritchard illness. These programs include a range of living options in supported residences in the community, case management services, a social club, and a drop-in center. All of these programs change people’s lives. “I’m proud of what we do. We’ve made a big difference in so many lives,” she noted. Pritchard was drawn to her momentous career 25 years ago when she was working toward a Bachelor of Arts degree in human services.
A requirement for this degree is an internship in the field of human services. Hunter House in Utica, which once provided housing for persons discharged from psychiatric care, was the site of her internship. Working with residents of the Hunter House had a powerful impact on her, and led to her career working with persons with mental illness. “I was fascinated; my heart went out to the residents. I was so sad for persons in that position,” she said. She still remembers many of the persons with whom she worked. “It had a real impact on me. I was determined to do something. I had found my passion,” she said in regards to her internship. After earning her degree, she looked for an opportunity for a career that followed her passion. When she saw an ad for a community residential support professional, she pursued it. And her career with Upstate Cerebral Palsy began. “Our name, Upstate Cerebral Palsy, doesn’t explain who we work with or all that we do,” she clarified. “We have a wide array of services
that support children and adults. I think the community doesn’t know all that we do.” The folks she works with have a diagnosis of mental illness. “Mental illness is a nasty stigma,” she said. “But they’re folks just like us; they have the same dreams, the same desires.” “Just because you have a mental illness, doesn’t mean you can’t have a life. There’s hope,” she added. She gives the example of one of their clients who recently moved to North Carolina to live near her son. “She got a job there; she’s a real success story — all due to the support she had from us for 10 years. We offered assistance; she did the work,” Pritchard said. “Like her, if an individual buys into the program and works hard, they get discharged and go on to bigger and better things,” she said. “We frequently get letters from people who have gone through the program or their families, so thankful for the program, and letting us know of their success. There’s hope.” The community mental health residences offer a continuum of care to empower each person to maximize
his or her potential. Participants live in apartments in the community, supported by Social Security and public assistance, which are increased to cover the cost of care. The residences offer staff supervision at different levels, depending on the needs of the individual. Staff are either on site or available by phone 24-7. They supervise medication for each resident. “That’s the first thing,” explained Pritchard. “And we teach residents how to do the things they will have to do when they’re on their own, like vacuum, make healthy meals, and clean up after themselves.” “Also, we teach symptom management, an important thing for each resident to understand. We ask, ‘What are the early warning signs of your illness, and when you get the warning signs, what do you do so that you don’t end up in the hospital?’” she said. Goals for those living in the residences are to improve their individual functional living skills and encourage their eventual move to independent living. Services are also provided to many persons with substance abuse issues, and substance abuse with mental illness. And to persons recently discharged from jail or the hospital. “It works,” Pritchard noted. “The person has to buy into it.” What qualities are important to have in the position of an administrator in an organization such hers? “First, you have to be organized,” she responded. “And be a good listener. I oversee 25 staff. I have to multitask and deal with several challenging issues at the same time.”
The Intersection of Cancer Specialists and Local Care
medical oncology affiliate
Roswell Park Affiliated Medical Oncology Care is now at Oneida Health.
Now accepting patients. 604 Seneca Street, Oneida • (315) 361-2381 • oneidacancer.org Page 14
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019
Summer means vacation time! Ready to pack up the car and kids? Take heed of this valuable travel advice By Barbara Pierce
T
here’s probably nothing more American than packing up your car and hitting the open road with family or friends for a summer vacation. Add some good snacks and great tunes, and you are ready to roll. We’ve got so many hidden gems in and near the Mohawk Valley accessible by car. Everyone is excited about the adventure. But with many miles and long hours of togetherness ahead, you might be wondering how you’ll keep everyone well fed, entertained and occupied. Will the children get bored? Will you run out of snacks? Will you all still be on speaking terms when you get home? “There are several things to think about to prepare,” suggests Ed Welsh, Northeast Regional general manager, AAA, Utica. • Get your car ready: Before heading out on your adventures, be sure your car has been serviced and everything is working properly. Anything could go wrong; it’s best to be prepared. “Remember, it’s summer and it’s hot. Heat is tough on your car,” said Welsh. “Make sure your cooler system and radiator work.” Hot temperatures can cause your car to overheat. “Heat destroys batteries,” he added. “Make sure your battery is in good working order.” “Make sure your tires are in working order. They might be worn and still work OK, but they won’t work so well in a thunderstorm. Treat a thunderstorm like you treat driving on ice: Slow down, keep both hands on the wheel, and give your full attention to driving,” he advises. Be sure to check all of your fluid levels before you head out. • Food factor: “Bring plenty of water and protein bars,” Welsh recommends, and snacks. A hungry family member can be a downer. A stash of options — pumpkin seeds, nuts, popcorn — containing fiber, good fat, and protein, staves off hunger pangs and energy crashes. Add items like almond butter and celery, or pack a cooler with apples, oranges,
fruit juices, and cheeses. One mother of four sons creates “mom meals” in bags with each child’s name, filled with sandwiches, fruit, chips and dollar-store toys. If you’re trying to save money on dining when you travel, pack plenty of snacks and drinks to fight the temptation of all those fast-food signs.
Create excitement
• Boredom busters: Think ahead about activities that will squash the “Are we there yet?” whine. Play games like scavenger hunt (give the kids a list of things to look for as you travel), make up stories where everyone adds a sentence, or teach the kids to trace your route on the map. You can also listen to audiobooks together, or give the kids coloring pencils and paper. Create a workbook for the trip, and have the kids work on it. Bring balls and Frisbees to work off energy in pit stops. • Maps: “If you’re out galavanting, you may come to places your phone doesn’t work, so you can’t depend on it for directions. You need to carry a hard copy of your map,” Welsh added. He recommends the AAA mobile app for maps, directions and a trip planner. Or, stop by your AAA office for a TripTik Travel Planner. • Last minute: After you load up the car, make sure you haven’t limited your visibility, Welsh said. And note the weight if you’re pulling a trailer. Be sure to carry your cell phone in the car as well as your phone charger, and program emergency numbers into your phone. • Emergencies: If your car breaks down and you’re on the Thruway, don’t get out of your car. Get your car as far off the road as possible. Pop your hood and go behind the guardrail and call for help, Welsh advised. • Stay safe in your hotel: Most of the time, your hotel is a safe place to land and rest while on vacation. But that doesn’t mean you should let down your guard. Taking a few precautions will ensure a happy, stress-free stay: — Don’t stay on the ground floor if you can avoid it. These rooms are
the easiest target for break-ins. Don’t leave valuables in your suitcase; put them in a safe. — Pick up a few extra business cards with the address and phone number of the hotel. If you get lost, you can show someone the card. If someone comes to your door and claims to be an employee, call the front desk to verify his or her identity. When you leave the room, put the “Do Not Disturb” tag on your door and turn on the TV to make it seem
occupied. Even the finest hotels and housekeepers can’t keep creepy critters from making their way into bedrooms. “I always advise travelers to put their luggage in the bathtub until they inspect the bed for bedbugs,” says Mitch Krayton of Krayton Travel online. And remember, the best part of traveling is the memories you’ll make together.
Upstate can provide all the comprehensive treatment and support you need at our offices in Oneida, or if needed, at the Upstate Cancer Center in Syracuse. Our patients benefit from: • Over 25 years experience in treating patients in Oneida. • A full complement of treatment options including radiation oncology. • Access to the latest advances including immunotherapy, molecular targeted therapy and clinical trials. • The same multidisciplinary case review as those treated at the Upstate Cancer Center in Syracuse, the area’s only academic medical center.
ASK FOR THE EXPERTS. ASK FOR UPSTATE. WWW.UPSTATE.EDU/ONEIDA
August 2019 •
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Ask The Social
Security Office
From the Social Security District Office
Seniors susceptible to mail fraud
O
lder people are at a greater risk of fraud and other forms of financial exploitation. The United States Postal Service has seen an increase in mail fraud and is promoting community strength and fraud awareness as a way to prevent abuse. Social Security agrees. You can help your more vulnerable loved ones fight fraud. You or a loved one might receive an advertisement in the mail, but it could be from a private company or even a scammer. United States law prohibits people or non-government businesses from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t lead people to believe that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or endorsed or approved by Social Security. Scammers commonly target people who are looking for Social Security program and benefit information. If you receive misleading information about
Social Security, send the complete advertisement, including the envelope it came in, to: Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline Social Security Administration P.O. Box 17768 Baltimore, MD 21235 We also receive reports where someone pretending to be a Social Security employee has contacted members of the public. The intent of this type of call may be to steal your identity and money from your bank accounts. They may state that your Social Security number will be suspended or they may demand immediate payment. The caller generally asks you for personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, your mother’s maiden name, or your bank or financial account information. You should not provide any of this information to these individuals. You can report Social Security fraud at oig.ssa.gov/report.
Little Falls Hospital recently celebrated its groundbreaking for a new replacement primary care center in Dolgeville. Taking part in the event are, from left, Michael Reese, regional director, Empire State Development; Michael Ogden, president of LFH; and S. Dillard Kirby, president and director of the F.M. Kirby Foundation.
LFH’s Walker D. Kirby Primary Care Center breaks ground
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ittle Falls Hospital, a subsidiary of the Bassett Healthcare Network, celebrated its groundbreaking recently for a new replacement primary care center in Dolgeville. Michael L. Ogden, president of LFH, said the F.M. Kirby Foundation contributed $1.25 million toward the $2.9 million needed to build the 5,000-square foot primary care center. The new center is named in honor of Walker D. Kirby, who was an active volunteer and board member of the F.M. Kirby Foundation. “Our family and foundation have had a long and very positive partnership with Little Falls Hospital. The matriarch of our family, Walker D. Kirby, witnessed first-hand the compassionate care of the medical staff,” said S. Dillard Kirby, foundation president and director. “Now, we are honored to help expand that
primary care and provide wellness efforts in Dolgeville and the immediate surrounding communities that meant so much to our parents and family.” LFH was also awarded support from New York state. The hospital is slated to receive $480,000 from Empire State Development for the relocation, design and construction of the new health center. The center is able to accommodate up to four practitioners. The new space will feature eight exam rooms, offices and a laboratory, and many other related ancillary spaces. Also included in the design is a 2,000-square-foot addition for the purpose of hosting space for community health and wellness-related purposes. The Walker D. Kirby Primary Care Center will replace the current facility on Gibson Street.
HOPE Ministries program helps seniors It’s 1927 and local radio personality Nevelle Haspin invites you to the broadcast of a gala reception for silent film diva Lorraine Bowes who is making a film portraying hometown hero and notorious WWI spy Florence Goode a.k.a. Hata Mahma. Joining Lorraine will be her leading man, if he’s sober, Roland DeHay, and Lorraine’s agent. Harold “Hawk” Toohey. Arriving without an invitation is nationally syndicated gossip columnist Helena Handbasquet. Be careful. These celebrities autograph with poisoned pens.
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atholic Charities of Herkimer County and The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties have partnered to assist senior citizens in Herkimer County by using volunteers to promote independent living. “The services provided by HOPE Ministries’ volunteers are vital to the health and wellness of the growing senior population in the county and will be provided at no cost to anyone 55 years of age or older who resides in Herkimer County,” said Catholic Charities program director Rae Raffle-Maxson. Volunteers will provide laundry
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019
assistance, light housekeeping, meal preparation, non-medical transportation, shopping for or with a care receiver, telephone reassurance and friendly visiting. Care receivers and volunteers are welcomed to help support the HOPE Ministries program. “Volunteering gives you a hand in creating a supportive, healthy environment for our seniors,” Raffle-Maxson said. If you need assistance, know of anyone needing help or would like to volunteer, contact program coordinator Lori Joy at 315-894-9917 ext. 254, or email ljoy@ccherkimer.org.
Spiritual Health Milk & Honey
By Brooke Stacia Demott
Loving Thy Neighbor But first, who is my neighbor?
ity.
Who are the culturally stigmatized “Samaritans” among us? Foreigners, drug addicts and the homeless are often ignored and fail to receive the gift of neighborly recepEditor’s note: This is the first of tion. a two-part series discussing what Jesus Who are the wounded travelers? meant when he said to love our neighThey are the widows, orphans and bor as ourselves. Part one addresses the refugees of war, broken and disquestion, who is my neighbor? Part two placed, likewise in need of protection will discuss how to love our neighbors in and care. a godly way. And everyone in between — grumpy co-workers, duplicitous anguage is in constant motion, church goers, Democrats and Repubparticularly the vernacular. licans, rich and poor, legal and illegal Colloquial vocabulary takes a immigrants, work-weary husbands, deep breath of pop and rambunctious children. culture, and takes We don’t get to choose a neighoff, running after bor to love, only how to love the the latest generaneighbor we’ve got. tional newspeak, third was a Samaritan, who took pity but sometimes we even work against Loving your neighbor doesn’t often awarding on the man and not only bandaged the good of our neighbor out of jealmean affirming or ignoring dea common word him up, but brought him to a hotel ousy, or a greedy desire for personal structive lifestyle choices. It means with a fascinating and paid the staff to care for him. or professional advancement. Worse, respecting them as fellow image new identity. Jesus asked the lawyer, “Who there are some people that we might bearers of God, and seeking their For instance, even wish harm on others because was a neighbor to this man?” The good. In every circumstance, our “catfish: — the MP Order Propo they don’t like their lawyer “The one This adresponded, will appear atwho the classification of: political affiliaforemost need is for spiritual rebirth deep-sea centions, immigration status, or personhad mercy on him.” Jesus replied, in Christ, and often, by providing for terpiece of all Demott “Go and do the same.” alities. Rome NY a physical need, we’ll earn a platform respectable SouthAncient Jews despised SamariGod saw our desperate need to to speak to a greater spiritual need. ern picnics” — now shares its name tans.in Centuries before this 05/2014 story was be saved from the consequences of Home Date To have a neighbor is inevitable, with any slimy individual seeking to with told, a ruthless civilization called sin even as he spoke the universe but to be a neighbor is altogether defraud the public with a false social theDate: Assyrians conquered and subseinto being. He prepared lay down March 17, 2014 Acct# A1ZGFE Sales Rep:toGRIMALDI, JENNIFER L Size: HCN6 Ad Id: AM intentional. media profile. quently ruled nearly all of the Middle his life for us, before the foundations A “profile” being, in this case, East. When Israel was captured, the of the earth were laid. not a facial silhouette, but an online Assyrians took able-bodied Israelites Jesus is our greatest neighbor, collection of personal information ac- captive, but left the sick and elderly meeting our greatest need and rescucessible to friends. These friends are behind. ing us from the inevitability of hell • Brooke Stacia Demott is a columnot necessarily referring to intimate, Eventually, they intermarried and restoring us in relationship to the nist with In Good Health newspaper. Got personal confidants, but to anyone with foreign cultures, becoming Father. And let’s be honest, we’re far a question for Demott? Feel free to email swimming in your sea of Facebook the “half-breed” Samaritans of from worthy of that kind of hospitalher at brooketo@aol.com. contacts. Jesus’ day. Consequently, the Jews Words can be tricky. looked down on the Samaritans and So, when Jesus tells us to “love wouldn’t associate with them. Diabetes? our neighbor as ourselves,” the first Jesus uses the Samaritan as the MP Order Proposal# order of business is to figure out ad will at the classification of: Flat Feet? story’s hero to put This down theappear notion Ad Letter what he means by “neighbor.” Rome NY that only the highest order of Godly If anyone can help us mitigate Plantar Fasciitis? with execute in Home Date 05/2014 men could know and the will the terms of this heavy charge, it’s an of God. Date: March 17, 2014 Acct# A1ZGFEYou Sales Rep: GRIMALDI, L Size: HCN6 Ad Id: AMZHMA1 Contract# may be JENNIFER eligible for shoes at little or5544766 no cost! attorney. Let’s retain the services of More importantly, he demonan ancient Hebraic lawyer who took strates that the question isn’t “who Jesus to task on this issue. is my neighbor?” but rather, “am I This lawyer confronted Jesus neighborly?” with a bold question: “What must Diabetes? I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus Question of semantics Flat Feet? answered, “Love the Lord with all of Plantar Fasciitis? If I can place limits around the your heart, soul, mind and strength You may be eligible for shoes at little or no cost! word “neighbor,” this command — and love your neighbor as yourwould be the easiest one of all. It’s a self.” The lawyer — apparently breeze to love my neighbors, if I can convinced that he satisfied that first whittle them down to people I genstipulation — asked, “Who exactly is erally like. Even if I widen that circle my neighbor?” to incorporate some geographical It seems that he was well aware parameters — like the people on my of his choosy distribution of neighstreet or at work — I might still slide borly love, so he was looking for a by on a technicality. loophole. Jesus answered, as usual, But if “neighbor” is a limitless with a story. term — if anyone, at any given You’ve probably heard it before. time, could be counted among them A man was beaten unconscious and — then I might need to reevaluate robbed, and three men found him my willingness to follow Christ to lying by the side of the road. my neighbor’s side. The first to pass by was a priest, AMZHMDNLM 14-Mar-2014 07:57 Loving my unanticipated and ordained in the service of God; nevunbounded neighbor is a far more ertheless, he left the man lying in the demanding charge. street. The second, a Levite from the Not only are we often too busy to tribe of God’s priestly order, likewise Corresponding Listing Information: notice the needs of those around us, couldn’t be bothered to help. The AMZHMDNLM 14-Mar-2014 07:57
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August 2019 •
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If you require a change, please contact your sales representative or call Yellow Book Customer Service at 1-800-891-1899. SIGNATURE: __________________________
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Our lives, impacted by addiction By Ambi Daniel Addiction has gathered steam on the way to becoming one of society’s biggest challenges. This goes far beyond the opioid epidemic. It’s not just substances like alcohol or heroin that lead to addiction. To look at addiction, we must consider that anything in life that produces a rewarding response can lead to addiction. You’ve likely heard people say things like, “Well, it’s OK if it’s a good addiction, like working out.” Exercise on its own is a fantastic thing. At the same time, if we are starting to see it impacting a Daniel person’s life in a negative way, now we start looking at it with different eyes. Addiction is not about a substance or single behavior; it’s about dysfunction. Let’s take substances out of the equation and look at cell phones. Have you ever left home without your cell phone and chose to go back to get it, leading to being late for work? Or, if you didn’t go back, you would be feeling really “off” all day? Are you regularly sucked into the black hole of cat videos or articles for over an hour when you planned a 15-minute Facebook break? Have you heard anyone say, “I miss a time without cell phones, I used to do so much more with my life?” Have you noticed there is a change socially and in interpersonal relationships because of the internet
at our fingertips? Of course, it’s great to have a literal world of knowledge at our fingertips. At the same time, when we look at some of these easy-to-connect-to scenarios, we can see how our lives changed in less functional ways. One characteristic of dysfunction is not enough to define it as an addiction; however, when we start to have multiple criteria, now we can see the strength of the impact on a persons’ life. The reality is there is a reason we choose chocolate over salads! Our brain is looking for ways to let us feel rewarded, to keep going, to continue successful survival, successful work and fun. There are neurotransmitters released telling us, “This was the right decision, do it again! Get that reward!” And this happens before our logical thinking part of our brain says, “Hold on, let’s look at the pros and cons of this, and make an informed decision, to be sure this is the best plan.” When you read those two inner dialogues back, how did they sound in your head? Did you have a reaction to the “neurotransmitter voice” versus the “logical brain” voice? Most of us hear statements like these with specific voices in our head. When there is a photo of Morgan Freeman, many naturally hear whatever is written in his voice! What voice tone did you hear when you read those statements? The tone is telling of what we will emotionally gravitate toward! Our world is becoming faster and faster and instant gratification is getting more instantly accessible. So, let’s go back to those cell phones, when someone gets a “like” or a comment on their Facebook
Health care in a Minute By George W. Chapman
Wearable devices
Wearable devices are a form of AI. According to several surveys, about two thirds of consumers responded they would be willing to use a wearable device, like an Apple Watch or a Fitbit, if it means fewer trips to their provider’s office. Fifty-five percent of respondents said they would wear a device at home if it meant their health could be monitored by someone remotely. Many insurers are offering discounts to members with wearable devices. According to a study by Evidation Page 18
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Health, diabetic and hypertensive patients with wearable devices are far more compliant with adhering to their meds. The biggest challenge is engaging patients to adopt and integrate virtual care into their daily lives. Despite all the advances in medicine, it still takes two to tangle. Poor patient compliance still frustrates physicians.
FDA revolving door
Dwight Eisenhower warned us against the “acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industri-
post, or finds something connecting to their current emotion, we get that same neurotransmitter boost that says, “Do it again!” It has become easier to find reward in reading short articles on the internet instead of the delayed gratification of a full book. When we talk about chemical substances including heroin, marijuana, and alcohol, we are getting that neurotransmitter boost in much more significant ways than a great meal, or a “like” on Facebook.
There are solutions?
So, what does all this mean? Are we all doomed to a world of instant gratification? It doesn’t, and at the same time, it gets easier to see addiction in a bigger light. There are many things we can do to halt the cycle. Where can we start? For many, it’s about starting to recognize there is dysfunction at any level. We can decide to try and change behaviors on our own or to seek help. In the Mohawk Valley, we are genuinely one of the most resource-rich areas in the state of New York. There are counselors and therapists that specialize in addiction, and for substance use specifically, we have a growing network of treatment providers, peer advocates, and family support navigators. At Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. we can connect you to the services in our community that best fit your needs. If we want to start on our own, one of the best tools is to find a way to redirect the behavior and change course. Let’s go back to those pesky cell phones. If we see it or hear a notification and are triggered to pick it up, we know we may get sucked in. It’s about breaking the cycle and desensitizing to the trigger. One technique uses technology to beat technology. There is a free app called Forest App that we’ve been talking about a lot. It’s a very simple concept: You set the timer for how long you want a cell phone break, and this triggers the growing of a “cute little tree.” While the tree is growing, you are unable to open most apps, without the decision to kill the tree. Many al complex.” Arms manufacturers were hiring retired generals to act as lobbyists to their former employer. Now the same can be said of the FDA-pharmaceutical complex. Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottleib resigned in early April “to spend more time with his family.” Less than three months later, he is working for drug giant Pfizer. This has become standard fare in Washington and is just another example of why President Trump wants to mandate a two-year waiting period between working in government and becoming a lobbyist for the very industry you were regulating. The U.S. has the highest cost of healthcare per capita in the industrialized world and the pharmaceutical industry plays a huge part in our costs. Drugs invented, tested and manufactured in the US are sold abroad far cheaper.
Climate change More than 70 medical and public health organizations have deemed
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019
have found this to be a very effective tool because they just can’t kill the trees! More than one person has shared they have been able to read more books and enjoy more summer activities using this technique! Regardless of the addiction, tools of redirection are one of the most basic forms to fight those impulses. They say you have three seconds to change your mind. If you have a thought to engage in a behavior that has been causing dysfunction, you want to have a planned set of options of things to actively do. The more of your five senses you are engaging at once, the more rewarding and stronger the tool will be, which will lead to better, successful redirection. Cooking is a great example of this. Open your awareness to how ingredients feel, smell, and taste. Hear the sounds of the stove at work, see the amazing colors that so much of our food has. Exercise is also a fantastic tool that engages multiple senses and also releases neurotransmitters. When we look at the concept of reward and redirection, it’s also one of the most powerful that loved ones of those struggling with addiction can use. Ask yourself, what activities would my loved one enjoy doing that I can help them start? Where can I express appreciation for a job well done or a thank you for a task completed? These little steps of reward can really impact a shift in the addictive cycle. We are living in a growing world that is so fast-paced, where we work more and more, and slow down less. It’s becoming more challenging to stop the momentum to find the little rewards of mindfulness and delayed gratification. I challenge you to slow down, spend time with your loved ones, and take in the world with as many senses as you possibly can. If you need help breaking the cycle of dysfunction and addiction, please reach out. There are so many of us who will walk with you on your journey to wellness and recovery. • Ambi Daniel is the director of family support navigation services at the Center for Family Life & Recovery, Inc. in Utica. climate change to be one of the single greatest threats to our health and a medical emergency. Groups supporting the climate change call to action are: AMA; American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatricians; and American College of Physicians. The “Climate, Health and Equity Policy Action and Agenda” calls for solutions to be incorporated into all healthcare and public health policies.
George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.
By Jim Miller
How to hire an in-home caregiver Dear Savvy Senior,
I need to locate a good inhome caregiver for my 83-yearold mother. What’s the best way to find and hire one?
Looking for Care
Dear Looking,
Finding a good in-home caregiver for an elderly parent can be challenging. How can you find one that’s reliable and trustworthy, as well as someone your parent likes and is comfortable with? Here are some tips that can help.
Know your needs
Before you start the task of looking for an in-home caregiver, your first step is to determine the level of care your mom needs. This can pinpoint the type of help she’ll need. For example, if she only needs help with daily living tasks like shopping, cooking, doing laundry, bathing or dressing, a “homemaker” or “personal care aide” will do. But if she needs health care services, there are “home health aides” that may do all the things a homemaker does, plus they also have training in administering medications, changing wound dressings and other medically related duties. Home health aides often work under a nurse’s supervision. Once you settle on a level of care, you then need to decide how many hours of assistance she’ll need. For example, does your mom need someone to come in just a few mornings a week to help her cook, clean, run errands or perhaps bathe? Or does she need more continuous care that requires daily visits or a full-time aide? After you determine her needs, there are two ways in which you can go about hiring someone. Either through an agency, or you can hire someone directly on your own.
Hiring through an agency
Hiring a personal care or home health aide through an agency is the safest and easiest option, but it’s more expensive. Costs typically run anywhere between $14 and $25 an hour depending on where you live and the qualification of the aide. How it works is you pay the agency, and they handle everything including an assessment of your mom’s needs, assigning appropriately trained and prescreened staff to care for her, and finding a fill-in on days her aide
cannot come. Some of the drawbacks, however, are that you may not have much input into the selection of the caregiver, and the caregivers may change or alternate, which can cause a disruption. To find a home-care agency in your mom’s area ask for referrals through friends, family or doctor’s offices, or use the home-care locator service tool at PayingForSeniorCare. com — click on “Find Quality, Affordable Care.” In addition, Medicare offers a home health compare tool at Medicare.gov/ HomeHealthCompare to help you find and compare home health care agencies. You also need to be aware that original Medicare does not cover inhome caregiving services unless your mom is receiving doctor’s ordered skilled nursing or therapy services at home too. But if your mom is in a certain Medicare Advantage plan, or is low-income and qualifies for Medicaid, she may be eligible for some coverage.
From left, American Heart Association Executive Director Christine Kisiel celebrates with Volunteer of the Year award winners Justine Imundo and Gerard Capraro.
American Heart Association recognizes volunteers
V
olunteers are what make the gle served as a member of the volunAmerican Heart Association teer committee for many years before successful in funding lifesavtaking over the leadership role. ing research, education, training and The Go Red for Women Outadvocacy programs in the Mohawk standing Volunteer award went to Valley. Christine Meyers. Meyers was a The association recently honored member of the first Go Red Survivor and celebrated the local “Heroes Class in 2016 and has been sharing of Heart” at an awards recognition her story ever since. She has also and celebration at Hart’s Hill Inn in continued to volunteer in any capacWhitesboro. ity needed to make the Go Red for The Volunteer of the Year award Women luncheon successful. was given to Gerard Capraro and Several other awards were given Justine Imundo. out, including the America’s Greatest Hiring directly Capraro and Imundo worked Heart Run & Walk team competition Hiring an independent caregiver many hours this year to create a new awards. The team competition recogon your own is the other option, and database and data processing system nizes the top fundraising teams from it’s less expensive. Costs typically for Heart Radiothon and Heart Televarious categories. range between $12 and $20 per hour. thon donors. The recent event also recognized Hiring directly also gives you more They were also present at both High 5 Club members. This group control over who you hire so you can includes those who raise at least $500 choose someone who you feel is right events to ensure the process went smoothly. The database improved or more at America’s Greatest Heart for your mom. efficiency and will be used for years Run & Walk. But be aware that if you do hire to come. This group of 205 participants someone on your own, you become Brenda McMonagle was recograised more than $360,000. A special the employer so there’s no agency nized with the Distinguished Service reception was held before the awards support to fall back on if a problem award. This year was McMonagle’s ceremony to additionally honor the occurs or if the aide doesn’t show first year as the chairwoman of the Grand VIP Club members who raised up. You’re also responsible for Rome Run & Indoor Walk. McMonaat least $1,000 or more. paying payroll taxes and any workerrelated injuries that may happen. If you choose this option make sure 5% Cash Discount American Made Furniture you check the aide’s references Free Home Delivery Recliners thoroughly, and do a criminal From traditional reclining chairs to background check, which you can power and wall hugger recliners, We do through sites like eNannySource. have one to fit every room and every style. Looking for a recliner chair with all com. the right moves? Select from our rocking, To find someone, ask for referrals glider or swivel recliner chairs. or try eldercare-matching services Power Recliners like Care.com or CareLinx.com. Or, For those that need mobility assistance, for a fee, an aging life care expert (see Power lift recliners are the perfect choice. AgingLifeCare.org) can help you find At the touch of a button, our power lift someone. chairs let you comfortably relax and Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 19
Health News LFH awards annual scholarship
CABVI home of USA hockey training camp
Little Falls Hospital, a subsidiary of the Bassett Healthcare Network, awarded Geena Morotti the Frederika Vickers Conrad and Dr. Joseph W. Conrad Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Dr. Sue Conrad Quinby and Roger P. Quinby established the scholarship fund in 1973 in memory of Frederika Vickers Conrad and her husband, Dr. Joseph W. Conrad. The Quinbys specified that Morotti the fund must be used to award a scholarship to a deserving student of the Little Falls Central School District who is interested in pursuing a career in medicine, paramedicine, nursing, laboratory, technical work, hospital administration or any allied health field. Morotti, the daughter of Lynn and Joseph Morotti, graduated in June from Little Falls Central School District. She has chosen to follow a career in health care as a physician assistant studying bioscience medicine at Nazareth College in Rochester. “The euphoria of being able to help others is one of the reasons why I plan to pursue a career in the medical field,” says Morotti. “As a doctor, you develop a relationship with your patients. When patients come to see you, they are not only seeking treatment, they are looking for emotional support and assurance.”
The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and USA Blind Hockey announced recently a three-year partnership to make Utica the official home for the USA Blind Hockey training camp. Based on the contract between CABVI and USA Blind Hockey, the team will participate in a five-day hockey training camp each summer through December 2021. With the opening of CABVI’s Vision Health & Wellness Center, CABVI is embracing an evolutionary approach to service delivery and therapy, enhancing quality of life through elite competitive sports including USABA Sports Clubs and U.S. Paralympic sports. This year’s training camp was held recently with a preseason game against Gary Heenan’s Allstars at the Whitestown Community Center & Ice Rink. “This partnership is a wonderful honor and allows us to move forward with our elite sports program,” said Kathy Beaver, vice president of CABVI Rehabilitation. CABVI’s vision rehabilitation programs provide for more than 1,500 people who are blind or visually impaired in an eight county area of Upstate New York.
LFH awards Burke Memorial Scholarship Leah Zilkowski was recently awarded the Dr. Bernard J. Burke Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 by Little Falls Hospital, a part of the Bassett Healthcare Network. On behalf of Burke’s many years of service to LFH and to honor his lifelong dedication to his patients, the medical staff of LFH established The Bernard J. Burke Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarZilkowski ship is awarded annually to a deserving student in the LFH service area who plans to pursue a career in the health care field. Recipients of this scholarship need not only to have a desire to serve others in the health care field, but also have a financial need. Zilkowski, the daughter of Daniel and Joanne Zilkowski, graduated in June from Dolgeville Central School District. She has chosen to Page 20
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Community Memorial reminds parents to add well-child visits this summer Health professionals at Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton and its five family health centers want to remind parents and guardians to include an annual well-child visit or a sport physical to their summer plans. New York State Department of Education requires an annual well-child visit for all students pre-K through 11th grade and all student athletes. Above from left, CMH Auxiliary members Valorie Rathbone and Susan Stradling-Barrett assemble school kits for area students for their well-child visit. During the visit, there is an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns about a child with a physician. The annual well-child visit is also the time to update a child’s immunizations. To schedule a visit at one of the five family health centers, call 315-824-4600 or visit CommunityMemorial.org/family-health-centers/. follow a career in the health field as a physician assistant at the University of Albany, majoring in biology. “I chose to go to school to become a physician assistant because they are able to care for and treat people and can find where their passion lies in the medical field,” Zilkowski said.
CABVI welcomes new president, CEO Edward Welsh is the new president and chief executive officer for the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, effective Nov. 4. CABVI, a nonprofit agency in Utica that serves people who are blind or visually impaired, selected Welsh following a national search. His breadth of knowledge and experience with CABVI positions him with a depth of understanding Welsh of the organization, including that of national and state agencies for the blind. He has served as board chairman for the CABVI board of directors for several years and has been involved with various facets of the agency since 1994.
Welsh comes to this role with an extensive professional background in executive leadership. For the past 12 years, he has served as general manager of the American Automobile Association in Utica. Welsh held several prior leadership positions at AAA as well, including regional director of member services, marketing and public affairs for three years, and vice president of operations, marketing and public relations for nearly 15 years. Notably during his time at AAA, he was instrumental in furthering AAA New York’s Road Service Call Center expansion to Utica that brought over 100 new jobs to the area. In addition to his role on the CABVI board of directors, Welsh is a board member for the Utica Tower Corporation; consultant-facilitator for Revolutionary Trails Council for the Boy Scouts of America, Utica; and board member-past chief for Engine 11, Utica. CABVI’s vision rehabilitation programs provide for more than 1,800 people who are blind or visually impaired in Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Fulton, Lewis, Montgomery, Jefferson and northern Otsego counties.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019
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MVHS Waterville Medical Office gets boost The Mohawk Valley Health System Foundation was awarded a $100,000, two-year grant from Edward S. Barton, Bank of America, N.A., co-trustee to assist in renovations of the MVHS Waterville Medical Office located at the Madison Street Business Park, 358 Madison St., Waterville. In January, the MVHS Medical Group consolidated its two Waterville Medical Office locations: Waterville Medical Office-West Main Street and Waterville Medical Office-Madison Street Business Park to all services taking place out of the Madison Street Business Park office. MVHS primary care providers Mallory Sullivan and Michelle Rhymestine will relocate to the Madison Street Business Park office from West Main Street and join the current practice of David Petrie and Nicole Schreck. The new design and construction of the office will help improve the patient experience, office flow and offer an up-to-date, healing location for patients to receive care. On average, the Waterville Medical Office sees 813 patients a month and has roughly 9,700 patient visits a year. Providers treat newborns through adults. The MVHS Foundation is the fundraising arm of the MVHS. The last will and testament of Edward S. Barton of Waterville was to establish a charitable trust to use for educational, municipal and charitable purposes for those organizations located in and around the village of Waterville.
Health News MVHS medical offices merging The Mohawk Valley Health System has merged its Sauquoit Medical Office, 2888 Oneida St., Sauquoit, with its Washington Mills Medical Office, 3946 Oneida St., New Hartford. MVHS has notified all patients of the change. Lab services offered at the Sauquoit Medical Office will be directed to the MVHS Outpatient Lab Services center located at the Washington Mills Medical Office as part of this transition. For more information, call 315624-8300.
The Arc, Oneida-Lewis announces leaders The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter recently announced the officers and directors who will be serving on its board of directors for the 2019-2020 term. Officers elected to serve this year include Steven Gassner, president; Maureen Bosco, vice president; Stephen Caruso, treasurer; and Zaida Morell, secretary. The Arc board welcomes Robert Bulman, chief operations officer at the Utica Comets; Stephanie Eghigian, executive director of the Women’s Employment Resource Center; and Lawrence Farago, psychiatrist, as new members. Brian Bellair, James D’Onofrio, Evon Ervin, Joanna Greco, John Kowalczyk, David Mathis, Leland McCormac and Ruth Ridgway are continuing as directors. The Arc, Oneida-Lewis board of directors is composed of seven parents or relatives of persons with developmental disabilities and eight community members.
Foundation welcomes new members The Community Memorial Foundation Board of Directors held its annual meeting at the Colgate Inn, Hamilton recently. During the meeting, plans were set in motion for “Building For The Future” and Theresa Kevorkian and Mark Barnes were elected to serve on the 19-member board. “Our primary purpose is to secure the resources that financially support the current and future needs of Community Memorial and ensures continued quality health care close to home,” said Julie Rubenstein, board chairwoman. Kevorkian serves as vice president for institutional advancement at SUNY Morrisville and as executive director of the Morrisville College Foundation. She oversees fundraising activities including the annual fund, leadership gifts, major gifts, planned giving, and all alumni relation functions. Prior to her tenure at Morrisville, Kevorkian worked for the Office of Institutional Advancement at Car-
KeyBank donates to Friends of The Arc Foundation Representatives from KeyBank visited The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter to present a check in the amount of $10,000 to the Friends of The Arc Foundation. Celebrating the occasion are, from left, Adrienne Carbone, Friends of The Arc Foundation board president; Katie Mannella, Friends of The Arc Foundation; Sabrina Webster, KeyBank vice president and senior relationship manager, Middle Market; Ronald Klein, KeyBank area retail leader, Central New York East, Beth Luvera, KeyBank vice president, Shopping Center Drive; Karen Korotzer, chief executive officer, The Arc, Oneida-Lewis; and Rebecca Kearns, director of development, The Arc, Oneida-Lewis. The Friends of the Arc Foundation is a nonprofit organization that secures and manages philanthropic support to benefit the programs and services of The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter. For more information about The Friends of The Arc Foundation, or to donate, visit thearcolc.org. thage College in Kenosha, Wisc., Hamilton College and Colgate University, her alma mater. Kevorkian earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate in 2009 and in 2011, a Master of Philosophy degree in Islamic studies and history from the University of Oxford, Oxford, England. She resides in Oriskany Falls with her husband and son. Barnes grew up on a familyowned dairy farm in Madison, graduating from Madison Central School. He attended Syracuse University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a juris doctorate from its College of Law. He established his private law practice in Waterville, focusing primarily on real estate, estate planning, and family law. He is affiliated with the Oneida & Madison County Bar Associations, and is a member and past president of the Waterville Rotary Club. Barnes has been a trustee of the Waterville Public Library since 1994, and serves as president of its board of trustees. He makes his home in Waterville and for more than 40 years, has been involved in the entertainment industry as a performing musician and singer. Meanwhile, the Hamilton Family Health Center expansion and renovation project costing $2 million
and entirely funded by Community Memorial Foundation donors will be completed soon. The 5,000-square-foot addition and updated space houses both primary care and expanded specialty services. For more information, visit CommunityMemorial.org/foundation/, call 315-824-7037 or email Foundation@cmhhamilton.com.
Community Memorial adds family physician The Hamilton Family Health Center recently added a physician, Sheila Ramanathan, to Community Memorial Healthcare. Ramanathan is a family medicine physician with an interest in rural medicine and women’s health. Born and raised in northeastern Pennsylvania, Ramanathan attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. and following her mother’s professional path, decided to attend Ramanathan medical school. “I was always around her practice when I was young and was fascinated with how she cared for her
August 2019 •
patients,” she said. Ramanathan graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, Pa. with her doctorate in osteopathic medicine, and completed a residency in family medicine at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, where she gained broad experience treating patients in the military and from rural settings. During her time as a resident, Ramanathan traveled extensively in the United States and abroad, completing mission work in Uganda, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
Universal Pre-K classrooms set for fall Any family that has a child that will be 4 years old by Dec. 1 and lives in the Utica City School District is eligible to register for the free Universal Pre-K at The Neighborhood Center. The UPK program, a 2-1/2 hour program featured five days a week, offers morning and afternoon sessions from September to June that emphasize readiness for kindergarten. The center offers the Universal Pre-K in partnership with the school district. Applications are available by contacting Sabrina Lamie at 315-2722619 or stop at the administration offices at 624 Elizabeth St., Utica.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 21
Smile with Dr. Suy
By Dr. Salina Suy
What is sleep apnea?
H
appy August everyone! August means Albert and I are getting married this month, officially tying the knot! For those of you who don’t know, I came to Utica to follow my heart and be with my fiancé, Albert G. Tahan! Along the way, I found a great community to be a part of, a family who accepts me as their own and a dental office to call my dental home. I hope your August is meaningful and full of love as well. Thank you Suy again for joining in on this month’s “Smile with Dr. Suy” and our continuing series “Defining Dentistry.” Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where you have periodic interruptions of breathing during your sleep. There were more than 200,000 people diagnosed with sleep apnea last year in the United States alone. Patients with untreated sleep apnea literally stop breathing in their sleep, losing oxygen to their brain and remainder of their body during that time. These occurrences vary by individual but can be up to hundreds of times per night.
There are two types of sleep apnea: • Obstructive sleep apnea: The most common of the two types, this form of sleep apnea is when the airway is blocked during sleep, usually due to our soft tissues of the back of our throats impeding the opening. Snoring is commonly associated with obstructive sleep apnea. • Central sleep apnea: Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea patients have a perfectly open airway. With central sleep apnea, the brain signals that normally would tell us to breathe in our sleep are failing to do so.
Are you at risk?
While everyone can potentially have sleep apnea, it has been linked with being male, overweight, over 40 years old; having a large neck size (over 16-17 inches); having large tonsils-tongue; having a small jaw; family history of sleep apnea; nasal obstructions due to deviated septums; allergies or sinus problems. Side effects of sleep apnea include high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, diabetes, depression, worsening of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, headaches, and poor performance in everyday activities.
How is it treated?
Patients can help change their
prognosis by doing things such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol or sleeping pills, and changing sleep positions. Other doctor-assisted treatments include surgery and at-home devices. There are two main treatments for patients for home: • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): This treatment is essentially a facemask that you wear during sleep. The mask is hooked to a machine that delivers airflow, and the air keeps your airway open so breathing is regular. This is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. • Dental mandibular repositioning device: Your dentist administers this treatment. The dental device is made from dental impressions in your mouth and is worn during sleep. The device moves your lower jaw forward to allow your airway to stay open during the night.
While not as commonly used as the CPAP, dental devices help more patients as knowledge of their existence is made more aware. Most patients now are 50% CPAP and 50% dental device users. If you think you have sleep apnea, feel free to call your dentist and start breathing again. I hope this column has helped increase awareness of the dentist role in the treatment of sleep apnea. As always, thank you for joining me in this month’s education series and hopefully we will learn more together next month. Please feel free to contact me with questions and comments. • Dr. Salina Suy is a health and wellness advocate and general dentist in Utica. Want to learn more? Visit Facebook @smilewithdrsuy or www.smilewithdrsuy.com.
s d i K Corner
Does playing video games lead to obesity in kids?
T
o the millions of parents who worry about the extra pounds their child might pile on while playing Xbox all day, rest easy. A new study suggests that video game-loving kids aren’t any heavier than those who aren’t into the gaming scene. Childhood obesity affects an estimated 13.7 million children and adolescents in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But researchers from Germany challenge the notion that gaming is fueling the epidemic. Excess weight gain in kids has a slew of causes: high-calorie, low-nutrient snacks and beverages, lack of physical activity, medication use, sleep routines and sedentary activities. However, the study found that video games can’t be counted as one of those activities. “Given our results, it is likely Page 22
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that the energy intake [food and drinks] and their energy expenditure [including non-sedentary activities] are not closely related to playing games,” said researcher Markus Appel, from the University of Wurzburg. Childhood obesity can lead to significant health problems like Type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea and psychological stress. Obesity-related conditions are some of the leading causes of preventable, premature death. Changing eating habits and activity levels are some of the best ways to prevent obesity. Jason Bruck, a nurse anesthetist at Mount Sinai West in New York City, shared some advice for parents. “Make sure your children stay active,” Bruck said. “Prepare meals ahead of time, provide healthy snacks. A lot of small details can influence your child’s health.” The research, involving 20 stu-
dies with more than 38,000 participants, also revealed that the image of the overweight gamer lolling on the couch with a controller, potato chips and a bottle of soda may be more applicable to adults. Appel and his colleagues noticed a small correlation for video game playing and excess weight among adults. A possible explanation for the correlation is indirect: Those who spend more time playing video games are likely to spend less time exercising, thus weighing more. The prevalence of adult obesity in the United States is a staggering 39.8%.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019
In the past, the relationship between video games and obesity has been studied. Other forms of sedentary media consumption, such as watching TV, have shown a strong link to weight gain. “TV use is more reliably related to body mass in kids and adolescents,” Appel said. He offered a reason for this link. “There are more ads for high-calorie food and drinks in TV than in games,” Appel said. The study was published online recently in the journal Social Science and Medicine.
CALENDAR of
HEALTH EVENTS
Got a health-related activity or event that you would like publicized? Call Lou Sorendo at 315-749-7070 or email lou@cnymail.com. Continued from Page 13
Aug. 7
Narcan training classes available In response to the influx of overdoses in the local community, Insight House will be offering free community Narcan training classes on a twice-monthly basis. Classes will be held from 2-3 p.m. on the first and last Wednesday of every month at 500 Whitesboro St., Utica. The next sessions will take place on Aug. 7 and Aug. 28. Space is limited and preregistration is recommended by calling 315-724-5168 ext. 238.
Aug. 8
Laryngectomy support group to meet The Laryngectomy Support Group will hold its monthly meeting at noon Aug. 8 in the Sister Regina Conference Room on the first floor of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center hospital building, 2209 Genesee St., Utica. The support group is sponsored by SEMC. Laryngectomy support group
meetings are held at noon on the second Thursday of each month. A laryngectomy is the procedure to remove a person’s larynx and separates the airway from the mouth, nose and esophagus. The laryngectomee breathes through an opening in the neck, called a stoma. The public is welcome to attend. Those with questions can call the speech therapy department at 315801-4475.
Aug. 9
Breastfeeding Café opens at Rome Memorial The Mohawk Valley Breastfeeding Network, in partnership with Rome Memorial Hospital, has opened a new Breastfeeding Café to provide pregnant and breastfeeding moms and their families a place to support one another, socialize and get breastfeeding clinical support if needed. The group meets from noon to 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of the month at Rome Memorial Hospital, fourth floor, 1500 N. James St. The next meetings will be on Aug. 9 and Aug. 23. There is no cost to participate and mothers can bring their babies to be weighed at the hospital’s “Weighto-Go” station. Snacks will be pro-
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Health center schedules community day Upstate Family Health Center will hold its community day event from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 9 at its Utica location, 1001 Noyes St., to mark National Health Center Week 2019. The free event is part of a national campaign to increase awareness of the ways health centers are providing affordable health care in communities. The UFHC Community Day will showcase the primary care services it provides as well as other community resources. Games and prizes, food and entertainment will be available at this family friendly event. UFHC is a licensed facility offering primary care services to individuals of all ages at various locations throughout the Mohawk Valley. Call 315-927-3467 for more information or visit upstatefamilyhealthcenter.org.
Aug. 12
Support forum for patients, cancer survivors The Mohawk Valley Health System’s Cancer Center’s monthly support forum for patients and cancer survivors will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 12. The cancer support forum meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of every month in the Cancer Center’s fireplace lounge on the main floor of Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica. The forum, led by the Cancer Center’s social worker, offers support to anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to RSVP, call 315-624-5241.
Support group to meet at Rome Memorial Hospital
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vided. Dads and grandparents are welcome. For more information, contact Laurie Hoke in RMH’s maternity department at 315-338-7291. You can find meeting announcements on Breastfeeding Café and Rome Memorial Hospital Facebook pages.
The brain aneurysm, AVM (arteriovenous malformation) and stroke support group will meet from 5:307:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at Rome Memorial Hospital’s second-floor classroom. The group meets on the second Monday of every month. RMH is located at 1500 N. James St., Rome. For more information, call Deb Dunn at 315-533-6467 or email RomeNY@JoeNiekroFoundation.org.
Aug. 16
Mohawk Homestead sponsors golf outing The Mohawk Homestead will be hosting its fourth annual golf outing on Aug. 16 at Hidden Valley Golf Club, 189 Castle Road, Whitesboro. The event will begin at 9 a.m., with registration and tee-off time at 10 a.m. Golfers will play 18 holes of golf and will be treated to lunch and a August 2019 •
steak dinner. The fee is $75 per person and includes a cart. The board of directors of The Mohawk Homestead plans the annual event as a fundraiser. Profits from the event will be used for improvements to the facility. Co-chairwomen for the event, Deb Marley and Dory Aloisio, noted players should register for the outing by Aug. 9. Walk-ins also can participate by registering at the golf course on the morning of the event. To register, call Marley at 315588-9788 or Lisa Gollegly at 315-8661841 ext. 404. Participants are requested to send a check for the $75 registration fee, payable to The Mohawk Homestead, 62 E. Main St., Mohawk, NY 13407 or call 315-866-1841 ext. 304 to pay by credit card. Sponsorships for the event are available for businesses and individuals by calling 315-866-1841 ext. 404.
Aug. 19
Family support group focuses on addiction Families who are dealing with the problems of addiction can find help and information at a support group meeting from 6-7 p.m. Aug. 19 in the second floor classroom at Rome Memorial Hospital. The group meets the third Monday of each month and is free and open to everyone. Offered by the hospital’s Community Recovery Center, the support group provides an opportunity to discuss issues with others who are in the same situation. Certified by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, the Community Recovery Center, 264 W. Dominick St., Rome, offers alcohol and substance abuse treatment for adolescents and adults. Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, the center participates with most major insurance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. A sliding scale fee is available for self-pay clients. For more information about the support group or the Community Recovery Center, call 334-4701.
Sept. 14
Class focuses on feeding newborn Human milk is the best possible nutrition for your baby. With knowledge and practice, both mother and baby can learn how to successfully breastfeed. Rome Memorial Hospital will be featuring classes where parents-to-be can learn about their baby’s nutritional needs, feeding by breast or bottle and other hand-feeding methods. All are welcome to attend regardless of feeding choice. International board-certified lactation specialist Amanda Huey N, IBCLC will lead the free class. Classes will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays on Sept. 14 and Nov. 9. Classes will be held in the hospital’s second floor classroom. No registration is required. For more information, call the education department at 315-338-7143.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 23
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JD & THE 135 CEMETERY ST., ROLLIN SOUTH BAND
10:30 P.M. – FIREWORKS In the Show Ring
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 14TH 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. *CHILDREN’S DAY* (Rides open at Noon) Also half price day for adults 13 & older 9:30 A.M. – YOUTH & OPEN COLORED BREED DAIRY SHOW In the Seward Valley Farm Livestock Arena 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. – SENIOR BINGO 5:00 P.M. – KIDDIE FIREMATICS In the M&T BANK Youth Arena Sponsored by STEWART’S SHOPS 6:00 P.M. – BROOKFIELD GARDEN TRACTOR PULL In the Show Ring 7:30 P.M. & 9:30 P.M. – “Shania Twin” Her Farewell Performance in the AMERICAN HOMES Entertainment Pavilion
THURSDAY AUGUST 15TH 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. *CHILDRENS DAY* (Rides open at Noon) 10:00 A.M. – YOUTH & OPEN BEEF SHOW In the Seward Valley Farm Livestock Arena MEAT GOAT SHOW to follow
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JD & THE ROLLIN SOUTH BAND CHILDREN’S POWER Sunday WHEEL DERBY
Sunday FRANKFORT, NY FRANKFORT, NY
135 CEMETERY ST.,
315–895–7464 315–895–7464 FIREWORKS
www.herkimercountyfair.org www.herkimercountyfair.org
Sunday
10:30 10:30FIREWORKS PM • Tues., Aug. 13th And SePePEARING A
1:00 P.M. – ICE-CREAM GIVEAWAY Sponsored by STEWART’S SHOPS & HERKIMER COUNTY DAIRY PROMOTION Ag. Awareness Bldg. 1:00 P.M. – SPORTS CHALLENGE Sponsored by STEWART’S SHOPS 5:00 P.M. – YOUTH & OPEN SHEEP SHOW In Seward Valley Farm Livestock Arena 5:00 P.M. – KIDDIE FIREMATICS In the M&T BANK Youth Arena, Sponsored by M&T BANK 7:00 P.M. – DEMOLITION DERBY In the Show Ring Sponsored by VINCE’S U-PULL-IT 7:30 P.M. & 9:30 P.M. – “RYLEE LUM”, Country, In the AMERICAN HOMES Entertainment Pavilion
FRIDAY AUGUST 16TH 9:30 A.M. – YOUTH & OPEN HOLSTEIN DAIRY SHOW, In the Seward Valley Farm Livestock Arena 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. – AGRICULTURE SCAVENGER HUNT, Sponsored by WHITE’S FARM SUPPLY 3:00 P.M. – PEDAL TRACTOR PULL In the M&T BANK Youth Arena Sponsored by M&T BANK 5:30 P.M. – CHILDREN’S PEDAL TRACTOR PULL In the M&T BANK Youth Arena Sponsored by LAWRENCE CONSTRUCTION 7:00 P.M. – DEMOLITION DERBY In the Show Ring, Sponsored by VINCE’S U-Pull-It 7:30 P.M. & 9:30 P.M. “CHRIS WOODWARD”, Country Rock In the AMERICAN HOMES Entertainment Pavilion
SATURDAY AUGUST 17TH 9:00 A.M. – YOUTH/OPEN HORSE SHOW In Horse Corral 10:00 A.M. – YOUTH & OPEN GOAT SHOW In the Seward Valley Farm Livestock Arena 11:00 A.M. – SOCCER KICK In the M&T BANK Youth Arena, Sponsored by STEWART’S SHOPS 1:00 P.M. – TALENT SHOW In the AMERICAN HOMES Entertainment Pavilion, Sponsored by ILION TRUE VALUE HARDWARE 4:00 P.M. – CHILDREN’S RODEO, In the M&T BANK Youth Arena, Sponsored by M&T BANK 6:00 P.M. – 4-WHEEL DRIVE TRUCK PULL In the Show Ring, Sponsored by LITTLE FALLS LUMBER & MID VALLEY AUTO 7:30 P.M. & 9:30 P.M. – “GRIT-N-WHISKEY”, Country Variety - In the AMERICAN HOMES Entertainment Pavilion
SUNDAY AUGUST 18TH 1:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. – *RIDE SPECIAL* 9:00 A.M. – OPEN & YOUTH GYMKHANA HORSE SHOW 11:00 A.M. – TRACTOR PULL In the Show Ring, Sponsored by CLINTON TRACTOR & BUELL FUELS 11:00 A.M. – HOOP SHOOT In the M&T BANK Youth Arena, Sponsored by STEWART’S SHOPS 1:00 P.M. – “BUG COUNTRY SHOWDOWN” In the AMERICAN HOMES Entertainment Pavilion 1:00 P.M. – MILKING CONTEST, In Milky Way’s Farm Adventure, Sponsored by WHITE’S FARM SUPPLY 3:00 P.M. – FARM YARD OLYMPICS In the Seward Valley Farm Livestock Arena 4:00 P.M. – CHILDREN’S RODEO, In the M&T Youth Arena, Sponsored by M&T BANK 6:00 P.M. – *CHILDREN’S POWER WHEEL DERBY* In the Show Ring, Sponsored by THE PETKOVSEK FAMILY Following Country Showdown – Times to be determined “JD & THE ROLLIN SOUTH BAND”, In the AMERICAN HOMES Entertainment Pavilion
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019
S
Sunday
..
DAILY.
Pork Chop Revue
Animal Alley Zoo
First Bite Fishing Tanks
Dinosaur Encounter
KARAOKE
Mobile Glass Studio Milky Way’s Farm Adventure
Visit
www.herkimercountyfair.org
PM • EVENTS
8:30 P.M. – PRINCE, PRINCESS & QUEEN PAGEANTS, In the AMERICAN HOMES Entertainment Pavilion Sponsored by GILLETTE SHOWS
CHILDRE WHEE
GRIT-N-WHISKY JD & THE Saturday ROLLIN SOUTH BAND
CHRIS WOODWARD
TUESDAY AUGUST 13TH 3:00 P.M. – Opening Ceremonies – Memorial Park 4:00 P.M. – Gates Open 5:30 P.M. – SMALL ANIMAL JUDGING – Small Animal Bldg Sponsored by TRACTOR SUPPLY 6:30 P.M. – JR. MISS, LITTLE MISS, LITTLE MISTER PAGEANTS – In the AMERICAN HOMES Entertainment Pavilion Sponsored by GILLETTE SHOWS
Sat
Friday RYLEE LUM
($18.00 with5–12 coupon) Adults $10.00; Children $3.00; UnderILION 5 Free Wed., Aug.Days* 14thAug.• 12 p.m. p.m.12–& 10 p.m. *Children’s 14thnoon & 15th–104a.m. – 4or p.m.6(kids under free) *Senior Citizen/Adult Day*•Aug. 14th 10 – 4 p.m. OR Thurs. Aug. 15th 12 noon – 4a.m. p.m.; SPECIAL ON for all– adults) OR(Half Sun,Price Aug.Admission 18th • 1 p.m. 7RIDES p.m. RIDE 2 TicketsSale for $1.00 (Can be Used Anytime) OneSPECIALS: Day Advance Admission Tues.,(Sold Aug. 13th – 6 p.m. p.m. 12th) (Non–Refundable)Sold $5.00 only until– 10Aug.
Phone: *Senior(315) Citizen/Adult 895–7464 Day* Aug. 14th 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Address:
GRIT-N
CHRIS WOODWARD
ADMISSION PRICES RIDE SPECIAL – PAY ONE PRICE $20.00
Phone: (315) 895–7464 RIDE SPECIAL – PAY ONE PRICE5 $20.00 Adults $10.00; Children 5–12 $3.00; Under Free ($18.00 with coupon) *Children’s Days* Aug. 14th & 15th 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (kids 12 & ADVANCE Wed., Aug. 14th Sale • 12SALE noonTickets – TICKETS 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. – 10under p.m. free) Advance OR Thurs. Aug. 15th • 12 noon – 4 p.m.; *Senior Citizen/Adult Day* Aug. 14th 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. NON–REFUNDABLE Non-Refundable OR Sun, Aug. 18th • 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Half Price Admission for all adults) Name ________________________________________________ One Day Advance Sale Admission ADMISSION PRICES Name: Address _____________________________________________ Adults$5.00 $10.00;(Sold Childrenonly 5–12 $3.00; Free (Non–Refundable) until Under Aug.5 12th) ____________________________________________ *Children’s Days* Aug. 14th & 15th 10No. a.m. of – 4 p.m. (kids 12_________ & under free) Phone # _______________________ Tickets
ENTERTAINMENT
Special ThanksRIDES to our SPECIAL ON
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Wednesday
ILION