November 2019 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
Heart Health
AFib poses true threat Atrial fibrillation can lead to life-threatening heart disease, stroke By Daniel Baldwin
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oard members and volunteers of the American Heart Association have been strong contributors to the Mohawk Valley community. They hosted the Go Red Campaign for Women luncheon at the Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro on May 1 and America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk at Utica College last March. While these events serve as a way for the organization to Jones raise money and support the community, they also are the perfect opportunity for residents to learn how to maintain a healthy heart and avoid getting heart disease and stroke. Since heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, according to the association’s website, it is no surprise to see board members and volunteers working hard to warn people about this disease. But heart disease and stroke are not the only things the association focuses on, as the members are also warning people about atrial fibrillation. According to a recent Centers for Disease Control study, 2.7-6.1 million people are affected by atrial fibrillation in the United States. This type of heart disease is not deadly, but it could increase the risk of heart disease and stroke if left untreated. “Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that causes the heart to fail to pump enough blood to the rest of the body,” Utica doctor and AHA board member Cynthia Jones said. “The common symptoms of atrial fibrillation are a racing heart, fluttering palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fatigue, fainting, 5% Cash Discount Free Home Delivery
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anxiety, and chest pain.” Board members of the AHA do not have data on how many Mohawk Valley residents are affected by this disease, but they do have strong knowledge behind it. Last September was Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month, and the association’s members did not want to miss this month-long chance of raising awareness for this disease. “AFib Awareness Month is not celebrated solely by the American Heart Association,” Jones said. “But it’s important to take whatever time we can to educate people about atrial fibrillation. Staff members and volunteers visit businesses and community events to educate and raise awareness.”
Flying under radar
People are less aware of this heart disease, and they hardly know its symptoms, according to Jones. That is the one reason why AFib Awareness Month exists. Throughout the month of September the AHA and other doctors and cardiologists warn residents about this disease and explain its symptoms. Newspaper publications and media outlets are also taking advantage of this opportunity, putting together T.V. commercials and articles about atrial fibrillation.
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“Many patients are unaware of atrial fibrillation,” Jones said. “However, increased publications in community settings such as this article and increased media coverage especially with television and the internet will help increase knowledge of the disease. While I can’t speak to the origin of AFib Awareness Month, its existence does help educate the public about atrial fibrillation and reminds them to see their health care providers.”
The ways to avoid getting atrial fibrillation are quite the same as avoiding heart disease and stroke. A person should exercise and not constantly eat foods with excess sodium or sugar. “A heart healthy lifestyle is important to reduce the risk of arterial fibrillation,” Jones said. “A heart- healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, skinless fish and chicken, and avoiding fried foods and excess sodium and sugar. It’s important to work with your primary care provider to develop a heart-healthy lifestyle plan.” But if a person recognizes the symptoms of atrial fibrillation, then it is important for him or her to get medical treatment as soon as possible. The sooner a person recognizes and reports the symptoms of atrial fibrillation to a doctor, the less risk he or she will have of dying from a stroke or any heart-related disease. “Heart failure and stroke are some of the most important reasons to recognize symptoms of atrial fibrillation early and work with your provider to get and stay on the proper treatment for atrial fibrillation,” Jones said. “Untreated atrial fibrillation doubles the risk of heart-related deaths and is associated with a five-fold increased risk for stroke. The warning signs of a stroke are facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty,” she added.
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Not enough sleep could be deadly
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ot getting enough sleep may put some people at risk for much more than being drowsy the next day, a new study says. Middle-aged people with high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease or stroke could be at increased risk for cancer and early death if they get less than six hours of sleep a night, researchers reported early in October in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Specifically, those with high blood pressure or diabetes who slept less than six hours had twice the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke compared with people who slept six or more hours. Sleep-deprived people with a history of heart disease or stroke had three times the increased risk of dying from cancer during the study that spanned three decades. “Our study suggests that achieving normal sleep may be protective for some people with these health conditions and risks,” the study’s lead author Julio Fernandez-Mendoza said in a news release. He’s an associate professor at Pennsylvania State College of Medicine and sleep psychologist at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey. But more research will be needed to determine whether increasing sleep through medical or behavioral therapies could reduce risk of early death, Fernandez-Mendoza said. The study looked at more than 1,600 adults who were categorized into two groups. One had stage 2 high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes. The other had heart disease or stroke. Participants were studied in a sleep lab for one night between 1991 and 1998. Researchers then tracked their cause of death up to the end of 2016. In that period, 512 people died — one-third of them from heart disease or stroke and one-fourth from cancer. Fernandez-Mendoza said better identification of people with specific sleep issues would potentially lead to better treatment. “Short sleep duration should be included as a useful risk factor to predict the long-term outcomes of people with these health conditions,” he said.
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Barbara Pierce
Dr. Allysa Prashad Allysa Prashad recently joined the Mohawk Valley Health System as a specialist in family medicine. She provides patient care at the MVHS Crossroads Medical Office in New Hartford and has privileges at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica. Prashad is board-certified in family medicine.
with patients to help them understand, coordinate, and prioritize treatment options that come from specialists.
Q.: You are a specialist in family medicine, in what is now called a patient-centered medical home. Can you tell us more about what it means to be a specialist in family medicine? A.: To me, this means that I am the patient’s point of primary care. Q.: As a specialist in family medicine, you provide care to patients of all ages with a broad array of conditions. How do you differ from other physicians? A.: Being a specialist in family medicine is different from other physicians in that I am not limited to just one area of treatment. For example, I am not limited to working with just a patient’s cardiology, respiratory, gastrointestinal or musculoskeletal systems, as do specialists in those areas. Q.: How did you become involved as a specialist in family medicine? A.: While in medical school, I really enjoyed the outpatient setting and getting to know about a patient’s care as a whole. Q.: What is most rewarding about it? A.: I feel that the most rewarding thing about my position is that I have the ability to help patients in various aspects of their health. Q.: What is most challenging about your profession? A.: I think that time can be the most challenging thing. I don’t ever want patients to feel like their care is being rushed. I take my time with each patient. Q.: How would you describe yourself as a medical professional? A.: As a medical professional, I would describe myself as an “information bank.” I think that it’s important for a patient to have all the details about their treatment options so that they can make the best decision for themselves. (Editor’s note: Dr. Prashad was awarded the Excellence in Inpatient Medicine Award by the Mohawk Valley Health System Hospitalist Group this past June). Q.: As a specialist in family medicine, you treat a wide range of conditions for people of all ages. You also build lasting relationships with your patients, and take a leadership role in their care. Do you also help patients with their chronic conditions?
A.: Yes, I do help patients with chronic conditions manage their conditions. I refer them to a specialist when appropriate, and coordinate recommendations from the specialist. Q.: Patients with chronic conditions often need to be referred to a specialist, and maybe more than one specialist. They need their primary physician to help them coordinate all the recommendations and treatment options, and be the glue for patients to help them pull it all together. Is that what you do? A.: Yes! I do continue to work
Q.: We understand that MVHS New Hartford Crossroads Medical Office is one of the first primary care groups in the U.S. to be recognized and designated as a patientcentered medical home. This is a new model of care that emphasizes the relationship between the patient and physician, with the support the goal of helping patients staying healthy and preventing illness. What is the significance of this for patients? A.: Everyone’s values, beliefs and lifestyle is different. As a patient-centered medical home, these differences are taken into consideration when a provider works with a patient to create and manage an appropriate plan of treatment. Q.: What else would you like people to know about you or Crossroads Medical Office? A.: There is a laboratory on the premises of the Crossroads Medical Office so that patients can get their lab work done right here. There is also a behavioral health unit on the premises that can assess the cognitive and emotional functioning of individuals with a variety of neurological concerns or conditions.
Lifelines Birth year: 1988 Birthplace: Queens Current residence: New Hartford Education: Bachelor of Science degree in biology, SUNY Stony Brook; medical degree, American University of Antigua; residency in family medicine, St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program, Utica Qualifications: June 2019 board certification, American Board of Family Medicine Personal: Single, no children Hobbies: Cooking; spending time with family and friends
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
Golden Years Caring for aging parents Taking on physical, emotional needs of senior citizens is tall order By Barbara Pierce
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I love my mother dearly. But I didn’t sign up for this,” said 62-year-old Ana Caraza of Naples, Fla. “It’s awkward — figuring out how much to get involved and just how to help. And what a challenge! I never have even a spare minute for myself!” Caraza, wife, mother, and grandmother, works full time and cares for her aged parents and her husband’s aged parents. Most older people eventually need help from others. Very few transition from being independent to deceased without needing help from others. Family members are by far the No. 1 source of support for older adults. “It’s a tough job, Caraza said. Tips from Caraza and others: — Isolation, loneliness, and boredom are the most common issues among elderly people. They may not be able to drive; they’ve lost most of their friends. “Loneliness has bad effects on both mental and physical health. Being isolated and without social interaction contributes to quicker cognitive decline,” said Kathleen Rutishauser, co-owner, Daughter for Hire LLC, Clinton. Daughter for Hire “fills in the gaps” for seniors, helping with things they are no longer able to do. Their goal is to help senior citizens remain in their own homes as long as they safely can. “We’re companions to our clients; a caring friend to senior citizens,” said Rutishauser. “We take them out. This makes a big difference in their day.” “It’s important to keep your aging parents from being socially isolated,” Caraza noted. “I try to take them out once a week.”
Oneida, Herkimer in good
Denial runs rampant
Denial is a natural tool to help us get through difficult situations until we’re ready to tackle them. When aging parents come home from a doctor’s visit without any major developments, they’ve dodged a bullet. Many direct all their energy to convince the doctor all is well. “You need to know about their doctor’s appointments, their medication, changes, make sure they’re taking it right,” added Caraza. Her parents signed a form so that the doctor can talk with her. “They need to hold their own power in what’s happening. That’s huge. I have to make it clear to them that I’m at the doctor’s office to help, not to take over,” she added. Questioning treatments and medications, speaking out about one’s own needs, and being a partner in decisions doesn’t come easily to older people. Others often need to serve as questioners and record keepers.
and
Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper
To keep them from being bored, “I have to think of stuff they can do at home,” she added. “That’s where it gets tricky.” She taught her mother to play games on the Internet. Facebook was too complicated. Adult coloring books work. — When health is the ultimate concern, you must become involved. “As they age, you have to stick your nose into their business,” said Caraza. “I had to get super involved with their medical care. They don’t want to tell you stuff.” “My mom complains to me endlessly about her memory problems, her ‘nerves,’ lack of energy and arthritis pain. But when we’re with her doctor, she’s all lively and charming and has no complaints to report,” Caraza added.
Madison
Kathleen Rutishauser, left, Denise Flihan are co-owners of Daughter for Hire LLC in Clinton. “At Daughter for Hire, we get them to medical appointments, go in with them if they wish, and take notes to share later because there are so many things people end up missing, like changes in medication and follow up recommendations,” said Rutishauser. “We follow up, take them to get new medication or refills, and take them to physical therapy.” Medical professionals are notoriously busy, but during the visit, make sure the doctor interacts with your parent. Some will speak directly to you, since it’s faster and easier to get straight answers. — Consider hiring a caregiver: Care giving is there to help you and your parents. “Families may live locally but they have their own kids and jobs. We fill in the gap,” said Rutishauser. “We’re a happy, smiling face,” she added. “We work with them, listen to their stories, and take time with them. We can make a meal, houseclean, clean out the refrigerator, run errands, and go grocery shopping.” “We’re more than someone who
works for them,” she added. “It grows into a friendship. Nobody wants a stranger coming in their home. But as time goes by, they realize there are things they need help with, things we can do it together, like making cookies or doing the laundry. We develop great relationships with our clients.” “It makes a big difference whether the person can stay in their home or must go to assisted living,” she added. For more information about how Daughter for Hire can help or to set up a free consultation, call 315-7252955 or see https://www.daughterfor-hire.com. Mohawk Valley Community College offers an online course, “Helping Elderly Parents,” giving you the tools, techniques, resources, and insights to handle most of the challenges you will face. See its website — https://www.mvcc.edu/ — for details. Caring for an aging parent is one of the hardest jobs you will ever have. You must also have a dedication to taking care of yourself.
INSIGHT HOUSE
counties
A monthly newspaper published by Local News, Inc. 20,000 copies distributed. To request home delivery ($21 per year), call 315-749-7070.
In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2019 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 • Phone: 315-749-7070 Email: lou@cnymail.com
Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Barbara Pierce, David Podos, Deb Dittner, Jessica Arsenault Rivenburg, Brooke Stacia Demott, Daniel Baldwin Advertising: Amy Gagliano Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas Office Assistant: Nancy Nitz No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement — not to take the place of — the recommendations of your health provider.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Golden Years Between You & Me
By Barbara Pierce
‘You Have Dementia’ While misdiagnosed, experience still teaches columnist the terror dementia brings
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You have dementia.” My primary physician looked me straight in the eye. “I don’t know how else to put it to you. You have dementia. I’m so sorry.” “What? Me demented?” ran through my mind. I could live with the fact that my memory was really bad lately. I could live with making notes to remind me of every little thing I was supposed to do, then never remembering where I put the notes. But I wasn’t ready to hear it labeled with those devastating words. Pierce No, I couldn’t live with dementia. “Isn’t there some way to know for sure?” I pleaded. “Isn’t there some way to slow it down?” “No,” he said. “It can only be diagnosed in an autopsy, and it can’t be slowed down.” I knew dementia. I’d worked with victims — vivid pictures in my mind. The dignified looking former professor of English who sat relaxed with his legs crossed as his wife and I talked. We all stood up. He tried to walk, but couldn’t. “You need to uncross your legs before you walk,” gently reminded his wife. And the daughter, sitting next to her mother, devastated when I asked her mother, “Who’s that with you?” A look of total puzzlement crossed mother’s face. “I don’t know who she is or why she’s sitting here,” she said. That couldn’t be me. Oh no. Never! He’s a family physician, not a specialist. Maybe he’s wrong. I need to hear it from a specialist. I’m getting another opinion. A psychiatrist who specialized
in diagnosing and treating dementia referred me for several tests and scheduled me to return for results in three weeks. During those weeks, my memory continued to get worse. And my brain was failing in scary ways. As a writer, words are my stock in trade. I deal in words. I lost words and I lost letters. I’d interview people for my newspaper stories and ask them to spell their name. Then I couldn’t comprehend the letters as they spelled it out; I got stuck. I’d go to the library to find books stacked alphabetically. I couldn’t remember the alphabet well enough to find the books. I’d take Savannah, our golden retriever, for a walk, walk back in through the door and realize I’d left her along the way. My husband got mad every time I went to the su-
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permarket and failed to get him his exact Nature’s Own butter, bread or whatever it was he wanted. I know he doesn’t have patience to be a caregiver. He’d be in hell. So would I, but I wouldn’t know it.
Paralyzing fear
So very scary. How do I go on, knowing that I might be sinking into nothingness? Just get through one day at a time, I kept telling myself. You don’t have a definite diagnosis yet. Don’t think ahead; don’t think about what it would mean if he were right. But it was hard not to do that. Spending time with my grandchildren was always the best part of my life. Would I look at this beautiful little boy and girl and wonder who they were and why they were here? Would I wander through the su-
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• 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.
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permarket produce department and forget Fuji apples were my favorites? Would I even forget what an apple is for? I knew I had several risks for dementia. One being a woman — women are twice as likely to get dementia as men. Every woman knows that after you reach menopause, your skin gets dry, your hair gets dry, you start to show aging. Same thing happens in the brain. The happiest day of my life (as a person with some age on her anyway) came when I saw the psychiatrist to hear the results of the tests. “You have pseudo-dementia,” he explained. “Caused by the anti-depressant you’ve been taking. Medications that work on the brain in one way, like anti-depressants, can sometimes cause other changes in the brain. Your brain will be fine once the medication gets out of your system.” That was about 10 years ago, and I’m blessed to report that my brain and I are still going strong. I did find that other medications I took, painkillers like Neurontin or Lyrica, also interfered with my memory. My caution is this: If you’ve having memory problems, first carefully look at the medications you’re taking. What I gained from this experience was an understanding of what it must feel like to know your brain is slipping away, eroding out from under you, and you can’t do a thing to stop it. I hope I’ve gained more empathy for those going down that terrifying road. I pray for each of them and their loved ones.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
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Golden Years Twilight Zone Early warning signs of dementia every adult should know By Barbara Pierce
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eing diagnosed with dementia is the biggest fear of older people. Fear of how it will impact them means that often people showing early signs of dementia put off being diagnosed. Dementia is profoundly lifechanging. When diagnosed, reactions range from dismay and deep sadness to anger and despair. But there are benefits to an early diagnosis. A person showing symptoms of dementia may in fact be suffering from a treatable condition, like depression or a side effect from medication. Also, an early diagnosis helps people plan ahead while they are still able to make important decisions for their future. It also helps them and their families receive practical information, advice and guidance as they face new challenges. For some, diagnosis is a relief, providing answers for a failing memory, communication problems and changes in behavior. “Being diagnosed with something like this absolutely devastates you,” said 50-year-old Norman McNamara on his YouTube video. “But for me — and this is going to sound really strange — it was probably the best news I had at the time. Because I thought I was losing my mind. I thought there was a conspiracy against me. “Once diagnosed, I knew what I was up against. If I hadn’t been diagnosed early and seen by specialists on a regular basis, I wouldn’t be as well as I am today. I’m prepared for my future.” Claire Corwin, associate care manager, Alzheimer’s Association of Central New York, shared early signs of dementia: — Memory loss that disrupts daily life. We all forget names and appointments sometimes, but usually remember later, and that’s normal. But if you forget important dates or events, ask the same question over
and over, or put your keys in the freezer and can’t remember where you put them, that’s disruptive. — Challenges in planning or problem solving and changes in your ability to plan things. For example, if I have to be at work at 8:30 and it takes 20 minutes to get there, and I leave at 8:25, that’s poor planning. It could be the person who usually plans all the holiday parties and has trouble organizing, or even has trouble with day-to-day schedules. If I can no longer follow a favorite recipe or keep track of monthly bills, or have difficulty concentrating, it is time to heed the warning signs. — Difficulty completing familiar tasks. I can no longer do something familiar; for example, I’m good at balancing my checkbook and meticulous about it. However, if that becomes an issue for me, this is a warning sign. Or I may get lost when driving to a familiar location, or forget how to play a favorite game. — Confusion with time and place. It’s 3 in the afternoon, but I insist on getting a cup of coffee so I can be ready to go. Or, I’m at a public park and don’t know where I am or how I got there. That’s scary. — Difficulty understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
For example, I’m looking at my coffee cup, but I can’t pick it up right and I spill the coffee before I drink it. Or, I feel like I’m having vision problems because I have trouble reading. I may have problems judging distance, causing issues driving. — Problems with words. I have trouble spelling, though I’ve always been a good speller. Or I can’t remember familiar words, and may call a watch a “hand clock.” I may have difficulty following a conversation, or get stuck in the middle of a conversation. I struggle to find the right word in conversation or on paper. — Misplacing things and losing ability to retrace my steps. I may put
things in unusual places, i.e. keys in the freezer. I may lose things and be unable to go back over my steps to find them again. I may accuse others of stealing my things. — Decreased or poor judgment. For example, I’m driving 35 mph and pull out into 65-mph traffic. That’s a terrible decision and poor judgment. Or, I tell someone what I really think of them, while I never would have said those things before. I may pay less attention to my personal grooming. — Withdrawal from work or social activities. I feel incompetent to do things I once did, so withdraw from doing those activities I used to do. I may have trouble holding or following a conversation, so I withdraw from being around people. — Changes in mood or personality. I’ve always been a quiet person, now all of sudden I’m speaking out. Or I may become suspicious, confused, anxious, and easily upset, especially when I’m out of my comfort zone. In fact, researchers found heightened anxiety could be one of the earliest signs of dementia because it shows up even before memory loss. If you notice that you or a loved one experiences any of these subtle but possibly serious symptoms, don’t ignore them, stressed Corwin. “Contact your primary physician and go from there,” she said. See www.alz.org/for more information.
Valley Health Services accepts syringes
V
alley Health Services is accepting the community’s medical waste of needles, syringes and lancets from noon until 2 p.m. on Nov. 20. 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, who will contact the personnel responsible for medical waste disposal. VHS is located at 690 W. German St., Herkimer. Questions may be directed to Tammi King, infection control nurse, at 866-3330, ext. 2308.
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November 2019 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Golden Years Get on Your Feet! Get up and make it happen: Add natural movement to your day By Barbara Pierce
T
he reality of our lives today — for most of us anyway — means a lot of sitting, whether in front of our laptop, in our office, watching TV, or in our car. There’s no denying that we aren’t moving as much on a daily basis. A few generations ago, we didn’t have electric garage door openers or remote controls for our TV. We got up and moved to complete a simple task. We had one phone in the house and ran to pick it up. Families owned one car, so we walked or biked to get where we wanted to go. Most of us aren’t moving much these days and not using our muscles as much. Sitting too much is incredibly damaging to the human body. This sedentary lifestyle is linked to a number of health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and depression. Sitting for long periods is a risk factor for early death. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can lead to muscle degeneration, weight gain and back and neck pain. The loss of strength and stamina that we might think are caused by aging are actually in part caused by
less physical activity. “Move it or lose it” is right. On the flip side, people who incorporate more movement into their daily life report higher energy levels, increased productivity, and a better mood. For older adults, moving more helps maintain your ability to live independently. Falls are the No. 1 reason people end up in assisted living. Moving more increases your balance and stability to prevent falls. Moving more reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It helps people with chronic, disabling conditions improve their stamina and muscle strength. Regular activity lubricates the joints, and that reduces the pain and stiffness from arthritis. Moving more reduces anxiety and depression. Activity also helps your brain. Researchers found that individuals who walked three or more times a week had a 35 percent lower incidence of dementia than those who were not involved in any type of activity. Moving more doesn’t mean gym workouts, or forcing yourself to do
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things you hate. It means adding simple movements as part of your daily life, so that you are getting up and moving regularly throughout the day.
Swing into action
There are some fun and easy ways to do this: — Have the right mindset: Condition yourself more to sit less, to stand and move more. Stand up every 30 to 60 minutes if you work at a desk. — Stand up or walk for phone calls: Talking on the phone is a great time to stand or walk. Just walk around the house as you talk, or head outside. Walking even two minutes every hour may offset the dangers of extended periods of sitting. — Park further from the entrance at work or any destination: Most of us park as close as possible to the entrance. Instead, park further away and enjoy the brief walk. If you take public transportation, get off one stop earlier and walk. Take the stairs whenever you can. — Move while you watch TV: Nothing intense, just walk in place or do simple stretches. — Play games or sports: Are there any sports or games you enjoyed in the past and would consider doing again? Remember yard games like croquet and badminton? Even a 10-minute game of tag with your kids or grandkids a few times a week will get you moving. — Do your own gardening and yard work. — Get a dog or volunteer to walk dogs at one of our local shelters. — Consider a fitness program: A fitness program at a senior center is fun, keeps you motivated, and is a
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
place to make friends. Chair Pilates and line dancing at the Copper City Community Connection, 305 E. Locust St., Rome (previously known as the Ava Dorfman Senior Center) are available. “Chair Pilates, Zumba, and line dancing are our most popular programs here,” said the center’s administrative assistant, Barbara Belmont. “Our fitness program is very well-received in the community. People can work at their own pace in whatever classes they enjoy.” The wellness program offers many classes for members and nonmembers at all fitness levels. “We have something for everyone at the Parkway Center,” said program director Shannon Holmes. ‘Stay Young, Strong Bones’ is our most popular, based on evidence that helps aging people increase their strength, energy and balance to look and feel better.” “Our ‘Silver Sneakers’ is wonderful because insurance pays for the fitness center and program,” she added. “And if you loved tennis but can no longer play, consider pickle ball.” The Parkway Center, 220 Memorial Parkway, Utica, offers drop-in rates for fitness classes so you can try a program before committing to it. If you’re unsure what class would work best for you, Holmes will sit down and chat with you about what you are looking for and what they offer. Find ways you enjoy to move more every day and make it a habit.
Story idea? Call 315-749-7070!
Golden Years Myriad of Maladies As we age, it is not uncommon to take on challenge of several chronic conditions By Barbara Pierce
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arold Peterson’s cardiologist prescribes medications for his heart disease. His primary physician prescribes medications for his high blood pressure and referred him to an orthopedist who recommended surgery for hip pain. Peterson, in his 80s, lives with several chronic conditions, and he’s far from alone, according to nextavenue.org. Three out of four people over 65 have more than one chronic medical condition. These are Patel conditions that last at least a year and require ongoing medical attention. The most common are diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, osteoporosis, kidney failure, and on and on. Here’s the problem: With chronic conditions, a specialist treats a patient for each condition. Treating one disease can worsen another. Medications interact in unpredictable ways. The older we get, the more side effects we get. Side effects can make us miserable, even if our lab results look better. Each specialist is focused on their specialty, running tests, lab work, prescribing medications, diets and homework. One becomes overwhelmed by the long list of appointments and care routines. It becomes too much to deal with. We don’t know what’s important, we can’t deal with the side effects, and we can’t manage all these treatment regimes at the same time. We’re as burdened by the care of each condition as we are by the conditions.
What’s the answer?
“Your primary care physician is able to track all of the specialist visits and review their recommendations in a timely manner,” said Janki Patel, assistant medical director at the Mohawk Valley Health System Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Utica. “If you’re feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by all of the aspects of self-care and dealing with multiple specialists, your PCP can help you prioritize which steps you should take first and which can wait a little longer,” she added. “You can get support for all your issues through frequent visits with your PCP. It may seem like one more appointment you have to make, but frequent appointments with your PCP will provide the needed support,” Patel said. A primary care physician, whether it be an internist, family practice doctor, nurse practitioner or geria-
trician — is invaluable, and every patient should have one. Bouncing between specialists without the glue of primary care means there’s little sense of continuity and more cracks to fall through. And that means you might not get all that you need to be as well as possible. “As a geriatrician in Seattle, I have the ability to focus on the ‘whole person’ and the way that their diseases (and treatments) interact. This is absolutely central to providing good care,” says Carroll Haymon online. “Unfortunately, I spend a lot of time undoing the work of well-meaning specialists focused only on a single organ.”
can tell if it’s working? What are the benefits; what are the risks? Most have both. How will different treatment options affect the aspects of your life that are most important to you, such as your level of independence, stamina or pain? Understanding all the pros and cons of each treatment will help you
decide which option is best for you. — Ask questions: Your PCP needs to know if he or she is not making sense to you, so ask questions. You should be able to discuss almost anything with your PCP. Speak up if your treatment plan is too complicated.
Listen to your PCP
Tips for working with your PCP when you have several health conditions: — What are your priorities? What’s really important to you? Make sure your PCP provider understands your priorities, so you can get what you really need. How do you want to live your life? What really matters to you in your present-day life? For example, you may want to remain as independent as you can as long as possible. Therefore, you may prefer a treatment with fewer side effects, even if this treatment may not prolong your life as long as other treatments. Maybe being able to walk without dizziness is more important to you than living a bit longer. Maybe less frequent blood testing is worth greater freedom, freeing you from constant clinic visits, even if that means less stringent monitoring. Specialists may know more about your illness. But only you know who you really are and how you want to live until you die. Take for example Harold Peterson. He didn’t want surgery for his hip, despite the pain and difficulty walking. More troubling to him was the dizziness and fatigue because of his heart and blood pressure pills. That prevented him from playing poker with his friends — something he loves to do. His PCP and cardiologist reduced his medication so he wasn’t dizzy and was able to enjoy poker. Though he might not live as long as he would if he had kept taking the medication, he’s enjoying life — and that’s what matters to him. — Get as much information about treatment options as possible. Take the lead, understand all your options for care and take an active role in deciding what kind of care you would like. Ask your PCP what this treatment is meant to do. Is it going to cure me? Make me live longer? Make me feel better? What side effects can I expect? How long will they last? Can I stop once I’ve started? How long until I November 2019 •
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
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 9
How to have a healthy home
Ask The Social
Security Office
Your home is your castle — Keep it clean! By Barbara Pierce
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hen it comes to our health, we don’t think about how our home can affect our wellbeing. As it’s where we spend a lot of time, it’s important to create a healthy sanctuary for ourselves and our families. Some things you can do to boost the health of your home, and the well-being of your family: — Let in fresh air: Benefit from the invisible. It may feel cozy, sealed in tight against the cold during the chillier months of the year, but for people who Salamone are sensitive to indoor allergens or have respiratory problems, winter can make problems worse. Indoor air quality is typically two to five times more polluted than outdoors. Stale indoor air and heating systems can increase the amount of allergy-inducing dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores circulating through your house. While lurking in your surroundings, these trigger allergy and respiratory problems. Most of the things that cause problems are odorless. Even in cold months, open your windows from time to time to allow fresh air into the house. This will flush out built-up indoor pollutants. — Use fans in the kitchen to remove cooking fumes. Use exhaust fans when showering or using the dryer to remove excess moisture that can lead to mold growth. — Ditch air fresheners. You may like how they make your house smell, but they can contain serious toxins. These toxins can affect hormones and reproductive health, especially in children. Side effects for men include lower testosterone levels and decreased sperm counts. — Let in natural light as much as possible. Natural light is a big contributor to well-being in the home, say the experts. It enhances your alertness, helps you sleep better, reduces blood pressure, reduces stress, and even boosts your immune system. — Use Mother Nature’s cleaners: You open the windows and turn on a fan when using solvents, harsh cleansers and other noxious chemicals. But it’s an even better idea to replace these products whenever possible with homemade alternatives. “Cleaning my house is always a chore, especially the windows and mirrors. Between the smell of the cleaners and the streaks, the motivation to do the rest of the house fizzles out quickly!” says Kelley Salamone, creator of MC Parent, a parenting guide for the Mohawk Valley, (https://www.mvparentonline.com). Page 10
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“During my search for homemade cleaners, I found a recipe for an all-purpose cleaner that I have fallen in love with! It works so well, that I actually clean the whole house with this cleaner!” she said.
Natural cleaning options
Salamone’s recipe: “Two cups water, ¼ cup vinegar, ½ teaspoon dish soap, and a couple of drops of lavender oil. Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and shake. Spray on mirrors, windows or counters and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.” Other good natural cleaning solutions include vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. Regarding her oven, Salamone says: “Cleaning the oven is one job that I really dislike doing. The awkward scrubbing, burnt-on stains that won’t come off no matter how much you scrub and that awful chemical cleaner smell. Yuck! It stresses me out!” “I found an awesome way to clean my oven without scrubbing and without having to breathe in that nasty chemical smell! I make a simple baking soda paste and leave it on my oven for 12 hours — the secret recipe for a sparkling clean oven. I put the paste on my oven in the evening and leave overnight. Then wipe the oven with a damp cloth or sponge. I almost don’t want to use my oven, because it’s so clean.” Others recommend sprinkling water on spills while the oven is still warm, then add salt. When the oven cools, scrape away the spill. — Keep down the dust: It’s not uncommon for people’s homes to be hot beds of dust, whether in the corners, under the bed, on the pillows, or on the bookshelf. Chronic exposure of dust mites can cause allergies and asthma, so be sure to vacuum frequently, change your bedding and pillowcases often, and reduce the humidity in your house. — Despite being covered with sheets and mattress covers, mattresses still get dirty. It’s a good idea to periodically vacuum them. Airing them outdoors in the sunshine for a few hours can do wonders for removing any lingering musty smells. Wash pillows every few months. — Clear clutter, because it traps and holds dust. Make it a habit to keep things in their proper places and involve every member of the family in the process. — Keep it safe: Store poisons out of the reach of children and properly label them. Secure loose rugs and keep children’s play areas free from hard or sharp surfaces. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and keep fire extinguishers on hand. — Keep it pest-free: All pests look for food, water and shelter. Seal cracks and openings throughout the home, and store food in pest-resistant containers. If needed, use sticky traps and baits in closed containers, along with less toxic pesticides such as boric acid powder.
From the Social Security District Office
Disability, Workers’ Comp may impact Social Security benefits
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any people working nowadays have more than one job. This means they have several sources of income. It’s important to keep in mind that having multiple sources of income can sometimes affect your Social Security benefits; but, it depends on the source. Disability payments from private sources, such as private pensions or insurance benefits, don’t affect your Social Security disability benefits. Workers’ compensation and other public disability benefits, however, may reduce what you receive from Social Security. Workers’ compensation benefits are paid to a worker because of a job-related injury or illness. These benefits may be paid by federal or state workers’ compensation agencies, employers, or by insurance companies on behalf of employers. Public disability payments that may affect your Social Security benefits are those paid from a federal, state or local government for disabling medical conditions that are not job-related. Examples of these are civil service disability benefits, state temporary disability benefits, and state or local government retirement benefits that are based on disability. Some public benefits don’t affect your Social Security disability benefits. If you receive Social Security
disability benefits, and one of the following types of public benefits, your Social Security benefits will not be reduced: • Veterans Administration benefits; • State and local government benefits, if Social Security taxes were deducted from your earnings; or • Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can read more about the possible ways your benefits might be reduced at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/EN-05-10018.pdf. Please be sure to report changes. If there is a change in the amount of your other disability payment, or if those benefits stop, please notify us right away. Tell us if the amount of your workers’ compensation or public disability payment increases or decreases. Any change in the amount or frequency of these benefits is likely to affect the amount of your Social Security benefits. An unexpected change in benefits can have unintended consequences. You can be better prepared if you’re informed and have financially prepared yourself. Visit our benefits planner webpage at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners for information about your options for securing your future.
Q: Can I use the metal or plastic versions of Social Security cards that some companies make? A: We don’t recommend it. There is no need to have a replica of your card. In most cases, the only time you may need to produce your Social Security card is when you apply for employment. At other times, we strongly recommend that you keep anything with your Social Security number on it with your other important papers. Do not carry your Social Security card with you. Also, we strongly advise against laminating your card. Your Social Security card has many security features, which are not detectable if laminated. Those features include latent images you can only see at an angle and color-shifting ink. You should question anyone else other than your employer who asks for your Social Security number or your card. Not everyone you do business with needs it. Learn more at www.socialsecurity. gov/ssnumber.
Q: I’m not sure when I’m going to retire so I want to estimate my retirement benefit at several different ages. What’s the easiest way to do that? A: Using our Retirement Estimator is easy at www.socialsecurity. gov/estimator, and it’s the best way for you to get a good idea of what your monthly benefit payment may be after you retire. The Estimator gives estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record. Keep in mind, these are estimates and we can’t provide your actual benefit amount until you apply for benefits. You can use the Estimator if you have enough work to qualify for benefits and aren’t currently receiving benefits. If you are currently receiving only Medicare benefits, you can still get an estimate. You can learn about this subject by reading our publication, “Retirement Information For Medicare Beneficiaries,” available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Q A
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
Help for Hernias Rupture in muscle tissue results in complications By Jessica Arsenault Rivenburg
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here are many ideas flying around out there about hernias. Ideas like, “only men get hernias, you only get hernias from lifting heavy things, hernias aren’t Justin J. Zalatan D.D.S that big a deal and can be ignored.” Salina S. Suy D.D.S Ideas like, “hernias involve a long, painful recovery process, don’t get mesh because mesh will fail.” But are all these ideas true? A hernia is a weakening or tear in the muscle of the abdominal wall, through which a portion of intestines begins to push out under the skin, Bring this ad and recieve $100 off your dental services! said board-certified general surgeon Keneth Hall, who performs numerNew Patients Welcome • 24Hr Coverage ous hernia surgeries at Rome MeFree Consultations • Same Day Dentistry morial Hospital. Roughly 5 million a patient cannot push the lump back people in the United States develop a in and it does not disappear upon Proudly Locally Owned & Operated MP Order hernia every year. Propo lyingad down. When a herniaat reaches This will appear the classification of: There exist four types of hernia incarceration, a section of intestine is depending on the location they occur looped outside Rome NY the abdominal wall, CareCredit within the abdomen. Femoral hernias and directly under the skin, Hall Payment Plans occur very low in the groin area and said. At this point, it becomes more Call today to schedule an appointment! are uncommon, usually occurring in with in Home Date 05/2014 0% Financing important to get the hernia taken care older women, Hall said. They also of. Date: March 17, 2014 Acct# A1ZGFE Sales Rep: GRIMALDI, JENNIFER L Size: HCN6 Ad Id: A tend to involve more complications 2607 GENESEE ST. Finally, if the hernia site becomes and need to be dealt with quickly, he UTICA, NEW YORK 13501 red, painful and hot to the touch, it is said. called strangulated and is at a critical Umbilical hernias happen in or level that requires immediate attenaround the belly button and are the tion. Left untreated, a strangulated most common. Umbilical hernias hernia is deadly. can happen through straining, either “Generally, once it gets to this Disclaimer: $100 rebate, only available for new patients, offer expires 1/31/2020 from heavy lifting or prolonged and point, you have about six hours to forceful coughing, and can also result take care of it before the intestines from pregnancy. will perforate,” Hall said. “You don’t Incisional hernias occur at the want it to get to this point. You want Diabetes? site of a previous surgical procedure, to take care of a hernia much sooner MP Order Proposal# near the incision. As its name sugThis ad will appear at the classification of: Flat Feet? than this.” Ad gests, such a hernia is only a risk to Letter Rome NY Advances in hernia surgery have those who have had some sort of Plantar Fasciitis? Home come a long way inwith theinpast 20Date and05/2014 abdominal surgery in the past. Date: March 17, 2014 Acct# A1ZGFE Sales Rep: GRIMALDI, L Size: HCN6 Ad Id: AMZHMA1 Contract# You may be JENNIFER eligible for shoes at little or5544766 no cost! even 10 years, and continue to be Hiatal hernias differ from the rest made. Most hernia cases can be fixed in that they occur within the body using laparoscopic surgery, Hall said. and do not involve intestines. A hiaLaparoscopic surgery involves a tal hernia results from a weakening series of very small incisions through of or injury to the diaphragm, which which the surgeon inserts a camera then allows a bit of the patient’s Diabetes? and the necessary implements to Flat Feet? stomach to extend up through the direpair the hernia, rather than the Plantar Fasciitis? aphragm. Hiatal hernias are not visformer way of repairing a hernia You may be eligible for shoes at little or no cost! ible from the outside, but generally that involved slicing a section of the involve symptoms such as heartburn abdomen open, Hall explained. and acid reflux, and trouble swalLaparoscopy involves less bleedlowing. Smoking, chronic coughing, ing and a reduced risk of infection. constipation and being overweight The surgery itself, on a standard increase the risk of a hiatal hernia. umbilical hernia, can take as little as While femoral and hiatal hernias 15 minutes. On one occasion, with a generally require more immediate very involved femoral hernia that a attention, all hernias should be surgipatient let go for years, the surgery cally repaired, Hall said. took about 90 minutes, Hall said. But “It will never go away,” he said. that situation is uncommon. And “It might not get worse. It might be with laparoscopic surgery, recovery years. But it could get worse and is quicker and far less painful than become critical. There’s no way of the traditional idea of hernia repair telling when the hernia will become AMZHMDNLM 14-Mar-2014 07:57 recovery, he noted. symptomatic or problematic. So, While some patients are uncomgenerally, the sooner you address it, fortable with the idea of using mesh the better.” in their hernia repair, thanks in part Often, when a hernia first apCorresponding to law office commercials touting Listing Information: pears, the patient will notice it as a settlements for mesh failures, Hall small lump that can be easily pushed AMZHMDNLM 14-Mar-2014 07:57 asserts mesh is the best option for back into the abdomen and may disIf you require a change, please contact your sales representative repair. or call Yellow Book Customer Service at 1-800-891-1899. appear when the patient lies down. AAMZHMB2DNLMA “The tissues after surgery are This is referred to as a reducible SIGNATURE: __________________________ DUPLICATE PROOF much weaker,” he explained. “At hernia, Hall explained. At this point, Please Note: Print quality may vary from final product. best, the abdominal wall strength rather than actual intestine poking will be at 80 percent. If you don’t out through the muscles, it is the fatuse mesh, there is a high instance of ty tissue between intestine and skin. recurrence.” Corresponding Listing Information: The surgical science community Point of no return has made improvements on the mesh The next stage is referred to as used to repair hernias as well. an incarcerated hernia. At this point,
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The Best Gift Is Your Health!
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If you require a change, please contact your sales representative November 2019 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper or call Yellow Book Customer Service at 1-800-891-1899. SIGNATURE: __________________________
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Page 11
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Health news in brief 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. Nov. 11. 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 The brain aneurysm, AVM (arteriovenous malformation) and stroke support group will meet from 5:307:30 p.m. Nov. 11 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.
Laryngectomy support group to meet The Laryngectomy Support Group will hold its monthly meeting at noon Nov. 14 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.
Fundraiser to benefit The Neighborhood Center The 17th annual auction and dinner in support of The Neighborhood Center, Inc. in Utica will be held Nov. 15 at Harts Hill Inn, Whitesboro, according to the Marie A. Russo Neighborhood Center Institute. The event, which runs from 6-9 p.m., will feature both a silent and live auction. Tickets are $40 each and include dinner and a chance at a $1,000 door prize. Funds raised from this event each year support The Neighborhood Center’s child and family programs. For more information about The Neighborhood Center, call 315-2722600, visit www.neighborhoodctr.org, follow on Twitter @neighborhoodct1 and Instagram @theneighborhoodcenter or like The Neighborhood Center on Facebook. Page 12
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SmartBites
The skinny on healthy eating
Parsnips packed with plenty of potential
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ity the poor parsnip. Often overlooked in favor of its more attractive cousin, the carrot, it yearns for our attention. Pale, anemic and rather awkwardly shaped, it begs for us to wake up to its distinct taste, versatility and rich nutritional profile. Let’s begin with what makes this particular root vegetable so nutritious. Parsnips, like many vegetables, are a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber, with one cooked cup providing nearly 25% of our daily fiber needs. While insoluble fiber promotes regularity, soluble fiber helps keep our tickers in tip-top shape by ferrying cholesterol out. Worried about Type 2 diabetes? Fiber may lower your risk of developing this chronic disease because it helps slow down the rate of glucose absorption after a meal. Despite its pale exterior, parsnips dish up a surprisingly healthy dose of vitamin C: about 25% of our daily needs in just one serving. Essential for the growth and repair of tissue all over the body, vitamin C also helps to increase the production of infection-fighting white blood cells, which is why many of us turn to vitamin C during cold and flu season. Though it may not keep you from catching a cold, there is some evidence that vitamin C may shorten the duration and intensity of a cold. Parsnips are a decent source of folate, a B vitamin especially important to woman of childbearing age because it reduces the risk of birth defects. Folate benefits the rest of us in three outstanding ways: by ridding the blood of an amino acid that has been linked to narrowing and hardening of the arteries; by regulating our moods due to its role in the production of serotonin (a.k.a. the “happy chemical”); and by helping to prevent gum disease by reducing inflammation. Rich in health-promoting antioxidants — with vitamin C and manganese leading the list — parsnips may provide protection against cell-dam-
aging free radicals that contribute to many chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and vision loss. As for its distinct taste and versatility, parsnips possess a sweet, nutty flavor unlike any other vegetable, lend themselves to a variety of cooking methods (roasted, sautéed, braised or boiled), and are a welcome addition to many dishes.
By Anne Palumbo
Helpful tips
Select parsnips that are firm, smooth and free of blemishes. In terms of size, small to medium offer the best flavor (fatter ones can be woody). Although parsnip’s peel can be eaten, many recommend peeling it to improve texture as well as taste (it can be bitter). Parsnips, stored in a plastic bag and placed in your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer, should last about two weeks. Wash just before use.
Parsnip-Pumpkin Soup with Coconut and Curry Adapted from Epicurious Serves 4-6
3 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 1½ tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 medium onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste (more, if desired) ¼ cup warm water 1 tablespoon ginger, peeled and minced 1 cup canned pumpkin 3 cups chicken broth 1 cup lite coconut milk Lime-Yogurt Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh 3/4 cup raw shelled pumpkin seeds, roasted Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place parsnip chunks in a large bowl and toss with ½ tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt. Spread out on large baking sheet in a single layer and roast, stirring once or twice, for 25 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic for about 5 minutes until soft. Add roasted parsnips to this pot, along with broth, and bring to a slow boil. Once soup is boiling, reduce heat to low, and add pumpkin and ginger. Before adding red curry paste, blend it with ¼ cup warm water in a small bowl. This makes it easier to incor-
porate into soup. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Puree the soup with handheld immersion blender, stir in coconut milk, season with salt and pepper. Add more broth or coconut milk if soup seems too thick. Garnish with lime-yogurt drizzle and roasted pumpkin seeds. To make lime-yogurt drizzle: Whisk yogurt and lime juice (to taste) in a small bowl until well blended. Note: If you’re skipping the drizzle, you can add fresh lime juice directly to the soup when you stir in the coconut milk. To roast pumpkin seeds: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the raw, shelled pumpkin seeds flat on a cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, until lightly golden. Correction: October’s chia seed pudding recipe forgot the most important ingredient of all: 1/4 cup chia seeds. Clearly, I need to eat more brain foods!
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.
Community Wellness welcomes board members
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he affiliates of Community Wellness Partners recently elected new board members to the organization. Gregory May has joined the parent board of the corporation. May retired from Tompkins Financial Corporation in 2018 after serving as the senior vice president for residential mortgage lending, overseeing residential mortgage lending sales and operations for the affiliated Tompkins Banks in New York and Pennsylvania. May has and continues to hold many seats on numerous financial and charitable boards, including past chair of The Lutheran Homes Foundation. He and his wife, Laurie, live in the Syracuse area. He has two
married daughters and a grandson and granddaughter who live in the Syracuse area as well. The Lutheran Homes Foundation Board recently welcomed returning board member Robert “Gill” Goering as a member of the foundation. Goering, born and raised in Clinton, graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and also received his Master of Science degree in systems management from the University of Southern California. He spent 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of colonel. For 14 years, Goering served as the mayor of the village of Clinton where he and his wife, Dawn, still
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
reside. The Presbyterian Homes Foundation Board welcomes Eddie Bluff, co-founder of Site-Seeker, Inc. an award-winning Central New Yorkbased digital marketing agency. An avid musician, Bluff and his wife reside in New Hartford and enjoy spending time with family. Bluff’s beloved mother, Mickey, was a longtime resident of the Presbyterian Home until she passed away from complications of Parkinson’s disease in 2017. Combining over 150 years of service, Community Wellness Partners is a faith-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliation of LutheranCare® and Presbyterian Homes & Services.
Healthy approach to Thanksgiving Enjoy yourself, but do so in moderation By Barbara Pierce
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Thanksgiving is my favorite food holiday!” said registered dietitian Crystal Hein, owner and operator of Crystal Clear Nutrition in Herkimer. “I have fond memories of the amazing food my Grandma Hein used to cook!” Who doesn’t love Thanksgiving with all their heart? Thanksgiving food is heavenly. We get the day off school or work to enjoy the best things in life: food, family and football A cozy autumn serenity is in the air. And no gift giving is involved Hein — save that stress for next month. “The rituals and traditions of Thanksgiving are a large reason we love the holiday so much,” added Hein. “In our society, preparing food is one way we express our love.” Thanksgiving is all about food. In preparing that food we’re showing our love. We spend those long hours in the kitchen — elbow-deep in raw poultry, mixing massive bowls of lovely stuffing, shaping mouth-watering buttery dinner rolls, stirring that delicious gravy — all to nourish our loved ones with a really great dinner. It’s a precious ritual. “Traditionally, Thanksgiving is comprised of many carbohydrate-rich foods: potatoes, stuffing, corn, sweet potatoes, bread, cranberry sauce and desserts,” Hein added. “It wouldn’t be ‘Thanksgiving’ without these foods.” So how does an advocate of healthy eating like Hein handle being faced with all these carbohydrate-rich, calorie-laden, unhealthy foods? Hein suggests that our Thanksgiving focus be on family and friends rather than eating way too much food. We don’t need to feel that we
must eat as much as possible so that we have that ‘I can’t eat another bite’ feeling. “I don’t feel that’s necessary or a good outlook for the day,” she said. “Give yourself permission to enjoy the food, but as with anything, I always preach moderation.” Follow Hein’s suggestions and you can enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings that will be satisfyingly indulgent but will not be a calorie or nutrition catastrophe.
Plan and execute
— “My first tip for the day: Fully enjoy the one food you must have. For me, that is my Grandma’s sausage stuffing; my entire family looked forward to her sausage stuffing. I try to emulate her recipe. To this day, it’s my favorite Thanksgiving food. Sweet potatoes are a close second for me,” Hein said. “Then have a small portion of one of the other carbohydrate-rich foods. It’s always a good tip to make half your plate non-starchy vegetables and this rule applies even on Thanksgiving. That could include a green salad, fresh steamed green beans or broccoli,” she added. “What I do is have turkey, sausage stuffing, non-starchy vegetables and sweet potatoes for my meal and enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie later,” Hein said. “Other cooking techniques to ‘lighten’ up the meal include limiting the fat (butter or sour cream) that you put in your mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes. Or use a light sour cream or serve butter and sour cream on the side for people to add themselves if desired,” she added. Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes on their own aren’t bad; it’s the stuff we add to them. “Drippings from the turkey are typically mixed with flour and butter (roux) for gravy. Instead, thicken the drippings with flour and water (slurry); this would contain less fat. Another option is to limit the amount of gravy you add to your plate,” she noted. White turkey meat contains less
Specialists in Integrative Oncology, Gastroenterology, Acute Tick Bites & Treatment of Lyme Disease.
fat and therefore, fewer calories than dark meat. And skip the skin. — Dessert: Pick one piece and enjoy it. You also can save it for the next day. — Alcohol: Devise a plan; have one glass before dinner or after dinner and/or consume water in between your alcoholic beverages. — Appetizers: Keep them light — maybe a fresh fruit or vegetable tray. This would be a good thing to bring if you’re a guest at dinner. — Other tips from Hein: Do not starve yourself all day “to save room for dinner.” Treat Thanksgiving like any other day. Start your day off with a nutritious breakfast; you’ll make
healthier choices when you’re not starving. Also, if you’re ravenous when the main event begins, you’re more likely to overeat. — Exercise before the big dinner. Hit the gym or go for a walk. “My gym is usually open for a couple hours in the morning and I’ve made it part of my day,” Hein said. — Stick with sensible portion sizes. During the meal, take your time to eat. Eat slowly, savor the flavors and enjoy each bite. And remember: Get right back on track if things don’t go according to your plan. Don’t let one day derail your health and nutrition goals.
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Page 13
By Jim Miller
‘Ashes to ashes’ Cremation less costly option than burial
Richard M. Cherpak, M.D. Richard M. Cherpak, M.D. Richard M. Cherpak, M.D. Garth J. Garramone, D.O., F.A.C.P. Garth Garramone, D.O., F.A.C.P. Dr J.Stanley Weiselberg GarthBrett J. Garramone, F.A.C.P Brett R. Gandhi, Gandhi,D.O., M.D. R. M.D. Dr Norman Neslin Norman R. Neslin, M.D. Brett R. Gandhi, M.D. Dr Robert Pavelock Norman Neslin, M.D. Robert R.R.Pavelock, M.D. Norman R.F. Sklar, Neslin, M.D. Bradley M.D. Dr Bradley Sklar Robert R. Pavelock, M.D. Stanley P. Weiselberg, M.D. Dr Richard Cherpak Robert R. Pavelock, M.D. 116 Business Park Drive, Bradley F. Sklar, M.D. Dr Harvey Allen Utica,F.NYSklar, 13502M.D. Bradley p. 315 -624-7070 | f. 315-316-0367 Dr info@mveccny.com Emil MiskovskyM.D. Stanley P. Weiselberg, Stanley P. Weiselberg, M.D. UT-000595577
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Dear Savvy Senior, How much does cremation cost and how can I find a good deal in my area? I would like to get a simple, basic cremation that doesn’t cost me, or my family, a lot of money.
Frugal Senior
Dear Frugal, Cremation costs can vary widely. Depending on your location, the provider and the services you request, cremation can range anywhere from $500 to $7,500 or more. But that’s a lot cheaper than a full-service funeral and cemetery burial that averages nearly $11,000 today. Here are some tips to help you get a good deal.
Shop around
Because prices can vary sharply by provider, the best way to get a good price on a simple “no frills” cremation is to call several funeral homes in your area (most funeral homes provide cremation services) and compare prices. When you call, ask them specifically how much they charge for a “direct cremation,” which is the basic option and the least expensive. With direct cremation, there’s no embalming, formal viewing or funeral. It only includes the essentials: picking up the body, completing the required paperwork, the cremation itself and providing ashes to the family. If your family wants to have a memorial service, they can have it at home or your place of worship after the cremation, in the presence of your remains. If you want additional services beyond what a direct cremation offers, ask the funeral home for an itemized price list that covers the other service costs, so you know exactly what you’re getting. All providers are required by law to provide this. To locate nearby funeral homes, look in your local yellow pages or Google “cremation” or “funeral” followed by your city and state. You can also get good information online at parting.com, which lets you compare prices from funeral providers in your area based on what you want. Or, if you need more help, contact your nearby funeral consumer alliance program (see Funerals.org/ local-fca or call 802-865-8300 for contact information). These are volunteer groups located in most regions around the country that offer a wide range of information and prices on local funeral and cremation providers.
PROOF DUE: 02/24/17 12:59:55 Page 14 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
Pricey urns
The urn is an item you need to be aware of that can drive up cremation costs. Funeral home urns usually cost around $100 to $300, but you aren’t required to get one. Most funeral homes initially place ashes in a plastic bag that is inserted into a thick cardboard box. The box is all you need if you intend to have your ashes scattered. But if you want something to display, you can probably find a nice urn or comparable container online. Walmart. com and Amazon.com for example, sell urns for under $50. Or, you may want to use an old cookie jar or container you have around the house instead of a traditional urn.
Free cremation
Another option you may want to consider that provides free cremation is to donate your body to a university medical facility. After using your body for research, they will cremate your remains for free (some programs may charge a small fee to transport your body to their facility), and either bury or scatter your ashes in a local cemetery or return them to your family, usually within a year or two. To find a medical school near you that accepts body donations, the University of Florida maintains a directory at Anatbd.acb.med.ufl.edu/ usprograms. 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.
Pipeline to nursing: BOCES seeks help to keep it flowing Key training provider struggles to fill the need By Kathleen Rinaldo
T
he September issue of Mohawk Valley In Good Health newspaper included an article about Utica College’s new master’s degree programs for the nursing field. The section on the demand for educators drew my immediate attention. As the director of the Madison-Oneida BOCES Adult & Continuing Education programs, I echo Ms. Pierce’s concern and can expand upon it from the perspective of the nursing workforce pipeline. The pipeline very often begins at the certified nurse aide or home health aide level and practical Rinaldo nurse licensure is often the next logical step for adults climbing the career ladder. The CNA/HHA work is difficult, physically demanding, emotionally taxing and pays relatively little compared to the tasks these employees perform. It is, therefore, a high-turnover occupation. The BOCES CNA training program could operate year round running back-to-back sessions, turning out eight to 10 CNAs after each eight-week training program were it not for the shortage of qualified instructors. BOCES’ mission includes being accessible to all individuals. Being accessible to those most likely to seek the lowest-paying jobs on the nursing career ladder means being affordable. While our adult education programs are tuition-based, we strive to keep tuition costs within reach of our students’ means. Having some competition from other training providers also affects our tuition rates. In addition, education regulations dictate the student-to-teacher ratio. All these points factor into the budget development process and ultimately determine
Letter to the editor
We We did did it. it. We did it. Twice. Twice.
Twice.
teacher compensation packages. Those compensation packages do not compare with those offered to practicing RNs, especially those with the experience and credentials required by New York State Education Department. The same issues play into the LPN programs, where a large percentage of students are working CNAs supporting a family while trying to better their employment outlook and futures. Our ability to attract bachelor degree-prepared nurses let alone master’s-prepared who are willing to teach for wages that cannot compete with that offered by the health care industry is becoming impossible. The increasing demand for and shrinking supply of nurses has led to “visiting” or “traveling” nursing opportunities that provide highly desired flexibility and increasing salaries, further exacerbating the shortage of qualified LPN instructors. Our struggle to keep the nursing career ladder pipeline flowing due to a shortage of teachers has reached a tipping point and we need the health care employer community to help develop creative solutions. If you work in the health care industry and would be interested in participating in a solution-focused workgroup, please contact me at BOCES at 315-361-5800 or write: krinaldo@bocescce.org.
Oneida Health is ranked among America’s Top 2% of HOSPITALS for Patient Safety & Experience
Oneida Health is ranked among
Oneida Health is ranked among
America’s Top 2% of HOSPITALS
America’s Top 2% of HOSPITALS
for Patient Safety & Experience
for Patient Safety & Experience
— Kathleen Rinaldo is director of BOCES Consortium of Continuing Education, a partnership of the Madison-Oneida BOCES and Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES.
Visit oneidahealth.org/awards to learn more
Family support group focuses on addiction
F
amilies who are dealing with the problems of addiction can find help and information at a support group meeting from 6-7 p.m. Nov. 18 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, call 3344701. November 2019 •
Visit oneidahealth.org/awards to learn more
Visit oneidahealth.org/awards to learn more
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 15
The Balanced Body
By Deb Dittner
Sports: Yesterday and Today How past efforts by female athletes paved way for successes today
R
ecently, I was honored to speak at the press conference for the Capital District Sports Women of the Year initiative. This initiative honors the best and brightest young women from high schools and colleges in our area. Their excellence in the classroom, in the community, and in the sports arena will be rewarded with a gala as well as with media releases, a website, and campus recognition. A donation will also be made to the charity of Dittner choice for each of the 15 awarded recipients. Why is this initiative so special to me? It brings together all the hard work and many hours of study and training these exceptional women have devoted their lives to. Just as when I was in sports in high school and beyond, the dedication and hours of sweat built the foundation for what these women can experience today. Here is what I had to say: I am honored to be with you today in recognition of these exceptional young women’s outstanding achievements in athletics, academics, and in the community. For me, I was a three-sport athlete in high school, and participated in basketball and volleyball in college. I continued after college mainly as a long-distance runner, and then going on to coach in local high schools and my children’s teams. I am now providing the necessary tools for local professional athletes to find balance in their lives and empower their athletic performance through nutrition and life-
style changes. I am amazed as to the journey I have taken all these years and enjoy watching the exceptional young women of the Capital District live their dream in sport. But many years ago as a high school athlete, I did not realize at the time how girls’ sports were not as well supported as my male counterparts. For me as a basketball forward, I started out playing only half court and wearing a skirt and button-down blouse with a numbered pinnie, or scrimmage vest, over my top. In track and field, there were no shoes designed for women so I needed to wear men’s shoes. I so loved my pair of maroon-and -white Onitsuka Tigers! Despite the lack of proper uniforms, equipment, and availability of sports, we were passionate, driven, highly dedicated, and committed just as you ladies are today. We challenged ourselves, as you do today. We pushed beyond where we thought we could go, as you do today. This challenge and
Flu season is upon us Expert: Get flu shot; stay home if sick
A
lthough the leaves have just started to turn color, Rome Memorial Hospital has already seen its first confirmed flu case, according to Emma Ingalls, director of infection prevention. “Typically, we start seeing a handful of cases in October with flu season reaching its peak in January and February,” Ingalls said. “Because flu is highly contagious, the numbers tend to grow as temperatures get cooler and people spend more time inside where you’re more likely to be exposed to someone who has the flu.” “You never know if the person sitting next to you might already have the flu,” Ingalls said, noting adults can spread the virus one day prior to the appearance of symptoms Page 16
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and up to seven days after symptoms begin. “Seasonal vaccination remains your best protection.” Schedule an appointment with your provider or visit a local pharmacy that offers vaccinations. In addition to getting a flu shot and staying home when sick, it’s important to practice good hand and respiratory hygiene: — Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to protect yourself from germs and avoid spreading them to others. — Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use when soap and water are not available. Choose a product with at least 60 percent alcohol. — Do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Instead, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Tissues
push helped us to find out what we were made of, as you do today. Even though we female athletes of then really didn’t know any better at the time, we helped pave the way for a better tomorrow as things were soon to change. Our perseverance and devotion to our sports led to federal changes called Title IX. Some of you may even be thinking, “Title IX? What is that?” Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Now, look how far women’s athletics have come. We’ve seen the United States women’s national soccer team win the World Cup. From Billy Jean King to Serena Williams, female athletes have ushered in a new era of power and athleticism in tennis. Joan Benoit Samuelson won should be discarded immediately and not reused. Use of a cloth handkerchief is not recommended. — Wipe down common surfaces frequently. Most commercially available cleaning wipes will kill the flu virus on contact. Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: — Fever or feeling feverish/ chills — Cough — Sore throat — Runny or stuffy nose — Muscle or body aches — Headaches — Fatigue (tiredness) Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. It’s important to note that not
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
gold in the first women’s Olympic marathon in 1984. We have all traversed the waters from even before my era of sport to present day and the road has not always been an easy one to travel. In the words of Alex Morgan, professional soccer player: “Winning and losing isn’t everything. Sometimes, the journey is just as important as the outcome.” We’ve definitely come a long way, ladies, and I am excited for each and every one of you on your journey. But we still have a ways to go and it is with all of your hard work in the classroom, in the community and on the field that you will forge your way forward and conquer. As Wilma Rudolph, three-time Olympic gold medalist said, “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion. The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” Thank you. The reason I share this with you is to give you a look into what sport/ fitness was like in years’ past and what it has grown to become. Acknowledging women in sport today will help prepare them for future career paths in whatever arena they may choose. To view the entire press conference, visit https://cdswoy.com. There are ways that you too can become involved, so check out the site. I hope to see you at an event so please reach out to me when there. • 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. everyone with flu will have a fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control, most people who get influenza will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of the flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections are examples of complications from flu. The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may experience worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu. Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people, and serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age, but some people are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.
Spiritual Health Milk & Honey
By Brooke Stacia Demott
The Unseen Realm: Part 1 Does spirit realm really exist? (Editor’s note: This is a threepart series discussing the existence of the spirit realm. The first part is an introduction; the second will be on our unseen enemies, and the third, on our unseen allies.)
“
When Elisha’s servant rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. He asked, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ “Elisha said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, please open his eyes that Demott he may see.’ So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” — 2 Kings 6:15-17 Our family had the opportunity to do some heavy traveling in the last few weeks (more on that in a future column), and one of the places we visited was Sedona, Ariz. Among the typical lures of Western U.S. tourism such as horseback riding, off-road Jeep tours, and Native American jewelry, there was a Sedona-specific curiosity that we didn’t see anywhere else: aura photos. I was fascinated by the idea of an aura photo shoot, and I had to find out more. An “aura” is essentially a color scheme assigned to a person’s individual energy output. In a photo session, the subject presses their hands onto electromagnetic sensors that measure their energy output.
Smoking cessation classes on agenda
T
he Oneida County Health Department, in collaboration with Mohawk Valley Health System, is offering a free, three-week series of Freshstart Smoking Cessation classes. Freshstart is an evidence-based program created by the American Cancer Society. The classes will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Nov. 4, 11 and 18 in the Sister Johanna Conference Room at the St. Elizabeth Campus, 2209 Genesee St., Utica. The program is open to all Oneida County residents 18 years and older. For more information or to register, contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-6400.
The photo is then run through a computer program that assigns a color to each frequency. The final product is a portrait with hues of reds, greens, oranges, yellows, and violets overlaying the person’s face, depending on their “energy reading,” which the photographer claims (with proper interpretation) will give the customer hidden insights into his or her persona. While the interpretive application of this process may be completely left field in terms of its scientific veracity, one thing that struck me as wonderfully interesting was the effort to capture a snapshot of energy. We are full of electricity. There is a source of energy present in the living that distinguishes them from the dead. It is this invisible force that manifests itself in action, conversation, dreams and desires. There is no arguing the existence
of unseen physical forces. We feel and experience the benefits of air every moment of our lives without visible proof of its presence. Radiation that is able to both cause or cure cancer cannot be seen by the naked eye. Ideas have powerful consequences on the lives of individuals, societies, even nations — but remain invisible. Unseen forces have always been present, and sometimes, powerful enough to change the course of our lives. The Bible describes not only the duality of man — his flesh and spirit — but also the duality of the realms in which man operates — the physical and spiritual. The physical realm is easily discernable, but the spiritual realm functions outside of our sensory perception. It is always present and yet remains shrouded in mystery, leading many to conclude that it therefore must not exist. We live in an age where secularism has given rise to naturalism — the belief that the material world is all that is, and all that will ever be. Consequently, we are instructed to ignore the pull that seeks meaning in a benevolent higher power, or fears the advances of a wicked one, and to take pity on the archaic civilizations that were so bound by religious constraint. Evolutionary thought gives rise to a few key ideas here. One is that a lesser-evolved human group needed the crutch of religious inclination to explain natural phenomena, whereas today we have those answers in the material world and therefore can cast aside such superstitions. The second is that everything around us advances from a state of less, to a state of more — from stupid to smart, from bad to good. In fact,
the whole theory of social evolution itself pivots around this critical point — that time is the catalyst of progress. Propagandists go to great lengths to convince us that we are indeed better — ethically, physically, and intellectually — than our antiquated predecessors. A secular society which rejects the idea of original sin, or corrupted inclinations of the human heart, has no choice but to swallow that pill marked “inevitable social progress,” but we have to choke it down with a chaser of uneasy resignation to our better judgment. The result is that we have lost not only a great sense of the sacred outside of ourselves, but also the wonder of our own spiritual identity. We have abdicated our status in the hierarchy of creation, choosing to believe that instead of image bearers of God, we’re just smart animals, acting on predetermined impulse and destined for nothing more than immediate gratification. To say the implications of such ideas have had dramatically unpleasant consequences on society is a laughable understatement. A person without a spiritual identity is a caricature of who they were created to be. God is described as a spirit being who is invisible, and whose invisible attributes may be clearly seen — namely, his eternal power and divine nature — in the things that have been made (Romans 1:20). The sense of awe we feel when we stand at the foot of vast mountain ranges, scale the cliffs of deep canyons, or peer into the face of a new baby are all echoes of the resounding cry of our creator that causes us to respond in worship, whether we recognize that response or not. Some of us will worship the creation itself; but the creation is a guidepost to the creator, and to truly know ourselves, we can’t just linger at the trailhead. We must explore it. • Brooke Stacia Demott is a columnist with In Good Health newspaper. Got a question for Demott? Feel free to email her at brooketo@aol.com.
Second Annual
CENTRAL NEW YORK
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to advertise call 315-342-1182 November 2019 •
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Page 17
Pauline’s Pieces
By Pauline DiGiorgio
Sippin’ on some fitness Caffeine drinks give you jump needed while working out
W
ith temperatures dropping and days getting chilly, my mind goes straight to some of my favorite “get me out of bed, aka gym energy!” But now that I’m plant-based focused, my typical pumpkin spice latte is not going to cut it. A 16-ounce Starbucks’ version with 2 percent milk and whipped cream has 380 calories and contains 50 grams of sugar. Thanks but no thanks! Plus, my doctor recommends me to stay under 25 grams of sugar for the entire DiGiorgio way, and I would much rather save my sugars for a piece of pie! But with it being dark when I awaken and when I’m finished with work, I’m in desperate need for some caffeine to pep me up to get a workout done. Some ask, “What’s my secret for motivation and keeping a consistent gym routine? Here’s why I pick up a coffee cup before I pick up my weights: — I prefer to train “fasted,” which means I like the fact that the compounds found in coffee act as an appetite suppressant, so I can train without being hungry. Coffee when consumed before you exercise can cause fat cells to be used as an energy source as opposed to glycogen. So it will increase your metabolism and cause a higher calorie burn throughout the day. — I have better workouts. There
are many studies on athletes and athletic performance with and without caffeine. It really does serve as a beneficial aid, helping you train at a higher level and train longer. — I feel more focused (which it helps with as well) and I’m definitely at a higher risk of cutting my workout short without my beloved cup of Joe. — I feel less muscle pain during my work out. That doesn’t mean I won’t feel soreness afterwards, but I won’t during the workout. Therefore, I will complete more reps during my weight training sessions as well as run faster and longer during my cardio workouts. I’ve created some “fit-friendly” caffeinated drinks for you to warm up to and get you moving. My favorite is my hack for the famous PSL: — ½ cup coffee — ½ cup steamed almond milk — 1 pump of pumpkin spice (this is your calorie culprit, so use only 1 pump to lighten it up) — 1 pump sugar-free vanilla Sprinkle in cinnamon on your own and two packets of Stevia, which is a natural sweetener (I use the liquid version). Sometimes I add an espresso shot — no calories just more energy. My second “go to” toasty beverage is my hack for chocolate-peppermint mocha (very festive of me I know!) — Soymilk latte — 1 pump of chocolate sauce — 2 pumps of sugar-free peppermint syrup (I know Dunkin’ Donuts is sugar-free, but most other coffee houses have sugar added, so be careful).
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, Page 18
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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.
There have been times where I have mint extract from baking, and I toss a couple drops in my coffee. Then I put a couple packets of Stevia or monk fruit (both natural sweeteners) into that baby. Enjoy!! Last oldie but goodie: The Vanilla Americano, which I have been ordering for years. An Americano is just espresso and hot water, which seems quite basic and bland. So I spice it up with
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
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
some added vanilla pumps, cinnamon and almond milk (steamed to spruce it up). I hope these inspire you and give you some juice to get you into a groove to keep going this holiday season! • Pauline DiGiorgio is a fitness ambassador and Group X instructor at Retro Fitness gyms. Questions? Email her at ptlifts@gmail.com.
open to those struggling with a child, partner, wife, husband, mother, father or friend who is battling addiction. For more information, call Tony at 315-717-9153.
Oct. 30
Support group available for caregivers The Caring for Caregivers support group will meet from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesdays at Rome Memorial Hospital through Nov. 20. The meetings will take place in Rome Memorial Hospital’s second-floor classroom on Oct. 30, Nov. 6, Nov. 13, and Nov. 20. The support group is designed to provide a place for people who are caregivers of loved ones with serious illness to meet others going through similar situations. The support group will discuss topics such as advanced directives, having difficult conversations, mental, physical and emotional self-care, and family relationships. The goal
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Health care in a Minute
Health News MVHS Medical Group welcomes new physicians The Mohawk Valley Health System recently welcomed a host of new primary care physicians. • Sophie Alesna-Sabang, a specialist in family medicine, has joined the MVHS New Hartford Medical Arts Office. Alesna-Sabang earned her Doctor of Medicine at the Cebu Institute of Medicine in Cebu, Philippines. She completed her residency in family medicine at the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program in UtiAlesna-Sabang ca, where she was chief resident in her third year. Alesna-Sabang earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Southwestern University in Cebu, Philippines. • Yagnasri Eagala, a specialist in family medicine, has joined the MVHS Herkimer Medical Office. Eagala earned her medical degree from the American University of Antigua in Osbourn, Antigua Eagala and Barbuda. She completed her residency in family medicine at the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program in Utica. Eagala earned her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Plymouth State University in Plymouth, N.H. • Heraa Chaudhry, a specialist in family medicine, has joined the MVHS Washington Mills Medical Office and has privileges at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica. Chaudhry Chaudhry earned her Bachelor of Health Science and medical degree from The Medical University of the Americas in Nevis, West Indies. Chaudhry completed her residency in family medicine at the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program in Utica. • Allysa Prashad, a specialist in family medicine, has joined the MVHS New Hartford Crossroads Medical Office and has privileges at FSLH. Prashad earned her Bachelor of Science Prashad degree in biology at SUNY Stony Brook. She earned her medical degree at the American University of Antigua in Osbourn, Antigua and Barbuda.
Prashad completed her residency in family medicine at the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program. Prashad is board-certified in family medicine.
MVHS names medical director for ICU Ghassan Koussa has been named medical director for the intensive care unit at the St. Luke’s Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica. Koussa works with the MVHS pulmonary and critical care group and has privileges at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Koussa also serves as medical director of pulKoussa monary rehabilitation at the Faxton Campus and medical director of the respiratory care program through Mohawk Valley Community College. Prior to joining the MVHS pulmonary and critical care group, Koussa was affiliated with Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.H., as a staff physician in pulmonary and critical care medicine and medical director of the lung cancer-screening program. Koussa earned his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. He completed an internal medicine residency, internal medicine chief residency and a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Albany Medical College. Koussa earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the American University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon. He is board-certified in internal, pulmonary and critical care medicine.
MVHS names new nurse manager Tracey Barone has been named director of nursing for emergency services at the Mohawk Valley Health System. Barone has served as the St. Elizabeth campus trauma coordinator since October 2014. Prior to these roles, she served as the emergency department nurse manager, assistant nurse manager, and clinical eduBarone cator. Barone has worked as a staff nurse in a variety of settings, including the emergency department, critical care unit, and medical surgical unit. She earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from SUNY Plattsburgh and Master of Science degree from SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Barone maintains certifications as a trauma nursing core course
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By George W. Chapman
ACA Continues to Perform
W
hile everyone running for president is espousing what they would do about healthcare, the ACA keeps chugging along. The designers and proponents of the ACA predicted that once insurers became more comfortable with their new markets, premiums would stabilize. They were right. According to BlueCross BlueShield Association, the median preliminary premium increase across 23 exchanges so far, for 2020, is an impressive 2.3%. This continues a trend of minimal (relatively) premium increases for the ACA over the past few years. A recent survey conducted by eHealth revealed a majority of commercial insurers plan to increase the number of plans they offer on the exchanges. All of this has occurred while Washington continues to dismantle and attack the ACA by eliminating the mandatory insurance requirement and reducing marketing support. As a result, the rate of uninsured Americans is now increasing. Over the last two years, 2017 and 2018, 2.5 million people decided to drop insurance. The ACA requires all insurers to rebate any profits/surpluses over 20% of total premiums collected. Consequently, insurers owe a record $1.3 billion to consumers this year. The rebate is further evidence that insurers are doing well and that the market has stabilized. Most of the rebates will go to individuals insured via the exchanges versus those covered by large employer-sponsored plans.
Pre-existing conditions
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 54 million of us have a pre-existing condition that could have been declined (not covered) if not for the ACA. The fate of the ACA awaits a constitutional challenge in federal courts. Any “replacement plan” suggested by Washington or any presidential candidate would certainly have to include the ACA’s crucial provision covering pre-existing conditions.
Drug information
Years ago, most physicians would get information on new drugs from a drug “detailer” or drug rep. They were employed by a drug manufacturer and typically were paid a commission based on the volume of prescriptions filled in their market. Drug detailers would show up at a busy practice and get valuable time with the medical staff in exchange for drug samples, pizza, doughnuts, pens and coffee cups. Detailers would also sell several physicians at once by providing drinks and
November 2019 •
dinner at a local restaurant. Kickback regulations have severely limited the gifts detailers can give to physicians. Consequently, busy practices have reduced the access and time they allow detailers. Thanks to technology, more and more physicians are getting their drug information online. Only 54% of physicians say they see drug reps in person. About 40% of physicians do not give any time to drug reps. Physicians say drug companies are doing a better job of providing effective, non-promotional, educational information online. Busy physicians do not want to be “sold” on a drug. They want access to clinical information that helps them treat their patients.
Walmart University
Walmart’s 1.5 million employees can now further their education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree from “Live Better U.” The degrees are offered through Purdue University Global, Southern New Hampshire University, Bellevue University and Wilmington University. Employees will pay just $1 a day while pursuing degrees in health science, healthcare management, pharmacy technology, and optical care. Walmart will home-grow the professionals they will need to staff their 5,000 pharmacies, 3,000 vision centers and 400 hearing centers. Walmart is also trialing a full-service standalone clinic in Dallas, Georgia. The giant retailer also plans to provide home health care.
Future of medicine
Large corporations, like Walmart, are sensing lots of opportunity in the healthcare industry. They are reacting to: fewer and fewer medical residents specializing in primary care every year; the predicted shortage of physicians growing to 122,000 by 2032; the fact that traditional providers of care are cash-strapped and slow to adapt; consumers are not getting what they want; and the overall cost of health is high. New players CVS and Aetna merged about a year ago. Still in the planning stages, they are committed to providing a high-tech healthcare experience utilizing artificial intelligence, virtual care (telehealth) along with their physical brick and mortar clinics. CVS plans to turn 1,500 of their stores into “HealthHUBs” which will focus on providing a variety of health services.
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.
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Health News Continued from Page 19 instructor, emergency nurse pediatric instructor, basic life support instructor, pediatric advanced life support instructor, and an advanced cardiac care instructor.
MVHS names compensation, benefits manager Gennifer Henderson was recently named manager of compensation and benefits for the Mohawk Valley Health System. In this role, Henderson will collaborate with the Total Rewards team on existing programs such as health care and voluntary benefits as well as support new initiatives around designing and implementing Henderson pay and benefits for the new medical center. Prior to this position, Henderson was manager of benefits and compensation and Human Resource Information System for PAR Technology Corporation in New Hartford for nearly 25 years. Henderson attended Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica and has received training in Affordable Care Act reporting, virtual compensation essentials, emotional intelligence and emergent leader training.
MVHS Campaign For Quality celebrates anniversary The Mohawk Valley Health System Campaign For Quality recently celebrated its 18th anniversary with physicians, health care workers, students and community members from across New York state. This popular program, held at Hamilton College in Clinton, featured national and local experts who presented on current trends in health care, patient experiences and how to become a high reliability organization. “Campaign for Quality is an educational event for the whole community,” said Darlene Stromstad, president-CEO of MVHS. “This educational series brings together incredible speakers with years of experience on various topics that affect all of us. These renowned speakers are ones you’d expect to see in large cities or major academic health care institutes. However, the 2019 CFQ brought all of them right to our community, providing those in attendance with a better understanding of health care.” Attendees selected sessions based on their interests. Topics included interventional cardiology, neuroendovascular therapies, responsibility in an age of vaccine skepticism, communication styles in a multigenerational workforce, high Page 20
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Oriskany resident wins 23rd annual $100,000 Miracle Drawing Karen Fournier of Oriskany is the winner of the 23rd annual $100,000 Miracle Drawing. Proceeds of the fundraiser benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at the Mohawk Valley Health System. Celebrating the occasion are, from left, Karen Fournier, Andrea MacDiarmid, CMN Hospitals coordinator; and family members Katie, Renee and Robert Fournier. This was Karen’s first time purchasing a Miracle Drawing ticket. She bought the ticket at Chanatry’s Supermarket located in Utica. On the evening of the drawing, Karen was making dinner and her son tuned into WKTV NewsChannel2 to see who won. “My son came into the kitchen and told me I had won,” said Fournier. “I thought he was kidding and just laughed it off but then I realized he was serious.” The project, which benefits maternal child services at MVHS, has raised more than $4.8 million over the past 23 years. For more information and to view the recipients of the nine bonus prizes, call the MVHS Foundation at 315-624-5600 or visit mvhealthsystem. org/CMN. reliability, teamwork, accountability and more. MVHS, whose affiliates include Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center, and medical staffs sponsor CFQ.
MVHS welcomes new hospitalist Javeria Shabbir recently joined the Mohawk Valley Health System hospitalist group at the St. Elizabeth Campus in Utica. Shabbir completed her residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center located in the Bronx. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor Shabbir of Surgery degrees from Fatimah Jinnah Medical University in Pakistan. Shabbir is certified through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, and in advanced cardiac life support and basic life support.
She is a member of the American College of Physicians and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.
MVHS makes staff announcements James Pierson recently joined the Mohawk Valley Health System as the director of environmental services for Crothall. Pierson will have direct operations oversight and also serve as the Crothall point person for housekeeping services at the St. Elizabeth, Faxton and St. Luke’s campuses. Pierson brings with him many years of operational experience in the support Pierson services industry in leading housekeeping department operations. He was most recently the manager of environmental and transport services at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. Pierson graduated with a bachelor’s degree from American Inter-
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
continental University in Chicago, Illinois, and is a certified healthcare environmental services professional. Pierson’s office is located at the St. Luke’s Campus. — Anthony J. Dougher has joined MVHS as the director of environmental services at the St. Elizabeth Campus for Crothall. Dougher has many years of operational experience in the support services industry in leading housekeeping department operations. He most recently served as environmental services operations manager at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo. Dougher Dougher graduated with his associate’s degree in specialized business from The Art and Fashion Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dougher’s office is located at the St. Elizabeth Campus. — Brianna Flanagan has joined MVHS as the director for patient transportation for Crothall. Flanagan will have direct operations oversight of patient transport and service response center departments within MVHS. Flanagan brings with her many years of operational experience in the patient transport industry. She was most recently the unit director of Flanagan patient transport at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. Flanagan’s office is located at the St. Luke’s Campus.
Rome practice welcomes new physician assistant Board-certified physician assistant Philip Downs has joined the staff at Rome Medical Practice Surgical Specialists, located in Suite 300, 267 Avery Lane, Rome. He is working with general surgeon Keneth Hall in the practice. The practice provides complete care of a broad range of surgical Downs procedures at Rome Memorial Hospital, including minimally invasive hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, anti-reflux procedures, and
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Health News call Krista Drake, OCHD, at 315-7985656 or publichealth@ocgov.net; Cassie Winter, RMH, at 315-337-5309 or cwinter@romehospital.org, or Caitlin McCann, MVHS, 315-624-5433 or cmccann@mvhealthsystem.org.
Continued from Page 20 placement of gastric pacemakers to treat gastroparesis. Downs earned a Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies from Franklyn Pierce University, West Lebanon, New Hampshire. He has a membership in the National Association of Certification for Physician Assistants and holds a certification in emergency medicine from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Mountainside unveils redesigned website
New OB-GYN joins Rome Medical Practice C. Nicole Pineau recently joined Rome Medical Practice’s obstetrics and gynecology practice, All About Women, and is treating patients at the office located in the Beeches Office Complex, 7900 Turin Road, Rome. “Dr. Pineau is a compassionate caregiver and a perfect fit for our practice,” said Rome Medical Practice administrator Lisa Taurisano. “Her patients will appreciate her patient-centered focus and commitPineau ment to providing quality care for women of every age.” A native of Canada, Pineau earned her medical degree from the Saba University School of Medicine in Saba, Netherlands Antilles. She completed her residency at Mount Sinai hospital, Chicago, Illinois. While at Mount Sinai, Pineau served on numerous committees aimed at improving women’s health care services, including minimally invasive gynecology, gynecological quality improvement and perinatal quality improvement. One of the reasons Pineau was attracted to Rome Memorial Hospital’s medical staff is the commitment the hospital has shown to maintaining low cesarean section rates and to women’s health services. “I see birth as a natural process, which should be encouraged whenever possible,” she said. “Of course, when a C-section is medically necessary, we have all of the expertise to help our patients through that process, but there are fewer complications and a faster healing process when birth can be achieved naturally.”
Area communities form food cooperative A growing group of residents is forming a food co-op to serve the Route 20 corridor from West Winfield to Waterville. The aim of the 4-Corners Food Co-op is to develop a community-driven grocery market with a large portion of locally sourced products and seasonal foods when possible as well as sourcing additional fresh and healthy foods within
CFLR, ACR Health support memorial scholarship fund The Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc., in collaboration with ACR Health, recently held the inaugural Light of Hope ceremony. All proceeds from the event — $1,500 — were presented to the Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund. A drunk driver tragically took Lynskey’s life in 2018. “Addiction is a disease and many of the deaths attributed to this disease can be prevented. CFLR chose to contribute to Connor’s legacy in hopes young people receiving scholarships will work to prevent such tragic loss and provide hope,” said Cassandra Sheets, CEO of CFLR. Taking part in the check presentation are, from left, Alisa Ferraro, CFLR advocacy coordinator; Sheets; Donald Lynskey, race director for Connor’s Way Scenic Memorial 5-Mile Run/Walk; Jodi Warren, CFLR prevention director; and Ambi Daniel, CFLR family navigator. Bridget Keesler is co-director of Connor’s Way. The CFLR is regarded as the area’s leading expert in prevention services, behavioral and mental health services, as well as community and family recovery services. easy reach. A co-op is a for-profit store collectively owned by its members and run by a member-elected board of directors. By opening a co-op, 4-Corners Food Co-op members plan to not only provide choices in food shopping, but to empower each other, local farmers and local communities. Membership will not be required to shop at the store. 4-Corners Food Co-op will offer classes and workshops aimed at raising awareness about health, nutrition, food preparation, growing food, and sustainability. Members of the 4-Corners Food Co-op are working to get the word out by aligning themselves with civic organizations that seek to improve the quality of life in the area and by enlisting the support of fellow residents. More information and a schedule of events can be found at http://4cornersfoodcoop.com or on its Facebook Page at 4-Corners Food Coop.
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Needs assessment feedback requested The Oneida County Health Department, Rome Memorial Hospital and Mohawk Valley Health System collaborated with key community stakeholders to develop a three-year community health assessment, community service plan and community health improvement plan. The development of the CHA, CSP and CHIP for the period of 20192021 involved a systematic approach of data retrieval and analysis, and community engagement with a unified mission to identify and rank health priorities that aim to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities among Oneida County residents. A draft executive summary of the report is available for the community’s review and feedback. A copy has been posted on the OCHD (ocgov.net/health/DataPub), RMH (romehospital.org/2019DraftCNA) and MVHS (mvhealthsystem. org/resource/community-health-assessment-overview-draft) websites. For additional information, visit ocgov.net/oneida/health, romehospital.org or mvhealthsystem.org or
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Mountainside Medical Equipment in Marcy recently launched the redesign of its website, www.mountainside-medical.com. The new site responds to the needs of the market by creating a more engaging user experience through enhanced navigation and cleaner, more contemporary aesthetics, according to Martin Zarnock Jr., vice president of Mountainside. “Site visitors can more easily browse Mountainside’s diverse medical supply offerings thanks to improved search functions and a refreshed, intuitive menu system,” he said. “A streamlined recommendation tool and the ability to filter customer reviews provide the customer with more precise research options for a more confident shopping experience.” “We’re excited to launch our new site,” Zarnock Jr. said. “The new design reflects our growth as a business and expansion into manufacturing and new product categories.” The new website is live, and will be updated on a continual basis with new products, informational content, and news of company events and activity. Mountainside Medical Equipment is a New York state-certified, service-disabled veteran-owned business.
Mohawk Valley organizations explore autism Masonic Medical Research Institute, the Kelberman Center, Resource Center for Independent Living, ADHD & Autism Psychological Services and Advocacy and Upstate Cerebral Palsy recently signed off on an autism spectrum disorder research partnership. The purpose of the agreement is to understand the mechanisms that cause ASD. “The autism research conducted here will allow for better knowledge and understanding of this disease in Utica and around the world,” said Maria Kontaridis, Gordon K. More professor and chairperson of biomedical research and translational medicine. The partnership will enable MMRI to acquire tissue samples from patients with ASD, giving faculty the ability to generate inducible pluripotent stem cells and genetically sequence the DNA to identify novel mutations that cause autism. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects nearly 1 in 59 children within the United States alone. While the disease is incurable, MMRI is trying to identify the possible causes of autism. For more information about MMRI, visit www.mmri.edu.
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Dental Health Smile with Dr. Suy
By Dr. Salina Suy
Defining Dentistry: What is Botox?
H
appy November everyone! November means the holidays are upon us — let the festivities begin! This year, I am playing it smart by shopping early and trying not to overindulge too much. Bring out all of our cozy and cute sweaters; the sweater season is upon us. Thank you Suy again for joining in on this month’s segment in our continuing series called “Defining Dentistry.” This month’s column involves Botox dentistry.
What is Botox?
Botox is a drug prepared from the bacterium clostridium botulin. Botox is used medically to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically to remove wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles. In nature, clostridium botulin is found in soil, lakes, forests, and in mammals and fish, and its spores are
generally harmless.
How does Botox work?
When Botox is injected into your body, it attaches to the end of your motor nerves — the nerves that control your muscles. When Botox attaches to your nerves, it stops the transmissions that cause muscle contractions. Basically Botox will put your muscle to rest for a while. Have no fear, because your muscle can still feel everything else, so it has its natural defenses. The effect of Botox will last about 3-4 months per treatment. Botox is very safe but side effects should be discussed prior so patients are fully educated.
What can Botox be used for?
There are many benefits of Botox dentistry, which include esthetics in paralyzing facial muscles temporarily and the treatment of orofacial pain. Botox uses include: — Myogenic temporomandibular disorders — Parafunctional clenching or grinding — Facial esthetics (crows’ feet, forehead wrinkles, laugh/lip line,
etc.)
Who can perform Botox procedures?
Many doctors and other health care providers can perform Botox procedures. Depending on your state’s rules and regulations, providers include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, medical doctors and of course, your dentist.
Why I love Botox
Botox is a highly researched pharmaceutical drug that can be dosed specifically per patient. The effects of Botox are temporary and very safe. The field of Botox dentistry complements cosmetic and implant dentistry — two of my favorite dental disciplines!
Everyone who knows me knows that although I love dental medicine as a whole, I love the esthetics and challenging work. Ask your dentist or come by to see me for a free Botox consult today! I hope this column has helped you understand Botox dentistry and its many benefits. As always, thank you for joining me in this month’s segment. Please feel free to contact me with questions and comments. Have some questions to ask me in person? Call for a free consultation. I look forward to meeting you. • 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
Giving Your Child a Time-Out Won’t Cause Long-Term Damage: Study
T
ime-outs don’t increase kids’ risk of emotional or behavioral problems, according to a new study that researchers say dispels misleading information. The study included the children of nearly 1,400 U.S. parents. Of those parents, 28% said they used timeouts when their child was 3 years old. From age 3 through fifth grade, there were no differences in emotional and behavioral health between children who had time-outs and those who did not, the investigators found. Page 22
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Rachel Knight, an assistant professor of clinical psychology at University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, led the study, which was published online recently in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. “No differences were found with respect to child internalizing problems, including anxiety and depression, externalizing problems, including aggression and rule-breaking behavior, or self-control,” Knight’s team reported. The authors noted that time-out is one of the only child discipline
strategies recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Even though extensive research has shown it to be effective, some online information and media reports have claimed time-outs increase the risk of behavioral problems and damage parent-child relationships, the study authors explained. “Parents often resort to the internet and social media for guidance, but the internet provides inaccurate information for families regarding the use of time-out,” Knight and her colleagues warned. Research findings on the topic
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
need to be offered in a “readily accessible and easily digestible format … to assuage possible parental concerns and promote the use of this highly effective child discipline strategy,” the study authors urged. However, as with previous research, the new study linked physical punishment to externalizing behaviors in kids. “We hope our findings will be helpful to parents who see confusing and at times alarming claims of negative side effects of time-out,” Knight said in a journal news release.
CALENDAR Health of in good
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 18 of this group is to offer support and education on caring for loved ones. If interested in attending, call or email Sabrina Wing at 315-735-6484 ext. 1020 or swing@hospiceinc.org.
Nov. 5
Speakers’ series on Parkinson’s disease Community Wellness Partners and the Presbyterian Homes Foundation invite the community to the next William and Rita Abraham Speaker Series event at 1 p.m. Nov. 5 in the Emmaus Room at the Presbyterian Home for Central New York, 4290 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford. This free event will feature Jay Alberts, a neuroscientist and researcher with the Cleveland Clinic and founder of the exercise program, “Pedaling for Parkinson’s.” The William and Rita Abraham Speaker Series provides the local community with education and insight on Parkinson’s disease with first-hand resources. The Abraham family — consisting of William (Bill) Abraham and his children, Wade and Marie Abraham, Jennifer and Alan Rust, and Andrea Sandock — created the William and Rita Abraham Speakers Series out of love for their wife and mother, Rita. Alberts and The Davis Phinney Foundation have made significant advancements to prove the importance of exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with Parkinson’s disease. For those wishing to to attend this free event, learn more about this project or make a donation, call Bridget Reilly at 315-235-7105. Combining 150 years of service, Community Wellness Partners is a faith-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliation of LutheranCare® and Presbyterian Homes & Services.
Nov. 6
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 Nov. 6 and Nov. 27. Space is limited and preregistration is recommended by calling 315-724-5168 ext. 238.
Story idea? Call 315-749-7070!
Social Security information program set The Kirkland Town Library will be offering a free Social Security information program at 6 p.m. Nov. 6. The program is designed to help pre-retirees learn how to maximize their Social Security income benefits. Since 2014, the one-hour program entitled, “Social Security Made Easy,” has gained wide spread attention across the Upstate New York region for helping attendees make more informed decisions in order to better prepare for their retirement transition. The program is being presented as a community service by Retirement Solutions, LLC. Seating is limited and registration is required in advance. To RSVP, call 315-735-5800.
Nov. 7
CycleNation™ pedals into the Mohawk Valley The American Heart Association is hosting the first CycleNation™ event in the Mohawk Valley. The new CycleNation Utica will be held Nov. 7 at Thrive Athletic Center in New Hartford, headed by Albert Pylinski of NYCM Insurance. “When I learned that CycleNation was coming to the Mohawk Valley, I was excited about the opportunity to lead this event and help stop the cycle of stroke and heart disease,” said Pylinski. “Together, we can be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The AHA, alongside national sponsor Amgen Cardiovascular, launched CycleNation™ in May 2016. The CycleNation Utica event will be the first of its kind in the Mohawk Valley and is locally sponsored by NYCM Insurance and media sponsor Roser Communications Network. CycleNation is like a party on a bike! Teams of four will ride stationary bikes in relay format. Each team member rides for 30 minutes. Throughout the evening, riders will meet stroke survivors, local celebrities, and more. Once the riders are finished, they can enjoy a special celebration. Each team of four will be tasked with raising a minimum of $1,000 that will help fund research and education programs. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.cyclenation.org/utica.
Nov. 8
Breastfeeding Café opens at Rome Memorial The Mohawk Valley Breastfeeding Network, in partnership with Rome Memorial Hospital, has opened a new Breastfeeding Café to
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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 Nov. 8 and Nov. 22. 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 provided. 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.
Foundation plans fall ‘Mystery Dinner’ The Joseph Michael Chubbuck Foundation will feature an ACME Mystery Dinner Theater, “My Dead Lady,” to benefit cancer patients in financial need in Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, and Onondaga counties. The event will take place from 7-10 p.m. Nov. 8 at Harts Hill Inn, Whitesboro. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and tickets cost $45. Tickets are available online at www.thejmcf.org under “Events” or by calling the foundation office at 315-339-5993 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Reservations are required due to limited seating. The interactive mystery dinner, sponsored by Upstate Home Care and Whisky Jack’s Salon for Men, will feature appetizers, a buffet dinner, and dessert. Guests are welcome to dress casual or semi-formal.
Nov. 9
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 a class 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.
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The class will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 9. Class 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.
Hospice & Palliative Care seeks volunteers Volunteers are needed for a variety of opportunities at Hospice & Palliative Care in New Hartford. Tasks include supporting patients, caregivers, and families with visits to the patient’s home, in a nursing home or in the Siegenthaler Center, hospice’s four-bed residence located in New Hartford. They are also needed to help celebrate hospice patients who are military veterans, as well as offer hair styling and baking services. Volunteers are needed in Oneida, Herkimer and Eastern Madison counties. Hospice professionals and active volunteers will present the next volunteer training from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9 and from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at the hospice office, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford. Participants need to be able to commit to both days of training. An online volunteer training option is also available. To register or for more information, contact Erin Dooley, volunteer coordinator, at 315-735-6487, ext. 1023 or by email at edooley@hospicecareinc.org by Oct. 31. Learn more at www.hospicecareinc.org.
Nov. 10
Fundraiser benefits Stanley Theatre, VHS The public is invited to enjoy an evening with legendary rock band Styx at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at Stanley Theatre in downtown Utica. Proceeds from the event will benefit both Stanley Theatre and Valley Health Services in Herkimer. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase — $5 for one ticket or $20 for five tickets — to enter to win a Styx concert tour, vintage baseball-style jacket valued at $300 as well as a Styx Live three-disc special edition DVD. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at the Stanley Theatre box office, at TheStanley.com, by calling 315-724-4000 or on Ticketmaster.
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Right in tune Why music makes you happy By Barbara Pierce
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Wow! Look at what I’m doing! I never knew I could do this!” exclaimed Ken McCluskey of Remsen as he described how amazed he was with himself as he sang with the Mohawk Valley Choral Society for the first time. “I can sing the Mozart Requiem!” And it brought him much joy. Listening to or making music that moves us causes our brain to release dopamine, a feel-good chemical. Yes, music makes us happy. Even just anticipating the sounds of a composition like Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” or Phish’s “You Enjoy Myself” can get the feel-good chemical flowing, a study found, the first that made a concrete link between musical pleasure and dopamine release. This explains why music has been such an important part of our lives since the beginning of history. The study showed, definitively, that people’s brains released large amounts of dopamine when hearing music that moves them. We love our favorite songs or pieces because they are associated with an intense emotional experience in our life. And, the music we liked when we were 20 we will probably love for the rest of our lives. “My soul danced,” is how one person describes hearing a favorite pierce, online. “I was so touched that
it almost felt like an ache — heading straight for the heart at an impossibly swift rate. I was at a loss for words. The tears just came, one after the other. I felt so vulnerable, yet alive.” Yes, music is the language of emotion; it touches our soul, makes us feel deeply. Music makes us feel and the benefits of music are many. It calms and soothes us when we are anxious or sad. It motivates and energizes us when we need incentive. It’s a great tool for distraction and redirecting our focus. Music helps us relax. To chill out, skip the pop and jazz and head for the classical. Listening to classical music helps blood pressure drop. Music reduces pain; when ibuprofen isn’t doing the job, put on your favorite music. Music can make us happy or bring us down. For the brokenhearted, a sad song is empathetic and validating, like Adele singing “Someone Like You.” Something with a good beat energizes us, gets us moving.
The right note
There are several ways to get more music in your life: — Listen to it: Put on the radio, get out your old records, plug in your device. Whatever you are doing, music can be present in the background or the foreground. For
example, listen to something energetic while you wash the car. Some classical music playing softly in the background is a great complement to reading or studying. — Make it: Play an instrument. If you don’t know how, improvise or better still, learn. It is never too late and even without formal music reading education and training, anyone can tune into his or her own musicality and learn the intricacies of an instrument. Try a simple percussion instrument like a bongo or tambourine if you have rhythm, or something more complicated like the piano or guitar with formal lessons. And sing. Sing your heart out. In the shower or the car, to your children. Do karaoke, make up songs and sing along to the ones you know and love. Singing is a fantastic stress reliever. — Join a choral group — like Mc-
Cluskey, who sings with the Mohawk Valley Choral Society. “We’re open to anyone who loves singing and is willing to spend two hours a week rehearsing,” explained McCluskey. The nonprofit, non-audition group rehearses each Monday evening and presents two concerts each year. “It’s fascinating to find a group of 45 to 50 people who come out every Monday to rehearse,” he added. “And I’m impressed that we have people of all ages — 16 to 90. I see a 16-year-old sitting next to an 80-yearold, and they’re both having a great time!” “We’re happy and we turn out some great music!” he added. “We do serious stuff, like Bach Mass in B minor and Carmina Burana. We do it amazingly well thanks to Conductor Randy Davis.” The Mohawk Valley Choral Society will present its annual Christmas concert “The Many Moods of Christmas” on Dec. 15 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Utica. New singers are always welcome to join at the beginning of each semester. See http://www.mvchoral. org/ for details. It’s easy to become involved in making music at the Parkway Center in Utica, said program director Shannon Holmes. “The Silvertones practice here every Tuesday; their performances are well known in the community. Yesterday’s Ensemble (band) meets twice a month and performs in the community.” “If you’re interested, just show up on a Tuesday and meet leader Rose Hosp,” she added. See https://www.theparkwaycenter.org/performance-groups/ for details.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019