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MVHEALTHNEWS.COM
JANUARY 2020 • ISSUE 167
Mindfulness The benefits of staying in the moment Food for thought
See Page 9
Heidi Baldwin, integrative nutrition holistic health coach, Integrative Medicine of Central New York, shows us how to excel in kitchen.
Meet Your Doctor
Page 7
Women’s Health Special Edition Are you SAD? It’s wintertime, which means expect an onslaught of seasonal affective disorder. Page 15
Calendar of Health Events Page 23
The focus is on females
Dominick R. Nicotera Dominick R. Nicotera, licensed clinical social worker, is founder and executive director of DRN Counseling and Consulting Services in Utica.
See Pages 5-9
Dental X-rays
Picture is worth a thousand words
See ‘Smile With Dr. Suy’, Page 22 January 2020 •
Page 4
Kids and screen time Exactly when is enough enough? Page 22 IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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EMERGENCY SERVICES
Why more people say …
#TakeMeToCrouse One Team. Second to None. More than 150 experienced, passionate emergency medicine physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, social workers, care managers and support staff.
Cardiac Emergencies. We Put Our Heart into Saving Yours. •
Door-to-cardiac treatment times among the lowest in the region
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Only area hospital designated by American Heart Association (AHA) as a Mission: Lifeline Gold provider
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Strong teamwork with our local and regional EMS partners
Joseph Battaglia, MD Chief of Cardiology Miron Cardiac Care Center
Comprehensive Stroke Center “Crouse is the place you go when you have a stroke.
It’s that simple.”
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One of just 15 in New York State
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Aggressive door-to-treatment times exceed national average
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Earned Gold Plus–Elite Honor Roll status from AHA
— CNY musician Todd Hobin
Proud to be the official healthcare provider of Syracuse Athletics. Best of luck this season to Coach Boeheim and the Orange! #CrouseForTheCuse ®
crouse.org Page 2
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2020
Healthy Fare
MVHS features health fair, updates progress on new hospital By David L. Podos
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he Mohawk Valley Health System recently conducted a health fair at Utica’s Union Station. “The goal of this health fair is to bring the entire health system to the downtown Utica area (at Union Station), and to launch our new community health agenda,” said Patty Charvat, senior vice president of marketing and strategy at MVHS. “One of the things that we like to do is get out more in the public in efforts to improve the overall health of our community,” she said. “There Charvat are major health needs in this community, some of the foremost ones being cancer, heart disease, diabetes and stroke. We are not just here to take care of you when you’re sick — we are here to keep you well and prevent illness.” At the fair, MVHS health care professionals provided information as well as screenings to see if visitors might be at risk for illness. All these services were free to the public. MVHS also collaborated with several partner organizations at the fair, such as the American Heart Association and The Neighborhood Center. MVHS will be building a new regional medical center that will be located in downtown Utica. The New York State Department of Health has granted approval for early construction, and the Utica Planning Board has approved the site plan.
Groundbreaking event
MVHS recently broke ground on its new regional medical center in downtown Utica. The new medical center campus will include a 373bed, 672,000-square-foot, nine-story facility, a central utility plant and parking garage on 25 acres in downtown Utica. “This medical center will not only transform the way we deliver health care to this community, but it will help continue the redevelopment and resurgence of downtown Utica,” said Darlene Stromstad, president-CEO of MVHS. The new medical center will provide an enhanced experience not only for patients but for their families as well. Here are some of the added benefits the new medical center will offer: — Private rooms, all with a view. Every patient will have a private room and the design of the new medical center gives every patient room a view. — Separate patient, visitor and service elevators means more privacy for patients since they no longer have to be transported between hospital services in “public” elevators with
visitors. — Nurses and physicians are “stationed” closer to patients and families. Unlike the traditional nurses’ station that is located in the center of a patient floor for all rooms, the new medical center will have team stations for nurses, physicians and ancillary staff, each which focuses on four patient rooms. — Advanced medical care all on one campus. This next generation medical center offers medical advancements that will redefine traditional health care practices. A new level of surgical services will be available at the Center for Surgical Innovation, which will have the most up-to-date robotic surgical systems available. Centralized heart services will be established, building upon MVHS’ award-winning, comprehensive cardiac care. The state-of-the-art emergency department will include the latest technology and design in trauma care for those suffering life-threatening injuries. — Access to new specialists and physicians. The medical center is already drawing the attention of new physicians and specialists interested in coming to Utica and the Mohawk Valley region. — Easy access from the highway to hospital front door and parking garage as well as ED entrance and parking lot. All inpatient acute care hospital and emergency room services, currently available at the St. Luke’s and St. Elizabeth campuses, will be moved to the new regional medical center. CHA Consulting, Inc., an Albany-based engineering consulting firm, is evaluating potential repurposing of existing hospital buildings. It is anticipated that the Faxton Campus will stay open and continue to house the MVHS Cancer Center, urgent care, outpatient dialysis, outpatient rehabilitation and other ancillary services. Hammes Company is the project management company facilitating the new medical center project. The construction manager for the project is the Gilbane Building Company and the architectural firm designing the facility is NBBJ.
Infrastructure the focus
The Mohawk Valley Health System has begun making infrastructure improvements underneath Columbia Street in downtown Utica in order to improve the infrastructure and increase capacity for the new regional medical center and surrounding areas. These improvements will require Columbia Street to close from Broadway to State Street well into the next year until the infrastructure improvements are completed. Surrounding streets such as Lafayette Street, State Street, Broadway and Court Street will remain open while the infrastructure work is being done. “We want to make sure that we
Above is a digital image of what the new regional medical center will look like in downtown Utica. attract young professionals, that we have quality health care and that we maximize the opportunity to build a facility that enhances our city as a whole,” said Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri. “Part of those conversations has always been infrastructure and I’m pleased that MVHS has stepped up to address this critical component of the project.” The sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water utilities, which are owned by the city of Utica and the Mohawk Valley Water Authority, are being replaced and relocated. The electric and the natural gas infrastructure, operated and maintained by Nation-
al Grid, are also being replaced and rerouted. “The improvements will also result in a positive impact to the environment, because newly constructed infrastructure will result in less potable water loss due to leaks, less infiltration of ground water into sanitary sewers and less exfiltration of sewage that can find its way into storm sewers and ultimately the Mohawk River,” said Robert Scholefield, executive vice president-chief executive officer for MVHS. MVHS is investing more than $22 million to make all of the infrastructure upgrades.
“I had cancer...
cancer never had me.” Meet Tracy: Mother, patient, advocate and blessed!
“When I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 2004, I was a single mom. So when I received my diagnosis, I thought, ‘This, too?’ I was shocked. A friend introduced me to HOA. At HOA, cancer wears a face, and not a number. Let me explain.”
To read more about Tracy’s story, and HOA, visit
HOACNY.com/About/Testimonials
January 2020 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Barbara Pierce
Dominick R. Nicotera
CC: More than 25% of high schoolers now vape
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n epidemic of vaping by American teenagers shows no signs of stopping, with 2019 data finding more than a quarter (27.5%) of high school students using e-cigarettes. The rate was somewhat lower, but still troubling, among middle school kids — about one in every 10 vaped, according to new research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And just as happens with traditional cigarettes, the nicotine found in e-cigarettes can hook teens for a lifetime, with uncertain results for their health. “Our nation’s youth are becoming increasingly exposed to nicotine, a drug that is highly addictive and can harm brain development,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said in an agency news release. There was a small bit of good news from the new 2019 data: Only 5.8% of high school kids, and 2.3% of middle school students smoke traditional cigarettes. But when all sources of nicotine — vaping, cigarettes, pipes, cigars, hookah and smokeless tobacco — are added up, about one in every three high school students (4.7 million) and about one in eight middle school students (1.5 million) use some kind of tobacco-derived product, the CDC said. For the sixth year in a row, e-cigarettes were the most widely used tobacco product among high school and middle school students, the report found. Many students use more than one tobacco product. Among current tobacco product users, about 1 in 3 middle and high school students (2.1 million) used two or more tobacco products, the CDC found. “Youth use of any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, is unsafe. It is incumbent upon public health and health care professionals to educate Americans about the risks resulting from this epidemic among our youth,” Redfield said.
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Dominick R. Nicotera, licensed mental health practitioner, is founder and executive director of DRN Counseling and Consulting Services in Utica. DRN Counseling focuses on teaching effective ways of coping with life’s challenges through various forms of therapy, including oneon-one therapy, family counseling, group counseling, addiction counseling, veteran counseling, and mentorship. Q.: What is the mission of DRN Counseling and Consulting Services? A.: Our mission is to support, enrich, and guide individuals, or families, as they deal with major life challenges. With over 40 licensed mental health counselors and providers on our team, we rapidly connect individuals and families in Central New York with qualified mobile counselors. We meet you where you are at and work with you to help get to where you want to be. We primarily see people in their own homes. All of our counselors are licensed mental health counselors or licensed clinical social workers. Q.: What do you do at DRN Counseling and Consulting Services? A.: We provide one-on-one counseling to help you return to an active, productive life, helping you manage your life in healthier ways. We offer family counseling, often seeing families in their own home, and help families understand each other and solve family problems. And we also offer group counseling, a wonderful way to give and receive support and find ways to overcome what you’re struggling with. Our substance abuse counselors specialize in working with people to help them overcome their dependence on substances. The things we’re doing here are amazing: We counsel with vets, focusing on their special needs; we’re approved to do DWI OASAS (Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services) assessments; we have a nurse practitioner on staff; we help people on probation or parole, those in the rescue mission and the women’s shelter. Also, we have a mentorship program — a team of counselors help young people figure out what to achieve and give them the support to get there. I’m proud of everything I’m doing in my private practice. Q.: How did you get into this career? A.: When I got out of college, my career started in Syracuse. I worked at a number of jobs there, including working in a law office and doing court work. I was always open to working with young people. I coached a basketball camp and was athletic director at a high school. Then I took a job at Elmcrest Children’s Center where I did in-home therapy with families.
one of the first social workers at an alternative high school here. Then I became executive director of the YMCA. When it closed, I opened the Pioneer Fitness Center. I was proud that, with our programs and services at Pioneer Fitness Center, we filled the large gap left by the closing of the YMCA. I’ve also taught psychology at Pratt School of Art and Mohawk Valley Community College. When you go into social work, you’re warned: “Don’t expect to make money.” We put that myth to rest. Our subcontractors get paid well. We have our own software and do our own billing and coding. We have expertise with insurance companies. DRN Counseling and Consulting works with many local businesses, offering our expertise in working with insurance companies to others.
While working at Elmcrest, I earned my Master of Social Work degree. I was promoted to supervisor there, where I gained valuable experience in administration and employee development. I found I had I knack for working with young people; they trusted me. Plus, my background in athletics in college helped. I was able to develop good relationships with kids — they liked me. As Utica is my hometown, I moved back here and continued to work with young people in a number of community organizations. I was
Q.: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or DRN Counseling? A.: I am a proud U.S. Army veteran and DRN Counseling is a Veterans Administration-verified veteran-owned small business. We accept most insurance plans and accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full. Also, we’re opening a location in Herkimer, where we’ve combined a gym for kids and offices for mental health professionals. We’ll keep track of the kid’s behavior and grades at home and school and they can use the gym if they exhibit good behavior.
Lifelines Birth year: 1955 Birthplace: Utica Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, Syracuse University; Master of Social Work, Syracuse University Current residence: Utica Personal: Single, one son Hobbies: President of the Mohawk Valley Boxing Association, basketball, swimming
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2020
Women’s Health The Balanced Body
By Deb Dittner
Lean and mean
Adhering to workout regimen leads to an array of physical, mental benefits
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ow do you build and maintain lean muscle and protect your bones from damage? Supporting physical fitness through a variety of programs is key to a healthy life whether you like to hit the gym on a daily basis, walk with friends or your dog, attend yoga classes (or use an app such as Down Dog), and so many more options too numerous to list. A clean nutriDittner tional program and lifestyle management is important in addition to movement to support overall health. As you age, it is important to build strength to keep your metabolism strong. Building lean muscle helps in the balance of blood sugar and supporting thyroid and hormone function. Generally speaking, the greater the lean muscle you maintain, the greater your metabolic rate. Metabolic rate is the number of calories your body burns to maintain important bodily functions such as breathing, thinking and your heart beating. By being active, your muscles will burn more calories than fat,
requiring sound nutrition. As you exercise and build muscle, your heart will pump more blood effectively, supporting a healthy blood pressure and improving circulation. When you exercise, your heart — also a muscle — becomes stronger, allowing for you to do a better job in daily life. As you build in strength training, you will be naturally balancing your blood sugar. Sugar is brought to your muscles to use as fuel, therefore aiding in the removal of glucose from the blood. For those just starting out, you can use cans of soup or filled water bottles for many arm movements. Have you heard of a “runners high?” Those of you who are runners know exactly what I’m referring to. As you run or perform the exercise of your choice, your body releases endorphins that are chemicals resulting in a natural high-mood booster. Exercise decreases stress and leads to increased self-esteem, confidence, improved sleep and overall emotional health. By increasing your muscle mass, you are also improving the health and protection of your joints and bones. The more strength your muscles have, the less your joints have to work for movement. Physical fitness helps in maintaining the spine, hips, knees and ankles to achieve daily ac-
tivity while increasing bone strength and density. There are key nutrients when it comes to bone building: calcium, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin D, to name a few. Eating a variety of alkalizing nutrients also help in the reduction of toxic metals in your body. Incorporate foods such as onions, garlic, and ginger, cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli. These high-fiber foods aid in the excretion of toxic metals while fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir protect the gut. Hydrate with pure filtered water
daily, drinking half of your weight in ounces. This will aid in flushing out toxins and providing much needed fluid for bodily functions. Add a bit of Vitamin C by adding slices or orange, lemon or lime, berries, cucumber slices and even mint. Cheers!!! • 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.
Specialists in Integrative Oncology, General Integrative Health & Wellness, Acute Tick Bites & Treatment of Lyme Disease.
Can you quit? Free smoking cessation classes on agenda
Heidi S. Puc - MD,FACP,ABIHM Heidi Baldwin - MS, RMT Angelica Martin, - MS, PA-C Dina Schellinger, MS, PA-C, PT
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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 Jan. 8 and 15 in the AC 1 and 2 Conference Rooms at the St. Luke’s Campus, 1656 Champlin Ave., Utica. The third class of the series will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. Jan. 22 in the AC 4 and 5 Conference Rooms at the St. Luke’s Campus. Refreshments will be provided. The Freshstart approach is geared toward helping participants increase their motivation to quit, learn effective approaches for quitting and guide them in making a successful quit attempt. The class provides essential information, skills for coping with cravings and group support. The program is open to all Oneida County residents aged 18 years and older. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, but for someone who
Integrative Lyme Disease Treatment
INSIGHT HOUSE Chemical Dependency Services, Inc.
Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services
quits, the health benefits can begin as soon as 20 minutes after a person’s last cigarette. For more information or to register, contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-6400. Interested participants must register by Jan. 2.
OUTPATIENT CLINIC & DAY REHABILITATION PROGRAM • DWI Assessment & Counseling • Addiction & Opiates *** Suboxone Therapy *** Vivitrol • Psychiatric Assessment • Certified Lab & Blood Draws on Site • Family Support Group *** Adolescent Services *** Women’s Track • Relapse Prevention Groups *** Co-Occurring Disorder Groups INTENSIVE RESIDENTIAL 7-9 MONTH PROGRAM • Appropriate for Males & Females • Suboxone Therapy *** Vivitrol • Psychiatric Assessment • Structured Health & Wellness Groups All inquiries are strictly confidential. Most medical insurances and Medicaid accepted. Sliding fee scale available. No individual denied services for inability to pay.
(315)724-5168
January 2020 •
1-800-530-2741
www.insighthouse.com
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Women’s Health Between You & Me
By Barbara Pierce
Nuggets of Knowledge What I’ve learned and why my life is better for it
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or the new year, I’m offering you the sum total of what I’ve figured out over the years. Things that I know for sure, lessons I’ve learned the hard way, and countless valuable things I learned from the clients with whom I worked as a psychotherapist. These are things that have helped me, helped in my relationships with others, and helped me live more comfortably Pierce with myself. I’ve lived a good life, a happy life; being guided by these perspectives has made my life work reasonably well most of the time. May you find here at least one nugget that resonates with you: — Give up expectations: I believe one of the biggest ways we make ourselves miserable is by having ex-
pectations of others or of outcomes. We set ourselves up for disappointment when we expect that people will do what we expect them to do, and expect that things will be the way we expect them to be. People don’t do what we expect them to do, and then we’re upset, angry or hurt. Things don’t work out the way we expected, and we’re upset, angry or hurt. When you give up expectations, you will have less anxiety, stress, frustration, anger, depression, and other negative emotions. Give up expecting certain outcomes to live a more contented life. And expectations of ourselves are equally bad — if we don’t live up to our own expectations for ourselves, we beat ourselves up mentally, feel guilty, and feel badly. Get out of the habit of expecting things of others or yourself. If you don’t have expectations of yourself or of others, you’ll free yourself of much suffering. — Trust your gut, listen to your
Mohawk Valley Practitioners Dermatology & Primary Care Now Open in Rome, NY
Cathryn Barns ANP-C FNP
Sarah Alexander FNP-C
RELOCATION OF OUR EXISTING PRACTICE Mohawk Valley Practitioners (24 Years in Practice)
As of January 1, 2020, we will be located at: Mohawk Glen, 91 Perimeter Road Suite #170 Rome, NY 13441 Continuing To Serve Existing Patients and Accepting New Patients Of All Ages for Primary Care & Dermatology Call for more information, appointments & directions. We will meet your needs and busy schedule We offer comprehensive Primary Care in addition to evaluation and treatment for any DERMATOLOGY diseases including skin cancer, acne, warts, rashes, mole removal, psoriasis, skin infection, sun damage, shingles, tick, infestations, fungus, hair & nail disease, eczema, rosacea and more.
Call For An Appointment 315-733-7913 No referral generally needed. Accepting most insurances.
We look forward to continuing & providing your Primary Care And Dermatology Care. Like us on Facebook . Visit our web site.
www.mohawkvalleypractitioners.com Page 6
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inner voice: Don’t trust the advice of others over your instincts. Trust your gut, your intuition. Intuition is simply knowing something without knowing how you know it. It’s the ability to sense or know something without being able to explain how you know you’re right. Our intuition sends us messages in a number of ways. Sometimes it hits us with a clear answer; often it comes in symbolic ways, like a dream. Sometimes we get a gradual clarification of a complicated situation as the right answer gradually unfolds. Cultivate your intuition; learn to trust your instincts, listen to your inner voice. There’s a reason behind every thought and fear, behind every hunch and every gut-level feeling.
All about perspective
— The way we view things is crucial: Of the things I’ve listed here, this is probably the most important. I choose the meaning I give to what’s happening and I choose how I respond to it. It’s not what happens to me, but how I react to it that matters. “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude of mind,” said psychologist William James. “If you don’t like something, change it. It you can’t change it, change the way you think about it,” said author Maya Angelou. Do what you can to change the
situation. If you can’t change it, leave it or accept it. Also, accept your mistakes. Consider that there are no mistakes, only learning opportunities. Consider each a challenge that you have something from which to learn. Accept what happened to you. If you carry a bag of garbage around, you will stink. Consider yourself a survivor, not a victim. — Take risks for what you have to gain, not what you have to lose: Most of us are afraid to take risks because we’re afraid we’ll fail. Fear is a survival instinct and a reminder that we need a plan for how to gain what we want to gain. What do you want to gain? What big dreams do you have? What is stopping you? What would be the worst thing that could happen if you failed? The absolute worst? Could you deal with that if it happened? What could you do to prevent that worst thing from happening? What help would you have available? To avoid taking a risk is the biggest risk of all. You will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the things you did. So, say yes to that scary opportunity! Take a risk based on how happy you will be. Believe this Native American wisdom: “As you go the way of life, you will see a great chasm. Jump. It’s not as wide as you think.” My life is better because I choose to believe these things, and I act on them. Which beliefs make your life better? As you go forth into another new year, I wish you love, warmth, understanding and that you make all your dreams come true. • 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.
Promotions, new hires at Community Wellness Partners
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ommunity Wellness Partners in Clinton — the affiliation of LutheranCare® and Presbyterian Homes & Services — recently made the following career placements on both campuses: — Corina Chrystie has been named to the position of vice president of human resources. She has spent the last 10 years of her career working in managerial roles in that department for Presbyterian Homes & Services and is now responsible for the human resource functions related to the whole of Community Wellness Partners. A 2008 graduate of Utica College and recipient of a Master of Business Administration degree through the SUNY Institute of Technology, Corina received the “Outstanding Graduate Student in Human Resources Award” for the highest GPA in that concentration. — Carrie Roth, former director of lifestyle enrichment for the adult home, has been promoted to administrator of the Lutheran Home
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2020
of Central New York. A graduate of Utica College, Roth has worked in various positions at LutheranCare® over the last 20 years, most recently responsible for the programming for members of the adult home as well as program coordinator for Your Neighbors, Inc., a volunteer-based program dedicated to serving the frail, elderly and those with limited independence in the greater Utica area. — Mark Chrzanowski has taken the position of director of education for Community Wellness Partners. He is responsible for the oversight of the training and education of all team members within the organization. He served as a member of the United States Navy until his retirement in August of 2013 with the rank of senior chief. Chrzanowski received his bachelor’s degree in management from Campbell University, an associate degree in nursing from St. Joseph’s College of Nursing, followed by a post baccalaureate certificate in nursing from Le Moyne College.
Women’s Health
Kitchen commander
Correct those common cooking mistakes you may be making By Barbara Pierce
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ooking can be intimidating. From figuring out how much and what seasonings to add, to knowing when to add oil to a hot pan, getting in the kitchen can be daunting. Whether you’re just a beginner or you’re an old hand in the kitchen, there’s one thing we all have in common: We all make mistakes when we’re cooking. To help you steer clear of some of the most Baldwin common cooking mistakes, we asked for help from Heidi Baldwin, integrative nutrition holistic health coach, Integrative Medicine of Central New York, Chittenango, as well other experts online. — Not reading the recipe all the way through: Before you start pulling out the pots and mixing bowls, make sure you have all the ingredients you’ll need. I hate it when I get halfway through making something then find I don’t have that key ingredient I was sure I had. Then, review the directions to make sure you understand them and make sure the timing will work. I’ve been frustrated when I planned to serve something for dinner in an hour or so, and then the recipe says, “chill for at least four hours.” — Not prepping the ingredients: As you get more comfortable in the kitchen, you’ll learn to multitask, so you’re able to grate the cheese while the chopped onions brown. But if you’re still getting your kitchen sea legs, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you begin cooking. When the recipe says, “add onions, garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the pan,” have the onions chopped, the garlic minced and the mushrooms sliced before you start cooking any of them. — Fiddling with the food as it cooks: We feel the need to poke and stir and flip way too early, say the
experts. Let your meat char on the grill before trying to flip it. Let your onions and mushrooms sear in the pan before tossing. Only when food has some time up against direct heat will it brown and caramelize. Then stir whatever dish you’re cooking on the stove or the bottom of the pan will burn. If that happens, transfer the part that isn’t burned to a new pan.
However, Baldwin advises us that roasting vegetables with olive oil at 400 degrees is unhealthy. When using olive oil, cook vegetables at 375 degrees for a longer period of time. The higher the temperature you use to cook, the more nutrients you lose. — Overcooking pasta: Nothing ruins a dish like mushy pasta. One chef says he generally cooks it two
OVERWHELMED?
Careful with veggies
— Overcooking veggies: This is a very common mistake made by inexperienced cooks. “Overcooking drains the flavor and the nutrients,” explained Baldwin. “Cook vegetables at the lowest possible temperature for the shortest amount of time. Steaming is the best way to cook vegetables. Stir fry is the worst as it pulverizes them.” And defeats the purpose of eating them. Cook vegetables until soft,Us but About make sure they still have a bite to Undertake major life changes. them. Different vegetables have our practice is committed to different cookingtransforming times; check online. mental health treatment New York State. With over 40 If you accidentallyinovercook your counselors and providers on vegetables, cool licensed them in ice water team, we rapidly connect individuals and then reheatour briefly in hot stock and families in Central Newto York make them ediblewith again. qualified mobile counselors. Roasting vegetables in the oven, Always KNOW YOUR Providers drizzled with oliveExecutive oil, is a popuDirector Bio. lar method of cooking vegetables.
Start Rebuilding Today Call or text (315) 570-5058
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Dominick R Nicotera LCSW-R began his career in Syracuse, NY as a Practitioner, Social Work Supervisor and Athletic Coach for the SU Big Orange Basketball Camp. He has an extensive history of providing clinical services “In Office”, and “In Home Therapy” for over 30 years. After relocating to Utica, NY he has held position for various non-for-profit agencies such as Elmcrest Children’s Center, Family Services, House of the Good Shepherd & Kids Oneida, Ex Dir. of the local YMCA, and as a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner for Mohawk Valley Community College. He now brings many of his practitioners to our area to provide a comprehensive approach to treatment of mental health that includes free in Home Therapy for patients who seek professional In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, counseling. Inc. psycho-therapy As a practitioner, OASAS provider & Coach Mr. Nicotera upholds © 2020 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: the principals of ethics and integrity to high standards as he understands that every provider, 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 • Phone: 315-749-7070 client/patient should know the professional history of their providers. He encourages all Email: lou@cnymail.com stakeholders to research such history.
Oneida, Herkimer In Good
and
Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper
Madison
minutes less than it says on the package. This way, after you strain and let it sit a little, it won’t overcook. Even better, if you put slightly undercooked pasta directly into the sauce and let it simmer for a minute or two, it will flavor the pasta better. Using low fat oil to cook isn’t a good option. Baldwin explained that if you heat oil past its smoke point, it not only harms the flavor, but many of the nutrients in the oil degrade — and the oil will release harmful compounds called free radicals which can cause a number of undesirable effects. Low fat oil has a low smoke point. Olive oil should not be heated more than 375 degrees or it becomes carcinogenic, said Baldwin. Olive oil is good cold, especially on salads. If you’re going to use it in cooking, set your oven no higher than 375. Instead of olive oil, use avocado oil or coconut oil, Baldwin advised. There is such a thing as good fat. In fact, not adding enough fat when cooking is a mistake. Fat is an important energy source and helps your body with the absorption of vitamins. — Regarding salt: “Salt gets a bad rap,” said Baldwin. “Our bodies do need salt. Restricting salt can cause adverse reactions.” Salt your food to taste as you’re cooking. “But be picky on which salt you use. Stick with natural products, like Redmond real salt or Himalayan pink salt, rather than generic table salt,” she said.
counties
A monthly newspaper published by Local News, Inc. 20,000 copies distributed. To request home delivery ($21 per year), call 315-749-7070.
Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Dominick R Nicotera LCSW-R Contributing Writers: Barbara Pierce, David Podos, Deb Licensed Dittner, Mental Health Provider OASAS/IDS Provider Jessica Arsenault Rivenburg, Brooke Stacia Demott, Daniel Baldwin, Traci DeLore 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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Page 7
Women’s Health Bridge communications gap What do men really want from women? By Barbara Pierce As women, we think we understand the man in our lives, but the men say, “No! You don’t get us! You think you do, but you’ve got it all wrong!” We spoke to several guys to learn what women need to know most about men. We also spoke with an especially perceptive woman, Denise Passero of Amsterdam, who has made the man in her life Passero happy for 35 years. What we learned: — Men can’t read minds! “Many women seem to think that, if I really love her, I should be able to know what she’s thinking at all times. I should know instantly what’s making her upset, happy, disappointed, or whatever she’s feeling,” said 62-year-old Bruce Persky of Port Charlotte, Florida. That is not so. Men do not show their love by correctly guessing what’s going on in our minds. Their minds don’t work that way. So don’t expect him to read your mind. Don’t play games. Don’t punish him because he doesn’t read you correctly, making him feel like a lesser person. We women understand each other fairly well; we pick up on subtle clues from each other. Men miss subtle clues, like tone of voice or facial expression. If you want to make sure he gets the message, be direct. “You’ve got to tell me what I’m doing wrong; I really don’t know when I’m messing up,” said 58-yearold Len Krauss of Punta Gorda,
Florida. Tell him what’s wrong. Do not be subtle. If you’re having a bad day, explain it to him; then he can know it’s not about him. If you have expectations, share them. When you talk about what you want or need, he can try to step up to the plate. “Women read way too much into our minds and words,” suggests Persky. “Because you think we can read your mind, you think you can read ours. “You women don’t say what you really mean. So you think men don’t say what they really mean either. But we do! What we say is usually exactly what we mean! “Women usually think we mean something else; they never believe that what we mean is just as simple as what we said. Then we get tried and convicted for what you thought we meant. Not what we really felt or said.” Men often show their feelings through actions rather than words. He may say “I love you” by fixing things around the house, working in the yard, even taking out the trash — anything that makes life better for you. “I’m saying ‘I love you’ everyday by all the things I do for you,” said 38-year-old Sam Bestracky of Anaheim, California.
Empower men
— Ask for his help. “Make him feel you need him,” advises Passero. “Let him know he’s an important part of your life. Or, he’ll ask, ‘Why am I here in this relationship?’” Men like to solve problems and fix things. When a man helps a woman, shows off his abilities to her and gets thanked for it, he feels good about the whole thing. He feels more powerful and happy. Showing appreciation for him
can make a big difference in the way he acts. Compliments are like magnets; they create more of the behaviors you want. “Compliments will make him feel good,” suggests Passero. “They should be genuine and from your heart. And they should be often.” Look for things to be positive about, she adds. Little things, like, “Thanks for picking up the milk on your way home,” or, “I really like that you took out the garbage, thanks!” With these little remarks, affectionate remarks, approval remarks, you’ll be amazed at the results. Emphasizing your partner’s negatives can simply make those negatives stronger. Men learn not to be sensitive. “We’re taught a hard road,” said Persky. “We’re supposed to be sensitive and let our emotional side show. We’re also are expected to be strong,
to be the protector. These are opposites. “Very few men can pull that off. It’s hard to have all that responsibility as a provider, and then be soft and sensitive. It’s easier just to be the provider. It’s much easier to be cold and hard. When we’re soft, it blows up in our face.” “Women don’t understand how much time we spend thinking about our role as provider, how much we worry about it, and how much of our effort goes into making ends meet and taking care of our family,” said George Mason, 45, of Randolph. “You’ve got this job you hate, but you’ve got to keep it because it buys the groceries and health insurance. If it wasn’t for that, you’d quit in a heartbeat.” To make your relationship a place where you both can be fulfilled and happy, treat your partner like you would like to be treated,” Passero added.
Declining life expectancy ‘distinctly American phenomenon’
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fter increasing for decades, U.S. life expectancy is on the decline, and a new study reveals some of the reasons behind the alarming trend. The study, published Nov. 26 in the journal JAMA, found that the decline is mostly among “working-age” Americans, or those ages 25 to 64. In this group, the risk of dying from drug abuse, suicide, hypertension and more than 30 other causes is increasing, the authors said. The findings suggest that life expectancy in the U.S. is rapidly falling behind that of other wealthy countries. Indeed, the particular decline among working-age adults has not been seen in other countries, and is a “distinctly American phenomenon,” said study co-author Steven H. Woolf of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Page 8
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“Death rates among working-age adults are on the rise,” Woolf said. “We have known for years that the health of Americans is inferior to that of other wealthy nations, but our research shows that the decline in U.S. health relative to other countries began as early as the 1980s.” The new study analyzed more than five decades of data on U.S. life expectancy. The results showed that, although U.S. life expectancy increased from 1959 to 2014, those figures plateaued in 2011 and began decreasing in 2014. The main culprits behind the decline appear to be drug overdose, alcohol abuse, suicide and a wide variety of organ system diseases among young and middle-age adults, especially individuals who did not complete high school. In particular,
declines were seen among people living in some parts of New England, including Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont; as well as those living in the Ohio Valley, which includes Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania. These specific regions have been battered by the opioid epidemic and were among the most hard-hit victims of the collapse of the United States manufacturing sector. Indeed, more than one-third of excess deaths since 2010 have occurred in the Ohio Valley states. In contrast, life expectancy increased for those living along the Pacific coast from 2010 to 2017. Data from past decades showed that U.S. life expectancy began to lose pace with that of other countries starting in the 1980s, the authors said.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2020
“Historically this [period] was the beginning of the opioid epidemic, the shrinking of the middle class and the widening of income inequality,” Woolf said. Although many countries experienced economic shifts in the 1980s, Woolf suspects that the unique drop is U.S life expectancy may be due to lack of support for struggling families. “In other countries, families that fall on hard times have programs and services available to cushion the blow. In America, people often have to fend for themselves,” Woolf said. Absence of social services may also explain why the study found larger relative increases in mortality among women, “who have even fewer support systems, and more childcare responsibilities,” he added.
Women’s Health
Mindfulness
going on. “Of course, I’m nervous; I’m giving a talk.” — N: Nourish yourself. Ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” Tell yourself what you would tell a friend: “You know this stuff! You’ve got this! If you screw up, so what, everybody screws up now and then!” Be your own best friend. By Barbara Pierce — Consider offering yourself a gentle soothing touch: “Place your Our minds are so powerful! hands where you find them most What we can do for ourselves soothing. This regulates the stress is so magnificent!” said Julie hormones that flood us when we Potiker of La Jolla, California. are upset. We do this to others; we According to the attorhug our kids, hold our partner’s ney-turned-mindfulness expert, we hand, and pet our dog. My soothing can learn to stay calm amidst the touch is to put my hand on my heart. chaos that is life. Try different spots on yourself and Life is full of potential stressors, see what works best for you,” said from those at home, like strained Potiker. communication with family memOther suggestions from Potiker bers, to those in the world that on staying calm: sometimes catch us off guard, like • Ground yourself. Slow evan unhappy boss or a traffic jam that erything down by dropping your makes us late. attention to the soles of your feet. We can’t control what other Whether you’re sitting at your desk, people bring to the table or what the or standing, concentrate on the soles world throws at us on any given day. of your feet, just for several seconds. But we can control what we can do, It sounds simplistic, she added, but it resilience sounds like science fiction, Absorb the R.A.I.N. Potiker explained. Her book, “Life does work to calm you down. but it does work.” To break the loop of negative Falls Apart, but You Don’t Have To: • Or, concentrate on your breath“Our brains are wired to woremotions with mindfulness, Potiker Mindful Methods for Staying Calm ing. Breathe in for four counts and teaches the R.A.I.N. process: In the Midst of Chaos,” explains how ry, to ruminate, to go over things exhale for six or eight. If your exhale in our mind in an endless loop. We — R: Recognize that I have the we can do this. is longer than your inhale, your make our own hell!” she said. “We emotion is the first step. Slow down How did an attorney become blood pressure goes down, and you cause ourselves to experience negaand become an observer, observing a mindfulness expert? “Parenting relax. tive emotions like anxiety, fear and your thoughts and emotions with made me turn to this,” Potiker says. These things may not work so sadness.” Order curiosity. Notice what comes up for “I had three difficult kids. There was This well when you first MP try them. All you Propo ad willbreak appear atofthe classification of: You can that loop negayou. For example, “I have to give a a period where they were all teenaghave to do is practice and do it until thoughts and emotions. You can report at work and I’m worried about it becomes the default. ers and they all had ADHD (attention tive Rome NY stop it and take charge. Break it with it and scared.” Oh, that’s anxiety I’m deficit hyperactive disorder). I was And Potiker reminds us that mindfulness. feeling.” The minute you label it, a bit of a train wreck, and needed when you’re having a positive expewith in Home Date Being right here, right 05/2014 now you’re calming your brain. to learn tools to manage my stress. I rience, don’t let it go by too quickly. — mindfulness — breaks that loop. It This is the heartRep: of what mindful- Take saw a neurologist who suggested I time to absorb it. For HCN6 example,Ad Id: AM Date: 17, 2014 Sales GRIMALDI, JENNIFER L Size: gives yourMarch brain a break to shiftAcct# into A1ZGFE ness is all about. It takes practice, but you see a beautiful sunset. Don’t just investigate mindfulness.” a more comfortable state of being. pretty soon you will be able to tune As a result, she dove head first note it and quickly pass on to the “Change the channel in your mind,” into your body and notice what’s into full-blown mindfulness training, next thing, but take a few minutes to as Potiker describes it. happening inside you. exploring multiple avenues of study. let it enrich you. Say, “Wow, look at “There are many definitions of — A: Allow that emotion to be She is eager to share what helped her. all those beautiful colors.” Stretch out “I was shocked when I first start- mindfulness,” she added. “To me, it’s there. Not all day, just for now. Don’t the positive experience. being in the moment without judgjudge or criticize yourself for it. ed doing this,” she says about what All it takes is practice. ment. Noticing what you doing when — I: Investigate gently what is she learned. “The idea that we can you’re doing it.” rewire our brains for happiness and
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Page 9
Diet & Nutrition Timing is everything It’s not just what you eat — it’s when you eat By Barbara Pierce
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f course you know that eating a bowl of ice cream before bed will wreck your efforts to lose weight. Many of us crave junk food in the evening — a sweet, carbohydrate-rich treat. Even after we’ve been content with yogurt for breakfast and salad for lunch, a big bowl of ice cream or chips can become pretty appealing once we’re vegging out after a hectic day. But here’s the thing: “Studies show that people who ate before bed gained an average of 19 pounds a year,” said Heidi Baldwin, integrative nutrition holistic health coach, Integrative Medicine of Central New York, Chittenango. “That’s significant!” When we eat before bed, our body is likely to store those calories and we gain weight. Also, those in the study also felt bloated in the morning, but didn’t associate it with their after-dinner eating. It had a negative impact on their blood sugar and cholesterol levels. But there’s more to it. Even if you pick wholesome food in small portions, eating late makes it harder to lose weight. “It’s important to stop eating three to four hours before you go to sleep,” Baldwin said. While you
sleep, your body does all the repair work it needs to do. If there’s food in your stomach, your body can’t effectively do this repair work while it’s working to digest food. This weakens your digestive system. “Going to bed with food undigested in your stomach interferes with your body’s ability to fall asleep,” she added. “Your blood sugar will spike; it causes insulin resistance, and can even led to diabetes.” “To lose weight, eat an early dinner, then don’t eat before you go to bed,” she suggested. “The results will be significant. “If you feel like you’re hungry after dinner, you may just be thirsty. Drink a glass of water instead, then wait and see if you still feel hungry. We often identify thirst as hunger.” “Exciting new discoveries about the timers within our cells — trillions of them, priming our bodies to work efficiently — are transforming health care,” said Dr. Oz, star of “The Dr. Oz Show,” in Parade Magazine. Using time to prevent disease and treat it is among the biggest medical breakthroughs he has seen since launching his show. “We haven’t just underestimated time, we’ve completely ignored its role. We’re starting to see that the when can be just as important.” If you practice intermittent fasting, or deliberately timing your meals, the window of time during
which you consume food should be a six-to-eight hour window, said Baldwin. Start with 10 hours then work up to six to eight. All of your intake of calories — meals, snacks and beverages — takes place within that window. Instead of reducing the calories you take in each day, or limiting the types of food you eat, it’s the timeframe in which calories are consumed that is important. This isn’t a weight-loss program as such. Studies found that weight loss happened as a side effect. The reasons why aren’t fully clear, but it could have to do with our circadian rhythms — the biological clock that tells the body to be awake during the day and to feel sleepy at night. We’re meant to be eating during the day and fasting at night. It seems that our bodies are primed to process food most efficiently when it’s eaten during daylight hours. Our bodies do best when we live in sync with our circadian rhythms. Our bodies digest and metabolize food best earlier in the day, not later. “The rule of thumb is eat like a king at breakfast, a prince at lunch,
and a pauper at dinner,” explained Baldwin. “But the norm for most people is the opposite. This is counterproductive for your health. “Ideally, your biggest meal should be the first meal of the day, your smallest meal at the end of the window. Confine your eating to between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Then only consume water until you go to bed.” Some experts call it night fasting. Night fasting is simple. In one study, participants ate dinner as early as 6 p.m. and definitely by 8 p.m., and did not eat again until 8 a.m., for at least 12 hours of fasting. Not even a cup of coffee during that time. They didn’t have to change what they ate or how they cooked. As well as weight loss, they had significantly lower blood sugar and lower risk for cancer, as opposed to the group who did not night fast. Other studies have found night fasting could be the key to longevity, could ward off Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and improve memory and mood, as well has helping cholesterol levels and preventing diabetes.
Learn to protect your heart in the snow
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or most people, shoveling snow may not lead to any health problems. However, the American Heart Association warns that the risk of a heart attack during snow shoveling may increase for some, stating that the combination of colder temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heart. People who are outdoors in cold weather should avoid sudden exertion, like lifting a heavy shovel full of snow. Even walking through heavy, wet snow or snowdrifts can strain a person’s heart. This kind of snow is sometimes referred to as “heart attack snow.” For people with existing heart conditions like heart failure, high blood pressure or cholesterol, the increased workload on the heart from activities such as shoveling of heavy snow can put them at higher risk for heart attack. To help make snow removal safer, the AHA has compiled a list of practical tips. — Give yourself a break. Take Page 10
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frequent rest breaks during shoveling so you don’t overstress your heart. Pay attention to how your body feels during those breaks. — Don’t eat a heavy meal prior or soon after shoveling. Eating a large meal can put an extra load on your heart. — Use a small shovel or consider a snow blower. The act of lifting heavy snow can raise blood pressure acutely during the lift. It is safer to lift smaller amounts more times, than to lug a few huge shovelfuls of snow. When possible, simply push the snow. — Learn the heart attack warning signs and listen to your body, but remember this: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out. Tell a doctor about your symptoms. Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1. — Don’t drink alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shoveling. Alcohol may increase a person’s sensation of warmth and
may cause them to underestimate the extra strain their body is under in the cold. — Consult a doctor. If you have a medical condition, don’t exercise on a regular basis or are middle-aged or older, meet with your doctor prior to the first anticipated snowfall. — Be aware of the dangers of hypothermia. Heart failure causes most deaths in hypothermia. To prevent hypothermia, dress in layers of warm clothing, which traps air between layers, forming a protective insulation. Wear a hat because much of your body’s heat can be lost through your head. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the “movie heart attack,” where it is clear what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening: — Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2020
few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. — Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. — Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. — Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. — As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and back or jaw pain. — Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. It is best to call emergency medical services for rapid transport to the emergency room. EMS staff can begin treatment when they arrive.
SmartBites
By Anne Palumbo
The skinny on healthy eating
Green leaf lettuce teems with needed nutrients
T
he desire for “clean eating” consumes many of us in January. After weeks of indulging in rich holiday foods, we’re anxious to get back in the saddle of healthier eating. Salads can help pave way. Flavorful and nutritious, a healthy salad can fill you up without filling you out, with the key here being “healthy.” Many of my salads include green leaf lettuce and here’s why: its curly leaves have a unique buttery flavor; it hasn’t been dogged by E.coli contamination; and it’s remarkably nutritious. Plus, because of its pliable texture, I often use it to wrap other foods, creating a healthy wrapper that’s low in both carbs and calories. Although lighter in color than some of the dark-green heavy-hitters, green leaf lettuce still packs an impressive good-for-you punch. Looking to shore up your bones? An average serving of green leaf lettuce delivers over 100% of our daily needs for both vitamins A and K — two vitamins that contribute to overall bone health. What’s more, vitamin A also promotes a healthy immune system and good vision,
while vitamin K helps blood clot properly. Green leaf lettuce is especially good for hearts, thanks to many factors: its inflammation-lowering antioxidants (vitamins A and C), its cholesterol-lowering fiber and its healthy dose of folate, a B vitamin that helps to reduce arterial hardening. What makes this fat-free lettuce also good for hearts is its low-calorie count: only 10 calories per 2-cup serving. By consuming nutritious foods that are lower in fat and calories, we’re less likely to become overweight or obese. Excessive weight, according to multiple studies, has been linked to several factors — high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes — which may increase one’s risk for heart disease. As diet-friendly as salads can be, they can quickly go from healthy to unhealthy with unchecked ingredients that add fat, calories and sodium. So, be mindful of the add-ons, especially when dining out, such as bacon bits (100 to 300 calories), croutons (100-200 calories), shredded cheese (100 to 200 calories), and
Healthy tips
Choose lettuce with healthy outer leaves: fresh, crisp, bright green. Wash greens right before use under cold running water. One method of washing: immerse loose greens in a large pot of cool water and allow a minute or two for debris to sink to bottom, then rinse under running water and dry with a salad spinner or paper towels. Wash organic lettuce, too. creamy dressings (120-150 calories). As an example, The Cheesecake Factory’s Cobb Salad with many of the ingredients listed above has 1540 calories, 2280 mg of sodium, and 124 g of fat.
Green Leaf Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, Walnuts and Feta Adapted from Eating Well
¼ cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons plain fat-free Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard 1 clove garlic, minced ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 6 cups (or more) green leaf lettuce 2 apples, such as Honeycrisp or Gala, thinly sliced ½ cup crumbled feta ½ cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
For vinaigrette, in a small bowl whisk together vinegar, yogurt, oil, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. In an extra-large serving bowl, combine lettuce, apple, cheese, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and walnuts. Drizzle with half of the vinaigrette; toss to coat. Pass the remaining vinaigrette.
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.
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Page 11
Diet & Nutrition Be whole again Whole food diet leads to healthier, happier life By Jessica Arsenault Rivenburg
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whole food diet is perhaps the easiest and most beneficial diet anyone can adopt. Rather than focus on low fat, reducing carbohydrates or restricting calorie intake, a whole food diet simply focuses on consuming whole, unadulterated, unprocessed foods to optimize overall health. For years, research has been showing the benefits of a primarily Warren plant-based diet that reduces or eliminates highly processed foods. More and more researchers are recognizing that a healthy diet, along with exercise, adequate sleep and other good habits, can prevent and treat numerous ailments such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic heartburn, Type 2 diabetes and obesity, among other things. “The entire reason I went back to school to pursue an advanced degree was because of my passion and belief in the body’s innate ability to heal itself if given the proper care and guidance,” said Justin Warren of Standup Nutrition, LLC in New York Mills. “Health can be defined as the absence of disease, but I would also include that it’s the body’s ability to effectively maintain a high level of
performance, consistently. A whole food diet is one piece to that puzzle.” A whole food diet, sometimes referred to as a plant-based diet, is based on eating as people did 100 years ago, before food became mass-produced and highly processed. It is a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains, and things made at home from scratch. And while it focuses on plant-based foods, fresh meat and dairy can easily be incorporated as well, Warren said. “Eating a whole food diet does not mean that you must become vegan,” he clarified. “Lean meats and dairy can also be included in your diet. It’s easy to start and adhere to a whole food diet. All one must do is reduce the consumption of processed foods. Overall, what I have found to be true in my nutrition practice is making small and consistent changes in a positive direction will lead to a healthy lifestyle with a strong immune system that is ready to fight off all disease.” Warren suggests a few simple steps to be successful at following a
“Eating a whole food diet does not mean that you must become vegan. Lean meats and dairy can also be included in your diet. It’s easy to start and adhere to a whole food diet.” whole food diet: — Shop the perimeter of the store. Most grocery stores keep their produce, meat and dairy on the outer walls of the store, while the inner aisles are filled with the cans, boxes and packages of processed foods, Warren said.
Long labels telling
— Read the label. As a general rule, a short ingredient list means the food is less processed, and therefore is a healthier option. An ingredient
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list full of hard-to-pronounce names is another undesirable sign as it often means the food has been more highly processed. — Opt for fresh, grass-fed meats. Deli meats, canned meats and frozen meats have usually undergone a good deal of processing and contain salt and chemicals to help preserve them. But fresh, 100 percent grassfed meats, especially when locally sourced, is of better quality and contain higher levels of healthy fats, Warren said. — Local is better. Warren recommends looking for local and seasonal foods. Such foods have traveled a shorter distance and are thus fresher and often have a higher nutrient content. And purchasing locally grown foods helps support local growers, which is an added bonus. — Plan ahead. The two biggest hurdles to successfully carrying out a whole food diet are time and money, Warren said. But with some planning, both can be overcome. Planning out a week of meals and making a shopping list can help. As produce and fresh meats can get pricey, keeping an eye on sales and buying in bulk are good ways to reduce cost. Warren suggests canning or freezing foods at home to make sure they don’t spoil before they are eaten. — Practice the 80-20 rule. Warren reminded people not to be too strict, as that is often a recipe for disaster. Denying any and all indulgence can lead to boredom and frustration with any diet and cause people to abandon it altogether. Instead, make 80 percent of your diet adhere strictly to the whole food diet, and allow for 20 percent of wiggle room. “Don’t become so strict in your diet that you aren’t enjoying the foods that you and your family are eating,” Warren said. “If you are eating a high-quality, whole food diet for most of the time, then it’s OK to allow yourself a break.”
Beware of the Superbug Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose dangerous threat By Barbara Pierce
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n alarming news story reported that drug-resistant “superbugs” are running rampant, infecting millions of Americans and killing thousands each year. “By some estimates, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are killing more Americans than car accidents and even opioid overdoses. And the situation is getting worse,” according to USA Today. We asked for input from experts Charles Hyman, infectious Hyman disease specialist, Bassett Healthcare Network; Heather Bernard, director of infection prevention, Mohawk Valley Health System, and RN Emma Ingalls, director of infection prevention, Rome Memorial Hospital. What exactly are superbugs? “There are many different definitions of suBernard perbug,” explained Hyman. “The one I like is an infection that’s untreatable or extremely difficult to treat.” “As antibiotics are used, germs become smart and develop resistance to the antibiotics which lead to the creation of these superbugs. They pose a challenge to the health care community because infections caused by bacteria require an antibiotic. Finding the right one is the key,” explained Ingalls. Bacteria are smart; they’ve been around for millions of years, so they can mutate to become resistant to the drug that fights them. Superbugs are those resistant to antibiotics. Are superbugs running rampant, killing many? “It’s an important issue, not just for our country, but worldwide,” said Hyman. “There is an increasing prevalence of bacteria and fungi that are less responsive to the antibiotics we currently have.” “But it’s not running rampant. It’s rare to find an infection that isn’t treatable,” he added. Bernard added: “The 2019 Centers for Disease Control report shows
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RN Emma Ingalls, director of infection prevention at Rome Memorial Hospital, stands by the state-of-the-art Bioquell device that is used to clean rooms after a patient with a resistant infection is discharged. that while the antibiotic-resistant threat is greater than initially understood, deaths have reduced since the 2013 report. The data on whether more people are dying is not all inclusive, so this is a possibility.”
Who is especially susceptible?
“The very young and older adults are susceptible, as is anyone with a compromised immune system,” said Ingalls. “Those who have been on many courses of antibiotics are at higher risk. The longer people are in the hospital, and the more often they are hospitalized, the higher their risk of acquiring an infection. “These infections don’t really pose a threat to normal, healthy individuals.” “For the average person walking down the street in our area, the risk is not zero, but it’s very unlikely,” Hyman noted. What can we do to avoid getting a superbug? Basic hygiene and prevention methods that have been around for years are still advised to protect yourself, say all our experts. Wash your hands with soap and water. Be careful handling food or when around someone who may be sick. “Use good hand hygiene before, during and after your stay in a hospital,” recommends Ingalls. “Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are conveniently located in Rome Memorial Hospital.” “If you’re hospitalized, all health care personnel coming to see you should wash their hands before and after they see you,” said Hyman. “If you don’t see this, bring it to their attention.” “While hospitalized, there are certain interventions that health care workers use to reduce infections, including the removal of catheters and IVs as early as possible,” Ingalls added. “Also, getting people out of bed and ambulatory as soon as possible assists with preventing complications, including infections.
Our goal is to help patients be safely discharged as soon as possible to reduce their risks of complications.” What can medical community do? “Superbugs are caused by the widespread use of antibiotics in situations that may not require them,” said Hyman. “Therefore, at Bassett, we closely monitor the use of antibiotics.” Antibiotics first became widely available in the 1940s. Today, dozens are used to kill or suppress the bacteria behind illnesses ranging from strep throat to the plague. They are considered among medicine’s greatest advances and have saved many lives. But as decades passed, their overuse and misuse have made them less effective. Bernard advises that the medical community can slow the development of resistance through judicial use of available antibiotics, as well as stopping the spread of resistance when it develops. “Antibiotic stewardship programs are in place in MVHS facilities and ongoing training is provided to
providers to ensure that antibiotics are used appropriately and ordered only when necessary,” said Bernard. “If an antibiotic is prescribed for you, inquire whether it is necessary and follow instructions for taking the prescriptions,” she added. “Here at Rome Memorial, we use additional personal protective equipment when patients with ‘superbugs’ are in the hospital,” said Ingalls. “This serves as an added layer of protection to prevent the spread of infectious organisms between patients “We use a state-of-the-art Bioquell device to clean rooms after a patient with a resistant infection is discharged. We are one of a handful of hospitals across the state who have the device which guarantees that every single surface of the room is disinfected. “Also, we ensure that antibiotics are tailored to each individual’s requirements and are not being overused.” “Superbugs are not a cause for alarm, but attention does need to be paid,” Hyman added.
& Palliat
Oneida, Herkimer and Eastern M
& Palliative CareCare & Palliative Oneida, Herkimer and Eastern Madison Counties
Oneida, Herkimer and Eastern Madison Counties
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Mental Health Smoke-free in 2020 Are you ready to finally toss that pack of cigarettes in the trash? By Barbara Pierce
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moking rates have gone down in the Mohawk Valley over the past five years. What great news! We celebrate those of you who made this important decision and made it happen! Those of you who are still lighting up: It’s the start of a new decade. Consider that this may be a good time to make the critical decision. To quit smoking is the single-most importBax ant step you can take to improve the quality of your life and your overall health. “Ask yourself, ‘What would it take for me to take that first step?’” said Patricia Bax of the New York State Smokers’ Quitline, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center,
Buffalo. “Each person’s motivation to quit is different,” she added. Before you actually quit, it’s important to know why you’re doing it. Knowing your reasons for quitting will help you get past the cravings when you feel an urge to smoke. “It’s really hard to quit. You have to keep reminding yourself of your reasons for quitting and they have to be stronger than your reasons to keep smoking,” said Mary Lou Vorhees, 67, of Naples, Florida, who quit cold turkey years ago. Everyone’s reasons are different. Get ready to stop smoking by thinking about why you want to quit. Do you want to be healthier? Save money? Keep your family safe? Instead of thinking of quitting as giving something up, think of all of the great things you’ll gain. Think of what you’ll gain, not what you’ll lose. Food will taste better; you’ll breathe better; you’ll save money; you’ll sleep better. “97 reasons to quit smoking” on
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www.health.com adds some reasons you may not have thought of: “Quitting is a plausible excuse to play computer games to distract yourself from cravings,” and “smoking can cramp your style in the bedroom.”
Trial runs may be necessary
It’s overwhelming to quit, Bax agrees. Cigarettes are designed to deliver nicotine quickly to your brain. Because your brain is addicted to nicotine, it’s difficult to quit, both physically and mentally. Because of that, Bax suggests you think of it like an experiment. Make a quit attempt — just give it a try — to discover what you can learn by that. What helped you get through withdrawal symptoms? What triggered your cravings? What helped? Many smokers need to make several trial runs before succeeding. Next step to take: “It’s more than just a physical addiction; quitting takes more than just chewing a stick of gum,” said Bax. Don’t try to quit alone. One of the hardest ways is to quit alone, cold turkey. There are several better ways to quit. Find what works for you, whether it’s talking to your health care provider, group or individual coaching, or nicotine replacement products. The most effective strategies combine nicotine replacement products and counseling, say the experts. The combination of medications and counseling is better than either one alone. Nicotine replacement products help you reduce your nicotine dose over time. They are available over the counter and by prescription. OTC nicotine replacement products come in the form of a patch, gum or lozenge. These products double, even triple, your chances of quitting. Quitline offers coaches to work with you one-on-one. Coaches are trained in strategies, explained
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2020
Bax. For example, you may need to change your routine. If you have a cigarette with your morning coffee, switch to tea to change that routine. Or, if lighting a cigarette when you get in your car after work is part of your routine. What can you do differently? Little changes in your routine break the connection you have with cigarettes. Counseling and coaching also generally double your chances of quitting — the more counseling the better. It can be done over the phone. “Calling the Quitline, hearing a friendly voice on the other end, and receiving the nicotine patch finally did it for me,” says Tracy K. of Blasdell in regards to the NYS Smokers Quitline at https://www.nysmokefree.com. Anyone in New York state is eligible for its services. “It’s very simple to get involved,” said Bax. “Call us at 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487) to speak to a quit coach. The coach will help you make the decision to give it a try, provide resources, and coach you along. “Or visit our website (https:// www.nysmokefree.com) and request to talk with a coach,” she added. There’s a lot of tremendous information on the website.” Quitline also helps stop vaping with e-cigarettes. Smoking cessation classes are available at Rome Memorial Hospital, offering the information and encouragement people need to understand the addiction and tools that are available to help them overcome the challenges. To learn more about the class, call RMH’s Education Department at 315-338-7143. In addition to www.nysmokefree.com, other helpful websites include www.freedomfromsmoking. org, www.newyorksmokefree.com and www.quit.com. Quitting is possible! You can do it! What’s the best thing that will happen? You’ll change your life!
Oneida Health recently joined the Healthcare Association of New York State’s Commitment to Excellence Initiative. Celebrating the occasion are, from left, Oneida Health Hospital staff Jessica Bryerton, patient experience coordinator; Jane Berry, quality assistant; Matthew McKay, president of the medical staff and hospitalist; Jessica Yoxall, RN, director of patient safety and quality; Kaylyn Kimball, RN, quality coordinator; and Suzanne Rohlin, RN, infection prevention employee health nurse.
SAD situation
Oneida Health joins HANYS Commitment to Excellence Initiative
Seasonal affective disorder can turn winter wonderland into nightmare
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By Jessica Arsenault Rivenburg
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ith short daylight hours, limited sunshine, cold temperatures and many hours spent closed up inside, many in the northern United States can relate to feelings of winter blues and cabin fever each year. For some, however, those feelings are more extreme and interfere with everyday life. In those cases, it is not a simple case of the winter blues, but rather, a condition known as seasonal affective disorder. SAD is a type of major depression that occurs at specific times of the year, said Lori Myers, a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Herkimer. In most cases, the depressive episodes begin in the fall or winter and subside in the spring. Although less common, this condition can also occur during the spring or early summer. “It is important to be educated on the differences between experiencing the ‘winter blues’ versus SAD,” Myers said. “Typically, winter blues is characterized as feeling more down than usual, sad and less energized. Whereas, individuals experiencing SAD will have a decrease in their quality of life and their ability to function at home and work, and their relationships may be negatively impacted.” For people to be formally diagnosed, they must meet the criteria for major depressive episodes coinciding with the fall and winter months for at least two years, Myers said. Common symptoms of a major depressive episode include feeling hopeless or worthless, losing interest in activities once enjoyed, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, irritability, social withdrawal, fatigue, impaired cognitive function including deficits in attention, problem solving and working memory, like finding the right word while talking, and, in
some cases, suicidal thoughts.
SAD strikes millions
According to Psychology Today, an estimated 10 million Americans suffer from SAD, though exact numbers are hard to come by because many cases of SAD go undiagnosed. It is more commonly diagnosed in women and young adults, aged 18 to 30, than in men and older adults. A family history of SAD, depression or bipolar disorder may increase the risk of a SAD diagnosis. The good news is individuals do not have to sit around and wait until spring to alleviate their symptoms, Myers said. First, for anyone experiencing a period during which most of their days are characterized as feeling down and out, they should reach out to their primary care doctor to rule out other possible causes of these symptoms and discuss their options. Evidence-based treatments shown to alleviate symptoms include light therapy, psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and sometimes medication, Myers said. There are also a number of steps anyone feeling down during the winter months can take to improve their mood and quality of life. Myers suggests maintaining a regular schedule, especially a sleep schedule, frequent exercise and a healthy diet. “Whether its four days at the gym, a brisk morning walk or cranking up the music and dancing in the living room, get moving,” she advised. “And research continues to show improving your nutrition can prevent and treat mental illness.” Other tips include staying connected with family and friends and getting outside when weather permits to soak up some sunshine. “As always, if anyone is having suicidal thoughts, they should seek professional assistance immediately,” Myers stressed.
neida Health recently joined the Healthcare Association of New York State’s Commitment to Excellence Initiative that is designed to showcase an organization’s ongoing commitment to quality and patient safety. By joining HANYS Commitment to Excellence Initiative, Oneida Health is reinforcing its dedication to achieving and maintaining quality and safe care to the patients they serve. As part of the Commitment to Excellence Initiative, Oneida Health will be responsible for an annual quality improvement program which requires board of trustee and senior leadership oversight on a number of objectives related to care. These initiatives include actively using evidence-based best practices for quality and safety, routinely analyzing data and outcomes to inform performance and
participation in HANYS’ educational programs for quality and safety, and to use program insight to further improve overall quality and safety performance. Over the past few years, Oneida Health has consistently been recognized by national entities for its performance in patient quality and safety. In 2019, the hospital was recognized by Healthgrades as being among the top 2% in the country for patient safety and experience. This is in addition to the extended care facility receiving 5-star recognition from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for its quality of care as well as CMS’s recognition of Oneida Health’s hospital-based clinics for commitment to high quality, high-value care, and improving the patient experience. For more information on Oneida Health or to become a patient, visit oneidahealth.org.
Health news in brief NP joins staff at LFH’s Dolgeville center Virginia (Pohlig) Clive, adult nurse practitioner, recently joined the staff at Little Falls Hospital’s Dolgeville Primary Care Center. Clive is originally from Dolgeville and said Clive she is excited to be back and care for the community where she lived for
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many years. Clive received her Master of Science degree in adult nurse practitioner at SUNY Polytechnic Institute and her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from SUNY Plattsburgh. She is a board-certified adult nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has 23 years of experience providing primary care and long-term care for patients aged 13 and older. Weary after three hurricane threats, Clive and her husband returned after six years in central Florida to be closer to family. Dolgeville Primary Care Center is located at 9 Gibson Ave., Dolgeville.
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Mental Health Social Anxiety It’s a shrinking world for those suffering with social anxiety disorder By David L. Podos
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ocial anxiety can be a debilitating mental health condition. It slowly shrinks the world for those who are experiencing it. Social anxiety affects both men and women, but due to cultural conditioning particularly in the United States, men seem to suffer the most because they are supposed to be strong and through denial end up suffering for longer periods. Women, on the other hand, have a greater propensity to be more open with their feelings and Nicotera to seek help. While this does not take away any anguish they are experiencing, it does help accelerate their recovery. Social anxiety that is not treated can lead to other more complicated and dehumanizing mental health issues such as agoraphobia. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, some people stop going into situations because of a fear of being overwhelmed by anxiety and not being able to escape or get help. These people have agoraphobia, and they typically avoid places where they feel immediate escape might be difficult, such as shopping malls, public transportation, and other open places like parking lots or enclosed places like theaters. Agoraphobia is particularly common in people with panic disorder, which can feel like immense dread and lead to difficulty breathing, chest pain, and confusion. Their world may become smaller as they are constantly on guard, waiting for the next panic attack. Some people develop a fixed route or territory, and it may become impossible for them to travel beyond their safety zones without suffering severe anxiety. In very severe cases, social anxiety left untreated can morph into the
worst case of agoraphobia. Those suffering on this level become virtually shut-ins, never leaving their place of residence or even stepping outside to retrieve the morning paper or mail. According to webmd.com, there’s no one thing that causes social anxiety disorder. Genetics likely has something to do with it: If you have a family member with social phobia, you’re more at risk of having it too. It could also be linked to having an overactive amygdala — the part of the brain that controls your fear response. Social anxiety disorder usually comes on at around 13 years of age. It can be linked to a history of abuse, bullying, or teasing. Shy kids are also more likely to become socially anxious adults, as are children with overbearing or controlling parents. If you develop a health condition that draws attention to your appearance or voice, that could trigger social anxiety as well.
Expert insight
Dominick Nicotera is the director of DRN Counseling and Consulting Services in Utica, and he works with many people who suffer from social anxiety and agoraphobia. Nicotera is a licensed mental health practitioner. He holds a master’s degree in social work from Syracuse University with a clinical psychotherapist track, and he has been in private clinical practice since 2003. “I would say the majority of people I see in my practice — both men and women — have some sort of anxiety issues that they are dealing with,” Nicotera said. “Men are less likely to talk about issues of anxiety that they are experiencing, so oftentimes it is difficult to have a more precise percentage of actual numbers, but I do see many men in my practice seeking help for social anxiety issues.” Nicotera further explains that men display anxiety issues differently than women. “For men dealing with anxiety, they often display anger more readily than women. I have seen this in many domestic violence situations. In either
The face of anxiety (Editor’s note: The source for this story requested anonymity). “Peter” is a former combat veteran who was deployed to the Gulf and Iraq wars and is a client of DRN Counseling and Consulting Services in Utica. His post-traumatic stress disorder began in April 2016. Peter explains his symptoms of PTSD: “The anxiety starts and it’s like a flashback being back in a traumatic situation. “I don’t leave the house for the most part, and I am paranoid being in a crowd,” he said. “My wife and Dominick try to get me out of the house to be in small situations, but case, regardless if you’re a man or woman, social anxiety begins when someone stops doing something social that they have done before without a problem. For example, they start to avoid crowds, or they can’t be in certain situations where they are the center of attention. It can progress from there as they continue to avoid more and more social functions and then become agoraphobic where a person can become a shut-in, so it can graduate over time.” Nicotera commented on the genesis of social anxiety. “It’s the old adage, nature versus nurture. Many people are pre-disposed to anxiety issues so there is a DNA marker,” he said. “Social anxiety can be rewarded through a negative reward system. For instance, I go into a crowded
Parkinson’s cycling program launched
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ommunity Wellness Partners recently announced the addition of an innovative program slated to launch in the spring of 2020. Pedaling for Parkinson’s — a program developed through the research efforts of professionals from the Cleveland Clinic — is a form of forced exercise on stationary bikes designed to encourage Parkinson’s patients to push the limits of their physical capabilities in order to achieve greatly improved mobility Page 16
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and health. Renovations for the new program, which will be housed at the Wellness Center on the Presbyterian Homes & Services campus, 4290 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, are slated to begin in December with an initial inventory of equipment which includes 10 stationary bikes, two Theracycle bikes, individual heart monitors as well as a Smart TV, IPad, DVD player and speakers. A trained spin instructor facili-
tates the class. One of the latest advancements in the treatment of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, Pedaling for Parkinson’s is yet another level of service which Community Wellness Partners offers the community. Offering this spin class in conjunction with the other established programs for Parkinson’s at the Presbyterian Home campus like Rock Steady Boxing and telemedicine will not only complement the existing
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2020
I am basically a shut-in. “Thankfully with the encouragement from my wife, I am able to at least go to therapy even though I do experience anxiety in the car as we drive there. My wife does all the driving as I do not drive anymore.” Peter advises anyone who is experiencing anxiety or PTSD to seek, help but has a special message for males. “Oftentimes, males who are going through a very severe emotional trial often try to be the strong one and suck it up, but this you can’t beat on your own you have to get help,” he said.
situation, and I leave because I don’t like it and decide never to do that again. So I avoid all crowds, and I just gave myself a negative reward.” “We are individuals that process things differently, that in return could cause someone to have social anxiety. For example, a person who was a witness of a violent act, or someone who has experienced a very bad divorce, could be triggered to develop social anxiety,” he said. “The good news is this: I believe prognosis is very good for these people. It’s very tangible, we identity it, and we work on it. We have innovative ways to work on recovery and healing, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, guided meditation, clinical hypnosis, and bio-chemical brain stimulation,” he added. programs, but also help to make a significant impact in the lives of many individuals. Community Wellness Partners representatives voiced their gratitude to the many community supporters who embraced the concept of Pedaling for Parkinson’s and committed to raising a total of $128,080 toward its completion, in particular the Mele Family Fund of The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties. For more information, contact Lenora D’Apice, vice president of development and marketing, at 315235-7110.
Rejected? Seek out ways to cope with being left out By Brooke Stacia Demott
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t the tail end of this holiday season, some of us may be suffering from more than indigestion. While the holidays can be wonderful for some of us, for others, they exacerbate feelings of being “left out.” Whether it’s only a sting, like being shirked in conversation or left out of a party, or a more devastating blow, like the rejection of a friend or abandonment of a spouse, being cast aside makes a significant mark on our self-worth. It’s hard to carry a burden of rejection because that’s one sack you have to shoulder alone. How do we cope with being left behind by people we care about? — Properly diagnose the relationship: Typically, when someone close to us walks away, the nature of that relationship will determine the underlying reasons for the abandonment. In my experience, there are three major catalysts for rejection. • Conflict: Many people will shy away from one another after a sharp disagreement. This can be a genuinely good relationship under strain, so ask yourself, “Did you say or do something that can be healed with a sincere apology, and a heart-to-heart conversation?” If so, seek restoration to the best of your ability. Often this can heal, strengthen and grow a relationship. If the relationship is genuine, it can often be repaired. • Selfish ambition: Sometimes, however, people simply decide that they have “outgrown you.” Generally, these are selfish folks who use others to build themselves up or accomplish their own goals. They’ve decided that you are holding them back from being the person they want to be. But someone who loves you won’t cast you aside in favor of self-actualization. So, if someone who indicates they’ve moved on to greener pasture rejects you, it’s likely that you (and probably most of the people in their lives) were simply a commodity and far more invested than they were. This is painful, trust me, I know — but the more quickly you come to terms with it, the more quickly you can move on. • Blame shifters: Perpetually restless, often agitated, the reason life isn’t working is because of the people and circumstances surrounding them. You’ve been the sympathetic ear, the validator, the comforter, and the voice of encouragement. But now, you know too much; you aren’t “safe” anymore. You can’t be convinced of their victim status as easily as before, and they realize it. Now, even your good intentions are a searing brand on their conscience. Eventually, you become the enemy.
Are you next?
Once, I had neighbors who brought us cookies to introduce themselves; they also told us everything that they hated about everyone else in the neighborhood. When they left, I said to my husband, “I wonder how long it will be before we make that list?” (Not long!) If you watch
Commentary
By Jim Miller
How to manage loved one’s social media afterlife Dear Savvy Senior,
a friend, family member, or spouse systematically demonize everyone around them, one day, it’ll be you. (And if they come back around, usually, it’s with an accusation against someone else.) — Focus on the good relationships: Most of us have at least one person in our lives who unquestionably loves us. Many of us have several. Don’t let the hurt of one failed relationship steal the joy you can experience in another. Give yourself more fully to the people who have remained faithful in your life. If you’re truly all alone, believe me, there are other people just like you longing to connect — this is the time to make an effort. — Learn from it: The lessons we learn in heartache are valuable and necessary, and we rarely forget them. —— Take honest and careful inventory of the situation: What, if anything, could I have done differently to have made this relationship a successful one? What sort of person should I enter into relationship with in the future? What kind of friend do I want to be, in light of how this person treated me? My husband tells my kids often than if they want to have a friend, they need to be a friend. One way to become a better friend is by recognizing how we’ve been hurt, and carefully avoiding hurting someone else in that same way. — Let it go: Hurt can make us bitter very quickly. We have to learn to let go of the pain of the rejection, because holding onto it can inhibit us from the good and meaningful relationships that await us in the future. Don’t harden your heart; let your standing position be forgiveness, freeing you up to move forward. Reevaluate your goals and march on: People close to us often shape our goals and desires, and when they reject us, we can lose sight of those pursuits. Pain can blur what was once crystal-clear vision. Take time to evaluate your goals; are they still yours, or were they only tied to that relationship? Don’t cast aside good things because a bad person walked out on you. And don’t hold onto goals that aren’t yours, because they are familiar. Seek always to do good to those around you and pursue exciting, virtuous and positive goals.
How do I go about changing or canceling a person’s social media accounts when they die? My sister passed away several months ago and her social media accounts are still active.
Inquiring Sister
Dear Inquiring, I’m sorry for your loss. This a question that’s become more frequent in recent years as most Americans have participated on some type of social media platform. Here’s a run-down of how you can change or cancel some different social media accounts after a loved one dies.
Let’s start with the biggest and most frequently used social media platform on the web today. When someone with a Facebook profile dies, there are two different things someone with authority over their account can do. You can either “memorialize” it or “delete” it. A memorialized account serves as a place where friends and family can share stories, photos or memories to celebrate the deceased person’s life, with the word “Remembering” shown next to the deceased person’s name. Once an account is memorialized, content the person shared is still visible on Facebook to the audience it was originally shared with, however, the user’s profile will not show up in public spaces such as people you may know, ads or birthday reminders. If you don’t wish to memorialize your sister’s profile, you can also have her account permanently deleted from Facebook. Facebook allows users (when they’re alive) to choose a “legacy contact,” which is a person chosen to look after their account once they’ve passed away, or users can request to have their account permanently deleted after they die. (To do either of these tasks, click on “Settings” on the top right of Facebook, then click on “General” on the left-side menu and then on “Manage Account.”) If your sister didn’t set up a legacy contact before she passed, you can submit a memorialization request at Facebook.com/help — type in “How do I report a deceased person
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on Facebook that needs to be memorialized?” in the search bar. You’ll be asked to provide proof of death by providing a copy of either an obituary, death certificate or memorial card. Or, if you would rather have her account deleted, go to Facebook. com/help, and type in “How do I request the removal of a deceased family member’s Facebook account?” This also requires proof of death plus verification that you’re an immediate family member or executor of the account holder.
Instagram’s policy on a deceased users’ account is similar to its parent company, Facebook. A deceased users’ account can either be memorialized or removed, which you can request at Help.Instagram. com/264154560391256. Like Facebook, to memorialize an Instagram account requires proof of death, but to remove an account you’ll also need to provide verification that you’re an immediate family member.
If your sister was a Twitter user, Twitter will work with anyone who is authorized to act on behalf of her estate, or with a verified immediate family member to have an account deactivated. To request the removal of your sister’s account, go to Help. Twitter.com/forms/privacy. After you submit your request, Twitter will email you with instructions for providing more details, including information about the deceased, a copy of your ID, and a copy of the deceased’s death certificate.
If your sister also had a LinkedIn profile, the only option is to delete her account. To request this, see LinkedIn.com/help/linkedin/ask/ ts-rdmlp. You’ll need to provide her name and URL to her LinkedIn profile; the relationship you have to her; her email address; date she passed away; link to an obituary; and company she most recently worked for. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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Spiritual Health Milk & Honey
By Brooke Stacia Demott
The Unseen Realm: Part 2 Satan himself is indeed among us and weaving a deceptive web (Editor’s note: This is a threepart series discussing the existence of the spirit realm. This month’s segment features our unseen enemies, while the third and final segment next month will focus on our unseen allies.)
“
Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world — he was thrown down Demott to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him” (Revelations 12:7-9). I’ll never forget the day my 5-year-old sister spent spray painting the basement. She came prancing up the basement stairs and flung the door open, riding a cloud of fumes into the living room, hands ominously stained. When my mother went down to switch out laundry, she screamed. I ran down, and saw it — the walls, the washing machine, even the dirty laundry was dripping with noxious red liquid. When my mom confronted my little sister, she passionately declared her innocence, throwing herself onto the floor and sprawling out in feigned agony against the woefully unjust accusation. The kid was literally caught red-handed. And while as a teenager, I thought it was hilarious, looking
back, I can see two glaring object lessons. First, when a person is committed to a lie, there is no convincing them to break away from it. And second, lying is easy, but deception is far more difficult. Lying usually makes people to lose respect for us, and swings a wrecking ball at our relationships. But an unconvincing lie is far less dangerous than a deception. Deception requires a level of intention, planning, skill and commitment. While a liar may tell a lie, a deceiver can convince you of it. Satan is referred to in the Bible as a liar, the father of lies (John 8:44) and the deceiver of the whole world (Revelations 12). Satan is someone we don’t hear much about these days; even while die-hard Christians will give sincere nods toward the supernatural superstars of the faith — the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit — we tend to overlook the ancient enemy of our souls. It’s been said that the greatest deception Satan ever achieved was to convince the world that he doesn’t exist. Yet the Bible tells us that we are engaged in a spiritual battle with “powers and principalities of spiritual darkness” (Ephesians 6:12). If we truly are at war, how would it benefit our adversary to convince us that he doesn’t exist? Simple, really: If Satan isn’t real, then it stands to reason that hell isn’t either. And if there isn’t a hell, then what’s there to worry about? He eliminates our sense of urgency by convincing us that there is either nothing at the end of life, or at least, nothing bad. People don’t fight when they think there’s nothing to fight for. It’s quite brilliant, tactically. If Satan were to make himself known,
some would shrink back, but many would rise to fight — to join the ranks of the Lord as heroes of justice and valor, battling the greatest evil in history. This is the most persistent, deep-seated desire of the human heart.
Lurking in background
But if Satan remains invisible and silent, eventually, he will be forgotten. Even better, the only voice that declares its existence — the texts of ancient scripture, penned by servants of his greatest enemy — will go uncorroborated, and mocked as folklore. Eventually, people come to believe that there is no spiritual realm; and finally, that they themselves are not the possessors of an eternal soul. How easy it would be, then, to take spiritual captives without a murmur of protest. In the days of Jesus, Satan operated in a time and region of great spiritual awareness. As such, his attacks were overt, and often quite frightening. But today, Satan is fighting a cold war — underground, and shrouded in two different but related veils: naturalism and new-age spiritualism. Naturalism is the belief that the conscious mind is a manifestation of electrical impulses within an unfortunately conscious ape (that’s us), making desperate efforts to define himself by creating the illusions of love, purpose and a higher power. Using science as a weapon instead of a tool, naturalism convinces people that because a process can be explained, it must be too simple to be special. It gives us permission to ignore the aching need for meaning, brushing it off as a byproduct of conditioned responses. It beckons to our flesh, spreading out before us a
Lack of specialists doom rural sick patients
R
esidents of rural areas are more likely to be hospitalized and to die than those who live in cities primarily because they lack access to specialists, recent research found. The study, led by Kenton Johnston, Ph.D., assistant professor of health management and policy at Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice, looked at data from Medicare patients who have chronic health problems. The paper was published in the December 2019 issue of Health Affairs. Page 18
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“People on Medicare with chronic conditions such as heart failure or diabetes who live in rural areas have higher death and hospitalization rates than their urban peers,” Johnston said. “The biggest reason for this appears to be that people in rural areas have less access to specialist physicians like cardiologists and endocrinologists.” Johnston and his coauthors urge policy makers to target innovations to bring more specialist care to rural areas.
Some of the strategies they suggest are: • Expanding telemedicine in key areas, such as cardiology, to provide routine specialty care visits through technologies such as video conferencing. • Adding incentives such as loan forgiveness for physicians to practice in rural areas. • Considering differential payment rates that offer specialists who practice in rural areas. • Incentivizing rural and urban hospitals partnerships.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2020
veritable feast of sensory experiences and endless outlets for entertainment in order to confuse our thinking, satiate our appetite for truth, and dull our ears to the whispers of Christ. If, however, the “extra-smart accident” sales pitch fails, then spiritualism is the next line of attack: This can be a multitude of deceptions, but typically encourages a person to believe that any spiritual experience is a positive one. This is by far the most pervasive deception in the modern era. The pied piper of spiritualism plays a seductive tune whose lyrics assure that God truly desires only one thing — for you to be personally fulfilled. And this is a role that Satan — who disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) — is all too willing to play. He shrouds himself in a warm, welcoming glow, speaking soft words of personal affirmation, convincing his listeners that his leading is that of God himself. He persuades them to believe that they are perfect just the way they are. It’s a lullaby meant to sooth the spiritualist into a false sense of security, sleeping peacefully in a warm room, unaware it is being consumed by a raging fire. Satan’s main objective is to intercept the relationship between God and man. The Bible describes him as a “roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Ultimately, the victory of this war belongs to the Lord; but where will you stand? Will it be in chains as an unwitting prisoner of war in the enemy camp, or in victory as a co-heir with the commander of the heavenly host? • 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. • Bringing urban specialists into rural health systems on certain days of the week. Researchers examined 2006-2013 data from Medicare claims of patients in rural and urban areas who have heart disease, diabetes and other complex chronic conditions. They linked the claims to health care supply data from hospitals that was provided by the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice and determined rural-urban classifications using a Health Resources and Services Administration database. The researchers defined a rural area as any town with fewer than 10,000 people.
Health News Influenza prevalent in New York state New York State Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker recently declared influenza as prevalent in New York state. In accordance with the New York State Sanitary Code, all health care and residential facilities and agencies regulated by the public health law must ensure that all personnel, as defined in the regulation, not vaccinated against influenza for the current influenza season wear a surgical or procedure mask while in areas where patients or residents may be present. This declaration will remain in effect until the commissioner declares influenza is no longer prevalent in the state. The best protection against contracting influenza includes: — Frequent and thorough hand washing — Covering all coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a handkerchief or a tissue, use the crook of your arm, not your hand. — Staying home from work, school or social events if you have a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and pains or other symptoms such as nausea or vomiting sometimes associated with influenza — Avoiding people exhibiting symptoms of a flu-like illness If you have flu-like symptoms that are severe and persistent, you should contact your health care provider. The hospitals practice “respiratory etiquette” in their emergency departments, urgent cares and primary care medical offices. Each waiting area has masks for patients to wear to cover their cough, tissues and hand sanitizer for good hand hygiene. Those seeking treatment and have any flu-like symptoms with upper respiratory problems will be asked to wear a mask and may be isolated from other patients.
Wadas Foundation appoints leader Victoria Cataldo has recently been appointed as the new executive director of the The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation, Inc. She will serve as the main spokesperson for the organization and will represent the foundation in all professional and business capacities. Cataldo has Cataldo almost 15 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations. She comes to the foundation from her most recent position as director of philanthropy for the Masonic Care Community in Utica. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Cortland and a Master of Science degree from D’Youville College. “The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation plays a key role of improving the quality of life for youth in our community,” Cataldo said. “Youth athletic programs are incredibly important as they have both short-
and long-term effects for those who participate. They teach life skills such as team building, sportsmanship and work ethic while providing numerous health benefits.” The mission of The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation, Inc. is to enhance the experiences of recreational and athletic programs for youth aged 5-18 in Oneida and Herkimer counties by providing financial resources to qualified organizations and educational scholarships to participants. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.wadasfoundation. org.
Nurse practitioner joins staff at Oneida Health Nurse practitioner Michele “Mickey” Moore recently joined Oneida Health to provide gynecological care to patients in Oneida and Camden. A well-known provider in Central New York, Mickey has more than 35 years of experience locally in providing care to women. During her career, she has worked in an array of different clinical environments related Moore to women’s health, including hospital, classroom and outpatient settings. This has helped provide her with a comprehensive approach to care. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners has provided her national certification. In addition to providing care clinically, she has also dedicated herself to educating women locally and regionally on numerous women’s health topics through seminars and presentations. In 2010, Moore received the Statue of Women Award from the local Zonta Club for her dedication to women’s health in CNY. Mickey will be seeing patients at Oneida Health Women’s Care, 139 Fields Drive, Oneida, and in Camden at 9562 NY-13, located next to Tops. For more information, call 315363-9380 or visit oneidahealth.org.
We We did did it. it. We did it. Twice. Twice.
Twice.
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
Wound center welcomes new medical director Keneth Hall was recently named medical director of Rome Memorial Hospital’s Regional Center for Wound Care. “Hall’s expertise as a general surgeon is the perfect addition to a specialized team trained to provide individualized and comprehensive outpatient Hall treatment of hardto-heal wounds,” said Alexa Gookins, program director for the center. “We want patients to be evaluated as quickly as possible so they can begin healing,” Gookins said, noting
Visit oneidahealth.org/awards to learn more
Visit oneidahealth.org/awards to learn more
Visit oneidahealth.org/awards to learn more
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Health News Continued from Page 19 that the team works closely with Hall to expedite referrals. “Our goal is to see new patients within seven days or sooner. Board-certified by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Hall earned his medical degree at Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D.C. in 2005. He completed his general surgery internship and residency at SUNY Stony Brook Medical Center. Hall has completed numerous specialized certifications. He was a research fellow at the NYU Winthrop Hospital, where he completed additional training in minimally invasive, bariatric and robotic surgery. Each year, approximately 6 million Americans suffer from chronic wounds caused by diabetes, circulatory problems and other conditions. For more information about the Regional Center for Wound Care and treatment options available, call 315338-7540. The center is located at 267 Avery Lane in the Griffiss Professional Complex, Griffiss Business and Technology Park, Rome.
Bank of America invests in new hospital Bank of America announced recently that it is awarding a $250,000 grant to Mohawk Valley Health System to support the construction of a new, state-of-the-art medical center in downtown Utica. This funding enables MVHS to replace its two aging hospital buildings with a new facility that will significantly improve patient care, including updated emergency room facilities and redesigned inpatient units. The project is expected to break ground late this year and will be completed by 2022. This development will significantly contribute to the revival of downtown Utica by bringing jobs and residents back to what was once an important economic hub in New York state, an MVHS spokesperson said. “As one of the largest employers in the Mohawk Valley, Bank of America is committed to the economic development and success of the region,” the spokesperson added. “Bank of America employs over 600 people in Utica, and these employees are engaged in and dedicated to the local community, volunteering over 7,000 hours annually. “Bringing this facility to Utica’s downtown will mean a more vibrant city center where entrepreneurs will want to do business, where new shops and restaurants can open their doors, where people seek to live, and where visitors come to explore.” The MVHS project is a critical piece of the downtown Utica rejuvenation project and will be one of the largest draws for people and businesses in the region, according to Michael Brunner, Syracuse market president for Bank of America. “As refurbished warehouses Page 20
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Mountainside Medical Equipment, Whitestown Wolfpack give back to local veterans To celebrate Giving Tuesday, Mountainside Medical Equipment and players and coaches of the Whitestown Wolfpack Pee Wee Hockey team created special care packages and hygiene kits to distribute to local veterans at the Central New York Veteran’s Outreach Center in Utica. The Wolfpack assembled 150 kits of hygiene supplies for the Outreach Center, which operates a donation room that provides veterans and their families with necessary household items and medical supplies. The Whitestown Wolfpack, whose players are aged 10-12, regularly participate in charitable projects as a team. “It’s a chance for them to be part of something bigger than themselves and do it together,” said Wolfpack head coach Eric Gulseth. Mountainside Medical Equipment is a family owned and operated business, and maintains a regular presence in the community, including local youth hockey events in Central New York. The Central New York Veteran’s Outreach Center has been in operation since 2008 and is managed by the Utica Center for Development. and factories attract residents back to the downtown area, Utica and the Mohawk Valley region requires a hospital network that can ensure top-of-the-line care in a modern facility. Beyond the economic stimulus the project provides, updated and improved health care services will attract the technology companies Utica needs to continue its growth,” he noted.
Arc board member elected to statewide post The Arc New York Board of Governors recently elected Dr. John (Jack) Kowalczyk president of the organization. The Arc New York is celebrating its 70th anniversary and remains the largest nonprofit in the state serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
With 48 chapters located in every county in New York, the organization supports over 60,000 people, employs over 38,000 staff and has a membership of over 110,000 supporters. “I’m honored and inspired to lead this family led organization with a renewed commitment to our mission of advocating and supporting people with developmenKowalczyk tal disabilities so that they may lead a rich, full life of dignity and opportunity,” Kowalczyk said. Kowalczyk is a longtime board member at The Arc, Oneida-Lewis chapter, twice serving as board president. His association with the
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2020
chapter spans over 45 years as he provided dental exams for people they support, and as a father of his daughter Suzanne who received services as a child through her adult years. He has also served many years on The Arc New York’s Board of Governors, most recently holding the position of Central North Region vice president.
MVHS names new AC1 nurse manager Jacqueline Mullen was recently named nurse manager of AC1 at the St. Luke’s Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System. In this position, Mullen is responsible for nursing operations including clinical and administrative responsibilities for AC1, an adult
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Health News www.herkimercounty.org. For more information about Herkimer County HealthNet, call 315-867-1552 or visit https://healthnetinc.org.
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inpatient medical surgical unit that includes the bariatric and orthopedic patient populations. Prior to this position, Mullen held nursing positions at the St. Elizabeth Campus in Utica that included medical-surgical and critical care staff and charge nurse responsibilities. Most recently, she was a staff Mullen nurse in the emergency department. Mullen earned a bachelor’s degree from Chamberlain University in Downers Grove, Illinois and an Associate of Applied Science degree from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing.
MVHS names new AC3 nurse manager Christine Fatiuk has been named nurse manager of AC3 at the St. Luke’s Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System. In this position, Fatiuk is responsible for nursing operations including clinical and administrative responsibilities for AC3, an adult inpatient medical surgical unit. Prior to this position, Fatiuk Fatiuk held a medical-surgical staff nurse position at the St. Elizabeth Campus in Utica, and most recently a staff nurse position at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. She was elected president of the Lowcountry Oncology Nursing Society in Charleston in 2017, and from 2017-2019, she held a clinical instructor position for the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program. Fatiuk earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, and a Master of Science in nursing degree with an emphasis in nursing education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.
MVHS to transition laboratory services The Mohawk Valley Health System has transitioned all laboratory services at the Faxton and St. Luke’s campuses in Utica to MVHS-operated labs. Since 2009, laboratory services at the Faxton and St. Luke’s campuses had been provided through a services agreement with Laboratory Corporation of America. The St. Elizabeth Campus Laboratory is already managed by MVHS. “The transition comes from
Newsweek recognizes VHS for excellence
Zonta Club rededicates stained glass window to empower women, patients In recognition of National Mammography Day Oct. 18 and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, members of the Zonta Club of Rome rededicated an original stained glass window in Rome Memorial Hospital’s Medical Imaging Center, a Breast Center of Excellence. The specially designed window was originally donated to the hospital in 1970. Celebrating the occasion are, from left, Zonta board member Patricia DeMatteo; Zonta President Camille Dillard; Zonta Immediate Past President Sandy Gerhardt; Rome Memorial Hospital’s Director of Medical Imaging Sharon Carson, and Rome Memorial Hospital Vice PresidentChief Medical Officer Andrew Bushnell. Zonta International’s mission is to empower women through service and advocacy. The Zonta Club of Rome hopes the window reminds and encourages women to be involved in their self-care and talk to their provider about breast cancer prevention. our pursuit to improve quality and patient satisfaction through increased efficiency,” said Shannon Mathewson, vice president of operations at MVHS. “It allows us to provide a faster turnaround for patients’ lab results.” MVHS is investing more than $3 million in new equipment that will bring advanced laboratory testing to the region. MVHS Laboratory Services partners with the Mayo Clinic, one of the top health systems in the nation, to provide quick turnarounds on lab results. Moving all lab services to MVHS will also keep 250 laboratory jobs local in the community. Those interested in applying for open positions can visit careers.mvhealthsystem. org. Training is provided for many positions. To see a full listing of MVHS laboratory services locations, visit mvhealthsystem.org/lab.
Herkimer County receives planning grant The Herkimer County Office for the Aging is the recipient of the New York State Office for the Aging Age-Friendly Planning Grant Program in the amount of $20,000. The purpose of this two-year grant is to create at the county level a replicable version of the governor’s executive order to incorporate
relevant age-friendly healthy policies and principles aimed to improve the health and wellness of people of all ages. The Office for the Aging will be collaborating with Herkimer County HealthNet in carrying out the work associated with the grant by considering the American Association of Retired Persons’ eight domains of livable communities and Smart Growth reforms. “This is a great opportunity for Herkimer County to work with communities and organizations and establish policies to promote the health of people of all ages,” said Kathy Fox, director of the Herkimer County Office for the Aging. Fox added the decision to work with Herkimer County HealthNet is based on common goals of promoting healthy aging in Herkimer County Elyse Enea, HealthNet executive director, said the grant supports the work that HealthNet is implementing and it supports its mission, which is to improve the health and well-being of individuals who live, work, play, and learn in Herkimer County. Once the work is complete over the course of two years, Herkimer County can then apply to become an age-friendly community with AARP. For more information about the Herkimer County Office for the Aging, call 315-866-1121 or visit https://
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Newsweek magazine has recognized Valley Health Services in Herkimer as one of its Best Nursing Homes 2020. Newsweek collaborated with Statista, a global data research firm to analyze and rank over 15,000 nursing homes in the United States, which accept Medicare and Medicaid, as well as offer continuing care. Out of the 15,000 nursing homes, only 400 across the 20 largest U.S. states made the list. There are over 600 nursing homes in New York state and only 63 made this list. VHS was one of them. The homes were selected based on a survey among nurses, nursing assistants, therapists, administration and management working in skilled nursing facilities as well as an in-depth analysis of key performance indicators on staffing, quality measures and health inspections provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Valley Health Services recognizes employees Valley Health Services and Valley Residential Services in Herkimer recently celebrated their dedicated staffs during a recognition dinner at Francesca’s Banquet & Catering facility in Ilion. At the event, staff members were recognized for their length of service to the organization. One staff member who embodies the qualities most celebrated was named the organization’s employee of the year. This year, the following staff members were recognized for length of service: — 5-year: Bethany Bongiorno; Tina Bruette; Alysha Henrickson; Shellèy Kentile; Lisa Knoblauch; Danielle Rickard and Diane Young — 10-year: Margaret Avery; Janice Huffman; Thomas Samsel and Diane Wedemeyer — 15-year: Eileen Callahan and Melissa Congdon — 20-year: Nancy Agne; Christine Congdon; Christine Dygert and Wanda Loefler — 25-year: Lisa Eckler and Bonnie Graves — 30-year: Sherry Krick — 35-year: Joan Keiffer The employee of the year was Mark Ritzel, physical therapy assistant, who joined the VHS staff in 1998. His colleagues nominated Ritzel, attributing his success on the job to having the ability to interact with and help people every day to improve their quality of life. Ritzel has an Associate in Applied Science degree and is a graduate of the physical therapy assistant program at Herkimer College. He resides in New Hartford.
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Dental Health Smile with Dr. Suy
By Dr. Salina Suy
Defining Dentistry: the dental X-ray
H
appy New Year everyone! Thank you again for joining in on this month’s “Smile with Dr. Suy” column and enjoying our continuing series, “Defining Dentistry.” This month, we examine dental X-rays, our final segment in the series. In a new twist for 2020, we still feature columns based on reader feedback. If you have a question or issue that you Suy would like to see addressed, please email me at salinasuy@yahoo.com Here’s to an exciting and successful New Year and remember to always smile on!
Up-close and personal
Dental X-rays are images taken
at your dental office to help monitor or diagnose your oral health. There are two main types of dental x-rays: — Intraoral (inside of the mouth): These X-rays are more common and focus in on specific areas of the teeth and jawbone. Intraoral X-rays allow dentists to look at details that help diagnose cavities, the health of tooth roots and the bone surrounding teeth. Types of X-rays include bitewings, periapicals and occlusal X-rays. Each type of intraoral X-ray is used for different information. — Extraoral (outside of the mouth): These X-rays are more focused on the jawbone and skull. While details cannot be seen, extraoral X-rays allow dentists to look at the big picture — impacted teeth, jaw growth and development and any pathologies that might be present. Some types of extraoral X-rays include panorex, cone beam computed tomography and cephalometrics. X-rays should be taken period-
ically to monitor your overall head and neck health. They can be taken more often if you have suspected problems due to pain or other symptoms. Those with high cavity or periodontal disease risk will take X-rays more often. X-rays have grown with advancement and are taken with minimal radiation. These may also be taken in conjunction with other treatments, including orthodontic treatment, root canal treatment, dental implants, temporomandibular joint disorders, sleep apnea, fracture diagnosis and
trauma. I hope this column has helped made you more aware of the diagnostic power of the dental X-ray. — Dr. Salina Suy is an advocate for dentistry, health & beauty. She practices at Zalatan Dental Modern Dentist in Utica, NY. Dr. Suy serves as the 5th District Ethics Chair for the New York State Dental Association, as Treasurer for the Oneida Herkimer County Dental Society and as an hospital attending at MVHS. For more information, call 315-7243197 or visit www.modern.dentist.
s d i K Corner
Study finds children log excessive screen time
A
study conducted by the University at Albany, the National Institutes of Health and New York University Langone Medical Center uncovered several new findings about the amount of time children spend watching television or using a computer or mobile device. Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the study found that the average time children spend in front of screens increased from 53 minutes per day at 12 months to more than 150 minutes at 3 years — time periods that greatly exceed recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. AAP recommends that digital media exposure should be avoided for children under 18 months of age, introduced slowly to children 18 to 24 months of age and limited to an hour a day for children from 2 to 5 years of age. Additional findings include: • 87 percent of children had Page 22
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screen time exceeding recommendations from the American Pediatric Academy. • Children were more likely to be in the highest percentile of screen time exposure if their parents had only a high school diploma or equivalent (more than twice as likely) or were children of first-time mothers (almost twice as likely). • Compared to single-born children, twins were more likely to belong to the highest screen time group. • Children in home-based care, whether provided by a parent, babysitter or relative, were more than twice as likely to have high screen time than those in center-based care. • While screen time increased throughout toddlerhood, by age 7 and 8, screen time fell to under 1.5 hours per day. The researchers believe this is due to time consumed by school-related activities.
The team, including Erin Bell, professor of environmental health sciences at UAlbany’s School of Public Health, analyzed data from the Upstate KIDS study. Upstate KIDS, an ongoing cohort-based study co-led by Bell, tracks the ongoing growth, motor and social development of more than 6,000 babies born to 5,000 mothers between 2008 and 2010 in 57 counties of Upstate New York. For this particular study, mothers of nearly 4,000 Upstate Kids participants responded to questions on their children’s media habits when they were 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months of age, and then to similar questions when the children were 7
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2020
and 8 years old. The study compiled additional demographic information on the mothers and children from birth records and other surveys. “This collaborative study led by our colleagues at Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has made it clear that screen habits are developing earlier than recommended,” said Bell. “Given the concern that increased screen-time may impact child development, our results suggest an important need to develop strategies for reducing children’s screen time at very young ages to better meet the current AAP screen-time recommendations.
CALENDAR Health of HEALTH EVENTS in good
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
Jan. 9
Grandparents support group takes shape
Laryngectomy support group to meet
The Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc., in partnership with the Parkway Center, will be providing a grandparents support group. The support group will be held from 2-3 p.m. Mondays at the Parkway Center, 220 Memorial Parkway, Utica. The group is open to grandparents who are raising children of loved ones that are experiencing active addiction, working on recovery, in residential-outpatient treatment, are hospitalized, incarcerated, or are dealing with other familial concerns. Those interested may contact CFLR’s Utica office at 315-733-1709 or the Parkway Center at 315-223-3973.
The Laryngectomy Support Group will hold its monthly meeting at noon Jan. 9 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.
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.
Tuesdays
Insight House offers family support group Insight House Chemical Dependency Services, Inc. is offering a family support group meeting from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Insight House, 500 Whitesboro St., Utica. The group is free and open to anyone who is concerned about a loved one’s relationship with alcohol, opiates/heroin, or other substances. For more information about the group, call 724-5168, ext. 265, from 8:30-4 p.m. weekdays. All calls are strictly confidential.
Thursdays
Loved one on drugs? There is support CNY Services Milestones is featuring a support group for anyone dealing with another person’s drug and/or alcohol addiction. The support group meets at 6 p.m. Thursdays at 502 Court St., Suite 210, Utica. The support group is free and open to those struggling with a child, partner, wife, husband, mother, father or friend who is battling addiction. For more information, call Tony at 315-717-9153.
Care to advertise? Call 315-749-7070!
Jan. 10
Breastfeeding Café opens at Rome Memorial The Mohawk Valley Breastfeeding Network, in partnership with Rome Memorial Hospital, has opened a new Breastfeeding Café to provide pregnant and breastfeeding moms and their families a place to support one another, socialize and get breastfeeding clinical support if needed. The group meets from noon to 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of the month at Rome Memorial Hospital, fourth floor, 1500 N. James St. The next meetings will be on Jan. 10 and Jan. 24. 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.
Jan. 13
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. Jan. 13. 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.
MV’S HEALTHCARE NEWSPAPER
EMPLOYMENT Advertise your health-related services or products and reach potential customers throughout the Mohawk Valley for as little as $90 a month. Call 749-7070 for more info.
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. Jan. 13 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.
Jan. 15
Valley Health Services accepts syringes Valley Health Services is accepting the community’s medical waste of needles, syringes and lancets from noon until 2 p.m. on Jan. 15. 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.
Jan. 29
Narcan training class available In response to the influx of overdoses in the local community, Insight House is offering a free community Narcan training class. The class is held from 2-3 p.m. on the last Wednesday of every month at 500 Whitesboro St., Utica. The next session will take place Jan. 29. Space is limited and preregistration is recommended by calling 315-724-5168 ext. 238.
January 2020 •
Story idea? Call 315-749-7070!
March 7-8
Home and Garden Expo on agenda The Home Builders & Remodelers Association of the Mohawk Valley have open registration for businesses that want to get in front of thousands who attend the Home & Garden Expo in March 2020. As an incentive to participate, businesses that commit to exhibit before Jan. 15 receive 50 admission tickets. The expo is dedicated to the home building and remodeling industry and has been expanded, offering more for families and information for gardening enthusiasts. There will be kid-friendly, handson crafts and projects for families. The expo is March 7-8 in the Jorgensen Athletic Center at Mohawk Valley Community College and allows consumers the chance to get information from qualified, professional contractors and gardening experts. For more information, visit https://www.mvhomegardenexpo. com/.
April 3
Country music event to benefit The Arc The Friends of The Arc Foundation is bringing multi-platinum MCA Nashville recording artist Josh Turner to Central New York for a concert on April 3 at the Stanley Theatre, Utica. Tickets are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com, the Stanley Theatre box office, or by calling 315724-4000. All Turner proceeds from the show will benefit The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter. “Not only will fans be treated to a fantastic show at a historic venue, but they’re also helping support a deep-rooted organization that changes lives,” said Adrienne Carbone, Friends of The Arc Foundation board president. With a rich, deep voice and distinctive style, Turner has sold more than 12.5 million units, is a disciple of traditional country music, and one of the youngest members of the esteemed Grand Ole Opry.
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17 Sunrise Drive Oswego, NY 13126 315-342-4790 | www.MorningstarCares.com
Our Mission.
To provide people in our community with healthcare, customer services, support & employment to achieve their individual best quality of life.
Our Vision.
RESIDENTIAL CARE CENTER
To redefine skilled nursing care through successful team development, use of technology, progressive service and being a strong community partner.
Our Team.
Registered Nurses Licensed Nurses Certified Nursing Assistants Physical Therapists Occupational Therapists Speech Therapists Social Workers Recreational Therapists Dietitians Page 24
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Waterville
Nurse Aides Housekeeping Laundry Finance Maintenance Medical Records
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2020
220 Tower Street, Waterville, NY 13480 315-841-4156 | www.WatervilleCares.com
Assisted Living Community
132 Ellen Street, Oswego, NY 13126 315-343-0880 | www.TheGardensByMorningstar.com
Aaron
Manor
Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
100 St. Camillus Way, Fairport, NY 14450 585-377-4000 | www.AaronManor.com