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Start today at crouse.org/weightloss or call 315-470-8974
These are the hottest days on earth. This July we have seen the hottest global temperature ever recorded, according to data from two climate tracking agencies.
While there’s no denying the brutal heat and mugginess is physically uncomfortable, research suggests that such conditions wear on our psychological well-being, too. Studies have found links between ris-
ing temperatures and a range of mental health issues including mental fatigue, aggression and higher rates of suicide.
When the temperature spikes, so too do suicide rates, crime and violence. On Twitter, there’s an increase in hate tweets and online aggression during heat waves.
“We generally see an increase in domestic violence calls in July and August, as well as December through
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March,” said Herkimer Police Chief Mike Jory. “I feel this could be related to extreme weather conditions on both ends of the spectrum. During colder months, families are forced to be inside for extended periods of time. During times of unbearable heat, families are again inside to escape the heat.”
“Both situations can result in an increase in tension,” he continued. “It’s difficult to quantify the number of calls (domestic or otherwise) caused by the extreme weather conditions. I would say that with larger families in smaller homes, possibly in an apartment with no air conditioning, patience may be lacking and anger increasing throughout the day, especially when school’s out for the summer.”
“Yes, there’s an increase in crime during the summer months,” agreed Lt. Mike Curley, Utica Police. “But there’re so many other correlating factors. Juveniles are out of school, have a lot more free time, with no structure. They’re committing a lot of the crimes. And we have longer daylight hours; people are out and about more. I can’t say definitely that the increase is related to the heat alone.”
Scientists have yet to uncover why heat causes more aggression and violence; they don’t know whether heat itself can cause brain changes that may lead to these effects. But regardless, experts say, it’s clear that oppressive heat is linked with worse mental health.
Yes, the heat makes many of us exceedingly cranky and irritable, and, in some cases, downright angry.
Research backs this up. Everyone’s fuse is a little bit shorter.
“It’s important to take extreme heat warnings seriously,” said Oneida County director of health Daniel Gilmore, Ph.D. “Adjust your activities according to recommendations and pay attention to signals from your body so that you’re playing it safe in these extreme temperatures.”
Practice common sense in the heat: stay hydrated and listen to your body. If you’re healthy and want to exercise, try to get in your workout in the morning or evening.
Tips from the Oneida County Health Department for coping with extreme heat
• Stay hydrated. Drink during meals, and throughout the day before you become thirsty.
• Avoid strenuous activity.
• Stay in a cool, air-conditioned area when possible. Shopping malls, libraries, senior centers and cooling centers are options if you don’t have air conditioning in your home.
• Avoid being outside during the peak hours of heat and sun, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Check on older adults and make sure they are staying cool.
• Don’t leave children or pets in your car. Cars heat up quickly in the summer even with windows open.
• Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 when going outside.
To cool down fast, get out of the sun. If you’re experiencing heat cramps, a headache, or excessive sweating, get indoors. It can take an hour or so to return to normal. If you suspect heatstroke, which includes nausea and vomiting, a rapid pulse, fainting, confusion, or a seizure, call 911 right away.
If you’re hot and unable to rely on air conditioning: spray yourself with cool tap water; soak your hands and feet in cool water; douse your clothes with water. Keep ice packs in the freezer and use a layer of cloth between the ice pack and your skin.
Aim to get as much cool air into your house as possible by keeping the windows and blinds open at night. When the sun comes up, close your house up. Consider investing in blackout curtains, to reduce the amount of heat that’s transferred inside via your windows. Also, in homes without air conditioning, consider taking a cold shower before bed, running a cool cloth over your head, or staying with a friend or family member with air conditioning. Fans can be helpful, but in the interest of saving electricity, turn them off when you leave a room.
Whether it’s to avoid partners who steal the covers and toss and turn all night, or those who consistently rattle the room with loud snoring, many Americans are opting for a “sleep divorce” to help improve their nightly sleep.
According to a recent American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) survey, more than one-third of people say they occasionally or consistently sleep in another room to accommodate a bed partner.
Men are most likely to hit the sofa or guest room, with almost half of males (45%) reporting they occasionally or consistently sleep in another room, compared with just one-fourth (25%) of women.
“We know that poor sleep can worsen your mood, and those who are sleep deprived are more likely to argue with their partners. There may be some resentment toward the person causing the sleep disruption which can negatively impact relationships,” said Seema Khosla, pulmonologist and spokesperson for the AASM. “Getting a good night’s sleep is important for both health and happiness, so it’s no surprise that some couples choose to sleep apart for their overall well-being.”
Getting the right amount of healthy sleep is important for relationships. Studies have shown that those in relationships who consistently experience poor sleep are more likely to engage in conflict with their partners and that sleep loss decreases levels of empathetic accuracy — meaning those who do not have enough sleep may be less able to understand or interpret their partners’
feelings.
Almost half (43%) of millennials occasionally or consistently sleep in another room to accommodate a bed partner, followed by one-third (33%) of those in Generation X, 28% of those in Generation Z and 22% of baby boomers.
“Although the term ‘sleep divorce’ seems harsh, it really just means that people are prioritizing sleep and moving into a separate room at night when needed,” said Khosla. “However, if it is one partner’s loud snoring that is leading to separate sleep spaces, then you should encourage that partner to talk to a doctor about obstructive sleep apnea. This applies to both men and women who may snore.”
Loud and frequent snoring is not just a nuisance; it is a common symptom of sleep apnea. While not everyone who snores has this sleep illness, snoring is a warning sign that should be taken seriously. When snoring is paired with choking, gasping or silent breathing pauses during sleep, it’s a strong indicator of sleep apnea.
Other common symptoms of sleep apnea include fatigue or daytime sleepiness, unrefreshing sleep, insomnia, morning headaches, nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom), difficulty concentrating, memory loss, decreased sexual desire, irritability, and difficulty staying awake while watching TV or driving. Excess body weight is a key risk factor for sleep apnea.
For more information, or to find a local AASM-accredited sleep center, please visit sleepeduation.org.
per year), call 315-749-7070.
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Contributing Writers: Barbara Pierce, Deb Dittner, Gwenn Voelckers, David Podos, Deborah Jeanne Sergeant, Anne Palumbo, Daniel Baldwin
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similar interests and hobbies.
common.
By Gwenn VoelckersQuestion from a reader
I’ve been divorced for about a year now, and struggle with loneliness. I miss the friends we shared as a couple, but I’m just not comfortable socializing with couples anymore. I’m 58, and it feels awkward to try to make friends at my age. Any advice for me?
Answer from Gwenn
You’re not alone. Unfortunately, what you are experiencing often happens in the aftermath of a separation or divorce, especially if it was acrimonious. Friends’ loyalties can be split and, just as you feel uncomfortable relating to your former “couple” friends, some couples may feel uncomfortable relating to a now-single friend.
So how do you meet new people and cultivate friendships as an adult? Here are a few tips:
• First, be your own best friend
Taking care of yourself matters. Loving yourself shows. When you feel good about yourself you radiate a calm confidence and kindness that invites people in.
Healthy, positive people attract and gravitate to other healthy, positive people where friendships can flourish.
• Do more of what you enjoy doing
You won’t make new friends sitting alone at home. Get out of the house and do those things that bring you joy, whether it’s practicing yoga, learning a new language, taking a cooking class, playing music or any number of activities that put you with others.
You’ll meet people who share and appreciate your interests and aspirations, which — to quote Humphrey Bogart in “Casablanca” — could lead to “the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
• Consider a support group
It’s not uncommon for new friendships to be borne out of compassion and empathy. A divorce or grief support group will put you in touch with others facing similar challenges.
A friend of mine met her second husband in a divorce support group. She shared, “We got to know each other as friends first, and have remained ‘best friends’ throughout our marriage. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”
• Say “yes” to invitations and opportunities to be with people
Circulating at neighborhood porch parties, gallery openings, retirement parties, weddings, etc. can be the ticket to making a new friend. You’ll be out and about with people with whom you share something in
Family game night can be more than just a fun time: New research suggests it may even help build some early math skills in young children.
While past research has pointed to games as a way to enhance reading development and literacy, a new comprehensive review finds that number games like Monopoly, Othello, and Chutes and Ladders may help children with math.
“Board games enhance mathematical abilities for young children,” said lead author Jaime Balladares, from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, in Santiago. “Using board games can be considered a strategy with potential effects on basic and complex math skills. Board games can easily be adapted to include
learning objectives related to mathematical skills or other domains.”
These number-based games help improve counting, addition and the ability to recognize if a number is higher or lower than another for young children, according to the study.
Children benefit when they play board games a few times a week supervised by a teacher or another trained adult, the study authors said.
The researchers reviewed 19 studies published from 2000 onward involving children aged 3 to 9. Most of the studies focused on the relationship between board games and mathematical skills.
The children each received special board game sessions about twice a week for 20 minutes over about
Show up and don’t be shy about extending an invitation to someone you meet. It could be a cup of coffee, drinks after work or walk in the park.
• Don’t overlook your family
My sister is my best friend, and she helped me re-establish a network of friends after my divorce. I had gone into the proverbial “cave” and lost contact with practically everyone.
Her friends became my friends, and now, years later, I enjoy the company of her friends, as well as my own.
• Rekindle relationships with old friends
It happens. It’s not uncommon for friends to drift apart when careers, marriage, kids or other life events require time and focus.
But things change. Life marches on and many of us have retired and become empty nesters. You now have glorious time on your hands to reconnect with old friends — friends who were an important part of your life at one point and may still have lots to offer.
Just yesterday, I got a text from an old friend. It began, “It’s been ages! I just retired in June after 34 years. I’d love to connect.” We are meeting next week.
It’s as easy as that! You can do it.
• Give a “singles” event a try
Many divorced or widowed women and men find fun and friendship in community activities organized just for singles. It could be a movie night, dining out, hiking, biking, kayaking, you name it.
You can find these opportunities online in community calendars or in local newspapers. You could also check out www.meetup.com for a wide-ranging list of activities, gatherings, and events for people with
six weeks.
Some of the studies grouped children into either the number board game or to a board game that did not focus on numeracy skills, while in other studies all the children participated in number board games but were assigned different games.
All children were assessed on their skills before and after the interventions, with the authors rating success in four categories, including the ability to name numbers; basic number comprehension (such as nine is greater than three); the ability to add and subtract; and interest in mathematics.
In some cases, parents were provided training on using math in games. The results showed that children had significantly improved math skills for more than 52% of tasks analyzed. In 32% of cases, children in the intervention groups gained better
• Volunteer or champion a cause
Supporting an organization or cause you believe in will put you in contact with people working toward a common goal.
Community gardens, political parties, hospitals, museums, animal shelters and many other organizations often need volunteers. Strong connections can be made when you work alongside others who want to make the world a better place to live, work, play and pray.
Friendships enrich our lives. Good friends are there for you in hard times when you need someone to lean on. And they are there for you in good times to help celebrate life’s successes and happy moments.
When I’m in the company of my good friends, I feel a warm sense of belonging. They know me and I know them. We laugh and cry together, prop each other up, and share our deepest feelings and fears, hopes and dreams, and of course, favorite recipes and movies.
My friends are family.
If you are feeling lonely or left out, know that you can always meet new people, make new friends, and nurture existing ones. It’s never too late.
Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Alone and Content, empowerment workshops for women and author of “Alone and Content,” a collection of inspiring essays for those who live alone. For information about her workshops, to purchase her book, or invite her to speak, visit www. aloneandcontent.com
results than those who did not take part in the board game intervention.
The findings were published online July 6 in the journal Early Years.
“Future studies should be designed to explore the effects that these games could have on other cognitive and developmental skills,” Balladares said in a journal news release. “An interesting space for the development of intervention and assessment of board games should open up in the next few years, given the complexity of games and the need to design more and better games for educational purposes.
If you’re watching your cholesterol, you may be wary of eating shrimp. Next to squid, shrimp has more cholesterol than any other seafood, which depending on your intake can put a serious dent in your recommended amount. We’re talking up to 200 milligrams per average serving. Although I have high cholesterol, I continue to eat shrimp, maybe three or four times a month, swayed by the research from Harvard School of Public Health, which asserts that the biggest influence on blood cholesterol levels is the mix of fats and carbs in your diet — not the amount of cholesterol you eat from
food. While some foods do earn cholesterol red flags — think high-fat baked goods, meats high in saturated fats, deepfried foods — shrimp does not.
That’s because shrimp contains minimal saturated fats and negligible carbs. (Of course, red flags go up whenever shrimp is fried or
1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and cleaned
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon regular or smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon coarse black pepper pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1.Thaw shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes.
2. Mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and spices in a large bowl. Add shrimp, mix until coated, and let shrimp sit for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high; oil the grates.
4. Thread the shrimp on skewers and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque. Serve immediately.
Vegan moms can breastfeed their children and not worry that their breast milk is missing essential nutrients, a new study finds.
Researchers from Amsterdam University Medical Center in the Netherlands tested the milk of vegan mothers, finding it contains sufficient levels of vitamin B2 and carnitine.
“The maternal diet greatly influences the nutritional composition of human milk, which is important for child development. With the rise of vegan diets worldwide, also by lactating mothers, there are concerns about the nutritional adequacy of their milk," said lead researcher, physician Hannah Juncker.
"Therefore, it would be important to know if the milk concentrations of those nutrients are different in lactating women consuming a vegan diet,” she added in a medical center news release.
Vegan diets are limited to plant-
based foods. This type of eating includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, soy, nuts and nut butters but no animal-sourced foods.
Although vitamin B2 and carnitine are found in highest concentrations in animal products, they were not missing in vegan moms' breast milk, challenging assumptions that breastfed infants of these mothers may be deficient in these nutrients.
The study used a technique that separates a sample into its individual parts and analyzes the mass of these parts.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is important for enzymes involved in many biological pathways. A shortage can lead to anemia and neurological problems in infants, the study authors noted.
Carnitine is involved in energy metabolism, and shortages can mean low blood sugar and potentially heart and brain dysfunction, the researchers said. Previous studies
served with a rich sauce.) Experts agree, however, that it remains important to monitor the amount of cholesterol you eat, especially if you have heart disease, diabetes or “respond” to dietary cholesterol in a way that most people don’t. So, is America’s most popular seafood healthy?
Yes, says the Acade- my of Nutrition and Dietetics, shrimp teems with beneficial nutrients. When it comes
to low-calorie protein, shrimp is a superstar, with an average serving delivering about 25 grams of protein for only 135 calories. A workhorse nutrient, protein is an essential for tissue repair, muscle building, weight maintenance, and more. What’s more, shrimp boasts a unique mix of nutrients that supports brain health. From its omega-3s to its antioxidants to its vitamin B12, all contribute to keeping our memories sharp, our moods bright, and our thinking clear. Lastly, this sweet crustacean is one of the best food sources of iodine, an important mineral for proper thyroid function and brain health.
Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, 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.
Fresh? Frozen? Farmed? Wild? Selecting the freshest, safest shrimp can be daunting! But here’s what the experts say: Unless you’re absolutely sure that the “fresh” shrimp at the counter are truly fresh-off-the boat, frozen shrimp are a better bet. Since there’s no way to know how long the “fresh” shrimp on display have been allowed to thaw, you’re better off buying frozen and thawing them at home. If you’re concerned about antibiotics in shrimp, it’s best to select wildcaught shrimp, which is never treated with antibiotics. Rest assured that shrimp caught and prepared in the United States does not contain antibiotics.
have found that people with vegan diets have lower carnitine intake and plasma concentrations than those who are omnivorous, eating both plant and animal foods. Although the study found lower
serum-free carnitine and acetyl carnitine concentrations in the mothers following a vegan diet, it saw no notable difference in human milk carnitine concentrations.
“It’s pretty much a nightmare!” said Anna, her voice quivering, on the verge of tears. She’d come to see me in my practice as a counselor. This was our first meeting.
To get started, I asked her, “What’s going on with you right now?”
As she described her life, I could see why she felt she was living in a nightmare. The attractive 67-yearold had remarried five years ago. Though she’d only known him a few months when she agreed to marry him, he seemed perfect. A wonderful man her age, charming, bright, even paid his own way.
Sexual intimacy with him was so-so, but that didn’t matter to Anna.
They married, moved to Florida, bought a beautiful home. She was happy. Her life was all she’d been dreaming of for several years, though he seemed to avoid intimacy with
her, no matter how hard she tried to attract him.
Then, things began to change. He spent more and more time on his computer, paying almost no attention to her. He’d quickly turn off his computer when she came near. Then came the time he was so engrossed in what he was doing, he didn’t turn it off.
Anna was sickened by what she saw on the screen. She quickly turned away from the hard core pornography images.
At that moment, their relationship changed: she went from happy in her marriage to devastated by what she finally understood was going on with him.
He went from being OK in the marriage to despising her for learning his dark secret. He became more and more emotionally abusive, calling her names, constantly criticizing,
Men died of opioid and stimulant drugs at a rate two to three times higher than women between 2020 and 2021, according to a recent study. The data looked at fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine.
The study said that men’s higher rates of use do not entirely account for the increase in mortality risk.
The study was published by Neuropsychopharmacology and led by investigators at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health.
“Though men and women are being exposed to the modern, fentanyl-contaminated drug supply, something is leading men to die at significantly higher rates,” said physician Nora Volkow, director of NIDA and
one of the co-authors on the study in a press release. “It may be that men use drugs more frequently or in greater doses, which could increase their risk of death, or there may be protective factors among women that reduce their risk of death compared to men.”
The study indicated that further research must be done to determine why more men die from stimulant and opioid overdoses than women.
“We’re still trying to understand the underlying major mechanisms and modified risk factors that could explain this differential,” said physician Hemant Kalia, managing director at Invision Health in the great Rochester region. “Some things that come to light are maybe some cultural-bound differences where there is a propensity towards risky behavior that can lead to overdose
demeaning, ridiculing, shaming or ignoring her.
Their time with a marriage and family therapist didn’t help. They divorced; she had no money to leave him so they both lived in their house. As he continued to be abusive and spent all his time on the computer, she got away from home as much as possible.
He was addicted to porn. It’s an addiction — the same as an addiction to drugs, gambling or alcohol. The brains of those involved in viewing erotic images are different from normal brains, but they are similar to brains seen in drug addicts.
Porn addiction is when you can’t stop looking at porn, even if you want to. And the obsession gets to the point that it interferes with work, relationships and other parts of daily life. It’s easy to understand how this could be a problem with the widespread availability of internet porn today, a few key strokes and you’re there.
Surveys show that more males than females view porn, yet, a relatively high percentage of viewers are female.
And the numbers are growing. “In the last three years, I’ve seen a huge uptick in the number of clients coming to see me because of porn,” Daniel Silverman, a licensed social worker in Rome, told me in a recent interview. “Porn has tremendous negative effects. I’ve seen many divorces because of it.”
If you want more details, you can find the negative consequences that happen when you’ve rewired your brain, as described by recovering addicts online. Like one man who said: “I was always hungry for more — more sites, more variety, more extreme content — but no matter how deep I delved, it never made me happy. I was so desensitized that real sex was awkward, unexciting, and disappointing.”
and associated mortality. We’ve seen similar differences in a study that found males are three to four times more likely for motor vehicle collisions. That also goes with that risky behavior propensity. We cannot exclude other biological, behavior, and social factors.”
At Delphi Rise in Rochester, Clinical Director Carla Leaks said that her facility sees 70% men and 30% women; however, many of these are referrals from the legal system as identified with a substance use disorder.
“Thirty-two percent of the men in admission status with our clinic on June 30, 2023, had a primary diagnosis of opioid use disorder, moderate or severe,” she said.
One the same date, “20% of the women in admission status had a primary diagnosis of moderate or severe opioid use. This would suggest that men are using opioids more than women are.”
Leaks thinks that socially constructed beliefs about gender are driving behavioral differences that result in higher overdose rates, with men eager to take risks and look “macho.” There’s also the factor of men eschewing healthy ways of dealing with trauma and stress and turning to drugs.
“Parents should be especially vigilant,” Silverman urged. “I’m a parent. We need to be vigilant in terms of what our kids do as this addiction starts in childhood and works its way up very quickly. Parents have to be careful.”
Definitions about how much porn is too much vary. But most experts agree that if it gets in the way of your day-to-day activities, you could be watching too much. For example, if porn becomes a central part of your life. You stop doing things you really enjoy so that you can see more of it.
There is no clear consensus on what causes porn addiction, partly because not all researchers agree that viewing pornographic material constitutes an addiction.
And not everyone becomes addicted; some people have a problem with compulsive use and others do not. Some factors that may explain this include differences in the chemistry of the brain; or, it becomes a coping mechanism to manage life stresses or other mental health issues; or the person has difficulties with intimate relationships.
As for Anna, she left her abusive, addicted ex-husband to live with a friend until she received her share of the money from the sale of the house. Now she’s on her own, happy with her new life, trying to leave thoughts of her difficult marriage behind.
Leaks said that metabolic differences between men and women may also present a factor.
Evan Frost, assistant director of communications and public information at the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) in Albany, said that more than 70% of treatment admissions are male.
“A higher prevalence of substance use disorder in men is not new and has been a steady trend in both New York state and the rest of the country for years,” he said.
As to why more men are dying — especially since they’re entering treatment programs at higher rates — it’s not entirely clear.
Most of the programs OASAS offers are oriented toward men or are men-only, including programs on parenting, relationships in early recovery, anger management, and specialized services for those involved in the criminal justice system.
“In general, we are also addressing opioid overdoses by increasing access to care through low threshold access to medications for opioid use disorder, providing overdose prevention education and naloxone, and providing fentanyl and xylazine test strips so people who use drugs can be informed about what is in their supply,” Frost added.
Addiction to alcohol, drugs and cigarettes is now regarded as a major public health problem.
We asked Maureen Petrie to help us better understand the nature of addiction. As well as being executive director of Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, Petrie is project director of Mohawk Valley Prevention and Recovery Collaborative. It is an NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports whose goal is to provide communities with the most current resources and access surrounding prevention, treatment, and recovery for substance abuse.
“I like the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s definition of addiction,” said Petrie. “Addiction is a chronic disease, characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences…Repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs…It’s considered a relapsing disease.”
Addiction is defined as a disease by most medical associations, including the American Medical Association. It’s a complex brain disease.
Some addictions can be in the form of substances such as drugs or alcohol. Other addictions can be in the form of behaviors, such as smoking, shopping, gambling, watching
pornography, video gaming or eating.
Substance abuse has become a huge problem over the past few years. Some drugs such as opium, heroin, cocaine, nicotine, are from natural sources; others are synthetic drugs. The biggest threat now is substances tainted with fentanyl. Fentanyl is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription opioids.
Alcohol and nicotine are legal though they may lead to an addiction.
These substances all have profound action in the brain. Addiction changes the functioning of the brain.
people need much more than good intentions or willpower to break their addiction.
3.Why it so difficult to stop an addiction?
With continued use, brain structure and function are altered, and the addict depends on the drug not simply to feel good, but to feel normal. For these individuals, using drugs or alcohol is no longer a choice. They can’t make the decision to stop taking the drug—even if they realize the price of taking that drug may be extremely high and they might lose custody of their children or end up in jail. Nonetheless, they take it. When addicted, the drug user will do just about anything to obtain the drug. The drug becomes the most important part of the person’s life, overshadowing any other aspect.
Quitting takes more than good intentions or a strong will, even for those who want to quit. Drugs and alcohol change the brain in ways that makes quitting hard.
4.Why do some people become addicted and others do not?
does addiction change the functioning of the brain?
This is important for people to know: the substance, or behavior of choice, has the ability to hijack — and even destroy —key brain regions.
Researchers have found that much of addiction’s power lies in its ability to take charge of the brain. The desired substance or behavior becomes the primary objective of the addict’s life. It interferes with their ability to resist intense urges to take the drug or the drink or pick up the dice.
Those who suffer from addiction can’t just stop. The biological basis of addiction helps to explain why
As marijuana dispensaries begin to open across New York state, some view this as a business opportunity.
However, it’s important to have the facts and and know the potential health risks and impact on our communities, our families and our youth. Legal does not equal safe. Marijuana remains an addictive drug.
With the legalization of marijuana comes a corresponding decline in the perception of risk which has been shown to result in an increase in use, especially among youth. Marijuana is often the first drug teens try, but it is typically not the last.
• While teens report using marijuana to cope with anxiety and depression, more and more studies are showing that using marijuana only worsens both.
• Smoking or vaping marijua-
na damages lung tissue similar to tobacco use. Studies have also shown that marijuana decreases the body’s ability to fight infection thus weakening the immune system.
• With the potency of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana increasing from 1% to 4% in the 1960s to now 20% to 90% (as found in concentrated forms), the risk increases.
The effects of marijuana when ingested are not felt as quickly as when smoked or vaped. For those ingesting edibles intentionally, this delayed reaction often leads to taking more to feel the expected effect and may result in effects ranging from drowsiness and lethargy to loss of muscle coordination, agitation and irritability, and confusion.
Edibles continue to be a growing concern as reports point to increasing
Like diabetes, cancer and heart disease, addiction is caused by a combination of genetic, behavioral, psychological, environmental and biological factors.
Research shows that genetics have somewhere between a 40%60% influence on addiction, says Clevelandclinic.org.
Not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted, just like not everyone who drinks becomes an alcoholic. Everyone’s bodies and brains are different, so their reactions to drugs and alcohol are also different. Some people may become addicted quickly or it may happen over time. Other people never become addicted.
It is not yet known why some people become addicted to opioids and others do not. Typically, opioids produce pain relief and for
some people, euphoria — a sense of heightened well-being. Experiencing euphoria after taking opioids may be a warning sign of vulnerability to opioid addiction.
5.What are we doing about this public health issue in our community?
In Herkimer County, Catholic Charities of Herkimer County has many programs that assist in alcohol and substance abuse prevention and recovery that are across the lifespan. MVPRC is a coalition of several organizations addressing addiction.
The Oneida County Department of Mental Health is responsible for the oversight of substance use programs, maintaining contracts with local agencies.
instances of pediatric poisonings due to children accidentally ingesting marijuana-laced food products and candy which are often packaged in a way that can be indistinguishable from actual food products. With children under age 3, the impacts of pediatric poisoning are often critical and may include respiratory depression and seizures.
There is also a risk to public safety when we consider the probable increase in drugged driving. Driving while impaired is illegal no matter what substance is being consumed. In New York, it is illegal for both the driver and passengers to use marijuana. Individuals under the influence of marijuana may feel focused and in control, but are instead experiencing narrow fixation of focus, a decrease in peripheral vision and a slowed reaction time. After alcohol, marijuana is the most frequently identified drug in deadly crashes. Impaired or drugged driving jeopardizes the safety of all who travel on the roads and highways.
As marijuana potency increases, the risk of becoming addicted has also increased. It is no surprise that marijuana is often the number one reason teens seek treatment. Despite legalization, marijuana remains an
addictive drug with health risks.
For more information and a wide range of resources for parents and the community, visit the website awareness page at: https://ncaddra.org/resources/awareness-campaigns/marijuana .
To schedule a presentation contact jfaringer@depaul.org.
Nearly 70 years ago, local parents refused to accept that their children weren’t worthy of attending public school because of their disabilities.
Back then — in 1954 — little was known about children with disabili-
By Barbara Pierceties. There were no community-based programs for these families, no community support. Doctors advised parents to place their child in an institution, hidden away from the community. And many did.
But here in Oneida County, a
small group of parents got together. All of them strongly believed the best option for their disabled children was living with their familes. But they wanted more for their children. The newly formed association had the goal of creating a school for the
“We support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in many ways,” said public relations director Courtney Brown “We operate several social enterprises to engage these individuals in a variety of ways, whether socially, through work, through volunteering, etc. We own a golf course, restaurant–bar, used goods store, café, park, industrial operations and many other outlets.”
Just more than 50 years ago, Arc Herkimer was born, when a small group of devoted parents was determined that their disabled children have programs available to them. These parents started with a summer camp, with 20
children.
Now, with seven diverse divisions and more than 40 different sites throughout Herkimer County, Arc Herkimer supports more than 600 people with disabilities each year in community-centered experiences.
The mission of Arc Herkimer: “Empowering people with disabilities and enriching lives throughout our community.”
“This is the foundation of all we do,” said Brown.
Some of the opportunities include: the Career Connections program that links people to employment, support to families, such as respite care and day pro-
grams. The Arc Herkimer Goods Store is a community shopping and donation center offering both brand new and gently used items. Arc Park brings together people of all ages and abilities for recreation and social experiences.
Through funding, grants, donations, fundraising events, and unique revenue opportunities, Arc Herkimer is able to offer first-class services and a community-centered experience.
“At Arc Herkimer, we’re a family and we welcome you to join us. Call 315- 574-7000,” said Brown.
• For more information, visit https://archerkimer.org/
children.
And they succeeded. This grassroots effort blossomed from a single schoolhouse serving 46 students to become what is The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, an agency that today has more than 50 sites in two counties and serves more than 1,400 people with 700 employees, said Mark Dudek, communications officer, The Arc, Oneida-Lewis.
The vision of The Arc is “that all persons with disabilities live as fully included members of their community.”
And that’s what they do: “We continue to assist children and adults with development disabilities in a variety of programs that are aimed to help them achieve their potential — through a full spectrum of educational, vocation, employment, residential, family support services,” said Dudek.
Developmental disabilities are disabilities that are characteristic of mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neurological impairment or autism. The disability must have originated before the 22nd birthday, can be expected to continue indefinitely and constitutes a substantial handicap to the person’s ability to function normally in society.
For example, Dudek said, The Arc offers respite care programs for families to temporarily relieve their caregiving duties, and provides fun recreational activities. Its school-to-work programs are available throughout school districts to provide options for middle and high school students. CollegeWorks is a two-year certificate program offering the full college experience, housed on the Mohawk Valley Community College campuses.
Fifteen day programs offer skill development and integration into the community. The Arc’s residential program offers supervised and supportive living environments, with 30 residential homes that have 24-hour staff support.
“Our employment solutions programs help people with disabilities find and maintain competitive employment at area businesses,” added Dudek.
“Promoting work for the people they support has been paramount for The Arc since our beginning,” he said. “We provide meaningful employment for people with disabilities through contracted packaging, assembly, fulfillment and warehousing with regional and national companies.
“We’ve had a longstanding partnership with The F.X. Matt Brewing Company. We own and operate the Nickelback Redemption Center in Waterville. Last year, Chef’s Express, a bake shop–art gallery was opened in downtown Utica. These enterprises promote The Arc’s vision that all persons with disabilities live as fully included members of their community.”
Next year The Arc, Oneida-Lewis, will celebrate its 70th anniversary.
To learn more about The Arc Oneida-Lewis, including rewarding career opportunities, visit thearcolc. org or call 315-735-6477.
• For more information, visit: www.thearcolc.org.
“It’s a different type of nursing,” said registered nurse Sharon Bognaski, school nurse at Otto Shortell Middle School in the Oneida City School District, when asked to describe her position as school nurse.
“People think we just sit in our office and put a Band Aid or an ice pack on kids from time to time. You’re not a ‘real’ nurse, they think,” she said. “But we take care of complex medical problems every day.”
“I wear a lot of hats,” she said as she described what she does on a day-to-day basis. “I take care of the injured and sick kids. I’m a mother figure for many of them — often they just need someone to listen to them. I do all of that. On any day, there is so much we do.”
“Every day is different, from giving out medication — for ADHD, anxiety, headaches, even diabetes — I monitor the kids with diabetes with an ap,” she continued. “Sometimes I ask myself, ‘How can I do all that’s expected of me in one day?’”
“I love my job, though some days it’s crazy!” she stressed. “I love the
kids. I love the people I work with. I love the school. I especially love the kids; they’re the bright spot of my day.”
“Yes, working with middle school kids is very challenging!” she said. “There’s a lot of drama with middle school kids. Their bodies are changing; their hormones are surging in puberty; it’s tough transition for them.”
“The pandemic had a huge negative impact on the kids,” she added. “So many more are reclusive or have anxiety.”
Since she was little, Bognaski wanted to be a nurse. When she was in high school, a great-aunt had a stroke and she helped care for her. “That’s when I knew for sure I wanted to be a nurse,” she said.
In high school, she attended the BOCES nursing program, then St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing, a three-year program where she obtained her registered nurse degree. She went on to achieve her BA degree in nursing at SUNY Poly. A BA nursing degree is now required to be
a school nurse.
After getting her degree, she worked at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, at hospice and as an occupational nurse, in these nursing positions for 14 years.
“I loved those jobs! That’s a great thing about being an RN, there are so many avenues you can take,” she said.
Bognaski, who lives in the city of Oneida, accepted a position as school nurse at Oneida Elementary so that she could have the same schedule as her two children, with time off during summers.
“Before then, I felt like I had no time to be with them,” she said. “That’s a lot of the reason I got into school nursing, though the pay is terrible compared to a hospital.”
As the position at Oneida Elementary was part-time, when a full-time nursing position became available at the middle school, she accepted it and has worked there since 2009.
She’s seen many changes in school nursing since she began.
“Nursing has changed,” she said. “It was a lot easier when I started. There are a lot of mandates from New York state, making for a lot of paperwork. There’s so many more protocols and requirements. As I take care of the kids, so much has to go into the computer!”
And she’s concerned that kids have gotten sicker over the years. Perhaps because they have a sedentary lifestyle; they play video games instead of going outside to play, to ride bikes or roller skate. And their diets are unhealthy — they don’t eat fruits or vegetables; they don’t drink milk, she said. Many kids don’t have a primary doctor, she added; if
they’re sick, parents take them to the ER or walk-in clinic.
School enrollment in the area has been falling; there are now 400 students in Shortell Middle School. It was 576 at its highest.
Challenges Bognaski faces include being the only medical professional in the building, which means many things come her way to be solved. And it’s a busy job; “It’s a two- or three-person job on some days,” she said. “I just keep plugging on. We do have an LPN who floats between schools; I can call her if things get too overwhelming.”
Another challenge is that there is no substitute nurse, no back up. “So we hardly ever get days off as we have to cover for each other,” she said. “There are six public schools and two Catholic schools in the district; we cover for each other.”
When asked to describe what qualifications are needed to be a successful school nurse like Bognaski, she replied: “You need to be caring and kind, a good listener, empathic, very organized, detailed, have great time management skills, the ability prioritize tasks, and work independently.
“Nursing has changed,” she said. “It was a lot easier when I started. There are a lot of mandates from New York state, making for a lot of paperwork.”
RESIDENCE MANAGER, RESIDENCE COUNSELOR, MENTOR, INSTRUCTORS, AND MORE!
Services), school nurses tackle these problems also.
It’s the responsibility of our schools to provide all students, regardless of their disabilities or needs, with the accommodations and modifications required to make it successfully through their school day. School nursing is the vital link in the school team to coordinate and provide care for students.
Some of the many responsibilities of school nurses, mandated by New York State, include: triage student health concerns, assess physical and emotional issues, provide primary healthcare to students and staff including first aid and chronic condition care, counsel students on health and emotional issues, administer medication on a daily and as-needed basis, refer health issues to healthcare providers for further care and treatment, provide health screenings, and act as a liaison between the home and the student’s medical provider.
“School nursing is one of many areas that schools have struggled to maintain a workforce in since the pandemic,” said Peter Blake, superintendent of schools, Rome City School District. “Schools can’t be open without a nurse on site. So it’s a crucial position to have filled every day.”
School nursing is a complex and challenging specialty practice area that is not always understood. Students going back to school will have a variety of mental and physical health needs — school nurses are on the front line to address these needs.
“People think we just sit in our office and put a Band Aid or an ice pack on kids from time to time,” said registered nurse Sharon Bognaski, school nurse at Otto Shortell Middle
School in the Oneida City School District.
“You’re not a ‘real’ nurse, they think,” she added “But we take care of complex medical problems every day. Kids have gotten sicker over the years.”
With nearly 20% of students entering school with a chronic health condition, such as asthma, life-threatening allergies, diabetes, and seizure disorders (according to the U.S. Health Resources–Services Administration), school nurses provide direct care, checking blood glucose, administering medication, providing treatments to students with these needs.
As another 20% of students suffer from anxiety, stress, depression, bullying, or similar concerns, (U.S. Department of Health/Human
If you have a child with asthma, now is the time to revisit their asthma action plan so you are prepared for the annual increase in asthma attacks that occurs each year as kids return to the classroom.
A dramatic rise in the number of asthma flare-ups occurs each year from late August through the end of September, according to a review of public health records by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
“The annual spike is caused, in part, by kids being exposed to more germs once they return to school,” says physician Lisa Y. Harris, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Excellus
BCBS. “It’s also the peak time of year for mold and pollen, which can trigger airway inflammation that can launch an asthma attack.”
Harris, who is boardcertified in internal medicine and pediatrics, advises parents to use the final weeks of summer to make sure that prescribed asthma control medications are being used as directed, and that a doctor’s note is on file with the child’s school so that a supply of those medications can be kept there in case of an emergency.
Parents should also use these last few weeks of summer to consult with their health care provider to develop or update their child’s asthma action plan. This is a writ-
There’s no doubt that the role of school nurse is a vitally important one.
We surveyed several schools in the Mohawk Valley and are pleased to report they’re doing exceptionally well in meeting the requirements that each school have a school nurse.
“We’re adequately staffed with school nurses for this school year,” said Joseph Palmer, superintendent, Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District.
“Was it difficult to get there? Yes, it was difficult,” he continued. “This is my fourth year as superintendent. When I started, we had only one nurse in the district. I had to be creative to recruit. Now we have an LPN and RN in each school.”
“The nurses are so valuable as we have many medically fragile students; the nurses care for these students,” he added. “They became a vital part of our school system at the height of the pandemic — they kept our schools running.”
“School nurses are essential, not only for medical needs but they meet a lot of demands. Students need a safe place to talk when something isn’t right in their life; many are going through difficult things,” he said.
“Yes, we are fully staffed with school nurses, and we’ve also been able to secure substitute nurses as well,” said Kathleen Carney, superintendent, Herkimer Central School District.
“In Rome, we’ve been fortunate that we’ve maintained a full staff of nurses,” said Blake. “In many buildings we have more than one nurse which makes it easier to keep buildings open if there’s a nurse out for some reason. We also employ ‘float nurses’ who can cover a building if there’s a need.”
“However, I know that while most places are able to find full-time staff to work the schools, finding substitutes has become increasingly challenging,” he continued. “Beyond the fact that a school can’t be open without a nurse, the expertise they bring to the table for students with disabilities and unique medical needs cannot be overlooked. Every day our nurses are vital to ensure that students who need their support are able to attend school without the worry that, if something goes wrong medically, there will not be a quick and appropriate response. They have for years and will continue to for years, support students and schools.”
“All of our schools are staffed with a full-time RN,” said Matthew Carpenter, superintendent, Oneida City School District. “Additionally, we have an LPN who supports across the district.”
“Our nurses are often the first line of communication with our families,” he said. “They’re adept at sharing information regarding student health, immunization requirements and day-to-day issues pertaining to individual students. We’ve got an experienced and dedicated group of nurses in our district.”
• Check with your health care provider to make sure that prescribed asthma medications are up to date and working, and that permissions are in place for their use at school, if needed.
• Make sure your child takes all asthma medications as directed.
• Alert all adults at school and elsewhere who work with your child to recognize the signs of an asthma attack.
• Empower your child to notice and report asthma triggers and signs of a pending attack.
ten plan that details a child’s daily asthma treatment including which medicines to take and when, and the child’s specific attack triggers. The action plan also explains how to identify when the child’s asthma symptoms are severe enough to contact the provider, or to take the child to urgent care or a hospital emergency room.
“All adults and schools or other sites that care for a child with asthma should have a copy of the asthma action plan and understand their responsibilities regarding the child’s care,” says Harris.
• Prevent the spread of germs by encouraging proper handwashing, social distancing, and making sure that every family member is current on all recommended vaccinations, including the annual flu shot.
Visit www.health.ny.gov/ publications/4850.pdf for a free New York state asthma action plan template.
Submitted by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
If there’s one thing teens can count on, it’s acne. More than 85% of teenagers and young adults have this common skin problem, says the American Academy of Dermatology online.
Most young people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience at least a minor case of acne. Sadly, at the age when appearance becomes most important, acne begins.
For most teenagers, this very visible skin problem is upsetting. It can cause a teen’s self-esteem to plummet; kids who have acne can be bullied. Also, studies show that acne can lead to depression and/ or anxiety. The longer one has acne, the more likely these problems are to occur.
In puberty, oil glands get stimulated when hormones become active — this is why it is common for teens. And, the tendency to develop acne is partly genetic.
If your teenager is troubled by acne, dermatologist Ramsay Farah of Farah Dermatology in Rome offers these tips to help manage teen acne: Keep
The first line of defense against acne is a skin care routine. Gently wash your face up to twice daily and after sweating to remove dirt, oil and makeup. Use a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser. Apply it with your fingertips, as scrubbing with washcloths, sponges and other tools can irritate the skin.
In a cleanser, look for products that are labeled as noncomedogenic, which are formulated not to clog pores. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are both helpful ingredients as well; benzoyl peroxide is good for oily skin, but could irritate more sensitive skin. If you have more sensitive skin, look for salicylic acid.
Don’t over-wash or use harsh scrubs. Acne is not caused by dirt. Two gentle washings a day is enough. Too much cleaning can leave skin irritated and dry, triggering
glands to produce more oil, increasing the likelihood of pimples.
Use gentle skin care products and ones that say “alcohol-free” on the label. Avoid products that can irritate your skin, including astringents, toners, and exfoliants. These products can dry your skin and make acne worse.
The oil from your hair can cause acne on your forehead. If you have oily hair, shampoo more often than you do now and keep your hair away from your face.
Trying new acne treatments too often can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. Give your treatment time to work. It may take several weeks to few months before you see a difference. If the treatments are irritating, see a dermatologist.
However, in one study, dermatologists found that when parents reminded their teens every day to use their acne medicine, the approach backfired. The teens said the daily reminders felt like “nagging.” This caused the teens to use their acne treatment less often. Fewer reminders from parents may be more effective.
Touching your face throughout the day can cause acne to flare. While it can be tempting to pick, pop or squeeze your acne, doing so will make the acne take longer to clear and increase your risk for scarring and dark spots called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Stay out of the sun and tanning beds
Along with increasing your risk for skin cancer, tanning damages your skin and can worsen acne. Some acne medications can also make your skin very sensitive to damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds.
Look for a sunscreen that says “noncomedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.” For more effective protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (or UPF) number on the label.
Over the counter medications that are reasonable to try include benzoyl peroxide.
If the acne hasn’t improved after three months, it’s time to visit a dermatologist. The first thing they’ll likely try is topical prescriptions. Over the counter medications can help; stronger versions of these products require a prescription.
If your teen sees a dermatologist, giving your teen time alone with the dermatologist can help everyone. It allows the dermatologist to find out want your teen wants and create a bond. This can be a lot harder to do when a parent is in the exam room.
Hormonal changes related to birth control pills, menstrual periods and pregnancy can trigger acne. Other external acne triggers include heavy face creams and cosmetics, hair dyes and greasy hair ointment — all of which can increase blockage of pores.
Clothing that rubs the skin may also worsen acne, especially on the back and chest. So can heavy sweating during exercise and hot, humid climates. Stress is known to trigger increased oil production, which is why many teens have a new crop of pimples on the first day of school or just before that big date.
Acne is a common and treatable condition. Support from friends, family and health care providers can play a critical role in helping teens feel confident and comfortable in their skin.
As a body-mind transformation coach incorporating her 18year massage experience, April Cacciatori teaches the foundation of personal development and transformation through self-care, deep listening to the body and mind, intuitively with presence and awareness while her multiple artistic energies compel the journey she facilitates for herself and her clients.
April and the staff at Zensations
Therapeutic Massage are NYS licensed massage therapists.
Our mission statement:
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Our signature service is the YCM — Your Custom Massage, is a blend of bodywork that encompasses a licensed massage therapist’s knowledge and training to be applied to prioritized needs that day/minute client is on the table. LMT strives to work with smooth, flowing relaxation as well as address client’s concerns, and pain points within LMT’s scope of practice.
April and her husband Enzo reside in Rome with daughter Jessica and family right down the street and daughter Kelsey not too far away in Boston.
April is the author of “Ordinary Zenspiration Find Your Chill, Find Your Fun, And Find Yourself.”
More than 85% of teenagers and young adults have this common skin problem — but there are ways to control it
keep their kids busy. Sagaas said that we are in the thick of what he refers to as summer reading time and how important it is to engage kids in reading while they are out of school.
“The summer reading program at the library has always been about encouraging reading especially for youth throughout summer so they don’t fall back intellectually with gains they made during the school year,” he said. “Our goal is to help them continue that educational and intellectual stimulation that is so important and healthy for a developing mind.”
There are numerous health benefits from reading. One scientific study found that reading for as little as 30 minutes lowered blood pressure, heart rate and feelings of psychological distress just as effectively as other activities such as yoga.
When I was a kid, going to the Utica Public Library was commonplace.
Back then there were no computers, no cell phones and of course no internet. And, no Barnes and Noble.
There was however, several locally owned bookstores in downtown Utica, but I don’t recall ever going there.
If you were working on a school project and needed some help, you had two choices — the school’s library or the public library.
As a young guy during the summer months, if you wanted a good read, you headed to the library. Of course, there was always the local corner drug store or local grocer where you could pick up the latest comic book issue of Batman, Fantastic Four and Superman. A special treat was purchasing the latest Mad Magazine, but that was always a bit more expensive.
Things have changed over the years. With technology, now anyone has instant access to an infinite amount of information. Ordering books off Amazon is a no-brainer.
e-books are everywhere on the internet to buy and are usually cheap; so even those with a tight budget can purchase them.
With all of that you would think that the library and its services might be just a shadow of its glory days and that few, if hardly anyone, now goes there.
Think again!
Chris Sagaas, the director of the Utica Public Library, couldn’t be happier on how his library is doing, the importance of the library within the community and the ever-growing number of services that they provide.
Chris Sagaas, the director of the Utica Public Library; our reference librarians and our children’s librarians are very friendly and welcoming and will do whatever they can to provide an inviting environment for both the traditional person who says I have a research paper and need help with this or that, or for example helping kids out with projects etc., or just someone who is looking for that special book.”
Summer can often be a challenging time for families as they try to
“Over the last week our area has been under a major heat–humid condition period” said Sagaas. “We are a cooling center, most libraries are. So, we are a place where people can get a break, take a rest, take a load off, read a book! Of course, there is so much more we offer people.”
“We have a computer center, people can come in and use them, go on the internet, all free of charge. There are all sorts of opportunities because you are in close proximity of other people,” he added. “It creates the environment of engaging another person in a positive way.
“We recently started a program in concert with the American Heart Association. In that program we loan out blood pressure monitor kits to the public at no cost. This is to encourage people to go home and check their blood pressure, see how it is, then hopefully get a base line and follow up with a health care provider if needed.”
Community organizations are seeing the library as more than a place for people to go and just get books, but for broader information and access to other services.
“Now it’s information about anything. For example, in the past we have partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension and SNAP
(Supplemental Nutritious Assistance Program),” he said. “We are in the planning stages of becoming a pick up and drop off place for unsold food from local farmers markets.”
The Utica Public Library is located on north–south road, (Genesee Street), and is just a stone’s throw away from an internationally recognized museum of art, (Munson Museum) as well as a short walk to Utica’s downtown hub area.
September is National Library Registration Sign Up Month. For more information about the Utica Public Library, call 315-735-2279 or visit www.uticapubliclibrary.org
It’s hot out there! As you know, we’ve been experiencing record high temperatures.
“Stay hydrated!” recommends program coordinator Megan Graziano, Oneida County Health Department.
“Drink water!” is something we hear often these days.
“Water is an essential nutrient,” said registered dietitian Crystal Hein, owner and operator of Crystal Clear Nutrition, Herkimer. “It’s used in every cell of our body.”
Drinking water does more than just quench your thirst. It’s essential to keep your body functioning properly and feeling healthy. Nearly all of your body’s major systems depend on water to function and survive.
Every day, we lose 8 to 12 cups of water through sweat, perspiration, evaporation through skin and lungs, urine and bowel movements, so it needs to be replaced, according to Hein.
“Our bodies need more fluid during hot weather,” she added. “Also, we need more fluid when we’re physically active, have a fever or infection, or have diarrhea or
vomiting.”
Why do we need more water? Our bodies require water to survive — humans can’t live for more than a few days without drinking. We can go without food for one or even two months. Even though water is treated rather insignificantly, no other nutrient is more essential or needed in such large amounts.
One of the main functions of water is it regulates body temperature, said Hein. Also, it acts as a lubricant for joints, protects tissues and organs, aides the body in getting rid of waste via urine, perspiration and bowel movements, as well lubricating the digestive system and carries nutrients and oxygen to cells.
Getting enough water can prevent dehydration; dehydration can cause unclear thinking, mood changes, can cause your body to overheat, or lead to constipation and kidney stones. Also, it can cause headaches, dull skin, fatigue, weight gain (when one mistakes thirst for hunger).
The complications of dehydration can be fatal; even kidney failure and coma.
Symptoms of dehydration
include thirst, dizziness, fatigue, feeling faint, and dark colored urine with a stronger odor. It’s important to drink before you experience these symptoms.
How much water do you need?
“How much water you need depends on your weight,” said Hein. “Everyone’s fluid needs will be different. Drinking at least 8 to 10 cups of water a day is probably a good starting point. Your fluid intake from sources other than water can count towards your daily total fluid intake.”
Factors that increase your fluid needs include exercise, hot weather, a high-fiber diet, or increased losses from caffeine and alcohol intake. To determine if you’re getting enough fluid, notice the color of your urine when you get up in the morning: lemonade-colored urine is a sign of appropriate hydration; dark-colored urine indicates dehydration.
If water is not your thing, plenty of other drinks are available: smoothies, iced coffee, iced tea, protein
shakes, milk and other drinks are good alternatives. However, avoid relying too much on drinks with a high sugar content, like sodas, fruit juices containing sugar, energy drinks and chocolate milk.
If you like the tingle of carbonated soda, try club soda, seltzer or sparkling water with a splash of fruit or fruit juice, a slice of lemon or lime.
“You can count the fluid you get from foods (fruits and vegetables), soups, 100% juice, milk, seltzers, decaf teas and coffee,” said Hein. “Caffeinated beverages do have a mild diuretic effect (that means that they cause us to urinate), but we can even count moderate amounts of caffeinated beverages towards our total fluid intake.”
“Alcoholic beverages don’t hydrate and also have a diuretic effect; therefore, they should not be counted towards your daily total fluid intake,” she continued.
In the heat, it can be tempting to crack open an ice-cold beer to cool off. But alcohol doesn’t work to cool you off. It’s dehydrating and increases your risk of being dehydrated. Without it, your body flushes out water more easily. If you must drink, drink along with food and drink water equal to the amount of alcohol you’re drinking.
Hydration multipliers, electrolyte-based hydration powder like Liquid IV or LMNT, are becoming popular. They’ve been used in the sport and fitness world as a way to rehydrate faster and replenish lost electrolytes, which happens when we sweat a lot during exercise or are in a hot climate.
“I suppose they would be beneficial for endurance activities (runners or triathletes) or even for physical activity in extreme hot weather,” said Hein. “Liquid IV does contain potassium, sodium, B3, B6, B5 and carbohydrates. This shouldn’t be a problem for most people. However, it does contain about 22% of the daily value for sodium, which is high. For endurance athletes who lose sodium while competing, this would be beneficial to replace the loss. I don’t know that the general population would benefit from this product, on a day-to-day basis, as these products are expensive as well.”
When I was a child, health careers basically consisted of doctors and nurses. There really wasn’t much else thought about as a health career except for the rare mention of a chiropractor.
My aunt was a nurse and her husband, a chiropractor. That was my initiation into a non-traditional health career.
I was indeed fascinated, but decided to follow along in my aunt’s footsteps. I first became a nurse followed by education as a family nurse practitioner. One of my professors was from Europe and discussed a variety of other interesting health perspectives.
Those discussions led to my further delving into herbology, homeopathy, ayurveda, nutrition, acupuncture, reiki, therapeutic touch, cranial sacral therapy, yoga and many other therapies.
And…I’m still on a learning path as exploration continues.
• Energy medicine aids in the promotion of health and healing of the body. The energy field of the body consists of different frequencies, vibrations, and electromagnetic fields.
• Reiki, a subtle form of energy therapy, was developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1900s in Japan. Usui formed a school and taught numerous students, one being Hawayo Takata who returned to her home in Hawaii to practice and teach. She is credited for introducing Reiki to the Western World.
There are a variety of energy medicine practitioners today using
various techniques to guide the body’s energy field. Techniques may consist of touch, sound, light, or other forms of energy promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Today Reiki is used in a variety of settings from private practices to in-hospital care providing positive help for many conditions such as pain (both acute and chronic), mental health conditions (anxiety and depression), stress reduction and relaxation, and other health issues allowing anyone to tap into an unlimited supply of “life force energy.”
Improving health and enhancing the quality of life, Reiki treats the whole person, body, mind, emotion and spirit. The beneficial effects of Reiki include but are not limited to calmness, security, and well-being. This simple and natural method of healing is safe and can benefit everyone.
• The ayurvedic medical system goes back more than 3,000 years. Ayurveda incorporates nature and the insurmountable numbers of plants as a basis for healing. The roots of Ayurveda are believed to be from early Indian (Hindu) philosophy made up of the elements of the earth, fire, water and air. Ayurveda has been utilized for both disease prevention and treatment therefore considered a complete system of medicine, and can be used in combination with traditional biomedicine to support the whole person. Ayurvedic herbs are used to support detoxification and consist of but not limited to: Turmeric, Neem, Rhubarb
An experimental implant now under development could serve as a temporary monitor and pacemaker for ailing heart patients — then dissolve away when it's no longer needed.
The soft, lightweight and transparent implant is about the size of a postage stamp and is made of polymers and metals that are biodegradable, researchers reported July 5 in the journal Science Advances.
Early experiments have shown that the implant can be placed upon the heart of a lab rat, take accurate readings and then safely dissolve and be absorbed.
The implant would be a boon for patients who have developed heart rhythm complications as a result of a
heart attack, surgery or other treatment, said co-senior researcher Igor Efimov, an experimental cardiologist and professor of biomedical engineering at Northwestern University in Chicago.
Those patients now have to wear sticky sensors and tote a bulky monitor so doctors can keep track of their heart as it recovers, Efimov said.
“The challenge with those devices is they're not very comfortable,” he said. “They interfere with daily functioning. For example, you cannot wash in the shower very easily.”
The new implant could be inserted during a person's heart surgery or procedure. It would provide data via electrodes and optical sensors, and even could be rigged to deliver
root, Psyllium Husk, Triphala, Flax Seed, Aloe vera, Kutki, Gokshura, and Amalaki.
• CranioSacral therapy helps the body’s natural healing mechanisms influencing the function of the central nervous system. CST was developed in 1970 by the osteopathic physician, John E. Upledger while assisting during a neck surgery. Upledger’s research led him to Dr. William Sutherland’s theory in the early 1900s exploring the concept that the bones of the skull were structured to allow for movement.
CST can benefit the body by aiding in overall health and the resistance to disease to easing a wide variety of specific medical conditions such as head, neck or back injuries resulting from a trauma, stress-related dysfunctions (insomnia, headache, poor digestion, anxiety and more), and various sensory disorders (dyslexia, autism, vertigo, loss of taste or smell). Skilled practitioners can monitor the rhythm by light touch at key body points to pinpoint the source of stress or obstruction. Upon finding the source, the practitioner can assist the natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the
body self-correct. There are so many wonderful avenues to explore when in search of a health career today both traditional and non-traditional. These few that I mention above are for those in search of a holistic approach, and is only the tip of the iceberg with so many more possibilities. The whole body is interconnected therefore a career treating the mind, body, and spirit should be your focus and lead to more positive outcomes. Eating whole nutrient dense foods, proper sleep, proper physical movement, self-care, relationships, education, community, and more are all involved when led towards a holistic health career direction.
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. www. debdittner.com
Efimov said.
About one-third of the nearly 700,000 people who die from heart disease each year in the United States succumb to complications in the first weeks or months following a heart attack or heart surgery, researchers noted.
an electrical jolt to set straight any irregular heart rhythms that occur, Efimov said.
“Let's say someone just had a heart surgery. After heart surgery, about 30% of patients will get atrial fibrillation [a-fib],” he said. “We want to create an electronic device which can be implanted for the amount of time required, then dissolve.”
In cases of postoperative complications like a-fib, devices would typically be required for about 10 days and then no longer be needed,
“Many deaths that occur following heart surgery or a heart attack could be prevented if doctors had better tools to monitor and treat patients in the delicate weeks and months after these events take place,” said co-senior researcher Luyao Lu, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
The device is made entirely of materials that have been deemed safe and biocompatible for humans by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Lu said.
Are there any services that you recommend that can help families resolve elder parent caregiving conflicts? My 86-year-old father was recently diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, and to make matters worse, my sister and brother and I have been perpetually arguing about how to handle his future caregiving and financial needs.
It’s not unusual when adult children disagree with each other regarding the care of an elder parent. If you and your siblings are willing, a good possible solution is to hire an “eldercare mediator” who can help you work through your disagreements peacefully. Here’s how it works.
While mediators have been used for years to help divorcing couples sort out legal and financial disagreements and avoid court battles, eldercare mediation is a relatively new and specialized service designed to help families resolve disputes that are related to aging parents or other elderly relatives.
Family disagreements over an ill or elderly parent’s caregiving needs, medical care, living arrangements, driving issues, legal and financial decisions are just some of the many issues that an elder care mediator can help with.
But don’t confuse this with family or group therapy. Mediation is only about decision-making, not feelings and emotions.
The job of an elder mediator is to step in as a neutral third party to help ease family tensions, listen to everyone’s concerns, hash out disagreements and misunderstandings, and help your family make decisions that are acceptable to everyone.
Good mediators can also assist your family in identifying experts such as estate-planners, geriatric care managers, or health care or financial professionals who can supply important information for family decision making.
Your family also needs to know that the mediation process is completely confidential and can take any where from a few hours to several meetings depending on the complex ity of your issues. And if some family members live far away, a conference or video call can be used to bring
Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender People in CNY
Get active, share history, learn about health issues, write or knit or crochet, join others for a meal, gather with other Trans folks, gather with other Veterans, share a dish at a potluck, talk to our Neighborhood Advisor about resources to help you age healthy and strong ... and more.
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everyone together.
If you’re interested in hiring a private eldercare mediator, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to more than $500 per hour depending on where you live and who you choose. Or, if available in your area, you may be able to get help through a community-based nonprofit program that offers free or low-cost services by volunteer mediators.
To locate an elder mediator in your area, start by asking for referrals from health professionals or hospital social workers or search online at The Academy of Professional Family Mediators website (apfmnet.org) or Mediate.com. Both sites have searchable directories.
Or, to search for free or low-cost community-based mediation programs, see the National Association for Community Mediation website (nafcm.org). Unfortunately, not all states offer them.
There is currently no universally accepted credential or professional standard for eldercare mediators, so make sure the person you choose has extensive experience with elder issues that are similar to what your family is dealing with. Also, be sure you ask for references and check them. Most elder mediators are attorneys, social workers, counselors or other professionals who are trained in mediation and conflict resolution.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently gave full approval to the Alzheimer's drug Leqembi, clearing the way for insurance coverage of the pricey drug.
“The full FDA approval will open the floodgates for people with early Alzheimer's to get this drug. It's a big deal because it's very expensive at $26,500 per year," Robert Vassar, director of Northwestern Medicine's Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease in Chicago, said in a statement released. "Now, Medicaid and Medicare will cover it as long as patients enroll in a registry to track their progress," he added.
significant caveat, however: The FDA added a so-called black-box warning to Leqembi's labeling, cautioning that in rare cases the medication can trigger "serious and life-threatening events," including brain bleeds, some of which have proven fatal.
SAGE Upstate Serves Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender People in CNY Health Programs, Social Gatherings
“It's a big breakthrough because it's the first disease-modifying drug for Alzheimer's. This has been the holy grail since the early 1990s when amyloid was discovered, and people were trying to design drugs to eliminate amyloid from the brain," Vassar explained.
Leqembi will only be available to people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's — those with mild dementia or what's known as mild cognitive impairment. Labeling will also instruct physicians not to treat patients with Leqembi unless they have already undergone testing to confirm an uptick in levels of amyloid protein in their brain. Amyloid buildup is a key signal of Alzheimer's disease and Leqembi is designed to fight it.
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"This is the first successful one. There were many attempts in the past that failed. It really shows that removing amyloid does delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease," he said.
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“During the 18-month trial, Leqembi delayed the progression of Alzheimer's by five months, which is pretty significant," Vassar noted.
The approval did come with one
Leqembi (lecanemab), which is made by Eisai Inc. and marketed by Biogen, will be only the second Alzheimer's drug to receive the FDA's blessing in the past two decades; the agency's accelerated approval of the drug Aduhelm in June 2021 generated controversy in the medical community over its lack of effectiveness, the concerns over brain bleeds and the drug's hefty price tag.
“It’s a big breakthrough because it’s the first disease-modifying drug for Alzheimer’s.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.
The Oneida Health Foundation, a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, raised $120,420 this
year at its annual charity golf classic. Presented by Nunn’s Home Medical Equipment, the event was hosted
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has named four community leaders to its regional advisory board.
They are:
• Lisa Betrus serves as the senior vice president and chief value officer for the Bassett Healthcare Network and president of Valley Health Services and Valley Residential Services, located in Herkimer. She is a licensed nursing home administrator. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health services administration at Ithaca College and completed her Master in Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in finance at Sage graduate school. An active community member, Betrus has been recognized with numerous awards for her career achievements and civic involvement, including WCNY Women Who Make America, the Genesis Group award for Outstanding Healthcare Leadership and The Ithaca College Outstanding Young Alumni. She currently serves on the boards of the Central New
York Community Arts Council (The Stanley Theater), Mohawk Valley EDGE and Workforce Investment Board for Herkimer, Madison and Oneida counties.
• Justin Hummel is chief executive officer of Hummel’s Office Plus, the largest independent office supply dealer in Upstate New York. He earned his Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in business administration from Herkimer County Community College. He was a recipient of the Genesis Group Striving for Success award and the Central New York Business Journal 40 under 40 award. An active community member, Hummel currently serves on several boards including Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce, Pinnacle Affiliates, Mohawk Valley Edge, and Little Falls Hospital. Within these organizations, his commitment includes roles on various committees.
• Kelly Walters is the executive director of 50 Forward Mohawk Valley, a position she has held for over 18 years. She earned her Bachelor of
at Drumlins Country Club in Syracuse on June 28 to support Oneida Health’s growing behavioral health program.
“The Oneida Health Foundation charity golf classic is one of our most successful annual fundraisers and provides financial resources to support healthcare services in our communities,” said Daniel Huffer, president of the Oneida Health Foundation board of trustees. “In recent years we have been able to support educational efforts to enhance our healthcare workforce, invest in new technology, drive community education, develop new programs, and provide financial support to those seeking cancer treatments. This year’s funds will support care for those facing behavioral health concerns, which is a growing issue impacting individuals of all ages.”
Over the past year, Oneida Health has made significant investments in growing access to behavioral health services.
• In August 2022, Oneida Health received a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant for $800,000 over four years to increase access to behavioral and mental health screenings and care by establishing collaborative health in its primary care offices.
• In November 2022, Oneida Health received $150,000 over three years from the Excellus BlueCross
BlueShield Member and Community Health Improvement (MACHI) grant to establish services for their patients receiving care at its Women’s Health practice, Lullaby Center, or emergency department (ED) addressing mental health, substance abuse, or age- specific women’s behavioral health conditions.
• In January, Sen. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced he had secured $1 million for Oneida Health in the 2023 Omnibus spending package to complete renovations to the lower level of 607 Seneca Street in Oneida to establish an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Scheduled to open in the spring of 2024, the program will include group psychotherapy, individual and family psychotherapy, and medication management.
“The funds raised through this event improve the health and well-being of our patients,” said Jeremiah Sweet, interim president and CEO of Oneida Health. “We owe a great amount of gratitude to our presenting sponsor Nunn’s Home Medical Equipment and all of the businesses and community members who came out to support this year’s event. Because of them, we will be able to take the necessary steps to improve access to essential behavioral health services in our community. This would not be possible without their support.”
Arts degree in political science from Utica College. In addition to working with seniors and the community for over 25 years, she previously served two terms on the City of Utica Common Council. Walters has been the recipient of several awards including the NeighborWorks America – The Dorothy Richardson Award, the Accent on Excellence Award, the NYS Women’s Inc. Woman of the Year Award, the Genesis Group Legacy Award, the Treva Wood Community Activist Award from Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, the Richard McMahon Governance Award from the Rome Community Foundation, and the New York State Senate Commendation Award from Sen. Joseph Griffo. Walters currently serves on various boards and committees: HomeOwnership Center, Center for Family Life & Recovery, Workforce Investment Board, Mohawk Valley Housing and Homeless Coalition Board, Oneida County Office for Aging Advisory Board, City of Utica Youth Advisory Board, and Oneida County Livable Communities steering committee.
• Physician Mario Victoria is vice president for medical affairs and chief medical officer at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown. He serves as medical director for Clifton Fine Hospital, a Samaritan Health partner, and is a member of the Health Care Partners of North Country Board and North Country Initiative Board. In addition to joining the Utica Regional Advisory Board, Victoria is also a member of the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Credentials Committee. Victoria earned a medical degree from the University of Medical Sciences of Havana. He
completed his residency in pediatrics at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences Center and received his Master of Medical Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University. Victoria is a member of the American Association of Physician Leadership, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the Medical Society of the State of New York.
Other Excellus BCBS regional advisory board members include physician Kristin Ambler of Ambler Medical; physician James Cesare of Slocum-Dickson Medical Group P.L.L.C.; Richard Creedon of Utica Mutual Insurance; Ronald Cuccaro of Rising Phoenix Holdings Corporation; Frank C. DeRiso of UFCW Local One; Dietra Harvey of United Way of the Mohawk Valley; Camille T. Kahler, of Saunders Kahler L.L.P.; Cathleen C. McColgin, Ph.D., of Herkimer College; Cathy M. Newell of Mohawk Ltd.; physician Daniel Welchons of AMP Urology, David Wippman of Hamilton College; Judith Vicks Sweet, CPA of Strategic Financial Services; physician Eric B. Yoss of Mohawk Valley Health System; and Jill D. Wynne, CPA of Masonic Care Community.
“As a local health plan our mission is to help people in our communities live healthier and more secure lives through access to high quality, affordable health care. With their wide range of experience and expertise in healthcare, community wellness, and business, these individuals add breadth and depth to our board as we work to fulfill our mission,” said Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BCBS Utica regional president.
Q: What was your previous work with hospice before becoming chief clinical officer?
A: I came to hospice in 2014 and while in that position I was a primary care nurse seeing patients. A few years after I was promoted to clinical supervisor and from there I moved up to chief clinical officer.
Q: How many years do you have in nursing and where else did you practice?
A: I have 10 years’ experience as a practicing nurse; prior to coming here I worked at Faxton Hospital as a dialysis nurse.
Q: I think that many people in the community have a misconception about hospice when they hear the words hospice palliative care. There also might be some confusion on exactly what services you provide, what the criteria is to receive those services, etc., do you agree?
A: Yes, I agree. Let’s start off first with what we do. We go into the homes and facilities of patients who are at the end of life. End of life means they must have a terminal diagnosis of six months or less to live. At that point we go in and provide comfort and care. We go into nursing homes, DDSO homes, [Developmental Disability Services Organization]
and private homes. Most of our patients are living in their own private homes.
We use a team approach when providing services utilizing a registered nurse, a social worker, a chaplain and volunteers. This is our whole team approach which we use with every patient we care for. We basically take over from the patient’s primary care provider, (physician). We do however send their physician a weekly report on how they are doing, so we do keep some communication open with the doctor.
Q: You mentioned that most of your patients live in their own homes. Does hospice provide any services here at your New Hartford site?
A: Yes, we do have a residential center for patients. It is called the Siegenthaler Center which provides a four-bedroom unit for patients to stay here.
Q: Let’s return to my earlier question regarding misconceptions about hospice care. What specifically are they?
A: The first misconception is, when a family member calls us for help or the patient themselves inquiries about getting help, I feel when that happens the family or the patient believes they are giving up
hope. What they oftentimes do not realize is, by us coming in to help them we are actually giving them a better quality of life. We are not giv ing up hope. We go in and make sure we know what their wishes are. How do you want your remaining time to go? They may say I want to make it to Christmas, if I know at that point of time that they will not make it to Christmas then we will have Christ mas for them in July. Another exam ple, a patient says I haven’t seen my son in a very long time and I really want to talk to him; we make that happen.
Another misconception is the medications that we bring into the home, such as morphine. The family thinks, OK, I am going to give my loved one morphine and they are going to die. That’s a misconception; we use the morphine for shortness of breath as well as for pain management.
Q: Have you ever had someone, who is under your care, that suddenly has what might be called a spontaneous remission and if so, what do you do?
A: Great question. Yes, it has happened. And at that point we continue to monitor the patient. If this “rally” continues we of course talk with the family and tell them we most likely will discharge the patient from hospice care, as most of our patients are funded by Medicare and we as a hospice facility have to adhere to their guidelines.
Unfortunately, the numbers on what might be considered a remission are very low. We discharge only two to three patients per year if that situation develops.
Q: I am sure that there is a great emotional burden to family members to see their loved ones go through end stage of life. Does hospice have an impact on helping to alleviate at least some of this burden?
A: Absolutely! We have a spiritual coordinator that goes in talks to the patient, but also talks and spends time with family members. Our spiritual coordinator works with all faiths as well. Social workers go in and help with any family member that needs to take a leave. They support and help with all the paperwork and provide any assistance, so this takes a whole lot of anxiety and burden off any family member who needs a break. We are also available (on call) 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist.
n Hospice and Palliative Care Inc.
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Visit https://hospicecareinc.org.
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‘We use a team approach when providing services utilizing a registered nurse, a social worker, a chaplain and volunteers. This is our whole team approach which we use with every patient we care for.’
On Aug. 8, 2022, Utica resident and former construction worker Muhamed Dautovic opened his very own chicken restaurant on River Road in Utica.
“I was in the construction business first,” Dautovic said. “And, as I was getting older, I wanted to change my occupation. I was thinking and searching of what would be the best, for me to do, and then came across a friend of mine who recommended the food industry. That’s how I decided to open this place. I wanted to have my own restaurant. The main food will be chicken. My son was the one who chose the name for it, which was Chicken Licious.”
Dautovic said that his chicken restaurant is more like a fast-food restaurant. Their menu consists of the same foods sold at other fastfood chains (fried chicken tenders, burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken wraps, fries and salads). Customers do not have to wait long for their food, as the wait time is 5-6 minutes, according to Dautovic. Chicken Licious also has a drive-thru window.
“I decided to go with fast food,” Dautovic said. “It started with just the chicken, chicken sandwiches, and wraps, but now we have burgers.”
Although, when it comes to getting the ingredients and raw meats, Dautovic does not get it from the warehouses or food distributors far away. He instead gets his chicken, foods and other ingredients from local farmers and businesses.
A vast majority of restaurants (90%) order and use frozen foods, according to Foodbeverageinsider.com.
But Dautovic does not use any processed or frozen foods. He gets his meats and ingredients locally, in the Mohawk Valley.
“I don’t freeze anything,” Dautovic said. “We don’t use any processed food. I don’t buy stuff from those big guys (factories and food distributors) who freeze stuff and who knows how long it has been sitting in the warehouses. So, for me, it’s safer to buy locally. I know it’s fresh and prepared fresh each morning.”
This sort of grocery shopping was difficult, for Dautovic.
“In this economy, it’s hard to find the right place to get the stuff that you need,” Dautovic said. “It’s not easy because you have to always look for the stuff around here instead of just buying from the big guys. It would be easier to buy from the big guys, but for now, I don’t want to. In this case, shopping locally, I have to go out there and look for the products. There are many different farmers and stores.”
He eventually found these local farms–businesses — got his local meats and ingredients.
“They (local farmers) do most of the work for me,” Dautovic said. “They prepare and deliver everything. I take over and then I move
on.”
The foods served at Chicken Licious are always fresh.
“What kind of process [other fast-food chains have, when preparing food], I don’t want to do it here,” Dautovic said. “I know what I do. Everything is fresh. I prepare everything and all day, it’s always fresh. We don’t pre-cook. We don’t leave it [food] there to sit on the heaters for who knows how long. As soon as you order, we drop the chicken in the oil or grill.”
Customers can also get grilled chicken at Chicken Licious. This kind of chicken is healthier than fried chicken because it has less oil and fat, according to Larosachicken.com.
“Grilled chicken is the best and healthiest food,” Dautovic said. “If you decide to go with grilled, it’s very healthy.”
Chicken Licious is a local business, not a fast-food chain.
Dautovic said the majority of residents, in the Mohawk Valley and other towns, shop locally and support local businesses. The community support towards local businesses was one of the reasons why he bought his meats and ingredients locally.
“A lot of people like local businesses,” Dautovic said. “I buy locally and people appreciate that.”
He also did this to help the local farmers and businesses financially.
“I like to support local businesses,” Dautovic said. “And in return, they come and buy products from me. I think that’s the best idea to do. I support them, they support me.”
He wants to expand; but he does not want to do it that quickly. He takes a slow and cautious approach when running his business.
“I didn’t want to go crazy with advertisements because in every business, you have to walk before running,” Dautovic said. “I would love to expand, but for now, I just want to build customers, get the name out there and then we will see down the road.”
So far, Dautovic is keeping his business afloat, despite the slow approach. Chicken Licious is always getting new and returning customers.
Dautovic received a lot of good reviews and feedback from his customers about his products.
“We’re always getting new people,” he said. “They never said anything bad. They know it’s not processed. It’s pretty much all positive.”
He has had a fun time running the restaurant. It is a job he loves and enjoys.
“It’s fun,” he said. “All the employees who started on the first day are still here. Every employee, still here — we’re like a family. I appreciate them. They appreciate me. I’m happy.”
