In Good Health: Mohawk Valley #213 - November 2023 by In Good Health: MV's Healthcare Newspaper

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NOVEMBER 2023 • ISSUE 213

10LONGEVITY

FOODS TO EAT FOR HEALTHY LAST PAGE

Q&A with

RELIEVE THE MISERY OF COLDS: POPULAR MEDICATIONS FOUND TO NOT WORK P.19

HEALTHCARE WORKERS ON STRIKE P.4 P. 4

AMY TURNER

Number runaway and homeless teens has quadrupled in the region since 2019, says director of Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency. She discusses what the agency does to help alleviate poverty in the region. Page 6

Passengers in Wheelchairs Can't Use Most Airplane Washrooms. That Could Change

ith airplane bathrooms inaccessible to most people with disabilities, those who use wheelchairs have a necessary preflight routine: Dehydrate and hope for the best. Now, relief is on the way. Among a series of actions aimed at making air travel easier for people with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) finalized a rule late in September that will require new single-aisle airplanes to be designed with handicapped-accessible bathrooms. Some overseas airlines flying to and from the United States already have these bathrooms. “They'll have grab bars,” said Claire Stanley, a public policy analyst with the National Disability Rights Network. “They'll have a turning radius where someone can get in and actually turn and transfer to the commode.” Problems with airplane bathrooms are only one travel hassle for folks with disabilities. Some arrive at their destination to find their costly, custom wheelchair broken due to improper storage in an airplane's hold. That's not just an inconvenience, but a serious health hazard, Stanley said. “If your chair isn't designed right, you can develop pressure sores and that can lead to some pretty awful health problems,” she said. “We hear countless stories of chairs broken in the cargo hold of a plan, where all the luggage is kept.”

B R E A S T H E A LT H

With this in mind, the DOT also announced an agreement with United Airlines under which the airline will take industry-leading actions to help people locate flights where their wheelchairs can be safely stored and transported. A new digital feature on United's website will help passengers determine if an aircraft can accommodate their wheelchair. United will refund the fare difference if a costlier flight is needed to accommodate a specific wheelchair size. The United agreement was prompted by an incident in which a passenger died after her custom wheelchair was damaged during a cross-country flight. "By offering customers an easy way to know if their personal wheelchair fits on a particular airplane, we can give them the peace of mind they deserve when they fly with us," Linda Jojo, executive vice president and chief customer officer for United, said in a statement. "Plus, collecting this information ahead of time ensures our team can handle these

special items with proper care and attention." United expects to launch its new wheelchair-friendly policies early next year. But Stanley warned that handicapped-accessible bathrooms on planes are likely still a decade or more away, since the rule applies only to new planes that replace the existing fleet. “It's not like it's going to happen tomorrow,” she said. “It's not something where you can retrofit. You have to wait for the rollout of the newly designed planes, which is a very long process.” The DOT's agreement with United resulted from a complaint by Engracia Figueroa, 51, who died months after her $30,000 specialized wheelchair broke in the cargo hold during a flight home to Los Angeles from Washington, D.C. Figueroa had to sit in a broken manual wheelchair for nearly five hours at the L.A. airport while United sorted out what had happened, according to Hand in Hand, the

domestic employers' advocacy group she represented. Figueroa developed a pressure sore while she waited at the airport, and the sore was made worse by the loaner chair she had to use while she fought with United to replace her broken chair, Hand in Hand says. “The sore became infected and the infection eventually reached her hip bone, requiring emergency surgery to remove the infected bone and tissue,” a Hand in Hand statement says. Figueroa died Oct. 31, 2021, three months after the July flight in which her wheelchair was broken. United also agreed to launch a trial program to explore whether medical wheelchairs or other types of chairs can be used to safely accommodate passengers whose personal wheelchairs break during a flight. “This will include what type of specialized seating equipment should be tested, how and where it will be utilized within the airport, and how best to collect user feedback,” the DOT announcement said. Stanley said she hopes other airlines will follow United's example. “It's just basic supply-and-demand economics,” she said. “Passengers will want to go to what is most accessible. Passengers with disabilities, which is a huge percentage in the market, are going to start flocking to one airline, so you'd think the others would follow suit.”

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No two women are alike. At Crouse, we believe you want — and need — healthcare that puts a continual focus on what matters

most — you. Our hospital was founded by women, and more than a century later, services for infants and women of all ages remain at the heart of Crouse Health. Partner with women’s wellness providers who discover your individual needs by listening more closely and caring more deeply — and treating you with the respect and dignity you deserve.

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Page 2 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2023

Let us help you breathe easier with a free lung cancer screening! November is Lung Cancer Awareness month. As a service to our community, Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY and CRA Medical Imaging are offering a free lung cancer screening to qualified participants. Who:

Free screenings are available for individuals ages 50-80 who: - are heavy smokers (e.g., 1 pack a day for 20 years or 2 packs a day for 10 years) - OR are former heavy-smokers who quit in the last 15 years - AND have not previously received a free lung cancer screening from us. Note: Anyone with insurance can contact our office to discuss getting a lung cancer screening at your convenience. When: Saturday, November 4, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Where: HOA’s Onondaga Hill, East Syracuse and Auburn offices To learn more, call 315-472-7504 extension 1301 or visit hoacny.com

This free screening event is co-sponsored by:

November 2023 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 3

Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman

only get another prescription which they do not want; 67% fear being referred to multiple providers and still no definitive diagnosis; and 71% would leave their current position for better health insurance. The survey results are intended to educate and alert employers to the significant healthcare travails facing their female employees.

Health education vital

ON STRIKE

Healthcare Workers on Strike

s of this writing in mid-October, more than 70,000 Kaiser Permanente are on strike. This past summer, RUNAP, the Rochester Union of Nurses and Allied Professionals negotiated with Rochester Regional Health. The issues are the same for most hospitals throughout the country. Since COVID-19, thousands of healthcare workers have left their profession, leaving hospitals short staffed. Consequently, active staff are overworked and exhausted. While pay is always an issue, it hasn’t been THE issue. Strikers are mostly

concerned with burnout, turnover and patient safety. The dilemma facing just about every private and public hospital is they are operating at razor thin, if not negative, margins. Unlike most businesses, hospitals cannot simply raise prices to increase cash. (Well, they technically can raise prices, but virtually no one will pay them.) Hospital revenues are determined and controlled by Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurers. I’m sure most hospital executives are sympathetic to union demands. They can see what’s happening as they

work there, too. Adding to hospital financial woes are the extravagant fees charged by traveling nurse businesses. If hospitals can’t fill positions locally, they are forced to rely on contract staffing. This just exacerbates the situation as higher paid contract nurses are working side by side with the lower paid local nurses. It’s an HR nightmare. Third party payers are going to have to step up their payments if hospitals are to survive and provide care under safe and competent conditions.

34 million, are enrolled in commercially administered Advantage Plans. The projected rate increase is 4%, but it won’t impact you if your stick with your current plan. Medicare Advantage Plans have been very profitable for commercial carriers.

and consumers, a federal court has struck down a Trump-era policy that allowed insurers not to count any drug manufacturer’s co-pay assistance toward the insured’s out-ofpocket obligation. The now outlawed policy permitted insurers and PBMs to counter the co-pay assistance by raising member annual out-of-pocket obligations. For example, if your copay on your diabetic drug was $100 and the manufacturer offered $50 co-pay assistance, the insurer would still consider your co-pay obligation as $100, not $50. The co-pay accumulator is a running tally that tracks what you still owe before reaching your total out of pocket obligation for the year.

Insurers faring well Meanwhile, as cash-strapped hospitals fight the battle, commercial insurers (far from the battlefield) are enjoying, in some cases, record profits. Notable profits for the first half of the year were $11 billion for United and $4 billion for CVS healthcare. Centene, Cigna, Elevance (BCBS) and Humana have all made healthy profits so far this year. Locally, WellNow urgent care is threatening to disenroll from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield effective January 2024 unless they are paid fairly. Excellus has averaged around $130 million profit annually over the last five years. Their rate increases have been around 8% annually over the last five years.

Medicare enrollment Open enrollment started Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. More than half of seniors eligible for Medicare, about

Costco too? Not to be outdone by the likes of Amazon, Walgreens, CVS and Walmart, the giant discounter has partnered with startup Sesame to offer virtual healthcare to its members. The cash-only plan (they don’t accept insurance) will offer virtual primary care at $29 a visit and mental health therapy at $79 a visit via 10,000 participating providers. They are marketing primarily to under insured consumers. Amazon has purchased One Medical for $3.9 billion. CVS bought Oak Street Health for $10.6 billion while Walgreens grabbed Summit Health for $9 billion. While all this money is being invested in primary care, hospitals continue to struggle financially.

Drug co-pay accumulators In a major victory for patients

Women’s health Women comprise 60% of the workforce and face $15 billion more than men in out-of-pocket expenses annually. A survey of 1,200 working women commissioned by Parsley Health revealed why women delay seeking care. 44% delay care due to time constraints; 37% delay care due to disappointment with previous visits; 33% delay care because of co-pays; 24% are worried they will

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In yet another survey seeking to determine patient confidence in their healthcare, OnePoll found that 48% of respondents were anxious about their next appointment, up from 39% in 2022. Insufficient education and information about their condition and symptoms were cited as the major cause of their anxiety. 43% were anxious about being referred to providers they knew nothing about. 32% admitted to Googling their symptoms prior to their visit and 28% worried about their diagnosis. Overall, patient confidence was down due to feeling unempowered. 55% of respondents suggested more education from their provider prior to and during their visit would reduce their anxiety and increase their confidence. 53% said knowing that there is effective treatment would also lower their anxiety and increase their confidence. There is certainly plenty of time spent in waiting rooms that could be better spent on education and patient empowerment.

Nice try In yet another victory for consumers, a federal judge has denied a brazen request by the US Chamber of Commerce to delay the deadline requiring drug companies to negotiate drug prices with Medicare. (The deadline was Oct. 1 and negotiations have finally commenced.) The plaintiff tried to argue that the price negotiations authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act were unconstitutional giving the government “illegal and arbitrary price control.” “Control?” Apparently, the clueless chamber (no doubt a straw man put up to challenge the government by the drug manufacturers) couldn’t understand the difference between “negotiating” prices as required by the IRA and “setting–controlling” prices. The plaintiffs also purported negotiations (or “control” as they claim) would result in less access to drugs and less investment in innovation, both of which are hollow and unfounded threats. We are talking about negotiating 10 drugs. Drug manufacturers have long negotiated prices with other countries with national health insurance. George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

Flu Shot Season Is Here: Why You (and Your Kids) Need One

t's time to get the flu shot. They're important not just for adults, but also for children, and keeping the whole family safe, according to an expert in pediatrics. “You never know how bad a flu season will be,” said Mona Patel, attending physician in the department of general pediatrics at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. “We like to think of flu shots as preventive care; getting one lessens the chances of more severe symptoms that may cause children to be hospitalized.” Several major health groups — the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America — recommend that everyone aged 6 months and older get a flu shot. Even if this doesn't keep you from getting the flu, it can prevent severe and secondary illness related to it. Children who have conditions that put them at increased risk of illness are among those who especially need a flu vaccine, Patel said. Vaccines are designed to stimulate the production of antibodies in the body. These can then attach to the outer structures on the protein coat of the virus, disabling it. Epidemiologists and immu-

nologists at the CDC look at global patterns for flu to predict which formulation the current year's flu shots should have. “If you got a flu shot last spring — basically, if you got it during the last flu season — it may not be effective against the flu that is circulating this season,” Patel said. “You never know which variant will be passing through, which is why the vaccine needs to be reformulated for every new flu season. That's why we say it's important for people to get their flu shots every single year.” Typically, flu season starts around October and lasts through April. Getting a flu shot at the beginning of flu season can maximize the benefits, Patel said, but it's still better to get it late than to not get it at all. “You want to get it early enough that it has maximal effect a few weeks later,” she advised. “At the same time, I don't want folks to say, 'I missed it back in September and October, so I shouldn't get it.' If it's flu season, you should get the shot. It's better to have some protection than none.” Editor’s Note: See Savvy Senior column in this issue showing what vaccines seniors should get this year.

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November 2023 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 5

sistance Program). Our goal is to get those clients the help that they need.

Excellus BCBS Members Have New Options to a Topselling Drug Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members living with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and plaque psoriasis, and who use Humira to address pain and inflammation, now have additional treatment options covered by the insurer: the biosimilars Cyltezo and Hadlima. While Humira remains a preferred treatment option, Cyltezo and Hadlima are also now preferred treatments. They are highly similar to Humira, are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat most of the same conditions and they can cost less. Humira is among the biggest-selling medications of all time, with net global sales exceeding $21 billion in 2022. The list price can be several thousand dollars per patient, per month. “Biosimilars represent one of the biggest opportunities to improve access and affordability for our community,” says pharmacist Mona Chitre, chief pharmacy officer and president of pharmacy solutions at Excellus BCBS. While most conventional drugs are chemically synthesized, biologics are made from natural and living sources like animal and plant cells, and microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast. They are usually more complex than other drugs and often more complicated to purify, process and manufacture. Biosimilars are FDA approved to treat most of the same conditions as the biologic in their drug category, and can cost as much as 85% less, according to Chitre. Excellus BCBS has advocated for the use of biosimilars since 2018 when it first added a biosimilar to the list of drugs it covers. Today, the health plan includes biosimilars in all ten drug categories in which a biosimilar is available. Patients typically inject Humira at home using a pen-like device or syringe. Both Cyltezo and Hadlima are citrate-free, which can minimize the pain experienced following injection. In addition, Cyltezo is the only biosimilar that is interchangeable with Humira, which allows a pharmacist to convert a Humira prescription to Cyltezo without first contacting the medical professional who prescribed it. “Adding Cyltezo and Hadlima to the list of medications covered by our health plan gives members who need this type of drug a choice, which also creates competition among drug makers that can ultimately reduce spending on prescriptions,” says Chitre. “The more we embrace biosimilars, the more we increase our communities’ access to affordable medications.” The American Journal of Managed Care estimates savings in the U.S. from biosimilars from 2021 to 2025 could range from $38 billion to as high as $124 billion.

Q: Do you provide any assistance with people besieged with alcohol or drug addiction? A: Not directly. We will however connect someone to those services so they can get that help with professionals who are specialists in that field of care. We also offer a foster grandparent program. These are volunteers 55 and older who work in a classroom setting with a student who might be going through some struggles. The volunteer becomes that kids adopted foster grandparent, not in the legal sense, but more so as a mentor to that child. We are the only agency locally that has a program like this. Our outcome analysis clearly shows that the foster grandparent program improves the children’s learning capabilities as well as improves their overall mental health. Our last component of services is our youth program. In that program we do a lot of work with runaway youth and homeless youth.

Q A &

with Amy Turner

Number of runaway and homeless teens has quadrupled in the region since 2019, says director of Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency. She discusses what the agency does to help alleviate poverty in the region David L. Podos Q: Let’s get a little bit of your professional background history. How long have you been executive director of Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency? A: I have been the executive director for 26 years. I started my career working for Community Action at their Cayuga-Seneca location as an outreach worker where I eventually moved my way up to homeless program manager. In Onondaga County I worked for Peace Incorporated which is a community action agency. In that agency I was director of planning and program development. In 1987 a position came open here for an executive director and I have been here ever since. Q: What are the main services that you offer? A: We have four components. First, we have child development

which is Head Start, early Head Start, as well as home-based Head Start where we go into the home and work with the families and that by the way starts at pregnancy — all the way through pre-school age. We also have contracts with some of the school districts to do universal pre-K, so we combine head start and universal pre-K together. Then we have family resources, now I like to refer to family resources as the “front door” to the agency. That is where our CAAPS (community action access points) are located in Rome, Ilion and Utica. With that program we assist families and individuals with whatever needs they are facing. For example, they might need assistance in finding new housing and or assistance with rent, help with a security deposit, purchasing food, help with applying for food stamps or HEAP, (Home Energy As-

Page 6 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2023

Q: Many people might not realize that a city the size of Utica has a youth homeless problem, thinking that only happens in much larger cities. But we do have a problem, don’t we? A: Absolutely. The number of youths who come to us for help that are runaways or are homeless has quadrupled since the beginning of COVID-19. We can provide temporary shelter for these kids, give them food, etc. Through our networking system we will get them to those professionals who can further assist them. Last year we worked with more than 100 homeless youths, and are on track to meet and or surpass that number by years end. We have a 24/7 runaway hotline for people to call it is 315-525-7276. Q: How many staff do you employ? A: We have, as of this interview, about 240 employees full-time and about 60 part-time. Q: Where does the funding come to operate your agency? A: Most of our funding is federal. So, for example our head start program, which by the way is our largest funding source, comes directly from the office of Head Start. We have a grant called Community Services Block Grant that defines us as a community action agency and that money comes out of the federal government and is administered by New York state. Overall we are close to 90% federally funded. Q: If someone needed help and they wanted to reach you what number would they call? A: Sure, that number is 315-6249930. When you call that number a receptionist will answer, take some basic information, then pass you over to one of our resource specialists who will go through a more detailed inquiry on what your needs are and the services we have that can offer assistance. Q: If someone wanted to go onto your website what is that site? A: mvcca.com. On the site we have all of our services as well as any upcoming events. If someone is looking for help and does not want to call us, we have an intake application they can pull up from the site, fill that out and send to us, all strictly confidential.

Want Your Child to Have Empathy? Stay Close

oung children who are close to their parents are more likely to grow up to be kind, caring and considerate. These kids may also have fewer mental health problems during early childhood and adolescence, a new study finds. By contrast, children whose early relationships with their parents are emotionally strained or abusive are less likely to become thoughtful and generous. “Taking time to build warm, close, comforting and understanding relationships between parents and children in early childhood tends to predict children's resilience

against mental health difficulties, and increases their levels of prosociality throughout childhood and adolescence,” said study co-author Ioannis Katsantonis, a researcher at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Prosociality is an umbrella term that encompasses kindness, empathy, helpfulness, generosity and volunteering. The findings make intuitive sense. “Children imitate their parents and so they learn social skills in the course of this that they later find helpful,” he said. For the study, researchers analyzed data on more than 10,700

children born between 2000 and 2002. They interviewed parents and the kids at ages 5, 7, 11, 14, and 17, using standardized questionnaires that measure mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety and aggression; socially desirable behaviors; relationships; and discipline practices. Here's what the investigators found: The closer kids were to their parents at age 3, the more kindness, empathy, helpfulness, generosity and volunteering they expressed as they grew up. Conversely, kids whose early parental relationships were emotionally strained or abusive were less likely to develop positive social habits over time. The study also found that mental health remains stable throughout childhood and adolescence. “After a certain age, we tend to be mentally well, or mentally unwell, and have a reasonably fixed level of resilience,” Katsantonis said. Socially desirable behaviors, on the other hand, vary more and for longer periods of time, suggesting a larger window of opportunity to intervene and set kids on a new path. “Closeness only develops with time, and for parents who are living or working in stressful and constrained circumstances, there often

isn't enough,” Katsantonis said. Some parents may also need help forming a secure, caring bond. “Policies which address that, at any level, will have many benefits, including enhancing children's mental resilience and their capacity to act positively towards others later in life,” he added. Schools can also help. But the researchers said educational efforts to develop positive social habits should be ingrained in the curriculum, and not just presented as one-offs, like anti-bullying weeks. The findings were published online Oct. 7 in the International Journal of Behavioral Development. Experts who were not involved with the study agree that kids don't take after strangers. This study “breaks new ground in understanding how parenting contributes to children's mental health and positive social behavior,” said Jessica Stern. She is a research psychologist at the University of Virginia. The analysis "gives some of the strongest evidence that parenting really matters for healthy development in the long term, especially when it comes to preventing behavioral problems,” Stern said.

November 2023 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 7

Americans Who Are Deaf Can Now Use 988 Suicide Helpline The U.S. government's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is expanding its reach to help more people. The crisis line has now launched services in American Sign Language (ASL) to help callers who are deaf or hard of hearing. The ASL services were launched in September, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Individuals across America who use ASL as their primary language can now readily access the support they need during a mental health crisis,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in an agency news release. “With the introduction of 988 ASL services, we are taking a significant stride forward in providing inclusive and accessible support for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community." The services use a videophone device that transmits video and audio. It can be reached by clicking “ASL Now” on 988lifeline.org. Callers can alternatively call 1-800273-TALK (8255) but will soon also be able to directly dial to 988 by videophone. "After years of advocacy to ensure that 988 is available to everyone not only through voice calls, but also texting and video for sign language users, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is thrilled that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is now available to use through video calls in sign language,” said NAD CEO Howard A. Rosenblum. “We encourage anyone going through a crisis or thinking about suicide to contact 988 in any way preferred - voice, text, or sign language." The new move is part of an ongoing effort by the HHS's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to add accessibility to behavioral healthcare. An earlier update added Spanish-speaking services by text and chat. “We're talking about mental health in a way that we have not historically talked about it,” said Monica Johnson, director of the 988 & Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating office at SAMHSA. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched last year for anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, emotional distress or contemplating suicide. It is an evolution from the former National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Making it possible to reach help by dialing only three digits was meant to make it easier to remember.

Why Acupuncture Is Becoming Mainstream Medicine By Barbara Pierce

cupuncture has become one of the most utilized forms of integrative medicine interventions in the U.S. It’s become popular for its effectiveness to relieve pain, and also because scientific studies have proven its success. Nearly 30 years ago, the National Institutes of Health formally acknowledged the value of acupuncture in relieving pain, after mounting evidence from clinical trials. Studies have showed that acupuncture is an effective treatment, alone or in combination with conventional therapies. We asked board-certified acupuncturist Greyson Ross, owner and operator of Greyson Ross Acupuncture in New Hartford, to explain more about acupuncture.

How does acupuncture work? “It’s a non-invasive way to impact the nervous system and the circulatory system,” said Ross. “The acupuncturist inserts very thin needles at strategic points in the body, which causes a huge blood flow to that area right away.” Acupuncture works with the body’s ability to heal itself. When we have a pain or an injury, that tells the brain to increase blood flow and other healing cells of our body to that area. In response, blood flow and other healing cells immediately rush to the site to reduce the pain and promote healing. When a small injury is created with the needles, the body responds by sending healing blood flow and other healing cells to the site. The needles stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, decrease overactive pain receptors. The needles also stimulate the nervous system and tweak the nervous system to result in a relaxation response, which also helps to relieve pain by supporting the body to shift from flight or fight to rest and repair.

acupuncture,” said Ross. “Many are afraid of it. They’re afraid of the needles. But the needles are very thin, the size of a human hair. I can get 14 of these needles on the tip of a hypodermic needle. (A hypodermic needle is the needle that is commonly used to draw blood or insert substances into your body.) The needles are solid, flexible and disposable. People usually feel a dull ache, a sensation of pressure or a tingling when the needles are inserted; it’s not painful as the needles are so tiny.

What is it most helpful for? Pain is probably the reason most people seek acupuncture — back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, the pain of arthritis, cancer, etc. Acute pain or chronic pain responds to acupuncture. Pain that lasts more than three months is considered chronic pain. When pain becomes chronic, the nervous system can become stuck in a pain mode, with signals sent to the brain that things are bad. The brain is altered by the pain. Unraveling or changing this pain response is difficult and complicated. Acupuncture is able to unravel the pain response by regulating the pain signals that are going to the brain; it resets them, Ross explained. It resets your nervous system as it was prior to the injury. Eighty-three-year-old Donald

Is it painful? “People don’t understand

Page 8 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2023

Boardcertified acupuncturist Greyson Ross, owner and operator of Greyson Ross Acupuncture in New Hartford.

Kozlowski, of Bradenton, Florida, sought help from an acupuncturist for chronic neck pain since an injury a year ago. He tried several other traditional and non traditional healing methods, with no success. After just a few acupuncture sessions, his pain was much improved. His depression and anxiety lifted. He continues to go for treatments biweekly. He describes it this way: “The acupuncture helps takes away the tension I felt all the time. It relaxes my nervous system. I feel so good after I see her; I’m in a much better mood. I don’t feel it when she puts the needles in as they’re very sharp.” “I’m not sure if it’s the solution for everyone, but it’s sure worked well for me,” he continued. “It’ll be different for everyone. Try it; it’s better than taking pain medication.” A large number of disease conditions can be successfully treated by acupuncture, such as addiction, autoimmune disorders, sinusitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, insomnia, PMS, infertility, COVID-19 and many other conditions. Acupuncture has been proven to lower stress hormones. Dealing with continuing stress is a problem many of us deal with, said Ross. We’re all in a chronic ‘fight or flight’ mode. Acupuncture takes us to a state of relaxation. It evens out our mood, reduces anxiety, and improves overall well-being.

How many treatments do you need for results? How many treatments you will need depends on several things, including how long you have had your issue, Ross said. Depending on the condition or injury, you might get relief with just one or two sessions. Acute things need only one or two sessions. Chronic conditions that you’ve had a while, like arthritis, autoimmune disorder or back pain, can take several sessions before you feel relief. “If you’re not sure acupuncture is right for you, call me and we can discuss it,” Ross said.

New Weight Loss Medications: Too Good to Be True?

Initially intended to treat diabetes, drugs have been popular for those who want to lose weight By Barbara Pierce

very so often, a medication comes along that has the potential to change the world. Some say this about the new weight loss medications. You’ve probably heard of them: Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Mounjara. Nothing like them has existed before. Obesity had become a dead end in the pharmaceutical industry. No drug that was tried worked very well and every one that led to even modest weight loss had serious side effects. “For sure, these new medications will be a game changer for some people. They all have the same active ingredient,” said physician Keneth Hall, medical director and specialist in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery at Rome Health. “Anybody

with moderate obesity can potentially benefit.” With 42% of American adults who are obese, according to the CDC, interest in weight loss is at an all-time high. Several new medications, like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjara — all once-a-week injectables — are so popular that pharmacies can’t keep enough in stock. Rybelsus is another, essentially Ozempic in the form of a pill rather than an injection. People on the highest dose of Mounjaro have lost up to 21% of their body weight. For the other two injectables, people have lost 12% to15% of their body weight, according to an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine. We asked bariatric surgeon and weight loss specialist Hall if these new medications are too good to be

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true. “They definitely have the potential to change the way we treat obesity,” he said. “They work in a different way than the medications we’ve been using.” The active ingredient for the new medications is the same for all: semaglutide, he explained. Semaglutide is an injectable insulin-regulating drug that was developed to treat diabetes. The manufacturer, Novo Nordisk in Denmark, developed an insulin-regulating drug for diabetics, called it Ozempic and started a weight-loss revolution. The FDA approved Ozempic for diabetes in 2017. When doctors noticed that their patients who used Ozempic were losing weight, Novo Nordisk conducted clinical trials and found that it did indeed lead to significant weight loss. The manufacturer began marketing a higher-dose treatment of semaglutide for obesity, calling it Wegovy. In 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy for weight management. “There are three main ways these new medications work that are different from any existing medications,” Hall explained. “And that’s why it’s exciting. That’s why they’re really good.” First, they work on your brain so that it tells you that you feel full, the constant chatter some people have in their brain about food and eating is gone. Next, they slow down your digestive system, slowing the passage of food through the stomach so food stays in your stomach longer and you don’t feel like eating. Third, they stimulate the release of insulin, which helps lower blood sugar, helps with metabolism and improves weight loss.

Any concerns about these new wonder drugs? “Price is an issue,” said Hall. “It’s expensive to pay out of pocket, as it costs $1,800-$2,000 per month. Even with insurance, it still costs $1,200 per month. If you’re diabetic, most insurances and Medicare will pay for Ozempic.” And it’s difficult to get, pharmacies can’t keep enough in stock. Most insurances want patients to prove they are serious before approving it. They will need to see a doctor a few times before approval, three

times in three months. Hall added that some of his patients have found compounding pharmacies that use the active ingredient and develop their own form of the medication and are able to sell it at a more reasonable price. However, what they’re selling is not FDA approved. Medical spas and weight loss doctors also prescribe it; a huge industry has sprung up. Besides the high cost, another disadvantage is that, for some people, the once-a-week injection causes side effects. People complain of nausea, which is alleviated over time. It goes away after the second or third month of taking it. Other side effects, in addition to nausea, are vomiting, pancreatitis, constipation, diarrhea and low blood sugar. “However, these side effects are rare, said Hall. “For the most part, it’s very safe and well tolerated.” Hall does prescribe the new drugs as a supplement to lifestyle modifications. “Medication can only do so much,” he said. “Lifestyle changes are necessary for long term effectiveness. The effectiveness of this medication goes down after taking them one year. So I teach healthy eating, exercise and medication to help manage obesity. Your lifestyle must change to have long term effects.”

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Cow's Milk Vs. Plant-Based Milks: A Nutritionist Weighs In

ou have a lot of choices when buying milk, from the traditional cow variety to some made from plants. But how do these options compare in terms of nutrition? An expert from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston breaks down the differences. “If you're looking for a high-protein product, cow's milk and soy milk are the best options. If you want something lower calorie that doesn't need to meet your protein needs, a plant-based product might be the right thing,” said Sarah Mahlke, senior program management associate at Baylor's Weight Loss and Metabolic Center. “Maybe you're just going for taste, which is important too, because at the end of the day, food makes us happy, and that's a good thing,” Mahlke said in a Baylor news release.

skim milk are the best options. A cup of 1% or 2% milk can provide more flavor and creaminess than skim but without the calories of whole milk. What about children? A child recently weaned off breastmilk should have whole milk, Mahlke said, because children need fats to grow their brain and calories in their diet. Some milks are fortified with DHA omega-3 fatty acids, which are the heart-healthy oils found in fatty fish. “DHA is an especially important nutrient for brain development as the brain is about 60% fat by weight. For this reason, a cow's milk fortified with DHA might be a good option to give a 1-year-old after weaning from breast milk or formula,” she said. Mahlke advises against drinking raw or unpasteurized milk due to food safety concerns.

sugar intake. Some research suggests that phytoestrogens, which are compounds found in soy products, are associated with a lower risk of premature death.

Cow's milk

Soy milk

Almond milk

Cow's milk contains calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, B2 (riboflavin), B12, and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, potassium and phosphorus. It's also high in protein, much more so than most plant-based milks. Cow's milk is also a source of less heart-healthy saturated fats, but skim and nonfat milk provide a less fatty option. “All of the dairy milks have similar amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Choosing the type of cow's milk to drink depends on the stage of life that you're in and what your goals are,” Mahlke said. Trying to lose weight? Nonfat or

Soy milk, another option, stands out for its protein that is comparable to cow's milk and fortification with calcium and vitamin D. “In order to be labeled as a vitamin D-fortified milk, there are minimum and maximum amounts that must be added to the product, so any milk product labeled as 'fortified with vitamin D' will have similar amounts,” Mahlke said. “For any plant-based milk, it's important to check the package and label to make sure you are receiving the benefit of these added nutrients.” Soy milk is sold sweetened or unsweetened. Choose unsweetened soy milk to minimize your added

Almond milk delivers fewer calories than cow and soy milk, but that's because it has little protein and carbohydrates if it's not sweetened. This milk contains vitamin E and small amounts of unsaturated fat, which are heart-healthy. Some almond milks are fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Almond milk also contains arabinose, a type of carbohydrate, shown to improve metabolic syndrome in rodents. Choose unsweetened to avoid extra sugar. Unfortunately, the nutritional content of whole almonds does not fully translate over to nut milks, Mahlke explained, noting certain nu-

Beating 'Middle-Age Spread': Carbs You Should and Shouldn't Eat

diet rich in whole grains, fruits and non-starchy vegetables is the best recipe for middle-aged folks trying to keep their weight under control, new research finds.

Low in added sugar, yet rich in vitamins and minerals, such foods are considered “high-quality” carbs, investigators explained. The same cannot be said of

refined grains, sugary beverages or starchy vegetables. Such foods are “low-quality” carbs that are likely to fuel an expanding waistline at a time in life when weight gain is common. “The quality and source of carbohydrate is crucial for long-term weight management, especially for people already with excessive body weight,” said study lead author Yi Wan, a postdoctoral research fellow in the department of nutrition at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. The good news, said Wan, is that switching from low-quality to high-quality carbs “may support efforts to control body weight,” and could even help stave off the risk for diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The findings follow a review of data from three different ongoing studies gathered between 1986 and 2015. In sum, the studies included a pool of more than 136,000 men and women, all aged 65 or younger. All were deemed healthy at enrollment, meaning they were free of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney disease or gastrointestinal illness. Dietary routines were assessed by way of food surveys, with an eye to distinguishing non-starchy vegetables — including broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, sprouts, cauliflower, mushrooms, spinach and assorted greens — from starchy vegetables

Page 10 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2023

trients and fiber are removed during processing. Yet this might be the right milk for someone with chronic kidney disease who needs to avoid the high amounts of potassium and phosphorus found in soy, oat and cow's milk.

Oat milk Oat milk offers more protein than almond milk, but not as much as either soy or cow's milk. It may be fortified with vitamin D and provide calcium, like other plant-based milks. Oat contains a compound known as ß-Glucan, which is associated with improved blood sugar and insulin resistance. But phytates in oat milk bind to calcium and reduce its absorption. When shopping for plant-based milks, check the nutrition facts to learn the number of grams of added sugar.

like peas, corn, acorn squash, turnips and potatoes. Each participant's weight was tracked in four-year increments. The team found that, on average, participants gained more than 3 pounds every four years, and an average of almost 20 pounds over a 24-year timeframe. But digging deeper, the team observed that the kinds of foods that tended to drive up an individual's blood sugar levels the most were, in turn, associated with the greatest weight gain. Put another way, adding a daily helping of 3.5 ounces of low-quality carbs like sugar or starch to one's diet was linked to packing on an extra two or three pounds over a four-year period. Conversely, adding 1/3 of an ounce of fiber to the diet every day contributed to 1.7 fewer pounds gained. The apparent link between carb quality and weight gain was seen among both normal-weight individuals and overweight and obese participants, but it was particularly strong among middle-aged men and women who already struggled with excess weight. The study team stressed that the findings do not prove that certain kinds of carbs cause more weight gain, only that there is an association between the two. The study was published online Sept. 27 in the BMJ journal.

SmartBites By Anne Palumbo

Helpful Tips

The skinny on healthy eating

Turkey’s Many Nutrients Worth Gobbling Up

don’t eat much meat these days. But when I do, I turn to the star of 46 million tables each Thanksgiving: turkey. Not only does my beloved butterball deliver an impressive cornucopia of nutrients, but it serves them up without much fat or calories. Let’s start with turkey’s most salient nutrient: protein. Often referred to as the “building block of life,” protein plays a key role in the growth, development and maintenance of cells. Not getting enough of this workhorse nutrient can lead to weakness, muscle wasting, dry hair and skin, fatigue and much more. An average serving of turkey provides about half of our daily needs, perhaps twice that on Thanksgiving!

What’s more, this tasty bird trots out impressive amounts of B vitamins, especially niacin, B6 and B12. All together, these essential vitamins aid in red blood cell production, help convert food to energy and promote healthy nervous and digestive systems. Since B12 deficiency is common as we age—whether through diet or poor absorption—it’s good to know that turkey is an excellent source of this important vitamin. Consuming turkey also boosts your intake of selenium, phosphorous, zinc and choline. These important minerals each provide a valuable function: selenium helps your body produce thyroid hormones, phosphorous keeps bones and teeth strong, zinc fortifies the immune system, and

choline supports brain development and function. New research links low levels of choline to Alzheimer’s disease progression. What this white meat doesn’t deliver is fat, particularly saturated fat. It’s why experts recommend its consumption over red meat, which

Look for plump turkeys with a well-rounded breast. Beware of flat spots, which suggest the bird has been thawed and refrozen. If you’re looking for the cleanest option, go with an organic, free-range turkey that has been raised without antibiotics and fed an organic diet. And if you’re looking for the leanest cut, go with skinless, white meat. By the way, no hormones are ever used in the production of any US turkey.

can raise your “bad” cholesterol and put you at higher risk for heart disease. An average serving of skinless breast meat has 140 calories and just 2 grams of total fat (with scant saturated fat), while the same size serving of roast beef has 300 calories and about 20 grams of fat (with 8 grams saturated fat). If you’re wondering what makes us so sleepy after our Thanksgiving meal, well, not everyone agrees on the cause. While some point to turkey’s tryptophan, a natural sleep narcotic, others blame it on the large amounts of carbohydrates we consume.

CREAM OF TURKEY AND WILD RICE SOUP Serves 4 Serves 4 • Adapted from eatingwell.com

1 tablespoon olive oil 2 ½ cups sliced mushrooms, (about 8 ounces) 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped carrots ½ cup chopped onions ¼ cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 4-5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 cup quick-cooking or instant wild rice 3 cups shredded or diced cooked turkey ½ cup reduced-fat sour cream 1 teaspoon thyme (or spice of choice)

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, celery, carrots and onions; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add flour, salt and pepper; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more. 2. Add broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Add rice and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in turkey, sour cream, and thyme; cook until heated through, about 2 minutes more. Add more broth, if needed.

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November 2023 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 11

Golden Years

A Year After Launch, OTC Hearing Aids Aren’t Catching On With U.S. Consumers

t’s now been possible to buy a hearing aid over-the-counter for nearly a year, but few Americans are doing so. More education is needed about just who these over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids can help, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). It polled more than 2,200 Americans about the issue in late June and early July. Just 2% of respondents aged 40 and older who have hearing difficulties said they had purchased an OTC hearing device, the poll showed. In all, 4% said they were likely to purchase an OTC hearing aid in the next year. About 56% of respondents said their hearing wasn’t the best. Only 8% had been treated. Many said their hearing difficulties weren’t “bad enough” to warrant care, the ASHA found. About 48% of respondents with

untreated hearing difficulties let their symptoms persist for more than two years. Nearly one-third of folks with hearing difficulties said their quality of life had been adversely affected. “Hearing problems aren’t uniform. They vary and, thus, so does treatment,” Janice Trent, vice president for audiology practice at the ASHA, said in an association news release. “The longer one waits to act, the greater and more costly problems can become.” That’s why ASHA urges the public to seek a comprehensive hearing evaluation from a certified audiologist before purchasing an OTC device or taking some other step. “Insurance providers cover these evaluations, which ensure that care is appropriate and effective,” Trent said. ASHA noted that a recent study found that using hearing aids can significantly reduce cognitive (“thinking”) decline.

OTC devices are intended for people aged 18 and up who have mild to moderate hearing loss. They’re not meant for children. Advertising about the devices isn’t always helpful, according to ASHA, which noted an inaccurate comparison between OTC hearing aids and reading glasses. The hearing aids do not simply increase sound volume. Hearing can be damaged if an OTC is over-amplified, the associ-

Dementia Risk Rises as Activity Rates Fall

olstering the notion that a strong body equals a strong mind, new research indicates that the more inactive seniors are, the higher their risk for dementia. The finding stems from a look at the onset of dementia among nearly 50,000 Brits. All were at least 60 years old when information about typical daily activity routines was entered into the UK Biobank database at some point between 2006 and 2010. Their risk for dementia was then tracked for an average of about seven years. “We looked into whether sitting too much can increase the risk of getting dementia,” said lead author David Raichlen, a professor of biological sciences and anthropology at the University of Southern California. “Turns out, if you’re sedentary for over 10 hours a day, there’s a higher risk.”

Compared to spending nine hours a day on the proverbial couch, 10 hours of inactivity were associated with an 8% higher risk for dementia among seniors. And more inactivity was even riskier: Seniors who clocked 12 hours a day of inactivity — be it at one stretch, or over 24 hours — saw their risk for dementia spike by 63%. Those who sat around for 15 hours a day had a stunning 320% increase in dementia risk. The study doesn’t prove inactivity causes dementia, Raichlen stressed. It could be that other issues that might lead to inactivity — such as poor physical health or even the undiagnosed early stages of dementia itself — could be the true culprit when it comes to the increased dementia risk. But if inactivity is linked to higher dementia risk, why might that be?

“It is possible that reduced blood flow to the brain can help explain these results,” Raichlen said. Or it could owe to the fact that inactivity is also associated with a higher risk for cardio-metabolic illnesses, including heart attacks, strokes, diabetes or liver disease. “[There is] definitely more work to do to better understand the mechanisms underlying these associations,” he said. Participants in the study were residents of England, Scotland and Wales (average age: 68). None had signs of dementia when basic health information was gathered at enrollment. Between 2013 and 2015, they wore an activity tracker on their wrist around the clock for three to seven days. By 2021, just over 400 men and women had been diagnosed with dementia.

Page 12 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2023

ation warned. “Hearing health must be a priority, not something that is taken lightly, neglected, or treated inappropriately or without clear and complete information,” Trent said. “We will continue to educate the public and professionals about OTCs as well as [about] the importance of hearing health and taking prompt action when hearing difficulties arise.”

The team pointed to prior research indicating that, on average, Americans are sedentary for about 9.5 hours a day. This study found no evidence that this typical American inactivity is linked to any uptick in dementia risk. But once sedentary behavior averaged 10 hours or more, seniors did appear to have an increased risk of dementia. After years of inactivity, might getting moving turn that around? “It’s hard to say based on our dataset,” Raichlen said. “In my opinion, it is never too late to sit less and move more. But we do not have the data yet to say whether there are key times in life where sitting is more strongly linked to dementia risk.” Claire Sexton is senior director of scientific programs and outreach at the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago. She expressed little surprise after reviewing the findings. “There have been a number of studies that have previously reported an association between sedentary time and risk of dementia,” Sexton said. “However, reports that did not find an association have also been published. Therefore, additional research on possible associations is welcome.” She cautioned that while the pool of participants enrolled in the study was large, it may not be representative of all American seniors. And, she added, while regular physical activity is key to overall health, it “cannot be viewed in isolation.” The role that activity may play in terms of dementia risk “must be considered in combination with one’s total behavior and lifestyle,” Sexton said. That includes “healthy diet, education, head injury, sleep, mental health and the health of your heart/ cardiovascular system and other key bodily systems.” The findings were published Sept. 12 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Golden Years

Things You Need to Know About Arthritis By Barbara Pierce

do I know if my pain is 1.How arthritis?

early one person in four in the U.S. has some form of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can happen to anyone, but becomes more common as we age. Board-certified family physician Benjamin Friedell, chief of primary care at Bassett Healthcare Network in Oneonta, answered our questions about this common concern of many. Arthritis is a broad term that covers more than 100 diseases. Osteoarthritis is by far the most common form of arthritis; it can damage any joint, tissues around the joint and other connective tissues. It occurs most often in hands, hips, spine and knees. We’ll discuss osteoarthritis, the ‘garden variety,’ as Friedell refers to it. Osteoarthritis involves wearand-tear damage to a joint’s cartilage — the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones where they form a joint. Cartilage cushions the ends of the bones and allows nearly frictionless joint motion, but enough damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, which causes pain and restrict movement. This wear and tear can occur over many years or it can be hastened by a joint injury or infection.

You will know it. If you’ve had joint pain or stiffness that causes you discomfort, has lasted longer than six weeks or is disrupting what is typical for your body, it’s important to see your primary care provider, recommended Friedell. “The first thing your primary care provider will discern is whether you have arthritis and what type of arthritis,” said Friedell. “They’ll start with an X-ray or other imaging tests to determine whether it’s arthritis and how much arthritis you have.” This information is necessary to develop a treatment plan. Whatever your condition, it will be easier to stay ahead of your pain if you learn all you can about your condition, including what type of arthritis you have and whether any of your joints are already damaged.

can I do to relieve my 2.What pain?

“It’s important to stay active,” stressed Friedell. “Stay active with things that won’t cause you pain. For example, if your hip is affected, walk as much as you can. If you can’t walk because it’s too painful, ride a bike or use a stationary bike.” “Keep active, find an activity

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you like, and keep doing it,” he continued. “Swimming is great. Even walking in the pool, as the buoyancy of the water supports you, that can be most helpful.” Do daily, gentle stretches that move your joints through their full range of motion. A physical or occupational therapist can help you develop an exercise program that’s right for you. When you have arthritis, movement can decrease your pain and stiffness, improve your range of motion, strengthen your muscles, and increase your endurance. Avoid activities that involve high impact or repetitive motion, like running, high-impact aerobics, tennis. “It’s important to keep your range of motion,” Friedell added. “For example, your shoulder hurts so you don’t lift it up for several days. Then you go to lift it up and it’s gotten frozen because you didn’t move it. It’s difficult to get your range of motion back. Stay active. Avoid freezing your joints.”

What about medication for pain relief?

The safest medication is Tylenol Arthritis, said Friedell. It’s unique, not related to aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve etc. so it doesn’t cause the problems with your stomach, liver or kidneys like they do. If Tylenol doesn’t work for you, use over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen. As they can cause issues with your stomach, talk with your primary care provider about side effects and what you should watch for, said Friedell. Some of my patients get relief from the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin, Friedell said. Take it a couple of times a day, not just when your pain is bad. It’s safe and easy. Topical creams like Bengay, Biofreeze, or others can bring temporary relief. “I have many geriatric patients and many of them find relief with a lidocaine patch. All of these are over the counter, said Friedell.

Physician Benjamin Friedell is the chief of primary care at Bassett Healthcare Network in Oneonta. Ice or heat packs can relieve pain and inflammation.

if medication isn’t 4.What enough to relieve my pain?

“If none of those medications work, at Bassett we do steroid injections into the painful joint. This keeps the pain away for weeks, months, sometimes even permanently,” Friedell said. When nothing else works, surgery, with replacement of the joint is very commonly done. One caution, Friedell added. There are a lot of unproven therapies offered for arthritis in TV commercials, like copper bracelets. Before you invest any money in these, talk with your primary care physician about them.

can I do to decrease 5.What my risk of getting arthritis?

Age is the primary factor that increases the risk of osteoarthritis, but other causes include previous injury to the joint, obesity, gender and family history. Physical inactivity and smoking also contribute to your risk.

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November 2023 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 13

The Balanced Body

By Deborah Dittner

Stationary Bike

How do de age gracefully, staying fit and vibrant? By Deborah Dittner

s people age, many tend to put on additional weight (especially around the middle), decrease their activity levels due to aching, inflamed joints and eat food items that may not be of much benefit. It’s not always easy (but then again, what is?) to maintain a fitness routine from ages past or prepare meals either for yourself or for those in the household a number of times a day. With aging often comes a change in everyday routine. If you have retired, you may find yourself with extra time on your hands which can be either positive (getting together with family and friends more frequently, taking classes you’ve always wanted to try, experimenting on making different meals) or negative (staying home alone, grabbing quick food products, not wanting to cook for just one). If you continue to work but possibly fewer hours, the same situations may occur. So, how do we age gracefully, staying fit and vibrant? Staying fit is a labor of love and

only you can make that happen — physically move your body through play and exercise. Get on your feet and dance (remember Gloria Estefan?). Or if you enjoy walking and running, weight lifting or biking you’re on your own and may need some tunes or a playlist to push through your workout. Sure, there are some days when there’s a chill in the air and you don’t want to get out from under the warm covers. I totally understand. But I also know how much better I feel once I have taken action by going to my favorite gym for an hour of cardio, HIIT, strengthening, yoga, you name it. For me, this is an important part of my health and wellness and can (and should) be for you, too. By taking those first steps, you can look toward your next class with more energy, motivation and confidence. Everyone needs to get off the couch, stand up and move. Your overall health counts on it. Living a sedentary lifestyle will age you more quickly, decrease mobility and increase your risk for many health

conditions. You can prevent so many health problems through consistent daily action. Think of this time as self-care or “me time.” Exercise and physical movement are an important lifestyle change and a necessary one in taking care of you in the best way possible. Do establish achievable goals and be realistic. A fitness assessment can help determine your goals after examining the results. Speak with your healthcare provider or physical therapist or personal trainer to point you in the direction of a good assessment tool and follow through with the results and necessary changes. For seniors (and actually everyone), exercise is anti-aging. Exercise will help lubricate joints, increase mobility and decrease overall inflammation. Do you want to participate in a 5K road run? Or possibly run a farther distance? Do you want to dance the night away? Set specific milestones along the way toward your goal and stay focused. By taking steps in increments makes the task more manageable and motivational. You need a cheerleader. Whether it be a family member or dear friend to support your efforts, it is necessary in achieving your goals. Ideally, encourage a family member or friend to join in your efforts and train with you. Working out with others gives you that added push (and eliminates isolation). And it’s

Build Social Connection. Prevent Loneliness. We may not think of loneliness as posing serious health risks, but if feelings of loneliness are not addressed, they can significantly impact our health. There are ways to help prevent loneliness and the resulting health impacts. If you’re feeling lonely, consider the following: • Seek support: Reach out to friends, family or a therapist. Support groups can also foster a sense of community and understanding. • Volunteer: Helping others can boost self-esteem and foster meaningful relationships. • Take up a hobby: Engage in activities that bring you joy. Join a club or group with shared interests to meet new people and build relationships. • Practice self-care: Maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and practice mindfulness and self-compassion. • Try something new: Step outside your comfort zone. It can be intimidating but can also lead to new connections and relationships.

Listen to our episode, “The Loneliness Epidemic” on the Community Check-in to learn more about this issue and who is most at risk. A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Page 14 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2023

always more fun! A group setting will help decrease stress levels and increase improvements in your mental, physical and emotional quality of life. Create a doable plan and workout schedule. If you go to a gym, set your schedule weekly or monthly and make sure it’s in your planner. Keep company with like-minded fitness friends who are supportive of you and your efforts. If you work out at home, set a specific time of day and stick to it. Patience is a virtue so they say. And this is an excellent time to be patient with yourself and your goals. Nothing happens overnight and it does take work especially if you’re starting out from scratch and getting the move on. It takes approximately three months to develop a habit so take one day at a time and don’t give up. Most importantly — have fun! Exercise should not be pure drudgery. If you enjoy dancing, take salsa lessons. If you enjoy team sports, join a basketball, ice hockey or soccer team. There are many age groups to choose from. 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

Between You & Me

By Barbara Pierce

Is There Anything Good About Aging?

“

Are you telling me to go out and smell the roses?” an aging Maggie Smith character asks her friend, Cissy, in the movie I’m watching. “Oh no! I’m telling you the roses are long gone. But the chrysanthemums are magnificent!” replies Cissy with a big happy smile. That’s a good description of aging. Maybe the best and most beautiful parts are gone, but many magnificent parts still work. I’d like to be happier about that. I’m watching the movie “Quartet,” produced by Dustin Hoffman in 2012. It’s about a British retirement home for musicians. They’re aging, their gifts fading; they’re coming to terms with life as it is now. If life is a three-act play, the curtain has gone up on the final act for these folks. As it has for me.

And I don’t much like this aging thing. I began to wonder how others cope. I was curious to learn how people see life more like Cissy does, what makes them feel that they’re happy? How do they not see the dying roses — but instead see the magnificent chrysanthemums? I’d like to be able to do that. I asked some of the people in my life, those who seem relatively happy. “I’m happy!” declared 79-yearold Maria Eppinghaus of Palmetto, Florida, overweight and struggling along behind a walker. She lives alone, has diabetes and other health challenges. “How can you be happy?” I asked. Well, I’m not in pain, that’s probably the main reason,” she said. “And coming here. This makes a big

Want a Healthy Old Age? Get Your Finances in Order Now

lanning for your long-term financial future doesn’t just make good economic sense — it could also save your life. People in both the United States and the United Kingdom have a higher risk of dying prematurely if they aren’t engaged in long-term financial planning, according to a report published online Sept. 27 in PLOS One. In fact, the researchers found that the shorter a person’s financial planning horizon, the greater their risk of dying. “The people who live the longest are the ones who are looking years into the future,” lead researcher Joe Gladstone, an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Colorado Boulder, said in a university Q&A.

“It’s very scary how many people are living week to week, month to month, paycheck to paycheck,” Gladstone added. “The majority of people are only looking financially out no more than a month ahead.” The study further revealed that long-term financial planning is most important to the health of those with the fewest means. Increases in financial planning were significantly associated with better health among households making less than $80,000 a year and with overall wealth lower than $450,000, the results showed. “Planning benefits health for financially disadvantaged people more than the advantaged, because those with greater wealth and income have a financial buffer to income or expenditure shocks, insulating them from

difference in my life.” Here is a friendship dining group, run by Meals on Wheels, where a small group of older people come to eat lunch together two days a week. We’re social creatures; research shows that people feel happier when they’re interacting with others. People who have more social interactions are happier on average than those who interacted less. Maria’s probably the most sociable one in her group and probably the happiest. “I don’t think about my age,” said 91-year-old Evelyn Guevin of Bradenton Florida, when I asked her how she seemed happy. “I don’t think about how I’m old and I’m expected to act my age. I broke my hip and they made me use a walker. But I refused to keep using it. Just because I’m old doesn’t mean I need to depend on a walker! It just got in my way!” she said. “Instead of thinking about how old I am, I keep busy,” she continued. “I keep my mind occupied. I read the paper every day, do the crossword puzzle, garden, watch old movies.” Experts say a healthy dose of denial can improve one’s outlook. “The people who do the best with aging aren’t thinking that much about getting older,” according to a commentary at WebMD. “They’re not focusing on what’s not working anymore. If you sit around mulling over the meaning of existence and how time is running out, you’re building in a scenario where you’re not going to age as successfully.” Getting older is full of emotional landmines, gerontologists say, including fears of losing independence or getting a serious illness. Aging gracefully isn’t always easy, but attitude matters a lot, experts say. “Don’t get bogged down in all the hype about aging. Once you start thinking about it, it can drive you mad. There’s nothing you can do; the clock is going to tick away,” said one. “It’s more of a ‘Yes, I knew this was coming and I know I can negotiate my way through it.’” This chapter of our lives does

have so many challenges, challenges that sometimes knock the breath out of us. Sometimes they’re hurled at us from us out of nowhere. Sometimes they steal gradually into our life, gaining momentum until they finally must be acknowledged and dealt with. But it’s not the changes and challenges that will destroy us. It is the attitude with which we face them that makes all the difference. We don’t get a choice in life of what happens of us. But we do get a choice in how we respond. And it helps to see them as challenges, not problems. In his book “Coping with Adversity,” Michael J. Fox says, “It was only when I could accept the fact that I had Parkinson’s disease that I began to think what haven’t I lost? I haven’t lost my enthusiasm. I haven’t lost my intelligence. I haven’t lost my passion for life, my love of my family, my curiosity.” “You have to find something that really interests you and pursue it ferociously!” said Kitty Carlisle in a book I read. “Never stop! “Never say you’re too old to do that!” Our passions put sizzle in our lives. They ignite us and keep us going. Our passions nurture our souls and grown our spirits. I think I’ve got it! What I need to do to deal better with this aging thing is be more sociable, don’t overthink it, accept whatever comes along and pursue my passions. Maybe then I’ll appreciate the chrysanthemums!

experiencing financial hardship,” the authors explained in their paper. “These results are consistent with the idea that planning ahead represents an important resource for those with few financial resources, possibly as they do not have the buffer to cope with shocks,” the researchers concluded. For the study, the investigators tapped into two large pools of data, one in the United States and the other in the United Kingdom. The U.S. data tracked nearly 11,500 people over a 22-year period, between 1992 and 2014, while the U.K. data covered about 11,300 people for a decade spanning 2002 to 2012. Short-term planners in the U.S. study had about a 20% higher relative risk of early death compared to long-term planners, the results showed. The results were even more stark in the United Kingdom, with shortterm financial planning associated with an almost 50% higher relative risk of early death compared to long-

term planning. “I think this really shows the importance of what we like to say — your health is your wealth and your wealth is your health,” said Genevieve Waterman, director of economic and financial security with the National Council on Aging. The stress caused by financial uncertainty is probably the main culprit behind this increased risk of premature death, said David John, a senior policy advisor with the AARP’s Public Policy Institute. “We know that stress hurts health and stress can kill, and having a longer-term financial plan is one way that people can reduce that stress,” John said. “When people are asked what are some of the great stressors in life — and AARP does research in some of this — one that always comes up is having enough money in retirement or having enough money so that I can pay my bills,” John added. “It just makes sense that having longer-term financial planning as part of your life is going to reduce the risk.”

Barbara Pierce is a retired licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience helping people. If you would like to purchase a copy of her book, “When You Come to the Edge: Aging” or if you have questions for her, contact her at barbarapierce06@yahoo.com.

November 2023 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 15

Golden Years

Vision Awareness: My Cataract Surgery By David L. Podos

ach year millions of cataract surgeries are performed in the United States. As we get older proteins build up in the lens of the eye causing a reduction of light to pass through, thus diminishing our eyesight. Replacing the lens of the eye through surgery is the way to correct that problem. Recently I was added to those surgery statistics. After listening to my ophthalmologist late last year saying, “David, your cataract in your right eye is ready to be removed,” my anxiety index went through the roof even though I had no leg to stand on in refuting his assessment. My far distance vision in that eye was diminishing and as the months rolled by it worsened. My cataract was not only affecting my ability to see during the day, but affecting my night driving as well. Oncoming headlights from passing cars cast a strange halo distorting my vision even further. I knew surgery was inevitable. I remember people who had had cataract surgery years ago talk about how their doctor would mention the cataract was “ripe” and it was time to remove it. After hearing that I would think to myself, “ripe, well that’s an odd definition — what does that actually mean?” The fact is, eye surgeons would refer to the patient’s cataract years ago as ripe when the procedure was riskier. They wanted the cataract to be large before removal, meaning it was “ripe.” Today, however, with

advanced medical technology along with increased skills of the surgeon, that term is no longer valid. Even so, thoughts of having a doctor (no matter how skilled) poking around in my eye left me feeling very uncomfortable and I am not alone when it comes to these feelings. In an article written by Gabrielle Weiner called “Reducing Patient Anxiety During Surgery,” she mentions that there are two common fears patients have about cataract surgery. “First, will they be receiving insufficient anesthesia. Secondly, will they see the surgeon or surgical instruments coming at the eye?” Of course, there are a number of other fears patients may experience such as, will the surgery be painful, fear of surgical complications and fear of vision loss, (oddly enough) as the whole idea of removing the cataract in the first place is to restore a patient’s vision. Some people have such an aversion to any surgical procedure they completely avoid it, this is called tomophobia. Fortunately, I do not suffer from tomophobia, yet, I needed reassurance (and plenty of it) from my ophthalmologist that everything would go well. I explained to him I never had been in an operating room and only once in my life when I was 18, I was administered anesthesia to remove my back molars which was done in the dentist office. While I cannot speak for other eye surgeons, Alexander Harris at Slocum Dickson Medical Group, who is my ophthalmologist, came through with flying colors.

Seniors, Here Are the Meds That Can Harm Your Driving Skills

ome common medications — including antidepressants, sleep aids and painkillers — may dull the driving skills of seniors, a new

study finds. Many different medication classes have been linked to the risk of driving impairment, as anyone who

He understood my anxious state and well before the surgery date was set (during routine scheduled eye exams) he took the extra time to assure me that the procedure was safe, listened to my concerns, answered my questions and said I would be just fine. This kind of communication between doctor and patient is crucial and just as important as the doctor’s skill level. Trusting my doctor and knowing about what to expect made a huge difference for me, as well as gaining self confidence that I would be OK. At the Griffiss Surgery Center in Rome, where the surgery was to take place, I was led to the pre-op room. Each patient had their own cubicle where the pre-op staff began attending to their specific duties, attaching me to the heart monitor, checking blood pressure, administering the numbing drops to my eye and inserting an IV into my arm. When I was taken into the operating room the first thing I noticed was how cool it was. I came to find out that cooler temperatures in the OR are for the comfort of the surgeon and the OR staff. Apparently, it can get quite warm for a surgeon and assistants who are completely gowned up working under the OR lights. Once again staff worked seamlessly to reattach me to the OR heart monitor, secure a blood pressure cuff and give me oxygen. I have to say I think my blood pressure was heading straight through the roof at that moment and my initial thought was, “well David, if you are planning on jumping off this OR bed you better do it now.” It was then that the nurse anesthetist came over and asked how I was doing. I mumbled something like, “OK but I can think of a number of places I rather be then here.” She laughed and said, “in a few seconds you won’t have a care in the world.”

David Podos is a regular contributor to In Good Health. He lives in Utica.

has ever read the label warning "do not operate heavy machinery" might have guessed. But the new study took a particularly rigorous approach to investigating the issue, following older adults for up to 10 years and testing their driving skills with annual road tests. And it turned out that those using certain classes of medications were at greater risk of failing the road test at some point. When older folks were taking either antidepressants, sedative-hypnotics (sleep medications) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), they were nearly three times more likely to get a failing or "marginal" grade than non-users. The findings do not prove the medications are to blame, said lead researcher and physician David Carr, a specialist in geriatric medicine at Washington University's School of Medicine in St. Louis. It can be hard, he said, to draw a direct line between a particular medication and diminished driving skills: Is it that drug, or the medical condition it's treating or another medication an older adult is taking? In this study, though, Carr and his colleagues were able to account for many factors, including participants' medical conditions, memory

and thinking skills, vision problems and whether they lived in more affluent or disadvantaged neighborhoods. And certain medication groups were still linked to poorer driving performance. Beyond that, Carr said, many of the medications in question are known to act on the central nervous system — with potential side effects, like drowsiness and dizziness, that could affect driving. "The bottom line is, we need to pay attention to this and advise our patients," Carr said, adding that he doubts this is happening routinely. Unfortunately, he added, during busy, time-limited doctor visits, discussions of medication side effects may fall by the wayside. So that's where patients need to be proactive, Carr said: Ask questions about potential side effects when you get a new prescription. And if you're wondering whether your sluggishness or other symptoms could be due to a medication, talk to your health care provider. "We wouldn't want anyone to just stop taking their medication on their own," Carr stressed. "Talk to your health care provider about any changes."

Page 16 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2023

I smiled and said, “you are my new best friend.” True to her word within seconds after administrating the anesthesia into my IV, I was totally relaxed. My doctor came into the OR and said, “what eye are we working on today, David?” I said, “my right eye, doc.” We both laughed. That was it, except for seeing a bright light I really don’t have any recollection of anything else, just being wheeled out of the OR back to the pre-op room. The total time of the surgery was less than 10 minutes! When I saw my doctor the next day and the shield covering my eye was removed, I was astounded how much clearer my vision was, less than 24 hours after surgery. So, if you’re thinking about cataract surgery, go for it. What a blessing it is to see clearly.

By Jim Miller

Misleading Medicare Advantage Ads: What to Look Out For Dear Savvy Senior, I’m currently enrolled in original Medicare but have been thinking about switching to a Medicare Advantage plan during the open enrollment period. Many of the Medicare Advantage ads I’ve seen offer lots of extra benefits beyond what traditional Medicare offers and no monthly premiums. What are your thoughts? Considering a Switch

Dear Considering, Be very leery of the Medicare Advantage ads on TV, radio, social media and that come in the mail. While many of these ads may tout free vision, hearing, dental and other benefits with zero monthly premiums, they aren’t always what they claim to be.

Advantage Basics Medicare Advantage or MA plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are government approved health plans sold by private insurance companies that you can choose in place of original Medicare. The vast majority of Advantage plans are managed-care policies such as HMOs or PPOs that require you to get your care within a network of doctors in a geographic area. You can sign up for one of them during open-enrollment season from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. MA plans have exploded in popularity in recent years as insurers have flooded the airways with advertisements, often by celebrity pitchmen, that promote low-cost options with lots of extra benefits. But be aware that the federal government has deemed many claims in MA ads fraudulent and misleading. Some ads imply that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services endorses or prefers a specific plan. Others promise more cost savings than you really get. And if you choose the wrong plan, your doctor may not be a member of that plan’s network or you may end up paying out-of-pocket for medically necessary care. This past September, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services began cracking down on these ads, but you still need to prac-

tice self-defense. Here are some tips to help you make a good decision. • Cover your needs: When evaluating MA plans, make sure the one’s you’re considering cover the doctors you like and the health care facilities you normally go to. Also, make sure all of the prescription medications you take are on the drug plan’s formulary. To help you compare plans, a good first step is to call the office managers of the doctors you use and find out which Advantage plans they accept, and which ones they recommend. Then go to the Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov/ plan-compare to compare plans in your area. • Understand the details: Some MA plans promote no monthly premiums, but the reality is that you are still responsible for your original Medicare costs including your Part B premium and deductibles and copays for covered services. Moreover, you may have to pay more out-ofpocket if you see a doctor outside the network. Also, if the plan is an HMO, it generally doesn’t cover non-emergency care out of network, so an individual may be responsible for full costs. A PPO on the other hand, allows people to go out of network, but they generally have to pay more to do so. • Do some digging: Many MA plans tout free vision, hearing and dental benefits that are not covered by traditional Medicare, but these benefits are often limited. For example, a plan that offers free dental coverage may cover only cleanings and X-rays. Extensive procedures such as root canals or caps may not be covered, or the plan may limit the dollar amount it pays. Find out the coverage details so you’re not surprised later. • Get help: Reach out to your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at ShipHelp.org or call 877-839-2775. These are nonprofit programs that provide unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling and assistance. You can also report any misleading MA claims to the Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center at SMPResource.org or by calling 800-447-8477.

When you need labwork, we’re in New Hartford Walk-ins welcome 555 French Rd., Building 2 in New Hartford Open Mondays through Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prompt, courteous and no appointment needed. Learn more at laboratoryalliance.com

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. November 2023 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 17

The Social Ask Security Office

WRITERS WANTED Local News Inc. is hiring free-lance writers to write news and feature stories for In Good Health, Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper and 55 PLUS magazine. Stories range from profiles of newsworthy people in the community to medical issues to nonprofit organizations. View the publications online at www.MVhealthnews.com and cny55.com. We’re only hiring people who have writing experience, preferably in a daily or weekly newspaper. Please email resume and copies of recent published stories to IGHmohawkvalley@gmail.com

DRIVERS WANTED We’re looking for dependable people to help us distribute copies of In Good Health: MV’s Healthcare Newspaper, in offices and other high-traffic locations in the Utica-Rome-Herkimer region. Great for active retirees or at-home moms in need of some extra cash. Work only one or two days a month during office hours (9 to 5). Compensation: $14.20/h plus 30 cents per mile. It amounts to about $160 per distribution. The paper is usually distributed at the beginning of the month. Drivers pick up the papers in North Utica and leave copies at various locations, following a list of places we provide. No heavy lifting. Drivers are required to have a dependable vehicle, be courteous and reliable. We audit all areas of distribution.

Call Allison at 315-749-7070 for more information.

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At Home or On The Go: Social Security Is Online

hen you retire, if you become disabled or if someone you depend on dies— we are there when you need us. With your personal and secure my Social Security account, you can access your information, benefits and important services from just about anywhere. Having a personal My Social Security account allows you to: • Compare future benefit estimates for different dates or ages when you may want to begin receiving benefits. • Check the status of your benefits application or appeal. • Review your earnings history. • Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states). If you already receive benefits, you can also: • Get a benefit verification or proof of income letter.

• Set up or change your direct deposit. • Change your address. • Get a Social Security 1099 form (SSA-1099). You can even use your personal My Social Security account to opt out of receiving certain notices by mail, including the annual cost-ofliving adjustments notice and the income-related monthly adjustment amount notice. These notices are available in your Message Center when you sign into your account. We will email you when you have a new message, so you never miss an important update. It’s easy to sign up for a My Social Security account. Please let your friends and family know that they can create their own My Social Security account today at www.ssa. gov/myaccount.

Q&A

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Mmail check to 4 Riverside Dr., Ste. 251, Utica, NY 13502

Q.: Do Members of Congress have to pay into Social Security? A.: Yes, they do. Members of Congress, the president and vice president, federal judges and most political appointees, have paid taxes into the Social Security program since January 1984. They pay into the system just like everyone else, no matter how long they have been in office. Q.: How much will I receive if I qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? A.: The amount of your SSI payment depends on where you live and how much income you have. The maximum SSI payment varies nationwide. For 2023, the maximum federal SSI payment for an eligible person is $914 a month and $1,371 a month for an eligible couple. However, many states add money to the basic payment. For more information, go to www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-benefits-ussi. htm. Q.: I’m trying to figure out how much I need to save for my retirement. Does the government offer any help with financial education? A.: Yes. For starters, you may want to find out what you can expect from Social Security with a visit to Social Security’s retirement estimator at www.ssa.gov/estimator. The Financial Literacy and Education Commission has a website that can help you with the basics of financial education: www.mymoney.gov. Finally, you’ll want to check out

Page 18 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2023

the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which offers educational information on a number of financial matters, including mortgages, credit cards, retirement, and other big decisions. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at www.consumerfinance.gov. Q.: How do I change my citizenship status on Social Security’s records? A.: To change your citizenship status shown in Social Security records: • Complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5), which you can find online at www. ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html. • Provide documents proving your: – New or revised citizenship status (We can only accept certain documents as proof of citizenship. These include your U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current immigration documents). – Age. – Identity. • Next, take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office. All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov/ssnumber.

Relieve the Misery of Colds: Popular Medications Found to Not Work By Barbara Pierce

he leading decongestant used by millions of Americans looking for relief from a stuffy nose is likely no better than a dummy pill, according to new research by the FDA. Advisers to the FDA voted unanimously (in mid-September, 2023) against the effectiveness of the ingredient that is found in popular versions of Sudafed, Dayquil and other medications sold in pharmacies. That ingredient is phenylephrine. Phenylephrine is in a class of medications called nasal decongestants. Walk down the cold and flu aisle in any drugstore and you’ll spot dozens of over-the-counter drugs that contain phenylephrine — Sudafed PE, Dayquil, Nyquil, Mucinex, Tylenol, Benadryl, Vicks Cold and Flu Relief among them. Yes, they’re all duds. “Modern studies, when well conducted, are not showing any im-provement in congestion with phenylephrine,” said one of the experts online. Recent large, rigorously conducted studies showed the products with phenylephrine failed to

outperform placebo pills in patients with cold and allergy congestion. The over-the-counter products with phenylephrine were approved in 1976 when studies showed they were effective for nasal congestion. Advisers found numerous flaws with those original studies used to support phenylephrine’s approval. The studies were “extremely small” and used statistical and research techniques no longer accepted by the agency, advisers said. The latest research shows that phenylephrine in pill form is quickly metabolized, leaving only trace levels to relieve congestion. However, nasal sprays that contain phenylephrine are still effective, the FDA said. Now it’s up to the FDA to decide whether to ban over-the-counter use of widely used cold and flu decongestants which contain phenylephrine. Products that include the ingredient — roughly 250 of them — generated approximately $1.8 billion in sales in 2022, the FDA said. Now that these popular products have been deemed ineffective, we wondered what is effective for a

stuffy nose? We asked Deirdre Pierce, pharmacist for quality improvement at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “Nasal sprays containing the generic product oxymetazoline (also available under brand names Afrin®, Sinex®, and many others) work well within minutes and last 12 hours,” she advised. “You spray the medication right where it is needed in the nasal passages. This avoids possible side effects that can happen with decongestants taken by mouth, like a racing heart, trouble sleeping, or nervousness. Be sure to always follow the label instructions.” “Saline nasal sprays are medication-free but can help moisten and thin out mucus in the nose, which can reduce stuffiness,” she added. “Use them as often as needed.” “Another option for cold or flu is decongestant tablets containing the generic product pseudoephedrine,” she said. That’s pseudoephedrine, which is a different ingredient than the one recently banned. It’s known by the brand name Sudafed, the original Sudafed. “There are also products made with combinations of pseudoephedrine with other cold relief medications for cough and fever,” she continued. “Various products have differing information for use, so check the label for instructions.” “If you need help choosing the best product, your pharmacist can help you.” Products containing pseudoephedrine are carried behind the pharmacy counter and you must request them; a 2006 law forced this move because pseudoephedrine can be illegally processed into methamphetamine, which is highly addictive. “For children with a stuffy nose or symptoms of cold or flu, check with your child’s doctor for the best treatment choice,” she said. “Children younger than 6 should not use over-the-counter medications,” according to John Hopkins Hospital, online. To help relieve the misery of colds, in addition to taking a pill, consider these suggestions from John Hopkins: Stay hydrated: Whether it’s tea, warm water with lemon or broth, drinking warm liquids can be soothing, prevent dehydration and ease congestion. Avoid salty foods, alco-

Deirdre Pierce, pharmacist for quality improvement at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. hol, coffee and sugary drinks, which can be dehydrating. Gargle with salt water: A saltwater gargle with one teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water can help reduce the pain and swelling of a sore throat. Humidify the air: Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. Dry nostrils are more prone to viruses and if you’re already sick, dry air can worsen a sore throat. Try using a humidifier. If you don’t have one, leave a shallow bowl of water out, particularly near a heat source. As the water evaporates, it’ll slowly humidify the room. Or take a hot shower. Go outside: Cold can tighten the blood vessels in your nose which will give you relief. Rest: Recharge your body’s immune system. Rest and sleep are the best ways to do that. This is also a great chance to take a break from strenuous exercise for two to three days. Don’t bother with zinc; there’s little evidence to support zinc’s cold-fighting reputation. Same with Vitamin C. Same with antibiotics as they’re designed to treat bacterial infections, not viruses.

Health News Oneida Health Welcomes Felissa Koernig as President and CEO Oneida Health has a new presi dent and chief executive officer. Felissa Koernig officially began on Sept. 18. At that time, Jeremiah Sweet who served as interim president and CEO resumed his role as vice president of finance and chief Felissa Koernig financial officer. “We performed an exhaustive six-month search across the country for the ideal candidate to move our healthcare network into the future,” said Mike Kallet, chairman

of Oneida Health board of trustees. “We couldn’t be happier with our selection. The board and I are confident that Felissa’s experience and expertise perfectly align with Oneida Health’s current and future organizational goals.” Koernig comes to Oneida Health with over 15 years of leadership experience in strategic and operational management in the nonprofit, federal and private sectors. She received her Juris Doctorate (law degree) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Pennsylvania State University and previously served as the president of Guthrie Corning Hospital in Corning. Additionally, Koernig has served

as senior vice president and chief operating officer of Guthrie Towanda Memorial Hospital in Towanda, Pennsylvania, and associate director and chief operating officer of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Koernig holds a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF), a highly selective and prestigious two-year training and leadership training program offered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The PMF program is the federal government’s premiere pipeline for promoting advanced degree graduates into government leadership positions. “I am excited to join a healthcare

organization with a well-known reputation for providing award-winning patient safety and experience to the community it serves,” said Koernig. “Our top priority will continue to be providing convenient access to the highest quality of healthcare. I am honored to serve the residents of Madison and Oneida County while leading a talented team of medical providers and professional staff.” In 2024, Oneida Health will be celebrating 125 years of providing healthcare. Koernig is the first female CEO in Oneida Health’s history. “Our organization has a rich history of great leaders for more than a century,” said Kallet. “While leaning on our vast experience, we will continue to strive to deliver progressive care and produce the best results for our patients. In Oneida, the future of healthcare is bright.”

November 2023 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 19

FOODS TO EAT FOR HEALTHY

LONGEVITY

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ating right represents one of the pillars of good health and longevity. As part of an overall healthful diet, every older adult

Protein It’s easy to slip into the habit of fixing snacks instead of meals when living alone. But many times, these lack nutrients, including protein. “Lean protein is my primary recommendation for older adults,” said Drew Michael Hemler, registered dietitian in private practice in Syracuse. “Older adults tend to reduce their intake. Foods like chicken, turkey, fish, legumes, and soy products help maintain muscle mass and their low sources of saturated fat, which helps improve cardiovascular function.” Eggs, nuts, seeds and dairy products also provide protein.

should consider including these foods (assuming they’re not contraindicated for any medication or health issues they’re experiencing).

greens Kale, spinach, Swiss chard, arugula, beet greens, bok choy, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, cilantro, parsley and Romaine are all examples of nutrient-packed greens. Faughnan said that these “are high in essential vitamins and minerals as well as fiber and other nutrients to help support immune health. They can also be a good source of iron.” Although green in color, iceberg lettuce isn’t as packed with nutrients as the darker greens.

BLUEBERRIES “Blueberries have high levels of antioxidants and natural compounds called phytochemicals which promote both brain and bone health,” Faughnan said. Whether frozen or fresh, berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries offer many nutrition benefits.

BEETS “Beets contain high levels of nitrates which can help promote cardiovascular and gut health as well as increase energy levels,” said Gregory Faughnan, physician and board certified in primary care at St. Joseph’s Physicians Primary Care in Syracuse.

Water While not technically a nutrient, water is vital for good health. “Fluid intake is chronically low among the older age population,” Hemler said. “This can be from beverages, but we can also look to fruits and vegetables, which have a high water content.” He added that drinking enough fluids helps with digestion, reduces constipation and boosts cognitive function and overall energy. Fluids also help balance digestion when improving fiber intake. To avoid bathroom emergencies in the night, plan more fluid intake in the morning and afternoon and consume less in the evening, especially before bedtime.

GARLIC Tasty in numerous dishes, garlic also “promotes cardiovascular health and can also help fight inflammation,” Faughnan said.

PRODUCE Include in your table’s vegetable line-up Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage. Faughnan said that these “are great sources of fiber, vitamins and antioxidant phytochemicals. “These are blanket statements,” he added. “Always ask your primary care provider regarding nutritional advice based on your own individual medical conditions and medications.”

A tasty treat that treats you well, dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao) “contains high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids which act as antioxidants promoting good brain and cardiovascular health,” Faughnan said. Consume only a standard portion size, as its calories add up fast.

LEFT: Gregory Faughnan, physician and board certified in primary care at St. Joseph’s Physicians Primary Care in Syracuse.

OMEGA 3 These help to promote the health of the brain and joints. Hemler noted that fatty fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil are great sources of omega-3s. “Many nuts have plant stanols and sterols that help reduce cholesterol,” Hemler said.

DARK CHOCOLATE

HONEY “Honey has high concentrations of natural enzymes that can boost your immune system and aid in digestion,” Faughnan said. Although high in calories, it’s a better choice as a sweetener than processed sugar.

Page 20 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2023

RIGHT: Drew Michael Hemler, registered dietitian in private practice in Syracuse, Buffalo and Toronto.

Getting More Nutrition Carolyn Allen, registered dietitian and owner of Rural Roots Nutrition in Manlius, offered a few tips for increasing nutrition. Need more protein? Allen suggested “incorporating more protein into snacks, like apple and cheese or nut butter. Or hummus and veggies or whole wheat pita chips.” She added that a can of rinsed beans could add more protein to a soup, casserole or salad. Need more fluids? Try hydrating foods. Allen mentioned produce, soup, Jell-O, pudding, popsicles, ice cream, frozen yogurt and sherbet. “Changing the temperature of the liquid can help people drink more,” Allen said. “Some like it ice cold. Use a different type of cup or bottle.” Hate wasting food? Try single-serving fruits and vegetables. “They have smaller portion sizes of frozen and canned options,” Allen said. Steamed bags of frozen vegetables serve around three portions, which isn’t overwhelming.

Hate cooking? Allen said that programs such as Meals on Wheels can help “incorporate more nutrient dense foods. The milk and juice is in individual portion size and it is already prepared.”