In Good Health: Mohawk Valley #223 - September 2024

WITH DIANNE STANCATO

THE SHOCK OF SUICIDE

Irene Kurtelawcz is a resident of Whitesboro. Her life changed irretrievably 20 years ago when her sister, Teresa, died by suicide. Teresa was only 26 at the time she took her life.

September is Suicide Prevention month. See stories starting on page 12.

Why Are Cancer Rates Rising Among Gen X, Millennials?

Cancer rates are rising among Gen Xers and millennials, a new study reports.

Successively younger generations are more frequently being diagnosed with half of the 34 known cancer types, researchers found.

For example, people born in 1990 have two to three times higher rates of pancreatic, kidney and small intestinal cancer than people born in 1955, results show.

Generation X is the demographic cohort following the baby boomers and preceding millennials.

“These findings add to growing evidence of increased cancer risk in post-baby boomer generations, expanding on previous findings of early-onset colorectal cancer and a few obesity-associated cancers to encompass a broader range of cancer types,” said lead researcher Hyuna Sung, a senior principal scientist of surveillance and health equity science at the American Cancer Society.

For the study, researchers analyzed cancer data from 23.6 million patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2019. The analysis also included data on 7.3 million patients who died of cancer.

Researchers broke the data down into five-year birth intervals from 1920 to 1990, and analyzed how cancer risk changed between birth cohorts.

Incidence rates increased with each successive birth cohort since

1920 for 17 of 34 cancers, researchers found.

Other cancers that have increased in younger generations include liver, breast, uterine, colorectal, gastric, gallbladder, ovarian, testicular and anal cancers, as well as Kaposi sarcoma, results show.

“The increase in cancer rates among this younger group of people indicate generational shifts in cancer risk and often serve as an early indicator of future cancer burden in the country,” said senior researcher and physician Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president of surveillance and health equity science at the American Cancer Society.

Cancer death rates increased in successively younger generations for liver, uterine, gallbladder, testicular and colorectal cancer, results show.

Unfortunately, Sung said there's no clear explanation for why these rates are rising among younger generations.

“The data highlights the critical need to identify and address underlying risk factors in Gen X and millennial populations to inform prevention strategies,” Jemal said.

The results, published July 31 in the Lancet public health journal, also highlight the need for comprehensive health care among middle-aged and younger Americans, said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

Nearly 1 in 3 U.S. Adolescents Are Getting Mental Health Treatment

In findings that suggest more young Americans struggling with mental health issues are getting the help they need, a new poll shows that nearly a third of American adolescents and teens received some sort of mental health treatment in 2023.

That translates to over 8 million young people between the ages of 12 and 17 getting counseling, medication or another treatment, the survey from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found.

"We're pleased to see that more people received mental health treatment in 2023 than the previous year," SAMHSA Administrator Miriam Delphin-Rittmon said in an agency news release announcing the survey.

Among adolescents, the biggest increase from 2022 was in the number of those getting mental health medications: Nearly 14% of those age 12 to 17 received such a prescription in 2023, up from 12.8% the year before.

SAMHSA officials said the increase shows that mental health treatment is finally being destigmatized.

Rates of adolescents getting mental health treatment has increased virtually every year since 2009, though the agency noted that changes in how the survey was done were

introduced in 2021.

In 2022, the survey estimated that 7.7 million youths aged 12 to 17 had received mental health treatment of some kind. The increase in 2023 amounts to more than 500,000 more young people getting treatment, SAMHSA noted.

Meanwhile, the rate of adolescents reporting a major depressive episode has remained roughly flat since 2021, at just over 18% of those aged 12 to 17, the survey found.

Psychiatrists classify a major depressive episode as a period of feeling depressed for at least two weeks.

While trends in substance abuse did not see major shifts in the 2023 survey, alcohol use did see a statistically significant drop.

In 2023, 47.5% of adults and adolescents — about 134.7 million Americans — reported drinking alcohol in the past month, down from 48.7% in 2022.

But rates of problem drinking were largely unchanged in 2023, with 21.7% reporting binge drinking and 5.8% reporting "heavy alcohol use." And around 10.2% of adolescents and adults reported drinking to the point where they met the criteria of alcohol use disorder.

In Good Health is

Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Stefan Yablonski

Contributing Writers: Barbara Pierce, Deb Dittner, Gwenn Voelckers, David Podos, Deborah Jeanne Sergeant, Anne Palumbo

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Layout & Design: Angel Campos-Toro • Office Manager: Allison Lockwood

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

Hospital Star Ratings Down in 2024

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services developed the five-star system so consumers could make informed decisions. Based on a survey of 46 quality measures, CMS assigns ranking from one to five stars. Undoubtedly, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on ratings. According to the ranking, 766 hospitals received four stars; 825 received three; 595 received two stars and 277 got just one star. You can check any hospital ranking at the

Hospitals and Charitable Care

In order to maintain their tax-exempt status, nonprofit hospitals must provide charitable (free) care. Several states have established oversight of their nonprofit hospitals in order to determine whether or not the amount of charitable care provided is adequate enough to remain tax exempt. Charitable care can include free or discounted care, health education, free screenings and clinics. The obvious dilemma is just how much charitable care is enough to satisfy oversight committees? Ten states require their NFP hospitals to establish broad community benefit plans. Another 25 states require hospitals to publicize their financial assistance policies. Industry analysts believe it is far too difficult to establish fair metrics. Most likely, no steadfast rules are forthcoming and the whole issue may be kicked down the road. 90% of all NFP hospitals are already cash strapped and a 2.9% increase

Hospital Care Compare website. It should be noted CMS will penalize a hospital for deficiencies, but will not reward a hospital for good or improved performance. Hospitals are still reeling from the devastating impact of the pandemic, including staffing shortages, continuing inflation and fragile finances. Despite having fought the COVID-19 war, CMS chooses to kick hospitals when they are down. Lowering hospital ratings makes little sense in lieu of what they

from payers certainly won't make up for historical operating losses and increasing expenses associated with charitable or free services. About half of our 5,000 hospitals are NFP. There is roughly $220 billion in medical debt among consumers.

Self-Managed Abortions Increasing

Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade a couple years ago, according to JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, self-managed abortions are increasing. (All abortions are increasing.) Per the JAMA report, women cite privacy, the cost of travel to another state, fear of reprisal, the criminalization of abortion, the cost of child care and lost wages as reasons for self-managed abortions. Eleven percent used the abortion pill mifepristone. This has doubled since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Others

and a half. Both of these metrics are constantly pressured by the massive increase in volume. The White House has recently granted more than $45 million to organizations fighting our

more than $27 billion. Despite this success, ripping off insurers and harming patients must still be worth risking your reputation and license to practice medicine. Physician Adrian Talbot operated Medex Clinical Consultants in Louisiana. He knowingly took cash from drug seekers. Prescriptions were pre signed and he rarely saw the patient. He falsified records to cover his tracks. He illegally distributed 1.8 million pills including opioids and morphine. He has been convicted of conspiracy and unlawful distribution of controlled substances. He is facing 20-40 years in prison.

have been through. Penalizing them is pouring salt on their wounds. CMS continues to be stingy when it comes to hospital payments. Effective Oct. 1, battle weary hospitals will get just a 2.9% increase from Medicare and Medicaid. Private insurers typically follow suit. Skilled nursing facilities, also subject to the five-star rating system and also still reeling from the COVID-19 war, will fare slightly better with a 4.2 % increase Oct. 1.

have resorted to drugs, alcohol, heavy lifting and hot baths to induce an abortion. States like Louisiana have moved mifepristone to the dangerous and controlled substance category meaning any illegal use could result in 10 years imprisonment. Legal use would now be only via prescription from a physician. Two hundred and fifty physicians in Louisiana signed a letter in opposition to changing the status of the abortion pill to a dangerous and controlled substance as mifepristone has been proven to be safe and not addicting.

988 Suicide Hotline

Most of us are unaware of this potential life saver. Since being established in July 2022, monthly calls, texts, chats now average more than half a million. That is up 90% in just two years. The 988 hotline provides crisis counsel ing, resources and referrals. There is an 89% answering rate and wait times are down to less than a minute

Denied Claims

Less than half of us challenge them. But half of us who do challenge denials prevail per a Commonwealth Fund survey. One third of us who disputed a medical bill had their balance reduced or eliminated. Medicare and Medicaid patients were more prone to disputing denied claims or questionable bills than those commercially insured. Most people are not aware of their right to dispute denied claims or questionable balances due. The Commonwealth Fund suggests more consumer protections and education and increased public awareness. Fifteen percent of all claims submitted to commercial insurers are initially denied. Three percent of all denied claims were actually pre approved via prior authorization. About half of all denied claims are ultimately paid. But that wouldn't happen unless disputed.

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.

Tips to Staying Germ-Free at the Gym

Going to the gym is good for your overall health, but if you and the gym aren't practicing good hygiene you could still catch a nasty illness, an expert says.

“Good hygiene prevents sicknesses like a cold, influenza and even salmonella, but cleanliness can also indicate that a gym is well-maintained overall, including the quality of equipment,” said Melanie McNeal, a physical and occupational therapy manager at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “If hygiene rules are not followed you could get sick, get others sick or even have your membership cancelled.”

When going to a new gym for the first time, there are a few key indicators to determine if hygiene is prioritized in the space:

• A lack of sanitary wipes for members or staff to wipe down equipment after use often means equipment is harboring unseen bacteria

• No signs posted asking members to clean equipment after using or no cleaning schedule posted suggests cleanliness is not a priority for the gym

• Other gym members using equipment and not cleaning it afterwards on a consistent basis can show there is not a culture of cleanliness

• Caked on layers of dust on equipment can indicate that equipment has not been cleaned in

a while

• Lots of broken-down machines for extended periods of time can be due to a lack of interest from gym management in ensuring the space is well-kept

Your part

To do your part in practicing good gym hygiene, there are several things you can do.

• Wear clean clothes each time you exercise; used clothes accumulate sweat and other bacteria that can cause foul smells or that can spread among gym members

• When approaching equipment, check to see if it is clean

• If you encounter a bench or other piece of equipment with wet residue from a chemical cleaning solution, allow it to dry on its own. This residue indicates that the time it takes to kill all the bacteria is not complete

• After completing your exercise, take a wipe or solution sprayed on a napkin and wipe where your skin made contact with the equipment or where sweat dripped. Avoid directly spraying chemical solutions onto equipment, as excess moisture can cause damage

• If you choose to shower after a workout, McNeal always

recommends wearing flip flops or other footwear that prevent contact between your feet and the floor, as these environments tend to be breeding grounds for mold, fungi and bacteria that can infect your feet

“Expect a clean gym and report concerns to management if

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.

you have any,” McNeal said in a Baylor news release. “You should feel free to ask management about the cleaning schedule and always clean up after yourself. Leave equipment as you would want to find it when you walk up to it."

By Gwenn Voelckers

‘Leaf’ Lessons: Embracing Change as a Catalyst for Growth

It’s early September, and I can already see the leaves on my sunset maple transitioning from vibrant green to a deep reddish hue.

I love the change of seasons.

And as I sit here staring out the window, I can’t help but reflect on my own journey of change after my divorce.

Just like fall's colorful display of resilience, I've come to realize that life is a series of seasons — and embracing change is the key to personal growth.

It’s just one of many life (and leaf!) lessons nature has taught me.

For those living alone after a significant life event like divorce or the loss of a loved one, it's crucial to acknowledge that change is a natural part of life.

While it can be daunting to embrace yet more change in the midst of an already challenging transition, it's through this process that we discover our strengths and uncover new aspects of ourselves.

As I embarked on this journey of self-discovery, I came to appreciate the benefits of embracing change:

• Personal Growth: Change encourages us to learn, adapt and acquire new skills. We become more

versatile and competent individuals. I felt so proud when I purchased a new car all on my own.

• Resilience: Facing and overcoming life's challenges helps us develop our capacity to recover from setbacks and pull through tough times. Spending a Friday night alone can feel victorious!

• Flexibility: Developing the ability to adapt to change fosters flexibility, a valuable trait that enhances our capacity to navigate life’s twists and turns with grace and ease. This is especially helpful while traveling solo through life, as well through airports.

• Overcoming Fear: Learning to embrace change can help us overcome the fear of the unknown and build confidence in our ability to face and conquer challenges. With

practice, I was finally able to walk into an event alone without shaking like a leaf.

• Self-Discovery: By stepping out of our comfort zones and navigating change, we uncover hidden strengths, values and passions that may have otherwise gone undiscovered. Who knew I would become a drummer at my age?! What’s your yet-to-be-revealed talent?

Over the years, I've developed strategies that have helped me embrace change and foster positive transformations in my life. Check ‘em out:

• Develop a growth mindset, which views challenges and setbacks as learning opportunities rather than insurmountable obstacles. Living alone gives us all plenty of problems to solve. Embrace them!

• Be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate change, recognizing that setbacks and struggles are a natural part of the process.

• Strengthen your resilience by engaging in self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with people you love. I can vouch for pickleball!

• Build a support network of friends, family or advisers who can offer encouragement, advice and accountability as you pursue positive changes. Finding a trusted financial adviser was one of the best decisions I ever made.

• Remain open-minded and flexible in your approach to change,

recognizing that there may be multiple paths to achieving your goals.

• Regularly reflect on your progress and celebrate milestones, no matter how small, to maintain motivation and momentum. Think ice cream, a massage or — my favorite — Saint-André triple crème cheese on a warm baguette. Yum!

• Approach change with curiosity and a desire to learn, recognizing that each experience teaches you valuable lessons about yourself and the world around you.

As you navigate the ever-changing landscape of your own life, remember that each of us possesses a remarkable potential for personal growth and transformation. This capacity is already inside you. It just needs to be tapped.

I found inspiration in nature. It showed me that change is essential for survival and growth.

Just as the leaves change in response to their shifting environment, you, too, can learn to adapt and grow from your circumstances. And enjoy the changing seasons of this new life chapter.

Gwenn Voelckers is the author of “Alone and Content: Inspiring, empowering essays to help divorced and widowed women feel whole and complete on their own.” She welcomes your thoughts on this column as well as topic suggestion for future essays at gvoelckers@rochester. rr.com.

Back-to-School Tips to Helping Your Kids Breathe Easier

As kids and teens return to school, parents might not have protecting their child's lung health on the top of their to-do lists. But experts say it should be.

“A new school year often means a new environment for students and staff, including new asthma triggers, exposure to new viruses, peer pressure to smoke or vape and other stressors that can impact the health of students,” said Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association (ALA). “Students and staff spend a significant amount of time in school, so it is critical to their well-being and education that they are in the healthiest environment and are making the healthiest

choices possible.”

To that end, the ALA has created a youth initiative to help schools and caregivers address chronic lung issues like asthma, air quality and tobacco-free policies. The initiative offers information, guides and sample policies that can be implemented in schools to protect students and staff.

The group is also working to educate parents, students and school officials in four key areas of lung health:

• Asthma: There are 6.1 million kids under the age of 18 living with asthma, a leading cause of missed school days. The ALA has in-depth resources for parents, young adults

and schools on managing asthma, including a free online course for school personnel who administer asthma medications and seek to understand and implement quick-relief stock asthma medication laws, policies or programs.

• Tobacco Use: A new school year can also mean peer pressure increases to vape or smoke. According to the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey, more than 2 million middle and high school students reported that they had used e-cigarettes in the last 30 days. The ALA has resources to prevent tobacco use and help youth quit, specifically designed for schools, parents and teens.

• Indoor Air Quality: Some breathing hazards are not as obvious, like indoor air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Poor air quality in schools can affect student, teacher and staff's attention, thinking and ability to learn. The ALA offers a free downloadable guide on how school administrators can improve their indoor air quality.

• Infectious Respiratory Diseases and Vaccinations: A new school year means new friends, new teachers and sometimes, new viruses, so students need to practice good health hygiene habits and get recommended vaccinations, including influenza and COVID-19 shots.

Q & A

with Dianne Stancato

Chief executive officer at the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley is all about eliminating racism, empowering women

By David Podos

Q: What is the mission of the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley?

A: Our mission is to eliminate racism and empower women.

Q: How does your agency accomplish this?

A: Well, first off, we advocate for women, their issues and rights. For example, we can advocate for them in a crisis situation or abusive relationships, we help them with affordable safe childcare and affordable safe housing to name just a few. And when we are doing those things that is oftentimes where racism exits and we will root it out to the best of our ability.

Q: Can you give an example where you and your staff have encountered racism against a client of yours.

A: Sure. An example would be what we call quiet biases. So, what we do in that situation, we educate people as we go along. Let me use equal and fair housing for everyone. So, if you find a landlord that for instance does not want to rent to a

Q: Your services cover both Oneida and Herkimer counties; but I would like to focus on Herkimer County. The county has and is going through a lot. Poverty rates are high and the recent closing of Remington Arms in Ilion has added to the economic woes that people are dealing with. Has your agency seen an uptick in social problems and difficulties in that community?

A: Desperate people sometimes do desperate things. The area is a potential pressure cooker. So, you have someone who has been able to provide for their family and there have never really been any signs of any abuse. Then, you lose your job, you begin to drink or drink more, perhaps you use drugs, maybe you don’t do any of that but, you are angry at the world because this career you had that you thought would sustain you and your family and provide for a good life and pension is now no longer there.

Q: Are you seeing more family abuse issues?

A: Unfortunately, yes. But fortunately, we do have an office in Ilion called the YWCA Herkimer Advocacy Center. So, what we do there is we work with children who have either been severely abused and or sexually assaulted, as well as a rape crisis center. We work with the local court system, the local D.A. office and police departments and these services we provide cover the entire Herkimer County. People living in the valley know about us for the most part, towns like Ilion, Mohawk, Little Falls for example. But what we find very difficult, is reaching out to the rural areas, including up north to the Old Forge area. In many respects many of these residents are isolated from what we do, and it is not because there are no issues going on in these families, they simply are not calling us.

Q: If someone is in trouble and needs assistance, why are they not calling the agency for help?

In Good Health

person of color that we would like to place at their property, you have conversations with them. Many people we encounter are not even aware of their own biases. So, we educate them that we have this client who has chosen to live in this particular community. We have great relationships with a lot of landlords that work very closely with us. However, every now and then we do come across a landlord that displays biases. We then have a conversation with him or her saying that this person is a qualified tenant, they qualify for all our parameters, we are going to pay their rent up to the first 12 months and we will be working with them. So, we educate them on what we do with that client to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Q: Did you ever have to go to the next step and enter into a legal situation?

A: We have not. We do however work with third party legal intervention to solve issues and that has been successful.

A: The rural communities tend to be a very close-knit community. For example, your husband’s brother is the judge or a police officer, everybody really knows everybody. This oftentimes makes it difficult for a woman to come forward and seek help and or file a complaint. So, what we are trying to do in 2025, [to have in our budget], the hiring of a fulltime advocate that just focuses on those rural communities. We already have a rural advocate for Oneida County, so this would be specifically for Herkimer County. With this advocate we can help any victim of abuse through the court process, any kind of medical proceedings, anything that is necessary we will do.

Q: Where does your funding come from?

A: One of our main sources comes through the Office of Victim Services, a federal program but works collaboratively with the state. We also receive money from multiple state and federal grantors, some county money, corporations, foundations and individual donors.

Q: How many staff do currently employ?

A: We employ 50 staff.

Q: What number can someone call if they are in need of your services and what is your website?

A: 315-797-7740. ywcamv.org

NEUROPATHY TREATMENT AT LABARBERA FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

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Accelerates Healing

101 of SoftWave TRT Therapy

Therapy is being used for many conditions including issues related to joint pain, chronic injuries, rotator cuff tears, TMJ issues, plantar fasciitis, arthritis and more

By Joseph LaBarbera, D.C.

SoftWave TRT Therapy is relatively new to the United States, but it has been used as a non-surgical alternative in Europe for over 25 years.

Harmless sound waves traveling 3,355 mph (shockwaves) over the area being treated causes the brain to “think” it is being injured (no damage or trauma occurs), triggering a cascade of healing reactions.

Within 45 minutes, your own stem cells are recruited and concentrate in the body part receiving the treatment. This actually triggers the body to heal and regenerate new tissue.

Other benefits include:

• Increase blood supply and the development of new blood vessels

• Modulation of inflammation (decreased pain and improved motion)

rotator cuff tears, TMJ issues, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, knee injuries, hip pain, sciatica, herniated discs and arthritis.

The SoftWave TRT OrthoGold device is the only FDA cleared shockwave device in the USA making it very unique.

Various clinicians are using it for a wide variety of condition.

Success rates with SoftWave TRT Therapy are near 91% for most musculoskeletal conditions, with most patients experiencing immediate and long-lasting relief.

This makes it a viable non-surgical alternative that should be given precedent for many conditions that do not respond to traditional therapies or medications.

For more information, visit the company website at www.SoftWaveTRT.com.

Most patients will know on the first visit if this technology will help. Visit our web site to learn more and watch videos of patients and their results and to see how this technology works.

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“Being able to take away a breast cancer patient’s financial stress is huge.”

As someone who deals directly with breast cancer patients – and as a cancer survivor herself – AnnMarie Gianno, from CancerConnects, has seen first-hand the positive impact Saint Agatha Foundation’s support has on CNY breast cancer patients. By helping with unmet financial needs – like transportation costs, co-pays, specialized garments, and much more – the CancerConnects/ Saint Agatha Foundation partnership helps alleviate financial strains for those already fighting a breast cancer diagnosis. If your medical or non-medical organization would like to provide financial support to CNY breast cancer patients, too – visit s saintagathafoundation org/ for-providers to learn more and watch an interview with AnnMarie. New provider partners are always welcome!

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AnnMarie Gianno Patient Program Coordinator, CancerConnects

SoftWave Healing Therapy Reduces Pain

Not receiving soft tissue pain relief? Try SoftWave

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Lower back pain, neck pain, sciatica, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, arthritis and joint injuries are all tough to manage non-invasively and without medication.

That’s why Tim DelMedico, chiropractor and owner of REVIVE Softwave Therapy in Utica, feels excited to offer SoftWave therapy.

“It’s completely non-invasive,” he said. “Three thousand mile-perhour sound waves make stem cells go to the area. There’s no other modality like this. Usually, you’d need to get injection for take pills. This doesn’t use anything like that. It’s harmless sound waves.”

The only contraindications are patients with pacemakers, pregnancy, cancerous tumors or infections.

DelMedico said that most people experience improvement after one treatment and overall his patients experience a greater than 80% success rate, even with chronic conditions.

DelMedico treats knees, shoulders, back, hip and conditions that don’t typically respond to other treatments like neuropathy, carpal tunnel and TMJ.

Chance Lowry, owner of Northeast Pain Solutions, operates sites in Rochester, Canandaigua and Geneva, offers SoftWave therapy, a form

of shockwave therapy that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues.

These sound pulses use high positive pressure with a fast and steep rise time followed by comparatively small negative pressure. Lowry explained that the therapy modulates inflammation, creates a localized stem cell response to increase the repair efforts, stimulates blood flow at the injury site and breaks up scar tissues in cases with chronic injuries.

The benefits include pain relief, anti-inflammatory response, antibacterial effects, improved blood flow, tissue growth and regeneration, stem cell activation and tissue generation.

“This has completely changed the way we practiced,” Lowry said. “We can help a lot of injuries that were difficult to work with like tendinitis. It’s hard to conservatively work with these, but our success rate is through the roof.”

The organization has expanded to three offices because of the therapy.

He said that originally, the therapy was used for nonunion bone fractures and then providers began using it with soft tissue issues.

“We don’t use it for that as we’re not an orthopedic office,” he added. “For tendon and ligament injuries, they’re poorly vascularized so they heal poorly. There’s lack of blood supply. This increases blood supply by 400% so tissues heal on a biological level. It’s not just reducing pain but it regenerates tissue. A lot of things in the medical world have claims but not patents to back it up. These patents are very well accepted.”

Some providers use sound wave therapy in urology to treat kidney

stones and erectile dysfunction. It’s also used for wound care and women’s urologic and sexual health at other providers. Lowry said that in Europe, providers use it to promote healing after cardiac surgery and for spinal cord injuries.

Lowry uses SoftWave to promote healing with soft tissues like ligaments and tendons.

The therapy is not covered by insurance. It may take 50 to 100 sessions to treat an area, depending upon its size. Most patients receive a degree of immediate pain relief, about 30% to 40%. Within four to eight treatments, many receive 70% to 100% pain reduction.

“I’m a skeptic as an individual because most things in medicine are overplayed,” Lowry said. “This is phenomenal.”

A treatment using SoftWave Healing Therapy: It uses sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues.

Between You & Me

By Barbara Pierce

The Importance of the Dad Factor

By Barbara Pierce

The tiny speck way up in the sky came closer, falling rapidly down to the ground. I watched in amazement as my grandson fell out of the sky, attached to a parachute.

This was how my grandson, Casey, celebrated his 18th birthday and high school graduation. Jumping out of a plane! Parachuting down to the ground; making a perfect landing with the help of his coach, fist in the air, making the thumbs up signal.

“Whatever made you want to jump out of a plane?” I asked him.

“I wanted to do something huge!” he said, beaming with pride. “I turned 18; I made it through high school; I had to do something really huge!”

“And my dad could never do anything like that,” he added. “Guess that makes me a better man than him.”

Yes, the dad issue. Always looming as a big issue for Casey — haunting him, like so many young men of his generation.

His dad, Robert, has been floundering all of Casey’s life. Soon after Casey was born, he was in a car accident. The doctor prescribed opioid pain killers. Robert was hooked. When the doctor said no more, he got them on the street; and has been in and out of jail for years.

Fifty-two-year-old Robert now lives with his mother in Ithaca. His dad finally had enough of bailing him out time and time again.

Robert’s life is an embarrassment to his son; a huge burden Casey has carried.

There are many men like Robert, addicted, unemployed, living with

parents, killing themselves or lost in video games, porn, the alt-right.

Men are struggling; they are lost. They’re in a real crisis. The world has changed so significantly; it’s harder to be a man today.

Boys are growing up “dad deprived,” lacking an involved father. Most of the mass shooters are young men raised by a single mom. There is a direct correlation between boys who grow up without a father and boys who kill.

Boys who don’t have a strong relationship with their fathers lack a role model, a model of healthy masculinity. Both mother and father bring unique parenting styles. Momstyle parenting focuses on protecting the child and being sensitive to the child’s needs. The importance of the dad-style parenting is enforcing boundaries. From that, children learn to postpone gratification, to fulfill their dreams.

Dads love their kids differently. Dads help boys develop self-control, self-discipline and empathy toward others. How to deal with anger. Also, fathers tend to be tougher on boundary enforcement.

It’s not that single mothers can’t be great mothers. They can. But they can’t be fathers. A mother can tell a boy he is needed, but a boy sees himself in his dad. If his dad is involved, he feels inspired; if he is absent, he feels abandoned. He becomes vulnerable to being recruited by gangs or ISIS, vulnerable to sexual exploitation.

Dad-deprived boys. I believe that is a crisis. And I’m seriously concerned.

This hit home to me when I

worked as a counselor in a moderately-secure juvenile detention facility a few years ago. A locked facility for teenage boys who violated the law, by assault, battery, stealing, fighting, etc.

The regime there was tough, led by strong males who set clear boundaries. Most of the boys responded well.

I noticed that when I met with families, there weren’t many dads involved. I did my own research on the 35 boys in the facility.

I was stunned by what I found. Of the 35 boys locked up, only two lived with a mother and father. Only two of the 35 boys had a stable family! 33 were dad-deprived. Many had no male influence at all in their life: no stepdad, no granddad, no uncle, no one to teach them how to be a man.

Boys need an adult male to teach them how to be a man. They are in serious trouble without this.

We are all in serious trouble as more and more mass murderers emerge each week.

If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle of a boy, there is something you can do. Help that boy in

your life keep his dad in his life. Do all you can to support the relationship between son and father. Don’t be too quick to dismiss the father as one who can’t make a valuable contribution to his child. If that’s not possible, be a surrogate dad for him or find him one.

The gap between being dad-deprived and dad-enriched is the single biggest predictor of boys who are emotionally impoverished and emotionally enriched.

The good news is that some communities are devising creative ways to help make up for the absences of dads. Let’s do that in our community.

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.

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

How Spaghetti Squash Promotes Longevity

Years

Helpful Tips

in numerous ways. With proper hydration, your heart can pump blood more efficiently, which reduces strain on your heart. Consuming enough water further reduces heart stress by helping to reduce sodium levels in your blood.

ago, spaghetti squash and I got off to a rocky start.

It refused to yield to my knife; I got frustrated; it retaliated by turning mushy; I huffed, “Never again!”

Stubborn me.

I now adore spaghetti squash and regret not giving it another chance sooner. But now that I know the ropes, I always look forward to its late-summer arrival, above and beyond how easy it is to cook.

Called “spaghetti squash” because it produces angel-hair strands of squash that mimic the appearance of noodles, this squash is a nutrient-dense food, meaning it’s low in calories but a decent source of a wide variety of nutrients.

I’m a fiend about fiber, and spaghetti squash helps meet my 25-grams-a-day fiber goal.

Besides keeping the digestive system in good working order, fiber is a major player in so many of our body’s systems that, according to a study in the Journals of Gerontology, getting enough can actually help us live longer and stay healthier. Fiber works its anti-aging magic by cutting cholesterol, reducing inflammation, protecting against diabetes and controlling weight.

Water—one of spaghetti squash’s most abundant nutrients—also contributes to good health and longevity

A recent National Institutes of Health study found that people with higher levels of serum sodium, which can be caused by not getting enough fluids, have a higher risk of dying earlier and may experience biological aging that’s greater than their biological age.

On the vitamin front, spaghetti squash is a good source of several B vitamins, the vitamin group that many experts, like Harvard’s nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo, prioritize most to keep everything in top working order, especially the brain. B vitamins can help slow the aging process by reducing the risk of heart disease, creating new blood cells, and protecting our DNA from free-radical damage.

What’s more, B vitamins can lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that, when high, has been linked to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive decline.

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

Choose bright yellow squash that feels heavy for its size and has no soft spots. Store cooked spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. Before storing, allow the squash to cool completely. Adapted from loveandlemons.com

1 spaghetti squash

1 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme

Salt and coarse black pepper

3 cups chopped kale or spinach leaves

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise (see tip below), scoop out seeds and discard. Brush the insides of each half with some olive oil, lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper, then place halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cut sides are golden and the interiors are fork tender, but still a little firm. (Strands turn mushy if cooked too long.)

4. Remove squash from the oven and flip to cut-side up. When cool to touch, use a fork to scrape and fluff the insides into delicate strands. Set aside.

5. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat, then add the thinly sliced onion, rosemary, a few pinches of salt and coarse black pepper.

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 can beans of choice, rinsed and drained (I used cannellini)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 garlic clove, minced

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (or preferred nuts)

6. Once the onion starts to soften, add the kale, lemon juice, beans, cherry tomatoes and garlic and cook for a few minutes until the kale starts to wilt. (Add some water if mixture appears too dry.)

7. Once the kale is partially wilted, add the squash strands (all or most), ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and more salt and pepper, to taste. Toss to incorporate, using a large fork to facilitate mixing. Remove from heat and top with the toasted pumpkin seeds and remaining grated cheese.

Tip: To soften skin for slicing, first pierce the squash all over with a fork. Next, score the squash down the middle on each side, lengthwise. Make several slits along the score line with a paring knife. Microwave for 4-5 minutes, rotating squash at 2-minute mark. Before cutting, slice ends off squash and stand upright for lengthwise halving.

Which Diets Help the Hearts of Folks With Type 1 Diabetes?

Two well-known healthy diets

can lower heart disease risk in people with Type 1 diabetes, a new study says.

People who ate similarly to the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet had lower levels of blood markers that are used in clinical settings to assess heart health risk, researchers recently at a meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Chicago.

“Both DASH and Mediterranean diets revealed protective associations, which means these dietary patterns can make a difference when con-

sumed regularly,” researcher Arpita Basu, an associate professor of kinesiology and nutrition sciences at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, said in a news release.

The new study builds on earlier work in which researchers tied the DASH and Mediterranean diets to lesser fat accumulation around the heart and less hardening of the arteries.

For this study, 1,255 adults were tracked for six years, 563 of whom had Type 1 diabetes.

Researchers assessed their diet

using questionnaires to see who was eating in ways similar to the Mediterranean or DASH diets.

They found that adults with Type 1 diabetes tend to consume high-fat diets, because their condition requires them to cut carbs. They tend to substitute in animal protein, which can be high in saturated fat and cholesterol.

“There is an urgent need to address dietary quality in adults with Type 1 diabetes,” Basu said. “In a clinical setting, assessing dietary intakes using the DASH and Medi-

terranean dietary checklists could be an effective way to identify gaps and improve intakes.”

She added that “specific foods that are part of these dietary patterns, such as olives and nuts in the Mediterranean diet, could be added to the diet even if the entire diet cannot be altered.”

Findings presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention Month: How to Spot the Warning Signs

How to provide hope, healing and help for young people in crisis

By Kyra Mancine

Suicide is a topic that makes many uncomfortable. Yet it needs to be addressed.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 20% of high school students reported serious thoughts about suicide. As we start a new school year, your child’s safety, health and well-being are more topof-mind than ever. Suicide prevention month is the perfect opportunity to learn how to recognize and address mental health concerns.

After emerging from years of COVID restrictions, we are just beginning to see how isolation has impacted children, teens and young adults.

While suicide affects individuals of all ages, young people are the most vulnerable.

Did you know that suicide and self-harm incidents have increased by 87% over the past five years? Besides everyday pressures, today’s students face challenges previous generations

didn’t have to worry about, including cyberbullying.

Be aware of the warning signs and risk factors

A family history of suicide, trauma, anxiety disorders, lack of social support or the loss of a relationship can make someone contemplate suicide. Talking about wanting to die, looking online for a way to die, withdrawing, and giving away possessions can be red flags that require intervention.

Encourage open and honest communication

Don’t be afraid to start a dialogue with someone who is struggling. It’s important to establish rapport and trust. Be genuine and empathetic with your choice of words and tone of voice. Talking about suicidal thoughts still has a stigma to it. Let

your child know it’s OK to have uncomfortable feelings. Reassure them that you are not there to judge, but to help and support.

Know what your district offers

Are you familiar with how your school handles mental health issues? Many districts use web monitoring software and other technologies to flag, review, and escalate harmful language and content before it’s too late.

Advocate for mental health support

There is no shame in reaching out for help. Struggling students can benefit from teletherapy, mental health coaching sessions and, if necessary, assistance from trained crisis counselors with expertise in support-

ing children and teens. Recently, there has been a national push to reduce or eliminate cost barriers to these services, which should help to increase participation. By sharing information, we can increase awareness and help support young people in need. From there, compassionate, proactive approaches and tools, including the appropriate interventions, can make a real difference. Staying up-to-date on the latest services and resources can mean the difference between life and death.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there is help

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 free, confidential support https://988lifeline.org/

• National Alliance on Mental Health www.nami.org

Suicide Prevention

Dealing with the Shock of Suicide

By David L. Podos

Irene Kurtelawcz is a resident of Whitesboro. Her life changed irretrievably 20 years ago when her sister, Teresa, died by suicide.

Teresa was only 26 at the time she took her life.

Growing up with her sister and brother, she, as well as her mother and father, never saw any suicidal ideation coming from Teresa, Irene said.

“This was a total shock and surprise to all of us when she took her life. My sister had a real zest for living,” Irene said. “She was a beautiful woman, loved to travel and traveled to many places domestically as well as overseas. She was also a school teacher by profession.”

The last place where Teresa lived was in California.

There she met a man who was in the process of divorce. They dated and the relationship grew. However, Irene points out that they eventually had a terrible breakup, which was the motivation for Teresa to come back East. When she came home to live, Irene who is a nurse, immediately knew something was not right. Irene noticed that there were cut marks on her sister’s arms. When she asked her what happened, Teresa said she had hurt herself.

“I knew my sister was in denial and not telling the truth. I just left it at that and never questioned her about it again. She also never showed any signs of depression or a change in eating habits, hygiene and so forth. So I just left it alone.”

Teresa mentioned to her sister that she was planning on going to a concert and asked if she wanted to go with her.

“I told her I wish I could go. However, I couldn’t as I had plans for the weekend. I said I would see her on Monday when I returned,” she said. “That was the last time I saw my sister alive.”

Teresa wrote a note and addressed it to her whole family. She said she was going to Buffalo for a teaching position. What actually happened was, Teresa went into her bedroom, walked into her closet, shut the door, took a pistol and shot herself in the heart.

Irene said she didn’t think her sister had a gun permit and owned a firearm. She thought her sister somehow obtained the gun in California and brought with her back to New York.

Irene said her sister’s suicide affected each family member differently. Some were very stoic and not wanting to discuss anything.

For Irene, it was a different story. She went through a very difficult time feeling guilty for not following up and pressing her sister a bit more regarding the cut marks on her arms — blaming herself for Teresa’s suicide.

“I couldn’t even talk about it outside the family until the last several years when I was able to open up. But even then, just a little,” she said.

Irene hopes that she can now help others who have lost loved ones through suicide.

“Talking about it is so important. Family members, friends, associates all play a part toward healing — don’t ever feel ashamed,” she said. “I am also a woman of strong faith. So for me, prayer is essential.”

Anyone who is thinking of suicide can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or, texting 988. They will be connected to trained crisis counselors. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention also offers support to those who lost a loved one through suicide. Their web site is: afsp.org

On the rise

Suicide rates in the U.S. are on

Two Years Later, 988 Crisis Line Has Answered 10 Million Requests

Just

two years after the launch of the nation’s three-digit crisis hotline, more than 10 million calls, texts and chat messages have been fielded by counselors, U.S. health officials recently announced.

Introduced in July 2022 to simplify emergency calls and help counter a burgeoning mental health crisis in the United States, 988 was touted as a simpler way for folks struggling with their mental health to get help.

“We’re connecting more people to help than ever before,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a news release announcing the milestone. “We’re connecting them faster and with more personalized services,

that she can now help others who have lost loved ones through suicide.

the rise. According to an April 2024 article by author Leah Kuntz (“A Year of Record High Suicide Rates”) in Psychiatric Times, suicide rates in the United States recently reached its highest peak since 1941.

This data was compiled from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her article also states that more than 50% of suicides in the United States are completed via firearms.

Another study from University of Colorado, led by Lisa Marshall, shows that “after a long steady decline in national suicide rates, those numbers began steadily ticking up in the late 1990s and have generally risen ever since, with nearly 50,000

people in the U.S. taking their own lives in 2022.”

She said scholars seeking explanations for this troubling trend have pointed to everything from generally declining mental health to increased social media exposure, as well as heightened access to firearms.

There are still many factors to consider why someone would take their own life, as well as the methods used. While firearms seem the most prevalent method according to the above articles, there are many other ways that people commit suicide. However, what is painfully clear is the devastation suicide causes for surviving family members, friends and associates.

which are critical for helping people in crisis. We know that 988 is saving lives and helping millions of people. I hope anyone who feels alone, or that they are without options, knows that 988 is there to help.”

Of the 10 million messages answered in the past two years, 1.7 million were texts — with 988 answering 51% more texts in the past 12 months than the year before, the HHS said.

Nearly 1.2 million of 988 calls were answered by the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), through 988’s Press 1 option.

“Our Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans to caring, qualified responders 24/7 — and two years

ago, we made it even easier for veterans in crisis and their loved ones to reach out for help by launching 988 then Press 1,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in the HHS news release. “One veteran lost to suicide is too many. We’re supporting more veterans than ever through the 988 initiative and will not rest in our continued efforts to spread the word that this resource is available and saves lives.”

The 988 network has been a bipartisanship affair, with former President Donald Trump signing the law that established the new number in 2020 and the Biden administration implementing the number and expanding the network of more than 200 call centers that typically operate 24/7.

So far, the Biden administration has funneled nearly $1.5 billion into 988, while more than $200 million in grants will be given to states in 2024 to support the work, HHS officials said Tuesday.

Statistics show the 988 line is needed: A 2022 national survey found that over 12 million adults and nearly 3.5 million adolescents had seriously considered suicide in the previous year, health officials said Tuesday. Meanwhile, nearly 1 in 5 adolescents reported symptoms of depression or anxiety in a federal survey of teen health from 2021 to 2022.

Irene Kurtelawcz of Whitesboro lost her sister, Teresa, who died by suicide 20 year ago.“I couldn’t even talk about it outside the family until the last several years when I was able to open up,” she said. Irene hopes

Suicide Risk: Warning Signs

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Why my loved one? Why my friend? What could have kept him from taking his own life?

Preventing death by suicide is not straightforward. But as with any health crisis that causes death, most people want to know afterwards what increased the risk for that individual. Warning signs are common and can point to many other scenarios, yet suicide is rare.

“A helpful way to think about suicide risk is that thoughts of suicide emerge when people are feeling stuck alone with overwhelming pain,” said physician Robert Gregory.

“Feeling stuck” indicates helplessness and hopelessness — even for people who have loved ones near them.

Gregory is the director of the Psychiatry High Risk Program at Upstate Medical University. He also teaches at Norton College of Medicine at Upstate.

It may seem hard to believe that people with loved ones all around them—caring friends and family—feel alone. But it’s not about the presence of other people. It’s how

con-

nected individuals feel.

“They may feel alienated from those people and create a false self that appears to be happy and cheerful; but inside they are actually in deep pain,” Gregory said. “For the elderly, the pain may be physical. For young people, the pain is usually an inability to acknowledge and process painful emotions, such as shame, sadness or anger.

“We know that suicidal individuals have deficits in the emotion processing system of their brains, causing them to be easily overwhelmed by emotions and become anxious, irritable or depressed.”

Meaningful connections matter when looking for suicide risk. Watch someone who’s becoming more isolated and adopting unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use or

New Partnership Helps Those with Chronic Kidney Disease

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be eligible for a new program, REACH Kidney Care, which helps improve care and quality of life while delaying the need for more costly interventions such as dialysis.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that 1 in 7 adults has a form of CKD. That’s about 37 million Americans. People are diagnosed with CKD when their kidneys are damaged and unable to perform their normal function of filtering blood.

About 808,000 Americans are currently living with end-stage kidney disease often requiring dialysis. On average, the cost of dialysis is $15,000 per patient per month.

“When you think about chronic kidney disease, it affects so many people,” said physician Kathleen Robischon, vice president of medical affairs and clinical services at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “At Excellus BCBS, we provide care management for members with chronic kidney disease stages 1 through 3,” adds Robischon. “When a member moves into stage 4, we offer the support of REACH Kidney Care.”

How REACH Kidney Care helps

REACH Kidney Care is a kidney health management program designed to help members with stage

4-5 chronic kidney disease navigate services and follow their physician’s treatment plan. Members work oneon-one with a multi-disciplinary care team that provides personalized support to help members make the most of their care and manage their CKD.

The REACH program is offered virtually, over the phone and in-person at no cost to members that have this benefit included in their plan.

“We are pleased that our eligible patients have the opportunity for additional support and resources,” explains physician Philip T. Ondocin, affiliated with Nephrology Associates of Syracuse, PC. “We encourage all patients to maximize their insurance benefits to support their kidney function and slow down the progression of their disease.”

Caring for a loved one with kidney disease

ElenaMarie Burns, Excellus BCBS provider programs project coordinator, faced the challenges of navigating CKD when her father suffered a stroke in his 50s that led to the discovery that his kidneys were not functioning properly.

She remembers times when her father would stop taking his medication or resist following the doctor’s dietary instructions. “We didn’t have someone to sit and talk to him, like a care management team to have that collaboration of care. I think he

self-harm. Gregory said these are all red flags.

“There may also be decreased functioning at school or work and a preoccupation with negativity and thoughts of worthlessness or death, which may come out in conversations or artwork,” he said. It may seem like asking if someone is con- sidering suicide may “put the idea in their heads,” but Gregory said that’s not so. In fact, it shows family members that you care about them enough to ask tough questions.

“An example of how that might be asked includes, ‘I noticed that you have not been yourself lately and wondered if you are struggling with thoughts of ending your life?’” he said. “If the answer is affirmative, ask follow-up questions such as, ‘Tell me more about that’; ‘Have any plans run through your head?’ and ‘How close have you come to carrying out those plans?’ The follow-up questions can give you a sense of severity and imminence. But you also have to watch out for the individual minimizing the risk. Therefore, any

thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously.” It’s not a matter of seeing one or two signs of elevated risk, but multiple factors or extreme examples of one or two risk factors.

Monique Winnett, Ph.D., and clinical psychologist at St. Joseph’s Health, said that the factors that increase suicide risk include “chronic and/or life changing physical health conditions; depression, anxiety, substance abuse, other behavioral health conditions; feelings of hopelessness and helplessness; isolation/lack of community or meaningful relationships; absence of spirituality or faith; and recent psychosocial stressors or losses, such as job, relationships, death of others.”

Like Gregory, she advises worried family members to voice their concerns, as well as keep the person company and offer support. One means of doing that is helping to connect them with professional resources that can help. Of course, in an emergency, call 911 or “go to the local emergency room if they cannot keep themselves safe,” Winnett said. “Contact their primary care provider or their behavioral health provider if they have one.”

Contact Upstate’s Psychiatry High Risk Program (www.upstate. edu/phrp) at (315) 464-3117. Contact crisis support by dialing 988 or in Onondaga County, The Contact Hotline at (315) 251-0600 or Crisis Connect at (315) 251-0800. All these options are confidential and available 24/7.

ElenaMarie Burns faced the challenges of navigating chronic kidney disease when her father suffered a stroke in his 50s that led to the discovery that his kidneys were not functioning properly. “We didn’t have someone to sit and talk to him, like a care management team to have that collaboration of care. I think he could have benefited from that,” says Burns.

could have benefited from that,” says Burns. Within a couple of years of diagnosis, her father began dialysis. “The dialysis really did a number on him,” explains Burn.

Support for managing CKD

These care management services were not available when Burns was caring for her father. Knowing what is available to patients and caregivers now, she says, “I think that education [provided by the Excellus BCBS care management team and the REACH Kidney Care] would have given my father a better quality of life.”

Alzheimer’s

Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented or Even Reversed?

By Barbara Pierce

“Today, getting off the road to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is so much simpler than we previously thought…The evidence is clear,” said physician Sanjay Gupta in the new CNN documentary “The Last Alzheimer’s Patient,” now streaming on MAX.

The evidence is that dementia can be slowed, prevented, even reversed by lifestyle changes.

“The Last Alzheimer’s Patient” follows the treatment of people with Alzheimer’s over five years, including lifestyle interventions. One of those people featured said, and footage shows, that her dementia was reversed after she participated in a clinical trial that involved making significant lifestyle changes.

As a result, Gupta claims that the symptoms of dementia can be slowed, prevented — even reversed.

That’s huge!

The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually the ability to perform even simple tasks. It affects the parts of the brain that control

thought, memory and language.

It’s a leading cause of disability and death in older adults.

In the U.S., nearly 1 in 10 adults older than 65 have some type of dementia, found a study by the University of Michigan. Another 1 in 5 have mild cognitive impairment, which means they have more memory or thinking problems than others, but these problems don’t usually interfere with daily activities.

As we age, most of us assume there’s nothing we can do to avoid that fate — dementia is just one of the things that may happen to us as we grow older.

But can the symptoms of dementia can be prevented or reversed?

The documentary, as well as a new report published in “The Lancet” (an internationally trusted medical journal based in England), said they can. By understanding and acting on the risk factors of dementia, we can delay or even prevent or reverse some cases of dementia.

Nearly half of dementia cases could, in fact, be prevented or delayed if people adopted certain habits, according to the report from

Resources You May Need If You Care for Someone with Alzheimer’s

By Barbara Pierce

Caring for someone with dementia is challenging. Not only do they have memory problems, but they lack the ability to care for themselves. Depending on how much the disease has progressed, they lack the judgment to make good decisions and gradually lose the ability to think rationally. Changes in their behavior can be distressing and difficult to deal with.

If you’re caring for a person with dementia, the best place to start is with your primary physician. They understand the disease and can recommend how to meet the person’s needs. They may refer you to a spe-

The Lancet. This includes switching to a plant-based diet, regular exercise, group support sessions, yoga and meditation.

We asked Jessica DesRosiers, senior director, Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, for the Alzheimer’s Association’s input on these significant results.

Lifestyle interventions to treat or prevent cognitive decline and dementia are a hopeful area of research, she said.

“They may have therapeutic possibilities on their own or in combination with current and future drug treatments, the same as we now treat heart disease,” she added.

The results presented in the documentary, has not proven that these interventions can prevent or reverse Alzheimer’s disease, she said.

“These are anecdotes about individual cases; not reliable, credible evidence,” she said.

“The documentary features the story of a handful of individuals. However, the standard for credible, reliable evidence is a randomized controlled clinical trial,” she continued. “Clinical trials are needed to develop reliable, credible evidence of the effectiveness and safety of any medical intervention.”

“The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to exploring a wide variety of research paths including behavioral and lifestyle interventions, and is a leader in this area throughout the U.S.,” she added.

Everyday actions can make a difference in your brain, lowering the risk of cognitive decline and possibly dementia, she said.

10 Ways to Lower Your Risk for Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 Healthy Habits for your Brain at alz.org

1. Challenge your mind: Put your brain to work and do something new for you. Learn a new skill. Try something artistic.

2. Keep learning: Encourage young people to stay in school, as education reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Continue your own education by taking adult ed classes.

3. Get moving: Engage in regular exercise. This includes activities that raise your heart rate and increase blood flow to the brain and body. Find ways to build more movement into your day — walking, dancing, gardening — whatever works for you.

4. Protect your head: Prevent an injury to your head by wearing a helmet for activities like biking and wear a seatbelt. Protect yourself while playing sports. Do what you can to prevent falls.

5. Be smoke-free: Quitting

smoking can lower the risk of cognitive decline back to levels similar to those who have not smoked. It’s never too late to stop.

6. Control your blood pressure: Use medications; healthy habits like eating right and physical activity can help, too. Work with your health care provider to control your blood pressure.

7. Manage diabetes: Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or controlled by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and taking medication, if necessary.

8. Eat right: Eating healthier foods can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. This includes more vegetables and leaner meats/ proteins, along with foods that are less processed and lower in fat.

9. Maintain a healthy weight

10. Sleep well: Good quality sleep is important for brain health. Stay off screens before bed and make your sleep space as comfortable as possible.

cialist for more assistance.

You may want to start learning about dementia so you can prepare for challenges, reduce your frustrations and have reasonable expectations.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation is a valuable resource. Their hotline at 866-232-8484 provides information and support on a variety of topics.

A caregiver support group is most helpful as it will help you feel connected to others who understand what you’re going through. You’ll learn from others’ experiences, as well as learning about resources and coping skills.

One such support group is

held at The Good News Center in Utica, led by a professional. Free of charge and open to anyone, it meets at 6 p.m. the third Monday of each month. Call 315-735-6210 to register.

This group, as well as others, is available on Zoom.

Many people with dementia, as well as caregivers, are often isolated from others. Connecting with others is valuable for both in many ways. It helps keeps the brain active, reduces the feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness that are often associated with dementia and caregiving and helps the patient maintain communication skills longer. Feeling connected to others is associated with a higher quality of life.

“Everyone loves it!” said Tim Frazee of the Syracuse Memory Café he leads. “I’m the band leader; the ‘talking head.’ We meet the second Wednesday of each month. About 30 people come. We sing, chat, celebrate birthdays — have a lot of music activities, a light lunch.”

“It’s for people with dementia and their caregiver,” he added. “Though it’s a ministry of our

church, there’s no religious component. Anyone, of any religion, is welcome. Once people come, they keep coming back. We have a lot of fun!”

This memory café, free of charge, is held at Pebble Hill Church in DeWitt. See Syracusememorycafe.org for details.

The Onondaga County Public Library also has a memory café at the Betts Branch in Syracuse.

These appear to be the only programs accessible to residents of the Mohawk Valley.

Another way for people with dementia to have those important connections with others is adult day care programs. Copper City Community Connections in Rome offers one.

“We’re open Monday through Friday,” said coordinator Julie Christiansen. “We offer memory stimulation exercises, breakfast and lunch and work on the individuals’ goals. Most participants come two or three days a week. If your long-term care insurance doesn’t cover the fees, you can apply at the Office for Aging for a grant to cover the fee or pay privately.”

The Balanced Body

By Deborah Dittner

A Little Bit of Heart and Soul

Your heart is the muscular organ located mid-chest between the lungs, pumping blood through your blood vessels of the circulatory system, providing oxygen and nutrients to your body while also removing metabolic waste.

Taking care of your heart is of utmost importance.

Sadly, heart disease is one of the most common causes of death and associated with a variety of lifestyle risk factors such as obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, little to no exercise, poorly controlled diabetes and many more. The health of your heart is affected by many things from the food you eat to proper sleep to moving your body to how you handle stress.

Improving the health of your heart consists of a number of important factors. Not only will your heart health improve but also will provide your overall well-being. Let’s look at a few ways to incorporate health into your everyday life.

Poor sleep can result in inflammation, causing arteries to stiffen and blood pressure to rise. Developing a bedtime routine 30 minutes to an hour before you’re ready for sleep consisting of avoiding stimulants (and removing them from the bedroom altogether) such as TV, iPhone and iPad, smoking, caffeine, sugar and alcohol consumption will be beneficial. If you have sleep apnea, discuss what measures you can take with your healthcare provider. Sometimes all that is needed is a wedge pillow. Darkening shades and cooler temperature (70 degrees) in the bedroom will also allow for more restful sleep.

Other lifestyle additions may consist of reading a good book and adding a cup of caffeine-free relaxing tea.

Avoid “bedtime snacks” as a

full stomach can also cause sleep disturbances and can create difficulty with fat burning. Relaxation and breathing techniques will allow for a good night’s sleep by incorporating relaxation yoga postures (legs up the wall, child’s pose and corpse pose) and breath work. Adding a sound machine with the sounds of nature or relaxing music can quiet a busy mind.

While we’re on the subject of sleep, consider taking an Epsom salt bath (no longer than an hour) during your wind down time. Epsom salts contain magnesium which aid in lowering blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and preventing the heart from spasm. In your Epsom salt bath, consider adding a therapeutic grade essential oil such as lavender, frankincense and clary sage. Aromatherapy can create a relaxing effect on the body improving blood pressure and heart rate.

Eating a diet of magnesium-rich foods such as almonds, pumpkin seeds, kale, Brussels sprouts and many more is also helpful.

Nearly Half of U.S. Counties Lack Cardiologists Despite High Need

Where you live plays a vital role in how easy it is to receive care for heart problems.

Nearly half of U.S. counties don’t have a practicing cardiologist, and those are places with the worst heart health, a new study says.

More than 46% of U.S. counties don’t have a single heart doctor, even though the rest have an average 24 cardiologists practicing within them, according to findings published July 8 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Counties without a cardiologist are generally rural and poor, researchers found. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 rural counties (86%) don’t have a heart doc.

Those counties without a heart

While on the subject of food, research has shown that what you eat can impact long term heart health, specifically a plant-based diet. Dietary choices have been correlated with cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Plant-based foods have been found to decrease the risk and maintain heart health. The more plants on your plate, the better. Incorporating a healthy variety of whole, nutrient dense foods (mostly plants) and occasionally adding lean and clean animal products (poultry, wild caught fish, eggs and dairy) will provide a nutritious balance.

Processed and unprocessed red meat and pork should be limited to twice per week. Legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils, peanuts and peas) are a recommended source of protein to be substituted for red meat. Wild caught fish may also be substituted at two to four servings per week. Developing recipes using whole grains, beans, nuts, fruits and vegetables and adding a variety of herbs and spices lower your risk of developing heart disease. Dairy products in small quantities and yogurt with gut-healthy good bacteria promotes health. Adding fermented foods such as sauerkraut, a probiotic, (a tablespoon or two about a half hour before a meal) will aid in gut health. Coffee is a common morning drink adding antioxidants aiding in brain and heart support. A suggested two cups of coffee per day (about 100 mg caffeine per cup) may be beneficial. Adding a plant-based milk for those who like a creamier cup in place of those adding cream, flavors and sugars. The caffeine in coffee helps in lowering the risk of heart failure per research, but any and all recommendations should be discussed with your primary care provider before incorporating into your daily routine. It’s never too late to turn your diet around as nutrition is the cornerstone of health.

Eating whole nutrient dense foods will also help in reducing inflammation aiding in lowering blood pressure. Adding two tablespoons of flaxseed to your daily diet will help reduce inflammation and may decrease hot flashes. Flaxseed can be

Hospital in Boston.

People in counties without a cardiologist have to drive about 87 miles round-trip on average to see one, compared with 16 miles roundtrip in counties with a heart

added to smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal and yogurt. More heart healthy and inflammation reducing foods are blueberries with an added benefit of brain and bowel health. Beetroot helps to relax blood vessels. Add beetroot to smoothies, roasted or drink in the form of beet juice. Asparagus provides heart healthy effects that can lower blood pressure adding tons of fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

Another important factor in heart health is movement. Movement can come in many different ways including walking, jogging/running, yoga, sports (soccer, hockey, basketball, skiing, skating, dancing etc.), tai chi, stretching and strengthening, and more. A minimum of 30 minutes per day most days of the week of physical movement will aid in providing heart health. Most importantly is to do something you like doing. There are many apps to choose from and a number of physical activities on posts specifically for those who are seniors. Exercise is also a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood.

Eating a diet rich in whole nutrient foods, proper sleep and physical movement can also fall into the next category of self-care. Taking care of oneself comes in a variety of ways including but not limited to massage, meditation, breath work, laughing, a warm bath, journaling, reading and calming teas all which may help eliminate stress.

How do you take care of your heart health?

Before partaking in any specific nutritional program or exercise program, consult with your primary provider especially when chronic disease may already present.

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

People in those counties also were more likely to experience hospitalizations that could have been prevented through early treatment, researchers added.

doctor also have an average 31% higher risk of heart disease, and a greater burden of heart health risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and smoking.

People are more likely to die from heart-related health problems, and on average have a one-year shorter life expectancy, researchers added.

“While cardiologists are not the only determinants of cardiovascu lar outcomes, the lack of access to cardiologists in areas with greater prevalence of heart disease and mor tality is incredibly concerning,” said physician Haider Warraich, director of the heart failure program at VA Boston Healthcare and an associate physician at Brigham and Women’s

people without health insurance, worse access to primary care doctors and less ability to buy healthy food, results show.

“Our findings really highlight the critical need to find ways to mitigate deep disparities to improve cardiovascular disease outcomes for Americans living in rural and disadvantaged areas,” Warraich said in a hospital news release. There are ways to combat this lack of access to heart medicine, researchers said. Doctors could be offered more money to practice in these counties, or telemedicine could be used to extend heart care into areas without a heart doc.

By Jim Miller

This is Not a Scam: Social Security Needs You to Update Your Online Account

Dear Savvy Senior,

I recently received an email that I needed to update my online Social Security account. Is this legit or is it a scam?

Suspicious Susan

Dear Susan,

The Social Security Administration did indeed send out a legitimate email in July to notify recipients that they are making changes to the way you access Social Security’s online services, including your personal “my Social Security” account.

The changes will simplify your sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards, while at the same time provide you safe and secure access to your account and other online services.

If you created an online My Social Security account before Sept. 18, 2021, you’ll need to shift to a Login. gov account to be able to continue to access your account.

Online My Social Security accounts enable both beneficiaries and people who are not yet receiving benefits to access services, including requesting Social Security card replacements, estimating future benefits, checking on the status of benefit applications and managing current benefits.

The online services aim to save time for both current and future beneficiaries, as well as the Social Security Administration, as the agency grapples with long wait times for its national 800 phone number. The average speed to answer those calls was about 36 minutes in the second quarter, according to the SSA. The agency is working to bring that average wait time down to 12 minutes by the end of September 2025.

Update Your Account

If you already have a My Social Security account, go to ssa.gov/ myaccount and sign in with your Social Security username. You’ll then be guided through the process of

Social Adult Day Care/Respite Program

creating a new account with Login. gov. Once you successfully link your personal My Social Security account with your new Login.gov account, you’ll get a confirmation screen and have immediate access to online services. In the future, you’ll sign into your account with Login.gov and not your Social Security username.

If you already have either a Login.gov or ID.me account, you do not have to take any action.

Beware of Scams

To be sure you’re taking the appropriate steps to update your account, it is important to verify any websites or links leading you to the Social Security website. Legitimate Social Security Administration website link is www.ssa.gov and the agency link to my Social Security account is www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

It’s very important to be mindful of potential scam artists who may send you fraudulent websites pretending to direct you to Social Security.

These sites will closely mimic the format of the agency’s links to try to lure you into entering your personal information.

If you see a suspicious email or link, it is best not to respond or click on it. Instead, you can report it to the website of the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General or call the fraud hotline at 800-269-0271.

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.

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.

Excellus BC BS Cuts the Ribbon at new Utica Region Employee Office

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield on July 31 joined with the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of the new Utica regional employee office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Located at 301 Woods Park Drive in Clinton, the office is home to the region’s 500 plus employees.

Among the speakers were Excellus BCBS President and CEO Jim Reed, Utica Regional President Tony Vitagliano, Chamber Executive Director Kari Puleo and NYS Assemblyman Brian Miller, R, C-New Hartford who delivered a certificate of merit from the New York State Assembly.

The new office replaces the region’s previous office space, which was located in the LaPolla & Ford Business Park in Utica.

“During the pandemic, the world of working only in an office changed for us at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, just like it did for so many,” said Vitagliano. “We found that many of our employees prefer working from home and productivity as well as employee satisfaction both remain very high, reducing the need for an office with a large footprint.”

According to Vitagliano, the new office has more collaborative spaces and fewer traditional cubicles.

“Our team has designed a new, modern facility, with a forward-thinking design that encourages our employees to come in and meet as groups either formally or informally,” he explained.

Vitagliano also highlighted the incorporation of the latest technol-

ogy which enables the opportunity for hybrid meetings where in person groups can meet with those who take the meeting online remotely. “We pride ourselves on being flexible and adaptable to today’s changing work-

Council Provides End-of-Life-Doula Services for Madison, Oneida County

The End-of-Life Doula Network, a program of the Madison County Rural Health Council, has been established to offer doula services to support a dying person and their family and loved ones.

These services will be available at no cost to residents of Madison and Oneida counties.

“We are fortunate to be able to offer end-of- life doula services to

our community and provide support during a difficult time,” said MCRHC Executive Director Christine Paul.

An end-of-life (EOL) doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides companionship, support and guidance to those facing a terminal illness or death.

Doulas provide care and support during all stages of dying by offering

listening and comfort, extra support and respite for caregivers, a knowledgeable presence and guidance about the stages of dying, facilitation of end-of-life planning and early grief support.

Additionally, EOL doulas offer resources and information to help the dying person, along with their family and loved ones.

The EOL Doula Network ac-

force and I’m proud of the investments that we have made as a company to work with our employees to create a welcoming environment with a positive work-life balance.”

cepts self-referrals and referrals from family members, friends and neighbors, community organizations, healthcare providers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals and hospice. To work with one of the doulas, a person must have received a diagnosis of terminal illness or endstage disease with six-months or less to live.

For more information, contact Stephanie Henry at henry.s@mcruralhealthcouncil.org or 315-313-4399. Visit www.mcruralhealthcouncil.org.

Tony Vitagliano, senior vice president provider network engagement and regional president Utica for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, center, cuts the ribbon of the company’s new Utica regional office July 31.

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Phone: 315-529-3267

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Email: CNA_Training@elementalmgt.com

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