in good August 2017 • Issue 138
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Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
Black hole of addiction
Wheelchair Warrior
Amanda McCrory is in a league of her own when it comes to wheelchair racing Page 20
Not ‘Doing It’
Opioid abuse is epidemic Page 3
CDC: By 18, more than half of adolescents are still virgins. Page 18
Golden Years Special Edition
Shaking off salt
Not-so-silent partners
Dr. Cynthia Jones: Avoid high sodium intake
Sleep compatibility vital for successful relationship
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Where’s the beef? Loaded with protein, lean ground beef packs healthy punch See SmartBites, Page 10
Bonding
Meet Your Doctor
Minhaj Siddiqi brings his expertise in psychiatric medicine to the Mohawk Valley Page 4
Dementia
Life coach explains how vital it is to form fulfilling relationships
If you get dementia, here is a wish list for caretakers
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August 2017 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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HEALTH EVENTS
Got a health-related activity or event that you would like publicized? Call Lou Sorendo at 315-749-7070 or email lou@cnymail.com. Mondays
Aug. 5
Food Addicts in Recovery to meet
Feel the Good Vibes 2017 Tour
Food Addicts in Recovery holds an anonymous meeting from 6:308 p.m. Mondays at Trinity United Methodist Church, 8595 Westmoreland Road, Whitesboro. For more information, call Helen at 315-794-2314.
The Color Vibe 5K color blast run will be featured at 9 a.m. Aug. 5 at F.T. Proctor Park, Culver Avenue and Rutger Street, Utica. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Kelberman Center. The Good Vibes 2017 Tour promises an energetic, color-filled morning to people of all ages. Color Vibe caters to all individuals whose goal is to have fun while getting colorful in the process Major sponsors include In Bloom Yoga, Gilroy Kernan and Gilroy, Carbone Auto Group and The Comets Save of the Day Foundation, while Paul and Lori Totaro co-chair the event. The mission of The Kelberman Center is to provide state-of-the-art programs and services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder along with their families. For more information, visit www. kelbermancenter.org where you will also find a link to register for the event.
Tuesdays
Insight House offers family support group Insight House Chemical Dependency Services, Inc. is offering a family support group meeting from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Insight House, 500 Whitesboro St., Utica. The group is free and open to anyone who is concerned about a loved one’s relationship with alcohol, opiates/heroin, or other substances. For more information about the group, call 724-5168, ext. 265, from 8:30-4 p.m. weekdays. All calls are strictly confidential.
Wednesdays/Thursdays
Overeaters Anonymous plans meetings Overeaters Anonymous meets from 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday in Room 101 (first floor) at Rome Memorial Hospital, 1500 James St., Rome. It also meets from 7-8 p.m. every Thursday at Oneida Baptist Church, 242 Main St., Oneida. Participants are asked to use the rear door. There are no dues, fees, weighins or diets. For more information, call OA at 315-468-1588 or visit oa.org.
Aug. 3
Parents bond to battle addiction A support group — Parents of Addicted Loved Ones — meets from 7-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of every month at the Canajoharie Fire House, 75 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie. The next meetings are Aug. 3 and Aug. 17. The support group is for parents with a son or daughter who is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. PAL is a non-profit organization run by a volunteer board of parents. For more information, visit www. palgroup.org or call PAL at 480-3004712.
Aug. 9
CNY Diabetes to feature grocery tour On Aug. 9, people with diabetes, pre-diabetes and their family members are invited to grocery shop with a registered dietitian and learn more about their food choices. The grocery store tour, hosted by the Mohawk Valley Health System’s Central New York Diabetes Education Program, will run from 10 a.m. to noon at Hannaford Supermarket, 4593 Commercial Drive, New Hartford. Call CNY Diabetes at 315-6245620 to register.
Aug. 10
Laryngectomy support group to meet The Laryngectomy Support Group will hold its monthly meeting at noon Aug. 10 in the Sister Regina Conference Room on the first floor of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center hospital building, 2209 Genesee St., Utica. The support group is sponsored by SEMC. Laryngectomy support group meetings are held at noon on the second Thursday of each month. A laryngectomy is the procedure to remove a person’s larynx and separates the airway from the mouth,
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2017
Deadly grip of addiction Opioid dependence at epidemic proportions By Barbara Pierce
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It’s an epidemic — a nationwide epidemic,” said Hank Visalli, director of clinical services for the Rescue Mission of Utica. Experts agree that it’s a public health emergency, a crisis. The results: Our young people are dying, the children of addicts are suffering from neglect and worse yet, the death of a parent. In addition, drug-related crimes have increased. For the first time, the leading cause of death for those under 50 is Visalli drug overdose. The death rate from overdose is higher than from homicide or AIDs ever was. The cause: America’s opioid addiction crisis. Eighty percent of people addicted to heroin started with prescription drugs for pain, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. The odds of becoming addicted to these drugs increase sharply in the first days of taking them. Even after just five days of taking the drugs, one can become hooked. Once a person gets hooked on painkillers, they are tied into an
enormously expensive habit. Heroin has a similar effect; it’s not cheap, but is significantly less expensive. And it’s easier to find. And it gets laced with Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that can be 50 times more powerful than heroin and it even more dangerous. It’s what killed Prince. When a person stops using drugs, their tolerance changes, Visalli said. Then, if they relapse, their body can’t handle as it did in the past, which is what kills them. Also, much heroin is mixed with other substances they have not tried in the past. Fentanyl is most lethal, requiring extra doses of Narcan to reverse its effect. People of any age, sex or economic status can become addicted. Many don’t understand why or how people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those addicted lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug if they choose to. “Helping people break the grip of addiction is complex,” Visalli said. “Multiple strategies may be required.” Quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. “There are two ways out — either you recover or you die,” said a
mother who lost her daughter to a drug overdose.
Ready for recovery
The Rescue Mission of Utica is in the business of recovery. “Our Addictions Crisis Center is a 20-bed program,” Visalli said. “Soon we will have 25 beds.” The New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services regulates the faith-based program to provide crisis stabilization for adults with substance abuse issues. Stabilization provides a safe environment to minimize withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. The average stay is 15 days. Residents then transition to treatment as an inpatient or an outpatient. One option is the Rescue Mission’s residential aftercare program. “Ninety-nine percent of those in the Addiction Crisis Center have a problem with opioid or heroin use,” added Visalli. “It’s not primarily alcohol any more, like it was just a few years ago.” A person struggling with addiction must hit a crisis point to finally seek help, said Visalli. “When a person hits that crisis point in his addiction, we know that recovery is very possible,” he said. Visalli shares Kelly’s story: “I was in jail again, thankful that the
August 2017 •
paramedics were able to revive me. I racked up a lot of close calls over the year and was well known by the ER. I was burning the candle at both ends, selling and using drugs 24/7, and almost died more than once. As I sat in my cell, I wondered what would happen if I didn’t make it the next time. Being in jail saved my life. I wasn’t about to tempt fate again; I needed to change.” And Ethan’s story: “I was in rehab so many times that my family stopped talking to me. But my mother was always there. She dropped me off at an ER or drug treatment center. My last visit to rehab was not by choice. It was that or jail. When she dropped me off, I vividly remember the look on her face as she turned to leave. I knew she was losing faith in me. I hadn’t been clean in a long time. At that point, I decided to change for good. Shortly after I graduated from the program, she was hospitalized with cancer. It was the last time I completed a program to get clean and sober. She said my sobriety was a nice gift.” Addiction is a relapsing disease. “Treatment should never be discouraged,” added Visalli. For more on the Rescue Mission of Utica, phone 315-735-1645, or see www.uticamission.org. The Addictions Crisis Center is accessible 24/7.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Patricia J. Malin
Dr. Minhaj Siddiqi
Minhaj Siddiqi has spent 20 years practicing psychiatric medicine. He recently joined Community Health and Behavioral Services as a full-time psychiatrist, providing services at offices located at 1427 Genesee St., Utica and 207 W. Dominick St., Rome at Upstate Cerebral Palsy. He recently spoke with Mohawk Valley In Good Health senior writer Patricia J. Malin about his long career. Q.: What does a psychiatrist do as opposed to a psychologist? A.: There’s a big difference. A psychiatrist has to go through medical school for four years and then a residency at a hospital for another four years. We’re medical doctors. We study all areas of medicine. A psychologist is a doctor of philosophy, not medicine. He can’t prescribe medicine; he doesn’t understand how medicine can affect a person’s neurological condition. Q.: Many years ago, you practiced in Canada. Why did you decide to come to the Mohawk Valley? A.: I had already come to the Mohawk Valley in 1998 to work at the Central New York Psychiatric Center. A friend of mine was working in Canada and told me I must see the scenery north of the border, but I was there less than two years, from 20022004. Then I returned to Utica. Q.: What prompted you to become a doctor? How did you choose the specialty of psychiatry? A.: I knew from the very start when I was in high school that I wanted to be a doctor. There was some healthy competition going on with my friends and we all wanted to be doctors. Originally, I was studying with the intention of becoming an internist. When I was going through my residency in New York City, I wasn’t comfortable seeing how psychiatric patients were being neglected. I worked in King’s County Hospital and Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in the emergency room and in the intensive care unit. A lot of patients were going through tough emotional issues or suffering through other issues and I would have to call for the psychiatric resident to come in and help the patients. I wondered if I was making the wrong choice to be an internist. I changed my field and I’m glad I did. Speaking of healthy competition, both my sons and my nephew are also doctors. Q.: What particular aspects of psychiatry are you involved in? A.: I only deal with adults at United Cerebral Palsy as outpatients, but I also have a private practice. I am trained in drug and alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation; geriatric and forensic psychiatry; individual, group and family pharmacotherapy; neuropsychiatric-related problems; emergency management of acute psychiatric problems; and emotional and substance abuse problems. Page 4
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Outpatient care is relatively cheap compared to hospitalization. It’s more cost-effective. I like the change. Before joining UCP, I was dealing with inmates and it was very challenging. Prison is a stressful environment. Q.: I understand that primary care doctors are beginning to recommend basic mental health screenings for all their adult patients as part of an annual physical exam. What’s the origin of this decision? What has been the reaction from physicians, who are usually short on time, and insurance companies, who are reluctant to pay for more tests or medications? A.: Yes, mental health is being recognized as a part of primary care medicine and they see a need for that. However, the primary care physician is not trained as a psychiatrist, and 90 percent of physicians who hear a patients say they are depressed will treat them with medicine. Psychiatrists need to determine the reason for the depression. For the insurance companies, it’s kind of a struggle.
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Lifelines
Q.: You spent 17 years on the medical staff at the Central New York Psychiatric Center in Marcy, which houses prisoners. What is the role of that psychiatric center in the Mohawk Valley medical community? Do you see its services expanding or staying the same in the next 10 years or is there pressure from the state to close it? A.: The Central New York Psychiatric Center is affiliated with the New York State Department of Corrections. When I worked there, there were about 200 patients, but now the patient census is closer to 140 to 150. I can’t predict what will happen in 10 years, but I think its services will remain about the same. Q.: What are the newest developments in the field of psychiatry? A.: I see more of the general population coming to me. Years ago, people didn’t want to see a psychiatrist because there was a stigma attached to it. There are multiple factors why people are seeking psychiatrists, but the stigma is being erased. Even now,
many people who come to psychiatrists are already suffering from chronic problems or other traumatic experiences. They feel burned out from the life cycle. People are beginning to feel their life has become stagnant and they are encouraged to see a psychiatrist. Q.: In the 1980s, the federal government and individual states like New York did away with mandatory institutionalization of mental health patients. Psychiatric care began to evolve to voluntary outpatient care instead of inpatient. Today, most mental patients depend on prescription medications to manage their symptoms and sometimes they neglect going to the psychiatrist, a medical professional or the hospital when they need long-term help. Do you feel this is a beneficial practice? A.: One of the reasons for doing that was obviously money. The cost of staying in a hospital for 30 days was at least $1,000 a day or $30,000 a month. It was too costly for the states.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2017
Birthplace: Karachi, Pakistan Residence: Rome Education: Bachelor’s degree, Islamia College, Karachi, Pakistan (1971-72); master’s degree, University of Karachi, Pakistan, (1973-74); medical degree, Cetec University, Dominican Republic, (1983); King’s County Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, training in internal medicine (1990-91); Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, training in general psychiatry (1991-95); fellowship, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, training in child and adolescent psychiatry (1995-97) Affiliations: American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association Family: Two sons, Sameer Siddiqi and Nabil Siddiqi Hobbies: Watching movies, especially scary ones
Golden Years If I get dementia … List for caregivers emphasizes compassion for patient By Barbara Pierce
T
here are few things that scare me more than getting dementia. It’s a terrible disease. Dementia is the term for a group of symptoms: memory loss, impaired thinking, and loss of reasoning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. If I get dementia, I’d like my caregiver to follow the list of rules created by dementia expert Rachael Wonderlin, online at Alzheimer’s Reading Room.com. Chris Vitale, owner-operator of The Terrace at Woodland in Rome, reviewed the list. The Terrace is a family owned and operated 60-bed assisted living community with a 12bed memory care neighborhood. Vitale agrees this list provides a good guide for caring for a person with dementia. — “If I get dementia, I want those around me to embrace my reality. If I say I’m waiting for my husband to come home for dinner and he’s been dead for 10 years, or I’m planning to visit my parents, let me believe those things and I’ll be much happier,” Vitale said. “Join in the journey with the person. Don’t provide reality orientation for them. If you tell a widow her husband won’t be coming home because he’s dead, it’s like she’s hearing it for the first time. She doesn’t need to hear it.” — “If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am. And don’t talk about me like I’m not in the room.” — “If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated.” — “If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.” “It’s important to stay busy, at any age,” Vitale commented. “In our memory care neighborhood, we have activities, not only to engage our resi-
Oneida, Herkimer in good
Don’t forget to visit
said. “I can no longer cope with my husband at home; he cannot do anything for himself,” said one wife online. “I think residential care would be better for him as l feel it’s a strain on him trying to fit into normal life. But I feel so guilty.” When caring for a person with dementia at home becomes dangerous or nearly impossible, it’s absolutely necessary to move them to a place where they can get the care they need. Though this is the best decision for them and for you, the guilt and sadness can still be overwhelming. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed them. It means you’re making a
smart decision to get them the care they need. Spend time with them, frequently talk with staff, and you are taking good care of your loved one. “The new resident will feel overwhelmed, scared and anxious in a new place,” said Vitale. “This is mitigated by our staff, trained to make all feel comfortable. It generally takes two, three or four weeks for a new resident to relax, feel comfortable and get in the routine.” — The last rule: “If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.” For more information on The Terrace at Woodland, call 315-336-0307, or see terraceatwoodland.com.
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— “If I get dementia, and live in a dementia care community, please visit me often. It’s important for families to stay involved,” added Vitale. “Those with involved families have a happier life.” — “If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you can’t care for me 24/7. It’s not your fault; you’ve done your best. Find someone to help you, or choose a place for me to live.” “Families often feel guilty when they place their loved one,” Vitale
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dents, but also to provide purpose.” “We have a kitchen like the kitchen they grew up with, with a stove, refrigerator and a dishwasher. Residents help with preparing food, baking, setting the table, or cleaning up after a meal. If they wish to join in these activities, we encourage them.” — “If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated when I mix up names, events or places. It’s not my fault.” — “If I get dementia, and become agitated, take the time to figure out what’s bothering me.” “All you do when you say ‘no’ to a person with dementia is agitate them further,” Vitale added. At The Terrace, the doors from the memory care unit are locked. However, if a resident tries to go out, a staff person joins him, lets him out and walks with him. Vitale is proud of his staff that is specially trained in the challenges of caring for persons with dementia. “Also, a 12-bed unit means our ratio of care is high; we have two caregivers for 12 residents. Residents get consistent care from the same caregiver.” — “If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings. Everyone needs to feel part of a group,” commented Vitale. “We include our memory care residents in the morning exercise and our afternoon crafts, and our weekly music program.”
Madison
counties
A monthly newspaper published by Local News, Inc. 20,000 copies distributed. To request home delivery ($15 per year), call 315-749-7070.
In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2017 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 • Phone: 315-749-7070 Email: lou@cnymail.com
Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Patricia Malin, Barbara Pierce, Kristen Raab, Deb Dittner, Amylynn Pastorella, Pauline DiGiorgio Advertising: Amy Gagliano Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas Office Assistant: Kimberley Tyler No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement — not to take the place of — the recommendations of your health provider.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Golden Years Make every minute with doctor count Tips to get the maximum out of visits with physicians By Barbara Pierce
I
f we’re lucky, we get about 15 minutes of face time with our health care provider. It’s easy to feel rushed or overwhelmed and forget to bring up something important, or walk out not sure of the information and instructions we’ve been given. Brenda Carney, nurse practitioner and CEO of Central New York Family Nurse Practitioners, New Hartford, offers these suggestions to lessen your stress and to make Carney sure that you’re provided with all the information you need at the appointment. — When you’re meeting with a new health care provider, do arrive early on your first visit, Carney recommends. Expect that there will be paperwork for you to fill out. You will be asked for your insurance card and your photo identification. You’ve made sure that the
provider accepts your insurance by calling them or going online to their website prior to scheduling a visit. Then, when you call to make your appointment, verify with the staff that they will take your insurance. When you schedule the appoint-
What if you could choose?
5 Days or 45 Days
ment, communicate the reason for your visit to the person scheduling it, said Carney. For example, if you want your annual physical, mention that when you make your appointment. However, before calling to schedule a procedure such as a physical, check with your insurance to ensure coverage. If you don’t tell the staff the reason you’re coming in, your visit may be given the wrong coding, and that could cause problems with your insurance. If it’s your first visit with a new provider, expect that he or she will ask a lot of questions, Carney said. Expect the health care provider to be somewhat inquisitive as he or she needs to get a good understanding of your health history and a baseline for your ongoing care. It helps to have your information and your questions written down to bring with you. That way you won’t forget to bring up anything important. As your family history is an important tool for predicting your risk for disease, be ready to share health information about family members.
Don’t be afraid to be candid
If your provider asks questions that seem embarrassing or overly personal, remember that the information you provide enables him or her to better establish a diagnosis or determine which treatment is most appropriate for you. Be honest in response to questions about alcohol or drug use, sexual history, or other lifestyle matters. Be honest about the extent to which you are taking your medications or following a treatment plan. If you don’t share the correct information, it could affect the qual-
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2017
ity of your care and even lead to a wrong diagnosis or treatment. Bring your list of medications, especially if you need refills, reminds Carney. Include all over-the-counter medicines you take, vitamins, and supplements, as any of these can be significant. If you’ve recently stopped a medication, include that. You could also simply put all of your pill bottles and other medications in a plastic bag if that’s easier for you than writing complicated names and doses. It’s helpful to have a list of other health care providers you’ve seen, added Carney. These could be any specialists you’ve seen, or testing you’ve had such as a CT scan or an MRI. Include when, where and why and testing occurred and make sure to keep this information updated. If you’re seeing the provider for a specific concern, have the details written down. If you’re able to keep track and write things down for the few days before your appointment, it will be valuable — when the symptoms began, how long they last, and anything that makes it better or worse. Also denote if you’ve had it before, what treatment was provided, and what the outcome was. Remember you’re a unique individual, added Carney. Now there is genetic testing to identify the medication that will work best for you — whether it’s an anti depressant, an analgesic, or anti-coagulant. This is a breakthrough for providers as otherwise it’s trial and error. Some medications will work better than others for you. And remember that your primary care provider is not a pain specialist. He or she can treat acute pain and can continue a plan of care developed by a specialist. See a pain specialist if this is your primary concern. For your first visit, anticipate that your provider will order lab work and then have a follow up visit in four to six weeks to review the results. Expect to have the reasons for the labs explained, medication explained, and any procedures explained. If you don’t understand anything, it’s important to ask, stressed Carney. You might repeat back instructions your provider has given to make sure you’ve got it right. Your return visits are important in establishing a relationship with the providers as well as the office staff. You need to feel comfortable, and that when you call in with a request, it will be handed. It’s a whole team and everyone is working together for you, Carney said.
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Golden Years
Heralded Harriers
Oldest runner in Boilermaker road race relishes the challenge By Patricia J. Malin
S
heldon Kall of Manlius didn’t take up running until he was in his 60s. Two decades have passed since then and he knows he’s not getting any faster. It’s certainly challenging and rewarding, yet in an obscure way. “I wish I was 18 again,” he quipped after completing the Boilermaker Road Race in– Utica in barely under three hours recently. And there were barely any witnesses either. Kall’s time of two hours, 40 minutes and 52 seconds actually missed the cutoff time for qualifying for the Boilermaker. Two and a half hours is the standard qualifying time to finish the 15-kilometer (9.3 mile) race and
runners are advised of it when they sign up. They are not barred from competing, however. When the clock at the finish line passes 2:30, workers begin tearing down the course and taking down the barricades and fences that separate the thousands of runners from thousands of spectators, who long ago found their way to the post-race party a block away at F.X. Matt Brewing Co. Still, the timer was visible and the finish line intact for a little longer. “I was at the eight-mile mark at 2 1/2 hours,” said Kall. Although officials are naturally concerned about any stragglers who might still be out there at that time (and check on their condition), at his request, Kall is given the green light to finish under his own power. He
has plenty of elbow room around him, which is not an option for everyone when you start out with 15,000 other runners. “I didn’t struggle, but I am slow,” he remarked. “I’m just happy to finish.” Kall, wearing his trademark running outfit of red shorts, a T-shirt that read “Swamp Road Run,” a green visor and a white cap, was accompanied at the finish by his niece, Maureen Shaheen of Tupper Lake. She had also run the 15K and finished way ahead of him before going back up the hill on Court Street and joining him for the final stretch. At 85, Kall was the oldest runner (part-time walker) in the field this year. He placed third in the men’s 80-
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Sheldon Kall, 85, of Manlius, was the oldest runner at the Boilermaker Road Race in Utica recently.
With aging comes options Senior housing options available from in-home to full-fledged skilled nursing care By Amylynn Pastorella
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magine these two situations that commonly confront the elderly: — Scenario 1: A 73-year old man who has been living in his home for 40 years can no longer use the stairs without assistance. He is having difficulty helping himself in the bathroom and cooking his meals. He has taken some unfortunate falls and his family is worried because they feel he cannot live alone anymore. What does he do? — Scenario 2: An older couple is living on their own. They come and go as they please, but they have so much space that they are pressured to downsize. They don’t want to leave their roots. Stubbornly, they reject any thoughts of moving, which creates animosity and tension in their family. What do they do? The obvious solution to scenario 1 is to look at skilled nursing or nursing homes. The solution to scenario 2 could be independent living facilities. Both options come with amenities and can be personalized. Change is a piece of cake, no one ever said. Although many seniors are living longer, leaving the life they know is extremely difficult. The realization they may have to leave their home can be stressful and causes resentment among their families, or those making that decision for them.
As daunting as that decision is, new trends indicate that senior living has improved. “Many seniors fear the nursing home, sitting in a hallway with nothing to do,” said Kathy Contino-Turner, director of communications and marketing at Masonic Care Community in Utica. This is not the case anymore. In the skilled nursing units of Masonic Care Community, living areas are divided into neighborhoods and households and people become like family. “Households are made up of eight or 16 residents, all who eat together in the household dining room with food served from the household kitchen,” she said. “We have a number of common areas with gas fireplaces. We have a pond and fountain with fish and turtles for all to enjoy, as well as an atrium with all kinds of activities from bowling to card playing and entertainment.”
Whole new approach
Nursing homes usually house residents who can no longer live independently due to a health crisis. However, skilled nursing facilities no longer look like asylums with white walls, a bed, a bathroom and a television. Some skilled nursing centers, like the Masonic Care Community, have adopted a household model because it feels more like home. They are made to feel like home
The Masonic Care Community uses technology such as Skype and Facetime to allow residents to visit face-to-face with their loved ones. One resident video-chats weekly with her son who is in China. because employees and management of these facilities know the residents are there long-term and want them to feel as if they were in their own homes. For seniors who relate to scenario 2, the Mohawk Valley offers many independent living facilities for seniors who want to downsize their lifestyle or need a little assistance due to an injury. At Masonic Care Community, residences like Acacia Village and Wiley Hall fit that bill. “Certainly people moving into Acacia Village are healthy and active, drive their own cars and live in apartments with all the amenities of home,” said Contino-Turner. “They don’t have to worry about shoveling or going out in the cold. They are not isolated. They have others around them. They have kitchens or they can eat in a dining room.” In Wiley Hall, residents have a room and full bathroom, but no kitchen. They have their meals in a
August 2017 •
central dining area. Residents enjoy the companionship of others, go on trips, and enjoy special programs and activities. Many married couples make up the population there. Home care is an option for people who do not want to live anywhere else since professional health care providers, including nurses, physical therapists, nursing assistants, and occupational therapists provide in-home care. Explore various options and make phone calls to find out what fits a senior’s needs. “I always suggest they call directly and talk to an admissions counselor about placement,” said Contino-Turner. Don’t wait until there is a crisis. Make decisions when seniors are healthy and can review their options. Keeping in mind the old saying, “Home is where the heart is,” seniors should have the right to choose the environment that makes them happy.
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Between You and Me
By Barbara Pierce
Lone Wolf
How I learned to give up codependency
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I’d throw up! I’d vomit all over the place!” The therapist I was seeing for the first time looked me in the eyes as he said these words. “If I was saying the things about myself that I hear you saying, I’d throw up!” It was like a punch in the face. After I caught my breath, I had to admit he was right. My life was that bad. I had just left a man who mostly depended on me to support us both. He sat around chain smoking cigarettes and watching TV while I trotted off to work each day. Now I was madly in love with a man who would spend time with me — if I drove Pierce two hours to where he lived and hung around with him while he smoked pot and drank with his buddies. Yeah, I’d have to say that is nauseating. The therapist “got” me. And I got it. And that was my wake up call. Guess I was what’s called “co-dependent.” There are as many definitions for codependency as there are people who have it, but it means we tend to put the needs and wants of others above our own needs. People who are codependent tend to focus on their significant other to the detriment of their own well being. They spend a lot of time trying to keep their significant other happy. Originally, it referred to people who were in a relationship with an alcoholic or drug addict. It was broadened to include anyone in a relationship that is one-sided and emotionally destructive; anyone who has a need to please to the point that you will sacrifice your own well being if that’s what it takes. But here’s the thing: “Almost everyone — 96 percent of all Americans — suffers from codependency,” said an article in The New York Times, published in 1990. This article says something like “this amorphous disease,” a national epidemic, is mostly a business, generating income for therapists and authors of self-help books. And that pretty well sums up what I believe about it. Women, especially those of my generation, were taught to put others first and patiently tolerate the bad behavior in the way others treat us. Maybe our relationship isn’t perfect, but then, whose is, really? Be nice, be long suffering, yes, be a martyr if that’s
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in the cards for you. Play the hand you’re dealt.
Downright disorder
So when does this nice, tolerant behavior become a disorder? A thing that makes others vomit? Like a wife covering for an alcoholic husband, like a mother denying her child’s delinquent behavior. Yes, looking back, I can see I took it too far and put up with bad conditions too long. I did change when I heard my therapist reframe my “nice” behavior. “We teach others how to treat us,” said a friend. And that hit home too. “Through what we say and what we don’t say — through what we do and don’t do.” Boundaries are necessary to take care of ourselves. For me, that brings up the image of a white picket fence protecting me. That fence can’t be too solid, or too high, because then I will never get close to anyone. That fence can’t be too puny or weak, or it will be trampled. Boundaries in the physical world are easy to see — fences, walls, signs. It’s easy to know where my property ends and yours begins. Emotional boundaries are just as necessary, but harder to see. Establishing and maintaining boundaries is a skill. It’s a skill that many of us don’t learn. We not only have the right to have boundaries, but we are responsible for how we maintain those boundaries, how we let others treat us. We have the right to say “no” if something is not in our best interests. The basic boundary-setting word is “no.” I often say “yes” instead of “no” because I want to please others. It’s easier to say “yes” than “no”. But I do need to say “no”, so that others don’t take me for granted, and even lose respect for me. Then I become resentful. People-pleasers try to accommodate everyone, to make everyone happy. We may put our personal needs on the back burner and agree to do things that our instinct says we shouldn’t do. It’s OK to say “no” and I’ve had to learn. Say it in a nice way with a sympathetic face. We don’t owe anyone an explanation. Don’t explain, just say, “I’m sorry, but I have to say ‘no’ right now.” The less you explain, the better. And trust yourself. You know yourself best. You know what you need, want and value. The needs and feelings of others are not more important than your own. Saying “no” is the first step. The second step is to let the person’s reaction be their business. It does get easier. • 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.
Friendships are life sustaining
Life coach: Relationships with others critical for health By Barbara Pierce
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martphones, iPhones, iPods, cell phones, lap-tops — our world has dramatically changed. We may be technological efficient, but our personal connections with others have changed and not for the better. We’ve become increasingly disconnected from friends, family, neighbors and organizations. Women have fewer real friends than ever before. In the past, women shared a lot more than they do today. They shared care of their babies, gathered food and cooked together. Silence Women shared their lives intimately, and were a source of strength and comfort to each other on a daily basis, keeping each other resilient and happy. Today, we’re isolated in our homes and busy in our jobs. When we get busy, the first thing we do is push away our friendships due to lack of time or energy. Things that bring us together are limited. Because of this, most of us are missing the beautiful healing and nourishment that comes from being with other women. “We need other women,” stressed certified life coach Rebeccah Silence. Owner of Inspired Results in Whitesboro, she is known as the relationship guru, doling out expert coaching every Tuesday morning on KISS-FM in Utica. “There is such power in our connections with each other,” she added. Experts say the strongest predictor for creating a fulfilled life is building healthy relationships with others. Silence is an expert in helping others create fulfilled lives. In coaching sessions and retreats, she assists people to break down emotional blocks that may be holding them back, to heal their past patterns and remove faulty belief systems that keep them from having a fulfilled life. The Nurses’ Study of Harvard Medical School found that the more friends a woman has, the less likely she is to develop physical impairments as she ages, and the more likely she is to lead a contented life.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2017
Not having friends is as harmful to your health as being overweight or smoking cigarettes. Researchers also examined how well women functioned after the death of a spouse, one of life’s greatest stressors. They found that even in the face of this major life loss, women with close friends coped better than women who lacked close friendships. Other research studied the survival rate of women with breast cancer. Those women with supportive friends outlived the women who were isolated by many years.
Connections run deep
We’re hard wired to connect with others — women especially. We suffer greatly when our social bonds are threatened or severed. We thrive when we can deeply connect with other women. When women get together in small groups, it can be life changing. Taking time out from our busy lives and all the “clutter” of our lives and taking time to really connect with other women can be magic. It leads to positive energy results. “Small groups allow women to experience healthy, authentic community — maybe even for the first time,” said group leader Julia Mateer online. “Life change happens through relationships — small groups are a perfect format to create the types of life-giving environments where women can grow.” “Women are connectors,” said Leslie Parrott, family therapist, online. “They engage each other heart to heart. When women get in a room and dream together, the outcomes are so much larger than our individual dreams and movements.” Silence knows the power of women connecting with women. “Personal growth seminars have become touchstones of my journey. I have learned that seminars work because women are helping and supporting each other. It’s the dynamic of coming together and allowing each other the safe space to heal that is really exciting,” she said. The goal of her Inspired Results women’s weekend retreat in November is to help women learn how to create and live an intention-based life. Much of the positive benefits that That’s what Silence offers in her Inspired Results weekend, set for November 3-5, in Fair Haven. For more information, call Silence at 303-521-1413.
Are you sleep-compatible? How to get a good night’s sleep while sharing a bed By Barbara Pierce
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re you and your partner compatible in bed? When it comes to sleeping, we mean. Maybe you like the windows open; he complains it’s too cold. Or maybe it’s impossible to sleep through his loud snoring. Or one of you tosses and turns. We all know that sleep deprivation is bad for us, but it may also be bad for our relationship. If you can’t sleep well because of your partner, the solution isn’t as simple as just sleeping apart. According to experts, not sharing a bed can be just as damaging as not getting a night of restful sleep. Sleeping in separate beds is not a good thing for your relationship. Just as sleep renews and repairs your body, a close peaceful sleep with your partner can repair and renew your relationship. “You don’t have to stay snug in each other’s arms all night long,” said psychotherapist Barton Goldsmith online. “Most people cannot sleep that way. By sharing a bed and being able to reach over and touch the one you love, you will feel better about your life.” “Sleeping together creates serotonin, which keeps you happier,” says Goldsmith. When he talks to widows and widowers, they don’t talk about missing the sex they had with their partner; they talk about missing lying next to them in bed. On the flip side, sharing a bed with someone who keeps you awake all night creates its own set of problems. So if interrupted sleep makes you feel less loving toward your partner, but sleeping apart can damage your closeness, what’s the answer? Here are some solutions for sleep incompatibilities: — Tossing and turning all night. The good news is: there is a mattress solution for almost every problem. “An individually pocketed coiled mattress is important for someone who doesn’t want to feel the motion of the other person moving,” advises
Randy Kopytowsk, owner of Carolina Bedding of the Mohawk Valley in Rome. “The coils are wrapped inside their own individual pockets. When one person rolls over, the other isn’t affected; it only affects the person who is moving. A memory foam mattress also takes care of this.” “Or get twin extra-long mattresses,” he suggests. “You get the same effect as having a king-size mattress, but each person is on his own mattress.” Maybe all you need is a larger mattress. But, if a new mattress isn’t in your budget, just having separate blankets and sheets can minimize the sensations of movement.
Unlike the CPAP, dental appliances are small, do not involve hoses or masks, do not rely on electricity, and make no noise. “They’re much more reasonable to use, and the cost is far more reasonable,” said Burns. Burns offers a free consultation to help you stop snoring, and breathe, sleep, feel, and function better. For more information, he can be reached at 315-724-5141 or see his website www.sleepandquiet.com.
“He has saved my life many times… and values what I say as a patient.”
Tip of iceberg
Snoring — Sleep experts agree that snoring presents the biggest conflict for couples. “Snoring is a symptom of a serious problem,” said Charles Burns, Utica-area dentist and sleep apnea specialist. “Anyone who snores should get checked out for sleep apnea.” Many cannot tolerate a continuous positive airway pressure therapy device, which is used to treat sleep apnea, said Burns. For those people, he utilizes a custom dental appliance.
INSIGHT HOUSE
As a temporary measure, earplugs and sound machines help mask the snoring. Some like it hot — The optimum temperature for sleep ranges from 68 to 72 degrees. But if that’s not acceptable to one, then compromise with a temperature between your two preferences. The person who wants it warmer can bundle up, while the person who wants it chilled can sleep on top of the sheets. Also consider a larger bed, where body heat is less likely to bother the one who wants it cooler. During the winter, use an electric blanket with dual controls. Some mattresses trap body heat. To counteract that, use sheets that are 100 percent cotton. Sleeping with a non-sleeper — Stress and anxiety can contribute to restlessness and insomnia, so avoid emotionally charged conversations before bed. Avoid soda and any kind of caffeine at least four hours before bed. You’re a night owl; she’s an early bird — Some couples will lie down together when the early bird goes to bed but then the night owl will leave once their mate has fallen asleep. — Let there be light. Some people have to sleep with a light on. A compromise can be reached with a small nightlight on that person’s side. Or, use a sleep mask or a special bulb that cuts down on blue light, the kind that makes it harder to fall asleep.
-- Maryjean Carey, Rome, NY Maryjean has been a patient of Mario Carrillo, DO, for 12 years and is an avid supporter. Dr. Carrillo has helped her with vital procedures from intestinal surgery to finger and toe amputations, as well as grafts and stent insertions. “My family trusts him, too, because he keeps everyone well informed during surgery,” she says. “Dr. Carrillo gave me what I needed to keep going.” Mario Carrillo, DO, and Ankur Chawla, MD, have joined the Mohawk Valley Health System Vascular Surgery Group and are accepting new patients. Call 315-624-4690 to make an appointment.
MVHS Vascular Surgery Group 1676 Sunset Avenue Utica, NY 13502 315-624-4690
Chemical Dependency Services, Inc.
Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services OUTPATIENT CLINIC & DAY REHABILITATION PROGRAM • DWI Assessment & Counseling • Suboxone Therapy *** Psychiatric Assessment • Family Support Group *** Adolescent Services *** Women’s Track • Addiction & Opiates *** Relapse Prevention Groups INTENSIVE RESIDENTIAL 7-9 MONTH PROGRAM • Appropriate for Males & Females • Suboxone Therapy *** Psychiatric Assessment SCHOOL-BASED PREVENTION PROGRAMS • HYPE (Helping Youth Thru Prevention Education) *** Project Success
Maryjean Carey (left) and her daughter, Lisa Carey-Smith
All inquiries are strictly confidential. Most medical insurances and Medicaid accepted. Sliding fee scale available. No individual denied services for inability to pay.
(315)724-5168 1-800-530-2741 www.insighthouse.com 500 Whitesboro Street, Utica New York 13502
Together we make a difference. Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare | St. Elizabeth Medical Center
August 2017 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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SmartBites
The skinny on healthy eating
What’s Great about Lean Ground Beef
W
hen it comes to nutrition, lean ground beef — defined by the USDA as ground beef with no more than 10 percent fat — might take you by surprise. While mostly recognized for its high protein content, lean ground beef also boasts a bounty of vitamins and minerals that do a body good. But let’s begin first with protein, its most abundant nutrient. A small 3-ounce lean patty (about the size of a deck of cards) delivers a whopping 25 grams of complete protein, which, for many, fulfills about half of the daily recommended amount. That’s a lot of protein for less than 200 calories! Indeed, choosing lean beef to meet or bolster your protein intake may actually be a calorie-saver, as it often takes more than twice the calories to get 25 grams of protein from beans, nuts and grains. A powerhouse nutrient, protein is essential for growth, tissue repair, energy and proper immune function. Lean ground beef sizzles with impressive amounts of several B vitamins, including niacin, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. Niacin helps improve circulation and may lower the risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s; vitamin B12 is essential for keeping nerves and red blood cells healthy;
Tasty Meatloaf Muffins
and vitamin B6 is especially important for regulating mood and preventing mental fatigue. All B vitamins help the body convert food to energy. This popular beef also rocks with zinc, knocking off about 40 percent of our daily needs in one serving. Immune-boosting zinc helps expedite wound healing, calm out-of-control inflammation, and promote testosterone production. No surprise: The leaner the
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HEALTH EVENTS
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nose and esophagus. The laryngectomee breathes through an opening in the neck, called a stoma. The public is welcome to attend. Those with questions can call the speech therapy department at 315801-4475.
Aug. 14
Support forum for patients, cancer survivors The Mohawk Valley Health System’s Cancer Center’s monthly support forum for patients and cancer survivors will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 14. The cancer support forum meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of every month in the Cancer Center’s fireplace lounge on the main floor of Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica. The forum, led by the Cancer Center’s social worker, offers support to anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to Page 10
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ground beef, the more you’ll save on calories, total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Go grass-fed if you’d like to save a little more on cholesterol and shield yourself from hormones and antibiotics. Although most grainfed ground beef contains hormones and antibiotics, some major chains offer grain-fed ground beef that has neither.
RSVP, call 315-624-5241.
Aug. 14
Support group to meet at Rome Memorial Hospital The brain aneurysm, AVM (arteriovenous malformation) and stroke support group will meet from 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 14 at Rome Memorial Hospital’s second-floor classroom. The group meets on the second Monday of every month. RMH is located at 1500 N. James St., Rome. For more information, call Deb Dunn at 315-533-6467 or email RomeNY@JoeNiekroFoundation.org.
Aug. 15
Dialysis Center offering CKD program The Dialysis Center at the Mohawk Valley Health System offers an educational program for those who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The program will take place from
Adapted from myrecipes.com Serves 5-6 1 teaspoon canola oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 medium carrot, shredded 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup low-sodium tomato sauce 1 pound lean ground beef ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Frank’s Hot Sauce (optional) ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper ½ teaspoon salt 1 large egg Preheat oven to 350°. Heat the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and shredded carrot; sauté for about five to eight minutes. Add dried oregano and minced garlic; sauté one minute more. Cool. In a medium bowl, combine onion mixture, ¼ cup tomato sauce, and the remaining ingredients. Mix well. Lightly coat five muffin cups with canola oil (if making smaller muffins, prep 10). Spoon the meat 5:30-8 p.m. Aug. 15 in the Weaver Lounge at the Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica. Registration is required as seating is limited. To register, contact Cindy Christian, program coordinator, at 315-624-5635 or email cchristi@ mvhealthsystem.org.
Aug. 16
Valley Health Services accepts syringes Valley Health Services is accepting the community’s medical waste of needles, syringes and lancets from noon until 2 p.m. on Aug. 16. The service is available on the third Wednesday of every month. The waste must be in approved puncture-resistant containers available at local pharmacies and properly marked “biohazard.” The containers may be brought to the outpatient receptionist on the ground floor at VHS, who will contact the personnel responsible for medical waste disposal. VHS is located at 690 W. German St., Herkimer. Questions may be directed to Tammi King, infection control nurse, at 866-3330, ext. 2308.
Aug. 21
Family support group focuses on addiction Families who are dealing with the problems of addiction can find help and information at a support
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2017
mixture into the muffin cups, press lightly, and bake accordingly: for larger muffins, bake for about 35 minutes; for smaller muffins, bake for about 25 minutes. No matter the size, the muffins should register 160F when tested with a meat thermometer. Let stand for five minutes before serving.
Helpful tips
Use freshly ground beef one to two days after purchase; ground beef that’s been frozen will last about three to four months. Ground beef that’s gray on the outside but red on the inside should be fine to eat: being covered with plastic wrap is the benign culprit. Ground beef that’s gray throughout, however, usually indicates spoilage and should be tossed or returned. Prevent potential food poisoning by always cooking your ground beef to 160F. Hosting a party with hamburgers or a ground beef casserole? According to the USDA, the cooked ground beef should not be left out for more than two hours.
Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-
nist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.
group meeting from 6-7 p.m. Aug. 21 in the second floor classroom at Rome Memorial Hospital. The group meets the third Monday of each month and is free and open to everyone. Offered by the hospital’s Community Recovery Center, the support group provides an opportunity to discuss issues with others who are in the same situation. Certified by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, the Community Recovery Center, 264 W. Dominick St., Rome, offers alcohol and substance abuse treatment for adolescents and adults. Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, the center participates with most major insurance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. A sliding scale fee is available for self-pay clients. For more information about the support group or the Community Recovery Center, call 334-4701.
Got a health-related activity or event that you would like publicized? Call Lou Sorendo at 315-749-7070 or email lou@cnymail.com
By Jim Miller
New Medicare cards debut next year Dear Savvy Senior,
Salt of the Earth High sodium intake can mean trouble for blood pressure By Kristen Raab
B
y now, we know that we should limit our salt intake. However, simply not adding salt to our meals is not enough. Sodium is present in many of the foods we eat daily, so we must be observant of nutritional labels and make smart choices based on sodium content. The American Heart Association recommends healthy people have no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Perhaps that sounds like a lot, Jones but it is actually only one teaspoon of salt. Cynthia L. Jones, chief medical officer at the Regional Primary Care Network in Utica, recommends we strive for no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. Don’t be fooled by the various names of salt either. Sea salt is not any different than table salt in terms of how it impacts us. “The body still sees this as salt and reacts to it in the same way as it does with table salt,” she said. Salt leads to water retention that places increased pressure on the blood vessels and increases overall blood pressure. Nearly 68 million adults in America have high blood pressure. Even if a person is on blood pressure medicine, blood pressure can still be elevated. Often this is because of eating too much salt. The National Kidney Foundation recommends limiting sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams per day. The Centers for Disease Control report that reducing sodium reduces blood pressure within a few weeks for most people. Food should ideally contain no more than 300 milligrams of sodium per serving,” Jones said. Bread is a surprising source of salt. If a typical slice has 300 milligrams, but you eat two slices, you
have consumed 600 milligrams in part of your meal. If you happen to add deli meat to your sandwich, you may go over your daily intake in one meal!
Make sure of your portions
Being aware is one step you can take; double check labels to make sure you are eating the proper serving size. For example, a frozen dinner may be one serving; however, in a bag of frozen food, a serving may be 1/2 cup. Other staples of the American diet contain too much salt as well. These foods include but are not limited to pizza, tacos, pretzels and cheese. If you are eating these foods on a regular basis, or even if you have some cheese on your salad and then later snack on pretzels, you are likely consuming too much salt. If you decide to dine out, check out nutrition facts. These are available online, and restaurants are starting to include them on menus. Jones says to be aware that salad dressing may have a lot of salt. Fruit is now often offered as a side, and you can request that your meal be made with no salt added in many restaurants. For people who have consumed sodium for years, it is not easy to completely cut it out. Jones suggests first removing the saltshaker. There are quite a few lower sodium foods available. However, Jones reminds us to be aware that those products still contain sodium. No-salt-added products are best. Read nutrition labels and cook foods at home. “Choosing fresh meat and vegetables that you prepare at home makes a big difference,” Jones said. “You can choose fresh herbs rather than salt to flavor them.” The CDC recommends the dietary approaches to stop hypertension-eating plan for people who need to lower their blood pressure. It is a diet low in sodium cholesterol and fat, particularly saturated fat. It emphasizes the need for fruits, vegetables, potassium, fiber and lowfat dairy. Visit www.cdc.gov/salt/ fact_sheets.htm for more information on reducing sodium, the sodium content of your food, and why this is such an important change to make.
I just received my Medicare card in the mail and was surprised to see that the ID number is the same as my Social Security number. I know it’s a bad idea to carry around anything that displays my Social Security number because it makes me vulnerable to identity theft. Wasn’t the government supposed to stop putting Social Security numbers on Medicare cards? New Beneficiary
Dear New, Many people new to Medicare are surprised to learn that the ID number on their Medicare card is still identical to their Social Security number (SSN). After all, we’re constantly warned not to carry our SSN around with us, because if it gets lost or stolen, the result could be identity theft. But the card itself tells beneficiaries to carry it with you when you are away from home so you can show it at the doctor’s office or hospital when you need medical care. Here’s what you should do to protect yourself.
New Medicare Cards
For starters, you’ll be happy to know that the government is in the process of removing SSNs from Medicare cards, but with 58 million beneficiaries, it’s a huge undertaking that will be implemented gradually. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will start sending the new cards in April 2018, but it will take until December 2019 before SSNs are removed from all cards. Under the new system, a randomly generated 11-character Medicare Beneficiary Identifier will replace the SSN-based health claim number on your new Medicare card, but your Medicare benefits will not change. You will receive information in 2018 letting you know about the new Medicare card, with an explanation
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of how to use the new card and what to do with your old one. You can start using your new Medicare card with the new number as soon as you receive it, and there should be a transition period in 2018 and 2019 when you can use either the old card or the new card.
Protect Your Identity
Until your new Medicare card is issued, here’s what you can do to protect your SSN on your current card. The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a national consumer resource on identity theft, recommends that you carry your Medicare card only when you visit a health care provider for the first time, so the provider can make a copy for their files. Otherwise, make a photocopy of your card and cut it down to wallet size. Then take a black marker and black out the last four digits of your SSN, and carry that instead in case of an emergency. If your Medicare card does happen to get lost or stolen, you can replace it by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security office. You can also request a card online at SSA.gov/ MyAccount. Your card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days. If your Medicare card that contains your SSN gets lost or stolen, you’ll need to watch out for Medicare fraud. You can do this by checking your quarterly Medicare summary notices for services or supplies you did not receive. You can also check your Medicare claims early online at MyMedicare.gov (you’ll need to create an account first), or by calling Medicare at 800-633-4227. If you spot anything suspicious or wrong, call the Inspector General’s fraud hotline at 800-447-8477. Also, watch for other signs of identity theft. For example, if someone uses your Social Security number to obtain credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft. gov (or 877-438-4338). This site will also give you specific steps you’ll need to take to handle this problem. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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Health News in Brief Kelberman Center accepts applications for camp The Kelberman Center has partnered with iCan Shine, a nonprofit organization that teaches individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle through its iCan Bike program to present a five-day camp. The camp requires riders to attend only one 75-minute session per day. It will take place in the Mohawk Valley from Aug. 21-25 at the New Hartford Recreation Center. iCan Shine collaborates with local organizations to host camps in their communities. This camp is being hosted by The Kelberman Center, a regional center for excellence for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Over 80 percent of people with autism never experience independently riding a bike, research shows. iCan Shine uses adapted equipment, trained professionals and volunteers. With 75 minutes of instruction over five days, more than 80 percent of riders learn to ride a conventional bicycle independently by the end of camp.
Cost of the camp is $75 per rider. Details are available online at https://icanshine.org/ican-bikeutica-ny/, contacting the Kelberman Center at 315-797-6241 or emailing emailinginfo@kelbermancenter.org.
Rome Hospital Foundation sets dates Rome Hospital Foundation will hold fundraising events this year as part of its continued effort to support the mission of Rome Memorial Hospital. — In the fall, the seventh annual Brew Ha Ha craft beer tasting will take place at Woods Valley Ski Area in Rome. The event will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 23. The Brew Ha Ha features more than 50 types of craft beer and wine for attendees to sample. — The annual gala is Rome Hospital Foundation’s cornerstone fundraising event and will be held from 6-11 p.m. Nov. 11 at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona. For more information, contact Rome Hospital Foundation at 315-338-7181 or email foundation@ romehospital.org.
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We’re committed to providing affordable access to quality health care. As a nonprofit, we have no shareholders to serve. We serve our upstate communities. Our margins are low, which keeps the cost of our premiums below the national average. Affordable premiums mean more people with coverage and fewer uninsured. Because we’re local, we support thousands of local jobs and add hundreds of millions of dollars to the upstate economy beyond what we pay out in medical benefits. We’re neighbors helping neighbors build healthier communities.
A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2017
The Balanced Body
The Social Ask Security Office
By Deb Dittner
Silent Killer
U.S. Social Security Administration in Utica
Elevated blood pressure can be deadly
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levated blood pressure is sadly known as the “silent killer” and for good reason. Many people walk around day after day and don’t realize they have this condition. Oftentimes, there are no symptoms. Elevated blood pressure can then lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, sexual dysfunction, and aneurysms. The cause of elevated blood Dittner pressure is often related to your lifestyle such as poor quality nutrition, stress, poor sleep habits, little to no activity, obesity and smoking, all of which you can control or totally eliminate. Yes, medication can be prescribed, but that too can come with side effects. Let’s explore simple and often inexpensive ways to lower your blood pressure naturally. According to Hippocrates, “All disease begins in the gut.” More and more medical research has been looking at this over recent years, showing how probiotics can help change blood pressure. A high-quality broad-spectrum daily probiotic consisting of over 10 million colony-forming units and eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut is recommended. Reducing inflammation will also aid in reducing blood pressure. Adding two tablespoons of flaxseed to your daily diet will help reduce inflammation. Flaxseed can be added to smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal and yogurt. And ladies, this is also great for hot flashes. 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 such as TV, iPhone and iPad will be beneficial. If you have sleep apnea, discuss what measures you can take with your health care provider. Sometimes all that is needed is a wedge pillow. Darkening shades and cooler temperature in the bedroom will also allow for more restful sleep. While we’re on sleep, consider taking an Epsom salt bath (no longer than an hour) during your wind down time. Epsom salts contain magnesium that aids in lowering blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and preventing the heart from spasm.
An array of treatments
Eating a diet of magnesium-rich foods such as almonds, pumpkin seeds, kale, Brussels sprouts, and many more is also helpful. Magnesium supplements may be warranted as well, especially if you do not get enough in your diet. This should be discussed with your health care provider as well. In your Epsom salt bath, consider adding a therapeutic grade essential oil. Aromatherapy can create a relaxing effect on the body, improving blood pressure and heart rate. Oils to consider are lavender, ylang ylang, frankincense, and clary sage. The benefit of adding yoga to your daily routine offers great heart health benefits by lowering blood pressure. Yoga postures such as legs up the wall, goddess, and reclined twists can be done right in bed. Some yoga practices may also include meditation that has been associated with lower blood pressure. There are a number of styles of meditation to choose from, so select what works best for you. Saunas have been shown to provide some heart benefits, lowering blood pressure by over 10 mm Hg systolic. I prefer infrared sauna but you can also consider dry or steam sauna. This also helps in the release of toxins from the body. Some very tasty foods can also result in lowering blood pressure. Blueberries are a great source of nitric oxide with an added benefit of brain and bowel health. Beetroot is rich in nitrates, helping to relax blood vessels. Add beetroot to smoothies, prepare them roasted, or drink in the form of beet juice. Asparagus provides hearthealthy effects that can lower blood pressure. Asparagus contains cladophylls, tons of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Studies have shown that eating raw, fresh garlic (1-4 cloves daily) decreases blood pressure by 11 mm Hg systolic and 5 mm Hg diastolic in a 1-3 month period. A normal blood pressure reading is 120 mm Hg systolic/80 mm Hg diastolic. By eating healthier foods, lowering your elevated blood pressure readings by 11 mm Hg systolic and 5 mm Hg diastolic can make a significant difference in your overall health and possibly result in no need for medication. • Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. For more information, check out her website at www.debdittner. com or contact her at 518-596-8565.
Keep watchful eye on your earnings record
W
hether you’re ready to retire, just joining the workforce, or somewhere in between, regularly reviewing your Social Security earnings record could make a big difference when it’s time to collect your retirement benefits. Just think, in some situations, if an employer did not properly report just one year of your work earnings to us, your future benefit payments from Social Security could be close to $100 per month less than they should be. Over the course of a lifetime, that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in retirement or other benefits to which you are entitled. Social Security prevents many mistakes from ever appearing on your earnings record. On average, we process about 236 million W-2 wage reports from employers, representing more than $5 trillion in earnings. More than 98 percent of these wages are successfully posted with little problem. But it’s ultimately the responsibility of your employers — past and present — to provide accurate earnings information to Social Security so you get credit for the contributions you’ve made through payroll taxes. We rely on you to inform us of any errors or omissions. You’re the only person who can look at your lifetime earnings record and verify that it’s complete and correct. So, what’s the easiest and most efficient way to validate your earnings record?
Q&A Q: I just started my first job and my paycheck is less than I expected. Why am I paying for retirement benefits when I have a lifetime to live before retirement? A: Besides being required by law, you are securing your own financial future through the payment of Social Security and Medicare taxes. The taxes you pay now translate to a lifetime of protection, whether you retire or become disabled. And when you die, your family (or future family) may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work as well. Aside from all the benefits in your own future, your Social Security and Medicare payments also help today’s retirees. To learn more, visit our website at www. socialsecurity.gov. Q: I am nearing my full retirement age, but I plan to keep working after I apply for Social Security benefits. Will my benefits be reduced because of my income?
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• Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount to set up or sign in to your own my Social Security account; • Under the “My Home” tab, click on “Earnings Record” to view your online Social Security Statement and taxed Social Security earnings; • Carefully review each year of listed earnings and use your own records, such as W-2s and tax returns, to confirm them; and • Keep in mind that earnings from this year and last year may not be listed yet. If you notice that you need to correct your earnings record, check out our one-page fact sheet at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-0510081.pdf. Sooner is definitely better when it comes to identifying and reporting problems with your earnings record. As time passes, you may no longer have past tax documents and some employers may no longer be in business or able to provide past payroll information. If it turns out everything in your earnings record is correct, you can use the information and our online calculators at www.socialsecurity. gov/planners/benefitcalculators. html to plan for your retirement and prepare for the unexpected, such as becoming disabled or leaving behind survivors. We use your top 35 years of earnings when we calculate your benefit amounts. You can learn more about how your benefit amount is calculated at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/10070.pdf.
A: No. If you start receiving benefits after you’ve reached your full retirement age, you can work while you receive Social Security and your current benefit will not be reduced because of the earned income. If you keep working, it could mean a higher benefit for you in the future. Higher benefits can be important to you later in life and increase the future benefit amounts your survivors could receive. If you begin receiving benefits before your full retirement age, your earnings could reduce your monthly benefit amount. After you reach full retirement age, we recalculate your benefit amount to leave out the months when we reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings. Learn more about Social Security reading our publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits, at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10069.html.
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Fly fearlessly
Here are some tips on earning your wings in a healthy way By Barbara Pierce
T
hough we’ll be herded like cattle and fleeced like sheep before being squeezed into tiny seats for hours, many of us will get on a plane this summer. Traveling by air can be stressful, with a tiring string of hardships, adversity, confrontations, humiliations and unforeseen scams. Yet we’ve got to do it to get to where we want to go. But a long flight doesn’t have to equal suffering. Here’s how expert Crystal Hein, registered dietician and nutrition educator and the owner and operator of Crystal Clear Nutrition in Herkimer, recommends you make the best of it: — “First and foremost, try to keep to your usual eating habits and patterns. You may want to avoid large, high-fat meals the night before,” she recommends. It’s important to eat a good meal before you fly. Getting on a plane with an empty stomach is guaranteed to make you feel nauseous. Eat a smaller, filling meal that includes things like eggs and whole wheat toast. Stay away from greasy, spicy and salty foods. — Take healthy foods to bring to eat on your trip. “Try healthier foods and snack choices,” advises Hein. “High calorie, high-fat foods like pastries, candy bars, soda or fast foods can make us feel lethargic and run down.” “Look for healthier choices like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and lean protein, which can’t always be a last minute purchase at the airport. Plan and bring your own nonperishable snacks — trail mix, nuts, whole grain crackers or granola or protein bars.” “If you have issues with motion
sickness, I would eat small, frequent meals as you feel able. And keep well hydrated. Dry crackers or ginger ale might help to sooth your stomach,” Hein added. Drink lots of water, advises Hein — before you board, while you are on the plane, and after you land. It will help to keep you from getting dehydrated and feeling nauseous. The humidity in the cabin is much lower than usual and can lead to dehydration if you don’t keep hydrated. “Water is the best way to stay hydrated. You will know you are well hydrated when your urine is pale yellow (lemonade color),” Hein said.
Have some fluidity
Purchase your own water bottle at the airport after you’ve gone through security so you don’t have to depend on the beverage service to get enough water.
“Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol,” she adds. “The dry environment of the plane cabin and the diuretic effect of the alcohol will result in quickly feeling dehydrated,” Hein added. Common sense should determine how much alcohol you consume. Coffee and carbonated drinks can also cause dehydration. If you need ginger ale to settle your stomach, try drinking one cup of water for every cup of soda you drink. — Dress for comfort. Don’t wear jeans; they’re too restricting. Wear layers so you can take them off, like a T-shirt with a warmer shirt or jacket over it. Keeping cool decreases motion sickness. So does your overhead fan; keep it on if you have motion sickness. — Take off your shoes for long flights. Wear thick socks or easy-toslip-on shoes.
Sitting in tight quarters for hours affects blood flow throughout your body, leading to swelling in your feet and ankles. The risk of a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) increases when blood isn’t circulating well. Risk factors for this include being obese, pregnant or postpartum, on birth control pills, over age 40, or having a serious medical illness. Compression stockings and even the use of anti-coagulant drugs benefit people with underlying risk factors. Talk to your doctor if you are at risk and planning a flight. — If you’re short, consider bringing a lightweight, collapsible footstool to put under the seat in front of you so you can stretch out and elevate your legs. If you’re tall, get an aisle seat. — Airsickness is often caused by a fear of flying, called pteromerhanophobia. If your anxiety causes you to feel nauseous, reassuring yourself that you’re OK can help calm you down. Lean the seat as far back as it will go. Take relaxing breaths. Deep breaths could make you hyperventilate. Relaxing breaths are a normal inhale and long exhale. Breathing like this sends your body and brain the message that you are OK. When you look out the window, you are less likely to feel nauseous and dizzy, so choose a window seat. And sit above a wing of the plane or near the front, as you’ll feel less motion in those spots. — Don’t read. Staring at a stationary page of a book while your body is in motion can cause you to feel nauseous. Even if the chapter you just finished ended with a cliffhanger, try to keep the book closed.
Senior competitors shine in Boilermaker Continued from Page 7
99 age group, which consisted of just three runners. Another Syracuse-area participant, Sam Sammarco, 80, of Camillus, took top honors in the age division with a blazing time of 1:41.37. Oneonta’s Dillon R. Maier, 82, was runner-up in 2:18:47, while Kall was more than 22 minutes behind him. “I’ve always been slow,” he commented in a phone interview prior to the Boilermaker. He has run the race at least 20 times, including 10 times with his wife, Mateele, who is 76 now, but she sat out this year. On the women’s side, the oldest group was 75-79 and 79-year-old Angele Carpenter of Cortland won it in 1:52:32. Following her was Christa Maier, 76, of Buffalo, in 2:12:40. New Hartford resident Rose Hosp, 75, ran the Boilermaker for the 36th time in 40 years and was third with a time of 2:29.23. She, too, was among the late finishers, but she was jubilant, raising his arms in triumph when she crossed the line and showing off her personalized T-shirt for a Page 14
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photographer.
Still a practicing attorney
Kall is always on the go. He is an attorney with the Kall and Reilly law firm in Syracuse. “I still work every day,” he said. He graduated from Le Moyne College in Syracuse and later from Syracuse University Law School. He was not an athlete in his younger years, although he has been an avid tennis player. He explained that he was late in picking up the sport. It came, after all things, because he began experiencing heart trouble when he was in his 60s. “I had a couple of stents put in,” he said. “I didn’t have a heart attack, just blockage. The doctor told me to get lots of exercise. Before running, I played recreational tennis and racquetball for 50 years.” He hasn’t shied away from running marathons and has three on his resume. His first one was in Rochester (Ontario Shores) when he turned 70. He recalled that he first got interested in the Boilermaker because his partner, Richard Reilly, used to lead a
group from his office. Kall’s nephew lives in Utica, too, and mans a cheering station with other family and local friends at the six-mile post. “I’ve done a lot of races in Syracuse,” he added, including the Mountain Goat and a 10-miler in Cazenovia.
Worry-free day
John DeTraglia, the Boilermaker’s medical director, and his staff had a relatively worry-free day for the 2017 run. At the post-Boilermaker press conference, DeTraglia said his staff treated just 64 runners, 26 in the party area and 18 on the course, mostly for dehydration. Two people were transported to the hospital (the average is around five or six each year, but he said they recovered quickly. Tim Reed, president of the Boilermaker Road Race for the last 10 years, waited until the day after the race to announce his surprise retirement. Reed again is following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Earle, who started the Boilermaker in 1978
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2017
to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his family’s business, Utica Boilers (ECR International and now Utica Companies). Earle was president of the company. He later became president of the Boilermaker and oversaw its growth and development through its formative years. “In spite of all the changes we have seen over the years, the Boilermaker has held true to Earle’s vision that its true purpose is to change people’s lives,” Tim wrote in his president’s welcome in the program book. Tim succeeded his brother as president of Utica Companies and took over the Boilermaker, as well. Under Tim, the race evolved into a major event with activities that occur over a three-day weekend and involves the entire Mohawk Valley. He also helped expand the race’s popularity. Earle is still a member of the corporate board of directors, Though Tim is stepping down, he told the media he now has opportunities and time to return to running the Boilermaker next year.
• For related story, see Page 20
Health News Amalanayagam
Eaglefeathers
Din
Gomez-Hernandez
Valley Residential Services’ residents beautify grounds Grullon
Hua
Lin
Nemirovsky
Patel
Tse
SEMC welcomes doctors to residency program Ten new doctors recently began training at St. Elizabeth Medical Center’s Family Medicine Residency Program. Residency program director Mark E. Warfel said the physicians will train and provide care at the St. Elizabeth campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System, the Sister Rose Vincent Family Medicine Center on Hobart Street, the Women’s Health Center and at the Faxton and St. Luke’s campuses as affiliates of MVHS. The family medicine residency has 30 residents in training, 10 in each year of the three-year program. “The residency program has brought more than 120 primary care
Valley Residential Services’ residents Elide Tripolone, left, and Shirley Mosher enjoyed a beautiful day recently by helping to beautify the grounds at VRS in Herkimer. In addition to planting flowers in the front of the assisted living facility, they helped with gardening at the new gazebo behind the residence. physicians to the Central New York state region since its inception in 1975-76,” Warfel said. “Nearly half of the 277 family physicians completing the program have settled in Upstate New York, helping to alleviate a shortage of physicians.” The new doctors are: • Sujitha Amalanayagam: Born in Sri Lanka, she graduated from Saba University School of Medicine. She speaks Tamil and enjoys sky diving, bungee jumping, hiking and traveling. • Sana Din: Din was born in Pakistan and lives in Syracuse. She graduated from Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine, Curacao. She speaks Hindi and Urdu and likes walking, reading and cooking. • Shana Eaglefeathers: Born in Oneonta, she graduated from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine. She is a mother of nine and likes to hike, kayak, play cello, knit and preserve the Cheyenne language and culture. • Adrian Gomez-Hernandez: Born in Sagua La Grande, Cuba, he graduated from the Universidad de Ciencias Medicas de Villa Clara Facultad de Medicina. He is fluent in Spanish. • Gisell Grullon: Born in the Bronx, she graduated from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica. She speaks Spanish and likes exercising, traveling to Caribbean islands, babysitting her nieces and shopping. • Hoang Hua: Born in Vietnam, she goes by the name of Natalie. She graduated from the American
University of Antigua College of Medicine in Antigua. She is fluent in Vietnamese and likes calligraphy, drawing and singing. • Ethan Lin: Born in Myanmar, he graduated from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica and is fluent in Burmese. He likes ballroom dancing, yoga, cross-fit and cooking. • Michael Nemirovsky: Born in Azerbaijan, he graduated from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica. He speaks Russian and likes swimming and traveling. • Rippol Patel: Born in Edmonton, Alberta, she graduated from the International American University College of Medicine in Saint Lucia. She speaks Gujarati and likes to swim, kayak and play basketball and volleyball. • Kevin Tse: Born in New York City, he graduated from the American University of Antigua College of Medicine in Antigua. He speaks Chinese and likes martial arts and volunteering.
Trade association honors SEMC librarian Halyna Liszczynskyj, director of library services at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, recently received two awards at the 2017 Medical Library Association annual conference in Seattle, Wash. She received an award for being a co-author on a poster on solo librarianship presented at the conference. Titled “Solo Librarians: Demographics, Duties, Needs and Challenges,” the poster was recognized by the
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professional development award committee in the hospital libraries section of the MLA. She also received an exemplary service award from the hospital libraries section and her name was added to its scroll of exemplary service. Liszczynskyj has been a SEMC employee since 2003. A member of the Medical Library Association Liszczynskyj and the Special Library Association, Liszczynskyj came to SEMC from Graduate Hospital at Tenet Healthcare in Philadelphia, Pa., where she was library manager. She also spent 10 years at the Faxton Campus Library of Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica, served as librarian at the VA Medical Center in Brooklyn, and at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in Ithaca. She attended SUNY Geneseo, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in speech pathology and audiology and a master’s degree in library science.
SECON named to exclusive Forbes list Forbes magazine ranked St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica to its list of the country’s top two-year trade schools recently. SECON was ranked third of the list’s 30 schools based upon students’ post-graduate earnings, along with the schools’ affordability and quality. SECON is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., and registered by the New York State Education Department. “As an independent, accredited college, it’s great to be recognized by Forbes. We and our predecessors have worked for many years to ensure that our program educates excellent nurses,” said college president Varinya Sheppard. “They are in demand across the area and most of them get jobs even before they graduate.” SECON grants Associate in Applied Science degrees and held its 111th commencement ceremony in May. This is the first time Forbes has assembled a comprehensive ranking of two-year trade schools.
MVHS Foundations name 2017-2018 board officers The Mohawk Valley Health System Foundations — Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center —recently announced the 2017-2018 officers for its board of directors. — Terrance Mielnicki has been named president. Mielnicki has been
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Health News tentative agreements for five successor collective bargaining contracts. The new three-year contracts extend through June 2020. CWA represents approximately 1,700 bargaining unit employees at FSLH made up of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, technicians and service and maintenance employees. “It is a monumental event for a local health care labor union to bargain all five contracts at the same time,” said Frank Murphy, president of CWA Local 1126.
Continued from Page 15 a member of the SEMC Foundation board since 2008 and has served as president of the board since 2009. He is on the executive committee and has served as the golf committee cochair since 2008. Mielnicki is a licensed master social worker at Mid-State Correctional Facility. — John H. Hobika, Jr. has been named vice president. Hobika has been on the SEMC Foundation board since 2010 and serves on the capital campaign feasibility study and gift acceptance committees. Hobika Hobika is vice president and senior regional insurance specialist of M&T Securities, Inc. — Mary Malone McCarthy has been named secretary. Malone McCarthy has served on the FSLH Foundation board since 2012, most recently serving on the executive committee as secretary. Malone McCarthy She serves on the capital campaign feasibility study committee and is the founder and immediate past chairperson of the MVHS Women’s Giving Circle. Malone is president and CEO of M3 Placement & Partnership. — Stephen Surace has been named treasurer. Surace has served on the FSLH Foundation board since 2014 and serves on the bylaws Surace and gift acceptance policy committees. Surace is a senior vice president and the chief financial officer of Adjusters International.
MVHS administrator’s career highlighted An article highlighting the career of Jodi Kapes, director of behavioral health for the Mohawk Valley Health System, has been published by Falk College at Syracuse University. Kapes earned her Master of Social Work with a family mental Kapes health concentration from S.U., and her Bachelor of Science in human services with Page 16
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AMP Urology seeing patients in Rome
Two St. Elizabeth Guild members honored with Eleanor Nelson Award Linda Kurtyka, right, and Carole Nunziata were recently honored with the Eleanor Nelson Award in recognition of their dedication and enthusiasm toward their work with the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Guild. The award is presented annually to an individual guild member who emulates the ardent and faithful ways of Eleanor Nelson, who was a volunteer of the guild. Kurtyka has been a guild member for 17 years. She served on the guild board of directors as both president and vice president and serves on the volunteer board transition committee of the Mohawk Valley Health System. Nunziata, a 10-year guild member, has held positions of publicity chairperson, legislation chairperson, assistant corresponding secretary and president of the guild, and is a member of the volunteer board transition committee of MVHS. a specialization in early childhood services, cum laude, from Elmira College. In the article, Kapes describes why she chose social work for her career and what she likes best about her work. The article is posted online at https://falk.syr.edu/social-work-alumna-follows-family-legacy-into-the-helping-professions/. Kapes also has a private counseling practice in New Hartford. She is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and an active member of the National Association of Social Workers.
MVHS offers household sharps disposal program Mohawk Valley Health System offers the household sharps disposal program for community members to properly dispose of their medical waste. Items such as syringes and lancets may be dropped off from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays at the Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Energy Center located on the St. Luke’s Campus, 1656
Champlin Ave., New Hartford, or at the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services, also on the St. Luke’s campus at 1650 Champlin Ave. Items dropped off at CRCCS may be given to the receptionist. In addition, sharp instruments may also be brought to the St. Elizabeth Medical Center hospital services department, located in the SEMC basement, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays excluding holidays. Only items from private residences in clearly marked “sharps” puncture-proof containers will be accepted. For more information, call the FSLH Energy Center at 315-624-6186 or SEMC hospital services at 315-8018249.
FSLH, CWA Local 1126 reach tentative pact Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica and its nursing-technical-service and maintenance staff represented by Communications Workers of America Local 1126 recently reached
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2017
Urologists Bashar Omarbasha and Wael F. Muakkassa of AMP Urology have joined the Rome Medical Practice to provide treatment of diseases of the urinary tract in men and women. Their office is located in the Griffiss Business and Technology Park at 267 Hill Road, Suite 300, accessed by turning on Avery Road next to AmeriCU Federal Credit Omarbasha Union. Muakkassa and Omarbasha have specialized training and experience in many aspects of urology, including cancer, prostate disease, male and female incontinence, male sexual dysfunction and kidney stone disease. The specialists are trained in laparoscopic and micro-vascular techniques. Omarbasha earned his medical degree at Damascus University in Syria and completed his internship and surgical residency at the Hospital de Chartres in Paris, France. He advanced his training with a urologic surgery residency at Boston University Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital in Massachusetts, an affiliate of Harvard University Medical School, and a fellowship in urological oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, focusing on the treatment of urological cancers. Omarbasha has been in practice since 1990. Certified by the American Board of Urology, Muakkassa earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon, where he completed his surgical Muakkassa internship. He completed his surgical residencies at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo and St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. He advanced his training with residencies in urology at the Medical
Continued on Page 17
Health News Continued from Page 16 College of Ohio in Toledo and the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, Md. He also completed a fellowship in renal transplant surgery at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Va. Muakkassa held academic positions at the University of Maryland in Baltimore and American University of Beirut in Lebanon prior to going into private practice where he has more than 20 years of experience.
MRI services at RMH receive reaccreditation Rome Memorial Hospital has been awarded a renewal of its threeyear accreditation by the American College of Radiology for magnetic resonance imaging, announced medical imaging director Sharon Carson. Physicians depend upon the diagnostic information from medical imaging studies to develop a plan of care for their patients. To ensure the results provided are of the highest quality, RMH seeks validation of its medical imaging services through the ACR. The ACR is a nonprofit professional society whose primary purposes are to advance the science of radiology, improve radiologic services to the patient, study the socioeconomic aspects of the practice of radiology, and encourage continuing education for radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and persons practicing in allied professional fields.
RMH’s assistant VP of clinical services honored The New York Organization of Nurse Executives and Leaders recently recognized Teresa Bell, assistant vice president of clinical services at Rome Memorial Hospital, for outstanding leadership in nursing practice. With nearly 400 members across the state, NYONEL is the professional orgaBell nization for nurses who design, facilitate, influence, and manage health care services in New York state. “Terry was chosen for her outstanding nursing leadership,” said Durinda Durr, vice president of clinical services at RMH. “She is a leader by example who displays her love for her profession every day through her actions, professionalism, knowledge and skill.” A graduate of the Marcy Psychiatric Hospital School of Nursing, Bell earned her Bachelor of Science degree in health care administration from Kennedy-Western University, Cheyenne, Wyo. She started her career at RMH in
1975 as a medical-surgical staff nurse.
VHS receives SlocumDickson Foundation grant Valley Health Services in Herkimer recently received a grant of $8,901.75 from the Slocum-Dickson Foundation to provide a wound and skin care certification course for its registered nurses. The course will be offered in Herkimer from Nov. 6-10 and is open to area registered nurses. More information is available by contacting Kathy Eisenhut, Valley Health Services administrator, at 315866-3330, extension 2245. Lis M. Betrus, Valley Health Services president, stated, “This evidence-based educational course brings the most advanced knowledge to our nurses in order for them to provide the best possible skin care. Skin integrity and wound management are critical to quality care and we are extremely grateful for choosing to support the work of Valley Health Services.”
Herkimer students gift catheter bags Valley Health Services in Herkimer recently received a gift of catheter bags from Herkimer High School’s seventh grade home and careers class. Seventh-grade teacher Holly White led the project, which tasked students with a sewing project to benefit VHS residents. While at VHS, the class also toured and learned about such career focuses as physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as activities and adult day care. The home and careers curriculum helps to prepare students to navigate their world and learn skills they can apply both immediately and in their future. Within the classroom, the students build and develop babysitting skills, become Internet savvy, and further career development as well as being tasked with sewing and cooking projects.
Valley Health Services adds to leadership team Tammi King recently joined the staff at Valley Health Services in Herkimer as director of staff development-infection control. In her role, King is responsible for implementing, tracking, and overseeing nursing and non-nursing educational instruction, infection King control maintenance-prevention, and employee health. King indicates that her work at VHS assists the health care worker in providing a continuous resource for ongoing education, evaluation of
Upstate Caring Partners names top employees Art teacher Sean Evans of Sauquoit and Sue Roy of Utica, clinical supervisor of nursing at Upstate Cerebral Palsy, were recently recognized as employees of the year for 2017. Both were honored with the distinction at the Upstate Caring Partners’ annual meeting held at Daniele’s Banquet Specialists in Whitesboro. The employee of the year award honors individuals who go above and beyond the typical responsibilities associated with their positions and who exemplify the agency’s values of excellence, passion, integrity, caring and respect all year long. competency, and support to ensure they are providing residents with quality care. “I became a registered nurse over 16 years ago and my love for nursing has always been with the geriatric population,” King said. “I’ve found my passion with providing education instruction to the health care team which allows for the residents to receive the best care.” King lives in Utica with her son and significant other.
Health centers receive national recognition Little Falls Hospital, a subsidiary of the Bassett Healthcare Network, recently attained the new level 3 patient-centered medical home classification from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. “This recognition is evidence of the continued commitment to high-quality primary care for the local community and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Newport and Dolgeville health centers’ clinicians and staff,” said Michael Ogden, president. The NCQA certification of patient-centered medical home is a new care delivery model meant to enhance primary care practices. This new model relies on a true patient-provider relationship to achieve
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overall wellness and addresses the coordinated care necessary to keep patients healthy.
Human resources expert joins LFH Christine Pirri has joined Little Falls Hospital, a subsidiary of Bassett Healthcare Network, as the vice president of human resources. Pirri will provide an executive oversight role to monitor and assure ongoing compliance with the myriad of regulations that LFH must meet, and to assist senior leadership with human resource strategy and policy development for the hospital. Pirri In addition to her role at LFH, Pirri serves as vice president at Cobleskill Regional Hospital, a subsidiary of Bassett Healthcare Network in Schoharie County. “Christine is an accomplished human resources professional who has implemented many new and innovative programs,” said Michael Ogden, president of Little Falls Hospital.
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Patricia J. Malin
Psychiatrist addresses mental health issues Continued from Page 4 They’re not against mental health, but there are obstacles regarding coverage for medication. What I see fit for a patient, they might object to. Medication is very expensive. People who are using illegal drugs or suffering from depression or other issues are using drugs to mask their issues and come to a psychiatrist to begin a treatment program. The insurance companies don’t understand the medication issues. The treatment program consists of a critical psychiatric evaluation; a diagnosis; determining appropriate medications; and having the patient see a counselor or psychologist to examine the issues. A psychiatrist recognizes these problems don’t happen overnight, but over the years they became chronic issues. Some people are beyond help, but the staff at UCP is focused on helping people with these issues. UCP’s community and
behavioral services unit is open to everyone in the community, not only those with cerebral palsy or physical and developmental issues. Q.: It’s been suggested that the use of social media today has contributed to greater isolation of teens and perhaps adults, too. If you think back to when you started practicing in 1999 to today, do you believe this has led to feelings of insecurity, more bullying, outrageous behavior and more frequent tendencies for suicide among teens? A.: In my opinion, and I’m not a Facebook person myself, I think it does affect younger people. We’re talking about negative peer pressure where they start using drugs or they become vindictive to their family. It certainly has an impact. But depending on how social media is used, it could be helpful. We have more medications available today and more patients seeing psychiatrists. It’s not a bad idea for psychiatrists to have more training in social media and how to approach young people.
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Most U.S. Teens Aren’t ‘Doing It’ By 18, more than half of adolescents were still virgins, new CDC survey reveals
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ex is everywhere in the media, and so you may be convinced that today’s teens are always looking to “hookup.” But new federal research says it’s just not so. Instead, the study found that most teenagers in high school aren’t sexually active. “The myth is that every kid in high school is having sex, and it’s not true,” noted physician Cora Breuner, a professor of pediatrics at Seattle Children’s Hospital, who reviewed the findings. “It’s less than half, and it’s been less than half for more than 10 years,” she said. The study found that only 42 percent of girls and 44 percent of boys aged 15 to 19 reported having sex at least once. And Breuner said that finding is nothing new. Going back to 2002, fewer than half of older teens told researchers that they are sexually active, federal data show. Further, most teens who choose to go all the way wind up losing their virginity to someone they’re dating, the survey shows. Three out of four girls said they were “going steady” with their first sexual partner, and a little more than half of boys said the same. By comparison, only 2 percent of girls and 7 percent of boys said they lost their virginity to someone they just met. “There’s this myth that kids hook up quite a bit and have sex with someone they literally just met,” Breuner said. “This dispels that myth, that our teenagers are having sex with people they don’t know.” The statistics come from in-person interviews conducted with more than 4,000 teenagers across the United States between 2011 and 2015. The survey was funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Breuner believes that HIV is the main reason teens think twice before
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2017
having sex these days. Back in 1988, 51 percent of girls and 60 percent of boys between 15 and 19 said they were sexually active, but those numbers dropped to today’s levels after word spread of a sexually transmitted disease that could kill, Breuner said. Teens also appear to be more aware of the lifelong consequences of pregnancy, said lead researcher Joyce Abma, a statistician with the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. About 89 percent of teen girls and 80 percent of teen boys said they would be upset if sex led to pregnancy, the survey found. Comparatively, only 11 percent of girls and 20 percent of boys said they would be pleased if that happened. Sexually active teens are more apt to use protection these days. Nine out of 10 teenagers reported using some method of birth control the last time they had sex, compared with 83 percent of teens back in 2002. “That’s a pretty significant increase, and that hasn’t leveled off like we saw with sexual experience,” Abma said. Condoms are the most commonly used method of contraception among teens, with 56 percent of teenage girls saying they used one during their last sexual encounter. About 31 percent of girls are on the pill, and about 13 percent said they use some other form of hormone-based contraception. About 22 percent used both a condom and hormonal contraception when they last had sex. Contraception is probably more widely used because teens have better access, Breuner said. In many areas, kids can obtain contraception without having to involve their parents. The new study was published recently in the CDC’s National Health Statistics Report.
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KIDS Corner
How to prevent future couch potatoes
Some smart ways to get kids to exercise more
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hildren need between 35 and 60 minutes of exercise every day to stay lean and healthy, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. But moving them off the couch can be as hard as getting them to eat their vegetables. Part of the problem is that kids spend too much time with the TV, computers, cell phones, and video game consoles. On average, American kids are in front of screens for a whopping seven-and-a-half hours a day. So how do you get your kids to put down the game controllers and
get moving? First, bite the bullet and set limits — no more than an hour or two of screen time a day, especially on school nights. Don’t put a TV or anything else with a screen in their bedrooms. Schedule play into their day. After school, encourage them to shoot hoops or jump rope before doing homework. Have an older child play ball with the dog as a daily job. Get active together. Play catch on a sunny day. After dinner go for a quick walk as a family. Expose your kids to a lot of different kinds of activities through
sports teams or clubs. If they find something they love, they’re more likely to stick with it as they move from elementary to middle to high school.
August 2017 •
Speaking of school, studies show that physically fit kids perform better in the classroom. That means regular exercise can benefit your kids’ report card as well as their waistlines.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Taking on the challenge
world. She has won seven paralympic medals and 25 marathons. This year’s Boilermaker wheelchair race drew its largest field ever, 43 athletes, a jump of 11 from 2016. It included four women. Marc DePerno, director of the Sitrin Stars wheelchair sports program at Sitrin Rehabilitation Center in New Hartford, attributed the increase to recruiting efforts by Utica wheelchair racer Hermin Garic. Garic, 27, talked up the Boilermaker and his adopted hometown during trips to Peachtree, Maine and Seattle for races this spring.
Wheelchair competitors overcome disabilities to master Boilermaker Road Race in Utica
No place to go but up
By Patricia J. Malin
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ith $100,000 in prize money available for the first time to elite athletes, the 40th running of the Boilermaker Road Race in Utica lived up to its reputation. The 15-kilometer race took off recently in east Utica and finished about two hours later on the west side of the city in front of F.X. Matt Brewing Co. One of those elites is Amanda McCrory, who won the Boilermaker’s women’s wheelchair division title for the fifth consecutive year and sixth time overall. She also set a course record this time of 37 minutes, 40 seconds, smashing her own record of 39:11 that she set in 2011. There were no women competitors in the wheelchair division in 2013. On the men’s side of the wheelchair races, defending champion 18-year-old Daniel Romanchuk of Urbana, Ill., had an impressive winning time of 33:05, topping his 2016 time of 35:09. The prize money for the wheelchair division was $37,600, more than double last year’s amount, and drew a record crowd of 43 competitors. McCrory, a resident of Savoy, Ill., is just 31 years old, but has a lot of years under her belt when it comes to professional wheelchair racing. She was second in this year’s Peachtree Run in Atlanta, Ga., which is held on July 4 and serves as a tune-up for many of the Boilermaker pros. “It’s a lot easier when you know the course,” said McCrory. “The hills seem to come out of nowhere.” She had an incentive to push her pace at the Boilermaker, and not only for the $4,000 winner’s prize. She had a plane to catch. As soon as the awards ceremony was completed, she dashed off to London, England, to compete in the World Para AthletPage 20
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Amanda McCrory and her friend, Adam Finney, relax after McCrory won the Boilermaker’s women’s wheelchair division title for the fifth consecutive year and sixth time overall. ics Championships, which were held from July 14-23. McCrory is a member of the USA Paralympic Team, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Fifty athletes and three guides were selected for the USA team. The world championships will be the first major international track and field competition since the Paralympic Games Rio 2016 where Team USA won 42 medals. McCrory won a silver medal and a bronze last year. McCrory’s dominance in the Boilermaker is no surprise considering her outstanding performances earlier this year. In April, she placed second and set an American record in the women’s wheelchair division of the Boston Marathon with a time of 1:33:13. She mirrored her finish six days later at the London Marathon, taking second in 1:44:34 to win back-to-back medals en route to her fourth Abbott World Marathon Majors podium this year. She also was among two athletes along with the women’s hockey team chosen for “Best of April” honors by Team USA. McCrory considers herself a marathon specialist. She said she trains six days a week, a total of 10 sessions combining long-distance runs with speed training. The Boilermaker combines both of those elements.
“Here, I’m in front and I pick up a lot of speed on the down hills,” she said. “Today, I went all out.” McCrory, a native of Pennsylvania, has been in a wheelchair since she was five years old, a victim of a neurological disease called transverse myelitis that attacks the spinal cord. “On Oct. 19, 1991, I woke up and discovered I could no longer walk,” she stated on her personal website. Her parents were naturally frightened as they took her to the hospital. After two weeks of multiple testing, she noted, the doctors informed her family, “No, we don’t think she’ll ever get better.” McCrory admits she suffered bouts of depression as a youngster until her parents discovered a summer camp for children with disabilities that steered her in a positive direction. She graduated high school with honors, and accepted an athletics scholarship to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a dual sport athlete. She played wheelchair basketball and was a member of the track and road racing team. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and is pursuing a master’s degree from the University of Illinois in library and information science, with a focus on archival work. Meanwhile, her athletic background has allowed her to travel the
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2017
Last winter, after Jacob Moore lost his job, he found himself with extra time on his hands. Finally, in February, he contacted DePerno and inquired about joining the Sitrin Stars program. He started off by playing wheelchair basketball, but DePerno also encouraged him to consider the Boilermaker. The Rome native knew his wheelchair racing challenge was going to be tough, but he also didn’t expect to finish last in the Boilermaker. It was a grueling experience. A few months ago, Moore, 40, began training in Rome along the mostly-level Mohawk Trail roadway next to the Erie Canal and listened in earnest to advice from his fellow Stars. It proved insufficient to conquer the Boilermaker. “I thought I was very much prepared, but the hills and curves messed up my times,” he said. Starting about the three-mile mark, the hills pierce Valley View golf course and continue a steep climb up to the Utica Zoo. Such terrain derails most newcomers to the race, but it also separates the champions from the rest of the pack. The first five kilometers took Moore an hour to complete. He finished the race in a disappointing 2 hours, 46 minutes, 29 seconds. All first-time competitors in the wheelchair division, unless they’re professionals, compete in the 15K using a standard wheelchair. Sitrin Rehab offers a challenge to the racers every year — those who finish in 2 hours and 15 minutes will earn a lightweight, three-wheeled racing chair. Moore was even more disappointed that he didn’t qualify for the new wheelchair. However, a few days after the race, he learned that a local donor stepped in and decided to purchase one for him.
• For related story, see Page 7