In Good Health

in good

Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

March 2011 • Issue 61

Wanna be my friend?

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NUTRITION & HEALTH Read and understand nutrition labels

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Why Men Cheat

Find out why men stray from marital vows.

See Page 6

Is President Obama Quitting for Good?

Page 15

Men’s Health

Diet soda linked to heart attack, strokes Drinking diet soda every day was associated with 48 percent increase in risk of heart attack or stroke compared with same-aged people who didn’t drink diet soda. Page 9

• HEART DISEASE Mohawk Valley man takes on the fight of his life March 2011 •

• ADVICE Here’s what men should know about women

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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HEALTH EVENTS

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Got a health-related activity or event that you would like publicized? Call Lou Sorendo at 315-749-7070 or e-mail lou@cnymail.com.

Tuesdays

Insight House offers family support group Insight House Chemical Dependency Services is offering a family support group meeting from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Insight House, 500 Whitesboro St., Utica.

The family support group is free and open to anyone who is concerned about a loved one’s relationship with alcohol or other substances. There are no prerequisites to attend the group and it is appropriate for individuals who may or may not have a family member in treatment. Participants will learn about co-dependency, self-care, trust, shame, guilt and detachment.

The sessions will also discuss the wide range of community resources and support options available, including Al-Anon.

For more information about the group, call 724.5168 ext. 265, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

March 3

Women’s health topic of March ‘Health Night’ Urologist Wael Muakkassa will present a seminar to promote awareness of women’s health issues includ-

Gary F. Witchley D.C., L.Ac.

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• Reiki • Nutritional Supplements 734 Erie Blvd W., Rome, NY 13440

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315-337-0763

ing advances in urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse treatment at Rome Memorial Hospital’s Health Night.

The free presentation will be held at 7 p.m. March 3 in the hospital’s classroom.

“One out of every three women over the age of 45 suffers from urinary incontinence and an estimated 34 million women are affected by pelvic organ prolapse,” Muakkassa said.

“Incontinence is simply a problem with bladder control,” he explained.

“Some women experience incontinence when they cough, sneeze or exercise.

Others are faced with a strong urge to urinate and are unable to make it to the bathroom on time.”

Health Night is sponsored by Rome Memorial Hospital. Advance registration is not required. Refreshments will be served. The program is co-sponsored by AMS Solutions for Life.

Rome Memorial Hospital’s classroom is located on the second floor of the hospital.

For more information, call 338.7143.

March 5

Are you ready to Zumba?

A “Zumbathon” benefiting AIDS Community Resources will take place from 4-7 p.m. March 5 at the Parkway Recreation Center in Utica.

The event is sponsored by AIDS Community Resources and Zumba Sista Zumba and will offer live music, food, fun, and door prizes.

AIDS Community Resources has lost significant funding through New York state cuts. Fundraisers like the Zumbathon help to maintain youth programming like the Teen AIDS Task Force and the Youth Safety Project for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth) in Utica.

For tickets or more information, call Jessica at 315.793.0661 extension 147.

March 6

It’s time for some ‘Meatball Madness’ The Abraham House’s second annual March Meatball Madness will be held from noon to 3 p.m. March 6 at the Blue Flag Room & Historic Union Train Station, 321 Main St., Utica.

Competing for favorite meatballs and sauce votes are Bella Cucina, Busy Bee Italian Café, Campus Inn, Carmela Caruso in memory of her father, Carmen Caruso, Joey’s, Maria’s Pasta Shop, Pumpernickle’s Original New

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2011

March Madness: Too drunk to drive

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ight percent of fans who agreed to be tested after attending professional football and baseball games were too drunk to legally drive, a new study finds, and 40 percent had booze in their bodies.

The study does not disclose where the games took place, it excludes fans not old enough to legally drink and it was limited to those who agreed to participate.

But the findings do suggest that there’s a wider problem that could put plenty of people at risk after sporting events, said study lead author Darin Erickson, assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota. Drunken people, after all, get into car accidents and cause many other problems when they are let loose from a party or bar.

“It may not seem like a lot when you say 8 percent leaving a game were above the legal limit, when you look at a big stadium that has 5,000 attendees,” he said, but over time, “if you look at the hundreds to thousands of games, this is a lot of intoxicated individuals.”

The study appears online and in the April 2011 issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. The study authors wanted to know if it would be feasible to ask fans to take Breathalyzer tests and respond to surveys as they leave a stadium.

Researchers approached fans as they left 13 Major League Baseball games and three National Football League games in 2006. Guidelines from university lawyers and a review board

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prevented the researchers from testing or surveying people under age 21, who cannot drink legally, or from approaching people who obviously were drunk, although researchers said that they did not see anybody in that category.

Despite the restrictions, the researchers recruited 382 people to participate: 264 after baseball games and 118 after football games. Almost 60 percent of the participants were men and 55 percent were ages 21 to 35. Only 14 percent were 51 and older.

Forty percent of the participants had alcohol in their systems at concentrations ranging from 0.005 (a tiny amount) to a whopping 0.22. Eight percent were at 0.08 or higher. Those who had been tailgating before the game were much more likely to have been legally drunk, as were those under age 35.

It was not clear how many of those who had been drinking planned to drive home.

The numbers provide insight into how many people leave sporting events with booze on board, Erickson said. In turn, the data could help policymakers figure out how to limit the problem, he said.

Ruth Engs, a professor at Indiana University who has studied college drinking, questioned the motives of the study. “Although the article does not come out and advocate eliminating alcohol from games, reading between the lines this appears to be the researchers’ possible future agenda,” she said.

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Plastic surgery on the rise

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s the U.S. economy slowly rebounds, the number of Americans freeing up their wallets to go under the knife is on the rise.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 13.1 million plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2010, up 5 percent compared to 2009.

Also, more than 5.3 million reconstructive plastic surgery operations were performed last year, up 2 percent from the year before.

The ASPS report showed a trend toward more invasive procedures.

Facelifts, for example, rose 9 percent in 2010. The operations have not experienced any significant growth since

2007.

Breast augmentations increased 2 percent, with silicone implants being used in 60 percent of the procedures.

The report stated that all surgical contouring procedures, including breast lifts, lower body lifts and thigh lifts, experienced growth in 2010.

“There’s some pent up demand for cosmetic surgical procedures. People have waited a couple of years or more to have procedures, until their finances were at least somewhat back in order.

But, all indications are, more consumers are again willing to spend more to look better,” ASPS President Dr. Phillip Haeck said.

ONEIDA, HERKIMER, MADISON AND OTSEGO COUNTIES in good A monthly newspaper published by

Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper

Local News, Inc. Distribution: 35,000 copies. To request home delivery ($15 per year), call (315) 749-7070.

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2011 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 • Phone: (315) 749-7070 E-mail: lou@cnymail.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Amylynn Pastorella, Patricia Malin, Barbara Pierce, Christine Bord, Kristen Raab Advertising: Donna Kimbrell, Marsha Preston Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Office Manager: Laura Beckwith

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.

March 2011 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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More meds, more falls Highly medicated seniors face threat of injuries

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major risk factor for falls among older adults may be lurking in their medicine cabinets.

Taking four or more medications, or taking a prescription with side effects including dizziness and drowsiness, can greatly increase an older adults’ risk of falling.

Your risk for medication side effects increases with age.

“If you have fallen, take many prescriptions or experience medication side effects, you should ask your physician or pharmacist to review your treatments,” said Mona Chitre, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield director of clinical services. “It is vital, however, that you do not stop taking your medications on your own. Doing so risks harming your health.”

Many falls occur at home and are preventable. Just one fall can cause broken bones or head trauma. This can lead to long recovery times, nursing home care and even death.

Medications that may increase your risk of falling include: • Drugs to treat nerves or anxiety such as Valium (diazepam) and Tranxene (clorazepate) • Drugs for depression such as Elavil (amitriptyline) and Tofranil (imipramine) • Sleep aids such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Dalmane (flurazepam) and Restoril (temazepam) • Heart medicine such as Catapres (clonidine) and Norpace (disopyramide) • Pain relievers such as Lortab (hydrocodone/acetaminophen), Indocin (indomethacin) and Demerol (meperidine) Removing home hazards is also important to preventing falls. Hazards include clutter in walkways and on stairs, poor lighting and slippery floors.

Poor eyesight can increase the risk of falling, so annual eye exams and up-to-date prescription lenses are important.

Go to youtube.com/excellusbcbs to watch local falls prevention expert Betty Perkins-Carpenter demonstrate fun moves to help seniors avoid falls and injuries, such as “Dancing with a Pillow,” “Stretching in Bed” and “The 10 Martini Slump.”

Each year, 15,000 older adults in Upstate New York are hospitalized as a result of injuries due to falls, according to an Excellus BCBS report.

Annual hospitalization costs in Upstate New York related to falls average $370 million.

To access the report, go to excellusbcbs.com/factsheets.

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Patricia J. Malin

Andy Lopez-Williams Andy Lopez-Williams is the founder, president and clinical director of ADHD & Autism Psychological Services and Advocacy, with offices in Utica and Oneida. He recently spoke with Mohawk Valley In Good Health senior correspondent Patricia J. Malin about his numerous duties.

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ditor’s note: Lopez-Williams started his practice to help families deal with autism from multiple viewpoints and options, combining assessment, treatment, education and advocacy. He is an expert and oft-published author on the role of medication in treatment plans for autistic children.

Lopez-Williams is a founding member and CEO of Central New York Quest, a nonprofit agency focused on services, education, advocacy and policy for persons with special needs.

Q.: Autism has been in the news lately, especially since Dr. Andrew Wakefield’s 1998 study claiming a link between autism and vaccines has been declared fraudulent. Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft Inc., who is on a mission to give free vaccinations to children worldwide, commented that Wakefield’s research, “(is) an absolute lie that has killed thousands of kids.”

What was your reaction to the news about the false study?

A.: Obviously, the data was shown to be falsified. It’s a sad thing because parents are so eager to find something that can help their child, that even something that’s on the fringe of science was given some (limited) credibility. Actually, a lot more people and children will suffer if vaccines are not given. So even though the accurate reports are now coming to light, the damage has already been done.

Q.: Why did you decide to practice in the Mohawk Valley?

A.: First, I have to tell you why I left. I felt there was something out there for me; I had a hunger to see the world.

But then I felt something was missing. I was doing well (in Rhode Island, West Virginia and Washington State), but there was no passion in what I was doing. One day I sat down and decided it made sense to come back to my hometown where I could put my wealth of knowledge and expertise to use.

Q.: What prompted you to become a clinical psychologist?

A.: My first (career) goal was to go to law school. Then I began to take psychology courses, social psychology and abnormal psychology and somehow it opened my mind to a whole new world. I became fascinated by the human mind and behavior. I knew I wanted to do something to help people.

Then I began to wonder how some people thrive and what happened to those who did not thrive.

Q.: What ailments or disorders do you treat?

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2011

A.: We specialize in ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and autism, although we work outside of those disorders, too. My agency has a lot of experience dealing with people

with other judgment disorders. We treat children, adolescents and adults suffering from depression and anxiety. (Note: ADHD is described as a medical condition that makes someone more active than normal, makes it difficult for them to concentrate, and causes problems with their behavior.

It is often seen in children with autism spectrum disorder, but it can also affect adults.)

Q.: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

A.: It’s clear to me that it’s difficult to help people in a healthcare system that’s broken. We have a system of healthcare that should help people, but there are a lot of pitfalls. You have to do a lot of negotiating and you almost need a college education to get your care. My agency is there to help people even when it seems all the bar-

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Lifelines Age: 40 Birthplace: Utica Residence: Utica Education: Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, 19941996; SUNY Buffalo, clinical psychology doctoral program (APA approved), PhD, 1998-2003; clinical residency (APA approved), University of Washington (State) School of Medicine, 2003-2004 Affiliations: Institutional Review Board member, Roger Williams University, Bristol, R.I.; founder and board member, ADHD Parent Advocacy Group, Monongalia County, W.Va.; advisory board, Kennedy-Willis Center on Down Syndrome, Edmeston; participant, “Ready ... Set ... Go!: Enhancing Court Practices in Child Welfare Proceedings” initiative in Oneida County; chairperson, Mohawk Valley Charter School initiative Family: Wife, Danielle Lopez-Williams; expecting son (Alec) on April 6 Hobbies: Playing basketball, movies, history, video games

men’s health What men need to know about women Primal instincts play key role in differences between men, women

By Barbara Pierce

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any men are frustrated by their relationships with the women in their lives.

They love her and do want her to stay in their lives. But there is tension between them. They do not know what to do to make things better.

Relationships do not have to be such a struggle.

Understanding some of the ways men are different from women will cut down on the frustrations and disappointments.

When we better understand each other, the tension decreases or disappears. The battlegrounds vanish when you, as a man, know where she’s coming from as a woman. And as you stop expecting her to behave differently.

“The well-known book ‘Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus’ by John Gray (a guide to understanding the inborn differences between men and women) may have some truth to it,” says David Muraco, professional life coach, Utica. “But I feel that the communication gap between men and women is even deeper than that.”

“Since the dawn of time, men have to hunt,” Muraco said. “Hunt for food, hunt for a place to live, and now we hunt for answers.” To be a successful hunter, a man had to be quiet to sneak up on his prey. Those men who were the most successful survived to pass on their genes.

It’s in the genes

Therefore, speaking only a few words, and getting to the point quickly, is in a man’s DNA. “Women have always been the gatherers,” says Muraco. “Gathering nuts and berries, gathering the children to find a place to live, gathering all kinds of information.” The early women who survived to pass their genes on were those who were best at making a community, best at talking with other women.

Therefore, being able to communicate is in a woman’s DNA. Muraco believes that men need to know this: “You have to listen when she tells you a story. You guessed it.

Listen to the whole story, because that is in her DNA. It’s how women communicate. For the most part, every single woman likes to tell a story to get to the meat that the men are waiting for.” She gives many details to drive her point home.

Think of Archie Bunker (“All in the Family”) telling Edith over and over, “Just get to the point, Edith! The point!”

And, what women need to know, according to Muraco: “The answer for women is just as simple as it is for men, but the implementation is challenging. When you ask a question and he gives you a two-word answer, or just tells you the meat of the story, just say ‘OK, thanks.’ Don’t get frustrated that he is not giving you all the details you would like to hear.”

“Because most men only care about the meat. Remember, they are the hunters; they go out kill something and bring it back; end of story. You must understand; if you want the whole story, it may come over time, not all at once. That is how men are made up.”

Muraco challenges us to simply test the theory. “Go ask your wife or your husband how their day was. From him, you will get maybe a sentence.

From her, you might get one to two chapters.”

Here’s the answer

If we understand that is how we are made up, and accept our differences, we will stop struggling with each other.

“Both will get what they need over time. The man gets to feel like he is the hunter—short and to the point—and the woman gets to feel like the gatherer—specific, long, detailed information,” concludes Muraco.

Another part of this theory that is helpful: Men like to handle things on their own. He doesn’t want to stop and ask for directions if he is lost; he doesn’t want to ask anything. He wants to achieve his goals alone, without input from anyone. Men go to lunch together to discuss a project or a business goal, or to solve a problem.

Women like to communicate. Sharing their feelings is more important than achieving goals. Women go to lunch together to talk things over, to develop their relationship with each other.

Men do not like to take advice from a woman. He may be hurt because he thinks she believes he is not competent to do the task.

On the other hand, a woman does like to come home and talk about her day. She may share the problems she is having at work. He, being Mr. Fix-it, offers her advice on how to handle these problems.

‘Safer Sex Gathering’ on tap

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he public is invited to attend a “Safer Sex Gathering” March 16 at That Place, 216 Bleecker St., Utica.

The session begins at 5:30 p.m.

Food will be provided and the event is free.

Education important for the safety of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) will include ways MSM can limit their risk for HIV and STDs. The Safer Sex Gathering is a service

of the CONNECT program of AIDS Community Resources.

For more information, contact Bob Forbes at 800.475.2430 ext. 801.

AIDS Community Resources is a not-for-profit, community-based organization, supported by both public and private funds, bringing information and education, direct services, referrals, and advocacy to everyone in its nine county region who needs help with HIV/AIDS and STDs.

Since she really only wanted to talk about it, and did not want advice on what to do, she doesn’t do what he suggested. And he becomes frustrated that she ignored his advice.

The bottom line for men: Listen to

her; that’s just how a woman is. When she talks about her problems, don’t suggest how she can fix them. Just listen.

For more on Muraco, his website is www.in-the-zone.biz.

Help For People With

MACULAR DEGENERATION An increasing number of Americans are seeing their way clearly to see better with the help of technology.

Now that physicians have been specially trained to use technology, they are using it to help overcome the effects of such eye diseases as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and ocular albinism.

Believing there is life after vision loss, Dr. George Kornfeld, optometrist and member of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS), is using telescopic eyeglasses or miniature telescopes and prismatic glasses to help those with vision deficiencies perform such activities as reading, writing, playing sports and games, watching TV and, in some cases, even driving.

“When my macular degeneration began to interfere with my regular daily routine, I knew I needed help. Now, I have more confidence in my activities like driving. The best part is I can now see my daughter’s face more clearly.”

Margaret Russo, IALVS patient

If you or someone you care about is struggling with vision loss, call Dr. Kornfeld today, he will speak with you over the phone at no cost, to see if you are a candidate.

Call: 585-271-7320 or 866-446-2050 George S. Kornfeld, O.D. Offices Throughout Upstate NY

www.IALVS.org March 2011 •

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men’s health Anatomy of a cheater Reasons range from genetics to an ego boost

By Amylynn Pastorella

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n a relationship, men can cheat on their partners for many reasons, as can women.

A man’s reason for cheating can encompass a wide variety of reasons including genetics, a sense of challenge, self-esteem and a lack of interest in their current relationship.

While none are justifiable, all of these can be reasons why a man chooses to stray and cheat on his current partner.

“Reasons (for cheating) are both individual and personal and universal.

In our society, we believe the myth that we will have a fairytale relationship,” said Colleen McSweeney, a mental health therapist at Samaritan Counseling of the Mohawk Valley in Utica.

“We will always be in love as we were when we were in the infatuation stage, or honeymoon stage of a relationship. Then disappointment happens, it becomes clear that the fairytale relationship is not true and one or the other starts to look for the perfect partner that they thought they had but do not have,” she said.

It is no secret that the ideals of a fairytale relationship and a “happily ever after” are encouraged views promoted by society and the media through books, movies, television and magazines.

Society places a myth that a relationship should look a certain way and when it does not, a partner can falter and go out in search of that perfect picture, leaving them to cheat on their current partner.

Although genetics may factor into why men cheat on their partner, it may also just be a weak defense for a man who is caught in his unfaithful actions.

Hormonal theory

A theory exists that testosterone

Seeking excitement

art cut

levels in men make them more susceptible to infidelity. This theory is based on the hypothesis that men are genetically predisposed to cheating because they are ingrained with the notion that the survival of the species is dependent on their procreation. While this may be true, it is certainly not an excuse for unfaithfulness in our age of overpopulation.

Another reason men cheat is because they feel a sense of challenge in their infidelity that can also be an ego boost for them. Actually being able to get away with an affair is a challenge that men enjoy. Additionally, they enjoy the challenge of finding other women with which to cheat.

To them the affair is more about the conquest then anything else. Sure they may enjoy the physicality of the affair,

but the pursuit and sneaking around is what really drives men who cheat on their partners. They see fooling their partner as a tremendous accomplishment and they enjoy the logistics of orchestrating the affair without their partner learning of their transgressions.

To them the thrill of sneaking around and the fear of being caught create an adrenaline rush that is more important than the affair or even their current relationship.

Men also cheat because they are driven by competition. If their friends are single or cheating on their partners and often have affairs with several women, the man may feel that he has to keep up with them. To these men, affairs become a way of competing with their friends. Infidelity in men is often driven by a sense of competition.

If a man is in an undesirable relationship, he may feel compelled to seek out an affair to enrich the excitement that he feels has been lacking. Sometimes just knowing that other women find them desirable is enough for men to cheat. In general, it is a lack of self esteem on their part that drives them to seek out affairs in order to reiterate their attractiveness and desirability.

While none of these reasons may be justified, they do exist. When their adventures in cheating have commenced, do men feel guilty for their infidelity? Are they forgiven for their actions? Do they love their cheating quest so much that they become habitual cheaters? Do men fess up after they cheat to their current partners?

“After the affair, most individuals have feelings of guilt and shame and just want to hide it, forget about it. The more the subject can be avoided the more the person does not have to think about it and bring up feelings of guilt,” said McSweeney.

“There are those who will also continue to have affair after affair again for many reasons. It could be purely sexual, the thrill of the pursuit of another partner, and in some cases there may be a sexual addiction involved,” said McSweeney.

When all is said and done and a man does feel guilt or discouragement toward his actions, counseling can be sought out to stop their cheating.

According to McSweeney, sessions with a therapist can be very helpful in sorting out one’s feelings and relating those to one’s behaviors and actions.

Understanding oneself and where some of the behaviors originated can help change to come about, she added.

Glaucoma testing prevents blindness

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erkimer County Public Health is encouraging residents, especially seniors, to be checked for glaucoma.

Good vision is an important component of avoiding consequences from falls and general wellness.

Local eye doctors of optometry are ready to perform all the tests mentioned here. With Medicare, this testing is usually without cost.

Glaucoma gradually steals sight without warning. In the early stages of the disease, there may be no symptoms.

Glaucoma causes optic nerve damage and visual field changes, or a narrowing of the eyes’ usual scope of vision.

Glaucoma is the second-most common cause of blindness in the U.S., affecting nearly 3 million Americans.

Experts estimate that half of the people Page 6

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affected by glaucoma may not know they have it.

Statistically, there may be over 600 Herkimer residents with glaucoma, and 300 Herkimer residents may be unaware of their condition of glaucoma.

Glaucoma occurs when high fluid pressure in the eye presses against the optic nerve, causing damage. The damage to optic nerve fibers can cause blind spots to develop. These blind spots usually go undetected until the optic nerve is significantly damaged.

If glaucoma continues to damage the optic nerve, blindness may result.

While anyone can get glaucoma, certain groups of people are at higher risk for the disease. These include African Americans and Hispanics, and people with diabetes who are nearly

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2011

twice as likely to develop glaucoma as adults without diabetes.

Glaucoma screening can lead to early detection and treatment, which can prevent, slow, or stop vision loss from the disease.

Medicare covers annual glaucoma screening for people at high risk for the disease.

Medicare covers annual glaucoma screening for the following persons considered to be at high risk for this disease: • Individuals with diabetes • Individuals with a family history of glaucoma • African Americans over the age of 50 • Hispanics 65 and older Medicare will pay for glaucoma screening examinations when they

are furnished by or under the direct supervision in the office setting of an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

If you already have lost some vision from glaucoma, ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision.

Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired offers information about low vision counseling, training, and other special services for people with visual impairments.

Contact CABVI at 507 Kent St., Utica, N.Y. 13501, at 797.2233 or toll free at 1.877.719.9996.

More information on glaucoma and other disease conditions is available by calling Herkimer County Public Health at 315.867.1176 or visiting www. medicare.gov.

men’s health Confronting heart disease Diabetic Kevin Covich recounts his near-death experience

By Patricia J. Malin

R

ome teacher Kevin Covich used to take his health seriously.

“I’ve had diabetes for 53 years,” said Covich, now 58 years old.

“I had fairly good control of my diet and I exercised.”

A ninth-grade math teacher, he used to get a moderate amount of exercise during his weekday routine at Rome Free Academy. He also works with special education students and is a resource teacher. In his spare time, he enjoyed cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

He was aware of a family history of heart disease, stroke and diabetes on his paternal and maternal sides, and educated himself on the danger signs. Despite monitoring his health, he learned the hard way that heart disease can be a silent killer.

Now, he is not only taking his health seriously and proactively, but feels strongly compelled to spread the message to others on how to prevent heart disease and stroke.

Covich underwent sudden openheart surgery in February 2010. A year later, he has been tabbed an inspirational honoree for America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk.

The Utica chapter of the American Heart Association will host the run/ walk at Utica College on March 5. This year’s fundraising goal is $1.2 million.

At this time in 2010, Covich was recuperating from a quadruple bypass operation. Earlier this year, he was front and center in the 8th annual Rome Indoor Run/Walk. He was a guest speaker at the opening ceremony and then walked in the event sponsored by Rome Memorial Hospital and hosted by RFA. More than 200 participants helped raise $22,004 to fight heart disease and stroke.

Warning signs

Because Covich had been aware of his good health, he grew suspicious when he experienced some subtle

Covich changes in his body in the summer of 2009.

“I found it harder to pedal my bike,” he said. “At work, I was huffing and puffing going up and down stairs, when only a few years ago I would take two stairs at a time.”

In January 2010, he set up an appointment with his family physician. “I asked him for a stress test, but at first he told me not to worry, that my cholesterol readings and my kidneys looked fine,” said Covich. “But I asked him again because I knew that diabetes is a very sneaky disease with the heart.”

Following a comprehensive examination at Central New York Cardiology in Utica, Covich was shocked by the devastating results.

“I thought I might need a stent or two, but after 10 minutes, the doctor told me, ‘there’s not a thing I can do for you on this table.’ He showed me a diagram of my heart and it revealed 95 percent blockage in the upper left artery. He told me I was a walking time bomb!”

The exam showed over 90 percent, 80 and 70 percent blockages of the other

arteries. “They scheduled my operation three days later at St. Elizabeth (Medical Center),” he said.

Yes, even his own doctor was fooled by Covich’s seemingly healthy appearance.

He stands 5 feet 8 inches and weighed 180 pounds before the operation. For most of his life, he has enjoyed cycling, hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

“I wanted them to do a five-part bypass, but they said they could only do four. They were surprised that I was still around, but then I’ve always been fairly active and watched my diet,” he said.

Covich spent a week at St. Elizabeth’s, followed by intense rehabilitation on the treadmill and stationary bicycle. It wasn’t until April, about four weeks later, that he had regained his strength and was walking. He returned to the classroom seven weeks after his operation.

He is a lean 165 pounds now and plans to keep a closer eye on his weight. He rides his stationary bike 45 minutes a day and is once again actively walking the halls at RFA. “I probably participated in the Heart Run/Walk only three or four times before,” he admitted. But the health fair that is held in conjunction with the event has helped him increase his awareness about heart disease and diabetes.

Information central

Many vendors set up tables at RFA to offer free information about healthy lifestyles, exercise, nutrition and medical care, and Rome Memorial Hospital offered free blood pressure screenings.

“About five years ago, I started cutting back on the fats, sodium and the processed foods in my diet because my blood pressure started going up,” Covich said. “The Western diet can be

very bad for your health. My diet is not that much different now, though I eat less processed food and meats.”

One positive aspect of being an inspirational honoree is that it gives him a platform. He carries a lot more weight, metaphorically speaking, when he comments on his friends’ or colleagues’ eating habits.

“Yes, sometimes I’ll say things to them like, ‘Wow, do you realize how much sodium is in that can of soup!’

I’ve also been told that the diabetes association is doing a lot to get out its message that diabetes is a leading cause of heart disease,” he said.

The run/walk at RFA also included activities for children through Sydney’s Circle, named in honor of Sydney, a Rome resident who passed away from heart disease.

The AHA held a similar community health fair at Poland Central School in mid-February. A variety of local businesses provided free blood pressure and dental screenings and other activities.

As part of the health fair, Poland students in grades K-5 (approximately 300 students) participated in America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk by walking a course at the school in memory of Alyssa Pomichter, a classmate who passed away unexpectedly four years ago due to a heart condition when she was in first grade.

Poland Central’s Class of 2011 will be walking on March 5 in honor of its classmate and heart survivor Benjamin Poplaski. This is the 10th anniversary for Benjamin and the “Poland for Ben” team in the Heart Run/Walk.

Utica College will have an extensive health expo and pre-registration for the run/walk throughout the entire day on March 4.

A minimum amount of $25 in pledges for participants 18 years and older is required at registration to participate in the America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk. For more information, visit www.uticaheartrunwalk.org.

Tobacco control advocates head to Albany

N

ew York state tobacco control advocates, including representatives of Colleges for Change at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, descended on Albany recently to educate New York leaders about the important role tobacco use prevention and cessation has in preventing youth initiation and reducing healthcare costs.

The goal is to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by tobacco use, and to alleviate the social and economic burden to the state. New York state spends $8.17 billion annually in medical costs to treat tobacco-caused diseases and 25,400 New Yorkers die each year due to tobacco use.

The focal point of this year’s legislative day is the mock “conve-

nience store” which will be located in the legislative well of the legislative office building. Legislators have been invited to visit the store to have a cup of coffee and take a look at the tobacco marketing and displays that children are bombarded with when they shop at convenience stores.

“Exposure to tobacco marketing in stores is one of the primary causes of youth smoking,” says Sue Casanova, BRiDGES To Prevent Tobacco project coordinator. “Studies by the National Cancer Institute show that exposure to cigarette advertising causes nonsmoking adolescents to initiate smoking and to move toward becoming a regular smoker.

“The tobacco companies are well

aware of this fact and spend billions of dollars to market its deadly products in our stores, including paying retailers to prominently display tobacco products, in-store advertising, and price discounts. We do not want our youth to become the tobacco companies replacement smokers.”

The mock convenience store display is the centerpiece of numerous educational displays. There will also be information regarding smoke-free housing, tobacco-free outdoors, and tobacco-free periodicals.

In addition, the public and legislators can learn of the different tobacco control components advocates work with such as FSLH Tri-County Quits Tobacco Cessation Program, the youth March 2011 •

program Reality Check, the college initiative Colleges for Change, Healthy Schools New York and the numerous adult tobacco control community partnerships across the state.

The advocates are funded by the New York State Department of Health Tobacco Control Program. The program implements evidence-based and promising strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco use. It envisions a tobacco-free society for all New Yorkers.

Over time, the program has effectively implemented a strong clean indoor air law, maintained support for high tobacco taxes to keep the price of tobacco high, and worked to increase access to effective cessation services and motivate smokers to try to quit.

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teen health

Suicide Mohawk Valley prevention program geared to save lives

By Patricia J. Malin

Her daughter committed suicide just weeks before Christmas, so her absence still has an impact on the family.

“I always keep one gift for her under the tree,” said Marotta. “My initial fear was that she was going to be forgotten, but she was a unique individual and her friends haven’t forgotten her.”

D

uring a brief break from a safeTALK suicide prevention presentation, Angela Marotta stood in the hallway and viewed two memorial quilts.

They displayed photos of about a dozen young people who had committed suicide.

One of those photos showed her daughter’s smiling face, obviously in happier times. Ashley Marie Pluff of Fulton was 22 years old when she killed herself on Dec. 8, 2007. “She loved cheerleading,” said Marotta, who decorated a portion of the quilt with a photo of her daughter wearing a cheerleader’s uniform.

Even after all this time, her mother has questions. “She made two prior attempts,” Marotta explained sadly, but nevertheless with a steady, accepting voice. “She said she was doing well and she was taken off her medicine. I guess I let my guard down. I always took (the threat of suicide) seriously.

I knew it wasn’t a joke … but I never expected it to happen.”

The tragedy spurred Marotta to seek help from counselors. Nowadays, she has put herself in a position to help others dealing with the crisis of suicide.

She joined a committee that brought the Out of Darkness Walk to Syracuse and also chaired the local walk for National Survivors Day. Marotta came to the Child Advocacy Center in Utica recently to participate in two safeTALK presentations that focused on suicide prevention. Nearly 75 people attended. The seminar was directed at teachers, school administrators, hospital workers, nurses, social workers, and mental health professionals. It was also open to the public to help them identify youth (or even adults) at risk for suicide.

Real life experience

People like Marotta do not present material about suicide prevention passively to their audience. Marotta and Marcia Keech, her fellow Community Resource educator, know only too well the pain of losing a loved one to suicide.

Debra Graham’s 18-year-old son, Joshua, killed himself in 2003. She is now a registered trainer who conducts the SafeTALK program. His photo was displayed on one of the memorial quilts in the hallway of the Child Advocacy Center, a building that also serves as the local headquarters of the Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Another nearby photo showed Kim Dippo, a 34-year-old physician. Her mother is also a member of the safeTALK board of directors.

The safeTALK presentations were developed by an organization called Livingworks.net, which was started by a team of four healthcare professionals in Canada in 1983. The partnership created LivingWorks Education Inc. as Page 8

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Intervention necessary

a public service corporation in 1991.

These programs are now utilized by thousands of organizations throughout the U.S., Canada, Norway and Australia, including the U.S. military.

Graham led the presentation by pointing out alarming statistics provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: More than 34,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year; approximately 90 Americans a day take their own life (one every 15 minutes), and 2,300 more attempt to do so (approximately one every minute).

Graham’s introductory talk was followed by a short video that included actual testimony from those who considered or had attempted suicide, along with the behavior that offers clues to one’s intentions.

Suicide remains a perplexing problem, but the safeTALK coordinators reminded the audience that talking with, observing and listening to at-risk individuals can prevent further tragedies from occurring.

Key is to T-A-L-K

During the video and from information handed out, the attendees were told to remember the letters T-A-L-K. “T” is for tell. Most individuals contemplating suicide will give physical and verbal clues. They might have been diagnosed with depression. Ac-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2011

cording to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, studies indicate that the best way to prevent suicide is through the early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychiatric illnesses.

“A” is for ask. Teachers, counselors, parents, siblings and friends can ask a person directly if they’re considering suicide and whether they need help.

It’s important to “Listen” to the at-risk individual and to provide feedback.

“K” is for keep safe—monitor the individual and give them support.

Marotta said her daughter “apparently had an argument with her boyfriend.” She explained that Ashley first tried to take her life when she was 14, so she gave a clear “invitation” and was inadvertently asking for help. She was 19 and in college when she made her second attempt.

Ironically, said Marotta, her daughter made a point of studying child psychology in college because she wanted a career where she could help troubled children.

Marotta speculates that genetics might play a role in suicide. “I look for signs in my twin sons, who are now 24 (one is in the Army), and I wonder about my ex-husband’s influence,” she said.

Following the film, the audience asked questions. One of the most frequent questions is whether talking about suicide with a vulnerable person can inadvertently contribute to it. That rarely happens. The opposite appears to be true: Intervention saves lives.

“Suicide is everybody’s business,” said Graham.

There was an incident last spring when more than 900 youth signed on to a memorial website on Facebook within three days of an individual’s suicide. Parents were naturally concerned about their own children’s reactions. This called for monitoring and speaking with their children about depression, anxiety and suicide.

Sandy Harjung, a case manager at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital, attended the seminar as part of her training in social work. “It’s in my field more than others because I deal with addictions,” she said. “Most of my patients are referred to me by their physicians, even if they’re in the hospital with fractures or liver failure.”

John Davis, a counselor at Rome Free Academy, attended the safeTALK program with several co-workers.

Rome is one of the largest school districts in the Mohawk Valley. The 1,600 students have access to six guidance counselors, three school nurses and two psychologists.

Look for clues

In his experience, students who are considering suicide do give clues. They might be having academic difficulties, “acting up,” and showing other signs of distress. “We need to identify their needs. We need to confront them,” he said. “Our staff is very good at it. We have a lot of resources available to help students. No matter what reasons drive them, there is never a kid you can’t help.”

For information about suicide prevention and for tips on helping others, the public can contact the Oneida County Department of Mental Health at 315.798.5903.

Meanwhile, the New York State Office of Mental Health has announced that suicide prevention videos are available on demand from cable TV providers (for example, Time-Warner).

Look for the following titles under the “health” category: Veterans and Suicide; Suicide and Kids, and Suicide Survivors. These are available in Syracuse (Channel 1000 NY On Demand), Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, Hudson Valley, New York City and Staten Island.

Between You and Me

Diet soda linked to heart attacks and stroke

By Barbara Pierce

Speaking ‘femalese’

A

Words women use, and men need to know

D

espite what many men believe, it’s easy to have a long-term, happy and mutually fulfilling relationship with a female. Of course, she has to be a golden retriever.

There are many days in my life that, if a disaster were to hit us, and my husband could only carry one of us out of a collapsing building, it would be our golden who would be carried out.

Dogs are easy to understand; they don’t have underlying motives. You don’t have to try to figure out what they really mean. A dog will be grateful for any attention you give her. If you get mad at her, she will forget, and the next time she sees you, she will eagerly demonstrate her happiness and gratitude.

Not so with women.

However, much of the frustration, disappointment, and anger that couples have toward each other does not come from a basic incompatibility.

According to psychiatrist and relationship expert Aaron Beck, these negative feelings toward each other come from faulty communication and incorrect interpretations of each other’s behavior and communica- Pierce tion.

Web designer John Veldboom has posted online his recommendations of ways women communicate.

He suggests these are things that all men need to know: • “Fine!” This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up. It is usually said with a snippy attitude and a toss of the head. You are expected to ignore the word, and read the behavior, then figure out what is really bothering her.

• “Nothing. Nothing is wrong.”

This is the calm before the storm. This really means that something important is wrong, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with “nothing” usually end in “fine.” As in “fine,” you are expected to figure out what is really bothering her.

• “Go Ahead.” This is a dare, not permission. Don’t do it!

• “I’ll be ready in five minutes.” If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour easily. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

• Loud sigh. This is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh could mean she thinks you are an idiot and she wonders why she is wasting her time standing here arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to the above for the meaning of “Nothing”). Or it could mean “Don’t put any more demands on me; I have had it.” Or “I give up—I

know I’m right, but I’m tired of arguing.”

• “That’s OK.” This is one of the most dangerous statements women can make to a man. “That’s OK” means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake. Make no mistake, you will pay.

• “Thanks.” A woman is thanking you. Do not question why, or faint. Just say, “You’re welcome.” However, if she says “Thanks a lot,” that is pure sarcasm.

She is not thanking you at all. Do not say, “you’re welcome.” That will bring on a “Whatever.”

• “Whatever.” This is a woman’s way of dismissing you from the discussion, from the house, or whatever. She realizes she isn’t winning this round, so she’ll take her toys and leave.

• “Don’t worry about it.

I got it.” Another dangerous statement. This means she has asked you to do something several times, but she now must do it herself. This will later result in a man asking, “What’s wrong?” For the woman’s response, see “Nothing” above.

• Eye rolling. Another non-verbal statement. Most men do correctly interpret this to mean either she doesn’t believe a word you’re saying, or she thinks that’s the stupidest thing she’s ever heard, or she thinks you are a complete idiot, and she wants to end the conversation.

How can a man respond when the woman he loves uses these words or gestures? What can a woman who uses these words regularly learn?

Here’s what experts recommend as keys to better communication: First, find some truth in what the other is saying.

Something like, “You’re right about … ” Next, empathy, putting yourself in the other’s shoes, trying to see the situation from his or her perspective.

Third, inquiry. Ask gentle, probing questions to learn more about what he or she is thinking and feeling. Don’t defend yourself.

And, use “I” statements, for example, “I feel hurt when you end our conversation that way.” And find something positive to say to the other person, even in the heat of battle.

And get a golden retriever.

• Barbara Pierce is a licensed clinical social worker who has many years’ experience in helping people with relationships and parenting. She resides in Florida. Her “Between You and Me” column appears monthly in Mohawk Valley In Good Health.

Do you have a concern or question that you would like Barbara to address? Send your concerns to her at barbarapierce06@yahoo. com for her consideration.

team of stroke researchers who studied dietary habits of more than 2,500 New York City residents say that drinking diet soda may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Drinking diet soda — but not regular soda — was associated with a greater risk of stroke, heart attack or death from vascular causes in a study of older residents of neighborhoods in northern Manhattan.

Drinking diet soda every day was associated in 48 percent increase in risk of heart attack or stroke compared with same-aged people who didn’t drink diet sodas, said to Dr. Hannah Gardener of the University of Miami in Florida.

There was no such association for less-frequent consumption of diet soda or for any level of regular soda consumption.

Gardener reported the findings during the opening day of the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference in Febraury.

Gardener acknowledged some limitations of the study, including the use of self-reported dietary data at a single time point, and concluded that the findings are “too preliminary to suggest any dietary advice.”

“If and only if the results are confirmed can we suggest that diet soda may not be an optimal substitute for sugar-sweetened beverages, which have been shown to have various health consequences,” she said.

Doctors contacted to comment on the story were also hesitant to declare diet sodas the next great health risk,

with many attributing the increased vascular risk to other dietary factors that were not measured in the study, such as the types of foods contributing to the total caloric intake.

“Unfortunately, it may be that individuals with poor dietary habits do resort [to] some kind of calorie balancing and continue to eat high-calorie sweet foods but reduce their ‘guilt’ by drinking diet soda,” Dr. Howard Weintraub, clinical director of the NYU Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, wrote in an e-mail.

The study “adds to the growing evidence of an association between diet sodas and cardiovascular disease,” according to Dr. Cam Patterson, a cardiologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

But, he added, that, although the association cannot be ignored, it is too early to interpret what it means.

“People need to know about this, but it is important for everyone to realize that no general guidelines should be derived from these types of observational studies,” Patterson wrote in an e-mail.

“I’ll continue to pack a diet soda with my lunch, but I’ll look more carefully at what else is in my lunch box and I’ll pay more attention to what I’m doing while I’m drinking my diet soda.”

More Americans turn to complementary medicine

T

he use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies experienced a significant growth in the United States in the last decade, and a new analysis finds that CAM use becomes more likely when access to conventional care has been restricted.

“In both 2002 and 2007, having unmet needs in medical care, or delayed care due to cost, was associated with a higher chance of CAM use,” said lead author Dejun Su. “Importantly, for Americans without health insurance, who cannot afford medical care, CAM might be their last and only resort.”

Su is director of the South Texas Border Health Disparities Center at the University of Texas-Pan American. He and his colleagues analyzed data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey. Based on interviews with more than 23,000 adults, the NHIS showed more pronounced growth in CAM use among whites than among racial and ethnic minori-

March 2011 •

ties. This increased an already existing white-minority gap in CAM use, Su said.

Without counting prayer for health purposes, 33 percent of whites report using at least one CAM therapy, while 31.8 percent of Asian Americans, 20.1 percent of African-Americans and 16.9 percent of Hispanics report using these therapies.

The use of CAM rose across all these populations between 2002 and 2007, but at different rates.

The increase was highest among whites and Asian Americans, at 18.1 percent and 17.2 percent, respectively.

Use among African-Americans increased only 6.6 percent. Use among Hispanics increased only 1.01 percent.

“So far, we know little about how the difference in CAM use has influenced racial and ethnic disparities in health and mortality,” Su said. “Research is urgently needed to understand the effectiveness, side effects and interactions of CAM therapies with conventional medicine.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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MANAGING TRANSITION

IN HEALTH CARE Leadership for Today, Tomorrow and the Future UTICA COLLEGE | CNYAHEC | First Annual Conference Friday, March 25, 2011 Turning Stone Resort and Casino | 5218 Patrick Road | Verona, NY 13478

Utica College and the Central New York Area Health Education Center (CNYAHEC) are pleased to invite health care professionals to the first annual Health Care Administration Conference, featuring best of class practices in acute, long-term and home care. The conference will provide an in-depth look at how the health care industry can best manage transition and position itself for the future through development, organization and collaboration, through the eyes of selected leaders in the field.

Keynote Presentations by MATTHEW R. SMITH Regional Talent Solutions Director, Central Region, Lee Hecht Harrison MARK KISSINGER Deputy Commissioner, Office of Long-Term Care, New York State Department of Health For more information or to register: www.utica.edu/healthleader or the Office of Corporate and Professional Programs at Utica College at (315) 792-3344

HIGH CHOLESTEROL? Brand-name drugs are just

generics in disguise.

If you take a brand-name prescription drug, you should know that there are new generic and over-the-counter options that can save you money. Not every brandname drug has a generic equivalent, but there are generic and over-the-counter alternatives for treating many conditions, including high cholesterol. Generic drugs are real medicine. They are approved by the FDA as safe and effective, but they cost less. A lot less. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if generic drugs are right for you.

Generics are

A nonprofit independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association

Page 10

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go.excellusbcbs.com/generics

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2011

Team USA includes, from left, Augusto Perez of East Syracuse; Jim Pierce of Syracuse; Jim Joseph of New Hartford; Jacqui Kapinowski of Point Pleasant, N.J., and Penny Greely of Green Bay, Wis.

Sitrin, UCC curlers compete in Prague Wheelchair athletes compete in Europe

F

ive of the nation’s top wheelchair curlers are in Prague in hopes of bringing home the gold.

The USA Curling 2011 National Champion Team, comprised of Jim Joseph of New Hartford, Jacqui Kapinowski of Point Pleasant, N.J., Augusto Perez of Syracuse, Jim Pierce of Syracuse and Penny Greely of Green Bay, Wis. are showcasing their talents at the World Wheelchair Curling Championship in Prague, Czech Republic.

Approximately 50 athletes with disabilities are competing represent various countries, including Canada, Germany, Korea, Scotland, Sweden, Czech Republic, China, Norway, Russia, and the United States.

All of the members of the USA Curling 2011 National Championship Team are also members of the Sitrin STARS program—Success Through Adaptive Recreation & Sports.

Implemented in 2001, the adaptive sports program is the only one of its kind in central New York.

The wheelchair curling program

began in 2002 in collaboration with the Utica Curling Club.

The Sitrin STARS have achieved international success with the wheelchair curling program, winning fourth place at last year’s Paralympic Games in Vancouver, Canada, and a bronze medal in the 2008 World Wheelchair Curling competition in Switzerland.

In addition, the STARS have also competed in World Wheelchair Curling Championships held in Scotland and Sweden, as well as in the 2006 Paralympic Games held in Italy.

“We have a strong team of athletes and everyone is excited about this year’s competition,” said STARS program director and team leader Marc DePerno, who will accompany the team to international competition once again.

The World Wheelchair Curling Championship is being held through March 1.

To follow the action of this year’s World Wheelchair Curling Championships, visit www.sitrin.com

Give the Gift of Wellness in times of Everyday & Unexpected Challenges CNY HEALING TOUCH Susan Romeo, MS, RN 8200 Seneca Turnpike, Clinton

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Test to detect Down syndrome on unborn found to be accurate

W

omen in high risk pregnancies for Down syndrome could have a DNA blood test to detect the disorder and avoid invasive procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, finds a large scale study published in the British Medical Journal in January.

The blood test could mean that 98 percent of invasive procedures could be avoided, say the authors. The test uses the latest DNA technology to analyze genetic components in the mother’s blood that indicate whether the fetus has Down.

Down syndrome or trisomy 21 occurs in around 1 in 800 births and older women are at higher risk.

Women in high risk groups tend to undergo a combination of scans and

hormone level tests in order to determine if they need to have an invasive test such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. The latter tests take samples of genetic material from the foetus but they carry a 1 percent risk of miscarriage and are therefore reserved for high risk pregnancies. Invasive testing still takes place in 3 percent to 5 percent of pregnant women in the UK. The research team used the most up-to-date DNA technology to test the blood samples from 753 pregnant women (all were at high risk of having a baby with Down) based in Hong Kong, the UK and the Netherlands.

The results show that the test is highly accurate in detecting the syndrome in unborn babies and does not give false negative results.

March 2011 •

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nutrition

Nutritional labeling Read those details on food packaging to ensure healthy eating

By Amylynn Pastorella

sultant dietitian at Price Chopper.

utritional labels offer key facts and ingredients on most prepared foods, including breads, cereals, canned and frozen foods, snacks, desserts and drinks.

The Food and Drug Administration standardized labels in 1994.

Reading a nutrition facts panel allows consumer to make important health-related decisions through the foods they eat.

A nutrition facts panel can contain life-saving information for someone with a food allergy or calorie information to help someone reach their weight loss goals.

Nutrition labels are an effective tool for comparing the nutritional value of different food products.

“Dependent on individual health goals, consumers can find information to help with weight loss, heart health, allergies, diabetes, and many others,” said Christa Valentine, community con-

Here is a quick summary of the areas on a nutrition labels: • The label begins with information on serving size and servings per container. This is important because even small bags or bottles may have multiple servings. If the entire bag of food is eaten or every ounce of that drink is consumed, the calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals multiplied by the number of servings per container can add up fast.

• Next up on the labels are calories and calories from fat.

Calories are a measure of energy.

The percent daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Once an estimate of how many calories the body needs is calculated, a healthy caloric intake can be maintained by using the nutrition facts on the label.

How many calories do you need?

Visit www.mypyramid.gov for an

N

A guide to labels

Binge Eating Disorder You deserve options. You deserve possibilities.

We’re conducting the Binge Eating Disorder Study, a confidential research study of an investigational drug that may potentially help this condition. If you’re eating large amounts of food while experiencing a loss of control while eating, this clinical study may be an option.

All study participants will receive (at no cost): • A confidential setting to discuss their concerns about binge eating.

• An in-depth review of their condition conducted by dedicated research professionals.

• Study drug (either the investigational drug or a placebo).

BINGE EATING DISORDER STUDY To learn more, or to see if you may be eligible to participate, Call Central New York Clinical Research

315-682-3263

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2011

estimate based on your gender, age and activity level. Once you know an estimate of how many calories your body needs, you can use the nutrition facts on the label.

• After calories comes fat. Fats come in different forms—saturated fat, trans-fat, poly-unsaturated fat, and mono-unsaturated fat. The food label will always tell how much saturated and trans-fat, and may include the unsaturated fats.

It’s a good idea to limit saturated and trans-fat, especially if a doctor has recommended this due to heart disease. Poly- and mono- unsaturated fats are considered “healthier fats”, but individuals should still watch overall fat intake for best health.

• Cholesterol and sodium are two other nutrients to limit. Sodium is a big focus in today’s health-conscious world. Many manufacturers are reducing sodium in their products. The American Heart Association recommends that people aim to eat less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day.

One teaspoon of salt has 2,400 milligrams of sodium alone. Many processed foods also have sodium, but it is always possible to find products with less sodium by using the nutrition label.

• Carbohydrates are our body’s main source of energy. Limit added sugars and increase fiber for overall health.

Reading a nutrition label is especially apparent if a person has diabetes and has to count his or her calorie consumption. Protein is another important energy source for the body as well because it provides calories that give energy to the body.

• Vitamins and minerals are listed on nutrition labels because some people may need to limit certain vitamins and minerals, or some may need to eat

more of them. The nutrition facts label indicates if a food contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron and sometimes may include additional vitamins and minerals such as potassium.

• Percent daily values are benchmarks to make it easy to see how much this food would contribute toward an average diet. A quick guide—5 percent or less is low, and 20 percent or more is high.

• Lastly, ingredients are usually listed under the food label. This is where you can tell what you are eating and make a choice based on your preferences/dietary needs. For example, if you are allergic to milk, you would need to avoid the ingredient “casein”.

Nutrition scoring system

Nutrition labels contain valuable information for safety and health.

“Health claims can be deceiving, especially on the front of a package. For people with specific health concerns, knowing what is in the foods they eat is an integral part of their treatment plan,” said Valentine.

While reading nutrition labels is always encouraged, some stores are making the reading process a little easier.

In local Price Chopper stores, there is a scientifically based program such as NuVal that pulls information from the label and translates the information into an easier number summarizing the nutrition of a product.

The NuVal Nutrition Scoring System is a number from 1-100, displayed directly on the shelf tag, to give quick guidance to shoppers on choosing nutritious food items. Independent of manufacturer influence, NuVal allows shoppers to trade up and make better choices within all food categories, including fruits, breads, chips, frozen entrees and more. The higher the number, the better the nutrition.

health issues Health savings accounts Alternative poses benefits as well as disadvantages

By Patricia J. Malin

I

n December 2003, President George W. Bush signed a bill into law creating health savings accounts.

It took about five years, however, for health savings accounts to make it into the public consciousness, at least in the Mohawk Valley.

Local financial institutions are doing more to promote these alternative plans to traditional health insurance.

Bank of Utica Senior Vice President Marie Bord said the bank began to see the feasibility of HSAs a few years ago.

“We saw it as a new type of account as a result of IRS regulations. We started doing some research early in 2008 and started offering them in 2009,” she said.

As its name implies, health savings accounts are similar to conventional savings accounts. Individuals can contribute as much as $3,050 a year ($6,150 for a family) toward their health savings account. These particular accounts can receive interest, which the IRS has determined will remain tax-free for now.

According to the Bank of Utica, in 2010 the minimum deductible was $1,200 per individual or $2,400 per family per year.

Individuals who are under age 65 and cannot be claimed as a dependent can deduct their medical expenses plus the cost of insurance from their gross or pre-tax income on their federal taxes if they are enrolled in an HSA. The amount of the contributions and deductions are usually adjusted annually for inflation.

Some states allow the deduction from state income taxes. New York state doesn’t allow a direct deduction since it is already reflected in one’s

adjusted gross income taken from federal tax form 1040. Contributions can generally be made up to April 15 of the following year.

Although these accounts provide a hedge against unexpected medical costs and insurance premiums are lower because of the deductible, HSAs cannot be used to pay the premiums.

Plus, the administrators of some health savings accounts might charge fees for initial setup, monthly maintenance and checks.

Limitations apparent

If it sounds like an answer to your prayers or a convenient way to save money and withdraw funds in a hurry, remember there are limitations. HSAs are not a substitute for insurance either, Bord noted.

HSAs can only be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, which are something the IRS strictly examines.

However, the maximum that can be claimed for out-of-pocket expenses in 2010 was $5,950 per individual or $11,900 per family.

An individual who uses an HSA must already be enrolled in a highdeductible health insurance plan. This does not affect additional insurance coverage, such as for vision care, dental or disability.

Individuals can use money from their accounts to pay for prescriptions, dental and vision exams, preventive and routine care, gynecological, pre-natal and well-child care, or they can save the money for future medical expenses, including long-term or nursing home care.

If there is a downside, it’s that HSAs are used with high-deductible insurance plans that do not cover minor expenses. Sometimes the co-pay is also extremely high. And not all procedures are covered; for example, cosmetic surgery.

Due to rapidly escalating healthcare costs in recent years, the concept of HSAs and the popularity of these accounts seem to have been driven by employers who want to find affordable insurance for their employees.

Innovative concept

The precedent for HSAs appears to have begun with a program known as an Archer medical savings account, which was popular earlier in the decade.

Then as now, earnings were allowed to grow on a tax-deferred basis and the funds were not required to be spent by Dec. 31.

In an HSA, contributions and earnings dollars can be withdrawn at any time tax-free for qualified medical expenses. At age 65, or upon disability, withdrawals can be made from an HSA for any reason without penalty and applied for expenses before Medicare or that Medicare does not cover.

HSAs have become popular because it allows employers to reduce contributions to the company-sponsored health plans, while employees increase their contributions and shoulder a greater burden for their own health costs, including prescriptions and tests.

As with any insurance plan, there are various options. Some employers might make contributions, said Bord.

Generally, employees are not required to spend their annual contribution to the HSA, so the savings rolls over and accumulates interest annually. HSA funds that are not used can remain in the account and earn interest tax-free to supplement medical expenses at any time in the future.

KIDS Corner Teen’s best friend

T

hey’re furry, fun loving and could be the key to getting your sedentary teen off the couch, finds a new study on dog ownership and adolescent physical activity.

“You can think of your dog not only as your best friend, but also a social support tool for being active,” said John Sirard, the study’s lead author

and an assistant professor at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

In the study, which appears in the March issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Sirard and his colleagues surveyed 618 pairs of Minneapolis adolescents and their parents about the number of dogs in their home and how much time they spent

in physical activity. For a week, 318 of those teens also wore accelerometers — devices used to collect data on time spent moving.

It turns out that teens from dogowning families recorded greater amounts of movement on the accelerometer devices, even after researchers took into account demographic variables, like gender, race and socioeconomic status.

That might mean that teens with dogs could log about 15 additional minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week, according to the authors.

The association with adolescent physical activity took the researchers by surprise. They expected that if anyone in the family were to walk the dog, it would be the parents. “If dog ownership has an effect, we hypothesized it would have an effect on adults, but we didn’t see that. We saw it in the kids,” Sirard said.

Finding ways to encourage teens’ physical activity levels is critical,

March 2011 •

Tax advantages

Bord sees HSAs as a benefit to consumers “because both contributions and interest are tax-free, plus there is no tax on medical expenses. The consumer can set money aside tax-free for medical bills.”

Another benefit is that in an era of layoffs and high unemployment, HSAs are portable, meaning the employee can keep the same plan if he or she loses a job, changes jobs or moves to another state. This makes HSAs an asset for self-employed individuals.

Bord said an HSA is suitable for people of all ages, with or without a pre-existing medical condition.

The Bank of Utica started off with a handful of accounts, Bord noted, “but in 2010 it grew a lot. We’ve attracted a lot of new customers. I think our growth is due to the fact that we are a strong community bank.”

While employees can go anywhere to get a health savings account, “we saw this as an opportunity for a local bank with a good reputation,” Bord said. The Bank of Utica was started by the Sinnott Family in 1927 and remains locally owned.

Many of the same institutions that already provide individual retirement accounts, such as banks, credit unions and insurance companies, are permitted to be trustees or custodians of health savings accounts.

For more information, visit the Bank of Utica website (www.bankofutica.com) or go to the U.S. Treasury HSA’s website (www.treas.gov), and click on health savings accounts.

Individuals can also consult with their local insurance agent or the New York State Health Department (www. health.state.ny.us.

since time spent exercising drops precipitously after the elementary school years, said Cheryl B. Anderson, Ph.D., a visiting assistant professor of pediatrics at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine.

Despite the link that researchers established between dog ownership and teenagers’ physical activity, they said they could not be certain that getting a dog means people will be more active.

“It might be that more active people choose to get dogs because it fits their lifestyle already,” Sirard said.“You may walk it, you may not, but the fact that you have this animal in the house makes you get up off the chair more.

Every bit of activity is important,” Anderson said.

Story by Health Behavior News Service, part of the Center for Advancing Health.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 13

The Social Ask Face the Security Office facts Social Security’s Final Four Column provided by the local Social Security Office

T

his time of year basketball fans are gearing up for March Madness — a time when the final four teams in the NCAA fight for the title of national champion. While basketball fans are excited about March Madness, Social Security already has a winning “final four” of online services to cheer about: the Retirement Estimator, Benefit Application, online Extra Help application, and Business Services Online.

1 — The Retirement Estimator is an easy way to get an instant, personalized estimate of your future Social Security benefits. Just key in some basic information and the estimator will use information on your Social Security record, along with what you input, to give you a benefit estimate on the spot.

You even can experiment with different scenarios, such as changing your future earnings and retirement date. Check it out in English at www.socialsecurity. gov/estimator or in Spanish at www. segurosocial.gov/calculador.

2 — The Benefit Application is the most convenient way to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. You can apply from the comfort of your home — it’s fast, easy, and secure. It’s so easy, in fact, that it can take you as little as 15 minutes to apply online. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done.

There are no forms to sign and usually

Q&A Q: How do I show proof of my Social Security benefit amount?

A: Here are four ways: You can use your SSA-1099 form as proof of your income if you receive Social Security benefits; You can use your annual notice that tells you your benefit amount for the year as verification of your current benefits; The fastest, easiest, and most convenient way is to go online and request a proof of income letter at www. socialsecurity.gov/bene; and You may call Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Q: I understand that by 2013 I will not be able to continue receiving my Social Security payments by paper check. What are the benefits of using direct deposit?

A: The benefits of using direct deposit are: It’s safe; secure; convenient; there are no checks to be lost; you are in control of your money; and you will get your benefits on time, even if you’re out of town, sick or unable to get to the bank.

You choose the account where your Social Security payment is deposited.

If you don’t have a bank account, you Page 14

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no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. Try it out when you’re ready to retire at www.socialsecurity. gov/applyonline.

3 — The online Extra Help application is an easy way to save about $4,000 a year on your prescription drug costs.

To qualify for the Extra Help, you must be on Medicare, have limited income and resources, and live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.

Learn more about it at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.

4 — Business Services Online is our one-stop shop for small businesses. The site allows organizations and authorized individuals to conduct business with and submit confidential information to Social Security. You even can use it to file your W-2s the fast, convenient, and paperless way — online. Visit Business Services Online at www.socialsecurity.gov/bso.

In the American Customer Satisfaction Index, Social Security received the highest ratings in both the public and private sectors.

To learn more about our winning services, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ onlineservices. Or, read our publication What You Can Do Online at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10121.html.

Get to know our final four, and all of our online services. When you do, you will be the winner.

can use the direct express prepaid debit card to receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other federal benefit payments. Learn more about direct deposit and Direct Express at www.godirect.gov.

Q: Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) taxable?

A: No. SSI payments are not subject to federal taxes so you will not receive an annual form SSA-1099. However, if you also receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits, those payments may be subject to income taxes.

Learn more about SSI by reading the publication “What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income” (SSI) at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/11011.html.

Q: What is a disability trial work period?

A: The “trial work period” allows Social Security disability beneficiaries to test their ability to work for at least nine months without losing benefits.

During the trial work period, you can receive full benefits no matter how much you earn, as long as you remain disabled and you report your work activity. The trial work period continues until you have completed nine trial work months within a 60-month period. More about this at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10095.html.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2011

Many options available for women to gain that youthful look

By Kristen Raab

H

ealthy, youthful skin is on the wish list of women of all ages.

It is much easier to manage this at age 20 than it is to reverse years of neglect at age 50.

Eating healthy food, exercising, using sunscreen and moisturizers and learning other skin care tips are all useful in obtaining and keeping a youthful appearance for both men and women.

The most important part of any skin care regime is to protect the skin from sun damage. In addition to the increased potential for skin cancer, unprotected skin will show earlier signs of aging such as wrinkles and discoloration. Sunscreen should protect against UVA and UVB rays and it should be at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15, even in the winter.

When planning to be in the sun for an extended period of time, the amount of SPF should be increased, and sunscreen should be reapplied regularly.

People often forget to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.

This can damage the eye and cause vision problems, and it will also lead to early wrinkling of the sensitive, thin skin around the eyes.

After a long day at work, school, or home with young children, washing one’s face before sleeping is probably not high on the list of priorities. The list needs to be restructured.

In addition to the dirt and chemicals that the face is assaulted with throughout the day, makeup wearers will soon discover blemishes if they do not remove makeup at night.

The diet factor

What does eating have to do with your skin? Everything!

Foods rich in certain vitamins will help you achieve the skin you want.

For example, foods such as spinach, broccoli and squash contain vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin.

Fruits such as oranges and strawberries are full of vitamin C, another skin helper.

Water is also an important diet staple. Hydrating from the inside out will benefit your skin. Limiting sugary beverages such as soda and mocha lattes will likely improve skin’s appearance.

Hydrated skin looks more youthful and healthy. Avoid extremely hot water and harsh cleansers. It’s tempting to use hot water during the frigid winter months, but you will diminish the moisture of your skin. Moisturize every day with a product that does not irritate your skin.

Hypoallergenic products are good for people with allergies and sensitive skin. If a person is prone to acne, noncomedogenic products are a great option.

Lifestyle choices such as drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes will also impact skin’s appearance. Put the cigarettes down for good, and limit your alcohol intake for skin and other health benefits.

Balancing act

It’s also important to maintain a balanced life. Finding ways to handle stress and finding time to exercise regularly can change the appearance of one’s skin. Get enough sleep, and find an outlet for life’s frustrations, and you will be on your way to a more youthful appearance.

What if the skin has already started to visibly age or acne is present?

For aging, retinoids can be effective. Retinoids are full of the aforementioned vitamin A. Test out a small area, use just a little of the product until it’s certain your skin can handle it, and read all warning labels.

Stronger products may be necessary as aging continues, and a visit to an expert will answer any questions regarding treatments. Acne can be treated with products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. If these products do not help, it’s time to see a dermatologist.

When people reach their late 30s, skin will often begin to dull. Brightening products such as those containing niacinamide, vitamin C and coffeeberry can help. It’s also important to exfoliate at this stage of life.

Be picky: Don’t grab whatever exfoliator is available on the shelf. Find a gentle exfoliator as those containing ground-nut shells and other sharper ingredients might actually damage your skin.

Lip service

Lips age, too. Keep them healthy by exfoliating them with your toothbrush. The sun will also damage your lips, but a balm with SPF will protect them. Try to avoid lip gloss on days you’ll be in the sun extensively as it can increase the intensity of the dangerous rays.

There are several local spas that offer facials and other skin treatments.

If you’d like to treat yourself, start with this brief list. Also, ask friends about their experiences at local spas, and choose a place where you can feel comfortable and relaxed.

As skin ages, it becomes more difficult to reverse problems.

Children should be wearing sunscreen now, and women in their 20s can begin using anti-aging products before any signs of aging are visible.

Moisture is a key component at any age and for both genders. Trying out products is the best way to see what will work for you. Also, do not hesitate to ask your dermatologist for advice regarding aging, even if you are visiting for other skin concerns.

Former Smoker-in-Chief?

Reports say President Obama hasn’t smoked for nearly a year

By Jim Miller

U

.S. President Barack Obama has not lit a cigarette for almost one year, according to First Lady Michelle Obama.

The first lady’s statement in February confirmed what White House then-spokesman Robert Gibbs said in December that he had not seen the president smoke in nine months.

Obama started smoking in his teens, but vowed to Michelle that he would stop if she permitted him to run for the presidency. However, even after he won, he admitted lighting up occasionally but never smoked in front of daughters Malia and Sasha.

Despite Obama failing to keep his promise to kick the habit, the president’s physician, Jeffrey Kuhlman, encouraged him to continue attempting to quit smoking during the president’s 2010 medical exam. Mrs. Obama said the president wants to go on battling the habit in order to be truthful in his

Do you need to file a tax return this year?

More than half of all seniors aged 65 and older won’t have to file income tax returns this year

answer to his daughters if they ask if he smokes.

To help Obama quit smoking, the president’s golfing companion and trip director Marvin Nicholson also kicked the habit, according to Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. The president also uses nicotine gums.

Meet

Your Doctor

By Patricia J. Malin

‘I go home invigorated every night’ Continued from Page 4 riers are against you. It’s challenging when people lack insurance or when insurance companies deny claims—it doesn’t match the real world, or people get service that’s overlapping or else incomplete. No one is looking at the whole picture. I know what needs to be done (to help a patient), but the system isn’t set up to work that way.

Q.: What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

A.: When you meet someone in a session and you see a change for the

better taking place, a child now flourishing or an adult starting to thrive.

When they come to my office, it’s not about numbers, but about helping people. I go home invigorated every night.

Q.: What challenges do you foresee in the future regarding healthcare?

A.: Making sure people are well informed about health care. It’s a shame that consumers, providers and insurance companies are not well informed.

If we knew what was available, we would demand better care. That’s why I do these lectures (an average of once a month.)

Reach thousands of health consumers, health professionals and health providers.

Advertise with In Good Health.

Call 315.749.7070 and ask for Donna Kimbrell.

Dear Savvy Senior What are the IRS filing requirements for seniors this year? I had to file income tax returns last year, but my income dropped a bit and I’m wondering if I may be off the hook this year. What can you tell me?

Tired of Taxes Dear Tired, According to the Tax Policy Center, more than half of all seniors in the U.S., aged 65 and older won’t have to file income tax returns this year mainly because their incomes are under the IRS filing requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the 2010 filing requirements along with a few other tax tips you should know.

FILING REQUIREMENTS

If your “gross income” is below the IRS filing limits, you probably don’t have to file a federal tax return. Gross income includes all the income you receive that is not exempt from tax, not including Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately. You probably don’t have to file this year if: • You are single and your 2010 gross income was less than $9,350 ($10,750 if you’re 65 or older).

• You are married filing jointly and your gross income was under $18,700.

If you or your spouse is 65 or older, the limit increases to $19,800. And if you’re both over 65, your income must be under $20,900 to not file.

• You are head of household and your gross income was below $12,050 ($13,450 if age 65 or older).

March 2011 •

• You are married filing separately and your income was less than $3,650.

• You are a qualifying widow(er) with a dependent child and your gross income was less than $15,050 ($16,150 if age 65 or older).

REQUIRED FILING

You also need to be aware that there are some special financial situations that require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirement. For example, if you had net earnings from self-employment in 2010 of $400 or more, or if you owe any special taxes to the IRS such as alternative minimum tax or IRA tax penalties, you’ll probably need to file.

To figure this out, the IRS offers a page on their website called “Do You Need to File a Federal Income Tax Return?” that includes a list of financial situations and a series of questions that will help you determine if you’re required to file, or if you should file (if you’re due a refund). You can access this page at www.doyouneedtofile.info, or you can get help over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040.

CHECK YOUR STATE

Even if you’re not required to file a federal tax return this year, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re also excused from filing state income taxes. Check on that with your state tax agency before concluding you’re entirely in the clear.

For links to state and local tax agencies see taxadmin.org — click on “Links.”

TAX PREP HELP

If you do need to file a tax return, you can get help through the IRS sponsored Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). This program provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low income taxpayers, aged 60 and older. Call 800-829-1040 to locate a service near you. Also check with AARP, a participant in the TCE program that provides free tax preparation at more than 7,000 sites nationwide. To locate an AARP Tax-Aide site call 888-2277669 or visit www.aarp.org/money/ taxaide.

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.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Continued from Page 4 York Delicatessen, Raspberries Café & Rosa’s Italian Bakery & Deli.

Adult tickets are $10, children aged 6-17 are $5 and children 5 and under are free.

Advance tickets are $1 off and can be obtained by calling Abraham House at 733.8210 visiting its website at www. theabrahamhouse.org.

The Abraham House recently announced the winners of its children’s poetry contest. Children aged 5-12 were requested to write a poem about meatballs.

Winners won an opportunity to be on the children’s panel to judge the best meatballs and sauce recipe during Abraham House’s March Meatball Madness event.

The winners include Hailey Bassett, Liam Evans, Yamil Ferrer, Tamia Howard, Aryanna Russell and Alexandra Jones.

They also won four complimentary tickets to March Meatball Madness and a meatball madness board game.

The Abraham House’s mission is to provide a secure and loving home without charge to the terminally ill.

March 8

Registration open for LGBTQ conference Registration is open for the 2011 Pride and Joy Families Weekend Conference to be held April 8-10 in Rochester.

The conference will bring together lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) individuals, families, and allies for three days of learning and socializing at the RIT Inn and Conference Center.

Online registration is available at www.PrideAndJoyConference.org.

Early bird rates apply until March 8. The deadline to register children is also March 8.

To register for the 2011 Pride and Joy Families Weekend Conference and the pre-conference training day, visit PrideAndJoyConference.org, or call 607.724.4308.

To volunteer at the conference, advertise in the program book, host a booth at the resource/vendor fair, or underwrite a portion of the event, contact Claudia Stallman at lesgayfambldg@aol. com or 607.724.4308.

March 13

Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts annual event The 29th annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake, to benefit the local Big Brothers Big Sisters program, will be held March 13 at King Pin Lanes in Rome and State Bowling Center in Ilion and March 20 at AMF Pin-O-Rama in Utica.

The Rome and Utica venues will host games at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and the Ilion venue will host at just 2 p.m.

The Valley location in Ilion was added this year to expand the event to Page 16

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an area that has numerous one-toone traditional matches as well as a school-based mentoring program for children in the Valley schools.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is the signature event for the local organization to help raise funds and recruit new volunteers.

Friends, family members and local businesses may sponsor participants for any amount desired. Anyone can enter, either individually or as a team, and teams are composed of five players each.

For more information about Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2011, or to request registration forms, contact Upstate Cerebral Palsy at 315.7246907 ext. 2276.

To register online, visit upstatecp. org under “Get Involved.”

March 18

Conference set on inclusion, education Upstate Cerebral Palsy and the Mohawk Valley Down Syndrome Support and Awareness Group will present the “Conference on Inclusion and Education: Supporting Individuals with Learning Challenges,” featuring speakers Natalie Hale and Patti McVay. The conference will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 18 at The Holiday Inn, 1777 Burrstone Road, New Hartford.

Hale will be presenting “Reading Made Easy for Learners of All Ages with Down Syndrome.”

She is the founder and president of Special Reads for Special Needs, an innovative publisher of early reading materials for children with Down syndrome and other special needs.

McVay will present “Best Practices on Inclusion.” She is a special education director in Santa Rosa, Calif.

Cost is $50 per person that includes both presentations, refreshments and lunch.

Call 315.724.6907 ext. 2308 for more information or visit www. upstatecp.org under under the professional development tab to register online.

erative Extension at 736.3394 ext. 119 or call the Ava Dorfman Senior Center at 337.8230.

March 22

Wendy’s get-together to benefit Abraham House Abraham House will be having a fundraiser at Wendy’s in New Hartford from 5-8 p.m. March 22.

Abraham House will receive 10 percent of the total receipts from the dining in, carry out or through the drive thru.

Fundraisers like this allow Abraham House to continue to provide a secure and loving home without charge to the terminally ill in the community.

For more information, contact Abraham House at 733.8210 or visit its website at www.theabrahamhouse.org.

March 25

Health care administration conference set Utica College is teaming up with the Central New York Area Health Education Center to hold the first annual health care administration conference at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona March 25.

Health care administrators face a barrage of challenges today in understanding and implementing an increasingly large number of rules and regulations. “Managing Transition in Health Care—Leadership for Today, Tomorrow and the Future” will provide an in-depth look at how the health care industry can best manage the transition and position itself for the future through development, organization and collaboration.

An “Early Bird” conference fee of $125 is available through March 4; the registration fee after that date is $145.

There is a student rate of $65. The fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch, afternoon break, reception and all conference materials. Attendees will receive a UC certificate of completion awarding 0.75 continuing education

units.

For more information about the conference or to register, visit www. utica.edu/healthleader.

April 2

SUNYIT dinner theater to benefit Abraham House The SUNYIT Psychology and Sociology Club is sponsoring a dinner theater to benefit Abraham House.

It will be held at 6 p.m. April 2 at Harts Hill Inn, Whitesboro.

The dinner theater will include food, magic and music with nationally known magician Michael Joseph, a barbershop quartet, a silent auction and raffles. Advance adult tickets are $45 and advance children’s tickets are $25.

Tickets can be purchased through Maureen Cool, SUNYIT Office of Career Services, at 792.7165 or at the Abraham House at 733.8210.

Abraham House provides a secure and loving home without charge to the terminally ill in the community.

April 13

FSLH, Utica College to host stroke education day Physicians, nurses, therapists, students and anyone involved in the healthcare field are welcome to attend Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare’s and Utica College’s Stroke Education Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27 at Hart’s Hill Inn, 135 Clinton St., Whitesboro.

Speakers include Gregory E. Young, associate commissioner and medical director for the New York State Department of Health’s Western Region; Cynthia Bautista, neuroscience clinical nurse specialist at Yale New Haven Hospital; FSLH’s Kevin Hoehn, clinical pharmacy coordinator; and stroke survivor Mary Rogers.

Tickets are $40 per person.

Breakfast and lunch will be served.

Reservations must be made by April 13 by emailing Laura Love at llove@mvnhealth.com or by calling 315.624.6847.

March 21

It’s time to ‘Eat Smart New York’ The Ava Dorfman Senior Center will offer the program “Eat Smart New York” in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Sessions will take place from 11 a.m. to noon each Monday for six weeks beginning March 21 at the senior center, 305 E. Locust St., Rome.

Eat Smart New York is a free nutrition education program. Participants in the program will receive free assistance with planning, shopping for, and preparing healthy meals; cooking for one or two; healthy weight management and exercise.

For more information, or to attend, contact Kristen at Cornell Coop-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2011

Griffiss Eye Center becomes reality Ron Debrucque, left, and Nick Pulverenti of Debrucque Equipment of Canastota guide a steel crossbeam into place recently at the site of the 12,000-square foot Griffiss Eye Center in Rome. Despite the snow and cold temperatures, construction has begun on the eye center, located on a two-acre parcel of land off Dart Circle in the shadow of Rome Free Academy in the Griffiss Business and Technology Park. The project, a collaboration among Rome Memorial Hospital and three area ophthalmologists—John J. Costello Jr., his brother Patrick A. Costello, and Joseph F. Femia—is expected to be complete in late spring.

H ealth News St. Johnsville throws retirement party A retirement party was held recently at St. Johnsville Rehab & Nursing Center for Karen Shaut.

Shaut has worked in the center’s housekeeping department since she started on Feb. 2, 1991.

“She has been a dedicated employee who also assisted in training new staff members Shaut and worked in whatever area was necessary,” said administrative assistant Karen Bass. “Karen always took time for our residents whether in transporting, assisting with daily needs or just talking to them.”

RMH, nursing facility test preparedness Rome Memorial Hospital’s Residential Healthcare Facility and Betsy Ross Nursing and Rehabilitation Center partnered to test each organization’s emergency preparedness procedures recently.

The drill began with a scenario that included leaking pipes in the hospital’s third floor residential healthcare facility that resulted in the need to transfer five residents to the Betsy Ross Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

“The collaboration with Betsy Ross nursing facility was an excellent opportunity for us to test the hospital’s ability to safely evacuate and relocate our residents if faced with an emergency situation,” said Debra Wurz, vice president of senior services and administrator of Rome Memorial Hospital’s Residential Healthcare Facility. “The exercise also allowed us to see first hand how another organization would receive an influx of residents.”

“Facilities like ours depend upon each other for the health and well being of our residents should an emergency present itself,” Wurz said.

“A drill like this benefits not only our individual organizations, but the entire community.”

Wurz monitored the drill by accompanying five RHCF residents, a registered nurse and an activities aide to the Betsy Ross Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The drill was also assessed by Rome Memorial Hospital’s Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Allan Chrysler, Jr.

YMCA combats childhood obesity with KidFit In 2009, the Rome Family YMCA was awarded a $25,000 Community Development Block Grant from the city of Rome to combat childhood obesity.

The Rome Family YMCA formed a pilot “KidFit” program at Staley Elementary School from October 2009 through June 2010.

Because of the success of the free pilot program, the YMCA is doing it again this year.

Those interested can call the Rome

Family Y at 336.3500 to register.

KidFit is free for all Rome City School Districts children in grades 3-6.

It includes busing to the Y and back home. The program runs from 3-5 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Staff is available to assist with personal training, group exercise and gym style games.

In early 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama initiated a nationwide campaign “Let’s Move” to fight childhood obesity. On behalf of the nation’s 2,687 YMCAs, YMCA of the USA has expressed its commitment and support for the White House’s initiative.

On April 16, the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, along with hundreds of Ys across the United States, will celebrate “Healthy Kids Day.” This is the largest health day for kids in the nation. In the Oneida and Rome areas, it will be a three-day event and will include a 3K fun run/walk, a poster contest, and many health-related vendors.

In addition, former NBA great Muggsy Bogues will be making an appearance at both locations.

For more information on “Healthy Kids Day,” call the Oneida Family YMCA at 363.7788, the Rome Family YMCA at 336.3500 or the YMCA New Hartford School Age Child Care Site at 797.4787 or visit www.ymcatrivalley. org.

Excellus BCBS awards hospitals $19 million Fifty-two Upstate New York hospitals last year earned more than $19 million in quality improvement incentive payments from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield as part of the health insurer’s hospital performance incentive program.

In the past two years, quality performance incentives from Excellus BCBS have exceeded $40 million.

“By tying our payments to these hospitals to improvements in health outcomes and patient safety, we’re helping assure that our members and all others get the best quality care and the most value for their health care dollars,” said Carrie Frank, vice president of quality and health informatics at Excellus BCBS. Ten hospitals in the Utica/Rome/ North Country Region participated in this program in 2010, including Adirondack Medical Center, Alice Hyde Medical Center, AO Fox Memorial Hospital, Bassett Medical Center, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Medical Center, Community Memorial Hospital, Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare, Oneida Healthcare Center, Rome Memorial Hospital and St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

“The Excellus BlueCross BlueShield program has provided additional focus to our quality improvement program,” said Albert D’Accurzio, vice president for medical affairs at St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

“It also provides the financial resources necessary to implement programs that improve the quality of care. We are pleased that we were able to achieve all of our quality targets in 2010.”

Launched in 2004, the HPIP program evaluates participating hospitals

on over 300 performance measures.

Target outcomes are jointly agreed upon by each hospital and the health insurer using benchmarks established by the CMS, the Leapfrog Group, the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and others.

MMRL scientists discover effect of cholesterol drug Cardiac Research Institute scientists at the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory have discovered a previously unrecognized effect of the anti-cholesterol drug, simvastatin, to suppress the development of some forms of abnormal rhythms of the heart.

Statins are commonly used to treat high levels of lowdensity lipoprotein and total cholesterol. The MMRL Sicouri study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology demonstrates that simvastatin may have a beneficial effect in patients afflicted with certain types of cardiac arrhythmias.

Dr. Serge Sicouri was lead author on this study and his co-authors included Drs. Andrew Zygmunt, Jonathan Cordeiro and Brittany Gianetti.

According to Charles Antzelevitch, MMRL executive director and director of research and senior author of the publication, this unexpected finding adds to the many beneficial effects thus far documented for the statin class of drugs, including reduced inflammation and reduced incidence of heart attack, stroke and some Antzelevitch forms of cancer.

The MMRL study demonstrated for the first time that simvastatin exerts a direct anti-arrhythmias effect by suppressing triggers responsible for the genesis of atrial fibrillation. AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmias requiring medical attention, affecting 2.66 million Americans.

Founded in 1958, the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory has gained international renown and wide acclaim in the scientific and medical community as a leading cardiac research center.

MMRL scientist promoted to manager Jose DiDiego, research scientist at the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, has been promoted to the position of manager of the experimental cardiology program.

DiDiego’s responsibilities include scheduling protocols and coordinating other aspects of the experimental carMarch 2011 •

diology research projects as well as the MMRL’s research in partnership with institutions such as Mohawk Valley Heart Institute, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Cornell University.

DiDiego received his medical degree from the School of Medicine at Buenos Aires University in Argentina in 1984. He joined the MMRL as a postdoctoral fellow in 1988 and accepted a research scientist position in 1993.

DiDiego is a member of the MMRL safety committee and stem cell research oversight committee. DiDiego’s main focus is research into cardiac arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. He is considered an expert in cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias.

Founded in 1958, the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory has gained international acclaim in the scientific and medical community as a leading cardiac research center.

St. E’s College of Nursing announces scholarships The Alumni Association of the Utica Memorial Hospital School of Nursing recently presented the College of Nursing with a check for $5,372.54.

The Utica Memorial Hospital School of Nursing closed in 1950 and the remaining members of the Alumni Association have decided to disband the association.

“We are pleased to know that the remaining monies of the Alumni Association will be given to students who present a financial need in continuing their nursing education in preparation to enter the workforce as a registered professional nurse, meeting the healthcare needs of our community,” said Betty Gallup, a member of the Class of 1950 and treasurer of the Alumni Association.

The St. Elizabeth College of Nursing expressed its appreciation to the members of the Utica Memorial Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association for its commitment to the formation of students as they continue their nursing education.

The St. Elizabeth College of Nursing has also been selected to receive the Esther Elliott Martin nursing scholarship for the year 2010 from Nursing ABC in the amount of $1,000.

This scholarship program was established in memory of Esther Elliott Martin, in tribute to her lifelong commitment to education. As a reflection of her Christian faith, she gave tirelessly of her time and resources, demonstrating respect and concern for each student.

Through Nursing ABC, candidates for the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing can obtain quality academic preparation in math and science by way of convenient, interactive methods, in order to meet entrance prerequisites.

Music Discoveries program at Upstate Cerebral Palsy The Upstate Cerebral Palsy New Discoveries Learning Center and the Promise Program received a grant for $4,996 from the Arts Infusion Program,

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H ealth News Continued from Page 17 which is a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Stanley Theater.

The specific program presented to the students is called Music Discoveries, which runs until April at all New Discoveries Learning Center preschool and daycare sites and the Promise Program for four sessions of 30 minutes each. The purpose of the grant is to enhance child-learning experiences through the collaboration of teachers and teaching artists in a particular art form.

Preschool students with physical disabilities and/or developmental delays will become knowledgeable about music through the use of songs and activities that promote musical growth.

The teaching artist is Juliane Price, a native of Germany, who graduated from Folkwang Hochschule (Creative Arts Institute) in Essen with a master’s degree in opera/performing.

FSLH makes staff announcements Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare recently made the following staff announcements: • Marianne Baker has been named director of quality care management FSLH. She is responsible for the overall strategy and functioning of the quality care management department and for the work of the quality care consultants and the quality Baker professionals.

• Diana Laymon has assumed the role of lead quality care consultant for FSLH’s Quality Care Management Department. In her new role, Laymon is the emergency department quality care consultant and is responsible for the recovery audit contractor audits and insurance appeals Laymon process.

• Steve Magnussen has been named manager of security operations FSLH. He is responsible for working with Securitas Security Services to ensure a safe and secure organization for patients, visitors and staff.

In addition, he has been named the assistant safety Magnussen officer. This important role includes oversight of the material safety data sheet program, driver safety program and “decon team” Page 18

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and providing day-to-day response to safety and security concerns or incidents at the facilities.

• Chris Kilmartin has been named Securitas account manager for FSLH. His official FSLH title is security department manager.

Kilmartin, who has worked with Securitas at FSLH since June 2004, began his FSLH Securitas career as a security officer, then was promoted to sergeant and Kilmartin most recently was promoted to lieutenant. He previously supervised the second shift and was responsible for a variety of administrative duties for the department.

FSLH announces new brand for hospitals Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, formerly Children’s Miracle Network, announced recently a new name and brand for its efforts in the United States.

Refreshing its brand and adding the word “hospitals” to the name is geared to solidifies its purpose with partners and the public. Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare is the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in the region.

FSLH has been a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital since 1992.

Locally, funds are raised by selling paper icons known as miracle balloons at retailers such as Wal-Mart, Rite Aid and Kinney Drugs. The paper icons will still be sold at the same locations, but a new image will be used.

Additionally, funds are raised through several special events including the Miracle Home Makeover, gifts from local individuals and businesses and grassroots fundraising efforts.

The funds raised by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals have helped local children by providing critical and life saving care, childfriendly pediatric medical equipment, as well as vital programs and services for children and families throughout the Mohawk Valley.

“The new name and image better represent our mission to raise funds and awareness for children’s hospitals,” said Craig Sorensen, chief marketing officer of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “We initiated this rebranding to show the close affiliation Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has with its partnering children’s hospitals and our mission of improving the lives of children though fundraising efforts.”

In addition to the name change,

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2011

Ace’s Angle

What do you do to reduce stress?

By Amylynn Pastorella For those who know me, I am almost always “Miss Optimistic.”

Almost always.

I will admit I have my moments when I am stressed and feel like I am stuck between a rock and hard place.

With that said, in place of posting a reader’s health question, I want to post a question to you, the reader.

How do you manage stress? What do you do that helps you feel better?

There are a million things we could do to Pastorella relieve our stress.

Some of the things I do might make you laugh, but they also might be a suggestion for someone who is willing to try to help themselves feel better.

I know when I do certain things when I am stressed, I feel much better.

When I am stressed out and ready to either cry because I don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel or laugh because enough is enough, I pull out my hardcore rock music, my sneakers, my comfortable workout clothes and … are you ready? I clean my house from top to bottom.

I hit every room on a war against dust mites and dirt. Cleaning is my mental therapy. While dusting and vacuuming, I give myself a chance to focus Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals updated its familiar balloon logo to reflect the clean, simple and fresh personality of the new image.

Businesses and individuals interested in learning more about how they can support Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, during 2011, can call 315.624.5600.

Joins Eye Associates of Utica Dr. Richard Pascucci has recently joined Eye Associates of Utica, 2206 Genesee St., Utica.

Pascucci joins Doctors Cynthia Parlato and Kenneth Novak.

Pascucci received his Doctorate of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago.

on where my stress is coming from and how I can solve the dilemma that is the cause of this unwanted feeling.

Even through the loud rock music, I can think and come to a valuable solution. The music helps me as well. I am able to relate to the emotions music offers and the loud guitars and drums help by letting my body dance rather than get tense muscles. For me, this is what I have to do to relieve my stress.

There are other things anyone can do. Some people go for long runs; others talk their problems out to a counselor or therapist.

I know many individuals who pull out a notebook and simply write it all out on paper. Being a writer, I enjoy writing in a journal because when I get my thoughts out of my mind and on paper, I can get to the root of my stress and solve my problems this way.

So, how do you deal with stress?

Another piece of advice I can offer is to know that there is nothing that comes your way that you cannot handle.

We are strong people. We are entitled to our downfall moments, but it does get better!

Take a few minutes to see what happens when you get stressed and how you relieve your body of that feeling. If you know what helps you when you are stressed, you can better manage your stress.

• Do you have a health-related question for Amy “Ace” Pastorella?

Send your questions to acesangle@gmail.com or mail to In Good Health, 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 He earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University.

Pascucci completed primary care externships at Sydney Hillman Health Center and Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago.

Pascucci has practiced primary care optometry in Central New York for 13 years.

Herkimer County receives state grant The New York State Department of Health awarded a five-year grant to Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc. to establish programs to prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases in Herkimer County.

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H ealth News Continued from Page 18 An $87,500 grant is in effect through the end of March. Then over the next five years, Herkimer County HealthNet will receive $175,000 a year in funding under this grant.

Obesity and diabetes are the two most critical public health threats to New Yorkers and Americans, reducing quality of life, likely shortening the life span, increasing health care costs and reducing productivity in the work place and at school.

In the United States, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased among both adults and children in the past two decades. An estimated 66 percent of adults are either overweight or obese.

The causes of obesity—poor nutrition and physical inactivity—can be addressed by lifestyle changes. Grant funding is targeted to support improved nutrition and physical activity where county residents live, work and play.

Towns and villages will receive training and funding to create and improve trails, rehabilitate parks and playgrounds, and improve roadway design, zoning regulations and land use policies.

Farmers’ markets will be promoted and expanded to provide more access to fresh, local produce. Small convenience stores will receive support to offer more healthful food options.

Childcare providers will receive assistance to improve physical activity and nutrition opportunities available in their facilities.

For more information. con-

tact Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc. at 315.867.1552 or at pjspinner@herkimercounty.org.

Upstate Cerebral Palsy staff gets promotions The leadership and board of directors of Upstate Cerebral Palsy recently announced three new staff promotions.

• Patricia Carey of Clinton was promoted to associate vice president of school age services where she works collaboratively with the vice president of the school age division to develop and operate systems and lead key processes across the division.

Carey has worked at the agency for 14 years and is a Leadership Mohawk Valley graduate and a member of the Kirkland Arts Center.

• Jeremy Earl of Utica was promoted to associate vice president of therapy services, where he is in charge of overseeing the therapy programs for the preschool, promise, school age and adult divisions.

Earl has worked at Upstate Cerebral Palsy for 11 years and is on the Leadership Mohawk Valley Board of Directors as chair of the alumni committee.

• Catherine McGuiggan of Whitesboro was promoted to director II of the community services division.

In this role, she provides leadership to the Medicaid service coordination, home and community based waiver and family support teams.

McGuiggan has been with the agency for 17 years and is a member of the Upstate Cerebral Palsy Caring Partnership.

Health in good

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Health

issues

Gaining insight Studies by Excellus help shed light on health care issues

By Aaron Gifford

I

n the early 1990s, officials at BlueCross BlueShield wanted a better way to explain to its customers the connection between insurance premiums and health care costs.

The company set up a corporate communications office and made plans to generate reports on what the true costs of health care really looked like— and what the public could do to keep the costs from constantly increasing. In the days before the World Wide Web, it was quite an ambitious undertaking.

“There was a need for more conversation about personal habits and how it affected health insurance costs,” said Geoff Taylor, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield senior vice president of corporate communications.

Taylor, who had worked as a news reporter for The Associated Press, was recruited for the initiative because the company wanted to produce materials that its customers could understand, free of scientific jargon and technical medical terms. “The main idea,” he said, “was to help people connect the dots.”

As the Internet emerged, the reports evolved from a global approach designed to serve the entire customer base to a targeted approach for individuals. In 2003, the company began putting fact sheets on its website, with the topics ranging from cigarette smoking, to cancer screening, to insurance coverage for experimental treatments.

A 2005 study published on costs savings for generic prescriptions made a huge splash in the insurance industry and with the media, as newspapers across the state published the Excellus report in its entirety.

“It just got a ton of interest,” Taylor said.

Ad hoc approach

And yet, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield does not have a dedicated staff for these reports. Rather, it utilizes a team of writers and researchers that spends most of its time producing other types of materials for the company, and several in-house experts. That list includes chief pharmacy officer Joel Owerbach, who is considered a national expert on generic drugs, and Patricia Bomba, a geriatrician and national expert on end-of-life issues, Taylor said.

“It’s entirely in-house people— even practicing surgeons contribute,” Taylor said. “And the writers work with them to make sure they speak plain English. They can’t use scientific terms or industry jargon.”

All told, there are 49 different reports, surveys or fact sheets on Excellus’ website. The items are organized under 12 different general topics: AcPage 20

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cess and Health Coverage; Behaviors and Health Conditions; Costs—General; Dental Care; End of Life Care; Experimental Treatment and Clinical Trials; Health Measurements; Hospitals; Malpractice; Medical Advances; Prescription and Nonprescription Drugs.

Taylor could not estimate an annual or total cost for producing the fact sheets and studies, saying there is no line item in the communications budget for that program. He also could not estimate how many employees work on a report in any given year. In fact, there is no formal schedule or plan for producing the fact sheets and the topics are not planned out way ahead of time, Taylor explained.

Backed by the facts

Employees keep an eye out for trends, and ideas for potential reports are discussed often, but the communications staff must be assured that the concepts, ideas and trends can be illustrated with reliable statistics and expert insight before anything is published.

A typical fact sheet is 10 pages or less, and consists mostly of graphics, charts and comparison numbers for different regions of Upstate New York. All the data comes from reputable sources, Taylor said, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the state Department of Health.

The final section of the fact sheet typically brings steps consumers can take to keep health care costs down and/or maintain a healthier lifestyle.

A recent report on fall incidence and insurance costs for older adults, for example, said seniors can reduce the risk of fall by wearing sensible, properly fitting shoes and installing non-slip treads on wooden floors.

Excellus officials said they know the fact sheets are well read, but it’s difficult to gauge whether these reports can be credited to customers making healthier and more economical decisions to help keep health care costs stagnant. Taylor did point out that generic prescription fill rates in Upstate New York grew faster than in any other region of the country after Excellus’ 2005 report.

Liz Martin, Excellus vice president of communications in Syracuse, said the Compassion and Support health care website was inundated with hits after Excellus released its fact sheet on end of life care in 2008. The report noted that living wills and documents for health care proxies could be obtained from the site.

“There has been a real up-tick in how many people were clicking on it for information,” she said. “There was clearly a pent-up desire for people to get that information.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2011

Hot button topics

Moreover, the 2005 national media coverage of the debate surrounding the care of a Florida woman, (Terry Schiavo), who was in a vegetative state, prompted Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to engage in that topic with the community locally.

“Patricia Bomba was involved in that as well,” Taylor said. “It’s not a pleasant topic, but we wanted to facilitate conversation between family members. It’s important to talk to your family about what your wishes are for end of life care.”

The immediate future of the fact sheet initiative, Taylor said, is to update some of the reports for which the data has changed. A previous report on smoking, for example, showed that smoking rates were decreasing. The latest round of regional statistics on

smoking, however, no longer indicates a downward trend.

“It’s somewhat discouraging,” Taylor said, “but we have an obligation to report the facts. The latest round of numbers hasn’t necessarily been moving in the right direction.”

Martin stressed the role of the reports isn’t solely to encourage change or containing health care costs. That would be the case for the 2008 report on the leading causes of death in Upstate New York, which showed that heart disease and cancer were the No. 1 and No. 2 causes, respectively, of death in five regions of Upstate New York from 2003-2005.

“Sometimes it’s just putting the information out there,” she said. “There’s not always a call to action. And it’s not always about the financial toll, but the human toll.”

Excellus findings Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has issued 49 reports and surveys in the last few years. Here are some of the findings: • Nearly 2 million New York state adults are informal caregivers • Close to 15,000 older Upstate NY adults are injured and hospitalized due to falls • An Excellus BlueCross BlueShield report finds that 127,000 upstate New York adults survived a stroke.

• “New Report: Upstate Is Ripe with Opportunities to Save Lives, Time and Money with E-prescribing” • “Report: Upstate New Yorkers Unnecessarily Use the ER” • “Increase in Generic Fill Rate Saved Upstate New York $127 Million in 2009” • “Sexually Transmitted Diseases: The Silent Epidemic” To view other studies, fact sheet and surveys, go to excellusbcbs.com/factsheets.