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DECEMBER 2021 • ISSUE 190
Why You Should Absolutely
TAKE A BREAK RIGHT NOW Life is busy. You work all day, eat lunch at your desk, come home to care for your partner and children, and tackle the endless responsibilities that come with being an adult. Read about why you should take a ”mental break” right now. P. 15
ALSO INSIDE: STRESS-FREE HOLIDAYS Deb Dittner discusses ways to have a healthier, happier holiday season. P. 13
ZINC
New study suggests that zinc may help shorten your cold or flu. P. 9
WEIGHT LOSS SURGEON Physician Keneth Hall II of Rome Health has been instrumental in bringing minimally invasive surgical techniques to the forefront in the region. P. 4
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: SAY ‘YES’ Live Alone & Thrive. P. 6
Kidney Grown in Pig Successfully Transplanted in Human A kidney grown in a genetically altered pig functioned normally after being attached to a human patient during a groundbreaking procedure performed by U.S. doctors. If the technique proves generally successful it could revolutionize organ transplant, greatly expanding the pool of available organs. The surgery was conducted in September at NYU Langone Health in New York City and involved a patient who was brain-dead and being kept alive on a ventilator, The New York Times reported.
The kidney came from a pig genetically engineered to grow an organ with a low risk of being rejected by the human body. After being attached to the blood vessels in the upper leg outside of the patient’s abdomen, the kidney quickly started functioning normally, said physician Robert Montgomery, the director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute who performed the procedure, the Times reported. The results strongly suggest that this type of organ will work in the human body, according to Montgomery.
“It was better than I think we even expected,” he told the Times. “It just looked like any transplant I’ve ever done from a living donor. A lot of kidneys from deceased people don’t work right away, and take days or weeks to start. This worked immediately.” The patient was followed for only 54 hours and the research hasn’t been peer-reviewed or published in a medical journal, but it hints at a new source of desperately needed transplant organs. Many questions remain, but experts called the procedure a mile-
Opening a New Door to Addiction Treatment Addiction affects all, regardless of background, race, ethnicity, gender, religion or socio-economic status. In recent years, communities across our nation — including Central New York — have experienced alarming increases in the number of people needing addiction treatment services. As the longest running treatment program in the region, Crouse Health’s Addiction Treatment Services remains committed to our mission to expand access to care and ensure delivery of high-quality addiction and mental health treatment in our community. We are proud of our new facility that matches the caliber of our staff and provides a nurturing, safe and uplifting environment that is already greatly enhancing our focus on holistic patient care: The Bill & Sandra Pomeroy Treatment Center at Crouse Health. If you, a loved one, friend or colleague is in need of treatment for substance use disorder, please contact us at 315-470-8304 or visit crouse.org/addiction. Bill & Sandra Pomeroy Treatment Center in Syracuse. The two-story, 42,000 square-foot facility at 2775 Erie Blvd., East, replaces the 100-year-old former location of Crouse’s outpatient treatment services at 410 South Crouse Avenue.
Page 2 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2021
stone. “There’s no question this is a tour de force, in that it’s hard to do and you have to jump through a lot of hoops,” physician Jay Fishman, associate director of the transplantation center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, told the Times. “Whether this particular study advances the field will depend on what data they collected and whether they share it, or whether it is a step just to show they can do it.” “We need to know more about the longevity of the organ,” but this “is a huge breakthrough. It’s a big, big deal,” physician Dorry Segev, a professor of transplant surgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, told the Times. There are more than 100,000 Americans on transplant waiting lists, including more than 90,000 who need a kidney. Each day, 12 people on the waiting lists die, the Times reported. Pig-grown organs such as kidneys, hearts, lungs and livers that can be transplanted into people has been something researchers have long been trying to achieve. “This is really cutting-edge translational surgery and transplantation that is on the brink of being able to do it in living human beings,” physician Amy Friedman, a former transplant surgeon and chief medical officer of the organ procurement organization LiveOnNY, told the Times. The group played a role in finding the brain-dead patient involved in the procedure. The patient was a registered organ donor, but the organs were not suitable for transplantation, so the family agreed to the experimental kidney procedure.
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Barbara Pierce
Keneth Hall II, MD Nurses think about suicide more than other workers
M
ayo Clinic researchers report that nurses in the U.S. experience suicidal ideation in greater numbers than other general workers and those who do are less likely to tell anyone about it. The findings appear in the American Journal of Nursing. More than 7,000 nurses responded to a national survey on well-being, with questions ranging from burnout to depression. More than 400 nurses reported having suicidal ideation within the past year. That’s 5½% of the respondents, which is nearly 1% higher than the general workforce sample at 4.3%. Those who reported suicidal ideation also said they were less likely than other respondents to seek professional help for their emotional issues. More than one-third of the nurses had at least one symptom of burnout and 40% screened positive for symptoms of depression. The researchers say their findings indicate that the situation needs urgent attention, and systems- and practice-based interventions need to be developed and implemented to address burnout and suicidal ideation. It’s important to note that this survey was conducted, beginning in late 2017, with data collection in 2018, before any of these nurses were confronted with effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “While the findings of our study are serious enough, we recognize the impact of the current pandemic has dramatically compounded the situation,” says physician Liselotte Dyrbye, a Mayo Clinic internist and the senior author. “The need for system-level interventions to improve the work lives of nurses and other members of the health care team is greater than ever before.” The questionnaire was sent in November 2017 to 86,858 nurses and a sample of 5,198 general workforce members.
Medical director of the Hernia Center, Weight Loss Center, and Wound Centers at Rome Health recently performed some of the first minimally invasive weight loss surgeries ever done at the facility.
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hysician Keneth Hall II is medical director of the Hernia Center, Weight Loss Center, and Wound Centers at Rome Health. He has been instrumental in bringing minimally invasive surgical techniques to the forefront in the region. Additionally, he recently performed some of the first minimally invasive weight loss surgeries ever done at the facility. Q. How did you become interested in becoming a physician? A. As a child, I witnessed my uncle who suffered tremendously with a chronic illness. I was able to see the love, care and compassion that his doctor offered. Many patients waited hours on end just to be seen by her. She was my inspiration. Also, when I was in high school, I read a book called “Gifted Hands” by Dr. Ben Carson [the physician who ran in the presidential election in 2016]. I saw a parallel between his life and mine, and began to dream of a career as a surgeon. Q. As a bariatric surgeon, what kind of surgical procedures do you do? A. We offer surgeries for obese patients including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrostomies, and corresponding revisions. We also offer a full complement of general surgical procedures, including hernia repairs, gallbladder surgeries, stomach and colon surgeries as well as procedures to repair hiatal-diaphragmatic hernias in patients with heartburn-GERD or
Barrett’s esophagus. Q. You’ve been a leader in bringing minimally invasive surgical techniques to the Mohawk Valley. What are “minimally invasive” surgical techniques? A. I pride myself on doing stateof-the-art surgery, using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy and robotic surgery. These surgeries are efficient, reduce pain, reduce complications and reduce recovery time. In laparoscopic surgery, I make several small cuts. Usually, each one is no more than a half-inch long. I insert a tube through each opening, and the camera and surgical instruments go through those to perform the operation. Robotic surgery includes a camera arm and mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached to them. I control the arms with a computer which gives me a high-definition, magnified, 3D view of the surgical site. Q. What areas of your practice are you especially drawn to? A. I’m especially drawn to obesity medicine. Severe obesity is a chronic condition. It’s difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone. Surgical intervention has been shown to be more effective than nonsurgical interventions for sustained weight loss. For this surgery to be successful, patients must be dedicated to a life style change and lifetime of follow-up appointments.
Page 4 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2021
Q. What is most rewarding about your practice? A. The dramatic changes brought about in people’s lives after surgery is the most rewarding thing about it.
‘Severe obesity is a chronic condition. It’s difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone. Surgical intervention has been shown to be more effective for sustained weight loss.’ Medical problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, acid reflux and many other medical conditions may resolve after weight-loss surgery. Q. You have been awarded many honors. What achievements or awards are you most proud of? A. The Marquis Who’s Who Award by Millennium Magazine and magazine cover feature. [Editor’s note: The prestigious Marquis Who’s Who chronicles the lives of the most accomplished individuals in America.] I’m also proud to have received the Forty Under 40 award and the New York Times Rising Star award. Q. What else would you like us to know about you? A. I would like to be remembered as a testament that, with a little determination, a big plan and much hard work, you can accomplish anything. I recognize that the playing field is not always level and believe that opportunity is what truly separates us from success. I believe wholeheartedly that it is the responsibility of the successful to educate and mentor those who will come in our place. I do that by making motivational talks and commencement addresses. I’d also like people to know that, here at Rome Health, our approach is different from most. We use a family approach; we give individual attention to each patient and focus on the ways in which quality of care is delivered. I see my patients as an extension of my family and I want only the best for them. I try to put myself in the patient’s shoes, so I can be more sensitive to what they’re going through. Q. How do you find living in the Mohawk Valley? A. I find it’s a calming environment — being one with and so close to nature. Also, I like that people are very appreciative of the care I offer. And it’s a great place to raise children.
Lifelines
Birth year: 1976 Birth place: Jamaica Current residence: Cazenovia Education: Undergraduate degree: York College of the City University of New York, where he received several awards for academic excellence and graduated with honors. Medical degree: Howard University College of Medicine. Internship: US Department of Health and Human Services. General surgery training program: Stony Brook University Hospital. Surgical fellowship: NYU Long Island. Affiliations: Rome Health, St Joseph’s Health Hobbies: Jogging, hiking, golfing, playing tennis. “I’m an inventor and a publisher, and I volunteer. I enjoy doing public speaking, such as commencement speeches and motivational talks.”
Excellus BCBS Raises its Minimum Wage to $18 an Hour
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xcellus BlueCross BlueShield has raised the minimum wage for all employees at its company to $18 an hour. Previously, the minimum wage was $15 an hour. “I’m excited to share that our organization has a new $18 an hour minimum wage,” said Jim Reed,
CEO and president of Excellus BCBS. “We hope an increase in the minimum wage will have a meaningful impact on employees and their families and help us remain competitive when attracting and retaining top talent.” Increasing the minimum wage to $18 an hour will result in salary increases for 639 employees across Upstate New York, or about 15% of the health plan’s total workforce. Employees receiving raises include about 389 making below $18 an hour and 250 making just above that amount. Many of these employees work in customer service, member enrollment, claims processing, clinical support, provider network credentialing or in the print and mail room. Excellus BCBS employs about 4,000 employees across 39 counties of Upstate New York.
Average Salary for Registered Nurses at Samaritan now $82,500 Samaritan Health, Watertown’s largest health provider, reaches wage agreement with NYS Nurses Association
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amaritan Health has recently reached an agreement with the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) to raise wages for its unionized registered nurses (RNs) by 14%. As a result of this agreement, Samaritan has increased its starting RN wage from $30.41 to $34.67 an hour. The average full-time Samaritan RN earns approximately $82,500 per year. Samaritan completed a significant market-rate adjustment for its employees in August that impacted many positions and led to adopting a new $15 per hour minimum wage rate for all entry-level positions. Approximately 1,200 staff received a pay increase at that time. RN wages did not increase in August due to Samaritan’s assessment that its wages remained market-competitive at that
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time. However, RNs did receive a 1% lump-sum payment for their continued dedicated work. According to a news release issued by Samaritan, local and regional market RN wages have increased dramatically since August. The agreement with NYSNA was ratified by a vote of RNs on Nov. 22 and it will be retroactive to Aug.1, 2021. The change will impact 408 RNs at the medical center. “As the nationwide shortage of registered nurses continues to impact hospital systems throughout the country, this increase will supplement Samaritan’s continued efforts to recruit and retain nurses,” read a hospital press release. “We strive to hire and retain the highest-quality nurses through strong wage offers, a comprehensive benefits package, and sign-on bonuses.”
SERVING ONEIDA, HERKIMER, & MADISON COUNTIES A monthly newspaper published by Local News, Inc. 20,000 copies distributed. To request home delivery ($21 per year), call 315-749-7070.
In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2021 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 Phone: 315-749-7070 • Email: IGHmohawkvalley@gmail.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Contributing Writers: Barbara Pierce, Deb Dittner, Gwenn Voelckers, David Podos, Deborah Jeanne Sergeant, George W. Chapman, Anne Palumbo Advertising: Amy Gagliano Layout & Design: Joey Sweener • Office Manager: Nancy Nitz 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.
December 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 5
Live Alone & Thrive
By Gwenn Voelckers
Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone
Be Happier This Holiday Season: Say ‘YES’ “Thank you so much for thinking of me. I would love to attend but have another commitment. So sorry.” Do you find yourself using this familiar refrain? When feeling overwhelmed with life after my divorce, my first line of defense was to say “no” to invitations and opportunities. This was especially true during the holidays when I was alone and coping with all the decisions and choices and shopping and schlepping. Saying “no” was my way of keeping life simple and more manageable during a hectic time. I thought it would make life easier and, therefore, happier. But it didn’t. Experience taught me that there’s a downside to “no.” Declining invitations, deciding not to throw my annual Christmas party, and discounting the value of holiday traditions and gatherings didn’t make me any happier. In fact, the opposite happened. By not showing up I felt empty and lonelier than ever. One of the world’s longest studies on happiness (conducted by Harvard researchers) revealed that good, close relationships are what keep people happy and healthy throughout their lives. Saying “no” keeps us apart. Saying “yes” brings us together. And it’s the togetherness that contributes to happiness. In the end, doing the things that nurture our relationships is what lifts our spirits because it brings us closer to one another. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or the December solstice, the holidays can be a real challenge if you’re newly di-
vorced or widowed. They were for me until I took the reindeer by the horns and decided to say a resounding “YES” to life. Consider the following:
Say YES to slowing down Better, stop what you’re doing altogether. Ask yourself what the holidays really mean to you. Rebirth? Hope? Love and connection? Generosity and goodwill? Revisit your most deeply held beliefs about the season and make a conscious decision to participate in the holiday rituals and activities that align with your values, views, and spiritual beliefs.
Say YES to being realistic For those who live alone, some degree of loneliness can be considered normal during the holidays. It’s a good time to remember that feelings of loneliness aren’t terminal, nor are they a state of being reserved for single people. Loneliness has very little to do with being alone. It has everything to do with your state of mind. Prayer, meditation, mindfulness and communing with nature can remind you of your intrinsic belonging to your inner self, to others, and to all of life. Embrace the felt experience of belonging to an all-encompassing universe.
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Say YES to creating a new holiday tradition This is especially important if you are bemoaning the loss of irretrievable traditions of a past life. Consider instituting your very own signature tradition of volunteering to help others. When you give of yourself, you reap two big rewards: First, you’ll develop connections with people who share your spirit of giving and second, you’ll nurture your soul.
Say YES to random acts of kindness If volunteering doesn’t fit into your schedule, bake some holiday goodies for your family and friends. Leave a little something (maybe a pine-scented candle?) on a neighbor’s doorstep. When you are thinking about and doing for others, you get outside of yourself and feel less lonely — more a part of the world and of this season of giving.
Say YES to sending out holiday cards Take this occasion to go old school and say hello by snail mail. I love getting an unexpected card from a long-lost friend, and I delight in tracking down and sending out season’s greetings to those who might be surprised to hear from me. Sure enough, good things come from reaching out to others, and I encourage you to address a few envelopes this season.
Say YES to happiness Let go of the notion that you need to be married or in a romantic relationship to enjoy the holidays. The potential for happiness is all around you. You’ll find it in the personal connections with family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, even people you meet in passing. You have a choice. Choose to be with people rather than isolate. Choose to deepen and strengthen your ties with loved ones. Choose to appreciate what you have rather than focus on what you’re missing. Choose to say “yes” and be happier this holiday season!
Say YES to accepting and extending invitations
Say YES to inviting people over
It’s the most wonderful time of year to meet and greet old and new friends. This is a festive time and people at holiday gatherings are
It will give you an incentive to decorate, if you just don’t feel motivated to do it for yourself. No need to do anything elaborate. Inviting a
Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Alone and Content, empowerment workshops for women and author of “Alone and Content,” a collection of inspiring essays for those who live alone. For information about her workshops, to purchase her book, or invite her to speak, visit www. aloneandcontent.com
mended dose, take the medicine too often, or take more than one product that contains the same drug. For example, taking both a pain reliever containing acetaminophen and cough and cold medicine containing acetaminophen. Don’t give children medicines that are packaged and made for adults because adult medicines may overdose a child, the FDA said. It also noted that there are no approved homeopathic cough and cold medicines for children, even though they can be found online and in stores. The FDA offered tips for relieving cough and cold symptoms in infants and children. Encourage children to drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated, especially warm drinks to soothe the throat. A cool mist humidifier can make breathing easier by decreasing congestion in nasal passages, and saline nose drops or sprays can keep nasal passages moist and help avoid stuffiness. Nasal suctioning with a bulb
syringe or a similar product works very well for children younger than 1 year old. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever, aches and pain. Carefully read and follow the instructions or talk to your pharmacist or health care provider about dosage. Call your doctor if your child has any of the following symptoms: • A fever of 100.4 degrees F. or higher in an infant 2 months or younger. • A fever of 102 degrees F. or higher in children at any age. • Blue lips. • Labored breathing, including nostrils widening with each breath; wheezing; fast breathing; the ribs showing with each breath, or shortness of breath. • Severe headache. • Not eating or drinking, with signs of dehydration (such as decreased urination). • Excessive crankiness or sleepiness. • Persistent ear pain. • If the child is getting worse.
Do Your Kids Really Need Cough & Cold Meds?
hen children have colds, parents may want to hold off on using cough and cold medicines, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests. Most children get better on their own, and cough or cold medicines won’t change the natural course of a cold or make it go away faster. Also, some cough and cold medicines can have serious side effects,
typically in good moods and filled with positive energy. Say “yes” to invitations and show up for your happiness fix! Or you be the initiator. Identify a holiday concert or event you’d like to attend and invite family and friends to join you. Take on the role of social secretary and you’ll gradually feel your holidays, social life, and social circle becoming more active and interesting.
few friends over for brunch or to watch a holiday special on TV can brighten your day (and theirs!). Consider including children in your planning. For years, I hosted a cookie-decorating party for my friends and their kids. The children’s silliness, curiosity and wonder added a magical (and messy!) dimension to the holidays.
such as slowed breathing, which can be life-threatening, especially in infants and young children, the FDA warned. The agency doesn’t recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for cough and cold symptoms in children younger than 2, and the products’ labels advise against giving them to children younger than 4. These products can harm children if they get more than the recom-
Page 6 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2021
Q: What are the main services that you provide? A: The largest program we have is our residential housing program supervised and supportive for people living with mental health issues and substance use disorders. At this time we are serving approximately 310 people in that capacity all within Oneida County. We do not have a residential housing program in Madison County. Q: Besides the residential programs, what other services do you provide for your clientele? A: The next biggest one, which is very key to our mission, is our community assistance program. We have three office locations that provide those services. One here in Utica, one in Rome and one in Oneida. Basically, we try to assist people with financial crises stemming from emergency situations. In addition, in our Rome location we operate a full-service food pantry for people in need. In our other offices we provide food vouchers, we assist with prescription services and help people get linked with other social services entities. There are other services we provide as well, all of them are very individualized depending on the need.
Q A &
Q: What is the average number of people you serve within the three locations? A: We provide services to approximately 7,500 people.
with Jack Callaghan
Catholic Charities of Oneida, Madison Counties also facing staffing shortages, says interim executive director. Nonprofit serves 7,500 individuals annually By David Podos Q: What was your title prior to becoming interim executive director? A: I was the chief program officer. I was in that position slightly more than three years. Prior to that, I was director of residential and community services. I am approaching my 28th year working for Catholic Charities of Oneida/Madison Counties. Q: How long has Catholic Charities
been in our area and is it affiliated with any other organization? A: We have been here in Utica since 1927. We are connected to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. So simply put, we are a corporation within a greater corporation. Q: What is Catholic Charities’ mission statement? A: Creating hope, transforming lives.
Q: How did COVID-19 affect your agency, what challenges were you faced with? A: Well, we are always challenged to provide a safe living environment for the people we care for regardless of the pandemic. When COVID hit we had to put into place many restrictions like so many other agencies had to. Early on in the pandemic sourcing supplies for our community residences to feed them and to get them simple things like toilet paper and everyday necessities, those items that we all took for granted, now those supplies were vulnerable. So, we got creative by working with different vendors, by buying food for instance from wholesale establishments so we weren’t dependent going out to retail stores, which would expose our staff. We would compile the food and supplies in our auditorium, then bring them to our program sites. The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida counties provided us with funding for our PPE equipment, so it was a
“We are lucky to have a number of tenured staff that have been with us for some time and are committed to the agency’s mission who stepped up to the plate in a difficult situation. “
collaborative effort. Q: How many employees do you have, and, are you experiencing any staff shortages? A: We are still dealing with some of the staffing shortages that have been a down stream consequence of social changes from the pandemic. That said, we are lucky to have a number of tenured staff that have been with us for some time and are committed to the agency’s mission who stepped up to the plate in a difficult situation. In regards to recruitment, we have done some things to attract new employees such as a raise in our salaries for entry-level employees. We also have very good benefits and a flexible work schedule to balance home and work environments and needs of our employees. We currently have about 130 employees, which would include our full-time staff, part-time staff and per diem staff. Q: Where does Catholic Charities get its money to operate the business? A: For most of our residential programs we have state and county contracts, so that is our biggest funding stream, governmental funding. We also get a lot of financial help from the Syracuse diocese when they do their Hope for Appeal campaign. Additionally, we have private donors who have a fondness for our mission who contribute financially. Other sources are monies from the United Way and more recently we have received a great deal of support from the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida counties. We also do several fundraising events throughout the year. Our annual operational budget is about $10 million. Catholic Charities is located at 1408 Genesee St., Utica. To reach them call: 315-724-2158
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(315) 507-4751 | www.falconclinic.com December 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 7
COVID-19 Booster & the Flu Vaccine
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Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s physician Nicholas Massa talks about booster shots and flu vaccines.
lu season is here again, and the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Vaccines offer crucial protection against each of these diseases, but many people have questions about the COVID-19 booster and this year’s flu vaccine. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s physician Nicholas Massa has some answers.
od of time between the two vaccines? A. There’s no need to space them out. In fact, if you are due for both shots, you can get them at the same visit. Just don’t delay your flu shot too long if a COVID-19 booster isn’t recommended for you at this time. Ideally, you should get your flu shot by the end of October.
Q. Can I still get my flu shot this year if I get a COVID-19 booster shot? A. Yes! Getting your yearly flu shot reduces your risk for flu-related illness and potentially serious complications. Likewise, if a COVID-19 booster is recommended for you, getting it may help shore up your protection against severe COVID-19 illness and death. The good news is that you don’t have to pick between the two types of vaccines. You can get both.
Q. Will the side effects be worse if I get both shots at the same visit? A. This is a new situation, but we have lots of experience giving other vaccines together. That experience has shown that the side effects are generally about the same whether the vaccines are given alone or at the same time. If you have concerns, speak with your health care provider.
Q. Do I need to wait for a certain peri-
Q. But flu season wasn’t bad last year. Do I really need a flu shot this year? A. You’re right—the level of flu virus activity was unusually low
last flu season. That may have been partly because people were wearing masks, social distancing, and staying home a lot due to COVID-19 restrictions. This year, people are mingling more, which means that flu viruses have more chance to circulate. Getting your flu shot remains very important. Q. How will the delta variant of COVID-19 impact this flu season? A. It is possible to have flu and COVID-19 at the same time. The highly contagious delta variant that is going around might make this even more likely—and it’s something you want to avoid. There is growing evidence that having COVID-19 and the flu together increases the risk for severe illness and death. That’s a compelling reason to get vaccinated against both. For further COVID-19 resources visit us at ExcellusBCBS.com/ covid19. Submitted by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Healthcare in a Minute
By George W. Chapman
Walmart About to Change the Healthcare Industry
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f you want to see the future of healthcare, (good or bad), in at least primary care, watch what the retail giant is doing. With more than 5,000 locations throughout the U.S., including rural areas where providers are in scarce supply, Walmart is uniquely positioned (and financed) to have huge impacts on the healthcare costs, delivery and outcomes. Plans include expanding in-store walk-in clinics, telemedicine, discounted drugs and supplies, a universal electronic medical record and a new venture with self-insured businesses. Walmart is leveraging its massive purchasing power to get
discounts from both drug and supply manufacturers. (So, drug companies do negotiate discounts. But it literally takes an act of Congress to allow Medicare, with its huge purchasing power, to negotiate discounts. Maybe Medicare should buy its drugs through Walmart? Sorry.,I digress.) Walmart employs community healthcare workers like nurse practitioners, nurses, care coordinators, dietitians and medical assistants knowing that 70% of health outcomes depend on our personal habits and behaviors and social determinants like decent housing, access to care, transportation, income, ethnicity and diet.
Finally!?
Federal Vaccine Mandate
We may be, finally, somewhat closer to relief on exorbitant drug prices, which are often the root cause of personal bankruptcy. For decades, the ubiquitous drug lobby has fought to prevent any price concessions. Medicare’s “permission” to deploy its massive 160 million people purchasing power, a la Walmart, to merely negotiate with drug manufacturers is included in the much ballyhooed human infrastructure bill that as of this writing is expected to be voted on by Congress. The bill gives Medicare permission to negotiate only a couple dozen drugs. Medicare will not attempt to throw its weight around on drugs that enjoy market exclusivity. Despite the recent flood of grossly misleading ads run by the drug manufacturers association intended to scare seniors, Medicare is not “setting” prices (like it unfairly does for hospitals and physicians). The price is “set” once it is mutually agreed upon by both parties in their negotiations.
New York state has already mandated vaccines for healthcare workers. While it has resulted in some staff resignations, the overall impact has been negligible. Now the federal government has issued a vaccine mandate for all facilities, providers and healthcare support workers receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding. Virtually all healthcare facilities receive those funds. Facilities and workers have until Jan. 4 to comply. The federal mandate covers about 76,000 providers and 17 million support workers in more than 5,000 hospitals, 15,000+ nursing homes, clinics and private practices. Vaccines are critical to protecting those who are battling the virus for us on the front lines.
Virtual Visit First? The pandemic has significantly increased the utilization of, acceptance of, and even the preference for, virtual visits or telemedicine. Banking on this trend, some insurers are
offering new products that literally require your first visit (non-emergent) to be a virtual one. Most of these products also require you to select an “online provider” (in addition to your regular network physicians) who would then be authorized to “treat” and refer you to one of your regular providers for follow up if needed. These products are offered at lower premiums and there are no co-pays for the virtual visits. Skeptics are quick to point out the downsides. You have no idea who or where your “online provider” is. The provider could be in another state. Something may be missed on the virtual visit that could have been picked up during an in-person visit with your regular primary provider. Studies estimate about two-thirds of initial visits require in-person contact. While certainly not for everyone, this new product could be a viable option for relatively healthy consumers looking to reduce their medical expenses.
Hospitals Need to Change. Hospital administrators and industry observers agree: the pandemic has forever altered hospitals' operations and those slow to adapt will perish. A survey of 73 hospital executives was conducted by consulting firm Kaufman Hall. Hospitals must pay more attention to revenue cycle management, access to care, staff recruitment and retention, increasing supply costs, artificial intelligence and decreasing demand post pandemic. Ninety percent of respondents have already significantly raised staff compensation to attract and retain staff. An interesting caveat to decreasing demand is the surge in non-COVID related emergency room visits. The negative and consequential results of postponing or delaying care are now presenting in emergency rooms. Heart and respiratory problems, blood infections, organ failures and drug overdoses are once again filling ICUs as the pandemic
Page 8 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2021
weakens.
Lab professionals. We need to take the following into consideration when impatient for COVID-19 test results. The healthcare industry was already facing staffing shortages prior to the pandemic. COVID-19 has exacerbated staff shortages leaving many positions unfilled. Behind the scene healthcare workers, like lab techs, are feeling the crunch just as is nursing. This impacts the immediacy of test results. Work in the clinical laboratory can be exciting, rewarding, and intellectually stimulating for those who enjoy science and its application toward patient care. However, the shortage of staff resources combined with increased pressure to provide COVID-19 test results quickly, all while trying to meet the day to day expectations for critical laboratory results, has created the perfect storm for clinical laboratory staff burn out. Burn out has increased retirements and resignations. Let’s appreciate the behind the scene healthcare workers who help providers diagnose the infected and inform the uninfected. We need to continue promoting these laboratory professions which is such a vital part of our healthcare along with the resources need to return to proper staffing levels.
George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.
Between You & Me
By Barbara Pierce
I’m Having Suicidal Thoughts ‘I was in despair. I felt hopeless that things would ever be right’
“I
could just step into the street. I’d get hit by a car and killed,” I thought as I waited at the red light on Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. Cars were whizzing close to me as I stood on the curb. I wanted to die. I didn’t want to be dead. I just didn’t want to be alive. I saw no other way out of the problems I was facing. I felt hopeless that things would ever be right for me. Today, more than 40 years later, in my mind, I can clearly see my 22-year-old self on that fall day. My foot ready to step off the curb in front of the line of fast-moving cars, the black and white checked blouse and black skirt I was wearing. I was in pain, emotional pain. I wanted to stop the thoughts that kept going through my mind. I couldn’t figure out how to resolve them. In my mind, I hit a brick wall again and again. “The only way out is if I’m dead,” is what kept going through my mind. I stood there on the curb. The light changed to green and people around me pushed across the street. I stood there on the curb; I didn’t
know what to do. Go with the green light and the crowd, or step in front of a car when the light turned red again. I stood there, in indecision, thoughts swirling through my mind. My mother had died a few years before. Though I wasn’t really close to her, the stability she had provided was gone. She’d been like a rudder I didn’t miss until it wasn’t there. Back home in Minneapolis, my father had remarried a woman who didn’t much like me and the feeling was mutual. My younger brother and sister had to live in this new family. I’d moved to Manhattan and had no contact with my family. I knew my brother and sister would miss me. Perhaps they were the only ones who my death would hurt. It would hurt them badly. And that kept me on the curb. The only support I had at the time was my roommate and friend, Bernadette. We worked together and shared a room. Bernadette was quirky, funny and definitely neurotic. For several weeks before this day, I’d been thinking more and more that killing myself was my only option. I
Zinc Might Help Shorten Your Cold or Flu, Study Finds
M
any people pop a zinc supplement at the first sign of a cold, and there’s new
evidence supporting the habit. Australian researchers found that the supplements appear to help
didn’t talk about it with Bernadette or anyone. I didn’t identify myself as “depressed’ and get a pill. I was 22 years old; I didn’t know anything about depression and pills. I was in despair. I felt hopeless that things would ever be right. Later, as I went on to my career as a psychotherapist, I learned that hopelessness is one of the most common risk factors for suicidal behavior: feeling hopeless about the future and helpless to improve prospects for the future. I learned that, if suicide-prone persons can’t think of a solution to their problem, death becomes the only solution. “Every problem has a solution,” I recall one of my mentors saying. “As a therapist, you must help the client understand this and help him find the possible solutions.” I was a young woman. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for young adults. Women attempt suicide two to three times more often than men. While women are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, men are much more likely to take their own lives. A common, yet highly inaccurate, belief is that talk of suicide or suicide attempts are often a method of getting attention rather than a serious risk. This is far from true. In fact, just the opposite is true. Within the first three months to a year following a suicide attempt, people are at highest risk of a second attempt; this time perhaps succeeding. Any talk of suicide or any suicide attempt, no matter how feeble, must always be taken seriously. As I backed away from the curb that day, I was scared. I realized I
needed to talk to someone about what I was thinking. I began by talking with Bernadette. Together we figured out a workable plan. Though I’ve had bouts of depression over the years since then, I’m fortunate that I’ve never again spiraled down to feeling like I needed to end my life.
shorten respiratory tract infections, such as colds, flu, sinusitis and pneumonia. Many over-the-counter cold and cough remedies offer only “marginal benefits,” the researchers noted, making “zinc a viable ‘natural’ alternative for the self-management of non-specific [respiratory tract infections].” The study was led by Jennifer Hunter, associate professor at the NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University in Penrith, New South Wales. Her team published the findings Nov. 2 in the BMJ Open. According to Hunter’s team, zinc as a nutrient has gained attention from researchers because it’s known to play an important role in immunity, inflammation, tissue injury, blood pressure and in tissue responses to any lack of oxygen. To learn more about zinc’s potential, the investigators reviewed more than two dozen clinical trials that included more than 5,400 adults. All were published in 17 English and Chinese research databases up to August 2020. None of them specifically examined the use of zinc for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Lozenges were the most common form of zinc intake, followed by nasal sprays and gels, the research team said. Doses varied substantially, depending on the formulation and whether zinc was used for prevention or treatment.
Compared with placebo, zinc lozenges or nasal spray were estimated to prevent about five new respiratory tract infections in 100 people per month, and the effects were strongest for reducing the risk of more severe symptoms, such as fever and flulike illness. However, these findings are based on only three studies, the team noted. On average, symptoms cleared up two days earlier with the use of either a zinc spray or liquid formulation taken under the tongue (sublingual), compared with a placebo, the data showed. Patients who used nasal spray or sublingual zinc were nearly twice as likely to recover during the first week of illness as those who used a placebo, the study authors noted in a journal news release. And 19 more patients out of every 100 were likely to still have symptoms a week later if they didn’t use zinc supplements. Zinc was not associated with reduced average daily symptom severity, but it was associated with a clinically significant reduction in symptom severity on the third day of illness, Hunter’s team found. No serious side effects were reported among zinc users. All in all, zinc may be offered as a treatment option by doctors to patients “who are desperate for faster recovery times and might be seeking an unnecessary antibiotic prescription,” the researchers suggested.
I
f you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, professional support is advised. MCAT (Mobile Crisis Assessment Team) is available, free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MCAT is available in six counties: Oneida, Herkimer, Schoharie, Otsego, Delaware and Chenango counties. They are available 24/7, to talk over the phone or they will come to where you are. Call 315-732-6228 or 844732-6228. Also, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-8255.
Barbara Pierce is a retired licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience helping people. If you would like to purchase a copy of her book, “When You Come to the Edge: Aging” or if you have questions for her, contact her at barbarapierce06@yahoo.com.
December 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 9
Complementary Alternative Medicine and Therapy There are other choices for a patient’s health care By David Podos
P
atients today have many choices when seeking help from a health care professional. There are primary care physicians, any number of physician specialists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and therapists, to name a few. Most, if not all, have been schooled in traditional western medicine. That’s what they use to diagnosis and treat their patients. However, there are other choices for a patient’s health care and for a growing number of people. Complementary alternative medicine has been the way to go for them. In most instances a patient uses complementary alternative medicine(CAM) alon side and in conjunction with traditional western medical treatments. Some examples are acupuncture, massage and vitamin and herbal treatments. A survey, conducted by nutritionist Kathy Wong for Very Well Health, points out the main reasons why people are using CAM: “55% of adults said they were most likely to use CAM because they believed it would help them when combined with conventional medical treatments. Interestingly, 26% used CAM because a conventional medical professional suggested they try it.” She further said that 36% of US adults aged 18 and older use some form of CAM. Jack Kunkel is the author of “It’s Fat Loss, Not Weight Loss.” He is also a practicing alternative medical doctor located in Utica. He holds a doctorate and Ph.D. in natural and alternative medicine from Quantum University, a Master of Science degree in clinical nutrition from New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls and a bachelor’s degree in science from Empire State College. Kunkel also holds a number of awards and certifications. He is board-certified as an alternative medical practitioner, as well as holding certification from the American Council on Exercise, plus he is a certified health coach, personal trainer and weight management specialist to
have in your body. Alternative medicine is here to stay and is growing. I am grateful that my practice has quadrupled in the past year.”
Healing arts
Jack Kunkel, a practicing alternative medical doctor in Utica, is the author of “It’s Fat Loss, Not Weight Loss.”
Misty Torres is a licensed massage therapist. She practices at Lush Beauty Bar in New Hartford.
name just a few. “I grew up with a broken brain. I was this skinny then fat teenager. I didn’t have any muscle. I was uncoordinated. I wasn’t able to play sports,” he said as he explained what motivated him to pursue a profession in natural and alternative medicine. “In my mid-20s I got really sick. I had four medical diagnoses. I had hypothyroidism, low testosterone, adrenal fatigue and depression. I am also dyslexic. Going through all this motivated me to not only help myself but to help others stay healthy.” “Alternative doctors provide many different treatment plans for their patients. I would say my treatments first start with bio individuality, meaning we are all different so each patient of mine is treated respecting their individuality,” he added. “Kinesiology is a main part of my practice.” In 1964, chiropractor George Goodheart — known as Dr. Goodheart —made the first correlation between finding a weak muscle using manual muscle testing. He looked beyond his own chiropractic profession to the fields of bio medicine, nutri-
tion, biochemistry and other methods to increase the health and well being of patients based on using the body itself as a diagnostic tool. “In applying kinesiology, I use the body’s energetic system to explain what is happening. What I mean is you are using the system’s autonomic nervous system which runs everything,” Kunkel said. “Whether you look at Chinese medicine ayurvedic medicine or Western medicine, it’s all based on the autonomic nervous system, because it truly runs everything, it tells the cells when to fire, it’s making everything in the body work. That is all energy medicine. When we use kinesiology it’s a 13-step process that allows us to find out what’s wrong with the body and how to fix it. What I like to point out and what people need to understand is alternative medicine doesn’t replace your medical doctor and his or her treatments. I know many physicians in the area and I work with them closely. I also do testing that will determine how much metals may have bio accumulated in your brain. I use urinalysis to help show how much inflammation you might
Page 10 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2021
Misty Torres is a New York state licensed massage therapist. She received her degree from SUNY Morrisville in 2008. She also has a continuing education certification for the practice of cupping, as well as deep tissue massage, hot stone massage and pregnancy massage. She practices her massage therapy at Lush Beauty Bar located in New Hartford. “I became a massage therapist because I really like helping people and making them feel better. When people suffer from ongoing pain it’s nice to be able to offer someone a relaxing atmosphere where I can help them. When I was a young teenager my best friend and I gave each other back massages and she told me I was really good. So, I pursued getting my education in massage therapy as soon as I graduated from high school. Also, my faith is very important to me, so I am guided by that as well and pray for my clients that I will be a blessing to them.” In an article written by Jeanie Lerche Davis for Web MD titled: “Can Prayer Heal?” she describes a man who was going for his third angioplasty and stent replacement. Doctors told him the procedure was risky with the possibility of stroke, heart attack and even death. “Though he did not know it at the time, the patient had prayers sent to him during the procedure from nuns, monks, priests and rabbis. The procedure was successful and the patient feels strongly that prayer pulled him through,” Davis writes. Torres said massage is good for so many things as it affects all the body systems. “It helps in providing proper blood flow, reduces stress and anxiety, you sleep better. It helps with headaches, depression, fibromyalgia, carpel tunnel syndrome and so much more,” she said.
SmartBites By Anne Palumbo
E
Rosemary Roasted Almonds
The skinny on healthy eating
Great Reasons to Eat More Almonds
very day, I eat a handful of almonds. While I’m certainly crazy about this nut’s yum-factor, I confess to being absolutely nuts about its impressive array of nutrients. Almonds abound with vitamin E, a powerhouse nutrient that acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells. You know how rust can crop up on your car or bike? Well, a similar oxidation process and accelerated aging occurs in your body when cells are exposed to molecules called free radicals. These toxic molecules weaken and break down healthy cells, and may also contribute to chronic health issues such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and more. Although free radicals occur naturally in the body, lifestyle factors can accelerate their production, causing an unhealthy balance known as oxidative stress. Smoking, alcohol, fried foods and exposure to toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, have all been linked to an uptick in free radicals. An ounce of free-radical-bustin’ almonds—that’s 24 nuts—provides nearly half of our daily needs for vitamin E. Almonds are a boon for bones.
That one-ounce serving packs as much calcium as a quarter-cup of milk. On top of that, almonds are loaded with two minerals that also keep your bones healthy and strong: manganese and phosphorous. Worried that almonds are fattening? Research has shown that eating almonds reduces hunger, lowering your overall calorie intake. High in both protein and fiber—two nutrients that take longer to digest—almonds increase feelings of fullness and satiety. A study of overweight women found that those consuming almonds lost more weight than those on a nutfree diet. Twenty four almonds have 160 calories. And while almonds do have 14 grams of fat, it’s mostly monounsaturated fat—the good fat that helps protect your heart by maintaining levels of “good” HDL cholesterol while reducing levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol. Show your ticker some love: eat almonds! Another great reason to reach for almonds: They’re remarkably high in magnesium, an essential mineral that may help lower blood pressure levels, assist with blood sugar control, and possibly reduce symptoms of depression.
Helpful tips Buy raw or roasted almonds in their purest form possible: no salt, no oil, no other added ingredients. If buying in bulk, take a sniff: they should smell sweet and nutty, not sharp or bitter (a sign of rancidity). Store almonds in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark, dry place. Freezing or refrigerating almonds extends their shelf life by several months.
Adapted from sweetandsavourypursuits.com 2 cups raw almonds 1½ tablespoons maple syrup 1½ tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons dried rosemary ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon ground coriander ½ teaspoon Kosher salt pinch of cayenne (optional) — Preheat oven to 325 F; place rack in middle of oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. — In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, and spices. Add almonds and mix until well coated with the spice mixture. Spread almonds onto the baking sheet in one even layer. — Bake in the oven for 10 minutes; then stir and bake for about 10 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let cool on sheet. Serve or store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-
nist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.
FDA Issues New Salt Guidelines for Processed Foods
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he U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in October that it is lowering the recommended levels of sodium in processed, packaged and prepared foods. The goal of the new, voluntary guideline is to help reduce Americans’ average sodium intake from 3,400 milligrams (mg) to 3,000 mg per day — roughly a 12% reduction — over the next 2.5 years. “It’s really a pivotal day for the health of our nation as the FDA is announcing a critical step in our efforts to reduce the burden of diet-related chronic disease and advance health equity,” acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said during a media briefing announcing the new guideline. “We as a nation face a growing epidemic of diet-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, which disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minority groups,” Woodcock added. “As a result, thousands of lives are lost and billions of dollars spent in health care costs each year for these preventable illnesses. We also know that limiting certain nutrients such as sodium in our diet can play a huge role in helping to prevent diseases such as hypertension [high blood pressure], cardiovascular disease and renal [kidney] disease,” Woodcock said. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said the new
guideline, although not mandatory, should help all Americans become more healthy. “These new recommendations and target by the FDA take this a step closer to improving health outcomes for all Americans,” he said during the media briefing. “It keeps Americans on track to stay healthier as we move forward. [The] human and economic costs [of] diet-related diseases are staggering. And hundreds of thou-
sands of Americans are learning that the hard way, as they contract these chronic diseases, and they face the consequences of poor nutrition. So, it’s time for us to do much better.” Despite the lowering of recommended sodium levels in processed and packaged products, it still does not meet U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ recommended limit of 2,300 mg per day for those aged 14 and older, the FDA noted.
US Ranks World No. 2 for Salt Content of Processed Meat and Fish Products The salt (sodium) content of processed meat and fish products is so high in the US that it ranks second in the world, finds a five-country study published in October in the online journal BMJ Open. China comes first, while the UK comes last in the overall rankings. But salt levels within and between the countries studied varied widely, depending on the product and brand, the findings show. High dietary salt intake is a major cause of high blood pressure and the associated risks of cardio-
vascular and kidney diseases and death. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum salt intake of 2000 mg/day. But the average global salt intake in 2010 was around twice that. The WHO has set a target of a 30% global reduction in salt intake by 2025, and to gauge progress against this, focused on the salt content of processed meat and fish products in three developed and two developing countries: the UK; USA; Australia; China; and South Africa. The 2017 UK salt reduction
targets were used to assess the percentage of products reaching the levels across the five countries. The five nations included in this study each have their own strategies to reduce dietary salt intake and are part of The International Network for Food and Obesity/noncommunicable diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS), which aims to collate and track the nutritional content of processed foods worldwide.
December 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 11
HAPPY
Holidays
Gifts for Fitness Buffs From gift certificates to equipment there is a lot to choose from By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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f you have a few fitness buffs on your gift list, you have plenty of options that will encourage them in their wellness goals. Suggestions from Jennifer Johnson, certified personal trainer, certified in exercise therapy, exercise recovery specialist, specialist in corrective exercise and owner of Fearless Fitness in Baldwinsville. • “Foam rollers. Those are used as a self-massaging technique, usually on the floor to massage out stiff muscles. It’s like a deep tissue massage. If you’re a beginner, you can get a relatively soft one. Different ones have nubs on them to hit the muscle a little bit harder. • “A gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods, eBay or Play it Again Sports so they can pick out what they want. • “Medicine balls and kettle bells. They can be used for cardio and strength training. There are all different weights and sizes. Medicine balls you can use with a partner to toss back and forth. They’re really easy to use. You can use kettlebells for walking lunges, kettle bell swings. • “A gift certificate for a personal trainer. Unlike going to a gym, it’s more personal.” Suggestions from Patrick DiBello, owner, Syracuse Fitness Center and certified personal trainer, Syracuse Fitness Center. • “One of my big things for fitness equipment is gymnastics rings. They’re portable and great because they help people work on pulling exercises. They’re straps that go
around the rings. You wrap the strap around a doorway pull-up bar or a pole. They’re good for core, strength training. You can take them to the gym, too. • “I’m a big fan of resistance bands. It’s really easy if you’re working out at home. It’s hard to otherwise train your pulling muscles for training your back muscles. A lot of people are strong with their chest, shoulders and the front muscles, but lack muscles in the back and resistance bands help with that. • “The exercise ball-physio ball. I know they get stashed in people’s corners, but they’re really valuable for core exercises and stretching. They’re very underrated in my opinion. They’re good for legs and core. • “Yoga blocks to bring to a yoga class. To me, they’re the number one go-to tool to have for a home workout. You can use them for stretching, balance and strength training. They’re a good prop for flexibility. It helps you get stabilized as they’re six inches higher than the floor. It’s a great way to modify a lot of stretches. • “Parallettes: mini versions of parallel bars but one and a half feet off the ground. If people have a hard time doing push-ups on the floor, you can put your knees on the ground or elevate your hands to make it easier. It makes dips more accessible. • Yoga mat. It’s a little more cushion if you’re on a floor at your house and you don’t have a gym mat. It also solidifies a certain space. It helps with the mindset. • “The Acumobility ball. It’s
a ball designed for soft tissue work, replicating some of the work a massage therapist does. You can’t replace those techniques, but some soft tissue work can increase mobility, circulation.” Suggestions from Jill Murphy, certified personal trainer and certified life coach, co-owner of Mission Fitness, East Syracuse. • “Some things I think of are worth having in a home gym include Bowflex Select Tech dumbbells. They’re stackable, so you pick the weight and when you pick it up, it’s that weight. It’s one big dumbbell so it doesn’t require a lot of room. You have a lot of different weight options to work with. • “A Peloton membership. They have thousands of workouts, and some are live. There’s a lot to choose from. You don’t have to have the Peloton bike brand for the membership to work. • “If someone has a road bike, you can get a bike trainer. You take off one wheel and it makes a bike into a stationary bike. It’s great for someone into road biking so they can stay active in winter. • “If people like to work out outdoors, snowshoes or cross-country skis can be a great gift. You can go to a local park like Beaver Lake or Highland Forest. • “An exercise ball is on the cheaper end. They can do abs and squats with it and a handful of other exercises.
Page 12 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2021
• “A workout bench could also help someone, whether a chest press, triceps dip, or seated shoulder press. Suggestions from Walter Walker, III, personal trainer and personal trainer manager at Train Hard Fitness, Liverpool. • “Some type of smart watch or tracker, like a Fitbit or Apple watch. You need accountability. That especially helps my weight-loss clients. • “Proper footwear, whether running, cross training or lifting weights, it’s important. If your feet hurt, you don’t want to do anything. • “New fitness gear like shirts and clothes. If you look good, you feel good and if you feel good, you perform good. It’s a big motivator. • “Give dumbbells, a jump rope and a yoga mat. Most people have moved their working out into their homes. • “If someone’s serious about fitness, gift them with a class package at a gym they’re at. Getting around others with like-mindedness is a good idea. It can help them stay motivated. It can kickstart their journey. Or maybe upgrade their membership. It may only be $10 a month.
The Balanced Body
Some Tips for a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season
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t’s that time of the year again and the holidays are upon us. Holiday songs both new and old bring feelings of togetherness, giving and joy. Just thinking about Christmas brings the scent of my grandfather’s springerle cookies to mind filling me with that amazing spice smell. The traditional scents that fill our homes for the holidays also bring great support to the body. Three great holiday aromas delivered by therapeutic grade essential oils are clove, cinnamon bark and wild orange. All three are safe for both children and pets and there is no worry about candles being knocked over or forgotten. • Clove essential oil is antimicrobial, filling the air with the scent of the autumn harvest and winter warmth. This hot oil may provide a warming sensation when applied topically to the skin and therefore should be applied with a carrier oil to dilute the sensation. Adding clove essential oil to some raw honey produces an amazing natural face mask against acne and other skin irritations. Clove boosts the immune system when diffusing, cleaning and in cooking. • Cinnamon bark essential oil is also antimicrobial making this a great addition to your diffusing blend. Cinnamon bark adds spicy warmth to the mix. Research shows the ability to decrease cholesterol and support heart health. This oil helps to boost the immune system and is an antioxi-
By Deb Dittner
dant. It’s also considered a hot oil, so add a carrier oil when applied to the skin. • Wild orange essential oil is both citrusy and sweet, supporting your digestive system in cooking and when added to your water. Wild orange can calm the anxious when diffused and can be used in cleaning, as it contains antibacterial properties, by simply adding to white vinegar. • Diffuser blend: • 2 drops clove essential oil • 2 drops cinnamon bark essential oil • 4 drops wild orange essential oil
Healthy approach The holidays can also create anxiety and stress causing you to overindulge in inflammatory foods. Most traditional holiday foods contribute to that inflammation adding to health problems of today. Avoiding these foods may seem quite difficult but let’s look at ways to enjoy the celebrations and still maintain a healthy approach. • Self-care: The holidays are a season of giving but remember to first give to you. Practice meditation and breathing techniques to decrease anxiety and stress which will help in decreasing inflammation. Evening baths consisting of Epsom salts with lavender essential oil causes relaxation and preparation for a good night’s sleep.
HAPPY
Holidays
• Keep moving: Remember to continue the exercise program you worked hard to incorporate into your daily lives. Movement will keep down the inflammation and provide a sense of calm. Try incorporating yoga or tai chi. Walking the dog not only provides movement but the addition of sunshine (vitamin D) and clean fresh air. • Preparation is key: If you will be eating at a restaurant, check the menu ahead of time to know your options. You could also eat ahead of time if the options are not ideal and enjoy something small. Mostly, enjoy the company you are with. If you are going to a party where everyone will be bringing and sharing a dish, make something consisting of a whole nutrient-dense option that you will be able to enjoy. • Add turmeric: If you’re bringing a dish to share, don’t forget the turmeric. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and a great spice to add to almost any meal. Turmeric also comes in supplement form adding to your wellness routine. Look for a supplement brand providing 10 grams per day, containing piperine which greatly increases the bio-availability of curcumin. • Alcohol in moderation: Alcohol does create inflammation in the body, so you need to choose wisely. Look for cocktails that include anti-inflammatory, gut-healing ingredients such as ginger, kombucha and water and coconut kefir. Consider having a glass of water or sparkling water in between alcoholic beverages. • Avoid junk food: Chips and other crunchy snacks are staples at most parties and consist of inflammatory oils such as canola and soybean.
Search out snacks such as raw, soaked, or lightly toasted nuts and seeds, nut cheese, hummus or guacamole with raw veggies, salsa with cassava flour tortilla chips, and for those on a keto diet, fat bombs. • Have a support system: Finding a friend who shares the same healthful options who can come with you will keep you both on track and accountable. • Consider a probiotic: Probiotics help in healing the gut which can be compromised during the holiday season when eating not-so-healthy foods. Probiotics consisting of a minimum of 10 billion CFUs containing lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains aid in decreasing the inflammation. Despite what you may think, the holidays can be enjoyed to its fullest and decrease inflammation. Balancing your body by incorporating in anti-inflammatory choices will empower you throughout the season and into a healthy New Year. Happy Holidays to you all! Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. For more information, check out her website at www.debdittner.com or contact her at 518-596-8565.
When it comes to learning your risk of cancer – including breast cancer – knowledge is power. That’s why Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY is proud to offer comprehensive Cancer Genetics Testing and Counseling with specially trained experts. Available to anyone – not just HOA patients – Cancer Genetics Testing and Counseling: • helps you and your family make better-informed decisions about your healthcare • is covered by most insurance plans • begins with a simple blood sample To see if Cancer Genetics Testing and Counseling is right for you, talk with your doctor and take our five-minute survey at hoacny.com/cancergenetics or by scanning this code.
December 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 13
HAPPY
Holidays
Make This a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season
A look at top issues that could make or break this holiday season By Barbara Pierce
T
he holidays are here once again, as well as the anticipation, excitement and sometimes dread. How can you make this a truly happy, healthy, fun holiday season for yourself, your spouse or partner and your family? This has not been a good year for most of us, with COVID-19, political differences, unemployment, the supply chain crisis, global climate change, etc. The list of concerns this holiday season is long. “Maintaining positivity on a daily basis is a challenge for all of us. The challenge of making this year a happy, healthy season is multiplied by 10,” said wellness coach Lisa Marie Chirico, founder of Care Planet, a health and wellness site. It’s wise to plan, not just for the menu or the presents or the guests, but more importantly, for you. Some of the top issues that could make or break this holiday season and how to plan for them include: • COVID-19: “Eventually, we’ll talk about COVID-19 in the past tense,” said Chirico. The time will come when it’s no longer a pandemic, when cases are no longer out of control and hospitals aren’t at risk of overflowing with patients. What’s
less clear is when that will happen. “But for now, we still live in a not-quite-post-pandemic world and we’re continuing to adjust to an ever-changing new version of normal,” she said. “That alone is stressful.” The long-term impacts of the coronavirus, on our bodies, our brains, on society, won’t be fully understood for years. One of the most unsettling questions is how the pandemic has changed our relationships with people we love but who we’ve disagreed with on the threat of COVID-19 and the steps necessary to stay safe. This virus has altered family dynamics. Fights over mask-wearing and social distancing created new rifts and for those who disagreed on politics before the pandemic, the crisis deepened cracks that were already formed. “The pandemic has amplified our differences, making our emotions sometimes feel raw and right at the surface,” said Chirico. “We’re living with plenty of uncertainty now, and that uncertainty creates discomfort.” “We all need to make our own choices that we believe are best for our health and wellbeing,” she continued. “At the same time, we need
How the Holidays Are Bad for Your Health Be merry, but also be safe By Barbara Pierce
T
he upcoming holidays are a big part of life for most of us. We appreciate the much-needed breaks from work. We value the time we spend with family and friends. We look forward to the parties, religious and cultural events. Or at least, that’s how the holidays should be. In reality though, this time of the year can bring on a whole range of health issues, both mental and physical. From rising heart attacks rates to worsening depression, here’s how the holidays can affect your well-being, mentally and physically; how the holidays are bad for your health. • Heart attack rates increase: Though you might assume all that joy and cheer of the holidays is good for your heart, the opposite is actually true. “There’s a 5% increase in heart attacks during the holidays, according to American Heart Association research,” said physician Cynthia Jones of the Mohawk Valley board of directors of the American Heart Association and of Mosaic Health Utica. In fact, one study in Sweden found that Christmas Eve was associated with a 37% increase in heart attacks. Researchers noted that older
people are especially vulnerable to heart complications. Several reasons for increased heart attacks have been identified, Jones said. This time of year can be incredibly stressful, including family issues, increased financial pressures and the need to shop. Also, unhealthy eating habits during the holidays contribute to the increase in heart attacks. One study suggests the stress that an unhealthy meal places on the heart may quadruple heart attack risk in the first two hours after the meal. Unhealthy eating includes food that is high in sugar and/or saturated and trans-fats. Eating foods high in fat will make hardening of the arteries worse and increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Another study found that average levels of total cholesterol were 15% higher in December and January than other months. Those with chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and allergies, are particularly vulnerable. • Overdoing alcohol during the holidays has a number of serious consequences. First, it raises blood pressure, which is one of the most important risk factors for a heart
to respect the choices of our friends and family, even when they may not mirror our own. Remind yourself that it’s OK not to agree with the choices made by those we love. Our job isn’t to change their minds.” It’s important to be totally open-minded and just hear the other person out. It doesn’t mean that you have to agree. Actively try to understand where the other person is coming from. Forget about trying to convince them, and really make an effort to understand why their views make sense for them. • Dealing with loss: “The pandemic has brought many types of loss including the passing of family members and friends,” added Chirico. “There’s a lot of pain associated with the loss of the physical presence of our loved ones, especially during the holidays, when grief can be extremely difficult. “Although they’re gone from our lives, their spirit lives on and cannot be diminished. So, in this sense, they can truly never leave us. I believe that our departed loved ones would like us to remember them with a smile through our tears.” “Realize they are always beside you,” she continued. “Don’t dismiss the signs you notice around you as mere coincidence. I know through my grief counseling that our loved ones are continuously trying to communicate with us. The heavy energy of our grief, coupled with our doubt, can make it more difficult for them to send us divine signs of their enduring love for us. Stay open to these beautiful signs, especially in nature. They will calm you, soothe you and create more space for happiness and attack or a stroke. One alcohol-related condition is so common this time of year that it’s referred to as “holiday heart syndrome.” It can even occur in people who have no history of heart disease. “Holiday heart syndrome occurs after episodes of acute binge drinking, which cause palpations that lead to an abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation,” explained Jones. “Atrial fibrillation is defined as the upper chambers of the heart ‘quivering’ instead of beating regularly. The ineffective blood flow can lead to dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath. “The symptoms include rapid and irregular heartbeat, fluttering or ‘thumping’ in the chest, dizziness, shortness of breath and anxiety, weakness, faintness, confusion and sweating.” “If left untreated, it’s very serious as it can lead to damage to the muscle of the heart or a heart valve and cause death,” she added. “If it’s diagnosed early and treated, including stopping alcohol intake, it’s reversible.” Binge drinking during the holidays is common and, over time, can lead to any number of health issues, from heart disease to brain damage. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 grams percent or higher. This typically happens when men consume five or more drinks or when women consume four or more drinks in a two-hour window. Alcohol-related injuries defi-
Page 14 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2021
Lisa Marie Chirico is founder of Care Planet (https://careplanet.co) healing in your life.” • Families: For many, the biggest source of holiday stress is family, the family dinner, the obligations and the burden of family tradition. Family relationships are complicated. If you can cut through the vague sense of dread about family gatherings and identify the specific problems, you can make a plan of action to deal with them directly. Learn from what hasn’t worked in the past and use it to create a better situation for this season. • Say no: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back. It’s OK to say no. • Feel grateful: “There is always something to be thankful for,” stressed Chirico. “Feeling grateful for the blessings in your life and expressing your gratitude is a wonderful way to stay positive.” nitely ratchet up during the holiday season. Flu season is in full swing. The holidays are right in the middle of flu season, which peaks between December and February. Being around crowds increases your chances of catching the flu and other winter bugs. A flu shot will reduce the risk. • We’re not past COVID-19: Things are trending in the right direction, but we’re not past the pandemic. Experts predict that sometime in the not-so-distant future, it will become “endemic,” meaning still present but its impact is manageable. • Seasonal depression strikes: Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that typically starting in the late fall or early winter. Symptoms include low energy, excessive time sleeping, overeating and social withdrawal. • Clinical depression can get worse: If you have clinical depression, the high expectations, money worries and pressure to be continuously happy can all lead to depression during the holidays. • We put off getting medical help: When we get sick over the holidays, we put off getting help. We’re just too busy or we’re in another city or state. This only makes the illnesses worse. • Accidents increase: The last place we want to be over the holidays is the E.R. Holiday-related injuries during the week of Christmas are common, especially falls from ladders and roofs. Also common are bad weather car accidents, holiday fires and electrical shocks.
HAPPY
Holidays 4 Holiday Stress Management Tips
I
f you feel you're prone to holiday burnout, you can formulate an effective holiday stress management strategy with these four keys to avoiding holiday burnout: 1. Perspective: Try to keep the whole experience in its proper perspective by remembering that the holiday season represents only a very short portion of the year, which will soon be at its end. Holiday time does not necessarily need to be the most important or meaningful time of the year. Only you can decide what is most significant for you. Realize that many others feel the same way as you and may also be experiencing disillusion, stress, or anxiety.
You Should Absolutely Take a Break Right Now You can’t pour from an empty cup By Barbara Pierce
L
ife is busy. You work all day, eat lunch at your desk, get home to care for your partner and children, tackle the endless responsibilities that come with being an adult. Unfortunately, powering through without a pause can do you more harm than good, psychologists say. It’s important to sneak in some “mental health breaks” throughout the day. Nourishing yourself first, to ensure that you’re not “pouring from an empty cup,” is a priority that will help you take care of everyone who counts on you, said wellness coach Lisa Marie Chirico, founder of Care Planet, a website focusing on health and wellness. Taking the time to work mental health breaks into your day is a part of this. Your brain can’t focus all the time. If you try to force it into the focus mode for too long, it loses its ability to do that. “After I’ve worked steadily for several hours, I lose it,” said office manager Christine Mason of Pearson, Florida. “I try to Google something and I can’t even remember what I was looking for. When I take a break and do something else for a few minutes, the juices come flowing again.” Simply put, a mental health break is anything that allows you to step back, relax, and recharge your brain, so the juices coming flowing again. Mental health breaks can look different for everyone. Some mental health breaks may only last a few minutes. Others may include a weeklong vacation. Ideal is a mixture of the two, smaller breaks to keep you going throughout the week, along with longer breaks to help perform a deeper reset. “No activity is too trivial or
small,” suggested Chirico, who has written two self-help style books . These small moments can help you ground yourself, boost your mood, improve focus, improve productivity and decision making, and make you happier in your job. You may have a good idea of what a mental health break would look like for you, but here are a few ideas of how to spend that break time. • Walk outside with work mates, or by yourself, during your lunch hour, advised Chirico. “Research proves that time spent in nature nourishes our bodies and minds on several levels,” she said. Walking with others increases the chemicals in your brain, the key to feelings of well-being. Also, the movement caused by walking increase circulation, makes you more alert, and helps to decrease tension in your body. • Stretch: If you are like many who sit behind a desk for hours, get out of your chair at least once an hour to walk around and stretch your arms and legs. Sneak in a few stretches, that can be as simple as gently rotating your neck, doing shoulder or ankle rolls, lifting your hands above your head or bending down to touch your toes. • Take screen breaks throughout the day. Five minutes in every hour should be spent away from the screen. It’s also important to make sure you change posture regularly. For your eyes, try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look up from your screen at something about 20 feet away for about 20 seconds, to give the muscles in your eyes a chance to relax. • Connect with friends and family: Improve your mood throughout
the day by checking in with those you care about. Connecting with others raises the level of the chemicals in your brain which produces feelings of well-being and helps alleviate stress. “Contact an old friend that you haven’t spoken to in a long time, phone your parents during your commute to work,” suggested Chirico. Or make a coffee or lunch date with your partner or with work mates. How do you know when you need a break? Listen to your body. Do your eyes hurt from looking into the computer screen? Are your legs stiff from sitting in the same position for too long? Are you yawning every 90 seconds? These are just a few of the signals your body is sending to tell you it’s time for a break. Too often, though, we ignore these signals because we think that a break will cut into our productivity. But, actually, a few minutes away from your work will enhance your capacity. Our bodies go through cycles each day where energy peaks and then subsides. Most of us have more energy in the morning, but get tired in the middle of the afternoon. Plan a break during this natural down cycle when your body is tired and needs a recharge. The bottom line is: a mental health break can be anything you want it to be. Whatever it is, just make sure it’s something that leaves you feeling relaxed and recharged. “In the middle of our busy lives, we need to remember that, just like plants, we need air, water and love to thrive,” Chirico said. Chirico can be reached at lisa@ careplanet.co. Or see https://careplanet.co/
2. Preconceived ideas: Banish preconceived ideas about how the holiday season should be. This can be a difficult task for those steeped in tradition, but it can also be very liberating. Think about your holiday traditions and try to separate those you truly enjoy from those you feel you must do because you've always done so or you are expected by others to do so. Consider doing something different to celebrate this year. It's equally important to banish preconceived notions about how you should be feeling at this time. 3. Planning: Always think before committing to any responsibility or social event. Don't make any snap decisions and give yourself time to reflect on any proposed commitment or responsibility (just say you have to check your calendar first). Decide what the right level of social activity is for you to feel happiest -- from a party every day to none at all -- and plan accordingly. Remember that what sounds fun (or manageable) two months in advance might be the stuff of headaches when combined with other pressures at holiday time. If you're planning as part of a couple or family unit, talk over your feelings in advance and agree to make commitments only after discussion with the others involved. 4. Permission: Finally, give yourself permission -- to feel as you do and to make the choices you need. Do not judge or compare your feelings or actions with those of anyone else. You have the right to define for yourself the things that are important for you and the ways you plan to make the holidays enjoyable and meaningful for you.
December 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 15
Ask The Social
Security Office
From the Social Security District Office
www.catholiccharitiesom.org
(315)724-2158
MEDICAL TRANSPORT
www.catholiccharitiesom.org (315)724-2158
Socialwww.catholiccharitiesom.org Security Can Help You Start of Return to Work (315)724-2158
If you rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and want to start or return to work, we can help. Ticket to Work (ticket) is a program that supports career development for SSDI beneficiaries and SSI recipients who want to work and progress toward financial independence. The ticket program is free and voluntary. Learn more about the Ticket to Work program at www.ssa. gov/work or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. In addition to the Ticket to Work program, the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) program also helps people with disabilities return to work. A PASS allows you to set aside resources and other income besides your SSI for a specified period. With a PASS you can pursue a work goal that will reduce or eliminate your need for SSI or SSDI benefits. How does a PASS help someone return to work? • We base SSI eligibility and payment amounts on income and resources (items of value that the person owns).
• PASS lets a person with a disability set aside money and items they own to pay for items or services needed to achieve a specific work goal. • The objective of the PASS is to help people with disabilities find employment that reduces or eliminates the need for SSI or SSDI benefits. You can read all about the PASS program at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN05-11017.pdf. The PASS must be in writing and we must approve the plan. To start, contact your local PASS cadre or local Social Security office for an application (Form SSA-545-BK). You can also access the form at www.ssa.gov/ forms/ssa-545.html. Ticket to Work service providers, vocational counselors, or a representative or relative can help you write a PASS. For more information about PASS, read "The Red Book – A Guide to Work Incentives" at www.ssa.gov/ redbook. Your job isn’t just a source of income — it can be a vehicle to independence or the beginning step to fulfilling your dreams. Let our Ticket to Work program or PASS program help you achieve your goals.
www.catholiccharitiesom.org (315)724-2158
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ederal financial aid is now available to students seeking to enter Cazenovia College’s pre-employment phase I police academy training program and its substance use disorder certificate program. The same levels of federal financial aid and the same sources of educational funding typically available to undergraduate college students now apply to this program, according to Nick Kordek, college director of financial aid and director of enrollment services. Those interested need only apply for financial aid through the traditional Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. Once the financial aid form is received by the college, it is reviewed for the student’s eligibility for Pell grants and federal loans, then award decisions are made, Kordek said. Students registering for the Substance Use Disorder Certificate programs who are eligible for Pell grants can qualify for up to the maximum amount of $6,495 annually.
Page 16 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2021
Certificate The role of a CASAC — or credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor — fulfills an important professional capacity in the addiction field. Cazenovia College is approved to offer the 350 clock hours of the education and training requirement for CASAC credentialing through its substance use disorder certificate program, for which students earn college academic credit. The coursework can be completed entirely online, on campus or through a combination of both methods. Successful completion of the courses required for the certificate in substance use disorder counseling allows students to meet the education and training requirements for the CASAC-T application in New York State. More information on the program is available at www.cazenovia. edu, then click “CASAC-T 350 Hour Certificate” on the search menu.
HOW CAN NY CONNECTS HELP? Free, easy, local access to information and assistance about long term care services and supports… regardless of age, income, or payor source. Get help with community services/supports designed to help people remain healthy and independent for Older Adults, Adults or Children with Disabilities as well as their Families and Caregivers.
By Jim Miller
How to Help Your Overmedicated Parent
For answers to all your questions Contact us at 800-342-9871 or call one of the NY Connects partnering agencies at 315-697-5700 (Madison Office for the Aging) or 315-427-3122 (ARISE). You may also look for services and support at www.nyconnects.ny.gov
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Get a Drug Review If you have concerns or questions about the medications your mother is taking, gather up all her pill bottles, including her prescription and overthe-counter drugs as well as vitamins and supplements, put them in a bag, and take them to her primary physician or pharmacist for a comprehensive drug review. Medicare provides free drug reviews with a doctor during annual “wellness visits,” and many Medicare Part D prescription-drug beneficiaries can get free reviews from
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Health News Mohawk Homestead Program Receives Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Support
E
xcellus BlueCross BlueShield provides Mohawk Homestead with a $5,000 sponsorship to support the expansion of its medical transportation program. The Mohawk Homestead Transportation Program will provide transportation to community residents that do not qualify for Medicaid transportation and cannot afford private taxi fare. Residents 65 years and older in Herkimer County will now have a fee-free option for transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy and other essential destinations. “Thank you to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for supporting this important community service,” said Lisa Gollegly, community outreach specialist and marketing coordinator. The Mohawk Homestead is located in the village of Mohawk and has been providing care to the elderly for 121 years. They are committed to excellence in caring for residents within a safe, home-like environment. They continue to enhance their residents’ quality of life, comfort and well-being. Through their medical
Excellus has new general counsel and senior VP
Brenda Rigas has been appointed general counsel and senior vice president at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Over the past 14 years, Rigas has been the primary legal support for compliance and regulatory affairs at the Brenda Rigas organization and has managed the organization’s response to various high-profile matters. “Brenda has been managing the legal team for two years and has worked to better align the team’s resources with our business needs,” said Jim Reed, Excellus BCBS president and CEO. “She has developed trusted, collaborative relationships across the organization and with key outside counsels and regulators — we are proud to announce this appointment and have Brenda on our team.” In her new role, Rigas is chief legal officer and adviser for the organization, managing the full range of legal services and matters for all corporate operations and activities. Prior to joining Excellus BCBS in 2007, Rigas worked as counsel to the chair of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, where she actively participated in regulatory and administrative reform initiatives. Following eight years with New York state, Rigas provided consulting services to large, self-funded employers on workers’ compensation compliance and management. A graduate of Ithaca College, Rigas earned her Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Community Investments and Partnerships Manager Shayna Keller, and Excellus BCBS Utica Regional President Eve Van de Wal join Mohawk Homestead board member Sharon Palmer, and Mohawk Homestead community outreach specialist Lisa Gollegly for a check presentation.
She serves on the board of directors for a local, nonprofit skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility and is active in the Marietta and Marcellus communities where she resides with her husband and two daughters.
Radiation oncologist joins MVHS Cancer Center
Physician Hsin Kwung Li has joined the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Cancer Center as a radiation oncologist, where he provides and directs radiation therapy treatments for cancer patients. Li has more Hsin Kwung Li than five years of experience in medicine, including the last four in radiation oncology. He specializes in X-ray guided radiation treatment of tumors in the body. Li earned his medical degree and performed his residency in radiation oncology at the SUNY Upstate. He previously earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Announces Recipients of 2021 Health Equity Awards
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently announced the recipients of its 2021 Health Equity Awards. The awards represent more than $388,000 in financial support the nonprofit health insurer is providing to community programs that address racial
and ethnic health disparities across its upstate New York service area. “Through these Health Equity Awards, we are honoring our pledge to invest in organizations that strive for equitable treatment and the elimination of discrimination for all people so they may have an opportunity to live healthier and more secure lives,” said Excellus BlueCross BlueShield President and CEO Jim Reed. “We believe we have a duty to lead by example and inspire positive change within our company, our industry, and broadly in the communities we serve. This work furthers our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access, which guides us in all we do.” Last August, Excellus BCBS invited organizations to apply for awards of up to $30,000 each to help fund programs to improve health equity in communities of color, especially within Black and Latino communities. These segments of our community continue to suffer from health care and social disadvantages due to racism and discrimination. Award categories include, but were not limited to, improving the community’s physical health and mental health, reducing social disparities in health care, and ensuring access to health care services. The funding from Excellus BCBS will support 18 nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations across 39 counties of Upstate New York. With more than 150 applicants, a comprehensive review process included input from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to assess each proposal. Grant recipients were selected based on clear, defined goals and measurable results for reducing health disparities and improving health equity. “We are a nonprofit health insurer with more than 4,000 employees who call upstate New York their home,” said Eve Van de Wal, Excellus
Page 18 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2021
transportation program, they are able to assist residents of Frankfort, Herkimer, Ilion, Little Falls, and Mohawk with their transportation needs seven days a week. Individuals in need of service can call the Mohawk Homestead Transportation Department at 315360-3296. “We are proud to support Mohawk Homestead in their effort to provide vital transportation services to residents in need,” said Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BCBS Utica regional president. “Removing transportation barriers can improve continuity of care by helping individuals keep their medical appointments, leading to better health and wellbeing.” Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to supporting local organizations that improve community health. The company’s corporate giving follows all applicable laws and regulations and does not support funding organizations that conflict with its corporate mission, goals, policies or products. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Utica region encompasses Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego and St. Lawrence counties.
BlueCross BlueShield Utica regional president. “Improving the health and quality of life in the communities we share with our members supports our mission. By funding these local initiatives, we will improve access to care and advance specific health outcomes and improve health equity.” In the Utica region, $60,000 is being awarded to support the following initiatives: • Mohawk Valley Frontiers Club — Paths to a Healthier Me This program will focus on strengthening the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of students in communities of color. Through the format of a wellness program, students and their family members will be introduced to techniques and resources such as talk therapy and workshops to address the stigma around mental health treatment, racial injustices, systemic racism, and finding support, as well as relaxation, stress relief tips, physical movement, and self-care. • Young Scholars LLP of Utica College — Young Scholars Mental Health Equity Programming Young Scholars LLP provides year-round academic support, counseling, and social and cultural enrichment to students from diverse backgrounds and communities of color in grades seven through twelve. These students and their families are among the populations that face overall health disparities, particularly in the mental health area. This program will provide mental health support from a licensed social worker for students and their families. For the latest information on the health plan’s community investments and partnerships, members, providers and employers are encouraged to visit www.excellusbcbs.com (then click “investment partnerships” in the search menu).
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New Specialist: Dr. Asad Khalid
Sports Injuries & Joint Pain Orthopedic Specialists
357 Genesee Street, Oneida • 315-363-4651 • www.oneidahealth.org December 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 19
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