in good The apple of your eye! See Page 12
Get into the flow and hydrate See Page 13
September 2014 • Issue 103
priceless
Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
Tragedy of Suicide
The unspeakable: Learn the warning signs See Page 5
Men’s Health Special Edition
Visit our interactive online version at MVhealthnews. com
Aspirin: New doctor at Slocum-Dickson See Page 4
What’s up with ED? See Page 7
Be wary of lung cancer See Page 8
Can it help prevent cancer? Page 12
Say ‘Yes’ to Cottage Cheese
CONCUSSION SEASON
It deserves to stand alone. From its nutrient content to its ease of consumption, cottage cheese is a bona fide powerhouse.
Back to school means high incidence of sports-related brain injuries See Pages 17, 20
READY TO SERVE ALL YOUR OB/GYN NEEDS TODAY... AND TOMORROW!
James L. Pfeiff, M.D.
Krislyn L. Flint, M.D.
Mehri L. Del Pino, M.D.
CALENDAR of
HEALTH EVENTS
Hazem Qalla, M.D.
Got a health-related activity or event that you would like publicized? Call Lou Sorendo at 315-749-7070 or email lou@cnymail.com.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
Mondays
Sept. 3
A women’s support therapy group meets from 5:30-7 p.m. Mondays at 1 Ellinwood Court, New Hartford. Topics of discussion include family issues, stress, depression, anger, relationships and grief. Cynthia Davis, who has 20 years of experience leading groups, will facilitate the meetings. Group size will be limited to protect anonymity. To register, call 736-1231, 794-2454 or email cindycsw@ yahoo.com. There will be a nominal fee to register for these groups.
Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica will host a free stroke support group presentation at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 in the Soggs Room at St. Luke’s Home in the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services, 1650 Champlin Ave., Utica. Laura Love, stroke program assistant clinical coordinator at FSLH, will give a presentation on brain aneurysms in honor of September being Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month. FSLH is the area’s only designated primary stroke center and is a recipient of the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s 2013 Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award for excellence in the care of stroke patients. For more information, call Love at 315-624-6847.
Women’s support therapy group to meet
EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN'S CARE!
EXCEPTIONAL CARE FOR MOM AND BABY!
WELCOME TO THE CIRCLE OF care !
WOMEN’S HEALTH A S S O C I A T E S
(315) 363-9380 139 Fields Drive Oneida, NY 13421
www.womenshealthoneida.com
Tuesdays
Support for the grief stricken Grief Survivors meets from 6-7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. Drop-ins are welcome. This is a faith-based support group for those suffering the loss of a loved one. For more information, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, tanya@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit online at www. thegoodnewscenter.org.
Wednesdays/Thursdays
Overeaters Anonymous plans meetings
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to visit HOA. You’ll soon see that our staff, experience, technology, clinical trials, and our holistic approach to healing make HOA an amazing place for cancer treatment–right here in Central New York.
OVHJU` JVT
Is food a problem for you? Do you eat when you’re not hungry? Do you binge, purge or restrict? Is your weight affecting your life? Overeaters Anonymous meets from 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday in Room 101 (first floor) at Rome Memorial Hospital, 1500 James St., Rome. It also meets from 7-8 p.m. every Thursday at Oneida Baptist Church, 242 Main St., Oneida. Participants are asked to use the rear door. There are no dues, fees, weigh-ins or diets. For more information, call OA at 315-468-1588 or visit oa.org.
Sept. 3
‘Spread of the Kingdom’ to be featured
Quality Cancer Care: Recognizing Excellence
Page 2
•
The only CNY Cancer Practice that is certified for quality by the American Society of Clinical Oncology
“Bible Study: Acts — The Spread of the Kingdom,” a 20-part Bible study program, will be featured from 10 a.m. to noon or 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays from Sept. 3 to Feb. 4 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. The cost is $35. To register, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, tanya@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit us online at www.thegoodnewscenter.org.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2014
Learn about brain aneurysms, stroke risk
Sept. 5
Event to benefit children with diseases Internationally known jazz vocalist Jane Monheit will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 to help kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The event will be held at the Clinton Central School Performing Arts Complex in Clinton. “Jazzing With Jane Monheit and Friends” will also feature Dr. Tony Mandour, Rick Montalbano, Sr., Rick Montalbano, Jr. and John Rohde. Proceeds will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica and Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse. Tickets are on sale for $25 to $60 and are available by calling the Stanley Theater at 315-724-4000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Sept. 5
‘Knock Your Socks Off’ at foot clinic Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare’s Central New York Diabetes Education Program is offering a free “Knock Your Socks Off!” foot (podiatry) clinic for people with diabetes at noon Sept. 5. The event will take place at the CNY Diabetes Education Program office located on the fourth floor of the Faxton Campus of FSLH, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica. An area podiatrist will conduct a brief educational seminar followed by a personal foot exam. Proper foot care is especially critical for people with diabetes because
Continued on Page 18
Kidneys in Crisis Walk in September aimed to raise awareness, support research By Patricia J. Malin
C
olleen Miccoli’s son, Martin Gorman, waged a lifetime war with kidney disease that eventually claimed his life at age 32. He wasn’t even fully aware of the complications that arise from kidney disease. Knowledge of kidney disease has not been on the frontburner for many Americans and Miccoli is out to change that. Although she has been active in Utica’s annual Kidney Walk since her son died in 2010, this year she decided to join the organizing committee and work to Gorman increase awareness about the event and funding for research. The seventh annual Kidney Walk in Utica will be held Sept. 21 on the grounds of the Masonic Care Community. The goal is $35,000. Nearly 26 million Americans, or one in every three, is at risk to develop kidney disease, which is considered one of the most under-detected, underdiagnosed and under-treated diseases. Chronic kidney disease is a condition that impairs the kidneys’ ability to properly function. Two-thirds of cases are caused by diabetes or high blood pressure, and might go largely undetected until the disease advances. Gorman suffered from severe headaches and frequent nosebleeds as a boy, but his mother said doctors attributed it to sinus trouble or allergies. “They never found a cause for it (kidney disease). He was 21 before his kidneys shut down the first time,” she said. Looking back on it, she said she suspects when he was born, his kidneys weren’t fully developed. It wasn’t until Miccoli and her daughter were tested as potential kidney donors that they discovered their kidneys, too, have some deficiencies, possibly genetic, though they do function adequately. Gorman seemed to live a normal life until 2000. He was 21 and had left home to work with his uncle in Arizo-
na. One night, Miccoli got an urgent phone call. Gorman’s uncle had taken the young man to the emergency room because of persistent nosebleeds. After he was admitted, his nephew’s kidneys had shut down. Miccoli stayed with Gorman in Arizona as he was put on dialysis. Months later, he recovered enough to take a new job in Ann Arbor, Mich. But he got seriously sick again and Miccoli decided to bring him home. She met with kidney specialists in Utica, including Charles Eldredge of Mohawk Valley Nephrology Associates, and arranged for her son to get dialysis at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare’s St. Luke’s campus.
Rebellious youth
Gorman was not always a model patient, Miccoli admits. “He was young and upset at being on dialysis,” she explained. “It was difficult for him to accept it when he was just 21 years old. It was a shock to him. He took himself off it and we argued with him.” A “fantastic” nurse in the dialysis department at St. Luke’s spent time convincing him of the seriousness of his disease and the need to follow treatment, Miccoli said. Gorman then seemed to turn the corner. Two years later, he had “a major crisis,” said Miccoli. “He started having multiple seizures and (doctors) couldn’t get it under control with medication. The medication made his platelets drop. He developed pneumonia and lung infections while in the intensive care unit.” He developed fluid in the brain, but when the fluid was drained and the seizures continued, his doctors at St. Luke’s decided to induce a coma. His life was at stake, but Miccoli said she turned to her strong religious faith. “We kept praying and saying that God might have other plans,” she said. Her prayers were answered when many months later, Gorman recovered. Though he didn’t have any longterm brain damage, he showed some signs of a stroke. He needed months of intensive physical therapy. “He had to learn to walk again, but he came back to life,” she said. He continued to get routine dialysis. Two years later in 2008, the doctors thought his condition had worsened and they recommended a kidney transplant.
Miccoli believed either she or her daughter would be good matches, but she was heartbroken to learn of their kidney problems. “I was told I have only one functioning kidney. I never expected that. My daughter was found to have a bilateral kidney,” she said. During her visits to the hospital, Miccoli was introduced to John Weakley, a heart transplant recipient, and an active St. Luke’s volunteer who had established an organ and transplant organization in Utica. They decided to start their own kidney walk and spotlight her son’s story. No local kidney donors stepped forward. Weakley and Miccoli learned about a respected kidney disease transplant center in Minneapolis. Once again, they publicized Gorman’s need and this time, someone in Minnesota responded to their plea.
Donor provides match
A young man named Eric, who was about 30 years old and close to Gorman’s age, donated one of his two healthy kidneys. “It was a good match,” said Miccoli, so good that Gorman came close to leading a somewhat normal life for two years. He got married and moved to Louisville, Ky., near his wife’s family. But her son’s happiness was shortlived.
The immunosuppressant drugs he needed after his transplant caused a new set of problems. His lungs became infected. Specialists in Louisville diagnosed his condition as pulmonary hypertension. A few months after being admitted to ICU, Gorman died. His memory lives on with Team Martin in the Utica Kidney Walk. Miccoli hopes she can help other families avoid the tragedy of kidney disease. “People don’t realize the dangers,” she said. “What you don’t know can hurt you. High blood pressure and too much salt and even strep throat can damage your kidneys. My cousin had strep throat when she was 14 and it damaged her kidneys. She died when she was 53.” This year’s kidney walk will be held in honor of Terry Roberts of Bridgewater, a volunteer who died in May. “He worked many hours year round to be sure the walk was supported by the community, bringing hundreds of donated items for the auction and for the walkers to enjoy,” said Nanette Carbone, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Central New York. There will also be a kidney walk in Clayton on Sept. 28 with a goal of $17,500.
INSIGHT HOUSE Chemical Dependency Services, Inc.
Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services OUTPATIENT CLINIC & DAY REHABILITATION PROGRAM • DWI Assessment & Counseling • Suboxone Therapy *** Psychiatric Assessment • Family Support Group *** Adolescent Services *** Women’s Track • Addiction & Opiates *** Relapse Prevention Groups INTENSIVE RESIDENTIAL 7-9 MONTH PROGRAM • Appropriate for Males & Females • Suboxone Therapy *** Psychiatric Assessment SCHOOL-BASED PREVENTION PROGRAMS • HYPE (Helping Youth Thru Prevention Education) *** Project Success All inquiries are strictly confidential. Most medical insurances and Medicaid accepted. Sliding fee scale available. No individual denied services for inability to pay.
(315)724-5168 1-800-530-2741 www.insighthouse.com 500 Whitesboro Street, Utica New York 13502 September 2014 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
•
Page 3
Report: Medication adherence leads to healthier outcomes
U
pstate New York adults who fail to adhere to the prescriptions written by their health care providers to address their medical conditions risk their health and add billions of dollars in avoidable health care costs annually, according to a regional analysis issued recently by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “The opportunity for health improvement and real cost savings is nothing short of astounding,” said Mona Chitre, vice president and chief pharmacy officer, Excellus BCBS. The report relied on medical literature estimates for the national problem of medication non-adherence and applied them to estimates of adults living with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and depression statewide and in Upstate New York. The four conditions studied were selected because of their prevalence, the availability of safe and effective medication therapies, and the established link between medication non-adherence and adverse outcomes. Estimated costs involving the four conditions are not additive because many people have multiple health conditions. The fact sheet, “Medication adherence among upstate New York adults: A multi-billion dollar health improvement opportunity” is available at Excellusbcbs.com/factsheets. “Hundreds of thousands of Upstate New Yorkers who have the four conditions we reviewed are not getting the real benefit of their medicines, and there are many other medical conditions we didn’t evaluate, so the numbers are understated,” Chitre said. “To stay healthy, patients who have medical conditions should take their medicines as directed by their physicians. Doing so will also help them avoid hospitalizations and other treatments.” Key findings of the report include: • Among the four conditions studied, high blood pressure poses the highest direct medical costs attributed to non-adherence. An estimated 388,000 Upstate New York adults who are non-adherent with their blood pressure medicines add an estimated $1.5 billion to the region’s direct medical costs annually. Of the 1.5 million Upstate New York adults who have high cholesterol, the most prevalent chronic condition considered in the report, nearly 500,000 — about one-third — do not take prescribed medication as directed. “We understand that the problem of non-adherence is a national issue, so it is not unique to Upstate New York,” Chitre said. “What will help is providing more education and promotion of the issue among all stakeholders, including patients and their family members, physicians, pharmacists, insurers, community organizations and employers.” Page 4
•
Meet
Your Doctor
By Mary Christopher
Ilyas Khan Mohammed
Ilyas Khan Mohammed recently began his career as an interventional cardiologist at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group in New Hartford. He recently spoke with In Good Health correspondent Mary Christopher on why the Mohawk Valley was the place he chose to begin practicing medicine and what’s new in interventional cardiology. Q.: What made you relocate to the Mohawk Valley and choose Slocum-Dickson Medical Group? A.: My sister’s family relocated here so I have ties to this area. This is a city that has warmly accepted a large group of immigrants and that was a positive attribute for me. When I visited here I just loved Slocum-Dickson and could not think of any other practice or such a big group of physicians where all were equally happy. People have stayed here for decades and that says something about the group as a whole. Immigrants, in turn, have set an example by contributing to the community. Q.: What is the most challenging aspect of your job? A.: Individualizing care to each patient is a very challenging thing and requires knowledge and skill to tailor specific needs. Staying on top of state-ofthe-art technology and the latest recommendations and guidelines from different societies such as the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology is crucial in giving patients the best options so they can make the best decision for themselves. No two patients or two 70-year-olds are the same or have the same disease. You have to take their backgrounds, preferences and other medical issues into consideration and try to individualize them. I always try to give each person the individual care he or she requires and wants. Q.: What is the most fulfilling aspect of the job? A.: Seeing someone come into the emergency room or cardiac catheterization lab and trying to provide the best state-of-the-art care in the quickest fashion and see them leave that lab completely healed. The happiness you see in the patients’ and families’ faces is priceless. Q.: Were there any family influences that inspired you to become a physician? A.: Certainly. I come from a family of physicians and for us knowing about medicine wasn’t a new thing. My grandmother, aunt, sisters and a brother-inlaw were all physicians. We were geared up for understanding the challenges and fulfillments of being a physician or being in the health care profession. That always motivated me toward getting into medicine. Q.: What prompted you to specialize in cardiology? A.: I was fascinated by medicine
Ilyas Khan Mohammed examines a patient at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group in New Hartford.. Mohammed began practicing as an interventional cardiologist with the group in July.
Continued on Page 15
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2014
Lifelines Age: 37 Birthplace: Hyderabad, India Current residence: Marcy Education: Medical degree from Osmania Medical College, India; post-doctorate certification and training in medicine from the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, England; interventional cardiology fellowship, cardiovascular disease fellowship and internal medicine residency and internship from Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, Pa. Affiliations: Member of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom Family: Wife, Deeba; sons Ammar, 4, and Talha, 2, and expecting a third child Hobbies: Spending time with family, traveling, watching soccer
Cover Story
Scars of Suicide More awareness grows in wake of celebrity’s death By Barbara Pierce
R
obin Williams’ suicide shocked us and left us troubled. When he hanged himself recently at the age of 63, he surrendered to the depression from which he suffered. How could a person who seemed so full of joy be that depressed? How could a person who had everything going for him want to end his life? Williams had fame, adulation, was loved by so many; had a good support system in his family and friends, and certainly had wealth. “How could he do this?” said friend Dick Cavett in the Los Angeles Times. “Easy. Because of what has been called the worst agony devised for men that doesn’t allow you to feel any emotion for kids, spouse, lover, parents, even your beloved dog.” “Isn’t it funny how I can bring great happiness to all these people but not to myself?” Williams once asked Cavett. Advocates for people with mental illness say they hope Williams’ death will motivate more people to get help for depression and spur the nation to treat suicide as a public health crisis. Suicide claims more than 38,000 American lives each year — more than the number killed by car accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing suicide. On its website, www.afsp.org/, the conditions or characteristics that increase the chances that a person may try to take her or his life can be found. The risk of suicide is highest when someone has several risk factors at the same time. Risk factors include: • A mental disorder such as depression or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, or borderline personality disorder • Alcohol or substance abuse
• Previous suicide attempt • Family history of attempted or completed suicide • Serious medical condition and/ or pain People with one or more of the above risk factors can become suicidal in the face of a highly stressful life event such as losing someone close, financial loss, trouble with the law, or prolonged stress due to adversities such as unemployment or a serious relationship conflict.
MV’s Healthcare Newspaper
If the person is threatening, talking about, or making specific plans for suicide, this is a crisis that requires immediate attention. Do not leave the person alone, advises the AFSP. Remove any firearms, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used for suicide from the area. Take the person to a hospital emergency room immediately. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Another local 24-hour hotline is the Mobile Crisis Center Assessment Team at 315-732-6228.
Listen carefully
“The most important indicator to watch for, and the one that is most often ignored, is whether someone has discussed ending their life, especially if they have not discussed it before. Even if the person approaches the topic with ambivalence, that should still be a warning sign,” said Roderick Shaner, medical director, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, in the Times.
Oneida, Herkimer, Madison and Otsego counties in good A monthly newspaper published
Health
Expressing a sense of hopelessness, including saying that their problems are insurmountable or that people would be better off without them, is an important indicator. A person who is thinking about suicide usually says something indirect, like “I just want the pain to end,” or “I can’t see any way out.” Family and friends often fear to bring up suicide thoughts, but it is critically important to do so. Don’t be afraid to ask whether the person is considering suicide, and whether they have a particular plan or method in mind. These questions will not push them toward suicide if they were not considering it. They will be relieved to be able to talk about it with someone who will listen to them. Do not discount a person’s statements regarding suicide as “attention getting” and not to be taken seriously. Many people who make attention-getting statements do kill themselves. Do not expect a depressed person to “snap out of it” or “get over it.” It is not easy to get over depression. Eventually, with treatment, most people do get better. Sudden calmness, especially for those who have contemplated suicide before, can indicate that he or she has made a decision to end their life. Setting affairs in order is a danger sign; someone who is suddenly interested in straightening out their finances or writing a new will may be contemplating suicide.
by Local News, Inc. 20,000 copies distributed. To request home delivery ($15 per year), call 315-749-7070.
In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2014 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 • Phone: 315-749-7070 Email: lou@cnymail.com
Total Joint Replacement at St. Elizabeth Medical Center Our state-of-the-art services include minimally invasive surgery, recovery and physical therapy. You and your loved ones can receive award-winning specialty care close to home.
Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Patricia Malin, Barbara Pierce, Kristen Raab, Malissa Allen, Mary Stevenson, Deb Dittner, Amylynn Pastorella, Mary Christopher Advertising: Donna Kimbrell Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Office Manager: Laura Beckwith No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider.
MC
www.stemc.org
Affiliate of Mohawk Valley Health System September 2014 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
•
Page 5
Men’s Health
Get the Lowdown on ‘Low T’ Verdict still out regarding replacement therapies By Barbara Pierce
“
Feeling like a shadow of your former self?” asks the popular commercial. “Don’t have the hots for the hoops? Lost your appetite for romance?” Their answer: You’re not just getting older. Like millions of other men, you might have a treatable condition called “low T.” “Low testosterone has become big business,” said Molly Schug of the St. Elizabeth Medical Group, Utica. “It’s become common in the last decade amongst middle-aged men to wonder about their testosterone level as they age.”
“Aging men by the millions are finding themselves soft where they would prefer to be firm,” said a recent Time magazine article. Although the Federal Drug Administration doesn’t approve, growing numbers of men are jumping on the low T bandwagon. Men are asking their doctors if low testosterone could possibly be responsible for their weight gain, Schug muscle aches, decreased sex drive, loss of muscle and feelings of depression. They have read the ads; they have seen the commercials. The number of prescriptions written in the United States grew tenfold from 2000 to 2011, added Schug. Testosterone products are prescribed in a variety of forms: injected testosterone, topical gel, patches, implants and nasal sprays. The normal aging process in men is marked by a slow, gradual decrease in testosterone, explained Schug. Testosterone replacement therapy is approved only for men who suffer from medical conditions associated with this deficiency. But thousands of physicians are prescribing testosterone for men with borderline low or even normal T levels
and no medical condition. “So why are men prescribed testosterone drugs for low T without having an associated medical condition?” asks Schug. Several studies have pointed to the risks involved with testosterone, Schug noted. There are reported downfalls to the drug that promised so much. An increase in heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, sleep apnea, and increased risk of prostate cancer was reportedly noted in patients taking testosterone.
Controversy over ‘low T’
Soon after this data was published, other studies were quick to dismantle it, said Schug. Studies said testosterone was not primarily responsible for the increased incidents of these events. “However, no clear cut evidence has been established at this time,” cautioned Schug. “As with any prescribed medication, the risks and benefits of treatment should be carefully discussed between patient and doctor.” “Additionally, a thorough investigation should be taken before landing on the diagnosis of low T,” continued Schug. “Testosterone therapy is effective for those who demonstrate a clear medical need for it.” “Here’s the takeaway about low T,” says an article by Joseph Hooper in the August issue of Men’s Journal. “Loss of sex drive isn’t the inevitable baggage of aging — your sex life success is in your own hands.” Have you considered other reasons why you may be experiencing fatigue, low sex drive and other symptoms? Do you eat a balanced diet? Do you sleep well? Do you exercise regularly? Address those factors before turning to hormone therapy, recommends Hooper. Studies found that an extra hour
in bed increased testosterone levels by 15 percent. And for men who reformed their diets and exercised, their testosterone levels also rose by 15 percent. Added Hooper: “Few things kill the desire for sex more ruthlessly than not knowing whether you can pull it off. Erectile difficulties dampen libido which further deflates the penis.” And, many commonly prescribed medications kill libido and increase the odds of erectile dysfunction, like high blood pressure medication, and medication that combats depression. Also, when your body is pumping out stress hormones, it’s unable to pump out your usual testosterone, said Hooper. Working too long and hard and overtaxing yourself day after day decrease testosterone. Hooper reports on a study: One group of men got T shots while another got a placebo. All were experiencing depression and erectile dysfunction. Many in both groups reported improvements in their mood and functioning. Whether fake or real, the injections had the same effect. Believing that he will feel better, he does. He starts exercising and watches what he eats. The dismal cycle reverses. Soon all systems, from head to heart to groin, begin to operate at a higher level. Trusting testosterone to relieve men of the things that naturally go along with aging amounts to a massive science experiment with known risks. Questions will remain until large-scale clinical trials can provide stronger evidence. Schug concluded: “Low testosterone has become an oversimplified topic in the last decade, mainly from flashy advertisements, mixed clinical data, and the need for a quick fix to slow the natural aging process in men.”
Health News in Brief
©
HealthNet supports playgrounds, trails in Herkimer County Dr. Graber is pleased to welcome Gregory Dalencourt, MD to the practice Dr. Dalencourt is now seeing new patients for surgical consultation for those considering weight loss surgery Our program has successfully met the highest standards set forth by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and is recognized as an ASMBS Center of Excellence. Surgeries are performed at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica, and at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. Dr. Graber is the Director of Bariatric Surgery at both hospitals.
To find out more, visit DrGraberMD.com or call 877-269-0355 to discuss how we might help you in your search to find a healthier you! Page 6
•
H
erkimer County HealthNet has selected three trails and two playgrounds for improvements as part of the Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play in Herkimer County grant. Through an application process, municipalities and 501(C)3 nonprofit organizations located in Herkimer County applied. The recipients, selected by the Herkimer County HealthNet Wellness Committee, demonstrated matching or in-kind contributions through collaboration with other community organizations, donated materials, and volunteer time. The recipients and projects are as follows: • Village of Dolgeville — Dolgeville-Salisbury Greenway Trail • Village of Herkimer — Harmon
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2014
Field Playground • Town of Ohio — Municipal Playground • Owen D. Young School — Robert Woodruff Trail • Town of Webb — TOBIE Trail Herkimer County HealthNet is a New York State Department of Health-funded rural health network that administers the Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play grant. Creating Healthy Places focuses on preventing obesity and Type 2 diabetes by supporting and promoting environmental changes in Herkimer County. The five projects awarded support this by improving local playgrounds and trails, creating and enhancing spaces where families can participate in physical activity in fun and safe environments.
SJ
Men’s Health
W
hen it comes to men, talking with their doctors about their health conditions seems to be a difficult situation. Often, men suffering from erectile dysfunction find the subject too embarrassing to discuss with anyone, including their spouse. Erectile dysfunction is a medical issue in which the male has a problem with getting or keeping a full erection for sexual intercourse. It is common for a male to experience an occasional problem with erection, but if the problem continues it is important that he sees a doctor. When a male sees or feels something that is either physically or mentally stimulating, the brain will send signals to the penis telling muscles to relax. The result, known as “engorgement”(meaning filling with blood) in the two tubes (corpa cavernosa) which flow through the penis shaft. The result is what causes the penis to swell and harden. When the corpa cavernosa expand, pressing against the veins carrying blood away from the penis, the veins then become blocked, keeping the penis erect. Lack of blood flow to the penis is the main problem causing erectile dysfunction. As with many situations, there may be other underlying medical issues with blood flow in other parts of an individual’s body too. The brain is less likely to send the message triggering an erection if the person’s libido is reduced due to various medical, physical and emotional issues.
Symptoms and signs
There are small signs that a doctor or nurse can notice during a regular physical exam, such as swelling or a rash. Typically, the more important symptoms will come from the patient himself. Some patients describe feeling dizziness or pain accompanied with cold sweats. Other, more severe symptoms include:
tion
CNY Healing Touch
Community Health Improvement Complex
Susan Romeo, MS, RN
www.stjrnc.com
For those seeking Wellness in times of Everyday & Unexpected Challenges
Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
What is erectile dysfunction? By Malissa Stinger
St. Johnsville 518-568-5037
• Difficulty achieving a full erec-
• Unable to sustain an erection • Noted reduction in sex drive • Can achieve an erection while engaged in masturbation, but not during intercourse Although there are times where men occasionally do suffer from not having the ability to gain an erection, this is usually nothing to be alarmed about. It should become a concern when the problem continues on a regular basis.
Physical causes
When diagnosing the cause leading to the individual’s dysfunction, his doctors will look into four categories. • Vasculogenic — When the flow of blood is affected to the penis • Hormonal — When male hormones are not properly functioning • Anatomical — When something is wrong with the structure of the penis • Neurogenic — When the brain, nerves or spinal cord are affected Other known causes include alcohol abuse, clogged blood vessels. Diabetes, enlarged prostate, heart disease, hypertension, injuries, and low testosterone. Psychological issues play an enormous role in erectile dysfunction as well. A few of these include problems in a relationship, depression and anxiety, stress and tension, and fatigue and tiredness. Often a combination of psychological and physical issues can be the cause of ED. If a male has a diagnosis of depression and becomes stressed over his lack of sex drive, this can lead to erectile dysfunction. First, your doctor will rule out serious medical conditions contributing to your ED. Often, once they are treated and resolved, functions of the penis go back to normal. There are several treatments available. Your doctor will examine you and discuss your medical history and the severity of your ED, and then decide on proper treatment.
Want results? Advertise in Mohawk Valley In Good Health! Call 749-7070 today!
Wellness Coaching & Medical Coping Clinical Hypnotherapy Healing Touch™ Energy Therapy
Call for your Free Consultation today!
315.725.0403
www.cnyhealingtouch.com
• SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY • • WORKERS’ COMPENSATION • John N. Kalil Attorney at Law
Over 38 Years Experience • Prompt • Personal • Professional INCLUDING • Personal Injury • Real Estate • General Practice
NO FEE UNLESS SUCCESSFUL
Where Integrity And Experience Count
289 GENESEE ST., UTICA , NY
315-797-7959
Bruce Stewart, DDS Ultra Modern Dentistry Backed by Old Fashioned Values • Advanced Laser Periodontal therapy available. • Implants placed and restored • CEREC Crowns - beautiful, strong, done in one visit • Digital low radiation x-rays • Root Canal therapy • Natural tooth colored fillings • Complete Smile makeovers • Complete recare services including periodontal and oral cancer screenings
Extended Payment Plans through Care Credit
321 Main St., Oneida, NY 13421
(315) 363-4940 www.oneidanydentist.com Join Us On FACEBOOK
September 2014 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
•
Page 7
Men’s Health
Lung Cancer Increase your chances of surviving deadly disease By Barbara Pierce
L
ung cancer causes more deaths in the United States than the next three most common cancers — breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer — combined, according to the American Lung Association. Your chances of surviving lung cancer are not nearly as good as your chances of surviving other types of cancer. The five-year survival rate of lung cancer is only 16.6 percent. Also, over half of those with lung cancer will die within one year of being diagnosed. But now there is a way to increase your chances of surviving lung cancer, said radiation oncologist Candace Correa of the Regional Cancer Center of Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica. Correa said, unlike other cancers, there are usually no early warning signs and no symptoms of lung cancer. “It isn’t until you are in the advanced stages of lung cancer that you see symptoms,” she said. In advanced stages, symptoms may include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, low energy, shortness of breath, weight loss, chest pain, or recurring pneumonia or bronchitis. The lack of symptoms in the early stages is why lung cancer is so difficult to treat. It has already spread to other organs by the time it is diagnosed. For those whose lung cancer is detected when the disease is still only within the lungs, the five- year survival rate is 53.5 percent, giving one much better chances of surviving this dreaded cancer. Those who are diagnosed early stand a much greater chance of survival over those whose undiagnosed cancer spreads to other organs throughout the body.
Correa wants people to know that, within the past five years, diagnosing lung cancer in its early stages has become possible. “For people who have a history of smoking and are in their 50s, it is recommended they have a CT scan of their chest,” she said. “This screening gives you a better chance of surviving lung cancer.” Lung cancer that is caught early is more likely to be treatable and cured. The CT or CAT (computed tomography) scan of the chest uses a series of X-rays to show the shape, size and location of anything abnormal in the chest that might signal the need for followup. CT scans are highly sensitive and can show both cancerous and non-cancerous areas. A CT scan is more likely to show lung tumors than routine chest X-rays. A CT scan can also provide precise information about the size, shape, and position of
any lung tumors and can help find enlarged lymph nodes that might contain cancer that has spread from the lungs. A CT scan of the chest can spot very small lung tumors, help determine the exact location and extent of the tumors and can treat these lesions. It will help to determine treatment options. For the first time, there is evidence that screening smokers may save them dying of lung cancer, according to a recent article in Time magazine. Smoking accounts for about 85 percent of lung cancer; exposure to second-hand smoke is also a leading cause.
Who should be screened?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government-based
panel of experts, recommends an annual lung cancer screening with low dose CT scan for anyone who is between the ages of 55 to 80 and has a history of smoking a pack a day for 30 years or more, or has quit within the last 15 years. In 2010, the National Cancer Institute first announced that the lung screening trial reduced deaths from lung cancer by 20 percent. Recent studies support the fact that the small risk of radiation exposure from the low dose CT scans was outweighed by the benefits of detecting abnormal growths early and intervening with treatments. If you are a smoker or ex-smoker, talk with your primary physician about being screened, Correa advised. Primary physicians are being educated regarding the importance of this screening for smokers and ex-smokers. Screening, however, cannot substitute for the protective effect of quitting smoking, says the task force, and the most effective way to lower deaths from lung cancer is to reduce smoking rates. “These primary findings provide a valuable insight into how to potentially decrease death due to lung cancer. But the most important method of decreasing lung cancer rates remains for smokers to quit smoking,” said task force member Christine Berg of the National Cancer Institute. The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking, or to quit if you smoke. And, avoid secondhand smoke from other’s cigarettes, pipes, or cigars; make your home and car smoke-free. For more information, call Adirondack Community Physicians at 315624-4227.
State, region lag nation in organ donor registrations
N
ew York state adults register themselves as organ and tissue donors at less than half the rate of adults nationwide, but the need for lifesaving organs in New York state is among the highest in the country, according to a report issued recently by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. While less than half of American adults — 48 percent — are registered organ and tissue donors, only 22 percent of New York state adults are on the registry. Upstate New York’s percentage of registered donors (31 percent) is higher than the state number. In the Utica/ Rome/North Country region, 26 percent of adults (159,000) are registered organ and tissue donors. “When I first saw the analysis, I thought this can’t be right,” said Martin Lustick, senior vice president and corporate medical director, Excellus BCBS. “Then I realized that the numbers are less about New Yorkers being less inclined to donate organs,
Page 8
•
and more about the barriers that exist to becoming an organ donor in our state.” Additional donors on the registry would increase New York state’s adult organ and tissue donor registration participation rate, which is lower than rates in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Montana, at 84 percent, has the nation’s highest rate of adult participation, while Puerto Rico (17 percent) and Vermont (18 percent) have the lowest donor registration rates. Thirty-two states each have at least 50 percent of the adult population enrolled as donors. According to the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield analysis, “The Facts About Organ Donor Registration in Upstate New York,” approximately 10,500 New Yorkers await organ or tissue transplants. They account for nearly 10 percent of the 123,000 Americans on the waiting list maintained by the United Network for Organ Sharing, a private, nonprofit organization that contracts with the federal government to manage the nation’s transplant system. Only California and Texas have more
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2014
residents than New York state on the transplant waiting list. Approximately 1,500 New Yorkers have been on the waiting list for five years or longer.
Knowledge the key
“Greater education about the need for organ and tissue donations and improving the process to become a donor will help save lives,” Lustick said. On average in the U.S., 18 people die each day while awaiting a suitable donor. In 2013, 6,100 Americans died before receiving a transplant. Last year, 381 New Yorkers became too sick to remain on the waiting list, and 539 died awaiting a transplant. “Individuals on the organ transplant waiting list are our family members, friends and neighbors, and it takes just a few minutes to sign up to give the gift of life,” said Rob Kochik, executive director, Fin-
ger Lakes Donor Recovery Network. He encourages everyone to have a conversation with family members and enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry. Over the past 15 years, New York state has taken a number of steps to simplify the organ donation registration process. This past spring, the New York state budget included funding to contract with a nonprofit organization to administer and modernize the Donate Life Registry, creating an interagency workgroup dedicated to increasing organ, eye and tissue donations. New York state residents can enroll in the Donate Life Registry when they register to vote or obtain or renew a driver’s license. Adults in New York state also can enroll as donors anytime, online, at my.dmv.ny.gov, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Web portal, or by completing a registration form available at health. ny.gov.
Meet Your Provider Shoppers Service Q.: When did you begin offering the diabetic therapeutic shoe program? A.: Our program began in 2004 and has grown vastly over the past 10 years. We’ve assisted hundreds of diabetics in our surrounding community by fitting them with proper footwear. Q.: Why is proper footwear so important for diabetics? A.: Diabetes can cause severe nerve damage, putting toes and feet at risk. Many people with diabetes have circulatory issues. Prescription diabetic footwear can help provide the extra protection that is needed. Using proper footwear as an integral part of a comprehensive foot care program can prevent many diabetic amputations, medical experts agree. Q.: What credentials does Shoppers Service have to be able to provide this service? A.: We received Medicare accreditation in 2009 from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. Our employee, John H. Dominic Jr., is an ABC Board-certified pedorthist. There are less than 2,000 certified pedorthists in the United States. Q.: What does a diabetic individual need to provide to become eligible for shoes? A.: Those with Medicare Part B will need to obtain a dated prescription from their physician stating, “Diabetic — extra depth shoes with inserts” required, as well as a signed medical necessity form. We provide both forms.
Q.: What is the cost to patients, if any? A.: If the individual is diabetic and has Medicare Part B, Medicare will pay for 80 percent of all costs. The individual may be responsible for a small co-payment. Q.: How is the insurance and billing handled? A.: All billing, both primary and secondary, is done in house. If an individual owes a small co-payment, we will notify them of his or her cost. We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Excellus, Fidelis, American Progressive Today’s Options and many more insurances. Q.: How often can a client receive shoes? A.: For those eligible, one pair of shoes and three sets of inserts per calendar year are available. Q.: Does someone need to be diabetic in order to purchase shoes? A.: No. Clients who have foot problems and are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid programs may purchase and pay for shoes directly with no need for documentation. Our therapeutic shoes are also beneficial for those who have various foot conditions such as neuropathy, hammertoes, calluses, bunions and more. Q.: Do you carry any other specialty items besides shoes? A.: Yes. We now offer compression wear for those with circulatory difficulties. These are for diabetics and non-diabetics alike. A prescription will be required for those individuals who need a higher level of compression stocking. Q.: Lastly, please sum up how the
John H. Dominic Jr. is a certified pedorthist at Shoppers Service, 5946 Success Drive, Rome. consequences of poor foot care. We therapeutic shoe program is benefiare proud of this program and encial. courage individuals to call us or stop A.: It is much more cost effective to pay for one pair of shoes to prevent by. By taking care of their foot health, their complete health will improve. future health problems than to end Comfort is literally one step away. up treating the more serious medical
Shoppers Service: 5946 Success Drive, Rome, N.Y. 13440 • www.shoppersservice.com • 1-800-537-3811
SmartBites
By Anne Palumbo
The skinny on healthy eating
Cottage cheese a bonafide powerhouse
O
h, cottage cheese. Poor, stodgy cottage cheese. Never to be taken on lover’s picnics, never to be slathered on rustic baguettes, never to sit alongside its comrades during hip cheese tastings. No, this cheese — this lumpy stepsister to all cheeses smooth and sexy — stands alone. And to that I say: Amen. Cottage cheese deserves to stand alone. From its nutrient content to its ease of consumption to its low cost, cottage cheese is a bona fide powerhouse. Let’s begin with why my husband and I — baby boomers who fret about shrinking muscle mass — consume cottage cheese on a daily basis. Yes, daily.
In a word, it’s one of the best low-fat, low-calorie protein sources we can easily consume, with the key here being “easily.” By that I mean, we eat big spoonfuls directly from the carton. Since cottage cheese packs a whopping 16 grams of protein per half cup, it only takes but a few spoonfuls to knock off nearly half of our daily needs. We need to be diligent about consuming protein, especially as we age, because it is an important component of every cell in the body: hair, nails, bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. Without enough of this workhorse nutrient, we can experience weakness, edema, dry hair and skin, and muscle wasting — to
name just a few of the symptoms. Cottage cheese is an excellent protein source because it is “complete” (meaning it has all nine of the amino acids necessary for human dietary needs), as well as lower in fat and calories than many proteins. The brand we like (Friendship 1 percent) has scant fat and only 90 calories per half cup. We also reach for cottage cheese because it serves up decent amounts of phosphorous and calcium — two more nutrients that contribute to healthy bones—along with healthy doses of B vitamins that help convert food to energy and keep our red blood cells going strong. On the downside, cottage cheese does have more sodium than you’d expect from such a mild-mannered cheese: we’re talking about 350 mg per half cup. Cottage cheese gets some of its sodium from the natural sodium of milk (it takes a lot of milk to make cottage cheese) and the rest of it from the manufacturer. That said, choose lower-sodium brands if you’re watching your intake. Not thrilled with the flavor of reduced-salt cottage cheese? Do what I do: Combine equal portions of regular
September 2014 •
and reduced-salt cottage cheese and— voila!—you have a much better tasting cottage cheese. Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
•
Page 9
HERKIMER FARMERS MARKET Every Monday through October 13th 1 PM to 5 PM
Support Local, Eat Well, Live Well See our events at: www.herkimerfarmersmarket.com We accept SNAP (Formerly Food Stamps) For any questions Call Cat Macera at 315-895-0138 or email to: cat@herkimerfarmersmarket.com
Ace’s Angle
By Amylynn Pastorella
Have I got the workout for you!
H
ave you been exercising and eating healthy? Great, because with fall fast approaching, your workout may need adjusting to accommodate for the cooler weather. When it comes to a good workout, if you are like me, I need a plan. Below I have put together a workout plan that works all the muscles throughout the body in 20 to 30 minutes a day. I am not a fitness expert; however, the workout I want to share has been my at-home workout for almost a year and I have definitely seen results. The moves below could be added to your already existing workout or a good start if you are a beginner. You can do this workout at the gym or at home with a yoga mat, light free weights, plenty of water and comfortable, loose clothes. Always consult your doctor before doing any strenuous activities and go at your own pace. When I do this workout, I initially aimed to do 30 of each move. When I got strong enough, I worked up to doing three sets of 30 for each exercise. With a balanced diet and a good workout, you are doing a great job living a healthy lifestyle. • Stretch — 2 minutes • 30 Jumping Jacks or running or walking in place for 5 minutes (for cardio) • 30 crunches • 30 leg-raises; with or without butt lift Modification: keep head down • 60-second planks Modification: bending knees • 30 arm-curls using 3-pound weights • 30 ballerina plies
T
Page 10
•
Paying it forward
FSLH unveils new CT scanner, treatment suite By Patricia J. Malin
I
Amy Pastorella and her beagle Samson • 30 releves • Stretch — 2 minutes To assist with this workout, I have posted a video on Facebook (https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5ENYSXrwUU&feature=em-upload_ owner) of all the moves and how to do them so you can maximize your workout to the best of your abilities. You can also email me at acesangle@gmail.com or call me at 315-7497070 with your fitness advice and if you’ve tried this workout, let us know your feedback. • Amylynn Pastorella is a contributing writer for Mohawk Valley In Good Health.
Tickets available for American Girl Fashion Show he annual American Girl Fashion Show to benefit children’s programs and services at Upstate Cerebral Palsy will take place with shows at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at The Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona. The special day, made possible by
A ribbon cutting and dedication was held recently to celebrate a new CT scanner and treatment suite in the Regional Cancer Center at the Faxton campus of Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica recently. Celebrating the occasion are, from left, Albert Mazloom; Gilbert Lawrence, radiation oncologist; F. Eugene Romano; and Sam Berardino.
lead sponsor Adirondack Bank, includes a doll hair salon, photo opportunities, souvenirs, fashion show and lunch. Tickets are $35 per person and may be purchased online at upstatecp.org or by calling 315-724-6907 ext. 2278. Advance registration is required.
t was a bittersweet moment for F. Eugene Romano during the ribbon cutting and dedication of a new CT scanner and treatment suite in the Regional Cancer Center at the Faxton campus of Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica recently. He was happy to see state-of-theart equipment used in treating cancer come to his hometown hospital. He was proud to have been one of the major donors along with his friends from the FSLH Foundation. It still couldn’t erase the pain of losing three of his family members to cancer. “It brings back memories,” said Romano, who choked back tears during the presentation. “But it’s still a happy occasion knowing your loved ones will be getting the very best care in Upstate New York.” Romano, the founder and sole stockholder of Pacemaker Steel in Utica, and other major donors went on to sip champagne at a small reception following the ribbon-cutting of the F. E. Romano Family Radiation Oncology Department and the CT scanner and cancer treatment suite on Sunset Avenue. Romano was joined by his wife, Loretta; donors Albert and Elinor Mazloom and Sam and Laine Berardino; Paul Abbass, the chief medical physicist, and Gilbert Lawrence and Candice Correa, the two radiation oncologists on staff. Romano, who was once a pre-med major in college, said his first wife, Jeanne, died of lung cancer in 1994 despite numerous trips to Buffalo for treatment. His mother died of breast cancer at age 57. His sister passed away after battling lung cancer, so they factored in his decision to hardily support the new oncology suite at FSLH. The fundraising project began during the Stomp Out Cancer Telethon in March 2013 after Lawrence and
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2014
Abbass had identified the need for an improved CT scanner. They discussed it with Eileen Pronobis, executive director of the FSLH Foundation. She made a presentation to the foundation’s board, and Berardino, Romano and Mazloom took the proposal and ran with it. The foundation set a goal of raising $640,000 to purchase the CT scanner and renovate the oncology suite. Other major donors were Frank and Kristine Giotto, William and Rita Abraham, and an “anonymous gift made in memory of a remarkable man,” according to a press release from FSLH.
Giving spirit
Romano is a well-known philanthropist in the Utica area. He has previously raised funds for a new emergency room at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and has given generous donations to Utica College and his alma mater, Hamilton College. So it was no surprise he was tapped for this campaign by his good friend, Albert Mazloom, the president of Trenton Technologies in Utica. “He presented the case to me,” said Romano, joking that Mazloom came knocking on his door “five days a week, and on Saturday, too.” Lawrence, originally from India, began his career in 1977 at Walden Park Cancer Center in Buffalo. He also worked at Allegheny Hospital. When he was tapped to lead the new oncology department at Faxton in 2000, he saw that conditions in Utica were not on par with those at metropolitan hospitals. Now he’s excited to see that new technology has finally arrived in Central New York. “People from Utica used to have to travel to Buffalo, New York City or Boston (for cancer treatment),” he said. “Then the expert technology spread to Rochester and Syracuse and nearby big cities. This type of equipment and treatment is what used to be available only at specialized centers. It can now be done in community hospitals.”
Is your food ready to expire? Check out expiration dates and learn proper food handling By Kristen Raab
H
ave you ever grabbed the milk from the refrigerator, glanced at the date, and then did the “sniff test” to decide if you could use it in your cereal? Do you defrost your chicken on the kitchen counter? Many people engage in these behaviors, but we should learn safety guidelines for handling, consuming and storing of our food. There are a variety of dates that might be visible on food packages. The United States Department of Agriculture explains what these dates mean: • Sell By — This is the last day you should buy the product. • Best if Used By (or Before) — For best flavor, follow this date recommendation. • Use by — States the last date recommended for quality. The manufacturer of the product sets this date. Patricia Salzer, a registered dietitian and health and wellness consultant at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, says shelf life refers to food quality whereas the expiration date is about food safety. She says consumers should finish the food by the use-by date to limit health risks. Salzer said many people get sick from food-borne Illness. Each year, nearly 76 million people in the United States suffer from some form of FBI. Some of these people become so sick they must be hospitalized, and there are even around 5,000 deaths each year.
Food for thought
When grocery shopping, think about how soon you can use the food. Salzer suggests creating additional plans once you are home. “Think about what foods to use up first before the expiration dates come up,” she said. If you plan your meals ahead of time, you can maintain food quality, reduce health risks, and avoid wasting money on food that perishes. Freezing food is an option for prolonging the time you have to consume it. “Sometimes we purchase meat because of a sale, but we do not plan to eat it immediately,” Salzer said. Write the date you freeze the item on the package so you can eat it before it becomes less tasty. “If something is frozen for an excessive amount of time, the quality is affected, but it is not harmful,” Salzer says.
Food handling and storing
Another important tip is to make sure you properly handle and store your food. When you are at the grocery store, pick up perishable items last. It is also essential to keep meat separate from produce to avoid contamination. Watch how your groceries are bagged or bag them yourself when possible. Safe handling continues at home. The items should remain separated in the refrigerator. When preparing foods, be sure to use a different cutting board
for meats and other foods. In addition, Salzer notes that milk, cottage cheese, chicken, or eggs may also “put you at risk for food-borne illness” if they are left out at room temperature. The proper way to defrost food is in the refrigerator. Leaving food out at room temperature can be dangerous. Microwaving food to defrost it is safe if it is cooked right away. It might be tempting to eat something that has expired as a money-saving tactic. However, Salzer points out, “If it gets you sick, it will cost you money plus quality of life.” It is better to throw away expired food than to become sick after consuming the items. Here are some safe storage guidelines for uncooked food: Cured ham: 5-7 days Poultry: Refrigerate at 40 degrees or less for 1-2 days Beef and pork: 3-5 days Ground beef or pork: 1-2 days Eggs: 3-5 weeks after purchase date Once a food is opened, the time you have to safely consume it decreases. For example, you might have half and half that expires in a month, but once you open it, you only have a week to finish it. Bacon might have an expiration date that is two weeks away, but once it is opened, that time decreases to seven days. Canned meat or poultry might be shelf stable for two to five weeks. But once a can is opened, you should eat the food within a few days. Sometimes you will notice a change in the flavor or odor of a food, but “you can’t count on it because it isn’t always the case,” Salzer says. Remember, “You can’t taste, see or smell food-borne illness, but if you get it, you will feel it,” she said. As a dietitian, Salzer stresses the importance of eating healthy foods to improve our health. “But we also have to be sure to eat foods that are not expired or improperly handled to avoid health problems,” she noted.
Subscribe to In Good Health Get Mohawk Valley’s healthcare newspaper at home for only $15 a year. FREE with your paid subscription: the 2014 CNY Healthcare Guide
Name___________________________________________ Address_________________________________________ City / Town__________________State_____ Zip_________ Your occupation:__________________________________ Clip and Mail to:
In Good Health
$15 payment enclosed
4 Riverside Dr., Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502
September 2014 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
•
Page 11
An Apple a Day … Apples touted as a ‘powerhouse for nutrition’ By Kristen Raab
T
W
e know fruit is a healthy diet choice. Incorporating different fruit into our lives will provide vital nutrients. Since October is National Apple Month, it is fitting to focus our attention on this powerhouse fruit. “Apples multitask. They are high in nutrients, versatile, easy, and good for us,” said Patricia Salzer, a registered dietitian and health and wellness consultant at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. A medium-sized apple contains only 100 calories, and it has about 3.3 grams of fiber. The amount of fiber needed varies by gender and age, but everyone needs at least 21 grams a day. Salzer Getting enough fiber is important for digestive health, can keep you feeling full longer, and may contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. Apples contain antioxidants, which makes them vital to reducing our risk for disease. “Apples lower our risk of cancer, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, metabolic syndrome, and help with brain function and memory,” Salzer said. Apples can be your go-to snack, but remember to include other fruits in your diet. “Even though apples are a powerhouse for nutrition, they don’t meet all of our needs,” Salzer said. A varied diet supplies the variety of nutrients that are important for optimal health.
Good core values
Some people love fruit, but they avoid it because it can cause digestive issues. Salzer says to “listen to your body.” She suggests eating other food with apples if you experience problems when eating them alone. “Also, consume a smaller portion, and see if that helps,” she said. Page 12
•
Study: Daily aspirin may help prevent cancer
There are so many varieties to choose from, but Salzer says, “The healthiest apple is one that you enjoy, whether it’s tart or sweet.” It might be helpful to try different apples to discover your new favorite apple. Picking your own apples is “a fun, fresh air activity,” Salzer notes. Getting the whole family involved in choosing food and creating recipes might make everyone more likely to enjoy the fruit. Salzer offers great ways to easily add apples to any meal. For breakfast, consider putting apples on top of oatmeal or pancakes. Increase the flavor and nutritional content of salad, coleslaw or a squash soup by adding apples. Chicken and pork are delicious with roasted apples. “Although apple pie is not quite
the fruit delivery system I had in mind, a small piece occasionally can be enjoyed,” Salzer said. Additionally, you can increase the health benefits by using whole wheat flour, walnuts and oats. Salzer does recommend that we limit apple juice or cider and instead eat whole fruit and let your body turn it into juice. Many homes display jars of candy and cookies, but fruit is often hidden away. It is easier to remember to reach for something healthy if it is in our line of vision. Salzer suggests putting apples out in a fruit bowl or toward the front of the refrigerator. Ultimately, the goal should not be to keep the doctor away. Salzer reminds us that health screenings are a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. Eating the proper food such as apples is simply a preventive measure in the quest to remain healthy.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2014
aking aspirin every day appears to reduce the odds of developing and dying from colon, stomach or esophageal cancer, a new study suggests. Based on a review of available studies, researchers determined that the benefits of aspirin therapy for preventing cancer outweigh the risks. Millions of people already take this inexpensive drug to prevent or treat heart disease. “We came to the conclusion that most people between the ages of 50 and 65 would benefit from a daily aspirin,” said lead researcher Jack Cuzick, head of the Center for Cancer Prevention at Queen Mary, University of London. “It looks like if everyone took a daily aspirin, there would be less cancer, and that would far outweigh any side effects,” added Cuzick. Gastrointestinal bleeding is the most serious side effect associated with aspirin. Taking aspirin for 10 years could cut colon cancer risk by around 35 percent and deaths from colon cancer by 40 percent, the researchers reported Aug. 6 in the Annals of Oncology. Daily aspirin also can reduce the risk of esophageal and stomach cancers by 30 percent and deaths from these cancers by 35 to 50 percent, the investigators reported. Dr. Leonard Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society, said this study falls short of a recommendation that everyone take aspirin to prevent cancer. “But it rises to the level that people should have a discussion with their doctor,” he said. However, Lichtenfeld pointed out that the evidence for aspirin’s benefits is circumstantial. “These are not randomized trials, which provide us with the best quality evidence to answer the question. You don’t have a study that compares aspirin with no aspirin,” he said. Although the studies reviewed for this report don’t prove aspirin prevents cancer, they offer strong evidence that it might, Lichtenfeld said. Still, taking aspirin has risks. “Some people will be at risk of stomach bleeding, but very few,” Cuzick said.
The Balanced Body
By Deb Dittner
H2O Dehydration linked to myriad of health problems Sports drinks
“Water is the most neglected nutrient in your diet but one of the most vital.” — Author Kelly Barton
But what about sport drinks that you see advertised as the drink to keep you hydrated and balanced? Typically, sports drinks contain high fructose corn syrup, sodium, artificial colors and flavors. Sports drinks are 30 times more erosive to teeth than water. The citric acid will soften tooth enamel which brushing can then damage. A homemade healthy electrolyte drink is tasty and will replenish sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. These drinks are very easy to make without any negative side effects.
H
ydration is an incredibly huge part of our means to survival and who we are. Try living without water for a couple days. From a performance standpoint, hydration can be regarded as the main variable that can make or break the ultimate result and is extremely important in the regeneration process. The human body is made up of about 70 percent water. When dehydrated, that number can easily drop to 50-60 percent. Dehydration can slow down your metabolism, elevate stress hormones, and intensify inflammation and muscle soreness. A properly hydrated body Dittner ensures blood is at the proper consistency and at a cellular level swells up causing growth of muscle tissue, an anabolic response. This helps speed up, renew and repair the cells. When the cells are well hydrated, the cells will remain in an alkaline state, which is preferred. Here are a few facts regarding hydration: • 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated • A single glass of water eliminated midnight munchies for almost 100 percent of dieters that were studied in a University of Washington project. • Feeling thirsty is frequently mistaken for hunger. • A lack of water intake is the No. 1 cause of daytime fatigue. • A mere 2 percent decrease in body water can aggravate short-term memory, decrease basic math skills, and cause difficulty concentrating on the computer screen or printed paper. • Slight dehydration can slow down one’s metabolism. • Drinking the recommended amount of water daily can decrease the risk of colon cancer, breast cancer, and bladder cancer • Re-hydrating the body is very important as well as replacing the proper minerals. Hyponatremia is an electrolyte imbalance causing vomiting, headache, muscle weakness, lethargy, and cramps. In more serious situations, seizures or coma may occur. Depending on how many raw fruits and vegetables you are consuming religiously, you might not have to drink as much fluid as you think, as the raw whole foods are naturally filled with water and an abundance of minerals.
Healthy electrolyte drink
These are considered to be hydrating foods. On the other hand, a diet that consists of foods cooked at high temperatures, processed grains and dry foods actually removes moisture from the cells and ultimately the body and therefore would require drinking more water. They would be considered dehydrating foods. As an athlete or weekend warrior, you sweat out nutrients called electrolytes along with water when you train hard. Electrolytes are the essential nutrients that affect the amount of water in your body, the acidity (or pH level) of your blood, and your muscle function.
Here’s the game plan
To maximize your body’s efficiency, follow this rule of thumb for water consumption: • Two glasses after awakening to initiate the internal organs • One glass approximately 30 minutes before a meal to aid with digestion • One glass before taking a relaxing bath to help lower blood pressure • One glass before retiring for the night to avoid heart-related issues Without getting too deep into the different types of water, it is extremely important to try and find the cleanest water available. Whether its spring water, filtered water, reverse osmosis or distilled, be sure it is truly pure clean water. Distilled water is the most controversial yet is the closest one to actually being pure H2O as it contains no minerals or no toxic chemicals. Having your water tested for a variety of chemicals from fluoride and chlorine to lead is necessary. Consider a water purifier/filtration system attached to the faucet or purchase an external system. Of course, with any vigorous exercise, you should definitely maintain a good water intake. The hydration process is something that must be constantly monitored and focused on for optimum results in competition. This process begins much sooner than the start of the game or competi-
tion as the proper foundation must be laid to be properly prepared. Throughout all practices or games, you must continue to listen to your body whether it needs to be topped off with water or natural sugars and electrolytes. Once your body becomes dehydrated, it’s usually too late as performance drops and your body begins to cramp up. Don’t let dehydration be the difference between winning or losing a game or winning or losing a championship. Hydrating foods consist of: • Cucumber — 96 percent water • Watermelon — 96 percent • Pineapple — 95 percent • Lettuce — 95 percent • Blueberries — 95 percent • Celery — 95 percent • Tomatoes — 94 percent • Pear — 92 percent • Grapefruit — 90 percent • Melon — 89 percent
Prep time: 2 minutes Yields: 1 serving Ingredients: 4 cups pure warm water Juice of 1 lemon 2 tsp. honey ¼ tsp. salt Directions: Mix well. Chill and serve.
Coconut water
Coconut water contains natural electrolytes, enzymes, trace elements, amino acids and antioxidants. It is anti-inflammatory and has properties to help lower blood pressure. Because coconut water is high in sugar, limit to after long duration of cardio. The above is an excerpt from my soon-to-be-released book titled “Body Check Empowering Performance” with my co-author Riley Cote, former Philadelphia Flyer and current assistant coach of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. • Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner specializing in reiki and holistic nutrition. Check out her website at www.The-Balanced-Body. com.
Health News in Brief ‘Caregiver stress management’ topic of Health Night
I
f you are helping to care for a loved one, you are not alone. Family caregivers make up the majority of the more than 34 million unpaid caregivers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many are part of the sandwich generation — those that find themselves wedged between generations, caring for children as well as an aging family member. Lori Decker, Rome Memorial Hospital’s director of social services, will present “Caregiver Stress Manage-
ment” at the hospital’s Health Night at 7 p.m. Sept. 4. She will discuss the signs of caregiver stress and how to take steps to protect your own health and well being. The free program will be held in the hospital’s classroom. Health Night is a monthly lecture series. No advance registration is required for this program. Refreshments will be served. For more information about Health Night, call 338-7143.
You want instant, guaranteed results? Advertise with In Good Health today!
September 2014 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
•
Page 13
The Social Ask Security Office Column provided by the local Social Security Office
C
If your child is disabled, Social Security can help
ancer is a terrible disease that, although sometimes beatable, can strike a blow to anyone unfortunate enough to face it. It is especially difficult to see children struck by cancer. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, designated to bring attention to the types of cancer that largely affect children. About 13,000 children under age 21 receive cancer diagnoses every year. About a quarter of them will not survive. Those who do will likely suffer with the disease for some time. While Social Security cannot help with the cure, we can offer financial support to children with cancer — or any other severe disability. If your child has cancer or another disabling condition, and if your family has low income and few resources, you may be able to get Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, for your child. If you are receiving retirement or disability benefits, your child may be eligible for Social Security disability insurance when he or she turns age 18 as a “Disabled Adult Child.” To receive
Q&A Q: Is it true that Congress does not have to pay Social Security taxes? A: No, that urban legend is false. Members of Congress pay Social Security taxes and are covered by Social Security just like almost everyone else. Prior to 1983, members of Congress did not pay Social Security taxes but that was because they, like most federal employees, paid into a separate retirement system. In 1983, all newly hired government employees began paying Social Security taxes. Social Security is not an optional system. Unless exempted by law, everyone working in the United States must pay Social Security taxes on earnings under covered employment. And most people who have retired, become disabled, or lost a supporting loved one are thankful to have that safety net. For many, it can mean the difference between poverty and a better life. Learn more about the benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov. Q: I’m trying to decide when to retire. Can Social Security help? A: Deciding when to retire is a personal choice, and you should consider a number of factors, but we can certainly help. First, take a few minutes and open a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount Page 14
•
SSI or disability insurance benefits, your child’s condition must be expected to last for at least 12 continuous months or result in death. For both Social Security and SSI, you will need to file an application for disability benefits. A good place to start is by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/ disability and selecting the “Disability Starter Kit” under “Apply for Benefits.” There, you’ll find a “Child Disability Starter Kit” that includes a fact sheet to answer your questions, a link to the “Child Disability Report” for you to complete, a checklist for your in-office interview with a Social Security representative, and a “Medical and School Worksheet.” A printable version of the “Child Starter Kit” is available. Although going through the disability decision process and obtaining disability benefits may not help your child get well, the financial support can alleviate some of the stress. And the time to get started is now. To learn more, view, print, or listen to an audio version of our publication, “Benefits For Children With Disabilities” by visiting www.socialsecurity. gov.pubs.
With a my Social Security account, you can access your Social Security Statement and estimate your retirement benefits at age 62, your full retirement age, and age 70. Also, we have several online calculators that can help you decide when to retire. Our Retirement Estimator gives estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record. You can use the Retirement Estimator if: • You currently have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits, and • You are not: • Currently receiving monthly benefits on your own Social Security record; • Age 62 or older and receiving monthly benefits on another Social Security record; or • Eligible for a pension based on work not covered by Social Security. You can find our Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Also available at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators. htm are several other calculators that will show your retirement benefits as well as estimates of your disability and survivor benefit if you become disabled or die. You may want to read or listen to our publication, “When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits,” available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Between You and Me
By Barbara Pierce
Without a partner? Don’t worry, be happy You do, however, need allies
“
I’m not any good at this marriage thing,” said my friend Lucy several months ago. She and her husband were breaking up after a marriage of nearly 20 years. “I’m never getting in another relationship. It’s too hard,” Lucy said. She was despondent. Lucy had no friends, as she had relied on her husband for companionship. She realized the first thing she needed was a support system, so she worked at creating one. And she began working harder at her job. And found a roommate to help pay the mortgage. Now she’s dating regularly. “I never thought I’d be so happy,” she said recently. She’s thriving without a partner. Pierce And another friend, George, lost his wife of 30 years not quite a year ago. Without her, he was lost, so depressed that he could barely function. He didn’t get out of bed for many days. To get through, he found a new hobby: restoring old tractors. It gives him something to be enthusiastic about, something to get up for in the morning. And he makes plans to see more of his large extended family, and has found a woman he enjoys being with. He has no interest in marrying again as he was surprised to find how much he really enjoys his time alone. A relationship doesn’t suit him now. I’m with Lucy and George. I’m not good at relationships either. When I got divorced, my No. 1 goal was to find another man to live with. And I worked hard at it. But, as I ruled out man after man, I finally realized that I’m best being single. It suits me better. It really boils down to six of one and half a dozen of the other. Challenges and problems are part of being in a relationship. You give up a lot — absolute freedom to do whatever you want whenever you want, like controlling the temperature of your bedroom, eating ice cream for dinner, coming and going and doing whatever idiotic things you want to do. You give up these things and more to be in a relationship. Yes, you do give up other things when you’re alone — people in a relationship are probably healthier, are usually more financially secure, and there is usually someone around to keep loneliness at bay.
Create a support system
I’ve found there are some things one must do to be successfully single. First and foremost, you must have a support system. If you need to go to the emergency room at 3 in the morn-
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2014
ing, you need someone to take you there and sit with you. If you have outpatient surgery, you must have someone to drive you home and maybe stay with you overnight. If you’re lonely, you need someone to call and go hang out with. If you’ve just had something joyous happen or something awful happen, you need someone to talk to about it. Lucy has two women friends, both of whom she can call anytime and ask for anything, and they have the same expectation of her. They’ve spelled it out and made an agreement with each other. I’m envious of that. I’m not successful with this. I know what I need to do — I need to go to activities I enjoy, like join a book club, get a volunteer job, take classes, go to stretching exercise class or tai chi. That part is not hard. What is hard for me is taking it to the next level. I need to invite someone I meet to go out for coffee or to lunch. Get to know him or her; maybe he or she is looking for a support system also. The way forward feels like groping in the dark. But, like groping in the dark, I’ll just take it one step at a time. Having a good attitude is another important thing you need to be happy alone. “Having a bad attitude is like having one of your legs cut off,” said one of my friends. She’s right. There will be good days and there will be bad days. Consider the bad days as learning experiences. What made it bad? What do you need to change so the bad days don’t happen as often? Put things in perspective. When I was married, every day was a bad day. And treat yourself like a special person. If you’re like me, you save the good china and the good wine and the gourmet cooking for when someone special comes to visit. Treat yourself like that special person. Find something to be enthusiastic about, some reason to get up in the morning. Find volunteer work that excites you, a new hobby, or get involved in your church, or some other organization. Who needs a partner? You, too, can thrive without one. • Barbara Pierce is a retired licensed clinical social worker with many years’ experience in helping people. If you would like to purchase a copy of her book “If I’m so Fantastic, Why am I Still Single?” contact her at BarbaraPierce06@yahoo.com, or contact her if you have any concerns you would like her to address.
Meet
Your Doctor
By Mary Christopher
The beat goes on in cardiology Continued from Page 4 and as the years went by in college and medical school, I was even more fascinated by cardiac physiology and hemodynamics and what an interesting organ system it is. Q.: What are the newest developments and treatments in the field of cardiology? A.: Cardiology is one of the most rapidly advancing fields of medicine. It has evolved with robust data and trials are some of the most well-designed and large trials that have made a huge impact on the overall health of communities. Every aspect of cardiology is rapidly advancing in its own way. In my field of interventional cardiology, we are treating cardiovascular diseases with more resources and equipment that evaluate small coronary arteries. There are less invasive procedures for patients now that avoid major surgeries, such as intravascular ultrasound scans, intravascular hemodynamic assessments and intravascular imaging. Another emerging advancement is valve replacement through catheters. The biggest therapies in the heart are becoming less invasive for patients now. Q.: How do you keep up with the latest research and developments in health care? A.: Knowing the current evidence is certainly very important in being a successful physician. Making sure you are a part of certain affiliations such as American College of Cardiology and the Society for Coronary Interventions is important so you know the latest
By Jim Miller
data and research. Attending national and international conferences is also very important. I try to participate in on-going research trials and constantly review articles in journals. I have participated in trials and published research articles in Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine and Clinical Cardiology. Q.: What do you see in the future concerning treatment in cardiac disease? A.: Making it accessible to everyone is important. You can have all sorts of advancement in cardiology, but making sure it’s available to everyone is a challenge. I come from a state-of-the-art training program and I want to bring that training to the community and help patients here. Q.: In your opinion, what are the most significant health issues that threaten Americans today? A.: Cardiovascular disease is a major issue and major cause of death across the United States. As people are getting older, we are seeing more of the disease. Addressing risk factors that include smoking, diabetes and obesity is still a battle not won yet. There is much to do. The most important thing I could recommend to a patient is talking to your physician because that is where the process of treatment starts. Know the problem well first and then treat it from there. Educating the patient well about the problem is crucial. It is easy to start ordering tests, but if the patient does not understand why or does not know all of the options available to them, then it will not be a job well done.
Health Briefs MMRL teams with Utica College for fellowship program
U
tica College’s partnership with the Masonic Medical Research Lab in Utica creates a significant learning opportunity for students. The MMRL allows students of biology, physiology, molecular biology, chemistry, medicine and other life sciences to participate in research under staff guidance. By working closely with Utica College and other colleges nationwide, the program provides the bridge from learning in the classroom to hands-on experience in a biomedical research institute. The summer fellowship program gives talented students of the life sciences the chance to experience the operation of an internationally renowned scientific research institute,” said Daniel Barr, assistant professor of biochemistry at Utica College. “We are very fortunate that some of our students get to work alongside these accomplished scientists
and see firsthand how medical and scientific techniques can be used to better understand disease and to find new treatments and cures.” Recent projections of significant shortages of medical researchers by the turn of the century have heightened the need for programs such as MMRL’s Summer Fellowship Program in which students can become acquainted with research and the opportunities available in the biomedical sciences. The MMRL was established in 1958 as a biomedical research facility. Since its inception, it has gained international prominence for its achievements and contributions to science and medicine. The MMRL’s current focus is in the areas of experimental cardiology, molecular genetics, molecular biology and stem cell technology.
Food assistance programs can help seniors in need Dear Savvy Senior, I run a community counseling program for needy families and am frustrated that so few eligible seniors take advantage of the food stamp program. Can you write a column on this to help educate seniors to this underutilized benefit? Reaching Out Dear Reaching, It’s hard to imagine that a government program serving more than 46 million Americans each month is considered severely underutilized. But that’s the reality of the federal food stamp program when it comes to serving seniors. Nationwide, food stamps (now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) reaches around 80 percent of those eligible, but the numbers are much slimmer among the seniors aged 60 and older. Recent statistics indicate only 39 percent of eligible seniors receive SNAP benefits. There are a number of reasons for the lack of participation. Some seniors are too embarrassed or too proud to apply. Others think that if they receive SNAP they will be taking food benefits away from others (which they won’t). Some think it is too difficult to apply for SNAP, and others don’t even know the program exists. With all that said, here’s a run down of which seniors are eligible for SNAP, what they get and how they can apply.
Who’s eligible? For seniors to get SNAP, their net income must be under the 100 percent federal poverty guidelines. So, households that have at least one person aged 60 and older, or disabled, their net income must currently be less than $958 per month for an individual or $1,293 for a family of two. Households receiving TANF or SSI (except in California) are also eligible. Net income is figured by taking gross income minus allowable deductions like medical expenses that exceed $35 per month out-of-pocket, and shelter costs (rent or mortgage payments, taxes and utility costs) that exceeds half of the household’s income. In addition to the net income requirement, a few states also require that a senior’s assets be below $3,250, not counting the home, retirement or pension plans, income from SSI or TANF, and vehicle (this varies by
September 2014 •
state). Most states, however, have much higher asset limits or they don’t count assets at all when determining eligibility. The SNAP pre-screening tool at www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns can help seniors, and their family members, figure out if they qualify. To apply, seniors or an authorized representative will need to fill out a state application form, which can be done at the local SNAP office or it can be mailed or faxed in, or in many states it can be completed online. If eligible, benefits will be provided on a plastic card that’s used like a debit card and accepted at most grocery stores. Depending on the person’s financial situation, the amount of SNAP a beneficiary may be eligible for will range between $15 and $189 per month as an individual, or $15 to $347 for a family of two. To learn more or apply, contact your local SNAP office – call 800-2215689 for contact information or visit www.fns.usda.gov/snap.
Produce coupons In addition to SNAP, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is another underused program that provides coupons that can be exchanged for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs. This program is available in select counties in 43 states, seven Indian reservations, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and to seniors aged 60 and older with gross monthly household incomes below 185 percent of the federal poverty line, which is currently below $1,800 for individuals, or $2,426 for a family of two. For more information visit www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp or call 703-305-2746.
Other programs Seniors that are eligible for food assistance may also be eligible for a host of other programs that can help pay for medications, health care, utilities and more. To locate these programs, visit benefitscheckup.org, or call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
•
Page 15
H ealth News SDMG strengthens urgent care department Mauricio Valencia has joined Slocum-Dickson Medical Group’s Urgent Care Department. He has over 27 years of experience as a medical provider. Valencia is board-certified by the American Board of Family Practice and provides treatment for basic acute illness and conditions in the urgent care setting. Valencia completed his family practice fellowship at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Valencia He completed his residency at Glendale Adventist Medical Center in Glendale, Calif. and earned his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. He is a member of the Christian Medical/Dental Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Family Practice. He is active in health education and outreach programs with over 24 years of teaching experience in the medical field. Slocum-Dickson’s Urgent Care delivers prompt, personalized medical care for minor (non life-threatening) health problems such as sprains, broken bones, cuts, backaches, job-related injuries and common illnesses. Slocum-Dickson’s Urgent Care, 1729 Burrstone Road, New Hartford, is supported by a full complement of diagnostic and treatment resources.
LFH employee goes ‘the extra mile’ Brenda Randall of the business office has been recognized as Little Falls Hospital’s “Going the Extra Mile” (GEM) employee. The GEM award recognizes employees who take the extra step to make a significant difference by improving the quality of health for those the hospital serves and exceeding customer service standards. “Brenda was nominated for Randall going the extra mile due to her kind-heartedness when receiving phone calls from patients and their families,” an LFH spokesperson said. “Brenda treats each call with kindness and is always willing to help; she always goes the extra mile for hospital patients.”
VNA, Oneida County gain CHAP re-accreditation The Visiting Nurse Association of Utica and Oneida County has been Page 16
•
awarded Community Health Accreditation Program, Inc. re-accreditation under the CHAP Standards of Excellence. CHAP has accredited the VNA of Utica and Oneida County since 2005. “We are pleased that the VNA of Utica and Oneida County chose CHAP accreditation,” said Michael S. Grogan, senior vice president of business development for CHAP. “Voluntarily selecting to achieve CHAP accreditation and meeting our high standards of excellence demonstrates the agency’s commitment to quality. CHAP is delighted to work with their entire team through the ongoing process of quality improvement.” Through CHAP accreditation, VNA of Utica and Oneida County is also certified as a Medicare provider. VNA of Utica and Oneida County has been serving patients and families since 1915. It became affiliated with Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in 2000 and is now part of the Mohawk Valley Health System. The agency provides services ranging from home intravenous therapy and wound care to rehabilitative therapy and assistance with personal hygiene and light housekeeping. CHAP is an independent, nonprofit, accrediting body for community-based health care organizations. CHAP’s purpose is to define and advance the highest standards of community-based care. For more information on VNA of Utica and Oneida County, visit www. faxtonstlukes.com/vna or call 315-624HOME (4663).
New orthopedic center set for Westmoreland Representatives from New York state, Oneida County and the town of Westmoreland recently attended a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of a new ambulatory surgery and pain management center in Westmoreland. The center will bring together some of the region’s top orthopedic surgeons from Utica and Hamilton, as well as a pain management specialist. The state–of-the-art facility will be located on land adjacent to the Westmoreland Thruway exit, making it easily accessible to patients in the Utica-Rome, Mohawk Valley and surrounding areas. Oneida Healthcare is one of several partners in the project. “We’re very excited to be part of this joint venture,” said Oneida Healthcare CEO Gene Morreale, who also serves as president of the surgery center’s governing body. “We see this project as an excellent opportunity to be part of bringing something unique to the region.”
4-H Youth Club raises funds for breast care center The Oneida County 4-H Youth Club recently donated $250 to Faxton St. Luke Healthcare’s Breast Care Center. The youth club raised money to benefit local patients and their families receiving care at FSLH through T-shirt
sales at the Boonville Oneida County Fair. The “Give Cancer the Boot” T-shirts were sold and worn by the youth club on “Pink Out Day” at the fair.
MVHS names new coordinator Jerry Plows has been named service excellence and employee engagement coordinator for Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica. In this new role, Plows is responsible for coordinating programs and strategies to build and maintain positive patient experiences and employee engagement at MVHS. Plows He will also implement and oversee all employee reward and recognition programs and coordinate employee activities such as picnics, parties and celebrations. Prior to his new position, Plows was the relationship-based care coordinator and assistant director of volunteer services and guest relations for Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare. He is a certified health unit coordinator and a recipient of the FSLH Spirit of Caring Award.
MVHS names new VP, chief information officer John Lynch has been named vice president/chief information officer for Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica. In this role, Lynch coordinates and manages the use of technology to increase information accessibility and integrated systems throughout MVHS. Prior to this position, Lynch was vice Lynch president/CIO at Greater Hudson Valley Health System in Middletown and previously, system vice president/CIO at Provena Health (now Presence Health) in Mokena, Ill. Lynch earned his bachelor’s degree from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay, Mass. He became licensed as an officer in the United States Merchant Marines and commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He is a member of the American College of Health Care Executives and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives.
MVHS welcomes interventional cardiologist Vinod S. Kudagi, an interventional cardiologist with Mohawk Valley
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2014
Cardiology PC, has joined the medical staff at Mohawk Valley Health System. Kudagi received his Doctor of Medicine degree from J. J. M. Medical College in Davangere, India, and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Connecticut in Farmington, Kudagi Conn. Kudagi completed fellowships in cardiology at Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, La., interventional cardiology at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, and cardiac imaging (MRI and CT) at Saint Francis Hospital in Roslyn. He is board-certified in cardiology, nuclear cardiology and vascular interpretation.
FSLH rehab program gains re-accreditation Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare’s acute inpatient rehabilitation program has been re-accredited for three years by Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International. The re-accreditation extends through June 2017. An organization receiving a threeyear term of accreditation has voluntarily participated in a rigorous peer review process and demonstrated to a team of surveyors that it is committed to achieving CARF’s accreditation conditions and standards. An organization that earns CARF accreditation is commended for quality programs and services. “As the only CARF-accredited acute inpatient rehabilitation program in the Mohawk Valley, this achievement speaks to the dedication and commitment of our physicians, nurses, therapists and staff to improving the quality of our patients’ lives,” said Diane Jackson, director of rehabilitation services for FSLH. FSLH’s 24-bed acute inpatient rehabilitation unit is located in the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services on the St. Luke’s Campus in Utica.
ACP makes medical staff announcement John S. Robertson has joined the Adirondack Community Physicians’ Washington Mills medical office in New Hartford. Prior to joining ACP, Robertson was a family physician/department head for the David R. Ray Branch Health Clinic at Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Va. He also held positions as a ship’s family medical officer on the USS Enterprise in Norfolk, Va., and family medicine physician at Naval Hospital Bremerton Branch Health Clinic Bangor in Silverdale, Wash. Robertson earned his Bachelor of
Continued on Page 17
H ealth News Continued from Page 16 Arts in molecular biology and biochemistry from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo., and his Doctor of Medicine from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. He completed a residency in family medicine at NHB Puget Sound Family Medicine ResiRobertson dency in Bremerton, Wash. Robertson is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Uniformed Services Association of Family Physicians.
Boonville Family Care adds family nurse practitioner Family nurse practitioner Linda A. O’Connor has joined the staff at Boonville Family Care. She is accepting new patients of all ages and will be in the office on a part-time basis from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. O’Connor joins Vivienne Taylor and family nurse practitioner Melissa
Muha in providing accessible healthcare for the rural communities of the Boonville area. With over 30 years of experience in family practice and internal medicine, O’Connor has practiced in emergency medicine, urgent care and family practice in both urban and rural settings. No stranger to the medical needs of rural famiO’Connor lies, O’Connor practiced in Barneveld for the past 10 years. “I like continuity in care,” O’Connor said. “I like being able to see the same patients and work with them to develop a plan for wellness. Caring for families in rural areas may have its unique challenges; however, with utilization of the proper resources, I feel with confidence these challenges can be met.” Today’s focus is on prevention to keep patients out of the hospital and better coordination of care, she added. O’Connor earned Associate of Applied Science degrees from Mohawk Valley Community College in science laboratory technology and nursing. She continued her education at Syr-
KIDS Corner
Is it really a concussion?
Study: Alarming similarity in symptoms reported by patients experiencing different injuries
A
thletes and others reporting cognitive difficulties after a head injury are usually diagnosed as having had a concussion. But is it really a concussion? A new study published by University at Buffalo medical faculty finds that many of the same symptoms are common to concussions and to injuries to the neck or balance system, known collectively as cervical/vestibular injuries. The research was based on responses about symptoms from 128 patients — some of whom were professional athletes — who were being treated at UB’s Concussion Management Clinic in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. It was published online recently in
the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. The purpose of the study was to determine how to distinguish between concussion injury and neck injury, based on symptoms. “Based on our research, we conclude that some patients who have been told they’ve suffered a concussion, and whose symptoms persist for several months may actually have suffered a neck injury, rather than a concussion, or in addition to a concussion,” says John J. Leddy, clinical professor in the UB department of orthopedics and senior author. “I’d seen enough patients in our clinic, some previously diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, who continued to experience symptoms even after passing our treadmill test, which
acuse University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and did additional course work at SUNY IT. O’Connor earned her certification at Community General Hospital in Syracuse in 1983 and was among the first nurse practitioners to treat patients in this area. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. O’Connor and her fiancé Wink (William) Doolittle reside on Kayuta Lake in Remsen. She has one grown son, who is a forest ranger in Colorado. When she is not working, O’Connor says she enjoys the arts, gardening and golf.
Rome Surgical Specialists welcome general surgeon Board-certified general surgeon Abha Ojha has joined David Kulick and Pedro DelPino at Rome Surgical Specialists. Ojha is accepting new patients at the office located at 267 Hill Road, Suite 300, and will perform general and laparoscopic surgical procedures at Rome Memorial Hospital. Ojha comes from a family of medical professionals and has always wanted to be a surgeon. She earned her medical degree at Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner, India, in 1996. In addition to post-graduate training in India, she completed her internship in general surgery at the Univer-
indicates full recovery from concussion,” says Leddy, who sees patients through UBMD, the physician practice plan of the UB medical school. “The symptoms for both conditions are so nonspecific that it’s really hard to make a diagnosis based on them,” Leddy continues, “so we had to find another way to discriminate between them.” To determine which of the respondents had probably sustained a concussion and which more likely had a neck injury, the UB researchers used the graded treadmill test developed by Leddy and co-author Barry Willer, UB professor of psychiatry. “The treadmill test helps us make a first delineation between what I call physiologic concussion and other possible causes of cognitive symptoms,” says Leddy. “Because a concussion is a brain injury, we thought that cognitive symptoms would be more likely associated with concussions,” he says. “Surprisingly, that didn’t turn out to be the case. People who have had neck injury can also have problems with concentration and with memory. They feel like they’re in a fog, which is exactly what people report after concussion.” Symptoms reported by both groups were headache, dizziness, blurred vision, poor concentration and memory deficits. Patients in both groups filled out a detailed questionnaire concerning their symptoms. These responses were then correlated to their treadmill test results. “Then we did some sophisticated statistical analysis,” says Leddy.
September 2014 •
sity of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, Ky., and residency at the Metropolitan Group Hospitals program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, in Chicago, Ill. Ojha was the chief general surgeon at Williamson Appalachian Regional Healthcare HosOjha pital in South Williamson, Ky., before relocating her practice to Rome. Joining the practice in Rome provided Ojha with the opportunity to be closer to family and friends in the northeast. She and her husband, Anil Kathuria, were married in July and will reside in Oneida, where he plans to open a branch office for his managed IT services firm Superne Technologies, Inc.
Want guaranteed results? Advertise with In Good Health!
“Even when we looked at the data in multiple ways, there was really no way to separate out the two groups based on their symptom patterns alone.” Determining which condition a patient has experienced is critical, Leddy explains, because courses of treatment are very different. “The treatment for a neck injury is actually to be more active, to do physical and vestibular therapy, to have a more active intervention, whereas after a concussion, exercise must begin slowly and incrementally after a period of rest,” he says. Leddy notes that more research should be done on larger samples concerning concussion and neck injury In the meantime, he says, patients who think they’ve had a concussion and whose symptoms have not diminished after several months, should instead be examined for neck and vestibular injury by a sports medicine physician, a neurologist or a physiatrist, a specialist in rehabilitation medicine. “I think a lot of practitioners listen to the symptoms and just chalk it up to concussion,” he adds, “but if they also examined the neck in these people, they might discover that a neck injury is involved and that’s a treatable problem.” Physical symptoms that may indicate a neck injury include tenderness, muscle spam, reduced motion or reduced cervical proprioception, Leddy explains. • Related story, Page 20
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
•
Page 17
CALENDAR of
HEALTH EVENTS
Got a health-related activity or event that you would like publicized? Call Lou Sorendo at 315-749-7070 or email lou@cnymail.com. Continued from Page 2 they are prone to foot problems such as a loss of feeling in their feet, changes in the shape of their feet and foot ulcers or sores that do not heal. For more information or to register, call CNY Diabetes at 315-624-5620.
Sept. 6
Amyloidosis Support Group plans meeting The Amyloidosis Support Group will meet on Sept. 6 in the Weiner Conference Room, Rochester General Hospital, 1425 Portland Ave., Rochester. The meeting is for all Upstate areas including Rochester, Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Utica. The guest speaker will be Taimur Sher from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. A complementary light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Patients, caregivers, family and interested medical staff are welcome. RSVP pschmitt_98@yahoo.com. For more information, visit www. amyloidosissupport.com.
Sept. 7
Separated? Divorced? There is support The Separated & Divorced Support Group will meet from 5-6:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. The group meets every other Sunday. The meetings are free and open to all. For more information, contact Judy at 315-735-6210, judy@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.
Sept. 7
Ready to explore The Third Option? The Third Option support group for married couples will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. The group meets every other Sunday. For more information, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, tanya@TheGoodNewsCenter.org or visit www. thegoodnewscenter.org.
Sept. 9
FSLH to host pair of blood drives Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 9 in Allen-Calder Conference Rooms 3, 4 and 5 at the St. Page 18
•
Luke’s Campus, 1656 Champlin Ave., Utica. Donors are asked to enter through Allen-Calder Entrance 7 at the back of the campus. Another blood drive will be held from 2-7 p.m. Sept. 10 in the traveling donor center, located outside the Allen-Calder Entrance 7 at St. Luke’s Campus. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed each day in the United States, but only 38 percent of the population is eligible to donate. Just one donor can help save or sustain up to three lives. For more information or to make an appointment, call 315-624-8259. You can also register online at www. redcrossblood.org.
Sept. 10
YMCA of the Greater TriValley to hold golf tourney The YMCA of the Greater Tri Valley will hold the 27th annual Frank Martinelli Corporate Cup golf tournament Sept. 10 to raise money for the Y’s Annual Heroes Campaign. The event will be held at Kanon Valley Country Club, located on Lake Road in Oneida. It will include a luncheon, an 18-hole captain and crew format, prime rib dinner, raffles, putting contest and an awards ceremony. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at 12:30 pm. The tourney is part of the Y’s Annual Heroes Campaign that annually awards $200,000 in assistance to families who cannot afford memberships and programs. For more information, contact John Elberson, director of development, at 315-363-7788 ext. 222 or jelberson@ ymcatrivalley.org.
Sept. 11
Explore wonders of centering prayer The Rest in God Prayer Group meets from 6-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. For more information, call Diana at 831-5946 or email her at lovericd@ gmail.com. To register, call Tanya at 735-6210 or visit TheGoodNewsCenter.org.
Sept. 13
Auriesville historian to be featured The Good News Luncheon Series will feature “St. Isaac Jogues, Missionary Martyr of the Mohawk Valley” from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica.
Acclaimed Auriesville historian Beth Lynch will make the presentation. Those interested in attending are asked to register before Sept. 13. For more information, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, email tanya@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.
Sept. 13
STARS program welcomes paddling participants The Sitrin STARS (Success Through Adaptive Recreation and Sports) paddling program is welcoming new participants. The program offers several outings for individuals with physical disabilities throughout the summer and fall. Family members and caregivers are also invited to participate. Dates and locations include: • Sept. 13 — One Square Mile of Hope, Inlet • Oct. 4 — Black River out of Kayuta Lake Kayaks, canoes, and other paddling equipment will be provided. Participants should register at least one week prior to the paddling date. There is no cost to participate. Transportation is not included. Participants must meet Sitrin staff at the paddling locations at 10 a.m. New participants are required to complete a training course at Sitrin before attending a paddling session. Instruction includes safety awareness, necessary equipment modifications, as well as stroke technique. To register for an upcoming event, contact Marc DePerno at 315-737-2459 or visit www.sitrin.com for more information.
Sept. 14
Walk for food allergy set in Utica There are 15 million Americans with food allergies, which means there are 15 million reasons to join the Food Allergy Research & Education Walk for Food Allergy in Utica to raise critical funds to find a cure and to increase awareness about this growing public health issue. The FARE Walk for Food Allergy in Utica will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at SUNY IT, Campus Center Building. Participants can sign up to walk individually or as part of a team. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, enabling businesses to show their support for families who are living with food allergies. For more information, or to register or volunteer, visit www. foodallergywalk.org/utica2014.
Sept. 19
StageWorks program presents ‘Grease’ StageWorks, a community and family services program of The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC, will present a production of “Grease” at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at Clinton High School Performing Arts Center, 75 Chenango Ave., Clinton. “Grease” is directed by Roxanne Vasilopoulos, adult respite programs coordinator at The Arc, with musical direction by Ellie Hadity. The Lewis County Rockers, a line dance group, will also perform. For more information, call Vasilopoulos at 315-272-1577 or email RVasilopoulos@thearcolc.org. The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC is a nonprofit human services agency which provides advocacy and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oneida and Lewis counties.
Sept. 20
SEMC Foundation, brewery to host Octoberfest The St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation, in partnership with F.X. Matt Brewery, will host Octoberfest from 2-5 p.m. Sept. 20 at F.X. Matt Brewery, 830 Varick Street, Utica. Proceeds from the event will support the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing. Attendees must be 21 and older. Tickets are $30 if purchased by Sept. 5 or $35 beginning Sept. 6. Top purchase tickets, stop by the brewery gift shop or call the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation at (315) 734-4287 to purchase tickets. Tickets are also available at www. stemc.org/foundation/octoberfest. There are also sponsorship opportunities still available. For more information on how to become an Octoberfest sponsor, visit www.stemc. org/foundation/octoberfest or call the foundation office.
Sept. 30
Women at the Well to gather Women at the Well will meet from 6:30–8 p.m. Sept. 30 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. The faith-based group meets on the last Tuesday of each month. Drop-ins are welcome. For more information, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, tanya@TheGoodNewsCenter.org or visit www. thegoodnewscenter.org.
Sept. 18-19
Oct. 10-12
The New York State Association for Rural Health is hosting its 13th annual Rural Health Conference themed “Crafting our Story in the Heart of New York.” The conference is open to anyone interested in rural health throughout New York state. It will be held Sept. 1819 at The Craftsman Inn & Conference Center, Fayetteville. Herkimer County HealthNet is involved with the planning of this event as members of the New York State Association of Rural Health’s Board of Directors. For more information, visit www.nysarh.org.
A Retrouvaille program will be offered from Oct. 10-12 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. This weekend experience helps couples find a new way of looking at themselves and one another. The program focuses on teaching communication skills between a husband and wife. Overnight accommodations and meals are included. For more information, visit www. HelpOurMarriage.com. For confidential inquiries, contact Andrea or Mike at 1-800-470-2230 or info@thegoodnewscenter.org.
Statewide Rural Health Conference scheduled
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2014
Marriage hurting? Try Retrouvaille
Back to School
Back to the Grind
Parents, however, need to keep healthy during busy school year fast, Baber said.
By Traci DeLore
B
ack to school is more than just a busy time for students. It’s also a busy time for their parents, and that time crunch can make it difficult to find the time to make healthy choices. Take the Dornburgh family of Holland Patent. “Over the summer, we kind of kick back and stop activities,” said Dana Dornburgh of her family, which includes her husband, Brian, and three daughters, Miranda, Anna, and Ava. “I call it going off the grid. It’s a self-imposed break.” All that changes in September when school and activities resume. “Each girl does a couple activities, so most nights of the week are soccer games or practices, gymnastics, music lessons, cross country meets, band practice, and then on the weekend, it’s groceries, laundry, clean the house, and get ready to do it all again,” Dornburgh said. “I struggle to find the time that I had over the summer to exercise and eat well. Over the summer, I can plan meals and have time to bike, run, and swim in the pool,” she said. “Each summer, I lose weight and am feeling pretty good about my weight and fitness, but then September comes and it all comes to a dead end because the day is only so long.” It’s a common struggle, said Cassaundra Baber, a Beachbody coach who is undergoing group fitness certifica-
Off to the races
Dornburgh said she struggles after the workday when she’s heading back out to run kids to music lessons or sports practices. “I’m pretty good about packing a decent lunch, but sabotage myself by reaching for snacks when I get home because we’re on the run or in the car,” she said. Baber suggested parceling out healthy snacks for the week The Dornburgh family of Holland Patent relaxes on a recent in advance. Bring weekend camping trip before the crazy school year schedules them along or keep start up again. them handy at home, she said. “You’ll have tion through the American Council on them ready to go, so you won’t go for Exercise. It’s something she has strugthe candy bar in the vending machine,” gled with herself as a single working she said. mother. Luckily, she said, there are still Of course, the other piece to the plenty of ways to make healthy choichealthy lifestyle puzzle is exercise, and es. Baber said the excuse she hears more Making a meal plan should be a than any other is, “I don’t have time.” priority, she stresses. Baber prefers to The key, she said, is that you have to sit down on Sunday and plan out her make the time. meals for the week before heading out “I put it on my calendar, and it’s to shop. After getting home, she preps an appointment,” she said of her own or even pre-cooks meals for the week. workout times. But it’s not enough just One favorite is egg cups — scrambled to write it down, she adds. You have to eggs loaded with veggies and then teach people to respect your workout baked in muffin tins. Those can be times, and you have to be accountable made in advance and stored in the and keep that commitment to work freezer for a quick grab-and-go breakout.
Dornburgh said she struggles to carve out time for exercise during the school year. Baber suggested getting up 30 minutes early to get in a workout or, if necessary, breaking it up into shorter segments throughout the day. Even 10 minutes here and there throughout the day can add up, she said. While your kids are at soccer practice, walk laps around the field instead of sitting to watch. “There are just so many different options,” Baber said. “There’s always time to work out.” Dornburgh has tried many of these, she said, but often finds her commitment wavering by December. “I think the solution for me is to stay consistent and firm with myself,” she said. “I still need to find time for health and nutrition during the chaos.” She hopes things will be a little better this year as her oldest child is working on getting her license and will be able to help carpool. Her youngest daughter is also taking a dance class closer to home than the previous one, and her other daughter will be playing soccer at school this year instead of with a club. “I think these things will help me, and I think in the chaos, sometimes we need to say no to things,” Dornburgh said. “I think a lot of soccer moms are guilty of getting overbooked and putting our health last.” Baber agreed and suggested that perhaps other family members may need to give up an activity so that everyone in the family can benefit from healthy and fit parents.
Head lice not a problem affecting only the poor Experts explain ways you can stay lice-free during this school year
T
he bell is about to ring for the first time for the upcoming school year, meaning maladies, ailments and other health nuisances are coming soon. One of those annoyances comes in the form of head lice — itchy, bothersome, parasitic insects that live solely on the scalp hair of humans and usually on children 10 and younger. As do all insects, head lice develop in stages from egg, or nit, to nymph and finally to louse. There are many fallacies about lice, says D’Ann Somerall, an assistant professor and family nurse practitioner specialty track coordinator at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. The biggest misconception, Somerall says, is that lice are a problem only for the poor. “It has nothing to do with how clean or dirty your home or school may be, or how clean or dirty your kids may be,” Somerall said. “Affluent schools, rural schools, urban schools — anyone from any socioeconomic background
can get head lice, no matter how clean their hair or home.” Somerall, a mother of six children, experienced firsthand the issues lice can create in her own home. Her oldest daughter came home from school one day and was violently scratching the back of her head. When Somerall first looked, she believed it was dandruff. A closer inspection revealed that it was actually nits, the eggs lice leave behind. “My daughter has really thick hair, and when we pulled it up and looked, she had probably thousands of nits in her hair,” Somerall said. “Of course I was mortified at first. I had no idea she had them. But it is not something parents should panic about. You can take care of it. It is tedious because treatment can play out over the course of days and weeks, but it can be done. The main thing is to recognize, identify
and treat as soon as possible.” The first sign that lice may be an issue is bad itching on the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Children with long, thick hair also are more prone to acquire lice. The bugs are more difficult to see than the nits, which can be white or dark. If they are dark, it means the louse is inside of the egg. If nits are white, it means the louse has hatched. Because the nits are bloodsuckers, they are typically found one-quarter of an inch from the skin. The louse itself is hard to find in part because of its size and because it travels quickly, moving up to nine inches in one minute. Somerall says all infested persons and their bedmates should be treated at the same time. Rid and Nix are popular over-the-counter medications used to treat lice; but if crawling lice are
September 2014 •
still seen after a full-course treatment, it is recommended that you contact your health care provider. Parents with children aged 2 and younger should call their pediatrician before using any over-the-counter treatment for lice. Home remedies to treat lice, including the use of mayonnaise, vinegar or petroleum jelly in the hair and covering with a shower cap for several hours or days, do not work, according to the Centers for Disease Control. However, Somerall says one of the home remedies did work for her daughter. “It was a moment of desperation, really, because we used over-the-counter products to treat, and we thought they were all gone until a hairdresser found them again while my daughter was getting her hair cut,” Somerall said. “We covered her head in Vaseline and put a shower cap on for eight hours, and it did get rid of them.” Somerall also says to use a lice comb on your child’s hair as directed, including after you get rid of the lice.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
•
Page 19
CONCUSSION CONCUSION
Boxer’s mission is to share his own experience so other people can avoid his mistakes By Jessica Spies
W
hen Ray Ciancaglini retired from boxing due to continued headaches and slower reflexes, he wanted to become a physical education teacher. Once he entered college, he faced the same issues that he did while boxing and left after his first semester. When he couldn’t be a teacher in the classroom, Ciancaglini didn’t let that stop him. Despite the challenges he continues to face, Ciancaglini, 63, has become a physical education teacher in his own right, forming the nonprofit organization The Second Impact. As part of The Second Impact’s efforts, Ciancaglini, of Romulus, travels to schools and organizations in New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts to speak about the dangers of not properly addressing a concussion. Ciancaglini, who typically has two to three speaking engagements a week, has spoken to crowds from 100 to over 2,000 athletes. But the size of the crowd doesn’t intimidate him. The bigger crowds are “just like a fight,” he said. Ciancaglini uses the skills he picked up in boxing in his current
work, prepping for his speeches “just like I did for a fight. I train hard, prepare hard and don’t eat six hours before I go,” he said. Ciancaglini always has a paper copy of his speech on hand and it must be slanted so he won’t lose his spot or become dizzy when making eye contact with the audience. The focus of Ciancaglini’s speech is concussion awareness and his personal experience but he also spreads other important messages including the importance of having good character and being a role model. “Never give up. Just keep punching,” he tells the athletes. “You’ll get better; just keep at it.” Ciancaglini was driven to speak up about the dangers of not letting a concussion recover after he suffered permanent brain damage as a result of not allowing back-to-back concussions heal properly. According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, a concussion is a “traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions.” There are two ways to concussion recovery, said Jeff Bazarian, associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of Rochester. One way is natural as some people can
Ray Ciancaglini poses with Lois Tannenbaum, president of the Brain Injury Association of New York State’s Board of Directors, at its 32nd annual conference in Albany. Page 20
•
recover without much intervention; the other way to recovery is to quickly treat the symptoms. The symptoms of a concussion, at the time of the impact, are “anything that causes your head to whip around,” and usually ends up leaving the injured person dazed, Bazarian said. What happens after the initial diagnosis of the concussion includes headaches, trouble sleeping or concentrating and irritability. Repeated concussions or hits to the head can cause permanent brain damage. Bazarian, who conducts concussion research and runs a sport concussion clinic, said while most people can recover from repeated concussions, some people don’t. “Usually it takes longer to recover from that second concussion,” he said. Ciancaglini was diRay Ciancaglini in his boxing days. agnosed with Dementia ‘There’s only one Carmen Basilio,’ she Pugilistica, a disease with features of dementia common among boxers who said.” Nevertheless, this sparked an suffer concussions, and Parkinson’s interest in boxing for Ciancaglini who syndrome, a degenerative disorder of would later become friends with Basilthe central nervous system. “Life, for me, is not what I want to io himself. Ciancaglini said he aimed to emulate Basilio who was a “champion do. It’s what I can do,” he said. Cianinside the ring and outside the ring.” caglini said he has good days and bad Ciancaglini started fighting at 14 days, but every day requires a lot of supervision and help. Some days, he’s years old in an amateur organization. His trainers included Chuck Jennings in a “fog” and “it’s hard to get things of Elmira and Monsignor Franklin going,” and other days he struggles Kelliher of Buffalo, and he ended his with tying his shoes. boxing career with Al Gavin of New “I’ve had a headache ever since I York City. was 16,” he said. At 16, Ciancaglini would have a Ciancaglini’s wife, Patti, has been career-ending injury that would affect there for him through even the toughhim for the rest of his life. est days.“[She’s] my left hook,” he He had his “bell rung” during a said. “Every boxer knows the impormatch in Buffalo but ended up wintance of a good corner.” ning the match. Afterwards, he had Ciancaglini said without Patti, he a headache but didn’t think much of “wouldn’t be where I am today.” it. Shortly after, he got his “bell rung” The two have two children, Rayagain in Syracuse. mond, Jr., 29, and Anessa, 33, and a Ciancaglini uses the term “bell 1-year-old grandchild, Paige. Ciancaglini was moved to become rung” to describe the feeling of being dazed, experiencing blurred vision an advocate of concussion awareand impaired hearing after a hit to the ness because “I knew where I went head. In his boxing days, a crowd of wrong,” he said. “I couldn’t rest with people would become muffled when knowing what I knew.” Ciancaglini had his “bell rung.” Ciancaglini developed an interIt was after Ciancaglini got his est in boxing at 6 years old when he would watch the Gillette Friday Night “bell rung” twice that he experienced significant issues. He once was an Fights that his parents would air at honor student but then started misstheir Italian restaurant. ing school, sleeping during class and One night, Carmen Basilio was having overall behavioral problems. fighting. “I was so impressed,” CianHe was experiencing headaches and caglini said. So he grabbed a laundry bag, propped it up and turned it into a fatigue and didn’t realize there were more serious problems at play. punching bag. “I had never been knocked out or “My grandmother saw me and knocked down,” Ciancaglini said. “My asked: ‘Raymond, what are you resiliency and durability fooled me.” doing?’ ‘I’m Carmen Basilio,’ I said.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2014