Mv igh 118 dec15 by In Good Health: MV's Healthcare Newspaper

in good Talk to youth about alcohol See Page 19

Men: Welcome to andropause See Page 9

December 2015 • Issue 118 MVhealthnews.com

free

Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

Holiday Stress Busters Anxious time of year? Take our advice and have a great holiday season!

See Page 5

Happy Holiday Special Edition

Meet Your Doctor

Resolve to keep resolutions! See Page 11

See Page 12

Going bald? Here are some suggestions See Page 8

Instead of gifting, give experiences instead Page 6

SmartBites: Why Beef Deserves a Shout-Out

Gaining Insight Federal grant bolsters mental health resources in Mohawk Valley See Page 15 December 2015 •

Introducing: Dr. Clifford Soults See Page 4

High Blood Pressure Nearly half of Americans don’t control it, according to a recent CDC report.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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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. Mondays

Support group for OCD sufferers The Central New York Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, Inc., a registered nonprofit agency, has offered OCD sufferers in the region a weekly support group since 1997. Brian’s OCD Support Group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. every Monday except holidays in the Sister Regina Conference Room, first floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, 2209 Genesee St., Utica. Meetings are professionally assisted the third Monday of each month.

For more information, call founder Susan Connell at 315-768-7031, email her at info@cnyocf.org, visit www.cnyocf.org or check out Cen NY OCD Support Group on Facebook. A speakers’ bureau is available at no cost.

Women’s support group to get together A women’s support/therapy group is meeting weekly from 5:30-7 on Mondays. Groups will be held in a confidential location in New Hartford and group size will be limited to protect anonymity.

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

Community Information Seminar:

Bariatric Surgery December 9, 2015 • 6:00 pm Presented by

January Hill, MD Utica Business Park 125 Business Park Drive, Suite 150, Utica, NY The offices of William A. Graber, MD, PC

To register call 315-235-2540 or toll free 877-269-0355

Topics of discussion may include family issues, stress, anger, relationships, grief, and more. Clinical therapist Cynthia Davis, who has over 20 years of experience, will lead the group. To pre-register, contact Davis at 315-736-1231, 315-794-2454 or email cindycsw@yahoo.com

Tuesdays

Insight House offers family support group Insight House Chemical Dependency Services, Inc. is offering a family support group meeting from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Insight House, 500 Whitesboro St., Utica. The group is free and open to anyone who is concerned about a loved one’s relationship with alcohol, opiates/heroin, or other substances. For more information about the group, call 724-5168, ext. 265, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. All calls are strictly confidential.

Wednesdays

MVHS begins chapel prayer sessions Mohawk Valley Health System invites patients, residents, families and staff members of all faith traditions to join together in prayerful meditation in regular sessions called Prayerful Pauses. Prayerful Pauses will be held at 2:30 p.m. each Wednesday of the month in the following rotation: • First Wednesday: St. Marianne Cope Chapel at St. Elizabeth Medical Center • Second Wednesday: St. Luke’s Campus Chapel • Third Wednesday: Faxton Campus Chapel • Fourth Wednesday: St. Luke’s Home Chapel Individuals are welcome to pause and pray or meditate on their own if there is a fifth Wednesday in the month. Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and SEMC are affiliates under the MVHS.

Wednesdays/Thursdays

Overeaters Anonymous plans meetings Overeaters Anonymous meets from 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday in Room 101 (first floor) at Rome Memorial Hospital, 1500 James St., Rome. It also meets from 7-8 p.m. every Thursday at Oneida Baptist Church, 242 Main St., Oneida. Participants are asked to use the rear door. There are no dues, fees, weighins or diets. For more information, call OA at 315-468-1588 or visit oa.org.

Dec. 2

Community Recovery Center offers new groups Rome Memorial Hospital’s Community Recovery Center, which provides certified alcohol and substance abuse treatment services, has added two new counseling groups to meet the specialized needs of clients as part of its comprehensive treatment plan. “Recovering from Drinking and

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

Driving,” designed for first-time DWI/DUI individuals, will meet from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Dec. 2. Clients will gain insight and understanding about the laws involved with DWI charges, blood-alcohol content and how it is measured, the dangers of DWI and alcohol abuse, and the dangers of using other substances along with alcohol. In addition, clients will develop a plan to avoid future legal conflicts and DWI charges. Methamphetamines and other stimulants will be the focus of “Recovery from Methamphetamines.” The group will meet from 10-11 a.m. Fridays beginning Dec. 4. Individuals who have a primary diagnosis of methamphetamine use will be provided a safe format to discuss methamphetamine addiction. Clients will gain knowledge about the disease process and medical consequences from meth use and discuss how meth labs negatively affect the environment and community. To participate in these specialized groups or for more information about how the Community Recovery Center can help you or a loved one, call 334-4701. The Community Recovery Center is located at 264 W. Dominick St., Rome and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

Dec. 2

Sports medicine injury seminar set A two-hour seminar on sports medicine injury care is planned from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Allen Calder conference rooms 3, 4 and 5 on the St. Luke’s Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System. New York state education contact hours for physical therapy will be provided for this seminar. New York state contact hours for occupational therapy will also be provided, pending approval. This course is free and open to all interested providers.

Dec. 3

‘Knock Your Socks Off!’ foot clinic set The Mohawk Valley Health System’s Central New York Diabetes Education Program is offering a free “Knock Your Socks Off!” foot (podiatry) clinic for people with diabetes at noon Dec. 3. The event will take place at the CNY Diabetes Education Program office located on the fourth floor of the Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica. An area podiatrist will conduct a brief educational seminar followed by a personal foot exam. For more information or to register, call CNY Diabetes at 315-624-5620. Proper foot care is especially critical for people with diabetes because 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.

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Pressure is on Nearly half of Americans with high blood pressure not controlling it: CDC

Elite Plus stroke care. It’s why more people are saying “Take me to Crouse.”

early half of Americans with high blood pressure are not properly controlling their condition, increasing their risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease, a new government report shows. About 47 percent of people with high blood pressure have not brought their numbers to a normal range, through either lifestyle changes or medications, according to data published Nov. 12 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s actually a huge improvement: Back in 1999, more than 68 percent did not have their blood pressure under control, the report found. But it’s far short of the federal Healthy People 2020 goal, which calls for fewer than 40 percent of people with high blood pressure to have it uncontrolled by that date, according to the CDC researchers. Experts agreed that the problem is still significant. “I don’t think we have enough positive information to be cheering,” said physician Patrick O’Gara, executive medical director of the Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Cardiovascular Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “Although the trend is positive, the magnitude of the problem is self-evident. We have a lot of work to do.” High blood pressure is defined as 140 or higher systolic pressure (the top number) and 90 or higher diastolic (the bottom number). Systolic is the pressure of blood in the vessels when the heart beats, and diastolic is the pressure between beats. The overall rate of high blood pressure in the United States has remained constant, hovering between 28 percent and 29 percent, the new report found. Two in three people over the age of 60 have high blood pressure, and one in three people between the ages of 40 and 59 have the condition. What improvements there have been in controlling high blood pressure have not benefited all groups in the United States. Whites are most likely to have their blood pressure under control, close to 56 percent, the CDC report showed. Blacks (48 percent under control), Asians (43 percent) and Hispanics (47 percent) are all more likely to be living with uncontrolled high blood pressure. A large part of the problem is getting people to start taking blood pressure medications, and then to stay with them, said physician Richard Stein, director of the Urban Community Cardiology Program at the New York University School of Medicine. High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because people often have no immediate symptoms.

t takes a talented team of dedicated, patient-focused experts to meet the most rigorous standards in the diagnosis and treatment of acute ischemic stroke — the most common form of stroke.

The new Elite Plus level of the Target: Stroke Honor Roll is reserved for hospitals that consistently meet aggressive door-to-treatment times that surpass the U.S. average. Crouse is the only Central New York hospital to earn Elite Plus status from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Thanks to our team for exceeding the highest national standards of stroke care. You make us proud — and our patients grateful.

crouse.org/stroke

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Louis Sorendo

Dr. Clifford B. Soults

Clifford Soults is a neurosurgeon who has worked in the Mohawk Valley since 2000. He is the recipient of the Midstate EMS Physician of Excellence Award and the Outstanding Physician Award given by the Genesis Group and the County Medical Societies. Dr. Soults is affiliated with Mohawk Valley Health System’s Neuro Sciences Group/ Neurosurgical Specialists Office, 86 Genesee St., New Hartford. Q.: What motivated you to choose neurosurgery as a specialty within the field of medicine? Were there any particular influences on that decision? A.: I was born in Lausanne, Switzerland on June 14, 1961. I lived in Switzerland for about a year before travelling with my family to Syracuse. I received my education in and graduated from public schools in Fayetteville-Manlius. I was interested early on in the field of medicine since my father was a doctor who specialized in the field of psychiatry. My early ambition to perhaps follow in my father’s footsteps focused in high school, when, my interest in the mind led to the urge to study the brain and its functions. After high school, I enrolled at the University of Rochester and majored in neuroscience. My obsession with this field was placed on hold for a period of time, following graduation, while I engaged in a hiatus identified as a “career as a musician.” When this phase expired, I entered medical school at SUNY Upstate in Syracuse and determined at that early stage that neurosurgery would be my eventual career goal. I discovered that neurosurgery, beyond my interest in neuroscience, included just about everything in medicine. Neurosurgery included cardiac and pulmonary medicine in the ICU, orthopedics in the spinal aspects, as well as oncology, pediatrics, and of course, surgery. It was a procession of fascination, intrigue and amazement of the complexities of the brain, nerves and its functions that I was engaged in as I journeyed through medical school, internship and seven years of residency. With these achievements under my belt, I left the world of quasi academe and related activities and proceeded into private practice in the area of the Mohawk Valley. Q.: Generally speaking, what are some of the more common conditions Page 4

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or diseases that you encounter in your practice? A.: Like most community practice neurosurgeons, the most common issue I deal with is spinal pain. Eighty percent of Americans at some time suffer from back and/ or neck pain. Most of these patients fortunately do not need any kind of surgery. In our community, we have an elderly population and I do see a fair number of patients with fractures from osteoporosis. The most common surgery I do is khyphoplasty, which is a simple yet effective treatment for the pain of these fractures. Patients will feel relief within a day. Additionally, because of the advanced age of some of those in our area, I will also treat intracranial hemorrhages, which can occur spontaneously or from a fall. I also treat a variety of tumors and cancers, those that occur in both the young and the old, in the brain and the spine as well as other lesions that may occur through out the nerve system. Q.: Have there been any significant medical breakthroughs in the field of neuroscience over the last several years that have allowed you to practice more efficiently? A.: Advances in neuroscience over the last decade have led to a much greater understanding of disease states. Some have lead to new technologies such as the stereotactic radiosurgery which Mohawk Valley Health System will begin using the latest iteration of in February. I have just returned from a training course in Detroit, which detailed its various uses in cancer treatments. I am excited that we here in the Mohawk Valley will have the ability to offer one of the most advanced treatments available. Q.: Where do you gain the most job gratification from? A.: For me, job satisfaction comes from solving complex problems and seeing a patient improve from both a physical and quality of life stand-

point. Q.: What would you say are the most significant challenges that you encounter as a neurosurgeon? A.: There are two significant challenges in neurosurgery in my opinion. One is the technical challenge of disease states. How can a particular disease be managed with surgical techniques to improve the quality of life of a patient while minimizing the risk of the procedure for the patient? And the other challenge, equally as important, is helping patients and their families deal with the life-altering diseases and injuries that can

occur to the nervous system. Q.: What skill sets are necessary in order to master the field of neurosurgery? What are the keys to being a successful neurosurgeon? A.: Patience and perseverance are two strengths that any successful neurosurgeon must possess. The training is long, the hours are long and the surgeries that I have to perform are long and the learning and education never stops.

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Lifelines Birth date: June 14, 1961 Birthplace: Lausanne, Switzerland Current residence: Clinton Education: Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience, University of Rochester (1989); medical degree, SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse (1993) Affiliations: American Association of Neurological Surgeons; Congress of Neurological Surgeons; American Medical Association; Medical Society of the State of New York; Medical Society of the County of Oneida; North American Spine Society Personal: Married to the former Lucia Hobika, a registered nurse and a paralegal by training who is engaged in that combination of interests at this time. She is a native to Utica. The couple has two daughters — Madeline, aged 17, and Catherine, aged 15.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

Healthy Holidays Between You and Me

By Barbara Pierce

Take Stress out of Holidays Feeling anxious for the holidays? We have the remedies!

t’s December — the holidays are getting close. The shopping, the crowds, standing in line, and all that awesome food that will just make me gain weight. What should I bring to the office party? Do I have to send out Christmas cards? Ugh! The holidays are supposed to be the most special time of the year, but nearly all of us women are mostly just stressed out. There are so many demands on us, so much to do: parties, cooking, decorating, shopping, entertaining, etc. etc. The list seems endless. Here are some Pierce practical tips so you can enjoy the holidays more: • It’s OK to say “no”: Get ready to say “no” to some things. Between the office and your family and friends, you can be stretched too thin. Start to prioritize chores, decline some invitations, and schedule time to do the things you enjoy, instead of just those you feel you have to do. Many of us have trouble saying “no”. Just say it in a nice way, with a sympathetic face. Don’t be apologetic. Don’t explain; the less you explain the better. Leave yourself a way out — “I’ll have to check my calendar and get back to you.” • Forget perfection: The world is not going to end if your house is cluttered or dinner is late. Focus your energy on enjoying the people in your life. Don’t sweat the small stuff and your holiday will be much more enjoyable. Focus on what is realistic — not ideal — or you will face major disap-

Oneida, Herkimer in good

and

Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper

pointment when things don’t go as planned. If you’re a perfectionist, remember that preparing for a holiday is not a one-person task. Reach out to a support system to delegate tasks and lighten the load. • Find time to laugh: Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring you back into balance than a good laugh. Humor is infectious; when laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also strengthens your immune system, boosts your energy, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. • Go tech-free: Constant cell phone buzzes and email alerts keep us in a perpetual fight-or-flight mode due to bursts of adrenaline. Not only is this exhausting, but it contributes to mounting stress levels. What better time to turn your gadgets off than during a holiday get-together or as you prepare for get-togethers? • Consider abandoning old traditions: Traditions are one of the sweetest parts of the holidays. But, sorry — Sometimes plans have to change. Treasure your traditions, but be open to new ones. Sometimes the holidays don’t look exactly as we remember them or how we think they should look or taste. Take a look at how your life has changed in the past year. Be flexible and willing to compromise —holidays are about more than what you eat and where you eat it, or a gift’s price tag. And, if your family members tend to pick on each other at family dinners, taking the fun out of meals, consider eating family brunches or dinners in restaurants. Being in public discourages loud voices and bad behavior. • Eat breakfast before you tank

Madison

counties

A monthly newspaper published by Local News, Inc. 20,000 copies distributed. To request home delivery ($15 per year), call 315-749-7070.

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2015 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 • Phone: 315-749-7070 Email: lou@cnymail.com

Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Patricia Malin, Barbara Pierce, Kristen Raab, Deb Dittner Advertising: Donna Kimbrell Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Office Manager: Alice Davis 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.

up on coffee: Caffeine on an empty stomach can cause blood sugar levels to spike, which can cause attention problems and irritability. • Walk away from worries: The rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing effect on your brain, decreases anxiety and improves sleep. Aim for a brisk, half-hour walk every day. • Turn up the tunes: Feeling especially stressed out? Listen to your favorite music, whether it’s “Jingle Bell Rock” or the latest from Jay-Z. Research shows that hearing music you love can relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. That not only calms you down but is good for your heart, too. • Don’t skimp on sleep: Skimping on sleep can leave you grumpy and stressed, throw off your diet, and increase your risk of colds, depression, and car accidents. Make a good night’s sleep a priority. • Don’t drink more when you are stressed: Sometimes a glass of wine or a cold beer is the perfect antidote to a long, stressful day, but excessive drinking can spell trouble. Because

alcohol is a depressant, overindulging could make you more emotional, leaving you more open to a major meltdown. Experts recommended limiting your alcohol intake to one or two drinks a day. Sure, that can be tough when faced with a mandatory office party, but if you can’t stick to your limit, do yourself a favor by ducking out of the party early. As you go through the holiday season, remember this quote from author Tom Robbins: “The great secret: One can change things by the manner in which one looks at them.” If you’re like me, you may be creating your own stress by how you look at things. So stay positive and have a wonderful holiday season. • 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?” or if you have any concerns you would like her to address, contact her at BarbaraPierce06@yahoo.com.

One in 45 U.S. kids has autism

bout one in 45 children in the United States has an autism spectrum disorder, according to a new government estimate of the condition’s prevalence in 2014. This new report is based on data collected during the yearly National Health Interview Survey, from interviews of parents about their children, and is the first report of the prevalence of autism in the U.S. to include data from the years 2011 to 2014, according to the researchers

December 2015 •

from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although the new estimate looks like a significant increase from the CDC’s previous estimate — which put the autism spectrum disorder rate at one in 68 children — the previous estimate was made using data from a different CDC survey, called the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, which gathers information from children’s medical records.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Healthy Holidays Give gift of experiences Take a break from usual traditions By Barbara Pierce

hen you think back on holidays of the past, your favorite memories are probably not of the gifts you got, but memories of the time you spent with those you cared about. The experiences you had are what stays in your mind and makes cherished memories. “Spending time with people we care about is such a wonderful gift,” said Carol Hamlin Buczek, owner-president of Tours By Design in Hinckley. “The most precious gift you can give someone is your time and attention,” says a popular poster. Giving your time and attention — or giving an experience — as a holiday gift is becoming more popular. Think about it. Most people already have way too much stuff. Giving an experience means that they won’t have something else to clutter their home. It means they get to do something fun and meaningful instead of getting more things they probably do not really want. “Last year, I decided I didn’t want to buy my kids more stuff for Christmas,” said Kimberly DeMucha Kalil on Parenting.com. “They already have toys and gadgets galore. And, I’ve noticed the Christmas morning thrill of getting things on their wish list faded fast — sometimes by Christmas dinner.” “I figured that focusing on family

time would create more meaningful memories. So I planned experiences instead of toys. On Christmas morning, my kids opened a letter from Santa. In it, he explained that we would be leaving on a trip that very day. There were no presents to un-

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wrap, but there were no tears, either. My kids were too excited about the adventure ahead to think about what they didn’t get.” “How did our family getaway stand up to shiny, wrapped packages filled with iPads or video games?” she asked. “Almost a year later, my 5-year-old is still talking about our adventure, and my 10-year-old keeps saying, ‘I hope Santa brings us a trip this year, too.’” To jumpstart your thoughts, here are a few of our favorite ways to replace “stuff” with experiences: For the kids: • Polar Express Train Ride: Live the magic of the classic Polar Express train ride story on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. “This is a huge family event,” said Beth Irons, marketing director. “Everyone loves it.” The Polar Express runs from Union Station in Utica. “We encourage people to wear their pajamas. When we arrive at the North Pole, Santa comes aboard. We serve hot chocolate and cookies,” said Irons. • Explore a museum: “The Utica Children’s Museum is a special place for families to connect and have fun,” said Elizabeth Slocum Brando, executive director. “The museum will be decorated for the holidays and will offer a fun, cool place for families to take their official Christmas photos,” added Brando. • Walk a dog: At the Humane Society of Rome, families can volunteer to walk a dog. One Saturday each

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

month, volunteers take adoptable dogs to local parks. Or take a gift basket to your local animal shelter. • Outdoor activities: Have a fun afternoon snowboarding, skiing, sledding or tubing at Via Bialas Sports Center in Utica. “We offer all kinds of fun activities,” said Mark Ford, president-general manager. Get an amazing view of the Adirondacks on the chairlift at McCauley Mountain Ski Area in Old Forge. • Field trips: Give each of your children one-to-one time, a day off school spent with you alone. For your partner: • A local trip: Tours By Design in Hinckley offers bus tours that depart from Rome and Utica. “A great Christmas gift would be our Syracuse basketball trip in January and February,” said owner-operator Carol Hamlin Buczek. Another special trip will be to Lancaster, Pa. in April for the new show “Samson” at Sight and Sound Theater. • Mini vacation: Get a room in a bed and breakfast near an area you’ve always wanted to explore. • Classes: Sign the two of you up to take a class in something you’d both enjoy — cooking, art, a foreign language, skiing. “We offer classes in watercolor, pottery, tai chi, meditation, cooking, gardening and other arts,” said Kevin Mihaly, executive director, Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts in Little Falls. “We offer events and art shows. Art should be a part of everyone’s life. • Drive an exotic car: Your partner can get behind the wheel of the world’s lusted-after exotic cars, and test his driving skills on an autocross course through Exotic Car New York. • Glamour photo: Your partner can pose for a memorable photo shoot at several local studios. • Time off: Give your partner a weekend off, take on all the tasks that would have been theirs so that they can do just what they want all weekend (with or without you). For everybody else: • Baby-sitting: Offer to babysit for a night or a weekend for a parent. This is free for you to give, but very meaningful for the parents who receive it. • A holiday meal: Offer a homecooked version of something they’ll love. YouTube can teach you how. Share it with them or offer a romantic dinner to a couple. • Holiday cheer: Spend time with the recipient, experiencing the season together. Bake cookies, make hot chocolate, build a gingerbread house or decorate the tree. Invite others who the recipient would enjoy being with.

Healthy Holidays The Balanced Body

By Deb Dittner

New year, new goals A simple step-by-step approach to kick-start your health

ere we are — December 2015, the last month of this year. It seems like it was just yesterday that it was the beginning of 2015 with so many people looking to incorporate New Year’s resolutions into their life. But what happened? Did time get away from you? Did you start all gung ho and then get caught up with the everyday busy life occurrences? What excuse have you used to not move forward with your health promotion? Was your resolution so overwhelming that despite your best efforts, you still haven’t moved ahead? Some days you probably did really well on your health goals and then other Dittner days, not so much. Yes, you know better but no one is perfect. You all have some days that are better than others — who doesn’t? Especially in the beginning when it can be so very hard. Here’s what I suggest. Start with baby steps to reach the best health of your life. We are all different and no two people will have the same needs. Go slow and incorporate just one step at a time. • Digestion: This is a big one. There are so many approaches that seem to change on a daily basis, but let’s make this as simple as possible. Start the day with a glass of warm water with lemon. No lemons in the house? Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the water instead. This will help to hydrate the body and support the gastrointestinal system. Continue

your day by “eating clean.” My book, “Body Balance Empowering Performance” goes into this with detail and can be found at http://www/northshire.com/book. • Kitchen: Learn to love your kitchen, as this is the heart of your “wellness center.” Home-cooked meals allow you to know exactly what ingredients you are using. This is especially important if you have any food sensitivities — gluten, dairy or nightshade plants — that need to be avoided. A home-cooked meal with real ingredients will also save you money allowing the purchase of more organic food choices. Being able to take charge in the kitchen with appropriate preparation will allow for better digestion as well. • Sleep: A good 7-9 hours of quality sleep is so important. This all starts with heading to bed at a reasonable hour. Start to prepare about an hour before by turning off all electronics — TV, computer, iPhone or iPad — as these are stimulators and can keep you awake. You want to make sure your room is not too hot in temperature and that you have darkening curtains on any windows. Consider using lavender either sprayed on sheets and pillowcases or diffused into the air. A warm bath with Epsom salts and a therapeutic grade essential oil will also help to relax the body. Proper sleep is so important, especially if you are trying to lose weight. • Fresh air: Open the windows

daily for about 10 minutes to allow fresh air to filter in, even on cold winter days. Houses, especially newer homes, are built to be air tight for improved energy efficiency. Keeping homes airtight also increases the toxic build-up of indoor air pollution from paints, carpeting, cleaning products, personal care products, electronics and more. This off gassing can actually be worse than the outdoor air pollution except if living in a major city or near an industrial or nuclear plant. • Environmental toxins: Today you are inundated with a variety of toxin exposures and you all need to address and reduce this exposure. It can truly seem overwhelming once you delve into all of the toxic exposures faced on a daily basis.

Opening the windows in your home as mentioned above is a great way to start. Specific chemicals in your environment can disrupt hormones, cause weight, thyroid, breathing and skin issues, and can be carcinogenic. A listing of chemicals to be aware of can be found at www.ewg.org or contact your healthcare provider. Each and every little improvement that you can make will be beneficial. • Deborah Dittner is a nurse practitioner and health consultant for amateur and professional athletes. If you’re an amateur or professional athlete looking to increase your energy, boost your performance and shorten recovery time, check out www.debdittner.com to learn how.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Follicly Challenged

Hair loss can be embarrassing, but there are ways to remedy situation By Kristen Raab

hat do Dr. Phil, Bruce Willis, Dick Cheney and Homer Simpson have in common? They all have a defining feature: bald heads. While some men embrace their baldness, and even make sexiest men alive lists (like actor Taye Diggs), other men feel self-conscious and wish to have their hair back. Women face hair loss, too, and luckily there are solutions for both sexes. According to the American Hair Loss Association, androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness causes most hair loss in men, and by age 35, two Yates thirds of men in the United States have hair loss. That percentage increases to 85 percent by 50 years old. The association notes that women “make up 40 percent of American hair loss sufferers.” While losing one’s hair is not physically painful, it can be emotionally difficult. This is especially true in a society that seems obsessed with hair. Bald men become the punch line of jokes, and rarely reach sex symbol status in movies. Women’s hair loss is rarely discussed, so imagine the shame women who lose their hair must feel? Why is hair so important to us? Physician William Yates, a renowned hair loss expert, says, “Hair exudes sexiness, confidence, power and viril-

ity in men.” It can also give “needed framing for the face” while allowing “the natural aesthetics of one’s face to be the center of attention instead of a large forehead with a bald scalp.” Scalp micro-pigmentation, also known as hair follicle stimulation, uses “pigment to tattoo the scalp to simulate the appearance of hair,” Yates explains. With micro-pigmentation, natural pigments are applied at the epidermal level of the scalp to replicate the natural appearance of real hair follicles or strands. Yates is certified in scalp micro-pigmentation, and he explains that one of the benefits of the process is the results are immediate. It’s also “virtually pain free,” he said.

Break out the wallet

Do these great results come with a hefty price tag? Depending on the area that needs treatment, the procedure could set you back anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000. Unfortunately, insurance will not cover the procedure because it is cosmetic. It is also likely the person will need to return as results are semi-permanent — they will fade over time and may require a touch up in two years. Scalp micro-pigmentation can also be used to repair damage from previous hair transplants. In addition, scars can be camouflaged using this technique, and it can even be used for male facial hair. Women may consider the technique as well as it adds the appearance of density to the scalp in areas of thinning. Women are taught that hair is part of femininity. For many

women, hair is a huge part of their identity. Thinning hair can be devastating. “Women are extremely underserved and benefit greatly from both the non-surgical options” such as low-level light-laser therapy, Rogaine and platelet-rich plasma therapy, stem cell therapy and now stem cell therapy via bone marrow extraction, Yates said. Another hair replacement option is to undergo the follicular unit extraction method, which Yates also performs. In fact, he says it is the only surgical technique he will use as it eliminates the traditional cut or scar in the back of the scalp. The procedure isn’t cheap; it may cost more than $8,000 “depending on the amount of hair moved,” Yates

said. It is up to each person to decide if the potential confidence boost is worth the investment. To be considered for this procedure, donor hair is needed. This hair is located on the back and sides of the scalp, and is generally immune to the genetic balding process. The procedure involves moving this hair to areas that are thinning, and it will grow naturally. Yates says the downtime is minimal. Anyone interested in the procedure should discuss the outlook of the procedure prior to undergoing it. Yates says, “General contraindication for a hair transplant are certain scarring diseases of the scalp and incorrect expectations.”

Young adult use of e-cigs nearly double that of adults

ata from New York state’s 2014 youth and adult tobacco surveys show that 10.5 percent of high school students and 12.7 percent of young adults aged 18-24 use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) — almost double the 5.7 percent rate of e-cigarette use among adults 25 years and older. The data from the state’s first report on e-cigarette use also shows that more high school students now use e-cigarettes than smoke cigaPage 8

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rettes. “These new data are alarming because we know that e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems can establish, maintain and strengthen nicotine addition,” said Penny Gugino, director of Tobacco Action Coalition of the Finger Lakes — TACFL. “At a time when cigarette smoking rates among New York youth, young adults and adults are at all-time lows, we certainly don’t want to see an increase in other

forms of nicotine use.” E-cigarettes are flooding the market, both in stores and online. The battery-powered devices heat a solution of flavored liquid nicotine and other chemicals to create an emission that users inhale. Of particular concern, more than half of high school students and young adults who smoke cigarettes also use electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), defined as dual use. Dual use exposes developing ado-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

lescent brains to more nicotine and reinforces addiction. Nicotine use by adolescents has been shown to disrupt developing cognitive abilities, like judgment and reasoning at key periods during the lifetime. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently does not regulate e-cigarettes or the hundreds of differently flavored nicotine liquids used in them. These products do not burn tobacco, but evidence is accumulating that they contain and emit toxins.

Andropause

Expert: Men go through menopausal period as well By Barbara Pierce

hen it comes to aging, women talk easily about menopause, hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, and on and on — all the things that happen to you when you’re over 40 and your hormones start to change. But the hormones of men also go through changes. “Men go through exactly the same thing as women,” said David Borenstein, New York’s leading integrative medicine physician. Board certified by multiple medical associations, including the American College for Advancement in Medicine and American AcadBorenstein emy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Borenstein combines traditional and holistic medicine. Many men suffer from andropause — frequently referred to as male menopause — which occurs when their hormone production drops. Hormone production in the testicles of a male does gradually decrease with age, Borenstein explained. Hormones are, to put it as simply as possible, the chemicals produced by the endocrine system which carry signals between the cells and organs to regulate metabolic function. Aging, stress, and unhealthy habits affect the functioning of the endocrine system and impact the functioning of the body. Testosterone is important as it assists the male body to build protein and is crucial for normal sexual drive and stamina, and in producing erections. Testosterone also contributes to several metabolic functions, including bone formation, liver function, prostate gland growth and production of blood cells in bone marrow. “There are tons of symptoms of andropause,” Borenstein said. Erectile dysfunction, a low sex drive, feeling depressed and feeling tired much of the time are major ones. Also, when you ejaculate, the volume of semen may be low. You may have an increase in body fat and a decrease in muscle mass. Loss of hair and irritability and flashes of anger are other symptoms. However, every one of those symptoms can be a symptom of

something else, he cautioned. While most men shrug these symptoms off as a normal part of the aging process, researchers are recommending that these symptoms should be addressed clinically. Men who are concerned about this condition should consult a physician and seek appropriate treatment. A simple blood test can determine testosterone levels, though it’s not a “slam dunk,” said Borenstein. “Unlike blood level tests of glucose or cholesterol, where there is a definite cut-off point between normal and abnormal, the level of testosterone is wider and partially based on the symptoms you may be experiencing. The doctor’s office is a place to start.” “I got real depressed when I was in my early 50s,” said George Mason, now 74. “Some of my friends were getting rid of their wives for younger women, or getting sexy red convertibles, but that didn’t appeal to me. Actually, nothing much appealed to me then, but I finally did get medication for depression and that helped me a lot.” It is important to understand that andropause may not necessarily occur in every man, Borenstein said. But it is more common than most men may believe. In the age group of 50-60 year olds, up to 40 percent of males may experience andropause. The chances of andropause grow with each passing year. In the age group of 80 and above, more than 90 percent of men experience andropause.

not so much. It’s akin to men being unwilling to ask for directions. Many of his patients come in only because their partner pushes them to do so. Though loss of testosterone is a natural effect of aging, it is easily correctable. You don’t have to live with uncomfortable symptoms. Losing weight, exercising and dieting are hard. These are known to help men with the symptoms of andropause, added Borenstein. And yes, this is a hard pill for many to swallow. Borenstein advises patients to take zinc supplements, reduce stress, and limit or eliminate sug-

Gradual emergence

When it does occur, it is not a sudden development, but emerges gradually. Though some people call it male menopause, it is different from what women experience. For women, the change in hormonal levels is abrupt and accompanies the end of the reproductive cycle. While andropause is familiar to doctors, surprisingly few men are aware of it. The condition has been found in medical literature for years, but since doctors lacked a method to diagnose the condition and because the symptoms are so gradual and vary from man to man, little was done to educate the population. As a result, andropause is under-diagnosed and undertreated, with only about 5 percent of those affected getting treatment. Men don’t like to go to doctors, said Borenstein. Women may go to doctors without hesitation; men,

Corrections • In the November issue of Mohawk Valley In Good Health, the “Meet Your Doctor” introduction on Page 4 contained an error. Nicolas Qandah is not the only neurosurgeon in the area. He shares an office with fellow neurosurgeon Clifford Soults. Also, in Qandah’s answer to the fifth question in the segment, the name of Dr. Lyndsey Bauer was misspelled. • The story on the Mohawk Val-

ar from their diets. Eating healthy fats and cranking up your exercise also helps, he said. But do see your doctor. Diagnosis and treatment for andropause is one of Borenstein’s areas of specialization in his clinic in Manhattan. Patients are diagnosed and treated in an integrative manner to promote both overall recovery and continued good health. Hormone replacement therapy is the most common treatment for men who are diagnosed with andropause, said Borenstein. It offers a safe, natural, and cost-effective method of overcoming the symptoms and allowing men to continue to enjoy a high quality of life. The goal of this therapy is to restore sexual drive, improve sexual functioning, enhance a sense of well being, optimize bone density, restore muscular strength and improve mental functioning. Hormone replacement therapy can be done in a number of ways. A cream or gel to replace testosterone is successful for many men. Or it can be done in the form of capsules or tablets, injections, or slow-release pellets with long action. Therapy performed through the skin is usually considered to be the most effective and also the safest, with minimal risk of side effects. “If testosterone replacement is done properly, it’s safe,” he added. For more information, see www. davidborensteinmd.com, or contact Borenstein at 212-262-2412.

ley Health System hospital proposal that appeared on Page 5 in November’s edition of Mohawk Valley In Good Health newspaper contained two errors. Hospital officials are talking regularly to media and local citizens about the new hospital location. Also, Robert Scholefield is the former vice president/COO (chief operating officer) of St. Elizabeth Medical Center. December 2015 •

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Reasons to Advertise with In Good Health Free Distribution. The paper is everywhere. Available at more than 1,000 high traffic locations (hospitals, medical centers, doctors’ offices, diners, convenience stores, etc). Content. Stories about the local healthcare industry, all written exclusively for In Good Health. Plus popular columns such as Live Alone, Smart Bites and Savvy Senior. Low Cost Advertising. Advertise for as little as $83. No kidding! Life Span. Each issue available all month long. Niche Market. In Good Health focuses exclusively on healthcare issues. Readership: 75,000 readers based on 20,000 copies distributed monthly. Online. We’re a hard-core print publication — with a great website that reaches additional readers.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

Diet & Nutrition SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating

Why beef deserves a shout-out

eef certainly has gotten a bad rap lately. Strike one: Many cuts contain saturated fat, the bad fat linked to heart disease. Strike two: It takes an amazing amount of water (about 600 gallons) to create a single serving, more water than any other protein source. And strike three: Its consumption has recently been linked to cancer. It’s enough to make a grown man or woman who loves beef cry! While I’m not a big beef consumer, I do enjoy a juicy burger or steak on occasion. And my holidays just wouldn’t be the same without beef Wellington. So I am not anti-beef by any means. But I do believe that, as with certain other foods that have both benefits and drawbacks — say, chocolate, wine, cheese and nuts— we should limit our consumption. Both the American Cancer Society and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, agree. I go for beef about once a week because, calorie for calorie, beef packs a powerful nutritional punch. First and foremost, it’s loaded with protein, an essential nutrient for building and maintaining all the tis-

sues and cells in the body. An average 3-ounce portion of lean strip steak, for example, provides about 50 percent of our daily needs. Not bad for only 155 calories! On the B vitamin front, beef rocks with healthy amounts of B6 and B12 (both aid in red blood cell production) and impressive amounts of niacin (good for nervous and digestive systems and converting food to energy). Since many older people suffer from a B12 deficiency — whether through diet or poor absorption — it’s good to know that animal-based foods such as beef are terrific sources of this all-important B vitamin. Consuming beef also boosts your intake of iron, zinc and selenium. Iron carries oxygen and is necessary for the production of energy; zinc fortifies your immune system; and selenium is an antioxidant superstar, gobbling up cell-damaging free radicals. But what about the saturated fat? Yes, beef does have saturated fat; but not all cuts are created equal: some have less saturated fat than a skin-

less chicken thigh, while others rival whale blubber. Since eating foods that contain saturated fats increases our risk for heart disease and stroke, it benefits us to eat leaner cuts (round, chuck or loin in their name) versus fattier cuts (rib-eye, skirt, porterhouse). And the link to cancer? The jury is still out on that one, although the World Health Organization recently classified the consumption of red meat as “probably” carcinogenic to humans. While some research points to the carcinogens that form when red meat is cooked at high temperatures as the culprit, other studies point to heme iron, a molecule found in red meat that may run amuck in the colon. What to do? Most organizations recommend no more than one to two servings of red meat per week.

Helpful tips

Choose lean cuts without a lot of marbled fat. If the fat is along the side of the cut, remove it before cooking. Marinate meat with rich spices and acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice. To limit exposure to the high heat of the grill, the National Cancer Institute recommends precooking meat in the microwave or oven or on the stove for a few minutes.

Pan-Seared Strip Steak with Mushrooms Adapted from Martha Stewart; serves 2-3

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 strip steak center cut (1 lb., 1-inch thick) Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper 8 oz. package portabella mushrooms, sliced 8 oz. package white mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup (or more) low-sodium chicken stock 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon dried thyme Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with parch-

ment paper. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of steak with salt and pepper. Cook steak for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet, transfer to baking sheet and finish cooking in oven for 6-8 minutes (time depends on thickness of steak and how done you like it). While steak is cooking, add mushrooms and garlic to drippings in skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add stock to skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up brown bits. Stir in mustard and thyme, and simmer until sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes. Pour sauce over steak. 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.

Adult obesity still remains growing problem in U.S.: CDC

lthough obesity rates continued to climb among U.S. adults over the past decade, they stabilized for children and teens, federal health officials reported in November. More than 36 percent of adults and 17 percent of America’s kids were obese between 2011 and 2014, said researchers from the U.S. Cen-

ters for Disease Control and Prevention. These are the latest years for which national statistics are available. Analyzing weight trends since 1999, researchers found the ranks of obese adults have swelled significantly in the last 10 years. Adult obesity rates climbed from slightly over 32 percent in 2003-04

to almost 38 percent by 2013-14, said lead researcher Cynthia Ogden, an epidemiologist in the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. Among youths aged 2 to 19, she said, 17.2 percent of children were obese in 2014, compared with 17.1 percent in 2003. “There is basically no difference [in the obesity rate in this group],” she said.

Obesity is a major cause of chronic disease, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, dementia and arthritis, said physician David Katz, director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center, in New Haven, Conn. “Where there is a high prevalence of obesity, there are high rates of preventable chronic disease,” Katz said.

Study: Prescription drug use on rise in United States

ore Americans than ever are taking prescription drugs and they’re using more of them, a new study finds. Fifty-nine percent of adults used prescription drugs in 2011-2012, up from 51 percent in 1999-2000. And 15 percent of them took five or more prescription drugs, an increase from

8 percent in the earlier period, the researchers reported. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), antidepressants and high blood pressure medications saw especially notable jumps in usage, the study found. “We wanted to create a comprehensive resource on prescription

drug use among U.S. adults, and I think that the implications of these trends vary across classes of drugs,” said lead researcher Elizabeth Kantor, who was with the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston at the time of the study. Kantor said an increase in one drug class may mean more people

December 2015 •

are getting treated for a given condition or may reflect a change in the nation’s underlying health needs. Physician David Katz, director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center, said the upside to increasing use of modern medications is a decline in the U.S. death rate.

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The Social Ask Security Office

Many Americans may experience ‘silent’ heart attack

Disability: Be prepared when disaster strikes

or many of us, preparing for winter involves pulling out heavy coats from the closet and making sure our vehicle is ready for intense weather. Whether your winter brings snow, ice or flooding, you need to be prepared. Preparing for a possible physical or mental disability is the same. Many people don’t think of disability as something that could happen to them. Statistics show the chances of becoming disabled are greater than most realize. Fifty-six million Americans — or one in five — live with a disability. Thirty-eight million Americans, or one in 10, live with a severe disability. A sobering fact for 20 year-olds is that more than a quarter of them will become disabled before reaching retirement age. Disability can happen to anyone. But who is prepared? When disability does happen, Social Security can help people meet their basic needs. Our disability programs provide financial and medical benefits for those who qualify to pay for doctors’ visits, medicines and treatments. You can learn more about how you might be covered if you are disabled at www.socialsecurity.gov/ planners/disability. Social Security pays benefits to

Q&A Q: If I retire and start getting Social Security retirement benefits at age 62, will my Medicare coverage begin then too? A: No. Medicare benefits based on retirement do not begin until a person is age 65. If you retire at age 62, you may be able to continue to have medical insurance coverage through your employer or purchase it from an insurance company until you reach age 65 and become eligible for Medicare. For more information about who can get Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov. Q: I prefer reading by audio book. Does Social Security have audio publications? A: Yes, we have many helpful publications you can listen to. You can find them at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs. Some of the publications available include “What You Can Do Online,” “How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies,” “Apply Online for Social Security Benefits,” and “Your Social Security Card and Number.” You can listen now at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs. Page 12

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people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, but who can no longer work and whose medical condition meets the strict definition of disability under the Social Security Act. A person is considered disabled under this definition if he or she cannot work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The person’s medical condition must prevent him or her from doing work that he or she did in the past, and it must prevent the person from adjusting to other work based on their age, education, and experience. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), our other disability program, is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. You can find all the information you need about eligibility and benefits available to you by reading our publication, “Disability Benefits,” available at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs. While extreme winter weather may not affect all of us, the risk of being disabled and needing help isn’t based on geography. Chances are you know someone who is disabled or perhaps you live with a disability. If you wish to help a friend or family member — or need to plan for disability yourself — visit www. socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Q: How are my retirement benefits calculated? A: Your Social Security benefits are based on earnings averaged over your lifetime. Your actual earnings are first adjusted or “indexed” to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received. Then we calculate your average monthly indexed earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most. We apply a formula to these earnings and arrive at your basic benefit. This is the amount you would receive at your full retirement age. You may be able to estimate your benefit by using our retirement estimator, which offers estimates based on your Social Security earnings. You can find the retirement estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/ estimator. Q: I know that Social Security’s full retirement age is gradually rising to 67. But does this mean the “early” retirement age will also be going up by two years, from age 62 to 64? A: No. While it is true that under current law the full retirement age is gradually rising from 65 to 67, the “early” retirement age remains at 62. Keep in mind, however, that taking early retirement reduces your benefit amount.

Study shows evidence of cardiac scarring often appearing on scans, even if no attack was reported

ew research suggests that many Americans suffer “silent” heart attacks — events that go unnoticed but are serious enough to leave scars on the heart. “We know that risk factors for heart disease — the No. 1 killer of American men and women — are predominantly modifiable, so this finding gives further support to the notion that early identification and management of these risks is critical,” said physician Stacey Rosen, vice president of women’s health at The Katz Institute for Women’s Health in New Hyde Park. She was not involved in the new research. The study was led by physician David Bluemke of the U.S. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. His team looked at heart scans from more than 1,800 people, aged 45-84, from various ethnic groups who were free of heart disease when they enrolled in the study between 2000 and 2002. Ten years later, all the patients underwent magnetic imaging scans

to assess their heart health. Their average age at that time was 68. The scans revealed that nearly 8 percent of the participants had scars caused by a heart attack, 78 percent of which had previously gone undetected. Men were much more likely than women to have this type of scar, nearly 13 percent vs. 2.5 percent, respectively. Other factors associated with a higher risk of heart scarring included smoking, being heavier, higher levels of heart disease-linked calcium deposits in arteries, and the use of high blood pressure medications at the start of the study. The researchers stressed that a determination of the health impact of these silent attacks “remains to be defined.” However, they pointed out that 70 percent of patients who lose their lives to sudden cardiac death show evidence of this type of prior heart scarring. The study appears in the Nov. 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Yoga improves arthritis symptoms, mood, study finds

randomized trial of people with two common forms of arthritis has found that yoga can be safe and effective for people with arthritis. Johns Hopkins researchers report that eight weeks of yoga classes improved the physical and mental wellbeing of people with two common forms of arthritis, knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study is believed to be the largest randomized trial so far to examine the effect of yoga on physical and psychological health and quality of life among people with arthritis. Results were published in the April issue of the Journal of Rheumatology. “There’s a real surge of interest in yoga as a complementary therapy, with one in 10 people in the U.S. now practicing yoga to improve their health and fitness,” says Susan J. Bartlett, an adjunct associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins

and associate professor at McGill University “Yoga may be especially well suited to people with arthritis because it combines physical activity with potent stress management and relaxation techniques, and focuses on respecting limitations that can change from day to day.” Arthritis, the leading cause of disability, affects one in five adults, most of whom are under 65 years of age. Without proper management, arthritis affects not only mobility, but also overall health and well-being, participation in valued activities, and quality of life. There is no cure for arthritis, but one important way to manage arthritis is to remain active. Yet up to 90 percent of people with arthritis are less active than public health guidelines suggest, perhaps due to arthritis symptoms such as pain and stiffness, but also because they are unsure of how best to remain active.

Dialysis center offering education program

he Dialysis Center at the Mohawk Valley Health System offers an educational program for those who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The program will take place from 1-3:30 p.m. Dec. 8 in Weaver Lounge at the Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica. Registration is required as seating is limited. Contact Cindy Christian, CKD program coordi-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

nator, at 315-624-5635 or cchristi@ mvhealthsystem.org. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million Americans have CKD and millions of others are at risk for developing the disease. Early detection and intervention help to prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure, known as end stage renal disease.

Ozone gas injections may do the trick for knee osteoarthritis sufferers

njecting ozone gas into the knee reduces pain and improves functioning and quality of life in people with knee osteoarthritis, according to research presented in November at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease, is a slowly progressive disease in which joint cartilage breaks down. Normally, cartilage on the ends of bones allows smooth, pain-free joint movements. In OA, cartilage becomes thin and irregular, resulting in symptoms of joint pain and stiffness. Grinding or cracking sensations may occur. Joints that are under high stress due to repeated activity or weight bearing are most susceptible to OA. The hips, knees, hands and spine are commonly affected. OA becomes more common with aging. OA is often the cause of severe pain, disability, reduction in quality of life and significant social and economic burdens. So, researchers from Brazil recently looked at an alternative therapy of injecting ozone gas — a naturally-occurring gas that

consists of three atoms of oxygen and shows promise to reduce inflammation and balance free radicals in the body — into the knee to determine if that could reduce pain and improve functioning and quality of life for these patients. “We think the work means that ozone can give the patient a better quality of life with less pain and more independence in daily life activities,” the principals of the study. “Ozone is also capable of delaying the need for joint replacement surgery. It is a tool for the clinician to reduce pain or to help control it.”

Kitchen utensils can spread bacteria, study finds

Expert advises washing knives, peelers between each use on different types of produce

itchen utensils such as knives and graters can spread bacteria between different types of produce, a new study finds. University of Georgia researchers contaminated different types of fruits and vegetables with bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. They cut the produce with a knife or shredded it with a grater, then used the unwashed utensils on other produce. Both utensils spread the bacteria to other types of produce, the study found. The researchers also found that certain types of produce contaminated knives to different degrees. “For items like tomatoes, we tended to have a higher contamination of the knives than when we cut strawberries,” said lead author Marilyn Erickson, an associate professor in the department of food science and technology. “We don’t have a specific answer as to why there are differences between the different produce groups. But we do know that once a pathogen gets on the food, it’s difficult to remove,” she said in a university news release. Further testing revealed that brushes and peelers also transfer bacteria between produce.

By Jim Miller

How to guard against deadly aortic aneurysms Dear Savvy Senior, My father died several years ago, at the age of 76, from a stomach aneurysm, which now has me wondering. What are my risk factors of getting this, and what can I do to protect myself, as I get older? Just Turned 60 Dear 60, Stomach aneurysms, also known as “abdominal aortic aneurysms,” are very dangerous and the third leading cause of death in men over 60. They also tend to run in families, so having had a parent with this condition makes you much more vulnerable yourself. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (or AAA) is a weak area in the lower portion of the aorta, which is the major artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. As blood flows through the aorta, the weak area bulges like a balloon and can burst if it gets too big, causing life-threatening internal bleeding. In fact, nearly 80 percent of AAAs that rupture are fatal, but the good news is that more than nine out of 10 that are detected early are treatable.

Who’s At Risk?

Many people don’t know that kitchen utensils can spread bacteria, Erickson said. “Just knowing that utensils may lead to cross-contamination is important,” she said. “With that knowledge, consumers are then more likely to make sure they wash them in between uses.” The study results were published recently in the journal Food Microbiology.

Around 200,000 people are diagnosed with AAAs each year, but estimates suggest that another 2 million people may have it but not realize it. The factors that can put you at increased risk are: • Smoking: Ninety percent of people with an AAA smoke or have smoked. This is the number one risk factor and one you can avoid. • Age: Your risk of getting an AAA increases significantly after age 60 in men, and after age 70 in women. • Family history: Having a parent or sibling who has had an AAA can increase your risk to around one in four. • Gender: AAAs are five times more likely in men than in women. • Health factors: Atherosclero-

December 2015 •

sis, also known as hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels also increase your risk.

Detection and Treatment

Because AAAs usually start small and enlarge slowly, they rarely show any symptoms, making them difficult to detect. However, large AAAs can sometimes cause a throbbing or pulsation in the abdomen, or cause abdominal or lower back pain. The best way to detect an AAA is to get a simple, painless, 10-minute ultrasound screening test. All men over age 65 that have ever smoked, and anyone over 60 with a first-degree relative (father, mother or sibling) who has had an AAA should talk to their doctor getting screened. You should also know that most health insurance plans cover AAA screenings, as does Medicare to beneficiaries with a family history of AAAs, and to men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes during their life. If an AAA is detected during screening, how it’s treated will depend on its size, rate of growth and your general health. If caught in the early stages when the aneurysm is small, it can be monitored and treated with medication. But if it is large or enlarging rapidly, you’ll probably need surgery.

AAA Protection

While some risk factors like your age, gender and family history are uncontrollable, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from AAA. For starters, if you smoke, you need to quit — see smokefree. gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for help. You also need to keep tabs on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and if they are high you need to take steps to lower them through diet, exercise and if necessary, medication. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman

USA is still No. 1

When it comes to the cost of healthcare we’re still No. 1 in the world. In a study by the Commonwealth Fund, comparing costs and outcomes among economically developed countries, the U.S. maintains its No. 1 ranking in cost of care per capita. In 2013, our cost per capita was $9,086. That’s 50 percent higher than the cost per capita of No. 2, Switzerland. Australia, Denmark, Germany, France and Canada were all below $5,000. Japan, the UK and New Zealand were below $4,000 per capita. Again, we are not getting our proverbial bang for the buck. The U.S. did not rank “best” in any of the healthcare outcome measurements such as life expectancy, obesity, infant mortality, etc. Most interesting was the fact we see a doctor an average of four times per year, which was the third lowest among the countries in the study. High deductible plans or lack of insurance may be the reasons why many of us put off seeking care. Sixty-four million Americans reported they have some trouble paying their medical bills, which probably keeps a lot of them from seeking care when they should.

Robot hospital

The first fully digital hospital ($1.7 billion and 656 beds) in North America opened in October in Toronto. In addition to having the most advanced/futuristic technologies and equipment, several areas are served by robots. They transport patients through imaging services, mix chemotherapy drugs in the pharma-

cy, scan drugs to be sure they go to the right patient and deliver medical supplies and food to patients. All of this will surely be coming to your hospital soon.

Women physicians increasing

Thirty-five years ago, only 12 percent of practicing physicians were women. Today, 33 percent of all practicing physicians are women. The 50 percent mark is not far off since 50 percent of medical students over the past few years have been women. Industry observers are anticipating that women physicians will have an increasing impact on healthcare policy, politics, leadership, delivery and payment.

Revolutionary innovations

According to the Cleveland Clinic, we’ve seen these innovations recently: 1. Fast-tracked vaccines. Ebola was nipped in the bud rather quickly thanks to advances in genetic engineering, which gives scientists the ability to quickly target viruses and eradicate them. This will drastically limit the spread of diseases in the future. 2. Genomics. Physicians can target treatments for specific DNA markers of a patient’s disease, getting them into clinical trials matched to their conditions much earlier. 3. Lifelike robotic limbs. You will be able to control them with your mind. However, still being tested and very expensive. 4. Stroke treatment. A tiny wire cage-like device is implanted in blood vessels to catch and remove clots, speeding recovery and increasing the chances of a full recovery from a stroke.

ACA enrollment Health and Human Services estimates about 10 million people will have purchased insurance through the marketplaces in 2015. While officials believe the vast majority will re-enroll next year, HHS isn’t counting on a lot of growth in 2016 for a variety of factors. Individuals drop out when they get employer-based insurance. Some can no longer afford the premiums, even if subsidized. Others are just confused by their plan’s requirements. The biggest factor, however, is that we are down to the “hard core” uninsured or the toughest of the remaining 8 percent to 9 percent still uninsured. The uninsured rate was 17 percent just two years ago.

Population health

As physician and hospital reimbursement transitions away from fee for service to pay for quality or outcome, the emphasis for healthcare providers and their systems will be effective population management of the people for whom they are responsible. According to the director of the Centers for Disease Control, physician Tom Frieden, there is a pyramid model to maximize outcome. The first level of the pyramid is comprised of income, employment, race and education. The second level includes public healthcare interventions like expanded coverage and benefits. The third level includes long-term preventive measures like immunizations and healthy life styles. The fourth level includes clini-

Meet

By Louis Sorendo

Continued from Page 4 Q.: Is there presently a shortage of neurosurgeons in the Mohawk Valley? If so, what is needed in order to change that scenario? A.: In the 15 years I have practiced in the Utica area, there have been between one to five neurosurgeons in practice. I can tell you that when I was the only neurosurgeon covering both hospitals by myself, providing neurosurgical services both emergently and in the office, there was definitely a shortage! Now with the addition of Dr. Nicholas Qandah, we are at two but I do feel we could benefit from another neurosurgeon so we could see those people in our community expeditiously. Nationally, communities our size do have trouble competing with Page 14

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larger centers, but I do believe that investing in infrastructure as MVHS is doing will go a long way in attracting and maintaining an adequate number. Q.: How can an individual help himself or herself in terms of sustaining their own neurological health? A.: We know now that the key to good neurologic health is the same as the key to good cardiovascular health. Maintain a healthy weight and diet, avoid smoking and we now are also aware how important exercise is for optimal brain function. Evidence shows that being engaged mentally in activity may keep the brain working better and longer, especially if the activity has a physical component to it.

Advance care planning

Remember “death panels”? This cynical and misleading euphemism was part of the uninformed and hysterical criticism of the Affordable Care Act. Fortunately, six years into the ACA, the term has been dropped because there never were “death panels.” Honest and direct discussions between a physician and patient of the realistic options remaining toward the inevitable end of life are standard of care. Too often “heroic” measures are undignified and simply delay the inevitable. Following the lead of Medicare, most insurance plans pay physicians for “advance care planning” which includes discussing advance directives (DNR, ventilators, feeding tubes, etc.), hospice care and other end-of-life issues confronting the patient and their family. Medicare is very clear that advance care planning is at the George W. Chapman is a health consultant who operates GW Chapman Consulting in Upstate New York. To reach him, email gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

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Individuals can maintain their neurological health

cal interventions for chronic ailments like hypertension, depression, obesity and diabetes. Education and outreach efforts are the tip of the pyramid. Frieden maintains the third and fourth levels are the most important for population management.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

Gaining Insight

Federal grant bolsters area’s mental health, addiction resources By Patricia J. Malin

rimary care and mental health care are traditionally offered as separate healthcare services. They can often be difficult to obtain, especially for individuals with low incomes or those who live outside urban centers. Now there will be a closer integration of these services in Utica thanks to a grant from the federal government, plus a new partnership between the Carzo Utica Community Health Center and Insight House Chemical Dependency Services. UCHC, 1651 Oneida St., is part of the Regional Primary Care Network and was opened in 2010 in order to improve access to health care in the city. As the only federally qualified health center in Oneida County, UCHC provides primary medical and dental care to underserved populations, including low-income patients, those without insurance, immigrants and Medicaid recipients. For over 40 years, Insight House has helped patients deal with alcohol and substance abuse, depression and other serious behavioral disorders. Such services are extremely vital and can be lifesaving, yet the perceived cost sometimes deters people from seeking help, even if private insurance covers most treatment. Some segments of the population have been unable or unwilling to access behavioral health services. U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna (R-Barneveld) — joined by Janine Carzo, chief operating officer of RPCN’s Utica Community Health Center, and Donna Vitagliano, CEO of Insight House — recently announced a $1.5 million grant to the two providers. United Health Foundation, the nonprofit arm of United Health Group, a major insurance company, awarded the grant. “People will no longer be turned away for lack of coverage,” said Carzo. “Integration means a patient in need of mental health services will be able to get care almost immediately.”

Mental health services bolstered

This grant will enable RPCN to hire and train new staff and extend mental health services as part of its primary care coverage at RPCN

community health centers, including the UCHC. “It will provide medicine that is essential,” said Hanna. Hanna said his office was involved because RPCN is a federally funded and certified healthcare provider. There are 20 healthcare providers within his district, he added. Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-Fairport) made a similar grant announcement recently at RPCN’s headquarters in Rochester. UCHC will hire a licensed clinical social worker who can counsel patients with behavioral problems and then refer them to Insight House if necessary for further evaluation and treatment either on an in-patient or outpatient basis. “But we have been referring patients there and they have referred patients to us since 2010,” Carzo said. The difference now is more patients will be likely to seek treatment for substance abuse on a more-timely basis. “Dr. (Cynthia) Jones has observed that her patients who suffer from depression or addictions often wind up on a waiting list and it’s frustrating for them and for her as a medical provider,” Carzo said, referring to the lone physician at the UCHC clinic. “There’s a gap in their access and that delay makes a difference,” she said. Insight House was founded in Utica in 1971 and has three major levels of programming — outpatient, day rehabilitation services, and residential care. It also has a prevention services component that performs counseling, outreach and education at area schools. Vitagliano said Insight House’s patients come from throughout New York state due to long waiting lists at similar institutions elsewhere. “We can offer patients ‘one-stop shopping’ and meet most of their needs,” she said. “We’re not primarily a mental health facility, but mental health issues many times go hand in hand with addictions. When people are not able to access mental health services, or when they stop taking prescribed medications, a lot of it goes untreated. And there are not many psychiatrists in our community.” Research studies have shown that patients with behavioral issues, including depression and substance abuse, account for a significant portion of medical costs. Like any other chronic disease, it is better in the long run to take preventive action and to address any issues as they first arise, she added.

Hospital to host breastfeeding class

ome Memorial Hospital is hosting a free breastfeeding class at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 in the hospital’s classroom to help mothers-to-be recognize the benefits of breastfeeding and give them the encouragement to overcome some of the obstacles. The speaker, Sandy Graichen, is a

maternity nurse at the hospital with children of her own. No pre-registration is required. Refreshments will be served. Guests are asked to meet the instructor in the hospital lobby, North James Street entrance. For more information, call 338-7143.

Most adults in Upstate New York choose to skip flu shots

nly one in three Upstate New York adults aged 18 to 64 receives an annual flu vaccine, according to new research released in November by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. While not everyone who avoids the flu shot or nasal spray gets sick, there were about 16,000 confirmed cases among adults aged 18 and older in Upstate New York last year. “I don’t think people take the flu seriously, and they should,” said physician Jamie Kerr, medical director for Excellus Kerr BlueCross BlueShield. “Many refer to every case of the sniffles accompanied by aches and pains as the ‘flu,’ but flu is very specific and can be serious.” Nationwide, flu causes 200,000

hospitalizations and nearly 24,000 deaths each year. Flu shots and nasal sprays are among the essential benefits that are covered in full under the Affordable Care Act. They are available at many pharmacies and other sites without an appointment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine annually. “When it comes to confirmed cases of the flu, Upstate New York gets more than its fair share,” said Kerr. “With only a quarter of the state’s population, Upstate New York accounts for around 37 percent of the state’s total confirmed cases.” Flu activity usually peaks between December and February, but outbreaks can occur as early as October, and activity can last as late as May. “The beautiful weather we’ve had this fall may have lulled people into thinking that it’s not yet flu season, but it is,” Kerr said.

Dispel those myths about the flu vaccine

ommon myths may be the reason why two in three Upstate New York adults don’t get the vaccine. Myth: The flu vaccine isn’t very effective. Fact: While the effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies, it’s still the best way to prevent flu or shorten its duration. Myth: Flu season has already started. It’s too late to get the vaccine. Fact: As long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Myth: I got the flu vaccine last year, so I don’t need it this year. Fact: Strains of viruses can change each season, and a person’s immunity declines over time.

season for most people. Myth: The flu vaccine can cause the flu. Fact: The flu vaccine can’t give you the flu, because the virus it contains has been inactivated or weakened. Myth: Washing my hands will protect me from getting the flu. Fact: Frequent hand-washing can help slow the spread of germs that cause the flu, but the single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. To access the Excellus BCBS infographic, “Facts About The Flu Vaccine,” go to excellusbcbs.com/ factsheets. To watch a video about the flu vaccine, go to youtube.com/ excellusbcbs.

Myth: If I get the flu shot now, it won’t protect me through the entire flu season. Fact: Although the immunity provided by the flu vaccine can vary by person, immunity lasts through a full flu

December 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Continued from Page 2

Dec. 5

Holiday shopping event slated A clearance Christmas shopping benefit vendor fair will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Utica Maennerchor, 5535 Flanagan Road, Marcy. Items featured are clearance, closeout or discontinued items that are $10 or less. A 50/50 raffle will be run all day with a winner chosen at 5:30 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there from 3-4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Cee at 315-560-6319 or Cee Promotions, P.O. Box 34, Utica, N.Y. 13503.

Dec. 6

Twigs’ holiday celebration slated The Rome Twigs’ 2015 Tree of Lights reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in the lobby at Rome Memorial Hospital. At 7 p.m., celebrants will move outside to light the tree. This year, the Tree of Lights is held in honor of Gale Barone and in memory of Dorothy Griffin in recognition of their years of service to Rome Memorial Hospital. Entertainment, refreshments and a Barone scroll displaying the names of donors and their honored persons are planned. Barone retired on June 30 after 41 years working at RMH. She started her career at RMH in 1974 as a nurse in the intensive care unit. At the time of her retirement, Barone was the director of education and employee health. Griffin, who passed away in March of this year, was a successful businesswoman who believed in giving back to her community. She was a dedicated and generous supporter of Rome Griffin Hospital Foundation and RMH. Contributions to the Tree of Lights campaign help the Twigs, a nonprofit organization, continue its tradition of service in support of the hospital and its mission. All donations are tax deductible and all monies go to the Rome Twigs for purchase of hospital equipment and to support programs of the hospital. Those wishing to donate can Page 16

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send a check to Rome Memorial Hospital, Attn: Tree of Lights, 1500 N. James St., Rome, NY 13440. Make checks payable to Rome Twigs.

tcfmohawkvalley@gmail.com and include a JPEG picture of your child for the ceremony. Registration will take place on the evening of the event from 6-6:45 p.m. For further information, call 315-736-8684.

Dec. 27

Potluck dinner features ‘clean’ eating A potluck dinner for those

seeking to “eat clean” is set for 5 p.m. Dec. 27 on Russell Avenue in Yorkville. The dinner will feature vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free foods. The dinner occurs on the fourth Sunday of each month. Those interested in attending should call 736.5057. “This is for people who want to be exposed to healthy ways of eating in a congenial environment,” the organizer said.

Dec. 9

Program helps expectant parents prepare Parents-to-be can learn about childbirth, newborns and other related topics by attending the upcoming Baby Care Basics program from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 9 at Rome Memorial Hospital in the classroom. Sandy Graichen, a maternity nurse at the hospital, will teach the free educational program. No advance registration is required. Refreshments will be served. Guests are asked to meet the instructor in the hospital lobby, North James Street entrance. For more information, call 3387143.

Dec. 10

Laryngectomy support group to meet The Laryngectomy support group will hold its monthly meeting at noon Dec. 10 in the Sister Regina Conference Room on the first floor of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center hospital building in Utica. The support group is sponsored by SEMC. A laryngectomy is the procedure to remove a person’s larynx and separates the airway from the mouth, nose and esophagus. The laryngectomee breathes through an opening in the neck, called a stoma. The public is welcome to attend. Those with questions may call the speech therapy department at 8014475. Laryngectomy support group meetings are held at noon on the second Thursday of each month.

Dec. 13

Candle light event scheduled In remembrance of all children who have died, the Compassionate Friends of the Mohawk Valley will host a candle lighting as part of the Compassionate Friends worldwide candle-lighting event. The Compassionate Friends of the Mohawk Valley is an organization dedicated to providing a safe environment to actively help families work toward the positive resolution of their grief following the death of a child. The event will take place from 7-8 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Floyd United Methodist Church, 8398 New Floyd Road, Floyd. There will be a meal after the ceremony for those interested. Attendees are invited to bring their child’s favorite dessert to share. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP via e-mail by Dec. 12 to

MVHS’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program receives three-year accreditation The Mohawk Valley Health System’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at the Faxton Campus has met strict standards of practice and has been awarded a three-year reaccreditation through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The accreditation ensures that the MVHS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program meets the essential standards of care. Celebrating the occasion are, from left, pulmonary rehabilitation employees Adisa Brown, Elvisa Cerimovic, Julie Johnson and Patrick Dooley. “Our respiratory therapists work with the nursing team and physicians to support the patients,” notes Randy Johnson, director of respiratory care services at MVHS. “Our team’s expertise and commitment to patients is what sets our program apart.” The program at MVHS is one of only 14 programs in New York state certified by AACVPR.

Mohawk Valley Health System’s December cancer support groups to meet • The After Breast Cancer Support Group will meet at 11 a.m. Dec. 12 in the community room at the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services on the St. Luke’s Campus, 1650 Champlin Ave., Utica. ABC support group meetings are free and open to the public and were created by women who have had breast cancer. The group is dedicated to providing education, information and emotional support to women and men who are facing biopsy, surgery or recovery from breast cancer. For more information or to RSVP, call 315-624-5764 or email bfriend90@ aol.com.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

• The Cancer Center’s monthly support forum for patients and cancer survivors will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 14. The cancer support forum meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of every month in The Cancer Center’s fireplace lounge on the main floor of Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica. The December meeting will have a “be merry, calm and well” theme to celebrate the holidays and treats and pampering will be offered to attendees. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to RSVP, call 315-624-5241.

H ealth News MVHS infection specialist receives award Heather Bernard, director of infection prevention for the Mohawk Valley Health System, was recently awarded the Excellence in Health Care Award for Innovations in Healthcare by the Business Journal News Network. The award honors Bernard’s contributions toward reducing and preventing infections at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, an affiliate of MVHS. Bernard The Excellence in Health Care awards recognizes the region’s healthcare industry leaders, innovators and companies. This recognition event honors individuals and organizations that have a significant impact on the quality of health care and services in their communities. Bernard earned her Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY IT Utica-Rome in Utica, and her RN-Associate of Applied Science degree from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica. She is pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice in infection prevention and environmental safety at Loyola University in Chicago, Ill.

Gastroenterologist joins MVHS Peter Ojuro has joined the Mohawk Valley Health System Medical Group at its new gastroenterology and advanced endoscopy group. Ojuro is a gastrointestinal specialist and has privileges at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. Ojuro has interest in a variety Ojuro of gastrointestinal diseases. Prior to joining the MVHS Medical Group, Ojuro was employed at Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville, Ga., at Altru Health System in Grand Forks, N.D., and at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group, PLLC in New Hartford. Ojuro earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa., and his Bachelor of Science in clinical labs science from SUNY Buffalo. He completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at St. John Detroit Riverview Hospital in Detroit, Mich., and a fellowship at St. John Providence Health System in Warren, Mich. Ojuro is a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American College of

Rome Memorial Hospital gets lit up for the holidays Travis Smith, a maintenance mechanic III in the plant operations department, checks the bulbs on the holiday lights as he installs them at Rome Memorial Hospital. The lights were installed just in time for the culmination of the Rome Twigs official tree-lighting ceremony that will take place at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in the hospital lobby. This year, the Tree of Lights is held in honor of Gale Barone and in memory of Dorothy Griffin in recognition of their dedication to Rome Memorial Hospital. The Rome Twigs are a nonprofit organization with a long tradition of dedicated service in support of the hospital and its mission.

Gastroenterology. He is board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine.

Holiday Angel program under way ACR Health needs additional “holiday angels” to help fill requests for assistance from families in need. The long-standing holiday angels program pairs a community member (angel) with a qualified ACR Health client and his or her family. The angels get lists of needs the family has, and then make holiday purchases for the families based on the lists. The lists usually contain requests for basic needs like clothing, bathroom items such as towels, kitchen supplies, or personal items like shoes or a coat. Participating angels can buy as many or as few of the items on the lists as they wish. Many community groups, churches, or extended families pool their resources every year to sponsor an ACR Health client and members of their family. Several hundred people rely on holiday angels for whatever holiday gifts come their way. ACR Health Development Director Carrie Portzline-Large said, “Poverty is a constant companion for some of our clients and their families,

who struggle financially year-round. They have nothing to give their loved ones at holiday time. We are immensely grateful for the generosity of the angels.” ACR serves Cayuga, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and St. Lawrence counties. Holiday angels are needed across its nine-county service area. “We ask that all gifts be wrapped and labeled,” Portzline-Large said. “Financial donations are greatly appreciated.” If you would like to be a holiday angel, call 800-475-2430 or email events@ACRHealth.

Insight House adds to staff Insight House Chemical Dependency Services recently announced several new appointments. • Tina Zahniser was recently welcomed as the agency’s health coordinator. In this role, her responsibilities include oversight of a collaboraZahniser tive care team that

December 2015 •

involves the patient’s primary care provider, nursing staff, chemical dependency counselors, a consulting psychiatrist and other health or mental health providers that may be involved in a patient’s care. Zahniser brings more than 20 years of advocacy, education and nursing experience in both public and private facilities to the agency. Zahniser, of Frankfort, earned Associate in Applied Science degrees from Mohawk Valley Community College in both the chemical dependency practitioner program and nursing. She is an instructor for the American Heart Association for both CPR and basic life support training. • Christina Davis has been appointed as director of residential services. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, supervising and evaluating component functions of the agency’s residenDavis tial program. Davis, of Whitesboro, has a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from SUNY Polytechnic Institute. She has been with Insight House for 13 years.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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H ealth News Continued from Page 17 • Julia Hubbard has joined Insight House as director of intensive day treatment. In this capacity, she will plan, supervise and organize the delivery of chemical dependency services and other operations for the intensive day treatment proHubbard gram. Hubbard, of Whitesboro, has a Master of Social Work degree from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Middle Tennessee State University. She was previously employed at the Central New York Psychiatric Center. • Rebecca Seifts has been appointed as senior counselor. This position oversees the work of assigned staff, and participates as a member or leader of a treatment team that reviews cases to determine Seifts appropriateness for admission, comprehensiveness of treatment plans and necessity for level of care placement. Seifts, of Utica, has worked at Insight House for eight years and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology from SUNY Geneseo.

RMH hired performance improvement director Rome Memorial Hospital has welcomed Marc D. Flury as its new director of performance improvement. He will oversee the hospital’s quality improvement and utilization management efforts to advance the hospital’s goal to deliver compassionate, high quality and cost-effective care to patients. Flury Flury earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Buffalo and is in the final stages of his master’s degree in health services administration from D’Youville College, Buffalo. He comes to RMH from Lifetime Health Medical Group in Hamburg, where he was the performance-based program coordinator and population health quality data coordinator.

Habilitation services named UCP Team of the Year Upstate Cerebral Palsy recently recognized the habilitation services team as the 2015 Team of the Year at its annual meeting held at the Radisson Hotel-Utica Centre. The award honors a group within the agency that functions effectively to serve children and adults with differing abilities while exemplifying excellence, passion, integrity, caring and respect. Celebrating the occasion are, from left, Megan Thompson; Amanda Ajaeb; Jonathan Ward; Louis B. Tehan, president and CEO of UCP; Samantha Luce; Ashley Diefenbacher; Tamara Doyle and Angela Marmet. Absent from the photo are Gina Ashmore and Rachel Jacobson. The habilitation services team works to provide for families through community inclusion, sharing information about available supports and services and assisting with life skills.

UPS employee earns coveted award Michael Ellis of Whitesboro recently received the Al Felmet Achievement Award at the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State annual conference held in Saratoga recently. The award recognizes individuals who have overcome the chalEllis lenges of cerebral palsy and whose achievements are inspiring to others. Ellis, who works in the information technology department at Upstate Cerebral Palsy, is an outstanding employee and an inspiration and role model for others at the agency, a UCP spokesperson said. “Mike has also been a valuable part of the agency’s therapeutic horseback riding program, both as a rider and volunteer. Mike’s contributions as both a volunteer and an employee have made a huge impact on the Upstate Cerebral Palsy community,” the spokesperson added.

UCP names employees of year Mariangela Pecheone, human service aide, and Francine Rose,

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Pecheone

Rose

residence manager, recently were recognized as Upstate Cerebral Palsy Employees of the Year for 2015. Both were honored with the distinction at the UCP annual meeting recently held at the Radisson Hotel-Utica Centre. Employee of the year award honors individuals who go above and beyond the typical responsibilities associated with their positions and who exemplify the agency’s values of excellence, passion, integrity, caring and respect all year long.

Lutheran Care welcomes new chaplain LutheranCare in Clinton has named Rev. Janet K. Griffiths as its new full-time chaplain. In this position, her responsibilities include ministering the Eucharist to residents, delivering homilies in the on-campus chapels, engaging LutheranCare residents in song during the weekly unit hymn-sings

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

and offering spiritual care in times of crisis to both residents and staff. Griffiths joins the LutheranCare staff with nearly 17 years of pastoral experience at churches in the Buffalo area, California and Iowa. She has also held positions as long-term care ombudsman and assistant administrator within assisted living facilities and hospitals. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from San Francisco State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, Calif. Griffiths’ global service includes caring for babies in a failure-to-thrive clinic in Romania and for special needs children in Ecuador; teaching English to students in Mexico and Spain, and participating in “A Journey of Love and Understanding” in El Salvador and Guatemala. Griffiths resides in Clinton with her two young daughters.

Mohawk Valley In Good Health: Your source for health news!

Booze Patrol

Hints for talking with your kids about alcohol By Barbara Pierce

ost teens in the Mohawk Valley actually do listen to their parents about why it’s not a good idea to drink. “More than 80 percent of young people aged 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision to drink or not drink,” said Cassandra Sheets, CEO, Center for Family Life and Recovery in Utica. “So they really are listening, and it’s important that you send a clear and strong message.” So why is it that fewer of us in Sheets the Mohawk Valley are talking with our teens about the risks of drinking? Teen assessment program surveys that were given to close to 4,000 adolescents throughout Oneida and Herkimer counties found that the percentage of teens who reported talking with their parents at least “rarely” about the dangers of alcohol has dropped significantly over the years. Sheets is concerned about this. Parents should start talking to their children about alcohol at age nine, says a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, a report that is aimed at preventing binge drinking in young people. The reason to start talking to kids about alcohol early is that kids are starting to develop impressions about alcohol as early as age 9. Get ahead of misinformation spread by their peers. Alcohol is the substance most frequently abused by children and adolescents, said physician Lorena Siqueira online. Siqueira is co-author of the report. But because it’s a legal substance, the consequences are downplayed, she said. “When I have kids in the ICU and I tell the parents it’s alcohol, they’re relieved. But they shouldn’t feel relief. Alcohol is a killer,” she said. As many as 50 percent of high school students drink, and more of them are binge drinking, according to the teen assessment survey. Part of the problem is how adolescents drink. They drink very fast,

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often directly from the bottle, with the goal of getting drunk — and this can kill them. Nearly a third of fatal car accidents among teens involve alcohol, according to the report. Being drunk can lead to other violent behaviors, alcohol poisoning, and other health problems. Drinking at a young age greatly increases the risk of developing problems with alcohol in later years. And it interferes with their developing brains. Talking to kids early and openly about the risks of drinking can save lives and reduce their chances of becoming a problem drinker.

Communication vital

It’s a tough talk to have. Sheets and the Center for Family Life and Recovery have these suggestions for parents: • Show you disapprove of underage drinking. Your kids are listening, even if they may not appear to be. And what you say has an influence. Use every opportunity to talk about the issue. If you see it in a movie, talk about it then. If you’re driving, and you see someone swerving, talk about that. • Show you care about your child’s happiness and well being. Young people are more likely to listen when they know you’re on

their side. Try to reinforce why you don’t want your child to drink — not just because you say so, but because you want your child to be happy and safe. The conversation will go better if you’re working with, and not against, your child. • Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol. You want your child to make informed decisions about drinking, with reliable information about its dangers. You don’t want your child to learn about alcohol from friends, the Internet, or

Health

the media — you want to establish yourself as a trustworthy source of information. • Show you’re paying attention and you’ll notice if your child drinks. You want to show you’re keeping an eye on your child, because young people are more likely to drink if they think no one will notice. • Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking. Peer pressure is a powerful thing. It is tempting to drink just to avoid looking uncool. To prepare your child to resist, you’ll need to build skills and practice them. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration has an app that you can download called “Talk. They Hear You” where you can learn the dos and don’ts of talking to kids about underage drinking, added Sheets. You’ll practice bringing up the topic, learn questions to ask and get ideas to keep the conversation going. • Confront problems quickly. If a teen starts drinking, they are at much higher risk to becoming addicted than if they wait until they’re 20. If you suspect your child is drinking, don’t wait to act. Drinking becomes less of a choice as addiction is etched into the brain. For more information on the Center for Family Life and Recovery, see www.wherethereshelpthereshope. com, or call 315-733-1709.

in good

MV’S HEALTHCARE NEWSPAPER

EMPLOYMENT Advertise your health-related services or products and reach your potential customers throughout the Mohawk Valley for as little as $90 a month. Call 749-7070 for more info. Interested in becoming a friend and mentor to an individual with developmental disabilities? The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC has FT and PT openings in our residential programs in Oneida County Residence Counselors/Managers assisting the people we support achieve their personal life goals through development of individualized supports to help achieve their desired outcomes. Goals may include housekeeping, money management and other daily life skills. You may accompany them on community outings: sports events, dances and movies. Shifts: mornings, evenings, overnights and weekends. Requirements: high school diploma/GED, clean, valid NYS driver’s license and the desire to make a difference! Apply: 241 Genesee St. Utica, 13501 Email lrpavia@thearcolc.org Fax (315) 272- 1785 The Arc is a drug free work place and an EOE

Check us out at www.thearcolc.org December 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015