Mv igh 126 august16final by In Good Health: MV's Healthcare Newspaper

in good August 2016 • Issue 126

Retro Fitness instructor Pauline DiGiorgio is a pro when it comes to body sculpting. Page 12

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Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

New York: Retirement No-no?

Considering spending ‘golden years’ in Empire State? Think again!

Absorb the Sunshine Vitamin Page 11

Are you absolutely positive? Page 9

Golden Years Special Edition

Caregivers’ survival guide to Alzheimer’s See Page 7

Peaches

Broccoli? Yes. Garlic? No question. But peaches? Read surprising news about peaches in SmartBites. Page 10

Boilermaker Recap Annual road race in Utica featured medical support, wheelchair athletes Page 20 August 2016 •

See Page 5

Drug Crisis

Mohawk Valley confronts heroin, opioid epidemic Page 3

Meet Your Doctor Christopher P. Powers returns to Mohawk Valley as a podiatrist at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group

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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. August

Insight House focus on drug trends Insight House Chemical Dependency Services, Inc. is offering free presentations to local employers, businesses and agencies through August regarding current drug use in the community, titled “Oneida County Drug Trends.” Topics covered will include the latest information on the heroin-opiate epidemic facing the community, as well as trends in alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, e-cigarette and synthetic drug usage.

The sessions will be hosted by Paul Vitagliano, Jr., director of prevention, and can be scheduled at either the employer’s site or at Insight House. The landscape for both legal and illegal drug use continues to evolve, with powerful new synthetic drugs, ingestion techniques and packaging. These informational sessions will review these and other topics, will describe how to recognize symptoms of drug use, and will discuss the wide range of community resources and support options available. For more information, or to schedule an Oneida County Drug Trends session, call 724-5168, ext. 404, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or send email requests to pv.insighthouse@ yahoo.com

August-September

Summer events posted at Folts Events at HomeLife at Folts & Folts-Claxton, 104 N. Washington St., Herkimer, include: • Aug. 4 — 7 p.m.: Folts Summer Concert Series with Terry Johnson on the lawn • Aug. 18 — 7 p.m.: Folts Summer Concert Series with Shenanigans on the lawn • Aug. 23 — 10:30 a.m.: Folts will present an Alzheimer’s educational program by the Alzheimer’s Association to be held in the chapel.

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Community Information Seminar:

Bariatric Surgery August 10, 2016 • 6:00 pm Presented by

More Older Americans Cared for at Home

ore older Americans with chronic health problems are opting to live at home, relying on help from family, paid caregivers or friends, a new study finds. In 2012, half of seniors with a disability had some type of home health care, an increase from 42 percent in 1998, University of Michigan researchers found. “The majority of seniors would prefer to stay at home rather than go to a nursing home,” said physician R. Sean Morrison, past president of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Page 2

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But the unintended consequence of being cared for at home is the strain it puts on caregivers, added Morrison, who is also with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. He wasn’t involved in the study. “Research has shown that 40 percent [of caregivers] spend 20 or more hours a week caring for an older relative — that’s half of a fulltime job,” Morrison said. Besides lost work and income, this can lead to depression and other health issues for caregivers, he said.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2016

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

Addiction Taking Sting out of Needle Local officials focus on efforts to thwart heroin, opioid abuse now and deal with the consequences later,” he said.

By Patricia J. Malin

neida County Sheriff Rob Maciol admits it was happening right under his nose — a frightening increase in arrests of individuals using heroin and illegal drugs. “In 2014, we had approximately 160 people admitted to the Oneida County jail for using heroin,” he said at a recent press conference. “And then it went to about 660 the next year. That’s a 300 percent increase in those who admitted to using heroin. That’s a staggering number.” Even more troubling, 22 people in the county died from either heroin or prescription drug abuse in 2015, added Oneida County Health Commissioner Phyllis D. Ellis. “We’ve only been tracking these statistics from the medical examiner since 2013,” she said. One death or just one lockup is too many in Maciol’s opinion. “We cannot arrest, we cannot incarcerate our way out of this problem,” he stated as local, state and federal officials gathered at the Oneida County Office Building to discuss ways to combat the heroin epidemic that is described as “sweeping” the entire nation. “It’s going to take education, prevention and treatment.” For decades, previous United States presidents, state governors and other politicians have tried and failed to stop the “war on drugs,” despite throwing money at the problem and imposing severe and harsh jail sentences. Now the U.S. Congress is attempting to impose some solutions from the top down, this time with a wide-ranging program of incentives and federal funds to get communities to finally combat drug abuse. U.S. Representative Richard Hanna (R-Barneveld) joined with Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., State Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R-Rome), Maciol, and local

ONEIDA, HERKIMER in good

Oneida County Undersheriff Robert Swenszkowski demonstrates how to use a MedReturn Drug Collection Unit. The bins are available as a drop-off site for expired medications. social services officials to discuss the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. CARA is bipartisan, bicameral legislation passed by Congress and is awaiting President Barack Obama’s signature. It would authorize the U.S. attor-

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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. © 2016 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: Eric J. Stevens Office Manager: Michelle Kingsley 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.

ney general and secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to community groups that address the prescription opioid abuse and heroin use crisis. Oneida County has just begun to undertake these steps. Hanna said there have been “tens of thousands of deaths” from heroin, and extremely high rates of incarceration have failed to dent the crisis. “We expect the president to sign this bill and then coordinate with the states and nonprofit agencies” on treatment, he said. One way to reduce deaths from heroin is improved training of first responders and police to recognize the abuse and treat the offender. “Our entire staff of deputies is trained to use Narcan, and our medical staff at the jail is also trained,” Maciol said. Critics might contend that using Narcan to reverse the effects of heroin overdose allows the addict to continue abusing drugs and perpetuates the crisis and, but Maciol disagrees. Law enforcement takes a more sympathetic view these days. “Saving a life is the most important thing. We would rather save a life

August 2016 •

Though law enforcement and political leaders are working together, the medical profession needs to be brought into the discussion. Experts believe the heroin epidemic likely started with the abuse of prescription drugs and painkillers. Doctors have routinely given patients a 30-day supply of painkillers, even though that large amount was rarely necessary. “Pain is made a priority,” commented Oneida County Mental Health Commissioner Robin O’Brien. “You go to your doctor’s office or the hospital and they’ll hand you a chart and say, ‘tell us your level of pain?’ It became a priority, but now it’s being revisited.” She said the state is proposing legislation to tell doctors to limit opioid prescriptions to seven days and cut the number of refills to avoid addictions. The CARA calls for electronic monitoring of such prescriptions, so patients can’t run from one physician to another to obtain refills. Also, physicians would be allowed to treat as many as 200 addicts at a time. The current law restricts doctors to a caseload of 100, which combined with a shortage of physicians is a barrier to drug users seeking treatment. State legislation is also proposed to allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to treat addicts, O’Brien added. Cassandra Sheets, CEO of the Center for Family and Life Recovery in Utica, said overuse of these medications leads to addictions and provides a temptation to youths to start abusing drugs. “Data shows that approximately 80 percent of new heroin users are coming to heroin after having abused prescription opioids,” she said. The CFLR provides support and counseling for families of addicts and alcoholics. Opioids are substances that relieve pain, but also produce morphine-like effects such as numbness or might induce psychotic behavior. Doctors prescribe some synthetic drugs such as hydrocodone, oxycodone and fentanyl for a 30-day period for relief from pain following surgery. Although they are legal, they contain some narcotics and can lead to negative side effects, and cause addiction when the prescription is constantly renewed or when these medications are taken by children or someone other than the intended patient. The sheriff’s department and the county recently announced they have

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Study: Use of Chiropractic in the VA Rising Steeply

he use of chiropractic services in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system has seen a steep rise over more than a decade, according to research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT), the official scientific journal of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). The study’s authors, who analyzed VA national data collected between 2004 and 2015, discovered an increase of more than 800 percent in the number of patients receiving the services of doctors of chiropractic. While authors attribute the increase to a natural growth of the chiropractic service, which was only implemented on-site at the VA in 2004, they also suggest it may be attributed to the successful performance of VA chiropractors and the perceived value of their care, among other factors. “The fact that these services have expanded consistently and substantially beyond the minimum mandated level may suggest that some VA decision-makers perceive value in providing chiropractic care,” the study notes. Key findings from the study show that: • the annual number of patients seen in VA chiropractic clinics increased by 821 percent; • the annual number of chiropractic visits increased by 694 percent; • the total number of chiropractic clinics grew from 27 to 65 (9 percent annually); • the number of chiropractor employees rose from 13 to 86 (21 percent annually); and • female and younger patients received chiropractic care at VA clinics at a greater rate than the national VA outpatient population. “This demographic tendency is consistent with the cohort of veterans from the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is known to have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions,” the study authors note.

In Good Health newspaper ... your #1 source of health news Page 4

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Lou Sorendo

Christopher P. Powers

Christopher P. Powers has returned to the Mohawk Valley and recently joined the Slocum-Dickson Medical Group as a podiatrist in New Hartford. In Good Health recently interviewed Powers regarding his career and outlook on health care. Q.: As a Herkimer native, is it exciting to return to your home region to practice medicine? What do you enjoy most about the Mohawk Valley area? A.: I am very excited to return home after my 13-year sojourn. The aspect I appreciate the most is the close proximity of my family, immediate and extended, in the valley. Q.: How does practicing medicine in a largely rural area contrast to a large metro area such as New York City, which is where you did your residency? A.: I believe the greatest difference is the sheer variety and number of uncommon medical conditions. In a large metropolitan area, the “uncommon” becomes more common and a part of your regular experience, as opposed to rural areas where they return to the unlikely category. Q.: What motivated you to select the podiatric medical and surgical field? A.: I chose this specialty for its diversity and adaptability. I am able to further refine my areas of interests if desired or to remain a general practitioner. It’s an ever-evolving field that I can adapt to the population served, the types of conditions treated, or even my desired lifestyle. Q.: What are some of the more common conditions you diagnose and treat as a podiatrist? A.: Diabetic foot conditions are by far the most common. A variety of problems can stem from this including neuropathy, ulceration, and skin and bone infections. Q.: What are some of the more common treatment methods you employ? A.: I try to be proactive in my treatments. I want to prevent the problem from occurring or delay its progression, with the ultimate goal of limiting the need for care and eliminating pain. Q.: What advances in medical technology over the last several years have added efficiencies in the diagnosis and treatment within the field of podiatry? A.: I think the advances in medical imaging have greatly improved the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. This aids in preventing unnecessary surgeries. Q.: What is the most positive aspect of your job? A.: The greatest immediate satisfaction occurs when you see a patient leave your office smiling and relieved of pain.

Q.: What are the most challenging aspects of your profession? A.: Developing a treatment plan that is effective and practical for the patient. It is hard if not impossible for some patients to follow certain regimens due to the constraints of their

life, but I try to adapt and augment my plans while still allowing for healing. Q.: How would you characterize the availability of podiatrists in the region and state? Is it a common choice of students in medical school? A.: Podiatry, as well as many other specialties, is more densely populated in large metropolitan areas like New York City and their surrounding neighborhoods. Also, a majority of podiatric residency programs are located on the east and west coasts, leaving the central United States largely underserved. New York is no exception, with fewer podiatrists in smaller cities and especially in rural communities. Podiatry has continued to grow as a specialty, especially in wake of the increasing diabetic population and will continue to grow. Q.: Is there anything an individual can do to avoid foot-related problems and disorders? A.: I think for the average person the old adage of “all things in moderation” is greatly applicable. Your health, types and quantity of physical exertion, even the types of shoes you wear will have a direct effect on your foot health. An understanding of that can help reduce the occurrence of serious maladies.

Lifelines Age: 41 Birthplace: Ilion Current residence: Herkimer Education: Bachelor of Science in biology, Adelphi University; Master of Science in biology, Adelphi University; Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree, New York College of Podiatric Medicine; podiatric surgical and medical residency, Mount Sinai Hospital, Manhattan Personal: single Hobbies: Reading (predominantly historical fiction and fantasy); hiking, traveling and experiencing new cultures, especially culinary; visiting museums and art galleries

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2016

New York state of misery?

Golden Years

New York among the worst states to retire in because of cost, lack of quality By Barbara Pierce

hen you picture the place where you will live out your retirement years, what do

you see? Should you plan to move to another state as you grow old? Should you think about leaving New York for the warmth of a Florida retirement, or Colorado with the beauty of its mountains or maybe even Iowa with its rolling plains and endless cornfields? There are those that say get out of New York. Think far ahead to when you will be less independent. What if you or your partner develop a debilitating medical condition and can’t manage the necessary daily activities? For some, this may mean remaining close to family, if you have family you can count on to provide support. For those without family, it may mean moving into assisted living. There are some important considerations to take into account when thinking about assisted living — things such as the cost of senior care and the quality of care. That’s when those who have looked into it say “Leave New York state.” Research conducted by Caring. Com ranks New York third from the bottom. At the bottom is West Virginia, New Jersey the second worst, New York the third worst, hampered by very high costs and below-average quality-of-care scores. “New York state is the third from the bottom in terms of the worst care for seniors,” confirmed Dayna Steele, Caring.com chief caring expert, of Seabrook, Texas. “Assisted living facilities in New York state got the worst reviews on our site,” she added. “We get thousands of reviews. Add to that the cost of the facilities. That’s what brought down New York’s ranking.” For most of us, it will be a financial disaster if we need care from someone other than family. “I’m stomping my feet to get people to listen,” Steele stressed. After her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she was surprised to learn the high cost of care. “My mom had Social Security and a VA pension. I still had to spend $40,000 a year out of pocket for her care,” she

said. And that wasn’t in New York state; it was in Texas. “In New York, the average per year for assisted living is $49,000,” she said. “And that’s not even a nice facility. Who has $49,000 to throw away?” “In New York state, if someone comes by your house for a few hours a day, that’s $53,000,” she said. “For a nursing home with round-the-clock care, it’s $133,000. “There are a sheer number of intelligent, well-read people who don’t know this. Out-of-home care or a paid caregiver who comes in are not covered by Medicare. Doctors, medicine, yes, they are covered. But care is not. Basically, if you have more than $2,000 in assets or more than $2,000 a month income, you don’t qualify. “I want people to have this conversation long before they need it. Everyone needs to think about the future when they may not be able to live without assistance.”

living. We can’t afford it. Even home care is hard to get. “People think the state will take care of them. It doesn’t. To be in a nursing home, you have to meet certain criteria.” Your Neighbors will help when someone needs assisted living or a nursing home. They give out referrals. Transportation is a huge need of the aged in this area, added Shepherd. “We provide medical transportation. A volunteer accompanies the client and either waits for them or goes in to see the doctor with them. Many have no family and appreciate someone with them.”

Another big problem is meals for shut ins. “There’s a six-month wait for Meals on Wheels,” said Shepherd. “We provide meals for those on the waiting list.” Run by volunteers, Your Neighbors has been around for 30 years. See yourneighborsinc@yahoo.com or call 315-235-7149. Office for Aging and Continuing Care for Oneida County staff was unaware of the report. They provide a list of facilities providing care. They can be contacted at 315-7985456. More information on your local Office for Aging can be found at www.aging.ny.gov.

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What can we do? Contribute to a retirement fund, recommended Steele. “Make sure you have coverage. Do your homework while you’re still relatively young and healthy to set yourself up for a retirement that’s truly golden.” South Dakota is the best state to grow old, according to the report, with neighboring Iowa and Minnesota ranking second and third. To see the report, go to www.caring.com/articles/worststates-to-grow-old. Years ago, as he planned retirement, 86-year-old George Mason decided to leave his home in Randolph to resettle in Florida. “I definitely made the right decision; it was a good thing to do. Life is so much better here. And I didn’t have to pay state income tax while I still worked.” “We do have a problem in this area,” confirmed Cindy Shepherd, program coordinator of Your Neighbors, Inc. of Clinton. Your Neighbors is a resource center for seniors. Though she hasn’t heard of the report, Shepherd believes there is a problem. “I agree that the facilities here are expensive and most of them have a waiting list,” she said. “My mom is 88 and wants to go into assisted

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August 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Golden Years By Jim Miller

Who’s eligible for SS survivor benefits? Dear Savvy Senior,

Who is eligible for Social Security survivor benefits? My ex-husband died last year at the age of 59, and I would like to find out if me, or my two kids – aged 13 and 16 – that we had together are eligible for anything? Divorced Widow Dear Divorced,

If your ex-husband worked and paid Social Security taxes, both you and your kids may very well be eligible for survivor benefits, but you need to act quickly because benefits are generally retroactive only up to six months. Here’s what you should know. Under Social Security law, when a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, certain members of that person’s family may be eligible for survivor benefits including spouses, former spouses and dependents. Here’s a breakdown of who may be eligible.

MVHS consolidates inpatient pediatrics to St. Luke’s

he Mohawk Valley Health System has consolidated inpatient pediatric care to its St. Luke’s Campus. “One of the goals of our hospital affiliation is to centralize services and care whenever possible, building on our expertise, and making the best use of our resources,” said Scott H. Perra, president and CEO of MVHS. “This consolidation helps us to support improved clinical quality and Page 6

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provide more efficient services for our patients and their families.” Providers and staff throughout MVHS are committed to continuing to meet the pediatric healthcare needs of the community. MVHS pediatricians are on call for any pediatric patient who may arrive at the emergency departments at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and the St. Luke’s Campus of Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare.

• Widow(er)’s and divorced widow(er)’s: Surviving spouses are eligible to collect a monthly survivor benefit as early as age 60 (50 if disabled). Divorced surviving spouses are also eligible at this same age, if you were married at least 10 years and did not remarry before age 60 (50 if disabled), unless the marriage ends. How much you’ll receive will depend on how much money (earnings that were subject to Social Security taxes) your spouse or ex-spouse made over their lifetime, and the age in which you apply for survivors benefits. If you wait until your full retirement age (which is 66 for people born in 1945-1956 and will gradually increase to age 67 for people born in 1962 or later), you’ll receive 100 of your deceased spouses or ex-spouses benefit amount. But if you apply between age 60 and your full retirement

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2016

age, your benefit will be somewhere between 71.5 — 99 percent of their benefit. To find out what percentage you can get under full retirement age visit ssa.gov/survivorplan/survivorchartred.htm. There is, however, one exception. Surviving spouses and ex-spouses who are caring for a child (or children) of the deceased worker, and they are under age 16 or disabled, are eligible to receive 75 percent of the worker’s benefit amount at any age. • Unmarried children: Surviving unmarried children under age 18, or up to age 19 if they’re still attending high school, are eligible for survivor benefits, too. Benefits can also be paid to children at any age if they were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled. Both biological and adoptive children are eligible, as well as kids born out of wedlock. Dependent stepchildren and grandchildren may also qualify. Children’s benefits are 75 percent of the workers benefit. • Dependent parents: Benefits can also be paid to dependent parent(s) who are age 62 and older. For parents to qualify as dependents, the deceased worker would have had to provide at least one-half of the parent’s financial support. But be aware that Social Security has limits on how much a family can receive in monthly survivors benefits — usually 150 to 180 percent of the workers benefit. You also need to know that in addition to survivor benefits, surviving spouses or children are also eligible to receive a one-time death benefit of $255. For more information, visit ssa. gov/survivorplan or call 800-7721213. 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.

Surviving Alzheimer’s

Golden Years

Book explores torturous journey through eyes of caregiver By Barbara Pierce

“

Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine” is Dayna Steele’s journey through the heartbreaking twists and turns of her mother’s illness. It’s a compelling, touching journey as she lived it and posted it on Facebook. When her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, author Steele of Seabrook, Texas, began posting messages on Facebook detailing the alarming struggles Steele she and her family experienced daily. Three years of these posts, along with some input from others, have been crafted into in her book “Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Glass of Wine.” With dark humor and raw emotion, Steele hopes to help others navigate the disease. “This book isn’t intended to make you feel sorry for my Mom, my family, or for me,” she explained. “It’s to give you permission to live, and laugh, and love, and cry, and throw things — no matter where you are in your journey with Alzheimer’s. “If you have to experience Alzheimer’s — and chances are you will — I say do it with love, laughter and wine.” From the day she found the notes

her mother had written to herself, posted around her house, notes that reminded herself to comb her hair, to brush her teeth, to the day her mother didn’t even remember what M&Ms were, though they had been her favorite candy for years, you feel her pain. Especially poignant are the days when she asked her daughter, “Now what was your name again?” And “When is my daughter going to visit me? She never comes to see me.” You feel her pain as she walks through the deterioration of the woman who had been such a powerful influence in her life. You can’t help but agonize with her. “You’ve got to have a support system,” Steele recommends. “Facebook became my support system. When Mom was diagnosed, I posted it on Facebook because I couldn’t bear the thought of saying ‘Mom has Alzheimer’s’ over and over again. Then, after seeing how many replies and comments I received, I started to share more. It turned into a support system for me, and that turned into a support system and a community for literally thousands of people.”

gave me permission to have those mini-meltdowns and tell me I wasn’t a bad person, when I felt so guilty and felt like I just couldn’t do it anymore,” she said. “The first half of the book is my journal, as I posted it on Facebook,” she explained. “The second half is information on resources I wished I had at the time.” The practical information included in Steele’s book is designed to help family members navigate the challenge of dealing with a family member suffering from dementia. A neurologist shares how the diagnosis of dementia is determined and what

one can expect as the patient deteriorates through stages of the disease. An elder care adviser provides information on the placement continuum from independent living, to assisted living, to memory care facilities. An elder care attorney advises how and why to locate an attorney familiar with elder law. “I’ve recommended this book to a friend who has a mother beginning the stages of this disease,” said Deirdre Sartorelli online. “Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine” can be found online at Amazon.com.

Release of emotions

“My Facebook community gave me ideas, information, suggestions, laughter and love. Once I wrote a particularly hard post, I would let go of the negative emotions. It was very cathartic to write and share. People made me feel better. They talked me through it and helped me understand that there was no black or white. “I knew I was surrounded by a loving, protective community who

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August 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Golden Years The Social Ask Security Ofﬁce

From the Social Security District Office

Social Security has basketful of offerings

What if you could choose?

5 Days or 45 Days

ho doesn’t love sharing a summer picnic with friends and family? Whether you plan one for everyone on your block or a quiet afternoon for two, you’ll need to bring a basket full of delectable goodies. When you’re sharing dishes with loved ones, whether you’re at home or away, you’ll be sure to make everyone happy with a variety of treats. In the service of securing today and tomorrow, Social Security has a full picnic basket of services. Our table is ready to serve millions of Americans online, by phone and in person in our network of field offices. It’s easy to pick the method that’s best for you from the comfort of your home or on the go. The quality service you expect from us is easy, secure, and convenient to access when you go online. Signing up for a My Social Security account will give you a secure and efficient way to interact with us and accomplish various tasks, including estimating your future benefits or managing your current benefits. You can sign up for your own account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and join the more than 25 million Americans who already conduct business with us online using My Social Security. Another way you can contact us is toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Of course, you can

Q&A

hoacny.com

Q: Can I refuse to give my Social Security number to a private business? A: Yes, you can refuse to disclose your Social Security number, and you should be careful about giving out your number. But, be aware, the person requesting your number can refuse services if you don’t give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone’s number and use it for any purpose that doesn’t violate a federal or state law. To learn more about your Social Security number, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. Q: I prefer reading by audio book. Does Social Security have audio publications? A: Yes, we do. You can find them

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2016

also use the field office locator at www.socialsecurity.gov/agency/ contact to find your local field office, where you can speak with a Social Security employee face-to-face. What true summer picnic is complete without ice cream? When it comes to great flavors, there’s vanilla, mint, chocolate chip, rocky road … who can choose just one? Likewise, Social Security offers all the different types of benefits you’ll need at any stage of your life. Social Security has retirement benefits and the tools to help you plan for your retirement and apply for benefits online. But that’s not all. We also provide disability benefits to individuals with medical conditions that prevent them from working. If the disabled individual has dependent family members, they can also receive payments. There are also survivors benefits for widows, widowers, and deceased workers’ dependent children. When you create your my Social Security account, you can view your Social Security Statement to see estimates of the future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible to receive. It’s a great day for a picnic! Social Security is opening up its picnic basket to share our great services and benefits, and you’re invited! Visit www.socialsecurity.gov today, and we’ll save you a place.

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. Q: I’m reaching my full retirement age and thinking about retiring early next year. When is the best time of year to apply for Social Security benefits? A: You can apply as early as four months before when you want your monthly benefits to begin. To apply, just go to www.socialsecurity. gov/applytoretire. Applying online for retirement benefits from the convenience of your home or office is secure and can take as little as 15 minutes. It’s so easy!

Between You and Me

By Barbara Pierce

Why do they say ‘Think positive?’ Don’t underrate power of positivity

tick a pencil in your mouth for a minute or two, horizontally so the tip comes out of one side of your mouth and the eraser the other side — in a way that your mouth is forced into a smile. Now sit back and notice the feelings of wellbeing that will flood you from this fake smile. If you didn’t notice a flood of good feelings, then try this — Say out loud: “I feel so good today. Today is a great day for me. Everything is going well for me right now.” Pierce Say it even if you are having a totally awful day and absolutely nothing is going right and you absolutely do not agree with what you are saying. By now you’re feeling in a pretty upbeat mood — right? Because here’s the thing: Your brain can’t tell the difference between a fake smile and a real smile. Your brain doesn’t know you are totally lying when you say, “I feel great.” You can fool your brain into producing endorphins that make you feel good. It’s a fact proven by researchers who looked at thousands of brain scans. I think this is really remarkable. In fact, it’s one of the most important things I’ve ever heard. As a psychotherapist, I always talked with people about how important it is to catch your negative, distorted thoughts and change

them to positive thoughts. I always thought that was such a big deal. And it is. I believe I helped many people to stop thinking so negatively and by doing that to improve the quality of their lives. But now there is growing evidence that the absence of positive thoughts has a greater negative impact on our wellbeing than does the presence of negative ones. I think that’s really significant. Thinking positive thoughts is a better thing for us to do than getting rid of negative thoughts. Thinking positive thoughts means gratitude. Gratitude is an attitude of thankfulness, counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures, and acknowledging everything you receive. It means learning to live your life as if everything were a miracle.

Gratitude has benefits

Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is already present. Giving thanks makes people happier and more resilient, it strengthens relationships, it improves health and it reduces stress. Without realizing it, I have always thought of gratitude as a stimulus-response phenomenon. The rain finally stopped and the sun came out; I’m so glad. Or my partner went through his surgery with no problems; thank goodness he’s OK. Something good happens and I feel grateful. But, if I’m in a bad mood or stressed out, nothing may come along that’s powerful enough to make me feel grateful. I just have to wait for my mood to change or for something so supremely wonderful

to happen that it knocks me on the head, wakes me up, and forces me to be grateful. Hmm, I guess in the meantime I’m missing the opportunity to be grateful for a lot of things. Gratefulness doesn’t depend on something good happening. Instead it can be a way of looking at everything — a way of framing life. Gratitude can be the way we package every moment, as if each moment is an “opportunity” for gratitude no matter what stimulus comes along. There are so many benefits of practicing gratitude. People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they’re thankful for experience more positive emotions; they feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. A gratitude journal is one way to do this. Every night, write down three things for which you are grateful. Get specific by writing, “My partner gave me a shoulder rub when he

knew I was really stressed,” or “My sister invited me over for dinner so I didn’t have to cook.” Then hold these images in your mind for several minutes. If you do this regularly, you will notice a difference. It works because it slowly changes the way we perceive situations by adjusting what you focus on. Be sure to stretch yourself beyond the great stuff right in front of you. Opening your eyes to more of the world around you can deeply enhance your gratitude practice. Make a game out of noticing new things each day. Try it. I’d like to know how it works for you. • 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.

Mohawk Valley stands up to opioid, heroin scourge Continued from Page 3 teamed up with the CFLR on the installation of RXMed return units throughout the county. The bins will be available 24/7 as a drop-off site for expired medications. In the past, people would toss the unused or expired prescriptions in the garbage or in the toilet, where it would then enter the municipal sewage system and end up contaminating local lakes and streams and harming fish and wildlife. In addition to the county sheriff’s department, eight local law enforcement agencies from the Boonville, Camden, Kirkland, Oriskany, Rome, Sherrill and Utica police departments will be placing the RXMed return bins in their offices. Town offices in Trenton and Waterville will also accept unused and expired medications. With the new system in place,

anyone can drop off medications anonymously, no questions asked, said Maciol. The CFLR’s heroin opiate education program is funded with $50,000 from Oneida County. This program ties in with the CARA legislation, which calls for an opioid overdose reversal medication access and education grant program, first responder training and prescription drug take backs.

Feds address issue

The CARA would give grants to community groups to address local drug crises through a multifaceted approach: prevention and education, law enforcement, treatment and recovery, and addressing collateral consequences. It will encourage veterans with military emergency medical training to get additional training and become civilian health care professionals.

The bill would specifically authorize the appropriation of $312 million over the 2016-2021 period for programs in Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice. The act will require communities to demonstrate evidence-based prescription opioid and heroin treatment and interventions; build “communities of recovery,” and provide medication-assisted treatment for recovery from addiction. O’Brien said her office is looking for guidance on the drug crisis from Ann Sullivan, commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health. “We’re having discussions on how to include information about addiction and treatment in medical school training,” O’Brien said. “But right now we’re in the early stages. We recognize that it’s absolutely essential to work with law enforcement and that’s why our office is expand-

August 2016 •

ing its substance abuse education program for law enforcement and physicians.” Ellis said the county has drug treatment programs from such places at Insight House, plus the cooperation of law enforcement and nonprofits. In order to get funds from the CARA, however, it will be important to determine whether Oneida County has sufficient programs already in place to receive the funds and then to identify any gaps in treatment.

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Diet & Fitness SmartBites The skinny on healthy eating

Surprising News About Peaches

’m always on the lookout for foods that may prevent or arrest cancer. Since mounting evidence shows that the foods we eat weigh heavily in the war against cancer, it just makes sense to consume as many of these foods as we can. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that peaches — sweet, luscious, gorgeous peaches — would fall into that category. Broccoli? Yes. Garlic? No question. But peaches? Researchers at Texas A&M University, in concert with food scientist Giuliana Noratto, say “yes,” especially when it comes to breast cancer. In a first-of-its-kind study, published online in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, Noratto and her colleagues found that peach extracts drive breast cancer cells in

mice to self-destruct, while leaving normal ones intact. Two powerful antioxidants found in peaches appear to be the frontline warriors. According to Noratto, we can get the same dose as the mice by eating two to three fresh peaches a day. Canned peaches, she said, don’t pack the same cancer-fighting punch. Of course, this is but one study and one team’s findings, but it certainly shows promise. On the nutrition front, peaches rock with healthy doses of fiber, vitamins C and A, niacin and potassium. Fiber keeps us regular and helps regulate cholesterol levels; vitamin C is a tissue-builder and immune-booster; vitamin A is essential for growth and healthy vision; niacin assists in the conversion of food to energy; and potassium helps control

blood pressure. On the calorie front, peaches are remarkably low for such a sweet li’l thing: only 60 per medium peach. As for grams of sugar, peaches have fewer than an apple, more than an orange and about the same as a banana. Need a few more reasons to reach for a peach? Well, they’re delicious; they’re in season; and they’re awfully tasty with yogurt or vanilla ice cream.

Helpful tips

Select peaches with a rich color and a sweet aroma. Ripe ones yield to gentle pressure. Avoid peaches that are overly soft or that have surface cuts and bruises. Slightly hard but mature peaches can be kept at room temperature until they ripen. To hasten ripening process, put peaches inside a closed paper bag and set on counter, out of direct sunlight.

Honey-Glazed Chicken with Peach Salsa Adapted from Bon Appetit 1 3/4 cups diced peaches (about 3 large) 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper 1/4 cup chopped green onions 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or mint 1 tablespoon minced seeded jalapeño chile 2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger, divided

1 garlic clove, minced 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 teaspoons sesame oil 4 chicken breasts 2 tablespoons honey Fresh cilantro or mint leaves Mix peaches, red bell pepper, green onions, 2 tablespoons lime juice, chopped cilantro or mint, jalapeño, 1 teaspoon ginger, and garlic in small bowl to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Salsa can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, and remaining 1 teaspoon ginger in medium bowl to blend. Add chicken and stir to coat. Marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes, turning occasionally. Whisk honey and remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice in another small bowl. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat; lightly oil grill grate. Remove the chicken from marinade and place on grill. Grill the chicken until no longer pink inside, brushing occasionally with honey glaze, about six to eight minutes per side. Sprinkle chicken with cilantro or mint leaves and serve with peach salsa and (suggested) a side of brown rice. 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.

Memory Loss: Normal or Sign of Trouble?

ild memory lapses such as forgetting where you put your keys or reading glasses, though worrisome, are normal, experts say. But certain memory problems — such as putting your car keys in the fridge — may indicate a more serious issue. So, what kind of memory issue suggests the need for a medical assessment? Some examples include: memory loss that disrupts daily activities such Page 10

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as balancing a checkbook, maintaining personal hygiene and driving; or frequent memory lapses such as regularly forgetting appointments or where you parked your car, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a news release. Other warning signs include forgetting whole conversations, forgetting the names of relatives or close friends, frequently repeating yourself, or asking the same questions in the same conversation. Another red flag is memory loss

that's getting worse over time. There are a number of things you can do that might help reduce the risk of developing memory problems: keeping cholesterol and blood pressure levels low; not smoking and not drinking too much alcohol; eating a healthy diet; engaging in lots of social activity; and keeping your brain active by reading, writing, learning a new skill, playing games and gardening. There are a number of causes of memory loss, including medications;

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2016

heavy drinking; stress; depression; head injury; infections such as HIV, tuberculosis, syphilis and herpes; thyroid problems; lack of quality sleep; and low levels of vitamins B1 and B12. Many of these causes can be helped with medical treatment, the FDA noted. "As part of the normal aging process, it can be harder for some people to recall some types of information, such as the names of individuals," according to the news release.

The Balanced Body

By Deb Dittner

The Sunshine Vitamin Learn ways in which to maximize the benefits of Vitamin D

ssential for overall health, vitamin D is a nutrient not just provided by diet, but also produced from exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D consists of a bunch of like chemicals called cholecalciferol, the term for “inactive” forms of Vitamin D2 and D3. Your body needs to change this “inactive” form into the “active” form of vitamin D known as calcitriol, which is technically a hormone produced by the skin. When your skin is exposed to sunshine, it converts into vitamin D3. You also get a smaller amount of vitamin D from Dittner some particular foods, such as eggs, full fat dairy, beef liver, cod liver oil, shiitake mushrooms, and oily fish. Some foods are fortified with vitamin D but these foods are more processed and require larger amounts to be consumed for any real benefit. Whether vitamin D comes from your skin or from your diet, it needs to be processed by the liver and kidneys before arriving as the activated

form, calcitriol. Vitamin D plays many important roles in your body. Originally, vitamin D was discovered for its function in supporting skeletal health. Scientists initially found that children and animals kept indoors and deprived of sunlight developed rickets, a bone disease corrected through sunlight or cod liver oil. Vitamin D deficiency also effects and worsens osteoporosis in adults and can cause painful bone disease. Vitamin D deficiency has been related to increased risk of cancers, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. With continued research, vitamin D has been found to play major roles in your overall health. Some important responsibilities of vitamin D consist of: • Supporting a healthy immune system • Improving the absorption of calcium from the intestines • Maintaining calcium levels in the blood and improving the absorption of dietary calcium to support strong bones • Assist in stabilizing levels of decreased calcium and phosphorus • May assist in the prevention of some forms of cancer

KIDS Corner Early bedtime for preschoolers, healthier weight later?

routine,” said the study’s lead author, Sarah Anderson, an associate professor of epidemiology. “It’s something concrete that families can do to lower their child’s risk.” She added that the earlier bedtime is also likely to benefit youngsters’ social and emotional development as well as their brain development. The study reviewed data on nearly 1,000 children who were part of a study that followed healthy babies born in 1991 at 10 U.S. locations.

D3 is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. Vitamin D 25OH levels should be monitored when on supplementation until you get back to a healthy range. Before taking any supplements, consult your health care provider as some medications and medical conditions can be affected. Sunlight exposure on bare skin is your body’s best approach in getting vitamin D. You do not need to be out in the sun for long periods of time as 5 to 30 minutes between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on exposed arms, legs and back have shown benefit. Personally, I would avoid long exposure when the sun is at its highest point in the sky as there may be a risk of sunburn. As summertime begins to wind down (and time just moves along way too quickly for my liking), remember to enjoy your time in the sun and be prepared to soak up the all-important Vitamin D for the best of your health. • 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.

More teens experience early hearing damage

Getting shuteye by 8 p.m. appeared linked with lower obesity risk as teens, researchers say

ending preschoolers off to bed early may bring them an unexpected benefit: less chance of obesity when they are teens. So suggests research that compared preschoolers who went to bed at 8 p.m. with same-age kids who had later bedtimes. A team at the Ohio State University College of Public Health found that a bedtime just one hour later seemed to double the likelihood that young children will be obese teens. “For parents, this reinforces the importance of establishing a bedtime

Test your levels

You should have your level of vitamin D tested through the diagnostic test, vitamin D 25OH. I recommend initially having this tested during each of the four seasons since sun exposure varies. The reference range is 30-100 nanogram/milliliter with 50-70 being optimal. If you have a cancer diagnosis, maintain a level in the optimal range. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with developing multiple sclerosis, bone aches, fatigue, and depression, especially in winter months. Risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency include but are not limited to: — An indoor lifestyle — Being overweight or obese — Bowel disease such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s — Being African American or having darker skin tones — Being over the age of 50 — Exposure to air pollution blocking ultraviolet B rays — Wearing sunscreen — Having kidney or liver disease Supplementation with vitamin D3 is a great option for those with a high skin cancer risk and who do not get much sun exposure. Vitamin

ew research into the ringing-ear condition known as tinnitus points to an alarming level of early hearing damage in young people who are exposed to loud music, prompting a warning from a leading Canadian researcher in the field. “It’s a growing problem and I think it’s going to get worse,” says Larry Roberts of McMaster’s department of psychology, neuroscience and behavior, the only Canadian author of a paper published in June in the journal Scientific Reports. “My personal view is that there is a major public health challenge coming down the road in terms of difficulties with hearing.” The researchers interviewed and performed detailed hearing tests on a group of 170 students between 11 and 17 years old, learning that almost all of them engage in “risky listening habits” — at parties, clubs

August 2016 •

and on personal listening devices — and that more than a quarter of them are already experiencing persistent tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears that more typically affects people over 50. Further testing of the same subjects — all students at the same school in São Paulo, Brazil — showed that even though they could still hear as well as their peers, those experiencing tinnitus were more likely to have a significantly reduced tolerance for loud noise, which is considered a sign of hidden damage to the nerves that are used in processing sound, damage that can foretell serious hearing impairment later in life. “The levels of sound exposure that are quite commonplace in our environment, particularly among youth, appear to be sufficient to produce hidden cochlear injuries.“ says Roberts. “The message is, ‘Protect your ears.’”

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Diet & Fitness Resculpt your body Balance of diet, exercise needed to attain desired results By Kristen Raab

can Facebook or Instagram, turn on the television, or open a fashion magazine, and advice on achieving the perfect body will be ever present. With so much information, it is easy to get overwhelmed. However, every positive fitness choice counts and the effects can be long lasting. While some people love early morning runs or late night gym trips, others dread the very thought of working out. Retro Fitness instructor Pauline DiGiorgio said, “Exercise does not come naturally to everyone, so find classes, a gym, trainer or environment you’re comfortable in.” It is also important to be cleared by a doctor before starting any exercise program. People often force themselves to sign up for gyms or classes they dislike, but this is a mistake. How long will someone continue if each session feels miserable? Instead, DiGiorgio suggests making a plan that consists of activities you enjoy so it becomes a

part of your lifestyle, not just a fad. After all, it is unhealthy to continuously gain and lose weight. In addition, quick results are not a reality. There are plenty of products claiming to help with quick weight loss, but even if they temporarily help us shed pounds, the weight will come back. DiGiorgio cautions, “You can’t expect results right away. That’s when people become discouraged and give up.” Exercise three to five days per week for the best health and weight loss benefits. “In one month, it is possible to lose eight to 10 pounds if you follow a pretty strict plan,” DiGiorgio said. About 1,000 calories per day must be eliminated in order to lose two pounds in a week. Many people will find this plan too strict. DiGiorgio said, “To keep the weight off and make it maintainable, a slow, steady weight loss of a half pound to one pound a week is better than a quick fix.” Gym clients, particularly women, are most concerned with toning up

Retro Fitness instructor Pauline DiGiorgio breaks out the jump rope during a recent exercise session. the arms, stomach and legs. Therefore, as part of her Summer Slim Down Series at Retro Fitness, DiGiorgio focuses on these areas. Retro Fitness is located in Yorkville at 5123 Commercial Drive. Women often worry about becoming too bulky and avoid weight training. However, strength training helps with the weight-loss process. “Adding in a strength training program along with 3-4 sessions of some sort of cardio is beneficial to anyone’s life,” she said. For abdominals, burn fat and tone abs by doing high- intensity interval cardio training. DiGiorgio does fast mountain climbers, an exercise that consists of bringing your knees to and from your chest intermittently for 10 minutes. Visit www.bodybuilding.com/ exercises/detail/view/name/mountain-climbers for a video.

Up-tempo atmosphere

Retro Fitness instructor Pauline DiGiorgio limbers up prior to a recent workout. Page 12

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DiGiorgio said visitors to Retro Fitness can expect positive energy from friendly staff members. It’s a “clean, bright atmosphere where you want to work up a sweat,” she said. In addition to positive people willing to help you, the equipment is top of the line, and there are flat screen TVs on every machine. Retro Fitness offers group classes, child-care, a protein shake bar, movie cardio-theater and more. DiGiorgio has certifications in spinning, and she created her class from the training she underwent for competitive bikini fitness shows. She is hoping to obtain a nutrition and wellness degree. Getting into shape consists of better fitness habits as well as healthy food choices. With so many tasty options available in the summer, it is easy to consume foods that will make weight loss harder. DiGiorgio said to “stick with lean proteins, chicken, fish and less fatty cuts of steak. You can grill them for a smoky taste.” Summer also brings local farmers’ markets. “Take advantage of fresh produce and farm-raised eggs,” she said. Looking for a sweet treat this summer? DiGiorgio suggests making your own with protein powders such as PRO7 by Nutrishop in your favor-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2016

ite flavors. One recipe she enjoys is the PRO7 mixed with frozen banana, almond milk, and stevia. Alternatively, grill fruit like pineapple, and add some nuts to it, or as a topper for frozen yogurt. Summer also consists of traveling and attending celebrations. This doesn’t have to derail healthy eating plans. DiGiorgio suggests bringing premade turkey burgers and veggie kabobs to barbecues. If you prefer to prepare something to bring, make a strawberry spinach salad with sliced almonds and grilled chicken. When you are unable to bring food, make healthy choices from available food. “Stay away from all the mayonnaise-based salads and pick a meat with the least fat that is being grilled up. Skip the bun, and load up on whatever greens and vegetables that are available,” she said. If you are having alcohol, choose a light beer or clear vodka with soda water and lime. Preparation is key. When DiGiorgio knows she will be away for a bit, she orders foods from Balanced Chef (www.balancedchef.com) and brings them in a small cooler. Road trip snacks can also be healthy. Beef jerky, popcorn and protein bars are great options. The protein bar should have 15-20 grams of protein, 20-30 grams of carbohydrates and less than 12 grams of fat, according to DiGiorgio. Gas stations often have hard-boiled eggs, hummus snacks and yogurt. Make sure to check sugar in your snacks. The American Heart Association says women should have no more than 25 grams (6 tablespoons) a day whereas men should not exceed 38 grams (9 teaspoons). Sugar is present in foods such as jarred spaghetti sauce and salad dressing besides the obviously sweet treats. There is also a lot of sugar in seemingly healthy foods like flavored yogurt. Label checking is essential for smart choices. Readers can visit DiGiorgio’s Facebook page by searching her name, or find her at Paulinepocketfit on Instagram. DiGiorgio invites readers to email her at ptlifts@gmail.com with any questions.

Medical Errors: A Hidden Killer Study claims they’re the third leading cause of U.S. deaths, but CDC doesn’t track such data

edical errors may be the third leading cause of death in the United States, a new study contends. Johns Hopkins University researchers analyzed eight years of U.S. data and concluded that more than 250,000 people died each year due to medical errors. If confirmed, that would make medical errors the third leading cause of death among Americans. Currently, respiratory disease, which kills about 150,000 people a year, is listed as the third leading cause of death by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, “incidence rates for deaths directly attributable to medical care gone awry haven’t been recognized in any standardized method for collecting national statistics,” said Martin Makary, a professor of surgery at Baltimore-based Hopkins. The CDC’s data collection method does not classify medical errors separately on a death certificate, according to the study authors, who

called for changes to that criteria. “The medical coding system was designed to maximize billing for physician services, not to collect national health statistics, as it is currently being used,” Makary explained in a university news release. The Hopkins researchers examined four separate studies that analyzed medical death rate data from 2000 to 2008, including two that used data from federal agencies. Then, using hospital admission rates from 2013, the investigators extrapolated that information, and based on a total of over 35 million hospitalizations, more than 251,000 deaths stemmed from a medical error. That translates to 9.5 percent of all U.S. deaths each year, the study authors said. But the CDC data paints a different picture. The CDC statistics show that in 2013, over 611,000 people in the United States died of heart disease, nearly 585,000 died of cancer and about 150,000 died of chronic respira-

tory disease. “Top-ranked causes of death as reported by the CDC inform our country’s research funding and public health priorities,” Makary said. “Right now, cancer and heart disease

get a ton of attention, but since medical errors don’t appear on the list, the problem doesn’t get the funding and attention it deserves.” The findings were published May 3 in the BMJ.

Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman

‘Micro’ Hospitals

Not that common yet in New York state, micro hospitals offer emergency care, surgery, lab and imaging services and are priced somewhere between urgent care centers and full scale hospitals. Micro-hospitals can treat more conditions than urgent care centers because they typically have about eight to 10 beds for observation and short stays. Most large hospital systems are establishing them in markets that cannot support a full scale hospital.

Hospital Affiliations

Most rural and smaller community hospitals are being encouraged to “affiliate” with larger hospital systems or face a slow lingering death in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Recently, Oneida Healthcare in Madison County announced an “affiliation” with the Bassett system, but Oneida retains its sovereign board and management. Without an actual merger, affiliations usually fail to achieve the necessary economies of scale when it comes to management, operating costs, market share and physician recruitment and retention. Without a total merger or full integration, most affiliations don’t last, have little to show and typically leave the smaller hospital worse off and in a poorer bargaining position.

Top Causes of Death in 2014

1) Heart disease, 23.4 percent (of all deaths). 2) cancer, 22.5 percent. 3) chronic lower respiratory disease, 5.6 percent. 4) accidents, 5.2 percent. 5) cerebrovascular disease, 5.1 percent. 6) Alzheimer’s, 3.6 percent. 7) diabetes mellitus, 2.9 percent. 8) flu and pneumonia, 2.1 percent. 9) nephritis,

1.8 percent, 10) suicide, 1.6 percent. The age-adjusted death rate of 725 deaths per 100,000 people is an alltime low.

Most Expensive Inpatient Conditions in 2015

Septicemia, $23.6 billion; osteoarthritis, $16.5 billion; live birth, $13.3 billion; complication from graft, implant or device, $12.4 billion; acute myocardial infarction, $12.1 billion. Three years ago the top five was the same but expenses related to septicemia (bacterial blood infection) was $3 billion less.

ACA Exchange Enrollment

As of March 31 about 11.1 million people purchased healthcare insurance on the exchange. 12.7 million people enrolled but 1.6 million lost coverage for failure to pay their premium. The 11.1 million is about 1 million more than the same time last year. The public exchanges remain an unpredictable and volatile market for some carriers. National insurers United and Humana are planning to pull out of the individual markets next year.

Inpatient OOP Costs Up

A study published in the Journal of American Medical Assn Internal Medicine magazine found that despite the reasonable annual increase in healthcare spending of 2.9 percent between 2009 and 2013, the out of pocket expenses for hospitalized consumers grew more than twice that rate. In order to keep premium costs down, employers have been shifting more of the cost of care to employees through higher deductibles and

coinsurance. In the past, most of the out-of-pocket expenses were for non-inpatient visits and procedures. Since the vast majority of consumers will not be hospitalized in any given year, most probably overlook hospital benefits and coverages when considering a plan.

Overall Spending Down…But

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the ACA can take some credit for slowing down the annual increase in healthcare spending. The study says we could spend $2.6 TRILLION less this decade (2010-19) than originally projected prior to the passage of the ACA in 2006. Analysts attribute some of the slowdown to the recession that began in 2008. Before the passage of the ACA, trustees of the Medicare hospital fund predicted they would run out of money by next year. The fund is now projected to stretch through 2028. The historic battles between insurance companies and providers must end if there are to be meaningful decreases in costs and increases in value or outcome. More than just collaboration, there must be aligned incentives among insurers, hospitals, physicians and drug manufacturers.

Data Breaches Costly

The average data breach costs an organization an average of almost $4 million per incident per a study sponsored by IBM. The cost of a hospital breach is about $355 per record up $100 from 2013. The study found that slow responses to a breach resulted in much more damage to an organization.

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Advanced Practice Clinicians

The debate about increasing the scope of practice for nurse practitioners and physician assistants continues. Advocates for increasing their scope of practice point to advanced technology, low malpractice experience and the projected physician shortage. Those opposed believe increasing the scope of practice will result in more mistakes, more unnecessary care (tests) and poorer quality of care. The scope of practice varies by state. Many states — like New York — still require a formal relationship with a physician while other states allow them to practice relatively independently. The scope of practice debate often gets political. While the AMA tends to be against expanding the scope of practice, virtually none of my hospital or physician clients that employ advanced practitioners are opposed to expanding their roles. According to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, advanced practitioners were no more likely to order unnecessary care (lab, X-ray, drugs) than physicians.

George W. Chapman is a healthcare consultant who works with hospitals and medical groups. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@ gwchapmanconsulting.com.

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Work Buddies Can colleagues serve as good friends too? By Barbara Pierce

eople who have a best friend at work are seven times happier in their jobs, and it doesn’t have to be a best friend. People who have a good friend in the workplace are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. “I like my job a lot. The best thing about it is the people I work with,” said 28-year-old Bob Dellavalle, a counselor in Orange, Calif. “We all get along really well. Some of us play tennis after work, have lunch together most days, and even party on weekends. They’re a great group and it makes for a great working environment.” Nearly half of all employees agree with him and say their co-workers are the top reason they love their job. “Having good relationships with your co-workers is certainly important,” said Deanna Brady, board-certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner and owner of Present Tense Psychiatry in Clinton. Not only do co-workers have a big effect on overall job satisfaction, they also improve productivity and relieve stress. Employees with good work relationships are better focused, more productive, and better manage work stress, Brady notes. If you don’t have good relationships with your co-workers, you will have decreased self-esteem, said Brady. This can cause depression and anxiety. People who don’t have good relationships at work usually have decreased productivity, she added. They may not be good at problem solving and handling challenges that arise and are not as creative. “If you have good relationships at work, it makes it all so much easier,” said Brady. “You’re less stressed;

you have better self esteem; you’re more productive.” Also, good relationships with co-workers are often necessary if you hope to develop your career. After all, if your boss doesn’t like you and trust you, it’s unlikely that he or she will consider you when a new position opens up.

Build better relationships

“Communication is the key to making good relationships at work,” advised Brady. Devote a portion of your day toward relationship building, even if it’s just 20 minutes, broken up into five-minute segments. Make time to talk with others around the coffee pot or water cooler. Pop into someone’s work area during lunch, reply to people’s postings on social media, or ask a co-worker to join you for coffee. These little interactions help build the foundation of a good relationship, especially if they’re face-toface. For people to connect, it’s not enough to just talk shop. You need to share details about yourself. As the relationship grows, you need to disclose more personal details about your life to really connect. Share problems not only from work, but also from home and your personal life. The more people talk about nonwork topics, the more likely they are to be friends. Don’t rush the process; self-disclosure is not something to rush into. Start small and gradually share more about yourself, as the other person shares more about themselves. Move slowly into divulging more emotionally sensitive information. Keep it generally positive. Offset any whining, sharing of hard things, and work stress with positive conversations. Instead of complaining about your boss, talk about your plans for

your daughter’s birthday party this weekend, or the weird movie you just saw. Positivity is attractive and contagious, and it will help strengthen your relationships with your colleagues. No one wants to be around someone who’s negative all the time. Lunches, coffee breaks, sports teams and happy hours are so important as they help people connect. Take advantage of these times to build your relationships with others. Be inclusive in these activities. Don’t be exclusive; include everyone. It’s important to find things to appreciate about others and let them know. Everyone, from your boss to the officer cleaner, wants to feel that his or her work is noticed and appreciated. Notice and give a genuine compliment to people around you when they do something well, as simple as commenting on how well they did in a meeting or what a great

job they did in handling a difficult customer. “Part of communication is listening,” Brady reminds us. “We tend to think that good communication means expressing our self clearly and getting our point across. But is also good listening.” Focus on listening more than you talk, and you’ll quickly become well liked and known as someone who can be trusted. At Present Tense Psychiatry, Brady offers psychotherapy, brief and long-term, as well as medication management to individuals, couples, families, and children. She specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders and childhood disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and disruptive behaviors. For more information, see her website www.presenttensepsychiatry. com or call (315) 853-2125.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2016

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High blood pressure can strike kids Increasing numbers of children with high blood pressure a concern By Barbara Pierce

ne child in every six has increased blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teens, young children, even babies, can have high blood pressure. It’s not just something for the elderly to be concerned about. “High blood pressure in children is becoming much, much more prevalent,” said Jonathan Henderson of Utica Pediatrics in New Hartford. Henderson is president-elect of the American Heart Association/America Stroke Association advisory board. “The number of children with high blood pressure is growing rapidly. High blood pressure is very serious if not treated,” Henderson said. Untreated high blood pressure can cause kidney disease, heart disease, eye disease, and other serious health problems over time. The longer the high blood pressure goes uncontrolled, the more harm it can cause. High blood pressure in children can lead to heart and kidney disease. As with adults, early diagnosis and treatment can reduce or prevent the harmful consequences of this disease. If a child has high blood pressure, there are no symptoms. It is deduced during routine exams. When it comes to blood pressure in children, “normal” is relative. It depends on sex, age and height. Your

child’s doctor can tell you what’s right for your child, because “normal” is a complicated calculation based on these factors. “In children age three and older, I routinely check their blood pressure in their yearly visits, and I check it on sick visits,” said Henderson. “For example, in his yearly visit, a 10-year-old boy had elevated blood pressure. I didn’t know if it was because of his obesity, or because he was scared that we’re going to give him a shot. “I followed up and re-checked him. His blood pressure was still high. I looked into why it was high by doing blood work and urinalysis. The boy did have problems with his kidneys, which is very serious and did need to be treated, sooner rather than later. He’s doing well now.” Obesity is the largest contributing factor to high blood pressure in children, explained Henderson. Obesity in children has serious, longterm consequences. Obese children will become obese adults — at high risk for strokes, heart failure, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and a host of other diseases.

Lifestyle changes necessary

“Treatment of high blood pressure in kids begins with lifestyle changes,” Henderson said. “Diet changes, more physical activity, and weight loss. Some children also may need to take blood pressure medicines.”

The AHA recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day for kids. “I constantly talk about weight to my kids,” Henderson said. “I try to explain that things you do now with your body will protect you as you grow. Most obese kids have family members who are obese. “When a family works on being physically active together, and watching what they eat as family, it is much more successful. Those kids are more likely to lose weight.” In addition to obesity, certain diseases can cause high blood pressure in children as well as adults. As with all types of hypertension, once the underlying problem is fixed, blood pressure usually returns to normal. Also, some medications can cause high blood pressure in children. Race is also a contributing factor. African-American children are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure. More than 90 percent of schoolaged children eat more sodium than recommended, according to the CDC, which puts them at risk for developing high blood pressure. Most of the sodium comes from pizza, bread and rolls, cold cuts, cheese, chicken pat-

August 2016 •

ties/nuggets/tenders, pasta dishes, Mexican dishes, and soups. Children and teens should also be taught the dangers of tobacco use and should be protected from secondhand smoke. While cigarettes aren’t directly related to high blood pressure, they do cause a number of health risks. Parents should set a good example by not smoking and educating their children about the hazards. If an appropriate diet and regular physical activity don’t bring your child’s high blood pressure under control, your health care professional may also prescribe medication. “I encourage a yearly health visit for the children I see,” Henderson said. “We check their blood pressure then and also when they come in for sick visits.” For families who do not have insurance or a regular pediatrician, the Utica City School District provides school-based health care with blood pressure checks. If your child is seen in an urgent care center or emergency room, make sure he or she gets a blood pressure test. Dr. Jonathan Henderson, Utica Pediatrics in New Hartford, can be reached at (315) 732-7909.

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H ealth News New mammogram text line set Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica) says a new text line has started which provides information for New Yorkers who want information on where to get a breast cancer screening. The text line is one part of legislation Brindisi sponsored which was recently signed into law designed to improve the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. “New York residents may now text ‘GET SCREENED’ to the number 81336 to find the closest locations where they can get screened for breast cancer. This new law also requires extended hours for all health care facilities providing certified mammography screening services. “It also will improve insurance coverage for these very important health care services,” Brindisi said. The bill was signed into law recently by Governor Andrew Cuomo and became effective immediately. Brindisi joined Cuomo at the Utica Memorial Auditorium recently as part of his “Get Screened, No Excuses” campaign to encourage people to get screened for breast cancer.

Kelberman Center moves to new location The Kelberman Center has relocated its administrative and clinical offices to 2608 Genesee St., Utica. The center’s new office is located on the first floor of the recently renovated offices of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. The phone number for the Kelberman Center — 315-797-6241 — has not changed. The Promise Program remains at its current location at 1601 Armory Drive on the campus of Upstate Cerebral Palsy. The Promise Program is a full-day preschool for children with autism. The Kelberman Center provides services and supports to children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and related learning challenges. To learn more about the services provided by the Kelberman Center, visit www.kelbermancenter.org.

LFH employee earns her BSN Little Falls Hospital employee Loretta Mosher recently graduated from Utica College with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Mosher is assistant director of quality resources and a registered and certified emergency nurse. Mosher earned her associate’s Mosher degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth’s College of Nursing. Page 16

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Continuing with her studies, Mosher is sitting for the certified professional in healthcare quality designation this fall and will be starting her master’s degree studies in January. Mosher lives in Dolgeville with her husband, Brett, and her two sons, Brett, 10, and Bryce, 8.

LFH provides fall prevention assessments Little Falls Hospital, an affiliate of the Bassett Healthcare Network, is offering free fall prevention assessments. Falls and fall-related injuries are national and state health priority areas. Each year, millions of older people — those 65 and older — fall. One out of three older people fall each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Because of the significant impact that falls can have on a person’s health, LFH’s Rehabilitation and Wellness Center is offering free fall prevention assessments. For more information about an assessment, contact LFH’s Rehabilitation and Wellness Center at 315-8235360. No primary care provider referral is necessary.

MVHS opens new health care site Pulmonary & Critical Care Associates, LLP is changing its name and location in August as its providers and staff members join the Mohawk Valley Health System medical group as its new pulmonary and critical care group. The new MVHS site is expected to open at 35 Riverside Drive in North Utica, across from the North Utica Community Center, on Aug. 1. Providers include Drs. Komgrit Chukiert, Sushma Kaul and Nalini Namassivaya, along with physician assistants Matthew LaBella and Kelly Beisel. The MVHS Pulmonary and Critical Care Group treats conditions including asthma, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. New patients are being accepted and current patients will transfer to the new practice. For more information, call 315735-2294 or 315-735-2295.

SEMC welcomes 10 new doctors Ten new doctors came to the area recently to begin training at St. Elizabeth Medical Center’s Family Medicine Residency Program. Residency program director Mark E. Warfe said the physicians will train and provide care at the St. Elizabeth campus of Mohawk Valley Health System, the Sister Rose Vincent Family Medicine Center on Hobart Street, the Women’s Health Center and at the Faxton and St.

Luke’s campuses as affiliates of MVHS. The family medicine residency has 30 residents in training, 10 in each year of the three-year program. “The residency program has brought more than 110 primary care physicians to the Central New York state region since its inception in 1975-76,” said Warfel. “Nearly half of the 267 family physicians completing the program have settled in Upstate New York, helping to alleviate a shortage of physicians.” The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and by the American Osteopathic Association, and is affiliated with the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine; Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pa. and SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. The new doctors are: • Sophie Alesna-Sabang — Alesna-Sabang was born in Cebu City, Philippines and graduated from the Cebu Institute of Medicine. She speaks Tagalog and enjoys tennis, cooking, baking, gardening and dancing. • Kyung Auh — Auh was born in Korea. She graduated from the American University of Antigua College of Medicine and is fluent in Korean. • Phillips Cao — Cao was born in Ohio and graduated from the American University of Antigua College of Medicine. He speaks Vietnamese. • Heraa Chaudhry — Chaudhry was born in Brooklyn and graduated from the Medical University of the Americas, Nevis. She speaks Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. She likes to volunteer, travel and read. • Yagnasri Eagala — Eagala was born in Washington, D.C., and graduated from the American University of Antigua College of Medicine. She is fluent in Telugu and likes traveling, hiking, reading, tennis and cooking. • William Lin — Lin was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and graduated from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. He speaks Chinese and likes to cross-country run, swim and is interested in technology and computer science. • Gregory Marra — Marra was born in New Hartford and graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina, Mexico. He speaks Spanish and likes Brazilian jiu jitsu and weight lifting. • Allysa Prashad — Prashad was born in Queens and graduated from the American University of Antigua College of Medicine. She likes Indian dance, swimming and cooking. • Sukhjinder Sandhu — Sandhu was born in India and graduated from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine, Grand Cayman. She speaks Hindi and Punjabi and likes cooking, reading, hiking, running and yoga. • George Wickramanayake — Wickramanayake was born in Sri Lanka and graduated from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine, Grand Cayman. He likes

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2016

basketball, football, hiking, biking and traveling.

MVHS names DSRIP coordinator Lisa Volo has been named DSRIP coordinator for the Mohawk Valley Health System. DSRIP, or the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program, is the main mechanism by which New York state will implement the Medicaid redesign team waiver amendment. Prior to joining MVHS, Volo served as director of behavioral health services at the Regional Primary Care Network and at Volo Human Technologies Corp. (HTC), both in Utica. She also served as a certified quality and compliance specialist at HTC. Volo earned an associate degree in human services from Herkimer County Community College in Herkimer and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from SUNY Institute of Technology in Utica. She is a certified compliance and ethics professional through the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics and is certified as a mental health first aid instructor by the National Council for Behavioral Health. She is pursuing her post-graduate education in marriage and family therapy. DSRIP’s purpose is to restructure the healthcare delivery system by reinvesting in the Medicaid program, with the primary goal of reducing avoidable hospital use by 25 percent over five years. MVHS is one of the participants in DSRIP. In December 2014, a new entity called the Central New York Care Collaborative was created to support the health of people with Medicaid and without insurance living in Cayuga, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego counties. The CNYCC is comprised of more than 400 organizations representing medical, behavioral health, post-acute, long-term care, social service organizations and payers.

MVHS names director of St. Luke’s Home Trudy Venette has been named executive director of St. Luke’s Home for the Mohawk Valley Health System.

Prior to joining MVHS, Venette began as a nursing assistant, working her way up to administrator and chief executive officer at long-term care corporations. She has nursing home administrator licenses in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Florida, Hawaii, Colorado and Texas. Most

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H ealth News Continued from Page 16 recently, she served as executive director of Sonterra Health Center in San Antonio, Texas. Venette has experience in management, financial management, marketing and sales, as well as human resources/ employee relations. She has been interviewed and quoted in numerous publications, Venette including the San Antonio Business Journal, and was on the cover of NSIDE MD magazine. Venette earned her Bachelor of Science degree in administration/ health services administration from Russell Sage College in Troy, and her Master of Science degree in public administration/management from Sage Graduate School in Troy. She was also the winner of the 2013 SUNY Distinguished Alumni Award at Fulton-Montgomery Community College in Johnstown.

St. E’s Health Support Services changes name St. Elizabeth Health Support Services, a Franciscan Companies affiliate of St. Elizabeth Medical Center, has changed its name to Mohawk Valley Health Support Services, Inc. “Our medical equipment and respiratory care services support the needs of patients across our communities,” said Ryan Thompson, MVHSS executive director. “This name change reinforces our commitment to providing quality services to all MVHS member organizations, not only SEMC.” MVHSS, located at 3899 Oneida St., New Hartford, has served the Mohawk Valley region for nearly 20 years. It offers an array of medical equipment for the home including oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure equipment, nebulizers, power chairs and scooters, wheelchairs and walkers, bathroom safety devices, hospital beds and orthopedic items. “Our products and services allow patients to remain in the homes they love,” Thompson said. MVHSS can be reached at 315737-0310.

MVHS names urgent care physician Juleen Qandah has joined the Mohawk Valley Health System Faxton Urgent Care and has privileges at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare. Prior to joining the MVHS Medical Group, Qandah was affiliated with Emergency Medical Associates at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany as an emergency medicine physician. She held the same role at the Carilion Clinic at Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Franklin Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Va., and with California Emergency Physicians

at Swedish Edmonds Hospital in Edmonds, Wash. She taught as an assistant professor in emergency medicine at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, the University of Virginia and the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, all in Roanoke. Qandah Qandah earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Midwestern University, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Ariz., and her Bachelor of Science degree in biology, magna cum laude, from Siena College in Loudonville. She completed a residency in emergency medicine at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center of San Bernardino County in Colton, Calif. and a traditional rotating internship at Providence Hospital of St. John Health System in Southfield, Mich. She is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine, the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians and the American Osteopathic Association.

MVHS names dialysis center nurse manager Cindy Christian has been named nurse manager of the Dialysis Center at Mohawk Valley Health System. In this position, Christian maintains nursing operations to include both clinical and administrative responsibilities for all dialysis units and she serves as coordinator of the chronic kidney disease program. Christian has Christian been an employee at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare since 1999, serving as a dialysis nurse in various roles. She earned her associate degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica and her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Keuka College in Keuka Park. She is certified as a dialysis nurse.

MVHS employee receives prevention certification A Mohawk Valley Health System employee, Tara Millson, recently received her certification in infection prevention from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology. Certification represents the commitment of an infection preventionist and an institution to the continued improvement of infection prevention and control functions as well as their contribution to healthcare and

patient safety. Millson began working at Faxton Hospital in June 2003 and moved to St. Luke’s Campus in 2004. She began working in infection prevention in 2014. She received her associate degree in applied science from Mohawk Valley Community College in 2003, a Bachelor of Science degree in nursMillson ing from Western Governors University in 2013, and a Master of Science degree in nursing from Western Governors University in 2015. Millson is pursuing a doctorate of nursing practice in infection prevention from Loyola University Chicago with an anticipated graduation date of July 2018.

UCP names chief psychologist Erik Jacobson has been promoted to chief psychologist at Upstate Cerebral Palsy. He has worked in various capacities with UCP for the past 10 years. In his role, Jacobson provides clinical oversight of the UCP New York State Center of Excellence Project, an Office for People with Developmental Jacobson Disabilities-funded collaborative project focusing on establishing best practices within children’s residential programs. In addition to being a licensed psychologist, he is also a certified school psychologist and provides evaluations, training, supervision and consultation throughout UCP and its affiliates. Jacobson received his doctorate in clinical-community psychology from the University of South Carolina. Over the past 15 years, he has provided a range of assessment, diagnostic and treatment services to children, adolescents and adults with varying degrees of developmental and psychiatric disabilities through outpatient, residential and school settings.

VHS employee receives certification A Mohawk Valley Health System employee, Korinn Chaffee, recently received her certification in breast patient navigation from the National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc. Certification validates a medical professional’s knowledge and skills in navigating a breast patient through his or her breast cancer care continuum. Chaffee began working at Faxton

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St. Luke’s Healthcare in 2004, serving as a registered nurse on the inpatient medical oncology unit and the outpatient infusion unit. She was named navigator for the breast care program at MVHS in 2015. Chaffee earned her associate’s degree Chaffee in business from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, her associate’s degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica, and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Keuka College in Keuka Park. She is certified in oncology, chemotherapy and biotherapy.

Awards banquet recognizes EMS providers Midstate EMS recently hosted its annual awards banquet at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro. The banquet recognized all emergency medical services providers from Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties in celebration of National EMS Week. Specific agencies and providers were also recognized for extraordinary performances. • Basic lifesaving provider of the year — EMT Stephen Stinger, Camden/AmCare • Advanced Lifesaving provider of the year — Paramedic Bill DeKing, Bridgewater • Physician of excellence — Robert Wasisko, Mohawk Valley Health System • Harriet Weber leadership award — Paramedic Dan Broedel, Midstate EMS/WAVAC and Paramedic Russ Petrie, Oriskany Falls Ambulance • EMS agency of the year — Sylvan Beach • EMS communicator specialist — Herkimer/Madison, 911 Centers • Registered nurse of excellence — Marianne Baker, MVHS/Yorkville Fire • EMS educator of excellence — Paramedic Adam Shaver, Central Oneida Co./MVHS • Youth provider of the year — Jourdan Howard, Westernville • Deb Hart award — Critical Care Norm Wallis Sr., Camden • Trauma award — Oriskany Falls Ambulance The Regional Emergency Medical Services Council and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare EMS Education Center sponsored the evening.

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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. Continued from Page 2 • Aug. 25 — 6:15 p.m.: Folts presents a free informational dinner on long-term care planning by Pierro & DiGiorgio LLC. Registration is required. Contact director of admissions Barbara McGregor at 315-8666964 ext. 317 to register. • Sept. 20 — 1 p.m.: Folts will present a free lunch and learn on smile therapy. Registration is required. Contact McGregor at 315-8666964 ext. 317 to register.

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. 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 Page 18

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loved one’s relationship with alcohol, opiates/heroin, or other substances. For more information about the group, call 724-5168, ext. 265, from 8:30-4 p.m. weekdays. All calls are strictly confidential.

Wednesdays/Thursdays

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

Aug. 4

Parents bond to battle addiction A support group — Parents of Addicted Loved Ones — will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of every month at the Canajoharie Fire House, 75 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie. The support group is for parents with a son or daughter who is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. The next meeting is Aug. 4. According to recent research cited by the National Institute for Drug Abuse, opioid and heroin overdose deaths now exceed annual deaths from car crashes. PAL is incorporated as a non-profit organization and is run by a volunteer board of parents. For more information on the organization, visit www.palgroup.org or call PAL at 480-300-4712.

Aug. 6

The Color Vibe comes to Utica The Color Vibe, a vibrantly colorful 5K fun run company, is hosting the Utica Color Vibe 5K at 9 a.m. Aug. 6 at F.T. Proctor Park in Utica. Throughout the course, participants run, walk, or dance their way through color stations where they are splashed with vibrantly colored powder. White shirts and crazy costumes quickly turn into canvases of color. As The Color Vibe website states, “You are the canvas, and when you’re finished with this 5K run you’ll be an exciting and vivid masterpiece.” At the end of the run, everyone is invited to attend a dance party

hosted by a professional sound crew and DJ. Children 12 and under can participate for free. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity. “We are excited to be able to work with such great organizations,” Sorensen says. The Color Vibe uses its unique, cornstarch-based colored powder to tie-dye participants. Made in the United States with an advanced manufacturing process, the food-grade quality cornstarch is 100 percent non-toxic and biodegradable. It washes out easily from skin, hair, and clothes. The Color Vibe offers special discounts to businesses looking to tap into its health and wellness plans. For more information on the Color Vibe event, registration, and wellness programs, go to the company’s website at www.thecolorvibe. com or send an email to support@ thecolorvibe.com.

Aug. 8

Support forum for patients, cancer survivors The Mohawk Valley Health System’s Cancer Center’s monthly support forum for patients and cancer survivors will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 8. The cancer support forum meets at 6 p.m. the second Monday of every month in the Cancer Center’s fireplace lounge on the main floor of Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica. The forum, led by the Cancer Center’s social worker, offers support to anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to RSVP, call 315-624-5241.

Aug. 9

MVHS to host blood drive Mohawk Valley Health System will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 9 in Allen-Calder Conference Rooms 3, 4 and 5 at the St. Luke’s Campus, 1656 Champlin Ave., Utica. Donors are asked to enter through Allen-Calder Entrance 7 at the back of the campus. All donors will be entered into a drawing for a trip to Knotts Berry Farm or Cedar Fair Amusement Parks. For more information or to make an appointment, call 315-624-8259. You can also register online prior to the event at www.redcrossblood. org, or the day of the event at www. redcrossblood.org/rapidpass.

Aug. 10

Baby Care Basics helps 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. Aug. 10 at Rome Memorial Hospital’s classroom. Sandy Graichen, a maternity nurse at the hospital with many years of experience in labor and delivery, will teach the free educational program.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2016

will be taught by She has experience teaching childbirth classes, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and has children of her own. No advance registration is required. Refreshments will be served. Participants are asked to meet the instructor in the hospital lobby, North James Street entrance. For more information, call 3387143.

Aug. 12

HCHN to feature family fun day Herkimer County HealthNet will hold its annual family fun day from 10 to noon Aug. 12 at Myers Park in Herkimer. There will be a variety of activities such as live music, face painting, a bounce house, door prizes, and more. HCHN is inviting local organizations and businesses to participate in family fun day through an informational booth at the event. The booths will allow visitors to get a closer look at the different community services available in the area. “The event will be an opportunity to promote your organization and to encourage physical activity and healthy eating for our community,” said Herkimer County HealthNet Program Coordinator Elyse Enea. “Our goal is to promote healthy activities and encourage healthy snack choices.” For more information, call HCHN at 315-867-1552 or email eenea@herkimercounty.org.

Aug. 17

Hospital to host breastfeeding class Rome Memorial Hospital is hosting a free breastfeeding class at 7 p.m. August 17 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. She has many years of experience helping new moms learn how to breastfeed. The class will also feature a breastfeeding video, a display of breastfeeding products, several information sheets to help reinforce the material presented, and a list of people to turn to for support. No pre-registration is required. Refreshments will be served. Participants are asked to meet the instructor in the hospital lobby off the North James Street entrance. For more information, call 3387143.

Aug. 24

Diabetes prevention program offered The Mohawk Valley Health System’s Central New York Diabetes Education Program is offering the National Diabetes Prevention Program that focuses on treating pre-diabetes to prevent Type 2 diabetes. Registration is open for the program that begins at 6 p.m. Aug. 24. For more information or to register, contact CNY Diabetes at 315-6245620 or mjenning@mvhealthsystem. org.

Rome Memorial names two new leaders

ennifer Bartlett has been named vice president-chief quality officer and Rosemel Atkinson has been named vice president of physician practices at Rome Memorial Hospital, announced president-chief executive officer David Lundquist. Bartlett has more than 20 years of experience in quality, compliance and leadership development. Bartlett, formerly the corporate compliance officer, has been employed with the hospital since September 2014. She earned a bachelor’s degree Barlett in psychology with a minor in sociology from Siena College, Loudonville, and is also a graduate of the Creating Dynamic Leadership program of Syracuse University and Leadership Mohawk Valley. Bartlett previously worked as director of quality and compliance for the Resource Center for Independent Living, Utica, and as director of operations, human resources, director of quality development and support and director of residential services for Upstate Cerebral Palsy, Utica. Atkinson has served as practice

administrator for Rome Medical Group, the city’s largest primary care physician office, for over 20 years. Additionally, she oversees Camden Family Care, Boonville Family Care and Rome’s Delta Medical primary care offices. In her new role, she will take on the additional responsibilities of overseeing the hospital’s specialty physician services: Rome Medical Practice, which includes Rome Surgical Specialists, Rome Orthopedics and Sports Medicine; All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology; departments of urology and neurology at SUNY Upstate Medical University, and Rome Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. Atkinson graduated from the Saint Elizabeth’s School of Radiography and Atkinson still maintains her license as a radiologic technologist. After spending many years on the clinical side of health care working with doctors, Atkinson was offered the opportunity to become the practice administrator at Rome Medical Group in 1996.

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tal,” he said. He was surprised when they found 99 percent blockage in his left anterior descending artery. “As they were putting the stent in, I had a heart attack on the operating table.” Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the world, with more than 17.5 million deaths a year. Stasaitis, 63, recognized the symptoms, but was reluctant to consider the dangers he faced, even though he was well aware of his family history. “I have bad genes,” he said. “My father had a triple bypass operation when he was 57. He died at 65 from a massive coronary and that was 30 years ago. They didn’t have the tests they do today.” Technology, prevention and awareness have combined to reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease. Still, an individual needs to take initiative for those factors to be effective. “You can have the tests, but the only way you can really find out if you have serious heart disease is by going through a catheterization,” he said. Looking on the bright side of the scary experience, Stasaitis said he lost 25 pounds after his surgery. It forced him to pay closer attention to his diet, too. During his rehab, he was unable to participate in America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk, although he stayed active by walking. But he did lace up his sneakers and run the Boilermaker 5K in advance with the race committee. “I’m extremely happy to be back,” he said.

Boilermaker race director doesn’t miss beat shortness of breath and pain in his jaw. He chalked it up to exertion. “I know a lot about heart attack symptoms,” Stasaitis said, a veteran runner who has spent years behind the scenes organizing the American Heart Association’s Heart Run and the Boilermaker. He decided this was serious, so he went to the hospital. “I passed a kidney stone,” he said, laughing. Feeling better, he and his wife, Jan, embarked on their vacation the next day. “A lot of guys are Stasaitis macho and ignore the symptoms,” he said. “And I just wanted to relax by the pool in Florida.” However, the pain persisted and he was short of breath as he walked to breakfast the following morning. “By then I knew something was off,” he said. He called his cardiologist and decided to return home that evening and schedule a checkup. He got an appointment at Mohawk Valley Heart Institute. He also consulted with his niece, Tara White, who works in the catheterization unit at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. “The tests showed I was OK, but they decided to keep me in the hospi-

Health in good

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Distinctive Maternity Care. At Crouse. A

s the region’s premier provider of maternity care, Crouse is proud to be designated as one of the first hospitals in the nation to receive Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care designation.

We thank our entire Kienzle Family Maternity Center team for this special recognition. We’re proud of the highly trained, experienced clinical staff and physicians who care for our mothers and their newborns — over 4,000 last year alone.

See why more babies are born here than at any other hospital in Central New York. Visit crouse.org/babies

CROUSE

Kienzle Family Maternity Center

Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for facilities located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each facility’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Facilities in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.

Boiling it down

Utica Boilermaker featured medical tent, competitive wheelchair racers By Patricia J. Malin

h, my aching back! Perhaps you expressed that complaint after running the 9.3-mile Boilermaker Road Race in Utica? Or maybe your knees or neck were throbbing? Who do you call? It was well before noon on Sunday, July 10 and unless you were in severe pain or injured, you couldn’t call your primary care physician at that time of day. The Boilermaker provided a medical tent for serious cases, of course, but the medical staff reported only light foot traffic (just 80 runners, about half the average) on the un-Boilermaker-like cool, overcast, partly sunny day. If you experienced only a slight pain in some part of your anatomy and didn’t want to pass up the postrace party at the Matt Brewery, you might have found yourself among the walking wounded participants who checked out the New York Chiropractic College tent. NYCC brought a busload of chiropractic students from its campus in Seneca Falls, departing at 3 a.m. to set up for the Boilermaker by 5:30 a.m. and prepare to give the runners some well-deserved TLC after the grueling race. The 5K, which started at 7:15 a.m., was completed within an hour, while the 15K lasted from 8 a.m. until approximately 10:30 a.m. There were more than 15,000 finishers. “We’ve been coming to the Boilermaker for three years now,” said Wendy Maneri, associate dean of chiropractic education and one of two supervising physicians at the NYCC tent. “We do it as a community service. It’s a lot of hours, but they love it. They get a lot of experience. They get credits, and it’s more opportunity for practice.” Fifteen students volunteered and kept busy. By noon, when the party ended, the students had treated 200 people. These were students with a Page 20

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minimum two years’ education and some of them happen to be runners and athletes themselves. NYCC provides an intensive, three years and four months doctor of chiropractic program. The thirdyear students will graduate in November and can practice as licensed chiropractors. All walk-ins filled out an evaluation form and consented to an exam. The “patients” were asked if they had pain, its location and degree of intensity. Then they were given skillful massages in that region. “We do soft tissue work on the muscles,” said Maneri. “We adjust them.” The manipulation might include aligning the bones and stretching the muscles, and each person’s treatment differed from another’s. But if any runners showed up with an injury, the chiropractic students couldn’t treat them. “We might find something that needs further examination. Because we’re not in this area, they need a follow-up, an MRI or an X-ray and that’s beyond our scope,” she added. “But we can make recommendations.”

Wheelchair division remains competitive

Hermin Garic is used to top-five finishes in some of the best wheelchair races in the nation, but now he’s focused on cracking the top three or winning a major event soon. A Bosnian native who makes his home in Utica, he finished sixth overall in the 15K race. The door to the winner’s circle was left ajar this year when the top two finishers from 2015 decided not to return. This year’s winner was a surprise — 17-yearold Daniel Romanchuk of Urbana, Ill., in 35 minutes and 49 seconds. He was the youngest in the field of 32 competitors and this was his first attempt. “There would have been a new champion regardless,” said Garic, 26,

Wheelchair competitors Hermin Garic, left, and Jimmy ‘Jam’ Joseph enjoyed the festivities at the Boilermaker in Utica. whose time was 39:09. A light shower that occurred toward the middle of the event affected the racers. “The humidity and wet conditions slowed us down,” he said. “We had to be more careful. But this was one of the coolest years I’ve raced.” He wasn’t completely disappointed by his performance, but he is expecting better results now that he has hired a coach, Santiago Sanz, whose mission is to get his pupil more physically and mentally prepared. “I let my coach handle my workouts and strategies,” said Garic, who has been competing the last 12 years ever since his family relocated to Utica from war-torn Bosnia. When he was four years old, he suffered a severe spinal cord injury in an explosion. Can a coach make a difference? Garic is optimistic. “It’s a more serious approach than being on my own,” he noted. Sanz, 35, of Snellville, Ga., knows the sport. He was 11th overall in the Boilermaker, but beat out four others for the quadriplegic title in 42:58. “I’m a paraplegic, which means I can’t use my legs,” Garic explained. “Sanz is a quadriplegic. He can’t use his arms or legs.” Garic, a member of the Sitrin STARS (Success Through Adaptive Recreation and Sports), already has five races under his wheels this year, including the famous Peachtree Run in Atlanta, Ga., that precedes the Boilermaker. He is a two-time winner

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2016

of the push rim division of the Miami Marathon. Meanwhile, the crowd favorite, Jimmy “Jam” Joseph of New Hartford, finished 21st overall in 1:09. Joseph, 53, was seated next to Garic in the finisher’s tent. He was smiling as if his race was effortless. “I always enjoy it,” he commented. Garic praised Romanchuk, the young winner, as “an outstanding racer. He’s breaking records in his age group. He’s very competitive, and I think he qualified for the paralympics in Rio in three events, the 800 meters, 1,500 and 5,000. He’s having a hell of a year.” On the women’s side, Amanda McGrory won the Boilermaker wheelchair race for the third consecutive year and fifth time in six years.

Race director celebrates return

Jim Stasaitis juggles many responsibilities year-round as race director of both the Boilermaker in July and America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk in March. It’s not easy to fit a vacation into his hectic schedule. So he planned a trip to Florida last September. The “vacation” lasted just one day. But it wasn’t the demands of his work that caused him to retreat suddenly. As Stasaitis explained, two days before the trip while mowing his lawn, he felt pain in his chest and numbness in his arm. He shrugged it off. As he was loading luggage the next day, he felt strained again, had

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