Meet Your Doctor
in good November 2016 • Issue 129 MVhealthnews.com
Orthopedic specialist Justin Iorio Page 4
free
Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
Medical Errors
Mistakes can range from not serious to deadly See Page 5
Golden Years Special Edition Hydrate through foods Page 13
Hot off the Press! Walk this way! Keep in stride with good health by walking. Page 11
Master the aging process See Page 6
Nut Butter
November is National Peanut Butter Lovers’ Month! It’s time to celebrate this plant-based protein powerhouse!
When Will Flu Peak This Season?
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In Good Health columnist Barbara Pierce recently published a new book. Page 9
Election mania More than half of Americans report stress as Clinton, Trump battle for the White House
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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CALENDAR of
Present Tense Psychiatry
HEALTH EVENTS
Dr. Brady, DNP, NPP-BC Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
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Got a health-related activity or event that you would like publicized? Call Lou Sorendo at 315-749-7070 or email lou@cnymail.com. Mondays
Support group for OCD sufferers The Central New York Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, Inc., a registered nonprofit agency, has offered OCD sufferers in the region a weekly support group since 1997. Brian’s OCD Support Group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. every Monday except holidays in the Sister Regina Conference Room, first floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, 2209 Genesee St., Utica. Meetings are professionally assisted the third Monday of each month. For more information, call founder Susan Connell at 315-768-7031, email her at info@cnyocf.org, visit www.cnyocf.org or check out Cen NY OCD Support Group on Facebook. A speakers’ bureau is available at no cost.
Women’s support group to get together
What if you could choose?
5 Days or 45 Days
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 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
hoacny.com
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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.,
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2016
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.
Nov. 1
MVHS Wellness Center classes to begin The Mohawk Valley Health System Wellness Center is beginning a new session of specialty classes. Classes run in eight-week sessions and begin Nov. 1. Space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must register and pay for the entire eight-week session of a class. Visit www.faxtonstlukes.com/ wellness-classes for more information on each class. Call 315-624-5484 or email wellness@mvhealthsystem. org to register for classes or to purchase a membership.
Nov. 2
Seminar set on orthopedic essentials A five-hour seminar on orthopedic care in primary and emergency settings is planned from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 5 in the Soggs Conference Room in the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services on the St. Luke’s Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System. All presenters are physicians of the MVHS orthopedic group. Breakout sessions on shoulder and knee physical exams and basic splinting will complete the four hours of course work. Continental breakfast and mid-morning snacks are included. The seminar is intended for primary care and emergency medicine physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and physical therapists that seek to learn more about diagnosis, workup and management of common orthopedic issues. There is no charge for MVHS employees. Cost for non-employees is $15 each. Registration is required by Nov. 2 either online at http:// mvhealthsystem.org/orthopedic-essentials or by calling 315-624-5462. This activity has been submitted to Northeast Multi-State Division for approval to award contact hours. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation accredits NE-MSD as an approver of continuing nursing education. Continued on Page 19
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‘Doc, this election’s killing me!’ More than half of Americans report stress as Clinton, Trump battle for the White House
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s Donald and Hillary duke it out on the campaign trail, Americans are feeling pummeled, too, a new poll finds. The 24/7 coverage of the acrimonious U.S. presidential election has caused stress for more than half of American adults, regardless of party affiliation, according to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA). “We’re seeing that it doesn’t matter whether you’re registered as a Democrat or Republican — U.S. adults say they are experiencing significant stress from the current election,” said Lynn Bufka, APA’s associate executive director for practice research and policy. “Election stress becomes exacerbated by arguments, stories, images and video on social media that can heighten concern and frustration, particularly with thousands of comments that can range from factual to hostile or even inflammatory,” she added in an association news release. Overall, 52 percent of Americans
Oneida, Herkimer in good
and
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aged 18 and older said the election is a somewhat or very significant source of stress. That included 55 percent who align with Democrats and 59 percent with Republicans. The survey also found that 38 percent of respondents said political and cultural discussions on social media causes them stress. More than half who use social media said the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress, compared with 45 percent of those who don’t use social media. Men and women were equally likely to feel stressed by the Trump-Clinton battle, but there were differences between generations. Only 45 percent of Generation Xers — those born from 1965 to 1980 — reported election stress, while nearly six out of 10 “matures” did so, according to the online survey conducted in August. Matures were born pre-1946. In addition, 56 percent of millennials and half of baby boomers said the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress.
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Short term in-patient or outpatient physical or occupational therapy Adult Day Services Respite Care Hospice Care Long-Term Care or Adult Care Living at Claxton for those who only need a small amount of assistance.
We are the people you can TRUST. Contact: Barbara McGregor Admissions/Marketing Director 104 N.Washington Street, Herkimer NY 13350 at 315-866-6964 ext. 317
Community Information Seminar:
Bariatric Surgery November 9 • 6 p.m. Presented by
January Hill, MD Utica Business Park 125 Business Park Drive, Suite 150, Utica, NY The offices of William A. Graber, MD, PC
To register call 315-235-2540 or toll free 877-269-0355
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.
Have a story idea for In Good Health newspaper? Call 749-7070
November 2016 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Steep rise in price of older cancer drugs High cost might have some patients skipping meds
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any older cancer drugs took a bigger bite out of Medicare and older Americans’ wallets last year than five years earlier, a new analysis finds. After adjusting for inflation, nearly two-thirds of 86 cancer medicines in the study had price increases between 2010 and 2015, researchers reported. Eleven drugs more than doubled in price, and older drugs increased more than newer drugs, the study found. The study included oral and intravenous chemotherapy drugs covered by Medicare Part B. Medicare is the federal health insurance plan for people 65 or older. “Higher costs lead to higher copays,” said study co-author, physician Sham Mailankody. He’s a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. “And empiric research suggests higher copays lead to treatment delays or discontinuation,” he added. Patients with Medicare Part B coverage are responsible for up to 20 percent of the cost of these medicines. Stacie Dusetzina, assistant professor of pharmacy and public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, finds the price increases concerning. “Patients who don’t have a supplemental health insurance plan to help them with out-ofpocket costs will pay more as the price goes up,” she said. About 19 percent of Medicare enrollees lack that coverage, noted Dusetzina, who was not involved with the study. When researchers split cancer drugs into two groups by their date of approval, older medicines jumped nearly 23 percent in price. That compared with a 6 percent bump for newer treatments. “Raising the price of older drugs seems particularly objectionable when one considers that the outlay for research and development occurred long ago, and has almost certainly already been recouped,” the study authors wrote. The findings were published online Oct. 6 in JAMA Oncology. Public scrutiny of older drug prices has intensified in the wake of recent dramatic price hikes. Former Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli faced price-gouging accusations after bumping the price of Daraprim (pyrimethamine), an HIV and cancer drug, by more than 5,000 percent — from $13.50 to $750 a pill.
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Patricia J. Malin
Dr. Justin Iorio
Justin Iorio recently returned to his hometown to accept a position as an orthopedic surgeon with Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists in North Syracuse and at Crouse Hospital. He recently spoke with In Good Health senior writer Patricia J. Malin about his career. Q.: You spent a number of years attending college and training throughout the Northeast. Why did you decide to return to Syracuse? A.: Over the last several years, I’ve lived in Philadelphia, Boston and New York City. The cities were great experiences, but I wanted to transition to a more suburban area. Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists provides an excellent service to patients, plus my wife — Natalya Iorio — took a position as a gastroenterology fellow at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Just as importantly, we have family and many friends in the area. Q.: Do you have a smaller patient load or less complicated cases now? A.: The patient load is probably about the same because there are far fewer spine surgeons in Upstate New York than in large cities. Regarding case complexity, I have not observed a difference. We still have patients with complicated spinal deformities that we see in our complex spine clinic at Widewaters Parkway. Q.: What prompted you to become a doctor and to specialize in orthopedics? A.: Orthopedics is an exciting field. It’s rapidly evolving with research and innovative technologies. What sparked my interest is how orthopedic procedures can provide a durable improvement in health-related quality of life for all patient populations. Q.: Please describe the specific ailments or disorders you treat. A.: Primarily, nerve-related symptoms felt in the arms or legs that are secondary to problems in the neck and lower back. These include motion-preserving/non-fusion surgery in the cervical spine, less-invasive surgery in the lumbar spine, cervical spine nerve root symptoms, and cervical myelopathy, otherwise known as spinal cord compression. Unfortunately, back pain as a primary complaint cannot be reliably treated with surgery. Q.: What is the most challenging aspect of your job? A.: Our goal at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists is to accommodate all patients within a timely fashion. However, because there is such a demand for spine care in the area, we often have to limit our time with patients spent in the examination room. Q.: What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job? A.: Without a doubt, it’s providing improvements in a patient’s quality of life.
Q.: What are the newest developments in the field of orthopedics? A.: In the field of spine surgery, new techniques, research, and information are surfacing every year. Recently, there has been more emphasis on non-fusion or motion-preserving procedures. This includes less-invasive and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Even for patients that have larger spinal deformities or require larger spinal fusions, we can utilize software mapping of the
spine, which provides the surgeon with the ability to accurately predict post-operative spinal alignment even before the patient’s surgery. Q.: How do you keep up with the latest research and developments in healthcare in general and specifically in orthopedics? A.: I do this in a few ways. I am involved in writing research papers, books, and I am a reviewer for a well-recognized spine journal. It takes about five to 10 extra hours per week. Q.: What challenges do you foresee in the future regarding health care? A.: Changing health plans have affected coverage, deductibles and access for patients. Many patients who would respond well to non-operative management are unable to afford the rising costs of co-pays for such routine care as physical therapy. Q.: What suggestions do you have to improve your specialty in the future? A.: If we continue to research patient outcomes, cost analysis and quality measures then we will be able to provide the highest quality without overspending on medical care.
Lifelines Age: 33 Hometown: Syracuse Residence: Manlius Education: Bachelor’s degree, neuroscience, magna cum laude, Northeastern University, Boston, Mass., 2001-2005; medical degree, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, (2006-2010) Employment: Residency, orthopedic surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. (2010–2015); fellowship spinal surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City (2015-2016) Affiliations: North American Spine Society; OrthoPAC; journal reviewer for Global Spine Journal Family: Wife, Dr. Natalya Iorio Hobbies: Trail running, downhill skiing, traveling in the United States and Europe
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2016
Medical Errors
Just how prevalent are mistakes in the world of medicine? By Matthew Liptak
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octors and health care administrators continue to debate the merit of a recent study from the British Medical Journal that concluded medical errors were the third-leading cause of death in the United States. The study extrapolated data recorded from 1999 to calculate a death rate of 251,454 a year in the United States due to medical errors. Not everybody agrees with the accuracy of those figures. Three local health care quality control officers acknowledge errors are, and have always been, a serious problem. Jennifer Bartlett, vice president and chief quality officer for Rome Memorial Hospital, was blunt about the challenges those in the industry are facing today. “I think t to be perfectly honest Bartlett with you, it’s the perfect storm of everything that happens in health care today —the physician worrying about making sure the patient’s happy; the physicians and nurses being in a hurry because reimbursement rates aren’t where they should be. It’s any hospital you talk to — they’re cut to the bone staffing-wise.” But efforts have been under way for years to curtail medical errors, and at least one local quality officer believes the quarter-million deaths figure the British study offers is probably way off, because the data is relatively old. “That is very controversial,” said Eric Yoss, Mohawk Valley Health System senior vice president and chief quality officer. “Most people looked at the article in the British Medical Journal and said Yoss that’s really tremendously overestimating the impact of medical errors on poor patient outcome. Having said that, I will readily admit to you some of the errors do get to patients and sometimes, but rarely, do those errors injure patients.” Medical errors can range to minor mistakes, like a patient indicating to medical staff small incorrect dosages of medicine they take, to life-threatening surgical errors made by doctors. “Medical errors are any time someone makes a mistake and it’s in medicine,” Yoss said. “They range from really, really minor stuff to stuff that can be life threatening.” Yoss said the health care industry’s attitude toward medical errors began changing at least 15 years ago. That is about six years after the earliest data used by the study was compiled.
“The way we look at medical reporting today is different than the way we did 15 years ago,” he said. “When I was in my 40s, what we would do when a mistake happened and injured a patient, or maybe there was a minor patient injury, is we’d discipline the nurse, or we’d discipline the doctor, or we’d discipline the pharmacist. What that did is it caused people to hide their mistakes, because they didn’t want to get disciplined.” Today, many hospitals take the direct opposite approach, he said. Yoss said they regard errors as treasures that can be learned from. He added hospitals are trying to inspire a culture of transparency where errors are reported and fixed as soon as possible.
Root of the matter
“We do a lot actually,” Bartlett said. “We do root-cause analysis when it calls for it. We look to see if this was an issue that could have been prevented. Was it an issue with our process? Was it a human error? But we also learn from near misses. We do encourage our staff to report near misses. We do our best to create a blameless culture here so that people will report those.” MVHS does root-cause analysis too. Yoss described the systems and procedures associated within a hospital as a “Swiss cheese model of quality.” There are redundancies in efforts to safeguard patients, he said. In order for an error to get through to the patient, all the holes in the pieces of this metaphoric Swiss cheese would have to line up perfectly, he said. “And the system is designed to prevent that,” he noted. If a doctor makes a mistake, the nurse is likely to catch it. If the nurse fails too, the pharmacist may catch a mistake. “The whole concept of quality in medicine to reduce medical errors is to create systems around the patient where you have multiple people checking critical things so that the error doesn’t actually make it to the patient,” Yoss said. Kristin West, Rome’s Memorial Hospital’s risk manager, indicated similar strenuous efforts were being taken at her hospital. “There are multiple checks at multiple layers for everything,” she said. “Whether it’s a simple med pack right on up to a surgical procedure, there are multiple checks with every single thing that occurs with a patient. There are multiple checks.”
be informed, but it’s also important for the patient to be very forthcoming about what’s going on with them so they can be treated very accurately.” Along with being forthcoming about one’s medical history, Yoss emphasized hospitals are not good places for a patient to stay longer than they need to. The longer they are there, the more potential there is for a medical error, infection, or general de-conditioning. When your doctor asks you if you’re ready to leave, say yes if you are able, Yoss said. Another challenge those in health care have is that, although electronic medical records appear to be an improvement over paper, the computer systems are often different and don’t adapt well to each other. When electronic medical record systems were first coming out, the idea was to let the free market dictate who got what. “That’s the way government pushed electronic health records,” Yoss said. “It’s only now that the federal government, and states and hospitals, are recognizing that it is a danger to the patient when these records don’t talk to one another. There’s tremendous work on this now.” Problems sometimes occur between the hand-off of a patient from the hospital to his or her personal physician. Issues with electronic
medical records can be a reason for that, Yoss said. While Yoss and Bartlett dispute the exact numbers of the British study, they admit medical errors continue to be a serious challenge in need of attention. “I think if health care continues to evolve and the patient becomes more integral to their own care, we should see medical errors, or misdiagnosis or things like that, decrease overall,” Bartlett said.
Communication gap
Both Yoss and Bartlett said one of the biggest challenges for a doctor treating a patient was not having a clear picture of the patient’s previous history. “Sometimes you do see an adverse effect on a patient because they didn’t disclose to their physician some kind of herbal supplement they might be taking, or a symptom they’ve had but don’t want to discuss,” Bartlett said. “They think they will get in trouble with their physician. It’s important for the patient to November 2016 •
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Golden Years Between You and Me
By Barbara Pierce
Take command of aging process Life doesn’t always turn out like it should
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My life wasn’t supposed to be like this!” cried my friend Carol. She walks with a cane, slowly, has a lot of pain much of the time, no energy, and gained much weight due to steroids. Not long ago, the 76 year old was a slender, attractive, vibrant, active person. Life can change, in the Pierce flicker of an eye, the burst of a blood vessel, the misstep of a foot. Suddenly you no
longer have the life you had. Or the changes and the deterioration can be gradual until finally you have to take note of them. Lots of us have lives we didn’t expect to have. I thought I was much like my grandfather — he died at 103. I was much like him — energetic, fully rushing into life, totally healthy, rarely saw the inside of a doctor’s office, and I couldn’t tell you where my local pharmacy was. But then, when I was 55, I found myself lying on the floor when I got out of bed. Lying on the floor because I’d had a stroke that left me paralyzed on one side. Then a few years later, I had my chest cracked open for open-heart surgery. My life wasn’t
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supposed to go that way. There went my plans to live to 103, and doing tasks such as shoveling snow every winter. I was incredibly fortunate — things did get much better for me. But for Carol and those whose life as it winds down isn’t what they thought it would be, here are some things I learned as I struggled to regain my lost abilities. “I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do,” said author Edward Everett Hale. Focus on what you can still do, not what you can no longer do. Carol knows this is important. Though it’s tough, she pushes herself to mentor a second grader, helping him with his reading. He adores her just the way she is. In his book, “Coping with Adversity,” Michael J. Fox says: “It was only when I could accept the fact that I had Parkinson’s disease that I began to think: ‘What haven’t I lost?’ I haven’t lost my enthusiasm. I haven’t lost my intelligence. I haven’t lost my passion for life, my love of my family, my curiosity.” Parkinson’s disease is one of the crueler fates one can suffer, and Fox doesn’t have much of his physical ability left, but he is still looking at what he does have. You have to admire him — hugely!
Be grateful for what you have
Don’t focus on what you have lost, but focus on what you have left. What you can still do. There’s lots of scientific evidence that thinking positive thoughts has a great impact on our well-being. However, a caution: Don’t sink too quickly into accepting things that go wrong in your body, or your mind. Get a second opinion, fight what is going on; fight with all the strength you can muster. For example, my primary physician looked me in the eye and said, “You have dementia.” I said, “But aren’t there more tests to be sure? And isn’t there medication and ways to slow it down?” He said no to both Page 6
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2016
questions. I was not about to accept this, not without a fight. I got testing and learned that I had “pseudo dementia” caused by the anti-depressant medication my primary had prescribed. He also doubled my dose when I complained about being forgetful. No more dementia. If I hadn’t got a second opinion, right now I’d be sitting in a chair, rocking back and forth, not being able to even tell you what I was. Then there was the time I was short of breath, all the time, even just rolling over in bed. The cardiologist did tests, found nothing wrong, and sent me home to live with it. I did my own research, went back to him with knowledge. After another test, he rushed me in for open-heart surgery. He then told my husband: “Good thing I found out what was wrong with her — her heart would have stopped pumping in a few months.” I don’t give him any credit at all! As you confront the challenges that come with a deteriorating body and mind: • First, make absolutely certain that whatever is wrong with you cannot be changed, corrected, or improved on. Get a second, even a third opinion, from the best experts in the field. • You’re more likely to have side effects from medication the older you are, even if it’s a medication you’ve been taking with no problems for some time. • Then, if there is nothing that can change or improve your situation, focus on what you can do. Accept what you can’t do and forget about it. Focus on what you do have left, not what you have lost. And be grateful for those things. • Barbara Pierce, retired licensed clinical social worker, has many years of helping people. Her new book, “When You Come to the Edge: Aging,” offers wisdom on how to endure as you age. For more about this book, write her at BarbaraPierce@ yahoo.com.
The Social Ask Security Office
From the Social Security District Office
Supporting our wounded warriors
E U.S. Life Expectancy Lags Behind Other Wealthy Nations
Diabetes, drugs, guns contribute to disappointing statistics in new global report
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he United States lags behind other advanced nations when it comes to infant mortality and the life expectancy of its citizens, according to a comprehensive review of global health statistics. The health of U.S. citizens is specifically challenged by smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, drug abuse and gun violence, said study co-author, physician Mohsen Naghavi. He's a professor with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle. The United States isn't meeting the high expectations set by the country's wealth and the amount it spends on health care, mainly because not all U.S. citizens benefit equally from their nation's advantages, Naghavi said. "This comes from inequality in access to health care, along with other social and economic factors," he said. Infant mortality in the United States amounted in 2015 to six deaths out of every 1,000 kids younger than 5, while the average for all high-income nations combined was about five deaths per 1,000, researchers said. U.S. men and women also had poorer life expectancy, compared with the rest of the developed world. U.S. men had an average life
expectancy of 76.7 years in 2015, with about 66.8 of those years spent in good health. Life expectancy for U.S. women was 81.5 years on average, with 69.5 years spent in good health. By comparison, all high-income countries combined had an average 78.1 years of life expectancy for men and 83.4 years for women, the study reported. Years lived in good health averaged 68.9 for men and 72.2 for women. These findings are part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2015, a scientific analysis of more than 300 diseases and injuries in 195 countries and territories. The numbers show that the United States needs to rethink its approach to health care, said physician Prabhjot Singh. He is director of Mount Sinai's Arnhold Institute for Global Health in New York City. "We are investing in the wrong stuff, and we are paying for it with our lives," Singh said. Researchers found that drug abuse and diabetes are causing a disproportionate amount of ill health and early death in the United States, compared with other countries. Alcohol, smoking and access to guns also pose continuing health threats to U.S. citizens, Naghavi said. The study was published Oct. 6 in The Lancet.
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very Veterans Day, the nation honors the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect our country and the freedoms we cherish. Social Security honors veterans and active duty members of the military every day by giving them the support they deserve. A vital part of that is administering the Social Security disability program. For those who return home with injuries, Social Security is a resource they can turn to for disability benefits. Social Security’s Wounded Warriors website is at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. The Wounded Warriors website has answers to many commonly asked questions, and shares other useful information about disability benefits, including how veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims. Benefits available through Social Security are different from those available from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. The expedited process is avail-
able to military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after Oct. 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Even active duty military who continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave should consider applying for disability benefits if they’re unable to work due to a disabling condition. Active duty status and receipt of military pay doesn’t necessarily prevent payment of Social Security disability benefits. Although a person can’t receive Social Security disability benefits while engaging in substantial work for pay or profit, receipt of military payments should never stop someone from applying for disability benefits from Social Security. Learn more by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. With over 80 years of experience and compassionate service, Social Security is proud to support our veterans and active duty members of the military.
Q: How do I earn Social Security credits, and how many do I need to qualify for benefits? A: We use your total yearly earnings to figure your Social Security credits. The amount needed for a credit in 2016 is $1,260. You can earn a maximum of four credits for any year. The amount needed to earn one credit increases automatically each year when average wages increase. You must earn a certain number of credits to qualify for Social Security benefits. The number of credits you need depends on your age when you apply and the type of benefit application. No one needs more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefit. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.
benefits if you currently receive them; and • Manage your benefits: – Change your address or telephone number; – Start or change your direct deposit; – Get a replacement Medicare card; and – Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
Q&A
Q: Why should I sign up for a my Social Security online account? A: my Social Security gives you a personal online account you can securely use to check your Social Security information and do business with us. With a my Social Security account you can: • Keep track of your earnings and verify them every year; • Get an estimate of your future benefits if you are still working; • Get a replacement Social Security card if you meet certain criteria and reside in these locations; • Get a letter with proof of your
November 2016 •
Q: My spouse died recently and my neighbor said my children and I might be eligible for survivors benefits. Don’t I have to be retirement age to receive benefits? A: No. As a survivor, you can receive benefits at any age if you are caring for a child who is receiving Social Security benefits and who is under age 16. Your children are eligible for survivors benefits through Social Security up to age 19 if they are unmarried and attending elementary or secondary school full time. Keep in mind that you are still subject to the annual earnings limit if you are working. If you are not caring for minor children, you would need to wait until age 60 (age 50 if disabled) to collect survivors benefits. For more information about survivors benefits, read our publication Survivors Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. To find all of the services available and set up an account, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
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Golden Years Caring for caregivers
Stress, anxiety caused by attending to significant other in need can be overwhelming By Barbara Pierce
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I’m the primary caregiver for my ill, elderly father. I’m exhausted and upset all the time,” a reader writes to “Ask Doctor K” in the newspaper. “What can I do to lighten my load without costing us much? Neither of us is well off.” More of us are caring for ill or disabled family members. As the number of persons with dementia steeply rises in the Mohawk Valley, increasing numbers of family members are being pulled into the role of caregivers. As older folks survive longer with disabling conditions, more require caregivers. “One in five American adults helps an elderly or disabled family member with the daily tasks of life,” responds Doctor K, better known as Anthony Komaroff. “Care giving may be one of the most worthwhile jobs you’ll ever undertake, but it can be exhausting. It can cause immense strain, which may lead to depression and health
“As a caregiver, you probably feel overwhelmed.” - Kasey Davis problems,” Doctor K said. Family caregivers of older adults are more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression and to suffer from anxiety, stress, emotional problems and chronic disease. The median amount of time caregivers devote to caring for older adults with “high needs” is five years. “As a caregiver, you probably feel overwhelmed,” says caregiver Kasey Davis online. “You may feel depressed, even resentful, and you probably suffer from sheer exhaustion.” Caregivers do need help to lighten their load. Often that help is available, but you have to be proactive to find it.
“A caregiver is a family member or another individual who is taking care of a loved one at home without any pay,” is how Herkimer County Office for the Aging defines a caregiver. As the agency recognizes how extremely draining this is, two caseworkers are dedicated to providing assistance, providing information about resources for caregivers and getting caregivers hooked up with services. One of the most important services is respite, said caseworker Jodi Dyn. Respite is a period of relief from the duties of taking care of someone, she explained. “Allow people to come in, so you can take a break and recover,” Davis says. “It’s in that time after you recover that you can provide the best care giving.”
Trained and ready
Herkimer County provides trained aides to come into your home for relief. Respite may also be available for a longer period of time at a nursing home. There are no income limitations for the services of Herkimer County. The caregiver must care for someone aged 60-plus who needs assistance in at least two areas. There is a waiting list for respite care. They also provide Meals on Wheels, which brings two meals daily, one for the client and one for the caregiver. For assistance from Herkimer County Office for the Aging, contact caseworkers Jodi at 315-867-1124 or Melissa at 315-867-1415. “It’s like you have all the stresses of a regular relationship — then multiply that by 100!” says caregiver Christina Marroquin-Mauricio online. “Everything is magnified. I need friends and family. I need to be able to vent and talk to others who understand, too.”
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“I’m a strong person, but every now and then I need someone to take my hand and say ‘everything will be all right,’” says Davis. Support groups are a good place to share ideas and experiences with other caregivers, to learn resources, and to get help coping from those who are going through the same thing. A caregiver support group is held on the first Wednesday of each month at the North Utica Senior Citizens Community Center. For Information, call 315-798-5456. There are a number of support groups for caregivers on the Internet — Google “care giving support groups.” Other budget-conscious tips for caregivers: • Always accept help when it’s offered. Create a list of specific things that you would like help with, so you can request something specific when help is offered. “It’s important to ask for help from families and friends — in small bursts,” says Davis. “But you need to let them know just what they can do to help, like shopping or yard work. • Tap into religious communities as they can be a strong source of assistance. Again, let them know what tasks they can do for you in short bursts. • Stay connected; catch up with friends regularly. • Establish a weekly walk with a friend or an occasional lunch or movie. • Stay active; try to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Not all effects of care giving are negative, found a recent report. Caregivers said their duties gave them confidence, showed them how to deal with difficulties, brought them closer to the person for whom they were caring and assured them that their loved one was being well cared for.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2016
When You Come to the Edge
Golden Years
In Good Health columnist, writer inks book on how to deal with growing old By Barbara Pierce
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When you come to edge of all you know, you must believe one of two things: Either there will be ground to stand on or you’ll be given wings to fly.” This quote from author O.R. Melling is how I begin my latest book, “When you come to the Edge: Aging.” I chose that quote and title because I believe it pretty well sums up what getting old is all about. I know because I’ve been on the edge more than once as I’ve grown older. I’ve struggled along until the path appeared. And I’ve had wings and soared. Had times of great happiness, bliss, flooded with feelings of well being. It was important to me to get down in print the things that I’ve learned, things that help me as I age. Things that helped me get through the tough times. I learned much from those older people who especially inspired me; their stories are included. I’ve learned from reading and writing about aging for In Good Health and other newspapers. Also, I drew from my background in mental health as a licensed clinical social worker. My easy-to-read little book is a guide for those who are aging, those who will be on the edge. You can’t avoid reaching the edge; you can’t avoid the challenges you will encounter as you age. Like my In Good Health columns, my book offers sound, easy-to-understand, easy-to-follow, down-toearth guidance. For example, going through pain: “You get through it by taking one step at a time. Just count the moment you are in. Just take one step at a time. Don’t think ahead.” And this: “You endure. You endure for one day more because you must. Because there are many who need you. Because you hope that maybe things will be a little better tomorrow. And sometimes they are.” At the beginning of every chapter, I include quotes that resonated with me and help reinforce the points of that chapter.
Charter member
I’ve been a writer for In Good Health since it began more than 10 years ago. I began writing when I
took an early retirement and lived on a sailboat in Mexico and the United States. Looking for something to stimulate me intellectually, I began writing about being a cruiser for a national magazine. When I lived in Mexico, I wrote for an English language newspaper. I found I really loved writing, so I kept writing when I moved back to the states, to Florida where I continue to live. My writing has been in several local newspapers and magazines. Readers of In Good Health seem to especially like my monthly advice column, “Between You and Me.” The column offers sound, realistic tips to readers — tips on relationships, on aging, on coping with life. I try to make it helpful, fun reading. I really enjoy writing for In Good Health. I’ve gotten to know so many great people that I would never know. And I get to learn all kinds of new interesting things. It’s great! Writing the In Good Health column was fuel for this book. People liked what I wrote in my column; it resonated with many of them. Their responses inspired me to put my thoughts in print. The other books I’ve written include one in 2010 on finding a partner: “If I’m so Fantastic, Why am I Still Single?” Then in 2013, I wrote “Writing with Zest and Gusto”; and in 2014, “Writing Your Life Story.” I lead workshops and people who come to the workshops find these books helpful. This book on aging was much harder than the others. I guess because it’s such important stuff — how to get old and how to endure all the challenges that get thrown at you. People who read my book seem to really like it: “I totally loved your book,” 67-year-old Pat Vandeusen of Boise, Idaho wrote me. “It gives us all hope. I liked the advice, the stories, all of it. I rate it A-plus.” “I started reading this book and I couldn’t put it down,” said 70-year-old Sandy Jones of Naples, Fla. “It’s like you were talking to me; you understand just what I’m going through.” If you would like to purchase a copy of my book “When you Come to Edge: Aging” for $10 including postage, or any of my other books, contact me at barbarapierce06@yahoo.com or call me at 239-353-3154.
Barbara Pierce, a retired clinical social worker and writer for Mohawk Valley In Good Health newspaper, recently released her new book, “When you come to the Edge: Aging.”
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 9
Golden Years ‘Soft Landing’
Hospice, palliative care guide dying to final resting place By Barbara Pierce
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I’m having a soft landing.” When she found this note from her husband after he died in hospice care, Flo Glasser felt such a sense of peace. Isn’t that what we all want for ourselves as well as for our family members? A soft landing; a peaceful, pain-free death. “Everyone wants their family member to die with dignity,” said Kathy Eisenhut, assistant administrator, Valley Health Services, Herkimer. That’s what VHS offers: a soft landing through hospice and palliaEisenhut tive care. “We offer hospice care and palliative care in our facility,” said Rose Lamphere, a registered nurse with VHS. Hospice is care at the end of life, she explained. The 160-bed skilled nursing facility offers a continuum of care from short-term rehabilitation — for those recovering from surgery or a fall who are expected to return home — to long-term care. Hospice and palliative care are offered to those long-term care residents for whom it is appropriate. “As people age, and as their disease process advances, this indicates palliative care is something to consider,” explained Lamphere. “People get to the point where they say, ‘I’ve had enough of hospitals and emergency room visits.’” In the United States, a disproportionate percentage of health care
costs are incurred over the last two years of life even as studies show that aggressive and expensive endof-life treatments do not improve or significantly extend life. They do, however, make what’s left of someone’s life worse, experts agree. “No one wants to see their family member suffer,” Lamphere added. “So we look at all the information about that person — lab work, ER visits, and hospital stays, to know whether it might be time for palliative care. Sometimes it takes a few visits to the ER. In the ER, they do a bunch of tests, and then they say, ‘Sorry, there’s nothing more we can do.’ That’s when we discuss palliative care with the resident and their family.” Palliative care is focused not on rehabilitation and treatment but giving end-of-life care and comfort to patients and families, said Lamphere. Specialized palliative care includes
managing pain and symptoms, massage therapy, therapeutic music, relaxation therapy, psychosocial care and hospice care when desired. Individual quality of life is at the core of their mission.
Easing the pain
Palliative care is a special form of medical care that helps patients get relief from the pain, symptoms, and emotional distress caused by a serious illness or its treatment. Pain and symptom management are crucial to the patient’s comfort and the ability of the family to interact with the patient. Staff places physical comfort as a top priority to the patient’s care. “All of our staff is well versed in end-of-life care. They know how to treat pain and symptoms; they are good at providing emotional support to residents and family members,” said Eisenhut.
To be eligible for most hospice programs or to receive hospice benefits from insurance, one must have a terminal illness or be within six months of death. Palliative care can be received at any time and at any stage of illness whether it is terminal or not. Eisenhut and Lamphere were instrumental in developing the nonprofit VHS in 2002. It began as a partner to the Herkimer County hospice program to provide an in-patient alternative to the hospice program. Soon after the then-32 bed VHS facility opened its doors, the Herkimer County hospice program closed for lack of funds. Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. in New Hartford now provides hospice services for people in Oneida, Herkimer and eastern Madison counties. On Nov. 17, VHS will offer a daylong conference, “Provisions for quality of life in palliative care,” at the Holiday Inn in New Hartford. This conference will benefit health care employees including nurses, nurse practitioners, social services employees, nursing home administrators and activity directors. Ann Neumann, author of “The Good Death,” will offer the opening and closing keynotes. Workshops will focus on pain and symptom management, holistic practices and developing a palliative care and advance care planning program with attention to the use of Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers quality improvement tools. Call Eisenhut at 315-866-3330, ext. 2245 for registration and conference details. For more information on VHS, see www.valleyhealthservices.org/ or call 315-866-6330.
Breast cancer screening rates show room for improvement
T
he U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women aged 50 to 74 are screened for breast cancer every two years. However, nearly one in five Upstate New York women still does not get a biennial mammogram, according to a recent Excellus BlueCross BlueShield report. “The evidence is clear that early detection saves lives,” said Nicholas Massa, medical director, Excellus BCBS. “Given the fact that all health insurers cover preventive breast cancer screenings in full every one to two years for women over age 40, we would like to see even higher percentages of women being screened for breast cancer.” Page 10
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This year in Upstate New York, 3,800 women will be newly diagnosed with breast cancer, and the disease will cause more than 600 deaths. Breast cancer is now the most common cancer among women and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in New York state. “A woman’s risk factors determine when she should begin getting screened,” said Massa. Here are the guidelines: • Women at average risk should have the conversation with their doctor at age 40 about when to start screening. • Women at high risk or with a family history of breast cancer should talk to their doctor about the right age and frequency of screening.
• All women aged 50 to 74 should be screened for breast cancer every two years. There are hospitals and clinics that offer extended hours for mammography screenings, so appointments can fit most every schedule.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2016
Massa advises learning more about breast cancer risk factors and screenings by talking to your doctor, or by visiting the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force website at http:// tinyurl.com/USPSTFbc.
The Balanced Body
By Deb Dittner
Walk the Walk
Outpace health problems by maintaining a walking regimen By Deb Dittner
I
can’t talk about health and wellness without discussing the extreme importance of fitness. Studies show that approximately 80 percent of Americans between the ages of 25 and 64 do not get enough physical movement activities each week to meet the levels recommended by the government. More people are getting fit but find it difficult to fit in both aerobic and strength exercise. If you have Dittner not exercised in quite some time, it is important to consult with your health care provider regarding what types of activity would be appropriate for you. Possibly your provider could refer you to a specific wellness center to evaluate and recommend what would be most beneficial. You may be able to begin a walking program. One positive aspect of living in a city is you can usually walk to the grocery or health food store, to church, to group meetings, to the movies, and more. In years past, everyone walked pretty much everywhere. Walking is just a beginning and one of the best ways to prevent weight gain. Walking also keeps you feeling younger, healthier and happier. Begin by walking briskly and with intention for a minimum of 30 minutes daily. This will help to lower body mass index and decrease your waistline.
Disease fighter
Walking regularly will also help you to fight and prevent diseases such as: — Hypertension (high blood pressure) — Diabetes — Depression — Arthritis — Hormonal imbalances — Heart disease — Thyroid disorders — Dementia, Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline — Fatigue and low levels of energy People who walk more typically also have healthier eating habits, fewer issues with sleep and insomnia, more energy, and overall happiness. The health benefits of brisk walking are many and consist of:
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• Maintaining a healthy weight. The more you walk, the more you will sweat (helps the body to detoxify), increase your heart rate, burn more calories, decrease stress and improve sleep. • Improving heart health. Your resting heart rate, blood pressure, exercise capability, and overall quality of life will improve. With heart disease being the No. 1 killer in the United States and linked to a sedentary lifestyle with poor diet and increased stress, the more walking needs to be incorporated into your everyday schedule. • Ease on joints. Regular walking supports joints by improving circulation and decreasing inflammation. Inactivity actually causes more joint stiffness, and aches and pains. Starting your walking program with guidance and slowly will aid in the prevention of any further inflammation or discomfort. • Aids in bone health. Your bones become stronger with regular walking as your body fights gravity, encouraging your bones to become stronger to support your weight. Studies have shown that hip fractures are decreased in postmenopausal women who walk a minimum of 30 minutes daily. • Improves mood. All methods of exercise are beneficial in naturally decreasing depression and other mood-related issues. Studies have also shown a decrease in Alzheimer’s, dementia and loss of memory. While walking outdoors, you will also be receiving important Vitamin D to help support your bones and boost immunity. • No equipment needed. The cost of a gym membership can be cost prohibitive for some. All you need is a good pair of supportive shoes and out the door you go.
an increase in stamina and overall improvement. This does not happen overnight though. To create a “habit” takes approximately three months of dedication to your practice. As you improve, you can increase your distance and pace, causing an increase in 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.
Gradual process
Effective weight loss can occur by brisk walking anywhere from 30-60 minutes most days of the week. This would amount to approximately 3-4 miles per hour. This too will be determined by other healthy lifestyle changes that you incorporate into your daily routine. Decreasing stress and eating a healthier diet will play a role in your outcome. Starting out slower at first and incrementally increasing your speed will help in the prevention of any injuries. Stretching before you begin will help in warming up your muscles to increase flexibility. Walk with your shoulders relaxed and chest upright, and your heels striking the ground first, rolling forward and pushing off with your toes. At the end of your walk for approximately five minutes, slow down to catch your breath. Make sure you change things up, meaning change your route and incorporate errands into your walks, but most importantly, keep moving. Each and every day, you will see November 2016 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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NOT TAKING YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS AS DIRECTED?
YOU’RE TAKING
A CHANCE.
If you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, taking your prescriptions as directed is essential to healthy living. So remember:
If you’re not taking your prescriptions as directed, you’re taking a chance. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com/TakeAsDirected. #TakeAsDirected
SmartBites
The skinny on healthy eating
Nutritious nut butters boast healthy fats
N
ovember is National Peanut Butter Lovers’ Month! What better time to celebrate all that’s wonderful about this healthy plant-based protein? Some things just go together: Tarzan and Jane, socks and shoes, peanut butter and jelly. Here’s one more: nut butters and good nutrition. Surprised? Some people are. But according to dietitians, nutritionists and people in the know, nut butters are a convenient, low-cost, nutritious addition to most diets. Although “peanut butter” comes to mind first when considering nut butters, there are many alternatives, each with their own unique health benefits. For the most part, however, all nut butters — from peanut to pistachio, almond to walnut — deliver about 200 calories, 7 to 8 grams of protein and 16 grams of fat per 2-tablespoon serving. The calories and fat are what deter some from consuming this particular food; and, indeed, if you are closely monitoring either, then nut butters might not be right for you. But for many, nut butters, when eaten in moderation — say, a couple Page 12
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nese and niacin than most. Many wonder how nut butters, with their high fat content, can be considered a healthy food. Just like olive oil, nut butters tend to be richer in the types of fat that benefit heart health — monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat — and not so rich in saturated fat. In fact, a 2-tablespoon serving of peanut butter has the same ratio of unsaturated fat to saturated fat as olive oil. Another good reason to go crazy for nut butters: According to the Harvard School of Public Health, numerous studies have shown that people who regularly include nuts or nut butters in their diets are less likely to develop heart disease or type 2 diabetes than those who rarely eat nuts. Last but not least? November is National Peanut Butter Lovers’ Month! What better time to celebrate all that’s wonderful about this healthy plant-based protein?
Helpful tips
of tablespoons a day — are a healthy choice. Not so surprisingly, high-quality nut butters without added sweeteners, salt or preservatives have nutrient profiles similar to the nuts from which they are made. My go-to nut butter is the one with the most calcium: almond butter. My husband, on the other hand, reaches for walnut butter, a nut butter that’s loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Both my budget-conscious adult kids, however, stock their pantries with peanut butter, a childhood favorite that has a tad more protein, manga-
Unlike some of the other nut butters, there’s tremendous variation in the quality of peanut butters sold. Scour the labels carefully (nutrition facts and ingredients list) and opt for peanut butters that are lower in sugar and salt and that do not contain added oils, especially “partially hydrogenated oil,” which is a source of trans fat. Steer clear of reduced-fat peanut butters, which replace the “healthy fats” with add-ins and starchy fillers that boost the spread’s sugar content. Choose natural and/or organic peanut butters that contain peanuts and salt (if you prefer a little salt) and nothing more.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2016
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Soup Serves 4 to 6
2 tablespoons olive oil ½ medium onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 (15 oz.) can 100 percent pure pumpkin 1 cooked sweet potato or yam (baked or microwaved) ½ cup smooth peanut butter (or, nut butter of choice) 3 ½ cups sodium-reduced stock of choice (or, water) ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper 1 teaspoon salt (or, less) 1 teaspoon curry powder ½ teaspoon dried coriander ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Snipped fresh chives, for garnish In medium soup pot, sauté onions over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in the pumpkin, sweet potato and peanut butter. Add the stock and spices and stir well. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, covered. Puree with a handheld blender. If soup seems too thick, add more water. Garnish with chopped chives. 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.
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Diet & Nutrition Replenish Yourself Hydrating foods supplement body’s fluid needs By Kristen Raab
T
he recommended fluid intake is 91-125 fluid ounces per day with variations due to weight, age, physical activity and medical conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. These guidelines include water from what we eat as well as the beverages we consume. If you find it difficult to drink the recommended amount of fluid each day, consider supplementing with some healthy and hydrating Salzer foods. Why is hydration essential? “Staying hydrated regulates our body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, helps with metabolism and removes waste from our urine,” according to Pat Salzer, health and wellness consultant at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. For people who do not like water, Salzer suggests adding cucumber, apple, strawberry, orange or mint leaves to flavor it. Adding hydrating foods to our diets aids in fullness, and these foods also tend to be low in calories. Salzer said there is a common misconception that coffee and tea dehydrate us. They actually count toward daily fluid intake. Of course, it is important to monitor caffeine intake and to get hydration from a variety of sources. However, alcohol “does have a diuretic effect,” particularly if a person overindulges. It probably comes as no surprise that the most hydrating foods are fruits and vegetables. Yogurts and soups also contain a fair amount of water.
Healthy, hydrating foods should be chosen based on nutritional needs and personal preference. Check out these most hydrating foods as well as additional health benefits and meal ideas. • Watermelon — Besides providing plenty of fluids, watermelon is rich in vitamins A and C. Salzer suggests grilling it or making a salsa from it. It’s also a great addition to salads. • Celery — The best thing about celery is it’s low in calories and versatile. Add it to salads, soups, chicken or tuna salad, or snack on it
with peanut butter or hummus. The “high crunch” factor makes it a satisfying snack when paired with a healthy dip.
Keep hydrated with tasty treats
• Strawberries — This yummy fruit is 95 percent water and contains vitamin C and fiber. While adding it to salads, yogurt or water are most common, Salzer also suggests sautéing it or including it in sandwiches. • Radish — Radishes are low calorie with a delicious crunch and bite, which makes them another great salad addition. Consider adding
November 2016 •
them to sandwiches, and you can grill them, too! • Broccoli: This powerhouse has vitamins C, K, and A as well as potassium, folate, and even some protein. Besides the standard soup and salad additions, throw some broccoli on pizza or in pasta, or include it in pesto. It’s tasty sautéed or roasted, though some prefer it raw with dip. • Cantaloupe — Nutrient rich, cantaloupe contains vitamins A, C, B6 and magnesium. It is another fruit that is delicious when grilled, and it’s a healthy addition to ice cream. • Zucchini — Besides being low calorie, you also get vitamins C and B6. Currently, making zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta is quite popular and far healthier. Zucchini can be stuffed with quinoa, feta cheese, chickpeas and dill for a filling and unique dish. • Butternut squash — Get vitamins A, C, K and manganese by including this fall staple in your diet. Soup is the most common use, but you can also make it into a pizza. Salzer suggests baking slices and top with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. It also pairs well with nuts, feta and dried cranberries in a spinach salad. • Salad greens — Salad greens can be a low-calorie side dish full of vitamin C, folate, fiber and beta- carotene. They can be added to soups or sandwiches, or as a carbohydrate-free nest for food. It is no secret that fruits and vegetables are important staples for any healthy diet. However, if you need a bit more motivation to fit them into your meal plans, the hydration they provide with minimal calories just might provide it.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 13
Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman
Hospital Ratings
The recent five-star ratings of hospitals by Medicare raised the issue of whether large teaching hospitals got a fair shake because the survey upon which the ratings were based (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) did not account for patient acuity. Large teaching hospitals treat more trauma and often care for difficult patients transferred to them by surrounding rural and suburban hospitals. A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine looked at online hospital reviews by consumers on Yelp. About 25 percent of the almost 3,800 hospitals in the Medicare survey also had ratings on Yelp. The correlation between the Medicare rating received by a hospital and the Yelp reviews was very strong. Yelp reviewers reported on staff quality and compassion, access, convenience, bedside manner, cost, billing, scheduling, treatment of family and visitors. Researchers found that consumers are more savvy than the industry thinks. Hospitals that performed better on both outcome and processes enjoyed greater market share and growth. Word gets around and patients seek care where it’s the best.
Telemedicine
Many argue telemedicine will never be as effective as a real face-toface encounter between patient and provider. So far, the technology has proven effective in many scenarios, such as: the patient is incapacitated (sick, injured, contagious); foul weather; transportation is unavailable (commercial or caregiver); patient just needs remote monitoring; patient needs encouragement or compliance pep talk; patient needs medicine checked; patient has mental issues and acts out; patient can’t leave work; on call provider can refer to video visit.
RomneyCare update
Industry observers keep an eye on what is happening In Massachusetts because it is considered the harbinger of things to come under the Affordable Care Act. The Massachusetts Center for Health Information reported that costs in 2015 were $8,424 per capita which is an increase of 3.9 percent over 2014. The benchmark or target was an aggressive 3.6 percent. (Everyone in Massachusetts has insurance.) As with the rest of the nation, drug costs were responsible for most of the cost “overrun,” accounting for a third of all costs. Larger, more efficient healthcare systems are putting a lot of financial pressure on smaller community hospitals and rural systems. Page 14
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2016 election
Both candidates agree drug companies seemingly raise prices arbitrarily and something needs to be done. Trump would allow Medicare/ Medicaid and commercial payers to purchase drugs from countries like Canada. Clinton would appoint a federal watchdog to monitor price increases and limit the amount of income consumers would have to spend outof-pocket on drugs. But controlling the pharmaceutical industry, let alone prices, will not be easy unless the revolving door between the FDA and the drug manufacturers is controlled. The FDA has data on how many of its former employees now work as consultants or lobbyists to the pharmaceutical industry but has not released such data.
National spending
In 2014, we spent $9,523 per capita on healthcare — still the most by far of any developed country. At $3 trillion, healthcare was 17.5 percent of our GDP in 2014. (It is currently trending at 18 percent.) Medicare and Medicaid accounted for 36 percent of spending. Commercial insurance accounted for 33 percent and out of pocket another 11 percent. The remaining 20 percent is VA, federal employees, Public Health Service and other federal programs.
Watch your scale
The good news, according to a study by a Cornell professor published in the New England Journal of Medicine, is your weight might be at an annual low right now. The bad news is that, thanks to the upcoming holidays, you will gain weight and a lot of the gain will be permanent, if you don’t pay attention. Weight gain typically starts 10 days before the holiday season and peaks around New Year. Because the study participants were aware they were in a weight study, the professor believes the weight gains were probably artificially low to moderate and that weight gain in the general public is worse. Other studies have found that after 30, most of us gain two pounds of permanent weight every holiday season.
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.
By Jim Miller
Expect to pay $11,000-plus on funeral expenses There are, however, ways to save Dear Savvy Senior,
How much does an average funeral and body burial cost? I need to make funeral arrangements for my aunt, who’s terminally ill, and would like to have a cost idea going in so I can plan and budget appropriately.
The Executor
Dear Executor,
It definitely pays to know what charges to expect when pre-planning a funeral. Most people don’t have a clue, and can often be upsold thousands of dollars worth of extra services you may not want or need. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect
Funeral Prices
The first thing you need to be aware of is that funeral costs will vary considerably depending on your geographic location, the funeral home you choose and the funeral choices you make. With that said, here’s a breakdown of what an average funeral costs, nationwide, according to recent data from the National Funeral Directors Association. • Professional services fee: This is a basic non-declinable fee that covers the funeral provider’s time, expertise and overhead. $2,000 • Transfer of the remains: This is for picking up the body and taking it to the funeral home. $310 • Embalming and body preparation: Embalming is usually mandatory for open-casket viewing, otherwise it’s not required unless the body is going to be transported across state lines. Embalming costs $695. Other body preparations, which includes hairdressing and cosmetics runs $250. • Funeral viewing and ceremony: If the viewing and funeral ceremony is at the funeral home, you’ll be charged for use of the chapel and any necessary staff. Costs: $420 for viewing, and $495 for funeral ceremony. • Metal casket: This is a big money maker for funeral homes, with markups of up to 300 percent over the wholesale price. $2,395. • Funeral transportation: Use of hearse and driver $318 to transport the body to the cemetery. Use of a service car/van $143.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2016
• Memorial printed package: This includes printed programs and memorial guest book. $155. In addition to these costs, there are a number of other related expenses such as flowers for the funeral (around $200 to $400), the newspaper obituary fee ($100 to $600 or more), the clergy honorarium ($200 to $300) and extra copies of the death certificate ($5 to $35 per copy depending on the state). And, a number of large cemetery costs like the plot or mausoleum fee, the vault or grave liner that’s required by most cemeteries, and the opening and closing of the grave, all of which average between $2,000 and $4,000; and the gravestone, which typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000. All told, the average cost of a total funeral today is around $11,000 or more.
Ways to Save
If your aunt’s estate can’t afford this, there are ways to save. For starters, you should know that prices can vary significantly by funeral provider, so it’s wise to shop around. If you need some help finding an affordable provider, your area funeral consumers alliance program may be able to refer you. See Funerals. org/local-fca or call 802-865-8300 for contact information. There are also free websites you can turn to, like Parting.com that lets you compare prices, and FuneralDecisions.com that will provide estimates from local funeral homes based on what you want. When evaluating funeral providers, be sure you get an itemized price list of services and products so you can accurately compare and choose what you want. But the most significant way to save on a funeral is to request a “direct burial” or “direct cremation.” With these options your aunt would be buried or cremated shortly after death, which skips the embalming and viewing. If she wants a memorial service you can have it at the graveside or at her place of worship without the body. These services usually run between $600 and $2,000, not counting cemetery charges. 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.
Mental Health Declutter Your Life Discarding unneeded items means more organized, sane lifestyle By Barbara Pierce Jeri Yablonski of Jamestown was doing fine, living in the house where she and her husband raised their kids. He’s been long gone, but she loves her house and didn’t want to leave. Then suddenly, she wasn’t fine anymore. After her 88th birthday, she fell and broke her hip. In rehab, she had a stroke. Now she must leave her home. She’s waiting for a small apartment, so most of her furniture can’t go with her. Neither can much of the other stuff she’s accumulated Cabral over the years. “If you move from a 2,500 square-foot house to a 1,000 square-foot home, you’ll need to get rid of 50 percent of your stuff,” said Deb Cabral, certified professional organizer and owner of The DeClutter Coach, New Hartford. The DeClutter Coach is a residential organizing company. Stuff accumulates over the years — sentimental objects, things we’ll use one day, the vestiges of a former life, tax returns, newspaper clippings, cards, sleds, little gifts we never used — the list goes on and the house fills up. Even if you aren’t planning to move, there are many good reasons to downsize and de-clutter, says Cabral. The more stuff you have, the more responsibilities you have, she says. “With stuff come responsibilities. Hummel [figurines] may be beautiful but they have to be dusted. If you really love it and want to keep it, you have to care for it.” Clutter is bad for your physical and mental health. A cluttered house can cause falls, dust worsens respiratory conditions, pests hide in clutter, and having all that stuff around spikes your stress hormones,
makes you feel overwhelmed and frustrated, and makes it difficult to get things done.
Where to begin?
Whether you want to downsize or de-clutter, the first consideration is where to start. “You ask yourself what you want to keep, and the answer is ‘everything,’ ” said Yablonski. “I try to start and I give up.” Sorting possessions is an emotional task as much as a de-cluttering one. It means dismantling a life that once was and no longer is, at least in the same way. The best way to do it is over a few years, leaving time to evaluate, sort, send to family, give away, sell or
Concussions among youth rising
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oncussion diagnoses among New York state’s youth have risen steeply, with media attention on football-related concussions and state legislation aimed at preventing sport participants from “shaking off” signs of head injuries, according to a recent study released by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. The report by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in Chicago, “The Steep Rise in Concussion Diagnoses in the U.S.,” represents a comprehensive study of medical claims for 936,630 diagnosed concussions suffered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield
commercially insured members throughout the country from 2010 through 2015. Concussion diagnoses among adults rose significantly over the past six years, but the most significant numbers and rate of change applies to young people. In New York state, concussion diagnoses for members aged 10 through 19 increased 72 percent, from a rate of 10.7 per 1,000 members in 2010 to 18.5 per 1,000 members in 2015. This is similar to the national rate of concussion diagnoses for members aged 10 through 19, which spiked 71 percent from a rate.
hire a professional to help. Do one closet at a time, one drawer at a time, so you don’t become overwhelmed. Very few people can focus for more than three hours; stop before you get stuck so you can start again tomorrow feeling positive. Take frequent breaks. Start shedding possessions in your 50s and 60s, rather than when you are older with less energy and may be less mentally acute. “Figure out what’s essential,” recommends Cabral. “Do you use it? Do you love it? Do you need it? If you use it only once in awhile, don’t keep it.” “Choose what you want to keep, not what you want to discard,” advises Marie Kondo in “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” “Keep only those things that spark joy. Discard everything else.” Tackle the least sentimental first, so you don’t get bogged down. Start with the laundry room or pantry, for instance, and work your way up to things like photos or mementos, the toughest things to get rid of. “People are very emotional about their stuff,” adds Cabral. “We all have memories and they are attached to the physical object. I tell people memories are in your heart. When we help people downsize or de-clutter, we take a photo of it, then get rid of the item.” Many of us are saving things for our children or grandchildren. “But your children or grand-
November 2016 •
children really don’t want it,” says Cabral. “As beautiful and valuable as the china and the silver may be, they don’t want it. I’m in my 50s, and I don’t want my parents’ valuable things. The Millennials definitely don’t want it.” “If you don’t get rid of it your stuff, your kids will be left to deal with it,” she adds. And they have their own lives — it’s not fair to leave it all to them.”
What to do with discards?
To start, experts recommend preparing three large bags or boxes. Label: “Keep,” “Toss,” and “Sell/ Donate.” At the end of the day, put away what’s in your “Keep” pile and toss the “Toss” stuff into the garbage. You can sell stuff that’s in great condition at a consignment store or online. Other stuff can be donated to a nonprofit. “Like Goodwill or the Salvation Army — you’ll get a tax deduction,” advises Cabral. “I’ve thought about just sticking most of it into storage and forgetting about it unless I need something,” said Yablonski. Sometimes the best solution is to postpone a final decision until you’re settled in your new home, then revaluate what’s in storage. Yablonski has begun donating to the Salvation Army; she believes she’s helping other by her donations. To contact Declutter coach Deb Cabral, see www.decluttercoachdeb. com or call 315-794-9495.
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H ealth News Community partners install smoke detectors The Mohawk Valley Rotary Club partnered with the American Red Cross and Ilion Fire Department recently to install free smoke detectors in neighborhoods in Ilion. The American Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign aims to reduce the number of fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent over the next five years. Working in teams, Rotary members canvassed designated neighborhoods in Ilion with American Red Cross and Ilion fire department staffs to install smoke alarms, educate families about fire prevention and map fire escape routes. Throughout the day, over 100 smoke alarms were installed in homes in Ilion. The campaign seeks to increase the use of smoke alarms in neighborhoods with higher numbers of home fires and to encourage all Americans to practice their fire escape plans, said club president Heather Irons. “We know smoke alarms cut the risk of death from a fire in half and that’s why Rotarians were eager to volunteer and get involved in our community to help make a difference,” she said.
Rome Memorial features new leaders Manon Gouse has been appointed assistant vice president of therapeutic services and patient safety officer at Rome Memorial Hospital. Formerly the director of rehabilitation therapy services, Gouse has been employed with the hospital since 2007. Gouse The appointment is one of a series of organizational changes that provide a supportive structure that strengthens and aligns the hospital’s efforts to advance quality and foster strategic growth. As part of those changes, Rena Hughes has been named the new director of therapy services. Formerly the assistant director, Hughes has been employed with the hospital since 2009. Hughes Gouse received her Bachelor of Science degree in hearing and speech sciences and her Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. She is pursuing a master’s degree in health care administration through Utica College. Hughes received her bachelor’s degree in health studies and masPage 16
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RMH attained special designation
MVHS holds child passenger safety program The Mohawk Valley Health System recently hosted a child passenger safety program, sponsored by the New Hartford Police Department, at the St. Luke’s Campus. The MVHS security team worked in conjunction with the NHPD to inspect 20 cars free of charge to make sure car seats were properly installed in the vehicles. Above, investigator Matthew Sica of the NHPD fastens Gabriel Sageer into his car seat during the program. Those unable to attend the event can contact the NHPD at 315724-7111 to make an appointment to have their car seat inspected. ter’s degree in physical therapy from Utica College. She is certified in the McKenzie Method, a specialized protocol for treating neck and back pain.
Rome Medical Group welcomes new doctors Pediatricians Ayotunde O. Adeyeye and Adaobi Enekwizu have joined the staff at Rome Medical Group. Adeyeye joins his wife, pediatrician Olubukola T. Adeyeye, at the practice. The doctors are part of the Rome Medical Group pediatric team that includes Desmond Francis and Vivienne Taylor. Adeyeye As members of Rome Memorial Hospital’s medical staff, the pediatricians provide care to children admitted to the hospital’s pediatrics department and also care for newborns in its nursery. Patients of Rome Medical Group have access to walk-in sick visits if a same-day appointment is not available with their doctor. A native of Nigeria, Adeyeye earned Bachelor of Medicine and
Bachelor of Surgery degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He completed his residency in pediatrics at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx. Adeyeye is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Adeyeyes and their two children reside in Rome. Enekwizu, also from Nigeria, earned Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. She completed her Enekwizu residency in pediatrics at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center, Brooklyn, where she provided care in the well baby nursery and neonatal intensive care unit nursery at the hospital, as well as caring for pediatric patients in the outpatient and emergency units. She is certified in neonatal resuscitation and pediatric advance life support. Enekwizu and her husband, Obinna D. Anadu, and their two daughters reside in Westmoreland.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2016
Rome Memorial Hospital’s Women’s Imaging Center has been designated a breast imaging center of excellence by the American College of Radiology, which validates the hospital’s commitment to the highest quality standards in imaging. The hospital received the achievement by earning ACR accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound — including ultrasound-guided breast biopsy — and breast MRI. John Restivo, radiologist and chairman of the hospital’s medical imaging department, leads RMH’s team of medical imaging technologists and radiologists. Board-certified by the American Board of Diagnostic Radiology, Restivo has served patients at RMH since 1997. Peer-review evaluations, conducted in each breast imaging modality by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field, determined that RMH’s Woman’s Imaging Center has achieved high practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs. “Since the women’s imaging center opened in September of 2009, we have remained on the leading edge of advanced technology for women’s breast care needs, adding new services, new equipment and new computer software to get the best possible images,” said Sharon Carson, director of the medical imaging department at the hospital. The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 37,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.
Presbyterian Home for CNY receives VPP status The Presbyterian Home of Central New York was recently honored with Voluntary Protection Programs status. The Presbyterian Home for Central New York is the only nursing home in New York to achieve this status and nationally is only one of eight resident care facilities in the country with this achievement. Voluntary Protection Programs status or VPP recognizes employers and workers in many industries who have implemented effective safety and health management systems all while maintaining lower than average injury and illness rates set forth by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With VPP, staff and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration work cooperatively and proac-
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H ealth News diagnose and treat acute illnesses or injuries similar to an urgent care and also provide physical examinations, nebulizer treatments, immunizations, first aid and other services. According to the parent of a child receiving services, “The school-based health center has been a great asset to my daughter. She can receive medical care during school hours without having to leave school. We are so privileged to have this resource available.” For more information about any of the school-based health centers, contact Wanda Schmidt at wanda. schmidt@upstatecp.org or at 315-5072081 ext. 226.
Continued from Page 16 tively to prevent fatalities, injuries, and illnesses through a system focused on hazard prevention and control; worksite analysis; training; and management commitment and worker involvement. To participate, employers must submit an application to OSHA and undergo rigorous onsite evaluation by a team of safety and health professionals. VPP participants are re-evaluated every three to five years to remain in the programs.
MVHS names VP of human resources Jack Davis has been named vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer for the Mohawk Valley Health System. In this position, Davis is responsible for all parts of HR, including benefits and retirement planning, employee relations, labor relations and union negotiations. Prior to joining MVHS, Davis served as vice president of administrative services-chief human resources officer for Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk. He has Davis also held positions as vice president of HR for Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam, director of HR for Alle-Kiski Medical Center in Natrona Heights, Pa., and associate hospital director-chief operations officer, as well as director of HR, at Central State Hospital in Louisville, Ky. Davis earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology/psychology from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark., and a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He is a certified senior professional in human resources by the Human Resources Certification Institute and a senior certified professional by the Society for Human Resource Management.
VHS selects employee of quarter Jessica Swieton has been selected as employee of the third quarter at Valley Health Services in Herkimer. Swieton joined the staff at VHS as a resident assistant in March 2011 and became a medical records clerk in November of 2014. Swieton became rehab department secretary Swieton in 2015. “Jessica is the first smiling person that you encounter when entering VHS. She is happy to help everyone that she deals with.
Help make holidays bright at UCP Upstate Cerebral Palsy has begun its annual Holiday Miracles Project to help supply needy children receiving agency services with gifts and necessities this holiday season. Each year, caseworkers identify children who receive services at the agency who are in need of assistance. Volunteers from the area are then assigned a child, receive a child’s wish list from his or her caseworker, and then purchase items on the list. Co-workers, families and individuals are invited to participate and help make Holiday Miracles a success, through either sponsoring a child or children or through making a donation. For more information or to shop for a child this season, call 315-7246907 ext. 2302.
Valley Family Health Center celebrates
MVHS offers 3D mammography technology The Mohawk Valley Health System Imaging Center, located in the Utica Business Park, now offers 3D mammograms, or breast tomosynthesis. MVHS uses GE SenoClaire 3D breast tomosynthesis imaging, which means patients no longer need to travel outside the area for access to this advanced technology. Celebrating the new addition are, from left, Jennifer Stilwell, Reggie Syrotynski and Stacy ScottWeber, radiological technologists and mammographers at the MVHS Imaging Center. Breast tomosynthesis uses a low-dose, short X-ray sweep to project images that are processed electronically to reconstruct a 3D representation of the entire breast. This technology can detect small cancers that digital mammograms may miss and is beneficial to younger women and women with dense breast tissue. She is very dedicated and takes her job seriously,” a co-worker said. Swieton resides in Herkimer.
School-based health center opens A ribbon cutting was recently held at the new school-based health center located within the Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School and operated by Upstate Cerebral Palsy
and the Utica City School District. The SBHC, which is for all enrolled students within the school, has moved into newly renovated space featuring new exam rooms and equipment ready to serve the health care needs of MLK students. A SBHC is a full-service doctor’s office that is located inside area schools that offers services to enrolled children at no cost to the families. The practitioners at the SBHC
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The Valley Family Health Center in Ilion, the newest health center in the Regional Primary Care Network, held its official grand opening recently at 55 Central Plaza in the former Ilion Mall. Valley Family Health Center provides medical services to all ages, with special emphasis on women’s services for southern Herkimer County. The facility includes exam rooms, offices and a triage area and can accommodate family medicine, wellchild visits, women’s health, chronic disease management, cancer screenings, preventive exams, immunizations and lab services. It will also offer services for the uninsured or underinsured with its sliding fee scale discount program. George Markwardt is clinical director of Valley Family Health Center. Markwardt is a registered nurse, administrator, nurse practitioner, teacher, as well as a Herkimer County legislator. He has more than 25 years of health care experience and a longstanding commitment to rural and urban underserved populations. Valley Family Health Center opened in April thanks in part to a $900,000 federal grant. RPCN, based in Rochester, operates a network of federally qualified health care centers.
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When will Flu Bug bite? Excellus doctor urges people to get vaccinated regardless of flu’s peak
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uessing when the flu season will hit is a bit like playing the lottery, according to an analysis of confirmed cases of the flu in New York state that was
summarized recently by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “To borrow the New York Lottery’s expression, ‘Hey, you never know,’” said physician Jamie Kerr,
medical director at Excellus BCBS. Excellus BCBS conducted a review of state statistics on confirmed cases of the flu for the past four years and found wide variations on
Are you ready for this flu season? Get your flu vaccine early to protect yourself before it starts. (Because you just never know when it’s gonna hit...) CONFIRMED FLU CASES IN NEW YORK STATE OCTOBER 2012 - MAY 2016
OCTOBER NOVEMBER
2012 – 2013
119
DECEMBER
88
FEBRUARY
MARCH
6,481
5,013
7,621
7,026
8,298
4,676
3,128
977 13,968
2013 – 2014
JANUARY
268
133
504
193
347
1,964
23,228
134
1,765
2,238
7,391
2015 – 2016
MAY
16,734
9,155
2014 – 2015
APRIL
291
763
10,724
1,508
2,449 9,173
22,158
12,114
when the flu begins to peak. For example, during the 20122013 flu season, the virus hit state residents hardest in December and January, and then diminished month by month through May. But last flu season, the wave of cases hit hardest in February, peaked in March, and ended with the highest number of reported flu cases in years for the months of April and May. “Some common myths about flu shots are about their timing and effectiveness,” Kerr said. “Many people incorrectly think that once the flu season has started, it’s too late for the vaccination to work. We’ve also heard people incorrectly assume that they should wait until later in the season to get their flu vaccination in order for it to last through May and beyond.” According to Kerr, as long as the flu viruses are circulating, people who haven’t been vaccinated are at risk of getting sick. She also stressed that in most cases, getting the vaccine early will provide immunity for the entire flu season. On average, 45,000 New Yorkers get the flu each year. Nationwide, the flu virus causes 200,000 hospitalizations and nearly 24,000 deaths each year, so Kerr cautions that the flu is not a virus to be considered lightly. Poster designed by Excellus to show the peak of the flu season in the last four years. It can be downloaded for free at http://bit.ly/2cFbKCJ.
Flu vaccines designed specifically for seniors By Jim Miller
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here are actually two different flu vaccines available this year that are designed specifically for seniors age 65 and older. One option is the Fluzone High-Dose, which has been available since 2010, and the other is the new FDA approved FLUAD vaccine (you only need to get one of these). The Fluzone High-Dose (see Fluzone.com) is a high-potency vaccine that contains four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot does, which creates a stronger immune response for better protection. While the new FLUAD vaccine (FLUAD. com) contains an added ingredient called adjuvant MF59 that also helps create a stronger immune response. The extra protection these vaccines provide is particularly helpful to seniors who have weaker immune defenses and have a great risk of developing dangerous flu complications. The CDC estimates that the flu puts more than 200,000 people in the hospital each year and kills an averPage 18
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age of 24,000 — 80 to 90 percent of whom are seniors. But be aware that both the Fluzone High-Dose and FLUAD are not recommended for seniors who are allergic to chicken eggs or those who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine in the past. You should also know that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend one vaccination over the other, and to date, there have been no studies comparing the two vaccines. If you decide you don’t want to get a senior-specific flu shot, there are other options available to people 65 years and older including the standard (trivalent) flu shot, the quadrivalent flu shot which protects against four different flu viruses, and the FluBlok vaccine for those who have egg allergies. To locate a vaccination site that offers any of these flu shots, visit Vaccines.gov and type in your ZIP code. You’ll also be happy to know that as a Medicare beneficiary, Part B will cover 100 percent of the costs of any flu shot, as long as your doctor,
health clinic or pharmacy agrees not to charge you more than Medicare pays.
Pneumonia Vaccines
Two other important vaccinations the CDC recommends to seniors, especially this time of year, are the pneumococcal vaccines for pneumonia. Around 1 million Americans are hospitalized with pneumonia each year, and about 50,000 people die from it. The CDC is now recommending that all seniors, 65 or older, get
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2016
two vaccinations — Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Both vaccines, which are administered just once at different times, work in different ways to provide maximum protection. If you haven’t yet received any pneumococcal vaccine you should get the Prevnar 13 first, followed by Pneumovax 23 six to 12 months later. But if you’ve already been vaccinated with Pneumovax 23, wait at least one year before getting the Prevnar 13. Medicare Part B covers both shots, if they are taken at least 11 months apart.
CALENDAR Health in good
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
Nov. 3
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 meetings are Nov. 3 and Nov. 17. 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.
Nov. 4
‘A View of Hope’ gala event set The Abraham House will be featuring its ninth annual gala from 7-10 p.m. Nov. 4 at Daniele’s at Valley View in Utica. Guests will enjoy a premium open bar throughout the night, food stations with a variety of options and live entertainment by the band Last Left! Semi-formal attire is requested and valet parking is available at the door. Tickets are on sale and available for purchase online at http://theabrahamhouse.org. All proceeds from the gala will help The Abraham House continue its mission of caring for the terminally ill without any financial burdens upon families. For more information, contact Gina Ciaccia at 315-733-8210 or gciaccia@theabrahamhouse.org.
Nov. 13
American Girl Fashion Show slated The final American Girl Fashion Show, with proceeds benefitting expansion of therapeutic horseback riding and recreation programs at The Root Farm, will take place at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona. Made possible by lead sponsor Adirondack Bank, the shows include a doll hair salon, photo opportunities, souvenirs, fashion show and lunch.
Tickets are $35 per person and may be purchased online at upstatecp.org under events or by calling 315-724-6907 ext. 2278. Pre-registration is required.
EMPLOYMENT MV’S HEALTHCARE NEWSPAPER
Advertise your health-related services or products and reach your potential customers throughout the Mohawk Valley for as little as $90 a month. Call 749-7070 for more info.
Nov. 15
Health and wellness series to be featured Herkimer County HealthNet is sponsoring a free health and wellness series open to anyone interested in living a healthier, more fulfilled and balanced life. Crystal Hein, a dietitian/nutrition educator and owner of Crystal Clear Nutrition in Herkimer, will be the speaker. The series will feature four classes at the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce from 5-6:30 p.m. Class topics and dates will be: • Heart healthy eating, Nov. 15 • Gluten-free eating, Dec. 13 • Basics to weight loss, Jan. 10 • Healthy eating over 50, Feb. 21 The seminars are open to all but reservations are required. For more information or to register, call HCHN at 867-1552 or email Elyse Enea at eenea@herkimercounty.org.
Nov. 18
Dinner to honor county sheriff A testimonial dinner will be held on Nov. 18 at Hart’s Hill Inn, Whitesboro, in honor of Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol to benefit the Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network. Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network serves as a hub for perinatal information and services for both providers and consumers in the Mohawk Valley. It assures access to health care for individuals across the region by helping them find affordable health care solutions and works with health and human service professionals and consumers to improve the overall health of communities in the Mohawk Valley. Its mission is to improve birth outcomes and maternal, child and family health, facilitate collaboration among providers and community organizations and advocate for change. Maciol, a New York Mills native, served as an officer with the New York Mills and the Whitesboro police departments for 24 years. He was elected sheriff of Oneida County and assumed office in 2011. Tickets are $60 per person and can be obtained by mailing a check payable to “Testimonial Dinner” to P.O. Box 194, Washington Mills, N.Y. 13479. For further information, email macioltestimonial@gmail.com or call 315-723-7285. November 2016 •
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Project Takes Root Boilermaker Urban Garden cultivates respect for land, nutrition By Patricia J. Malin
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randma was right when she told you to always eat your fruits and veggies, and modern nutritional science has confirmed her age-old wisdom. With superstores and national grocery chains on nearly every corner and farmer’s markets setting up daily in most communities, including in the winter, it appears easy for Americans to load up on fruits, veggies, carbohydrates and healthy foods. The farm-to-table movement, which stresses fresh produce from local farms, usually organic, as well as pricey grass-fed beef, has also gained popularity in recent years and is even consuming menus in fancy restaurants.
Despite this food revolution, there are pockets of neglect in certain neighborhoods. West Utica, for one, was long considered a “food desert” for a lack of supermarkets and accessibility to affordable fruits and vegetables. It is also considered one of the city’s most economically troubled areas. Last summer, the Boilermaker Road Race committee, which has its headquarters at 805 Court St. in the heart of west Utica, started a weekly public market to bridge the gap between local farmers and residents who didn’t have access to farmer’s markets in downtown Utica or in the suburbs. Residents who are on public assistance can use their electronic benefit transfer cards to purchase
Area high school students serve up food during a celebratory meal marking the close of the first year of the West Utica Public Market and the Boilermaker Urban Garden. They are, from left, Claudia French, Franklin Valcarcel, Sincere Washington and Tanasa Penn. fresh produce at this market, other farmer’s markets and food stores throughout New York state. In addition, Boilermaker administrators enlisted the help of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County, Rust 2 Green (a project with Cornell University), and the New York State Department of Health to start an urban garden on a plot of land adjacent to their headquarters.
Project takes root
Although the West Utica Public Market and garden ended for the season in midOctober, the Boilermaker committee plans to continue to bring health, physical fitness and wellness opportunities to residents throughout the winter months. Page 20
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Dubbed BUG, the Boilermaker Urban Garden recruited about a dozen local high school students and turned them into enthusiastic growers. By sowing the seeds and harvesting the crops, the youths developed an appreciation for the land and the source of their food. “The experience has allowed them to literally reap the fruits of their labor while growing their confidence, teamwork and communication skills,” a Boilermaker spokesperson said. The Boilermaker Road Race recently invited the public to join the student farmers for a celebratory meal to coincide with the end of the first year of the West Utica Public Market and BUG. “We have been fortunate to have the support of West Utica, surrounding areas, and our vendors which have led to a successful inaugural
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2016
season,” said Rebecca Spataro-Kearns, manager of the public market. Debra Richardson, environmental change educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension, Oneida’s Eat Smart NY program, and BUG coordinator, added, “I watched our young adults not only learn how to grow food, but to cook with it and to expand their taste. “To witness a young man tell the Boilermaker board that he had the opportunity to try foods he never would have tried, shows the Eat Smart New York partner in this garden provided the desired outcome.” The students, many from T.R. Proctor High School in Utica, proudly erected signs in their garden with their names and took credit for the vegetables they grew, as if they were works of art. Indeed, the ripe tomatoes on the vine, peas, beets, carrots, bountiful herbs and beans and heads of cabbage made for a colorful, practical and edible experience at the celebratory meal. The Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES kitchen helped cook the meal. Students wore T-shirts with the FEAST logo (Food, Education, Agriculture, Solutions, Together) and dished out portions of bean salad, vegetable stew, mashed potatoes and collard greens to guests who showed up for the urban picnic on a fall afternoon.