In Good Health by In Good Health: MV's Healthcare Newspaper

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Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

October 2012 • Issue 80

PAIN KILLER ABUSE Story, Page 3

Take preventive measures to ﬁght disease

Surviving

Cancer

Navigating through disease process can be special challenge. See Page 8

Child sex abuse

Story, Page 14

PD patient sees the brighter side Story, Page 11

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IGH series continues Story on Page 12

Special Women’s Health Edition • Stuck with a loser? See Page 6 • Ready for fitness program? See Page 9 • Caregiving team vital. See Page 9 October 2012 •

It’s time to meet Dr. Randolph ‘Randy’ Snow! Story on Page 4

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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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. Oct. 3

CollegeWorks schedules open house The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter’s CollegeWorks Program is offering an open house from 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Payne Hall, Room 102, Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica. Admission is free. The program is for non-traditional students who graduated from high

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school, wish to further their education, and are not yet engaged in employment or post-secondary training. CollegeWorks is a collective project between The Arc and MVCC for individuals with disabilities. This program is a non-degree, non-credit, two-year college-based vocational program. The program is located in Utica and Rome campuses of MVCC. For more information, call 315-7925465. The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC is a nonprofit human services agency which provides advocacy and services for 1,650 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oneida and Lewis counties.

Oct. 3

‘Great Dance Dates!’ on Good News’ agenda “Great Dance Dates” with instructors Gina and Luca Esposito will be featured at The Good News Center,

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“Common Sense Parenting” will be presented from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, and Nov. 1 and Nov. 15 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. For more information, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, tanya@thegood newscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.

Oct. 4

Nurse navigator featured on Health Night In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Linda Lyon, nurse navigator for The Breast Center at Rome Memorial Hospital, will discuss stereotactic breast biopsy at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 in the hospital’s classroom. Lyon is experienced in guiding patients through the healthcare process when they learn that additional testing, such as stereotactic breast biopsy, is needed. At Health Night, she will discuss why stereotactic biopsy is recommended, the benefits of this procedure, and why it is important for women and their families to be familiar with healthcare options. Health Night Lyon is sponsored by Rome Memorial Hospital. Advance registration is not required. Refreshments will be served. Rome Memorial Hospital’s classroom is located on the second floor of the hospital. For more information, call 3387143.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2012

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Painkiller abuse D

Finding at-risk patients

To help providers identify which patients are at risk of abusing prescription painkillers, Excellus BCBS reviews claims data and issues reports twice a year to providers listing which patients are engaging in all three of the following risky behaviors: • Having more than 90 days of

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prescription painkiller therapy in a 180day time frame • Being prescribed painkiller therapy by three or more prescribers • Receiving painkiller prescriptions at two or more pharmacies. In each report, Excellus BCBS has identified about 1,400 members who are at risk of abusing prescription painkillers and also offers support and resources to providers tackling this issue. The reports often trigger conversations between providers and patients about their care and treatment. “Our initiative is yielding positive results,” said Chitre. “Seventy-seven percent of members we flagged in the initial reports were not flagged in subsequent reports, meaning that they no longer met the three triggers indicating a risk of abusing prescription painkillers. Unfortunately, each subsequent report identifies new members at risk for abusing these drugs.”

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Suboxone is a newer treatment for patients addicted to prescription painkillers and is a key part of a patient’s comprehensive addiction treatment plan. Excellus BCBS works with the health care community to recruit more doctors to become certified to prescribe Suboxone. Certified doctors are limited by the federal government regarding how many patients they can treat with the drug. Doctors can treat no more than 30 patients with the drug in the first year of certification, and can obtain permission to treat up to 100 patients after the initial year. In addition to issuing reports to doctors and recruiting more Suboxone prescribers, the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield initiative also includes: • Collaborating with local physicians to create community guidelines on how to assess and treat prescription painkiller addiction • Eliminating preauthorization for Suboxone treatment of painkiller addiction • Enhancing reimbursement to providers for prescribing Suboxone “If the health care community continues to collaboratively tackle this issue, more progress will be made in curbing prescription painkiller abuse,” Chitre said.

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Efforts under way to curb prescription painkiller abuse in Upstate New York eaths from prescription painkillers have surged in the past decade. But efforts by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and local health care providers have shown success in identifying and treating people at risk of abusing these drugs. One in 20 people aged 12 and older uses prescription painkillers for nonmedical reasons, without a prescription or for the “high” some drugs produce, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Excellus BCBS launched an initiative in 2007 to help doctors and patients safely treat pain and reduce abuse of prescription painkillers such as OxyContin and Vicodin. As a result of the Excellus BCBS initiative: More than 100 doctors and 50 outpatient chemical dependency providers in Upstate New York are certified to treat patients with Suboxone, the first prescription drug approved for use in an outpatient setting to treat people who are addicted to painkillers. The number of Excellus BCBS members receiving Suboxone treatment doubled from 2008 to 2011. There were 10 percent fewer member visits to inpatient detoxification units in 2011 compared to 2009. More people addicted to prescription painkillers are now receiving care in the community through treatments such as Suboxone, avoiding what can be a lengthy, expensive and disruptive stay at an inpatient facility such as a hospital. “Given our unique position as the largest nonprofit health plan in Upstate New York, we have the data and resources needed to help providers fight what has become our nation’s largest drug problem,” said Mona Chitre, clinical services director, Excellus BCBS. The results have been published in a national publication, the CDMI Report.

H E A LT H F O O D S

Soothe and relieve

Local News, Inc. Distribution: 20,000 copies. To request home delivery ($15 per year), call 315-749-7070.

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2012 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, Malissa Allen Advertising: Jennifer Wise Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Ofﬁce Manager: Laura Beckwith

No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider.

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‘Freshman 15’ the bane of freshman students

Meet

Your Doctor

By Patricia J. Malin

ith one month of their first semester down, many Mohawk Valley college students are trying to avoid the dreaded “freshman 15” weight gain. It can be a challenge to some young students when faced for the first time with a daily array of healthy and notso-healthy food choices. The American Heart Association recommends college students, and everyone, know their daily calorie needs and try to create a healthy eating plan that incorporates a few basic healthy eating goals.

Weight gain—a growing problem

More than 60 percent of adults in the United States are either overweight or obese and the most significant weight changes occur in the 18-29 year old age group. A study by Washington University in St. Louis on college students’ weight gain showed that body weight increased in 70 percent of the 290 students studied between the beginning of their freshman year and the end of their sophomore year. So what’s a few extra pounds? Obesity can lead to health complications such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Less than 1 percent of U.S. adults meet the definition for ideal healthy diet. To successfully manage weight, the AHA encourages people to learn about healthier food choices and know how many calories to eat daily. The AHA offers a free online BMI/personal calorie tool at http://bit.ly/BMIcalorietool.

Eat more fruits and vegetables

The USDA’s MyPlate.gov says an ideal meal plate is one that is half-filled with fruits and vegetables. However, all-you-can-eat dining facilities can tempt even the most well intentioned, health conscious student. “In the dining halls, look at everything that is being offered and make a good choice based on that,” says Pat Salzer, registered dietitian and former member of the American Heart Association advisory board in Utica. “Evaluate all of your choices. Focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean meat. Make sure you’re getting all the nutrition you will need for what you’re expecting your mind and body to do.” Experts suggest that students choose whole-grain foods that are filling, slow to digest and nutrient-rich. When it comes to proteins, nutritionists suggest choosing lean proteins like fish, turkey, chicken and beans. Salzer says it is possible to enjoy some treats, as long as you do it carefully. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for everyone, but Salzer says it is especially important for college students. “A high protein meal in particular will really help set the tone of the day. You’ve gone all night without eating, so breakfast is a really good way to start the day since you’ll be busy in classes. You will need that energy to put you on the right path for your new college career,” she said. For more information about weight management, visit www.heart.org/ weightmanagement. Page 4

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Dr. Randolph “Randy” Snow, left, is shown with his colleagues from Utica Community Health Center during a recent visit by Dr. Jaime R. Torres, Region II director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Joining Snow are, from left, Brenda Carney, NP; April Champen, DDS; Pablo Elizondo, DMD, all from UCHC; Sonya Martinez, Mohawk Valley Latino Association; Janine Carzo, chief operating ofﬁcer of UCHC; Torres; Myra Fuentes, RN; Cynthia Jones, MD, of UCHC; and Tony Colon, a Spanish language interpreter in Utica. Related story, see page 10.

Dr. Randolph ‘Randy’ Snow

Dr. Randolph “Randy” Snow has been involved in the medical profession for nearly 25 years. In the summer of 2011, he became a primary care physician at the Utica Community Health Center. During an interview with In Good Health senior writer Patricia J. Malin, Snow discusses the many twists and turns of his career. Q.: Why did you decide to practice in the Mohawk Valley? A.: I grew up nearby, in Mohawk. Q.: What prompted you to become a doctor? A.: After teaching in medical schools for 15 years, I wanted a change in perspective. I had studied the development of vertebrate vision and then I got into hospice care. I never applied or wanted to go to medical school until well into my time teaching at Lake Erie College (around 2006). Q.: Do you think you took an unconventional path to becoming a physician? A.: I don’t think of it as a roundabout way. It would only have been roundabout if there were a straightline goal to be achieved. I still don’t even know if medicine is the end of the journey or just the next educational stop along the way. I guess time will tell. Q.: What specific ailments or disorders do you treat? A.: Hospice and palliative care are my first love. Additionally, I treat addictions including tobacco abuse, opiate abuse and alcoholism. Q.: What is the most challenging aspect of your job? A.: Non-compliance (reluctance to

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2012

take medications or advice). We deal with patients who have never followed through with medical care. Changing old habits is hard. Q.: What is the most fulfilling (positive) aspect of your job? A.: Making a difference with just one patient. I have the opportunity to work with a needy population (at Utica Community Health Center) that was being left behind with each passing day. Suffice it to say, I have had many successes and many failures, both in

my time at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and with RPCN. All I try to do is learn from each. Q.: What is the role of primary care doctors? A.: Primary care is not a gateway to medicine, but a backstop. We are not only the first line of defense, but frequently the last line before despair. Q.: What are your future goals? A.: I want to develop a strong practice to service the needy population of inner city Utica, as well as in the surrounding areas.

Lifelines Age: 47 Birthplace: Mohawk Education: Mohawk Central School, 1983; Mohawk Valley Community College, fall 1983; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, 1983-84; Utica College, Utica, BS (biology), BA (psychology), 1988; Albany Medical College, 1988-89; SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse, PhD (anatomy, cell biology), 1995; Cornell University, Ithaca, postdoctoral, psychology, 1995-97; continued research on the evolution of vision; doctor of osteopathy, Lake Erie College, Erie, Pa., 2008; MBA, business, Behrend College at Penn State, 2009. Family: Wife, Amy of 23 years; four children, aged 4-21

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2012

Women’s Health

With a loser? Why smart women get stuck in bad relationships By Barbara Pierce

ou know he’s not Mr. Right. He’s not even Mr. Right Now. You’re a smart woman, so why can’t you ditch the guy? Lifescripts online talks about the most common reasons otherwise smart women stay in bad relationships. “I was in college when an older man asked me out,” says writer Norrine Dworkin-McDaniel. “We went to a concert, then back to his place. By morning, I knew the relationship was a non-starter. “But his attention was flattering and I was between boyfriends. My onenight stand turned into a long relationship. I should have cut and run. But I’d grown used to him. And at least I had a date on Saturday nights. “I didn’t get my complacent butt out until he raised his hand to smack me. Though his hand never connected, that was just the push I needed to finally end it.” According to relationship experts, here are the most common reasons we stay with men who are wrong for us: • My family made me do it. Blaming your issues on your family can get old. But picking Mr. Wrong over and over has to do with your upbringing, therapists say. “What happens in the family shapes how we see ourselves,” says relationship coach Lauren Mackler. “We take these patterns into adulthood.” A girl who grew up thinking “I don’t deserve love” is subconsciously attracted to men who can’t meet her emotional needs. “It doesn’t make her happy, but it’s comfortable because it’s familiar,” Mackler says. It’s the emotional equivalent of the hamster wheel: You never get the guy, no matter how hard you work. But the thought that you might if you just hang on a little longer keeps you in the game. “Women are willing to deal with long stretches of crap for that momentary approval or affection,” explains psychologist Dennis Sugrue. “When it comes—and it’s not often—it means everything.” Do I really care about this person or has the relationship become habit? Is it easier to stay than make the effort to leave? Do I feel like he really cares for me? Or am I doing all the heavy lifting? Would I be tempted to leave if someone else I’m attracted to was suddenly available and I could get out of my current relationship with no negative consequences, embarrassment, shame or explanations? If you’re thinking maybe, “that should tell you something,” Sugrue says. • Make a list. Works with Christmas gifts and relationships. Figure out what works (and doesn’t) in your relationship, said Mi-

chele Sugg, a certified sex therapist in Branford, Conn. “That can help you determine what needs to change for the relationship to feel healthier for you,” she noted. So make like Santa and check your list twice. And talk it over with your guy. Maybe he didn’t realize that openly flirting with other women gets on your nerves. It’s unlikely, but at least you’ve done due diligence before you walk out. • Get online. If you just don’t think you can do any better, click through some online dating sites. You don’t even need to post a profile. Just punch in your zip code and take a look at who’s around. Nice guys! Near you! It’s the relationship equivalent of window-shopping. Not all these dudes will pony up to ride into the sunset with you. But even if you’re convinced the sea is empty, you’ll see there are plenty of fish out there. • Take a break. Absence can make the heart grow fonder, or show you that you’re doing just fine without him. Either way, you get some perspective, said certified sex therapist and psychologist Stephanie Buehler of the Buehler Institute for sex therapy in Irvine, Calif. • Hold off on hooking up. No judgment here. Casual, no-strings-attached sex definitely has its place. However, “it’s important to look at what you’re trying to get when you’re hooking up,” Sugg says. If you want to meet your dream man and live happily ever after, hooking up is “not the way you’re going to form lasting relationships,” Sugg says. • Do a reality check. If you worry that ditching an unsatisfying relationship will leave you alone forever or possibly even destitute, take a deep breath and step back from the ledge. Therapists call this “awfulizing” or “catastrophizing.” Mackler says you’re playing the “Gloom and Doom” movie by imagining the absolute worst-case scenario, and it’s spinning in your mind as reality. So take stock. “Look at the core beliefs you have about yourself that’s driving this fear,” she says. Do you really believe you’ll die without someone to take care of you? What about those friends and family who love you? And don’t you have your own money to pay those bills? Looks like an apartment with only cats for company isn’t your destiny after all. And you’re doing pretty well fending for yourself. Soon you’ll get your brain around the idea that you can jump ship if you want to—and land on your feet. Then you can start thinking about what your new movie will look like, Mackler says. Perhaps the screen will show that you can be happy without a relationship. Or that the next guy you date will appreciate and respect you.

October 2012 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Women’s Health Surviving breast cancer What happens next? face. The ABC Support Group newsletter offers these tips from survivor Lorraine Murray.

By Barbara Pierce

omewhere in the middle of breast cancer treatment, a woman might begin to ask herself: Is there life after breast cancer? And what does that life look like? Today, nearly nine out of 10 women with breast cancer live more than five years after their breast cancer diagnosis, according to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. In the September meeting of the After Breast Cancer support group, local survivors had the opportunity to discuss their concerns about surviving breast cancer. Presenter Debra Walz, nurse practitioner with Faxton-St. Luke’s Regional Cancer Center in Utica, shared with In Good Health the message of her presentation: “It’s all about the need for an interdisciplinary team to treat women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.” Walz is working with the oncologists, surgeons, and staff of the regional cancer center and breast care center to implement an interdisciplinary breast clinic. This clinic will allow women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to sit down with all the providers involved in her care to discuss a comprehensive treatment plan before surgery. Also in the breast clinic, women will have access to the nurse navigator, the American Cancer Society, social work, and other services that can be helpful at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Tips for coping with breast cancer

Walz described the reaction to her presentation as “extremely positive.” Jennifer Klimek Yingling also presented. She is conducting a study on the concerns of women who have completed treatment for breast cancer. The ABC support group was created by women who have had breast cancer. “We focus on positive measures to return life to normal after the chaos of breast cancer,” said Karen Christensen, one of the original founders of the group in 1990. The group is dedicated to providing education, information and emo-

tional support to women and men who are facing biopsy, surgery or recovery from breast cancer. “When you get a diagnosis of cancer, your family is scared,” Christensen said. “They don’t want to hear about it. But we can talk about it; we’ve been there. “It means so much to someone who has just learned she has breast cancer to walk in and see all these other women who have had it. I’ve been a survivor for 26 years.” Beginning the support group and helping others with their diagnosis was part of the healing process for Christensen. Many of the women in the group have been part of the group since it began. “They love the camaraderie; they love that they can help others,” she added. “We affectionately call each other ‘breast friends!’” A breast cancer diagnosis is frightening, overwhelming, and exhausting—but a few simple tips can help people cope with the challenges they

• Let some things go. At least once a day, say, “Who cares?” and let go of old rigid ways of living. • Let your hair down. Right after the diagnosis, it helps to confide in someone who can handle whatever emotions you may express. Find someone you feel completely safe with. • Find people to hug. Initiate a hug whenever you feel the need for comfort. People will respond warmly and you’ll feel better. • Tap into your faith. Every religion offers comfort to help endure life’s trials. It can help to read inspirational books and/or scripture. Find favorite prayers and say them often. • Be patient with yourself. There will come a day when your diagnosis is not the first thing on your mind when you wake up in the morning. For the first few months, though, you may find yourself dwelling on the diagnosis and reliving the events of surgery and other treatments. This is perfectly normal. • Give yourself time to cry. You may find yourself grieving as if you’d lost your best friend. This is the result of shock and is perfectly normal. Crying may help with emotional healing. But if crying is not your way of handling stress, that’s fine too. Everyone is different. • Take naps. Naps are immensely therapeutic, especially if you’re undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. Even 20 minutes can make a big difference in your mood and overall sense of wellbeing. Even after your diagnosis and treatment, naps can help. • Set limits. If you feel overwhelmed—by work, household tasks, social commitments—it’s time to make changes. Make a list of what you have to do each day and figure out what can be postponed or delegated to someone else.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2012

Women’s Health Are you ready to get fit? Fitness requires determination, motivation By Amylynn Pastorella

to work out at home with no motivation, you won’t leave the couch. Getting motivated may take some time. Having a workout buddy—someone relying on you to go to the gym with you—may be the only motivation you need.

ome common mistakes and bad habits serve to derail fitness and workout plans. When going to the gym or working out on your own, it is important to avoid common mistakes. Mistakes such as working out without a battle plan, not stretching, doing too much at once, doing incomplete workouts, failing to push yourself, failing to vary a routine, working out without focus and efficiency and drinking sports drinks instead of water are errors that can lead to injury rather than positive results. “It is extremely important to have a plan when you go to work out if you expect results,” said Lauren Valente, a licensed Zumba toning, aqua Zumba and “Zumbatomic” instructor. How often have you gone grocery shopping without a list and without looking to see what you really need? Yes, you may get it right once in a while, but more often than not, you end up wandering up and down the aisles and end up forgetting something you really needed or buying something you already have plenty of at home. Going to the gym without a plan is the same thing. You may get it right but you may also be aimlessly hopping from machine to machine without actu-

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ally getting to target the area you really need. Valente says motivation is key to keeping a successful workout regimen. If you are not motivated to get to the gym, you are not going to go. If your plan is

“I personally needed to find something that I actually liked to do first. I started by taking Zumba classes that are more of a dance party and less of a workout and fell in love with them. I liked going, so I kept it up,” said Valente. As Valente started seeing results, she tried other group fitness classes again and liked them a lot more. The main point is do whatever gets you to go out and be active. “It could be Zumba classes (like I did), taking turbo kick classes, swimming, lifting weights, or even simply

walking, whatever gets you out the door and off the couch is a winner,” said Valente. Once in the zone with a good exercise regime, overdoing the workout can make you stumble. This can be just as bad as not being active as well. This is why to not try to just wing it. Seeking a trainer will help you develop a plan to get the results you want. Overdoing it can lead to injuries. Some are more serious than others, but either way they will have the opposite effects than you would like. Exercising correctly will allow you to reap the benefits of your workout. You will look good, feel good and improve your quality of life. As a result of getting in shape, Valente ran her first Boilermaker this year. “My family’s motto about running is ‘do not run unless someone is chasing you’. Running my first Boilermaker was a great accomplishment for me. When I started taking getting in shape seriously, a little over three years ago, I was at the heaviest I had been in my life. I knew I needed to make a change. Zumba got me out the door and motivated. It has not always been easy for me but I have lost 60 pounds and dropped five dress sizes. My weight loss journey is not over but I am much happier as a physically fit individual,” said Valente.

By Amylynn Pastorella

Care-giving team vital to cancer patients

eing diagnosed with cancer can stop anyone in his tracks. Cancer can affect anyone and does not discriminate. Along with the person diagnosed, family, friends, coworkers—people considered caregivers—can also be affected by cancer. In a new book called, “Things I Wish I’d Known: Cancer Caregivers Speak Out,” by cancer survivor and caregiver advocate Deborah Cornwall, caregivers are provided with an invaluable resource that covers everything from how to advocate for a cancer patient to how to take time out for themselves. The book explores topics such as how cancer care giving differs from other types; cancer care giving is unique because the disease strikes patients of any age, and the same treatments may affect each patient differently; caregiver stress, which is under-reported and under-recognized, where it comes from, why it can’t be prevented and much more. This practical and insightful book intersperses real-life stories from 86 formal interviews and hundreds of personal conversations with advice on how to approach the critical issues and decisions facing a cancer caregiver.

To purchase the book, visit www. bardolfandcompany.com/book-store, www.barnesandnoble.com, and www. amazon.com. The book is also available on the Kindle. The National Cancer Institute estimates one in two people will get cancer in their lifetimes. Sobering statistics, but just as startling is the reality that each of those people will need support and many of them will need a caregiver Pastorella and advocate. Cancer caregivers have a unique role. They spend countless hours doing nothing but showing support and love to the patient. However, with this admirable undertaking, caregivers can also become overwhelmed with the experience. “Getting help early on is important for both the patient and the care-giving team,” said JoAnn Wolcott, social worker

for Hospice & Palliative Care in New Hartford. “Establishing open lines of communication is essential as many unexpected questions and circumstances arise,” said Wolcott. Using a team approach can give both the patient and caregivers much needed guidance and support.

First hand account

Living as a cancer survivor has been quite the experience. My care-giving team—made up of my parents, siblings, extended family and friends—provided nothing but support during all the traveling and treatments. Being only 2 years old, my parents took the brunt of the experience but persevered through the “what ifs” and “if only” because they knew they had to be strong. Understandably, they also dealt with stress and overwhelming emotions. If I didn’t have the awesome caregivers I did, things may not have turned out the way they did and I may not have been able to live the blessed life I have been living. My personal experience is different from the next. It is normal for caregivers to feel fear, anxiety, sad-

October 2012 •

ness, pride and devotion. Through any emotion, caregivers remain nonjudgmental and work hard to provide as much support as they can. With that, self-care is important for caregivers. “Caregivers must remember to get adequate sleep, eat healthy, relax, and relieve stress with activities such as yoga or walking, to keep their endurance strong,” said Linda Clark, social worker at Hospice & Palliative Care. A cancer diagnosis is life changing even if the patient survives. Readers can make a connection with the book mentioned above and the participants who contributed to sharing their stories. Readers, if you are caregivers or know those who are, stay strong, be positive, continue support and enjoy this book with the comfort of knowing that you are not alone. • Do you have a health-related question for Amy “Ace” Pastorella? Send your questions to acesangle@gmail.com or mail to In Good Health, 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Center of attention Utica Community Health Center provides valuable safety net

By Patricia J. Malin

he Utica Community Health Center on Oneida Street in Utica is a small place, but lately it has been drawing a lot of attention from bigwigs. Dr. Jaime R. Torres, regional director U.S. Department of Health &

Human Services New York Regional Office, recently toured the Utica Community Health Center. UCHC is a member of the Regional Primary Care Network and is the only federally qualified healthcare center in Oneida County. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. also issued a proclamation

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2012

to the UCHC staff in honor of National Health Center Week, Aug. 5-11. The proclamation said, “America’s community health centers are at the core of our health care system. (It is) the nation’s safety net delivering high quality, cost effective and accessible primary care to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay, keeping communities healthy Torres and productive.” The RPCN is a nonprofit network of 25 community health centers providing primary medical and dental care across Upstate New York, to all patients regardless of financial, cultural or social barriers. “The Utica facility is in an ideal location to provide treatment to many families, including many of our refugee families, who are far more likely to use a facility close to their homes to get the services they need to ensure good family health and also avoid costly emergency room visits,” Picente said. “From the perspective of community health and from the perspective of containing health care costs, the Utica center has been a valuable asset to the community and a partner with county government.”

Michael Leary, president and CEO of RPCN, said the objective of RPCN and the Utica Community Health Center during National Health Center Week was to “focus on outreach to referral sources in our communities to introduce ourselves, remind them of our mission and services or simply reaffirm the strong relationships we already enjoy. The goal is “100 Touches” or connections with referral sources throughout the week.” Torres came to Utica at the invitation of UCHC’s Cynthia Jones, primary care physician, and Myra Fuentes, the center’s nurse manager, after meeting them at a Hispanic health care conference earlier this year. As the HHS regional director, Torres is the Region II representative under U.S. Health & Human Services Department Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and coordinates the implementation of departmental policies and initiatives. Region II includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight tribal nations. Torres also plays a vital role in the federal government’s effort to effectively implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, in local communities. The Affordable Care Act places a greater emphasis on preventive care, expands comprehensive health insurance coverage for all Americans regardless of pre-existing conditions and provides consumer protection.

‘Ain’t Dead Yet’

& Palliative Care

Parkinson’s Disease patient makes best of life-threatening situation By Patricia J. Malin

ith a biting touch of humor, John Baumann compares himself to the late Pope John Paul II, and still-living celebrities like Michael J. Fox and Muhammed Ali. Actually, they share one major trait that neither man wishes he had—a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. “I prefer to call it a condition,” Baumann explained, “but it actually is an incurable, progressive, neurological disease which means that I am getting worse every single day I am alive.” Baumann’s 25year career as an attorney in Louisville, Ky., came crashing Baumann down after he was diagnosed with PD 10 years ago, at 41-years-old. He published a book in 2011 entitled, “Decide Success—You Ain’t Dead Yet: Twelve Action Steps to Achieve The Success You Truly Desire,” in which he confronts his disease, sometimes with an unexpectedly light touch, and discusses his motivation to keep living life to the fullest. “The funny thing about PD is that there is no test to determine if you have it, other than doing an autopsy,” he joked. “Being that I intend to stay (alive) for a long, long time, I opted against the autopsy.” Baumann was the guest of honor at Presbyterian Homes & Services’ 10th annual Parkinson’s Awareness Walk recently. He also gave a presentation the previous day to the public, including residents of the Presbyterian Home’s Parkinson’s unit, and sold copies of his books and CDs. His appearance netted $20,000 for the Parkinson’s unit. Parkinson’s disease has taken Baumann down a different path that he accepts grudgingly at times, but one he enthusiastically shares with others, while he is still physically able. He started his own business called The Inspiring Esquire (www. TheInspiringEsquire.com). He has just released another book and started a new website with his wife, Bernadette, livingwellwithparkinsons.com. Discovering the sometimes-funny side of illness has enhanced his second career as a motivational speaker. “I’ve been Parkinson’s proud since 2002,” he exclaimed during his presentation. Emulating the actor Fox, and former heavyweight champion Ali, who was born and raised in Louisville, Baumman’s message is that Parkinson’s disease need not strip anyone of quality of life.

Focus on ‘posi-spective’

During his speech, Baumann

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sounded confident. He said he manages the disease by maintaining “posi-spective,” a phrase meaning a positive perspective. “Don’t identify yourself with Parkinson’s,” he told the audience. “You are a person, albeit one suffering from Parkinson’s.” He takes medication in the form of 12 pills a day, yet this isn’t fail-proof. He takes carbidopa-levadopa, which is “an effective symptom reliever,” and a new product called Azilect. During his well-rehearsed presentation, he referred to his notes at the podium and on the screen. However, whether from fatigue, or “occasional incapacity due to the medication,” about halfway through his lecture he momentarily forgot his words. He apologized to the audience. “I’m sorry,” he said. “Sometimes with Parkinson’s, you don’t know when to take your medicine.” Soon he resumed without any further interruptions. In an earlier interview, Baumann agreed that Parkinson’s disease is associated with older people. “It rarely affects people under 50,” Baumann said. “Michael J. Fox was 29. It is very common for Parkinson’s to be undiagnosed or even misdiagnosed by doctors, sometimes for years.” Before he was diagnosed, he started noticing mysterious behavior. “I first started getting fatigued, especially at boring meetings,” he said. “Then I lost some fine motor skills (while playing softball). Then I broke my thumb playing soccer and when they took the cast off, my hand tremored. My voice got softer at meetings and people kept asking me to speak up. I started losing expression in my face (a poker face); I stopped blinking; smaller handwriting and finally, more and more, a shaking right hand. A doctor friend suggested that I see a neurologist.” A chemical called dopamine, which assists with coordination, is produced in the brain, he explained. “For whatever reason, the brain slows or stops producing this chemical, and the amount of it left is reduced to less than about 40 percent of what is normal. Then symptoms start to appear.” With such a diagnosis, it’s common for individuals to deal with doubt and depression, confusion and fear. “I was in a fog, going through the motions,” he said. “Once the shock started to wear off, I got proactive. I learned as much as I could about PD. I was asked to be on the board of the Parkinson Support Center of Kentuckiana. I went to the World Parkinson’s Congress in Washington, D.C.” He stopped working in 2008 due to fatigue and the disease’s occasional effect on his mental abilities. But doctors advise patients to keep busy and stay sharp mentally as a form of coping and reducing the effects of Parkinson’s. Baumann later opened a legal/ management consultant and speaker business, Proactive Prevention Culture. He also teaches law part-time. He draws on his legal background by working as a clinical trial advocate for the Parkinson Disease Foundation.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to visit HOA. You’ll soon see that our staff, experience, technology, clinical trials, and our holistic approach to healing make HOA an amazing place for cancer treatment–right here in Central New York. New York.

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The Ragin’ Cajun

By Malissa Allen

Child sexual abuse Sister of fallen child recounts chilling story Editor’s Note: This is the second segment in a three-part series addressing the issue of child sexual abuse. Sources for the stories that appear in the series have requested anonymity.

iving in small, rural southern towns, everyone knows everyone. Families usually grow up together, being constant house guests as well as family. It was no different with my family. My mother and father met when they were small children, and married when my dad was 16 and my mom was 15. This wasn’t so odd back then. Both sides of my family were close. Grandpas hunted with grandpas, grandmothers cooked Allen and canned with grandmothers. It was a big family gathering, at every gathering from either side. I was much closer to my mother’s family than I was my dad’s. I had one aunt, my dad’s baby sister that was like a second mom to me. But other than that, my mom’s family was around all the time and I could never be too close to my mother. My kids laugh today when I tell them I didn’t go to kindergarten because I was so afraid to be away from my mom. And that is a true story, and I remained that way up until I had to prepare her for her grave. There was a reason for this. The reason was an old man on my dad’s side that seemed to have a liking to young girls. Sadly, had the others before me spoken up, I may have been saved from the hell I faced, beginning at 4 years old. At first it started out as “innocent winning me over”. Take me walking out by the pond that I loved so much, to a touch under my shirt, then, into my pants. My grandfather on my mom’s side stayed in those fields all the time, next to our house. He truly was my cowboy hero. I usually could be found chasing him on his tractor, fishing at the pond, or riding with him on the tractor. This day would be much different; my papaw wasn’t in the field; my savior was nowhere to be found. The constant touching, feeling, noises, sounds, guilt, and shame flooded me constantly. I found there comes a time when “innocent” gestures turn into forceful rape when a grown man wants control. The day it all changed, I found myself going from a simple fishing trip down to our pond, right in the field next to our house, to where I was bound to a cow feeding rail, hands tied down, feet tied down and a grown man molesting every ounce of my 5 year body. The last words I would hear, “If you tell anybody, I will hurt you and your mom.” Page 12

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My next “woman warrior” took a while for me to do. Her story has played over and over in my mind a million times as we sat many hours on Skype talking. We cried, she screamed, broke down, and laughed. We both know we will forever be bonded through her story.

‘In the hands of God’

“Ethel,” who requested anonymity, was raised in another rural town, kind of like mine. The Baptist church was the gathering on Wednesday and Sunday like most southern towns. Faith and family are other things families bond over. We trust the leaders, the pastors, the deacons, and their respected wives. Sometimes this is a costly mistake. My friend Ethel had a sister that was only 6 years old when they began going to this church. The little girl had curling pigtails, a contagious smile and charmed them all. She was beautiful, funny, talented and outgoing. It wasn’t long after they began going to the church, changes began in the sweet little girl. This girl everyone grew to know and love. She began to hide in her room, lash out in bad behavior, scream and cry to not go to church or to the gatherings. Her parents, being high up in the church, only pushed her to go and many times she was made to be alone and hungry in her room. How could parents not see their own child’s pain? How could a child once so giddy, smart, and outgoing, turn into a shell of a child that once used to be? This is the question many of us survivors of childhood molestation ask ourselves. My friend’s little sister grew up year after year, rebellious, destructive, and out of control. Her beauty turned to ugly, cursing, smoking, drugs and drinking. A day was about to come that would shatter this family and open the eyes to the monstrous abuse that began on the church grounds when the bubbly little girl was 6 years old. The church was set on a hill in the old town, a beauty within itself. As faith would have it the church grew

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2012

Take action In Herkimer and Oneida counties, the YWCA Mohawk Valley provides 24-hour crisis services for child and adult victims and survivors, including a confidential hotline, advocacy and accompaniment throughout police, hospital, and legal procedures, counseling, support group, information, and referrals to other services. It doesn’t matter when the abuse or assault occurred. Services are provided regardless and are free and confidential. The YWCA’s hotline numbers are: 866-0748 in Herkimer County and 797-7740 in Oneida County. Additionally, Oneida County operates a child advocacy center that works with child victims of sexual abuse and/or severe physical abuse in this county. To get help, people can call 732-3990. into one that soon needed a youth director to guide the teenagers and provide them with a firm foundation. A handsome man and his wife were chosen for this job. As they worked hard, the program grew and attracted many youths, including my friend, who carried her gleaming little sister everywhere she went. Sleepovers and campouts on the church grounds became popular events, but the trust of the pastor and his wife would be one many would regret. It became many little girls’ nightmare.

Web of evil

The pastor and his wife were both luring young girls into their nasty web. The first times began so innocently, my friend told me. They played a game of “Adam and Eve” nude in the Garden of Eden, where each child was forced to touch the “private heavens” (what they were taught to say), of every other little child there. If they broke the sacred bond and told their “secret”, they would be cast into hell just like Adam and Eve. Summers soon turned into nights of hell over and over. Boys and girls were made to have sex with one another. To the same

threats as before, “you will go to hell, and now so will your family for you bringing such shame to them, if you tell”. The games continued except now the grown-ups began joining in, each taking turns with the children on “fun and games night” at the pastor’s house. The younger of the two sisters became the pastor’s favorite; she became “his.” Can you imagine the torment these two siblings had throughout their life knowing one another’s hell, yet not being able to rescue the other? The following year, my friends now-teenaged sister began getting sick a lot and was noticing her tummy was growing. The fact that she wore baggy clothes concealed the “secret” that was growing inside of her belly. One night in the church gym girl’s shower, the pastor’s wife noticed the bump growing inside her as well. Instead of taking the child to the doctor, the pastor and his wife arranged for a “week retreat” with the two young ladies, and they themselves performed a home abortion, as her sister was made to stand and watch to learn her “lesson” as what “growing Satan in your body will do”. The ordeal would soon tear the town and family apart. Five days later, they came home. The younger sister, pale, weak, and running fever was placed in bed. It was assumed she had gotten the flu or some type of viral thing while camping. Nobody said a word. The older sister watched as day after day her small petite sister—the once little bouncy, happy child—was slowly dying before her eyes.

Rush to judgment

The following day, her baby sister had become unconscious. EMTs, ambulance, firemen, and the entire town were called to their house over the medical state of her sweet, little sister. Once the child was admitted into ICU, it did not take long to discover what had happened. The parents were devastated.

Continued on Page 13

Bruce Stewart, DDS: Dedicated to high quality dental care One of the features the practice offers is CEREC crowns — beautiful, strong, done in one visit

ruce Stewart has been practicing dentistry for more than 28 years. He knows that people can’t necessarily measure the clinical care a dentist can provide, but they sure know if their experience is valuable. People have a tendency to avoid or deny going to the dentist. They are frightened, embarrassed, feel they won’t be able to afford good dentistry — or they simply just don’t know what Stewart a dentist can do for them. Stewart, whose practice, Bruce Stewart, DDS is based in Oneida, wants to address these issues head on, so the general

public can assess for themselves what good quality dentistry really means. First, his team is dedicated to high quality care, setting new standards for patient education, and integrity driven community service through oral health. What does that mean? • We want to help you improve your overall health and quality of life. • We want our patients to be able to communicate to us what they want most from their experience. • We have ongoing staff interactions setting new standards for patient education and best practices in oral health. • We provide community support through outreach programs and provide unsolicited dental help for groups or individuals of need. How will we do that work? ”The talk we want to walk.” • We always want the community to be able to say that they admire our integrity, compassion, and innovative

approach to how we do our work. • We want to show each individual that we understand and truly care when they have fears, anxiety, or embarrassment. Bruce Stewart, DDS offers the following services: • Advanced laser periodontal therapy • Implants placed and restored • In-house CEREC crowns — beautiful, strong, done in one visit • Digital low radiation X-rays • Root canal therapy • Complete smile makeovers • Complete re-care services includ-

ing periodontal and oral cancer screenings So, give us a call and come smile with us. Bruce Stewart, DDS is located at 321 Main St., Oneida, NY 13421. Its website is www.oneidanydentist.com. For more information, call 315-3634940, visit our Facebook page or on our mobile site. The office offers extended payment plans through Care Credit.

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Child sex abuse: Trust them to no one Continued from Page 12 Filled with shame that their daughter, their baby, had gotten pregnant by God only knows who, and did this to herself and her family. The sister lay in the hospital dying as the town gossiped, the parents shamed, and her sister, dying inside. The next few days were touch and go. The girl’s body began accepting antibiotics and she was sent to surgery to heal the internal damage caused by her monsters. Sadly, her true nightmare had yet to begin. Once she was conscious enough to talk, the first ones to show up to counsel her were her parents, the pastor and his wife. This was more than she could bear, to have the ones responsible for her world being taken from her all these years, now standing before her, chastising her for her “sins and damnation”. To hear her sister describe the following, I simply cannot fathom. She said her sister became out of control, screaming, reaching for the pastor to try to choke him, screaming over and over: “Why, why, why?” For what she said seemed like an eternity, she watched her baby sister in a moment of insanity, screaming, pulling her hair, beating herself up, trying to reach the man that destroyed her life. It will forever haunt her. Doctors, nurses, aides and onlookers suddenly swarmed the room to remove those acting so innocent, then with one shot from a needle, she passed out. She was sedated into what was probably the only peaceful moment of her young life. The room was emptied and the people gathered at the family’s home to make amends with the pastor and his

wife for the embarrassment they must have felt by their child. They even had dinner with them hoping to make it all better again within the community.

Tragic end

They did not understand why their own flesh and blood would blame such innocent, God-filled people of something so ugly. The following day, nobody from her family showed up at the hospital to see the broken spirit, except her sister. In the dark room, in the silence away from the world, in the still of the coldness, my friend found her sister, hanging from the shower rod in the bathroom. She had taken her life, along with all the demons, wounds, and destruction that life had handed her as a young, beautiful happy little girl. There in the small room, the sister held her baby sister as she had when they were young and happy. The flashbacks of their stolen childhood had come crashing with her only sister lying dead in her arms as she screamed to God, “Why?” The family all too late found out the truth of what had been happening to both their girls, and many others in the town. The entire day my friend’s sister lay in that hospital bed, she wasn’t alone. The husband of one of the nurses on staff was also a detective with the FBI, and she told him everything. Later that same day, police cars and news stations from all over swarmed the pastor and his wife as they were arrested. After the testimony from so many years, so many kids’ lives ruined, they each were sentenced to life in prison. The pastor said many of his sins

were mistaken for acts of love. He was reportedly murdered in prison by five gang members who raped and tortured him. Today my friend is a broken spirit trying to make it in a world she feels such fear, shame and hatred for. She stays alone a lot and still seeks therapy to help her cope with her grief, her torture and her guilt for not telling someone sooner and thinking perhaps her sister’s life would have been different.

She told me their story hoping it would help or save another’s life. She asked me to say: Sex abusers aren’t just lurking around playgrounds and prisons. They are in our schools, our entertainment, our hospitals and yes, our churches. I will never forget this lady or her beautiful sister. I have grown to love her and I feel even more inspired by her to never stop bringing awareness to this type of abuse. Listen to your children, watch their behaviors, and most of all, trust them to no one.

Almost half of U.S. adults have gum disease

um disease affects nearly half of American adults aged 30 and older, a new study finds. The study was published Aug. 30 in the Journal of Dental Research. Periodontitis is an infection of the gums and a major cause of tooth loss in adults, according to the American Dental Association. For the new study, researchers analyzed data from a nationally representative study on more than 3,700 adults aged 30 and older and found that about 47 percent had periodontitis — about 9 percent with mild gum disease, 30 percent with moderate disease and 8.5 percent with severe disease. The 47 percent rate would mean that nearly 65 million adults in the United States have gum disease,

October 2012 •

according to a journal news release. The researchers also found that 64 percent of adults 65 and older in the study had either moderate or severe periodontitis. This rate is far higher than previous national estimates, according to study lead author Paul Eke, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and colleagues. Gum disease rates were highest in males, Mexican Americans, adults with less than a high school education, adults below the poverty line and current smokers. Although it’s usually painless, warning signs include gums that bleed easily or are red, swollen and tender, according to the ADA website.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 13

The Balanced Body

By Deb Dittner

CANCER

Genetic or environmental? Healthy lifestyle can affect the odds

enetics is no longer considered to be the #1 cause of cancer. The majority of cancers today are caused by the environment and lifestyle factors including diet, smoking, overweight/obesity, alcohol consumption, environmental toxins, stress, and lack of movement. Certain types of cancers are determined by inherited genes but you can take control of your life by helping to prevent a diagnosis of cancer. Cancers that seem to be mostly influenced by genetics are prostate, colorectal, stomach, breast and lung. In many types of cancer, known lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, diet, hormone exposure and chemical exposure, highlight the incidence of cancer. Take diet as an example. A diet rich in processed foods, sugar, fast food frequenting, and alcohol can lead to cancers Dittner of the digestive tract, kidney, liver, and thyroid. Cancer can truly be avoided by reducing lifestyle risk factors. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables contain anti-oxidants decreasing the risk of cancer dramatically. A number of studies have shown that anti-oxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer. I typically recommend 6-8 servings of vegetables and 2-3 servings of fruits not just for cancer prevention but for basic overall health.

What are anti-oxidants?

So what is an anti-oxidant? Antioxidants are “substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals” which may lead to cancer. “Carotenoids” are related to

beta-carotene but are better at fighting cancer despite its vitamin activity. With cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, patients should actually build up their immunities prior to treatments as some vitamins can actually decrease the efficacy of certain chemo treatments. Natural carotenoids are created in plants and vegetables using the same ingredients found in therapeutic grade essential oils. Clinical studies have shown that orange oil and lemon oil have double the anti-cancer activity than that of Brussel sprouts, cabbage and green tea extract. The Ningxia wolfberry, considered a super food, has numerous nutrients protecting cells from DNA damage and cancer. Studies showing the extract from the wolfberry had positive responses in those with advanced cancer. Other fruits such as blueberry, raspberry, pomegranates, and strawberry contain high levels of flavonoids and anti-oxidants aiding in the inhibition of cancer cell growth. These super foods may also be beneficial in protecting against heart disease. Frankincense resin has also been studied in cancer prevention as it is rich in essential oils and boswellic acids fighting against malignant cells. In ancient times, frankincense was used to treat conditions from “gout to a broken head”. Frankincense oil has been used in both humans and animals with positive reduction in tumors. Myrrh gum, similar to frankincense, was also used in ancient times to heal a variety of conditions. The antitumor possibilities of myrrh have been studied in comparison with standard

cytotoxic drugs and found great use in the treatment of breast and prostate cancers.

Oil-based solutions

Brigham Young University has studied and tested over 60 essential oils for anti-cancer activity. Cancer cell growth was inhibited while normal cells were not damaged. Breast, prostate, skin and cervical cancers responded favorably to the use of essential oils. Numerous peer-reviewed studies show the anti-cancer effects of the essential oils in relation to the development of anti-cancer drugs with a variety of cancers. Limonene occurs naturally in orange, grapefruit, lemon and tangerine peels, and has been shown to have preventive capabilities in lung, liver, breast, stomach and skin cancers. Currently, over 50 universities and hospitals worldwide are studying these anti-cancer properties, including John Hopkins University, Purdue Univer-

sity, University of North Carolina, University of Iowa and University of Arizona. In London, oral administration of limonene resulted in partial remissions of breast and colon cancers. We all need to take charge of our own health leading the best life we can through positive lifestyle changes. There are research possibilities for certain ailments or conditions, and studies being done to assist more positive cancer outcomes. Therapeutic grade essential oils are a major part of that research with excellent possibilities in the near future. • Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner who specializes in Reiki and holistic nutrition. For more information, visit www.The-Balanced-Body.com. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

Pledge to aid expanded cardiology clinic at LFH

eldmeier Equipment, Inc., has pledged $100,000 toward the planned expansion of cardiology services by the Bassett Heart Care Institute at Little Falls Hospital. Feldmeier is a Syracuse-based manufacturer of specialized stainless steel processing equipment with facilities around the country, including Little Falls. “All of the medical emergencies at our Little Falls manufacturing plant go to Little Falls Hospital’s emergency department,” noted company vice president Jeanne Feldmeier Jackson. “Beyond that, there is a very strong family Page 14

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connection. I was born at the hospital, and my grandmother and step-aunt spent their last days there in the hands of a very caring staff. So my father, brother, sister and I feel it’s important to support this project by making this pledge in memory of our grandmother. We understand what a necessity Little Falls Hospital is to the well-being of our friends, family, employees and the people who live in the region.” Little Falls Hospital, Herkimer County’s only hospital and part of the Bassett Healthcare Network, is embarking on a major expansion and renovation project to upgrade its facility in

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2012

order to accommodate a double-digit increase in the demand for outpatient services and continue to meet the needs of the region it serves. The $12.3-million project will improve access and the overall patient experience by enhancing the hospital’s surgical suite as well as radiology, cardiology, and rehabilitation services. “The demand for outpatient services at the hospital has grown tremendously over the past several years,” said Little Falls Hospital CEO Michael Ogden. “It’s clear we need to make this investment, and I’m very grateful to the Feldmeier family for their tremendous support. It’s no secret that heart

disease is especially prevalent in this part of Upstate New York and so the expansion of cardiology services at the hospital is especially welcome news for our patients, who will appreciate not having to travel long distances for heart care.” Little Falls Hospital handles 14,00015,000 emergency visits every year, performs over 80,000 lab tests, handles over 10,000 physical therapy sessions, and provides more than 1,000 outpatient surgeries. The hospital serves an estimated population of 54,000 people living in Herkimer County and parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties.

‘If I’m so fantastic, why am I still single?’ MV IGH writer inks her own self-help book

little book called “If I’m so fantastic … Why am I still single?” is now available to the public. It promises to offer “life-changing” advice for those who really want to be in a relationship, but can’t find anyone. “It’s hard to meet someone once you’re out of school; you mostly just meet the people you work with,” said author Barbara Pierce. “My book gives you suggestions that are easy to follow—and guaranteed to work!” Pierce is popular with readers of Mohawk Valley In Good Health for her monthly advice column, “Between You and Me.” The column offers sound, down-to-earth relationship tips to readers. Suggestions are offered on how to find a partner, how to know when to end a relationship, the ups and downs you can expect in any relationship, and how to improve communication. Like her columns, her book offers sound, easy-to-follow, down-to-earth suggestions. Suggestions are based on what she learned and what she found helpful when she was searching for a partner. Pierce was happily single for many years following her divorce. But, after her daughter left home, she felt something was missing in her life. She no longer wanted to be alone; she was ready for a committed relationship. So she began to search for that special someone. She met many men, but none were “Mr. Right” for her. Finally, she found him. Not the ideal man of her dreams. Far, far from her ideal man. As she describes in the book, her ideal man was a tall, slender professional man her age. The man who turned out to be a perfect husband: An overweight high school dropout,

her height, many years younger, who worked as a boat captain. “He has all the qualities that really count—he’s really committed to our relationship, he supports me to be the person I want to be; best of all, he makes me laugh,” she said, laughing. “We’ve been married almost 20 years.” Many of her friends and many of the clients with whom she worked as a psychotherapist were interested in the story of how she found the right man. They listened to her advice. And, as she wrote her advice columns, she often included bits and pieces of information that she had found helpful in her search for a partner. Readers wanted to hear more, and the columns grew into a book. The message of the book is what Pierce learned that changed her life. She learned that her ambivalence was what was keeping her single. She wasn’t totally happy being single, but she wasn’t really committed to finding anyone. She was on the fence. She has a passion for helping other singles find someone. She wants everyone to read her book. “Get off the fence by acting as if you really want to be in a relationship,” Pierce advises in her book. “Act as if finding someone is your priority. Be committed to that goal, like you would be committed to finding a job if you were looking for one.” The easy-to-read little book contains a delightful mix of suggestions (like “get off the fence,” “meet for an hour date,” and “beware of persons who are commitment-phobic”) with short vignettes to illuminate the suggestions. And the part about the advice in

the book is guaranteed to work: Pierce, who works as a relationship coach, will give you free individual coaching sessions if you do not find anyone using her sure-fire methods.

If you would like to purchase a copy of her book for $12, contact her at BarbaraPierce06@yahoo.com or call 941-875-9239.

Immigrant from Pakistan named outstanding senior volunteer By Patricia J. Malin

ith the dizzying pace she maintains as a volunteer, it seems as if Shirin Rashid is actually working full-time these days. Rashid, 62, an immigrant and former teacher from Pakistan, has been active for more than a decade at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the Central New York Association for the Blind, Mohawk Valley Center for Refugees, and Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute. Recently, the Oneida County Office of the Aging named her outstanding senior volunteer of the year during an awards ceremony at Roselawn restaurant in New York Mills. In addition, Rashid was recognized at a reception at the state capital in Albany to commemorate Older Americans Month. Sixty-four senior volunteers were nominated by their respective senior centers in Utica, Rome, New Hartford, Whitesboro, Marcy and New York Mills and cited by Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. during the

dinner at Roselawn. “We can’t put a price tag on what our volunteers do for the community,” said Picente, addressing the dinner guests. “We couldn’t do it without your help. We need to spread the spirit of volunteering.” Among the honorees were several couples, including Chet and Loretta Mandry of the New York Mills Senior Center, who have been married 65 years. Ted and Marian Greiner volunteer together at the Neighborhood Center in Utica and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 14. Donald and Carolyn Van Pelt help out extensively at the Whitestown Senior Club. “Shirin is a cheerful, outgoing person and has overcome many obstacles to become a productive and outstanding American citizen,” commented Philomena Amodio of the Office of the Aging/Continuing Care. “She is and always has been an outstanding volunteer since she arrived here in 1994.”

Traditional of giving

Rashid started volunteering at the

gift shop on Sundays at St Elizabeth Medical Center in 1998. Through the volunteer office at SEMC, she has been assigned to help maintain records of inpatients and outpatients. She used to volunteer at the sewing room, mending clothes for patients, but that center is now closed. She has helped out previously with bazaars and raised money for the extra needs of the patients, according to the nomination form. She still visits the Central New York Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Utica, even though she moved to Rome a year ago. She learned how to type Braille and transcribes documents, such as church bulletins and instruction manuals, into readable material for the visually impaired. She has been a longtime volunteer at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute. She lends a hand at the annual arts festival and sidewalk art show, which runs for six days in July. Rashid spent 10 years volunteering with the Utica chapter of the American Red Cross, where she was active in

October 2012 •

disaster relief, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation, babysitting skills and first aid. She hopes to help out at the Rome chapter now. “I like volunteering. It’s very relaxing,” Rashid said. Nevertheless, she isn’t sure she deserves the volunteer of the year award. “You meet so many wonderful people. But I think they do so much more than me.” Michael J. Romano, director of the Oneida County Office for the Aging/ Continuing Care, had no reservations, however. “There were many exceptional nominees for the 2012 Oneida County Older American Awards this year, which made it very challenging for the Office for the Aging Advisory Council Older American Awards Committee members,” he said. “However, Ms. Rashid’s volunteering was far-reaching and touched many segments of Oneida County. Her volunteering included the health community, youth, and the academics. She is very deserving of this honor.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

Between You and Me

By Barbara Pierce

Top five things that drive men crazy

en love women. They need us in their lives. But that doesn’t mean we don’t do many things that drive them crazy, that really frustrate them. That irritate, infuriate, aggravate and exasperate them. Things that even can make them leave us. On Match.com online, relationship experts tell us these are the top five things we do that really upset the men in our lives: • Creating drama: Men aren’t fans of the drama some women tend to create around themselves, of game playing. When we make a big deal out of things that should not be a big deal, like getting irrationally jealous over platonic friends or his ex, making him late by taking too long to get ready, Pierce changing your mind back and forth. If you have thrown either an object or a tantrum recently, you might be a drama queen. Take it down a notch— talk to him about why you feel so angry instead of going off on him. Put yourself in his shoes; try to see the situation the way he might be seeing it. And, “Asking too much too soon about his past relationships” is one way women drive men nuts and create drama, says Linda R. Young, a psychologist and relationship coach. However, these are appropriate questions as your relationship progresses, because you may not want to pursue a man who is just a player if you want a committed relationship. Just don’t get mad at him when he gives you answers you may not want to hear. And don’t have expectations. Don’t pitch a fit if the answers aren’t what you want to hear. If he’s the right one for you, he may come around. For example, the man who has been my husband for 20 years said, on our first date: “I can’t get involved with anyone right now.” • Wanting to know where the relationship is going before he’s ready to say is a big one, according to Young. Dating is supposed to be a chance to get to know another person. It’s not a guarantee of finding a committed relationship; women who treat it this way drive men nuts. Also, when you question his beliefs about marriage and children too early in the dating process, it makes him very uncomfortable. It puts too much pressure on what should be the fun part of getting to know someone when the end goal is the only thing a woman wants to focus on. Relax, and let things unfold. He may

be the one; he may not be the one; trust that things will work out as they should. Men are especially frustrated by women who don’t really believe them when they say, ‘I’m not looking for a relationship, but I really like hanging out with you.’” He makes this clear, but we don’t hear it, because it’s not what we want to hear. Then we become furious at him that he hasn’t met our expectations. If you want to know how a man really feels and then you get hysterical when he doesn’t give you the right answer, it will drive him crazy and may drive him away. • Being controlling: “Correcting him on little details when he’s got the big picture right” is another thing that drives men bonkers, adds Young. Give up trying to run every little detail. A man will get frustrated if a woman asks him to do something, then tells him how to do it and won’t give him a chance to do it his way, or gets frustrated that he’s not doing it fast enough. Men like to be asked to do things for us, to fix things for us. This is part of his genetic make-up. He will love that you ask him to help. • Not getting enough “guy time.” Men want and need their guy time. We need to give it to them without complaining. It will make him happier with you. And he’ll be able to gloat to his friends about how great you are that you let him have guy time without laying a guilt trip on him. Also, you’ll have funny stories to tell each other about the things you did when you were apart. • Expecting him to pay for everything. Most men don’t mind picking up the check early on in dating, but after a few dates, it’s nice for a woman to offer to contribute financially, especially if you’re in a committed relationship. Men like to be generous, but they don’t like to be taken for suckers, especially if the woman they’re seeing has a good job. • Barbara Pierce is a retired licensed clinical social worker with many years’ experience in helping people. If you would like to purchase a copy of her book, “If I’m so fantastic, why am I still single?” contact her at BarbaraPierce06@yahoo.com, or contact her if you have any concerns you would like her to address.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2012

‘Why doesn’t she leave?’ October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month By Barbara Pierce

ctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The YWCA Mohawk took a look at the issue from an outsider’s perspective. Here are some common questions about domestic violence, and answers provided by the YWCA: Q.: Isn’t domestic violence when a person beats up his partner? A.: Not necessarily. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive, controlling behavior. It can include physical abuse, but it also involves emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse (using money to exert control), or religious abuse (using religion to manipulate and control). Some abusers exert complete control over a victim’s every action without ever using violence, or by using only subtle threats of violence. Regardless, all types of abuse are devastating to victims. Q.: Why don’t victims just leave? A.: It can take up to seven times for a victim to leave their abuser. Why? Abusers work very hard, sometimes over years, to control victims. A victim of domestic violence may be: • Afraid. The risk of violence or death greatly increases when a victim leaves. On average, three victims are killed by a partner every day in the United States; 75 percent of these die as they leave or have left a relationship. • Controlled. Abusers are very good at making victims think they deserve the abuse. • Dependent. Victims stay because they are made to think they cannot survive on their own. Often abusers control finances, making leaving nearly impossible. • Confused. Sometimes victims hold on to the love that existed in the beginning of the relationship. They want their partner to change. • Committed. Some victims take their marriage vows seriously; they don’t believe in divorce and don’t want to break up the family. Q.: What do abusers look like? A.: The stereotype of an abuser: A male, usually blue collar, possibly unemployed, drinks a lot. He is hypermasculine, muscular, and a forbidding presence. He demands that his wife have dinner on the table by 6, keep up the house to his satisfaction, and never question his authority. Here’s the reality: Domestic violence occurs in all social and economic classes, races, ethnic groups, educational levels, and religions. Women as well as men can be abusers, as well as gay men and lesbians. A person who abuses his or her partner physically, psychologically or emotionally can be a corporate attorney or a forklift operator, a hair stylist or a software engineer, a teacher or a minister. Contrary to what Hollywood may have you believe, you can’t pick one out of a lineup. Q.: Do abusers show any warning signs?

A.: While there isn’t a way to spot an abuser in a crowd, most abusers share some common characteristics. This list of warning signs may not indicate abuse but they are red flags. An abuser may: • Insist on moving too quickly into a relationship • Be very charming and seem too good to be true • Be extremely jealous or controlling • Try to limit his partner’s time with family and friends. • Refuse to take responsibility for their actions and blame others for everything. • Criticizes and/or insults their partner frequently. • Controls finances • Gets suddenly angry or loses his or her temper. • Use guilt, threats or intimidation to manipulate Q.: Is it possible for abusers to change? A.: Yes, but they must make the choice to change. It’s not easy for an abuser to stop. It requires professional help. Once an abuser has power in a relationship, it’s difficult to change to a healthy relationship with equal power and compromise. Q.: Can men be victims of domestic violence? A.: Eighty-five percent of domestic violence victims are female with a male batterer. The other 15 percent include men abused by a woman, and gays and lesbians It’s not an issue of men vs. women. This is about violence vs. peace, control vs. respect. Domestic violence affects us all, and all of us—women, children and men—must be part of the solution. Q.: What can I do to help? A.: Here’s what to do: • Recognize the signs. If you have a friend or family member you suspect is being abused, call the Hotline (below) for ways you can help. • Talk about it. Bring up the topic of domestic violence in your peer groups, families, and communities. We will see a difference in violence when, as a society, we take a stand, say “No more!” • Teach children about healthy relationships and set positive examples • Donate to domestic violence shelters and crisis programs • Call on public officials to support domestic violence services and hold perpetrators accountable. Where to get help: • In Oneida County, the YWCA Mohawk Valley provides 24-hour help and information: 315-797-7740. • In Herkimer County, Catholic Charities provides 24-hour help and information: 315-866-0458. Call or see www.ywcamv.org/ for more information on special Domestic Violence Month activities, including a town hall meeting on Oct. 4 and “Take Back the Night” rallies on Oct. 10 and 23. All are free and we encourage the public to join us.

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Continued from Page 2 promising to be the best year yet. This educational event, celebrating its 11th anniversary, features international, national and local experts presenting on current trends in healthcare, quality improvement topics and patient safety initiatives. CFQ will be held at Hamilton College in Clinton Oct. 12-13. A special evening presentation and dinner will be held Oct. 11 at the Radisson Hotel in Utica. Registration is required by Oct. 4. Details and registration are available at www.campaignforquality.com or call 315-624-6174.

Oct. 5

Abraham House to present gala celebration Abraham House’s fifth annual Gala Celebration will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Blue Flag Room at the Hotel Utica, 102 Lafayette St., Utica. Tickets are $75 each and include a sit-down dinner, open bar, live entertainment by Playin’ Again, dancing, a silent auction and a live auction. Tickets are available by calling the gala committee at 404-2305; at Abraham House, 1203 Kemble St., Utica; by mail at Abraham House Gala Committee, P.O. Box 435, Utica, N.Y. 13503 or e-mail a request for tickets at info@theabrahamhouse.org. Fundraising events such as the gala helps Abraham House continue its mission of providing a secure and loving home without charge to the terminally ill.

Oct. 13

CNY Roasters fund raise for Abraham House CNY Roasters are conducting a fundraiser to benefit Abraham House from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 13 at Club Monarch in Yorkville. Tickets are $20 and are available at Abraham House, 1203 Kemble St., Utica; Utica Coffee Roasting Company, 92 Genesee St., Utica; The Liquor Loft, New Hartford Shopping Center; His and Hers Salon, 70 Genesee St., New Hartford and The Queens Closet, 26 Oriskany Blvd., Yorkville. For more information, email cnyroasters@hotmail.com. CNY Roasters was created to help local charities continue their mission. Abraham House’s mission is to provide a secure and loving home without charge to the terminally ill.

Oct. 17

Hospice offers suicide bereavement support Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, is offering a bereavement support group for survivors of suicide. The group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month. The next meeting will be Oct. 17.

This group is for those who have lost a loved one by suicide. Pre-registration is not required. There is no charge for bereavement groups or workshops. Donations are always appreciated. For more information, contact Lisa Wolfe at 735-6487 extension 214.

Oct. 18

The Arc plans ‘Bags for Babes’ event The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC will hold its annual “Bags for Babes” at 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at Danielle’s at Valley View. Tickets are $100 per person. The event includes hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, luxury handbag auction, couture accessories and a Chinese auction. The first 100 guests that evening will receive a gift prize. All proceeds from this event benefit the children’s programs at The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC. To learn more about this event, or to make a reservation, call 315-2721528. RSVP is requested by Oct. 12. For more information about The Arc, visit www.thearcolc.org. The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC is a nonprofit human services agency which provides advocacy and services for 1,650 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oneida and Lewis counties.

Oct. 19-21

Program aims at bettering relationships Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi), a marriage seminar, will be featured Oct. 19-21 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. For information or to register, call Andrea at 315-735-6210, email andrea@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.

Nov. 2

‘Creating Health Places’ symposium slated Herkimer County HealthNet will present a “Creating Healthy Places” symposium from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church Parish Hall, 127 Prospect St., Herkimer. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the many accomplishments made to date because of the Creating Healthy Places in Herkimer County grant. Registration must be made by Oct. 26 to Alison J. Swartz, coordinator of Creating Healthy Places in Herkimer County, by calling 315-867-1499 or emailing ajswartz@herkimercounty.org.

Nov. 4

LFH to feature ‘Taste of Little Falls’ The Little Falls Hospital’s annual Taste of Little Falls will be held from

5-7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Knight’s Inn, 20 Albany St., Little Falls. This event showcases the best of area restaurants and chefs, and attracts over 200 people every year. Admission is $45 per person. To receive more information and to purchase tickets in advance, contact the Little Falls Hospital Development Office at 315-823-5326. All proceeds will help Little Falls Hospital acquire new technology, introduce new programs, and improve health education to better serve the residents of the Mohawk Valley.

Nov. 4

The American Girl Fashion Show on UCP agenda The annual American Girl Fashion Show, to benefit children’s programs and services at Upstate Cerebral Palsy, will take place with shows at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at The Turning Stone Casino & Resort in Verona. Girls, mothers, family and friends are encouraged to attend the fun-filled day of fashion and style while at the same time making a difference in the lives of children at Upstate Cerebral Palsy. Tickets are $35 per person and may be purchased online at upstatecp. org/event/american-girl or by calling 315-724-6907 ext. 2276. Advance registration is required.

Nov. 16

Kelberman Center to present autism institute Professionals, teachers and families are encouraged to register early for the ninth annual Kelberman Center Autism Institute featuring Dr. Bridget Taylor and Dr. Peter Gerhardt, leading experts in the field of autism spectrum disorders. The day-long event takes place on Nov. 16 at the Vernon Downs Conference Center in Vernon. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and attendance is limited; visit kelbermancenter.org to register. A limited number of scholarships are available. For more information, or to register by phone, contact Laura Tarasiewicz at the Kelberman Center at 315-797-6241.

Belly fat may hike death risk

eople who are of normal weight but have fat concentrated in their bellies have a higher death risk than those who are obese, according to Mayo Clinic research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Munich recently. Those studied who had a normal body mass index but central obesity — a high waist-to-hip ratio — had the highest cardiovascular death risk and the highest death risk from all causes, the analysis found. “We knew from previous research that central obesity is bad, but what is new in this research is that the distribution of the fat is very important even in people with a normal weight,” says senior author Francisco LopezJimenez, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. “This group has the highest death rate, even higher than those who are considered obese based on body mass index. From a public health perspective, this is a significant finding.” The study included 12,785 people 18 and older from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a representative sample of the U.S. population. The survey recorded body measurements such as height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference, as well as socioeconomic status, and physiological and laboratory measurements. Baseline data were matched to the National Death Index to assess deaths at followup. The risk of cardiovascular death was 2.75 times higher, and the risk of death from all causes was 2.08 times higher, in people of normal weight with central obesity, compared with those with a normal body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio. Many people know their body mass index these days; it’s also important for them to know that a normal one doesn’t mean their heart disease risk is low, adds LopezJimenez.

Taking health, wellness to The Edge

he Edge Hotel, 3952 state Route 12, Lyons Falls, will feature its fifth annual Health and Wellness Weekend Nov. 9-11. The event is free and open to the public. Nov. 9, 5-9 p.m. Massage, psychic, spiritual, palm and personal astrology readings will be conducted by appointment only. Call The Edge Hotel at 348-4211 for an appointment. A reiki level 1 certification will be held from 5-9 p.m. To register for the seminar, contact Marianne Crouse at 315-339-1404 or at www.healthyvibes. com.

Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Some of the health and wellness services and experiences being offered include: Free mini skin cancer screenings; Swedish and table massages; chiropractic care; reflexology; cosmetic and laser medi-spa; soil health center; facials; spa pedicures and manicures; chakra tuning; reiki; numerology; gemstone

October 2012 •

ear reflexology; psychics; clairvoyant mediums; an aura reader; a palm reader; a personal astrologist who will be giving readings by way of oracles, angels, tarot cards; psychometry; and palm and tea leaves. All services will be conducted in private rooms. Appointments may be made in advance by calling the hotel. Vendor booths will open at 10 a.m. Nov. 10 with vendor presentations held in the hotel lobby on the half-hour throughout the day.

Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be on site doing a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All of the same vendors and wellness services will be offered Nov. 11 as well. Throughout the whole weekend, there will be free mini-presentations every 30 minutes. For additional information or to make an appointment with a wellness professional, call The Edge Hotel at 348-4211.

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H ealth News Director of vocational services named at The Arc Steven Nicotera has been named the director of vocational services at The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter. He began his career with The Arc in 1996 as a vocational rehabilitation coordinator in vocational services, and was then promoted to vocational rehabilitation counselor. He has held various positions in the community, including working for family services, serving as the health education manager at Rome Hospital psych unit, and working as an intensive care manager for RCIL/Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center. He also has been a member of the Children’s Mobile Crisis Team. In 2006, he was named the assistant director of vocational services at The Arc, and most recently was the acting director. Nicotera was raised in New Hartford. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hartwick College, and his master’s in health services administration from The New School for Social Research. He resides in Sauquoit with his wife and son. To contact him, call 272-1723 or email him at snicotera@thearcolc.org.

St. E’s annual community service report available St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, in accordance with Section 28031 of the Public Health Law, has submitted its 21st annual community service plan to the New York State Department of Health. It includes information on community health priorities identified by medical center staff, in collaboration with other area hospitals, community partners and local public health agencies. To receive a free copy of the community service plan, send your request to St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Marketing and Public Relations Department, 2209 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13501. All requests should be submitted in writing. The plan is also posted on the medical center website at www.stemc. org/about_stemc/.

St. E’s CON names new dean of academic affairs Elaine Brown has been named dean of academic affairs at St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica. In her new role, Brown will participate in the daily operations of the college: recruitment, hiring and orientation of faculty. Additionally, she is responsible for Brown scheduling, faculty assignments and faculty performance reviews. Page 18

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Brown is a 1974 graduate of the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the SUNY (Regents External Degree), Albany and her master’s degree in nursing from Syracuse University. She has been employed at the college of nursing since 1977, having served in the roles of course coordinator of psychiatric mental health nursing and fundamentals nursing lab coordinator. She resides in New Hartford with her husband, Scott. They are parents of two sons, Scott Jr. and Jacob. Brown replaces Laurie Franklin, who is returning to a faculty position to fulfill her desire to teach and work closely with nursing students.

St. E’s Medical Group welcomes pediatrician St. Elizabeth Medical Center and its medical group have added area native Margaret M. Cooper to its East Utica office at 1256 Culver Ave. Cooper joins fellow pediatrician Dr. Matthew Mittiga. Additional providers at the East Utica office include Dr. Julie Betro-Shkane, Dr. Tanya PerkinsMwantuali and Carolyn Smith, physician’s aide. Cooper earned her DocCooper tor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Va., where she received the David G. Williamson Memorial Scholarship. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in business administration from Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. Cooper completed an Associate of Science degree in business administration from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Osteopathic Association. Cooper and her husband reside in New Hartford with their dog.

Hospital nurses complete critical care course Rome Memorial Hospital nurses completed an intensive 72-hour critical care course providing them with in-depth knowledge of cardiac, circulatory, and coronary care medicine. The graduates include, front from left, Erica Stosal, Kathy Strong, Terri Strine and instructor Richard Simpson; back row from left, Ashley Russell, Kim Martin, Jordan Groah, RN. The hospital’s education department provides several opportunities a year for employees to advance their professional knowledge and skills.

Sleep disorders center reaccredited The Mohawk Valley Sleep Disorders Center at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica has received its fourth re-accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for a period of five years. The Mohawk Valley Sleep Disorders Center was the first sleep center in the Greater Utica-Mohawk Valley area to earn this distinction, dating back to 1997. Accreditation is a voluntary process to assess sleep programs and is based on standards for accreditation established by the AASM. The Mohawk Valley Sleep Disorders Center at St. Elizabeth Medical

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2012

Center, located in the College of Nursing building, features a state-of-the-art sleep monitoring control room and six bedroom suites.

St. E’s names program director St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, in collaboration with Healogics, has announced the appointment of John Paoni as program director at Advanced Wound Care of St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Advanced Wound Care is located at St. Elizabeth Medical Arts, 4401 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford. Advanced Wound Care Paoni of St. Elizabeth Medical Center is the area’s only provider of comprehensive wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Its trained wound care physicians and specialists at the center offer advanced healing therapies. Paoni graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in sales and marketing from SUNY College of Technology, Utica and an Associate in Applied Science Degree in accounting from Mohawk Valley Community College. Prior to joining Advance Wound Care, Paoni worked as director of physician services and as an account executive for The Fortus Group in Utica. He received the account execu-

tive of the year award for highest sales achievement for 2005 through 2009. He and his wife, JoAnn, reside in Ilion. National Healing Corporation and Diversified Clinical Services, Inc. have joined together to form Healogics, which is the largest provider of wound care and related disease management in the country.

St. Joseph Nursing Home has volunteer opportunities St. Joseph Nursing Home in Utica has many different volunteer opportunities by way of the Carmelite Guild available. These opportunities include transport to daily Mass or events, helping with weekly manicures, providing activities for the men’s club or the Red Hat Society, going on day trips, conducting happy hour, attending monthly birthday parties or helping to host Christmas parties for residents and their families. There are many events and activities that need the attention of caring and compassionate individuals. Orientation and training for the Carmelite Guild is provided. Call Deana Grippe, director of activities, at 315-797-1230 for an application or get one at the front desk.

LFH receives TVs from trust fund Little Falls Hospital recently installed 10 new 22-inch HDTVs in patient rooms, thanks to the Samuel S.

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H ealth News Continued from Page 18 Dale Trust Fund. The TVs, valued at $4,650, were installed in the Three East double rooms, allowing both patients the ability to choose what they would like to watch while in their room. Kathleen Dibble, nurse manager of Little Falls Hospital’s inpatient unit, said, “The addition of a second TV in each double room has been well received by our patients. We have had patients that are return ’guests‘ notice it immediately and verbalize their appreciation. The TVs, in conjunction with the new pillow speakers that are headset-capable, have helped reduce noise levels dramatically.”

Presbyterian Homes awarded grant Presbyterian Homes & Services in New Hartford was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $10,000 for its telemedicine program from the Utica National Group Foundation. “We are pleased to support this and we recognize the unique and innovative work that Presbyterian Homes does in helping people with movement disorders,” said Mike Austin, chairman of the UN Group Foundation committee. He said the telemedicine program enables people with impaired or excess movement to interact with highly qualified specialists without having to endure the lengthy travel involved. These funds, which will be used to help the ongoing support of the telemedicine program, allow patients with Parkinson’s disease to access neurologists from the University of Rochester and Johns Hopkins via technology. For more information about Presbyterian Homes & Services, call 315-272-2292, or visit www.presbyterianhome.com

SDMG appoints director of human resources Lori A. Nichols has been appointed director of human resources at SlocumDickson Medical Group in New Hartford. Nichols joins the group with over 15 years of leadership and human resource experience. She has the ability to provide expert employee relations guidance and emphasizes fairness and Nichols consistency with regard to policies and performance management, an SDMG spokesperson said. Nichols earned her associate’s degree in business administration from Herkimer County Community College. She furthered her education at SUNY Institute of Technology, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business public management and completed several human resource courses at the graduate level.

Their Cup Runneth Over Athlete, nonprofit organization pull down Faxton Cup Awards

he Regional Rehabilitation Center at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica recently honored Faxton Cup Award winners Katie Maneen and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis of Utica at a ceremony recently. The Faxton Cup Award honors individuals and organizations who demonstrate, on a local level, dedication to the enhancement of the quality of life, either by setting an example of what people with disabilities can accomplish, or on behalf of people with physical disabilities.

Katie Maneen Individual winner

As a parent when your child is born, more than anything you hope that you have a healthy, happy baby who is perfect in every way. However, this was not the case for Maneen. After she was born, her parents noticed she only had three toes on her right foot; the result of a missing fibula in her lower leg. Maneen’s condition is known as fibular hemimeManeen lia. When she was six weeks old, her parents had to make one of the most difficult decisions of their lives. In order to allow Maneen to live her life to the fullest, they agreed to have their daughter’s right leg am-

Nichols is a member of the National Society of Human Resources Management and the Mohawk Valley Society of Human Resources Management.

Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network offers resources Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network staff is available to help with health insurance needs. It can help individuals apply and recertify for Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and Medicaid. Help is available at the following locations: • Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network, Utica—Every weekday, Tuesday evenings • Addictions Crisis Center, Utica— Every Monday afternoon • Utica Community Health Center—As requested • Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency offices in Rome, Ilion and Herkimer—As requested

putated below the knee at Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Springfield, Mass. At 11 months old, Maneen had her amputation. A few months later she was fitted with the first of her many prosthetic legs. “Some of the best advice my parents ever received was to never let my leg hold me back from trying new things and achieving everything I set out to do,” said Maneen. “My parents never put limitations on me which has helped me become as strong as I am now.” Maneen was always trying to keep up with her older brother and first became involved in sports at the age of 4 when she played soccer. Ever since then she has been active in many different sports, including volleyball, softball, golf and track—all of which she has excelled at. While attending Herkimer County Community College in Herkimer, Maneen’s coach introduced the idea of getting a running prosthesis called a Cheetah. Her life changed forever after her first running leg was made. “The very first time I raced with my running leg I was scared to death,” said Maneen. “The race was at Hamilton College in Clinton, and it was a 200meter run. When I got in the starting block, I kept questioning why I was doing this until I actually passed someone with normal legs. Running is such an adrenaline rush. People came up to me telling me how impressed they were and how incredible I was.”

ALS of Utica Organizational winner

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a fatal disease that attacks

• Oneida Northside Medical Building—Every Tuesday • Mary Rose Center, Oneida—Every Wednesday evening • Waterville Town Hall—Every Monday • Community Action Partnership of Madison County, Morrisville—Every Monday • Community Action Partnership of Madison County, Canastota—Every Thursday Call 315-732-4657 or toll free 1-877267-6193 for an appointment.

Pulmonary rehab program gains accreditation Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program in Utica has met strict standards of practice and has been awarded certification through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. For patients with chronic respiratory problems, pulmonary rehabilitation

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nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These cells control voluntary muscle movement and muscle power, eventually leaving the patient completely paralyzed. As the muscles deteriorate, a person with ALS loses their ability to walk, speak, swallow and eventually breathe. Yet, in most patients, their mind remains unaffected. More than 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with the disease each DePerno year, giving patients an average of three to five years before the disease proves fatal. ALS can strike anyone, at any age, without regard to race or ethnic background. Approximately 80 percent of cases begin between the ages of 40 and 70. ALS of Utica was founded in March 2007 by Sherry DePerno, the organization’s executive director. The organization is dedicated to raising awareness and improving the quality of life for patients battling ALS in Oneida and Herkimer counties. “I love having the ability to make a difference in the lives of people who are struggling with ALS,” said DePerno. “I was honored to hear we received the Faxton Cup Award. It’s great that we are recognized for all that we do in the area.” In Oneida and Herkimer counties, at least 20 families at any given time are battling ALS. can help increase endurance and decrease shortness of breath. The pulmonary rehabilitation program at FSLH is one of only 21 programs in New York state certified by AACVPR. AACVPR, founded in 1985, is dedicated to reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, research, rehabilitation and disease management.

UCP Women’s Golf Classic raises $19,000 Upstate Cerebral Palsy held its 26th annual Women’s Golf Classic at Valley View Golf Course in Utica recently. More than 100 women participated to raise $19,000 for early childhood services at Upstate Cerebral Palsy. In addition to Adirondack Financial Services, top sponsors included Bond, Schoeneck & King, REM Fire Systems and Parkway Drugs. Following golf, participants shared in a lunch including awards, auction prizes and raffles.

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“Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Biomarkers” A Research Study- Sponsored by The National Cancer Institute

▲ Are you premenopausal (and age 55 or younger)? ▲ Do you get regular mammograms? ▲ Are you willing to be assigned to take a Vitamin D supplement or a placebo pill daily for 1 year? ▲ Have you been informed that you have dense/ﬁbrous breasts? You may be eligible for a research study comparing the effects of Vitamin D supplementation on breast density and blood biomarkers, to explore prevention of breast cancer. For more information, please call: Hematology Oncology Associates of Central New York Research Department 315-472-7504 ext.7-1350

HELP REDUCE ER CROWDING. FOR COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS, SEE YOUR DOCTOR. A recent study found that each year there are hundreds of thousands of emergency room visits in upstate New York that could be avoided. Minor conditions like cold and ﬂu symptoms, congestion, back pain, earaches and sports injuries are best treated by your doctor. If your doctor isn’t available, consider visiting an urgent care facility. And do your part to relieve ER crowding.

Sponsored by the Medical Societies of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. A nonproﬁt independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2012