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April 2013 • Issue 86

Dangers of Teen Dating It’s time to ‘Meet Your Doctor!’

Page 4

Is your teenager a victim of abuse? Stop it now! Page 5

Teen Suicide

Mastering time management Paul Landers leads Pathfinder Village Page 13 Get ‘In Good Health’ at home.

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Series concludes with a heartwrenching account of one family’s tragedy See page 12

Women’s Health Special Edition • Is his interest for real?: Page 6 • Aromatherapy makes ‘scents’: Page 7 • Zonta Club creates big impact: Page 9 April 2013 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 1

CALENDAR of

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HEALTH EVENTS

Dr. Graber is pleased to welcome Gregory Dalencourt, MD to the practice

Got a health-related activity or event that you would like publicized? Call Lou Sorendo at 315-749-7070 or email lou@cnymail.com.

Dr. Dalencourt is now seeing new patients for surgical consultation for those considering weight loss surgery Our program has successfully met the highest standards set forth by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and is recognized as an ASMBS Center of Excellence.

Surgeries are performed at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica, and at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. Dr. Graber is the Director of Bariatric Surgery at both hospitals.

To find out more, visit DrGraberMD.com or call 877-269-0355 to discuss how we might help you in your search to find a healthier you!

April 2

April 3

The Tri-County Quits Tobacco Cessation Program is offering a three-part “fresh start” class to help participants stop smoking.

The program is a group-based tobacco cessation support program offered by the American Cancer Society.

The classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. on April 2, 9 and 16 at the Regional Cancer Center at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, 1676 Sunset Avenue, Utica.

For more information or to register, call the Tri-County Quits Tobacco Cessation Program at 315-624-5639.

Are you ready to take that first step to stop smoking?

Rome Memorial Hospital is ready to give you the support you need to break the addiction.

Starting April 3, the hospital will begin a four-week smoking cessation class. The classes continue on April 10, 24 and May 1. There will not be a class on April 17.

The four-week program will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Rome Memorial Hospital’s conference room.

The program is based on the American Cancer Society’s “Fresh Start” program, which combines information and support to help smokers break the addiction.

Smoking cessation class participants may be eligible to receive free nicotine replacement patches provided through The New York State Smokers Quitline. It would be advantageous to call Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS before attending the first class to receive the free start kit of nicotine replacement patches.

Participants should plan to attend all four sessions for best results.

Call RMH’s Education Department at 338-7143 to register.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about smoking cessation can call the hospital’s education department at 338-7143 or contact the New York State Smokers’ Quitsite at 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487) or www. nysmokefree.com.

Other information may be obtained by visiting www.smokefree.gov.

Tobacco cessation program Hospital offers smoking cessation course gets under way

April 3

Stroke support group presentation set

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2013

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica will host a stroke support group presentation at 6 p.m. April 3 on how balance can be affected by a stroke.

Kristine McIlwain and Victoria Ponce, physical therapists at FSLH, will present the topic.

They will explain how different exercises after a stroke can be used to strengthen and improve balance and will provide home safety tips.

The lecture will be held in the Soggs Room in St. Luke’s Home at the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services, 1650 Champlin Ave., Utica. Light refreshments will be served at the presentation.

For more information, call 315-6248779 or 315-624-6847.

April 3

Take a stroll on National Walking Day National Walking Day is a callto-action from the American Heart Association for Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

“Join thousands across the nation as they wear their sneakers to work on April 3 and pledge to start a healthier lifestyle as part of this annual event,” an AHA spokesperson said.

The Boilermaker Road Race in Utica is co-sponsoring the event.

National Walking Day—always the first Wednesday in April—will start at the New Hartford Shopping Center, 120 Genesee St., New Hartford.

The program begins at noon followed by a ceremonial walk.

To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org.

Story idea?

Call 749-7070 today!

April 4

Explore link between breast density, cancer It is estimated that approximately 40 percent of women have dense breast tissue and recent studies have shown that women with dense breasts are four to six times more likely to develop breast cancer.

Early detection of breast cancer depends upon knowing your risk factors.

Learn about the risks associated with breast Restivo density at the April Health Night presentation at 7 p.m. April 4 in the Rome Memorial Hospital classroom.

Continued on Page 16

Heart to heart America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk raises $1.1 million

By Patricia J. Malin

W

ith nearly 7,800 walkers and runners who turned out for America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk in Utica recently, you wouldn’t have known it was a blustery, cold day.

The hardy participants raised $1,100,188 during the weekend, which included the heart run/walk expo the previous day, plus a number of indoor events in the preceding weeks. The total was just $2,013 less than that generated in 2012, when the weather was much milder.

It was also shy of the American Heart Association’s local goal of $1,143,000. Utica College hosted the expo and heart run/walk for the 16th consecutive year. However, the event isn’t completed. The Otsego County event will take place April 6 at Neahwa Park in Oneonta.

Adam Powers of Utica had double the delight in this year’s run/walk.

He warmed up by running three miles alongside his girlfriend, Clarissa Gray, and his sister, Sarah Powers, and then cooling down during the three-mile walk.

After the event, Powers was honored with the lifestyle change award.

The recipient is recognized for making major changes and significant strides toward living a healthier life.

Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil, which has a bottling plant at Griffiss Park in Rome, sponsored the award for the third consecutive year.

Powers, 22, said his girlfriend inspired him to get into shape.

“I lost 130 pounds over the last two years. I now weigh 200 pounds,” he said.

His grandmother, Ella Nickle of West Winfield, nominated him for the award.

He described himself as “big” all of his life. “I weighed 10 1/2 pounds when I was born and I knew it was a problem when I was in school. The doctors told me I would lose weight eventually, but it took me a long time to get it under control,” he said.

Heavy history

There is a history of obesity in his family. He said his father was “very overweight” and his mother always prepared rich meals, such as casseroles and a lot of pasta. “They used to be my

America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk is a major fundraiser annually for the American Heart Association. role models,” he said. “It was OK to be overweight. I used to eat big portions and I drank a ton of soda,” Powers said.

It wasn’t until he went to college that Powers began seeking a change in diet. “I started monitoring (meals) and figuring out what would be healthy,” he said.

Grilled chicken, fruits and vegetables are more likely to be on his plate now than fries and candy bars.

But his girlfriend’s advice really spurred him on. Clarissa is a student at the Albany College of Pharmacy and studying nutrition. “She made it clear that she wanted to help me,” he said.

“She didn’t want to see me die (of heart disease) at a young age.”

He also started indulging in exercise. He took up running and now gets out everyday. He ran the Boilermaker 5K a few years ago, and in the last two years, he has managed to compete in the 15K. He finished the 2012 Boilermaker in 1 hour, 30 minutes. “I’m proud of that,” he added.

He has raised his expectations. He wants to lose five or 10 pounds more.

He also hopes to participate in a halfmarathon race this fall and eventually compete in a triathlon.

The heart run/walk announced

ONEIDA, HERKIMER, MADISON AND OTSEGO COUNTIES in good A monthly newspaper published by

Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper

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. © 2013 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, Mary Stevenson, Deb Dittner, Amylynn Pastorella Advertising: Jennifer Wise Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Office Manager: Laura Beckwith

its top fundraisers this year. Anthony Scott, who raised $21,500, was the top individual. The top team fundraiser, Team Stasaitis, contributed $37,285 in support of the heart association’s mis-

sion of building healthier lives.

Meanwhile, five companies in the Mohawk Valley have taken on the AHA’s 2013 Corporate Challenge. The Arc Oneida-Lewis, First Source Federal Credit Union, AmeriCU Credit Union, Revere Copper Products Inc. and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare have entered a team in the corporate challenge, an eight-week workplace wellness challenge that kicked off recently.

The challenge requires each company to field a team of employees who will participate in wellness activities throughout the eight weeks.

Each employee will also log onto the AHA’s “Life Simple 7” Web-based wellness program and health assessment tool (www.heart.org/mylifecheck), where his or her progress is tracked.

Team captains will turn in their company’s average starting score and finishing score. The score considers smoking habits, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, nutrition and activity levels. The results will be compiled and winners selected in various categories.

The corporate challenge results will be announced May 1 at the Go Red For Women Luncheon at Hart’s Hill Inn, Whitesboro.

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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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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 3

New generic medicines can save Upstate millions

U

pstate New Yorkers could see more than $196 million in annualized savings as 14 brandname prescription drugs become available in their generic form during 2013 and an additional $250 million in savings after 23 more generics become available in 2014, according to a new report issued by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

“As expensive brand-name drugs become available as generics, the savings to consumers can be significant, both in terms of lower retail prices for those who pay out-of-pocket and lower co-pays for those with insurance coverage,” said Mona Chitre, vice president of pharmacy management for Excellus BlueCross BlueShi eld. “Importantly, consumers should understand that generics are approved by the Food and Drug Administration as being as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts, so they can be confident in the generics’ efficacy.”

Leading the list of new generics that offer the greatest savings opportunities are Diovan® for treatment of high blood pressure and Cymbalta® for a variety of conditions including depression, pain and fibromyalgia. Diovan has about 39,000 users in Upstate New York and Cymbalta about 40,000 users.

Upstate New York’s 39,000 Diovan users spend about $48 million annually for the drug. The retail cost for a 30-day supply of Diovan is about $125. Generic versions are projected to be priced as low as $25 for a 30-day supply once they become widely available. Prices vary by pharmacy.

The potential annual savings for Diovan users in Upstate New York is $38 million.

Upstate New York’s 40,000 Cymbalta users spend about $98 million annually for the drug. The retail cost for a 30-day supply of Cymbalta is about $275.

The price for the generic is expected to be about $55 once it becomes widely available after its release in December. The potential annual savings in Upstate New York is $78 million.

Upstate New York’s 17,000 Niaspan users spend about $28 million annually for the drug, which is used to treat high cholesterol. The retail cost for a 30-day supply of Niaspan is about $182.

The price for the generic is expected to be about $37 once it becomes widely available after its release in September. The potential annual savings for Upstate is $23 million.

More than 126,000 Upstate New Yorkers use the 14 brand-name drugs that are scheduled to become available as generics during 2013.

In 2014, an additional 23 brand name drugs are scheduled to become available in their generic form, representing potential savings of $250 million across Upstate New York.

Leading the list for 2014 will be the generic for Nexium®.

Page 4

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Lou Sorendo

Dr. Frederic S. Joyce

Frederic S. Joyce is a cardiothoracic surgeon with the Mohawk Valley Surgery Group. He is secretary-treasurer of the medical staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. Recently, Mohawk Valley In Good Health Associate Editor Lou Sorendo interviewed Joyce regarding his career and outlook on healthcare.

Q.: What exactly is a cardiothoracic surgeon? Does it strictly involve the heart and lungs?

A.: A thoracic surgeon deals with the surgical treatment of diseases of the organs of the chest; for the most part, the heart, lungs-airways and esophagus.

Our official board is the Board of Thoracic Surgery and thoracic surgery is the official name of our specialty. Cardio is added to thoracic because of the cache associated with heart surgery. I do almost exclusively adult heart surgery.

There is more than enough work there for me!

Q.: What motivated you to select this particular medical specialty over other options?

A.: My father died suddenly at the age of 44 of a heart attack when I was 13. That probably had a subliminal influence on my later choice of specialty.

Probably more importantly, however, is the fact that heart surgery is an exciting, challenging and rewarding specialty.

Q.: What are some of the more common maladies and diseases you deal with on a daily basis?

A.: The three major diseases of the adult heart we deal with are coronary atherosclerosis (blockages of the heart muscle’s blood supply), heart valve disease and miscellaneous other things, including aneurysms of the aorta and septal defects.

Q.: What are some of the more common procedures you employ while treating patients?

A.: Coronary artery bypass grafting is the most common heart surgery by far and corrects the blockages mentioned above. Valve repair or replacement is the next most common and corrects either narrowed, leaky or infected heart valves. There are relatively few of the other procedures.

Q.: What have been some of the more significant developments in the area of cardiothoracic surgery over the last 5-10 years? Is there a trend toward less-invasive procedures?

A.: We can now more safely and effectively treat cardiac disease, including through smaller incisions, when feasible. Heart surgery will never be truly minimally invasive, however, because for most procedures we have to turn off the heart. That excludes any procedure from being minimally invasive.

Q.: What do you feel are the most challenging aspects of your profession?

How about the most gratifying?

A.: There are many challenges including very long training, a lot of night work, lots of calls throughout one’s career, dealing with disappointing, even

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2013

disastrous, results on occasion, and others.

The good thing is it is fun to do heart surgery. There is a great team effort and spirit and lots of times we do really good things for patients.

Q.: What skills sets do you believe are necessary in order to become a successful cardiothoracic surgeon?

A.: Stamina, concentration ability,

and good craftsmanship aptitude.

Q.: Is cardiothoracic surgery a popular selection among graduating medical students today?

A.: It was popular in the past but is less so now because of the sacrifices that need to be made to become a good heart surgeon, and stay good—also in the face of declining income.

The “softer” specialties with defined work hours have gained in popularity.

They are not nearly as exciting as heart surgery, though!

Q.: How can individuals help their own cardiothoracic health? Is cardiothoracic health a function of lifestyle choices?

A.: I think a great deal of heart disease is due to our unhealthy lifestyles. We did not evolve with the continual availability of great amounts of meat and carbohydrates.

Q.: What are some of the more significant threats to one’s cardiothoracic health?

A.: Obesity, probably a heavy meat-based diet, and lack of exercise.

Q.: What do you see as the most significant impediments to achieving access to quality healthcare in the Mohawk Valley?

A.: Money.

Lifelines Birth date: July 20, 1951 Birthplace: Providence, R.I. Current residence: New Hartford Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Rochester; medical degree, Aarhus University, Denmark; cardiac surgery training, The Cleveland Clinic and Copenhagen University Hospital Personal: Wife, Lynn Luthern, currently in physician aide school at Le Moyne College; daughter Morgan, 14, and son Julian, 13 Hobbies: skiing, scuba diving, hiking

Cover Story

Danger signs in teen dating

Stop abuse in its tracks before things get out of control

By Barbara Pierce

I

n Clay, 20-year-old college student Jenni-Lyn Watson died at the hands of her jealous ex-boyfriend.

And, in her SUNY Brockport dorm room, 18-year-old Alexandra Kogut, of New Hartford, was beaten to death by her boyfriend.

These two recent dating violence deaths in Central New York are of grave concern to those at the YWCA Mohawk Valley, an agency that provides domestic and sexual violence crisis services and prevention education in Oneida County.

Dyana Smolen, director of communications and grants for the agency, supplied the following information to In Good Health: Dating violence is defined as physical, sexual, or psychological or emotional violence within a dating relationship.

The absence of hitting or other forms of physical violence doesn’t mean the relationship is danger-free.

“There doesn’t need to be physical or sexual violence for abuse to occur,” said Natalie Brown, executive director.

“A relationship that is emotionally abusive may not involve physical contact but still can be abusive.”

What to look for

As part of its violence prevention program, the YWCA reaches out to Oneida County youth of dating age— from middle and high school to college students—and teaches them how to identify abusive relationships.

The list of behaviors the agency gives to students to be wary of includes name-calling, shouting, bullying, insults, use of intimidation or demeaning language, threats, accusations, jealousy or possessiveness, humiliation, controlling behavior, excessive texting or instant messaging, or monitoring email or social networking profiles and exchanges.

Dating violence, like domestic and sexual violence, is about power and control, Brown said. It involves a pattern of behavior that one partner uses to try to control the other.

While statistics show there is a problem, she said, the challenge is many people don’t realize the relationship they are in is abusive.

“They may feel that because their partner isn’t hitting them, they’re not being abused. Or, they may make excuses and not categorize the relationship in that way,” Brown said. “They may say, ‘We just fight a lot,’ or ‘He’s just moody,’ or ‘It’s normal to argue.’

Unless people are educated about what abuse is, they won’t classify it as abuse.”

Eighty percent of teens say they know someone who has been con-

trolled by a partner, according to a recent survey. Sixty percent know someone who has been physically abused by their partner.

These are disturbing results.

Additionally, 47 percent of teens aged 13–18 reported they have been victimized by controlling behaviors from a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Dating violence has a negative effect on health throughout life, according to experts. Teens who are victims are more likely to be depressed and do poorly in school. They may engage in unhealthy behaviors like using drugs and alcohol, and are more likely to have eating disorders. Some teens even think about or attempt suicide. Additionally, teens that are victims in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college and later life.

Victims of dating violence and other forms of domestic violence frequently hope that the abuse will stop with time. But, unfortunately, an emotionally abusive relationship can become increasingly violent as the days, weeks and months pass.

Violence can also increase if the victim tries to end the relationship.

“It can get worse because the abuser’s need for power and control becomes more intense,” Brown said.

“All of a sudden the emotional abuse is not enough and they feel the other person start to slip away. If abusers don’t have the control they want over the person they think they love, they’re going to do what it takes to gain that control back.”

Where to get help

YWCA staff encourages anyone experiencing violence to get help immediately.

“If you feel like you’re in danger call 9-1-1,” Brown said. “If you’re looking for information or support, or you’re confused about what’s happening to you or a friend, call the YWCA’s 24-hour hotline. You’ll be connected with an advocate and given the information and support you need.”

The YWCA also encourages those experiencing abuse to document it.

“Keep a record of what’s happening and save everything you can,” Brown said. “Don’t delete threatening texts, letters, or emails because they can be used as evidence.”

To get help with dating violence in Oneida County, call the YWCA’s 24-hour free, confidential hotline at 315-797-7740.

For help and information in Herkimer County, call Catholic Charities’ 24-hour hotline at 315-866-0458.

The YWCA Mohawk Valley is a nonsectarian membership organization engaged in the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

The agency provides services to

more than 15,000 individuals each year in Herkimer and Oneida counties via such programs as violence prevention education, domestic and sexual violence crisis services, residential services for homeless and runaway girls, and emergency shelters and transitional

housing for individuals escaping violence.

The YWCA receives funding support from the United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica and the United Way of Rome & Western Oneida County.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 5

Women’s Health It’s about time!

Between You and Me

By Barbara Pierce

Time management rules to break

By Barbara Pierce

Does he dig you? F

Find out if the man in your life is truly interested

G

auging a man’s interest level is tricky, whether you’re on your first or 30th date.

The guesswork of whether or not the guy you’re interested in is interested in you can leave you spiraling around, second-guessing his every move, reading into his every word, and trying to understand if he’s actually into you.

Many otherwise intelligent women—myself included—spend enormous amounts of energy trying to figure him out. I include myself in this group—experience doesn’t make it any easier. We excuse, explain, and rationalize almost perfectly transparent male behavior—behavior that, if looked at objectively and honestly, means only one thing.

You can find scads of lists created by relationPierce ship experts: “50 sure ways to know he’s just not that into you,” “13 signs he’s just not into you (sorry),” the list goes on and on.

Phobic about PDA (public displays of affection), never calls when he says he will, doesn’t make plans with you until the last minute, acts sketchy about leaving his phone around you, and many, many more. You know them all.

Instead, I suggest we all quit reading so much into every little move; I suggest we quit trying so hard. Instead, relax, and enjoy the relationship that we have with him, instead of trying to figure it out.

Besides, desperation and trying too hard drives men away. If we need to define what our relationship with him is all about, if we need to talk about it—well, putting it into words is too scary to most men. Just take it for what it is.

Enjoy it for what it is right now.

Don’t put words around it. He isn’t.

Instead, focus on what is right with the relationship. Notice the things he does that show he is into you. Focus on the positives instead of being on guard for clues he’s not into you.

So, is he really into you?

Cafémom.com has a list I like. It’s called “5 Sure Signs He’s Into You.” I like the positive perspective this list takes. According to its website, men actually contributed to making this list.

Here are the things that show he is

interested in you: • He bothers to call. I don’t know how many times I sat by my phone— before cell phones—just waiting for the guy I was certain was in love with me to call. He didn’t. I don’t know how many excuses I made for him.

And the next one. And the next one. They all had a “reason” in my head that they didn’t call.

You know what? That’s nonsense. Any guy who wants to call you will call you. End of story.

Though I did have one man in my life who didn’t call for a while. I was puzzled about why, so I went to the place where I had met him. His friends told me he had died suddenly.

That was traumatic.

• He wants you to meet other people in his life. Maybe it’s his friends.

His roommate. His boss.

His coworkers. His dog.

Everyone. If he wants you to meet everyone from his mom to the guy who works at the convenience store below his apartment, he digs you.

• He remembers all the quirky little things you say. When you hang out, he recalls that this one time you said you loved George Michael, and makes mention of it. Paying attention to small details like that is something guys do when they like you.

• He’s looking at you—a lot. You catch him looking at you. Watching you from across the room. Seeing the way you brush your hair from your forehead. He keeps his eyes on you. A guy who digs you wants to watch what you do, all the time.

• He does things your way. It’s your favorite diner. Your favorite coffee. Your favorite music on the stereo.

If he’s paying attention, he remembers how you like things done and makes sure to do them that way.

At the end of the day, trust your instinct. Don’t over think your relationship with him. Relax and enjoy.

• 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.

orget everything you know about time management.

Experts say breaking some long-held rules on time management can make you happier, less stressed, and—believe or not—more productive.

Busy local businesswoman Carol Buczek, proprietor of Tours By Design, Inc. in Remsen, shared her reactions to the latest thinking from experts on time management: • Rule to break (according to the experts): Maximize every minute.

Multi-tasking can backfire, say the experts. If you try to do two or more things at once, you will not do a good job at either one. Stay on task.

Focus on one task at a time.

Buczek disagrees: “In my job and line of work, I find that I always have to multitask,” she said. “I am responsible, not only for creating trips, but also for many, many behind-the-scenes tasks like getting ad copy in to advertisers, handling bank deposits and record keeping, staying on top of required insurance certificates, and numerous other duties.”

Buczek is sole proprietor of a busy tour company that customizes bus tours for groups. Pre-formed groups, such as businesses, senior citizen clubs, schools, fraternal organizations, etc., work with her to design a tour that will meet the needs and desires of its members.

Tours By Design also offers arranged tours for individuals.

So Buczek must maximize every minute. For example, when she calls a supplier to make a tour reservation, she usually has to leave a message and wait for a call back. While she waits, she closes the file on that tour and works on another tour.

The key for Buczek is that, each time the phone rings, she pushes all the papers back inside the folder and closes it before she pulls out another folder. “I never have two open files on my desk for fear the papers will get placed in the wrong folder. That would be disastrous!” she said.

Buczek’s recommendation: “If you multi-task, it’s vital to stay organized, so that you give proper attention to each task you are performing.”

Take time to step back

• Rule to break (according to experts): On hectic days, pushing full speed ahead can backfire. You need to take breaks. Your productivity declines the more you attempt to cram into a day.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2013

Buczek agrees with the need to take breaks. She faces many days when she is forced to go full speed ahead, and she does not feel breaks are an option. However, she has learned that “even during the most hectic times, it’s important to take a half hour for down time and do a quick workout or something that will energize me and take my mind off work even for a short while.”

Turning off her email for busy times of the day when she has a lot on her plate is helpful; she does not worry about replying to email messages until later in the day. “Most don’t require an immediate response, and it has taken me a while to realize that,” she said.

Making lists are Buczek’s key time management tools. “I love to have a list of things to do. And I love the satisfaction of crossing off the tasks as they get done,” she said.

Each night before she leaves the office, she jots down priorities for the next day. The last thing she does before she leaves is look at the calendar to see what’s ahead for tomorrow and mentally prepare.

“The list is not necessarily in priority order, but in the order of what I think of. When I start the day and review the list, then I prioritize it,” she said.

• Rule to break (according to experts): Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Someone once joked, “If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would ever get done.”

Many of us are great procrastinators. We need that last-minute adrenaline rush to get anything done. Many of us do our best work when things are down to the wire.

And that’s not bad, experts say.

Procrastination has advantages. When you put things off, they continue to percolate in the back of your mind and sometimes that makes for a better result.

Also, the adrenaline rush you get when you have procrastinated gives you a burst of productivity that propels you to the finish just in the nick of time.

Make procrastination pay for you by shifting your focus to easy-to-accomplish projects while you spin your wheels. For example, if you’re putting off doing your taxes, clean out a closet or pay your bills. You’ll clear your head and be better prepared to tackle the big project.

One word of caution: Last-minute errors are more common when you’re rushing at the last minute. So do leave enough time to review your work.

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Women’s Health

Aromatherapy

Method to improve physical, mental well being makes ‘scents’

By Barbara Pierce

sleep. Neroli, from an orange in Italy, is especially good for anxiety. Ylang ylang works well for stress, depression, and anxiety. It is the top note in the perfume Chanel No. 5.

M

any insist that their morning coffee is essential to get their brain in gear and focused.

However, it turns out that it may be just the aroma of the coffee that activates the ability of the brain to focus.

Inhale that distinctive smell of coffee and your brain will get the same benefit as if you drank the caffeine, say researchers.

Our sense of smell is powerful. It has a significant impact on how we feel, on our brains. For example, the aroma of lavender increases alpha waves in the back of our head, which causes us to relax. The aroma of jasmine increases beta waves in the front of our head; beta waves are associated with mental alertness.

Smell even affects behavior. When the scents of cinnamon buns and coffee wafted through a mall, people stopped to help others at a much higher rate than they did in non-scented areas of the mall.

In a room that was scented with citrus, people behaved more fairly when playing a game.

Aromatherapy, or inhaling the oils of plants (called essential oils), works on our sense of smell for improved physical, mental and emotional well being.

“Aromatherapy, in simple terms, means therapy using aromas,’” explained certified aromatherapist Lin Drechlser of Key West, Fla. “People think it just smells good. But it does so much, much more.”

Wonderful smells

There are aromas, or oils, that calm, others that decrease pain, heal burns and wounds, uplift one’s spirits, and decrease anxiety. “Whatever is out of harmony can be brought into harmony,” says Drechsler.

Though it may be thought of as a “new age” alternative medication, aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years, making it a more tried and true method of healing than

How to use essential oils

even modern medicine.

The Bible mentions the use of oils, such as frankincense, myrrh, and spikenard. Prior to modern medicine, soldiers used to carry pouches of myrrh, known for its antibacterial properties, into battle to disinfect and heal their wounds.

Not just any good-smelling aroma will work. Essential oils are needed.

Essential oils are extracted from the leaves, seeds, stems, bark, and flowers of plants that are known for their healing properties. Chemically duplicated aromas such as those found in perfumes, candles, air fresheners, lotions, and room sprays will not have the same physiological effects on the body because they do not have the same biological components of the plant oil.

In fact, chemically duplicated aromas are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than an essential oil.

Miracle Home Makeover kicks off

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he Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Foundation, in partnership with WKTV NewsChannel 2, Lite 98.7FM-WLZW, The Observer-Dispatch, Lewis Custom Homes and Home Builders and Remodelers Association of the Mohawk Valley, recently announced the start of the 17th annual $100,000 Miracle Home Makeover to benefit the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at FSLH in Utica.

One lucky person will win a $100,000 Miracle Home Makeover or $100,000 in cash. Tickets are on sale now. Individuals who buy their ticket

by April 10 will be added to a special early-bird drawing to win a fire pit valued at $1,000, donated and installed by Stone Age Landscaping, or a $500 gift certificate from GreenScapes Garden Center and Landscape Company.

The special prize drawing will be held during the 5 p.m. newscast on WKTV NewsChannel 2 April 10.

For more than a decade, the CMN Miracle Home project has built miracles for the children of the community.

In 16 years, more than $3.1 million has been raised by the project to benefit women’s and children’s services at FSLH. A maximum of 4,150 tickets are available and may be purchased for $100 each by calling the FSLH Foundation at 315-624-5600 or by visiting www.faxtonstlukes.com.

The drawing for the Miracle Home Makeover will be held on at 6 p.m.

Oct. 23 at JAY-K Lumber Corp., Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, call the FSLH Foundation at 315-624-5600.

The label “oil” is misleading, as they are not oils. They are concentrated liquids, containing the aromatic compounds from the plant.

Drechsler especially likes lavender blended with almond to help her

The best ways to use essential oils are by inhalation or topical application.

To inhale, simply smell the oil.

Or, diffuse the oils with a diffuser that disperses the oil in a micro-fine vapor into the air. Do not heat the oils, as extreme heat can damage important constituents in the oil.

Or, pour hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of oil. Cover your head and bowl in a tent-like fashion with a towel. Breathe deeply and slowly.

For topical application, dilute the oil with a pure vegetable oil (olive or almond) to protect against possible skin sensitivities. Key points of application on the body are the crown of the head, the temples, the neck, upper back, abdomen, or soles of feet.

Essential oils can be purchased at Peters Cornucopia in New Hartford, a locally owned and operated health food store.

“We have many different brands of essential oils,” explained manager Jennifer Paye. “They are all pure essential oils. They’re very popular.”

A few drops of oil and a blending mix are inexpensive.

Drawing to aid cause of ALS of Utica

A

LS of Utica’s luckiest fan raffle is back.

One winner will receive the $13,000 prize package: VIP suite at Yankee Stadium for 28 people to watch the New York Yankees play the Boston Red Sox on June 1.

The prize includes luxury bus transportation, food and beverage, plus $2,000 cash. Raffle ticket prices are $15 each or three for$30.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ALSutica.org.

The winning ticket will be drawn May 18 at the ALS Walk & Run at SUNYIT. All proceeds stay local to help families in Oneida and Herkimer counties battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

ALS is a fatal neuromuscular disease. There is no cure.

For more information, contact ALS of Utica at 315-768-8502 or visit its website at www.ALSUtica.org.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 7

Women’s Health Blues Beaters

Are you ready to grapple with depression?

By Barbara Pierce

J

ust getting out of bed in the morning seems impossible when you’re feeling depressed.

Depression—that feeling of sadness that goes on and on.

You may feel hopeless, lack energy, can’t get excited about anything.

You might be isolating yourself. Feel unmotivated to do just about anything.

Even simple things, like getting out of bed and getting dressed, become large obstacles.

Treatment does help. While you’re waiting to feel better, you can take some simple steps to boost your mood.

Local expert Greg Kovacs, a licensed marriage and family therapist, with much experience helping those who suffer from depression, gave his input on tips from Lifescript.com: • Get moving: “Exercise is one of the most beneficial means of managing the symptoms of depression,” said Kovacs. “You’ll see benefits immediately.”

Do whatever activity you can muster—walk around the house during a TV commercial, or do five minutes of stretches, sit-ups, and squats, if that’s all you can do.

Begin small, says Kovacs, and you’ll feel the benefits as exercise increases the good chemicals to your brain.

You’ll break the lethargy cycle.

When you are depressed, you stop being active. When your activity level decreases, you become even less moti-

vated and more lethargic; you don’t feel like moving.

Break this cycle and your mood will lift.

• Do a body check: Some diseases and some medications can make you depressed. Make sure you have no other medical problems, like a low level of thyroid hormones.

• Take a chill pill: “The link between thoughts and depressive symptoms is profound,” said Kovacs. “Research shows that our emotions directly respond to our thoughts. With regard to depression, many of our thoughts are incorrect.”

“We need to constantly evaluate our thoughts to be sure they’re accurate. If they’re not accurate, replace them with appropriate thoughts. Try to avoid those negative, dark thoughts, especially if

they’re not correct!” added Kovacs.

The connection between negative, dark thoughts and depression is strong. For example, research shows that when a person changes a negative dark thought, (“My life is terrible; nothing ever goes right for me”) to a positive thought (“My life is fine right now; everything is going well for me today”) good chemicals flood his brain, causing his mood to lift.

Even a statement that feels totally phony to say works on our brain.

Also, when researchers had depressed persons hold a pencil in their mouths, forcing them to smile, even that totally phony smile changed the chemistry of their brain.

When you are depressed, it may feel like the worst of times, but try not to see everything through a dark lens.

More balanced thinking does lead to a better mood. Try to come up with a new statement that replaces the negative one, and is more accurate, like, “My life has been terrible before, but I got through it. I’ll get through this.”

• Back away from the martini and the latte: “Alcohol and marijuana are depressants,” says Lifescript. “They slow down the body physically and mentally.” A maximum of a couple of

drinks a week is best.

Same goes for that daily latte. Caffeine is a downer when you’re blue.

And it increases jitteriness and anxiety.

• Eat a steak: Nibbling high-quality protein every few hours can stabilize blood sugar and keep your moods even, recommends Lifescript.

• Cut the sweet stuff: Your carbs, whenever possible, should be complex--fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Stop flying solo. Being isolated can make you prone to depression.

“Other people are likely to catch our inaccurate, depressive thoughts. And they’re likely to challenge them if we’re willing to hear it,” said Kovacs. “When you’re feeling depressed, put yourself around others.”

• Reach out to family or friends. If they’re not available, push yourself to go places where people hang out. Just being among people where you can share a laugh will help your depression.

• Don’t skimp on the ZZZs. Lack of sleep disturbs the chemical balance in our brain and sets us up for depression. “When it comes to depression, lack of sleep is the great saboteur!” commented Kovacs. “Sneaky, negative thoughts can quickly overcome a sleepy brain. If you are experiencing depression, shoot for seven or eight hours of sleep.

To undo the sleepless curse, try this: Go to bed and get up at the same time every day; your body likes routine.

NFP method uses woman’s natural cycle of fertility

By Amylynn Pastorella

N

atural family planning is learning about the language of reproductive powers by observing, recording and interpreting the bodily signs of human fertility.

NFP is fertility awareness, the knowledge of a couple’s fertility, and is a means of reading the body’s signs of fertility and infertility.

Locally, certified teachers Jim and Margaret Van Damme of Rome offer courses in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning.

Several course sessions are available to cover theory and practice of natural family planning, including its moral implications; health and cost advantages; effectiveness; and impact on achieving pregnancy and natural mothering.

NFP is a generic term for a number of methods that essentially use a woman’s natural times of fertility to either postpone or achieve pregnancy.

NFP is reportedly safe and avoids the long list of possible side effects and risks of oral contraceptives. It can help detect health and fertility problems, is reversible, and helps many couples overcome low fertility, according to advocates.

“There are no recurring costs after Page 8

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learning the method. It gives women a feeling of self-awareness and empowerment, and gives men an appreciation of the woman’s cycle,” said Jim Van Damme, teacher, promoter and member of the Couple to Couple League of Central New York.

NFP derives and differs from “The Calendar Rhythm” method developed in 1930. The latter only predicted fertility based on past cycles and it handled irregularity poorly.

Modern methods instead use crosschecking symptoms of hormonal activity like cervical mucus and position and basal body temperature to look for patterns that clearly delineate fertile times during a cycle.

“Research and experience with these patterns have resulted in rules that make NFP as effective as oral contraceptives, and much more effective than barrier methods. This method effectiveness (over 99 percent for the sympto-thermal method) has been shown in multiple large studies,” the Van Dammes claim.

In the United States, natural family planning is taught through the Couple to Couple League, which is the largest of several providers with about 900 volunteer teaching couples.

The Oneida County chapter, with two teaching couples, has held classes

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2013

since 1981.

The basic sympto-thermal method class is three evenings spaced a month apart. There are also supplemental classes in pre-menopause and postpartum fertility changes.

It’s all in the cycle

NFP is the observation of a women’s cycle in such a way as to determine the signs of fertility and infertility and to use that knowledge to either conceive a child or postpone or space a pregnancy.

After experiencing the unhealthy effects of “The Pill” early in their marriage and being enlightened to what their Catholic faith taught about artificial contraception, Carol and Dave Armitage of Barneveld noticed an advertisement for NFP classes in their church’s bulletin.

“We took the course and were amazed at the intricate details of how reproduction worked. Using our bodies in the way God intended without compromising the marital act is a truly awesome experience. We have never regretted the decision to use NFP,” said Carol, who now promotes natural family planning.

Carol and her husband decided to be promoters because they saw a need for couples to hear about this method

of family planning.

“We advertise when classes are available in newspapers and parish bulletins and post fliers in churches, health food stores and doctor’s offices. We write editorials when issues of artificial contraception or related reproductive issues arise. We also share our personal witness at the monthly Catholic diocesan marriage preparation seminar,” she noted.

Advice from the Armitages is to learn NFP because it benefits the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of a relationship. Learning it well and following the method works to not only regulate births, but can strengthen marriages as well, they say.

Natural family planning spring sessions will be featured at 2 p.m. April 7 and May 5.

The sessions will take place at the home of the Van Dammes on West Carter Road in Rome.

More information about natural family planning and related topics can be found at the Couple to Couple League Central New York Chapter’s website at http://cny.ccli.org.

Class registration is also online.

The chapter can also be contacted at 339-2143, 896-5003, or 782-2658.

Women’s Health Zonta Club of Utica aids women’s health cause FSLH’s Comprehensive Breast Care Center focus of fundraising efforts

By Amylynn Pastorella

I

n the Mohawk Valley, the Zonta Club of Utica is working hard to make a difference in the community through charitable donations, advocacy and education.

The Zonta Club of Utica is a professional women’s service organization conducting fundraising events for community projects that work to improve the status of women in the Greater Utica area.

As a chapter of a global organization, Zonta International, the Utica Zonta Club is one of the region’s nine charter clubs founded in 1919. Since 1946, Zonta International has had consultative status with the United Nations.

Issues that affect women’s lives are presented and discussed at the highest levels of influence.

With Zonta International having 30,000 members in 12,000 clubs in 64 countries, the commitment internationally and locally to women has resulted in generous support.

“Over the years, our club has supported literacy projects, domestic violence shelters, programs for teen mothers, assistance for women returning to school or work after raising a family, scholarships for young women who demonstrate leadership and public service, and so many other local initiatives,” said Susan Sweetland, publicity chairwoman.

Breast care center focus of project

The Zonta Club of Utica has selected the Comprehensive Breast Care

Center at the Regional Cancer Center at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare as its ongoing major service project.

The breast care center is dedicated to providing support and assistance to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Through the club’s support, the waiting room has been furnished to provide a warm welcome.

Women without resources have received financial assistance to obtain prostheses and other needed services.

Zonta gifts have helped train staff and volunteers to go out into the community and promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

With fundraising being key to its mission, the Zonta Club of Utica holds its signature event, a champagne brunch, every spring.

The brunch is a lively event that offers fun, food, prizes and auctions with the proceeds donated to local organizations. In 2012, over 500 people were in attendance, raising more than $24,000 with half going to the breast cancer center at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare.

Having a strong and engaged membership base assures the success of the club.

“Our members make Zonta what it is. Through their commitment of time and talent, our club continues to make a difference in the community,” said Sweetland.

Membership is something the club is always working to expand. Holding smaller events such as mixers and gatherings helps to increase membership throughout the year. With June being

Zonta Club of Utica members celebrate 90 years of service in 2009 in front of the Stanley Theatre in Utica. They include, from left, Barbara Roberts, Dottie Williams, Nancy Lombard, Carol Fitzgerald, Grace Panetti and Suzanne Lavin. Utica was one of the nine original charter clubs founded in 1919. its big recruiting month this year, the club is actively seeking new members.

“The more women involved in the club, and the more diverse their abilities and experiences, the more we

can do together,” said Sweetland.

For information about membership, contact Joan Gallimo at jfgallimo@roadrunner.com

Women: Be aware of heart disease

A

lthough heart disease remains the No. 1 killer nationally for women — responsible for one out of every three deaths — many of today’s women still underestimate the seriousness of the disease and their risks, says Liliana Cohen, a board-certified cardiologist with The Robert Wood Johnson Medical Group.

“The latest American Heart Association statistics reveal that heart disease is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined, killing one woman every minute. Yet, these same studies show that relatively few women believe that heart disease is their greatest health threat,” says Cohen, who also serves as assistant professor of medicine at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey — Robert Wood John-

son Medical School. “The reality is that 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.

These misconceptions could be putting women’s lives at risk every day.”

“The symptom many women focus on is chest pain, but the reality is that women are also likely to experience other types of symptoms, including shortness of breath, back or jaw pain, and nausea or vomiting. This misperception may lead many women to ignore or minimize their symptoms and delay getting life-saving treatment,” Cohen explains.

Other symptoms of a heart attack for both women and men include dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen; and extreme fatigue.

“When in doubt, it is always best to seek medical assistance,” says Cohen.

Cohen advises: • Keep track of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If either or both are high, work with your physician to develop a strategy for controlling them. If you have diabetes, properly controlling it is critical to lowering your risk.

• Exercise. It is extremely important to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Ideally, you should aim for more than 30 minutes of exercise at least five times per week. That doesn’t necessarily mean high-impact classes at the local gym; walking, gardening and other activities that keep you moving and active can also help.

April 2013 •

• Commit yourself to a healthy diet. Look for foods that are low in saturated fat and trans-fat, as well as those that are high in fiber. Wholegrain foods, fruits, vegetables, and legumes like peas or beans will help round out a well-balanced diet, as will foods that are high in antioxidants.

• Strive for a healthy weight. Being obese or overweight can increase your risk of heart disease significantly because it contributes to other risk factors like diabetes. Your physician can help you determine the ideal weight for your body type and age and provide suggestions on how to reach that goal.

• Stop smoking. Smoking has been found to significantly increase risk for heart attacks, as well as your risk of dying if you have a heart attack.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 9

The Balanced Body

By Deb Dittner

Control those cravings Recognize the triggers that result in uncontrolled indulgence

T

hose irresistible desires called cravings!

All of a sudden, the urge strikes: the craving for a doughnut, a bowl of ice cream, a bag of chips, a cup of coffee, or a can of soda.

Cravings are different for everyone and certain foods can actually trigger those cravings and have you wanting more. Food and beverages such as sugary cereals, bread, alcohol, juice, pasta, and sweets can trigger that hunger.

But what is really causing the cravings?

The important thing is to understand the cause of the craving and how to deconstruct those cravings when they occur.

It may be the refined white flour that makes the bread and pasta, or the juice that is made from concentrate. Or is it that you are actually missing essential nutrients or restricting the diet with too few calories?

Is everyday life events too stressful, or possibly boredom has set in? Whatever the cause may be, take notice and try to understand the craving in order to find balance and give the body what it really needs.

The body is an amazing piece of machinery. The body knows when fatigue sets in that it’s time for sleep, when rested it will awaken, maintain

body temperature, and tell you when to go to the bathroom.

When cravings arise, it’s the body telling us important information. Let’s look at why our body craves.

• Dehydration. A lack of water tells us we’re thirsty. This can lead to the feeling of hunger. Drink a full glass of water to minimize the craving sensation.

• Seasonal eating.

Around holidays, we crave those foods associated with past memories such as eggnog at Christmas, turkey at Thanksgiving, or hard-boiled eggs at Easter. Dittner In the spring, we look toward foods that will naturally detoxify such as dark green leafy veggies.

Summer leads us toward more cooling foods such as fruit or ice cream. And in colder times, we head toward foods that will warm us such as soups and stews.

• Internal agenda. Foods that have recently been eaten (such as bread or pasta, candy, ice cream) after not eating for quite some time will cause a craving for more of the same.

• Inadequate nutrients. If the body is lacking certain nutrients, it will develop a craving for foods that are

higher in that specific need. If you are lacking certain minerals in the body, a craving of salt may occur. If you are fatigued, a craving to boost energy such as caffeine will be craved.

• Hormonal. Women experience certain cravings related to their menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms.

• Lifestyle. Being happy in a relationship, having the right movement program, job pressures, family issues, and spirituality; all these can create cravings to fill a void and need to find balance.

So the next time a craving strikes, take action.

One way to still enjoy certain foods is to look for a less processed variety such as a whole grain pasta or bread, organic dark chocolate, a sweet vegetable or fruit, juice that is made with 100 percent fruit, and to limit the amount of alcohol intake.

Consider having a full glass of water and waiting for 10 minutes. Check what might be out of balance in your life. Are you happy in your relationship? Is your exercise routine not the right one for you? Is your job creating

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 • April 2013

stress?

Consider reducing or eliminating caffeine. If craving sweets, eat sweet veggies and fruit.

Avoid artificial sweeteners as they will increase your desire. Sleep from 7-9 hours nightly.

Experiment with herbs and spices added to your food for variety and as a natural sweetener.

Enjoy life! Make time for family and friends.

Listen to your body the next time a craving strikes. Respond with love and understanding to correct the imbalance and give your body exactly what it needs.

• Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner specializing in Reiki and holistic nutrition. Visit her website at www.The-Balanced-Body.com.

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Page 11

The Ragin’ Cajun

By Malissa Allen

Teen suicide Mom, dad recount chilling details of a life-changing moment Editor’s note: This is the third and final segment of a series focusing on teen suicide. Staff writer Malissa Alllen explores the whys that surround this baffling human phenomena.

I

t seems we hear about teen suicide too often.

What we don’t hear is how families cope with it after the fact.

I cannot imagine how parents and families function after losing a child, but especially losing one to suicide. I sat down with a family here in Oneida County that shared the story about their son, Dustin.

For respect of the family’s privacy, I agreed to not use their real names.

Dustin was just 14 years old when what should have been a typical Monday turned into anything but. Every day he would call his mom to let her know he had made it home safely from school and football pracAllen tice. On this day, there was no call.

On that fateful day, she first went by his school to see if perhaps practice had run behind, and was relieved when she saw the boys all still at the school, practicing.

What she didn’t know was Dustin never made it to practice that day. The coach said he had left school sick, and was going home. She was frantic when she left there knowing something had gone horribly wrong, but what she found when she got home was more than what any parent should ever have to go through.

Here is their story.

Q.: Tell me if you can about Dustin.

MOM: Dustin is our only son, the youngest of three children. Being the only boy, and the baby of the family, he was pampered a lot.

Dustin was born early and has always been small for his age.

He was much shorter than his male classmates who towered over him. He was soft spoken, kind, would do anything for anyone, usually for free. He had many friends and was always the group clown.

Everyone loved him beyond words.

Dustin was a very outgoing boy, always had a lot of friends and was really never gave us any trouble at all.

He was a faithful member of the local youth group and seemed to be heading in the direction that all parents would be proud of.

DAD: Because he was born early, he was sick a lot as an infant as well as in his toddler years, but when he reached around 8, or 9, it seemed he hit a growing spurt and began to blossom.

But he was still small for a boy his age. He loved sports and always wantPage 12

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ed to play football. And boy, he tried harder than anyone on the field. He was just too small to play. He would get hurt at just about every game. We knew the coach was letting him play because of his love for the game, his effort, and because his teammates cheered him on.

What we didn’t know was that he had gotten hurt in practice and didn’t tell us anything about it, but the coach told him he was going to sit out for the season.

MOM: This must have crushed his spirit because it’s all he wanted to do, but being little was Dustin’s downfall.

Q.: If you can, take me through that Monday after you left the school.

MOM: Well, I drove home as fast as I could because I knew something had to be wrong for him not to be at practice. I called our neighbor and asked if she could see his bike anywhere. She came back to the phone and said, “No, but his cap, his cap is in the driveway, do you want me to go inside to check on things”?

I will regret my answer forever, but if something had happened, and anyone was going to find him, I wanted to be the one. I said no, I would be home shortly.

DAD: We had a double car garage at that house that had a lot of tools, chains, racks, things I used around the house. The garage door was electric that would open with a remote opener.

When my wife got home, she used the door opener, but the overhead door only would open about half way.

She could tell something was blocking the door from opening, but couldn’t really tell while in her car.

She got out of her car to go inside the garage to check on his bike, and that’s when she found him. He had hung himself from the overhead door motor with a chain in my shop.

As you can imagine, she was desperate to get him down. And she tried everything she could, but she couldn’t; the motor from the door had the chain caught. It took the Jaws of Life and a rescue team to get the chain apart and get our boy down.

MOM: (Crying) I tried with all I had, screaming for him to please be alive, please God don’t let me be too late. But I was several hours too late.

Q.: I can’t imagine, as a mother, what you endured that entire time waiting for rescue to get there, and I won’t ask any more about that day.

I am more than certain you have had to replay that scene a thousand times.

Looking back, did either of you see any warning signs in his behavior?

MOM: Looking back, I always saw sadness in his eyes when he wasn’t able to do what the other boys could do. Football was his real passion, it was all he wanted to do, and he wasn’t able to.

I think his heart and his spirit were crushed and he probably thought he was going to disappoint his daddy if he didn’t make it, wanting to be the football star his father was in high school

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2013

Suicide prevention websites • www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pub/youth_ suicide.html • www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org • www.spsamerica.org • www.samhsa.gov/prevention/suicide.aspx • www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/suicide_prevention/ regional/Central/oneida_coal.html • www.ocgov.net/mentalhealth/teenservice

and college.

He never made Dustin feel like he was disappointed in anything he tried, but I guess that was the breaking point. Fourteen years old, a whole life of football games ahead of him; he just gave up too fast.

Q.: How has this affected you as a family?

DAD: How hasn’t it affected us?

There is a constant emptiness in our lives—a lot of guilt, pain and questions that will never get answers. My wife and I have been close to divorcing a few times over what I guess any parents would do, blame each other.

We have been in therapy now for going on three years and it’s just starting to ease up, but then we feel like we’re letting him down by going on with life. We got our girls to live for and trying to live through Dustin

by going to talk to kids at the schools about suicide.

I really don’t think they realize that death is final. There is no coming back after hurt feelings are over or whatever.

It’s not a two-way ticket. Hopefully by telling our son’s story, somebody else’s child’s life can be saved. My wife can’t work anymore, due to chronic depression, and I worry about her too wanting to give up.

Q.: What advice would you like to give as a parent?

DAD: Love your kids. Never take one day for granted. They can leave this earth faster than they got here, and I promise you will miss them every single day, all day long. Don’t take one day for granted. Make sure they know they are loved, and they can do anything they want to do, no matter who or what they are.

Pathfinder Village gives hope ‘Pathfinder Produce’ event stresses healthy eating habits

By Patricia J. Malin

W

hen the bells in the chapel at Pathfinder Village rang out 21 times on March 21, it marked a day of awareness and celebration for an overlooked minority.

Pathfinder Village is a residential community in Edmeston for people with Down syndrome. March 21 was World Down Syndrome Day. It’s like a birthday party, with an entire group of people giving itself a pat on the back.

“We’re a minority in the world,” said Paul Landers, chief executive officer of Pathfinder Village.

Though Landers World Syndrome Day has been observed since 2006, the event received a major boost in 2012 when it became sanctioned officially by the United Nations.

“Obviously, it’s significant when a body like the UN acknowledges us,” Landers said. “The leaders of the world see that people with disabilities are a part of society and are recognized as contributing human beings. It’s really a human rights issue.”

March 21 was selected as the celebration date since it represents the triplication of the 21st chromosome, the genetic cause of 95 percent of instances of the congenital disorder known as Down syndrome.

UN headquarters in New York hosted its second annual World Down Syndrome Day Conference on that date. This year’s theme was the “Right To Work.” Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others.

Down Syndrome International presented awards in voluntary, professional and scientific categories as well during the UN conference.

Pathfinder Village residents were hard at work too on March 21 as the village kicked off its new farmers’ market by offering fresh fruits and vegetables to the public.

Pathfinder Produce is held from 2–5 p.m. Thursdays at its new vocational center and Button Greenhouse.

“Pathfinder Produce will be operated by special education students and young adults in our pre-vocational program,” said Landers. They operate cash

A vocational student works the cash register during a recent Pathfinder Produce event.

Pathfinder Village residents help offer healthy eating options. registers, weigh and sell produce and welcome members of the community to Pathfinder Village.

Residents who work at the village’s bakery turned out extra pies, rolls, cakes and cookies for sale. Landers said the popular market drew 100 visitors.

Dietary formula

Pathfinder Produce is affiliated with the Bassett Healthcare Network Research Institute’s 5-2-1-0 program, which is designed to improve local families’ healthy living habits. “One of the inconsistencies about living in rural areas is how difficult it is for families to access fresh produce at reasonable costs,” said Lynae Wyckoff, the 5-2-1-0 program coordinator.

“Most consumers end up paying marked-up prices at large stores in cities, or they simply do not buy enough fruits and vegetables to meet national dietary recommendations,” she said.

The 5-2-1-0 program is designed to help schools, worksites and health care providers provide programs in promoting healthy choices for kids. It recommends five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of recreational screen time (TV, computers and video), one hour or more of physical activity and no sugary drinks, but adding low-fat milk and water.

Edmeston is a rural hamlet in Otsego County, 30 miles south of Utica.

“It’s 35 minutes to the closest supermarkets in Cooperstown or Norwich or Utica, which makes it difficult for families,” Landers explained. “This gives them an alternative.”

Pathfinder Village buys produce in

Crafters wanted for summer bazaar

S

t. Joseph Nursing Home, 2535 Genesee St., Utica, will celebrate its ninth annual summer bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 4.

The home has openings for vendors such as artists and crafters to participate in this event that includes a chicken barbecue, refreshments, and games for children.

Proceeds from the event will be used to support the programs and activities for the residents of St. Joseph Nursing Home.

For a registration form and more information, contact Kathy Poupart at 315-797-1230 or email at development@stjosephnh.org.

bulk from non-supermarket vendors and cheaper than grocery store prices.

“Prices will vary each week,” said Landers. “But we use three vendors and will rotate each week based on availability, quality and consistency.”

The fruits and vegetables available

for sale on March 21 included potatoes, onions, mushrooms, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, bananas, tomatoes, grapes, oranges and apples.

Landers said the farmers’ market is a community initiative that helps “to integrate the village community in meaningful ways and better the lives of all who live in our local communities.”

Founded in 1980, Pathfinder Village is an independent, nonprofit (501c3) residential community set on 300 acres. It is a home for nearly 100 people, aged 12–63, with Down syndrome and developmental disabilities.

The Pathfinder School is a New York state-approved educational program for those aged 5–21 that provides vocational training, which includes working in the cafe, bakery, greenhouse and gardens.

The village also offers a day school program for students from area school districts, plus a summer camp program for young adults. The Kennedy-Willis Center at Pathfinder Village provides resources and support to those with Down syndrome.

Chapters of the Down Syndrome Association in Syracuse and Binghamton hold their events at other times of the year. The Central New York chapter will hold its 15th annual Buddy Walk Sept. 29 at Long Branch Park in Onondaga Park, Liverpool.

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Page 13

‘Berry’ nutritious!

Strawberries, blueberries support women’s heart health

By Kristen Raab

W

e know that fruit is an important part of a healthy diet.

Fruit has been shown to reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, cancer and Type 2 diabetes.

Any fruit can provide health benefits, but a new study shows that strawberries and blueberries may reduce heart attack risk in women.

Incorporating berries into our diet has always been a good idea. Excellus registered dietitian and health and wellness consultant Pat Salzer explains, “We have known that berries were connected with better brain health and decreasing risk of type 2 diabetes.”

In addition, the sweet taste can satisfy sugar cravings and keep the number of calories we consume in check.

The new study shows that having three or more servings of red- and blue-colored fruit and vegetables during the week can lower heart attack risk for young and middle aged women by 32 percent.

“Even when adjusting for other factors such as dietary fat, fiber intake, medication use, body size and exercise, they still saw a reduction in risk by eating those berries,” Salzer says. The American Heart Association notes the consumption of these particular berries was studied during an 18-year period because “they are the most-eaten berries in the United States.”

The vibrant color of these fruits and vegetables comes from plant compounds called anthocyanins. These compounds dilate the arteries, which helps to counteract plaque buildup.

Studies have shown that a “consistent diet of these has many positive health effects,” Salzer notes. In order to reap the benefits, increase the amount of berries in your diet.

Enjoying these berries all year long is easy to do, even if the produce is not in season.

“Frozen berries have a similar level of those beneficial compounds,” Salzer explains. Fresh berries do perish quickly. Salzer recommends buying a quart of strawberries and “bringing some with you to work or school to snack on” when the urge hits. She also says it’s important to “put them where you can see them in the fridge” to make sure that they are eaten in time.

Add zest to process

Grabbing fruit as a quick and easy snack can eventually get boring.

Salzer suggests adding berries to yogurt and hot or cold cereal. They also make a delicious topping for waffles or pancakes.

For those with a sweet tooth, have a small scoop of ice cream with a ton of berries on top of it.

Another delicious option is to make a fruit salsa such as avocadostrawberry salsa, and enjoy it with baked tortilla chips. For a healthy dinner, make a blueberry salsa to go with grilled chicken.

The first step is easy: Bring berries into your house.

As Salzer points out, “You can’t eat them if you don’t have them available.”

Berries are good for everyone, so get children to start eating them now.

One way to do this is to try to make the process fun. During the summer, berry pick with friends or family.

Getting the entire family involved in choosing recipes may make mealtime easier to handle, too. Allow kids to flip through recipe books or online recipe sites to discover exciting new possibilities.

For additional information about the study, visit http://newsroom.heart. org.

KIDS Corner Pot, alcohol use common among 10th-graders

A

recent survey found high rates of regular alcohol and illicit and prescription drug use in tenth graders, reports a new study in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Researchers used data from the NEXT Generation Health study, which surveyed 2,524 10th grade students in 80 schools and nine U.S. school districts in the spring of 2010.

Twenty-six percent of the surveyed teens reported using marijuana, making it the most common illicit drug used in the previous 12-month period.

Additionally, 35 percent of the teens had used alcohol, 27 percent had engaged in binge drinking and 19 percent had smoked cigarettes.

The study found that teens using multiple substances reported more physical ailments and symptoms of depression, anxiety or hopelessness and having difficulty sleeping. In addition, these adolescents reported more highrisk behaviors.

“Two-thirds of the polysubstance users in our study abused medications and nine out of 10 of those students engaged in binge drinking,” said the study’s lead author, Kevin P. Conway, deputy director of the division of epidemiology, services and prevention research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Conway pointed out that teens who use a variety of drugs have a high risk profile that indicates a need

for mental health and substance use screening and referral. “This indication is one of the most important and actionable findings of this study,” he said.

Pamela K. Gonzalez, a pediatrician and addiction medicine specialist at the University of Minnesota agreed with the study’s findings, including that marijuana is the first drug of choice by adolescents who use multiple substances.

“I also see inappropriate use of prescription medications like painkillers almost to the same degree as marijuana use,” she said. “Most adolescents who have a pattern of polysubstance use have mental health problems, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all adolescents be screened for substance use and mental health issues during a routine visit with their doctor.”

Prevention programs may help decrease the harmful cycle of multiple substance abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides information on its teen-oriented website (teens. drugabuse.gov), online information for parents and educators at (drugabuse. gov), as well as an interactive mobile screening tool for healthcare professionals (drugabuse.gov.nidamed).

“It’s also important for pediatricians and caregivers to have a good understanding of the trends of substances used in their area by teenagers when engaging them in meaningful conversations,” added Gonzalez.

Rome Hospital Foundation to present fashion show

T

he Rome Hospital Foundation Fashion Show, presented by Mohawk Valley Women’s Health Associates, will be held May 3 at the Beeches.

Traditionally held in late summer, the event moves to May and will feature spring and summer fashions.

The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. and fashions on the runway will begin at 7 p.m.

Integral to the fashion show will

be the presentation of the sixth annual Smart Woman Award.

The award recognizes outstanding women in the community.

Nomination forms are available on the Rome Hospital Foundation webpage at http://www.romehospital.org or contact Rome Hospital Foundation offices at 315-338-7181.

All nominations must be received by April 17.

‘Baby Care Basics’ helps expectant parents prepare

P

arents-to-be can learn about childbirth, newborns and other related topics by attending the upcoming “Baby Care Basics” program, set for 7–9 p.m. April 17 at Rome Memorial Hospital in the classroom.

Sandy Graichen, a maternity nurse at the hospital, will teach the free educational program.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2013

No advance registration is required for the free program. Refreshments will be served.

Participants are asked to meet the instructor in the hospital lobby at the North James Street entrance.

For more information, call 3387143.

KEYS unlock inspiration Nonprofit group comes to aid of severely ill

By Mary Stevenson In 1993, Charles Blair was diagnosed with cancer.

For 23 days, he struggled in pain as his family felt helpless to comfort him.

Out of sheer frustration, Colleen Bennett went home to compose and gather music for her sick father.

Within an hour of having headphones on his ears with the melodies and notes filling his body and soul, Blair was able to finally sleep and get some rest.

Bennett always knew she wanted to do something with music. Her father was hesitant about her going too far away to pursue her dreams but he knew it was what she wanted. She attended Marywood University in Pennsylvania, pursuing a degree in music for early childhood and special needs/autism.

She took music therapy as an elective course and the rest, as they say, is history.

In the spirit of her father and his love for children, Colleen and her husband David founded the Kids Educational Youth Services (KEYS), a local nonprofit organization that provides music, comfort and hope to children battling cancer and those in need of healing in the form of music therapy.

KEYS also provide music education and advocacy in raising the awareness of the healing powers of music.

Delivered with care

KEYS create care packages for children which include a stuffed animal, a book and a drop card with music on it for the child and their family to download to their MP3 player.

Several local and national artists, including The Action! and country’s own Katie Quick have donated music for the cards. According to Bennett, a new album will be coming out in the next few months with songs compiled over the past year.

“Instead of a drop card, the children will be able to log into a website with an access card and can choose the music they wish to add to their personal players,” Bennett added.

The biggest cost to the program is the delivery. Bennett said KEYS has delivered across the country, including larger cities like Charlotte, Tampa and Phoenix, as well as local hospitals such as Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester and University Hospital in Syracuse. They partner with child life specialists at the hospitals and send care packages regularly.

Students of Utica College’s Child Life program are trained by KEYS staff “to arm them with the tools they need” to help a child using music in stressful situations, Bennett said.

Supporting outreach effort

KEYS also partners with Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School’s entertainment industry department to produce the annual Hearts of Hope concert to raise money and awareness.

“The students run the show, from producing and performing to the behindthe-scenes action,” Bennett said.

Several years ago, Bennett was looking for a place to record and the entertainment industry class was in its infancy. “We were looking for studio space and time and they were looking for a community piece to add to their program,” she said.

Last year, Katie Quick and The Action! were the main events at the concert, held at the VVS auditorium.

This year, VVS alum Nash Robb and his band, The Birdseed Bandits, will headline the show on April 27. Proceeds will benefit the KEYS outreach program.

In addition to care packages, KEYS offers music lessons and classes.

Held at the Community Activity Center and the Sherrill-Kenwood Library, both in Sherrill, several classes are open to all ages. The classes include piano lessons (for those aged 7 to adult), music for expectant parents, and “Music Heals.” All proceeds benefit the KEYS program.

For more information, contact Bennett at www.thekeysprogram.org, keyprogram@msn.com or by phone at 315-363-6446.

By Jim Miller

Simplified smartphones for boomers, seniors Manufacturers keep senior set in mind Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any smartphones specifically designed for seniors that you know of? I’m interested in getting one, but at age 69, I want to find one that’s easy to see and use.

Semi-Smart Senior Dear Semi-Smart, There are actually several manufacturers who are now making simplified smartphones with features designed primarily for older users who have limited experience with modern gadgetry. Here’s a rundown of what’s currently and soon-to-be available.

Pantech Flex

One of the best and most affordable age-friendly smartphones on the market today is the Pantech Flex (see pantechusa.com/phones/flex), sold through AT&T for only $1 with a twoyear contract.

This Android-powered touch screen phone has a bright 4.3-inch screen, with a fast 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 8 megapixel camera. But what makes this phone ideal for seniors is its easy experience mode which provides a simple, clean home screen with large fonts, clearly marked icons, and quick access to the phone’s most essential features — your phone, camera, messages, menu, Web, contacts, along with shortcuts to your favorite apps.

It also offers convenient features like voice dialing and voice commands, and SwiftKey technology that predict the next word you want to type to make texting faster and easier.

Individual monthly service plans for AT&T start at $30 for 200 minutes of talk time (for customers 65 and older), $20 for unlimited text messaging, and $20 for 300 MB of data.

Jitterbug Touch

Colleen Bennett spends some quality time with Jacob Hadcock at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse.

Offered by GreatCall Wireless — the same company that makes the Jitterbug big-button cell phone — the Touch is actually a Kyocera Milano smartphone that’s been rebranded and loaded with GreatCall’s simplified user interface software.

It offers a 3-inch touch screen, and a full slide-out keyboard with raised, backlit buttons that makes it easier to type messages. And when you turn the phone on, you get a simple menu list with large fonts that let you access often-used features like the phone, camera, messages and pictures, along with your contacts and apps.

April 2013 •

This Android phone also offers voice dialing, a 3.2 megapixel camera, and optional features like medication reminders, 5Star personal security service, a live nurse service to answer your health questions, and more.

Available at greatcall.com or 800733-6632, the Touch sells for $149 with a one-time $35 activation fee, no-contract, and calling plans that cost $15 per month for 50 minutes, up to $80 per month for unlimited minutes, text messages, operator assistance, and voicemail. And their data plans run between $2.50 per month for 10 MB up to $25/month for 500 MB.

Samsung Galaxy Note II If a bigger screen is the most desired feature, the Samsung Galaxy Note II (samsung.com/galaxynoteII) has a huge 5.5-inch touch screen display and can be used with a stylus, which makes it easy to see and maneuver. It also offers an easy mode feature which simplifies the home screen providing access only to key functions like the phone, messaging, Internet, contacts and your favorite apps.

Available through AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular for $300 to $370 with a two-year contract, the monthly service plans for talk, text and data start at around $80.

Doro PhoneEasy 740

If you don’t mind waiting, the Doro PhoneEasy 740 (dorousa.us/experience) is another excellent option, but it won’t be available in the U.S. until later this year.

This Android slider phone has a 3.2-inch touch screen and a numerical slide-out keypad with raised buttons for easy operation. It also offers a large-text, clearly labeled menu to frequently used features like the phone, email, messages, Internet, photos, games and apps.

Expected to cost around $99, other age-friendly features include a 5 megapixel camera which can double as a magnifying glass, and an emergency call button that will dial and text five preprogrammed numbers when pressed.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Continued from Page 2 John Restivo, radiologist and chairman of the hospital’s medical imaging department, will offer information on the risk factors associated with breast density and new technology available at the hospital to more accurately determine breast density during a routine mammogram.

Health Night is a monthly lecture series, sponsored by RMH. Advance registration is not required. Refreshments will be served.

RMH’s classroom is located on the second floor of the hospital. Those attending are asked to enter the North James Street entrance of the hospital.

April 5-6

Annual women’s retreat on agenda The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica, will feature its third annual women’s retreat—“Making All Things New”—at 5:30 p.m. April 5 through 4 p.m. April 6.

For details and to register: call Tanya at The Good News Center at 315-7356210 or visit TheGoodNewsCenter. org—Events Calendar.

April 6

Otsego County Heart Run & Walk slated The American Heart Association will present the 2013 Otsego County Heart Run & Walk, sponsored by Bassett Healthcare Network.

The event will be held on April 6 at Neahwa Park in Oneonta. Registration on the day of the event starts at 8 a.m.

Opening ceremonies start at 9:45 a.m.

The heart-healthy event features a three-mile run and walk to start and finish in Neahwa Park, downtown Oneonta.

For more information and to form a fundraising team, visit www.uticaheartrunwalk.org or call 315-266-5403.

April 7

Support group for separated, divorced The Separated & Divorced support group meets from 5-6:30 p.m. every other Sunday at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica.

The next meeting will be April 7.

The meetings are free and open to all.

For more information, contact Andrea, program coordinator, at 315-7356210, andrea@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.

April 7

Have you ever considered The Third Option?

The Third Option—a support group for married couples—meets at 6:30 p.m. every other Sunday at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica.

The next meeting will be April 7.

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For more information, contact Andrea, program coordinator, at 315-735-6210 ext. 228, andrea@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.

April 12

Nominations accepted for ‘Go Red’ award The American Heart Association is working to celebrate individuals who have made a positive impact on their health.

In partnership with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, the American Heart Association is accepting nominations for the 2013 Go Red Power of You Award.

The Go Red Power of You Award honors someone who has made positive changes and significant steps toward living a healthier life.

Friends, co-workers or relatives can submit nominations. Individuals can also choose to nominate themselves.

A panel of judges from the American Heart Association and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield will choose the finalists.

The winner will be recognized at the Go Red For Women Luncheon May 1 at Harts Hill Inn, Whitesboro.

Nomination forms can be requested by emailing heartofutica@heart.org or calling 315-266-5403.

Completed copies can be emailed to heartofutica@heart.org or printed versions may be mailed to: Attn: Go Red Power of You Award, American Heart Association, 120 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502.

The deadline for submissions is April 12.

April 12

Red Cross, Oneida Savings team up for auction The American Red Cross of Central New York will hold its 11th annual silent auction to benefit the MadisonOneida branch from 5:30 p.m. until all of the items are sold on April 12 at the Vernon Downs Hotel Event Center, 4229 Stuhlman Road, Vernon.

Oneida Savings Bank has been the premier sponsor of the popular event since it started in 2003.

This year, the Mardi Gras-themed event falls on opening day at the races.

Mardi Gras beads will be available, and visitors can get into the spirit by wearing hats and masks.

For more information or to purchase tickets, place an ad in the program book or donate an item, call the branch at 315-363-2900 or email paulette.loomis@redcross.org.

April 16

Hospice & Palliative Care offers support Hospice & Palliative Care in New Hartford offers free bereavement support groups and workshops.

• Survivors of suicide: This group

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2013

is open to all adult survivors of suicide. The group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month at Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., New Hartford. The next meeting is April 17.

Pre-registration is not required.

For more information, contact Lisa B. Wolfe at 735-6487 ext. 214.

• Men’s bereavement group: This is a monthly breakfast group for men who have experienced a loss. The group meets from 8-9:30 a.m. the third Tuesday of every month at Denny’s on Genesee Street in North Utica. The next meeting is April 16.

Pre-registration is required for first-time participants.

Contact Linda Clark at 735-6487 ext. 261 to register or for more information. There is no charge for bereavement groups or workshops.

Donations are always appreciated.

The Rome and Oneida Family YMCAs are celebrating the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day with a free community event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 27.

Healthy Kids Day is the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well being of families and to help them get a jump on creating a healthier summer.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day takes place at the Oneida Family Y, 701 Seneca St., Oneida and the Rome Family Y, 301 W. Bloomfield St., Rome.

For more information, call 315336-3500 in Rome and 315-363-7788 in Oneida or visit www.ymcatrivalley.org.

April 17

April 30

Abraham House has a call out for singers 5–18 years old for its second annual fundraiser called “Singing Sensations” Talent Show.

The talent show will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 17 at Mohawk Valley Community College Theater, Information Technology & Conference Building, 1101 Sherman Drive, Utica.

The public will vote for their favorite singers.

If a child has a YouTube video link, families can email the YouTube video link to info@theabrahamhouse. org. Parents can also submit a CD by mail or drop off by April 17 to Abraham House, 1203 Kemble St., Utica, NY 13501.

Applications are available at www.theabrahamhouse.org under “News” tab or by calling 733-8210.

For further information, call Abraham House at 733-8210.

Abraham House provides a secure and loving home without charge to the terminally ill in the community.

“Women at the Well” is presented from 6:30-8 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica.

The next session will be April 30.

Sister Mary Ellen Schopfer serves as spiritual director. The event is free and open to all Christian women.

For details and to register, call The Good News Center at 315-735-6210 or visit TheGoodNewsCenter.org—Events Calendar.

Abraham House plans talent show

April 20

Kelberman Center hosts annual walk for autism Autism now affects one out of every 88 children in the United States.

Autism Awareness Month is celebrated throughout April and the Kelberman Center will host its annual walk for autism on April 20 in Cooperstown, Oneida, Rome and Utica.

Registration time is at 9 a.m. while the walk begins at 10 a.m.

Walks will also be featured on April 27 in Boonville and New Hartford. Registration time is at 10 a.m. while the walk begins at 11 a.m.

The walks take place at the following locations: • April 20 locations include Cooperstown Walk (Glimmerglass State Park), Oneida walk (Oneida High School), Rome walk (Rome Free Academy, Griffiss Business Park) and Utica walk (Kelberman Center) • April 27 locations include Boonville walk (VFW) and New Hartford walk (recreation center).

Visit the Kelberman Center’s new website at kelbermancenter.org to download pledge forms or to create an online fundraising page.

For more information on the walk, including pre-registration date and locations, contact the Kelberman Center at 315-797-6241, visit online, on Facebook and Twitter or email walkfor autism@kelbermancenter.org.

April 27

Families invited to YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day

Time to join ‘Women at the Well’

April 23

Alzheimer’s support group ready to meet The following are special programs that will be presented at the Alzheimer’s support group at Arkell Center, 2 Lower Maple Ave., Canajoharie.

• April 23 at 2 p.m.— “Keeping Faith in Mind” • June 27 at 2 p.m.—“Laughter is the Best Medicine” If you have any questions, call Lisa Hubbard at 518-568-5037 ext. 226 or Joan Cimino at 518-673-4408.

April 26

Prohibition Party to aid SEMC St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation and F.X. Matt Brewery will hold the fifth annual Prohibition Party, sponsored by Dr. Greg Orlando of Mohawk Valley Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The event will be held from 6–9 p.m. April 26 at the historic F.X. Matt Brewing Co., 811 Edward St., Utica.

Tickets cost $45 per person if purchased by April 12, and $50 per person if purchased after April 12.

Proceeds from this year’s event will support the purchase of endobronchial ultrasound equipment.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.stemc.org/ foundation, call 315-734-4287 or email awiswell@stemc.org.

Tickets may also be purchased at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation Office at 2209 Genesee St., Utica, or the F.X. Matt Brewing Co. Gift Shop/Tour Center at 830 Varick St., Utica.

Story idea?

Call 749-7070 today!

H ealth News AHA announces recipients of community impact grants Seven local organizations will receive funding for community projects to improve the health of the Mohawk Valley from the American Heart Association.

Frank Dubeck, board of directors’ president of the Greater Utica Area American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, recently announced the recipients of the Greater Utica community impact grant awards.

The Greater Utica Division of the American Heart Association has received $25,000 to provide grant funding for community-based organizations in the Greater Utica area with the mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The 2012-2013 grants were awarded to the following organizations: YMCA of the Greater Tri Valley New Hartford Branch (childhood obesity); Revolutionary Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America (childhood obesity); Bassett Healthcare Network, schoolbased health program (childhood obesity); Rome Memorial Hospital, Inc. (physical inactivity–power to end stroke); The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC, physical inactivity; St. Elizabeth Medical Center (community, healthy lifestyle online risk assessment; The Children’s Museum (childhood obesity/physical inactivity) Grant proposals were requested

by Dec. 31 that supported community projects aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease, stroke and their risk factors in line with American Heart Association goals.

“We were so happy to see the level of creative projects being developed to support the fight against heart disease and stroke,” says Dubeck. “There were many merit-worthy projects that would result in improvements in the cardiovascular health of our community. The decisions were not easy.”

Any organization interested in applying for a 2013-2014 grant can call the AHA at 315-266-5403 or pick up an application at the office, 120 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502.

Abraham House announces new board changes Albert Shaw, Jr. has been appointed Abraham House’s new board of directors’ president.

He replaces past president Joseph Saba.

Also, deacon Paul Salamy has joined its board.

Shaw’s professional experience includes 34 years in the educational system. He retired recently as director of special Shaw education for Whitesboro Central School District.

Shaw resides in Utica and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Utica College and a C.A.S. and

S.D.A. from SUNY Cortland.

He is an adjunct professor in the education department at SUNY College at Cortland.

Shaw serves on the Resource Center for Independent Living, Good News Foundation and St. John the Evangelist Church boards.

Salamy is employed by Salamy Oneida County BOCES as a teacher of incarcerated youth. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education/English.

He resides in Utica and was ordained a permanent deacon in 1995. He serves the St. Louis Gonzaga as well as the Catholic community at large and facilitates bereavement support groups for his parish.

Abraham House provides a secure and loving home without charge to the terminally ill in the community. For more information, call 733-8210.

Presbyterian Home appoints transition coach Presbyterian Home of CNY has appointed Tricia Frattasio of New Hartford to the newly created position of transition coach.

Frattasio will expand the home’s relations with potential resident, community, physician, hospital and senior groups.

Her responsibilities include working with patients at local hospitals or their current living setFrattasio tings to help them transition to services on the Presbyterian Homes & Services campus.

Frattasio promotes the Presbyterian Homes & Services continuum of care, educating community agencies on the wide spectrum of services they offer and helping match them to client or patient needs.

Frattasio, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Utica College, has worked in similar roles for Proctor & Gamble, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, and a division of Johnson & Johnson. She will also serve as a liaison between the facility and the community, and will be available to meet with individuals or groups to promote a better understanding of the services available at Presbyterian Homes & Services.

Presbyterian Home for Central New York is a member of the Presbyterian Homes & Services’ family of services, which also includes the Presbyterian Residential Community, Presbyterian Homes Foundation, The Meadows at Middle Settlement and Preswick Glen independent senior living community.

Annual Children’s Miracle Network Bowl-A-Thon raises big bucks The Children’s Miracle Network of Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare’s Foundation in Utica held its 22nd annual Bowling for Miracles Bowl-A-Thon recently, raising more than $8,400 for women’s and children’s services at FSLH. The event was held at Pin-O-Rama Recreation Center in Utica, where 44 teams took to the lanes in support of CMN. In all, more than 185 bowlers participated in the event, which was organized by the FSLH Foundation in partnership with WKTV NewsChannel 2 and Lite 98.7. Above, students from Sauquoit Valley Middle School participate in bowl-a-thon. Proceeds from CMN events like the annual bowl-a-thon make it possible for children to receive specialized care close to home.

Presbyterian Homes & Services excels in providing health care, housing and community services while promoting individual wellness and independence in a dignified manner.

For more information, contact Mary Austin Pratt, director of human resources, Presbyterian Homes & Services, Inc. at 272-2256.

FSLH makes medical staff announcement Brian B. Hearn has joined the medical staff at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica.

April 2013 •

He is affiliated with Medical Arts OB-GYN in Utica.

Prior to joining FSLH, Hearn worked as an obstetrician and gynecologist for Women’s Health Associates in Oneida.

He also held the positions of major and staff physician for the United States Air Force on Langley Air Force Base in Langley, Va., and captain and staff physician for the USAF at Craig Joint Theater Hospital on Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan.

Hearn earned his Bachelor of Arts

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Page 17

H ealth News Continued from Page 17 in psychology from Providence College in Providence, R.I., and his Doctor of Medicine from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

He also completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Hearn is Hearn board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

FSLH earns Blue Distinction Center designation Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica was recently recognized by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield as a Blue Distinction Center for specialty care for knee and hip replacement.

Research confirms that Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients, with lower rates of complications and readmissions than their peers.

These designated centers are also 20 percent more cost efficient and provide consumers with tools to help them make better-informed healthcare decisions, a FSLH spokesperson said.

Last year, FSLH performed more than 330 knee and hip replacements.

Discuss with doctor how to quit smoking Doctors and healthcare providers are credible sources of information and play an essential role in the lives of their patients, especially when it involves health issues related to tobacco use.

According to a recent study conducted by the American Legacy Association, 35 percent of smokers believe having a discussion with their healthcare provider helped them take the next steps toward quitting smoking and nearly four in 10 smokers believe it motivated them to quit.

Tobacco use continues to be the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States, killing more than 25,000 New Yorkers each year.

For more information, contact the Tri-County Quits Tobacco Cessation Center of Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica at 315-624-5458.

The Birthplace supports whooping cough vaccine The Birthplace at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica is promoting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new guidelines for pregnant women to receive the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to Page 18

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Advanced Wound Care of SEMC holds open house Advanced Wound Care of St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica recently an open house for healthcare providers. Advanced Wound Care is located in the St. Elizabeth Medical Arts building at 4401 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford. It is the area’s only provider of comprehensive wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Above, Jacob Roberts, hyperbaric tech, slides a patient into one of three hyperbaric oxygen chambers. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment in which a patient breathes pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The therapy quickly delivers high concentrations of oxygen through the bloodstream, which helps increase a patient’s own natural wound-healing abilities. protect their infants from whooping cough (pertussis).

Whooping cough is a respiratory infection that can cause severe coughing or trouble breathing and can be deadly for infants, who are particularly susceptible to the bacterial disease.

It is important for pregnant women to receive the Tdap vaccine because newborns aren’t scheduled to get their first pertussis vaccination until they are 2 months old. Experts say they don’t become fully immune until 6 months of age, after their third shot.

For more information about the whooping cough vaccine, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/whoopingcough.

Employees at St. Luke’s Home support Sandy relief Superstorm Sandy made landfall in October 2012 and millions of people on the East Coast were without power and thousands of homes were destroyed.

A. Holly Patterson Nursing Home, a facility in Uniondale that was impacted by the storm, continues to feel the impact months later. Thirty of their residents, aged 50–90, are still living in an auditorium they call Unit 33.

When St. Luke’s Home employees on the Barton West Unit in Utica learned that residents from AHPNH in Uniondale were still displaced months after Superstorm Sandy, they were eager to make their 2012 holiday season more enjoyable.

The SLH employees collected items and assembled gift boxes that were sent to AHPNH residents in early January.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2013

Gift boxes included blankets, socks, games and writing materials.

LFH recognizes emergency department nurse Little Falls Hospital is celebrating the achievement of Bridget Renda, who recently received her certified emergency nursing certificate.

To become a certified emergency nurse, one must pass the Emergency Nurse’s Association certified emergency nurse Renda exam, and hold a valid RN license.

Renda is a registered nurse in the emergency department at LFH and wanted to obtain her CEN in order to gain more knowledge in her field.

Renda has been a nurse at LFH for six years.

LFH provides opportunity to social work intern SUNY Albany student Melissa Caldwell is a social work intern at Little Falls Hospital.

Caldwell is attending SUNY Albany for her master’s degree in social work and was placed at the hospital in order to gain experience working with

the elderly population.

Caldwell works with the hospital’s elderly patients in the swing bed and inpatient unit. She assists patients with their initial admission paperwork, helps them fill out various applications, provides them with nursing home referrals if needed and discusses a care Caldwell plan with them.

Caldwell received her undergraduate degree from Utica College in social work and is expected to graduate from SUNY Albany with her master’s degree in December.

She is from the Utica area.

VHS nationally acclaimed five-star facility Valley Health Services in Herkimer has earned a top ranking in US News and World Report’s annual best nursing homes report released recently which recognizes top-rated nursing homes in all 50 states.

The US News’ evaluation of nursing homes is based on data from Nursing Home Compare, a consumer website run by the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Continued on Page 19

H ealth News Continued from Page 18 The government agency sets and enforces standards for nursing homes, defined as facilities enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid that provide 24-hour nursing care and other medical services.

There are 126 nursing homes in Central New York, five of which received an overall rating of five stars.

This places VHS in the top 4 percent of Central New York nursing homes, the top 18 percent statewide and the top 19 percent nationally.

Boilermaker bibs available through Sitrin program As one of the organizations chosen for the inaugural Boilermaker Charity Bib Program, Sitrin recently began accepting applications for its charity team, the Sitrin FundRacers.

“This is an excellent opportunity for people to get their hands on a Boilermaker bib, and also help a great cause,” said Sitrin Vice President of Development and Communications Rosemary Bonacci.

Through the program, runners will raise a minimum of $500 each to earn a bib for the Boilermaker, which sold out in a record time of 68 hours. Runners may use the charity bibs for the 15K or 5K races held on July 14.

Proceeds will support Sitrin’s Military Rehabilitation Program, which provides specialized services to help veterans and injured service members recover from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, amputation, and other combat-related conditions.

Funds will also benefit Sitrin’s STARS program for people with physical disabilities who wish to engage in recreational or competitive sports.

As a paralympic sports club, Sitrin offers wheelchair road racing, cross-country skiing, adaptive shooting, biathlon, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair curling, adaptive golf, and adaptive paddling.

Runners can apply online at www. sitrin.com or in person at the Sitrin Health Care Center, 2050 Tilden Ave., New Hartford.

For more information, call Stephanie Gorczynski at 315-737-2413.

RMH’s volunteer coordinator gets promoted Julie Chrysler is the new director of volunteer services at Rome Memorial Hospital.

Chrysler was promoted to the new position in recognition of the growth in the number of volunteers that she recruits and manages at the Chrysler hospital.

When Chrysler took over as volunteer coordinator in 2006, the average number of volunteer hours was around 6,500 per year. Last year, 150 volunteers

spent 12,596 hours in service to the hospital.

Chrysler says younger people have become interested in helping at the hospital thanks to programs through BOCES and the annual MASH camp program.

In her new position, Chrysler will continue to recruit and manage community and student volunteers at the hospital and now will also be the administrative liaison for the hospital’s Twig organization.

Chrysler has been employed by the hospital since 1997, most recently serving as volunteer coordinator and community health educator.

Chrysler and her husband Allan reside in Ava with their three sons, Matthew, Trevor and Michael.

RMH will dispose of sharps used in private residences Perhaps you are one of the millions of Americans who use sharps daily at your residence to treat diabetes, allergies or other medical conditions.

If so, you are probably already aware that used sharps—syringes, needles or lancets—pose a health and environmental problem if disposed of improperly.

Used sharps can become a waste problem, posing risk or injury and infection to anyone who encounters them. Used needles can transit bloodborne pathogens, such as the viruses that cause AIDS (HIV) and hepatitis B and C. Rome Memorial Hospital is a drop site for safe and efficient disposal of used sharps.

In order to participate in the program, you will be asked to have your sharps in an approved sharps container. Approved containers are available at the hospital and may be purchased for $5 in the patient registration office.

Any used sharps container must be puncture-resistant, leak-proof, must close securely (duct tape may be used to secure the cap but cannot serve as the cap), and must be labeled “sharps.”

To ensure the safety of all involved in the residential sharps disposal program, containers should not be overfilled.

Sharps containers are accepted from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily at the information desk in the hospital’s lobby.

SEMC welcomes new physician

Abdelwahab

St. Elizabeth Medical Center and its medical group recently announced the addition of Hend Abdelwahab to its New Hartford Office at 4401 Middle Settlement Road.

Abdelwahab joins Mark Warfel and Toby Taylor at that loca-

tion.

Abdelwahab received her medical degree, with honors, from Ain Shams

Excellus, The Genesis Group partner to promote the Mohawk Valley Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently donated $3,500 to support The Genesis Group’s “Friends of the Mohawk Valley” fundraising campaign. The donation will be used to fund new and existing programs to generate economic, social and quality of life improvements in the Mohawk Valley. Shown celebrating the occasion are, from left, Eve Van de Wal, regional president, Excellus BCBS; Gene Quadraro, board president, The Genesis Group; Christine Ossont, assistant vice president, The Genesis Group; and Ray Durso, executive director, The Genesis Group. The Genesis Group is a citizen-based, regional organization whose mission is to bring together individuals and organizations dedicated to creating positive regional impact in the Mohawk Valley.

University, Cairo, Egypt.

She is a 2012 graduate of the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program and is board certified.

She and her husband, Ashraf Aly, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the St. Elizabeth Women’s Health Center, are parents of three children and reside in New Hartford.

Abdelwahab enjoys reading, por-

St. Johnsville elects employee of quarter JoAnn Hanley has been elected employee of the quarter for January-March.

Hanley has worked in the dietary department since July 22, 1997.

“Jo Ann enjoys cooking for our residents and spending time visiting with them. She works hard at accomHanley modating everyone’s needs,” a St. Johnsville spokesperson said. “JoAnn is always friendly and full of fun.”

LFH recognizes ED nurse manager Little Falls Hospital is celebrating the achievement of Jean Guiney, who recently received her certified emergency nursing certificate.

To become a certified emergency April 2013 •

nurse, one must pass the Emergency Nurse’s Association certified emergency nurse exam, and hold a valid RN license.

Guiney is nurse manager in the emergency department at Little Falls Hospital and wanted to obtain her CEN to in order to portray her knowledge in nursing over the years and fine tune her Guiney profession.

“On a nursing level, it’s nice to work in the community where I was born and raised, and being able to pass my knowledge of nursing to our new generation of nurses is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job,” said Guiney.

Guiney has been a nurse at Little Falls Hospital for 26 years.

Advertise in In Good Health call 315-749-7070 today!

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Health Careers

Nursing a career

VNA steps up as demand for home health services increases

By Patricia J. Malin

W

ith an aging population making increased demands on the U.S. healthcare system, plus a high unemployment rate, the time seems right to bring more healthcare providers, nurses and physicians into the workforce.

It’s a good time, especially for young people, to establish a career in healthcare. Yet there isn’t a large pool of willing applicants to fill the demand in the Mohawk Valley.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Utica and Oneida County, a division of VNA Homecare, held a one-day job fair in Utica recently to fill positions in home healthcare. However, the VNA has hired just four new registered nurses since the start of the year.

Mike Waller of Herkimer is one of the newcomers. An RN since 1995, the 63-year-old Waller said he had held a variety of jobs in retail and in a factory, and also ran a business before returning to healthcare. He earned his nursing degree at Fulton-Montgomery Community College 18 years ago and spent a brief time working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam.

“I think I’m a people person,” he said. “I always enjoyed nursing and I enjoyed working in hospitals. But I knew if I went back to work in a hospital, I would be the low man on the totem pole. Getting into home care, I know what to expect. But I’m still going through training.”

Waller reports to the VNA offices at FaxtonSt. Luke Healthcare’s Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services— the former St. Luke’s Home— for training and to get to know fellow nurses and Waller supervisors.

Since he has been out of college awhile, his current training requires him to learn to work with laptop computers. For today’s visiting nurses, personal computers are an essential piece of equipment, as much as a stethoscope or blood pressure monitor when they go to a patient’s home. Though he admits that it has taken him awhile to become familiar with computers, he recognizes their importance.

“It’s good because everything is documented,” he said. “We go to people’s homes [and provide care] in the comfort of their home. I know a lot of people are afraid of going to the hospital.”

Waller will receive his assignments from the VNA office by way of computer at his own home, then visit between six and eight patients a day throughout Oneida County.

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An employee of the Visiting Nurse Association of Utica and Oneida County demonstrates “telehealth.” A patient can monitor his or her blood pressure at home and transmit the results over phone lines to a VNA nurse based in a hospital or office.

Job duties described

Typically, the nurse will spend about an hour to 90 minutes at the patient’s home, as he conducts a number of tests, e.g. blood pressure, heart and lung sounds, weight, blood glucose and oxygen levels, and check medications, then record this data on the computer.

“I’ve always disliked paperwork,” he added, but using a computer makes it easier to maintain patient’s records, and allows for sharing information between different providers when necessary.

“We can check for infections and change dressings, too, but it’s only for a short term because we want the patients to do it themselves,” he said.

VNA encourages independent care for the sake of the patients, their families and caregivers, but also because Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies might limit the amount of coverage the nurse can provide.

If the RN visits diminish, the VNA can utilize its “telehealth” system. Using their own computer at home and some additional adaptive equipment, patients can be monitored, speak and interact with their nurse at the VNA office by way of a telephone. The nurse can continue to take the same test results as noted above and deliver this information to the patient’s doctor.

Along with keeping a log of vital statistics, the nurses might ask the patient to supply a brief biography.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2013

Information about a patient’s hobbies and perhaps his or her past career history enables the nurses and home health aides to develop a more personal relationship with their patients and families, Waller pointed out.

VNA can share the patient’s information with physical, occupational, respiratory and speech therapists, medical social services and nutritionists who might also work with the patient in home. The VNA program, which was started in Utica in 1915, is approved by the New York State Department of Health.

The VNA generally holds two job fairs annually. Prior to the job fair, VNA had more than 170 employees and had 40 full-time equivalent RNs on staff. “The sky’s the limit (in hiring),” said Sharron Tedesco Tedesco, director of patient services for VNA in Utica.

“There’s definitely a need for home care to expand in the community.”

The greater demand for home care services is due to people living longer with chronic disease. In addition, changes mandated by the insurance companies in the last decade have

resulted in lower reimbursements for hospital stays.

“No longer does somebody spend weeks in the hospital after a gallbladder operation or even for a mastectomy,” she said.

Thanks to in-home visits from an RN and health aides, patients can get re-acclimated quickly to their own environment following discharge. For example, with patients recovering from common hip and knee replacements, “we can assess your safety (at home) and help you deal with pain issues,” Tedesco said.

The majority of VNA’s patients are adults, often elderly, although children are not excluded from nursing care, she pointed out. They could be children with special needs. Other adults who require long-term nursing care might include those with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, heart disease, wheelchairbound or had suffered a spinal cord injury at a young age.

VNA nurses are based in either a hospital setting or community practice.

The ideal candidate, said Tedesco, is a fulltime, experienced RN, a person who is “self-directed and can manage multiple issues, not just health issues, but home safety too, and manage the patient’s needs.”

She notes there is always less supply than demand, but home healthcare makes a good second career since it doesn’t require a lot of schooling.