In Good Health: Rochester #195 - November 2021

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Picking a nursing home that’s right for you. P. 18 Long-term care can sap your assets. P. 20 Medical power of attorney: the clearer, the better. P. 21 GVHEALTHNEWS.COM

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NOVEMBER 2021 • ISSUE 195

TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH TODAY

• Nature therapy • Healthy eating • Better sleep • Electronic-free • Stress reduction • and more!

ALSO INSIDE: Cancer care costs U.S. $156 billion per year!

P. 2

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY Thompson Health's interventional radiologist David E. Lee discusses his field, his work promoting the hospital’s VTE (venous thromboembolism) program for people who get blood clots in their legs. P. 4

THE POWER OF HONEY Stirred into tea, spread on toast, blended into a smoothie or drizzled on plain yogurt—the ancient sweetener provides sweet flavor to meals in addition to other benefits. P. 14

NON-SURGICAL WAYS TO IMPROVE SKIN’S APPEARANCE You have many options to get more youthful looking skin. P. 16

P. 9

$156,000,000,000

P

That’s right: Cancer care costs U.S. $156 billion per year; drugs a major factor

rivate insurers paid out about $156.2 billion in 2018 for U.S. patients with the 15 most common cancers.

Medication was the largest expense and drugs for breast, lung, lymphoma and colon cancers accounted for the largest chunk of those costs, according to a Penn State College of Medicine study.

“The public often hears that the U.S. spends an inordinate amount of money on health care, but no one has quantified exactly how big that number is and how that number [is] broken down for exactly what types of services,” said study author Nicholas Zaorsky, a physician. He’s an assistant professor of radiation oncology and public health sciences at Penn State Cancer Institute in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

“We wanted to look at what private insurances are paying for each kind of cancer and for each type of services,” Zaorsky said in a college news release.

The researchers analyzed a nationwide database that included more than 402,000 privately insured cancer patients under age 65. The patients were treated in 2018 for lymphoma, melanoma and cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, lung, uterus, head and neck, bladder, kidney, thyroid, stomach, liver, pancreas and esophagus.

In all, the patients received 38.4

million types of procedures and services. Breast cancer led the way with about 10.9 million, followed by colon cancer with about 3.9 million.

Breast cancer was the most expensive type of cancer ($3.4 billion), followed by lung cancer and colon cancer, both about $1.1 billion.

The $4 billion spent on drugs was the most expensive treatment category — double the cost of cancer surgeries, according to findings published Oct. 6 in JAMA Network Open.

The study didn’t assess whether treatments provided were cost-effective, but the findings may help guide future research into that area.

“It’s hard to say like what is a reasonable price for a drug or service, but I think it’s fair to say that they make up the plurality of our health care spending in the U.S., then some would argue that this money may be better spent elsewhere in other services,” Zaorsky said. “These figures basically just show you how much the medical system spends on certain types of cancers versus another one.”

He said one might ask if the costs are justified. For example, pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest, Zaorsky said, but the total cost of care devoted to it is relatively low compared to something like indolent prostate cancer, which may exist for a long period without causing problems.

Page 2 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

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November 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 3

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ŽŶĞ ĨƌŽŵ Unique & Original Paintings >ŝĨĞ Žƌ Ă WŚŽƚŽ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ^ƚƵĚŝŽ…͘ Interventional radiologist at Thompson Commissioned or Discovered Ready to be Framed! “ϭy ZĞĚŽ ^ĂƚŝƐĨĂĐƚŝŽŶ 'ƵĂƌĂŶƚĞĞĚ” Health discusses his field of medicine and his Why not visit Mary’s virtual store now work promoting the hospital’s VTE (venous and ask for a free brochure? thromboembolism) program for people who get blood sŝƐŝƚ KƵƌ sŝƌƚƵĂů ^ƚŽƌĞ͊ mkhazakgrant.artspan.com clots in their legs 585.319.4968 for inquiries Q: What is interventional radiology? mkhazakgrant.artspan.com A: That’s an interesting ques-

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tion, because when you tell most people you’re an interventional radiologist, you see this look come over their face. They have no idea what an interventional radiologist is. Most people will then say, “Oh, OK, you give radiation to people as treatment for cancer or you read X-rays.” Basically, it’s a subspecialty of radiology where we do minimally invasive surgery-like procedures using various X-ray modalties whether it’s CT-scanning, ultrasound, regular X-rays, etc. We do procedures that, at a previous time, would require actual surgery. So it doesn’t require big incisions. Usually patients can go home the same day. If they need to stay in the hospital, they can recover much more quickly than with some of these other surgical procedures.

Q: What conditions can you treat this way?

A: We do a wide breadth of different types of procedures. At Thompson Hospital right now we are promoting our VTE (venous thromboembolism) program for people who get blood clots in their legs, extending up into their abdominal vessels. We now have ways to treat those patients and take the clot out, basically through little needle sticks, and send those patients home most of the time the same day.

They don’t require long-term blood thinners, so that’s one thing. I take care of people who have fibroid disease, people with varicose veins. We do treat people with tumors, but unlike a radiation oncology that may use external beam radiation, we’ll take a little tiny catheter and send it through

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the blood vessels to the area of the tumor and we’ll inject radioactive beads to try to kill the tumor. We do angiograms, put stents and balloons in various vessels. We do biopsies to diagnose cancers in various locations. As you can see, there’s a pretty wide breadth of things we do.

Q: How do you treat varicose veins with interventional radiation?

A: We can handle them different than we could 20 years ago, which would have required incisions, taking veins out. It had a prolonged recovery time. Today, we can do minimally invasive procedures basically through a needle stick. We can do laser ablation to close off veins. You can use something called cyanocrylate, which is pretty much medical-grade super glue that can close off vessels. We also do something called sclerotherapy, which is a procedure where you take small needles and, using machine guidance, inject a foam or liquid into the vein to close it off.

Q: How long have procedures been done this way?

A: For the deep venous clot?

It’s relatively new. Within the past three years, I’d say. For the varicose veins, it’s on a spectrum. Some of it is older. I’ve been using the laser for about 15 years, but there are some newer techniques. For instance, the super glue has been available for about three to five years.

Q: Based on what you’re able to do now, do you see your field becoming able to treat more conditions over time?

A: Yes. I think there are all sorts of opportunities

Page 4 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

for growth with all of these procedures. I think we can change the way deep vein thrombosis (DBT) is treated. Typically you give anticoagulation, which has been a tried-andtrue technique for a long time. In appropriate patients you can directly remove that clot and spare the patient some of the long-term consequences associated with DBT. The other thing I’d mention is something called prostate artery embolization.

It’s newer, within the past five years.

It’s basically used for men who have enlarged prostates. We use angiography to send little beads to areas in the prostate and try to decrease the prostate’s size, so we can alleviate symptoms that are caused when your prostate gets big as you get older.

I think that’s going to be emergent procedure as time goes on.

Q: How are the outcomes?

A: The outcomes are very good over the three- to five-year period.

For males, it’s about what kind of urine stream can you get going, how much gets stuck in the bladder and patient quality of life. Many studies have shown quality of life is significantly improved.

Q: You’ve mentioned beads a few times. What are these beads and how do they work?

A: We use different kinds of—we would call them particles—for different applications. At the top of our discussion, we talked about radioactive beads that would go to tumors.

Those are a special kind of particle.

For other types of embolization, these little particles can be little plastic or gelatinous particles. They’re all precisely sized to the vessel you’re going to use them in. For instance, if I was doing an embolization for a woman with fibroids, I’d typically use particles on the order of 500-700 microns in size. For a prostate artery embolization you’re dealing with smaller vessels, so they’d be between 100-300 microns in size.

Q: Is interventional radiology usually available in rural hospitals these days, or is Thompson unusual?

A: I would say Thompson is unusual. My doctors, all of us with the University of Rochester faculty, offer a higher level of care than you would normally expect to see in a community or rural hospital the size of Thompson.

Lifelines

Name: David E. Lee, M.D. Position: Chief for the division of interventional radiology and associate professor of radiology at the University of Rochester Specialties: Vascular and interventional radiology Hometown: Denville, New Jersey Education: UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (1989); fellowship in radiology at University of Rochester Medical Center (1997 to 1998); residency in radiology at University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (1993–1997); internship in internal medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (1989-1990) Affiliations: FF Thompson Hospital; Highland Hospital; Strong Memorial Hospital Organizations: Society of Interventional Radiology; Pediatric Society of Interventional Radiology; Radiologic Society of North America; American College of Radiology Family: Wife, four children Hobbies: Guitar playing, running

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November 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 5

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Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

Cost, Confusing Technology, Poor Provider Information: Telehealth Dissatisfaction

U

ndoubtedly, the pandemic fostered a surge in virtual care or telehealth. In 2019, 7% of patients reported using it. In 2020, 9% of patients availed themselves of it. This year, 36% of patients reported using telehealth for their care. A recent survey of 4,700 consumers by J.D. Powers revealed underlying dissatisfaction among telehealth users.

On the positive side, 57% of respondents cited convenience; 47% cited

quicker care; 36% cited safety. On the negative side, 24% said services were too limited. Cost, confusing technology and poor provider information were each cited by 15% of respondents. The take here is the demand for telehealth services will continue beyond the pandemic. Providers and insurers need to accept the new reality and work to improve this new and popular service line.

No “Surprise Billing” Ruling

These commercially administered plans, versus the traditional Medicare plan administered by CMS, have seen their enrollment double over the past decade. 42% of eligible seniors have opted to drop their traditional Medicare plan and enroll with a MA plan. There are currently 33 different MA plans offered by commercial giants such as BCBS, United, Anthem, Cigna, Aetna, etc. Premiums may actually decline next year, which could mean less being deducted from a senior’s Social Security check. All of these MA plans offer extra services beyond traditional Medicare to both entice enrollees and improve their care, including: transportation, dental, optical, auditory, mental health, home visits, food delivery and even pest control. All of the major insurers are expanding their footprints and markets to capture more seniors.

The intent of this law is to protect unwitting consumers from exorbitant/surprise out-of-pocket costs for services provided by out of network providers. A typical example would be when a consumer goes to an in-network emergency room and then gets a “balance due after insurance payment” from the out of network emergency room group, specialist or radiology group. A recent ruling requires that disputed bills between the out-of-network provider and the commercial payer be settled by an independent arbitrator. Each party submits their preferred dollar amount to the arbitrator. The arbitrator will reward the party that is closest to a national qualified payment amount. The AHA and AMA argue it favors commercial insurers and it is a form of price setting. (Congress actually DOES set prices for Medicare.)

Consumer advocates laud the ruling which should mitigate surprise outof-pocket expenses.

Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans Open enrollment started Oct. 15.

Fake C19 Cards Two VA employees in Detroit have been charged with theft, fraud and conspiring to sell fake proof of vaccination cards. One has been charged with theft of government property, (actual vaccination record

cards). The accomplice has been charged with theft of government agency seals to commit fraud and trafficking in counterfeit goods.

Ironically, the fake cards were to be manufactured in China. Beware of scams where a link is sent to a phone requesting personal information (name, DOB, SS# and picture of your NYS driver’s license) to validate your vaccination status.

ACA Updated For those who do not get health insurance from their employer or Medicare, the exchanges have been improved. Commercial plans must pay a user fee every year. It is about 2.5% of their premiums for next year.

It goes toward consumer information, outreach and navigation programs. The number of navigators has been increased to 1,500 thanks to an $80 million grant from CMS. Open enrollment starts Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 15, 2022. Navigators can now help enrollees with how to appeal for financial assistance and reconciling premium tax credits. The previous administration had reduced the number of navigators, allowed states to reduce benefits via a waiver and to offer short-term plans. CMS rescinded the aforementioned in order to broaden assistance, maintain decent coverage and further strengthen health insurance for more than 20 million consumers.

Drug Prices Granting Medicare the ability to negotiate drug prices seems like a no-brainer. Literally tens of billions can be saved. Not surprisingly, fear mongering ads by drug manufacturers have increased significantly.

Medicare would simply be given the ability to NEGOTIATE (not SET) drug prices. Negotiating is a twoway street, so claims by the drug lobby that fewer drugs will come to market or your particular drug may

Page 6 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

no longer be available are totally specious. The proposed legislation is now buried in the $3.5 trillion human infrastructure bill. Because there is no control on drug prices like there are on physician and hospital prices, investing in drugs is a safe bet.

For example, Walgreens is putting up $970 million for a 71% share in Shields Health Solutions to expand its specialty pharmacy business.

Meanwhile, in the hospital world where Medicare sets, not negotiates prices, a survey by Kaufman Hall of 900 hospitals predicts hospitals will lose a collective $54 billion this year.

Without COVID-19 relief, it is estimated the loss would be $92 billion.

As a result of the pandemic, patient acuity levels are way up, services are delayed and adding insult to injury, drug costs have sky-rocketed.

NYS Vaccine Mandate Just days after the vaccine mandate deadline, NYS climbed to a 92% vaccination rate among hospital and nursing home healthcare workers. It is one of the highest in the country.

This achievement has alleviated fears of massive staff shortages and delays in services. NYS is being sued by a small group claiming a religious exemption based on the fact that cell lines derived from fetuses aborted years ago were used in the development or production of test vaccines.

More than 700,000 people in the US have died as a result of COVID-19.

George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

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Big Rise in Injuries From E-Scooters, Hoverboards

H

overboards, electric scooters and electric bikes are the transportation of choice for a growing number of Americans, but they’re taking many straight to the emergency room.

Injuries associated with these socalled “micromobility products” skyrocketed 70% between 2017 and 2020, according to a soon-to-be-released report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

That increase dovetails with greater use of these transportation alternatives as Americans return to work, school and other activities.

Between 2017 and 2020, injuries related to micromobility products resulted in more than 190,000 visits to U.S. emergency departments.

The numbers rose steadily — from 34,000 in 2017 to 44,000 in 2018, 54,800 in 2019 and 57,800 last year, according to a CPSC news release.

E-scooters accounted for much of the surge: 7,700 ER visits in 2017; 14,500 in 2018; 27,700 in 2019; and 25,400 in 2020.

The injuries often involved arms

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and legs, as well as the head and neck, the findings showed.

The commission said it’s aware of 71 deaths associated with micromobility products during the study period, but noted that reporting is incomplete.

Hazards associated with e-scooters, hoverboards and e-bikes mainly owe to mechanical, electrical and human factors. To reduce these hazards, CPSC is working with ASTM International (formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to improve voluntary product standards.

Meanwhile, the CPSC called on users to take several steps to protect themselves.

When using micromobility products, always wear a helmet.

And before riding an e-scooter, check it for any damage. This includes examining the handlebars, brakes, throttle, bell, lights, tires, cables and frame. Damage can cause a loss of control and lead to a crash.

SERVING MONROE AND ONTARIO COUNTIES A monthly newspaper published

by Local News, Inc. Distribution: 33,500 copies throughout more than 1,500 high-traffic locations.

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2021 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 525, Victor NY 14564.

Phone: 585-421-8109 • Email: Editor@GVhealthnews.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Writers: Deborah J. Sergeant, Chris Motola, Sister Mary Lou Mitchell, George Chapman, Gwenn Voelcker, Anne Palumbo • Advertising: Anne Westcott, Linda Covington • Layout & Design: Joey Sweener • Office Manager: Nancy Nitz

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. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.

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November 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 7

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

This Thanksgiving: Be Grateful for Goals

M

y self-esteem took a real nose dive after my divorce.

It was years ago, but I can still recall how empty, exposed, and embarrassed I felt. It was as if my personal and private failure at a relationship had become very public. I just wanted to hide. And hide I did!

I hid in my work. I hid in my home. I hid in my books.

Divorce — even a fairly amicable divorce — can really knock the wind out of your self-confidence. If you are suffering from the fallout of a failed marriage and are in hiding, as I was, know that you are not alone.

Regaining my self-confidence was a slow process and painful at times, but ultimately very rewarding. The process started with “baby steps.”

While I am a huge believer in positive thinking, I intuitively knew I wouldn’t be able to talk myself into more confidence. Nor could my morning meditations cure my emotional ails.

I knew I would have to work at it. I knew I would have to build my confidence back up one success at a time. And that’s when I discovered the healing power of goals and a “to

do” list.

During the dark days following my divorce, I found the simple act of writing things down and checking them off the list actually helped me get through my day. At the time, my list was pitifully basic: get dressed, make my bed, water the plants, feed the cat, etc.

That list looks pretty silly now, but anyone who has endured a painful loss knows just what I’m talking about.

The simplest tasks can seem insurmountable. So, I would pick an item on my list, do it, check it off, and then go on to the next item.

Remarkably, this process of articulating and accomplishing my mini-goals began to have a real and positive impact on my day and on my self-esteem. Committing things to writing had amazing power.

To this day, I create a “to do” list on a daily basis and still get a confidence boost when I accomplish my mini-goals and check them off the list. This practice has been so rewarding and self-affirming that I now employ a goal-setting process for my bigger life plans.

In fact, I created a “no excuses goal worksheet” for my larger projects, plans, and dreams. My

worksheet captures what every goal should be: written down; expressed in positive, affirming language; assigned specific steps and deadlines; achievable; and, when met, rewarded.

Below is an example of a goal I set for myself one difficult November, when I had no plans for Thanksgiving. My life circumstances had changed and I knew I needed a change of pace and time to myself to think and reflect on my life and my future.

Goal Statement I will (gulp) make plans to spend Thanksgiving on my own. Specifically, my goal will be to enjoy a solo three-day getaway over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Action Steps and Timetable • Day 1: I will share my goal with my best friend and ask her for feedback, support and suggestions.

• By day 5: I will research and identify an Adirondack lodge that serves a home-style Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings.

• By day 10: I will select my destination, ask about community-table options in the dining room, and make a reservation.

• By day 16: I will make arrangements for pet care, stop my mail and the newspaper, and schedule a tire-rotation and fluid check for my car.

• By day 24: I will hit the road with a full tank of gas, map, an audio book and snack pack.

• Later that same day: I will check into the lodge, unpack, and head down to the lounge to relax and unwind in front of the stone fireplace.

• Thanksgiving Day: I will embrace the day with an open heart, ready to enjoy my own company and the company of those around me. I will take a nature walk, write letters (perhaps one to myself) and focus on all the things and relationships for which I am thankful. I will cherish the day in front of me.

Reward I will feel extraordinarily good about myself when I accomplish my goal and I’ll reward myself with a ... (fill in the blank!). My reward was a walnut picker-upper. True. I wanted one. My house is surrounded by walnut trees.

Goals can give your life direction and purpose. And they can put passion into your everyday existence, which is especially important for those of us who live alone.

It may take some time before you regain your footing and self-esteem. Chances are, you’ll take some detours and encounter some bumps along the way. I sure did. But I kept moving forward and soon discovered that setting and accomplishing minigoals and eventually larger life goals was key to regaining my self-confidence.

Actually doing (vs. wishing and hoping) worked for me, and it can work for you, too. For that, we can be very grateful.

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Alone and Content, empowerment workshops for women and author of “Alone and Content,” a collection of inspiring essays for those who live alone. For information about her workshops, to purchase her book, or invite Voelckers to speak, visit www.aloneandcontent.com

Over 140,000 U.S. Children Have Lost a Caregiver to COVID-19

I

t is an excruciating statistic: One in every four COVID-19 deaths in the United States leaves a child without a parent or other caregiver, researchers report.

The analysis of data shows that from April 2020 to July 2021, more than 120,000 children under the age of 18 lost a primary caregiver (a parent or grandparent who provided housing, basic needs and care), and about 22,000 lost a secondary caregiver (grandparents who provided housing, but not most basic needs).

“Children facing orphanhood as a result of COVID is a hidden, global pandemic that has sadly not spared the United States,” study author Susan Hillis, a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researcher, said in a U.S. National Institutes of Health news release.

Overall, about one in 500 children in the United States have become orphans or lost a grandparent caregiver to COVID-19, according

to the study published Oct. 7 in the journal Pediatrics.

Children of racial and ethnic minorities accounted for 65% of youngsters who lost a primary caregiver to COVID-19, compared with 35% of white children, even though whites account for 61% of the U.S. population, and people of racial and ethnic minorities represent 39% of the population.

Orphanhood or the death of a primary caregiver due to COVID-19 was experienced by: 1 of every 168 American Indian/Alaska Native children, 1 of every 310 Black children, 1 of every 412 Hispanic children, 1 of every 612 Asian children, and 1 of every 753 white children.

Compared to white children, American Indian/Alaska Native children were 4.5 times more likely to lose a parent or grandparent caregiver, Black children were 2.4 times more likely, and Hispanic children were 1.8 times more likely.

States with large populations — California, Texas and New York — had the highest overall numbers of children who lost primary caregivers to COVID-19.

The researchers also found significant racial/ethnic differences between states.

In New Mexico, Texas, and California, 49% to 67% of children who lost a primary caregiver were Hispanic. In Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, 45% to 57% of children who lost a primary caregiver were Black. American Indian/Alaska Native children who lost a primary caregiver were more common in South Dakota (55%), New Mexico (39%), Montana (38%), Oklahoma (23%), and Arizona (18%).

The fallout from losing a parent is significant for children: It is associated with mental health problems; fewer years of school; lower self-esteem; high-risk sexual behaviors; and increased risk of substance

Page 8 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

abuse, suicide, violence, sexual abuse and exploitation, the researchers noted.

“All of us — especially our children — will feel the serious immediate and long-term impact of this problem for generations to come.

Addressing the loss that these children have experienced — and continue to experience — must be one of our top priorities, and it must be woven into all aspects of our emergency response, both now and in the post-pandemic future,” Hillis said.

“The magnitude of young people affected is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of the past 18 months,” said study co-lead researcher Alexandra Blenkinsop, from Imperial College London. “These findings really highlight those children who have been left most vulnerable by the pandemic, and where additional resources should be directed.”

10 Tips to Improve Your Health Today

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Y

ou know the drill: eat right and exercise. But you can do many other things to improve your health also.

1. Go outside and get some nature therapy. “COVID-19 has created a sense of isolation and breathing fresh air helps with lung health, mental health and general wellbeing.”

2. Socialize responsibly. “Fostering connection and a sense of belonging with your community helps rejuvenate your spirit and nourishes mental health.”

3. Make sure you get an annual physical. “Ask your doctor to order a full blood work panel.

Making sure your micronutrient levels and hormones are in check is vitally important to keeping you healthy. The best diet and exercise program in the world will not be effective if you have an underlying issue.

Something as minor as low vitamin D levels, common in Western New York, especially in the winter, can cause fatigue, which can prevent you from having the energy to work out, for example.”

4. “Get enough good sleep.

“Often people think they are getting enough sleep because they get seven to nine hours. But it’s not just the length of time, but the quality of sleep. With all the time people spend on screens these days it takes a while for our brains to actually dip into the healthy deep sleep we need to rejuvenate. Blue light blocking glasses

a few hours before bed can help, as can limiting screen time in the hours leading up to bed. It’s also important to go to bed at roughly the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning.”

5. Make sure you are eating enough. “Often people don’t eat enough calories, especially women. Your body needs nutrition to stay healthy. Eating the right amount of calories, including healthy protein, carbohydrates and fats, is crucial. If you aren’t sure how many calories you eat each day, try tracking for a couple of weeks using an app, such as MyFitnessPal or Cronometer. Then use an online macronutrient calculator to compare that to how much you should eat.

Not eating enough can actually cause your metabolism to slow down, making it difficult to stay at a healthy weight.”

6. Practice self-care.

“Take stock in your mental health as it affects every other area of your life.

If you’re not prioritizing it, that’s an issue.”

7. Do a gratitude review. “Do a gratitude review to help turn off your brain for more restful sleep. Start naming all the things we’re thankful for. We can’t hold onto gratitude and stressors. When we go to bed, we tend to think of what we need to do tomorrow or what went

wrong. If you don’t give your brain something to do it can be hard to get in sleep mode.

8. Having 30 minutes every day where you’re not responsible for everyone else. “This is important, especially for women. We’re responsible for our kids and work and there’s no time where you’re not on-call.

Having 30 minutes where no one will interrupt you is a huge reducer of anxiety. Have a three-hour chunk every week where you’re not responsible for anyone. For me, it was taking my book and going to Starbucks. I wouldn’t take my phone in. The family’s instructions were don’t call me unless the house was on fire.

9. Use no electronics in the first hour of the day. “You have decided whatever is coming into your brain. It can hijack your day and set your mood for the day.

You’re not setting your own agenda for the day. I spend a little time focusing on what I want my day to look like. I’m not going to be reactive when the crisis happens at work.

You can respond better to a coworker having a meltdown. You can be helpful and troubleshoot. It helps you not resort to being reactive.”

10. Track your health. “Tracking your health and seeing your doctor can help you maintain health and it also keeps the costs as low as possible for healthcare.

From the health standpoint, get all of your health screenings, vaccines

and these are ordinarily covered in full. More and more pharmacies are getting more involved in preventive care, especially vaccination shots.”

Sources:

• Tips 1 and 2 by Joanne Wu, integrative spine physician with Rochester Regional Health Spine and Pain.

• Tips 3 through 5 by Kerri Howell, certified personal training and nutrition coach, West Henrietta.

• Tip 6 by Leanne Walters, assistant professor of social work at Roberts Wesleyan College.

• Tips 7 through 9 by Kerry Graff, lifestyle medicine and family medicine physician with Rochester Regional Health.

• Tip 10 by Fran Pullano, owner Pullano & Company, Rochester

November 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 9

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BB is warning consumers ahead of the holiday shopping season to be aware of how scammers deceive consumers, whether they are actively shopping or passively browsing.

The 2021 BBB Online Purchase Scams Report examines more than 55,000 online purchase scam reports submitted to BBB Scam Tracker between 2015 and 2021; as well as new survey research conducted in 2021 to get insights from those who reported online purchase scams in 2020 and 2021.

Online purchase scams consistently rank among the top three riskiest since 2017, and a significant number of people continue to lose money when targeted by online purchase scams (74.8% in 2021). The median dollar loss for this scam type has risen in recent years, up from $76 in 2019 to $102 so far in 2021.

Experts are predicting an earlier start to the 2021 holiday shopping season because of supply chain concerns, microchip shortages and holiday hiring. BBB warns scammers will find ways to take advantage of the situation by varying the product categories, capitalizing on what people are looking for online, and focusing on the most sought-after gifts such as electronics, toys, and other trendy gift items.

Each year, the BBB Institute issues a BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, which analyzes the previous year’s data.

Since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, online purchase scams have jumped along with an increase in online shopping. BBB took a deeper dive into the data by surveying people who had reported

scams to ask them more about their situation.

Whether a consumer was actively shopping for a product or passively browsing, it appears this activity had an impact on susceptibility.

Sixty-four percent of survey respondents were actively searching for a product when they lost money to an online purchase scam.

Thirty-six percent of those who lost money were passively looking or not searching.

When it came time to placing an order and expecting the item to be shipped, 32% surveyed reported receiving shipment tracking information that seemed authentic, 30% received fake shipping information, 2% received shipping information they didn’t verify, and 36% didn’t receive shipping information. Several survey respondents noted that they didn’t suspect a scam at first because they expected shipping delays due to the pandemic.

The analysis of online purchase scam reports submitted to BBB Scam Tracker found that more than 400 different types of products were used by scammers to perpetrate scams.

Pets and pet supplies were the riskiest sales category in 2020. Almost 35% of online purchase scam reports were pet-related, with 70% of people losing money, and a median dollar loss of $750. The French bulldog was the top breed used to perpetuate puppy scams.

For tips on how to avoid online shopping scams, visit BBB.org/OnlinePurchaseScams To report a scam, go to BBB.org/ ScamTracker.

To learn more about other risky scams, go to BBB.org/ScamTips.

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Page 10 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

Meet Your Provider New-U: Restoring Confidence to Clients Helping people struggling with hair loss Ron Hebner, owner of New-U in Rochester, has always worked in retail. For a decade, he worked in sales at Reed’s Jewelers in Rochester, providing sparkling adornment to customers. But for the past 35 years, he has provided a chance for clients to regain their confidence after suffering hair loss.

“It’s so hard to wake up in the morning and feel comfortable if you have hair loss,” Hebner said. “You need all you can to feel confident.”

Friends Judy and Kenny Kenyon had expanded Genesis II, their Syracuse-based hair restoration business, to the Rochester area and asked Hebner to join them as a sales representative. He left the jewelry business and learned about the techniques for hair restoration. Today, they include laser hair growth therapy, topical thickening and regrowth products, surgical replacement and synthetic or natural hair wigs, toupees and toppers.

Nine years after he started at New-U, Hebner bought the business.

“There are a lot of people who have struggled with hair loss,” Heb-

ner said. “It’s very rewarding to help them find a solution to help them with their struggle.”

New-U (www.baldness.com) serves men, women and children who have thinning hair, receding hair, patchy hair loss or complete loss.

The business serves clients with male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, chemotherapy-related hair loss, alopecia, trichotillomania and other reasons for hair loss, beginning with a confidential, free consultation.

“I feel like the clients are more like my family than a client,” Hebner said. “We’ve grown together in this. I enjoy every minute of it.”

The pandemic has made it challenging to obtain supplies such as disposable gloves and cleaning supplies.

However, a few suppliers have begun to catch up.

“The employees have been working hard to take care of clients, which is our number-one priority,” Hebner said.

Hebner attends two or more seminars per year to learn more about hair loss and newer options for

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Excellus Doc: Do Not Take the Flu Lightly Two years ago the CDC tracked 405,000 American hospitalizations and 22,000 deaths from the flu—a typical year. The sooner people get the flu vaccine, the better, says doctor

T

he number of cases

by U.S. clinical laboratoof flu was unusually ries were positive for an low throughout the influenza virus. For com2020-2021 flu season both parison, during the last in the United States and three seasons before the globally, according to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease proportion of respiratory Control and Prevention, specimens testing positive and the reason is not a for influenza peaked besurprise. tween 26.2% and 30.3%.

The safety protocols The exact timing and implemented to protect duration of flu seasons can against COVID-19, includvary from year to year, ing wearing face masks, but influenza activity proper and regular hand often begins to increase in Anna Kanaley washing, physical distancOctober, peaks between ing, and limiting exposure to large December and February, and can last gatherings of people, also prevented as late as May. the spread of the flu. The availability “Each year brings a new formuof a record number of flu vaccine lation for the flu vaccine to reflect the doses was also a factor. different strains that are expected, so “The statistics from the CDC it’s important for everyone to get the indicate that more influenza vaccine flu vaccine each year,” said Kanaley. doses than ever before (193.8 million “The vaccine can provide a level of doses) were distributed in the U.S. immunity to influenza or reduce the during the last flu season,” said Exseverity if you do get sick.” cellus BlueCross BlueShield Medical Kanaley cautions not to take the Director Anna Kanaley. flu lightly, noting that two years ago, During last year’s flu season, which was a more typical year for 0.2% of respiratory specimens tested flu activity, the CDC tracked 405,000

American hospitalizations and 22,000 deaths from the flu and flu-related complications.

The flu vaccine is now available at most major pharmacies and other sites in the community. The CDC recommends it for everyone 6 months of age and older. Adults 65 years of age and older should consult with their health care provider to see if they recommend the high-dose flu vaccine that is approved for people in that

age group. Most health insurance plans cover the flu vaccine in full, and you usually don’t need an appointment to receive it at a pharmacy.

“While it is never too early or too late in the flu season to get vaccinated, sooner is better to help establish a level of herd immunity in our community,” said Kanaley. “It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide protection.”

November 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 11

Do you have Health Career Do you glaucoma have Do you or glaucoma have high eye or glaucoma high eye pressure?

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Ifpressure so, you may qualify forleast a new investigational eye and are at 18 years of orage, we invite If you have previously been diagnosed with glaucoma increased eye drop research study! eye pressure and areyou at least 18 years of age, we invite to participate. you to participate.

If you have previously been diagnosed with glaucoma or increased eye pressure and are at least 18 years of age, we invite The study involves ~6 office over the course of ~ 20 weeks. you tovisits participate.

You may be compensated for your time and travel.

The study involves ~6 office visits over the course of ~ 20 weeks.

Youwith may be compensated yourmore time and travel.and to Speak with your doctor forforfor more information Speak your doctor information

find outout if you qualify. find if you qualify.

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By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A

and to

vital cog in how healthcare organizations function, healthcare social workers’ role improves patient outcomes, reduces rehospitalizations and promotes better patient satisfaction.

Among their job duties, the healthcare social worker acts as a liaison between the patient and patient’s family and the resources within the community which can help them.

In addition to case management and crisis intervention, they may also help families with insurance questions, provide counseling and help break down barriers to care.

For patients about to be discharged from the hospital, healthcare social workers may help set up needed support at home, such as a home health nurse. They may refer the patient to agencies that can help them get the equipment they need and set up transportation to doctor’s visits.

“It’s more than hospital-based work,” said Carol Brownstein-Evans, Ph.D., with Nazareth College.

“There’s out-patient, community health agencies, long-term care, skilled nursing. The work can be related to physical and mental health.”

The healthcare social worker not only helps with case management but also may screen patients for mental health issues such as depression and substance use disorders.

“We think of the person in the environment,” Brownstein-Evans said. “Could this person function better with some supports and changes in the environment? Do they have what they need, such as someone who attended church before may not realize that there are likely volunteers who could pick them up and take them to church? We look at the psycho-social components of the treatment. Social workers are an important part of a multi-disciplinary team.”

Page 12 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

Many facilities employing healthcare social workers require applicants to possess the credentials of a licensed clinical social worker.

Some require a master’s trained social worker; a few may hire registered nurses with the right background. In either case, on-the-job training helps healthcare social workers learn the ropes.

“You learn about those areas of medicine where you’re working,” said Leanne Walters, assistant professor of social work at Roberts Wesleyan College.

She said that healthcare social workers should be natural problem-solvers and “able to overcome barriers. You need the ability to advocate. Whatever environment, there are things to advocate for if their needs are not being met.”

Healthcare social workers in hospitals work to ensure discharging patients can live safely in the community, whether in a short-term rehabilitation facility, the home of a relative or in their own home. Discharging patients capable of recuperating elsewhere helps free up space for more critical patients.

Walters foresees continuing employment opportunities for healthcare social workers to keep pace with the healthcare needs of the aging population and those in need of mental healthcare and to help facilitate additional safe, community-based care.

“There’s a need for diversity among healthcare social workers,” Brownstein-Evans said. “All healthcare settings want their staff near the population they’re serving so patients can relate to providers.”

This can help the healthcare team better understand and meet the needs of patients in their care.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that $53,290 is the annual mean wage for healthcare social workers in the Rochester area.

The annual mean wage for healthcare social workers in the Rochester area is $53,290, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Q A & with

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation leaders In Good Health recently interviewed two leaders of Greater Rochester Health Foundation: president and CEO Matthew Kuhlenbeck and communications officer Tiana FlynnStephens. They talked about the organization, its mission, funding and racial health equity.

By Todd Etshman Q: Please describe the Greater Rochester Health Foundation and how it operates.

Flynn-Stephens: Centered in equity, the Greater Rochester Health Foundation is on a mission to pursue and invest in solutions that build a healthier region where all people can thrive. Our mission reflects our view of health — recognizing that health outcomes are shaped by the conditions in which people live, work, learn, play and receive care — and that inequities in these determinants give rise to health disparities. In addition to our grant-making, we seek to effect change both upstream and downstream and to contribute to policy and systems changes that create more equitable access to resources, opportunities, and power.

Q: Describe where GRHF funding comes from and how it’s distributed to partners.

Flynn-Stephens: The Health Foundation was created in 2006 when the nonprofit MVP Health Plan acquired the nonprofit HMO Preferred Care. The value of Preferred Care was returned to the community through MVP’s purchase price of $232 million to create a foundation dedicated to improving the health of the Greater Rochester community, inclusive of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. Since its inception, the Health Foundation has acted as an independent foundation governed by a community-based board of directors and managed by a 13-member professional staff. In 2020, the Health Foundation awarded 78 new grants with a total new investment of $5.4 million and total

program expenditures of $9 million.

We welcomed 33 first-time grantees.

Q: Describe how GRHF works with partners and who the partners are.

Flynn-Stephens: Partnerships are a core organizational value of the Health Foundation. To live this value, we are committed to listening to and collaborating with stakeholders across communities, sectors, and differences. Some of our key partners are: ROC the Future, an alliance of 60+ leading Rochester-area institutions and community partners that promote alignment of community resources to improve the academic achievement of Rochester’s children; the Rochester/Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative — a multi-sector community collaborative with a goal to improve quality of life by reducing poverty and increasing self-sufficiency; and the Parent Engagement Collaborative Action Network, formed in an effort to improve engagement of parents and families with all aspects of their children’s development and education.

Q: Besides the COVID-19 challenges, what are the other complex community health challenges in the nine-county service area?

Flynn-Stephens: In addition to the complex community health challenges created or amplified

by COVID-19, we seek to catalyze change in: access to healthcare services, resources and supports; whole child health; poverty; lower life expectancy rates and the public health crisis of racism. Last summer, we launched a new formal effort focused on racial health equity. This work was developed from gathering ideas and insights through conversations

with leaders of color who helped co-create the approach and identify areas of investment. We’ve sought to ground our Racial Health Equity work in trust, investing in grassroots and other organizations with deep community knowledge and credibility.

Q: How has COVID-19 impacted the work you were already doing?

Flynn-Stephens: When COVID-19 hit, we immediately allocated funds to and began participating in the Community Crisis Fund, created as a centralized funding pool to rapidly deploy resources to nonprofits serving communities most impacted by the pandemic. We also directed funds to support public health communications, emergency assistance, direct services, and resources for nonprofits who they, themselves, were trying to keep the lights on while serving the community amidst the crisis. New Health Foundation COVID Response grant funds helped to support food aid and other basic needs assistance as well as youth engagement, child abuse advocacy, domestic violence and mental health supports, and other services.

Q: Can you describe some of the grants you’ve given that are in the annual report?

Flynn-Stephens: We award grants through our three general program areas: responsive, targeted, and partnerships. We look to balance openness to new ideas, community priorities, and emerging health issues with sustained investment in specific areas of focus as well as our contribution to collective impact and other collaborative community efforts.

Q: What is the most satisfying aspect of the foundation’s work from your perspective in the time that you’ve been here?

Matthew Kuhlenbeck: So far, the most satisfying aspect of the Health Foundation’s work has been better connecting with those who are, or will be, recipients of the programs and services we support. Over the past few years, we have been actively working to ensure that community voice is included in the efforts we support to ensure those efforts are meeting their needs. Stronger en-

gagement among our nonprofit partners and those they are serving has resulted in stronger, more effective programming.

Q: What challenges or obstacles concern you moving forward?

Kuhlenbeck: The American Rescue Plan and other pieces of federal legislation are making available a level of resources to communities not seen since the New Deal. With these opportunities come unprecedented challenges in identifying projects ready for these supports, coordinating how to respond to resource opportunities, and finding ways to do this in a manner that addresses systemic challenges for our region and creates an equitable recovery process that seeks to address the inequities that have been identified over the past two years. If the pandemic taught us anything, it is that we have so many challenges in our region that to go back to normal would be less than desirable. Moving from “back to normal” to taking our learnings and improving and addressing the challenges COVID-19 exposed is a crucial step — but is also incredibly challenging. This approach forces us to look at where we are falling short as a region, to seek new solutions and change the structures that were in place pre-pandemic to ensure they are not the “normal” moving forward.

Q: Are this area’s needs any different from the rest of the country?

Kuhlenbeck: I’ve said this many times to my team, “if you’ve seen one community, you’ve seen one community.” Each community and region are unique in many ways and the Rochester region is no different.

Q: Can you describe the future of GRHF and the service area?

Kuhlenbeck: Closing out 2021 — and going forward — we are positioned to continue to be a resource to help our grantees and partners navigate what’s ahead. We pledge to lean into what we have learned to be even more effective and supportive -and will continue to grow and evolve as an organization and a community partner seeking to realize a just and equitable region where all people can thrive.

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November 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 13

The Power of Honey The ancient sweetener provides many benefits

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Beehives maintained by Amy Stringer. Photo provided.

S

tirred into tea, spread on toast, blended into a smoothie or drizzled on plain yogurt — honey provides sweet flavor to meals. In addition, the ancient sweetener provides many other benefits.

“Honey is a great source of antioxidants, enzymes and minerals that support the immune system,” said Cassie Wright, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with Rochester Regional Health.

All of the Rochester Regional Health hospitals have beehives on their roofs, a program that began in 2019. A local farmer maintains the hives and the honey is bottled and made available to staff, patients and, through the gift shops, visitors.

“For its antioxidants, minerals and nutrients, honey trumps other natural sweeteners,” Wright added.

That’s not all honey can do.

“It can soothe coughs,” Wright added. “The World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it for children and adults for that reason.”

Compared with medicinal-tasting cough syrup, honey is pleasanter for children to take. Wright cautioned that children less than 1 year old should not ingest honey because of the risk of botulism because of traces of bacteria in honey.

It poses no risk for children over 1 or pregnant women.

Raw manuka honey is said to be especially beneficial for pressure ulcers and wounds because of its ability to promote healing. It is made by bees gathering nectar from manuka plants, which are native to New Zealand.

“Not a lot of studies say it’s beneficial for topical application, but many people say it helps and, there’s certainly no harm for that,” Wright said. “Manuka is being used as a skin healer in the medical world.”

The Bee Lady: Why Is the Source of Your Honey Important?

Wright said that there’s a difference between raw honey and the type typically found in grocery stores.

The latter is pasteurized.

“There’s pollen left in raw honey and it’s proven to have more benefits than pasteurized,” Wright said. “Pasteurizing treats it with heat. That’s why raw honey is beneficial.”

Buying honey explicitly labeled as raw can ensure those properties are intact.

“Honey is a natural sweetener that when eaten from local sources, can help improve allergies and skin health,” said Joanne Wu MD, board-certified in integrative and holistic medicine and integrative nutrition. She is an integrative spine physician with Rochester Regional Health Spine and Pain. “Honey is also helpful to support honeybees and what they do for us agriculturally.”

Though honey does offer many benefits, Wright cautioned that since it is a sweetener, eating it in moderation is important. She recommends no more than six teaspoons daily for women and nine for men.

“I’d always recommend raw honey for sweetening over other sweeteners,” Wright said. “It tastes delicious, but we must be wise about how much you’re using.”

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A

my Stringer owns The North Bee, a honey product and wellness shop in Webster.

She carries 50 varieties of honey and wellness products from the hive, along with gifts, home décor and hemp products.

“It’s good to buy local honey to support local businesses, but if you’re trying to alleviate your allergies, you want local honey,” she said.

“Look at the news headlines and see how much adulterated honey is out there. There’s corn syrup and rice syrup added. Know your beekeeper.

It helps you know where your honey is coming from. I source from beekeepers all across the country, but I’m very diligent to research them.

There’s ‘bad honey’ shipped in from China. If it were ever tested, you could find all kinds of additives.

“Local honey is usually raw honey. Raw honey is what has all your wellness benefits. Once you filter and heat it, it breaks down the nutritional value. But that’s the way stores sell this pretty looking honey that won’t crystalize. Filtered honey has no pollen and beeswax. Once you heat it, you break down the sugar crystals.

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Page 14 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

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By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

The Superfood to Eat Year-Round: Sweet Potatoes The problem with sweet potatoes is this: Many people think of sweet potatoes only when Thanksgiving rolls around.

That’s a problem because we should really be thinking about this nutritious tuber all year long!

A few points to ponder: They’re considered a superfood by many; they’re widely available for a decent price; and, they’re delicious.

What makes them worthy of the esteemed superfood title? Put simply, they’re loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that do a body good.

While we can’t list them all, we can focus on a few standouts.

Sweet potatoes are super rich in vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), which is important for eyesight. Numerous studies demonstrate that eating adequate amounts of vitamin A promotes healthy vision, prevents the development of night blindness, and may help slow age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. What’s more, vitamin A helps fight off infections and contributes to building strong, healthy bones.

A great source of fiber, sweet potatoes deliver about a fourth of our average daily needs in one cup. Fiber contributes to good health by stabi-

lizing blood sugar levels, promoting regularity, and ferrying bad cholesterol out.

Some studies suggest that increasing fiber reduces our susceptibility to diseases such as heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes.

Sweet potatoes brim with antioxidants— powerful compounds that mop up free radicals linked to a host of age-related diseases. They’re also a good source of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure, and an excellent source of both manganese, a mineral that promotes a healthy metabolism, and vitamin C, a workhorse vitamin that’s necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues.

Although sweet potatoes are low in fat, sodium, cholesterol and calories (180 per baked cup), they

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan, Garlic and Thyme Adapted from Cooking Classy Serves 4

1½ lbs sweet potatoes (about 3 medium) 2½ tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper ¼ cup grated Parmesan Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Wash potatoes thoroughly and then cut into 1-inch chunks. Place in a large bowl. In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Pour mixture over sweet potatoes, mix with hands (or spoon), and then spread into an even layer on one to two baking sheets.

are high in carbs (46 per baked cup).

The good news is, they’re the complex kind that takes longer to digest, which keeps our engines running longer.

Helpful tips Select small to medium sweet potatoes that are firm and do not have cracks, soft spots or moldy ends. Large ones can be tough and tasteless. Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place for up to 10 days. Preparing sweet potatoes with a little fat, such as olive oil, can help boost the absorption of beta-carotene. While topping sweet potatoes with marshmallows and brown sugar is a Thanksgiving tradition for many, there are healthier ways to prepare them.

Roast in preheated oven until tender, tossing once halfway through, about 30 minutes total. Remove from oven, move rack to broiler position (about 6 inches away) and turn on broiler.

While broiler is heating up, drizzle potatoes with remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil, then sprinkle with Parmesan. Return to broiler for about 1 minute. Adjust seasonings and serve.

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-

nist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

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November 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 15

SPA & FITNESS

Non-Surgical Ways to Improve Skin’s Appearance You have many options to get more youthful looking skin

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Y

ou have many board-certified dermatolmore options for ogist.” regaining a youthLertzman is ful appearance to your board-certified in dermaskin than going under tology and dermatologic the knife. Area medical surgery. She is a diplospas offer an array of mate of the American means for improving Board of Dermatology. how your skin looks.

Lertzman is a clinical “A med spa usually instructor of dermatoloconsists of a group of gy at Strong, University health care workers such of Rochester Medical as nurse practitioners, Center. Dermatologists’ physician assistants, training includes four adBeth Lertzman nurses and estheticians, ditional years of schoolall under the guidance of a physiing after medical school to learn cian,” said physician Beth Lertzman, about skin, hair and nails. who works at Rochester Regional “They can treat all aspects of the Health. “It’s best for the physician to skin from cosmetic to rashes to canbe intimately knowledgeable about cers,” Lertzman said. “By working the skin, so naturally that would be a together as a team and in coordina-

spa’s owner, Rebecca Brown. “How long it lasts depends on the condition of the skin. It can last years or less than a year. It feels like a hot stone massage.”

Microchanneling, which is similar to microneedling, also offers anti-aging results. Also called collagen induction therapy, microneedling uses thin, sterile needles to repeatedly pierce the skin and deliver skin-improving serums deep within the skin. The tiny injuries to the skin stimulate production of collagen to improve skin’s appearance.

Microchanneling “does a straight pinpoint to the skin instead of dragging it like microneedling,” Brown said.

The spa’s VelaShape III uses four treatments, including infrared and bi-polar radio frequencies, along with mechanical tissue manipulation for body contouring. In addition to reducing the appearance of unwanted features like “love handles” and “muffin tops,” the system also improves the appearance of cellulite around the buttocks and tion with the dermatolthighs and lessens the ogist, a med spa is able appearance of stretch to maintain standards, marks. Most people need training, and excellent about five treatments to outcomes.” achieve desired results.

In addition to direct“How long it lasts ing anti-aging treatments depends upon your body based upon skin type before treatment,” Brown and needs, medical spa said. personnel can also advise Inclusion Wellness on sunscreen and other Spa also offers injectskincare products to ables, including neurohelp prevent the signs of toxins and fillers to help aging—including some reduce the appearance of medical grade products. Rebecca Brown lines. Both of these can “It’s an exciting time to be part last several weeks. of a med spa as there is so much The spa’s chemical peels can also that can be done non-surgically to enhance the appearance. improve the appearance of the skin,” “That helps with evening out Lertzman said. “The most important pigmentation, getting all the bad skin thing in finding a reliable med spa off,” Brown said. “We also do deris to make sure it is under the direcmaplaning to get all the peach fuzz tion of a physician who is intimately off. It makes you feel like you have a knowledgeable on everything skin. baby’s skin.”

Also, ask the practitioners if they Dermaplaning can also help have been using the products and de- prepare the skin for a facial. One in vices for a long time and ask if they particular that Brown likes is the Fire have had any unwanted outcomes.” and Ice facial.

Inclusion Wellness Spa in Web“It is a facial but it’s great for ster offers a variety of modalities sensory stimulation,” she said. “It’s to improve the skin’s appearance, warm and cold. It’s probably the best including laser treatments. facial anyone’s had. It gives you a “It helps rebuilds the collagen glow and it’s great for your skin. It and elasticity of the skin,” said the reduces the appearance of lines.”

Intense Workouts Right Before Bed Could Cost You Sleep

I

f you intend to run, bike or put in a Zumba video after work, plan on doing it sooner rather than later.

A workout that ends a couple of hours before bedtime should help you fall asleep, while one that’s closer to bedtime could have you counting a lot of sheep.

“Overall, our analysis showed that when exercise ended two hours before bedtime, there were sleep benefits, including the promotion of sleep onset and increased sleep duration,” said study co-author Emmanuel Frimpong, a postdoctoral fellow at the Sleep, Cognition and Neuroimaging Lab at Concordia University in Montreal.

“On the other hand, when ex-

ercise ended less than two hours before bedtime, sleep was negatively impacted. It took longer for participants to fall asleep and sleep duration decreased,” Frimpong noted in a university news release.

The researchers conducted a meta-analysis using data from 15 published studies to determine how a single session of intense exercise affected young and middle-aged healthy adults and their sleep.

“When we reviewed the literature on this work, we found that there were a lot of mixed results,” said Melodee Mograss, a cognitive neuropsychologist and researcher at the university sleep lab. “Some depended on the time of exercise,

others on the fitness level of a study’s participants, or even the type of exercise.”

The team found that early evening high-intensity exercise helped promote sleep, especially if the person working out was typically sedentary. Working out for between 30 and 60 minutes also helped people fall asleep and stay asleep. Cycling had the most sleep benefits.

A consistent exercise schedule is best, as exercising at different times of the evening could cause sleep disturbances, the researchers noted.

“Based on our review, for healthy, young and middle-aged adults with no history of sleep disorders, evening exercises should

Page 16 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

be performed in the early evening if possible,” Frimpong said. “And lastly, sleep hygiene strategies should also be carried out, such as taking a shower between the cessation of exercise and bedtime and avoiding eating heavy meals or drinking a lot of water before going to bed.”

Your strategy might also vary depending on whether you’re a night owl or an early riser. “High-intensity exercise performed late in the evening can result in sleep disturbance for morning-type people,” Frimpong said.

The findings were published Sept. 28 in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews.

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Golden Years

Picking a Nursing Home That’s Right for You Several websites help those looking for the right senior facility

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A

bout half of people will need long-term care eventually. Of those, some will receive care in a nursing home. If you are planning for your own care or for that of a loved one, how can you know if a facility provides quality care?

The New York State Department of Health licenses and inspects nursing homes, examining metrics including quality of care received, quality of life achieved, safety of residents, preventive care practices and inspections and complaint information. Information on specific nursing homes is available at their website.

Medicare’s website also lists nursing homes with ratings based upon health inspections, staffing and quality of resident care measures.

Consumers can also look for third-party quality accreditation such as by Joint Commission. The independent, nonprofit is the oldest accreditation body in the nation. Or-

ganizations must successfully submit copious documentation and complete a rigorous on-site survey by a Joint Commission team every three years to maintain their accreditation.

Carol Brownstein-Evans, Ph.D, is a professor at Nazareth College.

She recommends looking at resources such as Lifespan and calling 211.

“Lifespan is one of the great agencies to make contact with to connect with services for older adults,” she said.

In addition to these kinds of professional recommendations, Stephen Hanse, president and CEO of The New York State Health Facilities Association, Inc. in Albany, thinks it is a good idea to visit nursing homes in person (if permitted) or at least virtually.

Reporting sites “are not always up-to-date and accurate,” Hanse said. “The best barometer determining the best facility is to choose a

facility that is close to where you live so you can visit.”

While visiting, observe how the residents appear. Are they clean and content? Look for a bulletin board listing activities and events. Does the facility look and smell clean? Visit during a mealtime. Does the food appear appetizing? Do residents who need help receive help in eating?

“It really is what feels right to you.” Hanse said. “You may be able to have a virtual meeting with the facility and talk with the administrator and staff. Talk about your loved one’s needs and find the fit. It’s similar to a process in anything in life where you’re choosing something important like choosing a college.”

Ask about any specific medical or clinical needs and if the facility can meet those needs.

While friends’ recommendations can be part of the decision, Hanse warned that everyone has a different experience and one bad experience with a particular staff member may not warrant writing off a facility. A good nursing home would follow through with further training and possible disciplinary action after an incident.

“A lot of people write down a list of the questions they want to ask,” Hanse said. “Understand the needs and priorities and concerns of your loved one. Have a candid, open conversation. That’s critical.”

In crisis situations, when the family and patient have little time to plan, they may need to select a nursing home in just a couple of days.

Current staffing constraints and a limited number of beds available also make the options fewer.

“Some long-term care facilities are admitting no residents — even for rehab — and wait lists are long,” said Mary Rose McBride, vice president of marketing and communications for Lifespan in Rochester. “For families, plan for a transition as far in advance as possible; don’t wait until you need to find a placement.”

Before COVID-19, she would ordinarily advise visiting the nursing

home. Since in-person visits may not be allowed, ask these questions: 1. Is this nursing home involved in culture change? (See www.pioneernetwork.net.)

2. How will you get to know my family member?

3. Do the CNAs and nursing assistants take care of the same group of residents each time they work, or do you rotate the assignments after a period of time?

4. What is your policy regarding food choices and alternatives?

5. Can my loved one be given a shower or bath when he or she chooses? How often are baths or showers available?

6. What type of recreational activities are offered here?

7. How do you build a sense of community, and give those who live here a voice in the decisions about how things are done?

8. How do you meet the special needs of people who have some type of dementia?

After asking those questions, she advises choosing three to four facilities, applying and following up with the admissions coordinator occasionally to address any issues.

Resources to Find the Right Nursing Home Check the following sites to learn about how a nursing home stacks up.

Medicare: www.medicare.gov/care-compare/? providerType=NursingHome&redir ect=true NYS Department of Health: https://profiles.health.ny.gov/ nursing_home/#5.79/42.868/-76.809 Joint Commission: www.qualitycheck.org

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Page 18 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

Medicare Parts

Here’s what you should consider when picking a plan

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

T

he various “parts” of Medicare may seem confusing. Learning a few principles about how they work can make it much easier to understand.

Vicki M. James, Medicare broker with Medicare Easy in Rochester, calls Medicare “baseline health insurance. There’s no maximum out-of-pocket for parts A and B. With the Advantage plan, there’s a maximum $7,550 annual out-of-pocket for 2022.”

What is covered by the various parts of Medicare can be challenging to sort out.

“Parts A and B are original Medicare,” said Lizz Ortolani, president of Ortolani Services in Irondequoit, who is licensed in life, accident and health and certified in Medicare and in the New York State Marketplace.

She said that Medicare is for people 65 and older or those receiving disability benefits for two years or more. Most people pay about $150 per month, depending upon income.

“There are penalties for not signing up while eligible, but exceptions for people still working who are

covered by a qualifying healthcare plan,” Ortolani said.

Some eligible people also skip signing up for Medicare because they do not have chronic health issues or take prescription drugs. But they face consequences later if they sign up late.

“Those penalties are steep, and they are for life,” said Tina Scahill, independent insurance broker at Ahrens Benefits Company in Rochester. “So, it’s really important for people to get help if they need it.”

Parts A and B cover 80% of the costs for care. Part A covers hospice and hospitalizations. For nursing home care, it pays for 20 days. After that, patients owe a co-insurance of $185.50 a day up until 100 days.

Part B covers out-patient services after an annual deductible of $203 for things such as doctor’s visits, laboratory tests, x-rays, diagnostic tests, therapy and other services. It also pays towards durable medical goods.

Private insurance companies administer Part C for the government.

Part C is also called a supplement plan, Medigap or Medicare Advantage, which pays what A and B do not cover.

“It’s a combination of the other parts,” Scahill said. “It’s Part A, plus Part B, plus extra benefits and usually plus Part D. All of those combine to make a Medicare Advantage Plan.

The advantages are they’re low cost.

They often give you better medical coverage than original Medicare by itself. They give extra benefits such as hearing exams, hearing aids, vision exams, eyeglasses allowance, dental, transportation, a free or low-cost

What's in your medicine cabinet?

fitness membership and an over-thecounter benefit. All the plans differ, so you won’t find all those benefits through every plan.”

Usually, about $1,000 per month is subsidized and the insured picks up the remaining cost.

Parts A, B and sometimes C do not cover prescriptions. Part D is the prescription drug program, which is offered through a private insurance company.

“Every company who has a drug plan has a formulary,” Scahill said.

“That is the list of medications that they cover and then they also put the medications on five different tiers.

It’s really important when choosing drug coverage to check out the companies’ formulary. Companies will vary in how they cover a drug.

One company may put a medication on tier one making it very inexpensive, and another will put the same drug on a tier three or tier four. That changes the cost significantly.”

Scahill warns clients to watch out for the coverage gap, known colloquially as the “doughnut hole.”

When the retail cost of medication reaches a certain amount ($4,130 in 2021), the medication becomes more expensive.

“That coverage gap applies to most insurance plans,” she said.

“There are only a few that will cover you completely in the coverage gap and there are less and less of them.”

She recommends that clients carefully consider their Part D insurance coverage and look at Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC), a senior program that helps minimize the cost of medications for

Golden Years

income-eligible seniors.

While going for the most expensive Advantage Plan or what someone else likes seems like the best option, Scahill Vicki James said that’s not always best. She advises clients to carefully examine their healthcare needs to determine what plan suits them.

A Medicare expert can provide help in figuring out the best plan.

“Primarily what we do is help them navigate the system,” said Fran Pullano, owner Pullano & Company, an independent health insurance office in Pittsford. “The problem is you hear, ‘You can buy Medicare for zero cost’ on TV, but it’s not. What happens is Medicare sets aside money for each person eligible for their Part A and B. What you’re doing is telling Medicare--the government— to give this money to a private insurer because you’re going to get coverage through them and if there are additional benefits, you might get charged above that $0 cost.”

She encourages people to work with an independent agent who receives a flat amount regardless of the plan chosen, whether a basic or not.

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November 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 19

Golden Years

Long-term Care Can Sap Assets It’s not too early to start planning for future needs

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

S

ome people assume that Medicare or their health insurance will entirely cover their cost of nursing home care or at-home care.

It won’t.

“Medicare will cover skilled nursing for full-time rehabilitation once they’re making progress, but not long-term care,” said Vicki M. James, Medicare broker with Medicare Easy in Rochester.

Other people think their children will be capable of caring for them in their old age or they will likely not need long-term care at all.

“About half of all people will need some form of long-term care and will need it for two and a half years,” said Annie McQuilken, certified financial planner with Forever Financial Advisors in Fairport. “The exception is Alzheimer’s or dementia, especially if they have early onset Alzheimer’s. They can be physically healthy many years but need fulltime care.”

A fee-only financial adviser, she encourages clients to consider planning a means to cover the costs of long-term care for at least two years — about $200,000 a person — whether at home or within a facility. The cost of long-term care insurance has increased dramatically in the past 15 years, with many insurers no longer issuing new policies.

For people who want to protect their assets for a younger spouse or heirs, long-term care insurance may make sense.

“You don’t want the assets to be used for the care of the older spouse and the younger has many more years of life ahead of them and they don’t have the assets to live on,” McQuilken said. “A long-term care policy can be very important.”

She added that many clients

choose to self-insure by including the cost of the long-term care into their legacy planning. That way, if they end up not needing long-term care, they can leave more assets to their heirs.

A shared care policy can provide coverage for whichever spouse needs long-term care. Hybrid life insurance policies can also cover the cost of care or else it pays a death benefit.

“It’s a life insurance policy where you can tap into the benefit early if you need long-term care,” McQuilken said. “I’ve also seen situations where people create a trust with a life insurance policy and their children pay for long-term care and the life insurance policy pays them back.”

“There are a lot of ways to pay for long-term care and long-term care policies are only one piece of the picture. They definitely have a place,” McQuilken added. “It’s important for people to understand the challenges of the financial model of this industry. It’s not a savings program.”

Without financial planning, people must choose between depleting their assets to cover care or relying upon family to provide care for as long as possible.

“A lot of people don’t want to be a burden on their kids,” said Bill Monte, long-term care professional and president of The Estate, Legacy and Long-Term Planning Center of Western New York in Rochester.

He said it can be important to look at family health history. Were many of the previous generation long-lived? What health issues do you currently face? Those applying for long-term health insurance must have good health to be approved for a policy.

Looking at finances is also key.

“Are you Medicaid eligible to

pay for future long-term care?” Monte said. “Longterm care insurance is for people who do have assets to protect.

But they have to have the health to qualify for it and the comfortable wherewithal to fund the coverage.

If they have a multitude of comorbid conditions, they won’t be looked at favorably by a long-term care insurance company.

They’ll have to look at other strategies.”

Applying while in the mid-50s to late 60s is still feasible for cost. However, those who are any older find that the premiums are very costly.

Monte said that assisted living is about 40% of the cost of nursing home and helps them conserve their resources for longer use.

“There are incentives to help pay for premiums from New York State and federal tax benefits,” Monte added.

Premiums for long-term health insurance can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per person, depending on coverage level and health. New York will offer a 20% income tax credit and for some people, the federal government will offer a small deduction.

Andrea Graham, long-term care specialist with Upstate Special Risk Services, Inc. in Rochester, said that close to 80% of claims filed occur outside of nursing homes.

“People do not choose to go to a nursing home—ever—when you can pay for the care to stay at home or enter an assisted care facility as opposed to a nursing home,” she said.

It does not have to be through a professional home healthcare agency.

With a hybrid plan, the policyholder can cash in the policy for a qualified claim and pay someone for providing care—even a family member—or pay a home care agency.

Graham said many people manage home care by relying on family members living in the home for things like socialization, housekeeping and cooking, and a visiting professional for help with monitoring health, bathing and dressing.

Graham encourages people to sit down with family members to discuss options and preferences. People with $2 million or more of assets can likely self-fund about three to four years of care without lowering their spouse’s lifestyle. Someone with less should consider coverage.

“The whole thing here is to answer that question, ‘What do I want to do if I should be unable to care for myself?’ Sit down with your family and lay that out. Do I want to stay home? Do I want to make changes or

Page 20 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

downsize to a place with a walk-in shower and one-floor housing? Patio homes are a result of people choosing to realize that at some time in their life, that narrow staircase might not work out,” Graham said.

Living in a nursing home has become especially unfavorable because of the pandemic.

“Families might have been happy with mom being in a facility, but since they couldn’t visit for six months because of COVID, and those living there had no socialization, they go right downhill,” Graham said.

The pandemic has also underscored the challenges of curtailing outbreak of infectious diseases in facilities compared with living at home. Because nursing homes are regulated by the Department of Health—unlike assisted living facilities—residents must accept changes to their living environment such as living with residents who have COVID-19.

To qualify for Medicaid while still protecting assets, people must transfer assets five years before applying for long-term care, although a spouse is permitted to continue living in a house worth $700,000 or less.

On a very limited basis, Medicare may cover the first 100 days of nursing home care, but not any long-term care at home. Long-term care policies kick in once a person cannot perform two of the six activities of daily living: eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, transferring and continence.

Although the costs of long-term care insurance may be high, Dana DeLuca, brokerage manager at Kafl, Inc in Rochester, said that compared with the cost of care, “they’re coming out on top.”

The insurance offers peace of mind and relieves the family of the challenge of providing care.

“One of the biggest things is it is a family issue,” DeLuca said. “People need to assess their long-term care needs, sizing up the likelihood they’ll need it and how much they’ll need and how long and where they want to receive their care. Armed with that information, they can know where that money will come from through policies or assets they have.”

Lizz Ortolani, licensed master’s in social work, is president of Ortolani Services in Irondequoit, and licensed in life, accident and health and certified in Medicare. She said that more people are going for hybrid life insurance policies because of the expense of long-term care insurance.

“It has a critical illness rider and that benefit might be tapped into for long-term care needs,” Ortolani said.

“That way, if they use it for long-term care, it can be used for in-home or institutional care or pays out as a death benefit if it’s not used.”

She added that clients like that the premiums are more affordable and clients are guaranteed to receive benefit from it, either for care or for their heirs.

“If long-term care insurance isn’t used, that investment isn’t paid,” she said. “It’s such a high investment for many people. They both require underwriting so the younger you purchase it, the better the rates. Health conditions affect the rating.”

Golden Years Healthcare Power of Attorney

A

ccording to Psychology Today, the responsibilities of a healthcare power of attorney could include:

Medical Power of Attorney: The Clearer, The Better

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A

s part of end-of-life planning, it is important to complete a healthcare proxy. Named in this document is the medical power of attorney, a person who has the legal authority to make healthcare decisions for you should you be incapable of making them because of an illness or injury. Selecting this person is a decision to make with care.

“It should be someone you know who will be available, whether local or far away but available by phone,” said Carol Brownstein-Evans, Ph.D., professor at Nazareth College. “It should be someone who understands your wishes. A healthcare proxy and the individual can review about life decisions, like DNR orders and what it means.”

The medical power of attorney may also be called a durable power of attorney for healthcare or a healthcare agent. But physician Adam Herman, chief of palliative medicine at Rochester Regional Health, point-

ed out that the role is different from a financial power of attorney, which is someone who can make financial decisions and pay bills for a person who is incapacitated.

“Choose someone who knows your wishes for medical care, how invasive or aggressive you wish to be and what your personal values or religious values would indicate,” Herman said. “Most importantly, choose someone who would respect your decisions for care. It doesn’t have to be a spouse or a family member, although it often is.”

Although it can be helpful, the individual does not have to possess medical knowledge. Trust and a thorough understanding of your wishes is much more important.

Herman encourages people completing a healthcare proxy form to discuss in detail end-of-life care, including artificial supports, resuscitation and quality of life issues.

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who lives close by or someone with medical knowledge, though it’s helpful to the HC team that it’s someone who can be reached easily and knows your wishes.

“Often, emotion can cloud decisions for these people,” Herman said. “When you talk with them, it’s important that they understand that these are your instructions and wishes and that you give them permission to follow the instructions you’ve given them. The clearer you can be, the better. Healthcare proxy doesn’t require a lawyer to make. Designating one requires filling out a form and it does need to be witnessed by two people. Those two people cannot be the people named.”

In addition to the medical power of attorney, a back-up person is also recommended. Younger people tend to choose their spouse and parents; older adults tend to select their spouse and a child. But selecting more than one child can cause rifts if the plans are not made clear.

While most people think of medical power of attorney agents as deciding to “pull the plug” or not, they may also be called upon as a point of contact in case of a hospitalization or outpatient surgery for organizing post-discharge or postoperative care or in case of complications.

• Deciding on medical care, including medical tests, medication, or surgery • Requesting or declining life-support treatments • Authorizing or refusing medication, procedure and pain management • Choosing which hospital, medical facility, nursing home, or hospice is best • Understanding and asking questions about your condition, and available treatment options • Reviewing your medical history or chart • Communicating with your family members about your condition and treatment plan • Requesting second opinions or alternative medical care and treatment options Suggested topics to discuss • Allergies, food and medicine, other • Chronic conditions, any ongoing medical conditions • Previous surgeries, when and why • Current medications, when and why • Medical treatments that you would prefer not to receive, why • End-of-life wishes • Life-support treatments that you would or would not like to receive • What your feelings are regarding mechanical breathing (respirator), cardiopulmonary resuscitation, artificial nutrition and hydration, hospital intensive care, pain management, chemo or radiation therapy, and surgery?

• Would you want antibiotics if you developed a life-threatening infection?

• Would you prefer to remain at home if possible, or be in a hospital or hospice environment?

• Any religious or spiritual wishes

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November 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 21

CALENDAR of HEALTH EVENTS

Nov. 6

Beyond the Sanctuary holds holiday food drive

Beyond the Sanctuary (BTS) at Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church will host its first holiday food drive and is asking the community for help and support.

Donations of non-perishable traditional holiday foods that will be used for holiday baskets can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 6, in the parking lot of BTS and Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 549 Clarissa St., Rochester.

“The Holiday Season is a time of year to reflect on our blessings and to share them with others if we can,” said BTS President and Executive Director Carmen Allen.

“As BTS continues to see an increase in the number of individuals and families who turn to us for help, we’re counting on the kindness of our community to support our goal of providing holiday meals for families to enjoy.”

Allen says the goal is to collect and distribute 1,000 holiday food bas-

kets in November and December.

All donations must be non-perishable, such as: gravy in cans or jars, canned cranberry sauce, boxed potatoes, applesauce, canned fruit and vegetables including potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, and green beans and canned or boxed broth, to name a few products.

For more information, visit www. beyondthesanctuary.org.

Nov. 6, Dec. 11

Free mammogram screenings in Rochester The Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes Region is offering free mammograms for women 40 and older who are uninsured. They will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 6 at Borg & Ide Imaging, 2655 Ridgeway Ave., suite 110, Rochester, and from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Dec 11, at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care, 170 Sawgrass Drive in Rochester.

To confirm eligibility and schedule an appointment, please call 1-877803-8070. For more information, call 585-224-3070.

Myths of Medicaid Planning From 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9.

Online via Zoom.

■

Nov. 16

HLAR hold meeting on cochlear implant The Cochlear Implant Group of Hearing Loss Association of America Rochester Chapter will meet at 7 p.m., Nov. 16, via Zoom. To register and receive advance program notice and the required Zook link, visit cochlearimplantgroup@gmail.com.

An open mic forum will allow participants to share their experiences with cochlear implants and to discuss best practices and emerging technologies. Experienced cochlear implant users and those considering CIs are welcome to attend along with anyone interested in the program. Participants can advise concerning future program topics of interest. Captions will support access to the discussions. .

Lifespan Holds Workshops for Older Adults, Caregivers Lifespan is hosting several free workshops and presentations in November for older adults and caregivers.

Registration is required. Learn more and register at www.lifespan-roch.org/ new-events. The following is a partial list of the courses offered. Visit www.lifespan-roch.org for a complete list, or find our ad placed on pg. 7 of this newspaper.

■ Guided Family Meetings for Challenging Conversations From 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10.

Hybrid (Online via Zoom & In-person at Lifespan) ■ The Pitfalls with Legal Eldercare Planning From 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, Online via Zoom.

■ Medicare Update: 2022 Plans From 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11.

In-person at The Wintergarden at Brickstone by St. John’s., 1325 Elmwood Ave. ■ Stroke Prevention: BE FAST From noon to12:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12. Online via Zoom.

Home Safety Strategies offered by Prevention 1st From 10–11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 15.

In-person at Lifespan.

■

■ Legal Aspects of Caregiving From 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16.

Online via Zoom.

■ Home Care Options From noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17. Online via Zoom.

■ Urban Soul Line Dancing with Lady P From 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17.

Online via Zoom.

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Page 22 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

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Simple and Inexpensive Final Farewells Immediate or Direct Burial

Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are looking for the simplest and least expensive way to dispose of our bodies when we die. We hate the idea of wasting a lot of money on highpriced funerals and would like some advice on some simple and cheap send-offs.

– Simple Seniors

Dear Simple, With the average cost of a full-service funeral running around $11,000 today, many people are seeking simple ways to make their final farewell more affordable. Depending on how you want to go, here are several low-cost options to consider.

Direct Cremation If you and your husband are interested in cremation, a direct cremation is the simplest and least expensive way to go. It includes picking up the body, completing and filing the necessary paperwork, the cremation itself and returning the cremated remains to the family.

There’s no embalming, formal viewing or casket. A simple cardboard box called an “alternative container” is used to hold the body.

Depending on where you live and the funeral home you choose, the average cost for a direct cremation runs between $1,000 and $3,000. If you want additional services beyond what a direct cremation offers, ask the funeral home for an itemized price list that covers the other services cost, so you know exactly what you’re getting. All providers are required by law to provide this.

To locate nearby funeral homes, look in your local yellow pages, or Google “cremation” or “funeral” followed by your city and state. You can also get good information online at Parting.com, which lets you compare prices from funeral providers in your area based on what you want.

If you’re interested in being buried, an immediate or direct burial is the most basic and low-cost option.

With an immediate burial, your body would be buried in a simple container shortly after death, skipping the embalming, viewing and use of the funeral facilities.

If your family wants a memorial service, they can have it at the graveside at your place of worship or at home without the body.

These services usually cost between $1,800 and $3,500, not counting cemetery charges, which can run you an additional $1,000 to $3,000.

All funeral homes offer direct burial.

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Green Burial An eco-friendly green burial is another affordable way to go that costs anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the provider. With a green cemetery burial, the body is buried in a biodegradable coffin or just wrapped in a shroud, without embalming chemicals or a burial vault.

The Green Burial Council (GreenBurialCouncil.org, 888-966-3330) has a state listing of cemetery operators who accommodate green burials, as well as funeral professionals who provide the services.

Anatomical Donation If you’d like to eliminate your cremation or burial costs all together, as well as help advance medical research, you and your husband should consider donating your bodies to science. This option won’t cost you a cent, however, some programs may charge a small fee to transport your body to their facility.

After using your body for medical research projects, anatomy lessons and surgical practice, your remains will be cremated and your ashes will be buried or scattered in a local cemetery or returned to your family, usually within a year.

To locate accredited university medical school body donation programs in your state, see the University of Florida’s U.S. program directory at Anatbd.acb.med.ufl.edu/ usprograms, or call the whole-body donation referral service during business hours at 800-727-0700.

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

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November 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 23

Ask St. Annʼs

By Sister Mary Lou Mitchell

Older Adults Can Find Strength, Peace Through Meditation Do you sometimes feel that all the news is bad and the pressures of life are insurmountable? Well, you’re not alone.

The daily hurdles we all face, coupled with the constant stimulation of the modern world, can feel overwhelming. If you’re an older adult, you may also be dealing with isolation and boredom, particularly in this age of COVID-19. But let me assure you: peace is within reach.

It involves a simple practice for decreasing stress and increasing your sense of well being: 1. Sit in a comfortable position.

2. Focus your attention on one thing. (More on this shortly.)

3. Let go of everything else — thoughts, emotions, worries.

Doing this for 20 minutes at least twice a day r–educes stress, improves health and increases the ability to creatively handle difficulties. It is especially helpful for older adults who are unable to pursue vigorous physical activities that can help fight stress.

The researcher and physician Herbert Benson years ago examined the daily practices of people from various religious faiths, including Buddhist monks, Roman Catholic nuns, and others. He found that these individuals followed the steps above through daily meditation, yoga or prayer. As a result, they all had better than average mental, physical and spiritual health.

The good news is you don’t have to be a monk or a nun to achieve those results! You can do it simply by practicing some form of meditation or relaxation technique in which you focus on a single thing and temporarily tune out everything else. This helps us by decreasing the activity of our sympathetic nervous system (our “fight or flight” response): lowering the blood pressure, reducing stress and sensory overload and calming the mind and body. It’s a way of rejuvenating ourselves so we’re better prepared to handle what life presents us.

What should you focus on?

That’s up to you. It might be an object: a peaceful image, a flower, a

photo of a loved one. It could be a phrase you repeat (a mantra), a Bible verse, a favorite prayer, a line from a poem that brings comfort. Some of the seniors I spend time with at St. Ann’s Community like to focus on the altar in our chapel, which they can see on TV. You might also choose to focus on a relaxing piece of music or your own gentle breathing.

Whatever your choice, the objective is to remove all distractions, clear your mind, and simply be in the moment. In doing this, you’re not denying what’s going on in your life or the greater world, you’re just not focusing on it for a while. Think of it as a stop sign in your mind.

For older adults, meditative practice is one way of offsetting the “three plagues” of aging: loneliness, helplessness and boredom. Try it and I think you’ll find a greater sense of peace, emotional strength and resiliency.

In the mindfulness programs I lead with seniors at St. Ann’s, I often share a poem by Mary Oliver called “Praying” which expresses the beauty of meditation:

It doesn’t have to be the blue iris, it could be weeds in a vacant lot, or a few small stones; just pay attention, then patch a few words together and don’t try to make them elaborate, this isn’t a contest but the doorway into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak.

Mary Lou Mitchell, Sister of St. Joseph, Ph.D., RN, is the director of pastoral care for St. Ann’s Community. She can be reached at 585-697-6446 or mmitchell@ mystanns.com.

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Ask The Social

Security Office

From the Social Security District Office

Five Ways to Apply for Social Security Benefits We continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits. Our website offers a convenient way to apply for benefits online.

You can apply online for: • Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits — You must be at least 61 years and 9 months in age and want your benefits to start in no more than four months. Apply at www.ssa.gov/ retireonline.

• Disability Benefits — You can use our online application, available at www.ssa.gov/disabilityonline, to apply for disability benefits if you: – Are age 18 or older; – Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record; – Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death; and – Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. If your application was recently denied, our online appeal application, is a start-

Q&A

Q: I need proof that I receive Medicare benefits. Where can I get a letter proving that?

A: If you need proof that you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicare, get an instant benefit verification letter online by using your personal my Social Security account.

If you don’t receive benefits, your letter will serve as proof that you don’t receive benefits. If you recently applied for benefits, the letter will make that clear as well. The information on your benefit verification letter will include information that applies to your situation. You can set up your secure, personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Q: I was incarcerated for two years.

Before I was imprisoned, I received SSI benefits. Will my SSI payments start automatically when I am released?

A: No. You must contact your local Social Security office and provide them with information regarding your release dates. In some cases, it may be necessary to reapply for SSI benefits. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov/reentry or contact your local Social Security office.

Q: Will my retirement benefits increase if I wait and retire after my full retirement age?

A: Yes. You can increase your Social Security retirement benefit in two ways:

Page 24 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

ing point to request a review of the determination we made. Please visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/ appeal.html.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — SSI is a federal income program funded by general tax revenues, and helps people who have little or no income and who are age 65 or older, blind or have disabilities.

If you meet certain requirements, you may apply online at www.ssa. gov/benefits/ssi. If you are not able to apply online, call your local Social Security office to apply.

• Medicare — Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, some people younger than 65 who have disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, you should apply for Medicare three months before turning age 65 at www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare.

• Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs — People who need assistance with the cost of medications can apply for Extra Help at www.ssa.gov/i1020.

• You can increase your retirement benefit by a certain percentage if you delay receiving retirement benefits. We will add these increases automatically from the time you reach full retirement age until you start receiving benefits or reach age 70.

• If you work, each additional year you work adds another year of earnings to your Social Security record. Higher lifetime earnings may result in higher benefits when you do retire.

For more information, visit www. ssa.gov/pubs to read, print, or listen to our publication, “When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits.” You also can use our “Retirement Estimator” at www.ssa.gov/estimator to determine your estimated future benefits.

Q: I was speaking with my sister and she told me that she receives half of her spouse’s benefit. Why am I not eligible for benefits from my spouse?

A: If your spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits, you could be eligible for one-half of their benefit at your full retirement age. However, if you worked and are eligible for Social Security benefits on your own record, your own benefit may be higher than what you could be eligible for on your spouse’s record.

If you have questions regarding your eligibility for benefits, please call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Health News Unity Hospital Wins Magnet Designation

ark-Wayne Community hospitals to reach this milestone.

The ANCC awards magnet to `organizations that provide the highest quality of care. The approval process involves a site visit and interviews, as well as quality measures that demonstrate collaboration amongst teams and coordination across specialties. To succeed, nursing teams must have patient-first qualities hard-wired into their culture and values.

Nurses and other healthcare professionals at Unity Hospital recently celebrated a milestone — the hospital achieved its first magnet designation on Aug. 20. Fewer than 9% of hospitals in the U.S. are awarded magnet — the internationally recognized gold standard of excellence in the nursing profession — by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Unity now joins the ranks of Rochester General and New-

Kenneth Schonbachler joins HCR Home Care HCR Home Care has named Kenneth R. Schonbachler as executive director of strategic relationships.

In this role, Schonbachler provides outreach and education regarding home health care services and the critical role these services provide in the rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

Ken Schonbachler In addition to supervising a team of home care coordinators, he also forms strategic, value-added partnerships with highevel community leaders, physicians and health-care executives.

Schonbachler previously served in variety of leadership roles including CEO at Rouse Estate in Youngsville, Pennsylvania, a long-term care community including skilled nursing, licensed home care, personal care, adult and child day care and memory care. He also served as principal at KRS Healthcare Consulting in Buffalo, and senior director, rehabilitation, business development and patient transitions at Visiting Nursing Association of Western New York in Buffalo.

Schonbachler earned an MBA and an Executive MBA from State University of New York at Buffalo, a master’s degree in physical therapy from University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Slippery Rock University.

A licensed physical therapist, Schonbachler resides in Lancaster.

UR School of Nursing dean stepping down Kathy Rideout, who sparked a period of growth and renewed prominence at the University of Rochester School of Nursing in more than a decade as dean, will step down as the school’s top leader effective June 30.

A member of the UR School of Nursing faculty for more than 35 years, Rideout was officially in-

Left Nurses and other health professionals at Unity Health celebrate the magnet designation the hospital received in August.

stalled as the school’s fifth dean in 2012 after serving in an interim capacity the previous year. She was named a vice president at the University of Rochester Medical Center Kathy Rideout (URMC) in 2013 and was appointed to a second five-year term as dean in 2017.

She will return to her role on the faculty as a professor of clinical nursing and pediatrics at the conclusion of the academic year.

A committee led by Eli Eliav, director of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, will soon launch a national search for a new dean.

“Kathy’s leadership will be sorely missed by faculty, staff and students across the University,” said UR President Sarah Mangelsdorf. “She’s been unflinching in her commitment to diversity and inclusion, has recruited record numbers of nursing students, and has forged invaluable partnerships with the University of Rochester Medical Center. The school, the university, and greater Rochester are all better for her service.”

“Kathy Rideout took charge when our nursing school needed fresh leadership, and fostered an educational environment that produces graduates ready to elevate the role of nursing and improve the delivery of patient care,” said physician Mark B. Taubman, CEO of URMC and dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry. “Among her many accomplishments, she can take exceptional pride in the growth and success of the Center for Employee Wellness under her leadership. As deans we strengthened collaboration between the medical center’s nursing education and physician training programs in a way that enhanced both schools and today serves as a national model.

I deeply value Kathy’s professional partnership as well as her personal friendship.”

“I’m extremely honored and blessed to have been able to serve as dean of the greatest nursing school in the world,” Rideout said. “It was a very tough decision not to return for another five years.”

Friendly Home ranked No. 1 nursing home in NYS The Friendly Home has been ranked the No. 1 nursing home in New York state on Newsweek’s list of best nursing homes 2022.

The Friendly Home has appeared on Newsweek’s list of best nursing homes every year since it began publishing it three years ago. This year, the Friendly Home was one of only four Monroe County nursing homes to be included on the list. A total of 450 top facilities across 25 states were ranked, including 55 of the over 600 nursing homes located in New York state.

Newsweek partnered with Statista, a global data research firm, to establish nursing home rankings based on rigorous criteria, including performance data, peer recommendations and response to COVID-19.

“As the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic continue, this amazing achievement reflects our staff’s hard work and dedication to serving residents with excellence and compassion every day. We offer them our sincere and heartfelt congratulations and gratitude,” said Friendly Senior Living President and CEO Glen Cooper. “For over 170 years, the Friendly Home has been a leader in providing outstanding quality care for seniors, and we are extremely proud of Newsweek’s recognition as New York’s No. 1 nursing home.”

In addition to being first on Newsweek’s list of best nursing homes in the state, the Friendly Home received a first quintile (top) ranking from the New York State Department of Health’s Nursing Home Quality Initiative program.

This program recognizes top nursing homes based on quality, compliance and efficiency measures. The Friendly Home also was recently awarded five stars from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest possible rating.

Internal medicine doc joins Canandaigua Medical Group Physician Katie A. Smith of Victor recently joined the internal medicine department at the Canandaigua

Medical Group, 335 Parrish St. in Canandaigua.

Smith received a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences from the Rochester Institute of Katie Smith Technology before graduating as a doctor of osteopathic medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She did her internal medicine residency with Allegheny Health Network, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania., and is a member of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.

Physician joins Victor Family Practice Sumaiya Kabir of Henrietta recently joined Victor Family Practice at 53 W. Main St. in Victor.

Board-certified in family medicine, Kabir is a SUNY Geneseo alumna who graduated as a doctor of osteopathic medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

She is a member of the American Sumaiya Kabir Academy of Family Physicians and the American Osteopathic Association.

Prior to joining Victor Family Practice, she was with Highland Family Medicine in Rochester.

Victor Family Practice is part of F.F. Thompson Hospital and UR Medicine Thompson Health, which currently has 12 primary care locations.

Continued on pg. 27

November 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 25

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Page 26 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021

Health News continued from pg. 25

Killian now overseeing four departments within Thompson UR Medicine Thompson Health recently named Summer Killian of Phelps its director of hospital medicine, advanced surgical services, gastroenterology and obstetrics-gynecology, effective Oct. 25.

Employed by Thompson for 25 years, Killian holds a master’s degree in management from Keuka College and currently serves as the lab’s pre-analytical Summer Killian operations manager. She is a past recipient of the health system’s Shining Star Award, for bringing new business to the lab from additional medical offices, improving patient care and improving employee satisfaction.

Executive Vice President and COO Kurt Koczent said Killian has also been instrumental in opening a number of lab draw stations for Thompson and was a driving force when the lab implemented 100 Lean Six Sigma ideas within the span of one year, improving operational efficiencies.

In her new role overseeing the four above-mentioned departments within F.F. Thompson Hospital, Killian will be working with a team of approximately 80 staff members.

Jewish Senior Life recognizes disability employment awareness month In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Jewish Senior Life is recognizing Project SEARCH, a collaboration with Heritage Christian Services, now entering its fourth year.

NDEAM is held each October to commemorate the various contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized pre-employment program that provides individuals with the skills and experience needed to gain and maintain meaningful employment at Jewish Senior Life or elsewhere in the community.

The program was both funded and brought to the Rochester area by The B. Thomas Golisano Foundation.

The nine-month program is hosted onsite at Jewish Senior Life, and is designed to support total workplace immersion — facilitating a seamless combination of curriculum-based instruction, career explorations, skills assessment and hands-on training through three different internship rotations.

“This year’s class of interns is our most diverse class yet and we are excited for them to learn from our staff and for our staff to learn from

them,” said Christine Van Vessem, vice president of staff development and quality management at Jewish Senior Life.

This particular group of interns has prompted Jewish Senior Life to make some changes to the campus for improved accessibility, including additional sidewalk modifications and adjustments to the public bathroom — specifically, lowering soap dispensers and adding a T-pull handle to more easily close the stall door.

“We have one intern in a motorized wheelchair and one intern who is blind, creating new opportunities for us to gain more knowledge and better understand how we can support them throughout the program,” said Van Vessem. “We are committed to being an inclusive employer and our Project SEARCH program provides a continuous learning environment for us.”

Over the past four years, Jewish Senior Life has enrolled 33 people and 18 have completed a full year.

Of those who have finished, approximately 70% are employed, and 10 are employed by Jewish Senior Life.

Rochester Regional Health opens pediatric COVID-19 testing centers Rochester Regional Health is taking steps to help local children get faster access to COVID-19 testing.

Rochester Regional Health recently announced its new pediatric COVID-19 testing program, designed to direct children who need COVID-19 testing to locations specially outfitted to provide testing quickly, safely and accurately.

“More children than ever need these tests,” said physician Steven Schulz, medical director of Rochester Regional Health Pediatrics in Monroe County. “By offering these testing sites, kids can get the test they need faster while helping our emergency departments, urgent cares and doctors’ offices have greater capacity to care for those experiencing more serious illness or injury.”

Children who have pediatricians employed by or affiliated with Rochester Regional Health are eligible for this program.

The first pediatric COVID-19 testing location opened in October in the Wilson Medical Building, located on the Rochester General Hospital campus, followed by a second location — previously Rochester Regional Health Immediate Care in North Greece, at 470 Long Pond Road. The hours for both locations are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“If your child receives care from an RRH-employed or affiliated pediatrician, and you think they need to be tested for COVID-19, call your pediatrician and ask for a referral,” according to the hospital. All testing is done by appointment.

Currently, the program can deliver test results in 24 to 48 hours, helping children get the results they need sooner. They are using the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test — the accepted test to determine if a child can return to school.

Gilda’s Club Rochester Changes Its Name to Cancer Support Community Rochester

T

o better convey its array of programs and support for people with cancer, Gilda’s Club Rochester has changed its name to Cancer Support Community Rochester.

The new name summarizes what the organization does — providing support, free of charge, to people with all types of cancer as well as their families and friends. An essential complement to medical care, Cancer Support Community Rochester provides support groups, healthy lifestyle programs, workshops, and educational and social programs.

Programs are offered in person as well as virtually.

Along with announcing its new name, the organization also unveiled a new website at cscrochester.org and a new logo, as well as a new sign at its offices located at 255 Alexander St. in Rochester.

“This is an exciting day for our

organization, as we change our name to reflect our understanding that community is stronger than cancer,” said Melinda Merante, CEO, Cancer Support Community Rochester.

“While our name is changing, our mission stays the same. We remain dedicated to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone and that anyone affected by any type of cancer can receive non-medical, emotional and social support, at no cost.”

Named Gilda’s Club Rochester since 2000, the organization was previously known as Cancer Action.

It has served the greater Rochester community since 1959.

People interested in more information about Cancer Support Community Rochester’s programs or support groups can contact the nonprofit atinfo@cscrochester.org or 585-423-9700.

Excellus Medicare Plans Among The Highest Rated In The Nation

T

he Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) annual Star Ratings for 2022 has awarded Excellus BlueCross BlueShield a five-star rating, making it among the highest rated Medicare plans in the nation and in Upstate New York. Ratings are based on quality performance in clinical care and outstanding service to its Medicare members.

CMS awarded Excellus BCBS’s Medicare Blue Choice HMO plans five out of five stars, the highest Medicare star rating, the only Medicare HMO plan serving the greater Rochester area to receive the excellent rating.

Its Medicare Part D prescription drug plans also received a five-star rating. This is the sixth consecutive year the drug plan received this rating. Additionally, the health plan’s Medicare PPO plans maintained 4.5 stars, CMS’ second-highest rating.

“To be recognized with these excellent ratings is a testament to our health plan’s commitment to the health of our Medicare members,” said Sharon Palmiter, vice president for population health strategic programs at Excellus BCBS. The star ratings measure a variety of health benchmarks, including how a Medicare member’s chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are being managed; whether Medicare members are receiving their preventive screenings and vaccines; and whether the plan is teaching members about correctly taking their medications as

prescribed. Member satisfaction and experience with the health plan and its providers are also important measures in the overall quality ratings.

“No health plan can reach this level of quality care without a real commitment to partnering with local health care providers,” said physician Stephen Cohen, senior vice-president and corporate medical director for Excellus BCBS. “Working together, especially through the challenges of the past year, our providers delivered quality care to our Medicare members. These ratings reflect our passion and commitment to help people in our communities live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care.”

Health plan employees from throughout the company are working to assure Medicare members’ needs are met by delivering quality programs and service.

One example, a mobile app where members can send text messages to their care team (i.e., nurses, therapists and more) at any time of day or night. The ability to communicate at the members’ convenience allows the care team to address member health care needs when they need it.

“These quality scores demonstrate our dedication to helping our Medicare members get healthy and stay healthy,” said Palmiter. “We look forward to driving continued excellence in clinical quality and health care experience for our Medicare members in 2022 and beyond.”

November 2021 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 27

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Page 28 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2021