Gv igh 124 dec15 by In Good Health: Rochester's Healthcare Newspaper

in good ‘SUCKERED’

December 2015 • Issue 124

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Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper

Mayor Lovely Warren

That’s the name of the book a Pittsford pediatrician recently released. It’s about how bad sugar can be for your health

Poster Child for a Positive, Healthy Outlook

Is This Toy Safe?

Nearly 150,000 children become injured while playing with toys every year. Be careful before you buy your next toy

INSIDE

Holiday Blues Yoga improves arthritis symptoms, mood. Says who? Researchers at Johns Hopkins

Gwenn Voelckers

It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for some people, the holiday season brings just the opposite: stress, sadness and anxiety. But why? And how to beat the blues. INSIDE

‘Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Those Who Live Alone’

SmartBites: Why Beef Deserves a Shout-Out

High Blood Pressure Nearly half of Americans don’t control it, according to a recent CDC report December 2015 •

Flu Shots Excellus study shows only one in three Upstate New York adults aged 18 to 64 receives an annual flu vaccine. Study suggests this may be a reason why there are so many more cases of the flu in the region

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Nearly Half of Americans With High Blood Pressure Not Controlling It: CDC Big part of the problem is getting people to take medications, stick with them, experts said

early half of Americans with high blood pressure are not properly controlling their condition, increasing their risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease, a new government report shows. About 47 percent of people with high blood pressure have not brought their numbers to a normal range, through either lifestyle changes or medications, according to data published Nov. 12 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. That’s actually a huge improvement: Back in 1999, more than 68 percent did not have their blood pressure under control, the report found. But it’s far short of the federal Healthy People 2020 goal, which calls for fewer than 40 percent of people with high blood pressure to have it uncontrolled by that date, according to the CDC researchers. Experts agreed that the problem

is still significant. “I don’t think we have enough positive information to be cheering,” said physician Patrick O’Gara, executive medical director of the Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Cardiovascular Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “Although the trend is positive, the magnitude of the problem is self-evident. We have a lot of work to do.” High blood pressure is defined as 140 or higher systolic pressure (the top number) and 90 or higher diastolic (the bottom number). Systolic is the pressure of blood in the vessels when the heart beats, and diastolic is the pressure between beats. The overall rate of high blood pressure in the United States has remained constant, hovering between 28 percent and 29 percent, the new report found. Two in three people over the age of 60 have high blood pressure, and one in three people between the ages of 40 and 59 have the condition. What improvements there have been in controlling high blood pressure have not benefited all groups in the United States. Whites are most likely to have their blood pressure under control, close to 56 percent, the CDC report showed. Blacks (48 percent under

control), Asians (43 percent) and Hispanics (47 percent) are all more likely to be living with uncontrolled high blood pressure. A large part of the problem is getting people to start taking blood pressure medications, and then to stay with them, said physician Richard Stein, director of the Urban Community Cardiology Program at the New York University School of Medicine. “Patients don’t like to take drugs,” Stein said. “I don’t like to take drugs. Drugs that don’t have an obvious beneficial effect for me, it’s easier for me to forget to take them.” High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because people often have no immediate symptoms. Prescribing medication to a person who feels well can be difficult, Stein said.

YOU’RE INVITED to our annual

Joint Pain? some orthopaedic conditions require immediate attention. BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS Dr. Raymond Stefanich, M.D. Dr. John Klibanoff, M.D. Dr. Robert Little, M.D. Dr. Michael Colucci, M.D. Dr. Steven Posnick, M.D. We welcome Sam Bean, N.P. who comes with ov––er 17 years of orthopaedic experience to Orthopaaedic Associates of Rochester, P.C.

ULTRA SOUND GUIDED INJECTIONS X-RAY SERVICES ON SITE IN GREECE Greece: 2410 Ridgeway Avenue Penfield: 10 Hagen Drive

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

y a d i l Ho Show

Friday, Dec. 11th. 2 pm

Sonny Brown Band MUSIC OF THE BIG BAND ERA

$50 Eastview Mall gift card giveaway RSVP REQUIRED 315.462.3140 190 Ashton Court Clifton Springs, NY 1.800.819.5791 AshtonPlaceNY.com

December 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Most Adults in Upstate New York Choose to Skip Flu Shots

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Dec. 1

nly one in three Upstate New York adults aged 18 to 64 receives an annual flu vaccine, according to new research released in November by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. While not everyone who avoids the flu shot or nasal spray gets sick, there were about 16,000 confirmed cases among adults aged 18 and older in Upstate New York last year. “I don’t think people take the flu seriously, and they should,” said physician Jamie Kerr, medical director for Excellus Kerr BlueCross BlueShield. “Many refer to every case of the sniffles accompanied by aches and pains as the ‘flu,’ but flu is very specific and can be serious.” Nationwide, flu causes 200,000

HLAA Rochester Chapter December Programs hospitalizations and nearly 24,000 deaths each year. Flu shots and nasal sprays are among the essential benefits that are covered in full under the Affordable Care Act. They are available at many pharmacies and other sites without an appointment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine annually. “When it comes to confirmed cases of the flu, Upstate New York gets more than its fair share,” said Kerr. “With only a quarter of the state’s population, Upstate New York accounts for around 37 percent of the state’s total confirmed cases.” Flu activity usually peaks between December and February, but outbreaks can occur as early as October, and activity can last as late as May. “The beautiful weather we’ve had this fall may have lulled people into thinking that it’s not yet flu season, but it is,” Kerr said.

People affected by hearing loss are invited at Hearing Loss Association of America Rochester Chapter’s two presentations set for Tuesday, Dec. 1. “Hearing Loss Affects Us All: A Panel Discussion” begins at noon and and “Listening to Music With Hearing Loss” is at 8 p.m. Meetings are held in the Parish Hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, East Avenue at Westminster Road, across from the George Eastman Museum. To explore the effect of hearing loss on relationships, an eight-member panel will discuss the realities of living with and retaining amicable communications with a hard of hearing significant other. Hearing loss also affects a person’s ability to enjoy music. “Listening to Music with Hearing Loss” presenter Donald Bataille will talk about the auditory process of listening to music, how our cultural experiences and memory influence acceptance of different types of music, and how our mind responds to the emotion of

Myths About the Flu Vaccine

ommon myths may be the reason why two in three Upstate New York adults don’t get the vaccine. Myth: The flu vaccine isn’t very effective. Fact: While the effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies, it’s still the best way to prevent flu or shorten its duration. Myth: Flu season has already started. It’s too late to get the vaccine. Fact: As long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Myth: I got the flu vaccine last year, so I don’t need it this year. Fact: Strains of viruses can change each season, and a person’s immunity declines over time. Myth: If I get the flu shot now, it won’t protect me through the entire flu season. Fact: Although the immunity provided by the flu vaccine can vary by person, immunity lasts through a full flu season

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music. For more information visit www. hlaa-rochester-ny.org or telephone 585-266-7890. All programs are audiolooped and captioned. Hearing Loss Association of America is a nationwide organization dedicated to advocacy, education and support for people with hearing loss.

Jan. 26

Fibromyalgia support group holds meeting The New Fibromyalgia Group will hold its next meeting from 6:15 – 8:30 p.m., Jan. 26, at the Westside Family YMCA, 920 Elmgrove Road, Rochester. The group will celebrate the Chinese new year with a party and a tea tasting. The public is invited to attend. RSVP three days ahead by calling Melissa Kraemer at 585-341-3290. The Fibromyalgia Support Group offers monthly meetings of friendship, support, and education speakers. Meeting are held the fourth Tuesdays of the month, always at Westside YMCA. For more information, visit newfibrosupport.com

Why are drugstores and pharmacies still selling

for most people. Myth: The flu vaccine can cause the flu. Fact: The flu vaccine can’t give you the flu, because the virus it contains has been inactivated or weakened.

TOBACCO products?

Myth: Washing my hands will protect me from getting the flu. Fact: Frequent hand-washing can help slow the spread of germs that cause the flu, but the single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. To access the Excellus BCBS infographic, “Facts About The Flu Vaccine,” go to excellusbcbs.com/ factsheets. To watch a video about the flu vaccine, go to youtube. com/excellusbcbs.

Serving Monroe and Ontario Counties in good A monthly newspaper published

Health Rochester–GV Healthcare Newspaper

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. © 2015 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. 106 Cobblestone Court Dr., Suite 121 – P.O. Box 525, Victor NY 14564. • Phone: 585-421-8109 • Email: Editor@GVhealthnews.com

Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Writers: Jim Miller, Deborah J. Sergeant, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Chris Motola, George W. Chapman, Jessica Gaspar, Deborah Blackwell, Kathe Healy Advertising: Donna Kimbrell, Anne Westcott Layout & Design: Chris Crocker • Office Manager: Alice Davis 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.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

Young Adult Use of E-Cigs Nearly Double That of Adults More high schoolers use e-cigarettes than smoke cigarettes, according to report

ata from New York state’s 2014 youth and adult tobacco surveys show that 10.5 percent of high school students and 12.7 percent of young adults aged 18-24 use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) — almost double the 5.7 percent rate of e-cigarette use among adults 25 years and older. The data from the state’s first report on e-cigarette use also shows that more high school students now use e-cigarettes than smoke cigarettes. “These new data are alarming because we know that e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems can establish, maintain and strengthen nicotine addition,” said Penny Gugino, director of Tobacco Action Coalition of the Finger Lakes — TACFL. “At a time when cigarette smoking rates among New York youth, young adults and adults are at all-time lows, we certainly don’t want to see an increase in other forms of nicotine use.” E-cigarettes are flooding the market, both in stores and online. The battery-powered devices heat a solu-

tion of flavored liquid nicotine and other chemicals to create an emission that users inhale. Of particular concern, more than half of high school students and young adults who smoke cigarettes also use electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), defined as dual use.

Dual use exposes developing adolescent brains to more nicotine and reinforces addiction. Nicotine use by adolescents has been shown to disrupt developing cognitive abilities, like judgment and reasoning at key periods during the lifetime. The U.S. Food and Drug Admin-

istration currently does not regulate e-cigarettes or the hundreds of differently flavored nicotine liquids used in them. These products do not burn tobacco, but evidence is accumulating that they contain and emit toxins, including cancer-causing formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.

Prescription Drug Use on the Rise in U.S.

ore Americans than ever are taking prescription drugs and they’re using more of them, a new study finds. Fifty-nine percent of adults used prescription drugs in 2011-2012, up from 51 percent in 1999-2000. And 15 percent of them took five or more prescription drugs, an increase from 8 percent in the earlier period, the researchers reported. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), antidepressants and high blood pressure medications saw especially notable jumps in usage, the

study found. “We wanted to create a comprehensive resource on prescription drug use among U.S. adults, and I think that the implications of these trends vary across classes of drugs,” said lead researcher Elizabeth Kantor, who was with the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston at the time of the study. Kantor said an increase in one drug class may mean more people are getting treated for a given condition or may reflect a change in the nation’s underlying health needs.

Physician David Katz, director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center, said the upside to increasing use of modern medications is a decline in the U.S. death rate. Modern medicines are often effective in treating disease and preventing premature death, he said. “But, of course, not dying isn’t the same as truly living, and that leads to the very ominous implications of this trend,” said Katz, who is also president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman

USA is still No. 1

When it comes to the cost of healthcare we’re still No. 1 in the world. In a study by the Commonwealth Fund, comparing costs and outcomes among economically developed countries, the U.S. maintains its No. 1 ranking in cost of care per capita. In 2013, our cost per capita was $9,086. That’s 50 percent higher than the cost per capita of No. 2, Switzerland. Australia, Denmark, Germany, France and Canada were all below $5,000. Japan, the UK and New Zealand were below $4,000 per capita. Again, we are not getting our proverbial bang for the buck. The U.S. did not rank “best” in any of the healthcare outcome measurements such as life expectancy, obesity, infant mortality, etc. Most interesting was the fact we see a doctor an average of four times per year, which was the third lowest among the countries in the study. High deductible plans or lack of insurance may be the reasons why many of us put off seeking care. Sixty-four million Americans reported they have some trouble paying their medical bills, which probably keeps a lot of them from seeking care when they should.

Robot hospital

The first fully digital hospital ($1.7 billion and 656 beds) in North America opened in October in Toronto. In addition to having the most advanced/futuristic technologies and equipment, several areas are served by robots. They transport patients through imaging services, mix chemotherapy drugs in the pharma-

cy, scan drugs to be sure they go to the right patient and deliver medical supplies and food to patients. All of this will surely be coming to your hospital soon.

Women physicians increasing

Thirty-five years ago, only 12 percent of practicing physicians were women. Today, 33 percent of all practicing physicians are women. The 50 percent mark is not far off since 50 percent of medical students over the past few years have been women. Industry observers are anticipating that women physicians will have an increasing impact on healthcare policy, politics, leadership, delivery and payment.

Revolutionary innovations

According to the Cleveland Clinic, we’ve seen these innovations recently: 1. Fast-tracked vaccines. Ebola was nipped in the bud rather quickly thanks to advances in genetic engineering, which gives scientists the ability to quickly target viruses and eradicate them. This will drastically limit the spread of diseases in the future. 2. Genomics. Physicians can target treatments for specific DNA markers of a patient’s disease, getting them into clinical trials matched to their conditions much earlier. 3. Lifelike robotic limbs. You will be able to control them with your mind. However, still being tested and very expensive. 4. Stroke treatment. A tiny wire cage-like device is implanted in blood vessels to catch and remove clots, speeding recovery and increasing the chances of a full recovery from a stroke. December 2015 •

ACA enrollment Health and Human Services estimates about 10 million people will have purchased insurance through the marketplaces in 2015. While officials believe the vast majority will re-enroll next year, HHS isn’t counting on a lot of growth in 2016 for a variety of factors. Individuals drop out when they get employer-based insurance. Some can no longer afford the premiums, even if subsidized. Others are just confused by their plan’s requirements. The biggest factor, however, is that we are down to the “hard core” uninsured or the toughest of the remaining 8 percent to 9 percent still uninsured. The uninsured rate was 17 percent just two years ago.

Population health

As physician and hospital reimbursement transitions away from fee for service to pay for quality or outcome, the emphasis for healthcare providers and their systems will be effective population management of the people for whom they are responsible. According to the director of the Centers for Disease Control, physician Tom Frieden, there is a pyramid model to maximize outcome. The first level of the pyramid is comprised of income, employment, race and education. The second level includes public healthcare interventions like expanded coverage and benefits. The third level includes long-term preventive measures like immunizations and healthy life styles. The fourth level includes clinical interventions for chronic ailments

like hypertension, depression, obesity and diabetes. Education and outreach efforts are the tip of the pyramid. Frieden maintains the third and fourth levels are the most important for population management.

Advance care planning

Remember “death panels”? This cynical and misleading euphemism was part of the uninformed and hysterical criticism of the Affordable Care Act. Fortunately, six years into the ACA, the term has been dropped because there never were “death panels.” Honest and direct discussions between a physician and patient of the realistic options remaining toward the inevitable end of life are standard of care. Too often “heroic” measures are undignified and simply delay the inevitable. Following the lead of Medicare, most insurance plans pay physicians for “advance care planning” which includes discussing advance directives (DNR, ventilators, feeding tubes, etc.), hospice care and other end-of-life issues confronting the patient and their family. Medicare is very clear that advance care planning is at the discretion of the patient. George W. Chapman is a health consultant who operates GW Chapman Consulting in Upstate New York. To reach him, email gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Jeffrey Eisenberg, M.D Pittsford pediatrician writes a book about what he considers one of our greatest threats: sugar Q: What were the precipitating factors that led you to write “Suckered,” your book about the dangers of sugar? A: I think my own health. I went to the doctor in my 40s. He told me I had high blood pressure, my fasting glucose was elevated and my protective HCL cholesterol was low. So I had three of the five criteria that make up what we call metabolic syndrome. It was kind of discouraging because I’d always tried to stay in shape and eat well. I figured it must just be family history. So I went on high blood pressure medication for a while. A couple years ago, I stumbled on to an article that said high consumption of added sugar can cause high blood pressure. Q: You don’t usually see sugar listed in the context of high blood pressure risk. A: Sugar is converted into uric acid which, in addition to causing gout, raises your blood pressure. It also leads to a higher insulin level, which constricts your blood vessels. Q: To be clear, we’re talking specifically about added sugar and not carbs in general? A: Yes, added sugar. So I started reading more of these articles and books. And going back as far as 100 years, you can find a lot of literature written about the dangers of sugar overconsumption and associated disease states. So I started training myself in nutrition. You’d think physicians would be well trained in it, but in my generation at least, we didn’t get much nutritional education. So I took a legal pad to the supermarket and started looking at foods I ate on a daily basis. I was shocked. Q: High-fructose corn syrup? A: The amount of added sugar in any random sampling of food products is astounding. The food industry also hides the sugar. There are over 55 names for added sugar: maltose, corn syrup, cane. They know we’re onto them. But about 80 percent of the 600,000 food items in the supermarket have added sugar. Some of it’s obvious: cookies, desserts, sodas. But about 50 percent of the sugars we consume on a daily basis are hidden. It’s hidden in yogurt. It’s hidden in crackers, sauces, ketchup, even baby food. There’s enough sugar in baby food to qualify it as a milkshake. Page 6

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Q: My question here would be: why does that make sense for them? Is it because it’s cheap? Addictive? A: So there was this fat and lipid phobia that began to emerge in the ‘70s. We were told back then, based on some very faulty research, that consuming fat led to increased cholesterol and subsequent heart disease. Based on those studies, the Senate subcommittee suggested that we lower our fat intake. And so we did. But the food tasted like cardboard. The food industry started to add sugar to substitute for the calories lost by removing fat. We now know that recommendation was one of the greatest health scams of the last century as the incidences of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease have skyrocketed. Fat was never the problem. Sugar was. So it’s everywhere now and, like you suggested, we are biochemically addicted to it. Q: How did you apply this information to your own health issues? A: I started taking sugar out of my diet. I’d be embarrassed to tell you how much sugar was in my diet. That reward center of my brain must have been lighting up like a pinball machine. After about a month, my cravings had subsided, I had more

In the News Pediatrician Jeffrey Eisenberg of Pittsford has recently released a book (“Suckered”) in which he discusses the negative effect of sugar on our diet, calling it one of the country’s greatest threats. “Suckered” is currently available at Amazon and suckered book.com.

energy. I was sharper, more attentive. And my blood pressure was so low, I had to come off my blood pressure meds. All my labs normalized. So I shared this with my patients, many of whom have their own fascinating testimonials. So my own health improvements were probably the last thing that prompted me to write the book. Q: Watching your carbs is a fairly mainstream idea now. You mentioned earlier that the problem was more specifically with sugar. Are we casting too wide a net with our carb phobias? A: Sugar, sucrose, is made up of glucose and fructose. Our bodies are very good at handling glucose. Glucose is used by all the cells in the body. It’s stored in the liver as glycogen for when we need it. Very little of it gets stored as fat, less than 1 percent. Fructose is the Darth Vader of the disaccharide molecule. That’s the one that will kill you over time. It’s completely different. First of all, it has to be metabolized by the liver, and about 30 percent of it gets stored as fat. If you consume a lot of fructose, your liver will start to get sick. Fructose is cheaper and easier to make. It has a longer shelf life. Q: How about fruit, grains, etc? A: You shouldn’t shy away from fruit, which has sugar in the form of glucose and fructose. The fructose is protected by fiber, so your pancreas won’t dump as much insulin into your body right away. Fruit juice, on the other hand, is absolutely terrible. Orange juice is terrible for you. We’re trying to promote a habit of eating less than 25 grams of sugar a day, and you’ve already done that if you drink a glass of orange juice. We can do okay with eating rice, potatoes, breads, bagels and pasta, which are just starches. Starches are just glucose molecules holding hands, assuming

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

sugar hasn’t been added to them. Now, if you overeat them, you’ll gain weight — and if you really overdo it, you can raise your insulin resistance — but you won’t be as metabolically sick as you would be consuming a lot of fructose. Q: What’s the role of insulin in all this? A: Insulin is a storage hormone. It stores excess energy as fat in your fat cells. You’re born with a predetermined number of fat cells. Fat cells love to be full of fat and won’t let go of it so long as insulin levels are high. Insulin levels for hunter-gatherers who mainly eat vegetables, nuts, tubers and meats are probably around two. The average American one is about 9.8. My overweight patients might have one anywhere from 17 to 40. So you see what the problem is. We can’t access our fat and become more and more obese. And what happens to the body when it sees more and more insulin? It starts to ignore it. That’s what insulin resistance is. If it’s bad enough, you become diabetic. Q: So we’re coming at this from the wrong angle when we focus on overeating and lack of activity? A: No one chooses to be overweight. Sugar being addictive and everywhere makes it incredibly hard to get out of the box that we’re in. Our initial response is that these people are eating too much. Or they’re lazy. These are not primary behaviors. They’re secondary to metabolic pathways that are completely botched. Think of it as having three components: one is consumption, one is activity, one is an addictive pathway. It all runs smoothly until insulin and leptin become a problem. Leptin controls those three pathways. If you’re resistant to leptin (it’s produced by fat cells, so fatter people tend to be more resistant to it), or it’s being blocked by insulin, none of those three pathways work correctly. Your brain thinks its starving, so you eat more. You become inactive, because your body thinks its starving and doesn’t have energy to spare. And that dopamine receptor is just firing continuously.

Lifelines Name: Jeffrey Eisenberg, M.D. Position: Pediatrician, private practice Hometown: Norfolk, Va. Education: University of Virginia Affiliations: Strong Memorial Organizations: American Medical Association, Monroe County Medical Society Family: married to wife Tamara. They have three grown children, Byron, Bradley, and Ellie Hobbies: Interval training, cycling, weight lifting, golf

Healthcare: BIG CHANGES AHEAD Things will look a lot different next year By George W. Chapman

ealthcare will continue to go through a major transformation in how care is paid for and delivered next year. Most of the major stakeholders — physicians, hospitals, insurance companies, drug and device manufactures, employers and consumers — are being impacted by the changes. While no one can predict how things will look several years from now, it is safe to say things will look a lot different than they do than today. Here’s what to expect at least for next year. • The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA or ObamaCare) is thelaw of the land and cannot be repealed (there have been almost 60 attempts to repeal all or parts of the ACA). The individual mandate to have health insurance will be more strictly enforced in 2016. The penalties/fines for not having insurance increase substantially. The individual penalty will be the greater of $695 or 2.5 percent of income for individuals. For families it will be the greater of $2,085 or 2.5 percent of income for families. People in lower income brackets — the majority in the uninsured population — are impacted the most by these fines, so the numbers are significant. The penalties are approaching what their out-of-pocket contribution would be if they purchased subsidized insurance on the exchange. Consequently, the number or percentage of uninsured will continue to drop. The uninsured rate was 17 percent in 2013; 12 percent in 2014 and 10 percent in 2015. The percentage of uninsured in the U.S. could drop to just 8 percent in 2016. • More and more seniors will elect commercial Advantage plans over regular government sponsored Medicare next year. In 2015, 31 percent or 17 million of eligible seniors were enrolled in a private Advantage plans. This is expected to grow to 19 million in 2016. Advantage plans cost more than regular Medicare because they have more benefits such as preventive, dental, vision and hearing care. Premiums for both regular Medicare and Advantage plans have been very stable over the past few years and should continue to be stable in 2016. • Commercial carriers will continue to merge in order to accumulate more covered lives, increase their negotiating power and lower their risk. Anthem, the second biggest carrier in the U.S., has announced its intention to purchase Cigna, the fourth biggest, for about $50 billion. If approved by the FCC and Department of Justice, it would create the largest health insurer in the country. Most markets are being dominated by two if not just one commercial carrier. Commercial insurance rates, employer and exchange based, will continue to rise at a faster rate than Medicare. Most commercial plans in NYS will increase premiums about 7-8 percent.

• Not to be outdone by insurance mergers, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions between hospitals and doctor’s practices will continue at an accelerated rate. Hospitals will continue to form comprehensive, clinically integrated systems of care by employing or aligning with physicians. Right now, about 50 percent of all physicians are employed. This percentage is much higher for new physicians. Odds are your primary care physician will be part of a large health system is 2016. You can expect these systems to start “narrowing” or limiting your choice of physicians in order to maintain control and quality. If this sounds familiar, you’re right. Clinically Integrated Networks (C.I.N.) and Accountable Care Organizations (A.C.O.) will eventually morph into what we used to call HMOs. It has been demonstrated that the care delivered by “narrower,” clinically integrated systems with electronic records is typically better than the traditional unintegrated care delivered by an almost unlimited choice of providers. More choice is not necessarily better for the consumer. • You can expect more payments from your insurance company will be based on alternative reimbursement, quality of care or outcome, versus traditional fee for service. Next year, providers can expect at least 10 percent of their payments from insurers will be alternative in nature. In just three years, by 2018, Medicare intends to base 50 percent of their reimbursements to physicians and hospitals on quality or outcome. • In 2016 physicians without electronic health records will begin to feel the pinch from payers. The impact on their patients is that their records won’t be part of a modern, clinically integrated system where physicians and hospitals communicate among themselves in real time. Not having electronic records is a serious disservice to consumers/patients. Alternative reimbursement schemes will place more responsibility on patients for their overall health. Patient compliance will become crucial to a provider’s financial success. Non-compliant patients run the risk of being “fired” by their physician. • Next year you will see more care being delivered via telemedicine as physicians and hospitals systems avail themselves of the technology. Radiology and dermatology have been the trailblazers in telemedicine. Most insurers now pay for telemedicine, which will make it more available to everyone. Being able to “see” an urban-based specialist via telemedicine is a boon to consumers in rural areas where access to specialists has been difficult because of distance. Patients will be able to communicate with their providers and access their records via secure patient portals on the provider’s website. George W. Chapman is a health consultant who operates GW Chapman Consulting in Upstate New York. To reach him, email gwc@gwchapmanconsulting. com. December 2015 •

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11/18/15 4:55 PM • Page 7

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

‘Tis the Season: Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Those Who Live Alone

his column is for all of you who have friends or family members who live alone. While the holidays can be a joyous time filled with laughter, cheer and gift giving, this time of year can also generate feelings of loneliness and anxiety. In my experience, those on their own may be especially susceptible to the “holiday blues.” What can you do to add a little “merry” to the holidays for those who live alone? You can give the gift of time together — probably the most welcome and cherished gift of all. You can also give a thoughtful gift to lift a spirit, safeguard a loved one and warm a heart. Below, I’ve compiled a list of gift ideas for you. Some are practical, others personal, all are designed to put a smile on the face of someone who lives alone:

For fun

• An invitation to join you on New Year’s Eve. This can be a challenging night for those who are newly divorced or widowed. I popped the cork with my sister and her husband after my divorce and was deeply grateful for their invitation to spend the evening together. It got my new year off to a great start. • Tickets or gift

certificates to movies, concerts, art openings or the theater. Include an invitation: “Be my guest.” And insist on doing the driving. • Dancing, cooking or art/craft classes. Do you have a single friend with two left feet? Dancing lessons might be in order. A widowed father who eats supper directly from the container? Consider a cooking class. Or a divorced sister who’s been looking for a creative outlet? A workshop in jewelry-making might delight her. There are so many possibilities!

For safety

• An AAA membership. I don’t leave home without it. A flat tire, an empty tank, a lost key — I’ve been there! This is a gift worth its weight in gold. • Handy tools for emergencies or life’s unexpected moments. Consider a compact no-battery wind-up LED flashlight with a hand crank. This is one of my prized possessions. How about a Swiss Army knife, complete with screwdrivers, scissors, toothpick, and tweezers? It even comes with a nail file and a highly coveted corkscrew. Or, consider a motion-sensor that activates a chime or alarm when a visitor (or new suitor?) arrives. Those of us who live alone need to be prepared for whatever life offers up. • A gift certificate for car washes.

Healthful Holiday Gifts By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

how how much you care this year by treating your friends and family to healthful gifts. Christine Brogan Huber makes a lot of gift baskets for customers at Lori’s Natural Foods in Rochester. “I may do an antioxidant gift basket, including pomegranate,” she said. “Or I do another to ‘beat the flu and cold season’ with Echinacea tea and elderberry syrup.” She suggests aromatherapy bath sales or essential oils to promote relaxation, since “stress is such a big factor in health. Dead sea salts help the skin and help the body to balance and be more calm.” Baskets featuring local or organPage 8

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ic teas are also a big hit, along with local, raw honey. “I pick out one of our relaxing CDs and tuck that in, too. That’s a nice combo,” Brogan Huber said. Because eating a good breakfast helps people resist overeating or making poor food choices later, a breakfast basket can also promote good health. Brogan Huber makes up breakfast baskets with organic pancake mixes, a bag of local coffee blends, local maple syrups and a locally-made granola. The “raw” gift basket includes items such as raw chocolate, dehydrated kale chips and nut mix. “We sold a ton of those last year,”

While not necessarily a “safety gift,” I always feel better when my car is clean (and that can’t help but make me safer on the road). Who doesn’t enjoy a clean, sparkling car? Choose a car wash near your recipient’s home or work place.

For pampering

• An opportunity to be “treated like royalty.” How many of your friends who live alone indulge themselves in luxurious services? My guess is not many, if they’re like me. Who has the time or money? But that’s what makes this the perfect gift! Why not surprise her with a spa certificate for a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure? Or make his day with a certificate for a gentleman’s facial or deep tissue/sports massage. • For women in particular who live alone — fresh flowers delivered. Do you know a single woman who lives by herself? When’s the last time she got flowers? It’s probably been years . . . don’t I know it. So, delight her with a bouquet of roses or tulips — preferably yellow, a color known to evoke the feelings of warmth and happiness associated with friendship. • And speaking of deliveries, check out gift-of-the-month clubs. Coming home alone at any time of

Brogan Huber said. “They’re good gifts for the host or hostess.” While you may think giving healthful gifts a poor choice for people on your list who practice few healthful habits, “it may introduce people to something they may not be looking for,” Brogan Huber said. “Once you try them, you realize you’ve been missing out.” A gift card to a natural food store, community supported agriculture program or fitness store may help encourage healthful habits. Brianna Cooper, an athletic trainer with Finger Lakes Health, recommends giving a physical exercise ball. “They’re super versatile for working out and you can use it as a chair if you sit awhile because it engages the core,” she said. “It lets you work your core, even if you sit in an office all day.” Exercise care when considering

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

year can feel a little empty, but it can really feel lonely during the holidays. Discovering a package on the doorstep can change everything. Go online and check out gourmet gifts and food clubs. You won’t believe the variety of delicious items that can be delivered on a monthly basis: chocolate, hot sauce, cheese, tea, cigars, wine, beer, pastas, olive oil, cookies, popcorn, pancakes, you name it. I love this idea so much, I might treat myself.

For inspiration

• A gift of charity. Making a donation in someone’s name is a gift you can both feel good about. Think about your friend or family member who lives alone. What do they care about? Choose an organization that supports his or her values. • An invitation to join you in a volunteer activity. Helping others is a great holiday tradition. Early on in my solo journey, a dear friend invited me to join her for a holiday gift-wrapping event to support the Humane Society. It felt wonderful to be out of the house and surrounded by other volunteers and staff who embraced the spirit of giving. • A subscription to “In Good Health” and/or “55 Plus” produced by editor and publisher Wagner Dotto. Both periodicals are filled with inspirational articles and trusted health information. Consider gift subscriptions for your friends and family members who live alone. Chances are good your holidays and theirs will be healthier and happier for it. Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive, empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, New York. For information about her upcoming workshops or to invite Gwenn to speak, call her at 585-624-7887, email her at gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com.

giving gifts directly related to weight loss because the recipient may think your present insinuates you disapprove of their weight. Instead, focus on positive aspects of wellness, such as equipment and products that promote health and fitness instead of specific goals such as weight loss. Think about the recipient’s current activities. Walkers may enjoy a FitBit to track steps; however, the device can also track calories, sleep and stress levels. A friend who participates in an exercise class may enjoy a new water bottle, mat, and socks. But giving these to someone who doesn’t work out regularly may appear judgmental. Give gifts such as a gym membership only if the person has explicitly stated the desire for such, especially since it may not be refundable.

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t’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for some people, the holiday season brings just the opposite: stress, sadness and anxiety. But why? Sally J. Rousseau, licensed clinical social worker and marriage and family therapist, offered a few suggestions. Rousseau manages Evelyn Brandon Health Center of Rochester Regional Health System. She said it’s important to distinguish between “the blues” and true depression. “Depression is a clinical state and should be diagnosed by a medical or mental health professional,” Rousseau said. Family members may notice diminished interest in activities previously enjoyed; isolation; altered sleeping or eating habits; distraction and expressions of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts. Seasonal sadness may not qualify as depression, but individuals experiencing them should work through those feelings. And people prone to depression should guard their emotional health, since a blue mood can morph into depression. Rousseau said that the holidays can stir up memories such as sadness over the loss of a loved one no longer present. “The holiday season also creates social obligations; gatherings of friends, co-workers, family members which can be opportunities for support but can also re-ignite old hurts or conflicts especially when use of substances or alcohol is involved,” Rousseau said. The excitement of the season can deepen grief for people mourning a loss. Patricia Lynn Rizzo, licensed clinical social worker in Rochester, encourages grievers to find meaningful ways “to honor our loved ones who can’t be here to celebrate. Do what feels good to you, like keeping a candle lit on your mantle.” Even for those who have experienced closure with the past or who cherish happy memories, the stress of the season can cause emotional issues. Personal expectations generated from a wonderful childhood often form that mile-long to-do list and ratchet up anxiety. Stephanie Gamble is a clinical psychologist who sees patients within UR Medicine’s Strong Behavioral Health program. “The holidays are a prime time for unrealistic expectations, interpersonal conflict, overcommitted schedules, and financial issues, all of which can contribute to symptoms of depression,” she said. It may seem strange that happy childhood memories could cause adults to feel blue, but, recreating the magic as an adult takes lots of rather non-magical work. Many people slide back into the

relationship patterns they had as children when they reunite with their originating family as adults, which can re-ignites old conflicts, according to Chris Pulleyn, licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in Rochester. Within their own family, many feel like they must create an ideal experience for their children. Blended families also experience the stress of meeting others’ expectations, shuttling the children around to the various relatives’ homes. Some people compare their homes and holiday experience with another’s, which can cause friction. To avoid feeling blue, “people have to be aware of their thoughts and feelings,” Pulleyn said. “You can’t work on your mood until you’re aware of your automatic, negative thoughts and the feelings that trigger them.” To minimize stress and the accompanying anxiety, John Michael Aceto, licensed mental health counselor practicing in Rochester, advises clients to prioritize what’s important and let go of the rest. Getting wrapped up in minutia only cranks up stress. Simplifying traditions helps. In Aceto’s family, only children receive gifts. The adults enjoy a nice meal together as their mutual gift. If you want to alter traditions, “telling people your plans is the key,” Aceto said. “Give yourself permission to say you can’t do some things.” Delegate tasks, don’t make everything homemade and take time to do the things you enjoy. If some of your past traditions don’t feel “right” without a missing loved one, Jamie L. Kenyon, licensed mental health counselor practicing in Rochester, recommends starting new traditions to help fill in the void. If getting together with family has proven extremely stressful, Kenyon advises setting a time limit for a visit to give yourself breathing space. “It helps you take care of yourself well rather than add to the stress,” Kenyon said. “The truth is, sometimes in situations like that, you can’t control how someone else is going to be, but what you say in response. It is more self-care related.” In general, maintaining the normal routine of exercise, eating a healthful diet and resting sufficiently can help ward off anxiety. Audrey Berger, therapist and life coach in Brighton, said that not following those steps “all contributes to not feeling as good as people might normally feel. “Maintain as much as your normal routine and self care as possible,” she added. “These are important factors related to mood; they’re very significant.” December 2015 •

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Is the Toy You’re Buying Safe?

Teens Do Listen to Parents’ Advice About Sex: Study

Nearly 150,000 children injured while playing with toys every year, according to a report By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

s you consider the “naughty” and “nice” children on your list, think of safety first. The Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital states that almost 150,000 children become injured while playing with toys every year. What can you do to keep children on your list safe? Rob Kornblum, consumer protection campaign organizer with New York Public Interest Research Group at NYC College of Technology, advises shoppers to follow package labels about age-appropriateness. Simply because a toy appears on the shelf in the baby aisle doesn’t mean it’s safe for small children. Toys may be mislaid or wrongly Adai categorized by store personnel. Kornblum also warns shoppers to watch for hazards such as toys with magnets, small parts, or large toys with small, detachable or breakable parts. For example, a toy purse with rhinestones may not be safe for a toddler because the stones may pop off. “These pose a choking risk for young children,” he said. Anything smaller than 1.75 inch-

es may choke a small child. “Shoppers need to be aware of the chemical content of toys on shelves, as well as other tough-tospot hazards,” Kornblum said. Toys purchased without packaging, such as at a thrift store, craft fair or on eBay, lack age recommendations. In addition to small parts, look for hazards such as lead paint, toxicity (especially for craft projects), strangulation hazards (such as long strings and cords), loud noise levels (if it sounds too loud when near your ear, it’s certainly too loud for a child) and sharp edges and points. Safety hazards also depend upon the child’s maturity level. Some 5-year-olds, for example, still put small objects in their mouths, so “parents should always use their common sense and knowledge of their own child to supplement the label’s age-range guides. “Labels are necessary and helpful, but parents should stay informed so they can take stronger safety precautions.” Kerry Adair, National Electronic Injury Surveillance System coordinator for Geneva General Hospital, provides the Consumer Product Safety Commission in Washington, D.C. with product and injury data that is gathered from charts in the emergency room. She adds to the list lack of flame retardant properties for fabric toys, along with washable, hygienic materials on stuffed toys and dolls. “Look for quality in design and construction in all toys,” Adair said. Cheap, thin plastic comprises many toys at dollar stores. Their brit-

tle plastic tends to snap easily. With wooden toys, look for unfinished, splintery edges. Older isn’t necessarily better. Vintage toys may have sharp edges, worn parts, lead paint, shatter-prone materials and excessive weight. Toy safety standards have changed a lot in the past 50 years. Carefully examine vintage toys before passing them on to this generation. They’re not as accustomed to watching out for hazards—and neither are their parents. Don’t give young children display-only models. For example, a glass figurine of her favorite fairy presents an irresistible temptation. Children want toys to play with, not look at. “Regardless of age, the most important thing is to understand your child’s abilities and see if they match what the toy/game has to offer,” said Elizabeth Murray, osteopathic doctor and pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “If the concept being offered is way beyond the ability of your child, the toy will be frustrating and not enjoyed.” Review toy recall lists. Every year, NYPIRG releases its Trouble in Toyland report at www.nypirg.org to help shoppers know about recalls and other issues. You can also consult The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall list at www.cpsc. gov/en/Recalls/Recalls-by-Product. The CPSC’s Twitter handle @OnSafety also offers real-time product recalls.

eens whose parents talk with them about sex are more likely to wait to have sex and to use birth control and condoms when they do, a new study finds. Although a parent’s voice is only one in the mix of influences, it does have a significant, though small, role in helping their kids avoid sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, the researchers said. And the effect was slightly stronger when moms were the ones doing the talking, the study found. “Communicating about sex can be uncomfortable for both parents and teens, but these conversations are a critical component of helping teens make safe and healthy decisions,” said lead researcher Laura Widman, an assistant professor in the department of psychology at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. “What parents say to their kids about sex matters,” she said. Although the study found an association between having “the talk” about sex with teens and a delay in teens’ sexual activity, the study wasn’t designed to prove a causeand-effect relationship. The report was published online Nov. 2 in JAMA Pediatrics. Teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, are preventable, but remain far too common, Widman said. Parents have an important role in educating teens about sexual health and helping them make safer, healthier decisions when it comes to sex, she said. Regular conversations should start before children become sexually active to ensure that teens understand family values about sex and are equipped to make the best possible decisions, Widman suggested. “Conversations about sex, like conversations about other important health topics for teens deserve thoughtful, honest conversations,” Widman said.

Five Tips for a Healthy Holiday By Matthew Liptak

he holiday season is supposed to be filled with joy, but it can take a lot out of us as we give to others. Planning the best parties, decorating to please, preparing enough and the right food, not to mention getting the right presents—it can be a lot! Take a moment to read these five tips to keep things healthy this holiday. 1) “You can do anything, you can’t do everything” This is advice some give to their children as they raise them, but these are words all of us might want to take to heart as Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa and other holidays approach. Remember to pace yourself. Stress is real and many studies have shown it’s bad for your health. Instead of rushing, rushing, rushing and trying to do too much for too many, consider taking a few things off the list this year. Meaningful visits with a handful of loved ones can be Page 10

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healthier than trying to make everyone happy and stressing yourself out. Special time with your loved ones might just be the best gift you get this year. 2) “A little can go a long way” Good food is one of the best parts of the holiday, but there is an obesity epidemic in the United States. Do you want to be part of it? Think smaller portions and healthier foods. And if you are going to the big dinner or party with delicious treats you can’t avoid, think about eating some healthy snacks and drinking a glass of water before you get to you destination so you aren’t as hungry. It might feel good in the moment, but overindulging on food and drink high in calories and saturated fat is something we all have to come to terms with later. A full holiday doesn’t have to mean a bulging belly. 3) “Walk it off” Most everybody knows exercise

is healthy. But with the holidays it’s easy to put exercise on the back burner when there are so many other obligations. This is a time when you need to exercise the most. And it doesn’t have to be a lot of exercise. If you can do 30 minutes a day, even if it’s broken up into 10-minute intervals, it can provide you with a gift for yourself this holiday season. The National Institutes of Health says that these short walks lower your risk of health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, strengthen your bones and muscles, help you burn more calories and lift your mood. If the weather’s bad outside try the treadmill at a local gym or a mall. Maybe you can buy a gift or two on your way home! 4) “Go au naturel” No, not naked — unless that’s your thing. Try taking 10 to 15 minute breaks when you need them just to be by yourself. And put down the tech. Many of us have a tendency to

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

fill up our moments with technology to feel busy. But according to the Mayo Clinic these 15-minute breaks may refresh you enough to help you get everything done that needs to be done. Take a break, slow your breathing and restore your inner calm. Enjoy the moment! 5) “Remember the reason for the season” For Christians it’s the birth of Jesus, for Jews it’s the miracle of Hanukah, for others it may be heartfelt traditions and a special time with those we love. It really isn’t supposed to be about how big the pile is under the tree or how much fun we feel pressured to have. Remember to enjoy the spirit of the season if you can. And remember there are those who are struggling this holiday too. Helping them might give you a healthier perspective on what matters most.

SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating

Why Beef Deserves a Shout-Out

eef certainly has gotten a bad rap lately. Strike one: Many cuts contain saturated fat, the bad fat linked to heart disease. Strike two: It takes an amazing amount of water (about 600 gallons) to create a single serving, more water than any other protein source. And strike three: Its consumption has recently been linked to cancer. It’s enough to make a grown man or woman who loves beef cry! While I’m not a big beef consumer, I do enjoy a juicy burger or steak on occasion. And my holidays just wouldn’t be the same without beef Wellington. So I am not anti-beef by any means. But I do believe that, as with certain other foods that have both benefits and drawbacks — say, chocolate, wine, cheese and nuts— we should limit our consumption. Both the American Cancer Society and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, agree. I go for beef about once a week because, calorie for calorie, beef packs a powerful nutritional punch. First and foremost, it’s loaded with protein, an essential nutrient for building and maintaining all the tis-

sues and cells in the body. An average 3-ounce portion of lean strip steak, for example, provides about 50 percent of our daily needs. Not bad for only 155 calories! On the B vitamin front, beef rocks with healthy amounts of B6 and B12 (both aid in red blood cell production) and impressive amounts of niacin (good for nervous and digestive systems and converting food to energy). Since many older people suffer from a B12 deficiency — whether through diet or poor absorption — it’s good to know that animal-based foods such as beef are terrific sources of this all-important B vitamin. Consuming beef also boosts your intake of iron, zinc and selenium. Iron carries oxygen and is necessary for the production of energy; zinc fortifies your immune system; and selenium is an antioxidant superstar, gobbling up cell-damaging free radicals. But what about the saturated fat? Yes, beef does have saturated fat; but not all cuts are created equal: some have less saturated fat than a skin-

less chicken thigh, while others rival whale blubber. Since eating foods that contain saturated fats increases our risk for heart disease and stroke, it benefits us to eat leaner cuts (round, chuck or loin in their name) versus fattier cuts (rib-eye, skirt, porterhouse). And the link to cancer? The jury is still out on that one, although the World Health Organization recently classified the consumption of red meat as “probably” carcinogenic to humans. While some research points to the carcinogens that form when red meat is cooked at high temperatures as the culprit, other studies point to heme iron, a molecule found in red meat that may run amuck in the colon. What to do? Most organizations recommend no more than one to two servings of red meat per week.

Helpful tips

Choose lean cuts without a lot of marbled fat. If the fat is along the side of the cut, remove it before cooking. Marinate meat with rich spices and acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice. To limit exposure to the high heat of the grill, the National Cancer Institute recommends precooking meat in the microwave or oven or on the stove for a few minutes.

Pan-Seared Strip Steak with Mushrooms Adapted from Martha Stewart; serves 2-3

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 strip steak center cut (1 lb., 1-inch thick) Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper 8 oz. package portabella mushrooms, sliced 8 oz. package white mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup (or more) low-sodium chicken stock 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon dried thyme Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with parch-

ment paper. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of steak with salt and pepper. Cook steak for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet, transfer to baking sheet and finish cooking in oven for 6-8 minutes (time depends on thickness of steak and how done you like it). While steak is cooking, add mushrooms and garlic to drippings in skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add stock to skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up brown bits. Stir in mustard and thyme, and simmer until sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes. Pour sauce over steak. Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

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Mayor Lovely Warren: A Poster Child for a Positive, Healthy Outlook Buoyed by faith and sincere optimism, mayor finds a balance to move Rochester forward By John Addyman

“There is real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.” — Norman Vincent Peale

n the office of the mayor of Rochester, you have to look hard to find wall space or a countertop without a picture on it. The mayor with family. The mayor with kids and teens (lots of those). The mayor with elected officials. With business leaders. With all kinds of groups. And you have to look incredibly hard to find a photo where the mayor isn’t smiling. Lovely Warren is the city’s 67th mayor — the first female in that office, the second African-American, and the youngest person (she’s 38) to hold the job in modern times. The Rochester resident is married to Timothy Granison. They have a daughter, Taylor, 5. An attorney, she was elected to city council in 2007, was the president of that body three years later, and four years after that, became mayor. Buoyed by her faith, supported by family, and steeped with a native Rochesterian’s grip on the realities of what the city is today, she is nevertheless an unabashed, make-no-excuses, part-of-the-solution enthusiast about the future of the place where she was born and raised. Spend five minutes in that office with all those smiling faces looking at you, and you get a sense that there’s a lot more to what, on the surface, appears to be a superficial, politically developed happy aura. Listen to the mayor for 15 minutes, then 30 minutes, and it’s clear that she is deeply optimistic about where Rochester is headed. If Rochester was a product, you’d buy it from her and never look back. As young as she is, her contact with the history and sensitivities and pride of the city are real and heartfelt. “I talk to young people about the legacy they’re standing on, the shoulders of the people who founded

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren in her office. On the wall behind her, to the left, are photos of her grandfather, who held the Bible for her during her swearing-in at his bedside. He died the next day. our community, and about not being afraid to move forward,” she said. “George Eastman, Susan B. Anthony, Fredrick Douglass, Joseph C. Wilson — all of them had this tenacity and this will to overcome and to make the impossible — what people thought was impossible — actually

possible. “You have to be willing to exude that,” she said, very well aware of her presence and how closely she is watched. “You have to show that this is doable. You have to say, ‘OK, we’ve had our challenges and we will have challenges, but we can’t

just sit down and say, ‘We give up.’ “Giving up is not an option. We have 210,000 people who live here. We can’t give up. You have 1.3 million in the greater Rochester area in the nine-county region: there is no giving up. How do you make life better for all parties concerned? How do you work together to do that? I can’t do it by myself. You have to have partners in the business community, the faith community, the educational community — partners who have that same kind of tenacity, partners who say, ‘This is our community and we’re going to fight for it.’” Fighting takes effort, and she’s leading the charge. That has to weigh on a person. But as many who have seen her for the first time in-person tell her, “You look much better than on TV.” What’s her secret? Exercise? Trips to the gym? Targeted fitness regimen? Not so much. “I should do more,” she admits. She says she tries. “I take the stairs instead of the elevator. I drink a lot of water.” Then how is she glowingly weathering a colossally stressful job? It’s attitude. And faith. Confidence. Enthusiasm. She is a poster child for a positive, healthy outlook. “My strong faith comes from my upbringing, my grandparents, my mother and father — all Christians. I pray a lot. When it comes to the stress part of this job, I often have to take a step back and remember why I’m doing this to begin with. “When I ran for election, to me, it was never about me. I’m an attorney, I was working for the state, on city council — I could have done anything, but it was really about the community and about making Rochester the best city it could be and the best city it could be for our children. When I get stressed out or frustrated I go back to that — if you stay centered on, and focused on, the reasoning behind the decision you make, it’s easier to deal with.”

The shelving in Mayor Lovely Warren’s office is covered with photos and stuffed with budget volumes. Photos courtesy of the City of Rochester Communications Bureau Page 12

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

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Mayor Lovely Warren rappelling down the First Federal Plaza Building in downtown Rochester in May 2014. She did that in support of Boy Scouts of America Seneca Waterways Council’s 21 Stories for Scouts campaign The job and her interaction with people clearly energize her. “I think that a lot of it has to do with being willing to have fun and to smile and laugh,” she said. When she visits a recreation center, she doesn’t stand on the sideline — she plunges right into the activity. Meeting some people on the corner? She wades right in. For Halloween, she videotaped a mayoral dance to help out some young local entrepreneurs. “They asked me if I would support them and learn a dance. I did. In this line of work, have to be willing to smile and laugh and enjoy your constituents and the people you’re serving. If they see the stress and wear and tear on you, it’s transferable, they will feel, “Oh my gosh! Things are so terrible — look at the mayor!’ “Even on tough days I try to smile. I truly believe trouble doesn’t last always. There’s always a silver lining. “You have to be willing to uplift people. Give the hugs when you need to give the hugs. Cry when tears are needed. In order to have a community be optimistic about its future, the person who is leading has to be optimistic and look that way.” “There’s always something in every day when you get pushback, especially as an executive. Some days are rougher than other, so you have to find balance. “Look on my wall and you see the picture of my grandfather, me holding the Bible with him. Below that, is my swearing-in, hand on the Bible [she took her oath of office at his bedside — he died the next day]. “I often go back to their teachings — he and my grandmother were very strong in their faith. I remember when we were young, my grandmother sitting with the young girls around the table, having rap sessions with us, and they always started with

a prayer. I go back to that, often.” Her sense of presence — where she is, where the city has been, what her role has to be — is central. “A lot of good people spent their lives building Rochester,” she said. The city’s problems are well-documented. Too much crime. Too many shootings. Too much poverty. Poor schools. A sense of anomie. In Lovely Warren’s mind, that’s now. It’s not tomorrow. “We’ve reinvented ourselves before. Think about it: Rochester was founded as a flour mill. That was our industry. When that declined, we became manufacturing. Now we’re reinventing ourselves again, around a specific industry. “The people are still here, they just have to believe it’s attainable again. The energy is here. We have to be willing to harness it — get rid of this, ‘We’re afraid to fail.’ If you never try, you can never succeed. In every failure you learn something new, every product you learn something new.” As a participant in Harvard University Institute of Politics for new mayors, Warren wrote something that makes it clear she knew where she was going from the outset: “The future of politics is about having a vision. It’s about being able to look at the most challenged parts of your city, and viewing them through the lens of what they can be, instead of what they are and they always have been. I believe that all people in my city deserve access to good jobs, safe and vibrant neighborhoods and good schools, so I surround myself with people committed to reaching these goals — regardless of what political party they’re in.” Young, female, African-American, well-educated, historically and culturally sensitive, and the mayor of a city, Lovely Warren has a future that is assuredly bright…she’s working hard to take Rochester with her. December 2015 •

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We Are Fat, and Getting Fatter Report shows two in three Finger Lakes region adults (478,000 people or two in three) are either overweight or obese. Problem expected to get worse by 2030

wo in three Finger Lakes region adults (478,000 people) are either overweight or obese, according to a report issued in October by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Excess annual medical spending in the region attributable to overweight and obesity is estimated at $501 million. Overweight and obesity rates here are similar to those found throughout the country and in other parts of Upstate New York. Overweight and obesity rates range from 60.6 percent in the Finger Lakes region to 66.2 percent in the Southern Tier. “The preponderance of overweight and obesity in Upstate New York comes at a cost,” said physician Martin Lustick, Excellus BCBS senior vice president and corporate medical director. “Individuals who are overweight or obese are Lustick more likely to develop serious medical conditions that can affect their quality of life and also contribute to the rising cost of health care.”

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The Excellus BCBS report, “The facts about overweight and obesity rates among Upstate New York adults, 2013-2014,” correlates obesity with arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease and stroke. In addition, obesity is associated with cancer, gallbladder disease and chronic back pain, and new evidence shows that obesity increases the risk of depression. The report also notes that Upstate New York adults who are obese are almost twice as likely (32.1 percent) as those of normal weight (16.2 percent) to be limited in their activities due to physical, mental or emotional problems. Slightly more than a third report having no physical activity in the previous month. Among Upstate New York adults, the highest rates of overweight and obesity are among: • Men (71 percent ), compared to slightly more than half of women (56 percent). • Individuals in the 55 to 64 age group (76.0 percent). • Those who earn $15,000 to $24,999 (71.5 percent). • Those who did not graduate from high school (68.2 percent). The lowest overweight and obesity rate is among college graduates (55.1 percent). • Individuals who are unable to work (80.5 percent). Compared to someone of nor-

mal weight, an overweight individual incurs an estimated $310 in annual incremental health care costs, and an obese individual incurs an estimated $2,005 in annual incremental health care costs. In New York state, overweight and obesity contributes $8.7 billion in excess annual medical costs, including $2.5 billion in excess annual medical costs in Upstate New York. The Excellus BCBS report classifies overweight individuals as those who have a body mass index of 25 to 29.9 and obese individuals as those who have a body mass index of 30 or higher. “People end up in the overweight or obese weight categories when the number of calories consumed exceeds the number of calories used through exercise and normal daily activities,” Lustick said. “Having a sedentary desk job, snacking in front of the TV, consuming too many meals outside the home and indulging in too many sugary foods and drinks are all lifestyle choices that we make and can control,” Lustick said.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

He added that other causes of excess weight include biological, genetic, behavioral, social, cultural and environmental factors, all of which combine to make obesity an extremely complex condition. “Regardless of overweight and obesity causes, the fact remains that the greater an individuals’ weight becomes, the more likely that person is of dying from all causes,” Lustick said. “More alarming still is the prediction included in the report, that New York state’s adult obesity rate, currently at just under 25 percent, is on pace to hit 50 percent by 2030.” To view a video about the report, go to YouTube.com/ExcellusBCBS and click on “Losing weight: A marathon and not a sprint.”

Pregnancy Diaries By Jessica Gaspar

Discover All The Ways We Care

Awaiting Baby’s Arrival Choosing a name, treating high blood pressure and installing a car seat are among the lastminute things before the baby pops out

robably the first most important decision parents will make is the name they give their child. This is something I personally battled early on in my pregnancy. I created two lists of names, one for a boy and another for a girl. There were a few qualities I wanted in my child’s name. First, it had to be strong. Second, it had to be a name I could imagine saying or yelling. Third, I had to picture it atop a résumé header. If I were in public and had to yell out a name like Reese or Hunter, could I even take it seriously? If I were a manager, could I hire someone named Layla or Willow with a straight face? At a time when most people feel compelled to be unique and different, I wanted to err on the traditional side. I’ll admit, my initial list of baby names included Tennessee after author and playwright Tennessee Williams. But, then I remembered even that was a nickname. He was born Thomas Williams III, a nice strong family name. I had the names Genevieve and Antoinette on my list if I had been blessed with a girl. When my own mother was pregnant with me, my parents felt fairly certain I would be a boy. What a surprise that was! With that being said, they also had no girl names chosen. I would have been named after my dad: Timothy Allen Gaspar Jr. I’ve heard this story time and again. My Aunt Joanne who had three boys always wanted a girl, but never did have one. She swore she would name her baby girl Jessica, so that’s how my name was ultimately chosen. I am among nearly 470,000 girls born in the 1980s to bear my name, according to the Social Security Administration. I have decided to name my son a strong family name, which will be officially unveiled when he’s born.

Chronic high blood pressure

Another issue I have been addressing since the first few weeks of pregnancy is my chronic high blood pressure. I mentioned in a previous column I had to switch blood pressure medications from Enalapril to Nifedical due to the pregnancy side effects. Once or twice over the summer, my blood pressure was on the higher end so my doctor began seeing me every two weeks for blood pressure checks. At an appointment in early November, my blood pressure came in at 140/121, which was definitely higher than it ever has been since I began taking blood pressure medication more than 20 years ago. Now, my doctor has been seeing me weekly just to check my blood pressure as well as my urine for any signs of preeclampsia. So far, my blood pressure has been OK and hasn’t been high again. At the time of writing this column, I’m a little more than 32 weeks along. In a couple of weeks, he’ll begin checking to see if I’m dilating at all.

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I’ve also begun packing my bags for the hospital. At my baby shower, my Aunt Joyce gave me a pink nightgown, bathrobe and slippers, so I’ll be taking those along to the hospital with me. My Canon digital camera is also packed along with new batteries. I’ve also got an outfit, some receiving blankets, and a warm fleece suit packed for him. In the Nov. 3 issue of the Democrat & Chronicle, an article reported nearly 87 percent of car seats are improperly installed. In a proactive effort, I combed a list of places that have staff members trained in properly installing child car seats. You can find that list at http://safeny.ny.gov/ seat-per.htm. I went to the North Greece Fire District on Wednesday, Nov. 18 to have my infant car seat installed. December 2015 •

hoacny.com IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

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Yoga improves arthritis symptoms, mood, study finds

randomized trial of people with two common forms of arthritis has found that yoga can be safe and effective for people with arthritis. Johns Hopkins researchers report that eight weeks of yoga classes improved the physical and mental wellbeing of people with two common forms of arthritis, knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study is believed to be the largest randomized trial so far to examine the effect of yoga on physical and psychological health and quality of life among people with arthritis. Results were published in the Journal of Rheumatology. “There’s a real surge of interest in yoga as a complementary therapy, with one in 10 people in the U.S. now practicing yoga to improve their health and fitness,” says Susan J. Bartlett, an adjunct associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins

and associate professor at McGill University “Yoga may be especially well suited to people with arthritis because it combines physical activity with potent stress management and relaxation techniques, and focuses on respecting limitations that can change from day to day.” Arthritis, the leading cause of disability, affects one in five adults, most of whom are under 65 years of age. Without proper management, arthritis affects not only mobility, but also overall health and well-being, participation in valued activities, and quality of life. There is no cure for arthritis, but one important way to manage arthritis is to remain active. Yet up to 90 percent of people with arthritis are less active than public health guidelines suggest, perhaps due to arthritis symptoms such as pain and stiffness, but also because they are unsure of how best to remain active.

Eye drops could clear up cataracts using newly identified chemical chemical that could potentially be used in eye drops to reverse cataracts, the leading cause of blindness, has been identified by a team of scientists from UC San Francisco (UCSF), the University of Michigan (U-M), and Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL). Identified as a “priority eye disease” by the World Health Organization, cataracts — caused when the lenses of the eyes lose their transpar-

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By Deborah Banikowski

Disability: Be Prepared When Disaster Strikes

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ency — affect more than 20 million people worldwide. Although cataracts can be successfully removed with surgery, this approach is expensive, and most individuals blinded by severe cataracts in developing countries go untreated. Reported Nov. 5 in Science, the newly identified compound is the first that is soluble enough to potentially form the basis of a practical eye drop medication for cataracts.

or many of us, preparing for winter involves pulling out heavy coats from the closet and making sure our vehicle is ready for intense weather. Whether your winter brings snow, ice or flooding, you need to be prepared. Preparing for a possible physical or mental disability is the same. Many people don’t think of disability as something that could happen to them. Statistics show the chances of becoming disabled are greater than most realize. Fifty-six million Americans — or one in five — live with a disability. Thirty-eight million Americans, or one in 10, live with a severe disability. A sobering fact for 20 year-olds is that more than a quarter of them will become disabled before reaching retirement age. Disability can happen to anyone. But who is prepared? When disability does happen, Social Security can help people meet their basic needs. Our disability programs provide financial and medical benefits for those who qualify to pay for doctors’ visits, medicines and treatments. You can learn more about how you might be covered if you are disabled at www.socialsecurity.gov/ planners/disability. Social Security pays benefits to people who worked and paid Social

Q&A

Q: If I retire and start getting Social Security retirement benefits at age 62, will my Medicare coverage begin then too? A: No. Medicare benefits based on retirement do not begin until a person is age 65. If you retire at age 62, you may be able to continue to have medical insurance coverage through your employer or purchase it from an insurance company until you reach age 65 and become eligible for Medicare. For more information about who can get Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov. Q: I prefer reading by audio book. Does Social Security have audio publications? A: Yes, we have many helpful publications you can listen to. You can find them at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs. Some of the publications available include “What You Can Do Online,” “How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies,” “Apply Online for Social Security Benefits,” and “Your Social Security Card and Number.” You can listen now at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

Security taxes, but who can no longer work and whose medical condition meets the strict definition of disability under the Social Security Act. A person is considered disabled under this definition if he or she cannot work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The person’s medical condition must prevent him or her from doing work that he or she did in the past, and it must prevent the person from adjusting to other work based on their age, education, and experience. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), our other disability program, is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. You can find all the information you need about eligibility and benefits available to you by reading our publication, “Disability Benefits,” available at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs. While extreme winter weather may not affect all of us, the risk of being disabled and needing help isn’t based on geography. Chances are you know someone who is disabled or perhaps you live with a disability. If you wish to help a friend or family member — or need to plan for disability yourself — visit www. socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Q: How are my retirement benefits calculated? A: Your Social Security benefits are based on earnings averaged over your lifetime. Your actual earnings are first adjusted or “indexed” to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received. Then we calculate your average monthly indexed earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most. We apply a formula to these earnings and arrive at your basic benefit. This is the amount you would receive at your full retirement age. You may be able to estimate your benefit by using our retirement estimator, which offers estimates based on your Social Security earnings. You can find the retirement estimator at www. socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Q: I know that Social Security’s full retirement age is gradually rising to 67. But does this mean the “early” retirement age will also be going up by two years, from age 62 to 64? A: No. While it is true that under current law the full retirement age is gradually rising from 65 to 67, the “early” retirement age remains at 62. Keep in mind, however, that taking early retirement reduces your benefit amount.

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By Jim Miller

How to Guard Against Deadly Aortic Aneurysms Dear Savvy Senior, My father died several years ago, at the age of 76, from a stomach aneurysm, which now has me wondering. What are my risk factors of getting this, and what can I do to protect myself, as I get older? Just Turned 60 Dear 60, Stomach aneurysms, also known as “abdominal aortic aneurysms,” are very dangerous and the third leading cause of death in men over 60. They also tend to run in families, so having had a parent with this condition makes you much more vulnerable yourself. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (or AAA) is a weak area in the lower portion of the aorta, which is the major artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. As blood flows through the aorta, the weak area bulges like a balloon and can burst if it gets too big, causing life-threatening internal bleeding. In fact, nearly 80 percent of AAAs that rupture are fatal, but the good news is that more than nine out of 10 that are detected early are treatable.

Who’s At Risk?

Around 200,000 people are diagnosed with AAAs each year, but estimates suggest that another 2 million people may have it but not realize it. The factors that can put you at increased risk are: • Smoking: Ninety percent of people with an AAA smoke or have smoked. This is the number one risk factor and one you can avoid. • Age: Your risk of getting an AAA increases significantly after age 60 in men, and after age 70 in women. • Family history: Having a parent or sibling who has had an AAA can increase your risk to around one in four. • Gender: AAAs are five times more likely in men than in women. • Health factors: Atherosclero-

sis, also known as hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels also increase your risk.

Detection and Treatment

Because AAAs usually start small and enlarge slowly, they rarely show any symptoms, making them difficult to detect. However, large AAAs can sometimes cause a throbbing or pulsation in the abdomen, or cause abdominal or lower back pain. The best way to detect an AAA is to get a simple, painless, 10-minute ultrasound screening test. All men over age 65 that have ever smoked, and anyone over 60 with a first-degree relative (father, mother or sibling) who has had an AAA should talk to their doctor getting screened. You should also know that most health insurance plans cover AAA screenings, as does Medicare to beneficiaries with a family history of AAAs, and to men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes during their life. If an AAA is detected during screening, how it’s treated will depend on its size, rate of growth and your general health. If caught in the early stages when the aneurysm is small, it can be monitored and treated with medication. But if it is large or enlarging rapidly, you’ll probably need surgery.

AAA Protection

While some risk factors like your age, gender and family history are uncontrollable, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from AAA. For starters, if you smoke, you need to quit — see smokefree. gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for help. You also need to keep tabs on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and if they are high you need to take steps to lower them through diet, exercise and if necessary, medication. 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. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. December 2015 •

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The Mental Health Association Presents:

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Light Therapy Thursday, January 14, 2016 6:00pm - 7:30pm at the Mental Health Association 320 N. Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14607 Many of us experience mood changes with the change of season. In the winter months it has been described as “the winter blues”. Symptoms may be mild for some and more intense for others. Sleep and energy levels may be affected. Attend this FREE presentation to learn about SAD, how it affects overall mental health and how it can be addressed. Our Presenters: Dr. Michael Privitera and Dr. Justin Van Der Meid University of Rochester Medical Center Register by January 8th by phone - (585) 325-3145 Ext. 100 or through our website: www.mharochester.org The Mental Health Association provides information, educational presentations and services that support individuals in maintaining physical & mental wellness

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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H ealth News Jones Memorial, Noyes Health Join UR Medicine After nearly a year of planning, Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville and Noyes Health in Dansville have officially joined UR Medicine. The affiliations have been approved by each organization’s board and will expand UR Medicine’s network to five hospitals, including Strong Memorial, Highland Hospital, and Thompson Health. UR Medicine also has been working with the leadership of St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell to preserve its inpatient services and to obtain state funding to establish a new facility that would emphasize outpatient services but would also provide 15 inpatient beds, for patients with more complex needs. The regional effort involving Jones, Noyes, and St. James Mercy hospitals, working collaboratively with each other and in partnership with UR Medicine, is aimed at strengthening health care services for patients across the Southern Tier, according to a press release. The institutions currently collaborate to bring UR Medicine specialists such as medical oncologists, cardiologists, neurosurgeons and others to all three communities.

“The changes taking place in America’s health care system have significant implications for rural hospitals and the communities they serve,” said University of Rochester President Joel Seligman. “The regional approach of UR Medicine ensures that these hospitals remain the cornerstone of local health care and also an economic anchor for their communities.”

Finger Lakes Psychiatry opens at Thompson Finger Lakes Psychiatry opened Nov. 4 in the Thompson Medical Center at 1160 Corporate Drive in Farmington. Housed in the same building with UR Medicine’s Thompson Health Urgent Care, the private practice will be open by appointment, primarily during weekdays but with some evening and weekend hours available. It’s an extension of Penfield Psychiatry, founded on Penbrooke Drive in Penfield in 2012 by physician Robert A. Stern. Stern, who has practiced psychiatry in the Rochester area for more than 20 years, also has a Greece location. He said the decision to expand into Ontario County came as the result of conversations with

practitioners in the area and his 2014 joining of Thompson’s medical staff in order to provide psychiatric consults for inpatients at Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua.

Wegmans School of Nursing launches three new master’s programs

JCC welcomes new executive director

The Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher College has launched three new master’s level programs designed to provide the skills and knowledge nurse practitioners need to meet critical health care needs within the Rochester community. Graduate level students enrolled in the school of nursing will now have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in the school’s adult/ gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs. These three degrees join two established graduate offerings in the primary care family nurse practitioner and adult/gerontology clinical nurse specialist programs. Dianne Cooney Miner, dean of the school, said that the new programs were created in response to workforce shortages within the health care community, while addressing the need for nurses trained in population-focused, trauma-informed care. Her work with community agencies and involvement in the Rochester-Monroe County Anti-Poverty Initiative, coupled with trends seen in the national health care landscape, prompted Cooney Miner to lead the charge in creating programs that align the curriculum to identified needs within the community. “The curriculum, which provides a clinical-based education, is focused on preparing our students to respond to the health care needs of specific populations,” Cooney Miner said.

Arnie Sohinki has been named the new executive director of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester. He assumed the role Nov. 1 following a national search by a committee which included board members and volunteers within the community. “We were fortunate to attract a person of Arnie’s caliber. Along with a passion for the JCC’s mission, Arnie possesses deep industry knowledge and a drive to create new opportunities within the agency and throughout our community,” said Matt Ryen, president of JCC board of directors. “As our facility continues to undergo an exciting transformation and expansion, Arnie is the perfect choice to lead the JCC.” Sohinki most recently served as senior vice president of program services at the JCC Association in New York. His earlier experiences include serving as chief executive officer of the JCC of Greater Washington and associate executive director of the JCC’s of Greater Los Angeles. He also worked with the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization in several positions in Minneapolis and Atlanta, including supervising summer programs and camps and as Associate International Director in their international office located in Washington. Sohinki succeeds Leslie Berkowitz who retired in November after 19 years of service to the JCC.

IT’S ONLY SUPER IF YOU TAKE IT. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 20 percent of patients fail to fill new prescriptions, and 50 percent of people with chronic health conditions discontinue their medication within six months. If you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, taking your prescriptions as directed is essential to healthy living. So remember: If you’re not taking your prescriptions as directed, you’re taking a chance. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com/ TakeAsDirected.

#TakeAsDirected A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

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December 2015 •

(a not-for-profit enhanced assisted living community).

Come Check out our NEW LPN Rates!!! Resident Assistants & Care Partners – PT & FT eve & nights available. High school diploma or GED req’. Certification as a NYS Home Health Aide req’d. New grads welcome, memory care experience pref’d. LPN’s – FT & PT Evenings & Nights e/o weekend req’d. Graduate of an approved school of practical nursing with current New York State Practical Nursing license. 1 year of experience req’d. RN Nurse Manager – Will perform nursing care while assisting residents w/ medication mgmt. Quality assurance, chart review, staff compliance/ medication admin. training as well as assisting w/ medical assessments to determine appropriate level of care for residents at Wolk Manor. Some on call req’d. NYS RN license & 3-5 yrs. exp. as an Asst. Living or Long Term Care Nurse.

Great benefit package and compensation available! Please apply to: www.jewishseniorlife.org Jewish Senior Life is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran • Drug Free Workplace

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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ELIMINATE VARICOSE VEINS Get healthier (and better-looking) legs You may consider varicose veins a cosmetic issue, but in some cases, they can lead to health complications when left untreated. Whether your varicose veins are caused by aging, lifestyle issues or heredity, our team will find the treatment options that work for you. We’ll reduce your symptoms and prevent complications.

Make an appointment today! We offer services throughout Rochester and the Finger Lakes. Visit RochesterRegionalHealth.org/veins to find a location that’s convenient for you.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2015

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