Gv igh 131 july final by In Good Health: Rochester's Healthcare Newspaper

in good Meet Your Doctor

July 2016 • Issue 131

Things to Do this Summer to Prevent Injuries

Chill Out Hot Flashes Experts suggest ways to cope with the problem

Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper

Mistaken Identity

Interventional cardiologist Jeremiah Depta talks about new, less invasive techniques for treating people with heart conditions, including the use of a device, Watchman, which can help people with high risk of stroke

GVhealthnews.com

priceless

A unique center in Upstate New York, The Gender Wellness Center has seen number of transgender patients skyrocket in one year

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Mental Health & Kids What parents need to do to provide a mentally healthy summer for their kids

The New MIND Diet May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s

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Hot Dogs SmartBite columnist: The good, the bad and the healthy about hot dogs.

July 2016 •

Live Alone & Thrive Author of ‘Live Alone & Thrive’ column gets a new puppy and writes about the importance of touching. ‘Touch: An Essential Ingredient for Those Who Live Alone’ Page 8 IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Americans Living Longer and Better

Improvements in heart and vision care likely behind the progress, study finds

mericans aren’t just living longer, they’re living more years without disabilities, too, a new study shows. Harvard University researchers reviewed federal government data. They found that in 1992, life expectancy for the average 65-year-old was 17.5 additional years, 8.9 of which were disability-free. By 2008, life expectancy for someone age 65 was an additional 18.8 years, 10.7 of which were disability-free. “This suggests, for the typical person, there really is an act beyond work — that once you reach age 65, you can likely look forward to years of healthy activity,” said study co-author David Cutler, a professor of applied economics at Harvard. “So this is good news for the vast bulk of people who can now look forward to healthier, disability-free life, but it’s also good news for medical care because it demonstrates the value of medical spending,” he said in a university news release. The researchers said improvements in vision care and in heart disease prevention and treatment are major factors behind the trend

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toward healthier, longer lives. “There has been an incredibly dramatic decline in deaths and disabilities from heart disease and heart failure. Some of it is the result of people smoking less, and better diet, but we estimate that as much as half of the improvement is because of medical care, especially statin drug treatment, which is both preventing heart attacks and improving people’s recovery,” Cutler said. Cataract treatment is responsible for much of the improvement in vision health. “In the past, cataract surgery was very lengthy and technically difficult. That same surgery today can be done in an outpatient setting, so that complications and disability are significantly ameliorated,” Cutler said. “It used to be that when you turn 70, your occupation became managing your health. Now you can increasingly just live your life,” he concluded. The study is described in a working paper released recently by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2016

New Psoriasis Drug Works Longer Term, Too Moderate-to-severe skin disease improved with Taltz over 60 weeks, study finds

new drug that has shown “unprecedented” effects on the skin condition psoriasis seems to work well in the longer term, too, researchers report. The drug, called ixekizumab (Taltz), was approved in March by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That came after initial trials showed that over 12 weeks, the drug soundly beat standard medication for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The new findings show the benefits are still there after 60 weeks. At that point, about 80 percent of patients were seeing at least a 75 percent improvement in their skin symptoms, the researchers said. So far, ixekizumab has shown “unprecedented efficacy” against more severe cases of psoriasis, said Joel Gelfand, a dermatologist who wasn’t involved in the research. The drug, given by injection, targets an inflammatory protein called IL-17, said Gelfand, who directs the Psoriasis and Phototherapy Treatment Center at the University of Pennsylvania. The FDA approved another IL-17 inhibitor, called Cosentyx, last year.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

July 6 – Aug. 29

Osher to offer classes for the 50-plus learner Thinkers age 50 and older will be able to explore a number of fascinating programs for a discounted rate this summer at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rochester Institute of Technology. The special summer trial membership rate of $75 will allow class goers to take any of the 11 eight-week courses, three four-week courses and eight one-session courses, which run from July 6 to Aug. 29. The Monday and Wednesday eight-week classes, offered between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., include topics varying from “The Genetic Code for Beginners” — learning about the basic concepts of how the code determines the characteristics of each living organism — to “Panama in its Latin American Setting” — examining Panama and its canal in the context of Latin America’s physical, political, social and economic settings. In addition to the eight-week courses, summer members can participate in one-session courses on a variety of topics, including the “Battle of Leyte Gulf,” “The Holy Land: The Palestinian/Israeli Conflict” and “The Sistine Ceiling: A History.” More information about full membership and benefits can be found at rit.edu/osher or by calling Osher is located at the Athenaeum Building, 50 Fairwood Drive, Henrietta. Registration for the 2016 summer session begins June 28. For more information or to register, call 585-292-8989 or visit rit.edu/osher.

July 13

iPhone class at Chapel Oaks to help novices Older adults who want to gain confidence using their iPhones can learn the basics and more through a class at Chapel Oaks, the independent living community on St. Ann’s Irondequoit campus. It is free and open to the public.

“Meet the iPhone” will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 13, at 1500 Portland Ave. The class is taught by Daniel Jones, an independent instructor who specializes in helping older adults learn technology. He will talk about features and benefits of the iPhone, how it works, how to install and use apps, how to call, text, email and use the Internet, among other topics. To register, call 585-697-6604.

Aug. 20

Prostate cancer walk takes place in Rochester The Second Annual S.E.A. Blue Ribbon Walk for Prostate Cancer will start at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 20, at Riverbend Shelter in Genesee Valley Park. Participants are encouraged to wear blue. “Building on last year’s successful event that welcomed participants with blue balloons, blue bracelets and blue ribbons, this year blue surgical gloves and blue facemasks will also be available for even greater impact,” said Patrick Fisher, chapter leader for Us TOO Rochester and event organizer. This two-mile walk provides friends and families with an opportunity to rally around a shared cause or honor someone they know who’s been affected by the disease. There will be exhibits, raffles and games for the kids throughout the event. Since dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, Pups for Prostate Cancer are invited and there will be a prize for the leash that best represents the ‘blue’ theme. However, due to potential summer heat, dog costumes and fur coloring are discouraged and only their decorated leash will be considered for prizes. Registration at the event is $30. Children 13 and under are free. Save $10 and get a free event T-shirt by registering online at www.seabluerochester.org by 6 p.m., July 14. For more information, email ustoorochesterny@gmail.com or call 585-787-4011.

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In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2016 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. 154 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, Chris Motola, George W. Chapman, Jessica Gaspar, Ernst Lamothe, Jr., Tim Fenster, Tanya Peterson, Aaron Gifford, Dustin Maracle (PT), Diane Kane (MD) • Advertising: Donna Kimbrell, Anne Westcott • Layout & Design: Eric J. Stevens • Office Assistant: Michelle Kingsley No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2016

www.chapeloaks.net www.cherryridgecommunity.com July 2016 •

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Heroin Overdoses Climb as Pain Killer Overdoses Drop in the Finger Lakes Region

n analysis by Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency shows that drug addiction is widespread, crossing all demographics and localities in the nine-county region. The spike in heroin overdoses in the region between 2012 and 2014 was accompanied by a marked decline in overdoses from prescription pain medications, according to a study of hospital admissions and emergency department visits by Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency. “Our region is following trends found in other communities,” said physician Thomas Mahoney, chief medical officer for FLHSA. “As access to prescription pain medication has decreased, the Finger Lakes region has witnessed a sharp increase in the use of heroin, which is less expensive and easier to obtain.” Earlier research has shown a strong link between the two types of drug abuse, the FLHSA study noted, citing a 2014 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association that found that 86 percent of study participants first abused prescription pain relievers before moving on to heroin. One contributor to falling overdoses from prescription narcotics in the region is the August 2013 launch of New York State’s I-STOP program, which requires providers to check prescription histories of their patients prior to writing scripts to prevent overuse of prescription drugs. The spike in heroin overdoses can also be linked to the dangerous variation in potency that occurs with unregulated drugs, said Mahoney. “Illegally obtained heroin varies in strength and is frequently adulterated with other narcotics, which contributes to unintentional overdoses and death,” he said. Since 2000, hospitalizations for heroin overdoses have risen 671 percent in the nine-county Finger Lakes region, with most of the increase occurring since 2010, the data showed. The study also found that the growing drug abuse problem spans both urban and rural counties, with the admission rate for heroin overdose increasing 186 percent for the eight rural Finger Lakes counties and an alarming 1,157 percent for Monroe County since 2000. The findings are based on an analysis of hospitalizations and emergency department visits for Finger Lakes residents aged 15 and older from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS).

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Jeremiah Depta, M.D. Interventional cardiologist at RRH excited with new, less invasive techniques for treating people with heart conditions — and with a device, Watchman, which can help people with high risk of stroke Q: Give us an overview of your practice and the types of patients you see. A: I am an interventional cardiologist. Specific to that, I also specialize in treatment of valvular and structural heart disease and newer, less invasive techniques for treating them. Those are primarily the patients that I see. Q: You’ve been working with a new implanted device called the Watchman. Is this like a stent? A: It’s completely different. Watchman is a device that is designed for patients with a condition called atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. That is a heart rhythm problem that causes several things. You can be symptomatic from the rhythm itself. The Watchman device does not do anything to control the rhythm, so that’s a separate issue. The problem with atrial fibrillation is that the atria are not contracting properly, which slows down the blood flow in those chambers. One chamber has a finger-like projection called the left-atrial appendage, which is where the blood flow can really slow down and cause tons of harm. So people with atrial flutter are at a high risk of stroke. The majority of those patients are put on blood thinners. But the problem is that a portion of the population can’t tolerate blood thinners due to their age or bleeding risks. We are now able to put in a device that seals off that left-atrial appendage.

It’s a procedure that takes about an hour and, within 45 days, enables those people to come off of their blood thinners. At the five-year mark, we’ve found that people with the device saw a similar reduction in the rate of stroke, but they tended to live longer than the patients on blood thinners overall due to the lower risk of bleeding. It’s a really exciting device that has just come to market that will be available for a lot of patients. Q: Is the device mechanical or just a plug? A: It basically is like a plug. We work with our rhythm specialists to evaluate these patients and implant these devices. Q: Seeing as you’re an interventional cardiologist: is stroke care becoming more of a cross-specialty thing? A: It is. We work closely with the neurologists. Patients with stroke might have atrial fibrillation or a structural problem with the heart. In some patients it can be difficult to figure out where the stroke is coming from. It could be a hole in the heart that we can close with a clamshell device. So that’s another kind of structural disease we can treat with implants. And it’s another hourlong procedure, although in this case we can send you home the same day rather than keeping you overnight like we would with the Watchman implant. So there’s a lot that we do, along with neurologists, to help prevent stroke. Q: What’s the overall advantage of implantation versus surgery? A: We’re progressing to a point where we are able to do techniques that do not involve any surgery at all, but provide the same results that surgery would involve. The majority of my job is evaluating people with aortic valve disease. This is a good an example of how this works. So aortic valve disease, the majority of people develop severe aortic

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2016

stenosis where the valve becomes calcified and does not move very well. When the leaflets don’t work properly, it puts severe pressure on the heart. Symptoms include shortness of breath and lightheadness. Half the symptomatic population will not survive past the first year. There’s no medicine that can fix the valve. For years, the only option was openheart surgery. Now we can do something called TAVR [Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement] to replace the heart valve by entering through a small incision in the groin. We cross the valve with a wire and we position a metal stent with a tissue valve on the inside, and deploy it, pushing the old valve off to the side. We currently only do this on the highest-risk people but it’s going to become the standard of care very soon. In about a month it’ll be available to about half of patients. Recovery time is minimal. We just had a patient who couldn’t brush her teeth without being out of breath. The day after we performed the procedure, she was walking around the floor and ready to be discharged. This was someone who couldn’t go two steps without being symptomatic. So it’s a really exciting time in cardiology. All these new technologies are rapidly changing the way we practice medicine. Q: What’s the longevity of these devices? A: A tissue valve lasts 10 to 12 years. The TAVR valves are pretty new, but the five-year data from clinical trials showed no difference in durability between a TAVR valve and a tissue valve. In Europe, which predated us by about five years, there is data suggesting that it’s good at the 10-year mark, but the data isn’t as rigorous. We’ll have that data in a couple years. Q: How often do you still have to perform open-heart surgery? A: Since we only perform TAVR on about 10 percent of patients at the moment, about 90 percent of our valve replacements are open-heart surgery. That is because only the highest risk population has FDA approval. The intermediate group is going to be FDA approved in July or August, which will bump that up to about 50 percent of patients.

Lifelines Name: Jeremiah Depta, M.D. Position: Director of the advanced valvular and structural heart disease program at Rochester Regional Health Hometown: Oconomowoc, Wis. Education: Chicago Medical School; Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo., masters of population health science. Career: Intern/resident at Cleveland Clinic, chief medical resident, Cleveland Clinic; Fellow, cardiovascular medicine, Washington University in St. Louis/ Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.; Fellow, interventional cardiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Boston; Fellow, peripheral vascular, structural and valvular intervention Afﬁliations: Rochester Regional Health System Organizations: American College of Cardiology Family: Married, three children Hobbies: Hockey, coaching Ofﬁce: Sands-Constellation Heart Institute, 1415 Portland Ave., suite 350, Rochester

Among U.S. Military, Army Members Face Highest Suicide Risk Firearms implicated in about two-thirds of cases, study finds

uicide rates have been increasing among all active U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army personnel, but those in the Army appear to be most at risk, new research indicates. An analysis of all U.S. military suicides between 2005 and 2011 revealed that the suicide rate among Army members was roughly double that seen among the second highest risk group, the Marines. The investigation further revealed that guns are the principal cause of most military suicides. Firearms were implicated in more than 62 percent of all suicide cases that have a definitive cause of death, the study found. "The trends in suicide are similar to what others have found," said study lead author Andrew Anglemyer, from California State University, Monterey Bay. "The differences in those rates between services are striking, though. Not only are most suicides in the active duty military among the Army personnel, but the

suicide rate among Army personnel is the highest and has been every year since 2006." Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States as of 2010. And the current investigation comes amid a rising suicide rate among military personnel throughout the last 15 years of continual war. In fact, the U.S. military has seen its overall suicide rate nearly double between 2001 and 2011, the researchers said. The latest study looked at suicides among all active-duty enlisted U.S. military personnel as recorded by the suicide data repository. This listing combines information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Death Index, and the Military Mortality Database. The research team identified 1,455 U.S. military suicides between 2005 and 2011. The Army had the highest rates between 2006 and 2011.

There were between roughly 19 and 30 cases of suicide for every 100,000 soldiers. The most commonly held positions were in infantry or special operations, the study found. The lowest suicide rate — nearly 10 suicides for every 100,000 — was seen among both Air Force and Navy personnel in the year 2005, the study showed. Of all the military cases, men accounted for the lion's share of suicides at 95 percent. More than three-quarters of the suicides involved white service members. Marital status didn't appear to exert any influence on suicide risk. The vast majority of suicides (87 percent) involved service members who had no more than a high school education, the research revealed. Across all military branches, the

average age at suicide was 25. The median length of time served by a military member who took his life was four years, the study said.

Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman

Medicare fraud

We are losing more than $60 billion annually to Medicare fraud. While the Affordable Care Act has greatly expanded resources to prevent and detect fraud among providers, it is still difficult to completely stop it. First, Medicare is huge. It is by far the largest healthcare insurer/payer in the country. It receives more than 4.5 million claims daily and pays out over $1 billion to providers daily. Second, Medicare is more “open” (trusting) than commercial insurers. Once an applicant provider meets all the basic requirements, Medicare is obligated to begin processing the claims and paying. Medicare does not physically confirm the existence of all new providers be they a home health agency, medical group, pharmacy or durable medical equipment supplier. In addition to the cost, fraud makes it more difficult for Medicare to make policy or health decisions because a lot of the claims upon which decisions are made are fake/tainted, distorting claims data. How much damage can just one doctor do? In 2012, Dallas physician Jacques Roy bilked Medicare for $375 million through a phony home care company. It is still the largest home care fraud case in the history of Medicare. Most get caught because they get greedy. Roy “enlisted” more than 11,000 beneficiaries to receive home care through his phony company. This number of enrollees was, by far, the most by a single physician in the country. Fraud auditors were immediately suspicious as this came up on their radar. Roy is serving a life term in prison, but most of the $375 million he stole is gone.

Fee for service: phased out

It has long been argued that fee for service or volume payments to physicians and hospitals has produced the wrong incentives and the highest costs in the world. In a FFS environment, there is no incentive to not provide unnecessary care or to focus on long-term outcomes or to coordinate care with other providers. Experts believe the sooner FFS is gone, the better for all. Recently, 52 percent of the members of the New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst’s Insights Council agreed that FFS reimbursements must go and it stands in the way of providing value-based and outcomeoriented care. The switch to value based reimbursement will not only change how physicians practice. Consumers will be increasingly expected to hold up their end of the bargain by eating healthy, exercising and following physician orders.

Primary care doctor salaries up

Although most specialists still earn more, compensation for primary care physicians is improving. According to a reliable and respected national survey of medical practices, primary care compensation has increased 18 percent over the past five years. Specialist compensation rose 11 percent over the same period. This is good news because it should encourage more medical students to pick primary care and alleviate the predicted shortage of primary care providers. The transition from feefor-service to value-based care shifts more responsibility, and therefore more money, toward primary care.

July 2016 •

Family health premium

According to the Milliman Medical Index, health insurance for an average household of four, with an employer-sponsored plan, costs $25,826. This is more than three time the cost of $8,414 in 2001. Employers still pay most of the premium (57 percent) but cost shifting to the employee is increasing. The average household is paying about $11,000 or about 43 percent of the total premium. The “good” news is annual rates of cost increases have dropped from 10 percent years ago to 5 percent in recent years.

Exchange rates up 8 percent

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the average premium on the exchanges rose 8.3 percent, but there was tremendous disparity across the country. Rates went up almost 42 percent in Oklahoma, but fell 12 percent in Indiana. So, the RJW researchers concluded the national average is a fairly meaningless statistic and more attention should be paid to comparing the characteristics of markets with high rates of increases to those with lower rates of increases. Despite the disparities among markets, many predicted the average rate of increase would be in the double digits. Insurers like United are pulling out of the exchanges as the enrollment of sicker and more expensive consumers creates “unsustainable” losses. Some states (Alaska, Alabama, Wyoming so far) will have only one insurer on their exchanges next year. Insurer losses would be mitigated or offset by the enrollment of younger and healthier consumers. But the current penalty for not buying insurance is still far

cheaper than buying premiums; so, younger and healthier people take their chances by foregoing insurance and paying the penalty.

Big Pharma “charity”

You have heard on the ubiquitous drug ads that, “if you are having trouble paying for….. (the particular drug), financial assistance is available.” This seemingly charitable / humanitarian act is done to deflect much deserved criticism for profit mongering and bankrupting the entire healthcare system and to boost sales. To offset the “charity” or discount, drug manufacturers merely increase the prices of their drugs.

Protect your identity

Hackers want to steal your personal information and your identity. Your mobile phone, laptop and router are all access points for thieves. The best way to reduce your risk of being hacked is to frequently change your passwords. The main reason why we don’t do this nearly enough is that we all have several (too many) passwords. Experts remind us that the hassle of changing our passwords pales in comparison to the disruption of life and financial loss if we are hacked.

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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Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Touch: An Essential Ingredient for Those Who Live Alone

s I sit here at my computer writing this column, I can hear my new puppy Scout trotting toward me. She nuzzles my leg and looks up at me with her big, brown eyes, begging for attention and a little touch. My heart swells and I scratch the back of her neck. She bows her head, asking for more, and I happily oblige. I’m such a pushover! Scout asks for what she needs without reservation, without any shame or self-consciousness. She knows what we all know in the deepest parts of ourselves: we need touch to survive. I’m no expert on these matters, but others are, and research has shown that touch is absolutely essential for healthy emotional and physical development. In fact, studies have shown that premature infants who are tenderly touched on a daily basis gain weight more rapidly than those who are not touched. It’s because touch releases certain chemicals in the brain that, in turn, promote the baby’s development. But I don’t need a study to con-

vince me of the value of touch and affection. I have my own “proof,” and it’s revealed to me whenever I am touched or touch another. A friend’s warm hug can lift my spirits, a reassuring hand on my shoulder can hold the demons at bay, even a handshake can be affirming. Those who live alone can often unwittingly, almost unconsciously, neglect this vital component of a happy, healthy life. It’s easy to do, especially if you have a tendency toward isolation or are without a significant other in your life. If that’s the case, I encourage you to take notice. Is touch absent in your life? Has it been weeks or months since you have felt the warmth of an embrace? When was the last time you felt the comfort of a soothing caress? Below are a few tips to “keep in touch.” They have worked for me, and it’s my hope that you, too, will benefit from incorporating positive, loving touch into your life. ■ Become a hugger. If you’re not a hugger, I might suggest you become one, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. A little practice is all it takes. Hugging wasn’t natural for me.

It felt awkward for me to hug relatives, much less friends. I was forever bumping cheeks and leaning right, when I should have been leaning left in an embrace. But years ago, I made a deliberate decision to become a hugger. I intuitively knew I was missing out on this natural form of human expression. The good news? I got better at it over time, and life is sweeter, as a result. It gave me an opportunity to convey love and friendship, and accept it in return. ■ Volunteer to touch. The benefits of “loving touch” are not just for the ones receiving it. Those who deliver it also reap great personal rewards and satisfaction. If you look around, there are plenty of opportunities to administer positive, healthy touch to someone in need. Many hospitals have volunteer “rockers” for newborns, and nursing homes are often looking for volunteers to make personal connections with residents who may not have family nearby. Just an hour talking to a nursing home resident, while applying hand cream, could change his or her day. To volunteer in this way can be a healing act of kindness, one that says that we are in this life together. What soothes one soothes us all. ■ Own a pet. A number of wellknown studies have shown that petting a dog or gently stroking a cat has a calming effect on people, reducing blood pressure and heart rate. Again, I don’t need a study to validate my own experience. Petting Scout or snuggling with her on the couch has an almost immediate and relaxing effect on me. After a long day, almost nothing is as grounding as a few minutes with

t may seem like eye-rolling teens never listen, but a new U.S. government report finds many kids are getting some health messages loud and clear. Smoking among high school students is at an all-time low. Slightly more than one in 10 high schoolers used cigarettes in 2015. That's down from more than one in four in 1991, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in June. However, use of e-cigarettes is up. The survey — called the National Youth Risk and Behavior Survey — included more than 15,000 high school students. A number of factors have conPage 8

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tributed to the decline in smoking, according to Patricia Folan, director of the Center for Tobacco Control at Northwell Health, in Great Neck, N.Y. They include "environmental tobacco bans, increased taxes on cigarettes, anti-tobacco media campaigns, as well as the removal of point-ofsale tobacco advertising from stores," she said. But some teens are replacing traditional cigarettes with electronic ones. Almost one-quarter of high school students said they'd used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. And 45 percent said they'd tried an e-cigarette at least once in their life, the report found.

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 585624-7887, email her at gvoelckers@ rochester.rr.com.

Sun Safety Tips for Babies

KIDS Corner Teen Smoking Down, E-Cigarette Use Up

my affectionate pooch. Feeling bereft of touch? Owning a pet can help you feel connected and comforted. ■ Become in touch with yourself. “Self-touch,” with the goal to sooth, heal or relieve tension is natural, and can be a healthy expression of self-care and an act of self-affirmation. When self-love and pleasure are the intent, something profound and restorative can be the result. ■ Splurge for a massage. I read recently that, “Massage is to the human body what a tune-up is for a car.” Among its many benefits, therapeutic massage can bring relief from anxiety, reduce stress, fight fatigue, and increase your capacity for tranquil thinking and creativity. If you are touch-deprived, this form of safe, non-intimate touch can refocus the body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate itself. Hugging, caressing and soothing touch are natural expressions of friendship and affection, compassion and comfort. We all can benefit — both physically and emotionally — from good, loving touch on a regular basis. It enhances bonding and gives us a sense of belonging and well-being — important essentials for everyone, but especially for those who live alone.

dults know they should cover up with hats, sunglasses and sunscreen when they’re in the sun. But babies’ skin is thinner and more delicate. What are the guidelines for them? UCLA Health pediatrician Jay Joo says the best protection is to avoid direct sun exposure, especially during the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If that’s not possible, follow these tips: • Cover up the baby’s skin with a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves and pants. Make sure the clothing is made of lightweight materials. • If the baby will tolerate wearing sunglasses, you can try that too. • For babies up to 6 months, it

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2016

is OK to apply a small amount of sunscreen to exposed parts of the skin such as the hands. Do a testpatch first to make sure the sunscreen doesn’t irritate their skin. • For babies age 6 to 12 months — and for older children as well — apply a liberal amount sunscreen on all exposed skin. Be sure to apply at least 15 minutes before heading outside. Reapply every two hours and after they swim or sweat. • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30. • If the baby does get too much sun, soothe their inflammation by applying a cool compress or a calamine or aloe-based lotion.

Things to Do this Summer to Prevent Injuries

By Dustin Maracle, PT

s the nice weather rolls in and we quickly forget about the long, cold winter, it's time to get outside and start up all the activities we have missed. But hold on before we jump head-first into the same things we ended with in the fall. Let's discuss five big things we need to do this summer to avoid injuries.

Warm-up Whether your hobbies include walking with your family or pets, planting your vegetable or flower gardens, or outdoor sports like tennis, golf and cycling, the importance of a proper warm up is crucial. A good warm up is essential to properly prepare the body for any activity, as basic or vigorous as it may be. A good warm up has the ability to adequately get blood flow to the muscles, raise the core temperature, and alert certain systems in the body to be ready, and others to relax. Injuries are usually a direct result of going to fast into an activity, without prepping the body for activity.

Stretch Stretching can be done as a part of a good warm up as well as a cool down after an activity. Outdoor activities demand the use of multiple muscle systems working together, and often stress some more than others. Slow, pain free stretching before being active is essential to avoid injury during activity, and can be done for five to 10 seconds. Prolonged holds after exercising or being active should also be done to avoid soreness and muscle strains, and are usually held for up to 30 seconds.

Exercise As we begin to engage in more activity outside this summer, it is important to remember not to forget our usual exercise guidelines. Being more active outside can take the place of some of our indoor exercises, but we still need the same amount of activity to stay healthy. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the general recommendations

July 2016 â&#x20AC;˘

for adults is to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. To avoid an inactive, and injury-prone lifestyle be sure to get in enough exercise in any form you choose!

Energy Conservation Being active and healthy is great, but we are all at different activity levels. Most of us suffer from a more sedentary lifestyle during the winter, so it is important to be cautious when we engage in a new activity. Be careful to work toward new goals, start slow and take breaks when needed. Avoid overuse injuries as a result of repetition the body is unaccustomed to and, most importantly, be cautious of cardiovascular demands of certain activities that can overload the heart and lungs. Stop...rest...repeat!

Drink water It may sound basic, but in my experience no one drinks enough water. The most important thing to do, ac-

cording to recent research, is to drink when thirsty. However, a general guideline put out by the Institute of Medicine, recommends more than 12 cups of water per day for females, and 15 cups of water per day for males. Dehydration and cramping are common causes for injury, so drink up, especially if your caffeine intake is higher.

Dustin Maracle graduated from the University at Buffalo with a doctorate in physical therapy and works at Lattimore Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation Network in Rochester, where he is co-owner and clinical director. To contact him, call 585-582-1330 or email him at dustinmaracledpt@gmail.com.

IN GOOD HEALTH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Canandaigua VA Medical Center Hosts Farmers Market

ith the goal to promote healthier eating choices within the Finger Lakes community, the Canandaigua VA Medical Center is holding a weekly farmers market. Started on June 21, the event will continue from 1:30 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday through Oct. 11. Local vendors will sell fresh fruits and produce in parking lot 1A located in front of building No. 1. The farmers market is open to the general public. For more information, contact Debbie Brahm, at 585-393-7803. The Canandaigua VA Medical Center is located at 400 Fort Hill Avenue, Canandaigua.

U.S. Teen Birth Rate Continues to Fall, Hits New Record Low

he number of babies born to American teenaged girls fell another 8 percent in 2015, reaching a new record low. According to the report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, moms aged 15 to 19 accounted for about 22 of every 1,000 live births in 2015 — down from about 24 per 1,000 the year before. "Most teenagers are not financially or emotionally equipped to be mothers at this point in their lives,"said Jennifer Wu, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Teenage pregnancies present a myriad of social, medical and economic problems," she added, and "most of these pregnancies are unplanned and these mothers miss out on important aspects of prenatal care." Overall, the report from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics saw a continuance of a trend in which American women are having children later in life. Birth rates were also down for women in their early and late 20s, the report found — but were rising for women in their 30s and 40s. About 40 percent of births in 2015 occurred among unmarried women, a number unchanged from the previous year.

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What Kids Need for a Mentally Healthy Summer S

ummer is about to begin in earnest. Those adults who have children in their lives likely have a checklist of summer necessities to keep kids healthy. Sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, Band-aids and other such necessities will help kids stay physically healthy and well through the summer. But what about a checklist for kids’ mental health this summer? What’s necessary to help kids be mentally healthy during the summer months? When we care for our children (whether they’re our own offspring or someone else’s), it’s natural to want them to thrive. “Have a great summer” can take on a new level of meaning, and there can be a great deal of pressure behind that command-style wish. There are certain things all children need in order to experience mental health and well-being and thus have a great summer. Think of the following list as a checklist for a mentally healthy summer.

■ 1 — Kids Need a Sense of Belonging in the Summer to Enhance Mental Health

Prominent psychologists such as Abraham Maslow, William Glasser and others have demonstrated through copious amounts of research that a basic human need is love and belonging. It’s essential for mental health and well-being. For most of the year, school is a major source of belonging for kids of all ages. While kids don’t feel close to everyone at school (and there are some people they’d love to get far away from), school in general provides an important sense of belonging and human connection. When the doors close for the summer, some kids can have a hard time adjusting to a sudden void in their network of connections. Tips to help children adjust and maintain a sense of belonging: • Help them know that if they’re feeling lonely or down, they’re not alone. It’s normal to need some time to adjust to a change, even a good change. • Plan some special activities together. A picnic in a park, a game of catch in the backyard, a night of stargazing — anything that allows

By Tanya Peterson your child to connect with you is excellent. • Allow your child to have friends over, go to friends’ houses, and otherwise connect with kids of the same age. For optimum mental health, kids need connections with peers. It fulfills the need for belonging, and it creates a support network that contributes to the development of resilience.

■ 2 — A Sense of Purpose Gives Kids a Mental Health Boost Throughout the Summer

As much as kids grumble about homework or their classes in school, these things are actually very good for them in a number of ways. Academics aside, school helps kids develop a sense of purpose. A universal question, worded differently across the life span, is “why am I here?” We answer that question by discovering a sense of purpose. School-age kids need to feel a drive, a motivation, a sense of purpose in order to be mentally healthy. Sometimes, the summer months can contribute to feelings of depression or anxiety because of their lackadaisical days. To help kids maintain a sense of purpose, and thus mental wellness, consider these ideas: • Let them help decide and plan activities (with age-appropriate limitations, of course). Allow them to brainstorm things to do, and have them make the plans for it. This can apply to the lunch menu or to a weekend outing. Kids thrive when they are allowed to have some responsibility for what the family does. • Give them age-appropriate chores. Sure, they’ll likely grumble, but behind the rolled eyes is a kid who is developing a sense of purpose, a sense that there are things to do during the summer and that they can contribute to getting them done. That develops self-confidence, an important component of mental health.

■ 3 — Summer Fun is Essential to Kids’ Mental Health

Like belonging and a sense of purpose, fun is actually essential to mental health and well-being. Experiencing fun reduces stress, anxiety and depression, and it increases our connection to others. For kids who are out of school, away from their normal routine, network of sup-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2016

portive adults, and peers, summer vacation can become a drag. Kids can become listless and apathetic or irritable and prone to getting into trouble. Introduce fun for a mentally healthy summer. Fun is a balancing act. Kids need structured fun, such as involvement in sports, clubs, classes and camps. Structure provides routine and a sense of safety. Too much structure, though, can be stifling and stressful, even contributing to anxiety. Kids also need unscheduled time for free play to enhance their mental health. To find this balance: • Decide how much you can spend on structured activities, and research what is available in your area. The older your child is, the more input she can have in this process (other than the budget, of course). Let her help you choose one or a few structured activities • Put together a kit or box for free time. Again, let your child contribute. Being set loose for free time can be overwhelming for kids, resulting in the complaint that there’s nothing to do. Having things on hand for your child to do is helpful in getting them into the fun. You might have noticed that belonging, purpose and fun are interconnected. They exist together, contributing to each other positively. Together, belonging, purpose, and fun help your child have a mentally healthy summer. Children, like adults, are complete and complex creatures. Their skin must be protected from the sun’s rays. Their bodies must be properly nourished and hydrated. And their mental health needs to be cared for as well to help them thrive through the summer and well into next school year. Tanya J. Peterson is a nationally certified counselor, novelist and columnist who uses writing to increase understanding of and compassion for people living with mental illness. Her last book, “My Life in a Nutshell: A Novel” (Inkwater Press, 2014) was awarded a Kirkus Star, an honor given by Kirkus Reviews “to books of remarkable merit.”

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SmartBites The skinny on healthy eating

Hot Dogs: The Good, The Bad and The Healthy

Let’s be frank: When it comes to healthy foods, hot dogs rarely top anyone’s list. They’re processed; they can be high in fat, calories and salt; they’re sometimes made from ingredients we don’t even want to think about; and they’ve recently been linked to cancer. Nonetheless, we Americans love our hot dogs. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, more than 7 billion will be eaten between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with 155 million downed during the biggest hot-dog holiday of the year: July 4th weekend. Whoa, doggies. No wonder July is National Hot Dog Month. Taste aside — and, oh, they can be so delicious! — there must be something else good about them, right? Indeed, hot dogs are a convenient, economical source of protein, supplying on average about 7 grams per link. What’s more, the hot dog itself is not all that caloric, averaging around 150 calories per link, with lower-fat versions boasting a mere 50. (As a comparison, a typical hamburger patty has about 230 calories.) On the other hand, hot dogs are dogged — and rightly so — by several things that do not make them

man’s best friend. To begin, they’re processed; and diets high in processed meats have been linked with cancer, especially colorectal cancer. Also, they’re no slouch in the salt department, with some dogs running over 700 mg per link. Consuming high amounts of sodium contributes to high blood pressure, which can then lead to stroke, heart disease and heart failure. Lastly, many hot dogs teem with fat, including the dreaded saturated fat. Too much fat never does a body good. So, what’s a hot-dog lover to do? Can we teach an old hot dog new tricks? Yes! Thanks to the responsiveness of hot-dog makers to our demands for healthier products, we now have all kinds of healthier hot dogs — from lower-fat turkey and chicken hot dogs to lower-sodium beef hot dogs to uncured hot dogs preserved with celery salt (versus artificial sodium nitrite). The selection at major grocery stores is doggone good.

Healthy tips

Read labels carefully. Opt for healthier “uncured” hot dogs over conventional, highly processed ones, which typically contain low-quality meats, oodles of preservatives and July 2016 •

more fat, calories and salt. Choose varieties that say 100 percent beef, 100 percent chicken, etc. to avoid byproducts. Consider vegetarian versions. Pair with a whole grain bun or pita and add fresh toppings. Most importantly: Eat hot dogs in moderation, as they are processed, and, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, “eating hot dogs every single day is an unhealthy choice.”

Mediterranean Hot Dogs with Pesto and Chopped Tomatoes 4 grilled hot dogs ½ cup prepared pesto 1 – 2 teaspoons reduced-fat mayo 1 large tomato, chopped ½ cup sliced Kalamata olives

1 small onion, chopped (optional) crumbled feta cheese 4 whole-wheat buns In small bowl, blend pesto with mayo. Arrange buns on plates. Spread each with pesto mixture, then top with grilled hot dog. Sprinkle dogs with chopped tomatoes, olives, onions (if using) and cheese. 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.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Part of the team at The Gender Wellness Center in Oneonta are, from left, physicians Diane Georgeson and Carolyn Wolf-Gould (the practice’s founder) and Tania Villa, a registered physician assistant. The one-of-a-kind center opened last year and has seen a surge in number of patients, some coming from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Mistaken Identity

A unique center in Upstate New York, The Gender Wellness Center has seen number of transgender patients skyrocket in one year By Aaron Gifford

arolyn Wolf-Gould found a way to combine her two passions — medicine and social justice. So when the physician expanded her family practice in Oneonta to include a special emphasis on treating transgender patients, she immediately realized that the need for these services was both overwhelming and long overdue. Within a few months, she was seeing dozens of patients of all ages who traveled to the rural college town located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains from all parts of Upstate New York and even neighboring states. “Our practice is completely thriving,” she said. The Gender Wellness Center inside the Susquehanna Family Practice officially opened last year, though Wolf-Gould has been treating transgender patients for nearly nine years now. Since June of 2015, the center’s patient load increased from 180 patients to 350 patients, and some travel from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and the New York City area. Transgender is defined as the mismatch between a person’s assigned sex at birth and their gender identity. Someone who is transgender is not necessarily homosexual, and the classification of transgender is not restricted only to those who are taking steps toward a sex change. Wolf-Gould had been in practice as a family physician for decades before she carved out her niche. The genesis came in 2007 after a patient — formerly female — had just moved to the area to work at one of the colleges and requested a prescription Page 12

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for testosterone. Wolf-Gould had little knowledge of transgender care, but was persuaded to help. “He was so persistent,” she said. “He otherwise had to go to Philadelphia for testosterone. He asked me, ‘Would you be willing to learn?’” Wolf-Gould, who had worked in the Congo as a Peace Corp volunteer, sponsored a school in Mali and set up a free clinic in Oneonta, was more than willing to learn. She soon learned that many providers across the state declined to provide transgender care to patients because it was out of their comfort zone. “People have been turned away from doctors, even for treatment for a broken leg,” Wolf-Gould said. “They were treated like curiosities or mocked. That’s what happened with African-Americans a number of years ago.” “I think patients, in general, are lovely people,” she added. “People come to me because they feel they aren’t living authentically.” The National Center for Transgender Equality conducted a national study that found nearly 20 percent of those surveyed were refused medical care because of their transgender status, and 50 percent indicated that they had to teach their physicians about transgender care. Twenty-eight percent responded that they had postponed medical care due to discrimination issues. The study, which consisted of interviews from 6,450 transgender or gender non-conforming participants across the country, reported that 41 percent of the respondents had previously attempted suicide, and a significant number of them were

fired from a job, bullied in school, had low household incomes, or were the victims of assault. In addition, 53 percent of the respondents reported being verbally harassed or disrespected in public places like retail stores, hotels, restaurants, bus terminals, public offices, courtrooms, hospital emergency rooms and medical offices. Wolf-Gould said medical providers who care for transgender patients often face distrust and suspicion from their peers. “Many doctors think that gender dysphoria is a mental illness or a perversion, and treat these patients with hostility or contempt,” she said. “Transgender patients face terrible discrimination in health care settings because of this. The doctors who treat these patients are often treated in similar ways by their peers — considered quacks, or to be practicing on the fringes. This is mostly because of lack of education about this gender variance.”

Unusual center in Upstate

The Susquehanna Family Practice and the Gender Wellness Center, which is affiliated with Bassett Healthcare Network, is also staffed by Wolf-Gould’s husband, physician Chris Wolf-Gould; with physician Diane Georgeson, Michelle Kutalek (nurse practitioner), Justine Wollner Wise (licensed master social worker), and Susan C. Turell (psychologist). According to its website, the Gender Wellness Center offers primary care and gynecologic care for nonconforming youth

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2016

and adults; cross-sex hormone therapy; evaluation of gender nonconforming youth and treatment with pubertal blockers and crosssex hormones when indicated; referrals for gender confirmation surgeries locally, nationally and internationally; referrals to voice therapists and support groups; preoperative and postoperative care for gender confirming surgeries; and training and mentoring for health care providers with an interest in transgender health. Wolf-Gould said this is the only multi-disciplinary group in Upstate New York that also offers onsite mental health services to transgender patients, and the network has surgeons who have been trained in transgender care. “I think it’s unusual in New York state,” she said. “We offer a good mix.” An Internet search for transgender medical services in Upstate New York indicates there are many physicians who are identified as transgender friendly and offer services such as hormone prescriptions and therapy, but there were no other listings of entire practices specifically for transgender patients. Patient Rebecca Drebert, of Binghamton, made her first trip to the center last year after learning about the practice at a transgender conference in Boston. An Episcopal priest, Drebert was always transgender and legally changed her identity from David Drebert to Rebecca Drebert several months ago. She is undergoing hormone therapy but is undecided if she will eventually get a sex change operation. When Drebert was forced to leave her former position at an Episcopal Church, Wolf-Gould immediately made the trip from Oneonta to Binghamton to support Drebert in her time of need and offered to discuss the matter with congregation members who forced Drebert out of the church. “That’s the kind of person she is,” Drebert said. “She is so very caring about everyone and wants to get the message out that transgender is not all we are. I know physicians, lawyers, mechanics and priests who are transgender. This is an important part of our lives and it’s who we are, but it’s not all we are.” There is no board standard for transgender care specialists, but a new certification program was established last year for medical professionals with no previous experience in this field. Transgender care is in not usually a required part of medical school curriculum, Wolf-Gould says, but gay, lesbian and transgender advocacy groups are pressuring for change. “Medical school doesn’t touch on this right now, but I think that’s going to change,” she said. “I think transgender [care] has become a visible issue in the last couple years.” Wolf-Gould added there is a strong demand to extend her practice well beyond the Oneonta area. She envisions an “Upstate Center for Transgender Excellence” someday, and believes that in the short-term, she and her staff can offer services to patients who live far away via telemedicine technology. “I love the mix of medicine and social justice,” she said. “It’s a beautiful process to watch them be able to live more authentically.”

Women’s HEALTH

Chill Out Hot Flashes By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

f you’re a woman experiencing menopause, hot flashes can become a real nuisance. Drenching perspiration at unexpected times during the day, and sleep disrupting night sweats make many menopausal women miserable. For years, doctors prescribed hormone therapy as the best option for 40-plus menopausal women who wanted relief from hot flashes, along with other menopausal symptoms. However, since a World Health Organization study linked hormone therapy with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer, fewer physicians routinely recommend hormone therapy. But you do have other, non-pharmaceutical choices for minimizing hot flashes, such as changing aspects of your environment. Jamil Mroueh, physician specializing in reproductive endocrinology at OB-GYN Rochester Fertility Care, suggested a few simple steps that can help ward off hot flashes. “Use fans,” he said. “Dress in layers of clothing so they can be easily shed, not one heavy piece. Avoid triggers, like stress. Spicy foods also seem to be a strong trigger.” Many women try herbal remedies such as black kohash, but Mroueh isn’t convinced of their efficacy because of a lack of data. Eating sources of isoflavones may also help minimize menopausal symptoms. Mroueh suggested flax seeds, lentils and whole grains as sources. “There is some study that show they’re helpful and other studies that

show they’re not,” he added. Since including moderate amounts of these nutritious foods in the diet at least can’t hurt, it may be worth a try. Other strategies that some women find helpful include losing weight and exercising, since fatty tissues appear to cause the body to store more estrogen than muscle tissue and exercise may also reduce estrogen, though only one study confirmed the latter. Swimming may provide a good form of exercise since the water may help prevent the increase in body temperature associated with exercise. Mroueh suggested applying a damp cloth to the body as a hot flash comes on, and paced respiration. “It’s easy to learn. There might be some improvement, but only two studies years ago said it could help. It’s more related to stress relief. Relaxation and mind-body based therapy may help.” Sonam Targee, who is trained in ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, owns Ancient Universal Medicine in Rochester. He said that Eastern medicine offers many options. He first advises menopausal women to try the easiest, least expensive methods to tame hot flashes. Taking two gel caps of evening primrose oil two or three times daily with food helps some women. He suggested a breathing exercise that can help. Curl your tongue lengthwise, and inhale through the tube it forms. Exhale through your nose. “Do it for two to five minutes during a hot flash,” Targee said. For those who can’t curl their tongue, breathing in the same way over a flattened tongue may help. “The entire blood volume of the

body goes through the tongue many times in an hour,” Targee said. “When you cool the blood in the tongue, you cool the blood in the whole system, which then cools the skin.” He also recommends taking one teaspoon of aloe vera gel in water upon rising and before bedtime. Natural, plant-based precursors to estrogen can help as well. Targee said that pomegranate juice offers a “subtle estrogenic effect” and recommends one cup mixed with a teaspoon of organic sugar or maple syrup, and five to 10 drops of fresh lime juice. Targee suggested taking half a teaspoon each of shatavari and wild yam, also called vidari, with a few sips of water twice a day after lunch and dinner. As to what to avoid, he said that shunning spicy and acidic foods, red wine, late bedtimes and excessive cardiovascular exercise helps reduce hot flashes (although swimming counteracts the effect). “Don’t keep an intense schedule during menopause,” Targee said. “Rest, do yoga, eat well, sleep well.” Marge Pickering-Picone, owner of Professional Nutrition Services in Webster, is a professional nutritionist with nutrition Institute of America. She blames many menopausal symptoms — including hot flashes —mostly on “nutritional deficiencies, which create this domino effect in the body.” She said that fatigue and night sweats may indicate an imbalance in the woman’s electrolyte levels, for instance.

“Menopause gets a bad rap,” Pickering-Picone said. “We can often take women right through menopause and we can balance their hormones in another way.” She recommends minimizing stress, staying hydrated, keeping electrolytes balanced, eating right, and taking supplements (as needed). “There’s lots of ways to work on the body,” Pickering-Picone said. Before making any changes in diet, exercise or supplementation, it’s important to consult your physician.

Ways Women Can Take Care of Their Tickers Currently, 1 in 4 American women dies from heart disease, CDC says

eart disease is the leading cause of death among American women, but there are a number of preventive measures women can take, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. “The risk of heart disease increases for everyone as they age. For women, the risk goes up after menopause, but younger women can also develop heart disease,” FDA cardiologist Shari Targum said in an agency news release. One in four American women dies from heart disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention. Here, the FDA offers six ways you can reduce your risk: — Control your risk factors. Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease, so it’s important to manage these health conditions if you have them. Talk to your health care provider about an effective treatment plan. — Don’t smoke. If you smoke, try to quit.

July 2016 •

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— Maintain a healthy weight and get regular physical activity. “Walking may be one easy way to start. Talk to your health care provider about how much activity is right for you,” Targum said. — Eat a heart-healthy diet. A diet that’s full of vegetables and fruits and whole grains is good for your heart. Limit the amount of saturated fat and sugary beverages in your diet. — Talk with your doctor about aspirin. Daily use of low-dose aspirin is not right for everyone. Aspirin

can have side effects, so talk with your health care provider first. — Know the symptoms of a heart attack. Symptoms of heart attack in women can be different from those in men. For women they may include shortness of breath; nausea; and an ache or feeling of tightness in the chest, arm, neck, jaw or abdomen. “If you have these symptoms and suspect you’re having a heart attack, call 911,” Targum said. It’s also important for women to work with their health care team to make a plan for their heart health, the FDA recommended.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Women’s HEALTH

How Not to Gain Weight Back After Weight Loss Surgery Studies show many patients gaining weight back after bariatric surgery — experts advise how to keep the weight off By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

or people who are overly obese, bariatric surgery may provide a means to quickly shed weight that threatens their health and hampers their quality of life. However, nearly half the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients in a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in November 2015 reports regaining the weight that they have lost shortly after surgery. Additional studies have made similar findings for other types of weight loss surgery. The key to success lies in viewing the surgery as a tool, not panacea, for weight loss, several local experts said. Anthony DiBenedetto, head of the department of bariatrics at Rochester Regional Health, said that follow-up is what helps patients in his “program” continue their weight loss success. “They need their lab work, follow-up visits to check medication and make sure they’re not on medication that can cause weight gain,” DiBenedetto said. His team also asks about activity level and advises calorie control. But those who revert back to their old habits of inactivity and careless eating see the pounds pile on.

When DiBenedetto notices patients gaining weight, he asks about any stress at home. Patients may need a mental health assessment, more help from a nutritionist or other support. “Keeping everyone on track is basically what we’re about,” he said. His staff monitors electrolytes and ensures patients DiBenedetto obtain all the nutrients they need. “I tell all the patients that 90 percent of this is them and 10 percent is me. Even though you’re having a bariatric operation, you’ll have to be very aware of what you’re eating, you’ll have to exercise. There’s no magic in the operation. It doesn’t take calories out of food. Before they have the operation, they have to be dedicated to a lifestyle change and follow-up.” Sticking with that followup and guidelines is the hardest part, according to Molly Ranney, registered dietitian, certified dietitian nutritionist and certified yoga teacher, in private practice at Breathe

Parenting By Jessica Gaspar

An Unimaginable Loss of a Child

t’s sad. Losing a child. I can’t imagine the pain. I never could. My grandmother used to say it was the hardest thing to overcome, something that both hardens you and softens you at the same time. She would know. She did, after all, bury three of her own kids — two of whom were just little babies. Her firstborn was my “first” Uncle Larry. He was just 2 days old when he died. In fact, they were still in the hospital. They attributed it to SIDS at the time. Thirteen years after losing Larry, my grandmother had a set of twins, Michael and Michele. Uncle Mike Page 14

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died when he was 16 days old. Crib death, they said. Back then, she had a slew of other kids to take care of. In 1967 when Uncle Mike died, my grandmother had five other kids and went on to have a total of 10. My “second” Uncle Larry died when he was just 40 years old. Massive heart attack on Memorial Day 1994. I remember that day vividly even though I was only 10 years old. My cousin, his daughter, had spent the night at my house the night before. My grandmother was never the same. And I don’t mean that just because it sounds like the right thing

in Pittsford. “It’s a higher protein and limited fiber diet,” she said. “The portion sizes are important. You have to make sure you’re not overconsuming. Staying away from simple starches, refined foods, high calorie foods and lower nutritiondensity foods, like diet soda.” Patients are asked to shun the very foods and lifestyle habits that contributed to their obesity. Ranney has worked with gastric bypass patients before surgery. She said that when carefully coached, they tend to do well, but struggle and oftentimes gain weight once they’re on their own. Laura Fasano, vice president for the office of healthy living at YMCA of Greater Rochester would agree that “it’s all about lifestyle change,” she said. “If that hasn’t been a part of the daily routine, eating right and getting daily activity, then you need to get support to do that.” Working with a personal trainer, support group or fitness class can provide more motivation. “It is the most important element,” Fasano said. “At some point, the support and changes you’ve made become the new way of life.”

to say. She cried all the time, drank a lot, and was literally heartbroken. I often wonder how she overcame all of that grief, but she quite literally was a pillar of strength. After a weekend like this past weekend — June 11 and 12 — where the loss of life was overwhelming, I remember my grandmother especially. First I learned my sister’s friends had been the family at Letchworth State Park that went over the lower falls. Her friend’s sons, who were 6 and 9, have died. They drowned. Three other children ranging in age from 4 to 12 were saved by their father and uncle. But two little boys are dead. Gone. You can place blame wherever you think it should lie, but the bottom line is accidents happen when we least expect it. The agony felt by everyone involved is unimaginable. I thought of my own baby boy. My son. I held him all night that night. I cried thinking how I might feel if it had been him, and I hope to God it never is. Then there was the terrorist attack on the Orlando night club. As of today, 49 lives have been taken and more than 50 others wounded. It’s these tragedies that hurt my

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2016

A B C of Weight Loss Surgery Here’s a rundown of the kinds of surgery available: • Roux-en-Y is not reversible. It involves reducing the size of the stomach and attaching the small intestine to it. Patients cannot eat as much food as they used to and their ability to absorb nutrients is limited as well. • Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch removes most of the stomach and bypasses most of the small intestine. Patients cannot eat as much as they could before, and increases the risk for absorption issues. • In laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, the surgeon places a band around the top part of the stomach to separate it into two areas. The tiny pouch in the uppermost part cannot hold much food, so patients eat less. The tightness of the band may be adjusted. Patients may not lose as much weight with this method. • Vertical banded gastroplasty, commonly called “stomach stapling,” surgically divides the stomach to control food intake. The top portion of the stomach empties food into the rest of the stomach. While this slows eating, many patients find they don’t achieve lasting weight loss. • Sleeve gastrectomy, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is like biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, but without changing the placement of the small intestine. By changing the shape of the stomach, patients eat less but may not lose as much weight as with other methods. heart. I think of these poor people, they’re gone. Their parents — how do they go on? I could never even imagine the pain or grief of losing a child. I hope I never experience that, but my heart genuinely goes out to those who have. And my son continues to grow. Checking in at 16 lbs. and 26 inches at his last doctor appointment, little Timmy continues to grow. He’s full of smiles and laughter these days. And, he’s mobile! He’s rolling over all the time. I can’t set him down without watching him anymore, because the last spot I left him in likely won’t be the spot I find him in. I was thinking the other day how he was such an unexpected gift in my life. Fifteen months ago, my life was empty. I was lonely and trying to date. I spent most of my time alone except for work. Nights were the worst because that’s when the loneliness really sank in. But now those are my most favorite times. I get to feed him, read him a story, and then rock him to sleep. My life has been complete, and I’m quite happy with the results!

Women’s HEALTH

In Alignment Pregnant moms can benefit from visit to chiropractor

By Jessica Gaspar

or many pregnant women, back pain can become severe, often exceeding the irritation and trouble caused by morning sickness, especially later in pregnancy. Figures released by the National Institute of Health reports more than 50 percent of women have some form of back pain during pregnancy. The extra weight of the baby plus the change in posture can put excess strain on the ligaments and muscles of the lower back. Though most women report having back pain during pregnancy, only 20 percent of pregnant women complain to their general practitioner or OB-GYN. Even fewer seek relief by way of chiropractic treatment. Many local chiropractors recommend such treatment in pregnant women, but the benefits go beyond general back pain relief. One of those chiropractors is Justine O’Callahan, who runs Monroe County Chiropractic on Five Mile Line Road in Penfield along with John Marini. “While that is important and, of course, no one wants to have back pain at any stage of their life, during pregnancy, we pay extra special attention to the pelvis and all the muscles and ligaments that attach to it. By ensuring the pelvis is in its proper position and that all the anatomy that attaches to it is functioning optimally, we can create the best environment possible for the growing fetus,” she said. While Chili resident Joanna Doell was pregnant, she felt significant pain in her lower back and buttock area. She’d never seen a chiropractor before, and she was unsure what to expect. Since being treated by O’Callahan, Doell’s symptoms have improved. “The pain had been so bad that I was cutting my walks around the block short, and now I’m able to walk with no pain,” Doell said. Dan Quatro of Quatro Chiropractic on Plank Road in Webster agrees prenatal chiropractic care certainly has its advantages, especially since the changes and stresses to a woman’s body during pregnancy are obvious. “I recommend chiropractic care for pregnant moms — and get a number of referrals from obstetricians — to help manage the back pain that can so often be associated with pregnancy,” Quatro said. “The mom’s body releases hormones in the later stages of pregnancy that loosen

the pelvic ligaments to help prepare for delivery. There is good literature to support chiropractic intervention for the management of pregnant moms as well.”

Squashes symptoms

The American Pregnancy Association reports symptoms which may be reduced or completely relieved by regular prenatal chiropractic care include pain in the neck, back, arms, legs, pelvis, and joints as well as nausea and swollen ankles. It is also believed that such care could reduce the time of labor and delivery and may prevent the need for a cesarean delivery. During chiropractic treatment, the care of a pregnant woman is different than for other cases. Of course, one train of thought is how to accommodate a pregnant woman’s belly on the exam table, but expectant moms need not worry. “Some moms-to-be are hesitant to lay on their stomach because they think that position will hurt their baby, but actually the amniotic fluid protects the baby. Plus having the dropout piece on the table and the pregnancy pillow creates a very comfortable, safe position for mom and baby. I think that’s a major reason women don’t think they can go to a chiropractor during pregnancy, because they don’t know how they will lay down,” O’Callahan said. Chiropractors may also use what’s called the Webster technique to create a better balance in the pelvis and reduces stress on the uterus. Larry Webster, a renowned chiropractor who died in 1997, developed this approach. It has also been shown to reposition fetuses from the breech position into the proper vertex position required for a vaginal delivery. While the benefits are proven, the APA recommends expectant mothers still consult their respective primary care physician or obstetrician before seeing a chiropractor.

July 2016 •

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

Meet Your Provider on Breast Tomosynthesis (3D mamogram)

Borg & Ide Imaging Q.: What is breast tomosynthesis? A.: Breast tomosynthesis, also known as a 3-D mammogram, is a technique of producing multiple individual images that show the breast tissue in greater detail. A standard or 2-D mammogram displays the breast tissue overlapped in a single view. Tomosynthesis shows the breast in separate individual layers. The difference between the two types of imaging is similar to viewing a book from the outside versus scrolling through the book one page at a time.

Q.: Is breast tomosynthesis recommended for certain patients? A.: Tomosynthesis benefits women of all ages and breast densities. It is particularly helpful in those with dense tissue but helps in all cases to get a clearer picture of the breast and any lesions within the breast. Q.: How Is 3-D performed? A.: The positioning for a screening tomosynthesis exam is the same as for a traditional mammogram. In less than four seconds, all the tomographic images for a particular view are acquired from one compression on our Hologic Selenia Dimensions System. Our equipment can also use the tomographic views to generate a composite reconstructed 2-D image view.

Q.: What are the benefits of Tomosynthesis? A.: Tomosynthesis gives a clearer picture of structures in the breast without all the overlap that occurs with regular mammography. This is especially helpful in those with dense tissue. It increases our ability to find small breast Nancy Gadziala, M.D., is a board cancers. There is a 41 percent increase in detection of certified radiologist specializing invasive cancers. in ultrasound, mammography, It reduces the number of women who may be nuclear medicine, and non-vascucalled back for additional imaging by approximately lar interventional radiology. She 15 percent. Tissue overlap can cause normal areas is a member of Borg & Ide Imagto appear abnormal necessitating return for further ing, the area’s largest and oldest evaluation. Breast tomosynthesis helps reduce medical imaging practice. Gadziala these false positive screens. Tomosynthesis is also completed her residency at Massavery helpful for diagnostic exams as it gives greater chusetts General Hospital and fellowship in nuclear detail to abnormalities, helps localize where the medicine, ultrasound, and computed tomography at lesion is located, and reduces the need for multiple New England Medical Center, Boston. mammographic exposures in different positions.

Q.: Does insurance cover the tomosynthesis exam? A.: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) covers beneficiaries for breast tomosynthesis. Each private insurer has their own coverage policy and not all provide coverage for this exam at this time. For those whose insurance does not cover the exam, the cost will be no more than $71. Q.: Is there more radiation with breast tomosynthesis? A.: Most often the tomosynthesis views are obtained together with images which yield additional radiation. The additional effective radiation dose is equivalent to about two months of naturally occurring background radiation. This is considered very low and within the radiation guidelines for screening mammography. As the transition to synthesized 2-D views from a 3-D exam is made, the dose of a tomosynthesis screening exam will be equivalent to a 2-D screening exam. Q.: How does one arrange to have a 3-D tomosynthesis exam? A.: Let the staff know you want breast tomosynthesis when you call to schedule your exam. We currently provide 3-D tomosynthesis exams at our Clinton Crossings and Ridgeway offices.

For More Information, Call 585-241-6400 • Website: borgandideimaging.com

Obesity Rates Rising Among Women: CDC Though a major health concern, little has changed, expert says

ore American women than ever are obese, while the number of men carrying around far too many pounds has held steady, new research shows. And a second study finds U.S. teens are another group that continues to struggle with obesity. “Obesity remains a public health concern,” said Cynthia Ogden, an epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s

National Center for Health Statistics. She worked on both reports. “Our study didn’t look at why, we just looked at the trends to see what was happening,” she explained. More research is needed to determine the reasons for the continuing obesity epidemic, she added. The statistics are sobering. Forty percent of American women and 35 percent of men were obese in 2013-2014, reflecting an increase

among women but not among men, the report found. Among children, 17 percent were obese in 2011-2014, while nearly 6 percent were extremely obese. The prevalence of obesity seesawed among young children, but increased slightly among teens, researchers found. Physician David Katz is director of the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, in Derby, Conn., and president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. “Given all the high-profile attention to the obesity epidemic in America, even by those in the White House, we might be surprised and appalled that, overall, obesity rates are rising, not falling, and that the best news in the mix is stabilization of alarmingly high rates in a few select groups,” he said. But even as health experts fret about obesity and its consequences,

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2016

American culture “ignores it, denies it or simply profits from it,” said Katz. The reports were published June 7 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Katz sees the obesity epidemic as a cultural problem. “We continue to aggressively market [the] food and drink most implicated in obesity and chronic disease,” he said. “We live in a culture where we know food is willfully engineered to be all but addictive, but express no outrage and take no action,” Katz said. “We lament epidemic obesity even as we propagate it. We could fix this any time we decide we care enough about it to bother trying.”

By Jim Miller

The New MIND Diet May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Dear Savvy Senior,

I’ve heard that there’s a new diet that can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. What can you tell me about this? My 80-year-old mother has Alzheimer’s and I want to do everything I can to protect myself.

Concerned Daughter

Dear Concerned,

It’s true! Research has found that a new diet plan — called the MIND diet — can have a profound impact on your brain health as you age, and can even lower your odds of getting Alzheimer’s disease. The MIND diet takes two proven diets — the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet and the blood-pressure lowering DASH diet — and zeroes in on the foods in each that specifically affect brain health. The MIND diet, which stands for “Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay,” was developed by Martha Clare Morris, a nutritional epidemiologist at Rush University Medical Center, through a study funded by the National Institute on Aging. The study followed the diets of nearly 1,000 elderly adults, who filled out food questionnaires and underwent repeated neurological testing for an average of 4.5 years. It found participants whose diets most closely followed the MIND recommendations had brains that functioned as if they were 7.5 years younger, and it lowered their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 53 percent. And even those who didn’t stick to the diet perfectly but followed it moderately well reduced their risk of Alzheimer’s by 35 percent.

The MIND Menu

The MIND diet has 15 dietary components. The emphasis is on eating from 10 brain-healthy food groups, and limiting foods from five unhealthy groups. Here’s a rundown of the healthy foods you should work into your diet: • Green leafy vegetables (like

spinach and salad greens): Eat at least one serving per day. • Other vegetables: At least one other vegetable a day. • Whole grains: Three or more servings a day. • Nuts: Five one-ounce servings a week. • Beans: At least three servings a week. • Berries: Two or more servings a week. • Fish: Once a week. • Poultry (not fried): Two times a week. • Olive oil: Use it as your primary cooking oil. • Wine: One glass a day. And the five unhealthy food groups you should limit include: • Red meat: Eat fewer than four servings a week. • Butter and margarine: Less than a tablespoon daily. • Cheese: Less than one serving a week. • Pastries and sweets: Less than five servings a week. • Fried or fast food: Less than one serving a week.

Other Benefits

One of the best things about the MIND diet is that it’s easer to follow than most other diets and you don’t have to stick to it perfectly to gain the benefits, which makes it more likely you’ll follow it for a long time. And the longer you eat the MIND way, the lower the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Another advantage is that the MIND diet can help you lose some weight too, if you keep your portions in check and are careful about how the food is prepared. It’s also important to understand that even though diet plays a big role, it’s only one aspect of Alzheimer’s disease. So get regular exercise, if you smoke, quit, and learn how manage your stress to lower your risk even more.

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. July 2016 •

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

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rom women and children, to the elderly and disabled, Social Security has you covered. Because we value and appreciate the differences that make up our nation, our programs are as diverse as those we serve. We’re with you throughout every stage of your life, and we’re always working to provide services that meet your changing needs. Our programs serve as vital financial protection for millions of people. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits. These credits count toward retirement, disability and survivors benefits. A program everyone should be familiar with is Social Security’s retirement program. Whether you’re a young adult paying Social Security taxes for the first time or a retiree receiving benefits, this is a program that will affect you during and after your working years. You can learn more about your earnings and potential benefits by visiting www. ssa.gov/retire/. Social Security administers the largest disability program in the

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Q: I am receiving Social Security retirement benefits and I recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Social Security (FICA) taxes on my income? A: Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck. Although you are retired, you do receive credit for those new earnings. Each year Social Security automatically credits the new earnings and, if your new earnings are higher than in any earlier year used to calculate your current benefit, your monthly benefit could increase. For more information, visit www. socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1-800772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Q: I want to estimate my retirement benefit at several different ages. Is there a way to do that? A: Use our Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator to get an instant, personalized retirement benefit estimate based on current law and your earnings record. The Retirement Estimator, which also is available in Spanish, lets you create additional “what if” retirement scenarios based on different income levels and “stop work” ages. Q: I am expecting a child and will be out of work for six months.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2016

nation. A severe illness or injury robs a person of the ability to work and earn a living. Thankfully, Social Security disability benefits can provide a critical source of financial support during a time of need. For more on disability benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. When a family loses a wage earner, it can be both emotionally and financially devastating. However, Social Security can help secure a family’s financial future if a loved one dies with survivor benefits. The best thing you can do for your family is prepare as much as possible: get started at www.socialsecurity.gov/ survivors. Social Security’s programs are neutral regarding gender, age, race, and orientation — individuals with identical earnings histories and needs are treated the same in terms of benefits. We’re proud the diverse public we serve reflects the programs we offer. Visit www.socialsecurity. gov today to see how we can serve you and secure your today and tomorrow.

Can I qualify for short-term disability? A: No. Social Security pays only for total disability — conditions that render you unable to work and are expected to last for at least a year or end in death. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability, including benefits while on maternity leave. Q: I get Social Security because of a disability. How often will my case be reviewed to determine if I’m still eligible? A: How often we review your medical condition depends on how severe it is and the likelihood it will improve. Your award notice tells you when you can expect your first review using the following terminology: • Medical improvement expected — If your condition is expected to improve within a specific time, your first review will be six to 18 months after you started getting disability benefits. • Medical improvement possible — If improvement in your medical condition is possible, your case will be reviewed about every three years. • Medical improvement not expected — If your medical condition is unlikely to improve, your case will be reviewed about once every five to seven years. For more information, visit www. socialsecurity.gov.

Ask St. Ann’s How do I discuss the cost of longterm care with my aging parents? By Diane Kane, MD

s difficult as it can be to talk with your parents about their health, there’s a topic that’s even more challenging: their finances. But it’s an important conversation to have. As your parents’ health begins to change, having a clear picture of their financial situation will help you determine the type of care they can afford. And understanding the financial implications of longterm care can help you foresee the need for your personal involvement in their care.

Avoid Crisis Mode Anticipate your parents’ health needs before a crisis occurs. As difficult as it may be to talk about, you’ll thank yourself later. Better to plan ahead than to find yourself in the emergency room making lastminute decisions that can have longlasting consequences. Identify Options When you have a good grasp of your parents’ health issues, their financial situation, and their own goals for their health, it’s easier to see what options might be available. There are different levels of care and services depending on need. Are you looking at retirement communities that offer a continuum of care as health needs change? Is home health care an option? Will your parents

need assisted living or long-term skilled nursing? Once you’ve narrowed it down, present them with options and give them time to mull it over. It’s a big decision. Ask the Experts Talk with a trusted adviser about what’s right for your family. Consult your parents’ doctor on their current health status and potential concerns. And do your research: Visit communities that specialize in senior care and housing and match what they offer with your parents’ financial ability and health-care goals. As with most big decisions in life, you’ll be glad you planned ahead. Physician Diane Kane is chief medical officer at St. Ann’s Community. She is board certified in internal medicine, geriatrics, and hospice and palliative medicine and has been involved in senior care for 29 years. Contact her at dkane@ stannscommunity.com or visit www. stannscommunity.com.

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July 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Health News Endowment to beneﬁt children with disabilities Flaum Management Company CEO David M. Flaum and his family have established a lifetime endowment to benefit children with disabilities who attend Rochester Rotary Sunshine Campus. The Bob Witmer Campership Fund will provide a free summer camp experience for one child per year. The endowment is named in honor of G. Robert Witmer Jr., senior counsel at Nixon Peabody LLP and chairman emeritus of the University of Rochester’s board of trustees. Witmer is past president of the Rochester Rotary Club and of the Rochester Rotary Charitable Trusts Board. “I have seen Rochester Rotary Sunshine Campus firsthand with my wife Ilene and one of our grandchildren, and it truly is a hidden gem in the region,” said David Flaum. “There is no one more deserving of having this lifetime endowment named for him than Bob Witmer, whose enormous contributions to our community — through Rotary, the University of Rochester and many other organizations – need to be celebrated.” “I am deeply honored and humbled that David, Ilene and the Flaum family named this endowment after me,” said Bob Witmer. “The children

with physical challenges who get to attend the camp at no cost over the next several years will benefit from the tremendous generosity of the Flaum family– and they’ll get to experience a place without any barriers to fun.”

Friendly Home: a topperforming nursing home The Friendly Home was recently recognized as a top performing nursing home by the New York State Department of Health. This rating is based on the Friendly Home’s performance for the past three years in the areas of quality, compliance and efficiency, as ranked by the Department of Health’s quality initiative. The Friendly Home is one of only three nursing homes in Monroe County and one of only 33 in New York state to achieve this distinction. “This recognition as a top-performing nursing home would not be possible without the dedication of our staff, who serve our [residents] with care and compassion 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Glen Cooper, president & CEO of Friendly Senior Living. “We are very proud of the Friendly Home team’s accomplishment, and believe it reflects our mission-driven service to older adults in our community.”

The Friendly Home is a skilled nursing home in Brighton offering 24-hour care, rehabilitation, memory care and hospice care. The Friendly Home is part of the Friendly Senior Living continuum, which also includes Cloverwood, Glenmere at Cloverwood, Linden Knoll, and the Lovejoy Transitional Care Center at the Friendly Home which offers short-term rehabilitative care.

Employees donate $36,000 to Thompson Health The recent Associate Annual Giving Campaign within UR Medicine’s Thompson Health raised more than $36,000 through donations from more than 300 members of Thompson’s workforce. With a 25 percent increase in participation, the money raised exceeded the campaign goal of $35,000 and set a record. The previous record, set in 2015, was over $29,000. During each Associate Annual Giving Campaign, Thompson associates give to a variety of funds within the health system, including Thompson Hospital, the Sands Cancer Center, the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center, Ferris Hills/Clark Meadows, the Breast Imaging Center and the fund for the “Associate Wish List.” Some donations help fund asso-

ciate-requested items to improve the experience of patients and residents, such as phlebotomy chairs for laboratory services, oxygen concentrators for the continuing care center and a blanket warmer for the Sands Cancer Center. Other funded items help associates perform their jobs more effectively, such as CPR mannequins for training, personal computers, and hand-held computers. “Beyond their personal dedication, the Associate Annual Giving Campaign is a way for people who work within Thompson to support the health system,” said President/ CEO Michael F. Stapleton Jr. “Whether the funds are used for new technology, quality of life improvements for patients or residents, or enhancements to their work environment, our associates see their generosity at work.”

Local nonproﬁt funding program in Bolivia The AAVia Foundation for the Health of Bolivian Children is funding the Clean Hands, Healthy Schools program to promote hand and dental hygiene to elementary school children in rural Bolivia. The program works with rural elementary schools near Lake Titicaca, Bolivia. Nursing students

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2016

Health News from the nearby School of Nursing at Pucarani hold educational lessons for children, teachers, parents, and community leaders to raise awareness about the importance of hand washing. The School of Nursing at Pucarani previously ran this program in other elementary schools, and received funding from the AAVia Foundation in 2015. After the success of the program and the requests of other schools to bring the education to their students, the school is working with new schools to provide the hygiene lessons. More than 1,000 children will be involved in the program this year. Funding from the AAVia Foundation will be used to provide every child with a toothbrush, toothpaste, bar of soap, personal towel, and nail clippers, along with the educational materials for the program. “On behalf of the children of the Altiplano region, we thank you for this partnership,” said Luciana Laruta Salazar, director of the School of Nursing and project manager for Clean Hands, Healthy Schools. Laruta Salazar visited Rochester in September 2015, where the AAVia Foundation facilitated meetings with local nursing schools to share experiences and knowledge.

Students with hearing loss awarded scholarships Ten area high school seniors with hearing loss were granted $1,000 scholarships by Hearing Loss Association of America Rochester Chapter at the group's annual dinner on May 24. The awards are intended to be used in supporting the students' higher education. Recipients and their colleges are: Kimberly Caceci (Ithaca College), Brady Dickens (Cornell University), Brianna DiGiovanni (Gallaudet University), Jonathan Kaiser (Finger Lakes Community College), Felicia McGinnis (Regis College), Cassie Miller (Syracuse University), and Rebekah Allen, Laura Discauge, John Delforte, Marlena Rauber, all RIT. HLAA Rochester Chapter has awarded 112 scholarships worth $96,500 since the program began in 1996 with initial funding from the late Mr. and Mrs. J. Stuart MacDonald. The MacDonald Fund at the Rochester Area Community Foundation still supports the scholarships. HLAA was founded in 1979 with the mission of opening the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy. It is the largest international consumer organization dedicated to the well-being of people who do not hear well. For more information visit www.hearingloss.org

19 organizations awarded a combined $200,000 The Greater Rochester Health Foundation has announced that 19 organizations have been selected to receive a combined $200,000 in funding for the first 2016 cycle of commu-

nity health grants. These funds are awarded to smaller organizations that help meet important community needs related to health and well-being. Grants awarded in this round address a wide range of health-related needs, including: • Isaiah House: Enlarge and renovate kitchen in the home providing end-of-life care for Rochester's homeless people and those with little resources. Renovations will allow wheel chair entry to the kitchen and more space for patient and family socialization and meal preparation; • Town of East Bloomfield: Construct a full-sized half basketball court at Veterans Park in Bloomfield to offer basketball activities to youth and adults in Bloomfield and surrounding towns; • St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center, Inc.: Address structural racism within organizations that provide health and behavioral health services to low-income people of color and graduate students preparing for work in poor communities; • Yates County Community Services: Provide mental health first aid or youth mental health first aid to staff of organizations in regular contact with the public (police, library, social services, etc.) and interested citizens to increase awareness of mental illnesses, reduce stigma and encourage appropriate responses to people experiencing mental health crises. The remaining 15 organizations receiving community health grant funding support of a variety of initiatives important to the community: Ainsley’s Angels of America; Black Physicians Network of Greater Rochester Inc.; Catholic Charities of Livingston County; Earthworks Institute, Inc.; Genesee Waterways Center, Inc.; Joint Heirs Kingdom Ministries; New Life Presbyterian Church; New Visions Community Services, Inc.; Orleans County Health Department; REBOUND6K; RESOLVE of Greater Rochester, Inc. ; St. Joseph School; St. Kateri School; The Partnership for Ontario County and Urban League of Rochester, NY, Inc. On the heels of this announcement, the Health Foundation has opened the second cycle of 2016 Community Health Grant applications, accepted now through July 15. These grants, ranging between $5,000 and $50,000, provide an opportunity for smaller organizations that may not qualify for larger, longer-term grants to receive funding. Projects that will be considered for funding include program-related facility or equipment repair, short-term or pilot programs, training for staff on a specific skill, and start-up costs for a new program. “In just three years, community health grants have supported the work of over 100 small organizations that are making key contributions to health and wellness across our region,” said Diane Larter, program consultant, Greater Rochester Health Foundation. Interested parties can get more information by calling 585-258-1701. The application and additional information is available at TheGRHF.org. July 2016 •

Rochester Regional Now Has Tool For Complex Heart Procedures

ochester Regional Health physicians now have a new tool for complex heart procedures and it’s significantly improving patient care. Rochester Regional recently installed a $235,000 FlexVision monitor at the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute located at Rochester General Hospital. This cutting-edge technology allows cardiologists to magnify intricate details of the heart, and it has the capability of displaying up to eight different images from multiple sources, so the most relevant information is clear and visible during highly specialized procedures. “The FlexVision monitor is without a doubt, a game changer for the catheterization laboratory,” says cardiologist Jeremiah Depta. “We now have the ability to treat heart

conditions that previously required cardiac surgery with non-surgical options and this technology will significantly impact a large number of patients.” Three heart valve replacements were performed in June using the monitor. It’s an essential piece of equipment that also enables doctors to customize their layouts in support of various interventions. The monitor was purchased thanks in part to a $100,000 gift from Frank and Gloria McAlpin. “I have received excellent heart care at RGH for over three decades. It is an honor to make this investment in the very best technology available so other patients like me will have access to the latest life-saving cardiac treatments and procedures,” said Frank McAlpin.

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Health News Community Health Grants are available to use over a 12-month period following the grant award. Non-profits spanning health, religious, or educational organizations, and government departments that provide health services or health-benefiting activities with an annual budget of $5 million or less are welcome to apply. Eligible organizations are located in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties.

Scott Mulcahy chosen as executive of the year eHealth Technologies, the leading provider of clinically informed referral solutions, announced that its chief financial officer, Scott Mulcahy, was awarded Financial Executive of the Year in the small business, for-profit category at the Rochester Area’s ninth annual financial executive luncheon. The luncheon was co-presented by the local chapter of Financial Executives International and the Rochester Business Journal. The awards program was created by the Rochester Chapter of Financial Executives International and the Rochester Business Journal, which recognizes CFOs contributions to their organizations and the Greater Rochester community during the past year. Fifteen financial executives from the business and nonprofit sectors were selected as finalists for the award “I am personally so pleased that Scott’s tremendous contributions to eHealth Technologies and our success were recognized by the award committee. Not only has he contributed his significant financial skills to the company, but he has also become

a trusted adviser to the entire leadership team. This honor could not be more deserved,” said Ken Rosenfeld, CEO and president of eHealth Technologies. Mulcahy joined eHealth Technologies in 2012 as the chief financial officer. Completely revamping the finance department, implementing processes that resulted in dramatic improvements in efficiencies, driving investments and financial activities that have supported the financial health of the company, strategic contributions to the executive team, and significant involvement with the human resources department are just a few of his many contributions.

Fairport Baptist Homes has new board chairman Pieter Smeenk has been appointed chairman of the Fairport Baptist Homes Caring Ministries board. He is the treasurer and commissioner of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and retired Monroe County superviSmeenk sor of buildings. Smeenk resides in Fairport. Fairport Baptist Homes is a nonprofit organization that has been delivering a more personalized level of care for area seniors for more than 100 years, through programs like senior options for independence, rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, assisted living and senior housing. Fairport Baptist Homes employs more than 400 people and provides services to approximately 1,500 seniors annually.

Mental Health Organizations Join Forces Pathway Houses of Rochester and Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare merging operations

ffective June 1, Pathway Houses of Rochester has affiliated with Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare (SBH). According to a news release, this affiliation will improve the delivery of care to people recovering from substance use and mental health disorders in the Monroe County area. By affiliating, SBH and Pathway Houses of Rochester will provide a more seamless transition into a supportive living environment for individuals working towards recovery. The Pathway Houses programs will retain their name and operate as Pathway Houses of SBH. “I am excited about the opportunity to better integrate care for the people we serve in Rochester and am grateful for the support of the boards of SBH, PWH, the United Way of Greater Rochester’s Synergy Fund and the New York Council of Nonprofits, who all provided support and leadership in this process of coming together,” said SBH President and CEO Jeremy Klemanski. Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare promotes recovery from substance use and mental health disorders and other behavioral health issues through one of New York state’s most complete continuums of care. SBH has 374 beds and employs 268 people. The supportive living program provided by Pathway Houses of Rochester will add 59 residential beds to the SBH continuum in the Rochester area.

This expansion builds upon the 25 beds at the Rochester Evaluation Center and the 16 units of Shelter Plus Care housing, currently offered by SBH in Monroe County. The affiliation culminates a process that began in the summer of 2015 when Pathway Houses of Rochester announced its intentions to consider collaboration or merger with other agencies to offer a more coordinated continuum of services to individuals in the greater Rochester area. Glen Smith, executive director of Pathway Houses of Rochester, retired May 31. Klemanski will serve as the CEO of both organizations as they work to complete a full merger by Jan. 1. “We are excited to be working with an organization like Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare that shares our mission and commitment to addiction recovery,” said Diane Knerr, president of the board of Pathway Houses of Rochester. “Pathway Houses has served the Rochester community for 120 years and we are now in a position to continue this legacy.” As a state-certified, residential supportive living program, Pathway Houses of Rochester serves individuals recovering from the effects of behavioral health disorders. Incorporated in 1896, the program features three houses in the Rochester area, and serves nearly 100 people each year.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2016

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2016