Gv igh 132 august final

in good August 2016 • Issue 132

The New Health Commissioner

The new Monroe County health commissioner, physician Michael Mendoza, wants to cut cost, improve quality of health care. See how he plans to do that

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Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper

KickStart Your Health

New 21-day nutrition program in Rochester provides residents with a blueprint to reach optimal health and reduce the risk of several diseases.

More than 1,000 have participated since its recent inception. Page 5

Farmers, Fishermen, Foresters More Likely to Commit Suicide See what other professions are high on the list

Back to School: 3 Common Problems Affecting Students ... and how to prevent them

Top Causes of Death Heart disease and cancer led the list of top causes of death in 2014. See Healthcare in a Minute column inside

Ontario County coalition urging parents to monitor, secure and dispose of unused prescription drugs.

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Peaches

Broccoli? Yes. Garlic? No question. But peaches?

Read about surprising news about peaches. in SmartBite Page 11

Tips for Visiting a Memory Care Patient Follow a few tips to get the most of a visit with a memory care patient.

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

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Farmers, Fishermen, Foresters More Likely to Commit Suicide

CDC study shows workers in some occupations five times more like to commit suicide

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an the type of job you choose affect your risk of suicide?

Possibly, according to a new U.S. report that found for certain occupations, the odds of suicide were significantly higher.

From 2000 to 2012, the overall rates of suicide for people aged 16 and older rose 21 percent, the study found. That works out to an approximate increase from 13 to 16 suicides per every 100,000 people in the United States.

But among farmers, fishers and foresters, the suicide rate was dramatically higher — at 85 suicides per 100,000 people. For males in those jobs, the rate was even greater.

Their suicide rate was 90.5 suicides per 100,000, according to the report.

“People working in certain occupations are at greater risk for suicide due to job isolation, a stressful work environment, trouble at work and home, lower income and education, and less access to mental health services,” said lead researcher Wendy LiKamWa McIntosh.

She’s a health scientist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Farmers have additional risk factors like social isolation and unwillingness to seek mental health services,” McIntosh said. The report also noted that farmers’ exposure to pesticides may affect their neurological system and contribute to depression.

Other occupations that carried signifi-

cantly higher-than-normal rates of suicide included construction and extraction, with 53 suicides per 100,000; and installation, maintenance and repair with 48 suicides per 100,000, the study found.

For construction workers, the report authors suggested that a lack of steady work, isolation and a fragmented community might play a role in their higher risk. The investigators theorized that people working in installation, maintenance and repair may have long-term exposure to solvents that could damage their neurological systems. That might contribute to memory loss and depression, the researchers suggested.

Men working in fishing, forestry or farming had the highest rates of suicide for their gender.

Among women, the highest rate was seen in those working in protective services, such as policing and firefighting.

Their rate was 14 per 100,000. Men in the protective services field had a suicide rate of 34 per 100,000, the report noted.

Physician Alan Manevitz, a clinical psychiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, pointed out that “work is increasingly stressful.”

People take their own lives “mostly because they are depressed,” he said.

“We live in a 24-hour world, so it can be easy to feel overburdened, which can lead to depression,” Manevitz added.

Serving Monroe and Ontario Counties in good A monthly newspaper published

Health Rochester–GV Healthcare Newspaper

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

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2016 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved.

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• 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, Dustin Maracle (P.T.), Kathe Healy, Ernst Lamothe Jr., John Addyman, Kim Petrone (M.D.), Mary Beth Fairchild • 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 • August 2016

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

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Hope and Help for Addiction Recovery ‘It is time to explore the need for innovative and available programs for people suffering with addiction’

By Kathe Healy

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n the light of the recent epidemic of opiate addiction and the number of deaths caused by opiate overdoses, the urgency for adequate services for addiction treatment continues to increase.

There are limited resources for detoxification and the programs have waiting lists and restrictive admission criteria. By the time addicts are willing to accept help, they are faced with no place to go and they return to using. It is a dangerous cycle.

Inpatient rehabilitation programs are also difficult to access. There are insurance controls, waiting lists and treatment lengths of stay that have been reduced from the historical 28 days to 14-21 days. This is not enough time to treat a deadly disease.

Addiction to alcohol, cocaine, opiates (including heroin) and all other mood/mind altering substances is a chronic illness and recovery is a lifetime journey. The shortening of treatment length leaves an addict in a vulnerable position for relapse.

Outpatient treatment programs are also insurance-controlled and often filled with patients who are mandated by law to be there.

Motivation for recovery can be hampered if the reason for being in the program is driven by a need to avoid incarceration.

The mixing of non-mandated and mandated patients is less than ideal and compromises the process.

Addiction is a disease of denial and although some patients respond to being mandated, others are only putting in their time.

In the integrated health initiative that is evolving in our country, it is time to explore the need for innovative and available programs for people suffering with addiction. The collaboration between physicians and addiction therapists can be a starting point.

Integrative consultation can help to identify addiction sooner and can initiate the movement toward improved earlier detection, individual attention to the signs and symptoms of substance abuse or dependence and a focus on the physical, emotional and mental needs of each patient.

There is hope for healing and it is time to face the epidemic of addiction in our communities. The old methods are not adequate and there is a need to integrate our resources to move toward a deeper understanding of the need for individual treatment of the whole person.

KATHE HEALY is a licensed mental health counselor and a NYS credentialed alcoholism counselor. She has operated Healy Counseling, a private practice in Fairport, since 2006. To contact her or for more information, visit www.healycounseling.com.

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Michael D. Mendoza, M.D. New Monroe County commissioner of health wants to trim costs, increase quality of care Q: Was the commissioner position one you sought out, or was there a need that you volunteered to step into?

A: I’ve always been interested in public health. One of the reasons I chose to enter medicine is that I’ve always been motivated by the interaction between medical delivery and poverty, housing and education.

So when the opportunity came up, I thought it would be a good time to give it a try. With all of the changing health laws and guidelines, there’s an emphasis on public health and containing costs. About 20 percent of our economy is health care, and that’s not sustainable. So right now, the focus is on trying to curb costs. But the next big question is how do we improve health, because just because we contain costs doesn’t mean we’re getting better outcomes. As we look at how to improve outcomes, we’ll rediscover the benefits of prevention, screening and management of chronic illness. It’s really the public health department that owns that.

The public health department will need to step up if we want to have a healthier community.

Q: Has the focus on cost-cutting made it difficult to improve outcomes?

A: I can understand why it feels like they’re at odds. When the emphasis is on trying to cut costs, the goal is to make sure we’re not repeating the mistakes of the last time we tried to cut costs, which was with managed care. We want to be using best evidence to choose the best services. The reality is that the outcomes we’re looking for aren’t things we’re going to realize in a year, or two, or three. If we’re trying to reduce the rate of heart attacks, it’s going to take a decade or so to realize the outcomes of that, but we don’t want to have to wait 10 years to see if we’re doing the right thing, so we’ll look at a selection of short-term outcomes. So it’s a bit short-sighted to say they’re at odds with each other, because if we don’t cut costs and use our dollars wisely, we’re not going to be able reach those long-term outcomes. So we’ve got to find a way to do all that while cutting costs.

Q: How do you determine where the waste is versus what’s indispensable?

A: We know through a lot of research that unnecessary, repeated visits to the emergency room run up costs greatly without a proportionate improvement in outcomes.

The reasons are complicated, but we know that patients with primary care physicians go to the emergency room less often, have better outcomes and, by the way, cost fewer health care dollars. This isn’t to say that we don’t need emergency care, but an emergency physician will tell you

that they’d prefer to do emergency medicine rather than primary care in the emergency room. They’re better trained for emergency medicine. I’m better trained in primary care, which I’d prefer to do at my office. So that’s an example of a place where costs are high and outcomes are worse.

We want to find a way to take care of patients who don’t need to be in the hospital, out of the hospital. And one of the big problems you’ll see with patients who are admitted is that they’ll be sent home and them readmitted. That readmission is an opportunity to cut costs, since many of them are preventable. Medicare and a lot of insurers are now providing incentives to providers to try to avoid preventable readmissions. The other part I want to add is that not all readmissions are preventable. If a person breaks their leg, is sent home, and trips and breaks their arm, that’s not preventable. If you have a cardiac patient who is sent home and, for some reason they don’t have access to their medicine, or they don’t have transportation to follow-up visits and is then readmitted to the hospital because of that, that’s an opportunity to eliminate a readmission and do a better job for that patient and cut a cost.

Q: With regard to measuring outcomes and the fact that most health care dollars are spent toward the end of life, how are outcomes measured against, say, the inevitability of death. What’s a good outcome toward the end of life?

A: That’s a decision that’s made at the level of patient and family. One area we need to be careful in with this new course we’ve charted is that what works for one patient or family works for all of them.

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

In the News Physician Michael Mendoza was appointed to the position of Public Health Commissioner for Monroe County in July, after serving on that position on an interim basis since April. While he plans to step down as medical director of Highland Family Medicine effective Jan.1, 2017, he will continue to serve as a faculty member with the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry.

Mendoza received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine; his Master of Public Health degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago School of Public Health; and his Master of Science of Business Administration from the University of Rochester. He has served as the medical director at Highland Family Medicine since 2009.

“After having the honor to serve as interim commissioner of public health, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue leading a great health department with a top-rated team here in Monroe County,” said Mendoza.

“Under the strong leadership of County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo, we can provide and expand the excellent programs and services that the county has to offer our community.”

There’s a recognition now more than ever that one size doesn’t fit all. So that’s very nuanced question.

Lifelines Name: Michael D. Mendoza, M.D. Position: Commissioner of Public Health of Monroe County; Medical Director of Highland Family Medicine Hometown: Chicago suburbs Education: University of Chicago Affiliations: Highland Organizations: American Academy of Family Physicians; Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Family: Married, two children Hobbies: Running, golf, daughter’s dance competitions

Annual Prostate Cancer Walk Scheduled for Aug. 20 Participants are encouraged to wear blue during Blue Ribbon Walk for Prostate Cancer event

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lue is to prostate cancer as pink is to breast cancer. Just as men’s sports teams make headlines wearing pink gloves, pink shirts or pink shoelaces in a show of support for breast cancer, local prostate cancer survivors want a sea of blue at the Second Annual S.E.A. Blue Ribbon Walk for Prostate Cancer, on Saturday, Aug. 20, at Riverbend Shelter in Genesee Valley Park. NYS Senator Rich Funke and Monroe County Clerk Adam Bello will kick-off events

at 10 a.m. ‘Spikes,’ the mascot for Rochester Red Wings, will help lead the walk.

Unlike walks that raise funds for much-needed research, proceeds from the S.E.A. Blue Ribbon Walk go to patient support, education and awareness programs provided by Us TOO Rochester. Additionally, 20 percent of the total online registrations will be donated by Us TOO Rochester to the Prostate Cancer Survivorship Fund at Wilmot Cancer Institute.

This fund was newly established for the development of a program dedicated to helping patients treated for prostate cancer take those next steps with confidence – and with the support of a team of people who are experienced in cancer survivorship issues.

The two-mile walk is a rainor-shine event presented by local prostate cancer survivors at Us TOO Rochester, a regional chapter of Us TOO International, a 501c3 nonprofit organization providing educational resources and support services to the prostate cancer community at no charge.

The local chapter conducts educational seminars led by subject matter experts. Topics cover a variety of treatment options and the seminars enable men to make informed treatment decisions for their cancer no matter where they receive urology or oncology care. Early detection, imaging techniques and the standard of care for prostate cancer have changed considerably in recent years. However, patient education regarding the risk vs. benefit of treatment options, including active surveillance, lags behind.

“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,” says 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 affected by the disease. There will be entertainment, raffles and exhibits throughout the event. Since dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, Pups for Prostate Cancer are invited too, and there will be a prize for the leash that best represents the ‘blue’ theme (ribbons, bows, etc). On-site registration at the event is $30 and opens at 8:30a.m. at the Riverbend Shelter [children 13 and under are FREE]. Participants can save $10 by registering online at www.seabluerochester.org. Those who register online by 6 p.m. on Aug. 9 can pick up their T-shirt and admission-bracelet on ‘Packet-Pickup Days.’ Packet-Pickup days are Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10:30 a.m. to-12:30 p.m.. Packet Pickup on both days takes place in the piano room of Joey B’s Restaurant, 1325 Elmwood Ave. in Rochester.

To register online, go to www. seabluerochester.org. For more information, email ustoorochesterny@ gmail.com or call 585-787-4011 [Us TOO Rochester, Chapter Leader].

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

“Micro” Hospitals

Not that common yet in New York state, micro hospitals offer emergency care, surgery, lab and imaging services and are priced somewhere between urgent care centers and full scale hospitals. Micro-hospitals can treat more conditions than urgent care centers because they typically have about eight to 10 beds for observation and short stays. Most large hospital systems are establishing them in markets that cannot support a full scale hospital.

Hospital Affiliations

Most rural and smaller community hospitals are being encouraged to “affiliate” with larger hospital systems or face a slow lingering death in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Recently, Oneida Healthcare in Madison County announced an “affiliation” with the Bassett system, but Oneida retains its sovereign board and management. Without an actual merger, affiliations usually fail to achieve the necessary economies of scale when it comes to management, operating costs, market share and physician recruitment and retention. Without a total merger or full integration, most affiliations don’t last, have little to show and typically leave the smaller hospital worse off and in a poorer bargaining position.

Top Causes of Death in 2014

1) Heart disease, 23.4 percent (of all deaths). 2) cancer, 22.5 percent. 3) chronic lower respiratory disease, 5.6 percent. 4) accidents, 5.2 percent. 5) cerebrovascular disease, 5.1 percent.

6) Alzheimer’s, 3.6 percent. 7) diabetes mellitus, 2.9 percent. 8) flu and pneumonia, 2.1 percent. 9) nephritis, 1.8 percent, 10) suicide, 1.6 percent.

The age-adjusted death rate of 725

deaths per 100,000 people is an alltime low.

Most Expensive Inpatient Conditions in 2015

Septicemia, $23.6 billion; osteoarthritis, $16.5 billion; live birth, $13.3 billion; complication from graft, implant or device, $12.4 billion; acute myocardial infarction, $12.1 billion.

Three years ago the top five was the same but expenses related to septicemia (bacterial blood infection) was $3 billion less.

ACA Exchange Enrollment

As of March 31 about 11.1 million people purchased healthcare insurance on the exchange. 12.7 million people enrolled but 1.6 million lost coverage for failure to pay their premium. The 11.1 million is about 1 million more than the same time last year. The public exchanges remain an unpredictable and volatile market for some carriers. National insurers United and Humana are planning to pull out of the individual markets next year.

Inpatient OOP Costs Up

A study published in the Journal of American Medical Assn Internal Medicine magazine found that despite the reasonable annual increase in healthcare spending of 2.9 percent between 2009 and 2013, the out-ofpocket expenses for hospitalized consumers grew more than twice that rate. In order to keep premium costs down, employers have been shifting more of the cost of care to employees through higher deductibles and coinsurance. In the past, most of the out-of-pocket expenses were for non-inpatient visits and procedures.

Since the vast majority of consumers August 2016 •

will not be hospitalized in any given year, most probably overlook hospital benefits and coverages when considering a plan.

Overall Spending Down, But...

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the ACA can take some credit for slowing down the annual increase in healthcare spending. The study says we could spend $2.6 trillion less this decade (2010-19) than originally projected prior to the passage of the ACA in 2006. Analysts attribute some of the slowdown to the recession that began in 2008. Before the passage of the ACA, trustees of the Medicare hospital fund predicted they would run out of money by next year. The fund is now projected to stretch through 2028. The historic battles between insurance companies and providers must end if there are to be meaningful decreases in costs and increases in value or outcome. More than just collaboration, there must be aligned incentives among insurers, hospitals, physicians and drug manufacturers.

Huge Fraud Bust

Last month, more than 300 physicians, nurses and other professionals across 36 federal districts were arrested by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. They are accused of bilking Medicare for over $900 million in false claims.

Data Breaches Costly

The average data breach costs an organization an average of almost $4 million per incident per a study sponsored by IBM. The cost of a hospital breach is about $355 per record up $100 from 2013. The study found that slow responses to a breach resulted in much more damage to an

organization.

Advanced Practice Clinicians

The debate about increasing the scope of practice for nurse practitioners and physician assistants continues. Advocates for increasing their scope of practice point to advanced technology, low malpractice experience and the projected physician shortage. Those opposed believe increasing the scope of practice will result in more mistakes, more unnecessary care (tests) and poorer quality of care. The scope of practice varies by state. Many states — like New York — still require a formal relationship with a physician while other states allow them to practice relatively independently. The scope of practice debate often gets political.

While the AMA tends to be against expanding the scope of practice, virtually none of my hospital or physician clients that employ advanced practitioners are opposed to expanding their roles. According to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, advanced practitioners were no more likely to order unnecessary care (lab, X-ray, drugs) than physicians.

George W. Chapman is a healthcare consultant who works with hospitals and medical groups.

He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at 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

Coming Home Alone: Put Out the Welcome Mat . . . For Yourself

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remember it well. I was in my 20s, just starting out and working for a small non-profit agency. I was asked to deliver a document to one of our board members, and I set out to find her house in one of Rochester’s older, gentrified neighborhoods.

As I walked up the steps to Jane’s front porch, three things caught my eye: the fresh flowers in a hand-painted ceramic pitcher, the tasteful wreath on her door and a doormat that simply said, “All are welcome here.”

A good feeling came over me.

I announced my arrival by softly tapping the sweet little heart-shaped iron knocker on her front door. Then I waited. I stood on Jane’s porch feeling as if I had arrived at a special place — a place that held the promise of comfort and hospitality.

When Jane answered the door and invited me in, I saw that she had brought the warmth of her front porch into her home. I walked into an oasis of rich earth tones, subtle lighting and artwork and objects from around the world that invited inspection. I just wanted to plop myself down into one of her overstuffed

tapestry chairs and savor the warm embrace of her home.

And so it came as a big surprise to me when Jane told me she lived alone. I remember thinking: “What? This can’t be.” It just didn’t add up. I had assumed that a home this wonderful — a home this lovely and complete — could only be the home of a family or, at the very least, a couple. But no; this was Jane’s home. Her retreat.

Her wonderful life.

Little did I know that, years later, my experience on Jane’s front porch would stay with me and influence the way I decorate and furnish my home inside and out. Unbeknownst to her, she was a role model and, by example, showed me that a house can be a home, even when it’s occupied by only one person.

When I moved into my own home after my divorce, I didn’t immediately follow Jane’s good example. I didn’t feel up to it. The walls stayed bare for far too long and I didn’t fully unpack for months.

The worst part was coming home to a dark, empty house. In fact, it was so depressing, I often avoided going home after work and became a vagabond of sorts, working late or going

Back to School: 3 Common Problems Affecting Students

By Dustin Maracle

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hen it comes to back to school season I see an increase in young adult injuries as a result of backpacks, outdoor activity and poor posture.

Let’s break these down a little more to help avoid some common cyclic injuries.

Backpack-related injuries

Backpacks are one of the most common accessories students use and are a convenient way to transport books, homework, lunches and many other things to and from school. Unfortunately, these can become a source of pain for children and young adults if not used properly, and can lead to neck, back and shoulder aches and pains. Numbness, tingling and burning sensations into the arms and hands can occur as well if a nerve is involved, and this should be referred to a health care specialist immediately. Backpacks should not be over loaded and should be worn properly. A general rule of thumb to follow is the backpack should Page 8

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not be any more than 10 percent of your child’s weight (weigh using traditional scale at home before and after wearing). Backpacks should also be worn evenly on both shoulders, to help distribute the weight, and wide enough to avoid stressing the neck. Padded and wheeled backpacks are also available for extra relief.

Outdoor Activity

Every year more than 200,000 children aged 14 years and younger are admitted to the emergency department as a result of playground- related injuries.

The most common types of injuries include soft tissue such as cuts, scrapes and bruises, as well as broken and dislocated bones and finally concussions. Many times these injuries are minimal to moderate, but some breaks and concussions can be severe. A welltrained physical therapist can help rehabilitate these injuries, and a lot of research has been done recently on the proper treatment of concussions.

to the mall until I had no choice but to pull into my driveway.

I knew I had to make some changes and that’s when I recalled Jane’s front porch.

Thinking back on that experience, I found the inspiration to make my own home inviting for the most important visitor of all: myself. I now take special care to create an environment — and especially a front porch — that warmly greets me on my return home.

If returning home alone triggers feelings of loneliness and loss for you, you might consider making some changes yourself. Here’s what works for me: ■ Setting the stage. I want to feel welcome even before I set foot on my front porch. That’s why you’ll find flameless candles glowing in my windows all year long, not just during the holidays. Programmed with timers, the candles come on at dusk and their soft luminescence fills me with warmth and security as I approach my home after dark.

■ Making and keeping things nice.

It’s no fun (in fact, it can be a real downer) to come home to a dirty front porch covered with cobwebs, peeling paint and dead leaves or lawn clippings. I’ve learned that lesson!

I now hang a handmade artisan broom on my porch, and use it almost every day. And on a weekly basis, I clean the moths and “bug juice” off my porch lanterns, window sills and door frame.

Stepping onto a nice, clean and uncluttered porch makes me feel good about myself. A sense of pride wells up in me before I even walk through the threshold. That little ego boost gets my evening off to a good

start.

■ Adding the inspiration. I see my porch as a blank canvas, and I’m the artist.

I delight in making decorative changes that reflect the seasons, capture my taste, and stimulate the senses — small inspirational changes that make coming home a joy.

The soft sound of wind chimes has an immediate soothing effect, my “Believe” wreath reminds me to have faith and my charming little chalkboard often sports messages from visiting friends and relatives.

One friend recently wrote “Welcome Home, Gwenn.” His kind message is still there, and I enjoy this friendly greeting on a daily basis.

I know that coming home alone can be a challenge, especially if you are accustomed to returning to a house filled with the hussle-bussle of family life. I also know that making “welcome” changes can ease the way into a new life and home. Roll out the welcome mat for yourself and discover all the good things that may arrive at your doorstep!

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive, empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, N.Y. For information about her upcoming workshops or to invite Voelckers to speak, call 585-6247887 or email: gvoelckers@rochester. rr.com.

However, to avoid these common injuries it is important to make sure you discuss proper playground and outdoor activity rules with your children, and follow up with teachers or personnel regarding the supervision level of the particular activity.

Poor Posture

This generation has many technological advantages that are new, such as smart phones, tablets and many other hand held devices. These, along with slouching and a lot of sitting in classrooms can lead to poor posture. We often see young adults with an array of aches and pains as a result of poor posture and the constant use of these new devices. Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle that this creates is an injury waiting to happen. Muscle imbalances, weak core muscles and poor endurance and cardiovascular health are a few issues we see from young adults with poor posture.

Discuss with your children and students the importance of good posture, and send them to a physical therapist to review stretches and exercises to correct their developing bad habits.

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

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

Doctors Say More Than 1,000 Have Taken Part in the Program

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The Kickstart Your Health Rochester medical team (from left): physicians Kerry Graff, Ted Barnett, Tom Campbell, and Erin Campbell. Graff and Barnett provide a dynamic approach to health care at Rochester Lifestyle Medicine, which opened its doors on Feb. 2. Physicians Tom Campbell and Erin Campbell guide the University of Rochester’s program for Nutrition in Medicine, which integrates nutrition and medicine into one prescription for optimal health and disease prevention.

Kickstart Your Health

New 21-day program in Rochester provides residents with a nutrition blueprint to reach optimal health and reduce the risk of several diseases.

More than 1,000 have participated since its recent inception

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

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ore than 30 percent of K-12 students in Monroe County are overweight or obese; and it is predicted that two in five children and one in two of African-American and Hispanic children born after the year 2000 will develop Type 2 diabetes in the Rochester/ Monroe County area, according to the New York State Department of Health statistics.

Local officials this year joined with a national organization, The Physicians Committee, to lead what they say is a revolution in medicine — putting a new focus on health and compassion.

The Kickstart Your Health Rochester program, an initiative supported by Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, provides city residents with a nutrition blueprint to reach optimal health and reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, certain forms of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

It is a continuous 21-day nutrition plan that incorporates grocery shopping lists, disease-fighting recipes and cooking classes, question-and-answer session from doctors, and dietitian advice.

When the kick-off program began earlier this year in Rochester, more than 900 people attended various events. Only a few communities such as Rochester and Little Rock, Ark., have started this program.

“The prevalence for obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease has been linked to diet and can be greatly reduced and treated with a plant-based diet,” said Mayor Warren.

In Monroe County, 66 percent of adults are overweight or obese and at least 10 percent of all adults have diabetes (13 percent of those aged 35 and older), 32 percent have high blood pressure (41 percent of those aged 35 and older), and 33 percent

have high cholesterol, based on statistics from the Monroe County Adult Health Survey.

Health officials believe physical inactivity and poor diet are some of the main health challenges in the city. They are encouraging people to transition to healthful eating habits, along with smoking cessation and increased physical activity.

“We see tremendous value in a program that teaches the community about having a plant-based diet and adding vegetables,” said Maggie Neola, registered dietitian, who serves as program director for Kickstart your Health Rochester programs. “What is great about a 21-day program is that it is not too long and doesn’t sound daunting. But still on that end, it is enough time to change your habits, lose weight, increase your energy and learn a new skill to better your health.”

The Kickstart Your Health Rochester program puts the power of prevention and nutrition to work.

It uses research methods and healthy food programs to find the best ways to treat patients before they get sick, proving the best weapon against health weapons is good nutrition.

The prescription to the problem, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, is scientifically proven to provide a cost-effective solution to today’s most pressing health problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that 91 percent of New York adults fall short of consuming at least two servings of vegetables each day. One in three adults now has pre-diabetes and one in six children struggles with obesity.

“As an interventional radiologist, I’m a high-tech doctor with low-tech solutions,” said physician Ted Barnett, founder of Rochester Lifestyle Medicine and a guiding force behind the Kickstart Your Health Rochester campaign. “By moving nutrition as August 2016 •

Maggie Neola, a registered dietitian with The Physicians Committee, is the program director for the Rochesterbased Kickstart Your Health campaign. an afterthought to first-line medical treatment, we’re helping people lose 100 pounds, toss their medications, restore insulin function, and prevent open-heart surgery.”

Researchers with the University of Oxford find a plant-based vegan diet can reduce 70 percent of food-based emissions, slash up to $1 trillion dollars in annual healthcare spending, and save 8.1 million lives over 30 years.

A strong group of Rochester officials stepped up to be part of the challenge, including involved local physicians working with Rochester Lifestyle Medicine, the University of Rochester Program for Nutrition in Medicine, the Rochester Academy of Medicine, Rochester on the Move, New Bethel CME Church and the Rochester Area Vegan Society.

“We had 40 people from the New Bethel church take on the 21-day challenge of changing their eating habits,” said Neola, the registered dietitian, who serves as program director for Kickstart. “That is very effective because like anything in life, when it comes to changing your health, it helps to have support and someone there to help you be accountable.”

hile the initial program began in the spring, any initiative must have strong traction beyond kickoff.

That has been the case with the Kickstart Your Health program in Rochester. To date, the Rochester website had more than 10,000 page views.

“We predict that more than 1,000 people participated in the Kickstart Your Health Rochester initiative as of now, whether they adopted a plant-based diet or are prescribing this lifesaving dietary intervention to their patients,” said Maggie Neola, the Kickstart Your Health Rochester program director. “The increased demand from both physicians and their patients is inspiring,” says Neola.

“We’ve received calls from physicians in Buffalo and throughout the country who want to launch programs similar to those offered right here in Rochester. Like many other community health initiatives, we enjoy planting the seed, nourishing it, and we’re watching it grow.”

H

How to Join

ere are a few programs that are available in the Rochester area for Kickstart your Health Rochester ■ Connect with physicians Tom Campbell and Erin Campbell at Lunch with the Docs, a monthly “lunch and learn” lecture at the University of Rochester’s program for nutrition in medicine. If you can’t make it, you can sign up for an immersion program or download free recipes on Pinterest.

■ Join The Rochester Area Vegan Society at its next monthly meeting or event to thrive alongside like-minded individuals who support each other in eating a plant-based diet.

■ Attend an information session led by physicians Ted Barnett and Kerry Graff at Rochester Lifestyle Medicine to learn about their year-long, 18-week, medically supervised, lifestyle modification programs based on the CHIP (Complete Health Improvement Program) curriculum.

■ Register for Seeds of Change, a plant-based, low-fat, meal planning and cooking course at Rochester Regional Health.

Contact Joy Valvano at 585-3686542 to learn more.

■ Use websites like Happy Cow to find vegan-friendly menu options anywhere (such as The Red Fern and Vive Bistro in Rochester) or order from Forks Fresh Meals to have delicious, healthy meals conveniently delivered to your home.

■ Enroll monthly in the 21-day Kickstart for continued accountability, reinforcement, and support while reaping the benefits of free, educational resources. You can sign up every month or download the free iPhone app.

To learn more about the nutrition challenge visit http://www. pcrm.org/health/diets/rochester/ sustaining-success and www.KickstartYourHealthRochester.org.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 9

Members of the Substance Abuse Coalition of Ontario County at a spring take-back event where people drop off prescription medications — especially tranquilizers, opioid painkillers and stimulants — so they don’t fall into the wrong hands. In the front row, from left, are Bonnie Ross, Alexis Thorne, Brenda Abel, Sue Hotchkiss and Petrea Rae. Back row: Gary Ross, Liz Alcivar, Joseph Kardesh, Patty Dhondt-Campbell, Ron O’Brien, Sheriff Phil Povero and Brian Garman.

Preventing Substance Abuse Starts at Home Ontario County coalition urging parents to monitor, secure and dispose of unused prescription drugs By John Addyman

W

hen 2,000 Ontario County kids in grades 7 through 12 were surveyed last fall, 32 percent reported they were able to get prescription drugs from their home, the home of a friend, or another family home — and those drugs weren’t prescribed for them.

“They walked into the bathroom, reached into the medicine cabinet and got things they shouldn’t have,” said Petrea Rae, the coordinator for the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition on Ontario County.

The survey results were from seven of the nine school districts in the county.

An effort to blunt that ease of access is being made throughout the area. The coalition wants parents and responsible adults to monitor, secure and dispose of drugs — especially opioid painkillers, stimulants and

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More About Substance Abuse The Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is an initiative of the Partnership for Ontario County. To learn more about its efforts, contact 585-396-4554, visit the website at www.partnershipforontariocounty.org or email Petrea Rae, coalition coordinator, at petrea.rae@gmail.com.

tranquilizers.

“Right now we’re raising awareness of the problem and increasing the availability for community members to drop off, dispose of these medications,” Rae said.

The coalition is doing that through a series of school and community presentations — 14 of them in the last year.

At schools, the group brings along a parent who describes what it’s like to lose a child to an overdose.

A public health official tells what to do if someone goes into overdoes (call 9-1-1, put person in a “rescue” position on his/her side and cup the head to help breathing, get CPR instructions from 911 if needed, stay with the person, and let the 911 dispatcher know what drug is involved).

Community presentations include someone from law enforcement, and a foster parent who describes the huge increase of kids in care whose parents have died from drugs, are in prison, or who have lost custody because of addiction. “It is so important to find homes for these kids,” Rae said.

Rae described the steps for safeguarding medicines in your house: ■ Monitor — “When you fill the prescription, and it’s supposed to last 30 days, count the pills in your bottle after 14 days to make sure they’re all there. Keep inventory of your medications.”

■ Secure — “If you are prescribed a controlled substance like an opioid for pain or something for ADHD, secure it — lock it up where no one can find it if they happen to walk into your bathroom.”

■ Dispose — “If you no longer need the medication, drop it off at a proper location for disposal,” Rae said. Those places in Ontario include the Canandaigua DMV, the Farmington State Police barracks, Geneva Police Headquarters and the Mead Square Pharmacy in Victor.

Expect to see rack cards about “Monitor, Secure and Dispose” in libraries, pharmacies, doctor’s offices, “anywhere people will let us put them,” said Rae. The horror of opioid dependency is bad enough, but that same survey, expanded by 275 young people aged 18-25, found that 3 percent of the respondents had graduated to heroin

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

in the last 30 days.

Ontario County Sheriff Phil Povero, in one of the forums, said the problem with heroin usage continues to accelerate. In 2015 there were eight fatal drug overdoses; in the first five months of 2016, there were seven.

Rae said the turnout in the public presentations has been heartening, with an average of 150 people in the audiences.

“People don’t understand all the risk factors,” she said. “They know about overdoses and death, but the factors include the struggle families have when someone is addicted, why parents mortgage and lose their homes to try to get their kids to recover, where more kids are in foster care or raised by grandparents, and the risks of AIDS and heart failure and hepatitis C. “There’s also the stigma that comes with addiction. It doesn’t have to be the family secret. Families can be open and honest with what they’re going through. Parents and coaches and church leaders and community members have to embrace that these things occur and offer help and support,” Rae said.

Discarding Drugs Safely The Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition on Ontario County will hold a medication take-back event from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Victor Village Hall. Officials urge families to gather all unused drugs they may have at home, especially opioid painkillers, stimulants and tranquilizers, and drop them off during the event.

Other places to discard drugs include the Canandaigua DMV, the Farmington State Police barracks, Geneva Police Headquarters and the Mead Square Pharmacy in Victor.

SmartBites The skinny on healthy eating

I

Surprising News About Peaches

’m always on the lookout for foods that may prevent or arrest cancer. Since mounting evidence shows that the foods we eat weigh heavily in the war against cancer, it just makes sense to consume as many of these foods as we can.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that peaches — sweet, luscious, gorgeous peaches — would fall into that category.

Broccoli? Yes. Garlic? No question.

But peaches?

Researchers at Texas A&M University, in concert with food scientist

Giuliana Noratto, say “yes,” especially when it comes to breast cancer.

In a first-of-its-kind study, published online in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, Noratto and her colleagues found that peach extracts drive breast cancer cells in mice to self-destruct, while leaving normal ones intact.

Two powerful antioxidants found in peaches appear to be the frontline warriors.

According to Noratto, we can get the same dose as the mice by eating two to three fresh peaches a day. Canned peaches, she said, don’t pack the same cancer-fighting punch. Of course, this is but one study and one team’s findings, but it certainly shows promise.

On the nutrition front, peaches rock with healthy doses of fiber, vitamins C and A, niacin and potassium.

Fiber keeps us regular and helps regulate cholesterol levels; vitamin C is a tissue-builder and immune-booster; vitamin A is essential for growth and healthy vision; niacin assists in the conversion of food to energy; and potassium helps control blood pressure.

On the calorie front, peaches are remarkably low for such a sweet li’l thing: only 60 per medium peach.

As for grams of sugar, peaches have fewer than an apple, more than an orange and about the same as a banana.

Need a few more reasons to reach for a peach? Well, they’re delicious; they’re in season; and they’re awfully tasty with yogurt or vanilla ice cream.

Helpful tips

Select peaches with a rich color and a sweet aroma. Ripe ones yield to gentle pressure. Avoid peaches that are overly soft or that have surface cuts and bruises. Slightly hard but mature peaches can be kept at room temperature until they ripen. To hasten ripening process, put peaches inside a closed paper bag and set on counter, out of direct sunlight.

Honey-Glazed Chicken with Peach Salsa Adapted from Bon Appetit 1 3/4 cups diced peaches (about 3 large) 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper 1/4 cup chopped green onions 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or mint 1 tablespoon minced seeded jalapeño chile

2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger, divided 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 teaspoons sesame oil 4 chicken breasts 2 tablespoons honey Fresh cilantro or mint leaves Mix peaches, red bell pepper, green onions, 2 tablespoons lime juice, chopped cilantro or mint, jalapeño, 1 teaspoon ginger, and garlic in small bowl to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Salsa can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, and remaining 1 teaspoon ginger in medium bowl to blend. Add chicken and stir to coat. Marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.

Whisk honey and remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice in another small bowl. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat; lightly oil grill grate.

Remove the chicken from marinade and place on grill. Grill the chicken until no longer pink inside, brushing occasionally with honey glaze, about six to eight minutes per side. Sprinkle chicken with cilantro or mint leaves and serve with peach salsa and (suggested) a side of brown rice.

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.

Avon Physical Therapy Phone: 585-226-2480

Lattimore PT - Elmwood Phone: 585-442-9110

Dansville Physical Therapy Phone: 585-335-2456

Lattimore PT - White Spruce Phone: 585-442-6067

Lattimore of Geneseo PT Phone: 585-243-9150

Lattimore of Greater Pittsford PT Phone: 585-387-7180

Lattimore of Webster PT Phone: 585-347-4990

Hilton Physical Therapy Phone: 585-392-8001

Lattimore of Greater Rochester PT Phone: 585-671-1030

Pianoworks Physical Therapy Phone: 585-264-0370

Pittsford Mendon Physical Therapy Phone: 585-582-1330

Lattimore of Gates Chili PT Phone: 585-247-0270

Lattimore of Rush Henrietta PT Phone: 585-444-0040

North Greece Physical Therapy Phone: 585-227-2310

Honeoye Falls-Lima PT Phone: 585-582-0034

Irondequoit Physical Therapy Phone: 585-286-9200

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Lattimore of Spencerport PT Phone: 585-­‐388-­‐0444

Phone: 585-­‐349-­‐2860

18 Clinics across Monroe and Livingston Counties LattimorePT.com

18 clinics across Monroe and Livingston counties LattimorePT.com

August 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 11

Golden Years Tips for Visiting a Memory Care Patient

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

f your loved one lives in a memory care facility, visiting may seem intimidating. Perhaps you have visited before and the interaction did not go well. Or maybe you have not visited because you don't know what to say or how your loved one will respond. Planning ahead can make your visit more enjoyable for both of you.

Call the facility ahead of time to plan your visit for a time that your loved one typically feels at ease.

For example, some people with memory loss function better from morning until mid-afternoon. It also may help to call the same day to see how your loved one is feeling that day so you can visit on a "good" day.

Lidija Gonzalez, licensed master social

help the resident focus better, as can spending time in a place where he feels relaxed, such as their room or the garden.

Get on eye level and slowly and clearly introduce yourself so the resident won't have to struggle for your name.

"Allow enough time for

the person to process what you’re saying and to respond," Gonzalez said.

People in the early stages of dementia realize that activities and relationships they once enjoyed are slipping away. Don't try to keep your loved one up-to-

date on what he's missing, unless he asks for this information.

It's important to realize that especially in the mid to latter stages of dementia, people live in a different reality. They may believe they're 17, and await their mother to come pick them up. Or feel anxious that they have not completed their lesson plan for their schoolchildren. They may believe their adult granddaughter is their daughter.

Gonzalez said that people with dementia struggle to hold onto thoughts, so let him interrupt as needed before a thought escapes.

Since many people with dementia oftentimes have difficulty expressing

Gonzalez worker and director of case management at Legacy's Grande'Vie Senior Living Community in Penfield, oversees Grande'Vie's Caring House, a memory care community. She advises visitors to limit distractions during the visit.

"The environment is one of the few things we do have some control over," she said.

Turning off the TV or radio can

their thoughts and understanding speech, asking yes/no questions helps them, along with using visual cues can help.

Gonzalez recommends using a family photo album, listening to music the patient enjoys or bring in an animal (call first).

Talk about interests, current events or your surroundings, but "focus on the person's feelings, not the facts," Gonzalez said. "Validate feelings instead of arguing the reality of a situation. This will only make things worse."

Carol Podgorski, licensed marriage and family therapist and associate professor of psychiatry at URMC, directs the Finger Lakes Center for Excellence in Alzheimer’s Disease. She advises visitors of midto late-stage dementia patients to avoid asking questions.

"It is best to observe and comment on things you happen to notice in the person’s room or environment in an effort to connect with his or her current world," Podgorski she said.

Instead of only relying upon conversation, you could also engage in an activity to spend some time together. Podgorski recommends engaging in activity such as playing a simple card game, looking through photos, taking the person for a ride or sharing a snack.

"These can add joy to someone's day," she said.

Memory Loss: Normal or a Sign of Trouble?

Everyone experiences some forgetfulness, but the FDA explains when to be concerned

M

ild memory lapses such as forgetting where you put your keys or reading glasses, though worrisome, are normal, experts say.

But certain memory problems — such as putting your car keys in the fridge — may indicate a more serious issue.

So, what kind of memory issue suggests the need for a medical assessment?

Some examples include: memory loss that disrupts daily activities such as balancing a checkbook, maintainPage 12

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ing personal hygiene and driving; or frequent memory lapses such as regularly forgetting appointments or where you parked your car, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a news release.

Other warning signs include forgetting whole conversations, forgetting the names of relatives or close friends, frequently repeating yourself, or asking the same questions in the same conversation.

Another red flag is memory loss that's getting worse over time.

There are a number of things you

can do that might help reduce the risk of developing memory problems: keeping cholesterol and blood pressure levels low; not smoking and not drinking too much alcohol; eating a healthy diet; engaging in lots of social activity; and keeping your brain active by reading, writing, learning a new skill, playing games and gardening.

There are a number of causes of memory loss, including medications; heavy drinking; stress; depression; head injury; infections such as HIV, tuberculosis, syphilis and herpes;

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

thyroid problems; lack of quality sleep; and low levels of vitamins B1 and B12. Many of these causes can be helped with medical treatment, the FDA noted.

"As part of the normal aging process, it can be harder for some people to recall some types of information, such as the names of individuals.

Mild cognitive impairment, however, is a condition characterized by a memory deficit beyond that expected for age, but is not sufficient to impair day-to-day activities," according to the news release.

Golden Years Memory Care

Happy Memories: How Pets Can Help

W

hat can trigger happy memories for memory care patients?

Susan Price, person-centered care manager at Jewish Senior Life in Rochester, is a big believer in using animals in memory care. She facilitates visits from Lollipop Farm, local PetCo stores and Greyhound Adoption of Greater Rochester. "They talk about their pets and enjoy seeing pets, too," she said.

She said that Jewish Senior Life ‘s music and memory program also helps residents in memory care "reconnect with the world."

The organization makes available 200 iPods to residents so they can listen to the music they enjoy, and offer splitters so visiting family members can listen as well.

"Listening to music can break the ice," Price said.

Helping Patients During a Doctor’s Visit

T

aking a patient with dementia to the doctor? Try these tips from Richard Mittereder, geriatrician with University of Rochester Medical Center: ■ Make a list. “Prepare your list of questions. That helps the doctor be on-task, as well as the patient.”

■ Allow plenty of time. “Come earlier to the appointment then what is asked of you to be relaxed in the lobby. The senior is relaxed and everyone is in a better frame of mind.”

■ Consider end-of-life planning.

“Think ahead of time about advanced care directives. We have those at our office, but it’s pretty common knowledge that if you’re elderly loved one is getting on in years, you

should probably be talking with your sister and brother about mom’s preferences. Broach the subject before the visit. That goes a long way in making that talk better at the doctor’s office visit.”

■ Educate yourself. “Read up on dementia to be familiar with the terms and options of care. So many terms are relevant to a discussion.

If people can come in with a better understanding, that helps. I usually find there’s one adult child who’s very involved and the others aren’t up to speed. It goes a long way if more family members can be understanding, though it is good to have one spokesperson for the family.”

Supporting individuals and their families with quality Assisted Living and Memory Care Programs in Greece for more than 15 years.

Call today to schedule a tour

August 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 13

Golden Years

Great Gadgets for Aging Golfers

By Jim Miller

T

here are actually a wide variety of nifty golf accessories and adaptive equipment that can help older golfers who struggle with injuries, arthritis or loss of mobility.

Here are several products for different needs.

Bending Substitutes

The game of golf requires a lot of repetitive bending and stooping that comes with teeing up the ball, repairing divots, marking the ball on the green, retrieving a ball or tee on the ground, along with picking up a club, sand rake or flag stick off the ground.

For teeing up the ball without bending over, consider one of the Northcroft Golf Tee-Up devices.

These are long-handled tools (1.5 to 3 feet long) that have trigger-style handgrips and a jaw that holds the ball and tee for easy placement. They cost between $69 and $72 and are

available at NorthcroftGolf.com. For other tee-up solutions, see the Tee Pal ($55, TeePalPro.com) and Joe’s Original Backtee ($15, UprightGolf. com).

NorthcroftGolf.com and UprightGolf.com also offer a variety of stoop-proof ball pickup accessories, divot repair and magnetic ball marker products ranging between $5 and $12.

Or, if you just want a great all-around golf picker-upper, consider the Graball GrabAll Jaw — sold through Amazon.com for $10 for a package of two. It attaches to the handle end of your putter and chipper and is designed to pick up golf balls, flagsticks, putters and green side chippers.

Gripping Aids

To help alleviate your golf club gripping problem, there are specially designed golf gloves and grips that can make a big difference.

The best gloves are the Bionic Golf Gloves (BionicGloves. com) that have extra padding in the palm and finger joints to improve grip. And the Power Glove (PowerGlove.com) that has a small strap attached to the glove that loops around the club grip to secure it in your hand. These run between $20 and $30.

Another option is to get oversized grips installed on your clubs.

This can make gripping the club easier and more comfortable, and are also very good at absorbing shock.

Oversized grips are usually either one-sixteenth-inch or one-eighth-inch larger in diameter than a standard grip, and cost around $10 per grip.

You can find these grips and have them installed at your local golf store or pro shop.

Or, for a grip-and-glove combination fix, consider the Quantum Grip (QuantumGrip.com) that incorporates Velcro material recessed in the golf club grip and a companion golf glove that has mating Velcro material in the palm. Cost: $20 per grip, plus $35 per glove.

Vision Helper

If vision problems make finding the ball difficult, Chromax golf balls (ChromaxGolf.com) can make a big difference. These are reflective colored golf balls that make them appear larger and brighter.

Cost: $10.50 for a three-pack.

Ergonomic Carts

There are also ergonomically designed golf carts that can help you transport your golf clubs around the course. If you like to walk, the Sun Mountain Sports Micro-Cart, V1 Sport Cart or Reflex Cart are great options. These are three and fourwheeled, lightweight push carts that that fold into a compact size for easy transport. Available at SunMountain. com for $200, $210 and $230.

Or, for severe mobility loss, the SoloRider specialized electric golf cart (SoloRider.com) provides the ability to play from a seated or standing-but-supported position. Retailing for $9,450, plus a $550 shipping fee, this cart is lightweight and precisely balanced so it can be driven on tee boxes and greens without causing any damage. Federal ADA laws require that all publically owned golf courses allow them.

In the Market for an Adult Day Care Service?

By Jim Miller

A

dult day care services can be a great option for caregivers who work or for those who just need a break during the day.

Here’s what you should know, along with some tips to help you find and choose one.

Adult Day Services

The business of adult day care services has grown rapidly in recent years. According to the National Adult Day Services Association, there are around 5,700 programs operating in the United States today.

As the name implies, adult day care provides care for elderly seniors who cannot care for themselves at home. While services will vary from center to center, they typically provide personal care, meals and snacks, various activities and social interaction in a safe supportive environment. Additionally, many centers also provide health services such as medication management, various Page 14

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therapies, exercise and transportation to and from the facility.

Adult day care centers generally operate programs during normal business hours five days a week.

However, some centers may offer services in the evenings and on weekends, too.

Costs for care will vary as well, usually between $25 to more than $100 per day (the national average is $65/day), depending on where you live.

Unfortunately, in most cases original Medicare (Part A and B) does not pay for adult day care, but some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, and many long-term care insurance policies do. But, most seniors or their families pay for care out-of-pocket.

If your mom is lower income and can’t afford this, many states offer Medicaid waiver programs, and some have PACE programs that provide financial assistance. Contact your state Medicaid office (see Medicaid.gov) for more information.

The VA even provides adult day care to eligible veterans enrolled in their Medical Benefits Package. See VA.gov/geriatrics to learn more.

How to Choose

Your first step in shopping for an adult day center is to determine the kinds of services your mother and you need. After you do that, here are some tips to help you locate and choose a good provider.

Start by contacting the county’s office for the aging (call 800-6771116 to get your local number) to get referrals to adult day service programs in your area. You can also search online at the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) website at NADSA.org/locator, or check your phone book yellow pages under “Adult Day Care” or “Senior Services.”

Once you have a list of a few centers, call them to find out their eligibility criteria, if they offer the types of services your mother needs, if they

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

are accepting new clients, their hours of operation, if they’re licensed and/ or registered with a state agency (this is not required in all states) and what they charge.

After you identify a few good centers, go in for a visit. Find out about the staffing ratio (at least one staff member for every six participants is recommended) and what kind of training they have. While you’re there, notice the cleanness and smell of the facility. Is it homey and inviting? Does the staff seem friendly and knowledgeable? Also be sure to taste the food, and consider making an unannounced visit.

To help you rate your visit, the NADSA offers a helpful checklist of questions to ask at NADSA.org — click on “Choosing a Center.”

Then, after your visit, be sure to check their references. Get names and phone numbers of at least two or three families who have used the center you are considering and call them.

Golden Years

Food: Good and Cheap

Experts offer senior strategies on how to eat healthfully on a tight budget

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

f you're a senior with a fixed income, it may seem difficult to eat a well-balanced diet. Food prices increase, but your grocery budget doesn't. Local experts offered a few strategies to help stretch your dollars.

Purchase ingredients, not prepared foods. Richard Mittereder, geriatrician with URMC, recommends purchasing a whole chicken, fish or roast, for example, "not anything chopped up because you pay for that processing."

Cook it whole and freeze the leftovers.

"Then you can make more meals out of it," he said. "It's an excellent source of protein."

Since the meat has been cooked, all you need to do is take it out of the freezer and place it in the fridge the night before you plan to heat it and eat it.

Lentils and beans provide a good source of economical protein, too.

Molly Ranney, registered dietitian and certified dietitian nutritionist practicing in a private office at Breathe in Pittsford, recommends rinsing canned beans to reduce the sodium content.

She added that eggs and nut butters can also offer versatile and inexpensive sources of protein, especially if dental issues make meat difficult to chew.

For produce, Ranney Ranney advises clients to shop at farmers' markets for seasonal fruits and vegetables to help save money. But after summer, frozen foods can help trim costs.

"The nutrition is better sometimes than the off-season fresh [produce] because they're flash frozen," Ranney said. "They're not shipped in from California or Florida."

April Miller, clinical dietitian from the Healthy Living Center at the URMC Center for Community Health, promotes savvy shopping strategies, such as planning meals for the week around what's on sale, and comparing prices of generic items versus the price of a namebrand item on sale or with a coupon.

Always compare the unit price, not the general price. Most stores indicate the price per weight or volume on the shelf tag in smaller print in a small orange or yellow square. That way you can know you truly have the best price.

Miller likes sites such as www. jsyfruitveggies.org, which "offers a lot of advice on eating seasonally with recipes," she said.

She also likes www.cookingmatters.org, which "targets people with limited resources," Miller said. "It has lots of recipes, using stable pantry item you probably have."

She described www.ewg.org/ goodfood as offering great tips for finding nutrient dense foods in each food group so you can "get the most nutrition for the money," she said.

Miller tells many clients about Leanne Brown's Good and Cheap cookbook, free at www.leannebrown. com.

"It's designed for people receiving SNAP benefits," Miller said. "You can eat well on $4 a day."

The USDA's site, www. whatscooking.fns.usda.gov, shows

how much a particular recipe costs to make. Users can search for recipes based on numerous filters, too.

Eating alone can spiral into eating poorly. Instead of dining out at restaurants, consider attending community meals at senior centers. Most of these cost less than $4 and some may qualify for lower cost meals.

Many churches host free meals or dish-to-pass meals open to the community and advertise them in the shopping flyers and newspapers.

If you need help to afford enough nutritious food to eat, food pantries operated by churches and other charitable organizations may help you, as well as Curbside Market, a mobile food distribution program operated

by Food Link (http://foodlinkny. org). Or, contact the Monroe County Office for the Aging for more programs (http://www2.monroecounty. gov/aging-index.php).

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

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

August 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

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What Impact Can Diabetes Have on My Feet?

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What if you could choose?

5 Days or 45 Days

hen’s the last time you looked at your feet?

That may sound like a silly question, but paying attention to your feet can prevent painful and serious health problems — especially if you’re diabetic.

About 15 percent of people with diabetes will develop an ulcer (sore) on their feet. This can be caused by nerve damage; poor blood flow; corns, callouses or bony protrusions on the feet; or even tight-fitting shoes.

Foot ulcers are serious because they can lead to infections of the skin, deep tissue or bone of the foot. If the infection becomes severe, amputation may be necessary. Severe infections can also be deadly.

The good news is there are simple ways to prevent foot ulcers.

First and foremost, work with your medical provider to keep your blood sugars and hemoglobin A1C in a good range. This can include improving your diet, getting more exercise, losing weight and taking the proper medication.

Other ways to “stay on your toes” and prevent foot ulcers: • Look at your feet every day; you may need the help of another person or a mirror to examine the soles of the feet. Report any callouses, corns, blisters or open areas to your medical provider immediately.

• Wash your feet daily in warm water, but don’t soak them. Dry your feet well, especially between the toes.

(Excessive moisture between the toes can lead to breakdown of the skin.)

• Keep the skin on your feet smooth by applying lotion (but not between your toes), and keep your toenails trimmed.

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Physician Kim Petrone is associate medical director at St. Ann’s Community and medical director of Rochester General Wound Healing Center at St. Ann’s (http://bit. do/woundheal ). She is board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics and is a certified wound specialist. Contact her at kpetrone@mystanns.com or 585-922HEAL (4325), or visit www.stannscommunity.com.

3 Financial Planning Tips For Women

By Mary Beth Fairchild omen make up just over half of the total population in Monroe County and while the gender earnings gap has narrowed, differences still remain. Women generally have longevity on their side, but they may also have fewer working years, so it is important for women to take extra care in planning for their long-term financial security.

Here are three financial planning tips to get you started: 1) Defining your goals and understanding your current financial situation — Many women avoid financial planning because they don’t know where to begin, but this step can actually be the most enjoyable part! Once your dreams are clear, you can begin setting goals to reach them.

Then the next step is to understand your current financial situation and how much further you need to go to reach your goals.

2) Building and protecting your wealth — I urge women to build up their savings at all stages of their careers. For some, this might mean setting aside smaller amounts earlier in life. For others it may mean making larger contributions during their peak earning years. Commit-

W

hoacny.com

• Don’t walk barefoot. Diabetic neuropathy causes a loss of feeling in the feet, which makes you more susceptible to injury if your feet are unprotected.

• Wear shoes with a wide, deep toe box with about half an inch between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

If you do develop a foot ulcer: • Notify your medical provider immediately.

• Do not soak the ulcer or treat it with over-the-counter products.

• Try to minimize walking on the area until you see your medical provider.

Your provider may refer you to a podiatrist, wound healing center or vascular surgeon for treatment. Ask if you qualify for specialized shoes for diabetes and whether your insurance will cover the cost.

By taking the proper precautions, you can prevent diabetes from knocking you off your feet.

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

ting to consistently pay yourself, and sticking to an investment strategy designed to match your unique needs can help contribute to greater successes in building wealth.

Additionally, protecting your wealth through insurance coverage can help you stay on track and provide some extra breathing room during times of uncertainty.

3) Planning for retirement — Longer life expectancies for women mean they’re at a greater risk of outliving their income, so it is especially important to develop a retirement withdrawal strategy that will provide the income necessary to sustain a longer retirement period, minimize the effects of taxes, and keep their investment allocation diversified and in line with their individual situation.

Mary Beth Fairchild is a financial adviser with Council Rock Wealth Advisory Group, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services in Rochester.

She can be contacted though email (mary.x.fairchild@ampf.com) or phone (585-461-2280).

By Jim Miller

Who’s Eligible for Social Security Survivor Benefits?

Dear Savvy Senior,

Who is eligible for Social Security survivor benefits? My ex-husband died last year at the age of 59, and I would like to find out if me, or my two kids – ages 13 and 16 – that we had together are eligible for anything?

Divorced Widow Dear Divorced,

If your ex-husband worked and paid Social Security taxes, both you and your kids may very well be eligible for survivor benefits, but you need to act quickly because benefits are generally retroactive only up to six months. Here’s what you should know.

Under Social Security law, when

a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, certain members of that person’s family may be eligible for survivor benefits including spouses, former spouses and dependents. Here’s a breakdown of who may be eligible.

• Widow(er)’s and divorced widow(er)’s: Surviving spouses are eligible to collect a monthly survivor benefit as early as age 60 (50 if disabled). Divorced surviving spouses are also eligible at this same age, if you were married at least 10 years and did not remarry before age 60 (50 if disabled), unless the marriage ends.

How much you’ll receive will depend on how much money (earnings that were subject to Social Security taxes) your spouse or ex-spouse made over their lifetime, and the age in which you apply for survivors benefits.

If you wait until your full retirement age (which is 66 for people born in 1945-1956 and will gradually

August 2016 •

increase to age 67 for people born in 1962 or later), you’ll receive 100 of your deceased spouses or ex-spouses benefit amount. But if you apply between age 60 and your full retirement age, your benefit will be somewhere between 71.5 — 99 percent of their benefit.

To find out what percentage you can get under full retirement age visit ssa.gov/survivorplan/survivorchartred.htm.

There is, however, one exception.

Surviving spouses and ex-spouses who are caring for a child (or children) of the deceased worker, and they are under age 16 or disabled, are eligible to receive 75 percent of the worker’s benefit amount at any age.

• Unmarried children: Surviving unmarried children under age 18, or up to age 19 if they’re still attending high school, are eligible for survivor benefits, too. Benefits can also be paid to children at any age if they were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled. Both biological and adoptive children are eligible, as well as kids born out of wedlock. Dependent stepchildren and grandchildren may also qualify. Children’s benefits are 75 percent of the workers benefit.

• Dependent parents: Benefits can also be paid to dependent parent(s) who are age 62 and older.

For parents to qualify as dependents, the deceased worker would have had to provide at least one-half of the parent’s financial support.

But be aware that Social Security has limits on how much a family can receive in monthly survivors benefits

— usually 150 to 180 percent of the workers benefit.

You also need to know that in addition to survivor benefits, surviving spouses or children are also eligible to receive a one-time death benefit of $255.

Maximizing Strategies

Social Security also provides surviving spouses and ex-spouses some nice strategies that can help boost your benefits. For example, you could take a reduced survivor benefit at age 60, and could switch to your own retirement benefit based on your earnings — between 62 and 70 — if it offers a higher payment.

Or, if you’re already receiving retirement benefits on your work record, you could switch to survivors benefits if it offers a higher payment.

You cannot, however, receive both benefits.

You also need to know that if you collect a survivor benefit while working, and are under full retirement age, your benefits may be reduced depending on your earnings.

For more information, visit ssa. gov/survivorplan or call 800-7721213.

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

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

Golden Years

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Depression Not Uncommon Among Elderly

Depression in older adults on the rise

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ecoming a "grumpy old man" or a "crabby old lady" isn't a natural part of the aging process. Aging increases the likelihood for certain risk factors for depression; however, older people can reduce their chances of depression. And those with depression can find relief.

The majority of older adults do not suffer from depression, according to Ann Cornell, a psychologist at Behavioral Health Partners at URMC who has a specialty in geriatrics.

"Statistics show that the rates of depression in older adults are lower than those in younger adults; however, older Cornell adults are at an increased risk for depression due to increased rates of chronic health conditions," she said.

Among older adults who require home health care or hospitalization, the rates also increase. Depression in older adults is often misdiagnosed or undertreated due to the assumption that depression is a normal part of aging or failure to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression in older adults.

"The percentage of older adults that experience depression appears to be increasing with each subsequent generation," Cornell said.

Other factors that can increase the risk for depression include functional decline, personal loss, untreated pain conditions, social isolation and difficulty engaging in activities of daily living. They may also experience loss of hobbies and employment. These factors would negatively affect people of any age, but are likelier in older adulthood.

Older people also may experience more directly age-related complications from health conditions such as thyroid disease and from medication.

"Medically, they're more complicated," said Chris Pulleyn, licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in Rochester. "In prescribing anything, you have to look at what they're already taking."

Prescription medication can cause a greater risk of depression if the patient takes two medications Pulleyn contraindicated for each other or at a dose exceeding an elderly person's ability to metabolize it effectively.

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

Pulleyn said that older individuals in good health who are taking care of another family member or stressed about finances may be at higher risk for depression.

"It takes a lot to cope in a positive way," Pulleyn said. "Generally, the most effective treatment for depression for most is a combination of anti-depressants and talk therapy. A lot of older people resist medication because they feel they're already taking enough medication.

"There's also a generational resistance to 'happy pills' but sometimes combined with talk therapy have statistically shown to be the most powerful treatment for depression, depending upon the degree."

She added that people who are mildly depressed may find relief through lifestyle modification, such as more aerobic exercise, eating better and finding positive ways to spend time. Many derive pleasure from volunteering, Audrey Berger, a psychologist in practice in Rochester, said that depression differs from a bout of the blues in that the feelings run deeper, include hopelessness and possibly physical manifestations, and last longer.

Berger For mild to moderate depression, "getting good sleep and nutrition is important," Berger said.

Seeking unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol only temporarily blunts emotional pain, "but it's not helpful in the long run," Berger said.

Don't count on a primary care physician to spot depression, especially if the visit is about a different malaise. Berger said that many primary care physicians miss it or "attribute the symptoms to other factors, like reaction to loss or 'just getting older,'" she said.

Look for signs such as persistent sadness, unexplained fatigue, losing interest in activities previously enjoyed, isolation, low self worth, contemplating death or suicide, lack of mental focus, feeling hopeless, anxiety, unexplained body aches, irritability, unexplained changes in weight, sleeping, grooming and eating patterns.

If you see these signs in yourself, bringing it up during a medical visit, talking with a minister trained in mental health counseling or seeking help from a mental health therapist may be the only way to obtain professional help. If someone you care about exhibits signs of depression, talk about what you're observing.

Health News MVP Health Care appoints new medical chief MVP Health Care has named physician Elizabeth (Beth) Malko as its new chief medical officer. She succeeds physician Allen Hinkle who announced earlier this year that he would be leaving MVP. Malko has more than 20 years of managed care experience, bringing her medical expertise to both for-profit and nonprofit Malko payor settings.

She comes to MVP from a position as executive vice president for clinical transformation and operations at Evolent Health in Arlington, Va. Evolent was founded in 2011 by The Advisory Board to help progressive health care systems lead, build and own the path to value-based care.

She has extensive management experience, including leadership of engineers, physicians, pharmacists, nurses and administrative and managed care staff. She led a staff of more than 350 associates at Evolent in clinical strategy and relationships.

Previously, Malko served as the executive vice president and chief medical officer for Fallon Community Health Plan in Worcester, Mass.; as the regional medical director for WellPoint Inc.’s state-sponsored business; and as a lead medical director for Anthem BCBS in New Hampshire and Connecticut. Earlier in her career, she also served as a family physician in private practice and as a chief engineer in several environmental engineering firms.

“Dr. Malko brings great talent and experience to MVP and I am confident that she will play a significant role in our ongoing transformation as we meet and manage the challenges presented by an ever-changing industry,” said MVP President and CEO Denise Gonick.

Malko earned a B.S. degree in biology and a master’s degree in engineering and environmental engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Her medical degree was awarded by the University of Connecticut.

She was board certified in family practice and is an active fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice.

St. Ann’s has news pastoral care director Mary Louise Mitchell has been named director of pastoral care at St. Ann’s Community, Rochester’s leading senior housing and health services provider. She succeeds Father Peter Bayer who retired in June after 25 years in that position.

Mitchell most recently served as president of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester (2007-2015). Her background is in

nursing and she has a 30-year career in that field.

Mitchell taught in the nursing programs at Nazareth College (1995-2003) and St. John Fisher College (1991-1993). At Nazareth, she Mitchell helped develop a master’s program for gerontological nurse practitioners. She also served as an advanced practice nurse in private practice at the Sisters of St. Joseph Spirituality Center in Rochester.

She began her career as a staff nurse and nursing instructor at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elmira and briefly served as the hospital’s vice president of nursing education. She earned her Ph.D. and post doctorate in nursing from the University of Rochester and her master’s in nursing from the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. Mitchell is a former board member of St. Ann’s Community, Nazareth College and Aquinas Institute . She currently serves on the board of Arnot Health in Elmira. She is a former member of the International Global Coordinating Group for the Sisters of St. Joseph.

health care system. Research shows that medical homes can lead to higher quality and lower costs, and can improve patient and provider reported experiences of care.

Amy Daly named VP of long-term care Amy Daly of Spencerport was recently named vice president of long-term care for UR Medicine’s Thompson Health.

President/ CEO Michael F. Stapleton Jr. said Daly was selected after an extensive interview process, with unanimous agreement from the interviewing team. “Amy has spent the last 15 years working in the long-term Daly care field and will bring a wealth of knowledge to the position,” he said.

A licensed nursing home administrator with a bachelor’s degree in health science and a pending mas-

ter’s degree in health education, Daly was the administrator for Hurlbut Care Communities’ Wedgewood Nursing Facility in Spencerport for more than 12 years and previously was an assistant administrator at The Hurlbut Nursing & Rehabilitation in Henrietta.

NYCC named “Great College to Work For” According to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education, New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) is once again one of the best colleges in the nation to work for.

The results, released in July in The Chronicle’s annual report on The Academic Workplace, are based on a survey of 281 colleges and universities. Only 93 achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies. The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captured demographics and workplace policies, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback.

Excellus BCBS Launches Choosing Wisely ‘Microsite’

Lifetime Health recognized for patient-centered care Program promotes conversations between patients Lifetime Health Medical Group has once again received the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition, achieving Level 3 status at all of the group’s nine practices. Receiving Level 3 recognition is considered the “gold standard” for primary care.

Lifetime Health has achieved this level of quality recognition, the highest NCQA offers, in its three consecutive submissions since 2010.

NCQA requires recertification every three years and continually updates its standards for qualification.

“Maintaining our recognition as a patient-centered medical home at the highest quality level is core to Lifetime Health’s mission of providing exceptional, high quality and affordable services in a caring environment,” said physician Stephen H. Cohen, Lifetime Health’s president.

“This achievement recognizes the commitment of our teams of physicians, other providers, nursing and office staff to deliver excellent, quality care to our patients every day.

A special thanks to Dr. Mark Cohen and his team for their coordination of three successful submissions.”

The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home is a model of primary care that combines teamwork and information technology to improve care, improve the patient’s experience and reduce costs. Medical homes foster ongoing partnerships between patients and their personal clinicians. Each patient’s care is overseen by clinician-led care teams that coordinate treatment across the August 2016 •

and clinicians to improve the quality of care and reduce the use of unnecessary services

E

xcellus BlueCross BlueShield recently launched a dedicated Choosing Wisely “microsite” of resources developed by Consumer Reports to help patients and clinicians engage in evidence-based conversations regarding their health care.

Excellus is licensed by Consumer Reports, the world’s largest independent, nonprofit consumer organization, to distribute Bartels Choosing Wisely content to its members, employers and the public.

The microsite can be accessed at http://consumerhealthchoices.org/ excellusbcbs/.

Choosing Wisely is a clinician-led initiative developed by the ABIM Foundation in partnership with Consumer Reports. It promotes conversations between patients and clinicians to improve the quality of care and reduce the use of unnecessary services that have little or no proven benefit. More than 70 medical societies have contributed more than 450 recommendations of tests and treatments they say may be wasteful and should be discussed.

“Our analysis of regional health

care data is guiding us to the Choosing Wisely recommendations that we know will have an immediate and positive impact on the quality of care in upstate New York,” said physician Matthew Bartels, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield medical director for health care improvement.

“We now have information about a number of specific recommendations readily available to view on the new microsite, and we will be adding more content to the site in the coming months.”

Among its efforts to work hand in hand with consumers for a fairer, safer and healthier world, Consumer Reports has developed a library of communications materials to help build meaningful discussions between clinicians and their patients about the most appropriate options for managing conditions or preventing illness.

The microsite features Consumer Reports’ materials that relate to the recommendations the health plan is promoting in its Upstate New York campaign, including imaging tests for low back pain and PSA testing for prostate cancer. The campaign encourages both patients and clinicians to “start the conversation” about options for care, tests and procedures so that the treatment ultimately chosen is evidence-based, doesn’t duplicate other tests or procedures, is safe and is truly necessary.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 19

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Health News New York Chiropractic College has participated in the Great Colleges program for eight consecutive years and has been honored each time. This year NYCC was recognized in 10 of the 12 categories evaluated including job satisfaction; collaborative governance; work-life balance; teaching environment; compensation and benefits; confidence in senior leadership; facilities, workspace, and security; professional/career development

Wednesday August 17, 2016 8:00AM – 11:00AM

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Educational Presentations/Exhibits and Give-A-ways 8am - Breakfast by El Rincon - Reservations Required; call for ticket 8:30am-11am - Exhibits Open - Visit Exhibitor Tables and learn lots!

9am - Break-out Sessions #1 - Health Literacy Program Presentation: Become empowered to communicate effectively withhealth care providers 10am - Break-out Session #2 - Kincare Presentation: Find out how to get financial help raising grandchildren 11am - Door Prizes (Must Be Present) - To register call: 315/483-3200 by Aug. 10, 2016

Sponsored by: Wayne County Rural Health Network

For information or to exhibit call: 315/483-3200

Page 20

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

programs; respect and appreciation; and supervisor/department chair relationship.

Chiropractic college receives reaccreditation New York Chiropractic College has recently received reaccreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

“This very positive outcome would not have been possible without the exceptional commitment and dedication of our faculty and staff,” said NYCC President Frank J. Nicchi.

“Their incredible support of our mission ensures that we consistently demonstrate academic excellence, quality patient care, and professional leadership.”

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is a voluntary, non-governmental, regional membership association that assures students and the public of the educational quality of higher education. The commission’s accreditation process ensures institutional accountability, self-appraisal, improvement, and innovation through peer review and the rigorous application of standards within the context of institutional mission.

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“spiritually fractured... deliriously devilish... SHE’S HILARIOUS” Officials at Jewish Senior Life and their guests during the June 16 groundbreaking ceremony to kick start the $83 million project on the Brighton-based campus.

J

Jewish Senior Life breaks ground on campus transformation project

ewish Senior Life hosted “A Breakthrough in Caring” campus expansion groundbreaking celebration June 16 to kick off one of the region’s largest construction projects for 2016.

The $83 million project on the Brighton-based campus, according to Jewish Senior Life will redefine home and revolutionize care by transforming its long-term care housing into a home setting for residents, and expanding its transitional care to meet a growing need.

“At Jewish Senior Life we care for more than 2,000 people each year.

The transformation of our campus positions our organization to serve the community with the most comprehensive offering through our complete continuum of care, programs and services,” said Mike King, president and CEO of Jewish Senior Life. “By transforming the traditional institutional model and building upon our long legacy of person-centered care, we will provide a more enriching, engaging environment centered on each individual’s preferences.”

As part of the campus transformation, Jewish Senior Life is con-

structing three modern three-story buildings for a total of nine homes, with 12 residents to each home.

Homes will be built under the green house project model, a nationally-accredited organization representing a new standard in long-term and post-acute care. Jewish Senior Life will be one of the largest green house communities in the United States.

Jewish Senior Life will also modernize the Jewish Home of Rochester to incorporate the small home model for long-term care and expand its transitional care (short-term rehabilitation) program, making it one of the area’s largest post-acute care providers.

In the new small home environments, caregivers are able to personalize their approach to best meet the unique individual needs of each resident, resulting in more meaningful lives and relationships. By enhancing their living environment and delivering a more personalized care experience, residents will now have even more choice, autonomy and control.

Construction began in June and is expected to be complete in February 2019.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 21

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Parenting

By Jessica Gaspar

Mom talks football season, prospective jobs

I

t occurred to me just today that more and more strangers randomly stop me in public just to take a peek at my baby. I generally don’t mind at all, but I had certainly never taken that into consideration among all of the other ways Timmy has changed my life. Before Timmy, I could make a trip to Wegmans or any other store for that matter, without having a single exchange with anyone but the cashier.

On last Thursday alone, I had two or three folks come up to me at the grocery store just to lay eyes on Timmy. I don’t mind at all. In

fact, I love hearing their “oohs” and “ahhs,” and they usually tell me what a cutie he is. Makes me feel like a proud mom!

If he’s awake, he’ll give them a grin while sucking away at his two middle fingers on his left hand. He loves people. The more they talk, the more he smiles. Sometimes, he’ll babble back and forth forever. My niece Camryn tells me, “Timmy is going to be a talker!” Truth is, I’m not much of a talker myself, so I won’t mind if he is.

If not a talker, he is sure to be a comedian, I’ll tell you that much.

At night, I’ll lay him down for bed.

He usually smiles up at me and will laugh hysterically for no reason at all. So, of course, I have to play with him and make him laugh more — not just any laugh, but full belly laughs.

They’re my favorite.

Right now, Timmy is 6 months old, happy and healthy. He’s checking in at about 16 1/2 pounds and 27 inches long. He’s long for his age, but his weight is within normal limits.

His cousin Carson is just more than 1 year old and weighs about 19 pounds and 29 inches. In fact, they wear the same size clothes! So much for any hand-me-downs from Carson.

I have a customer at work whose husband runs the football program at Hilton High School, my alma mater. She tells me not to move out of the district because, “My husband will want him on the team!” I also tell folks that he’s going to lead the Buffalo Bills to their first-ever Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl 75.

Maybe they’ll resurrect that dusty ol’ number 12 jersey just for him. What?

A mom can dream, can’t I? Speaking of football, I’ll tell you what. I cannot wait to start a new tradition. For years, my brother and

I have watched Bills games together. We’ve even gone to the Ralph a couple of times. Now, we’ve both got our boys, and we can all watch together. Timmy already has three or four pint-sized Bills jerseys ready for game day! I’m also a Mets fan, but I haven’t subjected him to a baseball game quite yet. I tell folks who question my preference of sports teams that while we are sure to be disappointed a lot, it makes the game-day wins that much more special. It also teaches humility. Any other Bills or Mets fan is sure to relate.

On a final note, there was a big scuttlebutt in my house a few weeks ago. My father insisted Timmy needed to have a blanket and socks on. I disagreed on both accounts. In my defense, it was a really warm day (close to 90). I didn’t see the need for a blanket let alone socks. Had it been the dead of winter, sure. I wouldn’t let the baby go cold, but I don’t want him to be too warm in the summer months. It was a topic we debated for two days until we both just gave up.

(Neither my dad nor I budge very easily, and my mom just stayed out of it!)

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585-385-6855 | www.disabilityrep.com 57 Monroe Avenue - Suite C - Pittsford, NY 14534

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

Meet Your Provider

Grasta's Beauty and Wig Studio Store offers largest inventory of top quality wigs in the region

Q: Has Grasta’s Beauty and Wig Studio always been family owned and operated? How did it originate?

A: From 1942 to 1984, my mother Lucille K. Russo owned the LuRue’s Beauty Shop on Lyell Avenue in Rochester. I followed up in her footsteps and now own Grasta’s Beauty and Wig Studio in Hilton. There is great pride between my mother and I in our accomplishments in the cosmetology field. I was mentored by my her and a daughter of a wig supplier. When a client walks out of Grasta’s Beauty and Wig Studio she or he will be proud to be wearing a Grasta wig, and no one will ever notice she or he is wearing a wig.

Q: Do you serve a specific clientele?

A: The wig shop is open by individual appointment only to ensure a personalized experience every time, and I welcome stylist and patients to call with questions about hair loss or to inquire about my many products, supplies and wigs.

Q: What are your specialties?

A: We specialize in wig and hairpieces for women and men. We offer a wide variety of wigs, toppers, wiglets, turbans, scarves and caps. It’s all

Q: Is any of this tax deductible? one-on-one, no walk A: For cancer patients there may be some ins so I can give my clients the best caring deductions. You may need to consult with your individual attention physician for more information. making you feel Q: How long does it take for a custom wig to be beautiful inside and made? out.

A: It takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks, Q: Would health however, we can do a rush order if needed and have the wig as fast as 5 to 6 weeks. insurance cover any of the cost associated Q: What is your return policy? with the wigs or A: We spend time to make sure of the proper hairpieces? fit and that you are very happy with your choice.

A: Yes, we do Grasta's Beauty and Unfortunately all sales are final. accept insurance.

Wig Studio is owned The client may need Q: Would you repair a wig if it isn’t bought from to contact their and operated by your shop? insurance company Sharon M. Grasta.

A: Yes, we would. to see if or how much would be covered.

Q: Are your wigs available to order online A: It’s important that you make an Q: How much do wigs cost? appointment to come in and be fitted correctly.

A: Prices range between $125 and $10,000 We do not mail out orders. It is my goal to give depending on the type and quality of wig you you the best service and products at the best choose. prices.

409 Parma Center Road Hilton • 585-392-7823 • Web: GrastasBeautyAndWigStudio.com Email: Shargrasta@yahoo.com. Monday through Saturdays by appointment only. No walk-ins August 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 23

Not a hotel.

(But you’ll feel like you’re in one.)

Recovering from surgery or a stroke is no vacation. But the Wegman Transitional Care Center offers advanced rehabilitative care in an environment that’s remarkably comfortable.

Rochester’s only freestanding transitional care center.

• Separate from St. Ann’s skilled nursing building.

• Singularly focused on helping you gain the independence you need to return home.

Hotel-like amenities.

• Spacious private rooms with shower, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TV. • Country kitchen for use 24/7 and on-site bistro.

You’re the boss.

Where you go for rehab is strictly up to you. If you have a surgery scheduled, you can preplan your stay with us and eliminate last-minute decisions—and disappointments.

Call 585-697-6311.

Or visit www.StAnnsCommunity.com Wegman Transitional Care Center

Specialized care to help you get better and get home fast.

• The latest technology and training to accelerate your recovery.

• Experienced, certified staff skilled in state-of-the-art rehab care.

Page 24

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

1500 Portland Ave., Irondequoit