In Good Health by In Good Health: Rochester's Healthcare Newspaper

in good GROWING AT HOME It pays to figure out what are the easiest vegetables to grow in your garden— and which ones can give the most nutrients in return for your efforts

LAKESIDE HEALTH

Restructuring Includes Job Cuts, Closing of Birthing Unit

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Rochester–Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

May 2012 • Issue 81

The Cinnamon Challenge Fueled by viral YouTube videos depicting teens coughing and spitting, the cinnamon challenge is becoming popular again. Parents, health officials concerned with trend

Arthritis? You’ve Got to Exercise

Dr.Timothy Quill recently was elected president of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Rochester Deaf Rotary Club Embarks on New Fundraising Efforts

Healthy Highway In its fifth year, the program Healthy Highway has motivated hundreds of schoolaged children in the Rochester area to change their eating habits and incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. Successful programs include Northstar May 2012 •

Christian Academy, 332 Spencerport Road in Gates, which became the first school to have all its K-6th grade students sign the Healthy Highway pledge. Find out more about the program and about Wendy Cooper, the physical education teacher, who create it.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Saturday, June 9th 2012 11 AM to 4 PM 395 Rich’s Dugway, Rochester, NY @RocDeafFestival RochesterDeafFestival

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HELP REDUCE ER CROWDING. FOR COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS, SEE YOUR DOCTOR. A recent study found that each year there are hundreds of thousands of emergency room visits in upstate New York that could be avoided. Minor conditions like cold and ﬂu symptoms, congestion, back pain, earaches and sports injuries are best treated by your doctor. If your doctor isn’t available, consider visiting an urgent care facility. And do your part to relieve ER crowding.

Sponsored by the Monroe County Medical Society, Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. A nonproﬁt independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

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U.S. Cancer Death Rates Continue to Decline Dana-Farber president: Encouraging news, but improvements are still needed

report from the nation’s leading cancer organizations shows rates of death in the United States from all cancers for men and women continued to decline between 2004 and 2008. The findings come from the latest Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. The report also finds that the overall rate of new cancer diagnoses for men and women combined decreased an average of less than 1 percent per year from 1998 through 2006, with rates leveling off from 2006 through 2008. Edward J. Benz, Jr., president of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, called the news encouraging, but is disappointed that the overall rate of cancer deaths is not falling nearly enough. “The rate of cancer diagnoses and deaths across all racial and minority groups are slowly decreasing,” said Benz. “But there are still gaps that must be addressed.” The report is co-authored by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, the National Cancer Institute, and the American Cancer Society. Among children aged 19 years or younger, the report shows cancer incidence rates increased 0.6 percent

Parents enlisted in ﬁght against problem gambling Youth are exposed to gambling now more than ever. The New York Council on Problem Gambling is working with local prevention councils statewide to educate parents of schoolage youth about problem gambling and encourage them to discuss the issue with their kids. As part of the efforts, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester area (NCADD-RA) is offering parent presentations for area school and community groups. The New York Council on Problem Gambling 2012 Problem Gambling Parent Education and Outreach Project

per year from 2004 through 2008, while death rates decreased 1.3 percent per year during the same period. The authors also highlighted cancers associated with excess weight and lack of sufficient physical activity. “This report emphasizes that the growing obesity problem and decreased overall physical activity in our society compared to decades ago have a real impact on multiple diseases, including cancer,” said Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, a colorectal cancer expert at Dana-Farber and author of several studies investigating the impact of exercise on survival rates for colorectal cancer patients. “While we currently see declines in incidence of many cancers, if obesity continues at the current rates, I believe these improvements in incidences will reverse and increase over time.” Benz added that the good news is that some of the cancer risks the report highlighted can be reduced by changes in lifestyle. “Many of the things that are still a problem in these statistics are modifiable,” said Benz. “If you watch your diet, exercise, and manage your weight, you can not only prevent your risk of getting many lethal forms of cancer, you will also increase your chances of doing well, if you should get almost any form of cancer.”

is the first statewide, coordinated effort focused on raising awareness through education sessions, information dissemination, and various advertising efforts including Web, television and print. According to the results of a survey conducted by the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, about 48 percent of seventh through 12th graders reported they had gambled in the past year. Approximately 140,000 adolescents have had problems due to gambling and another 10 percent are at risk. Children and adolescents are more likely to gamble if they witness adults gambling, and especially if the adults show interest and excitement about gambling. For more information visit www. ncadd-ra.org.

SERVING MONROE, ONTARIO AND WAYNE COUNTIES in good A monthly newspaper published by

Health Rochester–GV Healthcare Newspaper

Local News, Inc. Distribution: 30,000 copies. To request home delivery ($15 per year), call 585-421-8109.

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2012 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. 106 Cobblestone Court Dr., Suite 121 – P.O. Box 525, Victor NY 14564. • Phone: 585-421-8109 • Email: Editor@GVhealthnews.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Writers and Contributing Writers: Eva Briggs (M.D.), Jim Miller, Deborah J. Sergeant, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, Jessica Spies, Ernst Lamothe, Debbie Waltzer, Carol Kivler Advertising: Marsha K. Preston, Donna Kimbrell Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Ofﬁcer Manager: Laura Beckwith 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.

May 2012 •

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If you are 60 or older… Lifespan’s Health Insurance Information Counseling & Assistance Program provides: > Accurate and objective information regarding Medicare and Medicare-related insurances. > One-on-one counseling. > Monthly “Medicare 101” workshops. The next one is May 23, 11 am to 1 pm at Lifespan. Call today to reserve your seat. 287-6424. > Problem resolution. Make an informed decision about your health care insurance options.

For objective advice, call Lifespan at 585-287-6413. Lifespan provides non-biased information and guidance for older adults.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 3

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

March 27

Clifton Springs to hold ﬁrst meeting for celiac disease Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic announced the formation of the Tricounty Celiac Support Group, serving Yates, Wayne and Ontario counties. It will hold its first meeting at the Clifton Springs Hospital at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 27. The meeting will be held in the rotary room. Celiac disease is a digestive condition caused by a food allergy to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. One in every 133 Americans has celiac disease, according to the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland. Those with the condition can control the symptoms by eating a modified diet that eliminates gluten. Registered dietitian Amy Alquist will facilitate the support group. She plans for the group to meet every other month initially and to bring in guests and experts to talk about how to make the transition to a gluten-free lifestyle. The first guest will be Kathleen Oaks of the Rochester Celiac Support Group. Attendees will receive informational handouts, coupons and samples of gluten-free foods. Contact Amy Alquist at 315-462-0265 for more information.

May 1

Focus of discussion: How to buy hearing aids The Hearing Loss Association/ Rochester will hold two programs Tuesday, May 1, in the vestry room at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, East Avenue. They are: • At 11 a.m. presenter Thomas Hargrave will discuss “The Liberator Division in WWII: One GI’s recollections.” Hargrave has recorded his memories of “Greatest Generation” service with a vivid Power Point presentation covering his duty in the US and then as a tank driver in France and Germany. He emphasizes the interesting people he met along the way. • At 7 p.m. audiologists Joseph Kozelsky of the Webster Hearing Services and Matt MacDonald of Hart Hearing Centers will discuss “Purchasing hearing aids—Features and prices.” Are you purchasing hearing aids for the first time? Or are you considering replacing your current hearing aids? This program provides you with valuable information to discuss with your audiologist. For more information visit www. hlaa-rochester-ny.org or telephone 585266-7890.

May 2, 9

Unity Health to offer ‘Seeds of Change’ vegan classes The Seeds of Change vegan class series is returning to the Unity Diabetes Center. A low-fat vegan approach, coupled with exercise to manage diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, weight gain and hypertension, Seeds of Change consists of four two-hour Page 4

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sessions over the course of four weeks. It will be presented by dietitians Joy Valvano and Sharon Spear The program will take place at Unity Diabetes Center, 2655 Ridgeway Avenue, Suite 220, from 6 to 8 p.m. May 2 and May 9. Cost is $120. Seating is limited. Register by calling 585-3684560 or visit unityhealth.org (click on classes and events).

May 10, Jun 14, June 28

Three-part Rochester seminar to discuss autism The Advocacy Center, a Rochesterbased nonprofit working with people with disabilities and their families, is sponsoring a three-part seminar titled “Understanding Autism.” Designed for service coordinators, respite care providers and other human services providers, the session will be held at The Advocacy Center, 590 South Ave., Rochester from 9 a.m. to noon. Section one will be held at on Thursday, May 10, and will focus on “The Basics: How Autism Affects Individuals and Families.” Session two will take place June 14 and will focus on “Sensory Integration and Behavioral Issues for Individuals with Autism.” The third and last session will take place June 28 and is titled “Communication Considerations.” Each session is $40. For more information, call 585-546-1700 ext 267.

May 16, 17

Author: Transforming traditional nursing homes Author Beth Baker tells the inspirational story of a movement that is transforming traditional nursing homes into genuine communities that value the worth of those who live and work there. She will share what she learned from visits to homes around the country — where kids and pets are a part of everyday life, people with Alzheimer’s become artists, and real friendships and good humor flourish. Baker, author of “Old Age in a New Age,” is a freelance writer and editor whose articles have appeared in the Washington Post, AARP Bulletin, Ms., among others. Film screening of PBS documentary: “Almost Home,” followed by a discussion with filmmaker/Director Brad Lichtenstein. The seminar will take pace from 6-7:30 p.m., May 16, at Penfield Library, 1985 Baird Road; and from 2-3:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. on May 17 at Brighton Town Hall, 2300 Elmwood Ave. All sessions are free, however pre-registration is required. Please email mhildreth@lifespan-roch. org or call Marie Hildreth at 585-2876424.

May 18, June 9

Veterans job fair & health care information at VA The Canandaigua VA Medical Center and Rochester VA Outpatient Clinic will host two veterans job fair and health care information events. The events will take place at separate

locations: from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m on May 18 at Canandaigua VA Medical Center — building 5 auditorium.; and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 9 at Rochester VA Outpatient Clinic. At both events employers will be present to take resumes and answer questions. Under the “Wounded Warriors Tax Credit,” businesses could get up to $9,600 tax credit per disabled veteran hired. VA Health Care staff will be available to provide healthcare information and enrollment. Items recommended to bring an updated resume and DD-214. Employers interested in attending the Canandaigua event please RSVP to Rob Valenti, vocational rehabilitation services supervisor, at 585-393-7137 or via email at robert. valenti@va.gov by May 04. For more information regarding both events, please contact Kai Chitaphong at 585-393-7237 or via email at khamkay. Chitaphong@va.gov or Jennifer Nalley at 585-463-2722 or via email at jennifer. nalley@va.gov

May 21

Arthritis, joint replacement to be addressed in Geneva The Finger Lakes Health will host a dine and discuss program May 21 titled “Arthritis, Joint Replacement, and You” featuring Nitin Banwar, medical director for the Joint Center of the Finger Lakes. Banwar will discuss the types of arthritis, characteristics of a joint replacement candidate and the philosophy of care in the new Joint Center of the Finger Lakes, located at Geneva General Hospital. The program will be held at the Ramada Inn Geneva Lakefront May 21. The cost is $10, includes a full meal, and requires a minimum two-day prior registration. Call 315787-4636 or 315-531-2053 or visit www. flhealth.org/events.

May 25, 26

Renowned yoga teacher coming to Pittsford Breathe, the unique yoga studio, store, kitchen and spa headquartered in Pittsford, will host three yoga-inspired workshops Friday, May 25 and Saturday May 26 with renowned yoga teacher and humanitarian Seane Corn. Her visit kicks off Breathe’s plans to offer 10 inspiring events to mark 10 years in business. breathe first opened its doors in Pittsford on Nov. 22, 2002. “Seane Corn has been a good friend who has always supported what we do here at Breathe, from the yoga we offer to the food we serve to our humanitarian efforts to how we do business,” said Cyndi Weis, Breathe’s owner. “We are thrilled she will help us kick off our 10th anniversary year and will inspire people with her gifted teaching style and her very centered approach to life and service.” While at Breathe, Corn will offer three workshops, featuring discussion and vinyasa (or “flow”) yoga suited for the seasoned practitioner and the beginner. For a detailed description of these workshops, visit www.breatheyoga.com.

June 7

Bullying prevention to be discussed The Advocacy Center and the Executive Leadership Program at St. John Fisher College present “Preventing Bullying Through Leadership,” a half-day conference on June 7. Kaitlin

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

Monte, Miss New York 2011, will deliver the keynote address. The conference, aimed at educators, parents and students, will also include information about New York state’s anti-bullying legislation and a panel of experts. There is a fee associated with this conference, pre-registration is required. For registration information, see www. advocacycenter.com training calendar or call The Advocacy Center at 585-5461700 Ext. 267.

June 9

Rochester Deaf Festival scheduled in Penﬁeld The Rochester Deaf Festival, Inc. has announced the upcoming Fourth Annual Rochester Deaf Festival. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ellison Park in Penfield on Saturday, June 9. Available will be a number of exhibits, entertainment, food, a cake contest, prizes, activities for children and much more! As a perk, attendees may register online (at no cost) to get freebies and discounts on food. The event is made possible by sponsorships from The Z® and Harter, Secrest & Emery, LLP, Deaf Rochester BBQ, Rochester Deaf Rotary and Rochester Recreation Club for the Deaf. For more information, visit RochesterDeafFestival.org.

June 25 — July 26

Teen athletes invited to URMC sports camp High school and college athletes have the opportunity to learn strength and conditioning skills at a month-long sports performance enhancement camp sponsored by URMC Sports Medicine, a program of the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. The camp will take place from June 25 to July 26 at the University of Rochester’s Athletic Fields. It will run 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. “The camp is designed to improve an athlete’s performance, as well as reduce the risk of injury while playing sports,” said Todd Peterson, director of performance enhancement at URMC Sports Medicine. “The competition they face, no matter what sport, is fierce and we’ve found young athletes – both young men and women — are requiring more than sport-specific skills training to succeed.” The goal of the camp is to reduce their risk of injury and improve their competitive edge in the sports they play. The drills are constructed to help participants improve their running form, agility and foot speed; increase flexibility, balance, coordination and joint awareness; enhance core strength and muscle control; and learn body alignment and proper technique to avoid being injured. The cost to enroll is $150 per person (with group discounts available). For more information or to register, call University Sports Medicine at 585-3419150, or visit www.sportsmed.urmc. edu and click on special events.

Share the News editor@GVhealthnews.com

Patients With Stroke Symptoms Are Still Not Calling 911

ationwide ambulance use by patients suffering from a stroke has not changed since the mid1990s, even though effective stroke treatments are now available. In a study published in the March issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center found that the number of stroke victims transported via ambulance has remained relatively static over the years, highlighting the need for more education about stroke symptoms and the importance of early intervention. The study, led by Hooman Kamel, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell, analyzed data collected by the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) between 1997 and 2008. “People do not always recognize the seriousness of stroke symptoms, or instead of calling 911, they may call their primary care physician for an appointment and lose valuable time as the damage becomes irreversible,” says Kamel. Based on 1,605 cases, the study found that just 51 percent of adults diagnosed with stroke in emergency departments nationwide arrived via ambulance, with no significant change over the 11-year span. Kamel says recovery is possible with early treatment. “We have drugs and surgeries that can minimize brain damage from a stroke, but they can be used only within a few short hours. When stroke victims or bystanders quickly recognize the symptoms of a

get better

orthopaedic care. Clifton Springs Orthopaedics the ofﬁce of Dr. Tariq Hussain

Orthopaedics Hand Surgery Joint Replacement Sports Medicine Make your appointment now 315.462.1170. Everything we do, we do so you can get better. stroke and call 911, patients are more likely to arrive in time to receive these treatments.”

Common Warning Signs of Stroke

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, you should call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms. • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Clifton Springs

Hospital & Clinic

2 Coulter Road, Clifton Springs, NY | 315.462.9561 CliftonSpringsHospital.org

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 5

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT MONDAY, APRIL 30, 7 PM

Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Dr. Timothy E. Quill Guest Lecturer David H. Klein CEO of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

National Health Care: An Overview of Recent Debates A thought-provoking lecture about the upcoming presidential election and critical civic issues facing today’s society Lectures begin at 7 pm Cost: $5 Register by calling the JCC Main Desk at 461-2000 or visit jccrochester.org

DO YOU HAVE GLAUCOMA? At Rochester Ophthalmological Group, we are frequently enrolling clinical research studies for Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension. If you would like to register in our patient database to be considered for one of these trials, please call our clinical research ofﬁce at:

(585) 244-6011x315

Payment for time and travel are often available. During study participation, study related exams and investigational medication are provided at no cost.

Rochester Ophthalmological Group P.C. Howard I. Schenker, M.D. 2100 Clinton Avenue South Rochester, NY 14618 Page 6

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Rochester physician elected president of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He discusses hospice vs. palliative care and how important is pain management to a patient’s treatment and recovery Q: What is palliative care and who receives it? A: Palliative care involves treating pain and symptoms of people who are ill from all kinds of medical conditions. It’s helping to treat their physical and psychological suffering while they may be receiving aggressive treatment for their underlying disease. And part of it is assistance with decision making as they get sicker, trying to help them decide what does or doesn’t make sense. Q: How does it differ from hospice care? A: It differs from hospice care in some important ways. Hospice care would be purely pain and symptom management for people who have accepted that their disease is no longer amenable to treatment. Palliative care does treat pain and symptoms, but it also tries to help people get the best possible treatment of their underlying disease at the same time. So it can be given at the same time as aggressive medical treatment like heart transplants, aggressive chemotherapy. With hospice, those other treatments tend to fall out. Q: What’s your personal background with palliative care? A: I was a general internist for 35 years and I also was a hospice medical director back in the beginning days of hospice in the early 1980s, so I’ve got a mix of general medical care hospice experience. Then palliative care came into being in the 1990s, so that was sort of bridge where you’d do general medical care while doing pain and symptom management. So I’ve become more and more involved in the palliative care side over the last 10 years. When I came over to the university, I started a palliative care program, and that’s been growing. Most recently, I’ve gotten involved in the national organization for hospice and palliative medicine.

chemotherapy and the other got standard chemotherapy and palliative care. As you might expect, the group that got palliative care got better pain and symptom management and spent less time in the hospital, but the surprising finding was that the group lived longer by three months, on average, than the group that only got oncologic care from the get-go. So it suggests that good pain and symptom management may not only make people feel better, but may help them live longer. Q: Is that a function of psychological factors, or controlling inflammation? What do you think is going on there? A: It’s probably a mix of several things that will be unraveled over the next few years of research. Part of it is that if people have better pain management, they get out of the hospital faster, they recover a little bit better, they may be able to tolerate more treatment. But also, I think they are better able to make informed decisions about when medical treatments aren’t working for them. Sometimes, medical treatment, if it’s done to the bitter end, probably shortens life rather than lengthens it. So some of it is better information and

Q: How important is pain management to a person’s treatment and recovery? Can it actually help improve outcomes? A: There have been some really important studies recently, one of which was a randomized trial of people with advanced lung cancer. At the time of their diagnosis, they were randomized into two groups. One had got standard

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

better decision-making all the way through. Q: You recently became president of a national palliative care group. Can you talk about that? A: I’m the president of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, which is the largest physician organization for hospice and palliative care. It’s a national organization and has been growing quite rapidly over the last 10 years. It’s very involved in getting doctors trained in palliative and hospice medicine and also supporting scholarship in this area. It’s been a great group to be involved with. It’s been making a difference. Q: What does a good palliative care program look like? A: A good basic clinical program has to be able to see patients at all stages of their illness. It has to be comfortable with people in the ICU and people getting very aggressive treatment. It has to be willing to see patients at off hours and become involved as part of their health care team. If you’re going to be in a comprehensive program, you have to develop an outpatient program to follow-up with people when they leave the hospital. You have to develop educational programs to train the medical students and, ideally, you need a research component because this is a beginning field and we need more information about what does and doesn’t work. Q: Is this an emerging field? Are more medical students studying palliative care? A: I think it’s an emerging field. It’s been around for 20 years, but has really taken off in the last 10. We’re in all the major medical centers throughout the country. More insurers are realizing how much we have to offer; we help take care of the sickest people, we help minimize the amount of time spent in the hospital and help bring down the cost of care. It’s just gotten board certification, so it’s very much a growing field. It’s a field that needs a lot of manpower, so we’re trying to figure out best how to respond to that. Q: How would a palliative care specialist work alongside a cardiologist or an oncologist? A: The main treating physician would ask a palliative consultant to come in and help manage certain symptoms, pain and shortness of breath, depression, anxiety. they may help them decide which of the treatments that are available make sense. They may help the cardiologist or oncologist decide which are appropriate at this phase of the treatment.

Lifelines Name: Timothy E. Quill, M.D. Hometown: Rochester, NY Education: University of Rochester Medical; Amherst College Afﬁliations: University of Rochester Medical Center Organizations: American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (president); American Academy of Communication in Healthcare (member) Family: Married, three daughters, grandchildren Hobbies: Long distance bicycling, running, traveling, writing

Lakeside Health Restructuring Includes Job Cuts, Closing of Birthing Unit By Jessica Spies

ue to decreasing revenue, Brockport’s Lakeside Health System is restructuring its operations in order to address the system’s budget deficit. The group announced the restructuring plan, which includes job cuts, in April. The system plans on cutting $3 million from operating expenses. “We are on a journey to become a low-cost, efficient provider of inpatient and outpatient services while maintaining a high standard of quality of service to our patients, physicians, and our community,” said Hugh Collins, Lakeside’s interim CEO, in a statement. Collins worked with Lakeside’s board of directors to develop the plan. “To ensure the viability of Lakeside as a community resource, it is necessary to restructure operations, improve efficiency and become more cost effective,” he said. “Although these changes will have an adverse impact for some, they are prudent, proactive steps to sustainable fiscal performance.” As part of a plan to increase revenue and decrease spending, Lakeside would outsource billing collections and would reduce 50 full-time positions through attrition, a hiring freeze, retirement incentives and cuts. The system will also close its birthing unit at the hospital, which has seen declining deliveries over the past several years. Despite decreasing demand for birthing services, the hospital has continued to see a steady need for gynecology services and will offer gynecology and urogynecology services through Rochester Gynecologic & Obstetrics Associates. According to Collins, that move, expected to being implemented by

The Lakeside Hospital’s Family Birthing Center, scheduled to close as part of cost cutting measures, opened in August 2006 with grand fanfare. The 7,000-squarefoot birthing center cost $1.8 million and offered many amenities the hospital lacked at the time. The new facility was unable to attract more patients and the hospital will no longer offer birthing services. Instead, it will offer pre- and postnatal services, which will be provided by Rochester Gynecologic & Obstetrics Associates. .

mid-May, would save the institution more than $500,000 a year. RGOA will also offer pre- and post-natal care at Lakeside. RGOA is a group of 10 board-certified obstetrician/gynecologists and two licensed and certified nurse practitioners with offices in Rochester. Another part of the plan includes the transfer of operations of LeRoy Urgent Care to United Memorial Medical Center.

“This solution will benefit Lakeside and UMMC. By working together we have developed a win-win where the services will still be provided and Lakeside can still reduce our expenses,” said Collins. Collins said that Lakeside will continue to be a vital part of the Brockport community. “We have a huge advantage in the fact that we are already a high quality hospital. But we need to get back

on solid ground financially to ensure that we are here for our community for years to come,” he said. Situated in Brockport, this 181-bed health care system serves residents in Monroe, Orleans, and Genesee counties. It’s comprised of Lakeside Memorial Hospital, Lakeside Beikirch Care Center, Lakeside Foundation, the Daisy Marquis Jones Family Wellness Program and Lakeside Urgent Care Center in Spencerport

$800,000 Grant to Improve Stroke Care in Rochester Greater Rochester Health Foundation announces its largest grant to help stroke patients

reater Rochester Health Foundation recently announced it largest grant to date — $800,000 — to Rochester’s three health systems who are collaborating to improve stroke care through creation of the Stroke Treatment Alliance of Rochester (STAR). The initiative brings stroke teams from Highland, Rochester General, Strong Memorial and Unity hospitals together to provide consistent and immediate care for a condition that requires fast action for long-term survival and meaningful quality of life. The grant, led by Curtis Benesch and Babak Jahromi, physicians from the University of Rochester Medical Center, includes a consortium of vascular neurologists and neurosurgeons who provide around-the-clock emergency support and consultation for

each hospital. While each local hospital has a state department of health-designated primary stroke center, inconsistencies among the institutions persist. “The foundation recognizes that stroke is a significant health issue for our community with nearly 2,500 people admitted to area hospitals each year for stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack sometimes referred to as a mini-stroke),” said John Urban, president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Health Foundation. “Many people do not recognize the symptoms of stroke and therefore fail to receive care within the optimal time frame. Locally, more than 70 percent of people were not able to receive optimal care, which makes stroke a significant health issue for our community. The $800,000 we have awarded to STAR over three years is the largest single

grant in our five-year history. We are proud to fund this collaborative effort which will have such a positive impact on the health of our community.” According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Rochester region has one of the highest stroke rates in New York, affecting 14 people per 1,000. “Community-wide teamwork is necessary to provide timely, comprehensive and effective care to each patient who suffers a stroke in the Rochester region,” said Webster H. Pilcher, neurosurgery chair at URMC and one of the early proponents of the communitywide efforts. “The key is getting physicians in the community who care for stroke patients all working together to improve care. Enhancing the delivery of care for patients at each hospital is essential for improving survival and quality of life.”

May 2012 •

A stroke can have a devastating toll on individuals, their families and the community, considering the estimated $230 million spent on treatment, rehabilitation and lost productivity. Experts estimate approximately 3,000 Rochester area people are hospitalized in Rochester each year following a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), a mini-stroke. In addition, many patients require sometimes lengthy rehabilitation in specialized facilities and nursing homes. Through the collaborative effort, physicians estimate the program could save the community $1.6 million per year by improving care to allow more stroke patients to return home without additional medical services.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 7

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Asking for Help: It Brings Blessings, not Burdens “It’s not the load that breaks you down; it’s the way you carry it.” -Lena Horne

ride to the doctor’s office. Help with moving a heavy piece of furniture. An emergency dog-sitting request. Giving and receiving help from my friends and family has proved to be a wonderful way to get to know each other and to strengthen bonds. It’s another one of the many “life lessons” I’ve learned while on my own — that asking for help brings blessings, not burdens. But if asking for help is difficult or awkward for you, know that you’re not alone. Many people and, regrettably, many of those who need it most — find it hard to reach out and ask for help in times of need. The reasons? There are many, but my experience tells me that lots of women and men who live alone avoid asking for help because they fear being seen as weak or vulnerable. I know that after my divorce I was reluctant to ask for help. I wanted to show the world that I was perfectly fine, thank you. When I really could have used some help, I avoided asking anybody for anything, determined to

muscle through on my own. It led to isolation and pointless hardships. And the biggest shame? Not asking for assistance kept me distant from friends and family. I denied myself (and them) the chance to connect on a genuine and meaningful level. Looking back, it’s clear to me that my healing and personal growth were compromised as a result. I encourage you to let go of any excuses not to ask for help, in favor of being true to yourself and to those who love and want to support you. Below are some words of encouragement and a few tips to help you help yourself: Be honest. What keeps you from asking for help? Could it be pride? Do you think you’ll be seen as incapable or weak? Are you concerned about being a bother? Or, would asking for help force you to acknowledge that, indeed, you need it? Take a moment and reflect on what keeps you from asking for assistance. Redefine what it means to be strong. Everyone needs help from time to time, and seeking help on your terms is not a weakness. In fact, the strongest people are often those who have

KIDS Corner Fewer Kids Getting Hurts in Stair-related Injuries

new study found that more than 93,000 children younger than 5 years of age were treated in U.S. emergency departments for stair-related injuries from 1999 through 2008. On average, this equates to a child younger than 5 years of age being rushed to an emergency department for a stair-related injury every six minutes in the U.S. The study by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital appears in the April 2012 print issue of Pediatrics. It noted a decline in the annual number of these injuries during the course of the study. Page 8

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“While we are pleased to see a declining trend in the number of stairrelated injuries, stairs continue to be a common source of injury among young children,” said the study’s senior author, Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and a professor of pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “Through a combination of educating parents, use of stair gates, and modifying building codes to make stairs safer, we can prevent these types of injuries.” While the majority of children fell down the stairs without mention of the

the courage to admit they need some assistance and reach out. I’ve always admired this quality in others. Real strength is knowing your personal limitations and having the confidence to recruit assistance when you need it. Have a little faith. Believe that people truly want to help. Just turn the tables, and think about how you’d respond if a friend, family member or co-worker asked for a helping hand. You wouldn’t hesitate. In fact, you might even feel slightly upset if not asked, especially if someone you cared about was having real difficulty. Know that others, too, want to be there for their friends and family in need. Take a chance. When you choose to be vulnerable and ask for help, you are taking a risk. You are opening yourself up and exposing your authentic self. When you are “real” like this, you have an amazing opportunity to cultivate deeper, more meaningful bonds with others. It can be life- and relationshipchanging, but only if you are willing to take a chance and make your needs known. Make the request. First, put some thought into where you could really

involvement of another object or activity, children younger than 1 year of age were more likely than older children to be injured while they were being carried down the stairs, or while they were in a baby walker or stroller. In fact, one-fourth of injuries to children younger than age 1 occurred while the child was being carried on the stairs, and these children were more than three times more likely to be hospitalized than children injured by other mechanisms. Among all children, soft tissue injures (35 percent) were the most common type of injury followed by lacerations and puncture wounds (26 percent). The most common body regions injured were the head and neck (76 percent) followed by the upper extremities (11 percent). Study authors recommend the following to help prevent stair-related injuries: • Keep stairs free of clutter and in good repair • Install a handrail if one is not available • Use stair gates at both the top and the bottom of stairs • Remember that while stair gates are important and effective, they are not a substitute for adult supervision • Avoid carrying a child on the stairs when possible. Place him in a safe place, such as a crib, when you need to use the stairs

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

use some support and then ask for help with one specific item. It could be something as simple as weeding a garden bed to something as important as identifying a financial adviser. If you’re uncomfortable making the request, you might start out by saying, “You know, I’m not very comfortable asking for favors, but I wonder if you might be able to help me with something?” Express your gratitude. You know this, of course. A heartfelt thank you in person or in writing will be warmly received by the person whose help you have accepted. No need to go overboard. Remember, people want to help others, and don’t expect to be remunerated for doing a good deed. Offer help in return. Because giving can be as gratifying as receiving, you’ll want to make it known that you, too, are available to return the favor. We all have gifts, we all have needs, and we all can be of great assistance to one another. Look around, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to help those who have helped you during your time of need. Asking for help becomes easier with practice. Just as I did, you’ll soon discover the benefits that lie in the aftermath of the “ask” — benefits that include deeper, more meaningful relationships with existing friends and family members, as well as the prospect of making new connections with others. The rewards inherent in accepting help and expressing your gratitude are many and go both ways. So take it from me: Life can be better, just for the asking. Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive, empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, New York. For information about the workshops, call 585-624-7887, email gvoelckers@rochester. rr.com, or visit aloneandcontent.com.

When you need to carry a child on the stairs: • Do not carry other items at the same time. The child should be the only thing in your arms • Keep one hand on the handrail to steady yourself in case you trip or slip • Never use a stroller or carriage on the stairs • Do not use mobile baby walkers. Stationary activity centers are safer for children • When a child begins to use stairs on his own, teach him • To always have a free hand to hold onto the handrail • To ask an adult for help if he wants to take something up or down stairs • To keep toys, including riding toys, off of the stairs • That stairs are not for playing or jumping on This is the first study to use a nationally representative sample to examine injuries associated with stairs that were treated in U.S. emergency departments. Data for this study were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which is operated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The NEISS provides information on consumer product-related and sports and recreation-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments across the country.

Healthy Highway

Innovative program that includes nutrition and fitness is making a difference in the lives of school students By Ernst Lamothe

hildren have never been an overwhelming fan of fruits and vegetables, especially when placed on the same table with cookies and potato chips. But Wendy Cooper started noticing something as a health educator that she couldn’t ignore. As a physical education teacher for 30 years, including the last 20 in the Greece Central School District, she began seeing a trend with more and more children bypassing healthy choices. Thirty-six percent of city of Rochester children and 25 percent of suburban children are considered overweight or obese, according to school district studies. It’s a situation she viewed as simply unacceptable and she has become one of the lead voices in fighting childhood obesity. Cooper, a retired local physical education teacher, started Healthy Highway, an innovative curriculumbased program that teaches children about health, fitness and nutrition. Through classroom materials and some creativity, she created an interactive program that enables children to have the skills to not only make but embrace health choices. “The children are starting to embrace the concept,” said Cooper, who developed the curriculum on actual lessons she taught over a five-year period. “As a physical education teacher in my last year, we were asked to teach more about nutrition so that it becomes a lifelong habit. It’s a shame how sometimes we take better care of our car engines than we do our bodies.” Healthy Highway classroom material kits consist of a spiral-bound teacher’s guide, which includes five safety and five nutrition lessons that each school can incorporate. There are visual food cards that place items into red, yellow and green categories based on the food’s grams of fat. Green denotes light everyday foods with 3 grams of fat or less, yellow denotes food that have 4 to 6 grams of fat that students can eat several days a week. The red foods have 7 grams of fat and higher and should be consumed less frequently. Cooper said teachers could keep much of their original health curriculum and use some of Healthy Highway concepts to inject nutritional concepts into their lessons. She began the program throughout 13 Greece elementary schools. This year, it was expanded into Penn Yan elementary schools and a pilot program is currently being offered in the city of Rochester school district. In its fifth year, Healthy Highway has motivated hundreds of school-age children to change their eating habits and incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. Successful current programs include Northstar Christian Academy, 332 Spencerport Road in Gates, which became the first school to have all its K-6th grade students sign the Healthy Highway pledge. Each classroom signed a form, which was then displayed on the cafeteria wall, with a banner that says “I will make one healthy choice every day.” In addition, the school features pic-

Wendy Cooper, creator of Healthy Highway, stands before a Healthy Highway bulletin board reminding students to eat healthy and fuel their engines at lunch. tures of students who have been chosen as healthy eaters each month and sixth-graders research fun facts about specific food. North Park Elementary in Hyde Park incorporated the Healthy Highway pledge into the school pledge every morning, which includes helping children learn how to make healthy options part of their lives. Earlier this year, the school gave the children a list of ingredients and they wrote their own recipes for healthy snacks. They talked about it on the morning announcements and during lunch, and proudly served their snacks to the entire school. Believing in a holistic approach, Cooper connected with the Greece food service department so they began having a role in implementing a districtwide pilot program. English Village, a Greece elementary school, decided to be proactive and have second-graders make healthy food from the school garden. The process teaches children that healthy food can taste good with the extra bonus of young students taking an active role in their own food choices. “The kids were so excited that the food came from the garden,” said Cooper. “You have to make children absorb the information about the importance of their own health. We can’t just focus on healthy choices whenever National Nutrition Awareness Month comes up. It has to be a year long awareness campaign. My goal is to eventually get this all across the country.” Leslie O’Keefe, food service man-

Second grade chefs at English Road Elementary School cafeteria in Greece serve up their healthy snack recipes at Chef Days. ager at English Village Elementary School, said the program has been phenomenal. She said kids are bringing their good habits home and educating their families. “It has empowered our children to adopt healthy eating habits and has taught them how to make healthy choices,” said O’Keefe. “One day we served tater tots and I watched the children make their choices in line. No one touched the tater tots. They all went for the fruit and the salad. I have also seen students reminding their classmates

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that they need to choose a Healthy Highway food in line and I have had children ask for applesauce for lunch because that is a Healthy Highway food.” When Cooper hears those kinds of stories, it warms her heart. And she credits the staff for helping children make healthy choices in the cafeteria. “The cafeteria workers are on the front lines and see the kids every day. They are the ones preparing and serving the food and they can help lead kids on the right path,” added Cooper.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Susan Hyman: A Life Devoted to Developmental Disorders By Debbie Waltzer

usan Hyman, an internationally recognized expert on autism spectrum disorder, was scheduled to receive a Health Care Achievement Award from Rochester Business Journal at a luncheon on Thursday, March 29.

However, Hyman—chief of neurodevelopmental and behavioral pediatrics and associate professor of pediatrics at University of Rochester Medical Center/Golisano Children’s Hospital— was needed elsewhere that day. She was among a handful of experts present at a press conference in Atlanta, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made an announcement that one in 88 children in the United States has been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder. This marks a 23 percent increase since a similar report was released two years earlier. Hyman, chairman of the autism subcommittee of the American Academy of Pediatrics, was interviewed that evening by the MacNeil/Lehrer Report on PBS. During that interview, she noted: “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that pediatricians begin screening for autism in their patients in 2007. And screening requires looking for core symptoms of autism in very young children and continuing surveillance through school age…” Regarding the efficacy of advanced screening methods, she stated: “We’re better [at identifying autism spectrum disorder] because we’re looking. We’re better

because we have more tools and we’re better because parents and teachers are more informed about identifying concerning symptoms earlier and earlier.” Hyman, who oversees a team of roughly 80 medical providers and researchers at URMC that specialize in Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy, has had an interest in developmental disorders in children since she did a residency rotation in what was then called the handicapped children’s clinic at North Carolina Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill. “I was so inspired by the children and their families,” she says. “There was so much we could do to help them, and every little thing that we did made a real difference in their lives.” While growing up, Hyman, a native of Suffern near New York City, knew fairly early on that she wanted to enter the field of medicine. Her father was a dermatologist who also served as health commissioner for Rockland County. Her mother ran her father’s medical practice; an older sister now teaches in a graduate nursing program in Denver and a younger brother is director of general internal medicine at a hospital in Houston. “I was such a nerd as a kid—totally into academics rather than athletics,” recalls Hyman, 58, who vividly recalls happy experiences of volunteering with nursing home patients. “Growing up in a medical household, I was greatly affected by Betty Friedan’s assertion that women could do anything.” Indeed, she applied to and was accepted into Brown University’s prestigious five-year combined undergraduate and medical degree program. And her college roommate has had a profound impact on Hyman’s professional development; the friend’s son—now 25 years old—has autism and helped shape the doctor’s desire to focus her work in that field. “Zachary has fairly severe autism and lives in a residential community,” says Hyman, recalling the lad’s moving Bar Mitzvah ceremony, for which he learned to repeat several key prayers. “A cure wasn’t the issue; maximizing his potential was the issue. Being

part of a loving family unit is what has always mattered.” In 2010, medical staff members in URMC’s neurodevelopmental and behavioral pediatrics department provided treatment for more than 1,300 patients with autism. That year, the staff made 300 new diagnoses of the disorder. Recently, during World Autism Day, Hyman and her colleagues answered calls from parents who phoned a local radio station for information. Concerns ranged from possible autism spectrum disorder in a 22-month-old toddler to suspicions of Asperger Syndrome in a 30-year-old son. “Children need to be identified as soon as possible so effective intervention can occur,” says Hyman, adding that recent CDC statistics indicate that fully half of all children with autism have normal intellectual capabilities. Also of key importance to Hyman is a coordinated plan for helping adults with autism reach their maximum personal potential. She is very excited about URMC’s new Institute for Innovative Transition. Through a grant provided by the Golisano Foundation, the program will help prepare adults with development delays for competitive employment opportunities. Hyman, who is married to William Fricke, a pathologist with Rochester General Health System, and is the mother of a daughter who will graduate this spring from Washington University with a degree in art and French, and a son who is a sophomore studying music and psychology at University of Rochester. Shehas hopeful messages for parents and families of individuals with developmental disabilities. “Everybody has a family member or a neighbor with autism,” she says. “We all need to think of people with developmental disabilities as part of our society, not isolated from society. We also need to identify, intervene and help them reach their maximum potential throughout their lives. The next child to be diagnosed with autism could be your child. We must incorporate everyone who is differently abled into the life of our communities.”

New CDC Report Includes Autism Findings in NJ

ew statistics issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders found among 8-year-old children in a sample area of New Jersey is significantly higher than in most other states surveyed. It’s believed the numbers in New Jersey are higher than elsewhere because schools and health providers in the state are better equipped to detect cases of autism than elsewhere in the country – and that the numbers show no evidence that New Jersey children are at higher risk for autism. The CDC surveyed populations in Page 10

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14 different states, and, using statistics compiled in 2008 and published in the March 30 edition of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, finds an overall estimated prevalence in those locations of 11.3 per 1,000 (one child in 88). The prevalence found in New Jersey is 20.5 per 1,000 (one child in 49). Union County was the location chosen for the New Jersey survey, which looked at the records of 7,082 children, of whom 145 were found to have autism spectrum disorders. Autism spectrum disorders were found to be 5.8 times more prevalent among boys than among girls. According to Zahorodny, Union

County is a good barometer for prevalence in wider areas of the state. “Over the years, we have done detailed analyses of autism prevalence in four counties, Essex, Hudson, Ocean and Union, and regularly found those counties’ numbers to be consistent with one another,” Zahorodny says. “That means there is strong reason to believe the numbers from Union are representative of the state at large.” Zahorodny also emphasizes that the numbers speak well of health care and education systems in New Jersey. “These prevalence numbers are not higher here because there are more autistic children. There is not a shred

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

of credible evidence that living in New Jersey puts children at higher risk,” Zahorodny says. “The numbers are higher because health professionals and educators who work with New Jersey children are more attuned than elsewhere to the signs of autism. Many children with autism spectrum disorders are identified while they are still in preschool. In fact, the median age where autism is detected here is 3 years and 2 months, lower than in all but one of the states surveyed. This sensitivity to the disorder and to the needs of children it affects makes New Jersey a state where these children can be, and usually are, well cared for.”

DEPRESSION

By Carol Kivle

The Five B’s for Dealing with a Depressed Loved One H ave you ever walked a tight rope? That’s how it feels when you live with, love or care for someone who is in the midst of a severe depression. And considering the fact that one out of four Americans will face a depressive episode in his or her lifetime, it’s likely you’ll witness someone close to you challenged by depression. As your relationship with the depressed individual (the consumer) changes due to the illness, you may find yourself feeling sad, misled, resentful, guilty, exhausted, worried and a whole lot of other emotions. That’s a lot of “weight” to manage especially if you have a rather heavy load in life already. How do you strike a balance that honors the consumer, while protecting your own well-being? The experiences of the consumer’s loved ones (meaning you) are challenging and often overlooked, yet friends and family are a key part of recovery for the consumer, and so the healthier you remain, the greater support they receive in return. Having been diagnosed with clinical depression, I walk the road of the consumer and have observed the state of discomfort from both my family and friends, who didn’t know what to do or say to support me during my hospitalizations or the months of recovery from my episodes. There were many ways they could help me, but they didn’t know how, and in a severe state of depression, I didn’t have the strength to show them. Through my own experience as

well as the experiences of the audience members with whom I now speak, I offer tips to enrich and enhance the lives of the consumers, their loved ones and health care providers. Following are the “Five B’s” for effectively dealing with a depressed individual — or consumer:

1. Be a Good Listener

Share your concern for the individual and offer your observations. Then follow up with some open-ended questions, which will allow the individual an opportunity to talk. “What are you feeling?” or “What three things can I do to make you feel supported?” Assure the individual you are not there to judge but rather to provide a listening ear. Depression is a topic that is hard to talk about and sometimes harder to listen to. But since many depressed individuals are consumed by anxiety and ruminating thought patterns, having someone to share them with makes a difference.

2. Be Patient

People who are depressed can take a long time to accept their own illness. Your patience can enhance their ability to accept their illness, and thereby reduce the amount of time it takes them to agree to treatment. Your patience translates as acceptance in the consumers’ mind and it will help them through the waiting period before their medication takes effect, or when one medication after another fails. Overall, your ability to remain patient will increase their ability to remain hopeful for recovery.

3. Be Encouraging

Encouragement is like a crutch to a depressed individual. Depression steals self-motivation, and that’s why encouragement from a loved one is so important. Encourage them to seek the services of a professional without shame or embarrassment. Reassure them that depression is very common and very treatable, and that recovery is more than a possibility; it’s a probability. Encourage them to take one day at a time and tackle one task at a time — to focus on the fact that things don’t have to be perfect. Help them to avoid setting unrealistic goals that can further the depression. Unattainable goals just set the consumer up for failure; therefore setting very small achievable goals are empowering and increase the chances of recovery.

4. Be Available

Depression causes one to withdraw from life. Keeping in touch with your friend or loved one through visits, phone calls, emails, notecards, etc. helps them to stay involved and interactive, as well as feel valuable and loved. It also reminds them that they are not alone. While visiting, suggest a short walk. The walk will provide a diversion but more importantly give the person a little exercise. Most importantly, just let them vent!

5. Be Objective

Separate yourself from the illness! You can’t help the depressed individual if you begin to own the depression. You can’t fix them, you can only offer love and support, and therefore your top

priority must be you! Keep yourself healthy and happy, and know your limitations. Have people you can turn to lighten the load and bring laughter into your life. Also, remember that there is no straight line to recovery. Depression can seem like a thief in the night that comes and goes without warning. Awareness of this fact will stop your life from going into a tailspin when your loved one has a setback. A final note, depression is as real as any physical illness and can be even more debilitating than a physical illness. When you acknowledge, understand, and accept that individuals struggling with depression need the same loving concern and care as those with physical illnesses, you increase their chance of recovery. Be a role model of strength, positivity and compassion. Carol Kivler is a passionate consumer advocate, speaker, author and the founder of Courageous Recovery. She speaks to consumers, their loved ones and healthcare professionals to raise awareness, instill hope and combat stigmas surrounding mental health diagnoses and treatments. She lives in Lawrence Township, N.J., and is the mother of three grown children and six grandchildren. For more information, visit www.CourageousRecovery.com or www.CarolKivler.com.

SPRING ALLERGIES Are You Making Your Spring Allergies Worse? Five Things that Can Aggravate Your Suffering

ruits and veggies, air filters, spring breezes, procrastination and self-medication — each can delay relief from a stuffy nose, sneezing, sniffling or other symptoms if you’re one of the more than 35 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies. “People with spring allergies often don’t realize how many things can aggravate their allergy symptoms so they just muddle along and hope for an early end to the season,” said Myron Zitt, past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “But there’s no reason to suffer. A few simple adjustments in habits and treatment can make springtime much more enjoyable.” The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and its allergist members alert people with spring allergies to be on the lookout for these five things that can aggravate suffering.

1. Noshing on fruits and veggies

Many people with seasonal allergies also suffer from pollen food allergy syndrome (also called oral allergy syndrome), a cross-reaction between the similar proteins in certain types of fruits, vegetables (and some nuts) and the allergy-causing pollen. One in five people with grass allergies and as many as 70 percent of people with birch tree allergies suffer from the condition, which can make your lips tingle and swell and your mouth itch. The trick is to determine which problematic produce is causing your symptoms and then avoid eating it, (although you might be able to eat it if it’s peeled, cooked or canned). If you’re allergic to birch or alder trees, you might have a reaction to celery, cherries or apples. If you have grass allergies, tomatoes, potatoes or peaches may bother you. Usually the reaction is simply annoying and doesn’t last long. But up to 9 percent of people have reactions that

affect a part of their body beyond their mouth and 1.7 percent can suffer a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. If you’ve had a systemic reaction, you should see an allergist and ask whether you should carry injectable epinephine.

2. Using the wrong air filter

Using an air filter to keep your home pollen-free is a good idea, but be sure it’s the right kind. Studies show inexpensive central furnace/air conditioning filters and ionic electrostatic room cleaners aren’t helpful — and in fact the latter releases ions, which can be an irritant. Whole-house filtration systems do work, but change the filters regularly or you could be doing more harm than good.

3. Opening your windows

When your windows are open, the pollen can drift inside, settle into your carpet, furniture and car upholstery and continue to torture you. So keep

May 2012 •

your house and car windows shut during allergy season.

4. Procrastinating

You may think you can put off or even do without medication this spring, but the next thing you know you’re stuffed up, sneezing and downright miserable. Instead, get the jump on allergies by taking your medication before the season gets under way.

5. Self medicating

Perhaps you’re not sure exactly what’s making you feel awful so you switch from one medication to the next hoping for relief. Your best bet is to see an allergist, who can determine just what’s triggering your symptoms and suggest treatment. Visit www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org to find an allergist near you. You might even benefit from allergy shots (immunotherapy), which can stop the suffering altogether.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Organ • Eye • Tissue Donation To Enroll in the NY State Registry

www.retb.org 1.800.568.4321 Rochester Eye & Tissue Bank

Rochester Deaf Rotary Club Embarks on New Fundraising Club with all deaf and hard-of-hearing members selling red roses for $20 for Mother’s Day weekend By Ernst Lamothe

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Macular Degeneration Dr. George Kornfeld uses miniaturized binoculars or telescopes to help those with vision loss keep reading, writing and maintaining independence.

By Elana Lombardi, Freelance Writer Just because you have macular degeneration or other eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy doesn’t mean you must give up driving. “People don’t know that there are doctors who are very experienced in low vision care.” Dr. George Kornfeld, a low vision optometrist. “My new telescopic glasses make it much easier to read signs at a distance.” Says Bonnie, “Definitely worth the $1950 cost. I don’t know why I waited to do this. I should have come sooner. ”Low vision devices are not always expensive. Some reading glasses cost as little as $450 and some magnifiers under $100. Every case is different because people have different levels of vision and different desires. “Our job is to figure out everything and anything possible to keep a person functioning visually.” Says Dr. Kornfeld. Dr. Kornfeld sees patients in his five offices throughout upstate New York.

For more information and a FREE telephone consultation call: 585-271-7320 Toll-free 1-866-446-2050

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uring the next few weeks, John Haynes will be diligently doling out dozens of bushy, long-stemmed red roses. He’s not auditioning for the television show “The Bachelor.” It’s simply part of an annual fundraiser. However, it’s the organization that he works with which truly makes the event special. He’s part of the Rochester Deaf Rotary Club, the first deaf Rotary club in the world run by the deaf for the deaf. Rochester Deaf Rotary exists to promote the life, welfare and education of the deaf and hard-of-hearing people through direct service. Its 24 members meet every week and conduct business in a similar fashion as other Rotary Clubs. The organization also serves to advance deaf awareness within its community and around the world as opportunities arise. Rochester has deaf professionals working as doctors, educators, Senior students from Rochester School for the Deaf helping members of the Deaf Rotary insurance agents, engineers, lawyers, museum docents, Club during Mother’s Day rose fundraiser. artists and in the ministry. Deaf Rotary stands as roses sale, and annual awards night for Many older adults who lose their yet another showcase of how the deaf the Rochester School for the Deaf and hearing never learn sign language. community is proving they are just as St. Mary School for the Deaf in Buffalo. Assistive devices, such as hearing aids, capable as their hearing brethren. In addition, the group was able to can help even some who are severely “We take pride in being the first receive a matching grant program from deaf hear well enough to use a teledeaf Rotary Club,” said Haynes, 56, the Rotary Foundation. The Rochester phone. Cochlear implant surgery — a co-founder of the organization who Deaf Rotary was able to raise $40,000 sometimes controversial step that has was born hearing until he became deaf on its own to provide hearing aids for gained popularity — can allow some at 2 years of age due a high fever and 50 infants and children. deaf people to hear sounds and even pneumonia. They also speech. Their upcoming had the joy The one commonality — lack of fundraiser involves of experienchearing — helps define Rochester’s selling a dozen red ing their first deaf community, often referred to by roses for $20 during international city officials and community members Mother’s Day. The partnership as the largest per capita deaf populaproceeds will go to future community Help members of the Rochester project with the tion in the United States. And those Rotary who participate in the Rochester Deaf projects, such as proDeaf Rotary Club by purchasing a Erenkoy Club, Istanbul, Rotary sing its praises viding support to the dozen red roses for Mother’s Day Turkey. This Sally Taylor, 73, a retired teacher deaf population. It can range from fund- for $20. Just email your request to project enabled at Rochester Institute of Technology infants and more than a decade ago learned about ing transportation to jhaynes28@gmail.com. The dead- 85 children to be the Rochester Deaf Rotary through appointments and line for ordering the flowers are evaluated for Haynes. She and her husband, Paul, personal shopping who were both born deaf, immediately needs to large print May 4. You will be given a place hearing loss and fitted with to the program that serves to devices and other esto pick up your flowers when you hearing aids as gravitated improve the situation of others. sential needs. place an order. You can pick up needed. “When I learned that we could Just like any “Our work as a group in enhancing people’s other Rotary Club, your order on May 10 or 11. purpose is to lives around the world, I was interthe mission of this orpromote and ested,” said Taylor, of Sodus. ganization is to serve For Solange Skyer, the three years the community in various ways. Some- foster international understanding, service to others within the commushe has been part of the Rochester Deaf times they participate in an Adopt-anity and worldwide,” said Haynes, of Rotary has been quite rewarding. She Highway cleanup project where they has always enjoyed and been involved collect several large bags of trash. They Henriettta. “And we want to promote in service organizations in Rochester, also clean the street as helpful stewards high ethical standards of business and professional conduct.” primarily as a hospice and bereaveto the community. Their ethnic backgrounds are diment support volunteer. Haynes said specific fundraiser verse, their religious beliefs vary. Even “Not that many people know committees set goals and plan six their communication preferences differ. about the Rochester Deaf Rotary,” said weeks prior to events. They adverCommunication styles may include Skyer, 61, of Rochester, who currently tise through their website, emailing, American Sign Language or other is employed full time as an academic word-of-mouth and posters. There forms of sign language, including cued adviser/counselor and instructor at are routine events every year such as speech in which hand gestures accomthe National Technical Institute for the Christmas Breakfast with Santa Claus, pany spoken words. Some prefer to use Deaf and RIT and has been in this posieuchre night, wine tasting and silent their voices. tion for 33 years now. auction, road clean-up , Mother’s Day

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Boost Your Antioxidant Level with Artichokes

’m a big fan of any food that’s high in antioxidants, substances that help counter the damaging effects of free radicals. Dark chocolate, blueberries, red beans, walnuts: you name the free-radicalbusting food and I will have consumed it sometime that day or week. I seek antioxidants for this important reason: Free radicals, which form during normal metabolism and in response to X-rays, pollution, and UV radiation, have been implicated in the development of chronic health conditions, such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. While looking for new antioxidant-rich foods to add to my list, I was floored to discover that, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, artichokes contain more antioxidants than any other vegetable. What a delicious, nutritious surprise!

Concerned about blood pressure? Reach for an artichoke next time you’d like to up your potassium intake: one medium artichoke has about as much potassium as one small banana. New research suggests that increasing the amount of potassium you consume may help to reduce blood pressure, decreasing the risk of both heart disease and stroke. A dieter’s dream food, fat-free artichokes are low in calories (60 per medium artichoke or 10 per whole canned artichoke heart) and high in fiber. Fiber keeps you regular, helps ferry bad cholesterol out of the body, and makes you feel full longer, so you don’t eat as much. Lastly, artichokes are relatively high in vitamin C, a powerhouse vitamin that plays a major role in healing wounds, building collagen and boosting the immune system.

Helpful tips

More great news: Artichokes may be your liver’s best friend. Long used in folk and alternative medicines as a treatment for liver ailments, artichokes have piqued the interest of researchers who are finding credible benefits. While some studies link artichokes with a boost in bile production, others suggest that artichokes may play a role in the regeneration of liver tissue.

If purchasing fresh artichokes, select ones that are heavy, have a tight leaf formation and “squeak” when you squeeze them. You may store whole, unwashed artichokes in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to four days. If preparing and eating whole artichokes seems difficult, canned artichokes (packed in brine not oil) are a convenient, cost-effective alternative.

Artichoke, Tomato, and Yellow Pepper Salad 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon dried mint (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped) ½ teaspoon dried chive 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 14-ounce cans quartered artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained 1 yellow pepper, diced 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced 1 cup frozen shelled edamame (soybeans), thawed ½ cup crumbled feta cheese Salt and pepper, to taste Whisk lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mint, chives and garlic in large bowl. Check artichokes for tough or discolored leaves and remove. Gently stir in artichokes, yellow pepper, grape tomatoes, olives, edamame and feta cheese. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

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Page 13

Spruce Up Workout Wardrobe for Spring Brightly color active wear such as L.L. Bean’s high visibility clothing line can keep you safer as a cyclist or pedestrian along roadways this spring. By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

o transition your workout to outdoors, ladies, it’s time to get some versatile clothes for walking, running and hiking. Kim Andrello, 6th degree black belt

instructor and owner of Team Andrello in Rochester, Liverpool and Baldwinsville, likes running for exercise when she’s not leading classes in blended martial arts at her schools.

“Clothing needs to be visually appealing to me,” she said. “Some women don’t mind wearing a guy’s shirt or just throwing a T-shirt on. I like something form-fitting. I don’t want something that fits me like a tent. I like to have a little spandex in to get a good range of motion.” Investing in new workout clothes can motivate you to get outside and exercise, keep you a lot more comfortable and can even improve your safety if you run or bike near roadways. Under Armour perfected moisture-wicking athletic clothing keeps perspiration off you, and the anti-microbial fabric prevents odor. Although compression shirts are Under Armour’s specialty, they offer looser fits and more than shirts, including shorts, skorts, capris, pants and swim cover ups. Their new Heat-

Gear line was specially designed to keep you comfortable during the most arduous workout. And if your favorite route keeps you in direct sunlight their Coldblack line blocks the sun’s rays to keep you cooler. As a bonus, all the Coldblack line offers 30 SPF to protect your skin. If your route takes you near a roadway, consider L.L. Bean’s high visibility clothing line, which will keep you safer with its reflective trim and eye-popping colors. And offers a few colors other than canary yellow, too. Moisture-wicking sportswear can keep you dry as you perspire and moisture resistant sportswear can keep you dry from unexpected spring showers. But sportswear that combines both is ideal for springtime outdoor adventures. Omni-wick and Omni-dry jacket line from Columbia or WeatherEdge jackets and Ranier jackets and rain pants from Eddie Bauer are good examples of top layers that protect from the elements, yet do not trap your body heat and moisture. Wearing a lightweight top layer over a lightweight first layer allows you to peel off a layer if you get too warm, instead of wearing just a sweatshirt. For your feet, stick with a training shoe that is lightweight, yet supportive. Andrello likes lightweight running

t’s funny to watch what so much choice does to our residents. Even the most particular grandpa will love choosing between three meals a day or just one. Between full-time transportation or twice-aweek shopping. When you have choices, like you get at The Villages, you have control. You determine what you pay, what services you want, how you save. So if you’re notoriously picky, consider all your choices here. It’s a wonderful life at The Villages.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

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socks and many pedicures.” She likes Thorlos socks. More manufacturers than ever are offering plus sizes. Champion’s Plus Size line, Athleta and Uniquely Me include all the basic pieces you’ll need to stay active and pieces to change up your look.

Safety first! shoes. “It feels like there’s nothing on your foot and it gives you a better run,” she said. “I run farther in them.” Nike’s Free TR Twist mimics the agility and balance of barefoot exercise with the support and protection training shoes offer. The seamless upper promotes better comfort. The NIKEiD feature online allows you to design a custom shoe, selecting the fabric, color and fit for greater fun and function. Under Armour’s Women’s Charge RC running shoe weighs less than 10 ounces, yet offers a flexible build, snug support, and HeatGear fabric to keep your feet dry. Under Armour HeatGear socks also help wick away perspiration. Built-in arch support will also keep your feet more comfortable and feeling less fatigued. Donna Loeb, runner and director of group fitness at the Geneva YMCA, advises wearing thickly padded socks. “Running is very tough on a woman’s feet,” she said. “I lose many toenails and gain many calluses over the summer with the longer distance running so I try to protect my feet as much as possible with good, expensive

If you’re going out for a run or bike ride, follow these tips for improved safety. • Bring along a friend or at least tell someone where you are going and how long you expect to be gone. • Bring a charged cell phone. • Avoid isolated routes. • Consider taking a women’s self defense class to learn a few basic movements to deter an attacker. • Consider bringing along the dog for safety. • Don’t use a headset or talk on the phone if you’re going anywhere near traffic. • Wear highly visible clothing with reflective elements. Neutral colored clothing is harder for drivers to see. • Replace shoes with worn treads or that do not fit properly. Chafing shoes cause blisters and ones that are too loose do not support the foot. • Bikers, keep your equipment in good repair and wear a helmet. Use a light if you cycle early or late. • On foot, go against traffic. On a bike, ride with traffic. • Wear a sweat-resistant SPF-15 (minimum) sunscreen. • Protect your eyes with sunglasses.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

Popeye had good reason to eat his spinach regularly. It’s a powerhouse of nutrition, providing niacin, zinc, dietary fiber, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese. Fiege said that kale contains many of the same nutrients. Toss it with spinach and tomatoes and a little olive oil for a delicious fresh salad. Though full-sized tomatoes can be challenging to grow and especially susceptible to bugs and blight, Yvonne White, dietitian for University of Rochester Medical Center, said, “Cherry tomatoes are easy, hardy and have all the nutritional advantages of full size tomatoes. Tomatoes are the best source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and being studied for possible anti-cancer properties. Cook in sauce or sauté with a little olive oil for even better absorption.” She also recommends growing kale for use “in soups, on pizzas, for beans and greens, steamed in broth or sautéed with garlic, or

spritzed with olive oil, salt and pepper and baked into kale chips for a healthy snack.” White is a big fan of home-grown carrots’ flavor and the nutrition they offer. Though they need sandy soil and, once they come up, they must be thinned, they usually do just fine. “Carrots are a great source of beta carotene, a powerful anti-oxidant, and vitamin A, which is great for your skin and eyes,” White said. Zucchini is infamous for its prolific growth, but it very versatile and can be used in far more than zucchini bread. White uses it in pizzas, lasagna, soups, stews, chili, and burgers, too. “Extra can be shredded and frozen for use during the winter,” she said. Full of beta carotene and vitamins, pumpkins and winter squash are both easy to grow and versatile. Since both are really squash, they may be used interchangeably in pie. But pumpkin is far more than a pie vegetable. Like squash, “it can be used in lasagna, soups, stew, chili, breads, pies, pancakes, puddings, etcetera,” White said. “I prefer the small, ‘sugar pie’ pumpkins for cooking as they have a creamier texture, but jack-o-lantern pumpkins can be cooked too.” Garlic and onions can be found in many favorite dishes for their flavor but they also offer “multiple health advantages,” White said, including promoting “anti-cancer enzyme activity, have antibacterial properties, reduces risk of blood clots and promotes cholesterol control. “Onions are a rich source of quercetin, an anti-cancer food superhero,” she added. “The quercetin in onions is well absorbed by the body.” Many herbs offer a bevy of nutritional qualities as well as great taste. By using herbs instead of butter and salt, you can reduce fat, calorie and sodium intake. “They are also very easy to grow…” White said. “Herbs make your yard smell great, and attract honey bees. Some herbs also repel pests in the garden. All of these herbs can be chopped and frozen for easy fresh flavor year round.” Some produce keeps on giving year after year. If you love growing perennial flowers, try rhubarb, asparagus, and berries such as raspberries and blueberries. “Once you plant it, you won’t be without it,” said Karen Klingenberger, consumer horticulture educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County.

What Not to Plant So what’s hard to grow? Rosie Swedrock, owner of Harris Garden Center in Webster, said that growing eggplant, cabbage and cauliflower from seed can be tough. “Corn is harder because you have to cross pollinate it,” she added. “You need a larger block of it. Plus you have to keep raccoons out of it.”

The Cinnamon Challenge Fueled by viral YouTube videos depicting teens coughing and spitting, the cinnamon challenge is becoming popular again. Parents, health officials concerned with trend By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

innamon offers flavor and health benefits sprinkled on oatmeal or stirred into applesauce, but swallowed dry and in copious amounts, it can be dangerous. The revival of an old stunt, the cinnamon challenge, has a new generation attempting to gulp a spoonful of ground cinnamon. Fueled by viral YouTube videos depicting teens coughing and spitting, the cinnamon challenge has become popular again. The challenge even has a website — www.cinnamonchallenge.com — that includes a disclaimer telling viewers not to try the challenge and warns of danger and pain, yet captions added to videos play up the challenge as a fun and harmless stunt — it features videos such as “Cute Girls Do the Cinnamon Challenge” and “Grandma Does the Cinnamon Challenge & Loses Her Teeth.” A few of the site’s videos bear more sinister titles, such as “Cinnamon Challenge Death” though no one dies in the video. The video’s poster stated “Don’t swallow it drys [sic] your mouth instantly! I barfed afterwards! Fun Edelman challenge to do and die from me and Kira will for sure do it again!” Another video on the site is titled “Cinnamon Challenge Gone Wrong,” another example of how the site seems to be designed to appeal to teens’ attraction to danger. The Cinnamon Challenge Facebook page boasts nearly 11,000 “likes.” Though it’s treated as game by those who try it, the cinnamon challenge has drawn fire from the medical community. The effects of taking the cinnamon challenge have not been studied medically, but it’s conservative to assume it’s not good for health. “Cinnamon is an irritant of the esophagus and anything that irritates the esophagus will irritate the lining of the lungs,” said Norman H. Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. “It will cause at the minimum coughing and other difficulties.” Because they have been well educated about their health, teens with severe asthma likely would realize the danger of taking the challenge and avoid it. Edelman fears that those with mild cases may not take their condition seriously enough and experience a major asthma attack. “It would be quite dangerous,” Edelman said. “There is plenty of good medical theory as to why this could be a problem. It will be dry, get stuck, and may cause irritation of the esophagus. With people who have reflux disease, those who have their esophagus get irritated by the stomach acid causes their airways to tighten up. It’s not smart.” Even for those without asthma or other breathing problems, the cinna-

mon challenge can cause short-term and long-term health problems. Virgil Smaltz, emergency medicine physician and medical director of Finger Lakes Health’s emergency departments, said the challenge “is fraught with danger. Cinnamon can be a fairly potent irritant both to the airway and to mucosal surfaces of the oropharynx, esophagus and lungs. It may seem innocuous, but there have been reports of significant morbidity resulting from this challenge.” Though people with asthma and other diseases of the airways likely have greater risk for complications, “the irritant effect on the lung can be particularly dangerous if the cinnamon is inhaled or aspirated as this can lead to a pneumonia,” Smaltz said. “Excessive cough paroxysms can even cause the development of a pneumothorax, known as collapsed lung.” Though common to Smaltz most homes’ spice rack, cinnamon itself can be dangerous if ingested in large amounts. “Some forms of cinnamon, cassia, for example, even contain significant amounts of coumarin which is the chemical parent of Coumadin [warfarin],” Smaltz said. The prescription medication is used as a blood thinner, usually to prevent clots. “The ingestion of too much of this can cause liver damage and bleeding,” Smaltz said. So why would teens purposefully endanger themselves? Jeff Munson, a licensed clinical social in Rochester, attributes much of the attraction to “peer pressure and the fact that kids get a tremendous amount of misinformation from each other. “They are misinformed about what the consequences are,” Munson added. “Teenagers are frequently involved in things that will change how they feel. Their reality testing is often poor. Their judgment is still being developed and they make choices that are poor.” The Cinnamon Challenge site warns visitors, “Do not attempt the Cinnamon Challenge! It’s not worth it. Instead watch the videos to see people

May 2012 •

failing miserably” yet the site solicits visitors to submit their own cinnamon challenge videos. When today’s parents of teens were teens themselves, dares and stunts spread among peer groups by word of mouth. It could take weeks or months for a trend to travel from coast to coast. “With kids being connected all the time, their peer group is bigger,” Munson said. “They are connected 247. Some sleep with their smart phones under their pillows.” News not only spreads quickly via social media, but the means by which it spreads makes it more influential than word of mouth “Parents’ ability to disconnect them from harmful peers is lessened,” Munson said. “Seeing [stunts] certainly is a bigger influence than just hearing about them.” Despite or perhaps because teens watch others gagging and vomiting after gulping ground cinnamon, they want to try it to prove they can master the stunt and win the admiration of their friends. To help your children stay safe, Munson advises parents to role model wise behavior. If they observe you taking chances such as haphazardly weaving through traffic when you’re late, they may Munson identify risky behavior as a sign of maturity. “Talk to your kids,” Munson said. “Communicate to them the dangers of this activity.” While it may seem like a fun dare when they watch other teens take the challenge, teens need to understand the consequences of the cinnamon challenge. They truly believe that they can beat the challenge, despite watching numerous videos showing other teens gagging, coughing and vomiting. Speak with them frankly about what can happen and that the teens they see in the videos also thought they were invincible. In general, parents can discourage risky behavior if they “make sure the kids are being supervised and have goal-oriented activities,” Munson said. “Encourage a wide range of experiences for kids to have. They should have a variety of interests.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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URMC Launches its Memory Care Program

he University of Rochester Medical Center has opened the doors on a unique and innovative program that provides comprehensive evaluation, care and support for people and families coping with Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of progressive memory loss. The new memory care program is located at Clinton Crossings and is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians, including specialists in neurology, psychiatry, geriatrics, neuropsychology, social work, nurse practice, and marriage and family therapy. “Memory disorders are complex problems that have a profound impact on the quality of life of both patients and their families,” said URMC neurologist Fred Marshall, director of the new memory care program. “Effective treatment requires a coordinated approach involving access to a team of clinicians that can help address the many facets of these diseases.” “This clinic will serve as a foundation for efforts to improve and expand the care we provide to patients and their families,” said URMC psychiatrist and the William and Sheila Konar Endowed Professor Anton P. Porsteinsson. “It brings together all of the necessary clinical resources and services under one roof and creates a platform for growth to meet the growing demand for care for individuals with memory disorders.” The new program meets a vital unmet community need, and will be collaborating extensively with local organizations such as the Alzheimer Association to provide “wrap-around” support services for caregivers, patients, and families in Rochester and surrounding communities. Until now, there has not existed a comprehensive and integrated approach to diagnosing and providing long-term treatment and support for patients and their families that evolves as the disease progresses. “In terms of resources it is important to understand the scope of the disease,” said David Midland, president of the Rochester and Finger Lakes Alzheimer’s Association. “It starts off very modestly with people realizing they have memory issues and then it progresses over a period of time to where it becomes a debilitating disease. So the type of care that is required depends upon the stage of the disease and as people progress, the amount of care, the intensity of care, become significant.” The demand for these services is

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

large and growing. As many as 25,000 people in the Finger Lakes region are estimated to suffer from Alzheimer’s — which is the most common form of dementia — and the incidence of the disease is on the rise with the number expected to triple by 2050 as the population ages. But even these figures do not convey the scope of the disease’s impact. For every one person with the disease, it is estimated that an additional three people — often family members — provide that person with support and care. “We have an aging population and this is an epidemic,” said Marshall. “This is going to require that we develop better ways of providing care.” The new program will conduct comprehensive evaluations of each new patient, provide guidance on medications and coping strategies, and educate patients and families about a broad variety of resources and support available in the community. The program will be able to follow up to 3,000 patients and intends to recruit new faculty and expand capacity as demand grows. One of the barriers to creating a comprehensive memory disorders program is that the cost of care often exceeds what can be recouped from payers. While health insurance does cover some aspects of care, many of the important time-intensive evaluations and follow-up care services are not reimbursed. A $1 million anonymous gift to the Medical Center was critical to making the new program a reality and will help cover the true cost of these comprehensive services for a few years. This gift is part of the University of Rochester Medical Center’s $650 million campaign and the overall $1.2 billion goal of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester.

Golden Years Boomers’ Stress Different from Other Generations By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

tress is simply part of everyday life. But the baby boomer generation, people born between the end of World War II and 1964, face some stressors unlike those of other generations. Along with the normal stressors of aging and diminishing health, boomers face increased stress regarding their finances. Many worry about when — if ever — they can retire at the same age as their parents. Many fear their grown children or their own elderly parents may need extra help. “There is an implicit assumption that, because we can be aware of all of these potential future dangers and pitfalls, that we should be able to prepare for and avoid all negative potentialities,” said Ron Spurling, board certified psychiatrist with Finger Lakes Health Medical, P.C. in Geneva. “Before the boomer generation, I believe that there was much more of a sense that many of things were down to fate, or in God’s hand. And, Spurling that if things did go wrong, it was your family, community, church, etcetera, that would be there to help, and not a more distant and fickle government, insurance company, or pension fund.” Taking care of their teenaged children while caring for elderly parents can also stress younger boomers. Also called the “Sandwich Generation” for their dual caregiver roles, boomers can feel like they don’t take care of either side of their family as well as they would like because they lack the time. Part of the reason is that baby boomer women, who often shoulder much of these care giving responsibilities, are likely working, too. “As younger adults, baby boomer women had unprecedented opportunities for education and employment, leading to an increase in career trajectories for these women,” said Kathi L. Heffner, assistant professor of psychiatry at Rochester Center for Mind-Body Research, University of Rochester. “Increases in divorce rates and singleparent homes among baby boomers, compared to prior generations, has led to a higher proportion of women working outside the home.” Once the children leave home, the transition can be stressful, as can retirement. A couple who had been busy with work and childrearing suddenly finds both of those time-consuming occupations gone and that they’re living with a stranger — a spouse who has changed over the years unnoticed during the busyness of childrearing. With all the stressors placed upon

baby boomers because of their stage result in a “crash” later. Regularly of life and the influences specific to using alcohol to unwind can lead to detheir generation, stress management pendence and the possibility of harmis integral to maintaining good health. ing others, too. Burying stress or ignoring it will only Instead, use positive means to allow it to manifest later in unhealthy manage stress. ways. “The key is distraction from all of The body responds to stress by those things you worry about when preparing it for physical action, the you can’t really do anything about so-called “fight or flight” response. them anyway,” Spurling said. The body increases the blood pressure, Find hobbies you enjoy to help you accelerates the heart rate, sharpens relax. Even during stressful moments, focus, slows digestion, and releases you can look forward to “your” time nutrients the blood stream for energy. later. “When you are running from a Some of the best ways to combat tiger or jumping out of the way of a stress are simple and inexpensive. speeding car, these are precisely the re“Regular physical activity is one of the sponses you want your body to have,” most important things you can do to Spurling said. improve your overall health and fitAlmost none of these responses are ness,” said Loree MacKerchar, reprehelpful if your stressor isn’t a threatensenting Finger Lakes Health. ing, physical one. Spurling explained In addition to its positive impact further that the stress from emotional on health, exercise can “improve your fear of a real and current danger such mental health and mood,” she added. as the tiger or car is different from conUsing soothing sensory input helps stantly fretting over having no money many people cope with stress. Lie for retirement in eight years. down for a few minutes in a dimlyChronic lit room. Enjoy stress is so bad a favorite frafor the health grance. Listen Finger Lakes Health sponsors and can lead to to a recording a free “Walk & Talk for Health” hypertension, that calms you, hyperglycemia whether music, program open to the community. or diabetes, nature sounds or redistribution words of a motiHosted in Penn Yan, Geneva and of fat (central vational speaker. obesity), and Stroke a pet’s fur. Waterloo, the 30-minute walk structural If you can afford is followed by a discussion on changes in the to do so, enjoy brain leading the benefits of health issues. For more informato impairments massage therapy. in memory, You don’t have to tion, call Finger Lakes Health concentration, have an hour315-531-2053 or 787-4636 or and increased long, full body impulsivity or massage. Many visit the website at www.flhealth. emotionality. therapists sell “Unmanhalf-hour masorg/walktalk. aged stress can sages for less and compromise the perform “chair ability of our massages” that body to fight infection, can increase indo not require complete disrobing. flammation that contributes to chronic Talk about what is bothering you, diseases of aging, including cardiovaswhether in prayer, to a professional cular disease, and can lead to deprescounselor or with a trusted friend. sion,” Heffner said. “Also, people who Oftentimes, venting a little can help aren’t managing their stress well often relieve built-up stress. self-medicate with alcohol, exercise Create a plan for managing your less, and eat and sleep poorly. All of stressors. Planning relieves stress these things add to the poor health efbecause you will feel more in control fects of stress.” and once you implement your plan, Choosing negative ways to deal your stressors will diminish. If finanwith stress harm your health or at least cial problems keep you awake at night, your wallet. Overspending, overeating, meet with a financial planner who can and abusing drugs or alcohol are just a help you figure out how to manage to few examples. save for retirement, contribute to the Yvonne White, dietitian with Unikids’ college tuition and help your elversity of Rochester Medical Center, derly parents. If you struggle to care for recommends “moderation of caffeine both your parents and your growing and alcohol” for someone managing children, tapping community resources stress. can help you achieve more balance in Using stimulants such as caffeine how you spend your time. to stay on top of a hectic life will only May 2012 •

Excellus offers free initial copay for expanded list of generic drugs More members have more opportunities to switch from higher-cost brands Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members who take brand-name medicines for pain, heartburn, gout, high blood pressure, overactive bladder and migraine headaches now have an added incentive to ask their doctor if a generic drug might be right for them: A free initial 30-day supply of a generic option to try at no cost, plus lower copays going forward if they continue with the generic. Excellus BCBS has long offered its members free trials of selected generic drugs. The health plan’s Generic Trial Program had included 13 different generics in seven disease categories, Owerbach accounting for about 41 percent of all prescriptions written for its members. Excellus BCBS now has expanded the program to 29 generic drugs covering 10 disease categories. A majority of the categories now have multiple generic options. “Our program is an alternative to the free samples of heavily marketed drugs that pharmaceutical companies supply to doctors in hopes that patients become loyal users of the higher-cost brand,” said Joel Owerbach, Excellus BCBS vice president and chief pharmacy officer. A 30-day supply of an average brand-name prescription drug retails for $208, as opposed to $18 for an average generic. “That’s a dramatic price difference for people who don’t have prescription drug coverage,” said Owerbach. “Those who have prescription drug coverage typically are charged the lowest-level copay for generics, so a patient’s ongoing out-of-pocket costs likely will be lower with a generic than with a brand-name drug.” The free Generic Trial Program is meant to encourage a physician to begin his or her patients’ course of treatment with a generic option. Excellus BCBS has found that more than 90 percent of all patients who start on a generic medication will stay with it. In addition, Excellus BCBS encourages patients who pay higher-level copays for brand-name drugs to ask their physician if a lower-cost generic might be right for them. “Generics are the gold standard when it comes to prescription medications, because they are widely used, time-tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Our expanded free Generic Trial Program gives physicians an even broader arsenal of affordable treatment options for their patients who have chronic conditions,” said Owerbach.

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Golden Years

Got Arthritis? One More Reason to Exercise By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

f you have arthritis, chances are you have been told or have read that you should remain active — and with good reason. “Exercise maintains flexibility and mobility at our joints,” said Erika Fallon, physical therapist with Unity Health. “It also helps to decrease joint stiffness by keeping the joints lubricated. “Besides its effects on joints, exercise has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves our overall feeling of well being.” Exercise can combat the blues if you are feeling down regarding the changes arthritis has brought to your life. Since aching joints makes exercise painful, here are a few ways to workout that will go easy on your joints while working your heart and benefitting your joints. “People with arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases need to approach exercising differently than someone without arthritis,” said Margaret Holyst, rheumatologist, assistant

professor of medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center. “The key is tailoring their exercise to the special needs and limitations of their bodies.” Of course, seek your doctor’s approval before starting any new activity or exercise. In general, exercise should not be painful or aggravate the pain you already experience. Selecting the right type of exercise or activity is vital to sticking with it long-term. You may not be able to do what you’ve enjoyed in the past. Finding coaches, teachers or trainers who have worked around arthritis before can be helpful. Whatever activity you try, start with small goals. Warming up with slow walking and gentle stretching will keep you more comfortable. Forget about “no pain, no gain.” “If they begin to experience pain, they need to stop,” Holyst said. “That is their body telling them they have had enough for today.” However, a mild burn in the mus-

cle or mild to moderate soreness in the muscle after an activity is a good sign. It shows you have been exercising hard. Low impact exercise such as using an exercise bike, elliptical trainer or ski machine can help those who have arthritis in the lower body. “In general, water-based programs can be very successful if done properly as water eliminates the effects of gravity,” Holyst said. “Also, yoga, instructed by the proper person who uses plenty of props to compensate for limitations caused by the arthritis and who gives one-on-one attention, can be extremely successful.” Include strength training in your fitness regimen.

“Muscle strength is improved, which helps to support our joints,” Fallon said. As far as exercises to avoid, your joints should let you know, but sports such as basketball, skiing, and running are likely too hard on arthritic knees, for example. If arthritis causes shoulder pain, racket sports and golf are likely out. If you need help in figuring out what exercise is safe for you, ask your doctor. “If your physician refers you to a physical therapist, they can guide you in the safest exercises that are appropriate for your specific symptoms and/or arthritic conditions,” Fallon said.

Patients’ health dramatically improves in first two years of medical home initiative

atients involved in one of Rochester’s first medical home projects have dramatically improved their health in the first two years of the program. Data shows that patients are better managing chronic conditions and more patients are getting cancer screenings. The more than 33,000 patients in the Rochester Medical Home Initiative (RMHI) are on average performing better on certain health measures than 90 percent of the national population with similar health issues. A medical home is a collaboration between patients, physicians and a team of professionals to better coordinate care, especially for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and MVP Health Care are coordinating and paying for the three-year program. The initiative began in the summer of 2009 and includes 21 doctors at seven area practices. “We learned that if you work collaboratively with clear focus and alignment, you can demonstrate dramatic improvements in health care,” said Martin Lustick, senior vice president and corporate medical director, ExcelPage 20

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lus BCBS. The following are examples of how patients improved their health from September 2009 to July 2011: • Reduced bad cholesterol: On July 2011, 75 percent of heart disease patients and about 70 percent of diabetic patients had bad cholesterol (LDL) levels below 100. Fifty percent more patients were at this optimum level in July 2011 compared to September 2009. • More cancer screenings: The percentage of eligible patients who had colorectal cancer or breast cancer screenings increased from about 60 percent of patients in September 2009 to about 75 percent of patients in July 2011. • Improved blood pressure: About 80 percent of patients with hypertension had blood pressure readings at or below 140/90 in July 2011, compared to 65 percent in September 2009. The project’s most dramatic improvements came from the redesign of doctor and staff work flows that resulted in more personalized care for patients, said Geoffrey G. Morris, of the medical home at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Pulsifer Medical Associates practice. “Instead of only focusing on pa-

tients during a regular visit, our team also reaches out to them outside the office to ensure their care is more comprehensive,” he said. “This includes monitoring to know when patients are overdue for colonoscopy, mammogram, blood pressure and cholesterol checks; calling patients at home to provide support with issues such as diabetes care; and greater assistance scheduling tests and consultations so they do not have to navigate the medical maze alone.” The medical homes at Unity Family Medicine at Chili Center and Unity Family Medicine at St Bernard’s enhanced electronic tools and hired nurse care managers to help patients with chronic conditions better manage their health, said Michael Nazar, vice-president, primary care and community services at Unity Health System. “Patients are finally able to control their blood sugar and reach healthy cholesterol levels thanks to the extra resources and personal attention that comes with being in a medical home,” he said. Many patients at the medical home at the Lifetime Health Medical Group’s Perinton Health Center have also improved their health, exceeding many

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

local, state and national averages. “Patients are more engaged in their health care and tell us that they appreciate the accessibility and open communication with their care team,” said Mark Cohen, a physician with Perinton Health Center. “Our medical home project has served as a catalyst for other medical homes in the area,” said Stephen H. Cohen, vice president of medical affairs, MVP Health Care. “Whereas few practices operated as medical homes when the project first started, many more doctors have since embraced this concept.” The University of Rochester Medical Center, Unity Health and Lifetime Health Medical Group, for example, have since turned all of their primary care practices into medical homes. Rochester General Health System is also in the process of converting their primary care practices into medical homes. The first two years of the medical home project focused heavily on improving patient care, especially for those with chronic conditions. The next step is to decrease patients’ need for certain services, such as reducing hospital readmissions.

What They Want You to Know:

Rheumatologist

from an evaluation by a rheumatologist. The primary care physicians often can help determine if a referral to a rheumatologist is appropriate. • “An early diagnosis and early and appropriate treatment can often be extremely helpful in many forms of arthritis. However, many forms of rheumatic diseases present with similar clinical features in the early stages and often take several weeks to months to be diagnosed. Additionally, as most of the musculoskeletal disorders are chronic, they require long term treatment strategies that involve medications, close monitoring of laboratory tests, imaging studies and often collaboration with other specialists, orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists.” Allen Anandarajah, clinical director and associate professor of medicine University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Rheumatologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, bones and connective tissues. • “Rheumatologists treat arthritis, several autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis. There are more than 100 types of these diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, lupus,

vasculitis, osteoporosis and tendinitis. Some of these are very serious diseases that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. • “When pain in the joints, muscles or bones is severe or persists or lasts for more than a few days, one may benefit

• “Rheumatology is a field that relies upon lots of other specialties. Usually when you make a rheumatology diagnosis, you look at information from their neurologist, internist and others and you end up looking at a lot of different medical records from other offices. Try to have all of those records together with you when you come in for visits. You will have all the information there that’s relevant. • “Some of the conditions that rheumatologists treat have a diverse range of symptoms and signs. A patient

doesn’t always make the connection between one thing and the other on their own. They might focus on joint pain and have a skin rash as well that they don’t think is relevant but I need to know about. Mention all the new or unusual symptoms even if you’re not sure they’re directly relevant. Dry mouth and dry eyes are common symptoms that go along with rheumatological problems. • “A lot of the medicines people take for arthritis are available over the counter. If you’re taking one of those like Advil or Aleve, they might interact with prescribed medications. Make sure you mention any over the counter medicines you’re taking so your doctor can make sure it’s safe for you to be taking with the medicine he prescribes.” Anatole Kleiner, rheumatologist with Allergy Asthma Immunology of Rochester

Deborah Jeanne Sergeant is a writer with In Good Health. “What Your Doctor Wants You to Know” is an ongoing column that appears monthly to give our area’s healthcare professionals an opportunity to share how patients can improve their care by helping their providers and by helping themselves.

Older Adults Do Get a Good Night’s Rest, Survey Finds Sleep disturbances, daytime fatigue not a given in later years

he older you get, the better you sleep, according to new research that challenges conventional wisdom that a good night’s rest is harder to come by with age. In a survey of 150,000 adults, people in their 70s and 80s had the fewest complaints of sleep disturbance, while those between the ages of 18 and 24 had the most. Except for a bump in complaints in middle age, sleep appears to improve steadily over the course of a lifetime. One big implication of the study is that health-care providers should not just dismiss poor sleep as a normal part of aging, said study author Michael Grandner, a research associate at the Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania. The study, which appears in the March issue of the journal Sleep, looked at responses to a phone survey conducted in 36 U.S. states and territories. People described how often they had experienced sleep disturbance or daytime drowsiness in the previous two weeks. “In women, you saw very clear increases in both sleep disturbance and daytime tiredness [in middle age]; in men you also saw an increase in later middle age,” Grandner said. “I think in women, you’re seeing an effect of pre-

menopause and menopause. With men, it’s a little later. That’s where career peaks — and peak stress — occurs, in the later 50s.” Men in that age group are also at higher risk of sleep apnea and other health problems, he noted. Health problems — especially depression — had a significant effect on sleep, the survey found. “One of the most important findings was that depression was a significant predictor for sleep problems,” said Michael Vitiello, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle, and an expert on sleep and aging. “I applaud the investigators for this labor-intensive and comprehensive examination of the question,” he said. “I’ve been on the ‘It isn’t aging, it’s illness’ bandwagon for many years. It’s a treatable disorder. Much of the sleep disturbance seen in older adults is not driven by aging, but by illness.” Healthy older people sleep better, both experts said. They don’t necessarily nap more, and dozing off at the op-

era or movies is by no means a given. In his own research, Vitiello said, “we looked at napping in older adults -- but not as large a sample, and found that, like sleep complaints, napping is driven by illness burden. If an older person complains [of sleep problems], something’s going on and it needs to be dealt with. A physician shouldn’t say, ‘OK, you’re old.’” Treatment could include referring a patient to a sleep clinic or to a psychiatrist, Vitiello said. And Grandner said patients have been helped by combina-

May 2012 •

tions of psychotherapy and relaxation therapy. Because of the nature of the study — a “cross-sectional” survey — the authors said they can’t conclude that a cause-and-effect relationship exists between aging and sleep. Vitiello did point out some methodology issues with the survey, such as an overall response rate of only 40 percent. And, because the study was landline based — no cellphones — he added that could affect participation rates among different age groups.

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t’s an American tradition to pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces each Memorial Day — especially honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. If you are a military service member who was wounded and needs to apply for disability benefits, it’s important to know that you will receive expedited processing. Our wounded warriors initiative is for military service members who become disabled while on active duty on or after Oct.1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Depending on the situation, some family members of military personnel, including dependent children and, in some cases, spouses, may be able to receive benefits. Learn more about it at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. Did you know that May also is National Military Appreciation Month?

Q&A Q: Do members of Congress have to pay into Social Security? A: Yes, they do. Members of Congress, the president and vice president, federal judges, and most political appointees, have paid taxes into the Social Security program since January 1984. They pay into the system just like everyone else, no matter how long they have been in office. Learn more about Social Security benefits at www. socialsecurity.gov. Q: How do I change my citizenship status on Social Security’s records? A: To change the citizenship shown on our records: • Complete and print a new Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5) at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ss5.htm; and • Show us documents proving your: — New or revised citizenship status (Only certain documents can be accepted as proof of citizenship. These include your U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current immigration documents); — Age; and — Identity. • Take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office. All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

Even more reason to let members of our military know how much we value what they do for us and our nation. To learn more about the Social Security benefits for those who have served in the military, read our publication, Military Service and Social Security. You can find it online at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html, or send us an email at OPI.Net.Post@ssa. gov, or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ask for a free copy to be mailed to you. Memorial Day also is a good time to remind families of fallen military heroes that we may be able to pay Social Security survivors benefits. If the person you depended on for income has died, you should apply for survivors benefits. Learn more about Social Security survivors benefits at www. socialsecurity.gov/pgm/survivors.htm. The men and women of the Armed Forces serve us each and every day. At Social Security, we’re here to serve them too.

Q: How long does it take to complete the online application for Social Security retirement benefits? A: It can take as little as 15 minutes to complete the online application. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation to mail in. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. There’s no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. To retire online, go to www.socialsecurity.gov. Q: I have never worked, but my spouse has. What will my Social Security benefit be? A: You can be entitled to as much as one-half of your spouse’s benefit amount if you start your benefits when you reach full retirement age. If you want to get Social Security retirement benefits before you reach full retirement age, the amount of your benefit will be reduced. The amount of reduction depends on when you will reach full retirement age. For example, if your full retirement age is 66, you can get 35 percent of your spouse’s unreduced benefit at age 62. The amount of your benefit increases at later ages up to the maximum of 50 percent if you retire at full retirement age. However, if you are taking care of a child who is under age 16 or who gets Social Security disability benefits, you get full benefits, regardless of your age. Learn more at www. socialsecurity.gov/retire2/yourspouse. htm.

CrossFit:

‘The Fountain of Youth’ New business in Chili offering CrossFit fitness By Jessica Spies By Jim Miller

The Often Ignored Warning Signs of a Mini-Stroke A person is more likely to suffer a mini-stroke if they are overweight or inactive, have high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol or diabetes Dear Savvy Senior, How can a person know if they’ve had a stroke? My 70-yearold husband had a spell a few weeks ago where he suddenly felt dizzy for no apparent reason and had trouble talking and walking because his left side went numb, but it went away after a few minutes and he feels fine now. Seems Fine Dear Seems, It’s very possible that your husband may have had a “mini-stroke” also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and if he hasn’t already done so, he needs to see a doctor pronto. Each year, more than a quartermillion Americans have a ministroke, but only about half of them realize what’s happening. That’s because the symptoms are usually fleeting (lasting only a few minutes, up to an hour or two), causing most people to ignore them or brush them off as no big deal. But anyone who has had a mini-stroke is 10 times more likely to have a full-blown stroke, which can cause long-term paralysis, impaired memory, loss of speech or vision, or even death. A mini-stroke is caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, and can be a warning sign that a major stroke may soon be coming. That’s why mini-strokes need to be treated like emergencies. Who’s Vulnerable?

A person is more likely to suffer a TIA or stroke if they are overweight or inactive, have high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol or diabetes. Other factors that boost the risks are age (over 60), smoking, heart disease, atrial fibrillation and having a family history of stroke. Men also have a greater risk for stroke than women, and African Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk than those of other races.

Warning Signs

The symptoms of a mini-stroke are the same as those of a full-blown stroke, but can be subtle and shortlived, and they don’t leave any permanent damage. They include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body. • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause. Anyone who is having any of these symptoms should call 911 immediately. Or, if you’ve had any of them and they went away, ask someone to drive you to the emergency room or nearby stroke center as soon as possible and tell them you may have had stroke.

Take This Quiz

More than one-third of mini-stroke suffers will eventually have a fullblown stroke, unless their underlying conditions are treated. If your husband did have a mini-stroke and did not get medical treatment, this self-assessment quiz (known as the ABCD2 tool) can estimate his risk of having a major stroke in the very near future. • Age: If over age 60 — 1 point. • Blood pressure: If his systolic blood pressure (top number) is higher than 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) is higher than 90 — 1 point. • Clinical features: If he had weakness on one side of your body during your mini-stroke — 2 points. If you had a speech disturbance without weakness — 1 point. • Duration of symptoms: If his symptoms lasted for 10 minutes to an hour — 1 point. If they lasted an hour or longer — 2 points. • Diabetes: If he has diabetes — 1 point. If his score is 3 or less, his risk of having a major stroke within a month of his TIA is 2 percent. A score of 4 or 5 indicates about an 8 percent risk for stroke within 30 days and a 10 percent risk within 90 days. And a score of 6 or 7 estimate a 16 percent chance of stroke in 30 days and around 20 percent within 90 days.

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.

eople of all ages are gravitating to an intense form of workout called CrossFit. CrossFit is a brand of workout that was founded by Greg Glassman in the mid ‘90s and has been seeing a surge in popularity in the Rochester area over the past few years. It focuses on participants’ proficiency in cardiovascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination and accuracy. CrossFit coach Kris Caswell defines CrossFit as “very functional work at a high intensity.” He has been “cross-fitting” since 2006. Caswell defines “functional” as a movement that you would do in your everyday life, like stretching to reach a top shelf or picking up a box. Caswell said that CrossFit is a perfect antidote for those who are bored with traditional exercise. “Repetition is an enemy. The workouts are constantly changing so your body doesn’t get used to it,” Caswell said. The types of activities practiced in CrossFit are varied and include olympic lifting, gymnastics and rowing. In order to improve your overall fitness and to reach your health goals, “you need to get out of your comfort zone,” Caswell said. “If you’re comfortable with your workout, you’re not working hard enough.” Caswell contends that CrossFit is a well-rounded program. While there are many cardio programs out there, “if you want to get stronger, you have to lift heavy weights,” he said. Many movements that people do in exercise are not functional, Caswell said. Nautilus machines aren’t functional, Caswell argues, because if you lift something off the ground, you’re not braced. “You have to use your body as the machine. Your body is the machine” in CrossFit, he said. Caswell, who has raced motorcycles most of his life, started CrossFit as a way to train for his sport and “just got hooked on it.” Since then, motorcycles have taken a back seat. Despite trying many other workout programs, Caswell said CrossfFit far exceeds any of those programs in terms of results. Over a year ago, Caswell starting offering CrossFit services through his personal gym — his garage or “gymrage,” as he affectionately calls it. He’s had some challenges with his “gymrage” and he can only host three people comfortably in one session. He moved his business from his garage to a storefront in the Chili Paul Plaza this March to offer CrossFit to people on the westside of Rochester. “I could really see the value in it and strength gained. I saw the value for it in my life and want to spread it on to other people,” Caswell said. CrossFit novice Emily Rowe started in the program about six months ago. She went to her first session not really knowing what it was but “I wanted to try something new.” Rowe also explains CrossFit as an “intense and short” workout but adds that it will “make you do things that you never thought you would do.”

May 2012 •

Caswell The workouts last 10 to 20 minutes and can be done potentially anywhere. Some people average three times a week with CrossFit workouts but Caswell suggests that those who want to see a real change to do it four to five times a week. “The more you do something, the better you’ll get at it,” Caswell said. Participants can experience immense strength gain doing CrossFit five days a week, according to Caswell. He said he’s seen noticeable results from his own CrossFit training and has increased his dead-lift weight more than 50 percent. He adds that it’s been rejuvenating for him because even though he’s 33, he feels 18 again. “I call it the fountain of youth,” he said. Rowe, who is training for a half marathon, exercises with CrossFit three times a week. She said that she’s seen results in her endurance while running. “When I’m towards the end of a run, even though I’m tired and it’s hard, I push a little bit more,” she said. Even though CrossFit is typically done in a group setting, it really is an individual exercise, Rowe said. With the weight training for the workouts, participants can use any amount of weight they feel comfortable. That’s what makes CrossFit accessible, Caswell said, and good for those aged 18 to 80. “The only difference is the load and intensity at which the workouts are performed,” he said. Caswell personally has clients from ages 18 to 50 but most of his clients are in the 30 to 40 range. Caswell said that because participants use a weight they’re most comfortable with, the program is safe. “If you don’t have a lot of technique, we’re not going to give you a lot of weight to use,” he said. Rowe has advice for those wanting to start CrossFit. “Just stick with it,” she said.

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H ealth News Fantuzzo new chairman at URMC’s Eastman Institute Joseph Fantuzzo of Pittsford has been appointed chairman of the oral and maxillofacial surgery division at Eastman Institute for Oral Health, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center. Fantuzzo’s expertise includes correcting facial and jaw deformities, facial reconstruction after trauma, dental implant surgery, dental extractions and removal of wisdom teeth, and other procedures involving the bones and soft tissues of the face and mouth. Fantuzzo, who also serves as residency program director, is Fantuzzo well known to his colleagues, residents and patients as an accomplished and caring surgeon who performs complex and advanced oral and maxillofacial surgery, and as an outstanding educator and faculty member. He brings dedication, enthusi-

asm and vision to this role. Fantuzzo, who was raised in Webster, received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1998, his medical doctor degree in 2001, and completed an oral and maxillofacial program in 2004, all from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He then completed a fellowship in craniofacial surgery at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in 2005. Following the fellowship he joined the faculty at the University of Rochester and was appointed program director of the OMFS Residency Program. Fantuzzo sees patients within the University Dental Faculty Group at Clinton Crossings and at Strong Memorial Hospital.

P.K. Mathew receives award from Unity Health Unity Health System has announced that P.K. Mathew is the recipient of Unity’s 2012 Physician Recognition Award. Given by Unity Hospital Medical Staff, the annual award honors a physician who demonstrates commitment to

The Hurlbut Nursing Facility Treats Residents with Same Equipment Used by Sports Teams The Hurlbut, a skilled nursing facility at 1177 East Henrietta Road in Rochester, has announced that its residents are now being treated with the same therapeutic equipment used by professional sports teams and Olympians to improve recovery and performance. The equipment, featuring “physical agent modalities,” is supported by extensive research, having demonstrated the ability to manage pain, inflammation and edema in athletes and patients of all ages. The new treatment programs at The Hurlbut will be implemented by the therapy staff and nursing departments, in conjunction with the resident’s physician and accelerated care plus (ACP), the Tom Melkioty with PattyWillit, PTA nation’s leading provider will be used in conjunction with sevof evidence-based clinical programs eral specialized treatment programs for long-term care and post-acute for conditions commonly found rehabilitation providers. among the geriatric population. Used for decades among elite Initially, these programs will include athletes, these new devices at The pain and contracture management, Hurlbut have been engineered and and will soon be expanded to cover calibrated specifically for use with conditions including stroke, arthriaging adults, including the elderly. tis, wounds, fall prevention, bladder They will enable clinicians to treat control, chronic obstructive pulmomore complex medical conditions, while increasing strength and neuro- nary disease (COPD), shingles and neuromuscular conditions such as muscular control in patients with a variety of diagnoses. The equipment Parkinson’s disease. Page 24

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the goals and values of Unity Health System, active participation in the community and the hospital through service, and excellence in patient care. Mathew, who was nominated by his colleagues at Unity, was chosen by a selection Mathew committee made up of administrators, clinical leaders, employee representatives, and medical staff. “Dr. Mathew has always treated patients with compassion and respect,” said Joseph Salipante, vice president of medical affairs at Unity Hospital. “He is a superb clinician, who is fully committed to exceptional patient care, and responds to his patients with compassion and sensitivity. His patients, colleagues and the nursing staff regard him with great esteem and enjoy working with him.” Mathew started working at St. Mary’s Hospital in 1974. He has held several leadership positions, including president of the medical staff and head of the cardiology unit at the former St. Mary’s Hospital. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and holds an additional certification in the sub-specialty of cardiology. Mathew will be honored at Unity’s Medical Staff Spring Dinner June 8.

St. Ann’s hires, promotes professionals St. Ann’s Community has recently announced the following: Adam Cipolla of Gates was hired as development associate. In his new role, he works in the foundation department and his responsibilities include event management, prospect research, project management and social media. He was previously employed by the Monroe County Board of Elections as a technician. Cipolla Karen A. Downey of Canandaigua was hired as the infection prevention nurse coordinator. She coordinates and manages an infection prevention program for St. Ann’s Community. Downey previously worked as the infection control nurse for the New York State Finger Lakes DeDowney velopmental Disabilities Service Office. Denise Merlino of Hilton was appointed nurse manager for the seventh floor of St. Ann’s Home. In her new role, she is responsible for overseeing the nurses and certified nursing assistants who work on the floor, Merlino as well as develop-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

ing a care plan for each of the residents and addressing any resident and family needs. Merlino was previously employed as a registered nurse at Rochester General Hospital who worked on developing the new electronic medical Roushey records system. Brad Roushey of Gates was promoted to ITS (information technology services) manager. He oversees the daily functions of the ITS department. Roushey has been employed at St. Ann’s Community for five years and previously worked as the network administrator.

The Hickock Center raises $5,000 during event The Hickok Center for Brain Injury raised over $5,000 during its Third Annual Brain Waves Benefit Event March 11in honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month. The proceeds from this event will go to support survivors of brain injury at the Hickok Center for Brain Injury, providing a safe, supportive environment that encourages brain injury survivors to design and direct their own life’s journey. During the event, organizers presented the 2012 Hickok Center Community Hero Award to Ray Ciancaglini, a former middleweight boxer and founder of the Second Impact. Ciancaglini was instrumental in helping pass legislation on concussion management in youth sports. Officer Anthony DiPonzio, last year’s recipient of the award, attended to present 2012 Award to Ray Ciancaglini. Brain Waves took place at the Comedy Club in Webster. The event featured live entertainment by Giuseppe Scungili and the Screamin’ Seagull Revue and food by Sticky Lips Pit BBQ.

Marvin Grieff gets award at Rochester General Marvin Grieff, an attending physician specializing in nephrology at Rochester General Hospital, has been awarded the 2012 Father George Norton Award for Physician Excellence. Grieff was among a number of Rochester General Hospital physicians nominated for the annual award, which honors physicians who touch the lives of patients and the community. Nominations are submitted Grieff by Rochester General Health System nurses, social workers, nurse practioners, physician assistants, housekeepers, volunteers, students, patients and fellow medical colleagues. The award is named in memory of Father George Norton who served as director of pastoral services at Rochester General Hospital for more than two

H ealth News decades until his death in 2004. Grieff is a resident of Brighton.

Ryan Hand, a PA at RGH, received award Ryan Hand, lead surgical physician’s assistant with Rochester General Hospital, has been awarded the 2012 Patricia Lewis Adjunct Staff Award for Clinical Excellence. The award is named to memorialize Patricia Lewis who provided exemplary, compassionate care during her service at Rochester General Hospital. In their nominatHand ing letter to the medical and dental committee, Drs. Brian Watkins, Robert Tripp and David Burns wrote, “…he [Ryan] is extremely passionate about his profession and that is shown through his care of patients, his willingness to go beyond his responsibilities in order to provide excellent

patient care in additional to his mentorship and teaching of both PA students as well as the junior PAs.” Ryan Hand has been with Rochester General Hospital for six years. He lives with his family in Webster.

disciplines outside of social work but exemplify the values of social work by participating in all facets of patient care. Marcaida lives in Irondequoit with her husband and three sons

RN receives award from Rochester neurologist gets Rochester General Hospital $65,000 to focus on MS Joelle Marcaida, a registered nurse in the emergency department at Rochester General Hospital, has been awarded the 2012 Ella Hollister Award. The hospital award is named in honor of Ella Hollister, who in 1909, served as the hospital’s first social worker. The award is presented during National Professional Social Work Month in Marcaida March. Marcaida was among a number of hospital team members nominated for the Hollister Award by RGH social workers. Nominees must work in

A neurologist in Rochester is one of only seven physicians nationwide awarded funding for a year of highly specialized training in multiple sclerosis care. The National MS Society has awarded Jessica Robb, a multiple sclerosis clinical care physician fellowship, $65,000 for one year of clinical work beginning July 1. This is the first time that someone from Upstate New York has been chosen for this award. “It’s really exciting for me,” said Robb, “to be funded for exactly what I wanted to do — take care of MS patients in a clinical setting.” As part of the fellowship, Robb is required to work under a mentor who is an MS specialist. Robb’s mentor will

be Andrew Goodman, director of The MS Center at the University of Rochester, which is Strong Hospital’s main neurology clinic. The fellowship requires Robb to work a certain number of days at the clinic each week, and Robb says she’s pleased the fellowship also offers a lot of flexibility. “Outside of clinical care, I plan to take University of Rochester classes such as immunology, pain control and physical therapy, to become betterrounded,” she said. Robb will be performing new patient consultations and follow-up evaluations. “I like the idea of working specifically with patients who have a chronic disease, because you get to know them, and it gives them a feeling of being connected and supported,” said Robb. “I find multiple sclerosis to be an interesting disorder in that it presents differently in each patient, and there is great research going on that offers patients a lot of hope.” Within two years of the fellowship, the fellows are expected to join an active MS clinical practice, and volunteer with the National MS Society at a local chapter or the home office.

Rochester General Acquires Linden Oaks Medical Campus Rochester General Health System (RGHS) is dramatically expanding its presence in the Rochester region with the acquisition of approximately 240,000 square feet of clinical, surgical and office space. The March 22nd, announcement kicks off one of the most significant clinical expansions in the institution’s 165-year history. It also marks the culmination of years of planning and investments to meet the healthcare needs of the Greater Rochester community. “It has long been our vision to bring a comprehensive ambulatory medical campus to the Greater Rochester area, providing the people of our region with a full range of outpatient services in a convenient setting,” explained Mark Clement, president and CEO of RGHS. “Today’s announcement is a significant milestone in our continued journey to combine extraordinary care, compassionate service and unparalleled accessibility to become the most trusted healthcare provider in our region.” Generally, ambulatory medical services are defined as any kind of care, treatment or consultation that can be delivered in an outpatient environment. The new Rochester General Health System division of ambulatory services will make these safe and effective clinical services

more accessible and convenient than ever before. “We are excited about the potential of the Linden Oaks Medical Campus to complement and enhance the vast clinical capabilities of the Rochester General Health System, one of the nation’s top 100 integrated health networks. By the end of next year, we expect our ambitious plans for transforming the campus into a comprehensive ambulatory care center featuring ambulatory surgery, urgent care and other important services to be well underway. All of these services will have the signature care, comforting touch and clinical excellence A comprehensive ambulatory medical campus to the Greater Rochester area that provides offered by the same physipatients with a full range of outpatient services is planned for the Linden Oaks Medical cians and care givers who Campus. work throughout Rochester • Linden Oaks Medical Campus feet of clinical space. This will be the General Health System.” — The campus is comprised of three home to the new RGHS Ambulatory The facilities medical office buildings at 10, 20 and Surgery Center. RGHS plans to add Rochester General Health 30 Hagen Drive in Penfield with a 29,000 square feet of space to this System is growing its services into combined 190,000 square feet of clini- building. Rochester’s Southeast quadrant with cal space. The facilities are easily accessible the purchase of several properties • 360 Linden Oaks Dr. — This from Route 490, exit 23 (Penfield) from Gianniny Associates, a local real building is located in Linden Oaks The hospital acquired the four estate developer with philanthropic Office Park, just across Route 441 properties for a combined cost of ties to the health system. from the Linden Oaks Medical approximately $40 million from GiThe purchase includes: Campus currently has 49,000 square anniny Associates.

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H ealth News School of Nursing Graduates Achieve 100 Percent Pass Rate on RN Licensure Exam Officials at The University of Rochester School of Nursing said that every one of the 53 men and women who graduated in December from its accelerated bachelor’s degree program for non-nurses (APNN) has passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). The students were all enrolled in the APNN cohort that began in January 2011 and concluded in December 2011. Although the NCLEX pass rate for the School’s APNN graduates has consistently been above 90 percent for several years, this is the first time that the entire class has achieved a 100 percent pass rate since the program began 10 years ago. At nursing schools here and across the country, achieving a 100 percent

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pass rate on the licensing exam is uncommon regardless of enrollment size, but is especially rare in nursing schools with cohorts of more than 50 students. The school has also received word that at least 70 percent of its December graduates are already employed as nurses; the majority of them in the Rochester area. The school of nursing’s NCLEX pass rate for 2011 is 94 percent, which is currently the highest of any APNN baccalaureate program in the state. The most recently released statistics will be reported as part of 2012 figures. “One of the first questions prospective nursing students ask us is what our NCLEX pass rate is, and we have always been able to say with great pride that we have one of the highest rates anywhere,” said School of Nursing Interim Dean Kathy H. Rideout. “But now we can say that we have truly achieved perfection in this area, and we think this speaks volumes about our faculty, students, and the support we foster here.” Under the direction of assistant professors of clinical nursing Elaine M. Andolina and Joanne V. Clements, the three-semester, 12-month APNN accepts students who already have bachelor’s degrees in other fields,

and prepares them for RN licensure through rigorous academic coursework and clinical experience. The school of nursing accepted its first class of 22 APNN students in May 2002, and today enrolls more than 168 students across three cohort admission cycles. Since its beginning, the highly selective program has attracted men and women of varied cultural, professional and socioeconomic backgrounds from virtually every state. The program has received four consecutive rounds of scholarship funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing Program. Rideout attributes the most recent NCLEX success to a combination of factors. “The school is in the fortunate position of being able to select from a very bright, ambitious, and high-achieving pool of applicants who have a strong desire to become nurses and strengthen the profession,” she said. “But equally important is the fact that we have outstanding faculty, cohort coordinators, and advisors who give our students a high level of personal attention to ensure their progression, and we are able to ramp up that support quickly if it’s needed.”

Nursing and the Future of Health Care By Heather Cook-Smith and Debra Gates

urses are the solution for our broken health care system. They are experts in preventive care, education and continuity of care. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), all nurses should be able to practice to the full extent of their education. However, there are several barriers preventing nurses from practicing to their full potential. This means your health care is most likely affected. Despite being the most trusted health care provider by the public, nurses have little presence where important decisions about health care are made. American culture, traditions, and New York state laws keep nurses from contributing what they could to our society. Currently, there are more than 16,000 nurse practitioners (NP) in New York state. NPs have their own licenses, but are required by New York state to have a collaborating physician. This requirement limits the public’s access to health care. The NPs ability to practice becomes vulnerable to the decisions the physician makes. This impacts you. There are more than 270,000 registered nurses (RN) in New York state. RNs are experts at coordinating care, speaking up for their patients, and providing health education. They will play a key role in the medical home model that seeks to improve health care qualPage 26

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012

ity by providing comprehensive, individualized, and integrated care of patients. In the acute and primary care settings, numerous research studies have linked quality of nursing care to positive outcomes for patients. There are only 21,484 primary care physicians in New York. The Health Care Association of New York State projects to have an increased demand for primary care providers and indicated the demand for NPs would arise in meeting that need. Nationally, we face a shortage of at least 40,000 primary care physicians by 2020. The number of students attending medical school has dropped significantly since 1997. There were 78 million baby boomers who turned 65 in 2011. They will require increased health care services just when the shortage of physicians is expected to be most acute. These statistics have prompted the question, who will provide care? Show nurses that you support removing barriers to their practice and ultimately your care. Tell your legislators to let nurses practice to the full extent of their education. Heather Cook-Smith and Debra Gates are both nurses and write on behalf of the Finger Lakes Regional Action Coalition, New York State Future of Nursing Campaign for Action

5K RACE ALERT CP Rochester is hosting its 7th Annual 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk to benefit its Fitness and Wellness Initiative Saturday, May 12, 2012 Races start at 9 a.m. Registration opens at 7:45 a.m. CP Rochester 3399 Winton Road South Rochester, NY 14623

Run, walk, or cheer on the participants! Refreshments, prizes, music, family fun and games, silent auction, and more!

www.CPRochester.org/RunForFun

Michael Klotz, M.D., Medical Director and Debbie Wellington, R.N., Orthopaedic Program Director, Joint Replacement Center

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President of the Eastman Kodak Retiree Association talks about pension and benefits from Kodak

(Get it? Really hip.) All kidding aside, we’re serious about joint care. In fact, we’re the area’s leader in joint replacement surgery. Our expert surgeons perform more joint replacements than any other area program. And our dedicated nurses stay with you from pre-op through rehab and recovery – along with an entire support team of joint patients, all going through the same thing you are. All in one friendly place. Now that’s hip. And that’s how health care should be.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2012