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INVINCIBLE Mosquitoes becoming more resistant to insecticide controls

Rochester–Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

July 2012 • Issue 83

Teen Drivers

More distracted than ever

A Mother’s Promise

Story on page 10

After her daughter Melissa died of cancer at 19, Lauren Spiker has devoted her life to help other cancer patients and their families

Canandaigua Mom

Before & After

Solving the ‘Great Couch Potato Conundrum’ MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Revolutionary technology in the field of implant dentistry, developed by a local practice in Rochester, now available in several other states and even abroad A Conversation With Lakeside Health System Interim CEO Hugh Collins

Two special proﬁles of • Nina Schor, M.D., Ph.D., the pediatrician-in-chief at Golisano Children’s Hospital (left). • Wende Logan-Young, M.D., a pioneer in mammographic imaging and breast cancer diagnosis.

WOMEN’S ISSUE ■ IUDs, Implants Most Effective Birth Control ■ Half of U.S. Counties Have No OB-GYN July 2012 •

“As a mom who is also a personal trainer at the Canandaigua YMCA, how could I have let my kids turn into mini couch potato zombies? But I had a plan for my complacent daughter and my cautious son—My ‘Get off the Couch’ initiative.” Article on page 24 IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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WSA Soccer Programs Keeping Kids in Shape! Ages 3 to 19

www.webstersoccer.com • (585) 671.7730 • You Do Not Have To Be A Webster Resident To Participate • WSA is a non-proﬁt organization established in 1976 and dedicated to providing children soccer

Future Super Stars (U3-U4) ages 3 & 4 A ﬁve-week program designed to introduce healthy activities with a focus on fun and excitment provided by instructors with a strong background in soccer and youth development. Day & Evening Sessions are available.

Micro Soccer (U5-U7) ages 5 -7 An introduction to the sport of soccer with emphasis on fun and and competition. Our goal building individual skills. The program was developed by a Nationally Licensed Coach and all trained Facilitators (volunteer parents) is for each child to have follow a documented curriculum. Children experience the fun of playing soccer using small-sided soccer games and developmentally fun while learning the appropriate soccer activities

instruction, enjoyment,

WSA Travel Program (U11-U19) Ages 11-19 For those desiring a higher level of competition,teams will compete in the Rochester District Youth Soccer League (RDYSL) weekly games and participate in local weekend tournaments and possibly non-local tournaments. Dynamo Elite Soccer Academy (U11-U17) Ages 11-17 The highest level training environment to help players who excel, and have a strong commitment to the game, progress to their maximum soccer ability. Goal keeper training: ages 9-19

Dynamo tryout dates are July 16, 17, 25, 26 and 29

skills necessary to play

Player Development Program PDP (U8-U10) ages 8-10 This ten (10) month comprehensive progressive training runs from soccer and to develop Oct thru July and is designed to help the individual player develop physically and socially their technical skills. Coaching is provided by hired certified coaches, NYSWYSA ODP staff, and former pro players with assistance from to reach their maximum USSF certified WSA coaches. The teams will participate in the RDYSL potential through positive travel soccer league and summer tournaments.

role models with the goal of helping to build character, leadership, and teamwork.

Five-A-Side (U8-U12) ages 8-12 Small ﬁeld play to develop skill speed and accuracy. World Cup Soccer (U5-U18) ages 5-18 Summer recreational program featuring small team sizes for less time sitting and more time being active.

PO Box 164, 865 Publishers Parkway, Webster, NY 14580

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 • July 2012

Untreatable Gonorrhea Poses New Threat M

www.IntegrativeOrientalMedicine.org Integrative Oriental Medicine Practicing evidence based medicine at RGH Lipson Cancer Center.

New! HeartMath biofeedback training for relaxation.

Experts: Gonorrhea is becoming a major public health challenge

illions of people with gonorrhea may be at risk of running out of treatment options unless urgent action is taken, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Already several countries, including Australia, France, Japan, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom are reporting cases of resistance to cephalosporin antibiotics — the last treatment option against gonorrhea. Every year an estimated 106 million people are infected with gonorrhea, which is transmitted sexually. “Gonorrhea is becoming a major public health challenge, due to the high incidence of infections accompanied by dwindling treatment options,” says Manjula Lusti-Narasimhan, from the department of reproductive health and research at WHO. “The available data only shows the tip of the iceberg. Without adequate surveillance we won’t know the extent of resistance to gonorrhea and without research into new antimicrobial agents, there could soon be no effective treatment for patients.” In new guidance issued recently, WHO is calling for greater vigilance

Relieve pain, nausea, “chemo-brain”, hot ﬂashes, neuropathy and other symptoms related to cancer treatment.

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on the correct use of antibiotics and more research into alternative treatment regimens for gonococcal infections. WHO’s global action plan to control the spread and impact of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoea also calls for increased monitoring and reporting of resistant strains as well as better prevention, diagnosis and control of gonococcal infections. Gonorrhea makes up one quarter of the four major curable sexuallytransmitted infections. Since the development of antibiotics, the pathogen has developed resistance to many of the common antibiotics used as treatment, including penicillin, tetracyclines and quinolones. “We are very concerned about recent reports of treatment failure from the last effective treatment option — the class of cephalosporin antibiotics — as there are no new therapeutic drugs in development,” says LustiNarasimhan. “If gonococcal infections become untreatable, the health implications are significant.”

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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, Jennifer Muscato Advertising: Marsha K. Preston, Donna Kimbrell Layout & Design: Jan Herbert, 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.

July 2012 •

Experiencing pain and discomfort due to an injury or health issue? Let our experts, Zoe Fackelman, PT and our new physical therapist, Dr. Robert Christakos, PT, DPT, help you. Make an appointment and experience a difference.

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CALENDAR of

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When you’re looking for a safe, comfortable, high-quality healthcare experience, do your homework. Many free online tools exist that can help consumers like you compare the safety, patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes of hospitals in your area. Try searching keywords like “hospital compare,” “hospital safety score,” and “hospital report card.” You may be surprised by what you learn when you do your homework.

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July 10–14 Scor! string camp for adults held in Penﬁeld Scor! presents an event for adult players of string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass) July 10–14 at Bay Trail Middle School in Penfield. The Rochester Scor! Camp includes ensembles, hands-on topical group sessions, and additional options. Participants include experienced amateurs, hobbyist players, and recent beginners. More details about offerings, fees, schedules, and faculty are available at www.StringCamp.com or by calling 1-877-726-SCOR (7267). Scor! affords the opportunity to learn and be inspired in a relaxed and musically enriching environment. Adults of all ages benefit from instruction by experienced professional musicians and the opportunity to meet, play music, and build community with others of similar interests. Rochester Scor! Camp is presented in a flexible format with choices including all three days of main camp, or single day options. Additionally, a fiddle and cello fiesta, and chamber music or techniques intensive sessions are included as an option prior to camp on Tuesday and Wednesday.

July 19

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The Labyrinth Society holds event in Rochester The Labyrinth Society of Rochester is sponsoring its Community Labyrinth Walk from 7–9 p.m., Thursday, July 19, at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 South Winton Road in Rochester. The event is free but organizers will accept donations. Organizers say the event will provide free energy work, chair massage and music. They say participants will experience the transformational power of the labyrinth combined with the restorative energies of reiki and chair massage. The event is free, however, donations are appreciated to help cover expenses. A 15-minute orientation from 7-7:15 p.m. will be available. For more details, contact Deborah Roller at 585469-4818.

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In Good Health

July 25 Name __________________________________________

Diabetes education “Lunch And Learn”

Address ________________________________________

The New Fibromyalgia Support Group invites the public to its “Lunch and Learn” session focusing on diabetes education and information. This is a general education session for those wishing to learn and understand the basics about diabetes. You do not have to have diabetes to attend the talk. The event will be held from 12 –1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25, at 920 Elmgrove Road. This event is co-sponsored

City / Town _________________State ____ Zip ________

In Good Health

P.O. Box 525, Victor, NY 14564 Page 4

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

with the Older Adults Group of the Westside YMCA . It’s free and open to all. Pre-registration is needed as space is limited. Call 585-752-1562 and leave name, number, best time to call.

July 28 Tour de Thompson to beneﬁt aftercare program The 10th annual Tour de Thompson bicycle tour of the Bristol Hills will be held on Saturday, July 28, at Onanda Park on West Lake Road in Canandaigua. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with a mass starting at 8 a.m. Riders can choose from three scenic routes: 15 miles with 1,350 feet of hill climbing, 31 miles with 2,800 feet of hill climbing or “Metric Century,” a 62.5-mile course that includes over 6,800 feet of elevation gain. The tour includes bike numbers, rest stops, a SAG vehicle and free parking on the upland side of park, plus a postride picnic and leg massages. Family activities, including swimming and hiking, are also available at the 80acre park. Tour de Thompson benefits the aftercare program at Thompson Health, a rehabilitative service, which helps those with chronic disease maintain their level of function and independence in the community. To register, visit www.ThompsonHealth. com. The cost is $35 if by July 15 and $40 after that. The first 150 registrants will receive a free tech T-shirt. For more information, call 585-396-6050 or email dudley.hallstead@thompsonhealth. com.

July 28 Golf tournament to beneﬁt Clifton Springs Hospital The June Bell Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, July 28, at Crooked Pines Golf Club, Wayneport Road in Macedon. The shot gun start will be at 9 a.m. This fourth annual memorial golf tournament is sponsored by Bell’s Collison and Repair. Cost of the tournament is $65 per golfer, which includes golf, cart, lunch and dinner; a dinner-only option is also available. For more information, contact Lynn Warney at 585-721-7137 or Buddy Bell at 315-597-4025. All proceeds from the tournament benefit Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic Foundation Cancer Patient Assistance Fund.

Share the News editor@GVhealthnews.com

Battery-related ER Visits by Children More Than Double 1-year-olds swallowing button batteries becoming more common in ERs

n today’s technology-driven world, batteries, especially button batteries, are everywhere. They power countless gadgets and electronic items that we use every day. While they may seem harmless, button batteries can be dangerous if swallowed by children. A new study conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that the annual number of batteryrelated emergency department visits among children younger than 18 years of age more than doubled over the 20year study period, jumping from 2,591 emergency department visits in 1990 to 5,525 emergency department visits in 2009. The number of button batteries swallowed by children also doubled during this period. The study, appearing in the June 2012 print issue of Pediatrics, found that more than three-fourths of battery-related visits to emergency departments by children were among children 5 years old or younger, with 1-year-olds having the greatest number of emergency department visits. Of the cases where the battery’s intended use was mentioned, only 29 percent involved batteries that were used for toys and games. The majority of cases involved batteries from products not intended for use by young children, such as watches (14 percent), calculators (12 percent), flashlights (9 percent) and remote controls (6 percent). “We live in a world designed by adults for the convenience of adults,

Mosquitoes Becoming More Resistant to Insecticide Controls By Laura C. Harrington

his issue has been building for some time. It is really no surprise as insects have become resistant to nearly all insecticides given time and selection pressure. Few new chemicals are in development for malaria vector control, because there is little profit to be made by the poorest of the world’s poor — who feel the brunt of the malaria burden. There is a tremendous need to identify new ways of controlling malaria vectors that are practical, low cost, and sustainable or even looking at the existing technology with a new perspective toward using them in ways that prolong their efficacy.

and the safety of children is often not considered,” said Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Products with easily-accessible battery compartments are everywhere in our homes today. By making a few simple design changes and strengthening product manufacturing standards, including products not intended for use by young children, we could prevent many of the serious and sometimes fatal injuries that occur when children are able to easily access button batteries in common household products.” Among cases that described the type of battery, 84 percent involved button batteries. Recommendations to prevent these types of injuries include: • Taping the battery compartments of all household devices shut • Storing batteries and products with batteries out of the reach of young children • Being aware of this potential danger when your child is visiting other homes Researchers also recommend that manufacturers ensure that packaging for batteries and products containing button batteries is child resistant and that they design all battery compartments to either require a screwdriver to be opened or that they be secured with a child-resistant locking mechanism, regardless of whether the product is intended for use by children or adults.

You take care of her. We’ll take care of you . Unfortunately, this type of practical research is not viewed as “sexy science” and it is nearly impossible to obtain funding by the large agencies to support it. Another critical need is to sincerely train and provide support for in-country, field-based scientists and technicians to manage resistance development. Many Western scientists pay lip service to this notion, but few really devote effort and resources to make it happen. Training and enabling in-country scientists will lead to sustainability and independence for countries with high malaria burdens instead of helplessly relying on the ebb and flow of philanthropic dollars. Laura C. Harrington is a mosquito expert and an associate professor of medical entomology at Cornell University July 2012 •

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Dr. Michelle Chin Thelma’s has been catering to women in the Rochester area for over 30 years. Here you will be pampered by caring, Board Certiﬁed women who are knowledgeable about a woman’s needs after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, reconstruction, augmentation, or someone who may be genetically imbalanced or just needs to be measured for a proper ﬁtting bra. 251 Park Ave., Rochester, NY 14607 Phone: (585) 256-2460 Fax: (585) 256-2467 www.thelmasboutique.com Store Hours: T, W, F 9:30-4:30 Thurs 9:30-7:00 Other times by appointment only Bras • Prostheses • Swimwear Lymphedema• Sleeves & Gauntlets • Wigs • Handicapped Accessible • ABC accredited facility

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

Unity Health OB-GYN talks about hormone replacement, robotic surgeries and the “perfect balance” her field of medicine offers her Q: How long have you been doing robotic surgery? A: I started in December, so about six months, but I’ve been doing minimally invasive surgery for years now and hysterectomy since 2006. Q: What do you like about the da Vinci robot? How is it helpful? A: It’s extremely helpful. First of all, the vision quality is incredible. It’s a three dimensional view because it has two cameras, one for the left eye and one from the right eye. Conventional minimally invasive surgery is usually done with a two dimensional image. So you have this sense of depth of field. It magnifies the objects more and gives you layer by layer of tissue. So the vision quality is much, much better. Another thing is that the instrument has an EndoWrist — it’s patented by da Vinci — it has more mobility than your actual wrist. So what we’ve seen so far is less blood loss and no complications so far. It’s hard to say, since we haven’t had a ton of patients yet, but we seem to be getting less complaints about pain. We’re using it a lot. For my own patients, I haven’t done an open hysterectomy since we got the robot. Q: Are you primarily a gynecologist, or do you deliver a lot of babies? A: I do both. I have about 10 to 15 patients a month here who are due. I’m pretty much full-time OB as well. I take obstetrical calls.

Q: What got you interested in your specialty? Did you always know you wanted to be an OB-GYN? A: Actually I didn’t. In medical school I thought I’d be doing primary care. When I was doing my OB-GYN rotations in medical school, he chief of the department was a GYN oncologist and he did a fair amount of surgery. I thought the surgery was fascinating. A primary care doctor can’t do surgery, so I knew I need to find a specialty with some kind of surgical primary. I think OB-GYN is the perfect specialty in that there’s a perfect balance between seeing patients in the office, seeing patients in the hospital, doing delivers, surgery. There’s a lot of variety. It’s not five days in the office or four days in the OR. There’s a nice blend of everything. Q: As far as the business of being a doctor, are you able to share your responsibilities with your group? A: We have a large call group. It’s 10 to 12 people. We only have to do 24-hours in house call two or three times a month. Rochester has bigger call groups than, say, Syracuse. There’s good

Q: Have there been any changes in birthing processes over the years, or has that remained consistent? A: It’s pretty consistent, but there’s been a slight swing to patients asking for primary C-sections because they’re worried about prolapse and incontinence. We’ve seen a little bit of that. Most patients still deliver vaginally. Our C-section rate is around 30 percent, which is in step with the national average. Q: Obstetrics is notorious for having high malpractice insurance premiums. What precautions do OBGYNs have to take? A: We do a lot of fetal monitoring and central monitoring, so pretty much anywhere in the unit I can see what’s happening with the baby’s heart rate. I don’t know that we get any insurance breaks for it, but it’s definitely helpful. I can tell when there’s a problem happening and I can rush to the patient’s side and provide some interventions to resuscitate the baby before it’s born.

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

communication between all of us. It’s a wonderful group of OB-GYNs that I work with. Q: As the population ages, I imagine there’s more demand for menopausal treatments. What can you do, as a doctor, for those patients? A: We can counsel them in how to avoid stress on the behavioral side, but we can offer hormone replacement therapy and nonhormonal prescription medications. The reduction in hot flashes with the non-hormonal medication is only about 60 to 70 percent as opposed to 80 to 90 with the hormone replacement, but it still helps. Q: Why is there reticence toward using hormone replacement? A: The women’s health initiative study in 2002 of 80,000 was stopped early because there was found to be an increased risk of breast cancer and heart attack at year four or five. We suspect that the older women involved in the double-blind study actually had previously undiagnosed heart disease, however. Now we use the lowest dose for the shortest duration and the estrogen alone there’s no risk additional risk of heart attack or breast cancer. So for women without a uterus who have already had a hysterectomy, I’m much more comfortable giving them estrogen for their hot flashes.

Lifelines Name: Michelle Chin, M.D. Hometown: New Rochelle, NY Specialties: Obstetrics and gynecology School: New York University School of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical (residency) Affiliations: Unity Health; referring privileges at Rochester General and Strong Memorial Organizations: American Medical Association; American College of OBGYN, American Association of GYN Laparoscopists Certifications: American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology Family: Married, expecting first child at the end of June. Hobbies: Piano, guitar, singing, hiking, biking, swimming, photography How to reach her: 585-368-4000 Unity ObGyn at Ridgeway, 2655 Ridgeway Ave. suite 180, Rochester.

URMC Offers New Heartburn ‘Ring’

he University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) is one of just 13 U.S. surgery sites chosen to offer the LINX Reflux Management System, a new implantable magnetic “ring” that promises relief to the estimated 25 million American adults who suffer daily heartburn. The device won FDA-approval in late March. Chronic heartburn — technically titled gastroesophogeal reflux disease, or GERD — occurs when the stomach’s acidic juices backflow into the esophagus, rousing an uncomfortable burning sensation just below the breast bone. Though a muscular ring, or sphincter, usually tightens to clamp off this backsplash, this natural “plumbing” is faulty in some people: The seal is weak, or the sphincter relaxes when it shouldn’t. The LINX device — a nickelsized loop of magnetic beads — can be inserted laparoscopically (through tiny incisions) in less than an hour. The beads separate slightly to allow food and drink to pass down through the esophagus, then compress back together, reinforcing weak esophageal muscles and limiting acidic backwash from the stomach. As one of 15 specialized clinical trial sites across the U.S. and Europe, URMC has been implanting the device in study patients since 2009. “While GERD is rarely lifethreatening, its pain can derail patients’ daily routines, and in select cases, frequent reflux can cause serious damage to the skin-like surface of the esophagus — a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which carries

a low risk for esophageal cancer,” said Jeffrey H. Peters, professor and chairman of URMC’s department of surgery, who led the device’s clinical trial at the URMC site. “As the incidence of GERD rises — possibly tied to the mounting international obesity epidemic — efforts to manage the condition have become increasingly important.” While numerous over-the-counter antacids and prescription drugs have taken aim at alleviating the symptoms, neutralizing the acids, Peters says 20 to 30 percent of heartburn sufferers are dissatisfied with medicine alone. “This device tackles the root of the problem, working to augment the natural sphincter and restore the barrier between the two organs,” he said. “In the most recent study, 92 percent of participants were free of needing daily heartburn medication two years after implant. What’s more, the device has shown no signs of problems even four or five years out.” While 1 in 10 Americans may experience heartburn at least once a month, this occasional discomfort often can be managed through simple lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, avoiding eating too close to bedtime, wearing looser fitting clothing, exercising portion control, and steering clear of greasy, spicy or acidic foods. “When we conducted the trial, about one-third of study applicants were eligible for the device,” Peters said. “They had already attempted these lifestyle adjustments and still needed a more powerful intervention.”

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WXXI’s ‘Second Opinion’ Wins National Award

XXI has garnered the National Media Award for Broadcast from The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) for its television production — “Second Opinion: Colon Cancer” (2011 season). The award acknowledges achievement in promoting a greater public understanding of colon and rectal disease. John R.T. Monson, one of the guest panelists on the “Second Opinion” episode, accepted the award in San Antonio, during the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons’ Annual Meeting June 3. ASCRS chose “Second Opinion” for the episode’s comprehensive discussion about colon cancer. “Colon Cancer II” featured a patient, Molly McMaster, who told her story about receiving a diagnosis of colon cancer on her 23rd birthday. The goal of the episode was to educate viewers about not only the symptoms and physical changes that may help with an early diagnosis but also about how, although screening for colon cancer is effective, it does not identify the problems 100 percent of the time. John R.T. Monson, chief of colorectal surgery and vice-chairman of surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center, was a guest panelist on this show. He was chosen for his

extensive expertise and dedication to colon and rectal disease. Other panelists included: Louis J. Papa, FACP, primary care physician for Primary Care’s Olsan Medical Group and professor of clinical medicine at the University of Rochester; Kathleen Wolin, assistant professor in the division of public health sciences at the Washington University School of Medicine and The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. “Second Opinion” is the only regularly scheduled health series on public television. Each week, physician Peter Salgo engages a panel of medical professionals and patients in honest, indepth discussions about life-changing medical decisions. Using intriguing, real-life medical cases, the specialists grapple with diagnosis and treatment options to give viewers the most up-todate, accurate medical information. “Second Opinion” is produced for public television by WXXI (Rochester), The University of Rochester Medical Center, and West 175 Productions. The major sponsor of the series is BlueCross BlueShield Association. Second Opinion airs Fridays at 10 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m. on WXXITV/HD, and on more than 250 PBS stations across the country. July 2012 •

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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

Home Alone? Love the One You’re With I t’s Friday night, and the weekend is stretching out in front of you — a big, empty void to fill. But with what? You can feel your anxiety rising. You can feel yourself spiraling down, regretting the past, feeling desperate. And that’s when you grab for the TV remote, a pint of Haagen-Dazs, and head for the couch — or worse — for bed. Sound familiar? It’s not uncommon for those who live alone to find spending time alone, at home, a real challenge. It’s especially true for those coming out of long marriages or relationships where familiar routines, chore schedules and social obligations filled evenings and weekends. I can remember many nights after my divorce, coming home after work to an empty apartment with hours on my hands and no idea what to do with myself. The prospect of a long, lonely evening ahead was almost unbearable. I was fine during the day, but when the sun started to set or the weekend rolled around, I would start to panic. I was also fine when I was busy or in the company of friends or family. It was that uncomfortable time alone — when I was all by myself at home — that tested my fortitude. After way too many episodes of Dateline, I had finally had enough and started making better use of my “me time.” It took some practice, but I am

now comfortable spending time by myself and have come to enjoy my own company. In fact, it’s not unusual for me to decline an invitation to go out, in favor of spending a nice quiet evening at home, relaxing or fully engaged in something I love to do. If you’re challenged by time alone, as I was, consider the suggestions below. You might even clip this column and put it on your fridge as a handy reminder. Read. In our busy lives, and with so many electronic options vying for our attention, reading can fall by the wayside. It’s such a shame. Reading for enjoyment and enlightenment can turn a lonely evening into a lovely evening. Don’t know where to start? Ask a friend for a suggestion or select a book from The New York Time’s best–seller list. Snuggle up in a comfy, well-lit place, and let a good book introduce you to new people, new places, and new ideas. I never feel alone when I’m reading. Write. Marcel Proust wrote, “We

KIDS Corner Drowning Happens Quickly. Learn How to Reduce Your Risk Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States and kills more toddlers 1-4 years old than anything but birth defects

hen you’re spending the day splashing around at the pool, beach or lake, drowning may not be the first thing on your mind. Yet drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States and kills more toddlers 1-4 years old than anything but birth defects. About 10 people die Page 8

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every day from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children 14 or younger. The good news is that most of these deaths are predictable and preventable. Being aware of the risks and taking safety precautions are proven ways to prevent drowning injuries and deaths. Learn the facts and take action to protect yourself and the ones you

are healed of a suffering only by expressing it to the full.” Even if you never look back at what you write, the act of committing thoughts and events to paper is therapeutic. Consider starting a journal, if you haven’t already done so. A few minutes in the evening or on the weekend is a perfect time to write. As you work through some of the issues associated with living alone and as you become more content, you will find that reading and rereading your journal entries will be a great way to see how much progress you are making. Clear Out The Clutter. I know this might sound silly, but clearing out the clutter can be very satisfying and a great way to spend a few hours alone. I spent one recent Tuesday night sorting out my closet and filling two bags for Volunteers of America. It felt terrific. I not only lightened my load, but I did something for a good cause. As a result, I felt part of something bigger than myself and less alone. Pursue a passion. This can sound daunting, especially if you’ve yet to identify your passion, but hang in

love from drowning.

Take Action to Reduce Risks • Learn to swim. Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88 percent among young children aged 1 to 4 years, who are at greatest risk of drowning. However, even when children have had formal swimming lessons, constant, careful supervision when in the water, and barriers to prevent unsupervised access are necessary to prevent drowning. • Closely watch swimmers in or around the water. Designate a responsible adult who can swim and knows CPR to watch swimmers in or around water — even when lifeguards are present. That adult should not be involved in any other distracting activity (such as reading or talking on the phone) while watching children. • Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In the time it might take for lifeguards or paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could save someone’s life. • Fence it off. Barriers to pool access should be used to help prevent young children from gaining access to the pool area without caregivers’ awareness when they aren’t supposed to be swimming. Pool fences should completely separate the house and play area from the pool, be at least four feet high, and have self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward, with latches that are out of the reach of children. • Use the Buddy System. Regardless

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

there. Many men and women in longterm relationships often sacrifice their own interests in favor of attending to the needs of others. The pursuit of your own passions can be lost in the process. Now’s a good time to rediscover your “loves” and to dedicate your time alone to these hobbies. Do some digging and identify the things you loved as a child or young adult and make a conscious decision to pursue them now. Evenings or weekends spent this way can be exhilarating! When you’re absorbed with things that captivate you — whether it’s cooking, running, gardening, knitting, or playing music — loneliness dissipates and you feel alive. Reach Out. With time on your hands, you are in a great position to reach out and make connections with others, especially with long, lost friends. This can be a very meaningful way to spend an evening. Just yesterday, I received a hand-written note from a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. I was very touched and inspired to do likewise with friends from my past. Pick up the phone, send an e-mail or send a “snail mail” note to someone with whom you’ve lost touch. “Veg out.” That’s right, “veg out.” Grab the TV remote, a bag of popcorn, and head for the couch— or better — for bed. Sound familiar? But this time, do it without guilt, do it without beating yourself up. Everyone is entitled to an occasional night when they just hang out, do nothing and eat junk food. Indulge yourself and tell yourself you deserve it. Wake up the next morning — free of remorse — and ready to take on the day: alone at home and “at home” with yourself!

of your age, always swim with a buddy. • Look for lifeguards. Select swimming sites that have lifeguards whenever possible. • Heed warning flags. Know the meaning of and obey warnings represented by colored beach flags, which may vary from one beach to another. • Know the terrain. Be aware of and avoid drop-offs and hidden obstacles in natural water sites. Always enter water feet first. • Avoid rip currents. Watch for dangerous waves and signs of rip currents, like water that is discolored and choppy, foamy, or filled with debris and moving in a channel away from shore. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore; once free of the current, swim diagonally toward shore. • Use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets. Do not use air-filled or foam toys, such as “water wings”, “noodles”, or inner-tubes, in place of life jackets. These toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe. • Avoid alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or water skiing. Don’t drink alcohol while supervising children. • Don’t hyperventilate. Swimmers should never hyperventilate before swimming underwater or try to hold their breath for long periods of time. This can cause them to pass out (sometimes called “shallow water blackout”) and drown.

or almost a lifetime, Angelo Bianchi couldn’t find pleasure in the small things in life that many people take for granted. Whether it was smiling, laughing or eating a meal, there was always something he tried to conceal to the best of his ability: his teeth. Bianchi was born with a dental defect where he suffered from a lack of enamel and shallow roots, which turned his teeth a brownish color since childhood. He was teased when he was young and uncomfortable in new settings as an adult. “Whenever I opened my mouth, I had to share an image that I wasn’t proud of,” said Bianchi, 71, of Parma. “You can’t imagine what it feels like when everyone is taking pictures and smiling and you are doing everything you can not to smile. My friends eventually got used to it, but whenever I was in a new situation, it was challenging for me.” His life changed a few years ago as a result of a revolutionary technology in the field of implant dentistry, developed by a local practice in Rochester. In 1990, dental implants were a concept in its early stages. Frank R. LaMar had just graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and his brother, Jim LaMar, graduated from a school in Boston on the same day. They never imagined that two decades later, they would be part of a groundbreaking development in the field of implant dentistry to help the many who suffer from complex dental problems. The LaMar brothers spent years on the leading edge of the field, defining a specific, patent-pending protocol, to serve patients with a procedure known as Hybridge. Hybridge is a unique dental prosthetic restoration technique for people suffering from complex and repetitive dental problems, especially seniors who have few options for maintaining or restoring full dental function and appearance. The procedure has helped thousands in the Rochester area, and is now licensed internationally to leading doctors in implant dentistry. “There are thousands of people in Rochester that are walking around with dental conditions that many times significantly affects their whole life: socially, romantically and professionally,” said Frank LaMar, 46, of Perinton, co-developer of Hybridge. “It might even affect them from a health standpoint because they could have oral infections without knowing it. And now there is something that can be done about it.” LaMar had an opportunity to be well-trained as a specialist prosthodontist because his father had already laid the foundation through the establishment of the Elmwood Dental Group and Dental Restoration Center in the town of Brighton. Both brothers worked diligently to learn the best practices available to restore dental function and esthetics, giving people a new signature smile. As far back as 1985 their father told them that implants were the future in dentistry, but it was hard to foreshadow that in the early days. During dental school, professors emphasized techniques to restore compromised teeth no matter what the situation. And early on, their Elmwood Dental Group practice lived by that philosophy. But like many things in life, their philosophies changed throughout the years after

Dental Implants Revolutionary technology in the field of implant dentistry, developed by a local practice in Rochester, now available in several other states and even abroad By Ernst Lamothe

Top photo shows dentist Frank LaMar working with a patient in his ofﬁce in Brighton. Below is a sample of dental implants c0-developed by the dentist. On the left is Angelo Bianchi, who had dental implants. “Whenever I opened my mouth, I had to share an image that I wasn’t proud of,” said Bianchi, 71, of Parma.

more patients were treated. They were able to evaluate their successes and failures over the years. Dental implant treatment showed a significantly higher success rate over time than did conventional dental treatment. “The idea of telling people that dental implants were a better option than keeping their compromised teeth for some was a new concept.” said Frank LaMar. “But as technology and practices evolved, I could see how it

was becoming the best way to treat certain patients whose teeth had gone beyond reasonable repair.” LaMar called the early work ‘heroic dentistry,’ where they would try to save comprised teeth that overtime would fail because the patient still had the same underlying risk factors. Conventional wisdom needed a bridge to the future. “In some cases, those teeth didn’t last more than five years. It took us

July 2012 •

10 years of doing dentistry the old way before our philosophy regarding the wisdom of restoring compromised teeth and replacing them with our dental implants.” The new Frank LaMar protocols were first used with patients who had no teeth and wore dentures for years. Then they rebuilt their smile piece by piece with the process taking as few as three weeks or as long as a year. For the lower jaw, patients would come in every week, depending on the extent of their tooth removal process, and could take between six to eight visits to complete. The current Hybridge protocol is used on as many patients with bad teeth as without teeth. Treatment duration ranges from three weeks to 16 weeks depending on the patients’ condition when they start. In the past, implant treatment would take up to 24 months before Hybridge was developed, according to LaMar. The costs range from $16,000 to $23,000 per jaw. Although still a significant investment for patients, this is half the cost of conventional implant treatment. The bridge can replace up to 12 teeth, and looks, feels and functions just like one’s natural teeth. “It still takes people a little while to get over the idea of losing the teeth they have tried so hard to keep over the years. New ideas can be scary,” said LaMar. “But we sit down and talk to them about the positives of longevity and minimal maintenance for life.” Angelo Bianchi was referred to the dentists at the Elmwood Dental Group several years ago. As a former Spanish teacher at Gates Chili High School for three decades, his teeth were front and center every day at work. Slowly, his degenerative tooth disease progressed and he started losing teeth one by one. By the time he was 35, he lost almost all his teeth and was forever in dentist offices. “I just had enough. My whole life felt like it was a trip to the dentist office and I couldn’t do it anymore,” said Bianchi. “I decided to take a leap and use some of my retirement savings because I wanted to get my life back.” He had the Hybridge placed into his mouth and the only regret is that he didn’t do it sooner. “There isn’t a day that I don’t tell my wife how much I love my teeth,” added Bianchi. “I just thank God that there are geniuses around that can perform these miracles because God works miracles through people. I can smile, laugh and eat again without embarrassment and it just makes me feel like a new man.” The Hybridge business has a laboratory on Humboldt Street that employs 22 people who make the final Hybridge restoration. Dentists from Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, New Jersey, Florida, California, Canada and Mexico are now offering Hybridge to patients. In 2012, Hybridge is expanding into Wisconsin, Colorado, Texas, Massachusetts and Maryland, and talks are under way with dental practices in Eastern Europe regarding a possible overseas expansion. “I never anticipated that we would have this kind of impact on the lives of our patients,” said LaMar. “People have told us we changed their lives and we are just thankful we were able to.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Teen Drivers: More Distracted Than Ever “Reports say distracted driving is bigger than drinking and driving,” expert says By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

istracted teen drivers are less safe than undistracted teen drivers. Though an obvious statement, hundreds of teens still drive while texting, talking on their cell phones or with passengers, fiddling with the stereo or juggling food, drinks, make-up applicators or fishing for money for the drive-through window. “Teen drivers do not have the experience of anticipating what could be happening further down the road, they are not mature enough to multitask at this level,” said Cindy L. St. George, driving instructor with Empire Safety Council, an organization that offers DMV-approved driver safety classes. “Really, none of us are.” St. George, also a licensed insurance broker with Christopher Williams Agency, Inc. in Pittsford, said that other passengers in the car “are a big distraction and teenagers are not accustomed to driving at the same time as trying to socialize. The law is a great law, prohibiting the junior licensed drivers to only one friend in the vehicle.” The American Automobile Association recently released figures that indicate the danger of the very youngest drivers increases with each additional passenger they carry who is under age 21 with no older passengers present. The study — “Teen Driver Risk in Relation to Age and Number of Passengers” — states that the fatality risk to 16- or 17-year-old drivers increases 44 percent with one passenger, doubles when it’s two passengers, and quadruples when it’s three. Interestingly, bringing along at least one passenger who is 35 years old or older slashes the young driver’s risk of death by 62 percent.

She also said that there are nearly 300 million phone plan subscriptions among the 305 million U.S. population. Though some people have more than one phone plan for personal and business calling, the statistic underlines the ubiquity of cell phone usage, as does the Cellular Industry Association’s 2008 figure of an average of 110 billion text messages sent per month. “Reports say distracted driving is bigger than drinking and driving,” Scruton said. “We’re finding that electronic devices are a problem, not just cell phones. Driving with friends add to your likelihood that you’ll be in an incident and you add an electronic device and it’s a prescription for disaster.” Many parents rely upon driver education classes to help their

Experts: How to Help Your Teens

s a parent, what can you do to help your teens drive undistracted? The experts weighed in. Irene Scruton Chapter president for Upstate New York National Safety Council of Central and Western New York: • “Tell teens, ‘If you’re caught with more passengers in car, there will be consequences.’ • “Tell them ‘Don’t ride with people who are texting and driving.’ • “Have them take the phone as a passenger and be the designated texter in the car. • “We say to use an away Page 10

It’s not only the presence of other young people in the car that presents a dangerous distraction, but what they are doing can also draw the driver’s attention away from the road. “If the passengers are also on the phone or texting or reading their iPads, you know the driver is being brought into that,” St. George said. Technology in the car has become arguably the biggest factor in teen driving distractions. Irene Scruton, chapter president for National Safety Council of Central and Western New York, said that in the last 10 to 15 years, many more people have purchased portable electronic devices. “Only 13 percent of the American population had them 15 years ago,” she added. “By 2008, 87 percent had a cell phone and in 2010, it surpassed 90 percent.”

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message. • “Put the phone in the glove compartment. • “Tell teens, ‘Be a good friend. Tell your friend to not text and drive.’ Friends will listen to their friends.”

Cindy L. St. George, instructor with Empire Safety Council:

• “Talk, talk, talk to them. Explain what could happen when there is a lack of attention, show them articles about bad accidents. • “A signed contract between the parent and child could help, this would state only one friend will ride

in the car and there will be absolutely no phone usage whatsoever. • “We all need to be reminded that the phone will be there later, the voice mail will take a message, the text message will be there to be read later.”

Tania Denizard, representing ABC School of Driving in Rochester:

• “We tell parents to advise them to not have the phone in their hands. Tell them they’ll lose their permit or license. • “We tell them any distracting stuff is wrong, even if the DMV is not bothering them about it.”

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

teens become safer drivers. Despite instructors’ warnings to forgo portable electronics and other distractions, many teens’ false perception of invincibility can make them ignore sound advice. “Kids think, ‘I won’t die’ but don’t think about permanent injury that can happen to people, including themselves,” Scruton said. Tania Denizard, representing ABC School of Driving in Rochester, said that her school tells students to stick with only driving while behind the wheel, but that in general, teens “keep doing it and they don’t care if they get tickets. They’re even emailing people while driving.” She added that the school puts loud music on the list of distractions because when the radio or MP3 player is blaring, “we can’t be as aware of our surroundings,” she said. Smoking is also on the list, especially since teens may be inexperienced in both smoking and driving. Although technology has contributed greatly to increase teen driving distractions, it may also provide a means to help curtail inattentive driving, such as sensors that will disrupt the signal to a cell phone if it is moving beyond a preset speed. Scruton hopes that technology like will help, but “it won’t solve the problem.” She thinks that societal change to stigmatize distracted driving will work better. As in the days of pushing the “don’t drink and drive” message, curbing distracted driving depends upon positive peer pressure. “We want the social norm to be if you’re in the car with someone, you’ll say, ‘Put the phone down,’” Scruton said.

CDC: High School-aged Drivers Doing Better The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study June 7 that said high school-aged drivers have improved their safety habits such as seatbelt use, riding with a driver who had been drinking alcohol, and driving while intoxicated themselves; however, “challenges remain in other key areas such as texting while driving,” the study said. “The use of technology among youth has resulted in new risks; specifically, one in three high school students had texted or emailed while driving a car or other vehicle during the past 30 days.”

Dermatologist: No Such a Thing as Safe Tan D

espite the fact that young adults are generally in constant communication via social media and texting, a new survey finds many in this age group are not getting the message that there is no such thing as a safe tan. The survey, conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology, determined that young adults are not aware of the dangers of tanning beds and how to properly protect their skin from sun damage. “It’s troubling that so many young adults do not fully understand the consequences of tanning — whether from tanning beds or natural sunlight — particularly in light of the trend of more young people developing skin cancer,” said board-certified dermatologist Amanda Friedrichs.

“Our survey confirmed that age was highly associated with use of tanning beds, as respondents ages 18-29 years old were much more likely as those over age 30 to report using a tanning bed.” For young adults who insist on looking tan, Friedrichs recommends using a self-tanner rather than exposing one’s skin to harmful ultraviolet radiation. While in the past self-tanners had a reputation of turning skin orange, streaking and splotching, Friedrichs offered these basic tips for applying a self-tanner to get even coverage and longer-lasting results: • Exfoliate. Prior to applying a selftanner, use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin. Using an exfoliating product also will help remove the dead skin cells. Spend a little more time exfoliating whether the skin is thickest, such as the ankles, knees and elbows. • Dry the skin. Drying your skin before you apply a self-tanner helps it

go on evenly. • Apply in sections. Apply the selftanner in sections, such as the arms, legs and torso. Massage the sunless tanner into the skin with a uniform circular motion. Lightly extend the tanner from the wrists to the hands and from the ankles to the feet, taking care not to treat the entire hands and feet, such as the palms and soles. Wash and dry your hands after applying self-tanner to each body part to avoid tanning your palms. • Dilute tanner on joints. Dilute the self-tanner on the knees, ankles and elbows since these areas tend to absorb more self-tanner than the rest of the skin. To dilute, lightly rub these areas with a damp towel or apply a lotion. • Allow time to dry. Wait at least 10 minutes before getting dressed. It is best to wear loose clothing and try to avoid sweating for the next three hours.

Skin Cancer Facts

• Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for teens and young adults 15-29 years old. • Melanoma is increasing faster in females 15-29 years old than males in the same age group. • It is estimated that there will be about 131,810 new cases of melanoma in 2012 — 55,560 noninvasive (in situ) and 76,250 invasive (44,250 men and 32,000 women). • Exposure to tanning beds increases the risk of melanoma, especially in women aged 45 years or younger. • In females 15-29 years old, the torso/trunk is the most common location for developing melanoma, which may be due to high-risk tanning behaviors.

July 2012 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Get Your Dog on an Exercise Regimen

umans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from daily exercise. A Kansas State University veterinarian says dogs need it, too. “Dogs should get exercise at least twice a day, generally around 15 to 20 minutes each session for small dogs and 30 to 40 minutes or more for large

dogs,” said Susan Nelson, clinical associate professor at the university’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, a part of the College of Veterinary Medicine. However, how long and the type of exercise depend on the type of dog, its age and its health, Nelson said.

“It really depends on what the dog can do,” she said. “For short-legged or arthritic dogs, walking is good. Running is good for dogs that are bigger and are in good shape, but how much running to do depends on the dog and how in shape it is. Remember, you can’t run a basset hound like you

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would a Great Dane.” Choosing the type of exercise for your dog depends on how fit it is and if it has any health conditions that limit its activity level. For example, running and jumping aren’t good for a dog with arthritis. Waking and hiking are good low-impact activities. Swimming can be good for many dogs, especially those who have joint mobility problems — but make sure the dog knows how to swim first, Nelson said. In general, Nelson said small dogs can walk up to a mile or two, while large dogs may be able to handle three or more miles of walking or running. Just letting a dog out to play on its own in a fenced-in yard isn’t good enough. The dog should be kept active while exercising, so playing a game of fetch with a ball or flying disc are good forms of exercise, Nelson said. While getting your dog active is good, Nelson said it’s also important to make sure your canine friend isn’t overdoing it. “Some signs to look for include an obvious limp, if they are tugging on their leash and don’t want to go forward, or if they start to lag behind,” she said. “As the weather gets warmer, watch out for overheating your dog. Signs include panting really hard; producing thick, ropey saliva; and getting a dark, red tongue. Taking water breaks along the way is a good idea.” If your dog gets weak, collapses or seems to struggle while exercising in warm weather, it’s important to get them cooled off and to a veterinarian quickly, Nelson said. Once temperatures climb into the 80s, Nelson said monitor your dog closely when exercising and consider switching your sessions to early morning and evening when temperatures are cooler. For some dogs even temperatures in the 70s can be hazardous to their health. “Don’t forget about humidity levels in the heat, too,” she said. “High humidity can make it tough for dogs to breathe and they can’t get proper cooling through panting. This is especially true for dogs with short, stubby noses like boxers and bulldogs.” Nelson said dogs with these types of noses can have a hard time moving air in and out, and the tissues in their throats can start to swell when they have to pant a lot. Heat can be hard on a dog’s feet, too, Nelson said. “As the weather gets warmer, pavement and asphalt can get hot and burn the pads on their feet,” she said. “Gravel can be a painful surface, too, especially if they aren’t used to running on it. Many dogs will develop severe injuries to their pads if they aren’t conditioned to run on rough surfaces.” Another concern at this time of year are fleas and ticks, so make sure your dog is protected against them before heading outside. If your dog did fine on its walk or run but woke up stiff or lame afterward, Nelson recommends having a veterinarian check it out to ensure it’s not something exercise will continue to aggravate. Scheduling a physical with a veterinarian is a good first step before starting an exercise routine for your dog, Nelson said, especially if the dog is overweight or has had a sedentary lifestyle. “You want to make sure your dog is ready to exercise. You may have to start slow to build up their endurance,” she said. “But once you get started, it can be fun. For example, you can get creative and set up things for your dog to find along the way— search activities. The important thing is to get them up and going.”

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Today’s hottest go-to grain?

Quinoa I

f you haven’t tried quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah), it’s high time you did. Once revered by ancient Incas as the “mother of all grains” and now hailed by nutritionists as the “supergrain of the future,” quinoa’s day is long overdue. Although technically a seed, quinoa is often called a grain because it looks and cooks just like a grain. I refer to it as my “go-to grain” because it’s appealing on so many levels: cost, taste, ease of preparation and nutritional value. What attracted me to quinoa from the get-go was its high protein content. Since I’m no longer the carnivore I once was, I’m always looking for alternate sources of this vital nutrient, which helps to build and repair body tissue. Not only is quinoa high in protein (8 grams per 1 cup, cooked), but, unlike most plant sources, its protein is

“complete” with all nine essential amino acids. What this means is, you don’t need to combine quinoa with another protein source to immediately reap this nutrient’s benefits. Quinoa is a very good source of magnesium, a mineral that helps relax blood vessels. Since low dietary levels of magnesium have been linked to increased rates of hypertension and heart disease, this ancient grain

may promote cardiovascular health. Research also suggests that an increased intake of magnesium may offer some relief for migraine sufferers, because it prevents the constriction and rebound dilation characteristic of this particular headache. Looking to whittle your middle now that swimsuit season is in full swing? Add quinoa to your nutritiousfoods list. Rich in heart-healthy fiber and low in fat and calories (about 200 per 1 cup, cooked) quinoa is digested slowly, a plus that thwarts the urge to snack. Additionally, it has a low glycemic index, another plus that affords you a much steadier stream of energy. One more great reason to go for this grain: Quinoa teems with manganese, a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent cell damage and diseases associated with aging.

Helpful tips

Quinoa is available in prepackaged containers, as well as in bulk bins. After purchase, transfer the quinoa to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to six months. Before cooking, quinoa must be thoroughly rinsed to remove the bitter taste. Place it in a strainer, then run cold water over it for several minutes. Unlike many grains, quinoa is gluten-free.

Colorful Quinoa and Black Bean Salad Adapted from Gourmet Serves 6 – 8

1 cup tri-colored quinoa, rinsed and drained 2 cups water 1 can corn, drained 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 poblano pepper, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 cup feta cheese (optional) For dressing: 1 fresh lime, juiced 1 1⁄2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1⁄2 teaspoon coarse black pepper 3 tablespoons olive oil Combine quinoa and water in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. Transfer quinoa to a large bowl and cool for about 10 minutes. Add corn, beans, peppers, garlic, cilantro and feta cheese (optional). Whisk together dressing ingredients and drizzle over salad. Toss well; adjust seasonings to taste. Salad may be made one day ahead.

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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fter Lakeside Health System continues to make widespread changes to its operations, interim CEO Hugh Collins is preparing for the continued future of the organization. The system is comprised of Lakeside Memorial Hospital, Lakeside Beikirch Care Center, Lakeside Foundation, the Daisy Marquis Jones Family Wellness Program, all in Brockport, and Lakeside Urgent Care Center in Spencerport. The system, which serves residents in three counties, introduced a plan earlier this year to increase revenue and decrease spending. Some of these changes included outsourcing billing collections and reducing 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 10 years. This move is on track for July 1. The hospital will offer gynecology and urogynecology services, and pre- and post-natal care through Rochester Gynecologic & Obstetrics Associates. According to Collins, that move will save the institution more than $500,000 a year. Another part of the plan includes the transfer of operations of LeRoy Urgent Care to United Memorial Medical Center. UMMC will continue to provide Urgent Care Services at 3 Tountas Ave. in LeRoy until they move to 8745 Lake Street Road, also in LeRoy. The system, which has a total of 181 beds, has closed the third floor of its hospital which contains 24 beds because of underutilization. “It would easily reopen if the need was there,” Collins said, “but we are looking into other uses.” Collins said possible uses include rehabilitation or long-term acute care. Long-term acute care, specifically, is “an area that is being underserved and an area we’re trying to address,” he said. Overall, the system plans on cutting $3 million from operating expenses. Collins said the future of healthcare is more about a sharing of resources rather than competition. Instead of being in competition with healthcare services around the region, Collins said the overall goal should be “to serve and meet the needs of a diverse population spread out over a geographic area.” Some of the larger health systems in the greater Rochester area are overutilized while some of the smaller health systems like Lakeside are underutilized. “Our goal is more collaboration and more cooperation to prevent this underutilization,”

changes to Lakeside: What is the biggest challenge that Lakeside faces? “We have to be diligent and continue to provide high quality great service in a cost effective and efficient manner plus we have to grow our volumes and revenue. If we can do that, we’re going to be here a long time. And I’m confident that we can.” What reaction has there been from the community on these changes? “For the most part, the community understands. We’re doing what is necessary to provide low cost quality of services. We’ve been pleasantly surprised at the acceptance and support we’ve received. This organization will be here long term. We are looking at revenue and cost containment opportunities to turn the organization to financial stability.” What do you see for the future of Lakeside? “We’re exploring all opportunities to collaborate and cooperate with all of the regional health systems. We’re undertaking those discussions now. We’re undertaking studies to better meet the needs of patients through the region.”

A Conversation With Lakeside Health System Interim CEO Hugh Collins ‘This organization will be here long term’ By Jessica Spies Collins said. Collins said this collaboration would include referrals to smaller health systems from larger oversaturated health systems. Here’s more of what Collins had to say about

What do you see for the future of other smaller health organizations? “The future for small health organizations, such as Lakeside but also rural organizations, is to partner with larger healthcare systems to develop collaborative agreements on a regional basis so that healthcare organizations are better serving the needs of diverse population groups. This prevents the underutilization of healthcare facilities.” What is your background? “I have been in healthcare over 30 years. I have a MBA in health and medical services administration from Widener University. I worked all across the country in multiple healthcare services of all sizes, working at academic centers and for for-profit and nonprofit companies, and facilitated multiple successful financial turnarounds. I improved their quality of service, and patient and physician satisfaction. I own my own hospital management services company with two other partners to contract with hospitals to provide services.”

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

Women’s issues A Mother’s Promise

After her daughter Melissa died of cancer at 19, Lauren Spiker has devoted her life to help other cancer patients and their families By Jessica Spies

Lauren Spiker is the founder of nonproﬁt organization Melissa’s Living Legacy, along with its project Teens Living with Cancer. She created those projects after her daughter Melissa died of cancer at age 19.

t all started out with a promise to her daughter. Twelve years ago, Lauren Spiker, 65, set into motion a non-profit organization that would provide teens with cancer a support system and a voice. Spiker’s daughter Melissa died at the age of 19 after a cancer diagnosis two years prior. “When you hear your child is sick, you want nothing more than to morph into the skin of your child,” Spiker said. Before her death, Melissa made the decision to attend as much college as she could at the University of Pennsylvania despite just learning of a relapse. Her mother remembers what Melissa said to her when making her decision: “If I don’t go now, I never will.” “Aside from the fact that she was dying, she was a normal college student,” Spiker said. After Melissa went home for spring break and was then too sick to go back to school, she made a courageous decision: she would stop treatment. “I just don’t want to die sick,” Melissa told her mother. The family had three months with Melissa before she succumbed to cancer. But in those three months, Melissa truly lived each day, Spiker said. “Melissa was throwing clay two weeks before she died,” Spiker said. Three nights before Melissa died, Spiker told her how proud she was of the way Melissa had lived and that Melissa had helped change the way Spiker thought about life. Spiker clearly remembers what Melissa said to her: “A lot of people say

those two things to me,” Melissa said. “I’m not sure that anyone will make a difference. If you’ve learned anything from me through all of this, do something with it to make a difference — to make things better.” Spiker didn’t know how to respond. “I said: ‘I don’t know what I can do.’” but Spiker made the promise to her daughter that she would try to make a difference in the world. Spiker used that summer to think about how she could live up to her promise to her daughter. Melissa taught Spiker that the “human spirit is so powerful and resilient. And when you’re presented with so many opportunities, there’s a lot of living you can do even when you’re dying.” Spiker knew she had to find a way to make these life-affirming opportunities available to other teens who have cancer and to help them get age-appropriate resources and support. For more than a decade, Spiker’s nonprofit organization Melissa’s Living Legacy, along with its project Teens Living with Cancer, has helped Spiker to live up to the promise she made to her daughter. The organization provides relevant resources to teens with cancer that enhance their quality of life, seeks opportunities to improve the delivery of services to teens and young adults with cancer and advocates for teens with cancer to heighten awareness and motivate action. Spiker’s most powerful tool in developing the nonprofit has been the experience that she went through with her daughter. “Through those two years, we saw

how difficult it was to be a teen going through cancer,” Spiker said. In terms of the healthcare system, there are only pediatric and adult distinctions and “our teenagers fall right in that gap.” Most of Melissa’s treatments were in the children’s hospital, where the doctors often speak with the parents, not the teens, and at times, Melissa went to an adult cancer center where she would sometimes have a 70-yearold roommate, Spiker said. “There was nothing that matched her needs as a teenager,” she said. Spiker said that when most people think of cancer, they wouldn’t normally think of a 16-year-old who’s gained weight from cancer treatment, has an artificial hip, is wearing hardware, and is wondering how she’s going to prom. Teenagers with cancer are pulled away from their social scene so they can get and recover from treatment. “Everything that defines you as a teenager is gone,” Spiker said. As a teenager, you start thinking about your future and your emerging independence, but when you get cancer, “all of that gets ripped away,” Spiker said. Teens with cancer can find themselves abandoned by their peers because those peers don’t know how to provide support. “They have very unique psychosocial needs in an environment that can’t meet their needs,” Spiker said. Spiker started the organization from the ground up with just the website TeensLivingWithCancer.org in fall 2000 and soon established a lasting relationship with the Children’s Oncology Group. The website, which is still used for the organization, first offered peer support to teens who are in treatment. Since then, Spiker has seen changes in the increase of resource and research dollars put into teen cancer. “Twelve years later, the landscape is changing,” Spiker said, “but we still need to bridge that gap.” An example being that the healthcare system is still only divided into adult or child, Spiker said. Melissa’s Living Legacy also includes Teens Living with Cancer, a group that serves teens between the ages of 13 to 22 and meets once every week to provide support for teens who are in treatment. The sessions usually include a planned activity or just time to relax. “Here, cancer is the common denominator,” Spiker said. “It’s not what makes them different here; you can be who you are.” The organization moved into their current location on Elmwood Avenue three years ago but in the early

July 2012 •

days, Spiker would host many of the gatherings at her house. In addition to a strong support system for the teenagers, there’s also a support group for parents. “It’s really tough to parent a healthy teenager; you throw cancer on that and it’s really challenging,” Spiker said. The organization offers clinics that teach medical professionals how to communicate with teens who have cancer. There’s also outreach with school personnel to help a teen to come back to school and how to help other teens adjust to their friend who has cancer. The organization offers sessions for the friends of cancer patients so that they can learn how to be a better friend. TLC has been a way for Spiker to help empower teens and for them to be “educated advocates” for themselves. The organization recently launched TLC Fit — a fitness program for teen survivors to help get them back to the fitness level they were at before they were diagnosed with cancer. TLC is being rolled out in the Washington, D.C. area and it’s Spiker’s hope that it will expand to other metropolitan areas. Also new for TLC is TLC Squared which welcomes alums, many in their 20s, who are at a new stage in their life whether it be looking for a job or wishing to start a family. They have a gathering every few months where “we can provide that continuous web of support,” she said. Spiker, who is 65, plans on continuing the growth of TLC. “This is definitely my passion and the focus at least for the next few years.” TLC program coordinator Leah Shearer has worked with Spiker over the last three and a half years. “Lauren has not only been a tremendous mentor to me but we work very closely together as a team of two in our office,” she said. “We share a true passion for the cause. With Lauren’s dedication, it’s truly something miraculous how she’s honored her daughter.” Spiker said that while she wishes she would never have known teen cancer, she’s grateful that she’s able to help other teens who continue to inspire her. “They are the most amazing human beings,” she said. “They just show me every day is worth getting out of bed and living.” Every day, Spiker asks herself if she’s kept her daughter’s promise. Spiker said that she can’t change the course of Melissa’s diagnosis “but I can do what she asked me to do. I can make one small difference every day.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

IUDs, Implants Most Effective Birth Control

study to evaluate birth control methods has found dramatic differences in their effectiveness. Women who used birth control pills, the patch or vaginal ring were 20 times more likely to have an unintended pregnancy than those who used longer-acting forms such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or implant. Results of the study, by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, are reported in the May 24 edition of the “New England Journal of Medicine.” Birth control pills are the most commonly used reversible contraceptive in the United States, but their effectiveness hinges on women remembering to take a pill every day and having easy access to refills. In the study, birth-control pills and other short-term contraceptive methods, such as the contraceptive patch or ring, were especially unreliable among younger women. For those under 21 who used birth control pills, the patch or ring, the risk of unplanned pregnancy was almost twice as high as the risk among older women. This finding suggests that increased adolescent use of longer acting contraceptive methods could prevent substantially more unplanned pregnancies. “This study is the best evidence we have that long-acting reversible methods are far superior to the birth control pill, patch and ring,” says senior author Jeffrey Peipert, professor of obstetrics and gynecology. “IUDs and implants are more effective because women can forget about them after clinicians put the devices in place.” Unintended pregnancy is a major problem in the United States. About 3 million pregnancies per year —50 percent of all pregnancies — are unplanned. The rate of unintended pregnancy in the United States is much higher than in other developed nations, and past studies have shown that about half of these pregnancies result from contraceptive failure. IUDs are inserted into the uterus by a health-care provider. The hormonal IUD is approved for 5 years, and the copper IUD can be used for as long as 10 years. Hormonal implants are inserted under the skin of the upper arm and are effective for three years. Many women, however, cannot afford the up-front costs of these methods, which can be more than $500. “We know that IUDs and implants have very low failure rates —less than 1 percent,” says Brooke Winner, a fourth-year resident at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the study’s lead author. “But although IUDs are very effective and have been proven safe in women and adolescents, they only are chosen by 5.5 percent of women in the United States who use contraception.” Page 16

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Making a Difference Wende Logan-Young, M.D. A pioneer in mammographic imaging and breast cancer diagnosis, physician still thrilled with field she chose By Debbie Waltzer

t is a ritual that Wende Logan-Young follows four mornings every week. She awakens early, leaves her West Lake Road home in Canandaigua at 5:45 a.m. and drives 45 minutes to her office at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care, LLC, in Brighton. Once she arrives at work, Young — who is internationally recognized as a leader in the field of mammographic imaging and breast cancer diagnosis — sets out displays of beaded jewelry assembled by her staff, the sales proceeds of which have netted $75,000 to date for cancer-related organizations. Next, as the clock strikes 7 a.m., Young, 77, dons a trusty pair of rollerblades and a helmet, and heads out for a seven-mile roundtrip workout on the bike path along the Barge Canal. If the weather is inclement, she heads instead to the facility’s small indoor gym to ride a stationary bike for nine miles. Then she starts work, seeing patients for the next nine hours. “Nobody works as hard as she does,” says colleague Stamatia Destounis, a fellow radiologist and partner in EWBC. The pair first met years ago when Destounis, then a student at University of Rochester Medical Center, brought her mother to Young for an evaluation. The med student was so impressed by Young’s warmth and casual demeanor that she decided on the spot to pursue radiology and specialize in breast imaging. “Dr. Young is my mentor, a great teacher and a pioneer in our field,” Destounis continues. Helping women with breast health issues is a joy, says Young, who is married with four grown children and eight grandchildren. “Practicing radiology is like playing chess,” she explains. “The patient has various symptoms and radiology enables us to look inside the body to find out exactly what’s going on.” Thankfully, most of the 400 patients seen daily by Young and her six colleagues leave with good news of a cancer-free exam, while four patients, on average, learn that they have breast cancer. Advanced technology, early detection and vigilance by patients to attend to their breast health have helped lower the mortality rate due to breast cancer. “Roughly 60 percent of all U.S. women diagnosed with breast cancer in 1935, the year I was born, died of breast cancer,” Young says. “Today, that figure has dropped to 15 percent.” While the U.S. government recommends that women have mammograms every other year, starting at age 50, Young and her colleagues strongly recommend that women obtain mammograms every year, starting at age 40. On a recent Monday morning, Young’s modest office was abuzz

with activity, as she reviewed digital breast images for dozens of patients. With a cheery voice, big smile and a firm handshake, she delivered the good news to patients in the adjoining ultrasound examining room. “Your mammogram looks good,” she pronounced. “You’re taking good care of yourself.” Patients come to EWBC from throughout Western New York, as well as Pennsylvania and Canada. They are often in search of a second opinion; on this recent Monday morning, Young discovered that a 47-year-old’s breast pain was actually due to a large cyst, which the radiologist then aspirated to make the patient more comfortable. Young, a native of Buffalo, always knew that she wanted to become a doctor. As the oldest of 10 children, she often accompanied her cardiologist father on his rounds at Buffalo General Hospital. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Westminster College, then earned a medical degree from University at Buffalo’s School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. (Three of her siblings also pursued medicine; two as doctors and one as a nurse.) She completed her internship and residency in radiology at Highland Hospital of Rochester, then began her career as an assistant professor

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

in diagnostic radiology at University of Rochester Medical School. She established EWBC in 1975 and served as its sole physician until 1991. Young’s renown in the emerging field of breast imaging grew, and she was interviewed by several members of the media, including Phil Donahue, Diane Sawyer and the anchors of NBC’s “Today” show. Today, with an annual patient volume of 200,000, EWBC is one of the largest freestanding breast imaging centers in the U.S., with roughly 120 employees. The Brighton-based organization has added two new facilities; one in Geneseo and the other in Greece. Young, who sold the practice to her fellow radiologists a few years ago, acknowledges that patients are nervous when they arrive for their annual appointment or for a diagnostic consultation. “My approach is to hire people who are sweet and cheerful,” she says. “I try to keep everyone’s spirits high.” Comforting touches await patients, including complementary tea and snacks, warm blankets, fish tanks and glowing fireplaces. According to information on EWBC’s website, the organization’s commitment to its patient is unwavering. The site states: “Throughout the years and the many advances seen in the technology of breast imaging, the mission of EWBC has remained the same—to provide patients with excellent care that considers both their physical and emotional well-being.” Young is as active and vibrant outside of work as she is on the job. She has been married to her second husband, retired advertising executive Bill Young, for more than 25 years. He also has four children and eight grandchildren from his first marriage. Young’s oldest daughter, Alexandra, is a hospitalist at FF Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua. Son Bill writes software in Dallas, Texas. Son Victor runs an engine machine shop in Holcomb. Finally, son Dan, a CPA and MBA by training, renovates and sells homes in Canandaigua. Young and her husband enjoy fishing in remote locations such as Mongolia, Russia and Norway. They also are avid gardeners. “We have a wonderfully symbiotic relationship,” Young says. She is equally proud of her four children and her professional achievements. “Nobody is happier than me,” she says with a broad smile. “I am paid to solve problems.”

Making a Difference

Nina Schor, M.D., Ph.D. Pediatrician-in-chief excited with plans for the new Golisano Children’s Hospital By Debbie Waltzer

ina Schor has always been fascinated by science. As pediatrician-in-chief for Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center, she has the chance to mentor roughly 160 faculty members who share her love of science while helping to take care of children who are ill. Schor, who came to URMC in 2006 after nearly 20 years of work at University of Pittsburgh, most recently as associate dean for medical student research, is particularly excited about the groundbreaking planned for later this summer on construction of the new Golisano Children’s Hospital. The new $145million building, located on Crittenden Boulevard and attached to URMC and Strong Memorial Hospital, will feature eight floors with approximately 245,000 square feet of space dedicated to children and their families. The facility will include 56 beds, mostly in private rooms, as well as 68 isolettes in the neonatal intensive care unit. In addition, the building will house six operating rooms specifically designed for children. Special features of the hospital also will include a twostory playdeck, a respite lounge for families, a sibling child care center and a teen lounge. Family members have been keenly involved with planning the facility’s design from the onset of the project. “We are here not just to meet the medical needs of our patients, but also to provide support for their families,” says Schor, herself a mother of three. “I am confident that Golisano Children’s Hospital will soon be considered a national leader among children’s hospitals, along the lines of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.” Schor, a native of Queens, knew early on that science and pediatrics were her calling. When she was 3 years old, her father, who had a doctoral degree in physics and math, brought home a chemistry set. Together the pair toiled over science experiments, with young Nina serving as scribe. For her eighth birthday, she requested a microscope as a gift. In high school, she set up scientific research experiments in her garage, and at age 17, she won first prize in the Westinghouse Science Talent Search for her project of studying the effects of aldehydes on one-celled organisms

called euglena. The avid scientist earned a bachelor’s degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale University, then enrolled in a joint M.D./Ph.D. program at Cornell University Medical School and Rockefeller University. Schor chose to specialize in pediatric neurology, focusing on research into diseases such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spina bifida and cerebral palsy. Much of her research also dealt with health issues

related to headaches and migraines. Scientific research is a collaborative endeavor, she says, and she has always enjoyed the team approach of working with colleagues. Moreover, helping children is a passion. “I love working with children,” she notes. “I love their honesty and their whimsical nature, even in the face of adversity. When you make a difference in the life of a child, you also affect the whole family.” As the person who oversees a faculty body of 160 and 600 staff members, Schor, 57, today spends less time in clinical work. Her days are filled with meetings, and she loves to mentor faculty members of all ages on the topic of career decisions. In addition, she is actively engaged in research projects related to neuroblastoma, a solid malignant tumor of the neurological system.

She and her colleagues are working to design new therapies to target these tumors. Schor is involved with numerous professional organizations and is a frequent presenter at academic conferences throughout the U.S. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family. She has been married to Robert Schor, a medical doctor who serves as an associate professor in neurobiology and anatomy at URMC, since 1984. The couple has three children. Daughter Devra, 22, is a 2011 graduate of Sarah Lawrence College who majored in public policy and economics. Currently she is working as a paralegal in Pittsburgh, and she plans to attend law school, eventually working in the field of public interest law. Identical twin sons Jonathan and Stanford, 19, have inherited their parents’ passion for science. Both young men are sophomores at California Institute of Technology, majoring in biomedical research. When they gathered in their Brighton home, the family enjoys watching shows on the Food Network and cooking healthy meals together. Having inherited her father’s passion for science, Schor says she also inherited her mother’s love of the arts. The pediatrician is an avid musician, and enjoys playing piano, guitar, recorder, harmonica, electric keyboard, clarinet and oboe. While working in Pittsburgh, she was a member of a Klezmer band known as “The Hot Matzohs.” Calling herself a “binge piano player,” Schor enjoys spending a few hours on the piano on Sunday mornings, plunking out jazz and soft rock tunes, as well as musical theater pieces. In addition, Schor, who is a member along with her family at Congregation Beth Shalom, is fluent in Yiddish. She loves to read murder mysteries by authors Jonathan Kellerman and Robert Parker, and favorite movies include The Devil Wears Prada, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and Fried Green Tomatoes. Moving to Rochester has been a joy, she says. “I love Rochester. I love having the Eastman School of Music located just 10 minutes from my house. This community is very family oriented, and we are very happy here,” she notes. Like all of her colleagues, Schor is extremely excited about advent of the new Golisano Children’s Hospital. She is extremely grateful to all of the donors who are making this vision a reality. And her message to parents with children who are ill is heartfelt. “Medical crises are very scary, but we will continue to do everything we can to make your experience here as easy as possible,” she says. “Patients and families are our top priority.”

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Half of U.S. Counties Have No OB-GYN

early half of the counties in the United States lack a single obstetrician-gynecologist, a situation that may worsen as medical school graduates gravitate toward metropolitan areas, a new study indicates. More than 9.5 million Americans live in areas without obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs); this scarcity is more prevalent in rural pockets of the country, and particularly in the Midwest and South. However, some experts feel the spotty distribution of these specialists — who assist in the births of 4 million babies each year and tend to the reproductive health of millions of women — isn’t necessarily a problem. “If there’s not an obstetrician in one county, but there’s one in the next county, then it may not affect patient care at all,” said Erin Tracy, an OB-GYN at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, who was not involved in the study. “It’s a striking statistic . . . but I’m not sure how it affects actual access to care.” The study, authored by University of New Mexico researcher William Rayburn, was recently presentated at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) annual meeting in San Diego. Rayburn and his colleagues gathered data from the 2010 U.S. County Census File for adult and reproductive-age women and from the ACOG membership roster. They found that about 33,300 OBGYNs were practicing in the U.S. in 2010, representing 5 percent of a total of 661,400 physicians. The average number of OBGYNs per 10,000 women dropped significantly from counties with cities in them to those with smaller towns and rural areas. Forty-nine percent of the country’s 3,143 U.S. counties lacked a single OB-GYN, the investigators found. “You’re going to get less of every [medical] specialty, the more rural you get. That’s going to be true across the board,” explained Jill Rabin, chief of ambulatory care, obstetrics and gynecology, and head of urogynecology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park. “But generally you can find, within a reasonable driving distance, someone using cutting-edge technology,” Rabin added. The study authors wrote that the uneven distribution of OB-GYNs may worsen as newly graduated medical residents cluster in metropolitan areas, and they suggested that the government offer incentives to lure physicians to underserved areas. But Rabin noted that some government programs already exist to pay for medical training for doctors who agree to serve in designated rural areas. Also, some family practitioners in these areas deliver babies, “so they take up the slack for us,” she said.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

The Social Ask Security Ofﬁce Column provided by the local Social Security Office

Get Your Social Security Statement Online

f you would like to get a Social Security Statement, which provides estimates of your future benefits, it is now available online at www. socialsecurity.gov. “Our new online Social Security Statement is simple, easy-to-use and provides people with estimates they can use to plan for their retirement,” said Michael J. Astrue, commissioner of Social Security. “The online statement also provides estimates for disability and survivors benefits, making the statement an important financial planning tool. People should get in the habit of checking their online statement each year, around their birthday, for example.” In addition to helping with financial planning, the online statement also provides workers a convenient way to determine whether their earnings are accurately posted to their Social Security records. This feature is important because Social Security benefits are based on average earnings over a person’s lifetime. If the information is incorrect, the person may not receive proper benefits. The online statement provides you the opportunity to save or print the document for future reference, or to have handy for discussions with family members or a financial planner.

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, users are giving the online statement a score of 89, making it competitive with our other top-rated, best-in-government online services, such as the Retirement Estimator and online retirement application. To get a personalized online statement, you must be age 18 or older and must be able to provide information about yourself that matches information already on file with Social Security. In addition, Social Security uses Experian, an external authentication service provider, for further verification. You must provide identifying information and answer security questions in order to pass this verification. Social Security will not share your Social Security number with Experian, but the identity check is an important part of this new, thorough verification process. When your identity is verified, you can create a “My Social Security” account with a unique user name and password to access your online statement. In addition, your online statement includes links to information about other online Social Security services, such as applications for retirement, disability, and Medicare. For more information about the new online Statement, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement.

Q: How do I change my citizenship status on Social Security’s records? A: To change your citizenship status shown in Social Security records: • Complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5), which you can find online at www. socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html; and • Locate 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. Then, take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office or card center. 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” www. socialsecurity.gov.

A: No. When each member of a married couple works in employment covered under Social Security and both meet all other eligibility requirements to receive retirement benefits, lifetime earnings are calculated independently to determine the benefit amounts. Therefore, each spouse receives a monthly benefit amount based on his or her own earnings. If one member of the couple earned low wages or did not earn enough Social Security credits (40) to be insured for retirement benefits, he or she may be eligible to receive benefits as a spouse.

Q&A

Q: My husband and I are both entitled to our own Social Security benefits. Will our combined benefits be reduced because we are married? Page 18

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Q: What are the limits on what I can own to be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Can I have money in the bank, a car, and a furnished house? A: We count real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds toward the resource limits on what you can own. You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth no more than $2,000. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth no more than $3,000. Keep in mind that we usually don’t count the house you live in, personal items such as furniture and clothing, or the car you drive towards that resource amount. You can find out more about SSI by going to www. socialsecurity.gov and selecting the “SSI” banner at the top of the page.

By Jim Miller

Feel You Have Been Overcharged?

How to Challenge Your Medical Bills

Dear Savvy Senior, I need some help understanding my medical bills from my knee replacement surgery earlier this year. My wife and I live on a pretty tight budget so I like to keep track of our costs as closely as possible. But the bills I’ve received are vague and confusing, and we think we’re being overcharged. What can you tell us? Trying To Recover Dear Trying, Errors and overcharging have become so commonplace on medical bills today that doublechecking them is a very smart move that may save you some money. Here are some tips and tools that can help. Challenge Your Bills According to the Medical Billing Advocates of America, nine out of 10 hospital bills have errors on them, most of which are in the hospital’s favor. Bills from doctor’s offices and labs have mistakes too, but they tend to be fewer and further apart. To help you get a handle on your medical bills and check for costly errors, the first thing you need to do is request an itemized statement from the hospital or health care providers detailing the charges of the procedures, supplies, tests and services they provided you. They are legally required to provide you with this information. If the statement contains confusing billing codes or abbreviations that you don’t understand, call the billing office for an explanation. You can also look up most medical billing codes online by going to any online search engine and typing in “CPT” followed by the code number. Once you receive and decode the statement, review it carefully and keep your eyes peeled for these mistakes: • Double billing: Being charged twice for the same services, drugs, or supplies. • Typos: Incorrect billing codes or dollar amounts. • Canceled work: Charging for a

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

test your doctor ordered, then canceled. • Phantom services: Being charged for services, test or treatments that were never received. Up-coding: Inflated charges for medications and supplies. • Incorrect length of stay: Most hospitals will charge for the admission day, but not for day of discharge. Be sure you’re not paying for both. • Incorrect room charges: Being charged for a private room, even if you stayed in a semi-private room. • Inflated operating room fees: Being billed for more time than was actually used. Compare the charge with your anesthesiologist’s records. To make sure the charges on your bill are reasonably priced, use the Healthcare Blue Book at healthcarebluebook.com. This is a free resource that lets you look up the going rate of health care costs in your area. If you find errors or have questions about charges, contact your provider’s billing office and your insurer. If they don’t help you and the discrepancies are significant, you should consider getting help from a trained professional who specializes in analyzing medical bills and negotiates with health care providers, insurers and even collection agencies. Most medical bill reviewing professionals charge an hourly fee — somewhere between $50 and $200 per hour — for their services, or they may work on a contingency basis, earning a commission of 25 percent to 35 percent of the amount they save you. To find help, check out resources like Medical Billing Advocates of America (billadvocates. com), MedReview Solutions (medreviewsolutions.com), Hospital Bill Review (hospitalbillreview. com) and Medical Cost Advocate (medicalcostadvocate.com). You can find others by doing an Internet search under “hospital bill review.” If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, another resource that may help is your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). They provide free personalized counseling and may be able to help you get a handle on your medical bills and Medicare coverage. To find a local SHIP counselor visit shiptalk.org, or call 800-677-1116.

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.

35 New Generic Medicines in 2012-2013 Offer Region More Than $700 Million in Annual Savings Price cuts for generic Lipitor will push total saved even higher

pstate New Yorkers could see more than $700 million in annualized savings as 35 brand-name prescription drugs become available in their generic form during 2012 and 2013, according to a recent report issued by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Leading the list of new generics that offer the greatest savings opportu-

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nities are Plavix for heart patients, Singulair for asthma and allergic rhinitis and Cymbalta for treatment of depression, pain and fibromyalgia. Plavix has about 62,000 users in Upstate New York, Singulair about 91,000 users and Cymbalta about 42,000 users. “The potential annual savings from just these three drugs could total $264 million once the generic forms become

widely available,” said Joel Owerbach, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield vice president and chief pharmacy officer.

Example: Plavix

Upstate New York’s 62,000 Plavix users spend about $127 million annually for the

Going Generic in 2012/2013 Brand Drug

Generic Name

Generic Available

Used For

Lexapro Boniva Seroquel Avapro Avalide Geodon Prometrium Vancocin Stalevo Provigil Plavix Viramune Lescol/XL Tricor Singulair Actos Xopenex nebulizers Revatio Diovan Diovan HCT Detrol Lidoderm Atacand Atacand HCT Maxalt/Maxalt MLT Actoplus Met Valcyte Zomig Fosamax D Temodar Niaspan Advicor Aciphex Vivelle Dot Cymbalta

escitalopram ibandronate quetiapine irbesartan irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide ziprasidone progesterone micronized vancomycin carbidopa/levodopa/ entacapone modafinil clopidogrel nevirapine fluvastatin fenofibrate montelukast pioglitazone levalbuterol sildenafil valsartan valsartan/ hydrochlorothiazide tolterodine lidocaine candesartan candesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide rizatriptan pioglitazone/ metformin valganciclovir zolmitriptan alendronate/ vitamin D temozolomide niacin extended release lovastatin/ niacin rabeprazole estradiol patch duloxetine

February March March March March March March April April April May May June July August August August September September September September November December December December December March March June August September September November December December

Depression Osteoporosis Mental health High blood pressure High blood pressure Mental health Hormone replacement therapy Infection Parkinson’s disease Narcolepsy, sleep apnea Heart HIV Cholesterol Cholesterol Asthma, allergic rhinitis Diabetes Asthma Pulmonary arterial hypertension High blood pressure High blood pressure Overactive bladder Pain High blood pressure High blood pressure Migraine Diabetes Viral infection Migraine Osteoporosis Cancer Cholesterol Cholesterol Heartburn Hormone replacement therapy Depression, pain, fibromyalgia Source: Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

July 2012 •

drug. The retail cost for a 30-day supply of brand-name Plavix is about $230. When its patent expired in May, generic versions priced as low as $10 for a 30-day supply became available (prices vary by pharmacy). The potential annual savings for Plavix users in upstate New York is $100 million.

Example: Lipitor

While Lipitor’s patent expired and the first generic version became available at the end of 2011, the second half of 2012 is when users of the cholesterol-lowering drug will see the generic price tumble. “When the patent on a drug expires, production of the generic form may be limited to one or two designated manufacturers, so the price difference initially can be minimal,” said Owerbach. “After six months, additional approved manufacturers are free to produce the generic, and that’s when the price can drop by 50 percent, 75 percent and even 90 percent.” Brand-name Lipitor retails for about $150 for a 30-day supply. Six months ago when its patent expired, the initial generic version sold for between $110 and $135 for a 30-day supply, depending on the pharmacy. Now, six manufacturers produce generic Lipitor, driving the retail price for a 30day supply to less than $30. The cost is expected to drop even further. More than 529,000 upstate New Yorkers use the 35 brand-name drugs that have or will become available as generics during 2012 and 2013, including Lexapro for depression, Actos for diabetes, Diovan and Diovan HCT for high blood pressure, Niaspan for cholesterol and Aciphex for heartburn. The savings opportunity offered by generic drugs is so great that health insurers consider the lower cost of generics when constructing premium rates. Prescription drug spending represents about 15 percent to 17 percent of health insurance coverage premiums. The complete report on these 35 new generic drugs, “The Facts About Opportunities for Generic Savings in 2012 and 2013,” is available online at excellusbcbs.com/factsheets under the heading “Prescription and Nonprescription Drugs.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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H ealth News

What They Want You to Know:

Ophthalmologist

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Ophthalmologists are “medical and osteopathic physicians who provide comprehensive eye care, including medical, surgical and optical care,” states the American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org). • “One thing that has not been commonly discussed is the issue of eye rubbing. People should not vigorously eye rub. There’s a relationship between that and a weakening of the cornea. People with itching or allergies should get OTC allergy drops or chilled artificial tears or cold packs. It’s OK to put the palm of your hands when you’re tired but not to push or rub vigorously. • “More and more data says that all the things you do to promote your general health applies to the health of eyes like eating green leafy vegetables and getting enough exercise are helpful to the eyes as well. • “I just saw a patient referred in from Ithaca. She was working in her garden and hurt her eye and had a severe injury. When people are gardening or cutting bushes, wear eye protection, even if just sunglasses. Those injuries are amazingly common. • “I strongly recommend that people take omega-3. There’s now work showing that people who have dry eyes, 50 percent respond to just taking omega-3 tablets or increasing their omega-3 intake by eating salmon or cold water fish. • “People are spending more time at the computer. To reduce eye strain, move around every 20 minutes and look at a distance target. Scott MacRae, ophthalmologist with Flaum Eye Institute in Rochester. • “People think glaucoma causes pain and people think they can’t have it unless they have pain. There are many different types of glaucoma. By far, over 90 percent of people...have a type of glaucoma which has no pain and the symptoms can only be detected during an examination. • “People often come for refractive surgery because they’ve never seen well out of, let’s say, their right eye or with contact lenses. They think the surgery will improve their vision. If an eye is a lazy eye, it is such because the proper connections between the eye and brain never develop. Lasik will not give them the ability to see better. • “People say, ‘My eye waters but the doctor tells me I have a dry eye. How does this make sense?’ Page 20

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The bottom line is that patients with dry eye syndrome produce a lack of baseline tears, the tears constantly made around the clock. Their reflex tearing works fine. Because they don’t produce enough baseline tears, the eye may sting, burn and the reflex tears will gush to compensate. So people with dry eye syndrome will come in saying their eye waters. They are puzzled as to why they’re told they have dry eyes. • “Even now, most patients believe that a cataract is some type of plaque growing on the surface of the window of the eye and the surgery involves a laser to vaporize it. It’s actually the lens becoming cloudy. It is dissolved with high energy sound waves and that lens is replaced with an artificial lens implant. • “People believe cataracts can grow back. It cannot grow back. What happens in surgery is the lens in the eye is in a bag and we open the front bag, dissolve and remove the lens and leave the back of the bag intact. The back of it can become wrinkled or secondarily cloudy and cause the same effect as the cataract. For that, we can use a laser to open up a window in that membrane. • “People with diabetes say, ‘I see perfectly fine so I don’t need to be checked.’ One can have changes occurring in the back of the eye that are significant and require treatment but may not affect vision. A dilated eye exam is the only way to know.” Richard Stout, ophthalmologist with Finger Lakes Community Eye Care, Geneva 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.

Clifton Springs Hospital gets region’s only ‘A’ The Leapfrog Group just released its report: “Hospital Safety Score — How Safe is Your Hospital?” Within it, Leapfrog assigns hospitals an overall ‘grade’ of A, B, C, D or F for their performance in various areas related to patient safety. Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic is the only hospital in the RochesterSyracuse-Ithaca area to receive an ‘A.’ The hospital safety score uses 26 national measures of hospital safety taken from several sources including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Hospital Compare website and the Leapfrog Hospital Survey. The Leapfrog Group aims to inform Americans about their hospital safety and quality; promote full public disclosure of hospital performance information; and help employers provide the best healthcare benefits to their employees (see www. leapfroggroup.org). A 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine gave the Leapfrog founders an initial focus of reducing preventable medical mistakes. “We are committed to delivering high-quality, safe and affordable healthcare,” says Ethan Fogg, the hospital’s director of community relations, “because our patients deserve better.” The hospital’s efforts have resulted in consistently high grades for safety, patient satisfaction and value from nationally recognized consumer magazines, government entities and healthcare industry organizations. The hospital’s efforts have also resulted in three Pinnacle Awards for Quality and Patient safety from the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS).

Robert Nesselbush named RGH’s president Robert Nesselbush, who has served as chief financial officer at Rochester General Health System since 2007, has been named president of Rochester General Hospital (RGH). “Bob has been a key member of

the executive leadership team and has similarly played an instrumental role in our health system’s growing success and progress in recent years,” said Mark C. Clement, president and CEO of Rochester General Health System (RGHS). “As healthcare reform revolutionizes payment and delivery systems, Bob’s strong financial leadership, coupled with his ability to manage complex clinical and system initiatives, makes him uniquely qualified to lead RGH — the flagship of our system.” Since joining the health system as director of financial reporting and accounting in 1993, Nesselbush has taken on varied and expanding leadership roles and responsibilities at RGHS. He has led some of the system’s most important initiatives, including the successful launch of Care Connect, the $70 million electronic medical record system that went live in 2011 at Rochester General Hospital and other key health system locations. “I am honored, and extremely excited, to accept this position,” Nesselbush said. “Rochester General Hospital is a proven leader in our region, with a well-earned national reputation for excellence in a variety of clinical areas. I look forward to doing all I can to help RGH find new ways to serve our growing community of patients with clinical innovation and compassion.” With the appointment of Nesselbush, Clement also announced that Paula Tinch, vice president and controller, will serve as the system’s interim chief financial officer. “During Paula’s more than four years with RGHS, she has emerged as a highperforming financial leader,” said Clement. “She has contributed directly to our strong year-over-year financial successes — making her well prepared, and well suited for this interim role.”

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RGHS celebrates robotic surgery milestone Rochester General Health System (RGHS) recently noted the completion of the 5,000th robotic surgical procedure at Rochester General Hospital — a high-volume milestone that places RGHS in the top 1 percent of hospitals nationwide for robotic surgery. RGHS installed its first robotic surgical platform in 2004, thanks to a donation from the Polisseni family, and added a second unit in 2008 to meet increasing demand. Today, RGHS surgical teams utilize this technology in subspecialties including urology, GYN, colorectal and general surgery. The two robotic platforms currently utilized at RGHS are

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

used in more than 1,000 procedures annually – two and one half times the national average. To meet increasing demand, the health system will add a third robotic surgical platform in July, while expanding and clinically integrating robotic surgical services to NewarkWayne Community Hospital. “We’re very proud to lead the region in this area,” said Mark C. Clement, RGHS President and CEO. “In medicine — and especially in complex clinical procedures such as robotic surgery — high volume equals high experience, which in turn creates a superior level of expertise with tangible benefits to patients.”

H ealth News Thompson Health Senior Living has new director Suzanne Gillespie of Fairport was recently appointed medical director of Thompson Health Senior Living Services. Gillespie, who started at Thompson on May 1, is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Medicine who completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). She graduated from URMC’s fellowship in geriatric medicine in 2005 and is boardcertified in internal Gillespie medicine and geriatric medicine as well as hospice and palliative medicine. Gillespie is also a registered dietitian, with a bachelor’s of science from Cornell University. At Thompson, Gillespie’s role as senior living services medical director encompasses care at a 188-bed skillednursing facility called the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center, the center’s off-site medical adult day program called The Brighter Day and Clark Meadows, which is Thompson’s 48apartment enriched living community. Gillespie remains an assistant professor in the URMC department of medicine’s division of geriatrics & aging.

Zorn takes part in White House’s health discussion Elizabeth K. Zorn of Faraci Lange LLP recently represented the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) at a discussion about health care at the White House. Zorn joined senior Obama administration officials and fellow nurse leaders for a discussion on improving care quality and patient health. Hosted by the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services, the discussion focused on delivery system transformation, and how the Affordable Zorn Care Act can support nurses’ efforts to provide high quality care to patients. Local nurse leaders from around the country will discuss the challenges and opportunities they are facing in their clinics, hospitals and communities. Zorn, of Victor, is president-elect of AALNC, the only nonprofit national membership organization dedicated to the professional enhancement and growth of registered nurses practicing in the specialty of legal nurse consulting. A legal nurse consultant at Faraci Lange and a registered nurse, Zorn is a recognized authority in her field. She wrote a chapter about a legal nurse consultant’s role in a law firm for the AALNC core textbook, “Legal Nurse Consulting: Principles and Practice.” She also has contributed two modules to the organization’s online

LNC course and has published an article about her national LNC listserv, LNCExchange, in the Journal of Legal Nurse Consulting. LNCExchange is a Yahoo Group for legal nurse consultants and other professionals who work in medical legal litigation.

Michael Stapleton Named Thompson Health President and CEO Michael F. Stapleton, Jr. is Thompson Health’s new president and CEO, taking the reins from Linda M. Farchione, who retires at the end of June after holding the position for more than two decades. Following a national search, the Thompson Health board of directors voted unanimously to appoint Stapleton. “We were extremely pleased with the high caliber of candidates for this leadership position; it speaks well of Thompson Health’s reputation and strong position in our regional healthcare marketplace. Mike’s appointment was based on his demonstrated commitment to clinical quality, customer satisfaction and expanding Thompson’s continuum of care. Together, these qualities make him a wonderful choice to lead our health system

Doctors join Calkins Creek Family Medicine The University of Rochester Medical Center’s department of medicine announced that doctors Marianne Taylor and Timothy A. Ashley have joined Calkins Creek Family Medicine in Henrietta. Taylor, a clinical instructor in medicine at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, received a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Rollins College Taylor and her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She completed both an internship and residency in internal medicine at Strong Memorial Hospital in pediatrics. Ashley, a clinical instructor in medicine and pediatrics, earned Ashley a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, a master’s in public health and a medical degree from the University of North Carolina. He completed residencies in internal medicine and pediatrics and served as chief resident for the 2010-2011 academic year. He is board certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics

Finger Lakes testing center recertiﬁed Finger Lakes Medical Associates’ (FLMA) testing center in Geneva has been granted a three-year term of accreditation in echocardiography in the area of adult transthoracic and adult stress by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). In 2009, FLMA’s testing center was one of the first in the area to achieve initial certification. Accreditation by the IAC means that FLMA has undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that are found to provide quality patient care in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process including detailed case study review. IAC accreditation is a seal of approval that patients can rely on as an indication that the facility has been carefully critiqued and performance standards are being consistently applied. Early detection of life threatening heart disorders and other diseases is possible through the use of echocardiography procedures. The skill of the echocardiography sonographer performing the examination, the type

of equipment used, the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician and quality assurance measures are each critical to quality patient testing.

Six high school seniors named HLAA scholars Teens aspiring to be a dancer, a carpenter, a biomedical engineer and a nurse are among the six high school seniors with hearing loss awarded Hearing Loss Association of America/ Rochester chapter scholarships at the group’s May 22 annual banquet at Cobblestone Creek Country Club in Victor. Each received a $1,000 stipend toward his or her further education. HLAA’s Walk4Hearing and individual donations fund the scholarships. Award winners, their high schools and the colleges they plan to attend are: • Dave Britton “Britt” Coleman III, Northstar Christian Academy, NTID • Jacob Drew, Victor High School, Alfred State • Jaddua Johnston, Honeoye Falls-Lima High School, Gallaudet University • Colin Lemen, Victor High School, Binghamton University • Kayla Van Wormer, RushHenrietta High School, LeMoyne College • Marissa Woodruff, Rochester School for the Deaf, NTID HLAA/Rochester has granted 74 scholarships in 17 years to high schoolers with hearing loss from schools throughout the Genesee Valley and Finger Lakes region. HLAA is the nation’s foremost advocacy and membership organization for people with hearing loss, opening the world of

July 2012 •

well into the future,” said William R. Kenyon, board chairman. Stapleton, who is assuming his new role July 1, is the former CEO of Lakeside Health System in Brockport. He first joined Thompson in March 2011 as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Stapleton holds a Master’s of Science degree in healthcare system leadership from the University of Rochester, a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing from St. John Fisher College and aBachelor ofArts in psychology from SUNY Oswego. Prior to his time at Lakeside, Stapleton held several management positions at Strong Memorial Hospital. Those positions included nurse manager of the Kessler Family Burn Trauma ICU and the emergency department.

communication to them through information, education, support and advocacy. The Rochester chapter, with over 200 members, was established in 1983. It meets the first Tuesday of the month at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, East Avenue at Westminster. For more information phone 585 266 7890 or visit hlaa-rochester-ny.org

Meals On Wheels wins prestigious accreditation The Visiting Nurse Service Meals On Wheels Program (MOW) recently received the national Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) magnet accreditation. Similar to the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) seal of approval, MOWAA magnet accreditation uses criteria designed to measure program performance according to a set of universal performance standards. The Visiting Nurse MOW program joined a prestigious group of only 20 senior nutrition programs across the country dedicated to providing quality nutrition services at the highest levels of organizational accountability. “Our newly achieved magnet accreditation demonstrates to meal recipients and their loved ones, donors and funders that the program operates according to the highest standards for program safety, program quality and program efficiency,” said Phil Shippers, director, Visiting Nurse Service Meals On Wheels. “The credit for this achievement goes not to one individual but to every VNSMOW employee. It is through our combined efforts, standards, dedication and commitment that we have achieved what few other MOW programs have been able to achieve.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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H ealth News News from

Unity Health announces appointments — Unity Health System is pleased to announce the following appointments. • Douglas Stewart has been appointed senior vice president, acute and ambulatory services. Stewart joined Unity Hospital in 2005 and served most recently as vice president of behavioral Stewart health. He lives in Brighton. • Wendy Wilts has been appointed senior vice president, clinical service lines for the hospital’s health care services division. Wilts joined Unity in 2010 as vice president of strategic planning and business development. Previously, she was vice Wilts president of SpineMark Corp. in San Diego. Wilts lives in Penfield. • Joe Salipante has been appointed chief quality officer. He previously served as vice president for medical sffairs at Unity Hospital. Salipante joined St. Mary’s Hospital as a Salipante general internist in 1977 and became vice president for medical affairs at St. Mary’s in 1990. Salipante lives in Pittsford. • Donald B. Felter, Jr. has been appointed president of Unity senior housing division. Felter’s former role was vice president of housing services. He Felter lives in Hilton. • Thomas Crilly has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer, Unity Health System. He previously held the position of vice president and corporate controller of the Health System. He lives in Rochester. • John Glynn has Crilly been appointed senior vice president and chief information officer, Unity Health System. He previously held the position of vice president and chief information officer. He ives in Pittsford. • Maryalice Keller has been appointed senior vice president, brand and talent Glynn management for Unity Page 22

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Health System. In this role, Keller oversees Unity’s corporate communications, human resources, and workforce and leadership development departments and initiatives. She previously held the position of vice Keller president, brand and talent management. Keller lives in Pittsford. Behavioral Health Welcomes New Psychiatrists — Anthony DiGiovanni and Jane Hong recently joined the team of Unity behavioral health providers. DiGiovanni joins Unity Mental Health’s Greece Clinic located on Pinewild Drive. Most recently he served as attending psychiatrist, Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca. He will focus on treating adult outpatients at Unity and DiGiovanni work in private practice treating children. DiGiovanni completed his general psychiatry residency at the Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine. He completed his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Stanford University, Stanford. Calif.. He is board certified in general and Hong child psychiatry. Hong also joins Unity Mental Health’s Greece Clinic on Pinewild Drive. Most recently she served as attending psychiatrist, Bay Psychiatric Associates, Berkley, Calif.. She has experience working with adults, adolescents, ages 12 and older, and in geropsychiatry. She will focus on treating adult outpatients at Unity and work in private practice in the community. She is board certified in general psychiatry. Joint Replacement Center Awarded Certification from the Joint Commission — The Joint Replacement Center at Unity Hospital has again earned the Gold Seal of Approval for health care quality. The Joint Commission awarded the Joint Replacement Center Disease-Specific Care Certification for knee and hip replacement. “This recognition represents the culmination of a great deal of hard work by all of our dedicated and enthusiastic staff, which includes nurses, technicians, therapists, doctors and support staff. It is our commitment to excellence in the service of our patients, continuous assessment and improvement, and evidence based practice which has made the Joint Replacement Center at Unity Hospital the choice for more people in the greater Rochester area than any other hospital,” said Michael Klotz, medical director of the Joint Replacement Center at Unity Hospital. “

The cardiac care division at the Rochester General Hospital will now be called The Sands Constellation Heart Institute thanks to $4 million donation from the Sands Family Foundation and the board of Constellation Brands. Shown are RGHS President and CEO Mark Clement, Rob Sands, CEO of Constellation Brands, and RGHS’ chief of cardiac services

Heart Institute renamed Sands Constellation Heart Institute Rochester General Health System (RGHS) has renamed its nationally ranked cardiac care division to recognize a gift from the family of Constellation Brands CEO Robert S. Sands and a corporate gift from international producer and marketer of wine, beer and spirits, Constellation Brands Inc. The cardiac care division, formerly known as the Rochester Heart Institute, will now be called The Sands-Constellation Heart Institute. “The Sand Constellation Heart Institute illustrates the kind of good that is possible when hardworking healthcare providers, generous friends and philanthropic businesses come together with a common goal,” remarked RGHS President and CEO Mark Clement. The gift, which represents the first to support Rochester General Health System’s upcoming fundraising campaign, was for a total of $4 million. The Sands Family Foundation contributed $2 million and the board of Constellation Brands decided that the company would

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

make the other gift of $2 million. “Rochester is a truly special community and for close to 70 years my family and Constellation Brands has supported this great place to live, work and to raise a family through volunteerism and philanthropy,” said Sands. “We are especially proud of the nationally recognized work conducted at RGH and supporting the organization in its quest to expand important health care services.” The gift is the latest in a long history of philanthropy for both the Sands Family and the company. In 2009, RGHS dedicated the Sands Family Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit to recognize the family’s gift $2 million to support the previous capital campaign, which ended in the last decade. A member of the health system’s board of directors since 1999, Sands also served as board chair from 2002 until 2008. He continues to serve on the board and several key committees—remaining a steadfast champion for Rochester General Health System.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Solving the ‘Great Couch Potato Conundrum’ Parents take charge and get kids out and active As a mom who is also a personal trainer at the Canandaigua YMCA, how could I have let my kids turn into mini couch potato zombies? But I had a plan for my complacent daughter and my cautious son—My “Get off the Couch” initiative. By Jennifer Muscato

“Ohhhh, No!”

My defeated 8-year-old son, Nicolas, buried his head in his arms. Mom had an idea. “Time for yoga!” I decreed. My kids had morphed into miniature sofa zombies. Nicolas and my 4year-old daughter, Karenna, remained content in their sluggish hibernation. I was tired too. Tired of the moping, the lethargy, and most of all, constant clashes over Wii and DVD time. As a mom who’s also a personal trainer, how could I have let this happen? I needed to do something earth shattering to jolt my little zombies back to life. Hence, I created the “Get off the Couch” initiative, through which we’ve attempted four new family activities in four weeks. And so it began ...

Week 1: Yoga—Yikes! A nasty weather day. No matter. I had a plan. “Try this with me and I won’t make you clean your room,” I directed Nicolas, holding the junior yoga DVD I had saved for just such a blah-weather occasion. Yes, I know. I played the bribery card. But it was now or never. “Really, Mom? REALLY?” He scowled at me in disdain. Ignoring him, I lit a lavender scented candle in my attempt to achieve the perfect Zen-like mood. “Kids, go put on some comfortable clothes,” I said. Five minutes later, Nicolas scuffled down the stairs in his too small, pilled, green flannel pajamas. Whatever gets him through this, I figured. Minutes later we found ourselves performing “sun salutations.” When we approached “downward-facing Page 24

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dog,” groaning erupted. Karenna held the pose briefly before collapsing to the floor. “I’m going to throw up!” cried my drama king, dashing to the bathroom. Luckily, he didn’t. Instead, he returned and began his second attempt at the dreadful “dog.” “This is hard!” he said. What he was doing did look painful, I mused. “You heard the lady on the TV,” I instructed, breathless from my own lack of flexibility. “If it doesn’t feel good to you, go into ‘child’s pose.’” From that point on, Nicolas stayed primarily in “child’s pose.” OK, so yoga wasn’t his thing. But both kids seemed to like the meditation exercises. As we lie envisioning a soft gust of a balmy seashore breeze on our faces, I couldn’t help but notice how eerily quiet the house was. Kind of nice, I thought, mentally filing that observation away for future reference. Health benefits: flexibility, strength, posture, concentration Lessons learned: 1 — Persistence. Even though downward dog was a downer, both kids said they’d try yoga again to improve. 2 — Kids can benefit from yoga’s relaxation techniques.

Week 2: Rollerskating roundup I once bought Nicolas a pair of roller skates, but one glimpse at my cautious boy limping down the driveway like his feet had grown cement blocks told me that skating might not be our thing. Arriving at the rink for family rollerskating night, that familiar fear crept back into his face. A sea of older kids had conquered the floor, sauntering to a catchy Justin Bieber beat. “Nicolas, come on!” said a boy from his class who tried to pull him

into the dizzy whirlpool, looking puzzled when he cowered back. As I clutched him under his armpits, struggling to balance both our body weights, I realized we must’ve looked quite comical. We inched along the outer perimeter of the rink among the little tykes, a tangle of legs and spinning wheels. Every time his classmate whizzed by, Nicolas’ flushed expression grew a little more determined, his feet moved a little faster, and his elbows swung a little higher. Across the gym, Karenna’s backside hit the floor. She and Phil, my husband, responded with carefree laughter, content in the moment. By the last song, both kids went from barely standing on their own to coasting, albeit very slowly, without help. The man in charge of the event noticed Nicolas’ sober determination, awarding him a quarter for his effort. “So, did you learn anything tonight?” I asked. “I learned to balance better!” chimed Karenna. Wow, she really was listening to my skating lectures. “I didn’t fall once!” added Nicolas. “It’s OK to fall when you’re learning,” advised Phil. “That’s how you get better.” Indeed, it is, I thought. Everyone falls at some point or another. It’s what we do afterwards that’s most important. Health benefits: balance, strength, cardiovascular fitness Lessons Learned: 1 — My kids have opposite learning styles, and that’s OK. 2 — A little healthy competition can be a good motivator. 3 — If your kids are first learning to skate, don’t put on skates yourself. You’ll find yourself on the floor just as much as your child.

Week 3: Zumba zoo “Vamanos!” I chirped in a ridiculous accent. Maneuvering through the chaos at our YMCA’s “Healthy Kids” event, I felt a tad lost. It was Zumba day. Beyond the bounce houses, a hoard of mostly small kids imitated a petite woman’s salsa moves. I held my breath. Karenna would eat this scenario up, but Nicolas had already informed me that Zumba was girlish. That notion topped off by the idea of jamming with a bunch of 4- and 5-year-olds may send him stomping away, I feared. “Look, there’s a boy about your age up there,” I sang in my fake-cheery mom voice. I nudged the kids away like a mother bird teaching her chicks to fly. To my delight, they both joined in, gripped by the instructor’s every move. Moving to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” they ignored the throng of gawking adults encircling them. Maybe it was the cool music. Or maybe their innocence freed them from the inhibition of caring about how they looked out there. I found myself envying that possibility. After 20 minutes, Nicolas sat down for a break. “Can I dance the next song?” he asked. “Sure, buddy,” I replied. I tried to hide my astonishment that, on top of ignoring the bounce houses, he couldn’t get enough Zumba. Karenna had become quite the dancing queen. As the hour progressed,

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

she’d inched to the front of the group, assuredly shimmying to everything from disco to dance music. “I might do Zumba ONE more time,” Nicolas told me later that afternoon. “It’s still girlish ... And it didn’t feel like good exercise.” “Zumba was invented by a man, you know. And maybe it didn’t feel like exercise because you were having too much fun,” I said. He shrugged noncommittally. Health Benefits: concentration, coordination, cardiovascular fitness Lessons learned: 1.) I won’t discount an activity just because it doesn’t fit the usual mold of my children’s tastes. 2.) If we danced like our kids, we’d have more fun!

Week 4: Joyful jogging Finally, a sunny day. Time to get back to basics. I run, and I wanted to share this passion with my family. They’d cheered me on at many a finish line, and seemed excited to at last discover what all the fuss was about. “Pace yourselves!” I shouted after the kids, their speedy feet pattering the sidewalk. After about a half a block of sprinting and stopping, they finally began to relax and enjoy their surroundings. “There’s a chickadee, Daddy!” swooned Karenna. Pleasant, random conversation emerged as we observed the pleasantries of our neighborhood streets. Frequent walk breaks accommodated Karenna’s much-shorter running legs. We veered off onto a nature path and took a hike-jog through quiet woods. We noted animal tracks in the mud and wispy tree limbs creaking in unison. Curiously, these things took on an exciting and magical meaning. Later, we realized that we had walked/jogged nearly two miles. Nicolas and I have continued running together since that day, and his endurance has already greatly improved. Health benefits: cardiovascular fitness and endurance Lessons learned: 1—Bring water, especially on hot days. 2— Plan on taking frequent walk breaks. If your kids would rather walk, take a hike on a hilly trail. The morning after our jog, Phil and I sat over coffee, contemplating the triumphs and failures of my experiment. It didn’t profoundly change our lives. The kids still watched movies and played the Wii. But they discovered new interests and gained a fresh sense of adventure. In addition, I hoped that my sometimes complacent and careful kids had internalized valuable lessons about risk-taking and not judging books (or new activities) by their covers. “Do we have to do anything today, mom?” Nicolas interrupted my thoughts. “Can we just go play?” “Of course,” I said. As the kids clambered out the door and through the grass, lost in some imaginary game, I remembered myself as a kid. Back before the dawn of DVD players and Nintendo DS, I played outside for hours, days and weeks on end. I’d come indoors at dusk, hot and hungry, for food and sleep. I was happy and very healthy. Gazing out the kitchen window that morning, I resolved never to underestimate the merits of simple, old-fashioned play—even if I would have to concoct zany ideas to fit it into our crazy modern schedule. Yes, my experiment was a relative success, but the simplest solution to our dilemma was staring me in the face all along—from our own back yard.