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

in good A Third Book For Local Pathologist Kirk Heriot never set out to write a book. But the Thompson Health chief of pathology has just published his third one

February 2013 • Issue 90

FREE

Rochester–Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

More Kids Having Heart Problems Local experts offer advice

Just one among several indicators: Boys aged 5 to 14 show increases of 51.6 percent for ischemic stroke Story on page 17

on how to make them work

Pages 9 & 10

Contact Lenses Latest decorative lenses include logos of sport team and various companies. Is it safe to wear them?

Beat the Blues with Spinach

Problems, solutions for ill-fit dentures

Running groups becoming popular in area schools Several school districts have started student or teacher running initiatives, which are leading to increased physical fitness and group camaraderie. They live by the edict “you can’t always do it alone.” Photo shows teachers from Livonia Central School District and Churchville-Chili Central School District during the Oak Tree 5 K in Geneseo last year to beneﬁt the Genesee Valley Nature Conservancy.

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February 2013 •

Reasons Why Diets Fail

The battle of the bulge is on — any movement on the scale yet? Page 7

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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W e s p e c i a l i z e i n h a n d s - o n p e r s o n a l i z e d p a i n m a n a g e m e n t a n d p h y s i c a l t h e r a p y .

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • February 2013

Why People See a Doctor Skin problems, joint disorders top the list

new Mayo Clinic Proceedings study shows that people most often visit their health care providers because of skin issues, joint disorders and back pain. Findings may help researchers focus efforts to determine better ways to prevent and treat these conditions in large groups of people. “Much research already has focused on chronic conditions, which account for the majority of health care utilization and costs in middle-aged and older adults,” says Jennifer St. Sauver, primary author of the study and member of the Population Health Program within the Mayo Clinic Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery. “We were interested in finding out about other types of conditions that may affect large segments of the population across all age groups.” The research team used the Rochester Epidemiology Project, a unique, comprehensive medical records linkage system, to track more than 140,000 Olmsted County, Minn., residents who visited Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center and other Olmsted County health care providers between Jan. 1, 2005, and Dec. 31, 2009. Researchers then systematically categorized patient

diagnoses into disease groups. The top disease groups included: • Skin disorders • Osteoarthritis/joint disorders • Back problems • Cholesterol problems • Upper respiratory conditions (not including asthma) • Anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder • Chronic neurologic disorders • High blood pressure • Headaches/migraine • Diabetes “Surprisingly, the most prevalent non-acute conditions in our community were not chronic conditions related to aging, such as diabetes and heart disease, but rather conditions that affect both genders and all age groups,” says St. Sauver. For example, almost half of the study population was diagnosed with “skin disorders” — acne, cysts, dermatitis — within the five-year period. St. Sauver says that this finding presents an opportunity to determine why these skin-related diagnoses result in so many visits and if alternative care delivery approaches that require fewer visits are possible.

Macular Degeneration Dr. George Kornfeld uses miniaturized binoculars or telescopes to help those with vision loss keep reading, writing, driving 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. Bonnie was helped with two pairs of glasses: Special $475 prismatic glasses let her read the newspaper and bioptic telescopes helped her distance vision.

Low vision patient, Bonnie Demuth, with Bioptic Telescope

“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 including Buffalo. For more information and a FREE telephone consultation call:

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Hold the Diet Soda?

ew research suggests that drinking sweetened beverages, especially diet drinks, is associated with an increased risk of depression in adults while drinking coffee was tied to a slightly lower risk. The study was released in January and will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 65th Annual Meeting in San Diego, March 16 to 23. “Sweetened beverages, coffee and tea are commonly consumed worldwide and have important physical — and may have important mental health consequences,” said study author Honglei Chen, a physician with the National Institutes of Health in Research Triangle Park in North Carolina and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. The study involved 263,925 people between the ages of 50 and 71 at enrollment. From 1995 to 1996, consump-

tion of drinks such as soda, tea, fruit punch and coffee was evaluated. About 10 years later, researchers asked the participants whether they had been diagnosed with depression since the year 2000. A total of 11,311 depression diagnoses were made. People who drank more than four cans or cups per day of soda were 30 percent more likely to develop depression than those who drank no soda. Those who drank four cans of fruit punch per day were about 38 percent more likely to develop depression than those who did not drink sweetened drinks. People who drank four cups of coffee per day were about 10 percent less likely to develop depression than those who drank no coffee. The risk appeared to be greater for people who drank diet than regular soda, diet than regular fruit punches and for diet than regular iced tea.

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. © 2013 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: Jim Miller, Deborah J. Sergeant, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Patricia Malin, Maggie Fiala Advertising: Jennifer Wise, Donna Kimbrell Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Ofﬁcer Manager: Laura Beckwith No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.

February 2013 •

Ad space donated to the Ad Council as a public service by In Good Health Newspaper. IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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D I D

Y O U

K N O W

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CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Feb. 2

Event beneﬁts Camp Good Days, Children’s Hospital The ninth annual cycle for Hope, a spinning event to benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times and Golisano Children’s Hospital at URMC, will be held from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Feb. 2 at a number of fitness clubs and gyms throughout Rochester. Cycle for Hope is a six-hour spinning marathon and a unique opportunity for everyone to enjoy, from the avid cyclist to the beginner. Participating clubs include: Bally Total Fitness, Eastside YMCA, Penfield Fitness & Racquet Club, Ironworx, Midtown Athletic Club, Cycledelic Indoor Cycling Studio, Rochester Athletic Club Brighton-Henrietta, Rochester Athletic Club Pittsford, and Rochester Athletic Club Greece Ridge. Individuals wishing to participate in Cycle for Hope don’t need to be a current member of any of the fitness centers. A donation of $20 per hour is requested and participants are encouraged to reach out to friends and family members for sponsorships. Visit events. campgooddays.com/cfh2013 to get started with a personalized fundraising page. For more information, contact

Nicole Jones at Camp Good Days, 585624-5555 or njones@campgooddays. org.

Feb. 5

Hearing loss prevention seminar in Perinton Hart Hearing Centers will present a seminar focusing on hearing loss, prevention and healthy habits to better hearing. Titled “Is It Too Loud? Protecting Your Child’s Hearing” the event will be held from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Feb 5 at the Perinton Recreation Department. Learn about hearing loss prevention for your child and yourself. A $10 fee includes a set of high fidelity musician’s earplugs. There is an additional charge for non-Perinton residents. Register through the Town of Perinton at 585223-5050. Class will be held at Perinton Recreation Center, 1350 Turk Hill Road. Instructor is Sarah Klimasewski from Hart Hearing Centers. According to the Better Hearing Institute’s (BHI) most recent survey, 31.5 million Americans have hearing loss. Hearing loss affects one in 10 Americans and one in four households. The Journal of the American Medical Association reports these numbers are rising in the teen population. Currently

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Feb. 28

Soup tasting event at Pinehurst in Honeoye Falls Pinehurst Senior Living Community will host a soup tasting from 1 – 3 p.m., Feb. 28 at the facility, located at 1000 Pine Trail in Honeoye Falls. Organizers will offer a wide variety of soups and music. The event is free but seating is limited. Call 585-624-5970 for reservation and for more information.

March 3

Deaf Rotary Club to hold wine tasting event The Rochester Deaf Rotary Club will sponsor one of its most important fundraising events of the year, the 2013 Wine & Culture. It will take place from 2 – 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Airport, 911 Brooks Ave., Rochester. There will be a beginner sign language class from 2 – 3 p.m. Then organizers will present wine tasting, raffle drawings, and silent auctioning until 5:30 pm. Tickets are $25 ($20 non-alcohol tickets). Deadline for the tickets is Feb. 20 (tickets may still be available after the deadline). If paid in full by Feb. 20, tickets holders will be eligible for a wine basket drawing. For more information, contact Michele Randall at mich14559@yahoo.com.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • February 2013

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March 6

Canandaigua VA sponsors local veterans art show Artwork by Veterans will be on display to the public at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. March 6. It is estimated that more than 40 pieces of art from among 15 different categories will be exhibited. Categories consist of fine art such as painting, drawing, sculpture and photography; applied art that includes ceramics, woodcarving, needlework and leatherwork; and craft kits such as string art, fabric art and wood building. Local artists will judge the artwork to determine first, second and third place in each category. The first place winning pieces will advance on to the national level where they will compete with entries submitted by veterans from other VA facilities around the country. The competition is an annual event that provides veterans receiving treatment at VA facilities the opportunity to participate in creative self-expression in art, creative writing, dance, drama and music as part of their therapy, and to gain recognition for these artistic accomplishments. First place winners from the national competition will be invited to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, hosted this year by the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System in Reno Nevada the week of Oct. 21–27 with the art exhibit and stage show performance on Sunday, Oct. 27. If you wish to enter artwork into the competition and have questions, contact the Canandaigua VA recreation therapy department at 585-393-7371. Artwork must be created after March 3, 2012 and be entered by Feb. 22.

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How to Workout at Work Jobs are increasingly more sedentary, but experts suggest ways to get a workout even at the office By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

ontracting your abdominals by pushing them in for a few seconds and then out might not seem like a strenuous workout. Neither does rolling your shoulders in circles backward and forward throughout the day. But both exercises succeed in toning your body, especially on days when you are spending more time at your work terminal than at home. In today’s busy environment of long hours, there is just not enough hours to work out four days a week at a gym. In addition, layoffs and buyouts are decreasing the number of employees, causing those left behind to perform the work of multiple people and stay in the office longer. Where is the time to get that killer body or at least stop the avalanche of weight gain? Exercise experts say the solution is finding ways to workout at work. If you are looking for something that will really make you sweat, it can be found in any corporate building stairs. Put your ear phones on and run up and down stairwells for an extensive uphill workout — similar to running on an incline treadmill. “You spend all this money going to the gym to use the stair master when there are stairs all around you for free,” said Justin Connor, an 18-year physical therapist from Rochester General Health System. “Stairs can work your legs, quads and hamstrings. And not being in good shape can make your job more difficult and can lead to some serious health ailments like diabetes and cholesterol.” Robin Rice, another Rochester physical therapist, agrees that walking is a great, easy, effective and inexpensive way to get some exercise. She said walking inside or outside the perimeter of your office or building keeps the heart rate up and can be the first steps to consistent fitness “Most people have small breaks or lunch time while at work,” she said. “Even a 10- minute walk every day can be beneficial. Walking at work can be motivating if also done with a coworker.” She said even parking your car far away from the front door, walking to see a co-worker instead of phoning, and avoiding prolonged sitting for longer than 30 minutes helps stave off a

sedentary lifestyle. Also where there is a computer, a chair can’t be too far behind. Instead of just sitting on it, turn it around and it becomes exercise equipment. By standing in front of the chair and placing your arms on the seat, you work triceps muscles by pulling your body up and down. “There are even simple things like bringing two-pound dumbbells or elastic resistance bands that can offer a simple workout,” said Connor. “You only have one body and you need to take care of it. Sometimes we sacrifice everything for our careers, but you can’t achieve all you want in life if your body is breaking down. You need your body just as much as you need your job.” Another popular workout activity is pretending to play a sport. Whether it’s simulating shooting hoops or throwing a pitch to home plate, these plyometric exercises are often emulated in workouts like P90X and Insanity. Or you could channel your inner Billy Blanks from the 1990s and Tae Bo and kickbox your way to better health. “It is critical to establish an active life style early in life in order to maintain body weight, maintain strength and flexibility, reduce risk of diabetes and obesity and reduce fatigue and stress,” added Rice. Connor said more people have come to him for physical therapy with chronic back and neck issues because they just aren’t moving enough at work. “Our jobs are more sedentary,” he said. “Years ago, we would print something, walk to the printer and make copies, then walk to the mail room to deliver the information. Now, we just sit in a desk and click a mouse pad to do all of that.” For those starting any of these endeavors this year, physical therapists have sound advice, which is avoid making common mistakes that lead to disappointment. “It is important to always make the exercise a positive experience and don’t try to set yourself up to fail,” said Rice. “Also, people seem to be more consistent with their exercise routines if completed in the morning because there are less chances that other things will get in the way.” February 2013 •

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By Patricia J. Malin

Anne Corbett, M.D. Passion for work with underserved patients

family practitioner, Anne Corbett joined the Rushville Community Health Center, a part of the Regional Primary Care Network in Rushville in September. A native of the Washington, D.C., area, she most recently worked at Highland Family Medicine while completing her residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She has special training and interests in preventive care and in women’s health.

Q. Why did you decide to practice in Rushville? A. I left Washington, D.C. initially for school, and I came to Rochester to finish my training. I have always had an interest in health center work and working with underserved patients. My residency practice was at an inner city community health center. I’ve also always had an interest in rural medicine, and this was something I had to put on the back burner during residency. When I heard about the opportunity [to join] the rural Rushville Community Health Center, I jumped at the chance. I have no plans to move back to D.C. any time soon. My family has fallen in love with Western New York and the Finger Lakes, and we plan to stay here for the long term.

Q. What is the most challenging aspect of your job? A. The most challenging thing I find is working within the complex and dysfunctional U.S. healthcare system. The amount of administrative time required to care for patients is difficult, and the barriers my patients and I face in trying to get them the care they need can be very frustrating. Q. What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job? A. Working with people is the part I love. Being able to get to know my patients and their families and help them to live healthier, happier lives is wonderful. Q. What are the newest developments in your field? A. The new medical and therapeutic treatments for mental illness and chronic pain are very exciting and offer some disabled patients options that they would not have had only a few years ago. The development of new anticoagulants for patients that need to be on blood thinners permanently is also very interesting. Longer term, I was

Q. What prompted you to become a doctor? A. I’m not from a family of doctors, but I am from a family that believes in community service. My parents are journalists and my grandmother was a teacher. I was raised to believe in putting my skills to good use helping others. That, combined with an early interest in science, is what led me to medicine. Q. What specific ailments or disorders do you treat? A. I have a particular interest in mental health and in women’s health. I like having a diverse primary care practice, including pediatric patients, young adults and older adults, and I enjoy the management of chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.

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STORY IDEAS? Email them to Editor@GVhealthnews.com Page 6

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • February 2013

excited to see that the Nobel Prize in medicine was given this year to a pair of researchers who had discovered how to turn normal body cells into stem cells, which has enormous potential for the treatment of illnesses from diabetes to traumatic brain injury. Q. How do you keep up with the latest research and developments in healthcare? A. I maintain subscriptions to several journals, including JAMA and the American Family Practitioner. I also use updated point-of-care references, such as DynaMed and UpToDate, which are databases of clinical knowledge maintained by groups of physicians who update topics as new research is released. Q. What challenges do you foresee in the future regarding healthcare? A. The insurance gap and the physician shortage are both major challenges which have real implications for patients. Far too many people have no realistic access to medical insurance but, even if every person were insured, at the moment we just don’t have enough primary care providers to go around. This is especially troubling because with skyrocketing medical costs, high-quality primary care is still one of the most cost effective ways to provide people with longer, healthier lives. I am very pleased to see that the issue is now being talked about and solutions are being proposed both locally and nationally. I look forward to seeing how we, as a society, will meet these challenges. Q. What do you do to relax from a stressful job? A. I enjoy spending time with my family, and both reading at home and out in one of the many regional parks. I also practice a variety of fiber crafts, including handspinning, knitting and crocheting.

Lifelines: Age: 32 Birthplace: Washington, D.C. Residence: Rochester Education: University of Rochester Medical Center Family Medicine Residency, July 2009-July 2012; Eastern Virginia Medical School, August 2005-May 2009; University of Maryland College Park, August 2001-May 2003; Tulane University, August 1998-May 2000 Board Certification: Family medicine board eligible Employment history: This is my first employment after residency Awards: AOA Medical Honors Society, 2009; Phi Beta Kappa 2003 Family: Daughter Kestrel, 18 months old Hobbies: Reading, writing, music, fiber art: crochet, knitting and handspinning

Top Four Reasons Why Diets Fail T

he battle of the bulge is on — any movement on the scale yet? “Losing weight is one of the top resolutions made every year, yet only 20 percent of people achieve successful weight-loss and maintenance,” says Jessica Bartfield, internal medicine who specializes in nutrition and weight management at the Loyola Center for Metabolic Surgery & Bariatric Care. Despite the fact that two-thirds of Americans say they are on a diet to improve their health, very few are actually decreasing in size. “Dieting is a skill, much like riding a bicycle, and requires practice and good instruction,“ says Bartfield. “You’re going to fall over and feel frustrated, but eventually you will succeed and it will get easier.” According to Bartfield, here are the top four reasons why many dieters fail to lose weight.

1. Underestimating Calories Consumed “Most people, even experts, underestimate the number of calories they eat per day. Writing down everything that you eat — including drinks and “bites” or “tastes” of food — can help increase self-awareness. Pay attention to serving sizes and use measuring cups and spoons as serving utensils to keep portions reasonable. Food eaten outside of the home tends to be much larger portion sizes and much higher in calories. Try to look up nutrition information of your favorite take-out meal or restaurant and select a healthy meal before picking up the phone or going out to eat.

2. Overestimating Activity and Calories Burned “Typically you need to cut 500 calories per day to lose 1 lb per week.

This is very difficult to achieve through exercise alone, and would require 60 minutes or more of vigorous activity every day. A more attainable goal would be to try to increase activity throughout the day and get a total of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise most days of the week. Buy a pedometer and track your steps; try to increase to a goal of 10,000 steps per day. But be careful: exercise is not an excuse to eat more.”

3. Poor Timing of Meals 4. Inadequate Sleep “You need a steady stream of glucose throughout the day to maintain optimal energy and to prevent metabolism from slowing down. Eat breakfast every day within one hour of waking up, then eat a healthy snack or meal every three to four hours. Try not to go longer than five hours to keep your metabolism steady.”

“Studies have shown that people who get fewer than six hours of sleep have higher levels of ghrelin, which is a hormone that stimulates appetite, particularly for high carbohydrate/high calorie foods. In addition, less sleep raises levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can lead to weight gain.”

Hospitals and Excellus Partner to Support Their Employees’ Health They’re launching friendly competition, “WalkingWorks” a six-week competition that encourages regular exercise

ochester’s hospitals and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield are partnering with the American Heart Association to help their employees get a healthy start to the New Year. Leaders from Highland, Rochester General, Strong Memorial (University of Rochester) and Unity hospitals and Excellus BCBS have kicked off a friendly fitness contest called “WalkingWorks.” “A friendly competition among some of the largest employers in Rochester is a great way to educate up to 10 percent of the local workforce on how regular exercise can help protect people from some of the most serious chronic health issues,” said Dorothy A. Coleman, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Excellus BCBS.

“We know that one in three local adults has high blood pressure, one in 10 have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and about two-thirds are obese or overweight,” she added. Employees who join the contest will earn points for their organization by walking for exercise at their work locations and elsewhere. They’ll log their progress using an online tracking tool. WalkingWorks administrators will tally each employer’s average miles per participant and announce a weekly leader. The leading organization each week will receive raffle prizes to offer its employees. At the end of the six-week competition, the organization with the highest average exercise rate among its employees will be announced the winner.

To help employees fit regular exercise into their schedules, the employers are encouraging them to take walks on their work breaks, using routes inside their facilities as well as nearby parks and public footpaths. The Rochester chapter of the American Heart Association is helping the project by mapping walking trails for Excellus BCBS and each hospital. WalkingWorks is a BlueCross BlueShield Association program that cities around the country have used to raise awareness about the importance of exercise and to give participants an incentive to get up and moving. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise.

February 2013 •

“WalkingWorks gives participants an easy and fun way to start exercising regularly, track their progress and see results,” said Amanda Shanahan, a registered dietitian and a corporate wellness program manager at Excellus BCBS. “The competitive aspect of this program gives participants motivation to stay active throughout the six weeks in hopes that the healthy habits they’ve formed will continue long after the contest is complete.” The hospitals are funding the sixweek program, including the purchase of many of the prizes. Fleet Feet Sports is helping the program in a large way by educating employees. Fleet Feet is also donating prizes along with the Spa at the Del Monte.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Touch: One of Life’s Essential Ingredients

kiss. A hug. A gentle touch. No, this is not a column about romance in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. I am writing instead, about a related matter: the importance of touching and being touched. Both are essential to our sense of well-being. This subject is especially relevant for those who live alone, because — on our own — we can be susceptible to touch deprivation. When that happens, we miss out on all the benefits of healthy human contact. I’m no expert in this area, but others are, and their research has shown that touch is absolutely essential for emotional and physical health and development. Studies conducted by the University of Miami’s Touch Research Institute revealed that touch can do so much good: it can help reduce pain, anxiety and depression; lower heart rate and depression; and even promote immune function and healing. But I don’t need a study to convince me of the value of touch and affection. I have my own “proof,” and it is revealed to me whenever I am touched or touch another. A friend’s warm hug can lift my spirits, a reassuring hand on my shoulder can hold the demons at bay, even a handshake can be affirming. Those who live alone can often unwittingly, almost unconsciously, ne-

glect this vital component of a happy, healthy life. It’s easy to do, especially if you have a tendency toward isolation or are without a significant other in your life. If that’s the case, I encourage you to take notice. Is touch absent in your life? Has it been weeks or months since you enjoyed the warmth of an embrace? When was the last time you felt the comfort of a soothing caress? Or, exchanged backrubs with a friend? Below are a few tips to “keep in touch.” They have worked for me, and it’s my hope that you, too, will benefit from incorporating positive, loving touch into your life. Become a hugger. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re not a hugger, consider becoming one. A little practice is all it takes. Hugging wasn’t natural for me. It wasn’t something I grew up with, so it felt awkward at first. I was forever bumbling the embrace, leaning left, when I should have been leaning right, knocking heads, or sending glasses askew. So years ago, I made a deliberate

decision to become a hugger. Intuitively, I knew I was missing out on this natural form of human expression. The good news? I got better at it over time, and life is sweeter, as a result. Volunteer to touch. The benefits of “loving touch” are not just for the ones receiving it. Those who deliver it also reap great personal rewards and satisfaction. If you look around, there are plenty of opportunities to administer positive, healthy touch to someone in need. Many hospitals have volunteer “rockers” for newborns, and nursing homes are often looking for volunteers to make personal connections with residents who may not have family nearby. Just an hour talking to a resident, while applying hand lotion, could improve someone’s day. To volunteer in this way can be a healing act of kindness, one that says we are in this life together. What soothes one soothes us all. Own a pet. Study after study has shown that petting a dog or gently stroking a cat can have a calming effect

KIDS Corner T

on people by lowering blood pressure and reducing anxiety. Again, I don’t need a study to validate my own experience. Petting my beloved springer spaniel Lillie (rest her soul) or snuggling with her on the couch had an immediate and relaxing effect. After a long day at the office, almost nothing was as grounding as a few minutes with my affectionate pooch. Owning a pet can help you feel connected, soothed, and joyful. Boy, do I miss her. Get in touch with yourself. Selfgratification for pleasure or with the goal to sooth, heal, or relieve tension is natural, and can be a healthy expression of self-care and an act of self-affirmation. When you “love the one you’re with,” something profound and restorative can result. Splurge for a massage. I read recently that, “Massage is to the human body what a tune up is for a car.” Among its many benefits, therapeutic massage can bring relief from anxiety, reduce stress, fight fatigue, and increase your capacity for tranquil thinking and creativity. If you are touch-deprived, this form of safe, non-intimate touch can refocus the body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate itself. You can make a conscious effort to bring more touch into your daily life and more happiness to yourself and those around you. Touch enhances bonding and gives us a sense of belonging and well-being important essentials for everyone, but especially for those who live alone. Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive, empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, New York. For information about her workshop schedule, call (585) 624-7887 or email Gwenn at gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com.

Flu Vaccine Rates in Children Remain Lower Than Expected

When Should You Keep Your Child Home Sick from School

hildren are bound to come down with the occasional cold or other viral illness, especially when cold weather keeps a whole class cooped up inside all day. Whether or not to keep your sick child home from school or daycare can be a difficult decision to make, and may also depend on your child’s school or daycare policies. A Mayo physician offers tips on how to decide. “Young children’s immune systems haven’t learned to recognize and resist most common viruses,” explains Robert Key, family physician at Mayo Clinic Health System in Prairie du Chien. “That’s why, until they’re 8 or so, kids seem to bring home everything that’s making the rounds at school. Children can typically have six to 10 colds per year.” “In general, children should stay home when they don’t feel well enough to participate in normal daily activities Page 8

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and lack sufficient alertness to learn or play,” Key says. He suggests that kids should stay home when they experience: • Vomiting twice or more over a 24hour period or being unable to tolerate normal food and drink, or both. • A temperature of 101 or higher. • Severe coughing or difficulty breathing. • Repeated bouts of severe diarrhea for at least a day. • Persistent abdominal pain (more than two hours). • Open sores on the mouth. • A skin rash or red eye from an undetermined cause. • Head lice or scabies. • Other contagious conditions such as strep throat, chicken pox, impetigo, etc. According to Mayo Clinic, the top four infectious illnesses that keep children home from school or daycare

his year’s flu season is in full swing with 41 states now reporting widespread illness. Unfortunately, not enough children are getting the flu shot even though health officials recommend that all children 6 months and older get the vaccine. According to a new study by researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, less than 45 percent of children were vaccinated against the flu during a five-year study period. “Our research showed that one in six children under age 5 who went to an emergency department or clinic with fever and respiratory symptoms during the peak flu seasons had the flu,” said Katherine Poehling, associate professor of pediatrics and epidemiology at Wake Forest Baptist and lead author of the study, published in the online edition of the February issue of Pediatrics. “Many of those illnesses

could have been prevented by vaccination, the best known protection against the flu.” The researchers found that children less than 6 months of age had the highest hospitalization rates with flu. “Parents should include a yearly flu shot to protect themselves and their children,” Poehling said. “The best way to protect infants too young to receive the influenza vaccine is for pregnant women, the infant’s family members and contacts to get the shot, too.” The study, funded by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reported population-based data on confirmed flu cases in children younger than 5 years old in three counties in Ohio, New York and Tennessee. More than 8,000 children seen in inpatient, emergency department and clinic settings were included during five flu seasons from 2004 through 2009.

are colds, the “stomach flu,” pink eye and strep throat. If your child’s illness seems to be more than just a common cold or flu, you may want to contact his or her regular health care provider to see whether the symptoms could indicate something more serious. The single most important thing

your child can do to prevent illness is to wash his or her hands thoroughly and frequently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wash their hands with soap and warm water for 15 seconds — about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • February 2013

The Bad News?

More Kids Having Heart Problems More children acquiring heart diseases at ages that were unheard of years ago By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

racey and Tim Sheehan saw their son’s heart become weaker and weaker with each year getting to the point where he needed a wheelchair to get down the halls in middle school at 13 years of age. For Jennifer Kowal, she wasn’t stressing out about her routine ultrasound during her second trimester, but that would soon change. And for Jessica Smith, she couldn’t believe the phone call she received from her son’s elementary school saying he had just collapsed suddenly to the ground on the last day of school. Three children all suffering from different heart ailments for varying reasons, and their parents wondering how this happened to someone so young? Heart problems were often seen as an issue associated with older citizens. However, several recent medical studies illustrate a different story — a growing trend showing it’s affecting adolescents and teenagers more than before. As we enter national Heart Awareness Month, doctors want to educate people about the concerning issue. Each year, Mayo Clinic heart specialists in Minnesota treat 5,000 to 6,000 children and adolescents for heart problems, and one of out every hundred infants has some heart defect. Also researchers from the Centers for Disease Control saw one in four young people had two or more risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and diabetes. And among those in high school, 30 percent of girls and 17 percent of boys did not get the recommended 60 minutes a day of physical activity. Another study in Canada showed that a large proportion of normal weight, and apparently healthy young people already experiencing some thickening in their blood vessel walls. In other words, they have the beginnings of cardiovascular disease. “You are seeing children acquire the kinds of heart diseases today at ages that were unheard of years ago,” said Roger Vermilion, chief of pediatric cardiology at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Heart problems are an invisible disease that we don’t realize happens in kids as frequently as it does. The saving grace is that medical technology has become advanced that we can surgically repair kids’ hearts where in the past they wouldn’t have survived.” Tim and Tracy Sheehan lived through their son, Ryan, having a myriad of heart defects such as his great arteries coming from the wrong sides of the heart, his lower chambers switched, and he had a hole between his ventricles. He needed several openheart surgeries. “Ryan is dealing with heart ailments that may sound similar to what older adults may have. Most people

who look at Ryan see a young adult who looks healthy on the outside, but he has to live each day with a severely compromised heart condition,” said his mother, of Chili. “When

we look back at everything that has happened to our family since Ryan was born, we are amazed and in disbelief that we survived it all. We were totally unaware how common congenital

Jennifer Kowal’s third child, Claire Elizabeth (right), was diagnosed with hypoplastic right heart syndrome four months before being born. “It’s devastating when you hear something like this,” said Kowal. The mother later turned her pain into creating Mended Little Hearts, a group that meets weekly inside the Children’s Heart Center at Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Tim and Tracy Sheehan of Chili and their 21-year-old son Ryan. “When we look back at everything that has happened to our family since Ryan was born, we are amazed and in disbelief that we survived it all. We were totally unaware how common congenital heart defects were,” the mother said. February 2013 •

heart defects were.” Today he lives with a pace maker, but at least he lives. “When I look back at what I have gone though, I am shocked and amazed that I have made it through everything,” said Ryan, 21, a 2010 Aquinas Institute graduate and a junior at Hilbert College in Hamburg. “When I was younger, I remember thinking there was no way I would be able to go to college.” He said every doctor, nurse and person who prayed gave him the strength to make it. Passing the generosity forward, Ryan is a counselor at Hope With Heart, a camp for kids with heart conditions. “There are going to be ups and downs when you have heart problems, but you can’t give up when it is going bad,” said Ryan. “You need to battle through it because it will get better.” In Jennifer Kowal’s case, she and her husband, Peter, were soaking up the feelings of joy, nervousness and excitement knowing their third child was only four months away from entering the world. Then doctors diagnosed their unborn daughter, Claire Elizabeth, with hypoplastic right heart syndrome, meaning part of the right side of her heart was too small. There are about two to three million individuals in the United States with congenital heart defects. “It’s devastating when you hear something like this,” said Kowal, of Victor, who was 20 weeks pregnant at the time. After the birth of Claire Elizabeth, she turned her pain into creating Mended Little Hearts, a group that meets weekly inside the Children’s Heart Center at Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center. It’s an opportunity to take families away from the intensive care unit and have them talk with others who are either going through or have been through one of the most stressful moments of a parent and child’s life. Kowal said she knows firsthand the pain, frustration, anger and fear that each parent feels when they hear their child will have to suffer. “There was no support group around for us. Some days you feel like crawling into a hole or you feel like there is nothing you can do right,” said Kowal. Outside of Christmas and their birthdays, there is no singular day more enjoyable to a student than the last day of school. Jessica Smith also expected it to be a fun, no-drama day. Her son, Zach Seely, 10, was playing with friends when all of a sudden he collapsed at the playground located at Robert H. Jackson Elementary in Frewsburg. Zach was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder that can potentially cause fast, chaotic heartbeats. Zach was lying on the ground, gurgling and turning blue before totally losing consciousness, showing no signs of breathing. A nurse started CPR and revived him before the ambulance came. “All I can say is thank goodness that the teachers that found him were there,” said Smith. “I am forever grateful to them.” Doctors say plenty of young children have preventable heart problems due to lack of exercising or proper diet. “We are seeing young people have obesity issues that are causing other medically related problems that affect their heart,” said Vermilion. “The risk is growing and you are seeing heart issues occur in younger and younger people.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Stroke on the Rise Among Children

Boys aged 5 to 14 show increases of 51.6 percent for ischemic stroke By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

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ypically, most people picture older adults when they visualize a stroke patient; however, children and teens represent a growing population of stroke patients. By tracking hospitalizations for stroke between 1995 and 2008, researchers with the Centers for Disease Control found that boys aged 5 to 14 showed increases of 51.6 percent for ischemic stroke and increases in subarachnoid hemorrhage for girls of the same age range. Other studies around a similar timeframe estimate that stroke among children and teens has increased by about 30 percent. Although the overall number of children experiencing stroke is small, a jump this dramatic indicates a serious problem. “The interesting thing is when you look at stroke in the adult population, we’ve really done very well by that group,” said Chris Burke a physician with Unity Stroke Center. “If you look at the aging populaSmaltz tion over 55, we’ve reduced the incidences of stroke and likelihood of death by stroke, but there’s a group of young people who are having an increased incidence of death by stroke.” Although changes in the way hospitals track and report stroke incidences Burke could account for some of the increase, lifestyle factors likely contribute a far bigger share of the blame. Conditions related to stroke have become epidemic among younger people: diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs are also factors, though not as widely used among children and teens as adults. Youngsters with sickle cell disease have a 10 percent higher risk of stroke. Lipid disorders can also raise the risk. “It’s not that we can’t identify stroke in children,” Burke said. “We do. We just have a group of young people who have old people diseases that are totally avoidable.” Putting down the remote, phone and game controller and breaking out the sneakers would do a lot for preventing stroke in children and adults. “The biggest way that parents can be involved is to encourage their children to exercise,” said Virgil Smaltz, a physician who directs the emergency medicine for Finger Lakes Health. “Decreasing childhood obesity is key in

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • February 2013

fighting many of the diseases that are on the increase in our younger population.” Parents need to lead the way by taking charge of their health, both for their own sakes and for providing a good example to their children. “If it’s bad for you as a 38-year-old, it’s bad for your kid at 8 years old,” Burke said. “We have to take ownership of that. If your kid isn’t active five days per week, you’re putting him at risk for stroke. “If you start a sedentary lifestyle at 10, it catches up to you at 25, not 65,” Burke said. “It’s not that surprising.” Instead of declaring a moratorium on screen time, offering a positive alternative can generate more enthusiasm for getting and staying fit. Enrolling children in school sports, community sports leagues and active extracurricular activities such as dance or martial arts lessons can get them moving, but informal, everyday exercise such as brisk walking, performing physically taxing chores and playing games in the back yard can also help. Burke also blames the worsening American diet, which typically lacks sufficient amounts of whole grains fruits, vegetables, and the whole foods that support a healthful diet. “The fast food, high fat, full-fat dairy foods: avoid feeding these things to your kids,” Burke said. Generally, the more processing and preparation a food has undergone the greater chance that it is not healthful, and the closer it is to its natural state, the more nutrients a food retains.

Sign of Stroke The signs of stroke are the same in children as in adults. The National Stroke Association (www.stroke. org) offered the acronym “FAST” to help identify stroke and treat promptly, which helps increase the chances of a good outcome. Face: ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Arms: ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech: ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange? Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately. “Note the time when any symptoms first appear,” sates the National Stroke Association site. “If given within three hours of the first symptom, there is an FDA-approved clot-buster medication that may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. There are also two other types of stroke treatment available that might help reduce the effects of stroke.”

Decorative Contact Lenses Pose Risk to Eyes Latest decorative lenses include logos of sports teams and various companies By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

hether it’s getting hair extensions to create flowing locks, tattoos to express your inner Zen philosophies or even six-inch heels or lifts to look taller, people are always trying to improve their appearance. However, none of these appearance-altering endeavors can cause a person to lose the one thing that helps them enjoy their physical changes; the loss of their eyesight. More people are getting decorative contact lens such as spider webs, cat eyes, unnatural colors or even emblems

Kevin Clogg, an optometrist at Rochester Optical, working with a patient. He said he doesn’t recommend decorative contact lenses. “These contacts are not doctorrecommended. Most of the problems come from ill-ﬁtted lenses and overuse,” he said. “If you must buy them, see an optometrist to get properly ﬁtted lenses.”

of their favorite sports team. While fashionable and daring, the contact lens can cause allergic reaction or a cut or scratch on the top layer of your eye causing corneal abrasion, according to several sources. On the other end of the spectrum they can cause eye ulcers, infections, cornea damage, vision problems and, worst-case scenario, blindness, said Kevin Clogg, an optometrist at Rochester Optical, which has manufactured lenses and eyewear since 1932. Sold for as little as $20 and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, decorative contacts are not cosmetic or over the counter merchandise. Any business advertising them as such without a prescription is breaking the law. Street vendors, flea markets, novelty shops and convenience stores are selling the lenses the lens illegally. Sarah Clark-Lynn, who works in the Food and Drug Administration Public Affairs office, said the reason the agency regulates all contact lenses, including decorative ones, are because they are medical devices that poses a potential risk to the eyes. She said under the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, all contact lenses must be cleared pre-market approval before they may be legally marketed. In addition, proper labeling use and instructions are required. “The FDA recommends that patients get a prescription from a licensed eye care professional for all contact lenses, including decorative contact lenses,” said Clark-Lynn. “You should follow instructions provided by your eye care professional for cleaning, dis-

infecting, and wearing the lenses. Anyone selling contact lenses must get a prescription and verify it with your doctor.” Medical officials have one strong message: see an optometrist first before making any decisions. Doctors at Rochester Optical, which has three current locations in downtown Rochester, Greece and Perinton, say they don’t advocate the contacts in the first place. “These contacts are not doctorrecommended. Most of the problems come from ill-fitted lenses and overuse,” said Clogg. “If you must buy them, see an optometrist to get properly fitted lenses.” After assessing that the contact lens was healthy for the patient to wear, Clogg suggests wearing them for a very limited schedule for up to four hours. Clogg said an improperly fitted contact lens can lead to symptoms as mild as minor discomfort, which produces a feeling like an eye lash is in the eye, or minor redness and watering. In more severe cases, long term uses of ill-fitting lenses can include pain, photophobia, which is sensitivity to light, burning, itching, discharge and infection that can cause permanent damage. “The trend for wearing the lens was much higher about 10 years ago before the FDA stepped in and labeled these lenses medical devices that needed to be fit by eye doctors,” said Clogg.

The Food and Drug Administration offers several tips for anyone considering decorative contacts: • Schedule an eye exam with a licensed eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist), even if you feel that your vision is perfect. • Get a valid prescription that includes the brand name, lens measurements, and an expiration date. Don’t expect your eye doctor to prescribe Japanese cartoons and animation contact lens. These bigger-than-normal lenses make eyes appear wider and doll-like. They have not been approved by the FDA. • Whether you shop at a store or online, buy the lenses from a seller who requires you to provide a prescription. • Carefully follow directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and wearing the lenses. Visit your eye doctor for follow-up eye exams. • See your eye doctor right away if you show any signs of eye infection, including redness, eye pain or impaired vision.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 11

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Beat the Blues with Spinach

of vitamin A (a workhorse vitamin essential for growth, eyesight and healthy skin); it’s super low in calories, fat and cholesterol; and it’s a very good source of fiber, iron and calcium. The downside of spinach? It contains oxalic acid, which, when consumed regularly by some people, can lead to irritation of the digestive system, stomach and kidneys — as in, stones, gallbladder problems and gout. Also, this acid may interfere with the absorption of calcium. For the majority, however, oxalic acid poses no problem.

Helpful tips

lthough I adore winter, I confess to wilting in February. As the snow piles higher, the sky grows grayer, and the indentation on my couch becomes permanent, I know I’m not my usual chipper self. Aware of this personal lull, I make a concerted effort during this time to eat foods that are particularly high in folate and vitamin B12, two B vitamins linked to mood. Studies have shown that low blood levels of these vitamins may play a role in depression, especially since both are precursors to serotonin. Serotonin, as many know, is the “feel-good” neurotransmitter that keeps us happy. That said, I cover my B12 base with salmon, fortified breakfast cereals and dairy products; while I take care of folate with beans, lentils, asparagus, and spinach, a personal favorite. I’m keen on this green for its high concentration of folate (and so much more). But let’s begin with folate. In

a word, spinach is a folate superstar, providing more folate per cup than any other dark leafy green. Whether consuming fresh or frozen, you can fulfill over half of your daily needs with a single serving, which, according to some research, is enough to boost serotonin. Spinach is also loaded with vitamin K, a vitamin that helps blood clot, prevents calcium build-up in tissues (a condition that can lead to cardiovascular disease), and promotes bone health. Go, Popeye! More good reasons to saddle up to this superfood: It’s an excellent source

Store fresh spinach (wrapped tightly in a plastic bag) for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Wash fresh spinach just prior to consumption, but not before. Although bagged spinach is pre-washed, another rinse is recommended. To get the most nutritional bang from your spinach, steam it and then combine it with a food high in vitamin C – such as garlic, lemon or mandarin oranges – since this combination promotes the optimum absorption of iron.

Healthy Spinach Gratin Serves 4 to 6

2 10-oz. pkgs. of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 8-oz. pkg. sliced mushrooms 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour 2 tablespoons low-fat milk 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon dried basil

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.

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Page 12

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • February 2013

½ teaspoon each: salt, pepper ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (low-fat, if desired) 2 tablespoons whole-wheat bread crumbs or chopped nuts Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil an 8 x 8-inch baking dish. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, over medium heat, until soft – about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, mushroom mixture, flour, milk, lemon juice, basil, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Spoon into the prepared dish in an even layer. Sprinkle the bread crumbs or nuts over the top. Bake until heated through, about 25 to 30 minutes. 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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Is Gluten-free for Me?

Some many products featuring “gluten-free” labels that some wonder whether gluten is unhealthy

get better.

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

oticed food packages labeled “gluten free” along statements such as “cholesterol free” or “fat free” but you wonder what’s so wrong with gluten? Actually, nothing, say area dietitians. Wheat, rye and barley naturally contain the protein gluten. Most people have no problem eating these grains; however, “gluten sensitivity is an auto immune disorder in which a person’s body identifies gluten as a dangerous foreign body and attacks it,” said Amy L. Stacy, registered dietitian with Lakeside Wellness Program at Lakeside Health System. Some people blame gluten sensitivity, also known as celiac disease, for stomach upset after consuming a grain product; however, a true diagnosis may be reached only by a blood test and endoscopies administered by a gastroenterologist. The symptoms of celiac disease include intestinal distress, bloating, diarrhea, cramping, skin irritations, ear pain, joint pain and fatigue. “It is not a simple disease to diagnose without the help of a gastroenterologist,” Stacy said. “For those individuals who are diagnosed with gluten intolerance they must avoid gluten as continued exposure can cause various, serious health issues including colon cancer.” National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse estimated that about two million Americans have celiac disease. It’s not entirely clear why celiac has become so widespread. Cindy Fiege, natural health consultant at Harmony Health Store, LLC in Spencerport, blames genetically modified foods, the connection between type O blood and a seeming predisposition to immune response to gluten, and the tendency for people to generally struggle to digest gluten. “It’s not that gluten is necessarily bad for all people, but it is recognized that so many people are sensitive to it, that you may be yourself and not realize it,” Fiege said. She often advises clients avoid gluten for two weeks to see what differences they experience, and then try it again. Some respond strongly to reintroducing gluten. “For some they just need to keep

their intake down to three times a week, and others don’t seem to be bothered by it at all,” Fiege said. Unlike a food allergy, celiac disease does not cause reactions from casual contact with the food, only consumption. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity has no genetic or autoimmune connection, but it does involve damage to the small intestine. People sensitive to gluten have some symptoms like celiac, but there is no test that can confirm it. By trial and error, these patients discover that limiting or eliminating gluten, their symptoms diminish. Avoiding gluten is not as easy as it would seem because some processed foods use wheat flour as a binder: salad dressing, marshmallows, and ice cream. Oats processed by a company that also processes wheat may be contaminated by gluten because of their shared facility. “Reading food labels is tricky,” said Kim Povec, dietitian, with the Center for Community Health’s Healthy Living Center at the University of Rochester. “The FDA considers anything with 20 parts per million or below is ‘gluten free.’ People with celiac can buy something ‘gluten free’ that does have gluten in it. I encourage people to read that ingredient list.” Vague terms such as “cereal food fines” can obscure the issue, too, since these could contain gluten. Some people believe that going gluten-free is a good way to lose weight; however, Anne Marie Egan, dietitian with Rochester General Hospital, disagrees. “Sometimes, a gluten-free diet can make you miss whole grains that are good for you,” she said. “People attribute [weight loss] to the gluten-free diet, but it could be because they’re eating more fruits and vegetables instead.” “Gluten-free” does not necessarily mean healthier. Many gluten-free goodies for celiacs have little nutrition and many fatty, high-calorie foods are gluten-free. “Unless you medically need a gluten-free diet, you shouldn’t go on it,” Egan said. “If you want to be healthier, cut simple sugars, refined carbs and eat more fruits and vegetables and whole grains.” February 2013 •

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UNDETECTABLE RESULTS. COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL. IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Running groups becoming more popular in area schools In Victor, Livonia, Seneca Falls, Ontario Center teachers and students are hitting the ground By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

cott Bradley can’t figure which one of his Ironman stories is his favorite. It could be when he ran a New Hampshire race that lasted for hours where rain poured down the entire time. Maybe, it’s when he threw up three times during an event in Louisville, finished dehydrated and taking in IV fluids in the medical tents. The first time he threw up that day was during the eight-mile mark of the marathon with 18 more miles to go. Bradley is one example of local teachers starting running groups to keep each other motivated. Several school districts have started student or teacher running initiatives, which are leading to increased physical fitness and group camaraderie. They live by the edict “you can’t always do it alone.” Bradley, who is a Wayne County Central School District high school teacher and soccer coach, adores competitive racing. Just in the last calendar year alone, he’s logged more than 3,800 miles on his bike, 900 miles in his running shoes and 125 miles in the pool. Bradley became interested in endurance events after an unplanned excursion to the Tour de France in 2006 during a trip to Germany for the World Cup. Seeing the cyclists perform unbelievable feats of fortitude inspired him. I wanted to challenge myself to the most difficult one day event there is, an Ironman,” said Bradley, 28. The event involves 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a 26.2-mile marathon run. In addition, he raced seven events this year, traveling to Mexico, the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, Colorado and Florida. Leading up to

the races, he trains 15-20 hours, six days a week, twice each day. “Ironman is a grueling event where you go through every emotion during the course of the day,” said Bradley. “You’ll hit times when you think ‘I don’t really want to be doing this anymore’ and you still have 20 miles to bike and then a marathon to run. But the feeling you get when you reach the finish is worth every bit of suffering you went through to get there.”

Getting all Muddy in Victor

At Victor Central School District, there is a slightly varied version of the running program. The event — the Dirty Girl Mud Run — is also During the past year several teachers at Livonia Central School District began a running regime and held in various parts of participated in the Oak Tree 5K in Geneseo to beneﬁt the Genesee Valley Nature Conservancy. Pictured the country throughout the year. The 5K obstacle are Robbin Carll, Paulette Brandes, Jennifer Carll, Margaret Brongo (of the Churchville- Chili Central course allows people to School District), Amy Hinds and Willow Johnston from the Livonia Central School District, and Jamie challenge themselves in O’Keefe of Churchville -Chili Central School District. an unconventional manner. Several Victor school later years. But it took some convincing than 40,000 will die, according to the district team members participated in to get her into running. National Breast Cancer Coalition. the dirt-filled run and obstacle course “A few girls at work were telling “We chose to spend a Saturday where a portion of the proceeds went me to try it because this is something as a group of women colleagues and to the National Breast Cancer FoundaI can do on my own schedule,” said take some different kinds of chaltion. They completed the course in lenges together,” said Darlene Cowles, Hinds. “I quickly responded with ‘I am memory of someone who has survived an English teacher at Victor. “We not a runner and couldn’t do it.’ Finally or lost their life to breast cancer. Each all got muddy together as we hiked a friend convinced me and since May I year nearly 200,000 women will be through mud, crawled through mud, have participated in four 5K events.” diagnosed with breast cancer and more and climbed one muddy obstacle after Running for the First Time another.” Andrew Doell was first introduced Competitions in to the Girls on the Run program by a parent. He had never heard of the Livonia, Seneca Falls learning program geared for 8- to During the past year, 13-year-olds, teaching girls life skills Amy Hinds and several teachers at Livonia Central through running. Through dynamic, action-oriented-based games, kids in School District began a the Seneca Falls Central School District running regime. Together worked their way into being physically they ran the Oak Tree 5K and emotionally prepared to complete in Geneseo to benefit the a 5K running event in Syracuse. Genesee Valley Nature “We started the program because Conservancy, dedicated we felt it would be a great way to build to protecting more than some self-confidence for many of the 13,600 acres of habitat, girls in our school,” said Doell, Elizascenic vistas, and some of beth Cady Stanton School building New York state’s highest principal. “The girls loved the program quality farmland. and the parental response was unbe“It makes it much lievable. We saw these girls grow as more enjoyable when individuals and they became better you are able to run with friends and colleagues. All students.” Through running, the Elizabeth of us are at different levels Cady Stanton students built a special of running successes, bond. Many had never ran a 5 K or any ranging from people like organized event until this year. me who are just starting “To see these girls cross the finish out to others who have line with these huge smiles on their competed in marathons,” said Hinds, a Livonia Cen- faces and to see their parents, grandtral School District teacher. parents and relatives crying because they were so proud was awesome,” Hinds grew up playsaid Doell. “We will definitely be doing ing soccer, basketball and Picture of the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Girls on the Run Team. The school is within the Seneca Falls softball in high school, and this again this school year.” Central School District. This picture was taken at the 5K run, Paige’s Butterﬂy Run. The run took place in also did kickboxing and When his Ironman colleague Bradley first brought the idea of running Syracuse last year. The girls were able to raise just under $3,000.00 for the Golisano Children’s Hospital. zumba classes during her Page 14

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • February 2013

Tips for Running in the Cold

Kaitlyn Korzeniewski, Camryn Rook and Sydney Rook taking part in a practice 5K run.

Wintertime is a great time to run outside, say local runners By: Maggie Fiala

together, Derek DeMass wanted no part of the training regime. He enjoyed swimming, but never did it competitively. He liked to bike, yet that was simply a recreational activity. When it came to running he hated it and almost never did it. “I saw it as pointless and thought I would rather spend my time productively playing a sport or lifting weights,” said DeMass, assistant Wayne County High School principal in Ontario Center. DeMass didn’t sleep the night before because he was analyzing how his first half-Ironman race was going to play out the next day earlier this fall. He endured 46-degree temperature with his white swimming camp to keep him warm. He survived the water, peddled consistently through the bike

portion and then took a caffeinated gel to boost himself for the run. “That last mile felt like eternity,” said DeMass, 28, which involves swimming 1.2-miles, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. “When I turned and saw the finish line, it was one of the best feelings I’ve felt. I sprinted down that last stretch clenching my fists and that felt amazing.” He thanks Bradley for keeping him motivated. “I admired his dedication and wondered if I could ever accomplish such a feat,” said DeMass. “When he did his first full Ironman, his dad, Wes, was texting me the updates. I remember being in bed asleep when the swim split came in. That was an epiphany because I thought here Scott is in Mexico doing a full Ironman and I’m in bed.”

unning outside in the winter? Are you nuts? Although the cold and winter conditions can intimidate any running regime, it is one of the best seasons to be a runner, says Dennis VanKerhove, a runner of 15 years. “There are a lot of people who won’t run in the winter. It’s unfortunate; I think you are missing something when you stay indoors,” he said. The air is crisp, it’s quiet, and the path is less crowded. It’s great when the stars are out, he says. “It won’t really matter what the weather is like. I enjoy running outdoors more than running on a treadmill,” VanKerhove said. “The hardest part is getting out there.” Despite the early evening hours and bitter cold, VanKerhove refuses to bring his workouts indoors. He has a few strategies to stay active outside during the winter.

Dress appropriately

Having the right apparel makes all the difference in the world, said Mort Nace, general manager of Medved Running and Walking Outfitters, an outdoor fitness apparel and shoe store on Monroe Avenue. Choose a base layer that wicks the sweat away from your skin, while also providing thermal properties to help keep you warm. He recommends choosing a base layer made of synthetic material such as such as DryFit, Thinsulate and Thermax. “Stay away from cotton,” he said. Cotton holds the moisture and keeps you wet. If it is extremely cold, a middle layer should be an insulating material such as microfleece. The outer layer should be a wind or water proof jacket that protects you against wind and moisture (rain, sleet, snow). Nace prefers mittens instead of gloves in colder weather. On your lower body, consider wearing tights or running pants made of synthetic material. Be careful not to pile on the layers, Nace said. Runners should feel chilly at first, but will warm up considerably after a few minutes. Running shoes should be waterproof with a good tread pattern. For additional traction, consider ice cleats for your shoes. They help you stay stable jogging or running on snow or ice.

Find a buddy

Scott Bradley, a Wayne County Central School District high school teacher and soccer coach, coming out of the water after the 2.4 mile ocean swim at Ironman Cozumel. He is a proponent of local teachers starting running groups to keep each other motivated.

pate, contact Medved to join the email list. He also joins the Oven Door Runners (ODR), a group of distance runners who meet 6:30 a.m., Saturday mornings in Bushnell’s Basin for training runs. Anyone is welcome to

Although running is considered a solo sport, VanKerhove and Nace run with a buddy or a group, especially during the winter. It is safe and provides a motivation boost, they say. “The commitment of a group waiting for you is a great way to discourage staying at home and hibernating,” Nace said. There are several groups in or around Rochester that meet during the winter. VanKerhove leads a public run Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. The group runs a different route each week. It is free and open to the public. To partici-

February 2013 •

participate. Visit odrunners.org for more information.

Safety first

It’s ideal to jog during the day, but wear a reflective vest or bright clothing if you run at night. Always be aware of weather conditions and traffic on the road. Carry your identification card with you in case of an emergency.

Hit the trails

“When the roads are rough, snowshoe running is a great alternative,” said Nace “It is a lot of fun and a great running workout.” Nace snowshoe runs on the Monroe County park trails which remains open for the season for outdoor enthusiasts. Snowshoe running is a low-impact, high-intensity aerobic workout, which can burn up to 550 calories per hour, according to the Snowsports Industries of America. Snowshoes range in price from $50 to $400.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

Golden Years

Preventive Health Helps Seniors Stay Healthy Doctors: Early detection is key in successfully treating many diseases By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

f you live by the adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” you could be endangering your health. Preventive medicine can help seniors stay healthier as they age. “People are living longer these days than they did 50 years ago,” said Didem Miraloglu, who specializes in internal medicine at Lakeside Health System. “Being proactive about health should really be the goal for everyone young and old. It is especially important in the elderly because the quality of life declines rapidly if they are not proactive.” Many in our parents’ generation took it for granted that they would experience mental decline as they aged, but Miraloglu encourages seniors to maintain their functionality by being active physically and mentally. “Exercising improves both overall well-being and sense of self-worth. Mentally keeping fit requires continuing to learn new things and being an active participant in one’s life,” the physician said. Many changes in health that could be perceived as “old age” disorders could really be prevented or minimized with proper health care. This starts with an annual physical to make sure your body is functioning as it should and to address any concerns you may have. Most of the time, the sooner you catch a problem the easier and less expensive it is to lessen its effects. It’s also important to receive vac-

cinations for pneumococcal, influenza, hepatitis B, shingles and tetanus/pertussis. Screening can also help maintain your health, including colonoscopy for detection of colon cancer, bone density scan (especially for women), PAP smear for cervical cancer, and mammogram for detecting breast cancer. Blood work can ensure the right levels for cholesterol, sugar, thyroid function, vitamin D and B-12. Follow your doctor’s advice for the necessity and frequency of screenings and exams and for taking any extra steps for caring for your health. “Older adults taking medication should take them in the way they are prescribed,” said Thomas V. Caprio, a physician and assistant professor of medicine and clinical nursing for the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, department of medicine, division of geriatrics and aging. “If they have side effects, they should not stop abruptly but talk with their physician about it. Some medications need to have the dose lowered gradually before they’re discontinued.” Many seniors prefer to use overthe-counter drugs and herbal supplements to treat health problems; however, if these are ineffective, they waste money. If they are effective, they could negatively interact with each other or their prescribed medication. “These things should be made aware to the primary care physician,” Caprio said. “Don’t treat yourself.

People can get in trouble when they try to self-diagnose.” Day to day, you can do plenty to maintain your health at home. “One of the biggest things is a good exercise program to manage weight, help with arthritis, and keep blood pressure low,” said Karyn Leible, a physician who serves as senior vice president for medical services at Jewish Senior Life in Rochester. You don’t have to run marathons. Just start walking for a few minutes a day until you’re walking for 30 minutes. Or try picking up an active hobby like ballroom dancing. Steve Ryan a physician with Independent Living for Seniors, an affiliate of Rochester General Health System, doesn’t “encourage people to obsess about their diet,” he said. “Most people know if they need to lose a few pounds.” Making sure you eat a balanced diet is important, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein and calcium. “Stay socially engaged,” Ryan said. “If you didn’t do this while middle aged and working, it’s not too late to start. Social connections in some ways have much more of a predictor of your health physically and mentally than diet in some ways.” Join a church, club or class to meet people with similar interests as yours. Making new friends is mentally stimulating and helps you make more con-

nections that can help you out when you need a hand. Daniel Zatreanu, a physician with Unity Geriatrics Associates, screens his patients for depression as a part of a routine annual exam. Seniors can be prone to depression because of the many negative changes that can occur during this phase of life, including loss of spouse, decreasing control over life decisions and diminishing physical ability. “Some say they have pain here and there and I cannot find any cause,” Zatreanu said. “Then I screen them for depression and find they’re depressed. It causes more than emotional pain. Because we are stressed, we can feel physical pain. Depression is not diagnosed and treated as often as it could be.” When he screens patients for depression, he asks questions including: • Have you dropped many activities? • Do you feel frequently like crying? • Do you have trouble concentrating? • Do you have more problems with memory than other people? • How do you feel about yourself? • Do you feel your life is empty? • Are you bored? • Are you in good spirits most of the time? • Do you feel helpless? • Do you feel like staying at home? • Do you feel full of energy? • Do you enjoy getting up in the morning?

Medicare Preventive Services: What’s Free, What’s Not By Jim Miller

edicare covers a wide array of preventive services to help you stay healthy, but it’s important to know which services are totally covered, and which ones will generate some out-of-pocket costs.

Free Services

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, original Medicare now offers many preventive health services completely free to beneficiaries. Preventive services include various exams, lab tests and screenings that help find health problems in their earliest stages when they’re easier to treat. They also include a number of vaccinations and programs for health monitoring, as well as counseling and education to help you take care of your own health. Here’s a quick rundown of the different Medicare preventive services that won’t cost you a cent, along with the eligibility requirements you’ll need to meet to get them. • Wellness visits: All Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for two types of Page 16

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preventive wellness visits — one when you’re new to Medicare and one each year after that. But don’t confuse these with full physical examinations. These are prevention-focused visits that provide only an overview of your health and medical risk factors and serve as a baseline for future care. • Colorectal cancer screening: The fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is available to all beneficiaries aged 50 or older. • Mammograms: All women with Medicare aged 40 and older can get a free breast cancer screening mammogram every year. • Pap tests and pelvic exams: These cervical and vaginal cancer screenings are available every two years, or once a year for those at high risk. • Prostate cancer screenings: Annual PSA blood tests are available to all male beneficiaries aged 50 and older. • Cardiovascular screenings: Free blood test to check cholesterol, lipid and triglyceride levels are offered every five years to all Medicare recipients.

• Diabetes: Screening available twice a year for those at risk. • Bone mass measurements: This osteoporosis test is available every two years to those at risk, or more often if medically necessary. • Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: To check for bulging blood vessels, this test is available to men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. • Vaccinations: An annual flu shot, a vaccination against pneumonia and the hepatitis B vaccine are all free to all beneficiaries. In addition, Medicare also offers free smoking cessation counseling; medical nutrition therapy to help beneficiaries with diabetes or kidney disease; depression screenings; alcohol screening and counseling; obesity screening and counseling; annual cardiovascular risk reduction visits; sexually transmitted infection screening and counseling; and HIV screenings.

Cost-Sharing Services

Medicare also offers several other preventive services that require some

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • February 2013

out-of-pocket cost-sharing. With these tests, you’ll have to pay 20 percent of the cost of the service (Medicare picks up the other 80 percent), after you’ve met your $147 Part B yearly deductible. The services that fall under this category include digital rectal exams for prostate cancer, glaucoma tests and diabetes self-management training services. For detailed information on all Medicare preventive services see medicare.gov/share-the-health, or call Medicare at 800-633-4227 and ask them to mail you a free copy of “Your Guide to Medicare’s Preventive Service” (publication 10110).

Medicare Advantage

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll be happy to know that all Advantage plans are also now required to cover the same free preventive services as original Medicare. Jim Miller writes the column Savvy Senior for In Good Health.

Bone Spurs Usually Don’t Mean Surgery By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

By Jim Miller

How to Find and Hire a Good Home Care Worker Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the best way to find a good in-home caregiver for my elderly mother? Looking for Care Dear Looking, Finding a good in-home caregiver who is dependable, likeable, trustworthy and affordable can be challenging, to say the least. Here are some tips and resources that can help. Know Your Needs

Before you start the task of looking for a caregiver, your first step is to determine the level of care your mom’s needs (see www.NCLneedsassessment. org for a checklist). If, for example, she only needs help with activities of daily living like preparing meals, doing laundry, bathing or dressing, a “homemaker” or “personal care aide” will do. But, if she needs health care services, there are “home health aides” that may do all the things a homemaker does, plus they also have training in administering medications, changing wound dressings and other medically related duties. Home health aides often work under a nurse’s supervision. Once you settle on a level of care, you then need to decide how many hours of assistance she’ll need. For example, does your mom need someone to come in just a few mornings a week to help her cook, clean, run errands or perhaps bathe? Or does she need more continuous care that requires daily visits or a full-time aide? After you determine her needs, there are two ways in which you can go about hiring someone. Either through a home health agency, or you can hire someone directly on your own.

Home Health Agencies

Hiring a certified home health agency to supply and manage your mom’s care is the easiest but most expensive option of the two. Costs run anywhere from $12 up to $40 an hour depending on where you live and the qualification of the aide. This is also usually a better way to go if your mom requires a lot of in-home health care. How it works is you pay the agency, and they handle everything including an assessment of your mom’s needs, assigning appropriately trained

and pre-screened staff to care for her, and finding a fill-in on days her aide cannot come. Some of the drawbacks, however, are that you may not have much input into the selection of the caregiver, and the caregivers may change or alternate, which can cause a disruption in care and confusion. You also need to know that while Medicare does cover some in-home health care services if it’s ordered by a doctor, they don’t cover homemaker services, nor will they cover personal care services, such as bathing and dressing, provided by a home health aide if that is the only care required. But if your mom is low-income and qualifies for Medicaid, some services are covered. To locate and compare Medicareapproved home health agencies visit www.medicare.gov/hhcompare, and call 800-633-4227 and request a free copy of the “Medicare and Home Health Care” publication (#10969) that explains coverage and how to choose an agency.

Hiring Directly

Hiring an independent caregiver on your own is the other option, and it’s less expensive. Costs typically range between $10 and $20 per hour. Hiring directly also gives you more control over who you hire so you can choose someone who you feel is right for your mom. But be aware that if you do hire someone on your own, you become the employer so there’s no agency support to fall back on if a problem occurs or if the aide doesn’t show up. You’re also responsible for paying payroll taxes and any worker-related injuries that may happen. If you choose this option make sure you check the aide’s references thoroughly, and do a criminal background check. To find someone, ask for referrals through friends, doctor’s offices or hospital discharge planners, check online job boards like craigslist.org, or try carelinx.com or carescout.com. Some states even offer registries (PHImatchingservicesmap.org) to help you locate good caregivers. Or, for a fee, a geriatric care manager (caremanager.org) can help find someone.

iagnosed with a bone spur? If you’re a senior with arthritis, you are more susceptible to bone spurs than the general population. Though bone spurs may go along with arthritis, their most common cause, surgery isn’t usually a treatment for the annoying protrusions. Other treatments can offer non-surgical relief. Typically, patients don’t report to their doctors about a bone spur but of pain. “The spur oftentimes isn’t the source of pain but the indicator of the problem that exists unBone spurs are common around the major derneath, like chronic tendinitis joints of the hand, hip, knee, and ankle and can where the tendon is attaching,” also occur throughout the spine. Experts say said Luke Loveys, chief of orthosurgery isn’t usually a treatment for the annoying pedics for Unity Health System. “In the shoulder, spurs can interprotrusions. fere with the rotator cuff.” weight. If all of these measures don’t They’re common around the major offer relief, injected steroids or viscojoints of the hand, hip, knee, and ankle supplementation can help, especially to and can also occur throughout the knee joints. Physicians use ultrasound spine. to help guide the needle into the joint. A spur forms because the bone’s Paul said that viscosupplementanatural reaction to pressure and stress tion “helps increase function, slow the is to form new bone. The pressure and progression of arthritis and decrease stress could be caused by arthritis, pain.” irritation by soft, connective tissue, or The injection replaces the body’s repetitive motions. naturally occurring joint lubricant, Initially, physicians usually treat hyaluronic acid. Without it, the bones affected joints with anti-inflammatory medication, icing and rest: the standard in the joints do not move property and lack the ability to bear the weight and game plan for musculoskeletal injuries stress of daily movements. These injecthat have no spur involved. The next tions can provide a few months’ relief. step may be physical therapy, which Newer, non-surgical decomprescan help manage the pain and swelling. sion methods can help relieve the pain “There’s always braces for the in the spine. knee and knee taping,” Jenny Paul, “The presence or absence of a senior instructor of physical medicine spur doesn’t necessarily mean that the and rehabilitation and non-operative patient’s symptoms are because specifiorthopedics at University of Rochester cally of the spur,” Unity’s Loveys said. Medical Center. “We are looking at the “It’s often the sign of another problem. shoes patients wear if it’s in weight Removal of the spur is rarely the treatbearing joint, how they’re walking and ment.” the different stress on the joints. We The nature or location of the spur look at the whole picture.” may call for removing it, especially if in Paul recommends exercise that locations such as the shoulder or ankle, is easy on the joints such as walking, where a spur can physically impede the bicycling, tai chi, yoga, swimming and joint’s range of motion. In many cases, avoiding “things like stair climbing, the surgery may be minimally invasive which can cause more stress to the arthroscopic surgery which involves joint.” small incisions and a shorter recovery Paul and her colleagues also entime. courage patients to maintain healthful

Flu Season is Not Over Yet

Here are some extra precautions for older people

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. February 2013 •

e’ve all read about the severity of the current flu season. Boston declared an emergency, hospitals across the country are seeing patients in tents outside their emergency departments and we all probably know someone who has been laid up for a week with fever and aches and generally feeling lousy. But the flu could be especially severe for the 39.6 million older adults in the United States. Defined as 65 years or older, the group makes up almost 13 percent of the total population. Add

to that the number of people who care for an aging person — patient, parent or friend — and the impact on older people is even greater. What’s an older person or a caregiver to do? The three biggest rules, according to Andrew Duxbury, a geriatrician at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine, are: • Get a flu shot — it’s not too late and it could help reduce severity of an illness • Wash your hands regularly • Avoid crowds

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

New to Electronic Payments? Federal benefits payments (social security and SSI) to be paid electronically

Many Options for Ill-fitting Dentures By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

f your dentures feel sloppy, cause pain or don’t work right, you don’t have to put up with it. Though these problems may have been commonplace for denture wearers years ago, dentists can help make them fit much better now. And it may not mean buying a new set of dentures. Many times, a denture adjustment can help. “An adjustment is usually about a sore spot where we can grind away a rough edge on the denture,” said Edward Huddleston, III, dentist with Affordable Dentures in Rochester. For a loose-fitting denture, his office can realign the appliance to fit better. Your dentures may have fit well when you were first fitted; however, over time, your jaw bone and gums can change or shrink so that the denture doesn’t fit the same. “We basically put some filling in it,” Huddleston said. “We can refit the pink part of the denture base. Generally, they get a little more stability than prior to it.” Even the bestfitting dentures can cause problems now Levy and then. And some denture wearers never feel as confident about their dentures’ fit as they want to. “Your gums are soft tissue like your skin,” said Carl D. Levy, dentist with Palmyra Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. “Dentures sit on this soft tissue.

No matter how well a denture fits, it will always have some movement as the denture is not sitting on a solid surface.” He recommends mini implants, to help anchor dentures in place. Huddleston’s office has offered denture stabilization through mini implants for four years. People who are poor candidates for dental implants (where individual false teeth permanently cap implanted screws) may do well with mini implants to secure dentures, since it’s not necessary to graft bone to support the tiny titanium screws. The wearer would no longer need denture adhesive to secure their dentures, and would be able to eat more normally than without the implants. The hour-long office procedure involves placing two to four tiny titanium posts into the jaw that are used to secure the dentures in place. The bone will grow around the posts to the point where the posts are about as secure as natural teeth. The dentures snap onto the posts to keep them snugly in place. “The procedure usually involves no cutting of the gum and very little post-op discomfort,” Levy said. Most patients treated in the morning will be able to eat a regular dinner that evening. The mini implants cost about half to one-quarter the expense of larger, older-style implants and are less invasive. Talk with your dentist about what option will work best to help make your dentures fit and function better.

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eginning March 1, with few exceptions, all federal benefits, including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, are to be paid electronically. For years, Social Security has stressed the convenience, security, and safety of getting benefit payments electronically, offering peace of mind that your payment will arrive on time, even in the event of natural disasters or being away from home when the check is in the mail. Electronic payments (direct deposit or Direct Express) are not only the best way to receive federal benefit payments — for most people, starting in March, they are the only way. The truth is, for most people getting monthly benefits, this isn’t really a change at all. That’s because more than nine out of 10 individuals who receive benefits from Social Security already receive payments electronically. If you get your payments the oldfashioned way and electronic payments are new to you, here are some things

Q&A

Q: What’s the easiest way to apply for retirement benefits? A: The easiest way to apply for retirement benefits is online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. It’s easy and secure. You can complete it in as little as 15 minutes. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if we need more information. You also can apply by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our representatives will make an appointment to take your application over the telephone or at a local Social Security office. Q: How can I get an estimate of my retirement benefits? A: Use our online Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity. gov/estimator. There, you can enter certain identifying information about yourself, including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, place of birth, and mother’s maiden name. If the personal information you provide matches our records, you can enter your expected retirement age and future wages. The online application will combine your earnings data Social Security has and provide you a quick and reliable online benefit estimate. You can even enter different “what if” scenarios to find out what your benefits

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • February 2013

you may want to know about your future payments. • Electronic payments are safer: there’s no risk of checks being lost or stolen; • Electronic payments are easy and reliable: there’s no need to wait for the mail or go to the bank to cash a check; • Electronic payments are good for the environment: they save paper and eliminate transportation costs; and finally; • Electronic payments save taxpayers money to the tune of $120 million per year: there are no costs for postage, paper, and printing; and • Electronic payments could save you money on check-cashing and bank fees. Please visit www.GoDirect.org today to learn more about getting your Social Security and SSI payments the safe, easy, inexpensive, and green way — electronically. And rest assured that on payment delivery day, you won’t have to wait for your money; your money is already in the bank and ready for you to use.

will be in different situations. A Spanish-language Retirement Estimator is available at www.segurosocial.gov/ calculador. In addition, you can obtain your online Social Security Statement, which provides estimates of future benefits as well as a record of your earnings to make sure your past earnings are reported correctly. Find the online Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/ statement. Q: How do I report a change of address if I’m getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? A: A person receiving SSI must report any change of address by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or by visiting a local office within 10 days after the month the change occurs. You cannot complete a change of address online. You should report your new address to Social Security so you can continue to get mail from Social Security when necessary, even if you get your benefits electronically by direct deposit or Direct Express. Learn more about SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi. Q: Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) taxable? A: No. SSI payments are not subject to federal taxes, so you will not get an annual form SSA-1099. To learn more about SSI, read our publication on the subject, What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11011.html. If you receive Social Security benefits, they may be taxed.

Heriot,

A Third Book by a Thompson Health Pathologist Doctor, who lives in Brighton, writes 608page book for practicing pathologists and those studying to be pathologists By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

irk Heriot never set out to write a book. But in less than two decades, the Thompson Health chief of pathology has written three. His latest, “Practical Surgical Pathology: Integrating Molecular Pathology into Your Morphologic Practice,” was recently published by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. The 608-page book is written for practicing pathologists and those studying to be pathologists, which are doctors who specialize in medical diagnosis. A Brighton resident who has been with Thompson Health since 1996, Heriot also authored “Understanding Each Other after 9-11: What Everyone Should Know about the World’s Religions,” published last year. His first book, “Who We Are: A Chronicle of the Ideas that Shaped History,” came out in 2000. The books began around 1995 as his personal notes. Like any good writer, he read a lot of general informa-

tion first. He then graduated to more detailed notes infusing the latest information into his research. “Whenever I read a book, an article or went to a course, I took notes and began to keep all those notes together in one place for quick reference,” said Heriot, 57. “That way, whenever I thought ‘what did I read last month about this?,’ I could go to my notes. You want to make sure the information is solid, sound and accurate.” He gathered multiple sources, including many of the existing books, articles and meetings. After doing this for a decade, his notes became pretty voluminous and not much more work was needed to put it in book form. Researching and writing three completely different books and having them published in the last decade were daunting tasks. Some days he would write for only 15 to 20 minutes, while other days he dove right in for hours. “It was a slow process over the

years cobbled together through loosely written notes, incomplete thoughts and the kind of things your high school teacher would be horrified by,” joked Heriot. “But by chipping away and giving myself time to think, I was able to create something that I am proud of. It’s amazing the kinds of things we can do in this world when we have time.” He says that his latest book is not a research book and does not contain new information. It attempts to be a good, clear, succinct synopsis of current information that is available in other sources, but not in any single source. To his knowledge, it is the only book that attempts a complete discussion of traditional pathology, which is done with a microscope, and the newer, molecular pathology, done in a lab with DNA. Other books concentrate primarily on one or the other. His target audience is practicing pathologists and residents, though the molecular chapters at the end are of use to medical technologists. “It’s always a daunting process to do something that you don’t think has been done before,” said Heriot. “The only way I could do this book right was to take the 10 years I did. If someone were to tell me to come up with this in a year, I couldn’t have done that.” Currently, the book is available through the website of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, which is the major professional organization in pathology. It will likely be available in other venues in the next several months. “My book is not original information so it won’t win me a Nobel Prize and you won’t see it on the New York Times bestsSeller list anytime soon either, but if I can make my colleagues’ lives a little easier with the information in this book, then I did my job.” When it came to his first two books, it was an exercise of marrying his passions. He has always been fascinated with history, religion and politics, but not in the way most people are. “I never cared who beat who in a war or what king or queens ruled over a people,” said Heriot. “History is interesting because you see a timeline of ideas and you can read how the modern world thinking was crafted and how we developed science and technology. Also you can’t understand history without understanding the religion of the worlds that it grew out of.” He said after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, many people took a narrowminded, unilateral view of the Muslim world. He said his secondbook was aimed at helping people understand that the subject was grander than it was being portrayed. Heriot graduated from a combined MD, PhD program, which was created to train people for careers in academic medicine at universities. However he decided against getting into purely academics because he wanted to focus on patient care, which is often not the top priority in academia. He became a pathologist and director of the laboratory at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua in 1996 after previously working in South Carolina and California. He is also a clinical assistant professor of pathology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. While he’s not sure what his next book might be about, he is excited about the future of his profession. “As far as trends, I foresee that medical diagnosis and treatment will increasingly be at the molecular level, for example DNA testing,” said Heriot. “Over the next few years, I believe we’ll see a shift away from the blood and tissue testing that is done now. My book attempts to prepare my pathology colleagues for this transition.”

February 2013 •

WinterProof Your Skin

oung or old, we all need to take special care of our skin during the cold winter months. Chilly, dry air outdoors and forced-air heat indoors can be a lethal combination for skin, causing it to lose its ability to retain moisture and become dry, cracked and itchy. “Simple daily steps can ‘winter-proof’ the skin and help prevent more serious health conditions,” says Karthik Krishnamurthy, dermatologist at Montefiore Medical Center. To keep skin hydrated and healthy during the winter months, Krishnamurthy offers the following tips: • Simple daily care is the key to healthy skin. Shower only once daily for less than 10 minutes. The longer the shower, the more natural oils and nutrients are lost. Opt for lukewarm water and avoid very hot water. Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and choose sponges over harsher scrubs. The same applies for children. “In kids we see a lot of eczema flare ups in the winter, even in children with no history of skin problems,” Krishnamurthy says. “Be wary of extended bathing time, as this draws both salt and moisture out of the skin. This process is accelerated with bubble baths. Sitting in soapy water strips natural, protective oils from the skin, allowing it to dry out much faster.” • Make moisturizing a daily habit. Moisturize immediately after showering or bathing. While your skin is still wet, apply petroleum jelly, which spreads very easily, then towel dry. “What happens is that the water cannot penetrate past the oil, so it’s forced back into your skin,” Krishnamurthy said. “ • Protect skin from the inside out. Poor nutrition can be a major source of skin disease. Deficiencies in B-vitamins (niacin, riboflavin) can lead to dry, itchy skin. Eating turkey, tuna, whole grains, lentils and bananas will help maintain healthy levels of B-vitamins in the body. On the other hand, ingesting beer or alcohol depletes B-vitamins and can make winter skin worse. A deficiency in vitamin C results in fragile skin, so it’s also beneficial to eat citrus fruits, green or red peppers and tomato juice. • Be aware if skin needs extra care. People with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis as well as those with thyroid disease are at greater risk for skin problems and discomfort during the winter. • It may be cold, but don’t forget the sunscreen. Although it is cold outside, the sun shines ultraviolet light year-round. In fact, it’s possible to get even more sun exposure on a snowy day than a summer day. Snow reflects ultraviolet light, so there is double exposure from above and below. Use sunscreen all year round.

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Complementary

Finding Relief: Yoga for People with a Serious Medical Condition By Maggie Fiala you’re doing,” she said. end her career early after As a little girl, Nancy Tinnes, 70, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a developed scoliosis, which is a medichronic disease that leads to cal term for a sideways curve in one or inflammation of the joints more segments of the spine, and took and surrounding tissues. up yoga 15 years ago to ease tightness “At the time, something and improve her flexibility. was calling to me. I knew “It was hard to get into at first. I I needed to heal not only thought it was silly. I would lie on the physically, but on a spiritual floor and think about my grocery list. level too. I knew yoga was But after a while, I got the hang of it, going to pull me into that and now I really, really enjoy it. If I was place,” said Mortellaro. richer, I would do it every day,” said After practicing yoga Tinnes. for a few months, MortelShe attends Iyendar classes at laro began noticing physical Nirvasana Yoga because poses are improvements immediately. adaptable and the props help her Stephanie Mortellaro, a therapeutic yoga instructor Today she lives symptomachieve better alignment. Tinnes said, at Open Sky Yoga, performs Baddha Konasana, a free of RA. Now, Mortel“If I could spend all day upside down, restorative pose that stretches the inner thigh and groin. laro, 40, is a registered yoga lower heart rate and blood pressure; instructor, specializing help relieve anxiety, depression, and in restorative, therainsomnia; and improve overall physical peutic yoga to help fitness, strength, and flexibility, accordother people with an ing to the National Center of Compleillness or injury. She mentary and Alternative Medicine. teaches at Open Sky A 2007 National Health Interview Yoga Center in RochSurvey found that yoga is one of the ester. top 10 complementary health practices Therapeutic yoga used among U.S. adults. goes at a slower, Yoga is generally considered lowgentler pace than impact and safe in healthy people; other yoga styles and however, pregnant women or people concentrates on proper with certain medical conditions should alignment, posture consult with their doctor before startand breathing, she ing a program. says. Yoga has many styles, forms and “Most of us spend intensities. Hatha yoga, commonly our lives sitting for 8 practiced in the U.S. and Europe, emhours a day; our backs phasizes postures, breathing exercises, are aching, hunched and meditation. Hatha yoga styles over and locked into include Ananda, Anusara, Ashtanga, one position. When Bikram, Iyengar, Kripalu, Kundalini, you align the body Viniyoga, and others. there is nothing like At the age of 23, Stephanie Mortelit—it’s magical,” she laro danced professionally, but had to said. Lynn Garrett Tayrien is a certified Stephanie Mortellaro, a therapeutic yoga instructor at Open Iyengar instructor and director and Sky Yoga, performs Legs-Up-A-Wall pose, which stretches the owner of Nirvasana back legs, front torso, and the back of the neck. Yoga, a yoga studio in Rochester. Iyengar yoga, founded by B.K.S. Iyengar, focuses on precision and I would.” alignment in all postures with the use Jim Dylan of Rochester was also of props, such as ropes, sandbags, belts reluctant to practice yoga at first. and blankets. Postures are modified to “When I started, it was all women, meet the physical conditions and needs and I thought, ‘What am I doing this of each student. girly crap for?’” said Dylan who was Iyendar yoga works to open up accustomed to playing contact sports. joints, increase mobility and ease stiffThree years ago, he had extreme ness, says Tayrien. pain in his knee, but his doctor could Although Tayrien doesn’t advertise not operate for three months. Dylan yoga as therapy or a way to replace read about the benefits of yoga, so he conventional medical treatment, many gave it a try. of her students use yoga to relieve back “As I did it, I started feeling better, pain, lose weight, decrease stiffness and now I don’t feel any pain,” said and joint pain, and improve posture or Dylan who attends class at the YMCA alignment, she said. MetroCenter Branch in Rochester. “If you use all yoga has to offer, Dylan was also able to lower his blood, you can cover all the bases. I have which he contributes to the spiritual nothing against gym workouts, but benefits of yoga. they can get routine and mindless. “It more than stretching and movYoga is the opposite. It is paying attenLynn Garrett Tayrien, a certiﬁed Iyengar instructor and director and owner of Nirvasana ing, it has a spiritual aspect, which I tion to your body, so you are watching think is very beneficial,” he said. Yoga, performs a side plank pose, which strengthens the arms and spine. what you’re doing and feeling what

Laurie Colligan had not struggled with depression until she reached midlife. In her early 40s, she said, the highs and lows of life became harder to handle as she faced common midlife changes: Her kids were getting older, leaving the nest, and she entered perimenopause, a time of irregular periods and hormonal shifts before menopause. Her doctor prescribed an antidepressant to help deal with the hormonal changes and extra stress. The antidepressant helped and things got better. As they did, she started to focus on her health and well-being. Colligan turned to yoga, a type of exercise that aims to raise the awareness of the connection between your body and mind through a series of stretches, positions and breathing exercises. “At the time, I was looking for something for myself to get back in shape and find those quiet moments. I loved it and cherished the time I could go. I couldn’t believe how beneficial it was physically and emotionally,” said Colligan. She started taking yoga classes seven years ago YMCA Maplewood Family Branch in Rochester, but currently attends classes at the Eastside branch. Now, at age 50, Colligan is off an antidepressant and feels centered again. She thanks yoga for that. “I don’t think I would have been able to do that without my go-to, which is yoga,” she said, “without a doubt it help me. I feel much less anxious overall; I feel good. I’m in a more peaceful place.” Colligan is one of 15 million people enjoying the physical and mental benefits of this 5,000-year-old mind-body practice. Though it cannot cure any condition, research suggests yoga may improve quality of life; reduce stress;

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • February 2013

Complementary

Reflexology Maps Out Pain Relief Technique means more than just a foot or hand massage, experts say By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

or some people accustomed to Western medicine, reflexology sounds a little too “out there” to try. But driven by desperation for pain relief, they give it a try and are surprised to find that the gentle to firm pressure a therapist places strategically at points on their hands, feet or ears does, somehow, dispel their pain. In general, reflexology, a modality of Chinese medicine, is said to work because the nervous system’s connections can be stimulated at the palms, bottoms of the feet and ears. Practitioners have mapped which locations imIngerick pact what parts of the body so that prodding a specific place on a foot can relieve pain in the back, for example. Maria Raczka, licensed massage therapist at Helendale Massage in

Rochester, said that not many of her clients are familiar with reflexology, but she incorporates it into her massages. “If I’m working on an area of the foot, I’ll ask, ‘Is that tender?’ They may say yes, and the corresponding area, let’s say the shoulder, is having a problem. When I work out the problem in the foot, the shoulder is better. The body is connected in many ways throughout.” At Campanella Chiropractic & Wellness in Rochester, Nicholas Sienkiewycz, a chiropractor, said that reflexology can address pain in the muscles, joints, internal organs or “anything that your nervous system communicates with in your body. “People think it’s merely something like a foot massage or something that they would do as a relaxation technique. Actually, it is a very old and excellent way of working with the nervous system.” Typically, practitioners push on the points with a finger or use a stroking motion, the same way practitioners did

What They Want You to Know:

Orthopedic Surgeons By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

he American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) states that the specialty is called “orthopedics” because its specialists have treated children suffering from spine and limb deformities. The Greek roots of the word ‘orthopedics’ are ortho (straight) and pais (child). Early orthopedists often used braces or other forms of treatment to make the child ‘straight.’ Today, orthopedic surgeons use a variety of treatments to help musculoskeletal patients of all ages. • “Prevention is often an underemphasized form of treatment for musculoskeletal disease. Being predominantly a joint surgeon by trade, I encourage

my patients to avoid impact activities and am in favor of biking and swimming. In fact, I often tell patients that after the age of 35 ‘the only reason to run is to save your life.’ Keeping our weight under control is also an important aspect of our general cardiovascular health. • “I think there can be a misconception that total knee replacement or any commonly performed orthopedic procedure is ‘routine’ and therefore ‘easy’ simply because the procedure is performed in high volume. Orhopedic surgeons are like master craftsmen in some respects. Certain procedures, despite being commonly performed, are often both technically and physically

thousands of years ago. The ancient practice is rooted in Chinese medicine and is based upon stimulating the nervous system and “meridians” in the body. “A meridian is a channel in the body that isn’t visible but is believed to be connected to the nervous system and connected to different organs,” said Krista Ingerick, licensed massage therapist and operations manager at The Springs Integrative Medicine Center & Spa at Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic. “The theory is that electrochemical messages are sent along these meridians and imbalances in these messages can impede health.” The mapping on the hands and feet is pretty similar, though more spread out than that of the ear. If you have experienced a massage, you probably have experienced reflexology. Ingerick said that many therapists incorporate reflexology into their massages. “We have an ayurvedic form of reflexology here,” Ingerick said. “Most of the points are similar but there’s incorporation of points that are similar to acupressure points. It’s a little more gentle than Western reflexology. It can be soothing to receive. We use special oils for the feet and powders so it’s a little more of a relaxing treatment. “It doesn’t have to be painful to be effective. Someone who’s had a nega-

tive experience where it was excruciating, [should try] a different form of reflexology. They may find it soothing. It can be used for prevention, self-care and maintenance or to treat something that’s going on.” Some people receive pain relief from a single treatment and the effect lasts hours, days or weeks. Others require more sessions and benefit from reflexology treatments cumulatively. Since reflexology causes no side effects except, possibly, discomfort on tender points, patients can choose it as a means of complementary medicine. “There are some precautions for people with neuropathy, diabetes or reduced sensation but there aren’t a lot of contraindications,” Ingerick said.

challenging. • “One of the more significant advancements in the last decade in terms of joint arthroplasty has been the improvement to polyethylene liners, which we believe will provide joint replacements further longevity moving forward. • “I don’t think there is a ‘wrong’ time, or a time that is too soon to visit an orthopedic surgeon for arthritic knee pain. Ultimately, patients have individual pain tolerances, so we as orthopedic surgeons see new patients with varying degrees of knee arthritis, from little to no arthritis all the way to end-stage arthritis. Ultimately, if a patient is uncomfortable, and it becomes apparent that his or her knee pain is not resolving after several weeks, a visit to the primary care physician, or orthopedic surgeon is probably in order.

exercises. I tell patients, ‘Let’s go from the least invasive to the most invasive.’ • “We may be able to do surgery as an out patient. In my practice, over 50 percent are ambulatory so they don’t have to go to the hospital, just the surgery center.

John G. Ginnetti, assistant professor of orthopedics at URMC, and an orthopedic surgeon at the Evarts Joint Center at Highland Hospital

Luke Loveys, chief of orthopedics, Unity Health System

• “The most productive thing a patient can do before they come in is to know when the symptoms started, what makes things worse, and those kinds of things. It helps us pinpoint where that pain may be coming from, and what you’ve tried so far. • “I would say that the biggest fear that a lot of people have is when you go to a surgeon’s office, you’ll have surgery. About 90 percent of the people we see don’t require surgery. A lot of things are taken care of through medication, physical therapy, bracing or

February 2013 •

Terrance Daino, general orthopedic, Unity Health System • “As much as technology continues to advance at a significant rate, we still find that some of the most important factors in helping to improve people’s health is to not forget the basics of medicine: listening, using your hands and eyes to properly diagnose and form a treatment plan. Not all problems respond to simple interventions. There are a lot of advances coming out as far as implants in helping those problems we see.”

Editor’s Note:

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.

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H ealth News Lakeside: Gala dinner raises more than $50,000 The Lakeside Foundation announced its annual gala dinner raised more than $50,000.About $18,000 will be used in support of the purchase of a digital mammography machine for the hospital’s radiology department; about $34,000 will benefit the health system in general. The dinner, held Dec. 7, featured renowned international disguise specialist and prosthetic expert, Robert R. Barron. “We so greatly appreciate the support from our community,” said Susan L. Parrino, executive director for the foundation. “The contributions from so many exemplify our supporters’ generosity, as well as the value and importance our health system holds for our community.”

Clifton Springs Hospital welcomes new internist Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic announced the opening of an office of Prime Medical of the Finger Lakes, the practice of physician Charbel Moussallem. It’s located in the hospital’s medical office building. Moussallem is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is the former chief of mediMoussallem cine at Geneva General Hospital, and served as an assistant professor of medicine at University Hospital in Syracuse.

RGH recognized for gynecology service Rochester General Hospital recently earned a prestigious designation as an AAGL Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) by the AAGL and Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). The AAGL, the leading association promoting minimally invasive gynecologic techniques among surgeons worldwide, developed the COEMIG program in collaboration with SRC as a quality improvement initiative. As a COEMIG designee, RGH has been recognized for demonstrating an unparalleled commitment and ability to consistently deliver safe, effective care. As part of the COEMIG evaluation process, RGH provided information on all aspects of its minimally invasive gynecology program and processes, including data on its surgical outcomes. Rochester General’s minimally invasive gynecology team, part of the RGHS division of women’s health services, began preparing for the required onsite evaluation earlier in 2012 and will update the COEMIG database with relevant data moving forward. “This new center of excellence status further confirms our industry leadPage 22

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ership in providing gynecologic care of the highest safety, quality and value,” said Mark C. Clement, president and CEO of Rochester General Health System, the hospital’s parent company.

Visiting Nurse Service adds two new board members Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester and Monroe County, Inc. (VNS) recently added two new members to its board of directors: Irene Burke and Ginny Ryan. Burke is a principal and consulting actuary of the actuarial services division of Burke Group and has been with the firm since 1991. Ryan is a 13WHAM News Anchor for 13WHAM Television, the local Burke ABC affiliate. She has 27 years of news broadcasting experience, 25 of which were during her career at 13WHAM. “We are very pleased to have both Ginny and Irene on our Board,” said Vicky Hines, president and CEO of Visiting Nurse Service. “Ginny has been involved with our community for a long time, is committed to health issues and has supported VNS initiaRyan tives in the past. Irene is committed to our Meals on Wheels program and is Chair of our Advisory Committee. She began a Meals on Wheels Adopt-A-Route program at her company and is a real public advocate for eradicating senior hunger.”

Pediatric dentist appointed at Eastman Institute Assistant professor and dentist Sean McLaren of Greece has been appointed program director for the pediatric dentistry residency program at Eastman Institute for Oral Health, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center. McLaren, who previously served as assistant program director, has been a full-time faculty member since 2006. In this new role, he will oversee the residents’ education during Mclaren their two-year advanced training, including extensive clinical treatment at all the Eastman Dental locations. McLaren earned his dental degree from SUNY Buffalo, completed a general practice residency at Strong Memorial Hospital and later a pediatric dentistry residency at EIOH. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and president-elect of the Monroe County Dental Society.

Clifton Springs Hospital Appoints Interim CEO, New COO Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic announced that physician Lewis Zulick, has been appointed interim CEO effective Jan. 18. He replaced John Galati who has served as the organization’s president and CEO for 18 years. “John has made many contributions toward maintaining and improving healthcare for our community,” said Clinton Emery, board co-chairman. Zulick “We have successfully maintained modern facilities, a dedicated staff, and delivered high quality care within a full service hospital all under John’s leadership. We all recognize John’s contribution and appreciate his many years of dedication and service.” Zulick has been the chief medical officer for Clifton Springs Hospital

for the past 11 years. Donna Smith, a registered nurse who has served as chief nursing officer, has added the title of chief operating officer. “The Board further appreciates Dr. Zulick’s acceptance of the interim CEO position,” said Emery. “Dr. Zulick will continue to practice as a successful general surgeon within the region as he fulfills the duties of interim CEO for the hospital. Smith I am very confident that with both Dr. Zulick and Donna Smith in leadership roles we will continue to serve the needs of our community well and maintain our high standards in providing quality healthcare services.” The hospital does not intend to open a search for a permanent CEO at this time.

Excellus BCBS doctor to help transform nation’s end-of-life care The Institute of Medicine has selected an Excellus BlueCross BlueShield physician to serve on a committee of national experts charged with helping to transform the nation’s endof-life care. Patricia Bomba, a physician who lives in Pittsford, serves as vice president and medical director, geriatrics, Excellus BCBS. She will serve on the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Transforming End-of-Life Care. Bomba Bomba is a nationally recognized palliative care and end-of-life expert who designs and oversees the implementation of community projects throughout New York state. At Excellus BCBS, Bomba serves as a geriatric consultant on projects and programs affecting seniors. “New York state is ahead of the curve when it comes to ensuring patients’ wishes are honored at the end of life,” Bomba said. “I hope to parlay the successes of New York state into a new national standard that empowers patients, their families and physicians to make and share sound decisions.” Bomba was the driving force behind a 2008 New York state Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) law which

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • February 2013

helped to ensure that a person’s end-of-life wishes were followed, whether the person was at home, in a nursing home or in any other non-hospital setting. Bomba earned a bachelor’s degree from Immaculata College in Pennsylvania and graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Rochester and is board certified in internal medicine, with added qualifications in geriatric medicine. Bomba serves as New York’s representative on the National POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) Paradigm Task Force and chairs New York’s MOLST Statewide Implementation Team. The Institute of Medicine is an independent, nonprofit organization that works outside of government to provide unbiased and authoritative advice to decision-makers and the public. The Committee on Transforming End-of-Life Care will conduct a consensus study that will produce a technical report on ways to advance end-of-life care, among many others goals.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • February 2013