in good
Rochester–Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
October 2014 • Issue 110
Health ‘Massacre’ in Rochester Year: 1920-1921 Place: Rochester Goal: To remove tonsils of children to make them “healthier,” “stronger” and prevent them from having “mental issues” Recommended by: Doctors, hospitals, community leaders Results: 9,821 children had their tonsils removed
priceless
Life with Celiac Disease A mom’s dramatic first-person account of her daughter’s growing up with celiac disease
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CRAWLING
Babies born in the winter start crawling earlier than those born in the summer
Neurologist Maria Dombovy talks about one thing you can do for your brain that will help prevent Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and even stroke
How Wegmans Helps Promote Healthy Eating An army of dietitians, chefs and other professionals helps spread the word about healthy food. Shown in the photo are Rochester fourth graders during a visit to a local market, part of Wegmans effort to promote consumption of healthy foods Page 24
Whenever my friend goes on a diet, she quits eating olives. “Too fatty,” she whines, “too caloric, too salty.” Whenever I hear her lame excuses, I read her the Olive Riot Act. See SmartBites inside.
Do You Really Need an Annual Physical? You’re relatively young, healthy and take no maintenance drugs. Do you really need an annual physical? We ask several local doctors about the value of the annual visit. The consensus? Please check story inside Page 9
Pumping at Work
Moms talk about the importance of breastfeeding after maternity leave and how they juggle work, breastfeeding Page 17
October 2014 •
Also Inside
When Your Spouse Has ADHD Page 16
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Marijuana tops list of illicit substances used by Americans
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What's in your medicine cabinet? Prescription drug abuse is on the rise. Being informed is your best defense.
early 10 percent of Americans aged 12 and older were illicit drug users in 2013, and almost 20 million said they used marijuana, making it the most widely used drug, U.S. health officials reported in September. Two states, Colorado and Washington, permit the recreational use of marijuana. The new study findings are from a government report outlining the extent of substance use and mental illness in the nation. The report is based on an analysis of data from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. It also found that 4.5 million Americans aged 12 and older said they were current (past month) nonmedical users of prescription pain relievers, 1.5 million were cocaine users, 595,000 were methamphetamine users and 289,000 were heroin users. Almost 23 million Americans aged 12 and older required treatment for drug or alcohol use, but only 2.5 million received treatment at a specialty facility, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report. It also found that more than 14 percent of adults aged 18 and older said they received mental health treatment or counseling in the past year, and that nearly 44 million had a mental illness
in 2013. Ten million adults aged 18 and older said they had a serious mental illness in the past year that interfered with a major life activity, according to the report. “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Recovery Month our nation can be proud of the strides made in successfully promoting the power of recovery from mental and substance use disorders,” SAMHSA Administrator Pamela Hyde said in a government news release.
Clarifications
• Don’t share your prescriptions. • Know the signs and symptoms of abuse. • Properly conceal and dispose of old or unused medications. For dates and locations of pharmaceutical waste collection sites located near you, visit www.monroecounty.gov/hhw.
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – Rochester Area To learn more or to schedule a presentation, contact NCADD-RA at (585) 719-3489.
www.ncadd-ra.org Page 2
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In a story we published in August about the WNY Wreckers, a Rochester-area wheelchair rugby team, we failed to credit the photos used with the piece. M6 Photography of Canandigua provided those photos.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
The subhead of a story we published in August about a new tattoo removal technique stated physician Howard Langstein was a dermatologist. As the body of the story correctly informed, Langstein is a plastic surgeon.
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October 2014 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Organ • Eye • Tissue Donation To Enroll in the NY State Registry
www.retb.org 1.800.568.4321 Rochester Eye & Tissue Bank
Sore Muscles Slowing You Down?
You need a massage! Albert Dedicke, LMT Specializing in massage for muscle pain www roccitywellness.com 270-9081
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CALENDAR of
HEALTH EVENTS
Oct. 4
Oct. 16
African-American health symposium on tap
Free screenings for colon, cervical, breast cancers
Many Americans dismiss the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, believing symptoms are a normal part of aging. This is of even greater concern for African-Americans, who are two times more likely to develop late-onset Alzheimer’s disease than whites and less likely to have a diagnosis of their condition, resulting in less time for treatment and planning. The Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester & the Finger Lakes Region welcomes the community to a free half-day symposium: “Reason to Hope: Annual Dr. Lemuel and Gloria Rogers African-American Health Symposium.” It will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in the historic Corn Hill District, 141 Adams St., Rochester. Check-in and continental breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m. To register, call 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/rochesterny.
The Cancer Services Program of Ontario, Seneca and Yates Counties (CSP) provides free screenings for colorectal, cervical and breast cancers for eligible men and women with little or no health insurance. Lifecare Medical Associates, PC is hosting a screening day from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Oct. 16. Lifecare is located at 1991 Balsley Road in Seneca Falls. Walk-ins are welcome; eligibility will be determined on site. The CSP is grant-funded by the New York State Department of Health. Men and women aged 50 and older may be eligible for annual at-home colorectal cancer screening kits, women aged 40 and older may be eligible for pap and pelvic exams; mammograms and clinical breast exams may be provided for eligible women aged 40 and older as well as men with confirmed breast symptoms. If you are interested in free cancer screenings and feel you may be eligible, please call 315-4620602 or 1-866-442-CANCER (2262).
Oct. 14
Oct. 16
FARNY support group to meet
Community Labyrinth Walks on agenda
The Fibromyalgia Association of Rochester New York serves people in Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties. The Fibromyalgia Association of Rochester New York support group meeting will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Greece Town Hall Meeting Center, Room A, 1 Vince Tofany Blvd., Rochester. Katelyn Armes, a third-year pharmacy student at St. John Fisher College, will present information about fibromyalgia medications. The event is free and open to the Public. No registration is needed. For more information, call 585-2257515, email publicity@farny.org, or visit www.farny.org. Page 4
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“Successfully helping the disabled obtain their Social Security Disability/SSI benefits for 23 years.”
Free monthly Community Labyrinth Walks will be featured this fall season. They will be held at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 S. Winton Road, Rochester, from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 16, Nov. 20 and Dec. 15. Donations are appreciated to help cover expenses. A 15-minute orientation takes place from 7-7:15 p.m. The facility is handicapped accessible. For more details, call Kay Whipple at 585-392-3601.
Online at gvhealthnews.com
Our Practice Welcomes New Patients. Your child will always be seen by a Pediatrician Clarene Cress, M.D. Alejandro Marchini, M.D. Michael Green, M.D.
Mary Perry, ADR 585-385-6855
www.disabilityrep.com 57 Monroe Avenue - Suite C Pittsford, NY 14534
Oct. 18, 19
Speed dating event for people 60 plus In conjunction with the Oct. 18 screening of “The Age of Love” documentary, Lifespan is hosting a speed dating event for people 60 years old and older from 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19. Twelve men and 12 women will have the opportunity to meet each other for seven minutes before moving to meet the next person. Lifespan is accepting participant applications through Oct. 3. Applications are available online at www.lifespan-roch.org, by calling Lifespan at 585-244-8400, ext. 0 or at Lifespan’s 1900 S. Clinton St. office. The 12 men and 12 women who are invited to attend will be contacted by Lifespan by Oct. 10. The event will be held at Lifespan’s MVP Health Care Living Well Center located within the Westside YMCA, 920 Elmgrove Road (just off Route 531). Attendees do not need to be YMCA or MVP members. “The Age of Love” is a documentary filmed in Rochester. It follows the humorous and poignant adventures of 30 people in Rochester who signedup for a first-of-its-kind speed dating event exclusively for 70- to 90-yearolds. The movie is being screened at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Little Theater. It will feature Q&A with the director, cast and crew followed by a special panel discussion on dating and relationships after 60. For more information on “The Age of Love” go to http://theageoflovemovie.com/ screening/rochester-ny-special-event/
Oct. 19
Learn healthy hearing habits Hart Hearing Centers and audiologist Sarah Klimasewski will provide information on hearing loss, hearing loss prevention and healthy habits for better hearing during a free seminar from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Oct. 19 at MVP Baby Expo, which takes place at Memorial Art Gallery , University Avenue, Rochester. More than 31.5 million Americans have hearing loss, according to the Better Hearing Institute’s (BHI). Hearing loss affects one in 10 Americans, and one in 4 households. While 95 percent of individuals with hearing loss can be successfully treated with hearing aids, only 23 percent currently use them.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
Carol Gagnon, M.D. Gretchen Volk, M.D. Molly Hughes, M.D. Colette Barczys, M.D.
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For more information, call Hart Hearing Center at 585-266-4130 or email Sarah@HartHearing.com.
Oct. 21
HLAA Cochlear Implant Subgroup to meet Individuals considering getting a cochlear implant or wishing to learn about new developments in implant technology are invited to the meeting of the Hearing Loss Association/Rochester Cochlear Implant Subgroup at 5 p.m. Oct. 21. It takes place in the vestry room at St. Paul’s Church, East Avenue at Westminster Road, across from the George Eastman House. For more information, visit www. hlaa-rochester-ny.org or call 585-2667890.
Oct. 28
New fibromyalgia support group forms A new fibromyalgia support group will meet from 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Westside YMCA, 920 Elmgrove Road, Rochester. Cassie Wright, a certified dietitian and certified diabetes expert at Unity Endocrinology and Diabetes, will present “Healthy Eating and Healthy Living.” The event is free and open to all. To RSVP, call Brenda Linda at 3413290.
Oct. 28
Workshop scheduled for women who live alone “Living Alone: How to Survive and Thrive on Your Own” is a threepart workshop offered for women who want to find joy again and gain the know-how to forge a meaningful and enriching life on their own. The workshop takes place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on three consecutive Tuesdays: Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and 11 at House Content Bed & Breakfast, Mendon. The workshop fee of $125 includes a Living Alone binder, empowerment exercises, and helpful resources. To register, contact Gwenn Voelckers at 585-624-7887 or email gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com.
FDA Approves New Obesity Drug
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he U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of a new weight-loss drug in September marks the third time the agency has given its blessing to a new diet medication since 2012. Called Contrave, the medicine is a combination of two approved drugs: naltrexone, which treats alcohol and drug addiction, and bupropion, which treats depression and seasonal affective disorder and is used to help smokers quit. The agency said in a news release that Contrave can be used by obese adults and by overweight adults who have at least one other weight-related condition or illness, such as high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults in the United States are obese, the FDA said in its news release. “Obesity continues to be a major public health concern,” said physician Jean-Marc Guettier, director of the division of metabolism and endocrinology products with the FDA. “When used as directed in combination with a healthy lifestyle that includes a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, Contrave provides another treatment option for chronic weight management.” Two years ago, the FDA approved two other prescription obesity drugs, the first such drugs endorsed in more than a decade. But those two drugs — Vivus’s Qsymia and Belviq, made by Arena Pharmaceuticals and Eisai —
haven’t sold well, according to news sources. Disappointing sales may reflect the common belief that obesity is a problem of willpower, not a medical condition that requires pharmaceutical treatment, experts told the newspaper. Contrave was developed for people unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone who aren’t ready for weight-loss surgery. The drug’s approval was based on the results of multiple trials involving 4,500 people. One trial found that 42 percent of people who took Contrave lost 5 percent of their body weight, compared to 17 percent who took a placebo. A second trial found 36 percent of people with Type 2 diabetes who took Contrave lost 5 percent of their body weight, while only 18 percent of those on a placebo did. Because Contrave contains bupropion, the label will include a boxed warning about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors associated with antidepressants.
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Serving Monroe and Ontario Counties in good A monthly newspaper published by
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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. © 2014 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: Jim Miller, Deborah J. Sergeant, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Chris Motola, George W. Chapman, Christina M. McGlynn, Deborah Blackwell, Zoe Fackelman • Advertising: Donna Kimbrell, Marsha Preston • 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.
October 2014 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Meet
Using Patient’s Own Story to Diagnose and Treat Disease is Oct. 21 Sischy Lecture Topic Guest speaker is founder of ‘narrative medicine’ which encourages providers to incorporate patient viewpoints with traditional clinical data to enhance medical care
P
hysician Rita Charon will present the 2014 Sischy Lecture, “The Care of the Sick is a Work of Art,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave. Charon is a general internist and narratologist at Columbia University who originated the field of narrative medicine. Narrative medicine recognizes the value of patients’ spoken viewpoints and first-person accounts in clinical practice, research and education. Narrative medicine aims not only to validate the experience of the patient, but also to encourage creativity and self-reflection in the physician. “Sick people need physicians who can understand their diseases, treat their medical problems, and accompany them through their illnesses,” Charon has said. She is the author of “Narrative Medicine: Honoring the Stories of Illness” and co-editor of “Stories Matter: The Role of Narrative in Medical Ethics” and “Psychoanalysis and Narrative Medicine.” Charon is founder and executive director of the program in narrative medicine at Columbia. Her research focuses on the impact of narrative medicine practice, reflective clinical practice and health care team effectiveness. The lecture is free and open to the public. To register now, visit http://event.urmc.edu/ sischy . For additional registration information contact Angela Pullen at 585-273-5937. The Ben Sischy, M.D., Lecture in Humane Medicine was established in 1991 as a tribute to the former chief of radiation oncology at Highland Hospital. Sischy’s career was based on his beliefs in the importance of quality patient care, innovative research and dedicated treatment. He pioneered many new approaches to cancer treatment in a community hospital setting.
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Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Maria Dombovy, M.D. Neurologist talks about the merger between Unity and Rochester General and the one thing you can do for your brain that will help prevent Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and even stroke ty.
Q: Tell me about your role at Uni-
A: I’m the vice president of the neuroscience service line. I started as the medical director of the brain injury unit back in 1989. We started with inpatient brain injury rehabilitation and expanded to include other diagnoses like stroke and spinal injury and orthopedic, as well as neurologic. Over the years we added neurology and neurosurgery and spine. The rehabilitation program, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, was the beginning of a whole array of services we’ve developed. Q: So your role has expanded along with the services. A: Yes. In the beginning, I was the only neurologist. We now have five neurologists, four rehabilitation physicians, three spine physicians, three neurosurgeons and four neuropsychologists. And, if you add up all the therapists, nurses and support stafff, we have 180 employees just for the neuroscience service line. Q: Neurosurgery is often portrayed as the most difficult medical discipline. Is there any truth to that? A: I don’t do surgery myself, but it’s extremely difficult. You have to understand the anatomy of the nervous system, which is very complex. It’s one of the specialties that requires a lot of expertise.
any difference. Over the next several months and years it gives us the opportunity to combine the expertise of both institutions. They have expertise in cardiovascular, we have our neuroscience service line. Rochester General draws from a different area than us in terms of patient population, so we can bring the programs we’ve developed like the memory care program and the spine program to their population. Q: How does it help your line on your end? A: I’m not in a position to say that at the moment. Each of the hospitals brings different resources, so there are opportunities to save costs and not duplicate things. So if you’re saving costs in one area, it frees up funds for other areas. We’re all expecting that reimbursement for health care services is going to continue to decline going forward. Q: What kinds of cost controls can you make without negatively affecting care? A: I think sometimes we do things out of habit. What we’re trying to do is, for every service we provide, figuring out where we’d be doing it. A lot of
Q: In terms of understanding the brain, where is the field now? A: I think we have a general understanding of how things connect and what parts of the brain controls what. What we don’t understand as well is, if the brain is injured, how does it repair itself. How do you prevent Alzheimers, Parkinsons. Are there better ways to slow the progression or treat those disorders. There are a gazillion neurons in your brain, so the details of how they all work together isn’t exactly known. Q: What effect has the merger between Unity and Rochester General had on your department so far? A: We’re very early into the merger, so from a patient’s perspective right now you’re really not seeing
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
things we do in the hospital, we could do in a cheaper outpatient setting. Is this something that takes a doctor? Is it something a PA or a nurse practitioner could do? Taking a look at areas where there’s a lot of variation in care and look at if there’s a right way to do it, if there’s multiple ways to do it. In some cases there isn’t a right way. But in the cases where there is, we try to find it. Q: Will your role be changing as a result of the merger? A: We’re still in the very early stages, so the structure of how clinical services will be organized isn’t quite clear yet. There’s a large group of physicians meeting on a weekly basis and trying to figure out the organization we need moving forward. It’s a merging of two cultures, so titles are a little unclear at the moment. It’s a dedicated group, though, so I think they intend to do it carefully and thoughtfully. I still see a lot of patients. My area of expertise is stroke and traumatic brain injury. I see patients in the clinic and cover the original inpatient rehab unit, which was just relocated to the Park campus. It’s brand new. Everything’s private. We have state-of-the-art equipment. We just moved there in May, so we’re very excited about it. Q: If you could teach patients one thing you think they should know about their brains, what would it be? A: This is kind of an odd thing, but something we’ve learned about brain health is that it might be better to do physical exercise than brain teasers. We’ve learned that people who routinely exercise have lower rates of Parkinson’s, Alzheimers and stroke and, even if you do get Parkinson’s, you’ll do better if you are exercising. If you’re keeping your heart and lungs in good shape, you’re delivering more oxygen to your brain and helping preserve your brain function. So most of what’s good for your heart is good for your brain, so one of the best things you can do is adopt a more active lifestyle.
Lifelines Position: Vice president, neuroscience service line, Rochester Regional Health System; clinical associate professor of neurosurgery, neurology, and physical medicine and rehab, University of Rochester Recent Career: Strategic Results Team, Unity Health System, 2012-2013; vice president, department of rehabilitation and neurology, Unity Health System, 2010-2011; medical director, Spine Center, Unity Health System, 2008-2014; clinical associate professor of neurosurgery, neurology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation, University of Rochester, 2008-present; co-director, Ithaca-Unity Physical Therapy Residency Program, Ithaca College / Unity Health System, Rochester, NY, 2007-2011; Hometown: St. Cloud, Minn. Education: Mayo Medical School, University of Wisconsin Affiliations: Unity, Rochester General, University of Rochester Medical Center Organizations: American Academy of Neurology, American Heart Association, American Stroke Association Family: Married, three children. Recent Honors and Awards: President’s Award, College of St. Benedict (one of 14 graduates over 100 years to receive President’s Award at the Centennial Reunion), 2013; 2012 ATHENA Award Finalist, Rochester; 2011 ATHENA Award Finalist, Rochester; Best Doctors in America, National List, 1998 & 1999; Hobbies: Snow shoeing, biking, outdoor activities
My Take
Now Hiring Certified HHAs, CNAs & PCAs
By George W. Chapman
Why Hospitals Ask for Your Social Security Number?
E
ver wonder why the doctor or hospital asks for your Social Security number even though you have valid insurance? There is only one reason: in case you try to run and hide from your bill, collection agencies need your Social Security number to find you. My informal survey of practice managers and billing companies, however, reveals that it is extremely rare for a patient who owes money to also leave or flee town. Your Social Security number is the main piece of information crooks want when they hack into a providers’ medical record system. In order to defraud Medicare, criminals need your number. My advice is to not give it. Providers do not really need it and it exposes them to all kinds of hacking attempts.
Walmart Care Forbes magazine reports the mega retailer has opened several primary care clinics in South Carolina and Texas. (New York state does not allow corporations to provide medical care). The clinics will be open 12 hours weekdays and eight hours weekend days. According to Walmart, the general public will be charged only $40 a visit and Walmart employees, covered by the Walmart health plan, only $4. Traditional providers (private medical practices, hospital sponsored practices, clinics and community health centers) are going to face more competition from “corporate providers” that see an opportunity to easily compete on price and access.
Center for Innovation The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created this department/bureaucracy — Center of Innovation — to experiment with ways to improve care and reduce costs. An example would be bundled physician and hospital payments to an Accountable Care Organization for certain diagnoses. Bundled payments are designed to eliminate unnecessary or duplicate tests and procedures, which account for 20 percent of total healthcare costs. The center’s budget is $1 billion which isn’t really a lot considering the government spends $1 trillion on Medicaid and Medicare. The center has not yet published any results saying they are still in the early stages of experiments. Innovations must address healthcare’s “Triple Aim.” First, improve the experience of care. Second, improve the overall health of Americans. Third, reduce the per capita cost of care.
How much is that again?
Your mechanic recommends a new transmission for your car and then
says he has no idea how much it will cost. This doesn’t happen of course because there is price transparency and you need to know because you are paying for it. But in healthcare, neither the provider nor the patient typically knows how much a recommended procedure, test or drug costs because there is little price transparency and neither is paying for it thanks to third party insurance. Many providers find discussing costs with their patients just as uncomfortable as discussing end-oflife options with them. As healthcare is reformed, providers need to know the relationship between costs and outcomes. To counter this trend, many medical schools have introduced cost awareness classes. Students are trained to analyze actual doctor and hospital bills and to look for discrepancies between the primary diagnoses and the cost/outcome of procedures/tests/ drugs ordered.
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Do you live alone? Living alone can be a challenge, especially for women in mid-life who are divorced or widowed. But it can also be the start of a rich and meaningful chapter in your life. Need a jump start?
Living Alone: How to Survive and Thrive on Your Own Tuesdays, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 11 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm House Content B&B, Mendon, NY
You can keep your plan
Under pressure from Congress, primarily due to the dismal rollout of the federal exchange last year, the Administration decided to let consumers keep certain plans for 2014 that were not ACA compliant. Unfortunately, that decision inadvertently allowed many commercial insurers to raise their premiums on existing customers 11 percent to 18 percent for 2015. The reason being the Administration’s decision curtailed the expected enrollment of younger people who usually favor cheaper non-complaint plans, which in turn left the carriers with an older and sicker population. Analysts say the good news is that this should be a onetime adjustment. George W. Chapman is a health consultant who operates GW Chapman Consulting in Syracuse. To reach him, email gwc@ gwchapmanconsulting.com.
It’s All About You!
Your Choices - Your Challenges Your Goals - Your Success
We provide you with strategies, inspiration, focus, a sounding board,and accountability to be THE BEST YOU CAN BE!!! Relationships, Balance, Stress, Career, Creativity, Organization, Support Groups, Parenting and Adult ADD/LD.
Coach for Change Unlimited 585-313-2733 Gail A. Kolb, Ph.D. CoachforChangeUnlimited@Yahoo.com www.coachforchangeunlimited.com
October 2014 •
• A leader in Home HealthCare for 30+ years • Competitive Pay/Benefits • Continuing Education & Training
In the workshop led by Gwenn Voelckers — a women who’s “been there” — you’ll discover how to overcome loneliness and other emotional pitfalls, take charge of your finances, and socialize in a couples’ world. $125 fee includes manual, empowerment exercises and lots of helpful resources. For more information, call (585) 624-7887 or email gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com
nterlakes
Oncology and Hematology, P.C. www.interlakesoncology.com
Providing Compassionate Care Close to Your Home Robert F. Asbury, MD, Dirk M. Bernold, MD, James V. Fetten, MD, Jessica M. Kleiner, MD, Alexander J. Solky, MD and Makiko Ban-Hoefen, MD In Affiliation with UR Medicine and Wilmot Cancer Institute Oncology and Hematology services in the Greater Rochester area with five convenient locations. BROCKPORT 156 West Avenue 585-395-0124
CANANDAIGUA Sands Cancer Center 585-393-7040
GENEVA 675 West Washington St 315-781-2250
GREECE Unity Cancer Center 585-453-2700
HIGHLAND 1000 South Avenue 585-475-8700
Rochester/Admin. Office 211 White Spruce Blvd 585-475-8700
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 7
Live Alone & Thrive
By Gwenn Voelckers
Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone
Making New Friends: It’s Never Too Late Question: I’ve been divorced for about a year now, and struggle with loneliness. I miss the friends we shared as a couple, but I’m just not comfortable socializing with couples anymore. I’m 56, and it feels awkward to try to make friends at my age. Any advice for me?
Answer: It’s unfortunate, but what you are experiencing often happens in the aftermath of a separation or divorce, especially if it was acrimonious. Friends’ loyalties can be split and, just as you feel uncomfortable relating to your former “couple” friends, some couples feel uncomfortable relating to a now-single friend. So how do you meet new people and cultivate friendships as an adult? Here are a few tips: • First, be your own best friend. Taking care of yourself matters. Loving yourself shows. The better you feel about yourself, the better friends you’ll meet. Positive people appreciate and gravitate to other healthy, positive people. • Do what you like doing. You won’t make friends sitting alone at home. Get
out of the house and do those things you enjoy, whether it’s going to the gym, walking your dog, taking a cooking class, joining a book club or any number of activities that are fun and active. You’ll meet people who share your interests and love of life. Friendships will likely follow! • Consider a support group. It’s not uncommon for new friendships to be born out of compassion and empathy. A divorce or grief support group will put you in touch with others facing similar challenges. A friend of mine met her second husband in a divorce support group. She shared, “We got to know each other as friends first, and have remained ‘best friends’ throughout our marriage. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me.” • Say “yes” to invitations and opportunities to be with people. Circulating at parties, neighborhood meetings, work events, etc. is one of the easiest ways to make new friends. You’ll be out and about with people with whom you share something in common. Show up and don’t be
KIDS Corner Babies Born in the Winter Start Crawling Earlier Than Those Born in the Summer Study shows a seasonal effect on the pace of motor development in Israeli babies during their first year
T
he season of a baby’s birth influences its motor development during its first year of life, a new study by University of Haifa researcher’s shows. Babies born in the winter (between December and May) start crawling earlier compared to babies born in the summer (June-November). Forty seven healthy babies with Page 8
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typical development patterns where divided them into two groups. The first group comprised “summer-fall” babies, 16 babies born from June to November, and the second, “winter-spring” babies, 31 babies born from December to May. The study consisted of motor observations in the babies’ homes when they were 7 months old, and a follow-up session when they began to crawl. Par-
shy about extending an invitation to someone you meet. It could be a cup of coffee, drinks after work or walk in the park. • Don’t overlook your family. My sister is my best friend, and she helped me re-establish a network of friends after my divorce. I had gone into the proverbial “cave” and lost contact with practically everyone. Her friends became my friends and now, years later, I enjoy the company of her friends, as well as my own. • Rekindle relationships with old friends. Sometimes old friends drift away when you get married. That’s not unusual. New priorities take over and establishing a new married life together requires time and focus. But now, when you’re looking to find new friendships, consider reconnecting with old friends. They were an important part of your life at one point, and may still have lots to offer. Pick up the phone. • Give a “singles” event a try. Many divorced or widowed men and women find fun and friendship in community
ents were asked to record the stages in their babies’ development before and between the observations. The study used the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), an observational assessment with high reliability, to track the babies’ development. The scale relates to four positions: Prone (on the stomach), supine (on the back), sitting, and standing. The average age at which the babies started crawling was 31 weeks. But while the babies born in the winter (who started to crawl in the summer) started to crawl at an average 30 weeks, those born in the summer (who started to crawl in the winter) began crawling at an average of 35 weeks, with no differences noted between the boys or the girls or in the initial style of crawling (belly crawling or using hands and knees). The overall AIMS score was higher for those babies born in the winter, and the score for movement in the prone position, the scale most meaning-
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
activities organized just for singles. It could be a hike, bike ride, dinner club or dance. These opportunities are often included in community calendars online or in your local newspaper. • Volunteer or join a cause. Supporting an organization or cause you believe in will put you in contact with people working toward a common goal. Community gardens, political parties, hospitals, museums, animal shelters and many other organizations often need volunteers. Strong connections can be made when you work alongside others who want to make the world a better place. • Join an online community of people who share your interests. Social networking sites can be a safe and satisfying way to meet people. One popular site is www.meetup.com, which facilitates group meetings in cities and town around the world. Meetup allows members to find and join groups unified by a common interest, such as nature, photography, hiking, books, movies, health, pets, careers or hobbies. Good friendships make life better. The company of someone who makes you laugh, who provides a shoulder to lean on when you need one, and who is just plain fun to hang out with is vitally important to your health and happiness, whether you live alone or not. So, if you feel your social network is too small, remember you can always meet new people, make new friends, and nurture existing ones. It’s never too late. 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 fall workshop or to invite Gwenn to speak, call 585-624-7887, or email her at gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com
ful in connection with crawling, was significantly higher for the babies in the winter group. By contrast, there was no significant difference in the scores for the supine position, sitting, or standing between the two groups. According to the researchers, the findings strengthen the assumption that there is a window of opportunity for starting to crawl and stress the effect of the season on the start of crawling. “The difference in crawling onset of four weeks constitutes 14 percent of a 7-month-old’s life and is significant,” the researchers note.
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Do You Really Need an Annual Physical? By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Y
ou’re relatively young, healthy and take no maintenance drugs. Do you really need an annual physical? Long considered standard for conscientious health care, an annual physical may be unnecessary for generally healthy people. “A number of studies are showing that mortality rates do not decline for those who faithfully get their physical, and that over-diagnosis and needless tests can result from annual physicals,” said Jillian Moore, a primary health care physician practicing at University of Rochester Medicine’s Canalside Family Medicine in Greece. Eliminating unnecessary visits may help alleviate offices experiencing jampacked schedules. In general, as long as “a healthy adult [is] not experiencing any symptoms, the only routine examination they [should] get is annual blood pressure and weight checks, and females have appropriate cervical cancer screening, the PAP smear,” said Moore. Moore believes that patients without chronic disease could still benefit from a physical exam to reinforce healthy behaviors and make sure their vital numbers are still on-target. During annual physical exams, doctors usually discuss patients’ family health history, health behaviors and tips for preventing chronic disease, including exercise, healthful diet, vaccinations, and obtaining important health screenings. Doctors usually talk with patients about issues relating to that stage of the patient’s life, such as prenatal vitamins for women of childbearing years and colorectal exams and mammograms for older age groups. Lorinda Parks, family physician at Anthony L. Jordan Health Center in Rochester, views the annual exam as an opportunity for physicians to screen patients for more than just physical issues. “Exams let patients who struggle with mental health issues and don’t identify those as problems receive some screening,” she said. “The primary care doctor can help sort through some of those problems. We also screen for domestic violence which many people don’t think about or talk about.” Doctors differentiate between annual physicals and the maintenance visits necessary for patients with chronic health problems, although many people with chronic problems address their general health during those visits,
too.
Moore said the annual appointment “allows your doctor to address you as a whole, look through all of your medications and labs, screen you for other conditions that can make your current illnesses worse, and ask you about symptoms throughout your whole body, rather than just the ones surrounding the one or two illnesses you talk about during your other typical visits.” The problem with “healthy” patients is that they may check their blood pressure and obtain a flu shot at the drug store, maintain their physical fitness through their personal trainer, check their body mass index with a calculator and scale at home, receive nutrition advice at the natural foods store, and ask their pharmacist about supplements, but receive no continuity of care or medical oversight if they don’t receive an annual physical. Small cues that could indicate a health problem forming may be overlooked. “For some who are young and healthy, they just want reassurance that things are going well,” said Scott Statton-Smith, family physician with Rochester Regional Health System. “Some people may have no symptoms of high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes and have no symptoms even if they exercise and eat well. It’s important that with all these healthy habits, there are those who are ill and don’t know it.” The annual physical exam can also provide patients with an opportunity to discuss health issues that bother them, but don’t manifest symptoms that specifically indicate a health problem. Natercia Rodrigues, chief resident at Highland Family Medicine, advises people who don’t receive regular physical exams, to check their blood pressure and weight twice yearly. “[These] are the only things recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force to carry evidence-based weight in terms of preventing major illness among ‘healthy’ people that do not have symptoms of illness,” she said. “One could definitely have this checked outside of a doctor’s office. Those with symptoms should always bring them up with their doctor, and those with diagnosed illness may require blood or other testing, which should be left up to the doctor to decide.”
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October 2014 • In Good IN GOOD – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper Health |HEALTH 5"W x 6.75"H | release 9/17/2012
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Life with Celiac Disease A mom writes about the challenges her daughter and family have to face because of celiac disease By Christina M. McGlynn
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y daughter, Sabrina DeVos, was diagnosed in 2003 with celiac disease. Before her diagnosis, she would get sick often. I missed work frequently and she missed a great deal of school due to her illnesses. She would constantly complain of stomach pain, especially after meals. The doctor said she would outgrow this problem. The school requested I meet with a school psychologist, telling me that my daughter was suffering from separation anxiety, as she was often in the nurse’s office and missing school. Separation anxiety? I stepped back and wondered if they were right. To this day, I feel guilty for even thinking that it might be separation anxiety. My intuition told me something was wrong with my child. I was more determined to find the answer, and separation anxiety was impossible. My daughter was in the first grade and did very well in kindergarten. She loved her teacher, the school and had made many friends. Another cold with fever came along and we were off to the doctor’s office. Fortunately, there was another doctor on duty as our regular pediatrician was on vacation. We discussed her history of illness and the doctor said he would like to do another blood test, but explained the chances of her testing positive for this test is one in a 1,000. He saved my daughter’s life as this test was for celiac disease and the chance of a positive test is actually one out of every 133, not 1,000. She tested positive, but the doctor did not know much about the disease. He did say it could be treated by a glu-
ten-free diet and no medication would be needed. Sabrina’s pediatrician referred us to a gastroenterologist. We had to wait a month for this appointment. I was told to feed her a normal diet until she was officially diagnosed by the gastroenterologist because gluten must be present in her system to test correctly. This was unbearable, as I hated the thought of feeding her food that was making her so sick. After research and call to the Rochester Celiac Support Group, her father and I sat down and discussed with Sabrina that her life was about to change. Her only question was, “Am I going to die?” We met with the gastroenterologist and scheduled a small intestinal biopsy. Immediately after, the gastroenterologist stated it was celiac disease and that I could begin the gluten-free diet. After her diagnosis, I wanted to introduce her to other children with celiac to show her there are others afflicted and they are living healthy lives. Again, we were able to find great support through the Rochester Celiac Support Group where Sabrina made friends and we found a new family. My kitchen needed to be cleaned and reorganized. Items with gluten were contained, the flour and oatmeal went into the trash, and the cookbooks were ordered as I needed to know what she could eat. We met with a nutritionist and were enlightened on what we actually could feed our daughter. In the beginning, she was also put on a lactose-free and gluten-free diet due to the damage to her
Sabrina DeVos with her mom, Christina McGlynn. villi. Then the anxiety set in on how to handle sleepovers, vacationing, a trip to the movies, school lunches and even family gatherings. People thought she could have a little gluten; no one seemed to get it. One crumb of bread takes a couple of weeks to get out of her system. Gluten, no matter how little, causes damage to my daughter’s health. There is risk of cross-contamination, hidden gluten in food labeled “natural ingredients” and now we had to read food labels and call manufacturers if we found unclear labels such as modified food starch, vinegar and other hidden glutens.
Sabrina DeVos with friends from her Girl Scout group performing community service at the Rochester Celiac Walk in Rochester in 2011. She is the first on the right holding the banner. Page 10
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
It was overwhelming, but we became educated. We read books and learned. Our family eats gluten but we are very careful. For instance, we have two toaster ovens, one for gluten-free and the other placed away from everything for gluten items. We keep the regular bread on the bottom tray of the fridge and have our dry goods such as gluten-containing pasta in a small area of the cabinet. Sabrina has her snacks in her own cabinets. We have two peanut butter jars, one labeled as gluten free. If you put a knife in the jar and spread the peanut butter onto regular bread and then place that knife back into the peanut butter to get more, the peanut butter is now contaminated. At school, she was unable to indulge in school birthdays or pizza parties. The teachers would forget to let us know in advance of such celebrations, so Sabrina was left out, watching kids celebrate, and she never complained. Once she was able to eat lactose again, we created an account with the school so that when the children were eating their cupcakes, and we were not notified in advance about the celebration, they would be able to get an ice cream from the cafeteria and charge it to our account. Sabrina brought her own food to birthday parties, but was rarely invited over to friend’s homes for overnights and get-togethers and often felt left out. She didn’t care too much to be left out of the celebrations at school, but I could tell she felt left out of the relationships beyond school and our home. Again, she never complained. She would frequently have friends over for parties and overnights but rarely did her friends invite her over. I asked one of the little girls why she never invited Sabrina over, as this particular girl was over every weekend. She told me that her mother is afraid of Sabrina’s diet and then she chose never to have her over again.
Celiac Disease at a Glance Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect one in 100 people worldwide. When people with celiac disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. These attacks lead to damage on the villi, small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine, that promote nutrient absorption. When the villi get damaged, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body. Celiac disease is hereditary, meaning that it runs in families. People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, sibling) have a one in 10 risk of developing celiac disease. Sabrina actually lost her friend over celiac due to ignorance. Sabrina is the easiest kid to have as a guest as she is sweet, empathetic, and hey, she comes with her own food. Sabrina is not celiac; she has celiac. Actually at her high school musical, it’s tradition that the seniors give the juniors awards for characteristics and traits, such as most creative, etc. Her award was being the most gluten-free. It tore us both up and I happened to be there, picking her up from school. It killed me inside and I cannot imagine how it made her feel. She never flinched. Today, the gluten-free diet is becoming a fad diet. Folks think they can serve her gluten-free as now they are on a “gluten-free” health kick and so she thinks she is eating safe choices, but comes home sick. Celiac is not gluten intolerance or a dietary choice for Sabrina; this is her life. When we go out to dinner, we talk with the cook and ask how food is prepared to assess the risk of contamination. If a restaurant says they have a fryer, we have to ask what else is cooked in that oil because if something that contains gluten is also fried in it, the oil is now contaminated. The same thing can be applied to a grill as sometimes restaurants warm rolls on the grill when making hamburgers. Before we travel, we find restaurants along our routes and call to find options along the way. We have one place locally that delivers gluten-free pizza and I remember when we had a pizza delivered for Sabrina. She was the happiest kid in the world. She actually had a pizza that she could eat be delivered to her home just like any other kid! There are other things that she has to avoid that may contain gluten such as makeup, shampoo, even licking an envelope. I send self-stick envelopes with her when she is away at camp. When Sabrina was 8 years old, I signed her up for a camp for children specifically with celiac disease, but it was all the way in Rhode Island and was a week long. She counted the days and was excited, but it was scary for both of us. The camp runs from Sunday until Friday, so we drove up on Saturday and spent the day together. We visited a museum and had a wonderful gluten-free dinner at a fabulous restaurant. Sunday, we got to camp a little early and found a place to park to let some time pass. She began to show that she was nervous and told me she was a bit worried. I told her since we came all this way, we could go look at it and if she felt uncomfortable, we could just go home. Sabrina was concerned about the money we had spent for the camp, but I told her to not worry about that at all. She seemed to feel more relaxed when the cost was taken out of the picture and she had a choice to go home. To redirect her thoughts and make her feel better, we looked up at the clouds
in the sky and found shapes in them. At camp, she made three friends while waiting in line for the registration process and then we unpacked in the cabin. She told me that she felt great and that she would stay. Now, she cries when she is picked up from camp and she counts the days until camp begins. Attending a camp like the one in Rhode Island lets her feel like she doesn’t have celiac as there are no worries about food. She doesn’t have to feel different from other kids. It’s a place where Sabrina doesn’t have to think about having celiac and is able to feel stress-free about her dietary needs. She can just enjoy camp activities and make friends. It’s almost as though she doesn’t have celiac for the time at camp. I volunteered as a camp counselor for this camp for a couple years, and saw what a wonderful experience it brings. There was an activity where the program counselor asked the group of children to form a circle and each one was to state their name and say one unique fact about themselves. There was a little boy at camp for his first year that introduced himself and his unique thing was that he has celiac. The other kids laughed and said they all have celiac, but it doesn’t define us here. The little boy’s eyes lit up realizing for the first time he was not the gluten-free kid in the bunch. He had to think of something that was truly defining of his personality and it turned out he loved to skateboard. She’s always been the gluten-free kid at school. Every minute of every day, we think about gluten and how to keep it away. Now, Sabrina is beginning to look at colleges and while she is checking out the majors and dorm rooms, I talk to the kitchens to see if they will be able to accommodate her diet. It’s yet another new challenge that she will overcome. Sabrina has not been able to put celiac in the ground, but she is breaking ground. She has been a Girl Scout with the NYPenn Pathways Council since 2002 and is now working on her gold award, the highest achievement a girl scout may earn. Her project is to start a gluten-free camp in our area so that children suffering from gluten intolerance and celiac disease can come and experience a gluten-free camp. This camp is called Celiac Strong, and she’s reaching out to anyone who may want to register. The camp runs from Aug. 1-3 and is for both boys and girls aged 8-15. She also has some projects if any Girl Scouts are interested in a community service project as well. For more information, visit Celiacstrong.weebly.com.
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Christina M. McGlynn lives in Marion, Wayne County. She can be reached at cmalycha@yahoo.com. Her daughter is now 16 and attends Marion High School in Marion. October 2014 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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A health ‘massacre’ in Rochester leads one local historian down a curious path Teresa Lehr discusses a period when Rochester community and medical leaders implemented a public health project to remove children’s tonsils in an attempt to make every child in Rochester “healthier and happier” By Deborah Blackwell
T
eresa Lehr’s serendipitous path led her through the archive of Rochester’s history, and her discoveries not only illuminate hidden stories of local culture, but also opened doors she never expected. No stranger to the area, Lehr went on a journey
of discovery — both for her community and for herself — and in the process became a published author and public speaker, almost to her surprise. “I didn’t follow a true path: my curiosity led me from one thing to another,” says Lehr, 76, of Penfield. “I have a master’s in English and in history, and doors just kept opening.” Her early career teaching middle school English set her course for research and writing, and in time her passion for local history — healthcare history, in particular — was revealed. So much so, she became an archivist at Baker-Cederberg Museum and Archives, and at Rochester General Hospital (RGH,) and she served on the editorial board for The Encyclopedia of New York State. As an archivist, Lehr initially wrote short articles for newsletters at Rochester General Hospital. With each article, she became more A copy of a poster that was presented to the Rochester community by community leaders and health officials in 1920 encouraging the removal of children’s tonsils.
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and more fascinated with healthcare history in Rochester. Her extensive travels backward in time began to reveal interesting stories layer by layer. Her exploration into the early 1900s captured her attention, first with the flu epidemic of 1918, and the early 1920s in particular. The more she explored and wrote for Rochester General Hospital, the more interest the hospital had in her growing expertise. She then began
to do presentations on her findings, and eventually many local institutions asked Lehr to research and write their archival histories. “It all grew like topsy,” Lehr says. “One day I realized, maybe I’m kind of an expert!” While working on exhibits, articles, and newsletters for RGH and other publications, including The Encyclopedia of New York State, Lehr also used her expertise in the classroom as
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Teresa Lehr of Penfield, designed the cover of her book “The Great Tonsil Massacre,” using a scan of an illustration from a 1902 edition of Otto Zukerkandi’s “Atlas and Epitome of Operative Surgery.”
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Number of Rochester’s children undergoing tonsil and adenoid surgery in health clinics in 1919, 1920 and 1921 Starting with the demonstration clinic at the Rochester Dental Dispensary in the fall of 1919, a total of 9,821 children underwent the operation at all of the clinics.
Clinic Site Dates Duration Rochester Dental 9/1919-7/1921 10 months Dispensary Dental Dispensary 7/26/1920-9/10/1920 6 weeks Clinic Convention Hall 1/10/1921-4/15/1921 14 weeks Annex Clinic Clinics in 4 Rochester 1/10/1921-4/15/1921 14 weeks Hospitals and at the Dispensary a professor of English at The College of Brockport, where she spent many years until she retired in 2011. But her curious nature continued to fuel her passion for historical fact-finding. She discovered a story that greatly impacted Rochester’s health history, and it never left her mind. During her tenure as assistant curator in the archives at RGH, Lehr was assigned a research project for a physician who was doing a poster session on a public health “tonsil” project that occurred in the early 1920s. This project in its day was a prescribed method to remove children’s tonsils to prevent them from what doctors believed would be serious health issues — including mental health issues — due to germs incubating in the tonsils. Through her research, Lehr even discovered a poster of adenoids and enlarged tonsils depicting that children who did not have their tonsils removed would “make backwards pupils,” as the poster described. “There were many things at RGH I found fascinating, although I had never heard of them,” says Lehr. “I went to the George Eastman House and looked at the scrapbooks, because I did not understand the thinking on how a physical thing like having tonsils could make someone mentally deficient.” The project became one of fascination and love for Lehr, who decided to write a book about it. Titled “The Great Tonsil “Massacre,” Lehr describes the book as an informative and sometimes humorous look at part of Rochester’s public health past. The story specifically takes place in 1920 and 1921, when community leaders implemented a public health project to remove children’s tonsils in an attempt to allegedly make
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every child in Rochester “healthier and happier.” Although not mandatory, they encouraged parents’ consent for the operation through various methods of propaganda and other pressures Lehr describes in her book, including ensuring its affordability. “When I have a research project it becomes like a compulsion. It’s a path of discovery,” says Lehr, “I am fascinated with the questions these events raised, and some of the motives for the leadership were actually putting Rochester on the map.” The book contains both fictional and non-fictional elements, which Lehr says not only allowed her to reconstruct the historical account, but also may help the reader understand the context of the history. The story reveals some of the underlying social, economic and political conditions existing in Rochester in 1920 and 1921. Adding fiction to a historical book is new for Lehr, who wanted to try her hand at it, as well as entice fictions readers into reading nonfiction and vice versa. “The Great Tonsil “Massacre” uses fictionalized characters to uncover the various layers of this unique story, but the settings and the historical events are based on extensive research in local archives and newspapers,” says Lehr. “Finding the answers to the many questions can reveal the heart of a family, of an institution, and of a community.”
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For more information about Teresa Lehr, her publications, presentations, or her book, “The Great Tonsil ‘Massacre,’” available in October on Amazon. com, contact her via email: tklehr@ frontier.com.
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Today’s abandoned Rochester Dental Dispensary building on East Main Street was the site of the first Tonsil and Adenoid Clinic held for six weeks during the summer of 1920. An important part of Rochester’s health history, Teresa Lehr’s book, “The Great Tonsil ‘Massacre,’” describes the unusual history behind the clinic as well as the building. October 2014 •
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SmartBites
By Anne Palumbo
The skinny on healthy eating
Little Olives Deliver a Big Nutritious Punch
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henever my friend goes on a diet, she quits eating olives. “Too fatty,” she whines, “too caloric, too salty.” Whenever I hear her lame excuses, I read her the Olive Riot Act. The Olive Riot Act, painstakingly penned by me one research-laden Sunday, makes the following bold assertion: Olives are too nutritious to diss. I know, pure Faulkner. But, it’s true. The humble olive, the bona fide guts of the most heralded oil to grace our palates since we got wise to the whole heart-diet-disease connection, has super-star health benefits. Olives are an unusually rich source of healthy monounsaturated fats, a.k.a. the “good” fats. This particular fat — also found in canola oil, avocados and lots of nuts — lowers harmful LDL cholesterol, raises beneficial HDL cholesterol, and helps to prevent heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. This little globe of goodness also provides exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, thanks to its diverse bounty of phytonutrients. A compound unique to plants, phytonutrients help to reduce both inflamma-
lower risk of weight gain. Since fats take longer to digest and olives contain a decent amount of fat, it stands to reason that eating olives may thwart the urge to snack or overeat. Girlfriend from above, do you hear me now? As with nuts, you don’t need to eat a lot of olives to reap the benefits. On average, 10 olives contain 50 calories, 5 grams of fat, a bit of fiber, and zero cholesterol. Sodium-wise, olives vary greatly in content, with green olives typically containing about twice as much sodium as black. If you’re sodium conscious, be sure to check labels or search online for values before you indulge.
Helpful tips
tion and oxidative stress, two culprits linked to chronic diseases such as arthritis,Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Olives, which are a key component of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, may also stave off weight gain. A Harvard study published in February found that people who followed a Mediterranean-style diet — a diet that favors whole grains, fruits and veggies, nuts and legumes, limited protein and healthy fats — had a 43 percent
Rinse canned or bottled olives before consumption to reduce sodium content. If you don’t use all the canned olives after opening, transfer the olives, along with the canning fluid, into a storage container. Glass jars of olives can be stored directly in the refrigerator after opening. If purchasing olives in bulk, make sure that the store has a good turnover.
Tasty Tapenade
Adapted from Ina Garten
1/2 pound pitted black olives, such as Kalamata
3 tablespoons capers, drained 2 garlic cloves ¼ cup olive oil 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1 tablespoon dried parsley leaves Salt and pepper, to taste 1 baguette, sliced and toasted Pulse garlic in a food processor until minced. Add olives and capers and pulse 5 more times. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, thyme and parsley and process until a slightly chunky paste forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve on toasts. 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.
IT’S ONLY SUPER IF YOU TAKE IT. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 20 percent of patients fail to fill new prescriptions, and 50 percent of people with chronic health conditions discontinue their medication within six months. If you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, taking your prescriptions as directed is essential to healthy living. So remember: If you’re not taking your prescriptions as directed, you’re taking a chance. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com/ TakeAsDirected.
#TakeAsDirected A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
Meet Your Provider
Nathan Riddle, Wellness Doctor Professional specializes in weight loss wellness, owns Riddle Chiropractor
Q: How did you become interested in becoming a chiropractor and weight loss wellness practitioner? A: After many years of experiencing sinus issues, I met a chiropractor that determined my neck was misaligned causing my body’s immune system to be compromised. Once I started getting adjustments on a regular basis, my body healed and my sinus issues disappeared. I then decided to pursue graduate studies in chiropractic. I started my career as a physical therapy assistant in sports medicine. My observations were that many of these individuals I was helping to rehabilitate were overweight. These observations lead me to researching healthy ways to lose weight and keep it off. My research led me to the NutriMost system, which is a unique all natural, effective fat burning system that targets abnormal fat, balances the hormones and neurotransmitters, and detoxifies the body. This system actually raises and resets your metabolism so you won’t gain the weight back once you’ve lost it. Q: How does the weight loss formula work?
A: The weight loss formula consists of natural nutrients and a scan of your overall body systems accessing up to 2,800 possible factors for fat burning. This formula is designed to get your body into a balanced hormonal zone in which your body utilizes fat that has been "locked up" and is only used for emergencies. Your body then liquefies the contents of the fat cells, releasing both the calories and the nutrients into the blood stream. In overweight people, liquefying the content of the fat cell, these nutrients are then flushed through the bloodstream. This naturally stored energy supplies the body with anywhere from 2000 to 4000 or more calories per day. The individual on our program is not hungry. While burning this stored energy, the body's energy level increases and appetite decreases. The cells are emptied and shrunk down to sizes much smaller than normal cells. Therefore, inches, as well as pounds are lost on this amazing system. Q: How much weight can an individual lose? A: Research shows that you can expect a weight loss of 0.5 to 2 lbs.
per day when accompanied with the customized formulations and the nutrient dense food management plan. Typically men lose between 35 to 45 or more pounds in 40 days; while women tend to lose 27 to 32 pounds in 40 days. However, there are many factors involved when dealing with weight loss. For example men tend to lose weight faster than women, those who need to lose more weight lose weight faster than those who do not need to lose as much weight, individuals who were thinner when they were younger tend to be able to lose more weight than those individuals who always had a weight problem, those who were younger tend to be able to lose weight faster than those who are older. There are many factors when dealing with weight loss particularly as it involves hormones. The program allows you to not only lose the weight, but to raise your metabolism, decrease your metabolic age and reset your weight set point so that you can keep the weight off permanently. Q: How does this program help overcome common health challenges?
A: Our exclusive technology is able to create the perfect recipe for weight loss and overall health. We can customize formulations based on what the individual needs are, utilizing NRF (NutriMost Resonant Frequency) technology. These specialized formulations help you get into the fat burning zone. Not only do you burn substantial amounts of fat in a short amount of time, but this system also stimulates rapid cellular autophagy. A phenomenon in which unhealthy cells are replaced with good cells. Because of this, we also see individuals that have been suffering for years naturally overcome diabetes, digestive issues, high blood pressure, joint pain, and autoimmune issues, to name a few. We are very excited for where this is taking healthcare and proud to be the first in Upstate New York to implement this breakthrough technology.
Riddle Chiropractor: 555 Winton Road N., Rochester• 585-670-0020 • www.riddlechiropractic.com • Email: nateriddle23@yahoo.com
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Women’s issues When Your Spouse Has ADHD By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
R
earing children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can strain marital relationships; however, when one of the spouses has ADHD, the marriage may also suffer. Some studies claim that the divorce rate among couples with one or both partners with ADHD is as high as 60 percent. “Imagine what it’s like with most challenges couples face such as lack of focus and inattentiveness,” said Patti Ronsvalle, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Ronsvalle Counseling Burger & Consulting in Brighton. “With diagnosis of ADHD, imagine what that’s like times 10 with what you usually live with.” Ronsvalle earned a master’s in social work and offers family, couples and individual counseling. She counsels couples affected by ADHD by avoiding blame casting and to understand how the disorder skews their perception of each other. A non-ADHD wife may feel like her ADHD husband neglects her, shirks his chores and behaves like a child for all his irresponsibility. The ADHD husband may feel like his wife nags him each time she reminds him of his obligations. “If a woman constantly harps on her husband to stay focused, she becomes the mother,” Ronsvalle said. “What kind of sexual relationship can you have? How can you have respect? That is the basis of a lot of divorces. It is the basis of why a lot of these marriages fail.”
Ronsvalle encourages them to identify their problems and work together to find solutions. For some couples, tools such as white boards, calendars, and the calendar alarm function of their cell phones can help prevent the ADHD partner from overlooking appointments and chores. “We find out what the lack is, like social skills, and teach them how to communicate,” Ronsvalle said. “If they don’t communicate well, we have them do journaling back and forth and pull it apart and say your communication has to look like this.” She also helps refocus the couple on what attracted them to each other in the first Kolb place. Gail Kolb, MD, owner of Coach for Change Unlimited in Rochester, has worked with many ADHD couples. She also said that counseling and coaching helps couples. “None of the couples I’ve worked with ended up divorcing but worked within the marriage to make things better,” she said. “I think the divorce rate is true for those who don’t reach out and get help. [Instead of divorcing] they can turn things around if they get help early on and don’t give up.” She said that in many cases, six to nine months of coaching offers sufficient help to a couple with ADHD, though some need occasional, ongoing support. Audrey M. Berger, PhD., is a licensed psychologist and life coach at a self-named practice and at Turn-
ing Point Life Coaching in Rochester. She believes that the rate of divorce declines among ADHD couples “once people understand the presence of ADHD and know what it means,” she said. “They’re in a position to do something about it.” Faltering couples may be in denial or simply not know what causes their relationship problems. “If one has ADHD Ronsvalle and one doesn’t, what you have is two people whose brains operate very, very differently.” She described a non-ADHD person as more logical, methodical and goal-oriented. Someone with ADHD tends to think that everything is equally as important, and exhibit remarkable creativity and problem-solving skills. With that comes a lack of focus, time management and ability to cope with a stimulating environment. In the beginning, the non-ADHD partner views the ADHD partner as spontaneous, zany and living in the moment. “That’s fun when you’re dating, but not so much when you’re married,” Berger said. “One of the unusual things
with the ADHD situation is that even though they are not well focused a lot of times, that manifests in distractions. There’s a flip side that when they are very stimulated, they can be hyper-focused. What is courtship but highly stimulating?” After their whirlwind courtship results in marriage, the ADHD partner often shifts focus to something new: work, hobbies or other people. Of course every couple phases from the honeymoon stage to everyday, mundane life, but ADHD exaggerates that shift. The non-ADHD spouse feels ignored. The ADHD spouse may feel overwhelmed because there’s suddenly a lot of responsibilities and their spontaneity may not be as valued. Berger said that medication is “worth considering, even if on a trial basis. Sometimes medication can help mitigate these symptoms. It’s like depression. Medication isn’t enough sometimes, but it’s hard to get treatment jumpstarted sometimes without it.” As the other therapists stated, Berger said that counseling can facilitate the changes necessary to save and strengthen the marriage. “The couple needs to stop seeing each other as the adversary,” she said. “They need to see it as a problem solving issue and work together to come up with strategies. They have to be different than the strategies that work for non-ADHD couples.”
C-section: Sutures or Staples? Settling a long-time debate, researchers show that sewing up a C-section incision with sutures leads to fewer complications than using surgical staples
I
n the largest study to date comparing sutures (stitches) vs. surgical staples for closing a C-section, researchers found a 57 percent decrease in wound complications in women who were sutured vs. those who received staples. By carefully addressing the concerns that previous studies had raised, the research shows a clear benefit of sutures for women. Page 16
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“There has been ongoing debate in the field about the use of sutures versus staples,” says senior author, physician Vincenzo Berghella, who serves as director of maternal fetal medicine in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University. He added, “C-sections are a common procedure in the United States, and yet we still haven’t established the best
way to close these incisions.” “This study was designed to examine whether the evidence supports a specific closure method to decrease wound complications,” says first author, physician Dhanya Mackeen. “This study clearly shows that women who undergo C-section have fewer wound complications after suture closure than after staple closure,” she adds.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
Cesarean sections account for about a third of all deliveries in the United States (in China that number is as high as 46 percent). A 2013 study showed that over 50 percent of doctors prefer to use staples over sutures, for ease of use, speed of the procedure, and for closing deeper incisions such as those in overweight women.
Women’s issues Pumping at Work Moms talk about the importance of breastfeeding after maternity leave and how they juggle work, breastfeeding By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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Breast is best” for babies, as promoted by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization. For many on maternity leave, continuing to provide breast milk may seem insurmountable when added to the adjustment of returning to work, leaving baby with a sitter and learning or re-learning to rearrange priorities around a baby. Liliya Savich, a registered nurse at University of Rochester Medical Center and a mom of three, has become an old pro at pumping at work for her children. Her most recent addition, a girl, was 10 weeks old when Savich returned to work in August. “I’m lucky at my work because I work at the birth center,” she said. “I don’t have to carry as much with me.” The unit already has breast pumps available for use. Savich needs to bring only flanges, containers, tubing and storage containers. The hospital-grade, dual pumps do the job in only 10 minutes. Savich can pump on breaks once or twice throughout a shift. “I have formula on hand [at home] just in case,” she said. Savich has also found that working nights is easier since she can feed her daughter just before leaving for work and as soon as she returns home so the baby sleeps most of the time she’s gone and requires less bottling. She also feels lucky to work for an employer that’s “breastfeeding friend-
ly” and allows her adequate time and room to pump. “Find a routine that works for you and stick to it no matter what,” she said. “If a routine doesn’t work out, try something different. Your body and baby will adjust to it if it works for you. With pumping, when it gets hard, you have to work through it and you’ll be successful.” Stacie Anderson, a nurse at the birth center at Strong Memorial Hospital, also pumps at work. Anderson has a 2-year-old son and a 6-month-old daughter. Anderson returned to work after three months for her son and breastfed him until he was 9 months old. Anderson’s daughter still breastfeeds, though Anderson’s part-time work schedule makes that easier. “I have a pump at home, but now that I’m back at work, I rarely use it because I can use the pump at work and use my own accessory kit that I take in,” she said. The hospital’s pumping room features private stalls and comfortable chairs for moms’ use. “When you have the support of your coworkers and your bosses, it makes it all possible,” Anderson said. A plan helps, too. She pumps on a regular schedule, about every three to four hours to keep the supply up. She stores bags of milk in a small tote in the refrigerator at work, and freezes them in her home’s deep freezer. Every day, she removes the next day’s milk from
the freezer to defrost it in the fridge. “Definitely start pumping at home as you’ll have to have milk when you go back unless you use some formula, too,” Anderson said. “I started pumping [when my baby was] 1 month old to start building up a supply.” Most lactation consultants recommend starting pumping two weeks after birth so moms can establish their supply. Pumping on one side while nursing the baby on the other during the first morning feeding can help moms improve milk supply. Moms also need to take care of themselves to help maintain a sufficient milk supply. Every time Anderson pumps, she drinks a full bottle of water and stays hydrated throughout the day. She also tries to eat a healthful, balanced diet. Anderson is pleased that she can provide the best nutrition for her children and that breastfeeding improves her health, too. “I lost a lot of baby weight right away, and mentally, it keeps me going,” she said. “It’s something that’s part of my day that I can do for her.” Maureen Freedman, clinical nurse specialist in obstetrics at Strong, said that “breastfeeding decreases risk of post-partum depression.” She encourages women to plan ahead and before they go on leave discuss with their employers where and
when they will pump. “Every employer is obligated to provide an unpaid break, adequate time, and a place that’s not a restroom,” Freedman said. “That’s one less stressor. Check with the human resources office.” Karlene Hill, registered nurse and lactation consultant at Strong Memorial Hospital, said that the hospital offers a return to work breastfeeding class to help women make the transition. “It’s chock-full of education and tips for moms, and benefits of longterm breastfeeding for mom and baby,” Hill said. “It’s our goal to empower them about their choice and tell them about its benefits for mom, baby and the family. I think during my 37-year career, I’ve seen it improve.” She encourages employers to support employees’ efforts to breastfeed by citing the benefit to the company, such as healthier new moms and babies, which means less absenteeism. Many insurance companies now cover the cost of breast pumps because they encourage working moms to continue nursing, which in turn lowers costs related to illnesses. For further help, seek online resources, a lactation consultant, or La Leche League.
Is the HPV Vaccine Necessary?
A
s the school year starts in full swing many parents wonder if their child should receive the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for girls aged 11-26 and boys 11-21. There are a lot of questions and controversy around this vaccine, but many pediatricians say it comes down to protecting people from a leading cause of death. “I often have parents ask me if their child should get the HPV vaccine and what are my thoughts about giving it. Some parents are concerned it will promote sexual activity, others think it is unnecessary and others think their child is too young. If the child falls between the recommended ages given
by the American Academy of Pediatrics I strongly recommend the vaccination. It really could be the difference between life and death,” said Hannah Chow-Johnson, pediatrician at Loyola University Health System and assistant professor in the at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. According to Chow there are only two shots that can prevent cancer. One is hepatitis B and the other is the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease and is known to cause several different types of cancer, including cervical cancer, which is the second leading cancer-cause of death in women.
“Parents need to take into consideration the anti-cancer benefits when considering if they want their child to receive the HPV vaccine,” said Chow. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are more than 20 million people in the U.S. infected with HPV and at least half of these are between the ages of 15 and 25. HPV is transmitted through intercourse and genital contact. Both men and women can harbor the virus, which can remain in a person for years after the initial infection. “One of the scary aspects of HPV is that a person can be infected and not even know it. He or she may have no symptoms
at all and still be spreading the virus,” Chow said. “This is why I strong believe in vaccinating males and females early, well before any exposure takes place.” Prevention is critical when it comes to HPV. According to Chow the vaccine’s protection rate is 93 percent when given before any exposure. After exposure the vaccine doesn’t treat pre-exiting viruses but will help protect against future exposure. “HPV is a very dangerous virus that can lead to death. Since there is no cure, prevention is all the more important. This vaccine could save the life of your child,” Chow said.
Reach nearly 100,000 readers in the region (based on 35,000 copies distributed) Advertise with In Good Health
* Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2014 •
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Women’s issues Exercise Lowers Breast Cancer Risk in Post-Menopausal Women By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
N
eed another reason to exercise? A recent study seems to indicate that regular physical exercise by post-menopausal women decreases their risk of breast cancer. A French research team followed 59,000 women in that phase of life for eight and half years. Researchers weren’t surprised to find that the exercising women were 10 percent less likely to receive a breast cancer diagnosis; however, the positive effect ceased once their fitness activity ceased. The women’s activity level also surprised researchers. The women benefitted from only four hours of walking or cycling per week, Mustian considered light to moderate exercise. Andrea Calloway, a registered nurse and certified breast patient navigator at Rochester Regional Health System, believes that the findings may have to do with how a post-menopausal women’s body produces estrogen. Her ovaries no longer make the hormone. Now, fatty tissue promotes estrogen-production in the adrenal glands. “An increase of body fat also increases our insulin level which is related to a higher risk of breast cancer,” Calloway said. “Post menopausal women who are overweight may increase their risk for breast cancer by
30 to 60 percent. The more fat that we have on our bodies, the higher risk we have for breast cancer.” Exercise helps control body fat, keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce stress, enabling the body’s immune system to focus on eliminating abnormal, cancerous cells. Karen Mustian, PhD, is part of the Cancer Control & Survivorship team at Wilmot Cancer Institute, and has researched the benefits of exercise and its relationship to breast cancer. While she encourages women to exercise, she isn’t sure that the study has established a causal relationship between exercise and a reduced breast cancer risk. She’s also skeptical that women reading about the study would exercise with enough intensity to reap the benefits it details. “What people don’t realize and what’s keenly important is it you need to know how briskly you’re walking and how fast you’re walking determines how long you need to do it each week,” she said. “Unfortunately, a lot of these articles don’t translate this information into practical terms for women.” Exercise equipment such as a treadmill can give real-time feedback as to your metabolic expenditure. A personal trainer can also ensure you’re working hard enough. Using an incline on a treadmill or walking with weights can help increase the intensity. It’s also important to set short-term goals so you don’t get discouraged. Reducing breast cancer risk isn’t much of a tangible goal. Instead, aim to reduce the time it takes to walk a mile or train
so you can finish a 5k walk/run scheduled several months from now. Others stay motivated by joining a club or group. Knowing that others count on you helps increase the chances you’ll stay faithful. It’s also important to pick something you can do with minimal pain. Arthritis sufferers often benefit from water aerobics, swimming, or using an elliptical machine or stationary bike. Keep in mind that regular exercise represents only a portion of your overall picture of health. “Some people say, ‘I went for a walk so I’ll eat a piece of chocolate cake,’” Mustian said. “That is compen-
satory eating. There’s the person who says, ‘I shouldn’t be smoking, but I do exercise.’ Exercising an hour a day doesn’t allow you to engage in risky behaviors.” Regardless of age, Mustian encourages women to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. It’s not too late. “We’re learning that changing these behaviors later in life still offers benefits,” she said. “It’s never too late to start trying. There will be some immediate benefits, beyond the decrease risk of breast cancer. Exercise can help with bone health, obesity, mood, stress, and other issues this group of women struggles with.”
Are the Effects of Pregnancy, Labor, Delivery and Post Partum Pain Slowing You Down? By Zoe Fackelman
P
regnancy, labor and delivery and post-partum pain can cause functional limitations and wreak havoc on your body. A physical therapist (PT) trained specifically to treat women in this special phase of life is extremely valuable in helping you get through the transitions your body makes while pregnant and while recovering. In addition, treatment and self-care education can help prevent post-menopausal problems such as painful intercourse or urinary incontinence. When you find out you are pregnant it is wise to have a consultation visit to learn the correct way to exercise while pregnant to avoid joint pain. The consultation visit will provide you with: • The knowledge of how to exercise during pregnancy. According to Page 18
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women during pregnancy are advised to exercise three to four times per week for 15 minutes at a time at a heart rate of 140 beats per minute. • An assessment of the pelvic floor musculature using biofeedback to assure proper pelvic floor muscle contraction technique and instruct in a pelvic floor exercise program during pregnancy and postpartum to prevent urinary incontinence. • Techniques to treat and to avoid any type of pain during your special time of pregnancy and postpartum; assess alignment, posture, muscle tightness, muscle strength and perform appropriate treatment. Education in proper ways to move and position yourself and your baby is called body
mechanics. This is a key factor in being pain free during pregnancy and with your child postpartum. • Tools to prevent hernia and belly bulge after labor and delivery. Instruction on safe abdominal, low back and hip exercises is imperative to restore core tone and strength. • Techniques to prevent painful sexual intercourse postpartum. Proper technique of perineal massage, which has been seen to reduce the incidence of episiotomy and perineal tears during birth. Perineal massage and techniques administered by a women’s health specialist will also assists in reducing scar tissue that develops post episiotomy and tearing during labor and delivery. Prenatal assessments are most beneficial in determining your needs and offering the best care and prevention.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
“Physical therapy during pregnancy can prove to be useful for remedying common discomforts like back pain or for enhancing your body’s ability to have an easier and smoother pregnancy and birth: according to the American Pregnancy Association. “Physical therapy is not just for recovery. Talk to your health care provider about incorporating physical therapy into your prenatal care.” Zoe Fackelman is a physical therapist and the owner of Lake Country Physical Therapy and Sportscare, PC in Canandaigua. For more information, visit www. lakecountrypt.com or send her an email at zoe@lakecountrypt.com or call 585-396-1400 .
going through; or get a signal device or motion sensor that lets you know when the door is opened. See alzstore.com for a variety of product solutions. And, be sure you hide the car keys to keep her from driving. It’s also a good idea to alert your neighbors that your mom may wander so they can keep an eye out, and have on hand a recent picture to show around the neighborhood or to the police if she does get lost. By Jim Miller
Wandering Solutions for Alzheimer’s Caregivers Dear Savvy Senior, My mother, who lives with me, has Alzheimer’s disease and I worry about her wandering away. What tips can you recommend to help me protect her? Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 60 percent of people who suffer from dementia wander at some point. For caregivers, this can be frightening because many of those who wander off end up confused and lost, even in their own neighborhood, and are unable to communicate who they are or where they live. But there are
things you can do to guard against this and protect your loved one.
Wandering Prevention For starters, to help reduce your mom’s tendency to wander, keep her occupied and involved in familiar daily activities such as preparing dinner or folding the laundry. It’s also important to encourage daily exercise and limit daytime napping to reduce nighttime restlessness. There are also a number of simple home modifications you can make to keep her from wandering away. Some possible solutions include: adding an extra lock on the top or bottom of the exterior doors out of the line of sight; install child-proof door knobs or levers; place a full-length mirror, or put a “STOP” or “Do Not Enter” sign on the doors you don’t want her
Wandering Services If you want some added protection in case she does wander off, there are a number of services you can turn to for help, like the MedicAlert + Safe Return program (medicalert.org/safereturn). This service comes with a personalized ID bracelet that will have your mom’s medical information engraved on it, along with her membership number and the toll-free MedicAlert emergency phone number. If she goes missing, you would call 911 and report it to the local police department who would begin a search, and then report it to MedicAlert. Or, a Good Samaritan or police officer may find her, call the MedicAlert number, to get her back home safely. Another option that could help, depending on where you live, is a radio frequency locater service like SafetyNet and Project Lifesaver, which are offered by some local law enforcement agencies. With these services, your mother would wear a wristband that contains a radio transmitter that emits tracking signals. If she goes missing, you would contact the local authorities who would send out rescue personnel who will use
Generic Drugs Offer Seniors Big Savings Several well-known drugs will become available in generic form By Jim Miller
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o start, brand-name medications are not better, safer or more effective than their generic alternative because they’re virtually the same. To gain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), generic drugs are required to the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and route of administration as their brand-name counterpart. The generic manufacturer must also demonstrate that people absorb the drug at the same rate. The only difference between a brand-name drug and its generic is the name (generics are usually called by their chemical name), shape and color of the drug (U.S. trademark laws don’t allow generics to look exactly like the their brand-name counterparts) and price. Generic drugs are often 10 to 30 percent cheaper when they first become available, but by the end of the first year the price can drop in half. And by the second and third year it can drop 70 to 90 percent.
Cost Difference
The reason generic drugs are so much cheaper is because their manufacturers don’t have the hefty startup costs that the original creators of
the drug do. When a pharmaceutical company creates a new drug, it spends millions of dollars on the research, development and clinical testing phase. Then, if it gets FDA approval, it has to turn around and spend even more money to market the drug to the health care industry and the public. The total cost can rise into the hundreds of millions by the time the drug is in the hands of consumers. In an effort to recoup their investment, the brand-name drug makers charge a premium price, and are given a 20-year patent protection, which means that no other company can make or sell the drug during that period of time. After those 20 years are up, however, other companies can apply to the FDA to sell generic versions. But because generic manufacturers don’t have the same research, development and marketing costs, they can sell their product much cheaper. Also, once generic drugs are approved, there’s greater competition, which drives the price down. Today, nearly eight in 10 prescriptions filled in the U.S are for generic, which saves consumers around $3 billion a week. October 2014 •
their tracking equipment to locate her. Visit safetynetbylojack.com and projectlifesaver.org to see if these services are available in your community.
GPS Tracking There are also a number of GPS tracking devices that can help you keep tabs on your mom. With these products, she would carry or wear a small GPS tracker that would notify you or other caregivers via text message or email if she were to wander beyond a pre-established area, and would let you know exactly where to find her if she did. To find GPS trackers, consider the PocketFinder (pocketfinder.com) or the Alzheimer’s Association Comfort Zone (alz.org/comfortzone). Or, if you have concerns that your mother wouldn’t wear a GPS device or would take it off, there’s the GPS SmartSole (gpssmartsole.com), which is an insole with an embedded GPS device. For more wandering prevention tips and solutions, visit the Alzheimer’s Association Safety Center at alz. org/safety and This Caring Home at thiscaringhome.org.
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.
New Generics Hitting the Market You should also know that in 2014 and 2015, patents on a wide variety of popular brand-name drugs will expire and become available in generic. Some of them include: • Celebrex • Copaxone • Actonel • Nexium • Exforge • Cymbalta
• Lunesta • Avodart • Abilify • Evista • Maxalt, • Micardis
For a more information, Community Catalyst, a national, nonprofit consumer advocacy or-
ganization provides a list on their website of the top 50 brand-name drugs and the dates they should become available as generics. Go to communitycatalyst.org, and type “Drugs Going Generic 2014 – 2015” in their search bar to find it. You can also find out if a brand-name drug has a generic alternative by simply asking your doctor or pharmacist. Or, visit GoodRX.com, a Web tool that provides prices on brand-name drugs and their generic alternatives (if available) at virtually every pharmacy in the U.S. so you can find the best deals in your area.
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The Social Ask Security Office
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Let’s Talk About Medicare Many Medicare beneficiaries qualify some big savings and don’t even know it
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ctober is “Talk About Prescriptions Month” and marks the beginning of this year’s Medicare open enrollment period. It’s the perfect time to talk about Medicare prescriptions and the “Extra Help” available from Social Security. Newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries and current beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) plan, should act now. The Medicare open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. The Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is available to all Medicare beneficiaries to help with the costs of medications. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and participants pay an additional monthly premium for the prescription drug coverage. While all Medicare beneficiaries can participate in the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, some people with limited income and resources may be eligible for “Extra Help” to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The “Extra Help” is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year. Many Medicare beneficiaries qualify for these big savings and don’t even know it. To figure out whether you are eligible for the “Extra Help,” Social Security needs to know your income and the value of any savings, investments and real estate (other than the home you live in). To qualify, you must be receiving Medicare and have: • Income limited to $17,235 for an individual or $23,265 for a married couple living together. Even if your
Q&A
Reach nearly 100,000 readers in the region (based on 35,000 copies distributed)
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Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper Page 20
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Q: How can I protect myself against identity theft? A: First, don’t carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it secure at home with your other important papers. Second, don’t readily give out your Social Security number. While many banks, schools, doctors, landlords and others will request your number, it is your decision whether to provide it. Ask if there is some other way to identify you in their records. If you are the victim of identity theft, you should report it right away. To report identity theft, fraud, or misuse of your Social Security number, the Federal Trade Commission (the nation’s consumer protection agency) recommends you: 1 — Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments. Some examples where your income may be higher include if you or your spouse: – Support other family members who live with you; – Have earnings from work; or – Live in Alaska or Hawaii; and – Resources limited to $13,440 for an individual or $26,860 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your house or car as resources. You can complete an easy-to-use online application or get more information by visiting www.socialsecurity. gov/medicare. To apply for the “Extra Help” by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the “Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs” (SSA-1020). And if you would like more information about the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program, visit www. medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048). While we’re on the subject of open seasons, the open enrollment period for qualified health plans under the Affordable Care Act is Nov. 15 to Feb. 15. Learn more about it at www.healthcare. gov. This Medicare open enrollment season, while you search for the Medicare prescription drug plan that best meets your needs — see if you qualify for the “Extra Help” through Social Security. That’s a winning prescription worth talking about.
following companies (the company you contact is required to contact the other two, which will then place alerts on your reports): • Equifax, 1-800-525-6285; • Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289; or • Experian, 1-888-397-3742. 2 — Review your credit report for inquiries from companies you have not contacted, accounts you did not open, and debts on your accounts you cannot explain; 3 — Close any accounts you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently; 4 — File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place; and 5 — File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-4384338 (TTY 1-866-653-4261).
Healthy lifestyles are the focal point for adults with developmental disabilities By Deborah Blackwell
I
ndividuals with developmental disabilities are experiencing longer and healthier lifespans than ever before. Although there are higher risks of developing chronic health conditions that can be related to the disabilities, health promotion and disease prevention are now at the forefront of comprehensive care, and it shows. “To achieve and maintain healthy weights and other health benefits, we have been working on centralized menus being used across all of our residential sites,” says Nancy Ballaron, associate director of Residential Services, Lifetime Assistance, Inc., Rochester. “Within these homes, we have seen less medical issues, better weight control with the individuals, and less acute medical appointments.” The goal of a centralized menu is to assure that residents have a choice of what they want to eat, within healthy parameters. Each person has input on their favorite foods. A dietitian and a licensed practical nurse (LPN) oversee the nutritional needs of the individuals in programs at Lifetime Assistance, following recommendations as prescribed by doctors. Diets include low fat, low sodium, high fiber, low carbohydrate, even gluten-free options. They even create clinician-approved substitution lists to ensure individuals are maintaining proper nutrition, eating correct portion sizes, and are enjoying satisfaction with every meal. “Individuals with developmental disabilities, much like those without, often have difficulties following a healthy lifestyle,” says Ballaron. “However, those with developmental disabilities often have extra burdens, such as negative societal views that contribute to low self esteem; difficulty participating in community groups; parents and families who may feel guilty, allowing their loved ones to eat whatever they want; and medications that can cause increased appetites.” To address these issues, Lifetime Assistance offered several annual healthcare symposiums for their program participants and their support staff. The events were held at the Calvary Assembly in Chili, and coordinated ideas from all the agency’s residential sites on promoting healthy living. They even included presentations on how to grocery shop and prepare healthy meals. Local grocery stores participated by training “cooking coaches,” who then helped residents commit to the healthy eating initiative on-site in their homes. Since the symposiums, some residents have lost enough weight to go off certain medications, and control, or even eliminate issues related to diabetes. Jason Belicove, 36, Greece, is one of those residents. He lost 40 pounds. “I’ll tell you honestly I was totally against changing what I ate. Now I can see what changes can do. I am happy
with the results,” says Belicove. Since the symposiums and the overall focus on healthy lifestyles, North Avenue resident manager Marie Avery sees the staff reading more nutrition labels to check for sodium content and other information now than ever before. She says her staff members are even incorporating what they learn at work at home with their own families. “Healthy lifestyle changes can be made at any age. There are several homes for the more elderly population, and some of our oldest residents are living well into their 80‘s,” says Ballaron. “We now see a trend overall, that individuals with developmental disabilities are living longer due to the increased quality of support and lifestyle changes.” But it’s more than just diet that promotes health and longevity. The success rate has been steady and encouraging, according to Ballaron, who recalls one program participant in her mid-60’s dedicated to quitting smoking after nearly 50 years. Not only did she work with her program’s staff, she contacted a smoking cessation hotline and acquired information that she shared with her residential peers. With the money she saved from buying cigarettes she took a vacation to Nashville, somewhere she had always wanted to go. “Peer support and education go a long way in having these individuals accept a change to their lifestyles,” says Ballaron. “We are actually starting a newsletter to promote the success stories.” That support is invaluable for individuals with developmental disabilities. The staff who work with them are not simply trained as caretakers, but as teachers, mentors and friends. Staff and residents participate together in family-style dining, sharing calm conversation and relaxing meals together. This contributes to camaraderie, safety, and stability. One goal is to help individuals with disabilities understand that they may be able to do more than they think to achieve their highest level of independence. Recreation and exercise is an important part of that, according to Ballaron. She says walking, riding bicycles, and any activity that helps people get up and move their bodies is important. They even encourage gym memberships and taking Zumba classes. “We all want to remain active, and individual recreation interests help us achieve a personal balance and a healthy lifestyle,” says Teri Boerner, recreation therapist, Lifetime Assistance, Inc. Staff members will ride bicycles, exercise side-by-side with residents at the gym, work one-on-one with them exercising at their homes, and participate in enjoyable recreational activities with residents. Those who are older
After attending a symposium offered by Lifetime Assistance in Chili, Jason Belicove, 36, Greece, lost 40 pounds. “I’ll tell you honestly I was totally against changing what I ate. Now I can see what changes can do. I am happy with the results,” he says. especially need the extra support. A physical therapist works weekly with individuals who are over age 55 and need assistance with range of motion and stretching exercises. Staff support and encouragement in all aspects of living not only helps residents take personal ownership, but it increases their quality of life. Avery, along with her colleagues, believe that getting out doing things you like also leads to a longer, happier life, and she encourages that with her staff and residents. “There is more to health than just good food. A healthy, happy mind is just as important as exercise,” says Ballaron. “At Lifetime Assistance we
October 2014 •
really promote person-centered services and supports. Determining who each person is and what their needs are for a well rounded lifestyle is vital. Quality of life is different for each of us, disability or not. It is up to us as providers, to assist the individuals in achieving this.” Community inclusion, maintaining happy relationships with friends and family, healthy lifestyle choices, and the person-centered mindset, all contribute to an outstanding quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. “It’s really good for the soul,” says Ballaron.
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H ealth News New associate director appointed at Signature Care Lisa Rosenbauer of Irondequoit was recently appointed as associate director, managed long term care and clinical services at Visiting Nurse Signature Care. Rosenbauer will oversee the case management of Visiting Nurse Service’s licensed home care patients in five counties as well as the dayto-day operations of the managed long term care department. “We are very happy to welcome Lisa into this new role,” said Bill Belecz, chief information officer, vice president of operations and business Rosenbauer analysis. “She is a tremendous manager, nurse and case manager, and is an asset to our organization.” Rosenbauer has worked for Visiting Nurse Service for 29 years, most recently as the manager of clinical services for Visiting Nurse Signature Care. With experience in nursing, hospice, and team management, Rosenbauer is well-versed in home care. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Buffalo and her master’s degree in nursing from St. John Fisher College. Rosenbauer is also certified in dementia training through the Alzheimer’s Association. In her spare time, Rosenbauer is a parish nurse at her congregation where she provides personal health counseling, educates individuals, and helps church attendees navigate the health care system. She also assisted with the establishment of Advent House, a comfort care home in Perinton.
Thompson PT gets OCS designation Physical therapist John Ahern, clinical coordinator of orthopedics and sports physical therapy for UR Medicine’s Thompson Health, recently became a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Ahern, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Delaware, is now the only physical therapist with the OCS designation in the Canandaigua/Farmington area, and one of less than 425 in the state of New York. The Farmington resident first joined Thompson in 2011 and became the health system’s clinical coordinator of orthopedics and sports physical therapy in 2012. Clinical specialization is a formal process used to recognize physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in a special area of practice. It is achieved through a formalized application and Page 22
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examination process. According to the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, clinical specialization requires a broad-based foundation of physical therapy education and clinical practice, depth and breadth of knowledge in a specialty area, advanced clinical expertise and skills. “John is an incredibly talented PT whose results speak for themselves. His achievement of his board-certified OCS will set Thompson apart as we now have a recognized orthopedic specialist in the eyes of our patients, physicians, and insurers. We are incredibly fortunate to have him on our team,” said Carole Drake, director of Rehabilitation Services for Thompson.
RPCN Honors Rep. Louise Slaughter
Surgeon to lead pediatric plastics team at Golisano
Physician Bridgette Wiefling, senior vice president of medical groups for Rochester Regional Health System; Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY); Michael Leary, president and CEO of Regional Primary Care Network; and Susan Hustleby, Genesee Health Services patient and Regional Primary Care Network board member.
Clinton S. Morrison, a plastic surgeon who recently completed his fellowship at Seattle Children’s Hospital, has been named the new plastic surgery team director for the pediatric cleft and craniofacial anomalies center at UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital. Morrison, who joined the children’s hospital in September, will lead the multidisciplinary team in their treatment of cleft lip, cleft palate, and other craniofacial anomalies. “Clinton came with a tremendous academic track record and a sterling reputation as a surgeon,” said physician Howard N. Langstein, chief of the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery. “We were thrilled with the opportunity to bring him to Rochester.” A native of Louisville, Ky., Morrison graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and completed his residency in the plastic surgery program at Rhode Island Hospital. Morrison said that Golisano Children’s Hospital’s multidisciplinary approach to craniofacial care was one of the things that drew him to Rochester. Children with craniofacial anomalies often need to work with multiple specialists — such as dentists, speech therapists or geneticists — in addition to a plastic surgeon. A multidisciplinary approach allows those specialists to coordinate their care to give patients a continuum of coverage. The approach, recommended by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, is also used in Seattle, where Morrison did his fellowship. “That’s one of the reasons I came here — the model was already set up to take care of patients in the same way,” said Morrison. “I love the set-up, because whenever we see patients, we can learn from one another, and our patients get expertise from many different specialists who contribute to their care.” Morrison was drawn to plastic surgery because of how visible the work is and how life-changing it can be for recipients. Throughout his residency and fellowship, he found cleft palate and craniofacial work to be particularly appealing, because it allows him to see the same patients for years or even decades.
The Regional Primary Care Network, based in Rochester, honored Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-25) during a presentation at Genesee Health Services Aug. 15. RPCN CEO Michael Leary presented the National Association of Community Health Center’s 2014 Distinguished Community Health Advocate award to recognize Slaughter’s support in improving access to health care for the underserved population in Rochester. “I am greatly honored by it,” said Slaughter, a ranking member, House Committee on Rules. “There are facilities all over, but this one is top dog. The ones in this region are really special here, so we’re very proud of them.” Slaughter toured Genesee Health Services at 222 Alexander St. and gave remarks regarding community health and the Affordable Care Act.
The Alzheimer’s group welcomes two new VPs The Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester & the Finger Lakes Region recently announced the appointment of two new members to its senior management team: Tamra Werner has been appointed vice president of development. In that capacity, Werner provides management level leadership for the development, oversight, execution and Werner monitoring of a diversified and comprehensive fund development program for the Alzheimer’s Association. Previously, Werner was owner of Events by Tamra, where she planned and executed major functions for such clients as the Univer-
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
Physician Bridgette Wiefling, senior vice president, Rochester Regional Health System, provided a history of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), which includes RPCN, and Susan Hustleby shared a patient’s perspective. Last April, Slaughter announced a $2.5 million grant for the Regional Primary Care Network, in addition to $180,000 in federal money to help Monroe County residents sign up for healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act. RPCN is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide access to compassionate, individualized health care and wellness-related education for everyone regardless of financial, cultural or social barriers. RPCN operates healthcare centers in Rochester, Wayne, Rushville, Livingston and Utica, and also has a community dentistry program. sity of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester General Hospital, Highland Hospital, InterVol and the Daily Record. Werner has also served as volunteer and event planning chairwoman for Camp Good Days and Special Times. Bethanne White White has been appointed as vice president of programs and services. In that capacity, she will provide strategic leadership and direction in all aspects of Alzheimer’s Association programs and services to deliver and enhance care and support for all affected, to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health, and to support the goal of eliminating Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research. She brings with her more than a decade of expertise in a demanding and highly regulated health care environment.
Friendly Senior Living President/CEO Announces Retirement James E. Dewhirst, president and CEO of Friendly Senior Living, recently announced plans to retire in the spring of 2015. Dewhirst’s retirement will conclude a 34-year career with Friendly Senior Living, and over 41 years in the senior living and long-term care field. “After 34 years, it is time for new leadership to guide the organization during dynamic times ahead as senior care and services are reshaped in preparation for meeting the needs of the age wave to come,” says Dewhirst. “It has been an honor to lead the Friendly Senior Living communities in delivering quality mission-driven care and services Dewhirst to older adults in our community. I sincerely appreciate the faith, confidence and support provided by our boards of directors over the years. I am also very thankful for the many caring, compassionate and dedicated staff I have had the privilege of working with; they are tops and truly are the ‘friends’ in Friendly Senior Living.” Friendly Home Board Chairwoman Kimberly M. Wilborn says, “Jim’s contributions to Friendly Senior Living, to our community and to the nonprofit senior living and long-term care industry are remarkable. His leadership, which has been marked by the highest levels of dedication, commitment and foresight, will be missed. On behalf of the Boards of Directors of the Friendly Senior Living communities, I wish him well in his retirement.” Dewhirst joined Friendly Senior Living in 1981 as the assistant administrator of the Friendly Home and manager of Linden Knoll. In 1985, he was appointed as administrator of the Friendly Home. In 1989 he became the president and CEO of the Friendly Senior Living continuum, which now includes Cloverwood Senior Living and Glenmere at Cloverwood Assisted Living in Pittsford, the Friendly Home, Lovejoy Transitional Care Center, and Linden Knoll, an independent senior living apartment community in Brighton. An advocate for the aging, Dewhirst has been an active leader at the national and state levels of LeadingAge
and LeadingAge New York organizations, which represent nonprofit and public continuing care providers, including nursing homes, senior housing, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and community service providers. Dewhirst served on the national LeadingAge board from 1990-1999, and as board chairman from
1995-1997. At the state and local level, Dewhirst served on several board and advisory groups. In 1990 he was honored with the Thomas Clark Memorial Award for Young Administrator of the Year. In 2002, he received the prestigious Lawrence E. Larson Award. The Larson Award recognizes persons who have made outstanding contributions
to the care and service for the elderly in New York State and nationally. Dewhirst is currently a member of the Leading Age NY Services Board of Directors. A search committee has been formed, and it is anticipated that a new president and CEO will be in place early next spring.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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How Wegmans Helps Promote Healthy Eating An army of dietitians, chefs and other professionals helps spread the word By Ernst Lamothe
J
ane Andrews was one of the first registered dietitians at Wegmans Food Markets. In 1988, she developed the program “Cholesterol Countdown Workshops,” which was widely used across the U.S. and Canada. She had previously been a certified diabetes educator at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Eating healthy was her passion and she wanted to bring that mentality to the giant supermarket chain, which was already on board with helping people live their healthiest lives. “’Eat Well Live Well’ is the way we talk about healthy eating at Wegmans,” said Andrews. “We have just been about making healthier foods more accessible to the public and educating them about why it is a good for them.” Wegmans, which has about a dozen registered dietitians, has been one of the leading forces for years Jane Andrews, on giving people healthy options. one of the first registered dietitians Its stores routinely have nutrition at Wegmans facts on their items Food Markets, as well as the has been behind company website such campaign has a wealth of as “Eat Well Live information about nutritional foods. Well.” Wegmans, Online customers which has about a can find special dozen registered diets for those dietitians, has been with high blood one of the leading pressure, food forces for years allergies, diabetes, on giving people heart health ailments and lactose healthy options. intolerance. When Andrews first started, she worked part time answering consumer questions about nutrition and writing brochures. She was part of the team that helped Wegmans create initiatives such as Strive for Five and Live Well Eat Well. “In the early 1990s, we were educating employees about talking to customers about produce,” said Andrews. “We were walking to them in the produce section and encouraging them to have five servings of fruits and vegetables each day,” said Andrews. “Plus, early on, before it became popular, people were asking questions about gluten-free foods. While back then there were such a small amount of people who knew about their gluten allergy, they knew it was a life or death situation what they ended up eating so they were very conscious.” The programs continued to morph and the focus became being an advocate for people with special dietary needs. Page 24
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Kirby Branciforte, a nutritionist, works on the Wegmans magazine and meal development team. Her charge is to put healthy, nutritional and varied recipes in the publication. But she also analyzes what Wegmans chefs are cooking in real time and provide them some guidance. “We have fantastic chefs at Wegmans. There are small things you can do to improve the nutritional profile of a meal,” said Branciforte. “There are adjustments that can be made to make a meal vegan. We respect the chefs and they respect our suggestions.” Another one of the A group of fourth graders visit one of Wegmans locations in the Rochester area. About 11,000 students a initiatives is a fourth year have visited the produce, cheese, bakery, meat and seafood departments of the store to taste and learn grade tour for local and more about eating healthy. “Nine and 10-year-olds like to tell their parents what they should do,” says other East Coast kids. Jane Andrews, a registered dietitians at Wegmans Food Markets. “Sometimes, that is a good thing because This school year once they will bring back what they learned about good food.” again, select Wegmans stores host an Eat Well Live Well field trip, which has been going on for two decades. It teaches fourth-graders about foods that help them grow strong and healthy and where those foods come from. What they learn ties in with fourth-grade science, geography and math lessons in the classroom. To date, more than a quarter of a million kids or an average of 11,000 a year have visited the produce, cheese, bakery, meat and seafood departments of the store to taste and learn more about eating healthy. “Nine and 10-yearolds like to tell their parents what they should do,” joked Andrews. “Sometimes, that is a good thing because they will bring back what they learned bread gets its start on farms that grow body also needs,” Kazacos said. about good food. If kids are only exgrains, which go to mills to be ground Andrews believes customers can posed to ultra processed, heavy sugar into flour. In the produce department, tell that Wegmans managers hear their and salt then they don’t know what Wegmans nutritionists typically talk suggestions and appreciate the varireal flavor tastes like. You have to teach about the importance of getting five ety. “We have a strong loyal customer kids the freshness of grapes or fresh cups a day of fruit or vegetables. That base,” she added. “And when people corn instead of just the grape-flavored guideline works for most adults and find your staff knowledgeable, they are gummy.” older teens, but for younger children more likely to keep coming back.” Tours are available in stores in all learn to make a fist to see what the Branciforte said people feel like six states where Wegmans markets are right-size serving would be for them. they have a voice in the process, but found. “Our lesson plans align with the They also learn that eating whole fruits it was also about educating them U.S. Department of Agriculture’s My and vegetables most of the time is on things maybe they didn’t know. Plate nutrition guidelines for healthy healthier than drinking juice. “It’s OK “Customers weren’t knocking down eating, as well as Wegmans’ own ‘Eat to drink some juice, but we say that our doors for us to explain why whole Well Live Well’ principles,” said Trish juice should be only one serving of fruit grain serving were better for them. Kazacos, who oversees the curriculum or vegetables each day. The other servBut once we did, they appreciated the that Wegmans’ nutritionists developed. ings should be whole or sliced fruits knowledge and recommendations for At the bakery, youngsters sample or vegetables, fresh, frozen, or canned living a better, more healthy life.” whole-grain bread as they learn that because they provide fiber, which the
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014