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

in good Promoting Acupuncture Local acupuncture practice wants to popularize acupuncture by charging clients based on their income

High Blood Pressure Nation One in four Americans treated for high blood pressure

November 2011 • Issue 75

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Rochester–Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

DRUG SHORTAGE Problem is not related to Third World countries. It’s affecting pharmacies and patients right here in Rochester. Page 12

Local Doctor to Lead American Academy of Pediatrics Tom McInerny has been named president-elect of American Academy of Pediatrics, the largest association of pediatricians in the U.S. He talks about his job at Golisano Children’s Hospital and his plans at AAP.

Violence Against Nurses Problem is more prevalent than people think, including in the Rochester area

More Teen Males Using Condoms

Hospice 101

Hospice care can help families, patients

Alone with Loss: The Healing Power of Gratitude

My Cataract Surgery Contributing writer Fred Jennings shares the experience of having a cataract surgery. Jennings says that about 60 percent of people over the age of 60 develop cataracts and that some 1.5 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States every year. Examining his eyes is Dr. Richard Seeger. November 2011 •

The percentage of teen males aged 15–19 years in the United States who used a condom the first time they had sex increased between 2002 and 2006–2010, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2011

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112 Million Annual Incidents of DWI CDC report shows 11,000 are killed every year in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers

dults drank too much and got behind the wheel about 112 million times in 2010—that is almost 300,000 incidents of drinking and driving each day—according to a CDC Vital Signs study released recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The four million adults who drink and drive each year put everyone on the road at risk,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden. “In fact, nearly 11,000 people are killed every year in crashes that involve an alcohol–impaired driver.” The study also found that: • Men were responsible for 81 percent of drinking and driving in 2010. • Young men, aged 21–34, made up only 11 percent of the U.S. population in 2010, yet were responsible for 32 percent of all episodes of drinking and driving. • Eighty–five percent of drinking and driving episodes were reported by people who also reported binge drinking. Binge drinking means five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women during a short period of time. “Drunk driving is a public health problem with far–reaching effects,” said Linda C. Degutis, director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Pre-

vention and Control. “Drunk drivers, who have delayed reaction times and reflexes, put even the most responsible drivers and pedestrians in harm’s way. Public support to prevent drunk driving is strong. Thankfully, there are proven ways to protect everyone on the road.” Proven, effective strategies to prevent alcohol–impaired driving include: • Sobriety checkpoints: At sobriety checkpoints drivers are stopped to assess their level of alcohol impairment. According to the Transportation Research Board, more widespread, frequent use of these checkpoints could save about 1,500 to 3,000 lives on the road each year. • Minimum legal drinking age laws: These laws prohibit selling alcohol to people under age 21 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Keeping 21 as the minimum legal drinking age helps keep young, inexperienced drivers from drinking and driving. • Ignition interlocks: These devices prevent drivers who were convicted of alcohol–impaired driving from operating their vehicles if they have been drinking. Interlocks are effective in reducing re–arrest rates from drinking and driving by about two–thirds while the device is on the vehicle.

One in Four Americans Treated for High Blood Pressure

ne in four American adults (55.1 million) was treated in 2008 for hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The federal agency also reported that for hypertension treatment in 2008: • About 29 percent of blacks were treated for hypertension in contrast to 25 percent of whites, 15 percent of Hispanics, and 20 percent of individuals of other races. • Total expenses were $47.3 billion, with $21.3 billion spent on prescription medicines; $13 billion spent on doctors’ office and outpatient visits; and anoth-

er $13 billion spent for hospitalizations, emergency department visits and home health care. • Average treatment costs were higher for Hispanic patients ($1,272) and for black patients ($1,037) and patients of other races ($1,211) in contrast to the average treatment costs for whites ($748). • The percentage with reported treatment for hypertension was higher for adults age 65 years and older (60 percent) than those in the younger age groups, 45–64 years (32 percent) and 18–44 years (5 percent). • Slightly more women received treatment for hypertension than men, 25 percent and 23 percent, respectively.

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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.

November 2011 •

There is help!

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

By Elana Lombardi Freelance Writer Just because you have macular degeneration or other eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy doesn’t mean you must give up driving. “People don’t know that there are doctors who are very experienced in low vision care.”Dr.George Kornfeld, a low vision optometrist. Low Vision patient, Bonnie Demuth, with Bioptic Telescopes

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2011 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. 106 Cobblestone Court Dr., Suite 121 – P.O. Box 525, Victor NY 14564. • Phone:(585) 421-8109 • E-mail: Editor@GVhealthnews.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Writers and Contributing Writers: Eva Briggs (M.D.), Jim Miller, Deborah J. Sergeant, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, Aaron Gifford, Fred Jennings Advertising: Marsha K. Preston, Beth Clark Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Ofﬁcer Manager: Laura Beckwith

Stuttering: Empower Yourself

Bonnie was helped with two pairs of glasses: Special $475 prismatic glasses let her read the newspaper and bioptic telescopes helped her distance vision.

“My new telescopic glasses make it much easier to read signs at a distance.” Says Bonnie, “Definitely worth the $1950 cost. I don’t know why I waited to do this. I should have come sooner.” Low vision devices are not always expensive. Some reading glasses cost as little as $450 and some magnifiers under $100. Every case is different because people have different levels of vision and different desires. “Our job is to figure out everything and anything possible to keep a person functioning visually.” Says Dr. Kornfeld. Dr. Kornfeld sees patients in his five offices throughout upstate New York including Rochester. For more information and a FREE telephone consultation call:

585-271-7320 Toll-free 1-866-446-2050

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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November is Epilepsy Awareness Month Celebrate at a free epilepsy education event hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation. Thursday, November 3 from 6 to 8 pm at Rustic Village Entertaining Center. RSVP and ﬁnd more details at www.epilepsy-uny.org or (585) 442-4430.

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HEALTH EVENTS

Nov. 2

Free breast and bone health seminar held in Rochester Elizabeth Wende Breast Care, an internationally recognized leader in the field of breast imaging and breast cancer diagnosis with several offices in the Rochester region, is offering a free breast and bone health seminar for patients and community at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at its Brighton location, 170 Sawgrass Dr., Rochester. Learn the facts about screening for breast and bone disease, new medical techniques and tips on healthy habits you can easily work into your busy life. Seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served. For reservations or more information, please call Kim Semrau at 758-7037 or email ksemrau@ewbc.com.

Nov. 3, 10, 15, 29

Epilepsy group schedules ‘Dinner with a Doc’ events The Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton is hosting a series of four dinners in November to celebrate Epilepsy Awareness Month. These dinners are for individuals with epilepsy or a seizure disorder and their families as well as for service providers such as service coordinators, social workers, and school personnel. They are free and open to the public. • The first of these series will be in Rochester at 6 p.m., Nov. 3, at Rustic Village Apartments Entertaining Center, 999 E. Henrietta Rd., Rochester. Dr. Michel Berg from the Strong Epilepsy Center in Rochester, will present “Living with Epilepsy.” He will describe some of the basic mechanisms of epilepsy, addressing why seizures happen and look the way they do as well as talk about adapting to life with epilepsy and challenges that aren’t always addressed in the doctor’s office such as family, work, school, and driving. The focus will then turn to the participants and their questions regarding living with epilepsy with questions answered by a panel which will include Berg, an epilepsy community educator, and others. • The second dinner will be held on Nov. 10 in Corning, the third on Nov. 15 in Ithaca and the fourth and final dinner in the series will be held on Nov. 29 in Syracuse. Visit www.epilepsy-uny.org for more details and to RSVP or call Sarah McLellan Korba, at 585 442-4430, ext. 27303 (email: smclellan@epilepsy-uny. org).

Nov. 12, 13

American Girl Fashion Show to beneﬁt kids The Twigs of Rochester General Hospital Association once again present their popular American Girl Fashion Show at 11 a.m. and at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, and at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at Eagle Vale Golf

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2011

Club, 4344 Nine Mile Point Road, Fairport. This fun, engaging program showcases historical and contemporary fashions from American Girl. Proceeds from the show benefit children cared for at Rochester General Hospital. To date, the Twigs have raised more than $100,000 from American Girl Fashion Shows. American Girl is the core brand of Pleasant Company, founded in 1986 by Pleasant T. Rowland and acquired by Mattel, Inc. in 1998. Young Girls & their “American Girl” dolls will participate in this very special event featuring fashions from the popular “American Girl” collection. Tickets are $30 (recommended for children 6 and older). For additional information, please email: rghtwigs2011@gmail.com

Nov. 15, 30

Programs designed to help seniors at home HCR Home Care, a Rochesterbased company that has provided in-home health care services for nearly 35 years, is sponsoring two events designed to seniors, their families and friends. The programs are free of charge and open to the public. • “Caregiver Solutions: Answers to Caring For Aging Loved Ones” will take place at 7 p.m., Nov. 15, at Gables of Brighton, 2001 S. Clinton Ave. in Rochester. Expert guidance will be provided by several professionals, helping attendees manage the health, legal and financial needs of an aging spouse or parent. To make a reservation or for more information, call 461-1880. • “Taking Care of You...Every Day” will take place at 7 p.m., Nov. 30, at the Fairport Baptist Homes, 4646 Nine Mile Point Rd. in Fairport. It will discuss ways people can monitor their own health and well being in the comfort of their own homes. An expert will discuss the latest technology available to help seniors stay safe and independent at home. Call 388-2347 to register.

Nov. 20

Vegan group to hear Cornell emeritus professor Members of the Rochester Area Vegetarian Society are inviting the public to attend its Nov. 20 meeting and hear T. Colin Campbell speak on “A Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet: What the China Study Has Taught Us.” The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Brighton Town Park Lodge, 777 Westfall Rd. in Brighton. At 7 p.m. a vegan potluck will be served. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food to share. Dinner is a vegan potluck, which means no animal products (no meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products or honey). Campbell, the speaker, is a professor emeritus of nutrition science at Cornell University, and is the author of “The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long Term Health,” and one of the subjects of the ground-breaking new film “Forks Over Knives.” Cost is $3 for non-members.

More Teen Males Using Condoms

he percentage of teen males aged 15–19 years in the United States who used a condom the first time they had sex increased between 2002 and 2006–2010, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report, “Teenagers in the United States: Sexual Activity, Contraceptive Use, and Childbearing, 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth,” from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, found that eight in 10 teen males used a condom at first sex, an increase of 9 percentage points from 2002. The study also found that 16 percent of teen males used a condom in combination with a female partner’s hormonal method, a 6 percentage point increase from 2002. Other findings include: • In 2006–2010, about 43 percent of never–married female teens (4.4 million), and about 42 percent of never–married male teens (4.5 million) had had sexual intercourse at least once (were sexually experienced). These levels of sexual experience have not changed significantly from 2002, though over the past 20 years there has been a decline in the percentages of those who were sexually experienced.

• Seventy–eight percent of females and 85 percent of males used a method of contraception at first sex. With a few exceptions, teenagers’ use of contraceptives has changed little since 2002, and the condom remained the most commonly used method. • One exception was an increase among males in the use of condoms and in dual use--the use of a condom combined with a partner’s use of hormonal contraceptive at first sex. • Another exception was a significant increase in the percent of female teenagers who used hormonal methods other than the pill, such as injectables and the contraceptive patch, at first sex. Six percent of teen females used a non–pill hormonal method at first sex in the latest survey compared to 2 percent in 2002. • Despite long term improvements in pregnancy risk behaviors among teens, differences still exist among Hispanic origin and race groups. Non–Hispanic black males have the highest percentages who are sexually experienced, and Hispanic males have the highest percentages using no contraceptive method at last sex. The report is available at: www. cdc.gov/nchs.

U.S. heart disease prevalence down

he prevalence of heart disease in the United States is declining, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. However, the incidence of the condition varies widely depending on gender, race, geography, and level of education. The CDC reported in October in its “Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report” that the rate of coronary heart disease fell from 6.7 percent in 2006 to 6 percent in 2010. The CDC says the decline in five years time is significant. The incidences of heart disease were most prominent in men, American Indians, native Alaskans, those with less than a high school education, and Southerners, according to the CDC report. Those with the lowest rates were women, Asians, Hawaiians, Pacific

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Islanders, those with advanced degrees and residents in Hawaii in Connecticut. The findings also revealed that the prevalence of heart disease in men was much greater than among women: 7.8 percent for men vs. 4.6 percent for women. Education level also appeared to have a big impact. Among those with less than a high school diploma, 9.2 percent reported having heart disease. That was in comparison with 4.6 percent for people with more than a college degree. Kentucky had the highest rate of the condition at 8.2 percent, followed by West Virginia with 8 percent. Hawaii had the lowest at 3.7 percent, followed by Connecticut with 4.4 percent. The CDC says that while the declining rate is good news, the bad news is much still needs to be done to narrow the wide disparities.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Majority of Americans Remain Unaware and Unconcerned About Sodium Intake

ew Americans can tell you how much sodium they should consume each day and most aren’t concerned with their personal sodium intake. According to the 2011 International Food Information Council Sodium Survey, 59 percent of Americans say they’re not concerned about their sodium intake, consistent with findings in 2009. Seventy percent of Americans say they don’t know how much sodium they should get in a day. The numbers are similar for people with high blood pressure, with 56 percent not knowing how much or overestimating how much sodium they should consume in a day. “With all the attention sodium has received in the last few years, including in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it’s surprising that Americans are still not well aware of sodium guidelines,” said Marianne Smith Edge, International Food Information Council senior vice president of nutrition and food safety. “Particularly for the at-risk populations, such as those with high blood pressure, these results show there’s a great educational opportunity available to highlight the variety of ways to manage blood pressure.” While a strong majority of Americans (83 percent) feel that certain people should be concerned with their sodium intake—primarily those with high blood pressure and those with weight issues —getting through to consumers may be difficult. On an unaided basis, consumers express very little interest in learning anything about sodium. When prompted, however, 50 to 63 percent are interested in topics regarding recommended intakes, food sources, and health impacts. If they hear anything about sodium, they want the information to come primarily from the medical community (55 percent), followed by the food label (46 percent), the government (31 percent), and food manufacturers (30 percent). Taste is seen as the top barrier for those not limiting their sodium intake with about four in 10 believing taste will suffer. Americans also see sodium reduction as just one of many contributing factors to a healthful diet. Increasing fruits and vegetables (70 percent) is far and away the consumers’ top choice when rating the three most important elements of a healthful diet, which is consistent with health professional recommendations. Only 38 percent rated limiting sodium as one of the most important factors. While the contribution of limiting sodium to a healthful diet remains middle-of-the-pack in the eyes of consumers, limiting sugar (48 percent) and monitoring calories (45 percent) saw significant increases from 2009. “Because there are a variety of factors and approaches that go into building a healthful diet, it’s not surprising that limiting sodium is trumped by other dietary factors,” according to Smith Edge. “It is clear Americans understand positive messages that involve foods vs. just nutrients — like eat more fruits and vegetables — as a good way to consume less sodium and more potassium.” Page 6

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Dr. Tom McInerny Rochester pediatrician named president-elect of American Academy of Pediatrics, the largest association of pediatricians in the U.S. He talks about his job at Golisano Children’s Hospital and his plans at AAP Q: Tell me about your role in the Golisano Children’s Hospital. A: I’m a professor and associate chairman for clinical affairs in the department of pediatrics at Golisano Hospital. Q: Are most of your duties administrative? Do you still see patients? A: Most of my duties are administrative. My first job is to ensure that the quality of health care for children in this community is at the highest level for our inpatients and outpatients. One of the unique advantages of Rochester is the very close working relationship between the primary care physicians in the community and the full time faculty here at the hospital. Part of my job is making sure that close working relationship is maintained. Q: What do kids need from medical professionals that is different from what adults need? A: The biggest challenge is that many of them, especially the youngest, can’t tell you what their symptoms are. It’s a little harder to figure out what’s hurting a crying infant. We also welcome involving parents in the treatment of all ages, particularly the little ones. They know their child well enough to help interpret what the child’s symptoms are. That’s a major challenge. We also have to adjust medication doses for children based on the child’s size and weight. For adults, there’s a pretty standard medication dose. For children, it requires some extra calculation. Q: Are the profiles of a pediatrician and a primary care physician different, skill or personality-wise? A: It’s a little different. I’ve been a primary care physician in this community for years, but I’ve gotten to know the pediatric specialists here. First and foremost, one of the criteria for being a pediatric specialist or primary care physician is a love of children. It’s very important and rewarding to have the opportunity to care for children. It’s a privilege to be able to help families raise their children. That’s true of the specialists who take care of the children with chronic diseases and primary care pediatricians. The specialists

have extra expertise about their particular specialty. They usually have a three-year fellowship in that specialty after they’ve completed their pediatric residency. Q: What are the challenges of treating chronic diseases in children? A: We are increasingly successful in doing this. I’ve been around long enough to remember when children with things like cancer, congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis and other diseases did not live but a few years, maybe into their teenage years at most. Now they’re living well into adulthood and beyond. I think that’s a big triumph in providing care for children. Another success is improving preventive care, largely through immunizations. So serious diseases that I saw early on I don’t see anymore: diseases like polio, measles and meningitis. Q: You’re the president-elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). What are some of the goals of that organization? A: The AAP is an organization with 60,000 pediatricians, making it the largest association of pediatricians. We have several major goals. One is the education for pediatricians and the other is to advocate for children’s health care at local, state and federal levels. We have a strategic plan that is supported by three pillars. One is quality, improving the quality of care for children. Two is access, improving the ability of children to have access to insurance and a primary care physician

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2011

near the home. Three is finance: that services that are provided to children are appropriately paid for by state or federal government, or by insurers. Q: What kind of challenges do you see right now? A: We still have 9 million children in this country who are uninsured. A good percentage of them are eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) but they’re not enrolled. So we’re trying to get those children enrolled and be able to access medical care. No. 2, as the federal and state governments are facing budget challenges, one of the programs they’re looking to reduce expenses is Medicaid. Close to 30 percent of the children in this country are insured by Medicaid and make up half of Medicaid enrollees. They account for only a quarter of Medicaid expenses. So they’re relatively inexpensive to provide medical care for. So we want to make sure that people know that’s not really where the big savings are. If you cut health care services for children, it’s going to come back when the children become adults and have untreated health problems left over from childhood. Q: You’re the editor-in-chief of a pediatric textbook, “Primary Pediatric Care.” A: The textbook is 3,000 pages long with 300 authors. What I had to do was make sure the authors got their chapters in by deadline, then we’d have to review all of the chapters for medical correctness. Fortunately we have the services of the Academy of Pediatrics to review the chapters and an excellent editorial assistant at the academy to check for editorial correctness. We have an online version that allows pediatricians to access the textbook from the computer or mobile device. The online version is updated every three months, which you obviously can’t do with a printed edition. We’re working on a second print edition. We hope to have that available in another three years. We like to have a new version five years after the original. Q: What can we look forward to at the Golisano Children’s Hospital? A: Well, the biggest news is that we’re going to build a free standing children’s hospital next to the medical center where we’ll have all of our inpatient services in one tower. Right now, we’re spread around a bit through the medical center. It will include all private rooms so that families can stay with their children 24/7, which isn’t easy to do in our semi-private rooms; they’re way too crowded. We’re going to be bringing our facility up to date, like many of the children’s hospitals in the country have done over the last five or so years.

Lifelines Position: Associate chairman of pediatrics at the Golisano Children’s Hospital; professor of pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center Education: Pre-clinical studies (1st & 2nd year medical school) at Dartmouth College. Medical degree from Harvard Medical School Post-doctoral training and resident: Residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Boston; internship in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Boston Afﬁliations: American Academy of Pediatrics (president-elect); National Quality Forum Child Health Quality Measures Steering Committee (Co-Chair), “Primary Pediatric Care” (editor-in-chief)

Making acupuncture more affordable Local acupuncture office wants to popularize acupuncture by charging clients based on their income. ‘No questions asked,’ the owners say By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ochester Community Acupuncture Clinic opened in January of 2009 as a means of making acupuncture accessible to people of all income levels. The clinic’s rates are based upon a sliding scale (“no questions asked”) and range from $15 to $35 on average per treatment. A one-time $10 fee is charged for the first appointment. The low cost doesn’t mean the clinic sacrifices the quality of its treatments. RCAC’s practitioners and owners, Janeane Klingler and Angela Pauling, are licensed acupuncturists and graduates of the Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine at New York Chiropractic College. Oftentimes, acupuncture patients require a series of treatments and possibly periodic follow-up treatments to address their health issues. By charging with a sliding scale, RCAC prevents patients from forgoing treatments they need because of their financial situation. Other practitioners may charge around $50 to $80 per visit with a first visit costing $100. “The purpose of the sliding scale is to separate the issues of money and treatment,” Klingler said. “We want you to come in often enough to really get better and stay better. We understand that everyone’s situation is different, and our primary goal is to make acupuncture available to you as often as you need it.” The clinic has been so successful that Klingler and Pauling recently moved it to larger digs at 302 North Goodman St., suite. 403 in Rochester. “We were outgrowing our practice on South Avenue,” Klingler said. “We wanted to provide more hours and we’re handicapped accessible. We have more parking, too.” RCAC offers more evening hours and is open on Saturdays. In addition to its payment structure — they do not require income verification — RCAC differs from many other American facilities in that patients are not treated in individual rooms, but in a group setting, up to six at a time. Although strange to Americans accustomed to individual treatments, this model is similar to how traditional Asian acupuncture is practiced, according to the owners. It allows RCAC to charge low rates and to operate outside of the insurance reimbursement-based structure. “A healthy group setting creates a dynamic that can be used for all of our benefit in an acupuncture clinic,” Klingler said. “Receiving treatment in

Janeane Klingler, co-owner of Rochester Community Acupuncture Clinic, applying a treatment of acupuncture to client Wendy Burwell. a community setting has other tangible benefits, as well: it’s easier for friends and family members to come in for treatment together and many patients find it a relief to not be isolated during their treatment.” RCAC uses recliners instead of the more clinical treatment tables to create a more relaxing, home-like environment. Klingler and Pauling allow patients keep their needles in as long as they desire up to 45 minutes. “We understand the right amount

of time varies from person to person,” Klingler said. The clinic’s website — www. rochestercommunityacupuncture.com — states that “acupuncture has been a community-based medicine for most of its long history. In Asia, acupuncture has traditionally been practiced in group rather than individual settings and has been a ‘people’s medicine’: low-tech, inexpensive, and easily available.” RCAC is part of a worldwide network of sliding scale acupuncture

clinics, Community Acupuncture Network, a non-profit organization (www. communityacupuncturenetwork.org). “We see our clinic and others like it functioning as a safe place to come take a rest while working through pain and suffering, and moving toward healthier patterns,” Klingler said. “Acupuncture by its nature is simple, safe and effective health care. We feel acupuncture does not need to be expensive to be effective.” For more information, visit www. rochestercommunityacupuncture.com.

8 Easy Tips to Avoid Supplement & Medication Mishaps

avigating the supplement and medication maze can get confusing especially when you have multiple prescriptions. It is important to organize yourself with your medications and supplements to prevent unnecessary mishaps. Physicians Lorraine J. Gudas and Mark S. Lachs offered these key tips on how to stay on track with your medications and steer clear of unsafe drug interactions at NewYork-Presbyterian/ Weill Cornell Medical Center’s 29th Annual Women’s Health Symposium:

1 2

Keep a list of your medications with you at all times.

Make sure to include brand and generic names as well as dosages and frequency.

3 4

Include all vitamins and supplements on the list.

Share the list with every health care provider you come in contact with, whether or not he or she suggests new medicines or medicine changes.

Never mix medications in the same bottle even if traveling; taping an actual pill to your medication list can help you identify which medicine is which.

When you hear about a new drug or a health tip, ask yourself: Is this based on a clinical trial, an observational study, or only personal endorsements?

November 2011 •

Don’t make health decisions on the basis of observational studies. They are interesting to think about, but they don’t prove anything.

If you are thinking of buying a supplement or drug, ask your doctor’s opinion. Don’t take them on the basis of personal testimony. Gudas is chairman and Revlon pharmaceutical professor of pharmacology and toxicology of the Department of Pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and Lachs is director of geriatrics at NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and author of “Treat Me, Not My Age.”

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

Alone with Loss: The Healing Power of Gratitude

e was only 60. A son, husband, father to eight children, and grandfather to 13. He was an admired entrepreneur, a dear friend to many, a great guy. He was also my brother. Mark died unexpectedly of pneumonia just weeks ago. It feels like yesterday, and I’m still shaking my head in disbelief. But the terrible shock is slowly subsiding, giving way to sadness and grief. I know that, with time, the healing will come. Writing for me has always been an important outlet and coping mechanism. Sorting out my feelings on paper helps me slow down, release pent-up pain and emotion, and gain perspective. It helps me heal. Writing also gives me a chance to help others who may find themselves grieving alone. Coping with loss poses a special challenge for those of us who live alone. At the end of the day, when others might return to busy households, we return to quiet, empty homes. The solitude, while welcome or at least tolerable on happier days, is not so welcome when heartache shows up on the doorstep. It’s at times like this when it’s so important to pick up the phone, be with others, and take good care of ourselves. And that’s what I did. I practiced what

I preach: I called friends, huddled with family, made an appointment with my therapist, and went back to work. I also made a decision to approach the loss of my brother with an open heart and a focus on gratitude. My hope was that in doing so, I could tame my swirling emotions, find some measure of meaning in this loss and, most importantly, honor Mark’s spirit.

I am so, so grateful for . . .

• My brother’s happy, generous spirit. He’s still with me in my heart. • His strong, devoted, and devout wife Cathy, who led us through the painful goodbye. • The Mormon Church, which my brother joined after he met Cathy, and how it wrapped its arms around their family. • Mark and Cathy’s beautiful children and grandchildren in whose faces I can see Mark’s light. • My mother’s incredible strength, grace, and reassuring words: “Mark’s influence will live on.” • My sister Ellen who traveled home and stood by mom. She doted on her, filled her pantry with comfort food, and kept her company. • The amusing memories of Mark shared during his service that brought laughter and a brief respite from the sadness.

“Coping with loss poses a special challenge for those of us who live alone. At the end of the day, when others might return to busy households, we return to quiet, empty homes.” • My sister Anne’s hand in mine and the comfort I felt when she looked at me and softly mouthed the words, “I’m your person.” • The gray sky and drizzling rain during Mark’s burial. A bright, sunny day would have felt all wrong.

And I’m so thankful for . . .

• Tears — flowing, cathartic tears and more tears. • The light touch on my shoulder during the viewing and offer of a real, cloth handkerchief. • The comforting condolence cards, emails, and phone calls. • My best friend Terry’s steadfast support and loving acceptance of my need for “alone time.”

• The empathy expressed by the kind woman who helped me when I ran out of gas on my way to pick up flowers for the funeral. “Of course you’re distracted,” she shared. • My friend Kate. Together on the phone, and without restraint, we railed against the random, senseless, unfairness of life and death. I needed that. She was there for me. • The anonymous visitor who left a sweet bouquet of wildflowers on my front porch, along with a simple note, “I’m so, so sorry.” • Cathy’s dear friend Mary who cautioned us that anger may well up. She was right. It has. • My colleague Kathy who’s “been there.” She continually checks in with a sincere “How are you doing?” and then she really, really listens. One day, a fresh vase of flowers was left on my desk; days later, a package of herbal tea. Sometimes twice a day, a hug. • Mark’s British Auto customers and fellow gearheads who shared his passion for MGBs, Austins, Triumph Spitfires, Minis, and vintage Jaguars. They showed up at the funeral to express their respect: “He was one of the best.” “Mark knew everything there was to know about British cars.” “He’ll be missed, big time.” With each passing day, I am finding more acceptance and feeling a little more at peace with Mark’s death. I have so much to be grateful for, but today, I am especially grateful for this opportunity to share my loss, thoughts, and gratitude with you. It has helped me tremendously. If you, too, are suffering alone with loss, I encourage you to embrace the power of gratitude. Let’s count our blessings and heal. 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 upcoming workshops or to invite Gwenn to speak, you can call her at (585) 624-7887, email her at gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com.

KIDS Corner Children of Older Dads Fare as Well in School as Other Kids Findings contradict other research that found paternal age could negatively impact children’s IQ

en who become parents later in life are not putting their children at risk for academic problems, a new study suggests. Researchers in Sweden found children born to fathers in their 50s performed no worse in school than kids with fathers in their 30s. The findings, Page 8

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they noted, challenge previous studies that suggested a father’s older age can have a negative impact on his children’s IQ. In the study published online in PLoS ONE, researchers collected data on the school performance of more than 135,000 children in Stockholm.

Researchers also considered how the social advantages of being raised by older parents would come into play in how well the children did in school. “To the delight of fathers choosing to wait before having children, our results suggest that children of older fathers perform no worse in school,” said study leader Anna Svensson, of the Karolinska Institute’s Department of Public Health Sciences, in a news

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2011

release. “When we studied children’s final year-nine grades we could see no difference between children of fathers in their 50s and children of fathers in their 30s.” The children of fathers younger than 30 performed slightly worse in school than kids of other men. This could be explained by differences in the educational background of the parents, researchers said.

Violence Against Nurses at Work Problem is more prevalent than people think, including in the Rochester area By Aaron Gifford

urses are attacked on the job more than most people think. Nationally, there were a total of 2,050 assaults or violent attacks against registered nurses in the workplace in 2009, according to the American Nurses Association. The vast majority of those attacks were committed by patients, though 80 of them were committed by visitors. Between 2003 and 2009, eight nurses were killed on the job. The ANA also found that the health care industry leads all other industries in the nation in number of non-fatal assaults against its employees. The Emergency Nurses Association, meanwhile, found that 8 to 13 percent of emergency department nurses nationwide are attacked verbally or physically by patients in the work place every week. That finding was the result of a survey of 3,200 nurses. Locally, Strong Memorial and Rochester General hospitals have also dealt with violence against nurses in recent years. In most cases, officials said, attacks occurred when a patient became agitated, got tired of waiting for service or felt they were being ignored. “We’ve had cases where nurses were slapped, punched,” said Shari McDonald, a registered nurse in Rochester General Hospital’s emergency room. “There have been cases where nurses missed some work [due to injuries].” Carole Farley-Toombs, associate director of nursing at Strong’s Behavioral Health Department, said she can recall cases where angry patients threw a chair or a phone at medical personnel. There have also been episodes of unruly, intoxicated patients in the emergency room. In the most extreme cases, nurses suffered bruises or lacerations. None of the attacks resulted in life-threatening injuries. However, Farley-Toombs added, “there have been times where we’ve had to press charges.” Lakeside Memorial, Thompson Health Unity Health, and Clifton Springs Hospital did not respond to inquiries. Phone messages followed by detailed emails went unreturned. A 2009 article in the Journal of Nursing Administration cited a separate survey of nurses who were attacked in hospitals. It found that the most common factors related to the attacks included use of alcohol or drugs, psychiatric problems, dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, prolonged wait times, high patient volumes, perceptions that the staff is uncaring, staff shortage and poorly enforced visitor policy. The trend was noticeable enough to prompt nursing organizations to successfully lobby state governments to make it a felony to attack nurses, as it is with firefighters and police officers.

The law took effect in November 2010. Two months later, the New York State Nurses Association launched a public awareness campaign and began distributing posters that said: “Assaulting a nurse is a shame. And it’s a crime. It’s a felony in New York State to assault a nurse on duty.” “Every nurse deserves to be safe at work, but a safe work environment not only benefits nurses, it is also good for patients,” said Claire Murray, executive director of New York Organization of Nurse Executives. Local hospital officials could not recall any cases where patients have been charged with a felony or incidents in the past that would meet the threshold of felony prosecution. Still, they support the law, calling it a deterrent against potential violence and one of several tools needed to make hospitals safe and comfortable for all employees and patients. “It [the new law] does make a different by raising awareness to this issue,” said Farley-Toombs, of Strong Memorial. “I think violence [against nurses] happens in many places, and it’s under-reported. It’s a legal issue, and health care environments aren’t exempt from the laws.” Both Strong and Rochester General have interdisciplinary teams made up of nurses, physicians, administrators, security personnel and other employees that meet regularly to monitor and improve work place safety. Both established processes for identifying potential episodes and procedures for taking the correct steps before they get out of hand. Both teams have also have made several recommendations that were implemented in recent years. At Rochester General, employees wear silent panic alarms on their shirts or jackets. The devices are connected to the security department’s computer system, which uses infra red technology to determine where the employee is at the time of the incident. While employees are encouraged to use the device whenever they feel uneasy about a situation, they are also trained to communicate with patients and keep

them calm, explained physician Bryan Gargano, medical director of the hospital’s adult emergency department. “These acts [of violence] are not just random and unprecedented,” he said. “We know how to intervene early on. Sometimes, calling security is not the best way to go. This is a hospital. We don’t want to have a police state.” In addition, every unit and department in the hospital has magnetic doors, allowing staff to lock down certain areas if a situation escalates. McDonald, the nurse at Rochester General Hospital’s emergency room, said the hospital staff has a strong focus on customer to keep patients from becoming uncomfortable and agitated. In every department, doctors and nurses make rounds at least once an hour to make sure every patient is acknowledged. “So at least we make eye contact,” McDonald said, “and let them know they haven’t been forgotten.” McDonald added that the median wait time for service at Rochester General is about 18 minutes. At Strong, security officers and nurses make rounds in the emergency room every hour, allowing personnel to keep an eye on potentially volatile situation. More cameras have been added throughout the hospital in recent years. Electronic doors were also installed, requiring non-authorized persons to be buzzed into certain units during the overnight hours. “We are aware of episodes of violence at hospitals nationwide,” said Farley-Toombs, who also heads Strong’s workplace safety committee and designed training program for employees “We feel hospitals need to be a place of healing, and a safe environment.” Similar violence against nurses laws have also been enacted in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Washington and West Virginia, according to the American Nurses Association.

November 2011 •

National Nurse Practitioner Week Celebrated

hroughout the week of Nov. 13–19 nurse practitioners (NPs) from across New York state and the country will celebrate their contributions to the healthcare industry and the role they will play in the new age of health reform. “We celebrate not only the success and progress of nurse practitioners over the past several decades in New York state, but the sweeping national health reform enacted by the President and Congress,” said Seth Gordon, president and CEO of the Nurse Practitioner Association New York State. “By restructuring the way our country’s health care system is managed, it’s inevitable that the role of nurse practitioners will continue to expand and evolve. In New York, there are more than 13,000 licensed nurse practitioners. The Nurse Practitioner Association of New York State serves as the statewide voice for the profession. “The stage has been set for a broad reconsideration of the roles and practices of NPs. Now is the time for New York state to recognize the capabilities of NPs and remedy those barriers that place unnecessary restrictions on the services these highly trained healthcare professionals can provide.” “In the new age of healthcare, nurse practitioners remain the best fit provider for quality, cost-effective and timely patient care. NPs have been filling patient care voids for nearly half a century and are now needed more than ever,” said Gordon. “Nurse Practitioner Week serves as the perfect time to recognize our state’s NPs and to embrace them as an integral part of our healthcare team. Our healthcare system and the people it serves deserve nurse practitioners who are free to practice to their utmost abilities.” Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who today function as mainstream healthcare providers in various primary care and specialty roles. The combination of nursing experience and advanced study makes NPs uniquely qualified to provide high quality, nurturing and individualized care. NPs diagnose and treat illness, monitor and manage chronic conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications. In New York State, NPs typically work in practices or settings similar to physicians and are committed to providing quality care as valuable members of a collegial healthcare community. Presently, there are about 145,000 nurse practitioners nationwide certified in various specialty areas, including acute care, adult health, community and family health, gerontology, holistic nursing, neonatology, obstetrics/gynecology, oncology, palliative care, pediatrics, perinatology, psychiatry, school health and women’s health. The NPA was established in 1980 as a nonprofit organization under the name The Nurse Practitioner Association, Inc. For more information, visitwww.thenpa.org or the local chapter at www.npagr.org

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 9

My Turn

By Eva Briggs

It’s Not All About POEMs Newest innovations that relate to medicine are startling

worked for a while at an academic medical center. At the time, the faculty there promoted reading POEMs and only POEMs. Not, alas, literary poems, but studies and articles about “Patient Oriented Evidence that Matters.” Everything else, per one of the department’s self-styled pundits, was simply a waste of time and brainpower. Fortunately, that’s not the way I see it! Sometimes, it’s just plain fun and interesting to read about science and technology. Because my daughter graduated from M.I.T., every two months the publication “Technology Review” shows up in my mailbox. The latest issue was devoted to its annual list of 35 innovators under the age of 35. You can watch interviews with this year’s winners online at technologyreview.com/tr35 This month I’m writing about some of these newest innovations that relate to medicine. Paul Wicks is the winner of Technology Review’s humanitarian of the year award. As a teen, he began working with children with autism spectrum disorder. His experiences taught him to effectively communicate with patients with serious medical issues. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in neuropsychology at King’s College of London. Subse-

quently he joined a company called Patients Like Me. The company initially was founded to help gather information for a friend with ALS (a fatal degenerative neurologic disease). The company has grown into a social network site serving a global community of more than110,000 members with over 500 serious conditions. By communicating with others with similar medical conditions, patients can learn what to expect, and find tips for coping and adapting. The site has garnered patients for scientific study too. For example, when a small study suggested that lithium might benefit patients with ALS, Wicks collected the experiences of 10 times as many patients. The expanded study, published in a peer-reviewed clinical journal, showed that unfortunately lithium wasn’t helpful. You can check out the website at www.patientslikeme.com/ Have you ever been startled by an alarm clock’s buzz just when you were deep into sleep? When Ben Rubin was a college student, he began to explore the idea of hooking up one’s brain to a monitor to measure brain activity in order to invent an alarm that would awaken the sleeper at the optimum phase of light sleep. His first studies used an old polysomnography machine the size of a refrigerator. Rubin eventually

devised a fabric headband with embedded sensors that send a signal to base station clock next to the bed. Called the Zeo, now you can buy your own sleep analyzer for about $200. Visit www. myzeo.com/ to find more about it. Infectious diseases remain a common reason for people to visit the doctor. Determining the causative organism and how to treat it best often takes days, until culture results are complete. Yemi Adesokan, cofounder of a biotech company called Pathogenica, develops new techniques to identify bacteria and their drug sensitivities faster, cheaper, and more precisely. His current research focuses on the microbes that cause urinary tract infections. Scientists often generate huge amounts of data. Looking at pages of numbers, and figuring out what they mean, can be daunting. Miriah Meyer is helping by developing new ways to view data graphically. She tailors visual representations of data to the individual biologist’s research needs. One use of genetic engineering is to design microbes to synthesize particular substances. Designing the necessary DNA instructions is very time consuming and prone to error. Andrew Phillips, a researcher with the Biological Computation Group at Microsoft in Cambridge, UK, writes software to simplify the process. His software

enables researchers to look at several ways to achieve their results, and to simulate and compare their options. This software helps scientists reduce the chances of time-consuming failures in real cells. Many diseases — such as diabetes, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease — and various injuries can damage blood vessels. Fan Ying, a Stanford professor of bioengineering and orthopedic surgery, is developing ways to repair damaged vessels. She inserts a biodegradable polymer into stem cells, in order to carry proteins that stimulate vessel growth into diseased areas. Earlier research used viruses instead of the biodegradable polymer. Yin’s treatment is potentially safer. She estimates that this technique could be available for clinical use in five to 10 years. I hope you, readers, had as much fun learning about these real life developments in biotechnology as I did. Now to read some poems — the real kind, the literature kind. After all, even the Journal of the American Medical Association publishes a poem in every issue!

Eva Briggs, a board-certiﬁed physician, works on the staff at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, in its two urgent care centers: one in Ithaca, and the other in Cortland.

Diabetes: the Tsunami of Diseases More than Half of All Americans Will Have Diabetes by 2020. Ranks Could Swell to 135 million

H November 2011 is Diabetes Awareness Month Page 10

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alf of all American adults are destined to develop diabetes or pre-diabetes by 2020 if they don’t make dramatic lifestyle changes, according to a dire new prediction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If current trends continue, the ranks of American adults with excessive blood sugar levels would swell from 93.8 million this year (about 28 million diabetics and 66 million more with pre-diabetes) to 135 million in 2020 — and cost society $3.35 billion by decade’s end. In addition, diabetes is becoming one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents. According to the American Diabetes Association, one in every four children is currently diagnosed with diabetes. Experts believe that unless people improve their diet and start exercising more regularly, diabetes could become an epidemic of tsunami-like proportions.

Treatment The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine by scientists at Montefiore and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, found that metformin, the drug typically used to treat diabetes, combined with lifestyle changes, can effectively delay the onset of diabetes. As a result of these findings, the American Diabetes Association now recommends use of this medication for treating pre-diabetes. The condition is diagnosed in patients when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes, placing people at high risk for diabetes. Recent research has shown that some longterm damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be occurring during pre-diabetes.

What is Diabetes Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or sugar, levels are too

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2011

high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy. With Type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood. Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause serious problems. It can damage your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes can also cause heart disease, stroke and even the need to remove a limb. Pregnant women can also get diabetes, called gestational diabetes. Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may include fatigue, thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and frequent urination. Some people have no symptoms. A blood test can show if you have diabetes. Exercise, weight control and sticking to your meal plan can help control your diabetes. You should also monitor your glucose level and take medicine if prescribed.

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Surprising News About Cranberries

rinary tract infections. It’s what comes to mind when I think of cranberries. Although I don’t suffer from UTIs, I have plenty of friends who do, and they all swear by cranberry juice. Just another old wives’ tale? Hardly. Cranberries contain unique compounds that inhibit the adhesion of bacteria to the urinary tract wall. Less bacteria means less chance for an infection to take hold, hence the benefit of consuming cranberries or cranberry juice at the first inkling of a UTI. Of course, if the threat of a UTI is And like other brightly colored not high on your list, you’ll be interfruits, cranberries are loaded with ested to know that the anti-adhesion health-boosting anthocyanins, comproperties of cranberries may also pounds that Lynn Goldstein, a dietitian inhibit the bacteria associated with stomach ulcers, gum disease, and tooth at Weill Cornell Medical College, says “are believed to strengthen the immune decay. A berry that could avert a trip system, fight disease and help prevent to the dentist? Show me the way to the conditions such as cancer.” bog! Nutritionally speaking, no-fat cranApart from its bacteria-blocking berries rank right up there with other benefits, cranberries are surprisingly berry superstars. Low in calories (about good for hearts. Recent research sug50 per cup) and high in cholesterolgests that the antioxidants found in clearing fiber, cranberries are a great cranberries (the same polyphenols linked to cardiovascular benefits in tea, source of vitamin C and manganese (good for strong bones). red wine, and chocolate), may protect What they are not a great source hearts by lowering blood pressure and by reducing LDL cholesterol, the “bad” of is ready consumption by the handful, at least not the fresh ones. But cholesterol that contributes to hardenthat’s where dried cranberries come ing of the arteries and heart disease.

in. Although the drying process alters the nutritional profile a bit and the added sugar ups the calories (130 per 1/3 cup), dried cranberries remain an excellent source of energy, fiber, and antioxidants.

Helpful tips

Avoid bags that have a lot of soft or brown berries. They should be shiny, plump, and range in color from light to dark red. Good, ripe cranberries will bounce. Store fresh cranberries in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two months. Replace traditional croutons with dried cranberries next time you have a salad.

Place almonds on baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes. While almonds are baking, heat olive oil in small sauté pan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring until soft, about 5 minutes. Set aside. Prepare rice according to package directions. In medium bowl, combine rice, shallots, almonds, dried cranberries, and feta cheese (if using). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

Brown Rice with Dried Cranberries and Toasted Almonds Serves 6 ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted ½ cup chopped shallots 1 teaspoon olive oil 2 cups brown rice 3/4 cup dried cranberries ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) Salt and pepper, to taste Preheat heat oven to 350 degrees.

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Page 11

DRUG SHORTAGE Problem is not related to Third World countries, it’s affecting pharmacies and patients right here in Rochester By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

rescription drug shortages seem like a problem for underdeveloped countries; however, within the past few years, it has become a pressing issue for American pharmacists who cannot supply their patients with the drugs they need. “Shortages have been a problem sporadically in the past,” said Greg Clark, clinical pharmacy specialist in oncology at Rochester General Hospital. “However, in the last couple of years, they’ve gotten worse and they’re getting worse as time goes on.” Many of his patients rely upon the medication he dispenses to treat cancer and some cannot simply wait until a new supply comes in. While they wait, the cancer grows and grows. Curtis E. Haas, director of pharmacy at the University of Rochester Medical Center, said that drug shortages represent a problem that “we deal with every day. It’s been particularly bad for two years now, starting in the fall of 2009 and has been an increasingly difficult problem to deal with.” Many of the drugs involved are

generic, injectable drugs used in hospitals. James Della Rocco, director of pharmacy at Unity Health System, has been in the industry since 1968. “This is by far and away the worst I’ve ever seen,” Della Rocco said of the present shortage. “We battle this every day. It’s just the tip of the iceberg. Sodium chloride, potassium phosphate: we’re constantly battling to get common pain medication and find alternatives. Every day we have a list of medication shortages. “Lately, in the last two years, 100 to 200 drugs are in short supply and that’s much higher than it used to be. The amount of Haas time it’s out of stock has increased, even six weeks to eight weeks.” Simply switching to a drug from another manufacturer isn’t easy within an institutional setting. It takes time to

locate the alternative, ensure it is suitable, and train staff, too. “The amount of time and effort to deal with a shortage is five people taking eight hours instead of 20 minutes,” Della Rocco said. “The manpower, time and effort are phenomenal. “If it’s packaged differently, we have to bring it to nursing and they have to be educated in how to use it. You have to in-service the nurses. All of this takes a tremendous amount of time and effort. The last thing you want is someone to make an error.” It may seem strange that any company with a guaranteed demand for its product such as a drug manufacturer

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would not eagerly meet the demand should a competing company not produce enough; however, many factors make supplying prescription drugs much different from supplying other consumer goods. Mergers and acquisitions among drug companies represent two reasons for shortages, since these changes mean fewer companies are available to produce drugs. Some companies simply quit making certain drugs “if they judge it’s not economically viable,” Clark said. Haas agreed that many of these are “typically relatively inexpensive, injectable products and there’s not a lot of

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profitability,” he said. “If they run into a [production problem], there’s not a lot of incentive.” Production problems may be caused by several factors. If a drug production facility does not pass an FDA inspection, the government may shut it down, even if it is the only USbased manufacturer of the drug. Drugs imported from other countries may not meet US standards. “Sometimes it’s a simple reason like the raw materials come from outside the country and they can’t get it,” Della Rocco said. It would seem an ideal time for other drug companies to produce more of the drugs; however, that’s not a feasible solution to the shortage most of the time. “During these downtimes, if you have even fewer companies making the drugs, the demand remains the same but the companies that remain aren’t able to quickly ramp up production and meet the demand,” Clark said. Manufacturers, suppliers and pharmacies don’t typically stockpile these drugs because the formulation may change, the drugs usually bear expiration dates and it’s expensive to maintain a large inventory. “Most of us are running a just-intime inventory, about what we need for the next two weeks,” Della Rocco said. “We may buy an extra week or so but that’s as far as we’re going to go.” The shortages are not just a hospital-based pharmacy problem, either. Some medication dispensed at local and chain drugstores are in short supply such as those used for pain management and ADHD. When shortages happen, patients need to be proactive. They should “discuss it with their physician,” Clark said. “There’s not much a patient can 1 do aboutHH_AD_igh_november2011(5x6.75).eps the problem with certain

drugs, but there may be times that alternative therapy can be used instead of the drug the patient is on.” Willingness to try something different may help maintain the level of care the patient needs. Sometimes the patient can transition seamlessly from one drug to another, but not always. “Some of the oncology drugs may not have a good alternative,” Haas said. “Some may not have as much data available as the preferred product or may have more toxicity.” For prescription drugs, a different pharmacy may have some in stock so it pays to call around. But be careful about online pharmacies. “There are a lot of rip-off artists,” Clark said. “They’re just looking to get your credit card information. It’s difficult to identify what’s legitimate and what’s not. You’re taking a big risk by using one of those.” That’s especially true if you receive an unsolicited email or offer or if it’s a company outside the US. Even if you receive the drugs, the pills may be ineffective because they are not genuine, stored properly or within their expiration date. Only use online pharmacies recommended by your doctor, pharmacist or insurance company. Although patients can’t stockpile prescription drugs, filling them a little early isn’t a bad idea if you can once your supply is running low. “I do wish they’d come up with a solution soon,” Della Rocco said. “If drug companies have an issue supplying a drug, they should let us know sooner so we can come up with alternatives. It’s a federal solution; it can’t be solved on a state level. It needs to be because it raises consistency.” And as anyone taking medicine would attest, consistency is everything.

8/16/11

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Working at Home Two health-related professionals weigh the pros and cons to telecommuting By Amy Cavalier

or those of us stuck in windowless cubicles five days a week, a world where a robe and slippers is proper work attire and breaks mean spending time in your garden or getting laundry done may seem like a dream come true. Jobs that allow or even require their employees to work from home, also known as telecommuting, are actually not as rare as one might think. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics “American Time Use Study,” in 2010, 24 percent of employed persons did some or all of their work at home vs. the 83 percent of us that did some or all of their work in an office or workplace. Maggie Fiala and Wendy Schreiber are two Rochestarians employed in health-related fields, from home. As they can attest, telecommuting has its advantages and disadvantages. “There’s good points,” said Schreiber, “no gas to buy, no lunches to buy and pack, no office politics — that’s huge — no bad weather commutes, and being home when the kids get home from school.”

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On the flip side, it can get lonely. “It’s strange…because you always think about your work career in a typical office environment, so the camaraderie of the co-workers, the happy hours, the sports teams, and the just going to lunch with someone, that’s all kind of just taken away,” said Fiala. Schreiber, which ironically means ‘scribe’, is a medical transcriptionist for execuScribe. She attended school for medical secretaries in 1971 and has been working at home ever since. “It started out because I wanted to be there when my kids came home,” she said. “It was a perfect job, and I still enjoy it.” Schreiber transcribes doctors’ notes, discharge summaries, operative and clinic notes for different medical offices. Typing at 80 words per minute, Schreiber deciphers notes about everything from plastic surgery, dentistry, pulmonary, solid organ, organ transplant, to allergy, immunology and rheumatology. She receives dictation over the Internet and returns the transcribed documents to the clients in the same fashion. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, medical transcriptionists must understand medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, and treatment assessments. They also must be able to translate medical jargon and abbreviations into their expanded forms. Many medical transcriptionists telecommute from home-based offices.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2011

Fiala is promotions editor for a national behavior health care company. She produces promotional materials that are used to reach clients at home, at work, through email, and internal communications, for example brochures, posters and articles. When she began working with the company more than a year ago, Fiala lived in Manassas, Va. Her daily commute to the office took about one hour each way. After her husband Tony got a job offer closer to their families in Rochester, Fiala asked the company if they’d be willing to let her work from home back in New York. “I didn’t know because I had only worked there for one year, so I was nervous to ask,” she said. “My boss said she thought I would be a good candidate to work from home and so they allowed me to do it.” Fiala’s typical work attire is yoga pants or sweats. By lunch, she’ll take a shower and change into normal clothes. On her break, she’ll garden or do the dishes. The biggest challenge is waking up on time. “It’s easy to say, okay, no one’s looking at you,” she said. “You don’t have to worry about traffic. You can wake up five minutes before you have to roll up to your computer screen.” Sometimes, the lack of a daily commute can be a downside to working at home, said Fiala. “It allows you that break to transition going back into your home life,” she said. “When you live where you work, it’s just constantly everything you have to do, across the board. That separation is a lot harder to establish.” Schreiber agrees. “You never leave work,” she said. “It’s right there…so it’s a little bit of a balancing act.” Staying motivated and on-task can also be difficult when the dishes need doing and the dog needs walking. “When the weather is nice and when there’s something more fun to do, like everyone, you want to go and do whatever is more fun, but with me,

Fast facts about working at home… • In 2010, 24 percent of employed persons did some or all of their work at home, and 83 percent did some or all of their work at their workplace. • Men and women were about equally likely to do some or all of their work at home in 2010—22.9 percent of employed men compared with 24.5 percent of employed women. • In 2010, on the days that they worked, 36 percent of employed people age 25 and over with a bachelor’s degree or higher did some work at home, compared with only 10 percent of those with less than a high school diploma. Source: U.S. Department of Labor Statistics’ “American Time Use Study.”

it’s tough, because there’s no one there watching me,” said Schreiber. What keeps Fiala motivated, she said, is knowing what a privilege it is to be able to work from home. “I feel grateful for the opportunity to work at home, so I’m not going to take advantage of it, plus work needs to get done,” she said. “You can’t fake deadlines. That’s your paycheck. You have to remember that, so truly when I’m at work, I’m at work. My mindset is there, but I’m just not going into the office.” One of the disadvantageous of working as a medical transcriptionist, Schreiber said, is she’s responsible for her own computer. Up until this year, she had four computers on hand, just in case. During a recent storm, three of the computers that were plugged into a surge protector were “fried” when the power came back on. Now she’s down to two computers. Schreiber does receive technical assistance and software from her company. Fiala’s company provides her with a computer and she’s linked into their network, so the IT team can help her when she experiences technical diffi-

• One advantage: No gas expenses or lunch to buy. • One disadvantage: No camaraderie of the co-workers or happy hours. culties. She pays for her own Internet. Schreiber’s work is very independent, though she does report to a manager. Since she’s part-time, Schreiber is responsible for putting in four hours or 4,000 lines each day. Ideally, it would be great if she could just work say 8 a.m. until noon, however, her work depends on when the doctor, dentist or surgeon makes his notes available, so that weighs into determining her daily schedule. Fiala’s job requires her to collaborate with a team, some of whom also work out of their home, which means a lot of phone meetings and using instant messenger. “You have to schedule phone meetings even to discuss just a minor question or something that requires a little bit more discussion than email,” she said. Both women have a space in their homes designated to work. But that’s where the formalities end. Schreiber admits she often works in bunny sleepers, and her pets are the closest things to co-workers that she has. Her husband Jim recently retired, so he’s around the house more. Another con to working at home is, “people know you’re there.” “The people who don’t work at home — and because I try to be flexible it’s my own fault — they think they can just drop in whenever they want to, when I really do have a job and they are counting on me, so that’s hard,” Schreiber said. Overall, both women agree, the pros outweigh the cons. “For now, it’s good. I’m happy,” said Fiala, “but I think it’s another thing to think about when you’re looking for a job. Can you work in this environment?”

Healthier Workplaces By Amy Cavalier

hether you work at home or in an office, chances are you’re probably spending the majority of your day sitting at a desk. That can create a plethora of health problems, from a sore neck and carpal tunnel to weight gain and the health risks that accompany it. There are ways to improve your health at work, whether it’s taking small exercise breaks or making sure your desk is set up properly. According to the U.S. Labor Statistics Bureau, workers such as medical transcriptionists usually sit in the same position for long periods. As a result, they can suffer wrist, back, neck, or eye problems caused by strain and risk repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. That’s why it is so important to be sure you are following proper ergonomics. Do you ever feel sore or stiff after eight hours of sitting at your desk? You may feel better over the weekend, or when you take vacation, but once you are back in the office pulling the Monday through Friday, the problem returns. It could be the way you are sitting or the placement of your computer and keyboard that’s causing your body to strain. “Some people can sit at a desk and not have a problem and other people can develop musculoskeletal problems which are caused by stress and strain on the body over time that develops into an injury,” said Donna Lawrence, a senior industrial hygienist with the Finger Lakes Occupational Health Services. “It might be carpal tunnel, a problem in your elbow, or lower back strain.” Defined by Merriam-Webster as an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely, ergonomics is very much based on the individual. “If it’s bothering you, you’ll want to make some changes,” said Donna Lawrence, a senior industrial hygienist with the Finger Lakes Occupational Health Services. “If it’s not bothering you, it doesn’t mean it won’t in the future, so you should be aware of it in the event it causes a problem in the future.” The first step Lawrence takes when she’s working with someone who spends all day at a desk is to work on getting their body in a neutral position so as to put the least amount of stress or strain on the body. This can be accomplished by adjusting the chair, key board tray or computer monitor. Your work activities should be set up within an easy reach, said Lawrence. “You can have ten different people sitting in the same chair, and for one person, it might be a great chair but for another person, it might be a terrible chair,” said Lawrence. “It’s a matter of fitting the chair to the worker, or fitting the desk to the worker. You want to make adjustments that are best for that worker.” A good desk chair should provide adequate lower back or lumbar support, she said. Sitting at 135 degree angle puts less strain on your back than hunching forward or even sitting straight, according to MedicalBillingandCoding.org. “You want to make sure that your feet are flat on the floor and your legs

are fully supported by the chair,” she said. “If there are arm rests on the chair, they should be adjusted so your arms are at about a 90 degree angle.” According to the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, your chair’s backrest should conform to the natural curvature of your spine, the seat should be comfortable and allow your feet to rest flat on the floor or footrest, armrests should be soft and allow your shoulders to relax and your elbows to stay close to your body, and it should have a five-leg base with casters that allow easy movement along the floor. Your monitor should be at a comfortable viewing distance, generally an arms-length away, so you’re not leaning forward to view something on the screen. Visual strain can be caused by glare on your monitor. If you don’t have an anti-glare screen, Lawrence recommends taking microbreaks to prevent over exerting your eyes. Another way to reduce eye strain is through the use of task lighting to illuminate areas of your desk that are

November 2011 •

Tips for healthier workplace • Stand up to heart disease. My co-worker and I created our own makeshift standing desks, and we stand for about four hours every day. We get a lot of odd looks. But it keeps us more alert, engages our core muscles, and burns 12 to 30 more calories per hour than sitting. • Work out, and then go out. Schedule workout dates right after work to relieve your workday tensions. • Work out at your desk. You know you have 15 minutes to spare. Keep weights under your desk. Instead of stuffing yourself with Doritos when you’re bored, do a few biceps curls. You can use your desk to do dips and pushups, too. Check out this 15-minute desk workout video from SparkPeople.com: www.youtube.com/ watch?feature=player_ embedded&v=nKCPcRcJmqc • Resist the urge to phone, email, or tweet your co-workers. Go talk to your co-workers face to face. A real conversation can help break up your routine. • Put the credit card away. Our office is near a plethora of delicious bodegas, quickie restaurants, and snack shops, conveniently located five floors below. Every day I’m tempted to grab lunch. But why not try to make a healthier version of that Burrito Beach entree? Your wallet and your waistline will thank you. According to Samantha Hosenkamp’s blog Millennial Mafia.

not well lit. Things like good posture, or keeping your feet flat on the floor rather than crossing your legs, can reduce strain on your body. A keyboard tray will allow you to make adjustments so your elbows and upper arms, wrist, hands and shoulders are at a 90-degree angle. “Your wrist and hands should make a straight line out to the keyboard,” Lawrence said. “A slight downward angle is better than an upward angle.” Your mouse should be at the same level as your keyboard, she adds. And a document holder for your desk can help as well. So, now that you’ve got your desk set up properly, why not take workplace wellness to the next level by trying fitting in some physical activity during your day? In general, Lawrence said, taking breaks from sitting to do some stretching is a good idea. “Don’t do all your computer work at once,” she said. “Break it up with other tasks if you can. You want to be proactive and prevent problems before they occur.” Not only does being active at work make you more productive, it can prevent health problems down the line. According to a recent study by Pennington Biomedical Research in Baton Rouge, today’s workers are burning an average of 120 to 140 fewer calories a day at their jobs than workers in the 1960s. Men burn an average 142 calories fewer a day and woman burn 124 fewer. The changes reflect a shift in our economy from manufacturing and farming to an increase in office jobs that are mostly sedentary, the study concludes. Researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from the 1960s to 2008, as well as government obesity data. About a third of adults in the U.S. are obese, which is defined as 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight. That’s up from about 13 percent in the 1960s. According to MedicalBillingandCoding.org’s infographic “Sitting Is Killing You: The Truth About Sitting Down,” sitting increases your risk of death up to 40 percent, and people with sitting jobs have twice the rate of cardiovascular disease as people with standing jobs. Between 1980 and 2000, exercise rates stayed the same, sitting time increased 8 percent, and obesity doubled for Americans. The infographic explains that as soon as you sit down, the electrical activity in your leg muscles shuts off, calorie burning drops to one per minute, and the enzymes which break down fat drop 90 percent. After two hours, good cholesterol drops 20 percent. After 24 hours, insulin effectiveness drops and the risk of diabetes rises. For most of us, sitting at work is inevitable. It’s the sitting you do after work that causes the problem to turn serious. Walking burns three to five times the calories that sitting does, so take every opportunity you can to walk around the office, and don’t skip the gym after work. For more details on adjusting your desk chair properly, visit www.osha. gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/components_chair.html.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Golden Years

My Cataract Surgery ‘I was relaxed and ready to roll’ By Fred Jennings

ever thought much about it. Cataracts Annual physical exams including visits to my ophthalmologist had always turned out normal. Until this past February. It was then that my ophthalmologist, Richard Seeger, began talking seriously about surgery and what that involves. I had been aware of the cataract growing in my left eye, developing as it had over the course of many years. Later I learned that about 60 percent of people over the age of 60 develop cataracts and that some 1.5 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States every year. Although seniors are mostly affected, there are reports of the condition being present at birth or in early childhood due to hereditary enzyme defects or other genetic disease or systemic congenital infections. There are, of course, many other diseases or conditions that can affect the eye. Among them are glaucoma, macular degeneration, detached retinas, cancer, clogged tear ducts, sties, and injuries of all kinds.

But so prevalent and almost inevitable are cataracts that the publisher of this newspaper, Wagner Dotto, suggested that I share my experience so that others may know more about what they might expect when facing similar circumstances.

Cause remains unknown

Just why cataracts occur is unknown. What is known is that most cataracts appear to be caused by changes in the protein structures within the lens. This occurs over a period of many years and causes the lens to become cloudy. Other contributing causes of cataracts include excessive exposure to ultraviolet light and to ionizing radiation, diabetes, the use of certain medications such as oral, topical, or related steroids and smoking. This is yet another reason for not exposing yourself to the debilitating habit in the first place. I had begun to sense something was wrong with my vision when driving at night. Headlights from on-coming cars,

street lights and other small light sources were becoming shrouded with halos. And so the time for action was drawing near. I had been well briefed on the procedure, cautioned about having nothing to eat or drink after midnight, and to report to the hospital at 6 a.m. From that moment on, things proceeded like clockwork. Then it was an escort to the pre-op cubicle where final preparations for surgery were conducted and consent forms completed.

Prep for surgery

A barrage of questions were hurled at me over and over again and answered to the satisfaction of those making the inquiries, Yes, I was Frederick H. Jennings, Yes, my birth date was correct, and the list of prescription drugs I was taking was verified. No, I wasn’t allergic to latex, and I Jennings

Fred Jennings with Dr. Richard Seeger Page 16

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2011

only had a couple of reactions to medicines I had taken long ago. A big black “X” marked the spot of the surgical site. No room for mistakes here. The journey on the gurney to the OR was uneventful. Another doctor administered the anesthesia. I was relaxed and ready to roll. To begin with, they said, the left eye was clamped open and the eyeball gently rolled to one side. With scalpel in hand, the incision was made, the cloudy lens removed and replaced with one fashioned out of synthetic material. The lens is important for focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. In my case, more than a lens replacement was required. According to Seeger, a procedure for glaucoma called canaloplasty was performed as well.

‘Business as usual’

There was no discomfort at all, just the occasional tug while the new lens was stitched into place. I could hear the surgical team talking calmly among themselves. For them it was business as usual. Next thing I knew I was in the recovery room and then discharged with only a gauze patch taped in place to protect the affected area. That had to be kept dry and in place until the next day when it could be dispensed with entirely. Each night for a week a hard plastic patch was used to protect the eye from inadvertently being scratched while sleeping. Instructions covering post-operative care were handed to me as were three prescriptions for eye drops to aid the healing process. They told me how much to take and how often. This was to continue for 30 days. My son drove me home, but the next day I was permitted to drive myself to Seeger’s office for the first of what would turn out to be five more follow up visits. In each case, he was quite satisfied with the results, and so was I. The treatment and techniques of cataract surgery have changed so dramatically over the past few decades that it has become one of the safest procedures there is. What used to take up to a week in the hospital and perhaps as much time home lying flat on your back has been reduced to just a few hours as an outpatient. Many people today consider it nothing more than “a piece of cake.” Fred Jennings is a contributor to In Good Health. He lives in Webster.

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

Autumn Offers Lessons For Retirement

By Jim Miller

New Flu Vaccine for Seniors Provides Better Protection Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve read that there is a new extra-strength flu vaccine being offered to seniors this year. What can you tell me about it, where can I find it, and does Medicare cover it? Flu-Conscious Connie

your doctor or pharmacist, or check the online flu-shot locator at flu.gov for clinics or stores offering flu shots. Then, contact some in your area to see whether they have the High-Dose vaccine. CVS, Walgreens, Safeway, Kmart, Rite Aid and Kroger are among some of the chains offering the High-Dose shot. You’ll also be happy to know that if you’re a Medicare beneficiary, Part B will cover 100 percent of the cost of your High-Dose vaccination. But if you’re not covered the cost is around $50 to $60 — that’s about double of what you’d pay for a regular flu shot.

Pneumovax

Dear Connie, The new extra-strength flu vaccination you’re inquiring about is called the Fluzone High-Dose, and it’s designed specifically for seniors, aged 65 years and older. Here’s what you should know.

Fluzone High-Dose Manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Inc., the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2009, and was first made available last flu season on a limited basis. The main difference between the Fluzone High-Dose and a regular flu shot is its potency. The High-Dose vaccine contain four times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibody) as a regular flu shot does, which creates a stronger immune response for better protection. This extra protection is particularly helpful to seniors who have weaker immune defenses and have a great risk of developing dangerous flu complications. The CDC estimates that the flu puts more than 200,000 people in the hospital each year and kills around 24,000 — 95 percent of whom are seniors. As with all flu vaccines, Fluzone High-Dose is not recommended for seniors who are allergic to chicken eggs, or those who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine in the past. To locate a vaccination site that offers the Fluzone High-Dose, ask

Another important vaccination the CDC recommends to seniors — especially this time of year – is the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for pneumonia and meningitis (the vaccine is called Pneumovax 23). Pneumonia causes more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, many of which could be prevented by this vaccine. If you’re over age 65 and haven’t already gotten this one-time-only shot, you should get it now before flu season hits. Pneumovax 23 is also covered under Medicare Part B, and you can get it on the same day you get your flu shot. If you’re not covered by insurance, this vaccine costs around $75 to $85 at retail clinics. This vaccine is also recommended to adults under age 65 if they smoke or have certain chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease, have had their spleen removed, or have a weakened immune system due to cancer, HIV or an organ transplant.

Savvy Tips In addition to getting vaccinated, the CDC reminds everyone that the three best ways to stay healthy during flu season is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and stay home if you’re sick. For more information on the recommended vaccines for older adults see cdc.gov/vaccines.

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.

Social Security is the foundation for a secure retirement, but was never meant to be the solesource of income for retirees

n autumn, animals know winter is coming and take the steps to prepare. Bears grow thicker fur and settle in for peaceful hibernation. Squirrels collect and store acorns and other nuts. Birds, favoring warmer weather and having the means to make it possible, fly south for the winter. When it comes to preparing for retirement, we can learn from the animals — making sure the transition into the later years of our lives is as smooth and comfortable as possible. The best place to start is a visit to www.socialsecurity. gov. You can get an instant, personalized estimate of your future Social Security benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. To prepare for a comfortable retirement, you should start saving as early as possible. Social Security is the foundation for a secure retirement, but was never meant to be the sole-source of income for retirees. In addition to Social Security, you also will need savings, investments, pensions or retirement accounts to make sure you have enough

Q&A Q: I live in a hurricane zone and there’s always a good chance I’ll have to evacuate. What should I do if I’m expecting my check and a hurricane disrupts the mail? A: To avoid this situation altogether, get your payments sent electronically. Direct deposit and direct express are the fast, easy and secure ways to receive your benefit payment. For more information, see www.socialsecurity. gov/deposit. Q: How long does a person need to work to become eligible for retirement benefits? A: We base Social Security benefits on work credits. Anyone born in 1929 or later needs 40 Social Security credits to be eligible for retirement benefits. You can earn up to four credits a year, so you will need to work at least 10 years to become eligible for retirement benefits. Learn more by reading the publication How You Earn Credits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10072. html. Q: Will my son be eligible to receive benefits on his retired father’s record

November 2011 •

money to live comfortably when you retire. Learn about retirement planning and how to save at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/other2.htm. But wait, there’s more. If you decide you’re going to be a “snowbird” when retirement comes, and go to warmer climates during winter weather, make sure that your Social Security payment goes with you. The best way to do that is to use direct deposit. You never have to worry about where your monthly payment will be delivered — it will show up in your bank account whether you’re in the Dakotas or the Florida Keys. Learn all about electronic payments at www. socialsecurity.gov/deposit. Whether you’re in the spring, summer, or entering the autumn of your life, the best time to start preparing for retirement is always the present. A good place to start is at www.socialsecurity. gov. Even the animals know they can’t wait until the last minute to prepare for a comfortable winter. Take a lesson from our furry and feathered friends and prepare for your own comfortable retirement.

while going to college? A: No. At one time, Social Security did pay benefits to eligible college students. But the law changed in 1981. We now pay benefits only to students taking courses at grade 12 or below. Normally, benefits stop when children reach age 18 unless they are disabled. However, if children are still full-time students at a secondary (or elementary) school at age 18, benefits generally can continue until they graduate or until two months after they reach age 19, whichever is first. If your child is still going to be in school at age 19, you’ll want to visit www. socialsecurity.gov/schools. Q: My brother had an accident at work last year and is now receiving Social Security disability benefits. His wife and son also receive benefits. Before his accident, he helped support another daughter by a woman he never married. Is the second child entitled to benefits? A: The child may qualify for Social Security benefits even though your brother wasn’t married to the second child’s mother. The child’s caretaker should file an application on her behalf. For more information, visit us online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

Hospice 101 Hospice care can help families, patients By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

lthough many people write a will, few consider how they want to spend their last days if they become ill with an imminently fatal disease. Hospice care is one option when it’s clear that there will be no recovery. By planning ahead, you can choose what you would like and make your wishes known to your loved ones. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal disease, it’s important to decide what you want while it’s still possible to make these decisions together. Planning will ensure that the patient care is exactly what you want and give peace of mind to family members. Hospice care can help families enjoy loved ones more and help the patient take care of the end-of-life tasks important to him. Sandra “Sam” Meyer-Clark, hospice community nurse with Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester and Monroe County, Inc. in Webster, recalled a patient who “had his taxes all ready for his wife for the following year. He had the time with his grandson that he wanted. There are so many of those things where you can make some plans to do what you want before you die.” Unfortunately, some families delay hospice care, thinking that it’s only for the very last days of life. “If people would come on earlier and not wait for the last minute, it gives me a chance to get to know them better so at the end when the chips are down we have a relationship and I’m not coming in and just doing crisis management,” Meyer-Clark said. “People need to know that the sooner they come on to a hospice program, the

Sandra “Sam” Meyer-Clark, hospice community nurse with Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester and Monroe County, Inc.

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better quality they’ll see.” Building a relationship with the hospice team early on can also ensure that you have selected the right hospice provider. Timothy Quill, professor of medicine, psychiatry and medical humanities, Center for Ethics, Humanities and Palliative Care at the University of Rochester Medical Center, said that the median length of hospice care is two to three weeks. “It’s short for a lot of people,” he added. “People tend to postpone it until late in the game. Think about entering into hospice earlier because you get more care than other scenarios and once you’re sicker, you’re working with people you know. I’ve had people in hospice six months to more than a year.” Typically, hospice care provides comfort and pain management to patients rather than aggressively treating their illness. The hospice team can include nurses, social worker, physicians, chaplains, home health aides, and volunteers. It can also include coverage of medication, equipment such as a hospital bed and mattress overlay, and other durable medical goods related to their care. Hospice care provides “individualized attention that’s focused on assuring quality of the person’s end of life, keeping them as comfortable as possible and support to them and their family members,” said Mary Kelly, visiting nurse hospice and palliative care director for Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester & Monroe County, Inc. in Webster. Some people mistakenly think that

Timothy Quill, professor of medicine, psychiatry and medical humanities, Center for Ethics, Humanities and Palliative Care at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

hospice care involves hastening the patient’s death, but the opposite is true in many cases. “People who come on hospice live longer and have higher quality of life than those who don’t,” Meyer-Clark said. “It gives the family a time to talk about things, time to enjoy each other without having to run to doctor appointments and think about going to a hospital for everything. It gives them time to live without all these time constraints on them.” Kelly agreed. “Studies demonstrate that hospice extends a person’s life because they’re comfortable and they’re not expending energy fighting pain.” Hospice care can take place in a number of settings: private homes, group homes, nursing homes or hospitals. Most people prefer their own private home. Providers offer two to four hours of care daily with the rest of the care being the responsibility of family members. Hospice residences, both independent and ones inside nursing homes, can provide back-up care in case inhome care doesn’t work out. Visit with hospice providers to

Mary Kelly, visiting nurse hospice and palliative care director for Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester & Monroe County, Inc.

Barb Quinlan Giehl, vicepresident of hospice and palliative care at Lifetime Care in Rochester.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2011

both understand better how hospice works and evaluate their series. It’s a two-way interview to see how well you both fit together. “If you don’t like it you can stop at any time and transition to another, but you want to make it so it works the first time,” Quill said. If it’s a residential hospice, you may also be able to talk with other families there. Meyer-Clark advises people interested in hospice care to “talk with people and see what they think. They’re really driven by insurance so you’ll get the same benefits. Most of it is based upon people that they’ve talked to in order to get an idea of what they thought. “We’ve got a great team and if you talk to people we’ve taken care of and their family, you get that sense,” Meyer-Clark added. “We continue to help the patients’ family afterwards if they need it.” Side by side, the two providers available in Monroe County may appear the same as far as the services they offer, but one may be a better fit for your family. “If you’re in a community with multiple hospices, find an experienced medical provider with experience in these areas for advice on what’s good,” Quill said. “Get input from experienced people in the healthcare field from those you trust.” State licensure is mandated for hospice caregivers. To receive hospice care, one needs a referral. “We would then go to the doctor for the referral,” said Barb Quinlan Giehl, vice-president of hospice and palliative care at Lifetime Care in Rochester. “We would send someone out to meet with them personally as well as a family member if they’d like so we can explain what services we offer and we can work out together as to the best place to be.” In addition to the patient’s private home, long-term care facility, comfort home, and independent living facilities, Lifetime Care offers a 12-bed in-patient hospice unit on the campus of Park Ridge Hospital.

STUTTERING Is there help for people who stutter? By Susan Cochrane

What They Want You to Know:

Hospice Nurse

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

n its hospice care page, Nursesource.org states, “The focus of hospice care is on comprehensive physical, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual care to terminally ill persons and their families.” Hospice nurses are an important part of the hospice team. • “Hospice services for people with Medicare don’t cost anything. It’s a focus on comfort care and less emphasis on medical care. • Feel free to pick our brains. We have the knowledge base and experience. • “I wish they wouldn’t ask us how long a person will live. I was working one weekend at a local nursing home when a priest in his robes came up to me and asked how long I thought this person will live so he could arrange his day. We’re almost always wrong if we try to tell you. • “I love my job. I think it’s important for people to know that people who do hospice do it because they really want to be part of this process. We’re grateful to be a part of the end of someone’s life. I like what I do; I’m very lucky.” Leath DeRitter, RN, hospice nurse with Lifetime Care in Rochester • “A lot of what I run into is fear of medication that we need to use to make sure people are comfortable at the end of life and understanding that the medications aren’t hastening death and they aren’t going to get addicted to them. It’s our job to help educate them about the medications but people come in with preconceived ideas that we will give them medication to make things go faster but that’s not true. • “One of the largest misconceptions is when we talk about commu-

nity hospice, it’s a very different job for a family in a home to provide that kind of care 24 hours. If it’s one person, it’s impossible. You need a huge support system, especially in those last few days and hours of life to give that person the type of death that they deserve. It takes a huge amount of heart and soul and I don’t know that people realize that. I’m not saying families shouldn’t try to do it within their home. When the patient is up and walking around and the family says ‘We’ll do it.’ But when they’re bed bound doing 24-7 care is really, really hard. I’m not saying don’t do it but we can give them support they need, a certain amount of manpower. • “You don’t have to be on your deathbed to go into hospice. [Patients are] living without having all these appointments to work around. When they are feeling good because we’re doing well with symptom management, they can go out and enjoy a beautiful fall day. It gives the family the extra time to enjoy each other.” Sandra “Sam” Meyer-Clark, RN, hospice community nurse with Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester and Monroe County, Inc., Webster

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

ne percent of the adult population (or one in 100) and over three million Americans stutter. That number increases to 2.5 percent to 5 percent for children. Stuttering does not discriminate between socio-economic boundaries, nor between race and culture. It is, however, three times more likely to occur in males than females. By age 12, this ratio increases four to one. What exactly is stuttering? What does stuttering look like? How do I respond to a person who stutters? Is there help for people who stutter? With the release and acclamation of the movie “The King’s Speech” last year, the questions posed above have become more common. More people are asking questions and more people are reaching out for help.

What is Stuttering?

First, “stuttering characteristics” (what we see when someone stutters) are the result of what is happening or what has happened inside the brain and within the person who stutters. Stuttering, most likely, results from multi-factorial variables. Genes and chromosomes have been located which confirm stuttering has genetic links. Genetics alone account for at least 50 percent of people who stutter. Advances in technology have improved brain-imaging equipment enough so that scientists have been able to identify differences within areas of the brain (that control speech and language, auditory abilities and speech motor functioning) of people who stutter vs. those who do not. Following stuttering onset, most often between aged 3-4 years, environmental factors may serve to perpetuate the problem. In children, stuttering is often accompanied by other areas of weakness such as difficulties with articulation and language or other concomitant problems. Stuttering is known for its variability and unpredictability. Especially during its early development, the behavior may wax and wane and at times, seem to disappear all together. This is often the reason parents report they have done nothing to help their child sooner. Stuttering is frequently undiagnosed and often misdiagnosed even by professionals in the speech pathology field. Characteristics of stuttering differ from person to person. No one person stutters in the same way. Stuttering, as do people, changes over time.

What Does Stuttering Look Like?

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Stuttering is composed of affective, behavioral and cognitive variables. Affective variables include feelings the person who stutters has about himself, others and life based on his experience of stuttering. Behaviors include those things people who stutter do. People who stutter may become totally “stuck” and unable to get a sound out or they may hold onto a particular sound such as, “shshshshshopping.” A person who stutters may repeat sounds and words. A person who stutters my refrain from speaking, avoid social situations and change words or topics. The cognitive piece of stuttering includes what you know, and what and how you think about yourself based on

November 2011 •

your experience with stuttering. These thoughts (what you think) are the messages you send yourself and are often subconscious. People who stutter are not different in anyway other than stuttering. Efficacious treatment for stuttering includes all three components of the disorder.

How do I respond to a person who stutters?

Wait calmly and patiently for the person to finish what he would like to say. Do not speak for them. Do not rush or interrupt. Maintain normal eye-contact. People who stutter know what they want to say. It may take them a bit longer to complete the message.

Is there help for people who stutter?

Stuttering is a highly misunderstood and misdiagnosed disorder. It is an area of specialty in the field of speech and language pathology. Licensed speech/language pathologists who have undertaken and passed a rigorous course of study including course work, observations, guided practice and a written evaluation are called board-recognized specialists in fluency disorders. There are fewer than 300 of them in the United States. The website www.stutteringspecialists.org lists all board recognized specialists in the country. The most important thing a parent of a child who stutters or a person who stutters themselves can do is educate themselves regarding the nature and treatment of stuttering. Credible websites for help and information include www.stutterhelp.org, www.westutter. com, www.stuttertherapy.com and the stuttering homepage. Beware of websites and people who claim a “quick fix” or “cure.” Plan on interviewing a perspective speech and language pathologist prior to committing to a course of treatment. Include questions such as: What therapy approaches do you use in treating stuttering? How many people have you treated who are the same age as my child or myself who stutter? May I have the names of two or three clients whom you have treated as a reference source? Ultimately, a person who stutters has the best chance for success in treatment if indeed, he or she trusts the therapist and has confidence in his or her program of treatment. Ongoing research confirms that the “therapeutic alliance”, that is, the relationship between the therapist and the client is the most significant variable in predicting positive therapeutic gains. All people who stutter, regardless of age, are able to make positive changes in their lives. Susan Cochrane is board recognized as a ﬂuency specialist with nearly 30 years of speech pathology experience. For more information, visit www.stuttertherapy. com or contact her by email at freedomtos peak@frontiernet.net or by phone at 585329-0616.

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H ealth News Helendale Dermatology and Medical Spa goes ‘social’ Helendale Dermatology and Medical Spa of Irondequoit has launched a comprehensive social media campaign, making it one of the first private medical practices in the area to engage with patients online. Elizabeth Arthur, who is a board certified dermatologist at Helendale Dermatology and Medical Spa, said social networks are now playing an important role in healthcare conversations. Arthur Arthur said she is actively using social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube to engage in dialogue with patients, announce new treatments, guide patients to reputable sources of information, and promote her dermatology practice. This spring, Helendale launched live chats that offers an instantaneous transmission of text-based messages from sender to receiver, as an open online forum for patients to participate in a Q&A session with the physician outside of the examining room on topics related to healthy skin. Arthur also accepts private instant messages during the live chats. Helendale also launched virtual video consultations via Skype for those interested in cosmetic procedures without having to come into the office

for the initial consultation. This has opened the door to out of town patients, she said. “The iterations of online technology are likely to change faster than our medical institutions can adapt,” she said. “The next generation of medical students will likely be at an advantage to adopt it more quickly. In order to establish effective patient relations, it is important for physicians to listen and adapt to patients’ needs related to communicating.” For more information, visit www. helendaledermatology.com.

Dr. Faber joins leadership at Rochester General Rochester General Health System, a nationally recognized leader in providing cardiac, cancer and overall medical care services, announces the appointment of physician William Faber to senior vice president and executive medical director of Rochester General Medical Group (RGMG). Faber’s extensive past experience includes the role of regional medical director of the Chicago-based Advocate Medical Group, an 850-member physician organization. He also recently served as medical Faber director for credentials, peer review, and quality improvement education at Advocate Physician Part-

Lesley Loss joins Dermatology Associates of Rochester as CEO and practicing dermatologist

esley Loss has joined Dermatology Associates of Rochester as CEO and a practicing dermatologist. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and an active member of the National Psoriasis Foundation, Society for Pediatric Dermatology, and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. “It’s a real thrill for everyone — staff and patients — to Loss have Lesley join the practice,” said John H. Tu, co-medical director at Dermatology Associates of Rochester. “She brings an extensive knowledge of the latest diagnosis and treatment techniques, and will help us continue to provide the highest quality medical care to our patients.” Janice Loss, director of operations, spoke of how her daughter’s arrival at Dermatology Associates of Rochester fulfills life-long family dreams. “Lesley has looked forward Page 20

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to her medical career for most of her life and my husband, Robert, couldn’t wait for the day that Lesley joined the practice. He would be extremely proud of all that she has accomplished.” Robert Loss, Jr., Lesley’s father, was the founder of Dermatology Associates of Rochester and an innovator in advanced skin care treatments and techniques. He passed away suddenly in January 2008. Lesley Loss received her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree with honors from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She finished a one-year internship in internal medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Then she returned to UB for her dermatology training, where she was elected chief resident. She joins Dermatology Associates of Rochester as a board certified dermatologist. “My father was always on the leading edge of technology,” Loss notes. “I’m excited to bring more of this same innovation and the latest advances to our patients. This will help us offer superior solutions for a variety of skincare issues.”

Mark Klyczek Named President of NewarkWayne Community Hospital

ochester General Health System has announced the appointment of Mark F. Klyczek as president of Newark-Wayne Community Hospital (NWCH). With extensive experience in healthcare and financial administration, Klyczek joined NWCH as administrator of the DeMay Living Center in June 2010. Under his leadership, a new short-term orthopedic rehabilitation unit was launched that increased the center’s ability to serve the community; and recorded satisfaction rates among DeMay residents and NWCH team members rose to 93 and 95 percent, respectively. “Everyone who works with Mark Klyczek Klyczek is impressed by his passion for advancing healthcare standards and administrative goals, while still creating a positive environment for our team members and the community they serve,” says Mark Clement, president and CEO of Rochester General Health System. “We’re thrilled that he has agreed to lead NewarkWayne Community Hospital to new levels of excellence in service.”

ners, a group of more than 3,700 physicians that was recently recognized as the top integrated delivery system in the United States. As senior vice president and executive medical director, Faber will lead the 42-practice medical group and will facilitate continued progress toward RGMG’s goals of excellence as a healthcare solutions provider. “I was drawn to RGHS because of its record of quality improvement and commitment to providing cost-effective care, and I am impressed with the values-driven, courageous and businesssavvy leadership of the organization,” Faber says. “I’m pleased to be a part of this integrated system which embraces innovation to meet the challenges of healthcare reform.” “Dr. Faber’s vast leadership experience and proven track record in quality, process improvement, patient satisfaction, system integration, and financial growth initiatives make him an ideal candidate to help lead RGMG,” says Mark Clement, president and CEO of Rochester General Health System. “He is an outstanding addition to the Rochester General Health System team.” Faber received his medical degree from Loma Linda University, a university from which he also got a master’s degree in medical ethics. Faber also has a master’s degree in health care management from Harvard University.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2011

“A thorough search process revealed that the ideal candidate to lead Newark-Wayne was already a valued member of our team,” says Robert Havrilla, chairman of the board of NWCH. “Mark Klyczek clearly stood out among a field of highly qualified candidates, thanks to his unique understanding of how Newark-Wayne can best serve the community and his proven affinity for leadership in the ongoing pursuit of excellence in healthcare.” Prior to joining NWCH, Klyczek served for nine years in increasingly responsible roles in Buffalo’s Catholic Health System, including five years as administrator of the St. Catherine Labouré skilled nursing facility within the Sisters of Charity Hospital organization. He earned a Master of Science degree in health services administration from D’Youville College, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Canisius College. “It’s impossible to work in western New York’s healthcare community and not be profoundly impressed by the consistent record of excellence achieved here at Rochester General Health System,” Klyczek says. “I was delighted to join the team last year, and I’m proud to accept this new role with NewarkWayne Community Hospital.”

Clifton Springs Hospital raises $13,000 in event More than 100 people turned out for the 11th Annual Steppin’ Out for Friends with Cancer walk Sept. 29 at Clifton Springs Hospital. More than $13,000 was raised for the hospital foundation’s Cancer Patient Assistance Fund. The walk travels two miles through the village of Clifton Springs, ending with cookies and coffee at Finger Lakes Radiation Oncology Center and Finger Lakes Hematology & Oncology. Dan Duggan, a cancer survivor treated at the facilities, spoke and performed an original song prior to the walk. Duggan, accompanied by his wife, also performed at the reception. Steppin’ Out for Friends with Cancer was sponsored by G.W. Lisk, Inc., Ignaczak Family Fund, and CuraScript, along with CMG Health; Wayne-Clifton Pharmacy, Inc.; and Innovative Data Processing Solutions, LTD. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit income eligible cancer patients of Finger Lakes Hematology & Oncology, Finger Lakes Radiation Oncology Center, and Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic. Donations to the Cancer Patient Assistance Fund may be made by calling the foundation at 4620120, by mail to Clifton Springs Hospital Foundation, 2 Coulter Road, Clifton Springs, NY 14432.

H ealth News Grant to help Meals on Wheels expand services The Visiting Nurse Meals On Wheels program has received a grant of $35,000 from the Walmart Foundation and the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA). The grant will enable VN MOW to expand its nutrition and meal services as the demand for services grows and preferences of senior clients change. The grant will improve the longterm operations of VN MOW and 19 other Meals On Wheels programs across the country. Officials at the organization say this financial support is needed as many programs continue to struggle with skyrocketing gasoline costs and rising food prices during the nation’s economic downturn. “Thanks to the MOWAA-Walmart Foundation Building the Future Vision Grant, we now have the financial support needed to expand our services and feed more of our community’s seniors,” said Phil Shippers, director, VN MOW. “This grant will help us continue to feed seniors now and long into the future in Rochester and Monroe County.” Earlier this year, the Walmart Foundation announced a $5 million donation to MOWAA as part of a $2 billion commitment to support hunger relief efforts through 2015. It is the largest donation ever made to MOWAA by a corporate partner. More than $1 million of that $5 million donation will fund Vision Grants of up to $100,000 to 20 MOWAA member programs. An additional $1.4 million from the Walmart Foundation donation was recently awarded to almost 100 MOWAA member programs as “impact grants” of up to $20,000 to purchase stoves, refrigerators, trucks and other items that are critical to help serve seniors in need. The $2.4 million for the Building the Future Grants Program is the largest grant amount that MOWAA has ever distributed to its Member programs. “The Walmart Foundation continues to step up to the plate in the fight against senior hunger,” said Enid Borden, President and CEO of MOWAA. “They understand that joining Meals On Wheels in this battle is a moral imperative. The Walmart Foundation’s generous support helps ensure our programs sustain meal services well into the future. We can’t thank the Walmart Foundation enough for being such a powerful partner in our mission to end senior hunger in America by the year 2020.”

Seiler is CP Rochester volunteer of the year Frank Seiler was chosen as the 2011 recipient of this year’s Anthony J. Koenig Volunteer of the Year Award given by CP Rochester. The nonprofit said Seiler received the recognition because of his tireless work as an advocate for people with disabilities and for his support for the programs and events conducted by CP

Rochester. According to CP Rochester, Seiler is a husband, father and grandfather and worked for years in the printing industry. Seiler received services from CP Rochester for a number of years more than 50 years ago and started Seiler as a volunteer in CP Rochester’s preschool swim program in 1998. He has taken on numerous roles and tasks, including helping to plan and conduct special events. He also serves on the organization’s consumer services and human rights committees and is a powerful voice for those who may not have a seat at the table He is a mentor to people with disabilities and their families, helps orient new volunteers and serves as a strong advocate for CP Rochester, its programs and Services. He is also an active member of the local Elks Lodge #24 where he supports a variety of fundraising events raising money for CP Rochester. “Frank Seiler’s selflessness and dedication to CP Rochester and individuals with disabilities is an inspiration to those who know him,” reads a press release issued by the organization.

New director at Unity’s brain injury program Unity Health System announced that Mark LiVecchi was appointed to medical director of Unity’s acute rehabilitation and brain injury program. LiVecchi has been on the medical staff of Unity’s department of rehabilitation and neurology since 2006. Prior to joining Unity, he was medical director at Geneva General Hospital’s acute rehabilitation unit. The Mendon resident earned his medical degree from SUNY College of Medicine at Brooklyn and completed his residency in physical LiVecchi medicine and rehabilitation at University of Rochester School of Medicine. He is board certified in both physical medicine and rehabilitation and the subspecialty of spinal cord injury medicine. Unity’s acute rehabilitation and brain injury program will move to the new Golisano Restorative Neurology and Rehabilitation Center on the Unity Park Ridge Health Care Campus as part of the hospital’s renovation and expansion program. This relocation will further facilitate Unity’s continuity of services.

Thompson Health honored by Red Cross The Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross presented representatives of Thompson Health November 2011 •

Pluta Cancer Center’s 12th Annual Emerald Ball Raises $225,000 Pluta Cancer Center medical director, radiation oncologist Jan Dombrowski, Michael Spitale (owner of the Michael Spitale Salon and the Rochester Laser Spa in Brighton), Pluta Cancer Center radiation oncologist Sandra McDonald.

Members of the Rochester Businessman’s Charitable Organization accept the Community Angel Award. Former Pluta Cancer Center President and CEO John Oberlies accepts the Employee Angel Award (From left to right - Mary Pluta, Barbara Pluta Randall, John Oberlies)

luta Cancer Center’s 12th Annual Emerald Ball took place Sept. 10 at Oak Hill Country Club and raised $225,000. All proceeds generated from the event will support patient care and upgrade the Center’s information technology infrastructure. “On behalf of Pluta Cancer Center, we are thrilled to have raised $225,000 that will help our patients and their families,” said Emerald Ball Co-Chair Barbara Pluta Randall. “We are so grateful for the continued support the community has shown for our signature gala, which celebrates the patient-centered care we provide and honors our dedicated staff,” said Emerald Ball Co-Chair woman Mary Pluta. At the Emerald Ball, Pluta Cancer Center presented the Rochester Businessman’s Charitable Organization (RBCO) with the Community Angel Award and former Pluta Cancer Center President and CEO John Oberlies with the Employee Angel Award.

The Community Angel Award is given annually to a member or organization of the community that has gone above and beyond to help Pluta Cancer Center while the Employee Angel Award is given annually to an outstanding employee. Pluta Cancer Center has been the primary beneficiary of the RBCO’s Rochester Business Classic for the past three years, receiving a total of $160,000 from the event. Oberlies was the president and CEO of Pluta Cancer Center for four years, helping to build a stronger, more integrated Center that is well-positioned for the future. Former Pluta Cancer Center patient Michael Spitale delivered the keynote address. Spitale, of West Irondequoit, owns the Michael Spitale Salon in Brighton. “Pluta Cancer Center was the main reason I beat cancer,” Spitale said. “The compassion and care I received at Pluta Cancer Center is unlike any other cancer center in the world.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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H ealth News with The Partnership Award at the Red Cross’ annual Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation Event in Rochester on Sept. 27. The Partnership Award “exemplifies and promotes cooperative partnership work between the Red Cross and a community group or organization. It honors outstanding collaborative job performance on a project, in a unit or in a line of service.” Presented by Taryn Windheim, director of the West Ontario County Office of the Red Cross, the award was in recognition of the Red Cross/ Thompson partnership that initiated educational programs for members of the community who are caring for an elderly or disabled loved one in their home. In 2010 and again this fall, a team with representatives of both the Red Cross and Thompson worked together to coordinate a series of evening presentations that were offered free of charge. Both the 2010 and 2011 series featured a variety of experts from the community and touched upon topics including legal and financial issues, palliative care and stress relief for the caregiver.

Levy to lead quality ofﬁce at Eastman Dental David Levy of Irondequoit, has been appointed chief quality officer and article 28 medical director for Eastman Dental, part of Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester Medical Center. In this new role, Levy works with quality assessment and improvement issues, review and resolution of patient concerns, compliance with local, state and federal regulations in billing, safety, and infection Levy control. Levy received his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1972, completed his pediatric dentistry residency at Eastman Dental in 1977, and received his Master of Science degree in community health from the University of Rochester in 1981.

2011 Ofﬁce of Nursing Services Innovations Awards

Canandaigua VA team wins “Nursing Services Innovations Award.” From left are Pat Lind, associate director of patient/nursing services; Sally Martin, GEC care line manager; Robert Heiler, recreation therapist; Amy Modaffari, nursing assistant; Nina Mottern, caregiver support coordinator at Canandaigua VA; and Craig Howard, medical center director.

he Office of Nursing Services at the Veterans Health Administration recently announced that “Mobile Adult Day Health Care Outreach Program: Taking Patient Driven Care to Rural Veterans and their Caregivers” submitted by Nina Mottern, caregiver support coordinator at Canandaigua VA was the recipient of 2011 prestigious Nursing Services Innovations Award! The Mobile Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) program meets the needs of veterans and their families who reside in rural areas. Through a traveling team of VA care providers, rural veterans and their caregivers remain living in their homes and communities thus forestalling institutionalization. The program is based at American Legion Posts located within a veteran’s community increasing the camaraderie and spirit of VA care. This veterancentered program is based on the Page 22

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tenets of “providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preference, needs, and values and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions.” The program is supported by team members: Nursing Assistant Amy Modaffari and Recreation Therapist Robert Heiler. The Nursing Innovation Awards program is a national award mechanism created and launched in 2003, and recognizes nursing leadership in quality improvement. Each year, the Innovation Awards program recognizes 10 hospital programs or initiatives, and each winning team receives a $10,000 group award. Office of Nursing Services (ONS) strives to identify new and innovative ideas that are best practices recognized as nurse-led, quality improvement initiatives across VHA.

Newark-Wayne Community Hospital holds emergency department groundbreaking

mployees, supporters and friends of Newark-Wayne Community Hospital celebrated the groundbreaking for a new emergency department (ED) at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital (NWCH), the first major modernization project at the hospital in nearly 20 years. “Our current emergency department was built in 1971 to accommodate 11,000 patient visits per year. In 2010, that same emergency department saw over 21,000 patient visits,” said Bob Havrilla, chairman of the NewarkWayne Community Hospital Board of Directors. “While this is a stunning testament to our emergency department team, it is also a power-

An active faculty member in Eastman Dental’s Pediatric Dentistry for the past 30 years, Levy has received the part-time faculty award twice, and most recently won the prestigious Iranpour Faculty Award for demonstrating sustained excellence in clinical education. He is a partner in a group private practice in Irondequoit, and is a member of American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, Monroe County Dental Society, and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Rochester General names new program director Rochester General Health System welcomes Anthony J. Lister to its medical and dental staff. Lister specializes in general dentistry and he will be the general practice residency program director. He attended University at Buffalo, SUNY School of Dental Medicine and comLister pleted his residency at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Lister is a resident of Amherst, near Buffalo.

WXXI recognized with two national health awards WXXI received two national health awards from the Health Information Resource Center for its work in health education.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • November 2011

ful indicator that we are addressing a very significant community need.” In addition to providing a much-needed boost to the local emergency care infrastructure, the $13 million project will also provide a new endoscopy suite to accommodate patient volume that has grown by nearly five-fold in 2005, and a patient access center to house central registration, pre-admission testing, the lab draw/specimen collection department and a patient reception area. The electrocardiography (EKG)/ electroencephalography (EEG) unit will also move to a new space as part of the overall project.

WXXI’s national health series, “Second Opinion” won a bronze award in the patient education information video category in recognition of its seventh season, and WXXI’s Healthy You outreach initiative received a merit award in the health promotion/disease and injury prevention information category. Organized by the Health Information Resource Center, the national health information awards program honors high-quality consumer health information. “Second Opinion,” hosted by Dr. Peter Salgo, presents actual medical cases to a panel of experts to debate the pros and cons of diagnostic testing, interpret test results, and prescribe the best course of action. Dr. Roger Oskvig, associate professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), serves as the series chief medical adviser. Executive producers are Elissa Orlando and Elizabeth Brock. Fiona Willis is the series producer. The program is produced by WXXI, URMC, and West 175 Productions, and is underwritten nationally by BlueCross BlueShield Association. “Second Opinion” airs Fridays at 10 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m. on WXXI-TV/HD, and on more than 250 PBS stations across the country. WXXI’s Healthy You initiative addresses the issues of child obesity and wellness in Western and Central New York. In partnership with WSKG Public Broadcasting in Binghamton, WXXI hosts televised forums, radio specials, and outreach events around the issues in an effort to inform and engage its communities. To learn more about Healthy You, visit: http://interactive. wxxi.org/healthyyou. Now in its 18th year, the National

Health Information Awards honors those materials or programs developed for use by consumers, not for health professionals. Hundreds of local, state and national health-related organizations enter every year, but only a few take the prize of Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Merit awards.

Rural /Metro enters contract with Newark hospital Rural/Metro Medical Services of Rochester and Newark-Wayne Community Hospital (NWCH) have entered into a contract that will enable timely access to needed medical care for NWCH patients who require transportation to a higher level of service. Rural/Metro will provide a dedicated ambulance at Newark-Wayne, staffed by critical care paramedics who have received advanced training in critical care medicine and nursing. The critical care transport unit (CCTU) is equipped with a ventilator, intravenous infusion pumps and other specialized medical devices typically only found in a hospital intensive care unit. This specialized team will ensure that hospital level care is maintained during transport from Newark-Wayne to the receiving facility. The unit will be staffed and available at NWCH 24 hours a day. Officials at NWCH made the choice of Rural/ Metro after issuing requests for proposals from all ambulance providers that currently serve Wayne County following an extensive review and selection process. A national company with 11,000 employees and operations in 22 states, Rural/Metro provides similar services in Rochester. “We have a regular need to provide

a dedicated medical transportation service to other facilities for patients needing certain levels of service,” said Doug Stark, director of business development and outpatient services.

This Outpatient clinic is designed for kids from birth to 18 years. Our skilled professional staff specializes in treating a variety of needs.

PTS

NYCC now offers advanced program in sport science New York Chiropractic College has received approval from the New York State Education Department to offer an advanced certificate program in sports science and human performance. The program is designed to provide the student with a solid foundation of exercise science and sports medicine principles that leads to unique hands-on clinical workshop experiences at a variety of sporting events. The program was created to prepare the NYCC graduate with the opportunity to serve the growing national interest in attaining and maintaining optimal physical fitness from the professional athlete to the casual exerciser, according to Executive Vice President and Provost, Michael Mestan. The advanced sports and human performance certificate program may be completed while the student is matriculating in the doctor of Chiropractic degree program at New York Chiropractic College. According to the college, the additional clinical competence and experiences by recipients of the sports and human performance certificate will provide them with the competitive edge to obtain affiliations with sports organizations, professional and semiprofessional teams, and collegiate and high school athletic programs, looking for a healthcare provider.

Pediatric Therapy Services

Occupational, Physical and Speech-Language Therapies for the treatment of such conditions as: • Developmental, Speech and Language Delays • Muscular Dystrophy • Infantile Cerebral Palsy • Torticollis • Erb’s Palsy 3399 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY 14623

We have one of the few heated therapy pools in the Rochester area

(585) 334-4330

PTS is a service of CP Rochester www.cprochester.org

Let us introduce ourselves. We’re the Monroe Youth & Family Center, located at 175 Humboldt St. We offer youth and families a full menu of mental health services and programs all under one roof, and all developed to support and enrich family life challenges. Our team looks forward to meeting you.

Letters

to the Editor Macular degeneration — Correction To the Editor Thank you for your article on Silvia Sorensen’s macular degeneration study. Silvia hopes that it helps with recruitment for this important study. However, there was an error in the article. The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which plays an important role in the study, though they were barely mentioned in the article, is located in Rochester and has extensive programs here. The organization involved in the study is not in Grand Rapids, Mich., which is what you listed. If the writer would have

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talked with someone at ABVI, that would have been apparent. I would request that you correct this error. Here is the ABVI address and a link to their website: Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) 422 South Clinton Avenue Rochester, NY 14622 http://abvi-goodwill.org/ AboutABVI.html Michael Wentzel Public Relations and Communications University of Rochester Medical Center

Alice M. Berry, LMSW Vice President of Community Based Interventions

John J. Connors, M.D. Full Time Youth, Adult and Family Psychiatrist, Medical Director

Traci C. Wilson, LCSW Clinic Director

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