in good
Rochester–Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
June 2014 • Issue 106
‘10 Years After My Weight Loss Surgery’
FREE
DIABETES D espite the media’s bombardment of society with message about good health, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is skyrocketing. Nearly one in 10 American adults now has diabetes. Local doctors say most people are not aware of the small steps they can take that can dramatically improve their chances of not becoming diabetic.
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Motorcycle Accidents Claiming Fewer Lives
Making a Strategic Move into Travel Nursing
Dog Days Are Back
A first-person account
Ideas on how to spend time with your canine companion this season
SUNSCREENS Understanding new FDA requirements and the latest advancements in sunscreen
Meet Your Doctor
Ritu Malik, diabetes specialist with Rochester General Hospital
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A Healthy Place to Work From in-office stretch breaks to group yoga classes, living a health-conscious lifestyle is a part of the office culture at Dixon Schwabl, an PR agency in Victor. The company offers blood pressure testing, biometric screenings, flu shots and complimentary health screenings for employees. It also offers free, healthy snacks at work and lunch along with a bowl of fresh fruit at the reception desk rather than a traditional candy dish. The question CEO Lauren Dixon has is this: “Why doesn’t every company do the things we do?” Page 12 June 2014 •
Declaw
or Not Declaw Options beyond declawing can spare your family and furniture from kitty’s claws.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Motorcycle Accidents Claiming Fewer Lives Shop
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Statistics show drop in fatalities last year, but poor riding weather, not better safety, may be reason why
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otorcyclist deaths in the United States appear to have decreased 7 percent in 2013, which would make it only the second year since 1997 in which there has been a decline, a new report shows. However, that drop may have been due to bad riding weather rather than improved motorcyclist safety, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). Compared with the first nine months of 2012, motorcyclist deaths over the same period in 2013 were lower in 35 states and the District of Columbia, higher in 13 states, and the same in two states, preliminary data show. But the report concluded that weather — not improved riding habits or other safety measures — was the main reason for the decline. The first six months of 2012 were unusually warm and dry across the United States and offered good riding weather, while the first nine months of 2013 were cooler and wetter. “It’s heartening that motorcyclist fatalities didn’t increase over the past couple of years, but they’re not decreasing either,” Kendell Poole, GHSA chairman and director of the Tennessee Office of Highway Safety, said in an association news release.
“Long-term gains in motorcyclist safety won’t occur because riders are deterred by bad weather, but from consistent use of proven countermeasures,” he noted. The total projected number of motorcyclist deaths in 2013 is 4,610, compared with 4,957 in 2012 and 4,612 in 2011, according to the report. The 7 percent decrease between 2012 and 2013 is about twice that of the overall decrease in U.S. traffic deaths in the first nine months of 2013.
4/30/14 10:56 AM
IT’S ONLY SUPER IF YOU TAKE IT. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 20 percent of patients fail to fill new prescriptions, and 50 percent of people with chronic health conditions discontinue their medication within six months. If you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, taking your prescriptions as directed is essential to healthy living. So remember: If you’re not taking your prescriptions as directed, you’re taking a chance. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com/ TakeAsDirected.
#TakeAsDirected A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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CALENDAR of
MVP Health to Sponsor Rochester Marathon
HEALTH EVENTS Y
June 10, 17, and 24
June 17
Workshop for women who live alone
Chronic pain group to meet in Rochester
Do you live alone? Is it a challenge for you? Living Alone: How to Survive and Thrive on Your Own, is a threepart workshop offered for women who want to find joy again and gain the know-how to forge a meaningful and enriching life on their own. You’ll meet others in similar situations and learn practical strategies to overcome loneliness, rediscover your true self, socialize in a couples’ world, and think differently about living alone. The workshop takes place from 7 – 9 p.m. at House Content Bed & Breakfast in Mendon on three consecutive Tuesdays: June 10, 17 and 24. The workshop fee of $125 includes a Living Alone binder, empowerment exercises, and lots of helpful resources. To register, contact Gwenn Voelckers at 585-6247887 or email gvoelckers@rochester. rr.com.
The American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) Local Rochester Area Support Group & Meeting invites those who suffer chronic pain to join a support group meeting that will take place 6:45 –8:30 p.m. at The Baptist Temple, 1101 Clover St. and Highland Avenue (use Highland Avenue entrance way, meet the group in the Fellowship Room). “Wellness—What Has Served You as a Catalyst or Motivator” will be the topic of the meeting’s discussion. For more information or questions call Rita-Marie, facilitator at 585-458-4954. The group meets every Tuesday from February to December.
June 15
Hope Church in Greece will offer free oil changes for single moms, widows and military wives from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, June 21 in the far west parking lot of church, 1301 Vintage Lane in Greece (1/2 mile West of Route 390). The people of church wish to share hope with these ladies through an act of kindness. This is seventh year Hope Church is hosting this event. Appointments must be made in advance. Call 585-723-4673 or go to www. sharethehope.org to make an appointment. The following information is required in order to process each reservation: Name, phone number, year of vehicle, make and model of vehicle, and number of cylinders. “When we see the joy and gratitude that these ladies have when they drive off with a free oil change, we’re the ones who are blessed,” said Associate Pastor Kirk Dueker. For additional information regarding Hope Church, visit www.sharethehope.org.
Vegetarian group sponsors vegan dinner The public is invited to attend the June 15 meeting of the Rochester Area Vegetarian Society for an opportunity to learn about vegan cooking. It will take place from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Brighton Town Park Lodge, 777 Westfall Road in Rochester. The evening program will be “Advice from a Panel of Experienced Vegan Cooks: Meal Ideas, Tips and Recipes.” Dinner is a vegan potluck. Vegan means no animal products (no meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products or honey). Please bring a dish with enough to serve a crowd, and a serving utensil; also bring a place setting for your own dinner. Non-vegetarians or others uncertain about how to make or bring a vegan dish, call 234-8750 for help. Free to RAVS members. $3 guest fee for non-members.
June 21
Hope Church to offer free oil changes to moms
‘Get In The Hearing Loop’ to Take Place June 11 at NTID The Hearing Loss Association of Rochester, Inc. is bringing audiologist Juliette Sterkens, an HLAA National Hearing Loop advocate, to raise hearing loss awareness and to demonstrate how assistive listening systems benefit everyone in small and large group venues. The event will take place from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 11. It will be held at room SDC 3010, NTID campus and includes light fare. One in 10 persons in the United States has a hearing loss. The goal of the program is to understand how assistive listening systems meet the needs of people with hearing loss and how to utilize telecoils and hearing loop technology to meet ADA requirements. The program applies to business, Page 4
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education, entertainment, theater, houses of worship, and municipal government representatives and t-coil users. Attendees will have the special opportunity to meet and hear audiolist Sterkens, national spokesperson for the American Academy of Audiology/ Hearing Loss Association of America “Get in the Hearing Loop” (GITHL) campaign. Hear highly successful personal practice experiences and how connecting to the hearing loop program enriches the lives of hearing aid and CI users. The program will be looped and captioned. Certificate of attendance will be provided for CEU credits. Attendees are asked to pre-register by contacting don@ bataille.us for the free event.
ellowJacket Racing, new owners of the Rochester Marathon, announced that MVP Health Care is returning as the event’s title sponsor. The newly re-christened MVP Health Care Rochester Marathon will take place Sept. 21 and is the only marathon with its start and finish in the city limits. MVP Health Care, a health insurer with operations in three states, has sponsored the event since its inception in 2005. “MVP Health Care’s support has been central to the growth of the Rochester Marathon,” said Ellen Brenner-Boutillier, co-owner of YellowJacket Racing with her husband, David J. Boutillier. “We will build on this success in working with MVP Health Care to make this the premier race on the fall calendar in upstate New York.” YellowJacket Racing acquired the Rochester Marathon earlier this year
and is managing it for the first time in 2014. YellowJacket is the premier race timing and production services company in upstate New York. The MVP Health Care Rochester Marathon consists of three running events: the 26.2 mile marathon, a marathon relay and a 13.1 mile half marathon. Registration is now underway. The course starts in downtown Rochester, extends into the suburbs, before returning via the University of Rochester campus and finishing at Frontier Field. Last year, there were more than 600 finishers for the marathon, 2,000 for the half marathon and 186 relay teams. The MVP Health Care Rochester Marathon serves as a fund-raiser for local charity. Groups will be able to adopt sections of the race and share in its proceeds. Details of the fundraising effort will be announced later.
Auxiliary holds drug drop-off in C. Springs
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he Clifton Springs Hospital Auxiliary has joined with the Partnership for Ontario County and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office to host a pharmaceutical collection event from 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, June 14, at the hospital, 2 Coulter Road, Clifton Springs. The purpose of the event is to collect and properly dispose of unwanted and outdated prescription and over-the-counter medications. Household waste, pesticides, etc., will not be collected at this event. This will be a vehicle-only drop-off event. No walk-ups will be allowed due to security concerns. No need to remove labels, all medications will be under the guard of Ontario County Sheriff’s Officers and will be safely incinerated. Ontario County Sheriff’s
department officers will oversee the collection and a pharmacist will be on site. According to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, 3-7 percent of all medications go unused. Some of these drugs end up in the hands of young people in our community or can contaminate the water supply. Bringing unused medication to an authorized collection event protects seniors against crime and prevents the medications from being improperly used. Since 2010, drug drop-off events in Ontario County alone have collected more than 7,000 pounds of medications; Clifton Springs Hospital’s events have collected more than 800 pounds over the last two years.
Snack Your Way to Your Summer Weight
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ealthy snacking throughout the day can help you maintain your ideal weight or even drop a few pounds in time for swimsuit season. “When you snack on the right foods, you tend to consume fewer calories throughout the day,” said Patricia Salzer, a registered dietitian and health and wellness consultant at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “You’ll feel fuller longer and be less likely to overeat or reach for unhealthy foods.” In addition to looking good at the beach, individuals who stay at a healthy weight reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and some forms of cancer, Salzer said. Rather than snacking on cookies or chips, Salzer recommends having a handful of raw almonds. She divides a day’s serving (about 23 almonds) into snack size bags and leaves them in key locations such as her desk, purse and the beverage cup holder in her car. Another healthy snack idea is to pair a small amount of cheese with whole grain crackers. The protein in
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014
the cheese will keep you from feeling hungry, Salzer said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following healthy snacking tips: • Try three cups of air-popped popcorn instead of oil-popped popcorn. You’ll consume 73 fewer calories. • Avoid the vending machine. Pack an eight-ounce, nonfat, no-sugar added yogurt. That’s 82 fewer calories compared to a package of six peanut butter crackers. • Consider packing vegetable sticks and fresh fruit, “nature’s fast food,” Salzer said. • Substitute a sugary 12-ounce can of soda with a bottle of carbonated water for 136 fewer calories. • Instead of chocolate sandwich cookies or other sweet snacks, eat a bowl of berries or a juicy peach. For fresh fruit ideas that will help you manage your weight, visit fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org. Submitted by Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield
Healy Counseling Services 1387 Fairport Rd, Bldg. 500, Fairport, NY 14450 • (585)388-3330 healycounseling@gmail.com • www.healycounseling.com KATHE HEALY, LMHC, CASAC • NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor • License #000836
Individuals, Couples and Group Counseling In a Private Setting Kathe is a Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist and specializes in treating depression, anxiety, addictions, grief and loss, stress reduction and healing of relationships.
Most Docs Believe Patients Get Too Many Medical Tests But half of physicians have ordered unneeded tests for pushy patients, survey found
Living alone can be a challenge, especially for women in mid-life who are divorced or widowed. But it can also be the start of a rich and meaningful chapter in your life. Need a jump start?
Living Alone: How to Survive and Thrive on Your Own Tuesday, June 10, 17, and 24 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm House Content B&B, Mendon, NY
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ost physicians believe that doctors order too many medical tests, yet half admit to doing so themselves in response to a pushy patient, a new survey shows. “Old habits are hard to break, but this research suggests that America’s physicians are slowly making progress in efforts to reduce unnecessary care,” said Richard Baron, president and CEO of the ABIM Foundation, the organization responsible for the study. “Avoiding unnecessary medical care is important because care that is not needed can be harmful to patients, and unnecessary care raises health care costs for everyone.” The survey of 600 physicians, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, found that more than half of physicians think doctors are best equipped to solve the problem of unnecessary tests. Just 15 percent of doctors surveyed felt the government could address the problem. About three-fourths of doctors think the number of unneeded tests and procedures is a very serious or somewhat serious problem. Two-thirds think they have a great amount of responsibility to help patients avoid such tests and procedures. Seventy-two percent of those surveyed said the typical medical doctor prescribes an unneeded test or procedure at least once a week, according to the survey. Nearly half of the doctors said that a patient asks for an unnecessary test or procedure at least once a week. Seventy percent of physicians said that when
Do you live alone?
In the workshop led by Gwenn Voelckers — a women who’s “been there” — you’ll discover how to overcome loneliness and other emotional pitfalls, take charge of your finances, and socialize in a couples’ world. $125 fee includes manual, empowerment exercises and book.
they explain why a test or procedure is unnecessary, their patients usually avoid the test. Still, 53 percent of physicians said they’d ordered an unnecessary test when a patient insists. The survey was part of the ABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely initiative, which urges doctors and patients to avoid overused and inappropriate tests. “It is a promising sign that an increasing number of physicians are accepting responsibility for reducing unnecessary medical care delivered in the United States,” said physician John Lumpkin, senior vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in a statement provided by the ABIM Foundation. “Conversations between doctors and patients about what care really is and isn’t necessary have always been hard. Only by shedding light on these issues, and being transparent about which tests and procedures might not be needed, will we help create a sustainable culture of health in America.”
For more information, call (585) 624-7887 or visit www.aloneandcontent.com
Serving Monroe, Ontario and Wayne Counties in good A monthly newspaper published by
Health Rochester–GV Healthcare Newspaper
Local News, Inc. Distribution: 30,000 copies. To request home delivery ($15 per year), call 585-421-8109.
In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2014 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. 106 Cobblestone Court Dr., Suite 121 – P.O. Box 525, Victor NY 14564. • Phone: 585-421-8109 • Email: Editor@GVhealthnews.com
Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo • Writers: Jim Miller, Deborah J. Sergeant, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Chris Motola, Barbara Lambright, Brenda Litito, Shelley Manley • Advertising: Donna Kimbrell, Marsha Preston Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Officer Manager: Laura Beckwith No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.
June 2014 •
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Concussion Rate in High School Athletes More Than Doubled in 7-Year Period Researchers suggest increase could reflect more awareness, higher safety standards
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oncussion rates in U.S. high school athletes more than doubled between 2005 and 2012, according to a new national study using data on nine team sports. Overall, the rate increased from .23 to .51 concussions per 1,000 athlete exposures. An athlete exposure is defined as one athlete participating in one competition or practice. The increase might appear to sound an alarm about sports safety, but the researchers suspect the upward trend in reported concussions reflects increased awareness — especially because the rates went up the most after the 2008-09 academic year. Around that time, states began passing legislation promoting education about concussions and setting “return to play” guidelines for youth sports. Media coverage about head injuries in professional athletes has also increased over the last five to 10 years. “It’s scary to consider these numbers because at first glance it looks like sports are getting more dangerous and athletes are getting injured more often,” said Joseph Rosenthal, clinical assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at The Ohio State University and lead author of the study. “This study is observational so it doesn’t offer any proof about why the rates are going up. But I think in reality it’s showing that concussions that were occurring before are now being diagnosed more consistently — which is important.” A concussion is an injury to the brain that produces a transient loss of brain function with symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, headache and vision changes. Typically, nothing will be seen on imaging. Recovery usually occurs within a short time, but previous research has suggested that high school athletes take longer to recover than do older athletes, and that even teenage athletes are at risk for repetitive head trauma. The study is published online in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Ritu Malik, M.D. Diabetes specialist: ‘When you’re diagnosed with diabetes, the most important thing you could do is make lifestyle changes’ Q: What’s your specialty at Rochester General? A: My specialty is endocrinology and I see patients based on general endocrinology. So I see patients with diabetes, thyroid disease and hormone-related diseases. Q: Endocrinologists appear to be in very high demand lately. Is that due to the prevalence of diabetes? A: Yes. Q: Why have diabetes diagnoses skyrocketed? A: It’s so common that it has reached epidemic proportions. According to the data from 2011, there are 25.8 million diabetics in America and about 79 million people who are pre-diabetic, many of whom don’t know they are. The prevalence of diabetes has been growing. In the case of Type II diabetes, most of it is due to lifestyle changes that lead to insulin resistance, which is a major contributing cause to the development of the disease. Q: Do you try to encourage lifestyle changes, or do you find that people have a hard time making changes. A: When you’re diagnosed with diabetes, the most important thing you could do is make lifestyle changes, which includes following a healthy diet that’s low in carbohydrates, get 30 minutes of physical activity five to seven days a week and to work on weight loss. How much do they need to lose? It’s actually only about 5 to 7 percent of their body weight that they need to lose to decrease their insulin resistance. It’s not a whole lot.
activity, as well as their weight. We also have a number of new medicines that we didn’t have even a few years ago. We see much better results with these new medicines. In terms of technology, we have multiple new insulin pumps, which are most helpful for patients with Type 1 diabetes and can help them avoid hypoglycemic — lowblood sugar — episodes. Q: Are you part of team that treats diabetes or is it mostly a solo operation? A: Yes, we have a center called the Diabetes Endocrine Care & Resource Center on Alexander Street. I work here with my three partners and we provide diabetes and endocrine care and services to the area. We also provide education. It’s a very important part of our center, so we provide classes and one-on-one education. We are very fortunate to have certified diabetes educators working with us. Our patients have the benefit of the getting the education and the treatment at the same place. Q: What about the risk factors that can’t be helped? Who is most genetically at risk? A: So there are two common types of diabetes.
Q: Are people usually able to do that or is it easier said than done? A: With the right education and the right support, most of the people are able to do it. The important thing is get them diagnosed, get them the right education, and to follow up on them. Q: How is diabetes care evolving? A: I would say it’s changed quite a bit. We have many things now that we can offer to our patients, both in terms of technology and medication. There are great apps people can use to track their diet and physical
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014
Type I is usually diagnosed in childhood and is usually due to a lack of insulin secretion from the pancreas. Genetic factors are very important in Type I. There are other factors that are poorly understood right now. Type II diabetes is the most common and involves the development of insulin resistance. There are three main factors involved. The first is genetic. If you have a family history, you’re at higher risk. The second are the lifestyle factors we discussed. The third is ethnicity. We know that people of African, Hispanic and Asian decent are at a higher risk. Age, specifically being over 55, is also a risk. We are, however, seeing Type II diabetes in younger and younger patients. Even teenagers. Childhood obesity is a big risk factor. Q: Can you talk a bit about childhood obesity? Have diets changed that much? A: Yes, they have. All these energy drinks, soda, even juice. They’re all full of sugar. One can of soda has the carbohydrate equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar. The second factor is the lack of physical activity. Sedentary entertainment, computers, video games have taken the place of physical activity for many children. Q: Do you deal with juveniles at your practice? A: No, we only treat adults. Q: How did you end up practicing endocrinology in Rochester? A: I was actually hired as a primary care physician at Rochester General Hospital several years ago. I ended up seeing a lot of patients with diabetes and many inner city patients with complications from diabetes. I really wanted to be able to help people avoid getting these complications. I ended up doing a two-year fellowship in endocrinology at Buffalo. Then I came back and rejoined them as an endocrinologist. I don’t view it so much as switching specialties as developing where my specific medical interests were. Q: How do you go about breaking the news to someone that they’re diabetic in a way that conveys the serious of the situation, but also leaves them feeling like they’re in control of their fate? A: The important thing is that the person understands that uncontrolled diabetes can cause complications. It can affect vision, the kidneys, the nerves, increase the risk of heart and stroke. At the same time, they should understand that, if they control their diabetes, they won’t suffer these complications and live a normal life expectancy. I tell the patient that they’re in control. The more educated you are, the better you can control it. You decide how much you want to control it; I’m here to help.
Lifelines Name: Ritu Malik, M.D. Hometown: New Delhi, India; lives in Pittsford Education: University at Buffalo Affiliations: Rochester General Health System Organizations: Endocrine Society, American Association for Clinical Endocrinology Board status: Board certified, American Board of Internal Medicine, 2004; board certified, endocrinology 2009 Family: Married, two children Hobbies: Biking, basketball, cooking
Allergist Elected to Lead Monroe County Medical Society By Ernst Lamothe Jr.
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here are few fields with more twists and turns than healthcare. Whether it’s the application of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or the new law on nurse practitioners to insurance companies and expanded medical services, health care seems to always be in the news. In the ever-evolving field, medical officials believe it is their jobs to educate the public as much as possible. “There is a massive amount of new information when it comes to health care that people might not be as knowledgeable about,” said physician Peter Deane of Rochester. “On top of that, there are going to be more people entering health care, some haven’t had a primary doctor in years.” Deane has just been named the new president of the Monroe County Medical Society. More than 1,500 physicians are members of the Monroe County Medical Society 7th District branch. The nonprofit organization formed to extend medical knowledge, advance medical science, elevate the standards of medicine, promote reforms and to enlighten and direct public opinions in regards to problems in health and medicine. Deane takes over for physician James V. Fetten, who is part of Interlakes Oncology and Hematology. Fetten is also member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology. Deane, who has been part of the medical society since 1993, said it is the organization’s mission and duty to help others cope with the rapid changes, dispel medical myths, provide educational information and to make sure they are educated and staying up-to-date themselves. He believes the influx of new patients will cause some stress to the medical field as any new adjustment does. However, he views more people deciding to visit a doctor regularly or being insured as a positive step for overall mental and physical health in society. “Good medical care is vital to so many people,” added Deane. “Sure, there will be some physicians who are booked up and can’t take new patients, but there will also be physicians who have openings for new patients to balance it out. We will all have to deal with increased demand.” Helping people get healthy was the reason Deane entered the profession in the first place. Growing up in northern New Jersey, there was something about the health care field that instantly appealed to him. “If you think about it, it is a very interesting profession,” said Deane. “There are so many avenues you can go with health.”
can be observed for potential Deane was most interested adverse reactions, Oralair in continuing care. He treats can be taken at home. children who are 5 years old Allergic rhinitis is a and over for allergies and chronic disease affectasthma as well as adults ing approximately 30 with rheumatologic probmillion people in the lems. Raised in northern United States and more New Jersey, he entered than 500 million persons the University of Rochester worldwide, according to School of Medicine and the U.S. Department Dentistry and fell in of Health and love with the area. Human SerAfter doing his vices. These residency in indiseases ternal medicine are often at Strong Mecaused morial Hospital, by senhe decided to sitivity enter allergy/ to grass immunology pollen. fellowship. Affected He people decided that Physician Peter Deane of Rochester may moving to suffer western from reNew York, petitive sneezing, nasal itching, runny specifically Rochester, would be great nose, nasal congestion, and itchy and for him. watery eyes. “It is really a wonderful place “People seem to be getting allergic here,” said Deane. “There is enough to so many things and there are various culture and activity as well as being reasons including the changing weathclose enough to metropolitan New er patterns,” added Deane. “There are York City and other areas. It has been a so many new services and treatments great place to live and has all the amethat are available. nities you need.” When it comes to the new nurse Deane has received the American practitioner law, Deane also weighed Medical Association Physician’s Recin. ognition Award. He is also currently Taking effect Jan. 1 next year, the a clinical assistant professor of mediNurse Practitioners Modernization cine and pediatrics at the University Act has been called by some a way of Rochester Medical School. In his to advance greater patient access to role, he lectures students regularly at care and recognize the roles that nurse the medical school and teaches resipractitioners play as independent dents in medicine and pediatrics. In healthcare professionals. The new law his career, he has written a number of abstracts, papers and books about aller- removes the requirement of a written practice agreement between an experigy and rheumatology topics and he enced nurse practitioner and a doctor has co-authored a book: “Coping with as a condition of opening their own Allergies.” practice. As a member of the Monroe CounAny nurse practitioner with more ty Medical Society, he has worked to than 3,6000 hours of practice or two design and implement quality meayears will be able to continue extendsures intended to improve practice ing their expertise and freedom beyond in the community. He is the principal the current limitations. Previously that investigator for clinical trials for rheusigned written collaborative agreement matoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma with the physician was as narrow or and hay fever for the Allergy Asthma broad as the medical doctor was willand Immunology of Rochester. ing to go. He said what makes his field even “They provide excellent care to more exciting is that it is also ever patients and we like the collaboration changing. The U.S. Food and Drug Adaspect that they provide,” said Deane. ministration recently approved Oralair “But I am a little wary of nurse practo treat allergic rhinitis or hay fever titioners deciding they want to go on that is induced by certain grass pollens their own and work independently. in people ages 10 through 65 years. I think anytime you are detaching Oralair is the first sublingual—under something in the medical field that is the tongue—allergen extract approved supposed to be collaborative, it is not a in the United States. After administrapositive situation.” tion of the first dose at the health care provider’s office, where the patient
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Live Alone & Thrive
By Gwenn Voelckers
Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone
Wrong train, right station? I saw a charming, thought-provoking movie recently: The Lunchbox, a heartwarming drama about love, loss and longing, which beautifully illustrates a hopeful life lesson that “sometimes the wrong train will get you to the right station.” It captures so eloquently what I aspire to every day and what I “preach” in my Live Alone and Thrive workshops — to be fully present and to embrace what life offers up, even if it brings you to your knees. A devastating betrayal, sudden loss or unexpected turn of events can catapult you into a beautiful and surprising place. A “wrong train” can lead you into a “right station” if you can find the courage to challenge the age-old and deeply held belief that marriage, as it has been traditionally defined, is the only state in which you can be happy, fulfilled, secure and successful. Whether divorced or widowed, consider not spending your time bemoaning your fate. Instead, consider wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, comforted and encouraged by your own ability to overcome adversity. You have taken your life into your own hands and have embraced the choices and possibilities that living alone has to offer.
Women and men who have arrived at the “right station” know this: • Rediscovering your “true self”
and identifying those things that bring meaning and joy into your life can turn living alone into an adventure of the spirit. • Living alone doesn’t mean being alone. All you need to do is pick up the phone. • Accepting party invitations is worth doing, even if it’s a party with mostly couples. Keep in mind that guests often separate into groups of women and men, so singles blend right in. • Traveling solo is an adventure in self-discovery. Whether it’s Paris or Peoria, striking out on your own will expand your horizons and build self-confidence. • Figuring out how to replace the flapper valve in your toilet — all by yourself — can be very rewarding! • The stereotypical image of single men and women as desperate and miserable is exaggerated and just plain untrue. Recent studies on the subject bear this out. • Pursuing a new career or college degree in midlife can be liberating and fun. • Doing a “random act of kindness” is a great antidote when you’re feeling lonely and sorry for yourself. • Friends matter. Reach out. Nurture your friendships. Honor your
KIDS Corner New Study Finds 2.5 Million Basketball Injuries to High School Athletes in Six Seasons Study calls for more access to on-site athletic trainers to properly assess injuries
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asketball is a popular high school sport in the United States with 1 million participants annually. A recently published study by researchers in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is the first to compare and describe the occurrence and distribution patterns of basketball-related injuries treated in emergency departments and the high school athletic training setting among adolescents and teens. The study, published online in the Journal of Athletic Training, examined data relating to adolescents 13-19 years Page 8
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of age who were treated in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) from 2005 through 2010 and those treated in the high school athletic training setting during the 2005–2006 through the 2010–2011 academic years for an injury associated with basketball. Nationally, 1,514,957 patients with basketball-related injuries were treated in EDs and 1,064,551 were treated in the athletic training setting. The study found that in general, injuries that are more easily diagnosed and treated, such as sprains/strains, were more likely to be treated onsite by
commitments. • Accepting a dinner invitation does not obligate you to anything. • Paying your own fair share on a date can feel good and empowering. • Loneliness is not a “state of being” reserved for single people. Were you ever lonely while you were married? • Treating yourself well builds esteem. Prepare and eat decent meals at home. Get enough sleep. Exercise. You’re worth it. Tell yourself so by taking good care of yourself. • Your children are your first priorities, even in the face of an enticing romance. • Getting out of your comfort zone is worth the discomfort. Try something new – dance lessons, archery, golf. It’s a great way to have fun and meet people. • Isolating on holiday, birthdays, Sundays, etc. is for the birds. Solitary confinement is punishment for criminals, not single people. Make plans. • Comb your hair. Lose the sweat pants. Put a smile on your face. It’s important to create your own positive feedback. Looking good will draw people (and compliments) to you. We can all use some affirming attention. • There’s no shame in asking for
an athletic trainer while more serious injuries, such as fractures, that require more extensive diagnostic and treatment procedures were more commonly treated in an ED. “Athletic trainers play a really important role in helping to assess those more mild or moderate injuries and that helps alleviate a burden on the health care system and on families,” said physician Lara McKenzie, the study’s lead author and principal investigator in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s. “They are right there on the sidelines. They are there when some of these things happen. And they can be a great resource for families to evaluate that injury immediately.” In 1998, the American Medical Association recommended all high school
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014
help. It’s not a show of weakness. On the contrary. • Self-confidence and humor are powerful aphrodisiacs; neediness and desperation are not. • Doing something alone means you enjoy life and your own company; it does not mean you are a loser. • Expanding your definition of love beyond “romantic love” will stand you in good stead. Embrace “passionate friendships” – those relationships in which you can be yourself and feel completely comfortable. • Hanging out with negative people is a real downer. Put yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and about life. • Letting go of the idea that you need to be married to have any chance of being happy and fulfilled is essential. This idea will only keep you mired in self-pity. • Living alone takes practice. Know that there is always someone you can call or something you can do to improve your situation. • Life is a journey, with all its twists and turns. Embrace and enjoy it. You never know, the “right station” could be just around the corner . . . and that station could very well be contentment. 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 May workshops, check out the calendar listing in this issue or to invite Gwenn to speak, call 585-624-7887 or email: gvoelckers@ rochester.rr.com.
sports programs enlist an athletic medicine unit consisting of a physician director and an athletic trainer, yet as of 2009, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association estimated only 42 percent of high school sports teams met this recommendation. With more than half of U.S. high school athletes not having access to an athletic trainer during practice or competition, a vast majority of injured players wind up in urgent care facilities and emergency departments, some unnecessarily. McKenzie, also a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, said that while athletic trainers cannot treat every injury, they can make the system more efficient by only sending athletes to the hospital when it is necessary and helping athletes return to play when it is safe.
Area Vets Advise Declaw Alternatives Options beyond declawing can spare your family and furniture from kitty’s claws. By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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eclawing your cat may seem the easy way to keep family and furniture safe from claws; however, area vets advise their clients to consider other options first and also how declawing affects cats. Marguerite Staderman, a vet with All Cats Care Center in Webster, considers declawing a last resort to keep an animal in its home. “I seldom declaw,” she said. “I try to have my clients find differ-
ent things for the kitties.” Scratching objects isn’t feline revenge for imagined slights. Cats scratch as part of their stretching routine, to keep claws groomed and to mark territory, because they have scent glands on their forelegs. “Basically, a declaw [procedure] disarticulates the very end of the finger,” Staderman said. “If you bend your finger, you see three parts. The very end is P3 and the middle is P2. There’s a ligament on top of the finger between P2 and P3 and on either side. When those ligaments are severed with a declaw, that doesn’t allow the finger
to stay straight anymore. Instead of walking on their pads, they walk on the end of P2, which causes the bone in P2 to disintegrate. I’ve seen it in X-rays.” On its website, Lollypop Farm in Fairport states, “Declawing a cat should only be used as a last resort. All attempts to correct inappropriate scratching behavior should be exhausted before considering a declaw surgery. “If all attempts to change behavior have failed, it is recommended to perform surgery at 3 months of age. At this age there is less tissue to remove, and less bleeding and complications. Kittens and young cats recover faster than do older cats. We do not recommend declawing any cat over 1 year of age.” Before pursuing a declaw procedure for their pets, Staderman encourages clients to first consider other options, including different types of scratching posts — carpeted, sisal rope or corrugated cardboard — to offer the cat a positive outlet for scratching. Cats often display a preference for a different type of scratching post covering. As with real estate, location makes a difference. “They need to be placed somewhere the cats frequent, not off in a corner somewhere where the cat never goes,” Staderman said. “I put it right in front of where they scratch.” Weekly nail trimming can also curtail scratching and is easier if begun when the cat is young. Vets are pleased to show their clients how to do it properly, but the best tip is to avoid the pink “quick” and trim only the white area. Any cat that doesn’t mind “pawdicures” will likely tolerate nail caps. Soft Paws are one example of a name brand of vinyl claw covers that owners can glue to trimmed claws. They last about four to six weeks, the time it takes for claws’ outer covering to shed. As a deterrent to a favorite sofa scratching spot, Staderman advises using double-sided tape. “Kitties don’t like the sticky feel,”
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she said. “Or you can cover it with something, like a throw blanket or sheet. When company comes, take it off.” Veterinary Paul Black, president of Monroe Veterinary Associates and co-director of Pittsford Animal Hospital, agrees with Staderman that surgery should be the last option. Tendonectomy is a surgical choice that leaves the toes and claws intact, but cuts the tendon that controls sheathing and unsheathing. As a result, cat cannot put their claws out to scratch. The surgery is more minimal than declawing, requiring just an overnight stay compared with the three to five days’ stay Pittsford Animal Hospital provides for declaw patients. Owners must trim the cat’s claws regularly since scratching isn’t an option to keep them the right length. For cats undergoing a declawing
procedure, owners should make sure that the veterinarian uses pre-emptive and continuous pain medication. Some vets offer nerve blocks and anesthetic to be sure the animal is unconscious. “It’s very important to use pain medications that are safe for cats and there aren’t as many of them out there,” Staderman noted. “Owners should ask, ‘Will my cat be intubated and placed on gas anesthesia?’ You want a ‘yes’ to that question because that’s only way the kitty won’t feel anything.” Black said that only about 2 percent of declaw patients experience complications such as incisions opening up or localized infection. “If it’s a choice of a happy, indoor home for 20 years or removal from that home, I’d rather have a proper declaw then have them get rid of the cat,” Black said.
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Most in U.S. Support Laws to Crack Down on Weight Discrimination Leading Obesity Groups Take Action to Educate on Obesity Discrimination & Weight Stigma
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ew research shows that most Americans support policies that address weight discrimination. In fact, approximately three out of four individuals support efforts to add body weight as a protected class under Civil Rights laws, and the majority of those surveyed (at least 60 percent) are supportive of other policy efforts to address weight discrimination across the nation. The study, led by researchers at the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity and published in the research journal Obesity, the official journal of The Obesity Society (TOS), is the first to document a positive change in public attitudes toward legal measures to address weight discrimination. “More than two-thirds of adults in the United States are affected by overweight or obesity, meaning they are also vulnerable to the stigma and discrimination that these proposed policies and laws would help prevent,” said study author Rebecca Puhl, Rudd Center deputy director and co-author of the study. “Rates of weight discrimination are comparable with rates of racial discrimination, especially for women, and are seen across multiple domains, from healthcare and employment to media and personal relationships. We’re hopeful that identifying these trends in support of action to end weight discrimination can provide backing for current and future policy efforts.” According to the paper, from 2011 – 2013 researchers observed a 7 percent increase in support for disability protections for those affected by obesity or overweight (61 percent in 2011 to 69 percent in 2013) and a 6 percent increase for adding body weight as a protected class in Civil Rights statutes (70 percent in 2011 to 76 percent in 2013).
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10 Years After My Weight Loss Surgery By Barbara Lambright
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ime sure flies when you’re having fun. But think about it. It flies whether you are having fun or not. It has been five years since I wrote an article for this publication. May 11 marked my 10-year anniversary of having gastric bypass surgery. Having this surgery was the best thing that I ever did for myself. There is a very sad thing that I need to address in this article... what if? What if on this anniversary I put on weight and went back to the old habits of eating and not taking care of myself? Keep in mind that after surgery losing weight is inevitable. Now, keeping it off is another story. So, five years ago I was on top of it all, a 225 lb. weight loss, on the cover of a magazine, recovered from plastic surgery and what I call “fat girl syndrome” was behind me. I was in my comfort zone. I knew it all — thinking it was safe for me to eat whatever as long as it was in moderation. But then I noticed I was not eating meals that were healthy, grazing was becoming a habit more than an exception. So 5 pounds became 10 and 10 became 20. When the weight crept up to a 50 pound weight gain I still thought I didn’t need help, I can handle this. Then, of course, the embarrassment of gaining weight was a new issue that I had to deal with. No one wants to admit failure, and this is what happens when you gain weight, especially after weight loss surgery. Only 5 percent of weight loss surgery patients are successful in keeping the weight off. The tragedy is ignoring the fact that you can find help and get back on track. Finding others who have put weight back on is not a comfort. OK, you might think it is because you have met four or five others who have gained weight but this is not a club you want to be part of. The story I have told you is happily, just that, a story. I am one of the 5 percent who kept their weight off. I would not be telling the truth if I said it was easy. It is not, but I am accountable. I played with 5 and then 10 pounds and then realized that the tool of gastric bypass goes hand in hand with accountability. I used the story as an example because no one wants to tell a story of failure. The story of being Cinderella or Prince Charming and going back-
‘The best thing that I ever did for myself’ but most people are not so lucky’
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014
wards and becoming heavy again is not a pretty picture, especially to the person changing yet again. What it does to ones self-esteem is truly heartbreaking. I have run into so many people who immediately start telling me. “oh I put weight on, because…….” It is the first thing that comes out of their mouth before saying hello. Sometimes I feel embarrassed or uncomfortable because I have stayed the course and kept the weight off. I then find myself wanting to avoid them because I am uncomfortable for keeping the weight off. I’d like to offer help, but then would never want them to feel uncomfortable. If you find yourself putting weight on there is help. I decided to join Weight Watchers because they keep me accountable, and I make healthy choices when I eat. I also track what I eat because keeping a food diary shows me where and when I can go wrong with my food choices. Believe me — I do go wrong sometime but get right back on track. I have not, however, learned to be happy exercising. I keep trying new things; my new venture this year is going to be bike riding and getting back to walking in the park (my favorite place). If you are someone who is gaining weight or has gained weight, don’t be discouraged. Go back to your doctor and don’t be embarrassed. Start over, the only shame is in giving up. There is no shame in being human. I am retired, despite being 65 I’m better than I was at 25. I am happy and full of hope and know that I will stay the course. It is 10 years and I still have the “fat girl syndrome” thinking I’m heavy, but remind myself of what I have accomplished, and that all I ever wanted was to be average. You gotta believe! Believe in yourself and have faith in God. Time — well, it will pass, but what you do while it is passing is up to you. You can never get it back or make it up. Make it count. Offering help to anyone that needs or wants the benefit of my experience is what I would like to accomplish from this article. So, if I can help, call me. Good luck and many blessings Barbara Lambright can be reached at 315-738-0719.
SmartBites
By Anne Palumbo
The skinny on healthy eating
Ordinary Basil
Helpful tips
Full of Extraordinary Benefits
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asil is surprisingly nutritious. And because it’s one of the few spices that can be consumed in quantity at one sitting — whether draped over a tomato or enjoyed as pesto — we are more apt to reap its many benefits. Used medicinally for centuries, fresh basil is a natural anti-inflammatory. This benefit stems from a volatile oil in basil that blocks enzymes in the body that cause swelling. Many over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen, work by inhibiting this same enzyme. Some studies suggest that basil may provide symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions. Basil is good for hearts, thanks to its rich concentrations of beta-carotene and magnesium. A precursor to vitamin A and a powerful antioxidant, beta-carotene protects cells from free radical damage and thwarts the build up of cholesterol in vessel walls. Magnesium promotes heart health by prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax,
Translation? It makes sense to add basil to more of our recipes, particularly dishes that are uncooked (such as salads). Last but not least, basil may help reduce stress. Recent research suggests that the phytochemicals in basil may lower cortisol, a hormone secreted when we’re feeling frazzled. Tea steeped with basil, anyone?
which improves blood flow and lessens the risk of irregular heart rhythms. Worried about thinning bones? Bruises? Basil serves up a healthy dose of vitamin K, an essential vitamin that helps maintain strong bones and ensures proper blood clotting. Vitamin K also works to prevent calcium build-up in tissues and arteries, an unfavorable imbalance that may lead to cardiovascular disease and stroke. Another reason to love the leaf: Basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. According to studies published in “Food Microbiology,” washing produce in solutions with basil oil helped to lower the count of an infectious bacteria known to trigger diarrhea.
Whenever possible, choose fresh basil over dried, since it’s superior in both flavor and nutritional value. The leaves should look firm and green, and be free from dark spots or yellowing. Store fresh basil in the refrigerator— wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel (lasts about 4 days). Dried basil will keep fresh for about 6 months. For maximum flavor, add the herb near the end of the cooking process.
Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Pasta Salad Serves 6
½ pound whole-wheat fusilli (spirals) pasta 6 to 8 plum tomatoes, seeded, coarsely chopped 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-size pieces ¾ cup chopped fresh basil 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon black pepper Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water with a splash of oil to keep it from sticking together. Boil according to package directions; drain well and allow to cool. Place the pasta in a bowl and add the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. For the dressing, whisk together the vinegar, oil, garlic, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta and mix well. Adjust the seasonings, adding red pepper flakes, if desired. 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.
New Requirements for Sunscreens Dermatologist explains new FDA requirements and the latest advancements in sunscreen
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onsumers stocking up on sun care products may be seeing some unfamiliar terms and others might be unable to find the types of products they have used in the past. That’s because this is the first season in which new sunscreen standards and requirements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are in effect. Accounting for nearly half of all cases of cancer in the U.S., skin cancer is the most common type and more than 3.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with this potentially disfiguring, costly and deadly disease in 2014. The best way to lower the risk of skin cancer is to practice effective sun safety year round. Physician Adam Friedman, director of dermatologic research at Montefiore Medical Center, explains what the FDA changes mean and offers tips to help people choose products that feature the latest advancements in sunscreen.
Water-resistant
Sunscreens claiming to be waterproof and sweat proof are no longer on the shelves. In their place are 40- and 80-minute water-resistant sunscreens. “What was once called water/sweat proof is now thought of as water-resistant because these products only offer successful sun protection for a limited amount of time when they are exposed to water,” said Friedman. “Choose an 80-minute water-resistant sunscreen,
and reapply after getting out of the pool, ocean or even toweling off from a good workout.”
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
A common misconception is that SPF measures the length of time users can be in the sun before getting sunburned. SPF defines the amount of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation needed to cause a sunburn, even while sunscreen is on. • Sunscreens with SPF 2–SPF 14 can prevent sunburn, but they provide no protection against skin cancer or premature skin aging. Such sunscreens must now carry a warning label stating, “Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.”
• The FDA has yet to rule on whether products with SPF values higher than 50 provide additional protection compared to products with SPF values of 50. • In order for a sunscreen to reach its listed SPF, a full ounce needs to be applied. Recent research shows that in real life situations, people only apply 20-25 percent of this amount, unknowingly lowering the protection factor of their sunscreens. “Skin cancer does not discriminate — regardless of skin type, everyone should apply a healthy amount of a sunblock that is SPF 30 or higher,” said Friedman.
Broad spectrum
Until the final FDA requirements took effect, sunscreens were only evaluated and regulated for their ability to protect against UVB radiation, as measured by SPF. Now, sunscreens also are evaluated for their UVA protective capacity. Those containing ingredients that protect against both UVA and UVB radiation are labeled as “broad spectrum” sunscreens. “UVA penetrates deeper into the skin where it can accelerate skin aging and cause skin cancer. I call UVA the silent killer, because unlike UVB, it does not cause sunburns so it is hard to tell if you are getting harmful exposure,” said Friedman. “Broad spectrum sunscreen use should not be limited to beach outings or summer months.
June 2014 •
Recent research demonstrated that the skin aging process is significantly slower among people who apply broad spectrum sunscreen daily, year round.”
Read the ingredients
Sunscreen manufacturers use different combinations of ingredients. Choose products that have a variety of sun-blocking agents. • Friedman recommends selecting a sunscreen that contains several organic sun-blocking agents such as ecamsule, cinoxate, octyl salicylate, and benzophenones (i.e. oxybenzone). The different chemicals work in synergy to create greater sun protection than any one ingredient individually. Additionally, combining multiple agents allows manufacturers to use less of each, thereby decreasing the risk of any associated irritation. • The best products will also contain mineral, physical sun-blocking agents like zinc oxide and titanium oxide. In the past, these ingredients appeared chalky and left skin greasy, but newer products deliver “micronized” thinner, sheerer formulations. Products containing talc and bentone gel prevent these ingredients from clumping, and improve cosmetic appearance. • Look for pH stabilizers to hydrate and fortify the skin, like dimethicone, cyclomethicone and sodium phosphate. When the skin is hydrated, its can heal and repair itself much more quickly.
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A Healthy Place to Work Victor’s PR agency recognized for its health initiatives By Ernst Lamothe Jr.
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he public relations professionals may not seem more pressured than cab drivers, police officers or newspaper reporters. However in a list compiled by Forbes Magazine, PR ranked just above those professions and just below enlisted soldier, military general and firefighter as some of the most stressful jobs in American. Experts say the field is filled with a lot of pressure. “PR is a profession that involves dealing with clients who have demands as well as being called upon to deal with crisis and emergencies,” said Dixon Schwabl CEO Lauren Dixon. “Whenever there is an issue that arises in a corporation or simply an individual, many times a PR person or PR company is called upon to try to fix the situation.” Because of those scenarios, Dixon Schwabl in Victor has routinely performed many initiatives to keep their employees less stressed, but also marching toward a healthier life. From in-office stretch breaks to group yoga classes, living a health-conscious lifestyle is a part of the office culture. In addition, some of its initiatives have included blood pressure testing, biometric screenings, flu shots and complimentary health screenings for employees. Dixon Schwabl was recently
honored with the American Heart Association Fit-Friendly Worksite Gold Achievement Award, one of only 22 given to companies in the greater Rochester area. The company also offers free, healthy snacks during work and at lunchtime along with a bowl of fresh fruit at the reception desk rather than a traditional candy dish. “The million dollar question is why doesn’t every company do the things we do?,” said Dixon. “When you create an environment or a program where employees are healthy and happy, it is great for them and great for business. When people feel good about where they work, they want to come to work and be productive. And when they feel healthy, they have the strength and energy to do so.” Dixon Schwabl, which has about 85 employees, has ranked on the Best Small Companies to Work for in America list for nine consecutive years, including ranking No. 1 in 2008 and 2010. The company receives about 300 job applications for every opening that is posted online. Karen Sims, vice president of people and development, said the wellness activities are 100 percent voluntary with the activity being proposed and led by employees, ensuring enthusiastic participation in a wide variety of ways. The agency offers prizes for
employees participating in the Fitness Challenge, including Wegmans gift cards and gift cards to spas and restaurants. “Empowering employees to choose, lead and implement wellness gives a more meaningful approach and opportunity for positive outcomes,” said Sims. “With senior management
Sarah Picciotto, a media buyer at Dixon Schwabl having her blood pressure tested Sharon Mansfield from the Neurosurgery Group at Strong.
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leading by example by funding and participating in wellness, the agency is able to achieve a strong and enthusiastic response.” The stretching program is an informal way for employees to take a healthy break and move in the office. The company also offers team sport activities such as indoor beach volleyball
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – Rochester Area
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014
The doctor put him on a healthy living program and in a 45-day period, he lost 20 pounds of fat. “He does 100 push ups every day and is a different healthy person today than he has been in the past,” said Dixon. “I bet there are plenty of stories where health screenings changed a person’s life.” The company will continue to do health screenings. “The overall strong health and commitment to positive behaviors let the agency know that we should proac-
tively encourage wellness year round,” said Sims. “Dixon Schwabl will continue to proactively engage employees in wellness, in keeping with our core values; respect, integrity, teamwork, community and fun.” In addition, all the windows in the building open up to allow fresh air. Another special health-related initiative that Dixon does for employees is give them a paid off day for their birthday and a paid day off to volunteer at a nonprofit of their choice called “Make it Happen Day.”
Stretch breaks to group yoga classes, living a health-conscious lifestyle is a part of the office culture at Dixon Schwabl in Victor. and softball. An interesting initiative that is all their own is a fitness challenge. Through a friendly challenge, 44 percent of Dixon Schwabl participants lost weight and 73 percent of participants gained skeletal muscle mass. “Avoiding the stigma of forced fun has helped to encourage all employees at Dixon Schwabl to embrace wellness. It also gets people more engaged in the activity if they came up with it,” added Dixon. “We have always cared about healthy initiatives since day one of the company 20 years ago. It’s very obvious the long term benefits of being
healthy. I don’t understand why other companies aren’t doing this.” The Dixon Schwabl Fitness Challenge included an aggregate report of the health risk assessments and biometric screenings, as well as data to anonymously share the overall health of the organization. For Dixon, health screenings possibly helped save her husband’s life. He was receiving a health screening when medical officials noticed that his blood pressure had skyrocketed into the danger zone. He immediately had to go to the hospital to get checked out.
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Diabetes n o s e t a R e s i R the
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
D
espite the media’s bombardment of society with messages about good health, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is going up. Nearly one in 10 American adults has diabetes. The rate has nearly doubled since the late 1980s. Around 26 million Americans currently have been diagnosed with diabetes, and a further 79 million have pre-diabetes, putting them at risk of developing the disease. Diabetes complications represent the seventh leading cause of death nationwide. Registered nurse Patricia W. Cochrane, a certified diabetes educator with Finger Lakes Health’s Diabetes Health Services, said that the increase is “directly related to the above earlier diagnosis, plus increased obesity, reductions in overall exercise due to technology, lack of life sports and activity for our children, high carbohydrate diets and an increase in obesity in our child bearing women causing an increase in gestational diabetes & larger birth weights.” She conceded that “unsafe living environments for children” has contributed to a lack of outdoor exercise for youngsters. Physician Steven Wittlin, director of diabetes services and clinical director of the Endocrine Metabolism Division of University of Rochester Medical Center agrees that multiple issues add up to more diabetes cases, but even small changes can help reduce risk. “The most obvious answer is the obesity epidemic,” he said. “We believe that people with normal insulin secretion don’t get diabetes. But if one has a modest reduction in insulin secretion and is lean and active, there may be enough of an influence to not get diabetes. But if one is sedentary and obese, there may be enough factors to tip one into diabetes.” He added that more subtle factors could include insufficient sleep, sleep
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014
disturbance, and race, since Caucasians appear to have the lowest genetic predisposition to diabetes. That represents another factor that tweaks the rate of diabetes cases: the increase in non-Caucasians among the general population. “To some degree, in all ethnicities, improving lifestyle is going to reduce the risk of diabetes,” Wittlin said. “That having been said, there are certain populations that appear to have a higher risk than others. Whether it’s because of worse secretion of insulin or an insulin resistance, that remains to be worked out.” The experts agree that anyone, especially those who have family history or other risk factors, can improve his health and possibly avoid diabetes by making basic lifestyle changes. “If you take someone with pre-diabetes, you can reduce the rate of going into diabetes by 50 percent with intensive lifestyle modification,” Wittlin said. “That includes meeting with a nutritionist. The more intensive the dietary intervention, the better the outcome.” Many interventions include about 150 minutes per week (or 30 minutes five days a week) of exercise beyond everyday activities. Wittlin noted that some prescriptions have been shown to prevent pre-diabetes from turning into fullblown diabetes; however, “but diet and exercise are more successful.” Dr. Seth Charatz with Rochester General Hospital said that many people aren’t aware of the small steps they can take that can dramatically improve their chances of not becoming diabetic. He advises anyone with risk factors to attend pre-diabetes education classes “to learn what foods to eat and what to avoid. That’s a tried-and-true way to avoid [it].” A few better choices could include avoiding excess juice, soda, processed foods and practicing portion control, especially for unhealthful foods.
Rates of Serious Diabetes Complications Declining
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While number of incidence of diabetes has skyrocketed, rate of serious complications has shrunk By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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esearch from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the top diabetes complications have reduced in rate in the past 20 years. These include heart attack, stroke, end-stage kidney failure, lower-limb amputation and deaths from high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Cardiovascular complications and deaths from high blood sugar each decreased by more than 60 percent, the largest rate decrease in the group. Rates of strokes and lower extremity amputations fell by about 50 percent. Rates for end-stage kidney failure decreased by 30 percent. Physician Steven Wittlin directs Diabetes Services and serves as clinical director of endocrine metabolism at University of Rochester Medical Center. He noted, “The overall number of [diabetes] cases has doubled to tripled, so the overall number [of serious complications] hasn’t gone down but the rate has decreased: a smaller rate, but a much larger number.” He thinks that in Cochrane regard to cardiovascular health, more physicians make sure that patients with Type 2 diabetes are prescribing statins to control cholesterol and medication to control blood pressure. “We’ve done a much better job in treating coronary Charatz artery disease with people with Type 2 diabetes,” Wittlin said. “In kidney disease, the curve is much flatter.” He blames this on the overall larger pool people predisposed for kidney disease represented in the population in the past 20 years and other unknown causes. “With the reduction in heart attacks, people may be living long and may be able to go on to develop kidney failure,” Wittlin said. It’s very encouraging that the rates of heart attacks and strokes and amputations [among diabetics] are declining. It is less encouraging that although the rate of kidney
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failure is improving, it’s improving at a slower rate than cardiovascular.” In general, health providers are setting the bar higher for patients than 10 to 15 years ago. Registered nurse Patricia W. Cochrane is a certified diabetes educator and health education coordinator for Diabetes Health Services at Finger Lakes Health. She said that a combination of earlier detection and measuring blood glucose levels differently has helped improve outcomes. “The standards for elevated blood glucose levels have changed quite a bit,” Cochrane said. “The goals for normal blood glucose are lower than years ago which identifies people earlier and gets them treatment much sooner.” Current-day research has also helped drive home the importance of diabetic care to those who have been diagnosed. Physician Seth Charatz with Endocrine Diabetes Care at Rochester General Hospital thinks that studies proving better glycemic control helps prevent the most serious outcomes has improved the standard of care. “It’s as tight as we can control,” he said. “Compliance is improving. I think there are some barriers looking forward. Cost of care is one. Access to care is another. It may or may not improve in the future. We’ve got more and more options in treating diabetes than before which hopefully will enable patients to better manage their disease with the different medical options.” Better tools for controlling blood sugar have also improved the quality of life for Type 2 diabetics, thanks to more medication options and greater acceptance of lifestyle changes. “Lifestyle changes definitely will help reduce those complications over the long-term,” Charatz said.
Diabetes
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Making a Strategic Move into Travel Nursing RN expects to see higher demand for travel nurses By Brenda Lotito
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oday’s nurses must take an active role in the implementation of a strategic plan to overcome the future of the profession. According to 2012 figures from the US department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses constitute the largest healthcare occupation with 2.7 million jobs. Sixty one percent of these jobs are in hospitals. Figures also show that the largest health care industry — hospitals — will grow slower than that of long-term care, home health care and outpatient facilities due to early discharge and more outpatient procedures. In addition, the number of individuals who have access to healthcare services will increase as a result of the federal health insurance reform. As baby boomers get older, so does the nursing population, leading to a nursing retirement boom that began in 2010 and is slated to last until 2020. The average age of the registered nurse population documented by the National Sample Survey of RNs by the Federal Division of Nursing was 46.8 years in 2004, determining that 40 percent of registered nurses will be well over 50 years old by 2020. Because of this exodus, employment of registered nurses by hospitals is slated to rely on temporary employment to fill staffing needs. As the demand for nurses grows, temporary nurses will be needed more often, leading to a growth in the employment
services industry. The American Hospital Association reports current vacancy rates in some hospitals as high as 19 percent for full-time registered nurses. Travel nursing began as a seasonal substitute from the increase in population in the winter months in the Sunbelt states. As individuals escaped from the frigid winds and heavy snows of the Northern states, hospitals in those areas saw a sharp spike in care. As the beds filled, the hospitals needed a plan to have nursing staff increase at those peak months as well. Hospitals began to hire nurses for temporary employment, a few months out of the year, until the seasonal citizens returned to their permanent residence back north. Recruiting nurses wasn’t all that bad either. Nurses who signed up for the jobs may be from the same northern areas and welcomed the “break” from the drudgery of snow and slush. Although the work was challenging, the nurses became tourists on their days and hours off. Nevertheless, history has changed the travel nursing industry over the past few decades. Nursing shortages have hit hard and staffing needs are high. Hospitals now look to staffing agencies to bring in temporary nurses to fill the gaps and prevent unsafe workloads for the permanent staff. As the demand for nursing grows and the amount of trained nurses continues at its slow pace, hospitals
are beginning to poise themselves to recruit nurses for temporary employment, filling in for short staffing needs. Besides their own recruitment efforts, the healthcare systems and organizations are now exploring third party recruiters. Company size varies greatly, from only a few nurses to hundreds. Karen Hart, past senior vice president of health care division at Bernard Hodes Group in New York, states that the top nationwide recruitment tactics for healthcare professionals are “employee referral programs, college recruitment programs, on-site education offerings and career development (as attractors), flexible scheduling, on-site job fairs with CEUs, and excellent career websites with easy online application/ resume submission.” With all these factors in mind, travel nursing could be an opportunity for any nurse who becomes restless with tenure, has a yearning for travel, and has excellent clinical skills. All 50 states have now joined in — and use — recruiting agencies to find travel nurses. “Travel nurses are nurses that have made their work business,” said Marilyn Garner, a Rochester-based RN travel nurse who just finished an assignment in Pennsylvania. “You must seek and talk to a number of agencies in order to know who treats you best and who pays you well. It is business savvy. Travel companies want the applicant with the most time and
qualifications (many specialties such as ER, ICU, neonatal and pediatrics) for positions that lead to greater opportunity and growth for the nurse.” Finding a travel company that suits you is the first step into the travel field. Healthcare industry trends show us that travel nursing is here to stay and, with the nursing shortage not abating any time soon, health care traveling may be the wave of the future. The current state of affairs in nursing is being characterized as unlike those of the past. As we have seen throughout time, there has been a cycle of nursing shortages and gains. Strategies and efforts of the past may not be enough for the healthcare system to endure this projected alarming devastation of nursing workforce. New ideas, creative focus and innovation will need to embody the industry’s response to stressed hospital, outpatient, homecare, skilled nurse and rehabilitation facility nurses. Brenda Lotito is a registered nurse of 27 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Empire State College and is currently enrolled in the college’s Master of Science degree in nursing. She is also a freelance writer and an avid traveler.
Physicians Generate $1.6 Trillion in Economic Activity, Support 10 Million Jobs New study demonstrates physicians are vital economic drivers at state and national levels
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new report recently released by the American Medical Association (AMA) shows that physicians have a huge influence on national and state economies beyond their role of safeguarding a healthy community and productive workforce. Patient care physicians enable economic growth, opportunity and prosperity by contributing $1.6 trillion in economic activity and supporting 10 million jobs nationwide in 2012. “Physicians carry tremendous responsibility as skilled healers, trusted confidants and patient advocates, but their positive impact isn’t confined to the exam room,” said AMA President Ardis Dee Hoven, a physician “The new AMA study illustrates that physicians are strong economic drivers that are woven into their local communities by the jobs, commerce and taxes they generate. These quality jobs not only support the caring role of physicians, but also generate taxes that support schools, housing, transportation and other public services in local communities.” The report notes that given the changing health care environment, it is paramount to quantify the economic impact physicians have on society. To provide lawmakers, regulators and policymakers Page 16
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014
with reliable information, the report measured the economic impact of physicians at the national level and in each of the 50 states and District of Columbia according to key economic barometers: • Output: Each physician supported an average of $2.2 million in economic output and contributed to a total of $1.6 trillion in economic output nationwide. • Jobs: Each physician supported an average of 13.84 jobs and contributed to a total of 10 million jobs nationwide. • Wages and Benefits: Each physician supported an average of $1.1 million in total wages and benefits and contributed to a total of $775.5 billion in wages and benefits nationwide. • Tax Revenues: Each physician supported $90,449 in local and state tax revenues and contributed to a total of $65.2 billion is local and state tax revenues nationwide. According to the federal government, spending on physician services grew more slowly between 2009 and 2012 than at any time in the last 15 years and accounts for only 16 percent of all health care dollars spent in the U.S. in 2012. Yet expenditures for physician services have a ripple effect through the economy. Every dollar applied to physician services supports an additional $1.62 in other business activity. The study found that physicians had a greater national economic impact than each of the following industries: higher education, home health care, legal services, nursing and residential care. To view the full report and an interactive map of the United States, please visit www.ama-assn. org/go/eis.
Initiative: Reduce stigma of mental illness in the local church communities Rochester’s health professionals and faith leaders coming together to improve mental health By Ernst Lamothe Jr.
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aith plays an important role in many people’s lives. Mental health officials understand that point sometimes better than most because their clientele often talks about how they feel abandoned by their particular church, synagogue, mosque or other religious institution once their condition is out in the open. “The church is the first responders in many of these situations. But there are so many misconceptions from church leaders and some congregation members make people feel like the reason they have mental health issues is because they are not reading the Bible enough or something is wrong with their spiritually,” said Gretchen DiFante, executive director of Agape Counseling Associates. “All of a sudden, they feel isolated and alone. I saw this happen too often and knew something needed to be done about it.” Because of this point, mental health experts hosted a Faith Communities Mental Health Conference. Rochester’s mental health experts and faith leaders came together in a large-scale effort aimed at reducing the stigma of mental illness in the local church community. Spearheaded by Agape Counseling Associates among other partners in the mental health community, the conference was held at All Nations Church in Henrietta and featured 20 speakers from the seven-county Rochester area. More than 250 people attended. “When we had 100 people registered a month before the conference started, including people from Syracuse and Buffalo we knew we had hit on a clear need,” said DiFante, who was also conference chairwpman. “The church and faith community need to understand their influence and understand that their first reaction and counseling could make all the difference to how that person begins dealing with their mental illness.” The National Institutes of Health reports that more people who have mental health issues seek help first from a church leader before a mental health professional or family doctor. The organization states one in four adults – approximately 61.5 million individuals — will have some sort of mental illness in a given year. One in 17 — about 13.6 million — suffers from a serious mental illness like schizophrenia. “A lot of people in our church pews who are silently dealing with mental illness, and many are afraid to come forward to get help because of the stigma around mental illness,” said DiFante. “They are not getting the help they need so they suffer in silence, and end up feeling more guilty and staying in a dark place for a longer periods of time.” The conference featured former Canandaigua pastor, also a police officer, who talked about his thoughts of suicide, which he has attempted four times. He talked about how it was difficult for his church community to understand and interact once his story was out. He referred to it as the non-casserole disease.
“When you have cancer or another debilitating disease that people are familiar with, they flock to your home, bring casseroles and try to do whatever in their power to help,” said DiFante. “But when you are dealing with mental illness, people tend to stay away or blame the victim. Casserole dishes aren’t arriving in droves to support that person because there is a fear or a stigma in dealing with someone with a mental illness.” Those who attended and helped organize the conference viewed it as the next essential step for their industry. They said the combination of speakers, seminars and breakout sessions created a lively and informative event. Other breakout speakers include Father Brian Cool, director of Catholic Newman Community Pastoral Care at the University of Rochester. “From the moment I walked into the conference, the energy and excitement was palpable. Every person I asked was incredibly positive of their experience to that point,” said Cool “One of the most vulnerable populations in our community are those who live in the shadow of fear, rejection and hopelessness. It is those with mental illness whose lives face great isolation. They are often unemployed, have limited friends or social outlets and left to their own darkness.” Cool said equipping pastoral leaders to recognize, reach out and embrace those with mental illness and support their families and friends will only produce a stronger community, hopeful individuals and deeper commitment to faith. “This conference was as much about helping faith communities become whole as it was about helping any individual in need,” he added.
Eric Weaver and his daughter, Samantha Weaver: He is was a former Rochester area Rochester police officer and former pastor that dealt with depression and so did his daughter “When we as faithful believers can support those most vulnerable at our door with friendship, love and faith, we are indeed doing what God requires of us. We are meeting and engaging those on the margins. In doing so, our faith becomes real.” Others agreed. “We endorses creative approaches to ensuring that our residents are able to effectively access behavioral health treatment and supports in our community,” said David Putney, director of the Monroe County Office of Mental Health.” Engaging our pastors and ministers to become more aware of such options is another wonderful step
Father Brian Cool speaking to a crowd at the mental health conference. June 2014 •
towards ensuring access and support for our faith communities.” DiFante said often depression from grief leads people to mental health issues. What makes it worse is people’s responses. “When someone deals with grief, there isn’t a specific timetable where they should be over it and feel better. People often tell the person that they need to move on and be OK already, which makes the person dealing with depression feel even more tense,” she said. “We have a tendency to expect unrealistic things from people who are grieving because we want them to feel better and snap out of it.”
Deborah Housel: associcate dietor of parish and clery services for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester.
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How Can Physical Therapy Can Help Treat Diabetes By Kate Saccocci
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here are several different treatment options that are used to assist people in managing their diabetes, however exercise and diet are the most common. Physical therapy plays a critical role in the treatment of diabetes and can promote positive outcomes from an injury. Exercise has a positive effect on how our bodies utilize insulin. Exercise also decreases the negative effects that high blood sugar has. Excessive high or low blood sugar can be detrimental to a person with diabetes. Modulation of blood sugar is critical and exercise can help play a role in that. With the astounding number of people living in the US with diabetes, it is likely you, a friend or a family member are somehow affected by the
disease. While our ultimate goal in physical therapy is to help rehab a person from an injury, we also have a great opportunity to inspire a regular exercise routine and encourage patient’s to continue to live a healthy lifestyle. You can now seek medical advice from a physical therapist directly without a referral from a doctor. Kate Saccocci is a licensed physical therapist at Sports Physical Therapy of New York who has personally dealt with diabetes much of her life. For more information, visit www.sptny.com.
Louise Woerner Honored by Rochester Academy of Medicine HCR founder and CEO recognized with Distinguished Service Award
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ouise Woerner, HCR Home Care chairwoman and CEO, has been recognized with the Distinguished Service Award from the Rochester Academy of Medicine. This annual award recognizes medical professionals who have given back to the local community. Woerner was selected for her service to the medical and health care professions as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, and for being “a trailblazer in health care.” She was nominated by physician William M. Valenti, clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, and senior vice president of organizational advancement and staff physician at Trillium Health. In his nomination letter, Valenti cited Louise Woerner’s work to found HCR Home Care in 1978, to expand the company into other regions across New
York state, and to offer innovative programs, such as transcultural and LGBT care. In addition, Woerner was cited for being the first nonnurse inducted into the American Academy of Nursing and for founding the National Institute of Nursing Research. “I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from the Rochester Academy Woerner of Medicine,” Louise Woerner said. “This recognition really is a testament to the wonderful work performed every day by our management and staff at HCR Home Care.” Louise Woerner resides in the city of Rochester.
Resurgence of Measles in U.S. Brings Pain and Suffering to Children
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he U.S. is seeing the largest outbreak of measles in decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In 2000, the disease was considered eliminated from the country thanks to vaccines, but a combination of frequent international travel and a trend against vaccinating children has led to its resurgence. “I’ve seen a lot of measles outbreaks in developing countries where vaccines aren’t available. I’ve stood by children’s bedsides and cared for them as they suffered. It is heart-breaking to see these children suffer from a disease that is preventable,” said physician Nadia Qureshi, pediatric infectious Page 18
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disease specialist at Loyola University Health System. “We are seeing a rise in children in the U.S. with measles because international travel has become so common. People bring it back from endemic areas and because it’s highly contagious. If your child is not vaccinated they are at-risk.” Measles is caused by a virus and there is no specific treatment for the infection. This extremely contagious infection is spread person-to-person through droplets and can live in the air for up to two hours. Initial symptoms include cough , fever , runny nose , red, watery eyes, feeling run-down.
New resource for deaf and hard-of-hearing students contemplating health care careers
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new website dedicated to providing centralized information for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals interested in health care careers is now online. The website is designed to help them explore the possibilities of a health care career, advocacy and the law, job outlooks and to access technology available to help them succeed. “Health Care Careers for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community” was developed in collaboration with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf/Rochester Institute of Technology, Gallaudet University, University of Rochester/National Center on Deaf Health Research, and Rochester General Health System. The website — www.rit.edu/ NTID/healthcare — came as a result of the Task Force on Health Care Careers for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community, formed in 2012. The group met regularly to help identify barriers that may prevent deaf and hard-ofhearing students from considering careers in the health care field. Proportionately fewer deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are employed in the health care professions than hearing workers, and when they are employed, they are in positions that require less education. The health care industry is expected to increase 22 percent and generate 3.2 million new jobs through 2018, more than any other employment sector, said James DeCaro, who helped establish the task force when he was interim president of NTID. He remains actively involved as co-chairman of the NTID Health Care Implementation Commission. “One of the major gaps identified by the task force was that there was little centralized information that could
be used by parents, educators and other professionals working with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, educational institutions, health care employers as well as students themselves, about the possibilities that exist for them in health care,” said task force co-chairwoman Rose Marie Toscano. “There was also a need to highlight what deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are doing within the health care field and how successful they have been.” The website includes profiles of successful deaf and hard-of-hearing doctors, nurses, professors, lab technicians and researchers to help inform others about deaf and hard-of-hearing people who have already paved the road in health care. It also includes information about the range of career options available in the health care field and how interested deaf and hard-of-hearing students might be able to prepare for these potential careers. Information about access technology is provided to help people understand how deaf and hardof-hearing individuals are able to use various technologies such as a graphic auscultation stethoscope to be able to succeed at their health care jobs. Examples of various degree programs being offered by institutions that are dedicated to educating deaf and hard-of-hearing students are included to help interested students identify potential degrees that they might be interested in pursuing. And information about anti-discriminatory policies remind everyone that qualified deaf and hard-of-hearing people are entitled to reasonable accommodations that would allow them to find and keep jobs in the health care field. The author works at University News Services, Rochester Institute of Technology.
Academy Welcomes Archives of Local Health Care History
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ith more than a century dedicated to medical education, the Rochester Academy of Medicine has enriched its portfolio of outreach programs by welcoming the Rochester Medical Museum and Archives (RMMA). RMMA collects, cares for and shares the history of institutions within the Rochester General Health System, which dates back to 1847 and highlights more than 400 cumulative years of caring for the health of the Rochester region. The collection, now located at the academy’s 1441 East Ave. campus, was previously housed at the Stromberg-Carlson complex on Humboldt Street. “East Avenue is an appropriate location for the Rochester Medical Museum and Archives — here along museum row,” says Suzanne Welch, Rochester Academy of Medicine executive director. “We are so pleased to serve as the new site of the museum’s exhibits and archival material, and
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014
we are grateful to Rochester General Health System for the opportunity to form this partnership.” The Rochester Academy of Medicine has been providing educational opportunities to the local medical community since it was founded in 1900. It moved to its current site, the former home of Carolyn and Edmund Lyon, after the landmark was donated to the academy in 1939. Until the latter stages of the 20th century, the facility served as a resource center that provided members access to a comprehensive collection of medical journals. RMMA assumes 5,000 square feet of space at the site, including gallery space in the academy’s former library. “One thing that is wonderful to me is the number of curatorial opportunities that exist in this house alongside the history of the Rochester Academy of Medicine,” explains Kathleen Briton, RMMA director and curator. “Becoming part of this facility really helps to reinforce our identity as an historical society.”
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How to Help Seniors With Their Computer Issues From Far Away Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any computer software products that you know of that will let me help my parents with their computer issues from afar? They are in their 70s and frequently call me with their computer questions and problems, but I live across town and don’t always have time to get in the car and drive over to help them. What’s available that can help us? Weary Son
Dear Weary,
Helping an elder loved with their computer questions or problems over the phone can be frustrating and difficult. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available today that offer remote access software that can easily help you assist your parents with their computer issues from afar. One of the best is TeamViewer, which is completely free to use and works with Windows and Macintosh computers. To get started, you and your parents will need to go to TeamViewer. com and install their free software on each of your computers. How-to videos are available on their site to help with the installation. Once installed — and with their permission — you will be able to access your parent’s computer right from your own computer wherever you are. Both machines must have broadband Internet for this to work. This software will give you the ability to actually see what’s appearing on your parent’s computer screen, and will let you remotely take charge of their computer so you can show them how to do something, or you can do it for them while they watch. Almost anything can be done remotely with this software. You can even keep a live video chat open at the same time you’re helping them.
If your interested in shopping around, some other free remote access programs worth a look include Chrome Remote Desktop (go to chrome.google. com/webstore and type in “Chrome Remote Desktop” in the “Search the store” box to find it), and SkyFex (skyfex.com), which works only with Windows. Skype also has a screen share feature (see skype.com/en/features/ screen-sharing) that lets you share your screen and video chat at the same time, but you can’t actually take control of the other person’s computer. You can only show them what they should be doing by demonstrating it on your own desktop.
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Professional Tech Support If your parents need more tech support than you are able to manage, another option to consider is to sign them up with a tech support company like Geek Squad (geeksquad.com, 800-433-5778), which also offers remote access capabilities to help your parents with almost any computer issue. Whenever they would need assistance, they could call the Geek Squad toll free number anytime, 24 hours a day, or log in to their website. A Geek Squad representative would then help them initiate a remote access session, so they could remotely show them how to do something, or make repairs or adjustments to their computer. Once the call is completed, the remote control access would be disconnected from your parent’s computer. In addition to the remote access help, Geek Squad tech support also offers free anti-virus software, they cover up to three computers (or other devices), and provide unlimited phone and in-person tech support at any Best Buy store. Costs range from $200 for one year, $280 for two years or $350 for three years, with a 15 percent discount available to AARP members.
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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. June 2014 •
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ational Family Month takes place each year from Mother’s Day in May to Father’s Day in June, and coincides with the end of the school year when families are able to spend even more time together. It is the perfect time to spend more time focusing on each member of your family. Social Security has your entire family in mind when it comes to coverage and benefits. We’re here to help everyone in the family — during every stage of life. Most people think of retirement benefits when they think about Social Security, and that certainly is a big part of what we do. In fact, most of the benefits we pay go to retirees and their families — about 41 million people. But Social Security is more than retirement. Just read on. If you work and pay Social Security taxes during your lifetime, you can look forward to a strong foundation of income in retirement from Social Security. Of course, Social Security was never intended to be your sole source of retirement income. It is a foundation upon which you build with pensions, savings and other income. But what if you become disabled before you retire and you are unable to continue working to support your family? Social Security has you covered with disability benefits. If you have a disability that is expected to last a year or longer, or result in death, you should apply for disability benefits. Your work and taxes cover not only you, but your entire family, too. Family
benefits can include retirement, disability and, in the event of your death, survivors benefits. This coverage includes everyone in your family who depends on you for support, such as your minor children who are under age 18, or age 19 if still in secondary school, as well as your spouse. It also can include older children who have severe disabilities that began before age 22. In some cases, parents and grandchildren can qualify for family benefits if they depend on your income and you are their only means of support If you want to learn more about how Social Security benefits the younger members of your family, visit www. socialsecurity.gov/youngpeople. This page has information for you even if you don’t have children and are a young worker yourself. So whether through survivors, disability, or retirement benefits, Social Security is here to help you and your entire family when the need arises. And the best way to apply for benefits is online at www.socialsecurity.gov. Perhaps another popular family member—the family pet—can best explain why applying online is the best option for you. Check out our creative videos on our YouTube channel for sound advice from the four-legged members of the family. Just visit www. socialsecurity.gov and select the YouTube button at the bottom of the page. Want to learn more? Read or listen to the publication, Understanding the Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs.
Q: I stumbled onto your YouTube channel while looking at funny cat videos. Why does Social Security produce cat videos?
who is eligible for survivors benefits? A: Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to: • Widows or widowers — unreduced benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60; • Disabled widows or widowers — as early as age 50; • Widows or widowers at any age if they take care of the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits; • Unmarried children under age 18, or up to age 19 if they are attending secondary school full time. Under certain circumstances, benefits can be paid to stepchildren and grandchildren; • Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled; and • Dependent parents age 62 or older. Even if you are divorced, you still may qualify for survivors benefits. For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov.
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A: It’s just one of many ways for us to connect to people where they already spend time. It’s important for us to let everyone know about all we do for Americans, and we’re especially interested in getting the word out about our easy, convenient, and secure online services. That’s why we look for creative ways to reach people, young and old. Our popular YouTube videos are not only a hit with viewers, but they let people know the best way to apply for benefits — online. See the videos for yourself at www.socialsecurity.gov. Just select the YouTube link at the bottom right side of the page. By the way, the cat videos have already received more than one million views. Q: When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies,
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014
H ealth News Merger between RGHS and Unity to be final in July Rochester General Health System (RGHS) and Unity Health System recently received clearance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to move forward with the planned merger closing. Following NYS Department of Health approval, this decision represents the last major regulatory milestone in the merger process. “Clearance from the FTC is a powerful endorsement of the significant potential value the merger can bring to the community,” said Mark Clement, president and CEO RGHS, “supporting our vision to become a model regional, integrated health care system. The FTC decision also recognizes the overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic regional support the merger plans have received from our business, government and consumer stakeholders.” With FTC clearance secured, RGHS and Unity will finalize due diligence for the legal close, which is expected to occur in July. Organizational planning is moving forward to bring the two organizations together that will create one combined system. The plans will be developed with the active participation of physician leaders, functional executives and other key managers from both organizations. “Both Unity and RGHS share a common mission and vision — to provide compassionate, high quality, community-focused care that is accessible to all,” said Warren Hern, president and CEO Unity, “The services we provide and the geographic areas where we serve our patients complement one another. As a single, integrated system, we will enhance both the clinical and operational strengths of our organization.” RGHS and Unity announced in April 2013 plans to create a formal relationship that would result in one, integrated health care delivery system that could better meet the needs of the community and thrive in an increasingly challenging environment of health care payment and delivery system reform. The new organization will realize combined financial and clinical benefits that will enhance care quality, provide greater value and access and improve health across the region.
Clifton Springs Hospital gets accreditation Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic successfully completed its three-year accreditation survey process from DNV GL – Healthcare and has received the recommendation for ISO 9001 certification. By earning accreditation, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic has demonstrated it meets or exceeds patient safety standards set forth by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. DNV GL’s accreditation program is the only one to integrate the ISO 9001 quality management system with the Medicare conditions of participation. ISO 9001 is the world’s most trusted quality management system and is used by performance-driven
organizations around the world to advance their quality and sustainability objectives. Hospitals have the flexibility to choose which approved agency conducts their accreditation survey and Clifton Springs switched to DNV GL four years ago because they offered this additional certification. “The DNV GL program is consistent with our long-term commitment to quality and patient safety,” says Lewis Zulick, President & CEO. “The ability to integrate ISO 9001 quality standards with our clinical and financial processes is a major step forward. We are proud to be the first hospital in the Rochester region to have demonstrated compliance with ISO 9001 standards and anticipate full certification will be awarded later in 2014.” DNV GL is a world-leading certification body. It helps businesses assure the performance of their organizations, products, people, facilities and supply chains through certification, verification, assessment, and training services. Within healthcare, it helps customers achieve excellence by improving quality and patient safety through hospital accreditation, managing infection risk, management system certification and training.
Thompson gets award for stroke care Thompson Hospital recently received the “Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award” for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for the treatment of stroke patients. “Get With The Guidelines-Stroke” helps hospital teams provide the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Thompson, a New York state-designated stroke center, earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include aggressive use of medications and risk-reduction therapies aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients. “We are dedicated to improving the quality of stroke care and The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s ‘Get With The Guidelines–Stroke’ helps us achieve that goal,” said Thompson Health President/CEO Michael F. Stapleton Jr. “With this award, our hospital demonstrates our commitment to ensure that our patients receive care based on internationally-respected clinical guidelines.” “We are pleased to recognize Thompson for their commitment and dedication to stroke care,” said physician Deepak L. Bhatt, national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines steering committee and executive director of Interventional Cardiovascular Programs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. “ June 2014 •
UR Medicine Launches Wilmot Cancer Institute UR Medicine announced in May the creation of the Wilmot Cancer Institute, a new organizational structure for all of its clinical and research programs in cancer, including its growing network of satellite locations throughout the region. In addition, it announced a $30 million campaign to support cancer research. The Wilmot Cancer Institute’s goal is to provide the highest level of care to individuals in Rochester and throughout Western New York, by making the institute’s expertise and capabilities available to patients closer to home. Research, and bringing scientific discoveries directly to patients, is also an integral part of the Institute’s mission. “We want patients to see ‘Wilmot Cancer Institute’ and breathe a sigh of relief because they know they’re getting the best,” said physician Jonathan W. Friedberg, director of the institute and Samuel E. Durand Chair, who has been in the top leadership position at Wilmot since July of 2012. “Cancer care is so complex these
days. It starts with a diagnostic process that often involves sophisticated tests and specialized skills, and continues through treatment decisions, follow-up care, and survivorship needs,” Friedberg said. “Our institute brings that level of comprehensive and smart service every step of the way.” With the Wilmot Cancer Center on the University of Rochester Medical Center campus as its hub, the new institute now encompasses seven satellite cancer treatment facilities and all cancer research activities at the university. “Wilmot has been thriving under Jonathan’s leadership, and it’s exciting to see so many important initiatives moving forward at a rapid pace,” said physician Bradford C. Berk, chief executive officer of UR Medicine and university senior vice president for health sciences. “He truly understands and pushes the institute’s broad mission — to deliver exceptional care locally and regionally, and to be a leader in cancer research.”
Wilmot Cancer Institute gets $4 million donation Citing a commitment to cancer research that spans three generations of Wilmot family members, Wilmot Cancer Institute director, physician Jonathan W. Friedberg, announced combined gifts totaling $4 million from the Wilmot family and the James P. Wilmot Foundation, to support cancer research as part of a $30 million research-focused campaign at UR Medicine. “The Wilmot family’s commitment to cancer research is measured not simply in dollars, but in decades,” said Friedberg. “Their sustained commitment to cancer research is advancing science, while at the same time elevating the level of cancer care available to the people of our region.” “It has been amazing watching the progress in cancer research and patient care at Wilmot since 1980. We are thrilled to participate in its continued progress,” said Judy Wilmot Linehan. “Our family has been so affected by this terrible disease. It has taken away some of the most important people in my life. It is truly our pleasure to support the Wilmot Distinguished Professorship in Cancer Genomics. I can’t wait to see what it will accomplish!” The gifts will fund the recruitment of a senior researcher in cancer genomics — a relatively new discipline that is transforming the study of cancer. It involves the use of vast computing power to analyze every gene in a cancer cell — its genome — and identify the mechanisms that drive each cancer ’s growth. That work is the first step toward designing new “targeted therapies” — drugs that act on the precise trouble spots in a cancer cell. A portion of the Wilmot gift will be placed into an endowment that
will fund the Wilmot Distinguished Professorship in Cancer Genomics, and the remaining portion will help to pay the start-up costs for setting up his or her laboratory. “In a field that’s advancing as rapidly as cancer, it’s a tremendous advantage to have researchers and oncologists working together in the same facilities,” said University of Rochester President Joel Seligman. “New research findings quickly make their way into clinical decision making. The tremendous support we’ve received from the Wilmot family has made that possible, and the impact is seen in the care of every patient who comes through our doors.” “We’re entering a new era in cancer research and treatment, and the Wilmots’ support is keeping UR Medicine at the forefront of that effort,” said UR Medicine CEO Bradford C. Berk, M.D. “The research taking place in our labs and our new understanding of the genetic underpinnings of many types of cancer is already influencing the care that we provide. It’s helping our oncologists make smart, informed treatment decisions.” The Wilmot family’s philanthropic commitment to cancer research began in 1981 when James P. Wilmot Foundation funded the Wilmot Fellowship Program, which provides funding to train physicians in cancer research. Since then, more than 100 Wilmot Fellows have trained in cancer research at UR Medicine and gone on to pursue careers in cancer research. Since the fellowship program was established, the Wilmot Foundation and the Wilmot family have donated more than $50 million to the University to support cancer research and treatment.
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The Benefits of Musical Education Study shows kids who take music lessons perform better in IQ tests By Ernst Lamothe Jr.
M
usic has influenced every aspect of Brannon Hungness’ life. Playing guitar before the age of 10 gave him an insight into a world of expression. That feeling is one that he couldn’t imagine living without and it ushered him into a long musical career. According to the Journal of Educational Psychology, organized music lessons benefit children’s IQ and academic performance, and the longer the instruction continues, the larger the effect. Researchers studied two groups of students: children 6 to 11 years old and college freshmen. The younger group received an IQ test, an evaluation of their school grades and a measure of academic achievement. More than half of the group had taken music lessons, either in private or group instruction. The older students surveyed in a second study received an IQ test and supplied their high school grade point average. The study involving the younger children found that each additional month of music lessons was accompanied by an increase in IQ of one-sixth of a point, such that six years of lessons was associated with an increase in IQ of 7.5 points, compared with children who did not have the same amount of musical instruction, according to the American Psychological Association. For the college students, six years of playing music regularly as a child predicted an increase of two points in IQ over their peers. “Learning to play music as a child shaped my life and profession,” said Hungness, 41, of Brighton. “And as an adult, music education has become my passion. I love spreading the word about the multitude of health and social benefits that music education can afford developing minds.” Hungness is director and founder of the Rochester Academy Music and Arts, 161 Norris Drive in Greece. The academy offers lessons in electric and acoustic guitar, voice, piano, drums, violin, banjo, mandolin, bass guitar,
and keyboards. “The students get out of it what they want to learn,” Hungness said. “That is how I learned myself instead of just starting with book one for everyone and then going to book two and three. Music is supposed to inspire and invigorate.” Brigid Harrigan, assistant director of the academy, has studied the influence that music has on students and the ripple effect it has on their education. “From what I’ve observed, music education is every bit as important as any of the customary school subjects, such as math and science,” said Harrigan, who has been responsible for correcting and assessing written work. “In fact, numerous studies have shown that taking music lessons actually enhances a student’s aptitude for mathematics, critical thinking, and more.” In an era where school budgets are being slashed and art and music often takes the sharpest edge of the ax, music officials believe Hungness that the research will continue to prove its worth. “Sometimes people think that they don’t need music lessons if they don’t intend to pursue a career in music, while in reality, they are missing out on something that could enrich their lives,” said Harrigan. “Many of the most famous athletes, actors, and scientists have also been hobby musicians. Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Bernie Williams, Albert Einstein, George Eastman, the list goes on. You definitely don’t need to become a professional musician to experience the benefits of learning to play an instrument.” While the new research shows that taking music lessons can significantly increase a student’s standardized tests scores such as the Regents and SATs, but the advantages don’t stop
Young guitar student Ari is excited for his very first lesson at the Rochester Academy Music and Arts. there. Taking music lessons can alleviate stress, and inspire confidence in students. Stress has been linked to numerous emotional and physical disorders that include depression, anxiety, heart attacks, stroke, hypertension and immune system disturbance. Music can often unlock pent up emotions and allow students to blossom. “While working at the academy, I have watched many students change and grow over their years of taking lessons,” she said. “Many students who started out as shy and withdrawn are now coming out of their shells, becoming much more verbal. They are
Guitar student Allie McInroy has been taking lessons for several years. Her teacher Chris MacKay is to her right. Page 22
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014
looking forward to performing publicly in our bi-annual recitals. It can be a dramatic change. That is probably my favorite part of working at the academy, having the opportunity to watch talent being cultivated, and to witness kids growing into amazing adults.” Hungness said when a young mind is engaged, they will continue making a connection with music for the rest of their lives. “When you capture their interest and once they learn so much about music, it is hard for them to stop wanting to learn,” added Hungness.
Piano student Carlton Cabral enjoys learning a new song from his Rochester Academy Music and Arts teacher Katie Fisher.
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Dog Days Are Back Ideas on how to spend time with your canine companion this season By Shelley Manley
D
og days notwithstanding, spring, summer and fall are the ideal seasons to spend quality time with our canine companions. Walks, a trip to the farm store or pet shop, or just watching the kids and adults doing things outside are the usual doggy activities and great for socializing pups — but why not think outside the crate? Here are some ideas:
Fun and Games with Dogs Frisbee is the game of choice for high-energy breeds. If your dog doesn’t always bring it back, it’s great exercise for the owner, too! To get your dog to relinquish it, offer a small treat. Softer discs made for dogs are easier on canine mouths. Water sports are retrievers’ favorite, but many dogs love water, even if it’s wading in a creek or dodging waves at the waters’ edge. Make sure your dog can swim before allowing him near deep water, and never force him into water if he’s apprehensive. If not forced, most dogs will at least love getting their feet wet. Sandy areas are great fun for doggy excavators (if allowed). Check that any beach area allows dogs and always leash your dog if required or when others are present. Wet dogs are rarely welcome even if friendly. And watch out for dead fish! Sand and gravel are tougher to run in, so be careful running an out-ofshape dog on the beach or lake shore. Ditto for jumping or any strenuous exercise to prevent torn ligaments or tendons. A kiddie pool just for the dogs can be a cooling summer activity. Add floating and sinking toys or bob for baby carrots. Some dogs love running through sprinklers with the kids or chomping the stream from the hose. For boaters, doggy life vests are a must. Even experienced swimmers get fatigued. For non-swimming dogs like bulldogs, a life vest can make water safer and fun. Scenting is always fun. Hide bits of hot dog around the yard and encourage your dog to “find it!” Rub a hot dog along the grass, leaving a bit every few feet to encourage him to follow the trail. Lengthen the trail and add turns when your dog learns to track them. There’s always hide and seek, great for rainy days in the house or an appropriate fenced area outdoors. When your dog is
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in another room, stand in plain sight around a corner and call your dog to “find me!” Treat and praise when he “finds” you. He’ll catch on quickly and you’ll find yourself thinking up harder and unique places to hide (the bathtub with the curtain drawn) and trying not to laugh aloud as your dog alternates between trying to smell you and visually checking all past hiding places. If he becomes stumped, call “find me!” again as an auditory clue.
Gain a new hobby For those into more organized sports, obedience classes get you out of the house and bond with your best friend. Once you have basic commands under your belt, try agility, rally, lure coursing, nose work, or even treibball. Agility is a doggy obstacle course with jumps, teeter-totter, tunnels and more. Your dog learns to take the obstacle you direct him to, in succession, often as fast as possible. It’s excellent mental and physical exercise for dog and handler and fun obstacles can be made and run in your own backyard. Rally is a heeling course of 10 to 20 signs that instruct the dog and handler what to do. Nose work is a fun searching and scenting activity inspired by tracking and search-and-rescue training. Treibball is a German sport gaining popularity here. Not just for herding breeds, it deals with guiding your dog to “herd” large balls. Lure coursing is not just for sighthounds. Almost any dog with a prey drive can enjoy chasing the lure, and it doesn’t require a lot of formal training. Google any of these activities for more information. Many trainers and training clubs around the region offer classes, and AKC.org and other groups have information on competitions.
Dog Camps Nice weather means planned vacation time, and why not include your dog? Or even design a vacation with your dog in mind? Dog camps are de-
signed as a getaway with fun activities for dogs and dog lovers. Some are like boot camps aimed at winning competitions, but many are great for family pet fun. Who doesn’t love the mountains? Camp Unleashed in the Massachusetts Berkshires has an amazing variety of activities like “Doglish As A Second Language,” “Paint Your Pup,” canoeing and “Nature Hikes & Smell Walks.” Camp Gone to the Dogs in Vermont has classes, workshops, lectures and “just plain fun.” Practice new skills like tracking or dock diving, treat your dog to a massage, hear about the evolution of dogs, craft a leash or unwind at a costume party, all in the company of
fellow dog people. For a less-structured stay, the Canine Country Getaway in Morris N.Y. is a dog-friendly, off-lead camp located on 175 acres in Otsego County with cabins, full-amenity RVs and tent camping. Activities on your own include hiking, fishing, swimming and an agility field. Similarly, Grayhaven Motel in Ithaca offers dog-friendly rooms, has an agility play yard (the owners are agility enthusiasts), and it is conveniently located between parks and downtown. The website petswelcome.com is a handy resource for traveling. You can find pet-friendly lodging by route, state or city. It lists the Adirondacks as one of its Top 10 pet-friendly destinations.
When Not to Walk Your Dog
W
hile you’ll want to include your dog in nice-weather outings, some precautions should be noted. Of course dogs should be on a heartworm and flea/tick preventive during the no-snow months year-round even in Upstate New York. Make sure to see your vet for a heartworm test before starting a preventive. On warm days, exercise early in the morning or early evening to take advantage of cooler temperatures then, and carry water or have an outdoor water spot so your dog can rehydrate frequently. Be careful around hot pavement and sand, including rocks and gravel. Remember, your dog is always barefoot. If it’s too hot for you to walk on, don’t walk your dog on it either. Never leaving a dog (or child) in a car in warm weather should be a no-brainer, but sadly, those tragedies still happen. Warm-weather caveats are especially important for short-faced
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014
(brachycephalic) breeds like bulldogs and pugs because they don’t pant as well or cool themselves as efficiently as longer-faced breeds. Better to leave them home in the air conditioning if you’re going to be active outdoors in very humid hot weather. Pick a cooler day to include them in the fun. If you travel, be sure to carry a health certificate that shows your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations, especially rabies. Dogs should be microchipped to aid in their return if lost, and have an ID tag on the collar noting it. A phone number and email address is also valuable information to have on a tag, along with a rabies tag. A crate-trained dog is a happy vacationer. Don’t forget favorite toys and bedding! Be a good ambassador for canine companions and always pick up after your dog and follow all leash and access laws.