IGH Roch July 17 issue 143

in good Meet Your Doctor

Physician Peter J. Ronchetti, the new president of Monroe County Medical Society, plans to create a wellness program for doctors: “At times, being a physician is very stressful,” he says

GVhealthnews.com

July 2017 • Issue 143

priceless

Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper

Complementary Medicine

100 on the Rise ‘Deadliest Days’

AAA says more teens die in crashes between Memorial Day and Labor Day than in any other time of the year

Practitioners say more people are benefiting from integrative medicine. Over 30 percent of adults and approximately 12 percent of children use nonWestern health care, according to the National Institutes of Health. Page 13

Gold Medal:Fit at 57 Despite setback, Victor resident Kristen Thorsness still bears the physical trademarks of an Olympian

What My Garden Has Taught Me

Kyra Mancine, an avid master runner from Rochester who has participated in more than 90 races, has five tips to those who are preparing to run their first 5K. Page 12

In “Live Alone and Thrive” inside

5 Tips For Your First 5K

Ginger

It’s official: ginger can enhance calorie burn and reduce feelings of hunger. Studies have linked ginger to positive changes in cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, inflammatory proteins and liver health. See SmartBites inside

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BRAS

Aesthetics and modesty aside, what health benefits do bras provide, if any?

We interviewed several experts.

Read more inside

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The Water’s Not Fine: U.S. Pool-Linked Infections Double in 2 Years Cryptosporidiosis can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, CDC warns

F

amilies seeking to cool off don’t expect to pick up a nasty infection. Yet, outbreaks of a diarrhea-causing parasitic infection have doubled in recent years at swimming pools and water playgrounds in the United States, health officials warn.

At least 32 outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis were reported in 2016, compared with 16 outbreaks in 2014, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Crypto is the most common cause of diarrhea, the CDC says. It spreads when people come in contact with the feces of an infected person.

Otherwise healthy people can be sick for up to three weeks with watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, the CDC warns.

The infection can become life-threatening in people with compromised immune systems.

The cause? Adults or children sick with crypto-caused diarrhea are swimming in public pools despite their illness and further spreading the parasite, said Michele Hlavsa,

chief of the CDC’s healthy swimming program.

During a diarrheal incident, “a typical person who’s sick with Cryptosporidium can release 10 million to 100 million oocysts, which is the infectious stage of Crypto,” Hlavsa said. “Swallowing 10 or fewer of these oocysts can make you sick.

Looking at a typical-sized pool, even swallowing a mouthful of water can make us sick.”

People also can contaminate pool water with Crypto through physical contact, said Lilly Kan, senior director of infectious disease and informatics with the National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO).

The findings were published May 19 in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

People should not swim if they are sick with diarrhea, and they should keep children with diarrhea out of the pool, Hlavsa said. If they have been diagnosed with Crypto, they should wait two weeks after diarrhea has stopped to go swimming.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2017

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Dr. Nathan Riddle, DC, Psc.D is one of Rochester’s leading experts in family welllness, weight loss and metabolic nutrition. Each year, he donates numerous hours educating community organizations such as local support groups, churches, athletic clubs, independent living facilities, and businesses on how to experience true health naturally. Over the past 7 years he has added a revolutionary wellness and weight loss program to his practice, which has radically transformed the lives of thousands of people in the Rochester community. As acknowledged by the Center for Disease Control, obesity contributes to various weight related diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Not only has this technology-based system helped individuals lose many pounds of stubborn weight, but the program also has assisted to eliminate the symptoms of these obesity related issues that people have suffered with for years. The program is personalized to assist each individual’s body to heal itself naturally without dangerous drugs or surgery. Dr. Riddle’s ultimate goal is that each individual and family he assists is able to use his expert acumen to live a happy and healthier life.

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Our Wine list reflects this as well, offering Italian and American wines.”

July 2017 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 3

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

July 11

July 15

Free healthy living program offered

Amyloidosis Support group meets in Rochester

The Center for Community Health, part of UR Medicine, is sponsoring a free healthy living program that will start July 11. There will be two sessions per week and include exercise and nutrition information.

The program is for women and men age 18 and over — all fitness levels are welcome. All participants receive weekly $14 Foodlink food vouchers.

Classes will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 218 Clifford Ave., Rochester, on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning.

The Healthy Living Program and its Latino counterpart (Vida en Salud) are community-based fitness and health education programs aimed at helping African Americans and Latinos adopt healthy lifestyles.

The programs emphasize physical activity and healthy eating. They are run in partnership with the YMCA in local churches and community organizations.

To register, call Lucas Santana at 585-224-3508 or Sacha Rios at 585467-6410, ext. 30. Visit https:// www.urmc.rochester.edu/community-health/programs-services/ healthy-living-program.aspx for more information.

The Amyloidosis Support group will hold its annual meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., July 15, at the Weiner Conference at Rochester General Hospital, 1425 Portland Ave. in Rochester Amyloidosis is a life threatening, rare illness. According to Mayo Clinic, amyloid is an abnormal protein that is usually produced in the bone marrow and can be deposited in any tissue or organ. Symptoms depend on which organs are affected. They may include swelling, fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath, and numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet. Depending on the type of amyloidosis, medications, chemotherapy, or a stem-cell transplant may be options.

Guest speaker will be hematologist Ron Go from Mayo Clinic.

For more information, send an email to MaryAnn Kraft at thumbelinamk@yahoo.com or Muriel Finkel at info@amyloidosissupport.com.

Complimentary light breakfast & lunch provided.

Aug. 9, Sept. 28

LGBTQ group presents SafeZone Trainings The LGBTQ Academy SafeZone Training is a four-hour, dynamic, interactive workshop that includes activities and discussion about issues facing the LGBTQ community.

Some of the topics to be discussed are LGBTQ inclusive and respectful language, the process of coming out, understanding sex, gender and sexuality, taking action, respectful communication in the face of resistance, where to go for help and much more. This session will give participants the skills they need to provide support and to create environments that are safe and inclusive so that all people are empowered to reach their full potential.

Registration fee is $75 and includes a SafeZone manual, SafeZone sticker, SafeZone lapel pin and breakfast. The training will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 9 and the same time on Sept. 28. Both events will take place at the LGBTQ Academy’s Education Center, 100 College Ave. in Rochester. There is free parking in the lot next to our building. For more information and to register, send an email to education@gayalliance.org.

Sept. 10

Wilmot Warrior Walk registration opens Thousands are expected to turn out for the fifth year of the Wilmot Cancer Institute fundraiser that benefits cancer research and cancer survivorship care.

Registration is officially open

for the 2017 Wilmot Warrior Walk, taking place Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Highland Park Bowl at the corner of South Avenue and Robinson Street in Rochester. The event features a certified 5K, 10K and one-mile walk.

The event’s purpose is to bring together those impacted by cancer to raise funds for cancer research at UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute as well as Wilmot’s Judy DiMarzo Cancer Survivorship Program. Last year, approximately 1,000 participants raised more than $100,000. This year, the goal is to double that.

In addition to the walk or run, the Warrior Walk includes a postrace celebration complete with food trucks, live music, activities for the kids and more. This year, parking closer to the event and more shuttle buses will be available.

While race courses remain mostly the same as last year, a few changes have been made to improve the 5K route.

Courses run along the Genesee River, through the University of Rochester campus and, for the 10K, through part of downtown Rochester.

Organizers plan to recognize all cancer survivors who attend and participate, but teams are encouraged to support people they know who have been impacted by cancer.

Learn more about the Wilmot Warrior Walk and register or start your team at WarriorWalk.URMC. edu.

To submit a health-related calendar item, please send an email to “editor@ GVhealthnews.com” by the 10th of the month.

Sociable dogs on leash welcome.

Must have current shot record.

Prize for best LEASH. Rules at website.

The S.E.A. Blue Ribbon Walk Saturday ~ August 19 Genesee Valley Park

onsor: Be a sp 4011 87(585) 7

A two mile walk on park trails. Start/finish at Roundhouse Shelter.

Registration at the event is $30. Details at:

www.SEABlueRochester.org

SAVE $10:

Star t Join a Team a DON Team ATE

Register online ($20) by August 8 and get a FREE T-Shirt.

Register your sociable dog at no cost and get a free doggie-bandana!

Proceeds benefit local prostate cancer Support, Education and Awareness efforts in Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.

This event is made possible, in part, by AbbVie, Center for Urology, Monroe Veterinary Associates, UR Medicine (Labs, Radiation Oncology, Urology), Us TOO International, Us TOO Rochester, Wegmans and Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Page 4

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2017

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U.S. Liver Cancer Deaths Have Doubled Since 1980s: Study It’s now fifth-leading cause of cancer death in men and No. 8 among women

L

iver cancer is the fastest-growing cause of cancer deaths in the United States, a new study reports.

Liver cancer cases have been on the rise since the mid-1970s, a trend expected to continue through at least 2030. Death rates from the disease have doubled since the mid-1980s — the fastest increase of any cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, which conducted the study.

About 41,000 new cases of liver cancer and 29,000 deaths from the disease are projected in the United States this year, the cancer society said.

Liver cancer is now the fifth-leading cause of cancer death in men and the eighth-leading cause in women. About 1 percent of people will be diagnosed with the disease during their lives. Only one in five survives five years after diagnosis,

said the researchers led by physician Farhad Islami.

Islami is strategic director of cancer surveillance research and health services research at the cancer society.

A key reason for the liver cancer surge is a higher rate of hepatitis C virus infection among baby boomers.

Among people born between 1945 and 1965, 2.6 percent have hepatitis C, a rate six times higher than among other adults.

Rising rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes have also contributed.

Other risk factors for liver cancer include alcohol, which increases risk by about 10 percent per drink per day, and tobacco use, which increases liver cancer risk by about 50 percent, according to the findings.

The study was published June 8 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

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Serving Monroe and Ontario Counties in good A monthly newspaper published

Health Rochester–GV Healthcare Newspaper

by Local News, Inc. Distribution: 33,500 copies throughout more than 1,500 high-traffic locations.

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2017 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved.

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• 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, Chris Motola, George W. Chapman, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Kyra Mancine, Beth McNeill, Melody Burri, Colleen M. Farrell, Diane Kane, MD • Advertising: Anne Westcott, Debra Kells, Denise Ruf • Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas • Office Assistant: Kimberley Tyler No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.

July 2017 •

Brighton • Geneseo • Greece Pittsford • Webster

877.585.GUMS (4867) www.RochesterPerio.com IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 5

Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Peter J. Ronchetti, M.D. New president of Monroe County Medical Society plans to create a wellness program for doctors: “At times, being a physician is very stressful,” he says

Most Remaining U.S. Smokers Are Poor, Less Educated Behavioral health doctor says new interventions are needed to get these people to kick the habit

S

moking rates in the United States have been falling for decades. Yet, about 15 percent of adults — more than 36 million — continue to smoke cigarettes.

And of those smokers, half to three-quarters have at least one of the following disadvantages: low income, no college education, no health insurance or a disability.

The findings come from a national survey done in 2012. The data show that smoking is concentrated among the least advantaged Americans, according to the researchers.

“In the last half-century, public health efforts helped cut the smoking rate by more than half, but we probably need to change our strategies for helping smokers quit. The methods that worked for the upper half of society don’t seem to be working well for the other half,” said study author Arnold Levinson. He’s an associate professor of community and behavioral health with the University of Colorado Anschutz.

“Americans with lower socioeconomic status today are suffering from epidemic smoking rates, and they make up nearly three-fourths of all our remaining smokers,” Levinson said in a university news release.

“Now the nation’s public health system has a dual moral obligation toward smokers of low socioeconomic class. We must eliminate the disparity in smoking rates, and we must provide cessation-supporting services to the new majority of smokers,” he concluded.

The study was published recently in the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved.

Page 6

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Q: In your role as president of the Monroe County Medical Society, in what ways are you able to represent the local needs of both physicians and patients?

A: I think the medical society really tries to help physicians run their practices and be an advocate for our patients. We communicate regularly with the state’s medical society, we work closely with the insurance companies. And we try to keep practitioners happy and look out for their well being.

Q: One of your goals is to create a physician wellness program. What is that?

A: We’re really working toward the program because physicians are kind of the last people to take care of themselves. At times, being a physician is very stressful. There are people who really need help getting through the difficult times. You can try to do everything you can for patients, but sometimes in spite of your best efforts, sometimes they don’t do well. It weighs on you.

And it’s hard to find someone to talk about that. Wellness is a very important part of being an effective physician. There are so many ways you get pulled as a physician— be-

tween family duties, running a practice and managing people—it can get overwhelming. So, we’re looking at ways to help them deal with those issues productively.

Q: Are there some dysfunctions in physician culture? I’ve talked to medical interns who describe absurdly long shifts. I’m not sure I’d want someone that tired making my burger, much less operating on me. Why does that persist? And is it something that could or even should be fixed?

A: The difficult part about being a physician is that you’re not supposed to be wrong. As a surgeon, there’s very little room for error.

With regard to surgical training, you get to be better when you do more surgery. I feel like, in my training, where I worked pretty awful hours, it made me a better surgeon. Now, there were times where it was depressing, where it was difficult to be in a hospital for a day and not get much of a break. But I think it’s how you cope with that that helps you get back to a good place again. I’m not sure telling physicians you’re only going to work eight hours a day is the best option unless it’s really quality time that they’re doing over those eight hours. Some of the most important lessons I learned were in the middle of the night when I was tired. While no one wants an exhausted physician working on them, it does teach you how to think on your feet. In some ways, the rigorous training is like what an athlete does. They’re constantly working themselves. But you do have to unwind.

And physicians could be better at unwinding to some degree.

Q: How do you address this?

A: I think you can talk to people about how they relax. For instance, I’m a runner. I’m able to finish work, go home and go for a three-mile run and clear my head. Things like that are helpful. I think every person needs to find their activity that helps them take their mind off their office. They need time for themselves, and I don’t think we’re very good at that.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2017

Q: How do you split the time between your duties?

A: I’m in fulltime practice. The medical society takes up a manageable amount of time. We have meetings that

I have to be at twice a month. I have email conversations daily or every other day about issues that come up.

It’s not something that I feel cuts into my time in a way that I’m constantly thinking about it.

Q: How do you handle, organizationally, the political uncertainty around health care laws these days?

A: That’s a great question and a difficult problem, considering how quickly things have been changing. I try to stay focused on what we have today. There is uncertainty out there, but what we can do is work through the state medical society to give our opinion, as we hear it from our physicians, and relay what’s best for our patients.

Q: Is New York more insulated than other states given our regulatory environment?

A: I’m not sure if it’s more or less, honestly, not having a lot of experience outside of the state. We’re more regulated here, and that might make things more certain here, but I’m not sure I can accurately answer that.

Q: Tell us about your career and how you got involved with the medical society A: Originally I trained as an electrical engineer, believe it or not. After not loving engineering as much as I thought I would, I ended up going into medicine. Following that, I really enjoyed doing hand surgery. Basically, what I do is hand and upper-extremity surgery as a sub-specialist.

Several years ago, I was approached by the Monroe County Medical Society to be a volunteer on the board.

I got involved and, as is often the case with volunteer organizations, I moved up the ladder little by little and was elected president this last year. It’s interesting to see how the community has changed over the past 10 – 15 years with regard to private practice versus employed physicians through our hospital system.

Q: How do you keep your hands in good working order?

A: In general, stay as active as possible. We encourage that as much as we can, especially considering how important your hands are. I find the patients that do best are the ones who, after surgery, are the ones who want to get better and are willing to really push themselves, even from serious injuries or arthritis. But you have to have that positive attitude about getting back to your regular activities.

Lifelines Name: Peter J. Ronchetti, M.D. Position: Clinical assistant professor at University of Rochester; president of Monroe County Medical Society; in private practice at Hand Surgery Associates of Rochester Hometown: Shelburne, Vt. Education: University of Vermont, medical school; internship in surgery-general at University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry; residency in orthopedics at University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry Affiliations: Rochester Regional Health Organizations: American Society of Surgery for the Hand, Monroe County Medical Society, Medical Society of the State of New York Family: Married; three children Hobbies: Running, golf

Gray Matter: Elderly and Addicted Experts say there is a hidden epidemic of older Americans using and misusing prescription medications

By Beth McNeill

T

he discussion of substance use disorders may conjure up images of 20- and 30-somethings, but how many people consider the possibility of Grandma or Grandpa becoming addicted to drugs?

There is a hidden epidemic of older Americans using and misusing prescription medications. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which is overseen by the National Institute on Health, persons 65 and older make up just 13 percent of the nation’s population, however, they account for more than onethird of total outpatient spending on prescription drugs in the U.S. The most common types of drugs that are prescribed and misused among seniors are: • Opioids (such as oxycodone) — used to treat pain • Benzodiazepines (such as Valium/diazepam, Lorazepam/ativan, and Klonipin/clonazepam) — used to treat anxiety, insomnia and panic disorders In addition to the risk of addiction and misuse of prescription drugs, the use of the medications can lead to increased risk for falls, drug interactions and even death due to accidental or intentional overdose.

As reported by the Health Care Costs and Utilization Project, by 2012, hospital stays involving opioid overuse had increased by approximately 150 percent with the largest rates of increase among subgroups with relatively lower rates in 1993 (subgroups include women, people over 85 and people in the Midwest).

“We see the highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the older Americans…When you look at the groups that have had the greatest increase in problems associated with prescription opioids, for example visits to the hospital emergency room because of opioid misuse, it’s Americans over 65 that have the largest increases,” said physician Andrew Kolodny of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing.

The pharmaceutical industry spends over $4 billion per year marketing directly to consumers in the

US. It spends a staggering $24 billion per year marketing directly to physicians, leaving the pharmaceutical industry spending more on marketing and advertising than it does on research and development. It’s no wonder then that while Americans make up just 5 percent of the total world population, they consume over 80 percent of the prescription medications.

So how can you tell if your elderly family member or friend may be misusing prescribed medications?

Some signs of drug misuse include: • Disorientation • Poor balance • Poor hygiene • Mood swings • Being withdrawn from activities and family/increased isolation When patients are disoriented from the medications they are taking, they may quickly forget they took the medication and end up taking more, leading to overdose.

Here are some alternatives to chronic pain management that are oftens much safer than prescribed opioids without the risk of addiction or overdose: • Yoga • Tai chi • Acupuncture • Massage therapy • Chiropractic care • Relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and meditation • Essential oils It is important to check in on your elderly loved ones to see which medications they are prescribed, what they are for and how often they are taking them. Check with pharmacies/or physicians to find out what possible drug interactions and reactions may be caused by the prescribed medications. There is help available for seniors who have become dependent on their prescribed drugs.

For more information and other resources on this topic, contact Beth McNeill, Community Education Coordinator, at 585-719-3489 or bmcneill@depaul.org.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 7

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

What My Garden Has Taught Me Gardening is ripe with life lessons for those of us who live alone. It has taught me the value of planning, preparation, patience and pleasure — four essential “P’s” for a bountiful garden and … a bountiful life.

Fertile ground exists in each of us, and a little tending can produce beautiful results. Here’s what I have learned: Plan: Realizing the garden of your dreams begins in your imagination, followed by careful planning. Diagram your garden and it will help you avoid planting bulbs on top of bulbs or mistaking a poppy for a weed.

Likewise, envisioning your life goals and committing them to writing can help you flourish and grow.

Cultivate: Good, cultivated soil promotes healthy, deep roots. When you add fertilizer to your garden and mix it up you are rewarded with abundance. Adding essential ingredients to the foundation of your dream garden (and your dream life) will nourish all that follows.

You can’t go wrong with good, nutritious food; a walk in nature; a good book; soothing music; or saying

“yes” to a new adventure that’s been tugging at your heart.

Plant: So many choices! Revisit your plan and embed your carefully selected seeds or seedlings with a tender, loving touch, being careful not to overcrowd or plant more than you can manage.

And remember: We reap what we sow, so follow your dreams. Plant a rose and you get a rose; plant a dandelion and you get a dandelion. Seed your future with healthy choices that promote well-being.

Weed: We all need room to breathe and positive space in which to blossom. It holds true for your garden and your life. Gardening is all about consistent caretaking.

Slack off, even for a few days, and all things unwelcome show up and take root.

Weed out the negativity and any dream-stealing toxins that contaminate your life, dash your hopes, or spoil your fun. When you pull out the bad, you can more easily focus on the good in your life.

Prune: When weeding is not enough, a major pruning may be just what the arborist ordered. A job,

relationship or home that no longer satisfies or meets your needs may need a hard look. It may be time to pull out that pair of “life loppers.”

Mulch: Mulching keeps weeds at bay and the ground moist, and returns nutrients to the soil. It also adds a finishing touch.

Mulch offers a blanket of protection, in the same way that regular doctor appointments, insurances, and safety measures protect our lives. You can learn a lot from mulching.

Wait: We all know that “good things come to those who wait” and it’s not just what comes out of the Heinz ketchup bottle. When you exercise patience, go slowly and enjoy the gradual unfolding of a flower, an idea or a friendship, your life can be savored and more deeply appreciated. Each year, I look to my garden to remind me that growth takes time.

Enjoy: Before you know it, your labor of love and patience will pay off.

Take pleasure in the transformation as the colors, textures, and fragrances emerge. Too often, we fail to “stop and smell the roses” in our gardens and in our lives.

So get busy, then step back and take a good look. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as admiring what you’ve accomplished. It’s reason to celebrate!

By osmosis, gardening has taught me how to take better care of myself. I have absorbed its rich messages and learned how to nurture my inner garden and growth as a women on her own.

COMMUNITY VALUE

I encourage you to grab a spade and join me. Beauty, growth, and an energizing sense of renewal can be yours, season after season after season.

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of “Live Alone and Thrive,” empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, NY. For information or to contact Voelckers, call 585-6247887 or email: gvoelckers@rochester. rr.com.

We’re committed to providing affordable access to quality health care. As a nonprofit, we have no shareholders to serve. We serve our upstate communities. Our margins are low, which keeps the cost of our premiums below the national average. Affordable premiums mean more people with coverage and fewer uninsured. Because we’re local, we support thousands of local jobs and add hundreds of millions of dollars to the upstate economy beyond what we pay out in medical benefits.

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Page 8

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2017

Smartphone: How to Tell If It’s Become Your BFF? Cleveland Clinic: Cell phone overuse can be just like any other kind of addiction

A

s great as smartphones are, you can get too attached to the gadgets.

According to experts at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Behavioral Health, cell phone overuse can be just like any other kind of addiction. And here are two warning signs: your smartphone is interfering with your life, and you get withdrawal symptoms when you try cutting back.

Ask yourself these questions to check on the health of your relationship with your phone.

• Is using your smartphone getting in the way of work or making it hard to concentrate on tasks?

• Do you think about your

smartphone even when you’re not using it?

• Do you feel impatient and irritable if you’re not holding it?

• Do you check your phone constantly, and for longer than you intended? Do family members say you use it too much?

If your smartphone use is in the danger zone, take steps to cut back. Try to set aside a few hours of no-phone time every day. Set goals and keep track of what you’re doing without your phone, such as reading or being with your family.

Set aside time at the end of the day for relaxing activities like meditation or listening to music. Turn your phone off during these breaks.

If that’s too stressful, then turn off the alerts.

Above all, don’t let your phone interfere with getting enough restful sleep. Stop using it at least an hour before you go to sleep — looking at gadget screens too close to bedtime can interfere with the body’s natural process of winding down before bed in anticipation of shuteye. And be

sure not to charge it in your bedroom if you charge it overnight so that it can’t wake you if you get a message.

Editor’s Note: BFF stands for best friends forever.

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

TrumpCare

The Republican-controlled Senate is planning to vote on a revised American Health Care Act bill by the end of June. (This may or may not have happened by the time you read this.) Congress goes into summer recess July 4. The Senate seems to be rushing this through without much analysis, especially after the Congressional Budget Office projected 23 million people would lose their insurance if the ACHC passes as is.

Political insiders think the Senate wants to vote before recess (get it out of the way) so it can concentrate on other issues like tax reform and infrastructure funding when they return to work. If the bill is put up for vote before recess and does not pass the Senate, many believe nothing or little will be done until much later in the year. Consequently, the ACA (ObamaCare) would remain law of the land.

NYS Medicaid

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed to ban any insurer from participating in NYS Medicaid if they exit from the NYS insurance exchange where individuals go to buy insurance, sometimes subsidized depending on income. The ban does not prohibit insurers from selling employer-based health insurance.

The ban extends to any contracting with state agencies. Cuomo does not want the state “to go backwards” when it comes to healthcare. Insurers doing business in NYS must continue to provide the 10 essential health benefits and pre-exiting conditions guaranteed under the ACA. The bill currently under consideration in the US Senate (TrumpCare) would allow states to reduce some or all of the 10 essential benefits including hospitalization, mental health, pediatric and maternity services.

NYS Universal Healthcare Bill

Overshadowed by the constant media attention on TrumpCare, on

May 27 the NYS Assembly quietly passed a universal healthcare bill, called the New York Health Act, 92 to 52. The universal health bill would cover the 9.7 million New Yorkers (49 percent of 19.8 million total residents) currently covered through their employer. The remaining 51 percent of New Yorkers are covered by either Medicaid, Medicare, VA or federal employee insurance. Like many states, because of the uncertainty of the AHCA in Washington, NYS is taking matters into its own hands. Proponents estimate it will save New Yorkers money saying the NYHA could be funded by an income assessment averaging 8.1 percent of payroll. Currently, employer contributions to insurance averages 12.8 percent of payroll.

Opponents argue it would be more expensive than what employers are paying now. The NYS “normal” budget is expected to be about $82 billion the first year of the NYHA, 2019.

Critics figure the NYHA will cost an additional $91 billion and that would prove to be prohibitive. But if the NYS Senate does not pass the bill, all speculation is for naught. To pass, all 31 democrats, virtually half the Senate, would have to vote yes.

New Medicare Fraud

Typically, Medicare fraud is committed by a legitimate provider of care billing for services never provided or by an illegitimate/phony provider billing for services never provided. Now insurance companies can get in on the act. America’s First Choice Holdings of Florida was fined $32 million in a case brought by a whistle blower. Medicare pays Advantage plans a premium for each member enrolled by them. The premium is based on an individual’s claims experience. Basically, the sicker a member (one requiring a lot of services), the higher the premium paid to the Advantage plan by Medicare. In order to maximize premiums received, First Choice “made materiJuly 2017 •

al misrepresentations” which means inflating the sickness or utilization score of patients enrolled. United Health Care has also been accused of similar fraud but is fighting Medicare.

Kudos to Crouse Hospital

C-sections are the most common surgeries performed by hospitals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost a third of babies are delivered via Csection and almost half the C-sections performed are unnecessary. Consequently, Health and Human Services has set a goal of 24 percent C-section rate for low risk births. Only 44 percent of hospitals are currently under 24 percent threshold. Crouse Hospital in Syracuse had the lowest rate in the country at just 6 percent.

Drug prices

Everyone seems to agree drug prices in the US are absurdly high and something has to be done. Both Trump and Clinton campaigned for allowing the US to import cheaper drugs from Canada and other countries. And this would include drugs literally made in the US and imported from other countries back to the US. Drug stocks stumbled when president elect Trump vowed “to bring down drug prices.” This is one of the few things all Americans want and something both parties could agree upon in Congress and get something done. Then the powerful drug lobby reared up. Suddenly, despite reassurances that the FDA would approve imports as it does now, staunch supporters of drug importation developed “real concerns over safety.” One senator had the audacity to proclaim the importation bill didn’t meet his safety standards.

Ironically, 40 percent of all drugs sold in the US are already imported from all over the world. The pharmacy manufacturing industry spent over $900 million on lobbying between 1998 and 2005, or well over $100

million a year. There are about 1,300 registered drug lobbyists which is about 2.4 per members of Congress.

Ideas for Change

Physician Jim Weinstein, CEO of New Hampshire-based Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, has always been an outspoken advocate for redesigning our faulty healthcare system. Some of his ideas, recently presented at a national healthcare symposium are: 1. Mandate the transparency of a procedure cost and expected outcome. You have the right to know both. 2. Focus on top 5 percent of healthcare utilizers who account for a staggering 50 percent of all costs, while half of us account for just 3 percent. 3. Quickly transition from fee for service reimbursement to value-based payments. It’s still all about the almighty buck instead of quality. 4. Require those who make over $100,000 annually to contribute more to their healthcare. Eliminate the maximum taxable earnings for Social Security ($127,200) to shore up Social Security and level the playing field among us. 5. Perform preventive or routine care visits remotely. (Telehealth).The 50 percent of us that consume only 3 percent of costs would be the prime audience.

6. Trump wants to incentivize drug manufacturers to return overseas profits to the US through tax breaks.

Drug companies should then establish endowments for people who cannot afford their products.

George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

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Page 9

Kristen Thorsness, a Victor resident, earned her Olympic Gold Medal in 1984 as part of women’s rowing team.

In 1982, 1983 and 1987, she and her crew also rowed their way to three world championship silver medals. Photo courtesy of Kristen Thorsness.

Gold Medal:Fit at 57

Despite setback, Kristen Thorsness still bears the physical trademarks of an Olympian

By Melody Burri

A

t 57, age-defying, gold medal-winning Olympic rower Kristen Thorsness is staying fit and loving every minute of it.

But her journey hasn’t been without setbacks, which means she’s had to get creative about exercise.

It’s that one-size-does-not-fit-all approach that’s served her well, and she believes could serve both serious athletes and couch jockeys of all ages.

The outspoken, recently retired lawyer and Victor resident earned her Olympic Gold Medal in 1984 as a member of the American Women’s Eights rowing team. She returned to the 1988 Summer Olympics to compete again.

In 1982, 1983 and 1987, she and her crew also rowed their way to three world championship silver medals.

In the years that followed, Thorsness kept her body fit — maybe not Olympic ready, but certainly life ready. She continued to row and run, and even joined a women’s ice hockey team when she turned 50.

But it was shortly after her 47th birthday that Thorsness hit her first brick wall. A heart attack benched her from all activity and ushered in months of recovery and rehabilitation. Then in the fall 2016 — after she’d recovered and returned to an active lifestyle — doctors once again discovered a 95 percent blockage in her left anterior descending artery.

At 57 she was, once again, back to square one and challenged with another long road to recovery.

These days she’s back up to speed physically, and dealing with the same fitness and aging concerns as the non-Olympians around her.

“I’ve been trying to lose the same 15 pounds for the last two years and haven’t budged on it,” she said. “I used to drop weight easily; I used to heal quickly. It’s always been a matter of will, but it’s just not that easy now.”

Years of lawyering had left her crunched for time and motivation for workouts.

“You come home from the job at the end of the day and the last thing you want to do is get on a bike or go to the gym,” said Thorsness. “You just want to sit down, put your feet up and have a glass of wine.”

And then there are the physical changes that come with age and Page 10

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decreased activity.

“You don’t want to be in a dressing room with strangers,” said Thorsness, who, unlike many, still bears the physical trademarks of an Olympian. “And Lycra — you just don’t even want to go there. Then you start getting the skin that loses its elasticity and starts to wrinkle, and get that crepey thing going on,” she said. “I see myself in shorts and I’ve got elephant knees — I’ve got old lady knees!”

Her rant escalated as she joked with fellow Olympic rower Meghan Musnicki at a recent community event in Victor. Musnicki is a fivetime world champion in the U.S. Women’s Eight rowing team and two-time Olympic gold medalist in 2012 and 2016. She, too, complains about the changes she’s experiencing just one year post-Olympics.

“At the same time, you don’t want to buy into all the body image nonsense in our society,” said Thorsness. “When you see things like weight loss programs, I have a lot of skepticism about their effectiveness and their intent. That’s telling us that as women that’s what we’re supposed to look like.”

Conspiracy theory

It’s a sociological constant that’s intended to keep women weak, said Thorsness.

“Between cardiac medications and menopause and working, it’s your body and society conspiring against you,” she said.

That’s why Thorsness joined a women’s ice hockey team at age 50.

“I’d like to think I’m not the worst player on our team, but I’m close,” said Thorsness. “I really wish I was better, and I’m not.”

Here’s where she gets creative about fitness and about her drive to win.

“When you’re so good at something, you can’t take any risks at it because you’ve got to win all the time,” said Thorsness. “It really takes a lot of the fun out of competition because you have to win. Even just like goofing around at the gym. You have to win on the ergometer, on the rowing machine.”

Starting ice hockey as a complete novice gives Thorsness “the freedom to really suck at something and have a good time and laugh. You’ve got to just check your ego at the door,” she

said.

When Thorsness was first rehabbing after a surgery and first getting back into running, it wasn’t going well, she said.

“I was going really slowly, and I would literally visualize taking my ego and setting it on the table at the door, because it would be there waiting for me when I got back,” she said.

“I’d take my ego, set it aside, and go for my run, and slowly get better.”

It worked. Next up for Thorsness — fencing.

“The Rochester Fencing League has free introductory lessons,” she said. “It’s hard and I’m not quick, which is required.”

No matter. Try something new; try something fun, she said.

“You hit 50 and say, ‘OK sweetheart, you’d better get moving,’” said Thorsness. “‘You’ve got to do something here because it’s not going to happen otherwise.’”

“The key is to move,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter how you move, so long as you move. But first you’ve got to find something you like to do.”

Got knee problems? Try water aerobics, or swimming, or maybe ride a bike, said Thorsness.

“We think that exercise has to be work, and it can’t be fun, and it has to hurt,” said Thorsness. “You know — the no pain, no gain kind of thing?

And especially as we get older, that’s complete nonsense, especially if it’s dangerous.”

Dance when there is no one watching

Movement should be fun, said Thorsness.

“Pull the curtains, turn up the music from your high school and college days and dance around the living room,” she said. “It’s great exercise. It’s weight-bearing, you’re moving and you’re using your core.

Do that every night when you get home from work. It feels good and it makes you happy and it’s for you.”

Athletic trainer Jeremy Herniman of Universit of Rochester Medicine/Thompson Health knows. With age comes a laundry list of physical changes, many that can be finessed with a healthful lifestyle, he said.

Metabolism tends to slow down, muscles weaken, the body holds more fat, bone density decreases and balance starts to go, said Herniman.

“A lot of times people don’t

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2017

realize how bad their balance is until they have a fall,” he said.

And it’s becomes a cycle: People who are worried about losing balance and falling actually do less so they won’t fall. But it’s that inactive lifestyle that increases their chance of falling.

Herniman’s antidote: stay active and do simple balance exercises, like walking.

For seniors with limited resources, try bowling, hiking, or going for a walk, Herniman said. Even leisurely activities still give people a chance to be active. And while people don’t have to have a formal routine, group activities have a mental component, aid in socialization, and have a mood-elevating effect.

A structured exercise program with an instructor is not essential, said Thorsness.

“Having a group or class helps because you have people who are expecting you to come — it helps get you out the door,” she said. “But the key is to find things you enjoy, and look for something that makes you feel happy and that you get good feedback from.”

Everybody starts someplace, said Thorsness.

“You start where you are; the key is to move from there,” she said.

“So it doesn’t matter that you feel out of shape and you haven’t done any kind of regular exercise in years.

That’s your starting point, and everything from there is improvement. You have to give yourself credit for that.

Get some positive feedback out of it, and not worry about the scale.”

The more a people exercise, the more they get positive feedback from their bodies..

“The next day you go ‘Hey, I’m a little tight,’” said Thorsness. “And then you discover a muscle — ‘oh my God what’s this? It’s kind of firm.’

Then there’s the day you walk to the top of a flight of stairs and realize you’re not winded. And maybe if you’re like me, you go back down and do it again just to kind of pay attention to it and go, ‘Hey, that was cool. Maybe next time I’ll take the stairs a little faster.’”

Pat yourself on back

As progress is made, it’s important to value the little increments and give credit for every achievement.

“Our society is so fixated on all or nothing, and that shortchanges everything in between,” said Thorsness.

Herniman and colleagues at UR Medicine/Thompson Health offer a four-week fitness program that helps active seniors maintain a healthy lifestyle by improving strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. Training sessions are conducted one-on-one with a certified senior fitness instructor. Prior to training, participants receive a fitness evaluation. Results are used to create a customized exercise plan tailored to the participants’ individual needs. The program also includes a post-test to measure progress.

Certain insurances will reimburse after the fact, Herniman said.

At the end of the program, his goal is to have participants active and knowledgeable so they can do their exercises at home without buying expensive equipment.

“Why on earth would anybody want to work all day and then do something that’s hard and not fun?” asked Thorsness.

SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating

Relieving Nausea Just One of Ginger’s Powers

D

oes ginger really help you lose weight? Recent research gives it a thumbs-up. The new studies, published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, suggest that consuming ginger can enhance calorie burn and reduce feelings of hunger, and that it’s associated with weight loss in overweight adults.

More good news: Studies have also linked ginger to positive changes in cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, inflammatory proteins and liver health. Although the field is in its infancy, says Marie-Pierre StOnge, associate professor of nutritional medicine at Columbia University, the research is promising. For now, she adds, people should know that ginger is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and that “including it in their diet certainly won’t hurt—and might even help a great deal.”

Ginger’s latest perks seem fitting, especially since so many of us already prize ginger for its health benefits. What are those benefits? Let’s take a look.

Of all the spices, ginger seems to be the go-to spice for stomach woes, from nausea to indigestion to motion sickness. Ginger soothes the stomach because it contains the compound gingerol, which helps to relax the

G.I. tract by blocking receptors that cause nausea. I drank ginger tea for morning sickness while pregnant and continue to drink it today whenever I feel queasy.

Fresh ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, thanks again to the gingerol compound. Some studies suggest that ginger may provide symptomatic relief of pain and swelling for individuals with inflammatory health problems like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, consuming fresh ginger may also help arthritis-related problems with aging knees.

Besieged by painful periods?

Ginger may be your ticket to a more comfortable day.

On the cancer front, ginger is showing some true grit. Researchers from the University of Minnesota have indicated that ginger may inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells. Likewise, Dr. Rebecca Lui and her colleagues from the University of Michigan showed that ginger induces cell death in ovarian cancer cells. In both studies, all roads lead back to its acclaimed gingerols.

Must we consume an entire ginger root in one sitting to reap any benefits? Not likely. Because the active substances in ginger are so concentrated, experts say you don’t have to use very much to get the

Is Butter Better?

Once deemed as a really-bad-for-you food, butter has seen a comeback: consumption has skyrocketed

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

B

utter consumption: it’s spreading. Once blacklisted as one of the worst foods imaginable (thanks to butter taking the blame for clogging arteries), butter is back on the menu.

Topping foods from the morning toast to dinner veggies, butter has made a comeback. Americans eat an average 5.6 pounds of butter each annually, up from 4.1 pounds in 1997, according to the National Milk Producers Federation, a trade organization in Arlington, Va. The federation also predicts continued strong sales of butter.

Why the shift from substitutes to butter?

The “foodie” movement has sparked more interest in decadent foods. Numerous websites, periodicals and television programs feature cooking that doesn’t obsess about nutrition, calories and fat. For these media, it’s all about richness and flavor.

The focus on “real foods” has

heavily influenced butter’s return to the table. Since butter contains only churned cream and salt, it’s a simple, whole food, especially compared with the numerous ingredients found in many shelf-stable spreads.

Marge Pickering Picone, a nutritional coach certified by the Nutritionist Institute of America, is the founder and CEO of Professional Nutrition Services of Rochester, Inc. She said that butter provides more nutritional value than substitutes, including vitamin E, vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids.

“It does have saturated fat in it, but from my standpoint, it’s far superior to anything synthetic,” Picone said.

The body requires some fat to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

“Margarine is synthetic, like plastic,” Picone said. “These synthetics were thought up when they thought all fats caused artery problems. It’s not the butter. Your body makes it out of starches, not out of July 2017 •

goods. For arthritis, some people have found relief consuming as little as ¼-inch slice of fresh ginger cooked in food. For nausea, some have had their rumbles righted with a few ½-inch slices of fresh ginger in a cup of hot water.

and pepper and toss lightly. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lime juice, red wine vinegar, ginger, garlic, salt and pepper, and sesame oil. Whisk it all together until incorporated. While whisking with one hand, slowly drizzle in the canola oil until well mixed.

Pour the dressing over the carrot and edamame mixture. Toss to combine. Top with the chopped avocado pieces. Garnish the dish with more sesame seeds and cilantro if you like.

Helpful tips

Gingery Carrot Salad with Edamame and Avocado (Serves 4-6) Adapted from “The First Mess” cookbook

Salad:

5-6 carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed 1/4 cup black sesame seeds (optional) 1/2cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (mint or basil also good) salt and pepper, to taste 1 ripe avocado, peeled and chopped

Select fresh ginger roots that are firm, smooth and free of mold and soft spots. Next, take a whiff: it should be pungent and spicy.

Fresh, unpeeled ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. My favorite tip for storing ginger: Peel several large roots with a paring knife, finely grate roots in a food processor, scoop the resulting mixture into an ice cube tray, and freeze. Once frozen, place individual cubes in a freezer bag and then, before you cook with a cube, thaw it at room temperature or for just a few seconds in the microwave.

Ginger citrus dressing:

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice juice of 1 lime 1/2tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated 1 garlic clove, minced salt and pepper, to taste few drops of toasted sesame oil 2-3 tablespoons canola oil

Combine the carrot matchsticks, thawed edamame, sesame seeds and chopped cilantro in a large bowl.

Season the whole mixture with salt the butter.”

Cindy Fiege, certified herbalist and owner of Harmony Health Store, LLC in Spencerport, is also a fan of butter over butter substitutes.

“Margarine is full of hydrogenated oils and they have dye in it,” she said.

She favors butter made from organic milk of grass-fed cows.

Fiege also believes that cholesterol isn’t the enemy — and she doesn’t limit her fats.

“I don’t think you can sit down and eat half a stick of butter,” she said.

Butter is highly caloric for its volume. One .2-oz pat (one square inch by .03-inch thick) of butter contains 36 calories, which is comparable to many margarine spreads. But adding a small amount of butter to vegetables for flavor can help people eat more vegetables.

Not everyone is pro-butter. Amy Miller, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with Rochester Regional Health, cited

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-

nist, 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.

the American Heart Association’s statement on saturated fat: “adults who would benefit from lowering LDL cholesterol [should] reduce their intake of trans fat and limit their consumption of saturated fat to 5 to 6 percent of total calories.”

Butter is a source of saturated fat.

The American Heart Association also recommends using soft margarine as a substitute for butter, looking for “0 grams trans fat” on the Nutrition Facts portion of the label.

Lesley James, board-certified family physician with an integrative practice in Rochester, said that she doesn’t see any food as “bad” and that includes butter.

“It’s not a health food, but it’s OK in moderation and can help in satiation,” she said.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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this.” Yes, you sure can! From here, you keep running and see people holding cups out to you — your first water stop! Stop and drink water or skip it, it’s up to you. If you are doing a walk/run strategy, this is probably a good time to grab a drink. You will see scattered cups on the ground.

Becareful to not trip over them.

From here, it’s time to keep running. Remember, you are only competing against yourself. You will see people walk and run, slow down, speed up, etc. Try to enjoy the views around you. There may be spectators cheering you on along the way. Most races have volunteers and police officers helping, but it is up to you to stay safe. For some races, you cannot wear headphones. Always remember, safety first. A smile and wave to the volunteers is also a nice gesture.

Finish strong

5 Tips For Your First 5K

Sprint into summer with a local 5K

By Kyra Mancine

S

o, you want to run your first 5K? That’s great! Sure, you can wing running your first 5K never having trained, but I do not recommend it. If you’ve been jogging regularly, run/walking or doing a “couch to 5K” program and are ready to try your first official race, these tips will help you know what to expect.

morning to get ready. With your race bib, you will get four safety pins to attach the bib to your shirt. Most bibs have the timing chip attached on the back. You do not need to return the chip or bib after the race.

wary of that, too. Locate the bathrooms or porta potties right away and get in line for them. The closer to race time, the longer the lines will be. Pre-race, many have a nervous bladder.

Do not deviate from your normal running routine.

Do not start out too fast!

Be prepared.

At the race, you will see people stretching, doing different warm-up exercises, etc. It’s fine to take note of these to try some other time; however, don’t copy what you see or try anything new! Stick to your regular breakfast and your regular running clothes. Race day is not the day to break in new running shoes, socks or a shirt. Stick to what you know. If you find you have trouble sleeping the night before, don’t fret about it.

It’s not ideal, but it’s not going to kill you. Getting sleep the night before the night of the race is actually just as important.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the race location, park and warm up. Popular races may have traffic closures for the course, so be

Find out what you can about the course — is it flat, hilly, rural or urban? Most races now have a web page or Facebook page where they show a map. Some people even like to do a pre-race run to get to know the route beforehand. You may want to pick a flat course. A flat course is easier, less intimidating and will help with your confidence. Whatever race you choose, remember this will be a PR (personal record) for you since this is your first one, so you can never lose!

• Prior to race day: Register online, pay and pick up your T-shirt and race bib the day before if you can. This gives you more time in the

I cannot stress this enough. You will be excited and nervous. This adrenaline will cause you to go faster than you think. Start out slower than you think. If you start out too fast, you will burn out quickly.

• Where to start: The faster runners will be up front. Stay to the middle or back. Once the race starts, there will be a surge of runners. This can feel a bit overwhelming. Do not try to weave around people. It will only waste energy. After a bit, the crowd will thin out and you will have your own space.

• What to expect during the race: Every race differs, but at mile one, there is usually a sign/marker and there may be person calling out your time. After you’ve passed mile one, hopefully you’re thinking, “I can do

Upcoming 5Ks • July 2 -Sodus Bay Lighthouse 5K, Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum • July 4 - Brighton Chamber of Commerce 5K, Brighton High School • July 15 - Shoreline 5K, Hamlin Beach State Park • July 16 - Jungle Jog 5K, Seneca Park • July 23 - Shark in the Park 5K, Mendon Ponds Park • July 28 - Karnocker 5K, East Rochester High School • Aug. 2 - Young & Wyld 5K, Honeoye Falls • Aug. 5 - Phelps Sauerkraut 5K, Phelps Community Center • Aug. 6 - ROC For Kidneys 5K, Stokoe Farms, Scottsville • Aug. 19 - St. Christopher’s 5K, St. Christopher Church, North Chili • August 26: – Angels of Mercy 5K, Meridian Center Park, Brighton – March on for Brain Injury 5K, Seneca Park – Heritage Hero 5K, Monroe Community College • Sept. 2 - Crosswinds 5K, Canandaigua • Sept. 16 – Rochester 5K, Frontier Field For additional races/more details, check out these sites: • https://pcr-timing.com/races/month/ • http://yellowjacketracing.com/races • www.grtconline.org/calendar Page 12

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2017

You made it past mile one, now you are on mile two, and finally — on to mile three. You may start to feel tired.

That is OK. I have a mantra (word or phrase) that I repeat if I start to fade out: “You can do this,” “dig deep,” “be strong.” It sounds cheesy, but these phrases (or whatever motivates you) can help. Remember, you can do this — you are doing this — your friends and family are going to be so proud, and so are you! At this point, you can see the finish in the distance.

It does not really matter what time you finish in. You are a winner no matter what! Hopefully, at this point, you will see your loved ones waiting for you. After you cross the finish, someone will usually hand you a water bottle. Keep on moving, as there will be others behind you.

Whether you sprint to the finish or maintain your pace, you did it!

Cross that line and be proud! Not everyone can do this. Some people cannot run even 1/4 mile, let alone 3.1.

Stretch, grab grub, check out the results and plan your next race!

Wow — you did it! Awesome!

Head inside, under the tent or wherever the post-race festivities are. There will usually be fruit and other snacks. A banana makes a great post-race food. Races are so modernized now that you will see the results posted almost immediately. Go check out how you did. Results normally show what number you came in overall, how you did in your age/ gender range and overall gender.

The results will often be online as well. I like to stay and see the awards given out. It’s so impressive to see young and old runners committed to running and a healthy lifestyle. There may be music at your race, raffles and other fun stuff. Take it all in, take a picture, post that selfie and just enjoy your moment – you earned it!

• Post race: Save your bib too- as a memento. Bitten by the 5K bug? If so, there are numerous other races to choose from for your next one.

Kyra Mancine is an avid, masters runner (a runner over 40) from Rochester, who has participated in more than 90 races, from 5Ks to 10Ks to half-marathons. She reviews local races on her blog: https:// runkiwirun13.wordpress.com/

Use of

Complementary Medicine

on the Rise Practitioners say more in the medical industry accepting the benefits of what they call ‘integrative medicine’

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

n recent years, non-Western medicine has grown in popularity and availability. Most insurers cover at least some modalities. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 30 percent of adults and approximately 12 percent of children use non-Western health care.

A few prestigious medical schools have begun offering dual certification programs, which has raised the esteem for integrative practitioners. Well-known medical doctors such as Mehmet Oz, Deepak Chopra, Andrew Weil, and Mark Hyman also use and endorse modalities that originate outside Western medicine.

Physician Az Tahir practices holistic integrative medicine at Campanella Wellness in Rochester. In addition to his training as a medical doctor and post-graduate studies that specialized in several areas, he is a licensed massage therapist and has completed training in several types of massage, clinical hypnotherapy and homeopathy.

“It has been a slow journey to be accepted,” Tahir said. “Many doctors are seeing the benefits of complementary medicine.”

He said that among those who aren’t embracing complementary medicine are doctors that don’t see the connection between lifestyle and health. He recalled a patient he knows who was given a hamburger after colon cancer surgery, even though red meat has been identified as a contributory cause of colon cancer.

Tahir said that medical schools provide students with little education about nutrition and the benefits of modalities such as relaxation, aromatherapy and other basics of complementary medicine.

“It’s unfair the patients don’t get the benefit of complementary medicine,” Tahir said. “With treating cancer, some of my colleagues are doing a good job in providing all the options and others are just saying ‘Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are the only options.’”

He hopes that patients continue to push for more approval of complementary medicine so that it will become more accepted.

Marge Pickering Picone, certified nutrition consultant and owner of Professional Nutrition Services in Webster, said that lack of research has hampered acceptance of some modalities among medical doctors.

“It takes years and lots of money to get things proven,” she said.

She said that Western medicine tends to rely more on research studies than relying upon how an individual patient’s body responds to treatment.

Much of her work is helping people address negative side effects of medication and promoting wellness to prevent illness. She said that most physicians focus on mitigating the symptoms of chronic problems.

Physician Leila Kirdani practiced Western medicine for 15 years before founding Quality of Life Medicine in Rochester. She is board-certified in both metabolic medicine and family practice.

Her practice specializes in hormone balancing, improving gut health, clearing toxins and promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle.

“What I hear from patients is a great deal of dissatisfaction with traditional providers, that they are being more tightly bound by insurance companies as to what testing they’re willing and able to provide,”

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 30 percent of adults and approximately 12 percent of children use non-Western health care.

Kirdani said.

She said that some medical practices don’t touch on lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise that can reduce the need for medical intervention.

“There’s a complete disconnect between diet and the health of the body,” Kirdani said. “We get only a few hours of nutrition education in medical school. Our bodies are made up of nutrients. I just had a patient with heart disease whose doctor said what he eats makes no difference.”

She hopes that a grassroots movement among patients who want more choices will continue to push insurance companies toward covering more services. In the meantime, she wants people who are dissatisfied with their medical care to look for a provider open to the complementary treatments in which they’re interested.

Les Moore, doctor of naturopathic medicine, directs the Center for Special Medicine in Pittsford. The practice focuses on multiple chronic disease and pain syndrome, autoimmune disorders, digestive disorders,

sinusitis, allergies, environmental illness, chronic fatigue, burnout syndrome, and other difficult and recalcitrant diseases. Moore practices multiple modalities of naturopathic and Chinese medicine and homeopathy.

While he believes that integrative medicine is becoming more popular, “those who are against it are becoming more vocal,” he said. “There are conventional practitioners who incorporate various methods of natural medicine into their therapies. If it’s good medicine, it’s good medicine.

I don’t think as many people are threatened by it. They find they can help some of their patients.”

He thinks that the push for self-care and preventive health has helped drive interest in non-Western health. Many of his clients ask if he’s aware of a medical doctor who’s open to or who uses integrative medicine.

Tracy McIntyre, licensed massage therapist and owner of Hands That Heal Massage and Wellness Center in Pittsford, wants more people to know that massage therapy and other modalities can help reduce their need for medication. She thinks complementary medicine is following in the footsteps of chiropractic and acupuncture as becoming more and more accepted.

“I think people being sick and tired of being on so much medicine and they want healthier ways of taking care of their bodies rather than polluting it,” she said.

She hopes that more institutions begin offering a higher standard of education in complementary modalities so that the medical community would take it more seriously.

Experts we spoke with, from left, are Leila Kirdani, Marge Pickering Picone, Les Moore, Tracy McIntyre, Az Tahir

July 2017 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 13

Essential Oils.

Do They Work?

Special Medicine in Pittsford. He said that essential oils contain antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

“In India, there are hundreds of schools teaching this,” he said. “The Germans and French have used this a long time.”

Moore said that diffused essential oils affect people by stimulating the chemical receptors located throughout the body. He said that using essential oils is like eating a bushel of apples compared with one apple. He uses essential oils through a diffuser or applied topically to the skin.

“It’s something to use at home,” he said. “You can apply lavender in a carrier oil behind the ear of your child to help them sleep or on your wrist to help you de-stress, but don’t drop it in your mouth.”

Cindy Fiege, owner of Harmony Health Store, LLC in Spencerport, is a certified herbalist and in using essential oils. She also doesn’t encourage ingesting oils since it’s safer and faster to topically apply essential oils in a carrier oil.

“More isn’t necessarily better with essential oils,” she said.

For a natural air freshener, she may put a few drops in a 4-oz. spray bottle of water.

Fiege said that essential oils can support nearly every system and function of the body.

Since the FDA doesn’t regulate essential oils, users should seek products from a well-known company to help ensure the product is organic and pure.

Experts say they are effective for pain treatment, stress relief, relaxation

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

f you don’t use them in your home, you’ve likely experienced essential oils in a diffuser at a business or friend’s home. Extracted from plants, essential oils have become a popular means of freshening the air. But they can also do much, much more.

Tracy McIntyre, licensed massage therapist and owner of Hands That Heal Massage and Wellness Center in Pittsford, said that many clients use essential oils for pain management and stress relief. Others use essential oils to support various functions of the body, and as cleaning agents.

Young Living, a popular brand of essential oils, sells more than 80 essential oil types, plus numerous blends. With all this selection available, it may be difficult to know what to use.

McIntyre said that buying from a consultant knowledgeable in essential oils can help provide guidance.

Hands That Heal offers free classes in

how to use essential oils.

Physician Az Tahir practices holistic integrative medicine at Campanella Wellness in Rochester. He said that he has seen “a lot of benefits from essential oils combined or alone. It is very, very safe.”

Since essential oils are highly concentrated, most people need only a drop in a carrier oil for use topically, for example. Carrier oil may include coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil.

“If you’re using them internally, since it’s very highly concentrated, it can be a problem,” Tahir said. “Too much of anything can be dangerous.

Be very, very careful.”

He said that another way to use essential oil is in a bath with Epsom salts.

Marge Pickering Picone, certified nutrition consultant and owner of Professional Nutrition Services in Webster, said that with great care, essential oils may be consumed oral-

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2017

From Yoga Critic to Yoga Believer Fairport yoga teacher was once skeptical about yoga. Now she devotes her energy to it

By Colleen M. Farrell

M

olly Huff grew up pushing her body to the limits.

The Alaska native, who was raised in Michigan, describes herself as being athletic all her life.

At 20, she moved to Idaho. An avid runner and swimmer, she started participating in triathlons. She also took up skiing.

“I played hard and beat my body up pretty good,” she said. “Everything I do, I tend to do a little bit extra hard.”

In the early 1980s, a friend suggested trying yoga, but she said she thought it would be “too slow and too easy.”

She met her husband, a Rochester native, while in Idaho and they moved to Fairport after getting married. After having her first child, she began experiencing chronic hip injuries and pain. Another friend she ran with convinced her to come to a yoga class.

She did — and she liked it. She thought she’d take a couple of classes and practice it at home.

Huff, who describes herself as the “poster child” of inflexibility, said she was surprised to find that her body started feeling better. She became a stronger runner and just felt like her body “synced up.”

“It truly was working,” she said.

“It was like, ‘There’s something to be said about this.’”

After two years, her teacher approached her and asked if she had any interest in teaching. Over the course of three years, she studied with a teacher in Toronto, Ontario. In June 2000, she opened Molly’s Yoga Corner in Fairport.

Huff, now 56, started with one student. To drum up business, she

brought yoga programs into local schools. She participated in health fairs and donated free classes to fundraising efforts to get exposure.

She told her fellow runners.

And people started coming.

Jill Bates, 62, was one of Huff’s first students. She had practiced yoga before coming to Huff’s studio and says she really likes her style of teaching.

“She focuses on the individual,” said Bates, of East Rochester. “It’s not about how much you can do the pose. It’s about the way you feel.”

Indeed, during a recent Wednesday morning class, the half a dozen students followed Huff’s lead into each pose. Some asked for a little help. Others took a little longer to get into position. Huff, after demonstrating the pose, walked around the room, her soothing voice encouraging her students and making suggestions.

“We want to get the students to find that place of ease within and once they find that place, then the magic begins to take place,” she said.

As she surveyed her students, she pointed out a modification to Mary Brown. Brown, 62, has been going to Huff’s studio for six years.

When she started, she said she suffered with daily pain from arthritis.

She said she’s been able to remain virtually pain free by practicing yoga twice a week.

“She’s true yoga,” Brown said of Huff.

Elizabeth Agte, who started practicing yoga in 1999, agreed. She felt like something was missing from her previous yoga classes. The focus was too much on exercise and not enough on spirituality, she said.

“That’s where yoga is supposed to take you: that emptying of the

In the early 1980s, a friend suggested Molly Huff trying yoga, but she said she thought it would be “too slow and too easy.” Once she started, she got hooked. Since June 2000, she has operated Molly’s Yoga Corner in Fairport. mind,” she said. “It’s a great way to start the day.”

The Fairport resident, who is 64, walks five miles a day, but said yoga helps with joint pain and flexibility. If she misses her weekly class, she feels it, she said.

Huff said her focus has always been on the practice of traditional yoga: teaching foundational poses and breathing techniques. Her studio is simple; there is no merchandise for sale, no juice bar, no snacks. The average age of her students is 45 and they come in all shapes, sizes and abilities. New students may take any one class for free to see if it’s for them.

“That’s why I call my classes ‘grassroots yoga’,” Huff said. “It’s just real people practicing yoga.”

As Huff’s business grew, she added teachers and different classes, like “Every Body Yoga.” It’s designed for people who have never tried yoga or who have not practiced in a while and may feel a little intimidated. That class is also geared toward people with mobility or flexibility challenges, such as a student who

can’t sit on the floor, but can practice poses in a chair.

“We’re not trying to be fancy.

We’re not trying too hard. We’re very welcoming,” Huff said. “The people who are attracted to my studio are people that don’t want or don’t need all the hype that other places carry with them.”

The most rewarding part of her work, Huff said, is watching students go from doubting that they can move their bodies to taking pride in achieving new movements.

“Yoga isn’t about being flexible or being able to stand on your hands,” she said. “It’s what you have inside and you work from the inside out.”

Huff said she is proud of the culture she has created. Inside her studio walls, students have shared good experiences and challenges in their personal lives. Many of her students have become friends outside of class.

“Once they come through the door and they come do the practice, they stay,” Huff said. “It’s a happy job and, hopefully, I’m making people happy.”

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

5

Things You Need to Know About Skin Health

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

S

kin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Some people are at higher risk of skin cancer than others, but anyone can get it. The most preventable cause of skin cancer is overexposure to ultraviolet light either from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds. People with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. Risk factors vary for different types of skin cancer, but some general risk factors are having a lighter natural skin color, family history of skin cancer, a personal history of skin cancer and exposure to the sun through work and play.

“As I regularly tell women seeking to maintain a youthful appearance, the most cost-effective intervention is a bottle of sunscreen — and not one that sits on the vanity or in the bottom of a purse, but that is used on a daily basis,” said physician Mary Gail Mercurio, a UR Medicine dermatologist and professor in the department of dermatology and the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She is also certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a member of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease.

Mercurio gives five tips to healthy skin care for women.

1

There is no such thing as a safe tan.

Any amount of tan — either from the ultraviolet rays of a tanning bed or the natural sunlight — is the body’s warning that skin cells are being damaged and, therefore, increases the risk of skin cancer. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The three major types (in increasing order of seriousness): basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. All types occur more commonly in fairer

skin, which is most susceptible to damaging ultraviolet rays.

“Just like cigarettes, sunlight is cancer-causing,” said Mercurio, who has a special interest in dermatologic conditions unique to women. “Because the signs can sometimes be subtle, a full skin exam is a prudent means of prevention. For reasons we do not fully understand, these cancers can arise in hidden areas not habitually exposed to the sun, such as an armpit or even between toes.”

However if skin cancer is caught early, there is high likelihood of eliminating it entirely, often even at the pre-cancerous stage.

2

Every bit of sun exposure contributes to premature aging of the skin.

“Many women seek out a tan thinking it enhances their appearance yet, as a result, wrinkles and skin pigmentation come out with a vengeance over time,” said Mercurio.

“In fact, the more deeply penetrating rays emitted by tanning beds contribute even more than natural sunlight to these aging effects.”

Mercurio said if having a darker tone skin is too important to ignore, then a spray tan is a safer alternative.

3

Adult acne is different than the teenage variety.

Acne and wrinkles at the same time? That’s not fair! Some women who never had acne in their teens have outbreaks as adults.

“Pimples in adults tend to be deeper under the skin, sometimes even painful. Because adult acne is driven more by hormones, the usual teenage approaches to acne treatment are often not effective,” said Mercurio. “The underlying hormones that are driving the acne in adult women are best combatted with hormonal solutions; in fact, there are now mul-

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tiple birth control pills with a specific indication for acne.”

For those women who only get pimples here and there, a quick injection of a corticosteroid directly into the pimple can nip it in the bud.

4

Pattern hair loss in women is a common and vexing problem.

It can be a huge blow to self-esteem as some women perceive it as a loss of femininity. It is one of many conditions falling under the umbrella term of “alopecia,” which have various causes and treatments.

“Female pattern hair loss starts slowly and stems from the incremental shrinkage of the hair follicle mostly on the very top. It often appears as a widening of the hair’s part, but it also results in the hair growing much more slowly overall,” she said. There may be a genetic link to female pattern hair loss with an equal chance of being passed on from either the mother’s or father’s side of the family, but in many cases no one else in the family has the condition.”

It’s usually not related to other health problems but, in rare cases, may be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition so your doctor should take a detailed history and examination in search of other signs pointing to a hormonal imbalance.

The only FDA-approved medication is topical minoxidil, which is effective in many women and easily available without a prescription. In addition, there are devices and procedures gaining foothold in treating hair loss, including low-level laser light administered via a specialized comb or helmet-like device, or injections of one’s own revved up blood cells.

5

Skincare for women includes treating troubling vaginal issues.

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Countless women suffer silently with troubling vaginal or vulvar symptoms related to childbirth, menopause and aging. Often, these symptoms detract from their ability to enjoy a healthy sex life. Until now, the primary treatment option has been hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can include pills, patches or topical creams. A new option, vaginal laser therapy, is providing lasting relief without hormones.

Dermatologists have been at the forefront of device development for cutaneous laser applications, and building on this progress, these same lasers are now being applied to technologies for women’s health.

Much like laser treatments used to rejuvenate facial skin, this specialized device, known as diVa™, resurfaces the lining of the vaginal wall and external skin. The resurfacing promotes collagen growth and increased blood flow, resulting in healthy new tissue.

“Though some may wince at that term, it is a simple, painless outpatient procedure — done right in a doctor’s office — with long-term results and no down time or side effects,” said Mercurio.

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Physician Mary Gail Mercurio is a UR Medicine dermatologist and professor in the department of dermatology and the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2017

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Women’s HEALTH

Safely Eating for Two

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A

mid the many changes a pregnant woman makes in her lifestyle to nurture and protect her baby, her diet can be among the most important. What a woman eats can directly affect the baby’s health, both positively and negatively.

Madonna Tomani, OB-GYN at Madonna OB-GYN in Rochester, said safe food handling can help prevent listeriosis, a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes.

“Wash raw fruits and vegetables, avoid sushi and soft cheeses and cook all lunch meat,” she said.

The issue with lunch meat lies in the frequency of listeria outbreaks with this type of food.

“You can’t be sure of the storage of this particular food group and if it’s been chilled properly,” said Amy V. Haas, Bradley certified childbirth educator and founding member of the Rochester Area Birth Network.

Haas operates Healthy Birth of Rochester and serves on the board

of the Institute for Family-Centered Childbirth in Rochester.

While many sandwich shops lightly toast subs, the meat must be heated to steaming hot to kill listeria.

David Gandell, OB-GYN in practice at Rochester Gynecologic & Obstetric Associates, said that the infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.

“It generally comes from contaminated food prep areas,” he said.

Other foods that can place pregnant women and their babies at risk include non-pasteurized milk and juice, raw eggs and any raw meat.

Gandell advises pregnant women to limit their consumption of large fish known to be contaminated with mercury, which can harm the baby’s developing nervous system. These include large fish like tuna, swordfish and shark.

Pregnant women must strictly avoid alcohol and tobacco products, as these cross through to the baby.

“We live in a society where alco-

Bras: Do They Do Anything for Women?

hol is commonly consumed,” Gandell said. “There is no clear threshold on how much alcohol is safe for pregnant women. Later in pregnancy, especially, there are changes in the brain caused by alcohol. No alcohol should be consumed during pregnancy.”

So What Should Women Eat While Pregnant?

• “A varied, whole food diet, including 75 to 100 grams of protein, 3 to 5 servings of complex carbohydrates, 2 to 4 courses of calcium, 3 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, including leafy green vegetables.

• “Drink filtered water when you’re thirsty and nutritional beverages like fruit teas.

• “Think color and variety.

Quality is key over quantity. A varied whole food diet will provide the broadest spectrum of nutrients to support the pregnant body and grow a new human.

• “I am a fan of eating organic, but that’s a personal choice. Not everyone can afford to do that. Buy the best quality we can afford to find.”

Amy V. Haas, founding member of the Rochester Area Birth Network.

• “Women who are underweight may need to gain 25 to 40 pounds during pregnancy.

• “Women who are overweight may need to gain 15 pounds.

“You should be aware of calories.

New weight gain guidelines have been stratified based on pre-pregnancy body mass index.”

David Gandell, OB-GYN in practice at Rochester Gynecologic & Obstetric Associates

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

ost American women wouldn’t dream of leaving home without wearing a bra, but they unhook — if not remove them — once they’re home for the evening. Most feel culturally obligated to align to the “proper” silhouette and make sure they’re covered up.

Aesthetics and modesty aside, what health benefit do bras provide, if any?

Very little, according to Nicole Chaffee, physical therapist with Regain Physical Therapy in Pittsford.

“They have fair to little tension support for the back muscles and muscles of the chest,” she said.

Racer-back and crisscross styles can help users improve posture and provide support for larger breasts; however, they can’t prevent sagging.

For more support and greater comfort, she recommends bras with separate cups and wider straps.

Some people theorize that wearing a

bra weakens ligaments that support the breasts, but that’s not the case, according to Emese Kalnoki, a new surgeon practicing at Quatela Center in Rochester. She specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery and body contouring procedures.

But it’s also not true that a bra will prevent natural sagging once they’re removed.

“So, go ahead and wear your favorite bra — or don’t,” Kalnoki said.

She listed pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss and gain, and aging as contributory causes of sagging breasts, not whether or not a woman wears a brassiere.

“The type of collagen that you inherit from your parents also affects the perkiness of your breasts throughout life,” she added.

Many women keep wearing the same sized bra despite changes in their breasts.

Others don’t have their brassieres adjusted correctly or wear the wrong size.

July 2017 •

“So, go ahead and wear your favorite bra — or don’t,” said Emese Kalnoki, a new surgeon practicing at Quatela Center in Rochester. She discusses the pro and cons about wearing a bra.

Kalnoki recommends an annual bra fitting.

Hand washing and air drying brassieres helps them retain the proper shape and last longer.

While proper bra fitting can increase comfort for many women, breast reduction surgery can help women with uncomfortably large breasts.

“A number of women complain of back pain, shoulder pain, and headaches after a long day,” Kalnoki said.

Excessive breast tissue can cause their posture to suffer.

For those with larger breasts “breast reduction is very beneficial and most women are extremely pleased to have the procedure done,” Kalnoki said.

In the mid-90s, a rumor circulated that underwire bras raise women’s risk of breast cancer because they supposedly hamper the body’s

lymphatic system and cause toxins to build up, eventually leading to breast cancer.

“The problem with this hypothesis is that there is no scientific evidence to support it,” Kalnoki said. “The largest culprits affecting women’s breast health is not about the bra you wear but rather about the lifestyle you live.”

Eschewing smoking and avoiding weight gain represent the best ways to reduce risk of breast cancer.

Abdominal weight gain “has been found to be more active in producing chemicals and hormones that cause the growth of breast cancer cells,” Kalnoki said.

She added that women who smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day for 20 or more years raise their risk of developing breast cancer and those who started smoking before age 15 raise their risk by nearly 50 percent.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 17

Women’s HEALTH Cosmetics with SPF: Are They Enough?

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

C

oating exposed skin with sunscreen before a day at the beach is part of skincare for many people. But routine sun exposure adds up to cumulative skin damage over time. Many brands of make-up and skin care products boast that they contain sun protection factor (SPF) ingredients as anti-aging properties.

Is that enough to safeguard your skin against damaging rays in day-today use? For many women, probably not.

Brett Shulman, dermatologist with Rochester Regional Health Center for Dermatology in Rochester, said that the SPF listed on products is based upon application that’s “roughly double what most people put on their skin — .5 to 1 gram per square centimeter, compared with the recommended 2 grams,” he said.

He advises women to apply a combination sunscreen and moisturizer with SPF before applying cosmetics with SPF. “I like the layering approach,” Shulman said. “It’s like a belt and

suspenders to keep pants up. You get a lot more protection and increasing the film of sunscreen.”

Sara Drew, board-certified adult nurse practitioner with Geneva General Dermatology Associates in Geneva, said patients ask a lot about the effectiveness of cosmetics with SPF. Though these can help, she said, “It’s even more important to have something on underneath.”

Most makeup with SPF rates at least 15 SPF, though 30 is better, she said.

SPF measures the protection that a sunscreen provides against the sun.

Sunscreen products often bear expiration dates because their active ingredients can lose effectiveness over time. Most last about three years, but if products change in color, scent or consistency, throw them out and buy new ones.

Many products contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, both of which

physically block UVA and UVB rays that cause aging and skin cancer.

These become active upon application. Chemical sunscreens must be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure. The term “broad spectrum” indicates the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

“Many of these are hypoallergenic since they contain physical blockers,” Drew said.

She recommends brands Elta MD, Color Science, and, for children, Blue Lizard.

One issue for women is that after applying a sunscreen base and then SPF cosmetics, they should re-apply a sunscreen product after two hours.

“None of this is all-day,” Drew said.

Few women who took the time to apply and blend make-up want to pile on a greasy, white layer of sunscreen before heading out for a walk during their lunch break. Since some translucent powders offer SPF 30, Drew suggested using one as a touch-up to avoid piling on more

sunscreen.

“It takes a few seconds and it won’t affect your make-up,” she said.

After two hours, women with oily skin likely need a touch-up anyway.

Sweating, swimming and towel drying the skin all reduce the amount of time that sunscreen provides protection.

Drew recommends washing off all facial products before bedtime as part of a skincare regimen.

In general, seeking shade whenever possible, using the car visor, and wearing SPF protective clothing, sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats can also provide physical barriers to sun exposure.

U.S. Teen Births Hit Historic Low: CDC Data from 2014 also shows that more older women are having children, study finds

T

een births continue to decline in the United States, with health officials reporting a 9 percent drop from 2013 to 2014.

Births to 15- to 19-year-olds fell to a historic low of 24 births per 1,000 women in 2014, said Sherry Murphy, a statistician at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.

At the same time, the proportion of births to women 30 and older increased, said Murphy, lead author of the report.

Page 18

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Mothers 30 and older accounted for 30 percent of births in 2014 — up from 24 percent in 2000, the researchers found.

There were other changes in U.S. birth patterns as well.

“The number of overall births increased 1 percent in 2014 to about 4 million, compared with 2013,” Murphy said.

The infant mortality rate decreased slightly in 2014 to a historic low — about six infant deaths per 1,000 births, the findings showed.

However, “the U.S. infant mortality rate is still higher than many other developed countries,” Murphy said.

Other key findings from the report included: • Decreases in cesarean deliveries continued, and preterm births declined for the seventh year.

• Death rates for children aged 1 to 19 did not change significantly be-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2017

tween 2013 and 2014. Unintentional injuries and suicide were the top two causes of death in this age group.

For the report, the researchers used 2013-2014 records that included birth certificates, death certificates and reports of fetal death across the United States.

Physician Paul Jarris, chief medical officer at the March of Dimes, suggested that the decline in teen births may have a social component, namely that being pregnant has become less acceptable among teens.

In addition, more teens have access to birth control — especially long-lasting intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants that act passively to prevent pregnancy. These methods mean that girls don’t have to remember to take a birth control pill every day or make sure their partner uses a condom, Jarris said.

The report was published online May 30 in the journal Pediatrics.

Extreme Workouts While Pregnant

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

any fit women enjoy extreme workouts to stay healthy and challenge themselves, whether it’s long-distance running, weight lifting, training for “warrior” events, hitting the gym hard or competitive fitness.

What if they become pregnant — can they continue working out?

David Gandell, OB-GYN in practice at Rochester Gynecologic & Obstetric Associates, said that with a few exceptions, he doesn’t restrict healthy, athletic women from participating in sports and activities as long as they’re comfortable.

“Fitter women deliver easier and lose the weight after delivery faster,” he said.

Pregnant athletes should take a few precautions, however. Since the pregnant body releases relaxin, a hormone that loosens ligaments for delivery, women should take care to not sprain a joint. Supportive sport wraps may provide additional stability to joints.

“They won’t harm the baby, but if the mom gets hurt, it can be harder to treat them,” Gandell cautioned.

Many types of pain medication aren’t safe for babies.

Fit mamas should also modify their activities to avoid direct contact and falling. This could include inline skating, horseback riding, skiing,

martial arts sparring, boxing, football and soccer. Women who lift weights should isolate their movements so they don’t strain their abdomens.

They should also be careful to not allow free weights to strike their abdomen. As always, using a spotter can help improve safety.

Amy V. Haas, Bradley certified childbirth educator and founder of the Rochester Area Birth Network, said that women who aren’t fit but become pregnant should stick with generalized toning and conditioning exercise like walking.

“If you have no experience in rigorous exercise, it’s not a time to start,” Haas said.

But a woman who’s been running should feel free to continue, Haas said.

After 20 weeks, pregnant women should avoid lying flat on their backs since the baby’s weight can press against a blood vessel called the vena cava, which can restrict the blood flow to the baby and cause dizziness to mom.

Pregnant women should avoid working out in very warm environments, such as hot yoga or running outside on a hot day, since that can harm the baby.

Haas also advises pregnant women to stay hydrated while working out and to adjust their diet to

ensure they get enough calories.

“Athletic women burn a great deal of their food for energy,” she said. “They need a higher level of complex carbohydrates to supply adequate energy sources so they’re not burning protein for energy.”

Healthful sources of complex carbohydrates can include brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat, popcorn and other whole grains.

Before engaging in exercise, pregnant women of any fitness level should discuss their health and any concerns with their OB-GYN. They should also carefully explain the details of their activity to ensure it is safe for themselves and baby.

Anytime an activity feels like it’s “too much”, a pregnant woman should listen to her body and reduce her activity level.

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Caring for the Most Important People on Earth

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July 2017 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 19

Ask St. Ann’s

Beat the Heat: Stay Hydrated

By Diane Kane, MD “It’s too darn hot.”

Those words were sung by Ella Fitzgerald in 1956, as penned by Cole Porter.

During the summer, many of us may feel that “it’s too darn hot.” But for people age 65 and older it can be more than just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous.

Impact on the elderly Older adults are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. In addition, their bodies naturally contain less water as a percentage of their body weight, which means they have less water to lose before becoming dehydrated.

Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough to perform its normal functions. If you don’t replace lost fluids, you will get dehydrated.

Among older people, dehydration is one of the most common hazards of hot, humid weather. Even mild dehydration can affect mental performance (memory, alertness, reaction time) and increase feelings of tiredness. Complications may also include low blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, and increased risk of falls.

Additional risk factors Individuals with severe diabetes or kidney disease are also at high risk of dehydration. Medications that increase urination can also increase your risk. Even having a cold or sore throat makes you more susceptible to dehydration because you’re less likely to feel like eating or drinking.

Know the signs Two early signs of dehydration are thirst and dark-colored urine.

These indicate that your body is trying to increase water intake and decrease water loss.

Other signs of dehydration include: • Dry mouth, lips or eyes • Dry skin • Drowsiness, confusion or disorientation • Dizziness • Low blood pressure It’s important to note that many of these signs can also be present in conditions other than dehydration.

Preventing dehydration Often, older adults don’t feel

thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. That’s why it’s important to be conscious of your water intake and increase it during hot weather.

(Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.) If you’re the caretaker of an older adult, recognize when he or she is not drinking enough and help the patient to drink more.

Other tips for staying cool and avoiding dehydration include: • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.

• Don’t rely on a fan as your primary cooling method during extreme heat.

• Eat light, cold meals like chicken or pasta salad instead of heavy, hot dishes.

• Eat foods that are high in water content, like cucumbers, watermelon, zucchini, and strawberries.

• Keep window shades closed during the hottest part of the day.

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.

• Check on elderly neighbors and have someone do the same for you.

You can usually reverse mild to moderate dehydration by following these tips, but severe dehydration needs immediate medical treatment.

Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know has symptoms of severe heat-related illness such as muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting.

Physician Diane Kane is chief medical officer at St. Ann’s Community.

She is board-certified in internal medicine, geriatrics, hospice and palliative medicine and has been involved in senior care for 29 years. Contact her at dkane@stannscommunity.com or visit www.stannscommunity.com.

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The Social Ask Security Office

From the Social Security District Office

Ticket to Work Puts People Back in The Driver’s Seat Social Security encourages people to rejoin the workforce when they are able. Ticket to Work is our free and voluntary program that helps people get vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals and other employment support services.

This program is for people age 18 to 64 who are receiving disability benefits and need support re-entering the workforce or working for the first time.

While many disabled individuals are unable to work and may never be able to return to work, we know that some are eager to try working again. Work incentives make it easier to work and still receive health care and cash benefits from Social Security while providing protections if people have to stop working due to a disability.

Social Security works with employment networks to offer beneficiaries access to meaningful employment. Employment networks are organizations and agencies, including state vocational rehabilitation agencies that provide various employment support services. Some services they may help with include

Q&A

Q: How can I protect myself against identity theft?

A: First, don’t carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it secure at home with your other important papers. Second, don’t readily give out your Social Security number.

While many banks, schools, doctors, landlords and others will request your number, it is your decision whether to provide it. Ask if there is some other way to identify you in their records.

If you are the victim of identity theft, you should report it right away.

To report identity theft, fraud, or misuse of your Social Security number, the Federal Trade Commission (the nation’s consumer protection agency) recommends you: • Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the following companies (the company you contact is required to contact the other two, which will then place alerts on your reports): – Equifax, 1-800-525-6285; or – Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289; or – Experian, 1-888-397-3742.

• Review your credit report for inquiries from companies you have not contacted, accounts you did not open and debts on your accounts you cannot explain; • Close any accounts you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently; • File a report with your local

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2017

résumé writing, interviewing skills and job leads.

Ticket to Work gives individuals the opportunity to choose from several employment networks. Participants are free to talk with as many employment networks as they want before choosing one. If someone signs an agreement with an employment network, they’ll help the individual develop an employment plan. We’ll review their progress toward achieving the goals of their employment plan every 12 months.

If they are making timely progress in their return to work plan, we will not conduct a medical review of their disability during the time they’re in the program.

Many people have successfully completed the Ticket to Work program. Anyone interested in the Ticket to Work program should call the Ticket to Work Helpline toll-free at 1-866-968-7842 (TTY 1-866-833-2967).

More information on the program is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/work.

Remember, Social Security is with everyone through life’s journey, providing resources that can help people reach their work and retirement goals. police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place; and • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-4384338 (TTY 1-866-653-4261).

Q: What should I do if an employee gives me a Social Security number but cannot produce the card?

A: Seeing the card is not as important as putting the correct information on the worker’s Form W-2. You can verify employee Social Security numbers by using the Social Security Number Verification Service. Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov/bso.

This online service allows registered employers to verify employee Social Security numbers against Social Security records for wage reporting purposes.

Q: Is it true I must now receive my benefits through direct deposit?

A: Anyone applying for benefits on or after May 1, 2011, will be required to receive their payments electronically. Paper checks will no longer be an option for most people. If you don’t have a bank account, you can get your benefits through the Direct Express debit MasterCard. Switching from checks to electronic payments is fast, easy, and free at www.godirect. org. You also can call the U.S. Treasury Processing Center’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or speak with a bank or credit union representative or contact Social Security for help.

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How to Hire a Home Helper Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to hire a personal assistant/home helper for my mom to assist with some simple household chores like house keeping, errand running, driving her to the doctor, and keeping her company. But mom doesn’t require personal/ physical caregiving nor does she require any home medical care. Any tips to help us find someone?

Looking for Mom Dear Looking,

Getting your mom some help at home to handle some of her household chores can make a big difference keeping her independent longer.

Here’s what you should know, along with some tips to help you find someone reliable for your mom.

Home Helpers

For seniors who could use some help at home — but don’t need a caregiving aide for personal care — there are a bevy of personal assistance/home helpers out there that can help make life a little easier.

Most home helpers can assist with any number of things like shopping, running errands, transportation, light house keeping, laundry, meal preparation, arranging services (home maintenance, lawn care, etc.) and other household chores, along with providing companionship and support. And, if your mom gets to the point she needs personal/physical care like bathing or dressing, they can usually help with this too.

Most home helpers are part-time workers who work a few hours a day or a few days per week. You also need to know that while Medicare does cover home health care services if a doctor orders it, they do not cover home helper/personal assistant services.

There are two ways in which you can go about hiring someone for your mom; either through a home care agency, or you can hire someone directly on your own.

Home Care Agency

Hiring a home helper through a

non-medical home care, or non-medical companion care agency is the easiest, but most expensive option of the two. Costs run anywhere from $12 up to $30 an hour depending on where you live and the qualification of the assistant/aide.

How it works is you pay the company, and they handle everything including assigning appropriately trained and pre-screened staff to care for your mom, and finding a fill-in on days her helper cannot come.

Some of the drawbacks, however, are that you may not have much input into the selection of the aide, and the helpers may change or alternate, which can cause a disruption.

To find a home care agency in your area, Google “non-medical home care” followed by the city and state your mom lives in, or you can use Medicare’s home health agencies search tool Medicare.gov/hhcompare. Most home health agencies offer some form of non-medical home care services too. You can also check your local yellow pages under “home healthcare services.”

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Hiring Directly

Hiring a personal assistant/ home helper on your own is the other option, and it’s less expensive.

Costs typically range between $10 and $20 per hour. Hiring directly also gives you more control over who you hire so you can choose someone who you feel is right for your mom.

But, be aware that if you do hire someone on your own, you become the employer so there’s no agency support to fall back on if a problem occurs or if the assistant doesn’t show up. You’re also responsible for paying payroll taxes and any worker-related injuries that may happen.

If you choose this option make sure you check the person’s references thoroughly, and do a criminal background check.

To find someone, ask for referrals through friends or check online job boards like CraigsList.org, or try Care.com, CareLinx.com, CareFamily. com or CareSpotter.com.

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.

July 2017 •

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 21

H ealth News St. Ann’s receives national recognition St. Ann’s Community has won a prestigious Judge’s Choice award in the 2017 Aster Awards in the advertising campaign category.

The Aster Awards represent one of the most sought-after honors in healthcare marketing with winners selected from nearly 3,000 submissions nationwide. Only entrants earning a perfect score are awarded the Judge’s Choice award. St. Ann’s Community was one of only eight organizations to receive such recognition out of the thousands of entries received.

The campaign, developed by local agency Antithesis Advertising, aimed to connect with seniors and their families in a way rarely seen in efforts targeting older adults. The lead ad in the campaign was headlined, “I’m vintage. And I’m more valuable than ever.”

“We wanted to show that we understand seniors and how they feel, that we value them as unique individuals leading vibrant, interesting lives — and that we share their values, their concerns, and even their sense of humor,” said Eileen Ryan-Maruke, vice president of marketing and community relations for St. Ann’s Community.

“We always come back to the idea that we are caring for the most important people on earth,” said Michael E. McRae, president and CEO of St. Ann’s Community. “This campaign conveys that idea and resonates with our residents, patients and families. It highlights our commitment to honoring the individuality of each person we are privileged to serve.”

Entries in the Aster Awards are judged by a diverse panel of design and healthcare marketing experts.

They are judged on creativity, design, typography, production, quality, and overall effectiveness. .

Hearing loss group awards scholarships Eight local high school seniors with hearing loss were awarded scholarships by Hearing Loss Association of America Rochester Chapter at the organization’s recent annual dinner.

Students honored are: Sherry Gilman, Canandaigua Academy; Rory Kuczek, Brighton High School; Zachary Stark, Sodus Central School; Joshua Woodward, Irondequoit High School; and Dylan Benjamin, Sean Dinsmore, Maria Gonzales and Ahmed Mahmood, Rochester School for the Deaf.

The awards are for $1,000.

Initiated in 1996 with a grant by the late Mr.& Mrs. J. Stuart MacDonald, HLAA Rochester Chapter now has awarded $104,500 to 120 recipients. This year’s scholarships were made possible by a donation from the MacDonald Fund at the Rochester Area Community Foundation.

HLAA also recognized three individuals who have advanced the cause of people with hearing loss.

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James Feuerstein, professor/audiologist, Nazareth College, received the Community Person award. The Community Organization award was presented to Lifespan, the Brighton agency focused on elders which has partnered extensively with HLAA. Janet McKenna, a member of HLAA since 1983, was honored with the chapter award for her activism with the Rochester organization.

Hearing Loss Association of America Rochester Chapter is the local chapter of a nationwide organization which opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, advocacy, education and support.

The Rochester Chapter is a dedicated dynamic group of individuals working together as a team.

For more information visit www. hlaa-rochester-ny.org or telephone 585 266 7890.

NYCC appoints new senior leaders Michael A. Mestan, executive vice president and provost at New York Chiropractic College, announced the appointment of two new senior administrators.

Anne E. Killen will be the college’s new vice president of academic affairs, effective Sept 1. She will succeed Mestan. She presently serves as associate vice president, center for Killen professional studies, at Keuka College in Keuka Park, where she hold a faculty appointment.

Killen earned a baccalaureate degree from Keuka College, a master’s degree in adult education from Elmira College, and a doctorate degree in management from the University of Maryland University College.

Since 2001, Killen has held a series of progressively responsible administrative posts at Keuka College, having a special interest in the unique needs of adult students in higher education.

“We are delighted Dr. Killen has joined us,” said Mestan. “Given her education and background, she is exceptionally qualified to serve as our chief academic officer, overseeing the xollege’s diverse academic offerings.”

J. Todd Knudsen Knudsen will succeed Dave Odiorne as the vice president of institutional advancement and special projects, effective Sept. 1.

Knudsen is a second-generation chiropractor, having earned his doctor of chiropractic degree from Los

Angeles College of Chiropractic. He is a board-certified chiropractic radiologist with 20 years of experience in natural healthcare education. He has served as a faculty member, department chairs, dean, vice-president for academic affairs, and president’s chief of staff.

Active in natural healthcare professional leadership, Knudsen has served on the executive committee for the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine; as vice-chairs of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges; on the executive committee of the American Chiropractic College of Radiology; and as a member of the Council on Chiropractic Education’s Site Team Academy.

“The depth and breadth of Dr. Knudsen’s experience in natural healthcare education will be a tremendous resource for NYCC,” said Mestan. “His skills in fostering strength-based relationships with all stakeholders and advancing the professions we serve will support every aspect of our mission.”

St. Ann’s has new chief technology officer Michael R. Larche, a Victor resident, has joined St. Ann’s Community as its chief technology officer.

In that position, he is responsible for the strategic planning, development, coordination, and management of information and technology systems for the organization’s health care network.

Larche was Larche formerly chief information officer at Loretto Health Systems in Syracuse. Prior to that, he was senior director, information technology with Rochester Regional Health System.

He received his executive leadership for healthcare professionals certification from Cornell University. He is a certified professional in health information and management systems through the Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society. He holds bachelor degrees in mathematics and computer science from Potsdam State University, and an MBA in management and organization from University of New Haven. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in executive leadership through St. John Fisher College.

St. Ann’s appoints new director of nursing St. Ann’s Community, Rochester’s leading senior housing and health services provider, announces the appointment of Tina Cenname to director of nursing at St. Ann’s Care Center.

St. Ann’s Care Center provides skilled nursing/long-term care on the campus of St. Ann’s Community

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2017

at Cherry Ridge in Webster.

Cenname began her employment at St. Ann’s in 1997 as an licensed practical nurse.

She was promoted to nursing care coordinator in 2001, nurse manager in 2006, and associate director of Cenname nursing in 2011.

Pittsford dentist gets sleep apnea certification Dentist Azita Anissi of Center for Sleep Therapy in Pittsford recently became a diplomate with American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM). Earning diplomate status from ABDSM recognizes special competency in dental sleep medicine, according to a news release.

ABDSM is the leading national organization for dentists who treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. The treatment, according to organization, is an effective alternative to the standard Continue Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.

“Sleeping with a CPAP machine, which includes a face mask, tubing and constantly running motor, can be difficult and many people are unaware that there is an alternative treatment available,” said Anissi.

“I’m committed to using my knowledge of dental sleep medicine to help treat my patients’ snoring and sleep apnea, and provide Rochester residents with a better night’s rest.”

Anissi is a graduate of State University of New York at Buffalo. She has had her own practice for the past 25 years.

Zicari Honored with Nurse Administrator Award

The Genesee Valley Nurses Association (GVNA) has recognized HCR Home Care President Elizabeth Zicari with its 2017 Nurse Administrator Award.

Zicari was selected for the award for her outstanding contributions to nursing administration that create a climate that promotes professional practice, expands access to professional nurse services through innovative delivery systems and facilitates professional affiliation. The award was presented at GVNA’s annual spring dinner and awards ceremony in Rochester.

Zicari has been with the company for more than 15 years. She has more than 30 years of professional experience in nursing, administration and business management. She currently serves on the boards of several organizations, including the Home Care Association of New York State and the New York Organization of Nurse Executives and Leaders (NYONEL), and she is past president of the Finger Lakes Organization of Nurse Executives and Leaders (FLONEL).

Elizabeth Zicari resides in Brighton.

100

‘Deadliest Days’ New teen drivers face triple the risk of a fatal crash

N

ewly minted teen drivers in the United States have almost triple the risk of being involved in a deadly crash than adults, a new study finds.

The study looked at national data, and also found that drivers aged 16 to 17 are almost four times more likely than drivers aged 18 and older to be involved in a crash. Compared to drivers aged 30 to 59 years old, new teen drivers are 4.5 times more likely to be involved in a crash, and more than three times as likely to be in a fatal collision.

The findings were released at the start of the “100 Deadliest Days.”

That’s the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During that time, the average number of deadly crashes involving teen drivers is 15 percent higher compared to the rest of the year, the study authors said.

Over the past five years, more

than 1,600 people were killed in crashes involving inexperienced teen drivers during this deadly period.

The study was released June 1 by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

This study “found that that inexperience paired with greater exposure on the road could create a deadly combination for teen drivers,” David Yang, executive director, said in a foundation news release.

“Statistics show that teen crashes spike during the summer months because teens are out of school and on the road,” he said.

Fatal teen crashes are on the rise and increased more than 10 percent between 2014 and 2015, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

Three main factors associated with fatal teen crashes are distraction, not buckling up and speeding.

July 2017 •

AAA says parents can help reverse this trend by getting more involved and talking to their teens about the dangers of risky driving behaviors.

“Parents are the front line of defense for keeping our roads safer this summer,” Jennifer Ryan, AAA

director of state relations, said. “It all starts with educating teens about safety on the road and modeling good behavior, like staying off the phone and buckling your safety belt.”

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2017