IGH Rochester #168 August 19 by In Good Health: Rochester's Healthcare Newspaper

PRICELESS

An OB-GYN in Clifton Springs The Clifton Springs area has historically been underserved when it comes to OB-GYN services. New physician, Ahmad Awada, wants to change that

Fair Food

GVHEALTHNEWS.COM

AUGUST 2019 • ISSUE 168

GENERICS Recent news stories raise questions about effectiveness and safety of generic drugs sold in the U.S. One problem: Most of these drugs are manufactured in China and India, where oversight is not as stringent as in the U.S. or other countries. See story on page 24

Fried dough, funnel cakes, corn dogs, deep fried cookies — should you resist to all these temptations? We’ve asked the experts about eating those delicious treats

Aging Eyes Are You Up for the Droopy eyelids, dry eyes, floaters, cataracts and ocular migraines are just some of the eye problems we may have to deal with as we age. We talk to local experts about what to do

Canalway Challenge? Free personal fitness challenge on the Erie Canal encourages families to get active. Page 8

Baby Red Potatoes What’s the go-to type of potato the author of column SmartBites reaches for? Yes, baby red potatoes. Find out why. Page 14

Vaccination 5 things you need to know about it, according to pediatrician Larry Denk. Page 12

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

™

(585) 241-9670 DO YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAVE HAIR PULLING DISORDER (HPD)? “Hair Pulling Disorder” (HPD) Trichotillomania (TTM) Is tough enough to pronounce, but worse to live with. We’ll call it by its more common name of Hair Pulling Disorder, or HPD. It is a mental condition that makes those suffering from it have an urge to compulsively, repeatedly and unaccountably pull out their body hair. Do not think of it as a “disease,” which it is not, but a “disorder.”

What Causes HPD? It is very rare (fewer than 200,000 cases per year in the US). It can last a short or a long time. Its cause is unknown and although genetic and environmental factors may play a part, areas of the brain which control emotions, movement and impulse control are more likely suspects. The urge to pull one’s hair is commonly focused on the scalp, eyebrows and eyelids. Medical considerations aside, HPD can result in unsightly bare patches where hair has been pulled. Some sufferers are even unaware they are doing it until they notice the embarrassing results.

Can it be Treated? Treatments are very limited and include counseling, some therapies and medications to control the impulse. It can manifest itself at all ages, is tough to treat and often recurs. Clearly, it can cause significant distress and interfere with social functioning. Dr. Sarah Atkinson and her staff at Finger Lakes Clinical Research/ERG is conducting a clinical research trial for men and women between ages 18 to 45, testing an investigational drug to treat this disorder, determine safety, tolerability and effectiveness. It is a 6-week study. During the treatment period you will be part of our research team and participate in a number of assessments, tests and evaluations. There is no cost to patients and no insurance is required. Participants will also be paid a stipend for each visit for time and travel expense. The study is sponsored by Promentis Pharmaceuticals and is carefully monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). You can get additional information by calling Dr. Atkinson’s office at (585)241-9670 during normal business hours and also online at www.ClinicalTrials.gov, a government website. Not everyone is eligible for this or any clinical trial. You can review the “inclusion” and “exclusion” criteria at the ClinicalTrials website, or in person with Dr. Atkinson and her staff. If you, a friend or loved one suffers from this disorder, call 585-241-9670 to find out more. It will be well worth their time.

Clinical trials: • For you, • For your loved ones, • For the future. 885 Winton Rd. S, Rochester NY 14618 At the “12 Corners” in Brighton

www.flclinical.com

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Aug. 7

Fashion show at Sonnenberg to benefit Thompson Thompson Health Guild will host a fashion show and evening cocktail reception at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, 151 Charlotte St. in Canandaigua. Billed as “a night of fashion and friendship benefiting a great cause,” the event will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 7, featuring Chandeliers Boutique, Icon Salon & Spa on the Shore and P.O.S.H., a secondhand boutique. Heavy hors d’oeuvres from Café Sol will be served, along with wine and beer. Boutique shopping will also be available. Tickets are $50 per guest or $90 per couple, with reserved VIP tables available on a limited basis for $650. These tables will seat 10 and be located along the runway for prime viewing. Those at the VIP tables will also be treated to champagne and goodie bags. Proceeds benefit the Thompson Health Guild, which was founded in 1905 and raises money to help fund expansions, equipment and special initiatives for hospital patients, visitors, and nursing home residents. The guild also awards scholarships each year, for Thompson nurses and for local high school students who are pursuing studies in the healthcare field. For more information on the guild – which welcomes new members – visit www.ThompsonHealth. com/Guild. For more information on the event, email tarynwindheim@ gmail.com.

Sept. 10

Rochester Minimalists to discuss personal happiness Join the Rochester Minimalists and SUNY Geneseo professor Jim Allen, author of “The psychology of happiness in the modern world: A

social psychological approach” from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Brighton Memorial Library for a discussion about how cultural and economic factors affect personal happiness. From traditional “positive psychology” topics such as the importance of gratitude to how the culture of materialism, advertising and the national emphasis on economic growth lowers our collective happiness, this talk will present a non-technical outline of the research that shows us the way. Visit the Rochester Minimalists on Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Oct. 16

Fibromyalgia group to hold meeting The New Fibromyalgia Support Group Health & Wellness will hold a meeting to discuss “Healthcare Insurance 101, Making Wise Choices. Learn the Basics.” The event will take place from to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16, at the meeting room of Westside YMCA, 920 Elmgrove Road, Rochester, New Fibromyalgia Support Group provides education speakers, social support and connections for people going through similar experiences. The group focuses on health and wellness and will be offering Meditation programs throughout the upcoming year. Monthly meetings are free, and are held 6:15to 8:30pm on the third Wednesday of each month the Westside Y. To reserve a seat or inquire about future programs leave a voice mail 752-1562.

Got a health-related event you’d like to share with our readers? Email the information to editor@GVhealthnews.com Deadline: the 10th of the month preceding the event.

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. © 2019 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. P.O. Box 525, Victor NY 14564. Phone: 585-421-8109 • Email: Editor@GVhealthnews.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Writers: Jim Miller, Deborah J. Sergeant, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, George W. Chapman, Ernst Lamothe Jr, Melody Burri • Advertising: Anne Westcott, Linda Covington • Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas • Office manager: Nancy Nitz 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.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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In a U.S. First, Baby Is Delivered From Womb Transplanted From Deceased Donor

octors at the Cleveland Clinic announced that they’ve achieved a first in North America: delivering a baby from a uterus that had been transplanted from a deceased donor. The healthy baby girl was delivered by C-section in June. This is only the second time such a delivery has happened worldwide, the first having occurred in Brazil in December. “We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Everything went wonderfully with the delivery, the mother and baby girl are doing great,” physician Uma Perni, a Cleveland Clinic maternal-fetal medicine specialist, said in a hospital news release. Perni stressed that “it’s important to remember this is still research. The field of uterus transplantation is rapidly evolving, and it’s exciting to see what the options may be for women in the future.” According to the Cleveland Clinic, the baby’s mother required a uterus transplant due to a condition called uterine factor infertility, which affects about one in every 500 women of childbearing age.

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The unnamed woman was in her mid-30s when she joined an ongoing clinical trial at Cleveland Clinic, exploring the possibility of uterus transplant to help her bear a child. In late 2017, the patient underwent transplant surgery and received a uterus from a deceased donor. In late 2018, she conceived through in vitro fertilization, her medical team said. “It was amazing how perfectly normal this delivery was, considering how extraordinary the occasion,” said Cleveland Clinic transplant surgeon Andreas Tzakis. “Through this research, we aim to make these extraordinary events ordinary for the women who choose this option. We are grateful to the donor and her family,” Tzakis added. “Their generosity allowed our patient’s dream to come true and a new baby to be born.” Specialists from many departments collaborated on the effort: transplant surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, fertility, neonatology, bioethics, psychiatry, nursing, anesthesiology, infectious disease, interventional radiology, patient advocacy and social work. The baby’s delivery is expected to be just the first of many, the Cleveland Clinic team said. So far, five uterus transplants have already been completed. “Three transplants were successful and two resulted in hysterectomies,” the clinic said. “Currently, two women are awaiting embryo transfers, while several more candidates are listed for transplant.” The clinic said their program seeks to eliminate risks to living donors by only sourcing the transplanted uterus from a deceased donor.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Ahmad Awada, M.D. New OB-GYN to expand women’s healthcare services in the Clifton Springs region You don’t have to face hearing loss alone. The Rochester Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) unites people with all degrees of hearing loss. Come to one of our monthly chapter meetings to meet others with hearing loss and learn from the professionals who treat it. Visit our website for details: HearingLossRochester.org

WE’RE HIRING! Trillium Health is growing, and we’re looking for candidates like YOU! Currently recruiting:

Community Outreach Specialist Rural (Livingston/Ontario) Community Outreach Specialist Rural (Schuyler/Chemung) Community Outreach Specialist (Health Homes) Data and Support Specialist Patient Navigator – Agency Patient Service Representative Prevention Navigator Referral Specialist Social Worker Adult Day Health and more!

Q: What’s the OB-GYN situation look like in the Clifton Springs area? A: The Clifton Springs area has historically been underserved for the last eight or nine years in OB-GYN. With Rochester Regional Health expanding to this side of the region, I saw this as an opportunity for me and for my family. We’re still starting up. We just started seeing patients in June. The practice is building up nicely. We’re going to be offering the full spectrum of OB-GYN care and that includes obstetric care and prenatal counseling. Q: Can you deliver at Clifton Springs? We don’t have a maternity unit yet at Clifton, but Newark is about 15 minutes away. So those patients will be taken care of here, but delivery will happen at Newark. We also have the gynecologic aspect of the specialty, taking care of women of all ages. We see patients with irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, prolapse issues, urinary incontinence issues. We can perform procedures in a minimally invasive way. Surgery is going to be divided between Clifton Springs and Newark. Clifton Springs Hospital is getting the operating room ready and it should be ready within the next couple months. Newark-Wayne Community Hospital has a robot that we can use for minimally invasive surgery. So it’s a full spectrum of OBGYN care that we’re going to be offering to this area. Q: What got you interested in practicing in Clifton Springs. A: I did my training in Washington, D.C., which is of course a big city, but then I moved to a small town south of here in Pennsylvania called Coudersport. It’s a very

small community similar to Clifton Springs. It’s a rural area, but it’s an even more remote rural area. During my time off we visited the Rochester area. My wife likes it, my kid likes it, and I saw an opportunity here. So for me it was an opportunity to still practice in a rural area but also be closer to a city. It’s a good balance for us. I like practicing in rural areas because of the relationship we’re able to build up with patients. It’s very different than the pace you have in a city, where everything’s moving so fast. I really liked practicing in Coudersport and want to replicate that dynamic here in Clifton Springs. Q: You’re on the younger side for a doctor. Have you experienced the transition toward hospital networks, or was it mostly in place by the time you started? A: I’ve been in practice for the last four years, but in training you get to hear your mentors and their thoughts about the changes. To be honest with you, the transition I experienced while I was in training was the Affordable Care Act. So I don’t have many years under my belt to talk about the healthcare system that we have, but I do have basic knowledge about the things we can improve and at least make it more efficient. Q: I understand that you’re expecting a daughter within the next day or two. How has being an OB-GYN informed how you approach your wife’s pregnancy? A: Funnily enough, back when I was in Coudersport, there were only two OB-GYNs: my partner and myself. When my partner was out of town, my wife would be considered my patient because I was the only one available. That re-

To view these positions and others, visit trilliumhealth.org!

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

lationship started back with my first child. Now she has her own doctor. It can put things in perspective, seeing someone as your wife and mother of your child but also a patient. The way you talk, the kind of advice you give. It’s hard not to put your OBGYN perspective into things either willingly or unwillingly. Q: Clifton Springs Hospital has a reputation for incorporating complementary medicine. Is it something you recommend for your patients? A: If I have enough information and knowledge about the therapy and think it’s safe, then I have no problem with it. If it’s something I’m not sure is safe, that we don’t know that much about, I’ll give the patient my 2 cents. Now some therapies like acupuncture, which is considered alternative medicine, can help patients with chronic pelvic pain. It’s a tool we have in our toolbox, but I always try to be upfront and honest about what I know about the therapy. Q: Have you taken on administrative duties? A: I just started with Rochester Regional in February, but I am on the patient safety committee. Down the road I’m sure there will be more things, but when you’re first starting out you want to build up your practice and patient base, so most of my practice is clinical right now. But we meet once or twice a month with the committee. Q: What are some of the challenges in spreading services between two hospitals? A: Communication is the main issue when you’re trying to provide uninterrupted care for patients. We’ve been pretty successful doing so. We share the same office manager. She’s a multi-tasker. We have the same surgical scheduler. So despite the challenges you might expect, I think the team’s doing a really good job of optimizing communication and making it a very smooth experience for the patient. It’s always going to be a work in progress, but the office in Clifton has a lot of independence, we’re just tied up with Newark for deliveries and sometimes surgeries. But the team is doing a good job of making things easy both for patients and myself.

Lifelines Name: Ahmad Awada, M.D. Position: OB-GYN at Rochester Regional Health Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon Education: American University of Beirut Career: OB-GYN internship at American University of Beirut Medical Center; OB-GYN resident at George Washington University Hospital; attending physician at UPMC Cole in Coudersport, Pennsylvania Current affiliations: Clifton Springs Hospital; Newark-Wayne Community Hospital; Rochester General Hospital Organizations: American College of OB-GYN; International Academy of Pelvic Surgeons Family: Wife (Lana); Son (Zayn); was expecting a daughter in July Hobbies: Running; playing soccer; eating out

Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman

Coming to a Hospital Near You: Artificial Intelligence in the OR

t’s coming to your local hospital sooner than you think. According to industry experts, up to 45% of operating rooms will have AI in just three years. Robotic assisted surgery devices (RASDs) are already used by surgeons to provide faster and more precise treatments which reduce recovery times and improve outcomes. Experts predict the RASDs market will increase to $7 billion by 2022. Currently, operating rooms account

Wearable devices

Wearable devices are a form of AI. According to several surveys, about two thirds of consumers responded they would be willing to use a wearable device, like an Apple Watch or a Fitbit, if it means fewer trips to their provider’s office. Fifty-five percent of respondents said they would wear a device at home if it meant their health could be monitored by someone remotely. Many insurers are offering discounts to members with wearable devices. According to a study by Evidation Health, diabetic and hypertensive patients with wearable devices are far more compliant with adhering to their meds. The biggest challenge is engaging patients to adopt and integrate virtual care into their daily lives. Despite all the advances in medicine, it still takes two to tangle. Poor patient compliance still frustrates physicians.

Retiree Concerns

Insurance companies fare better when claims decrease. No longer remaining passive, insurers are more actively involved with their members to improve their health (and of course lower claims). To learn

for 60% of hospital revenues. By integrating with advanced home care devices, sophisticated urban hospitals can expand the range of their surgical expertise into rural areas. The goal of AI is to interpret, synchronize and coordinate dated to achieve optimal OR results and patient outcomes. The proliferation of artificial intelligence in healthcare will help mitigate the projected shortage of physicians by increasing the efficiency. more about their membership and to develop strategies that help members stay healthy, insurance giant United Healthcare surveyed their Advantage members. Not surprisingly, 70% of respondents said health was their No. 1 concern. Eighty-six percent said they were worried about falling ill or becoming hospitalized in the near future. When asked what would you do to live healthier, 70% said they would start a new routine like a better diet, more exercise or volunteering. Forty percent of United’s Medicare Advantage members have multiple chronic conditions and 40% of their members live alone. Ten thousand people a day turn 65.

FDA Revolving Door

Dwight Eisenhower warned us against the “acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.” Arms manufacturers were hiring retired generals to act as lobbyists to their former employer. Now the same can be said of the FDA-pharmaceutical complex. Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottleib resigned in early April “to spend more time with his family.” Less than three months later, he is workAugust 2019 •

ing for drug giant Pfizer. This has become standard fare in Washington and is just another example of why President Trump wants to require or mandate a two-year waiting period between working in government and becoming a lobbyist for the very industry you were regulating. The US has the highest cost of healthcare per capita in the industrialized world and the pharmaceutical industry plays a huge part in our costs. Drugs invented, tested and manufactured in the US are sold abroad far cheaper. President Trump wants to establish what’s called a “favored nation” policy whereby the US takes advantage of the lowest world-wide price charged for a drug sold outside the US by a US manufacturer. So far, there has been a lot of talk but no action.

ED claims

It’s a tough place to work and it’s where the worst cases present themselves. Emergency departments are a classic metaphor for high reward coupled with high risk. Boston-based Coverys, a professional liability insurance company, analyzed over 1,300 claims against EDs from 2014 thru 2018. Cardiac and cardiovascular conditions, (like heart attacks, aortic aneurisms and ruptures), triggered the most liability claims. More than half the cases filed against EDs were due to: the failure or delay to make a diagnosis; lack of an appropriate family history and physical; and inappropriate ordering of diagnostic tests. (Similarly, diagnostic errors are the leading cause for claims against primary care providers.) A boon to emergency departments is the increased availability of and access to crucial patient information via the electronic medical record, especially when the patient presents to the ED unconscious and/or alone.

Cost of Cancer

According to a study published in JAMA Oncology, in addition to the

cost of treatment, premature deaths caused by cancer account for over $94 billion in lost earnings annually. Lung cancer caused the most lost wages at $21 billion. It caused 23% of all premature cancer related deaths. Utah had the lowest amount of lost wages at approximately $20 million, while Kentucky had the most lost wages of any state at $35 million. Researchers suggest states use the data to guide future policy decisions that address risk factors like smoking, obesity and lack of exercise. For example, did states that adopted Medicaid expansion fare better than states that did not when it comes to cancer prevention and premature deaths?

Climate change

More than 70 medical and public health organizations have deemed climate change to be one of the single greatest threats to our health and a medical emergency. Groups supporting the climate change call to action are: AMA; American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatricians; and American College of Physicians. The “Climate, Health and Equity Policy Action and Agenda” calls for solutions to be incorporated into all healthcare and public health policies. All 70 groups have denounced our withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and favor a rapid transition from fossil-based fuels.

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.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Experiencing Vision Loss? Consider a Low Vision Evaluation. Macular Degeneration Diabetic Retinopathy

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Are you caring for a loved one who has dementia? Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging and stressful.

ŶĞǁ ƐƚƵĚǇ ŝƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŝŐĂƚŝŶŐ ďƌŝĞĨ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ ƚŽ ƌĞĚƵĐĞ ƐƚƌĞƐƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞ ƚŚĞ ǁĞůůͲďĞŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŝŵŵƵŶĞ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ŽĨ ĐĂƌĞŐŝǀĞƌƐ͘  zŽƵ ŵĂǇ ďĞ ĞůŝŐŝďůĞ ŝĨ ǇŽƵ ĂƌĞ ĂŐĞ ϱϱ Žƌ ŽůĚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ĂƌĞ ĐĂƌŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ Ă ůŽǀĞĚ ŽŶĞ ǁŚŽ ŚĂƐ ĚĞŵĞŶƚŝĂ ;ĂŶǇ ƚǇƉĞͿ͘  ůů ƉƌŽĐĞĚƵƌĞƐ ĂƌĞ ĨƌĞĞ ĂŶĚ ƐƵďũĞĐƚƐ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ ƵƉ ƚŽ ΨϮϬϬ ĨŽƌ ƉĂƌƚŝĐŝƉĂƚŝŽŶ͘ ^ĐŚĞĚƵůŝŶŐ ŝƐ ĨůĞǆŝďůĞ ĂŶĚ ŽƉƚŝŽŶĂů ƌĞƐƉŝƚĞ ĐĂƌĞ ŝƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵƌ ůŽǀĞĚ ŽŶĞ͘

WĞƌŝŽĚƐ ŽĨ ĞŶƌŽůůŵĞŶƚ ĂƌĞ ŽƉĞŶ :ƵŶĞ ƚŚƌƵ ůĂƚĞ ƵŐƵƐƚ ;ĐĂůů ĂŶǇƚŝŵĞͿ͘

&Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ͕ ĐĂůů͗ ;ϱϴϱͿ ϮϳϱͲϲϴϯϱ Žƌ ĞŵĂŝů͗ ŵŝŶĚďŽĚǇΛƵƌŵĐ͘ƌŽĐŚĞƐƚĞƌ͘ĞĚƵ sŝƐŝƚ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ Ăƚ͗ Research.SON.Rochester.edu/dementia-caregiving Page 8

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Are You Up for the Canalway Challenge? Bike, cycle, paddle, run, walk or hike: Free personal fitness challenge on the Erie Canal encourages families to get active By Kyra Mancine

ore than 80% of adults and children don’t meet the guidelines for aerobic physical activities each day, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It’s time to make a dent in those numbers. What better place to start than by exercising outdoors on the Erie Canal? The Canalway Challenge is a free, personal fitness challenge that encourages people to get active, have fun and earn rewards along the way. This fitness initiative is spearheaded by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, a group that works in partnership with the National Park Service and other partners to promote communities connected by the waterway. Through October, participants are rewarded for logging miles on the New York State Canal System. Besides fostering fitness, the challenge is a great way for people of all ages and fitness levels to discover areas of the canal system they might not have visited or been aware of previously. “Participating in this program has given me that extra push to move more,” said Kristine Rodriguez, a runner from Fairport. “I find myself walking and running longer distances, as well as exploring new-to-me routes like the canal path in Brockport.”

Here’s what you need to know n How to get started —After you register online, you can start your journey anywhere on the canal, from Greece to Rochester, Henrietta to Pittsford or Fairport to Palmyra and beyond. Bike, cycle, paddle, run, walk or hike to get your miles in. You can join as an individual, family, group or organization. n Tracking mileage — Track miles using your fitness app or just manually record them. It’s on the honor system to accurately record your results online. There’s no set number of miles to do daily or weekly, or

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

To learn more about the Canalway Challenge free program and to sign up to participate, visit https://eriecanalway.org/explore/challenge schedule to follow. Plan your own route and timetable. Badge distances are based on the four distinct regions of the Erie Canal and Canalway trail, and available in 15, 90, 180 and 360 mile increments. n What’s the significance of the first and last badge mileage numbers? — The first badge distance is in homage to the lyrics “15 miles on the Erie Canal” from the 1905 folk song “Low Bridge, Everybody Down” by Thomas S. Allen. This song commemorated when mule-powered barge traffic converted to steam power. Travelers on boats had to duck to fit underneath low bridges during their travels. The last badge of 360 miles covers the entire distance of the canal from Buffalo to Albany. n What can I earn? — Besides the certificate, finishers have the opportunity to earn a sticker, magnet, drawstring bag and the satisfaction of seeing their name on the finisher’s list. In addition, there are incentives and discounts for products and activities that you’ll learn about in your welcome email. There’s even a photo contest. n Challenge Support — Join the very active and encouraging Facebook group where challengers post photos and videos of their canal journey and the varied and diverse natural beauty they encounter along the way. It’s a great place to get encouragement, suggestions and share experiences. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #CanlwayChallenge when you post on your own social media channels —www.facebook.com/groups/ canalwaychallenge/

Meet Your Provider The Village at Unity A conversation with Michael Matteo, general manager of the Village at Unity in Rochester Q. What’s all the buzz about the Village at Unity?

A. “The Village at Unity is one of Rochester’s largest and most experienced senior living communities. Our campus is a park-like setting on 12 acres, offering independent living apartments, assisted living, memory care, or Opal Living apartments.”

Q. What are some of the services provided?

A. “Here are just a few services that our residents love! A lot of communities have some of what we offer, however, no other community has all of the choices that we offer. • Choice of Restaurants: The Village at Unity offers three restaurants — each featuring a distinct style of dining from fast casual to homestyle to fining dining — and the meals are prepared to order.

• Easy Transportation: The Village at Unity offers four sedans, three buses and a campus shuttle that runs seven days a week. There are no limits to how many times transportation can be used. Couple that with our corporate Uber account, and our residents can get wherever they want whenever they want. • Things to Do: Our calendar of events is so big we publish a companion day by day booklet. We have a proprietary piece of software that can remind residents of events. • Added Bonus: We even have washers and dryers in our apartments so there’s no sharing of appliances. • Local Roots: We have local roots dating from the original Village at Park Ridge in 1990, but now with national experience and service choices like no other. Many of our employees have been here 10 years or longer and that’s reliability you can count on.”

Michael Matteo

Q. How is the Village at Unity involved in giving back to the community?

A. “We do this in ways big and small. We collect money on casual Friday and donate to local charities. We also sponsored the public television broadcasts of “Chasing the Moon” on PBS. This came with a lot of companion pieces for our residents to enjoy. We put on free concerts with contemporary music on our Village green, and we adopted Rochester’s School of Arts which again gave our residents great programming but also provided food, school supplies and instruments to this amazing group of students.”

Q. What interests you about your job? A. “These residents are amazing.

I get to moderate a series of discussions called ‘Investigating American Presidents.’ It’s a DVD course which we watch together and then talk about the content. We just covered McCarthyism and I got to ask questions of people who were there. Fascinating! I’m honored to be a part of their journey.”

Q. Last question. Why should someone choose the Village at Unity?

A. “Oh, easy one! It’s all about choices. We don’t tell people where to eat, when to eat, what to eat. We don’t limit transportation or just have a couple of things to do. When we say, “choices like no other,” we truly mean it. That’s why people choose us.”

The Village at Unity

1471 Long Pond Rd., Rochester • 585-206-2103 • www.thevillageatunity.com

Laser Gum Treatment in Rochester, NY What is laser gum treatment or LANAP?

HAVE FUN. HELP OTHERS.

Laser Periodontal Therapy TM is a laser based approach to gum disease using an ND:YAG free running pulsed laser requiring specific knowledge and skills drawn from the whole of dentistry.

Patient Benefits To you, the patient, this means less pain, less bleeding, less swelling, less tissue removed, less downtime, and less recovery time, which is decidedly less costly to you and your employer.

Friday, September 6 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Burgundy Basin, Pittsford

$20 OFF Drs. Emery & Scuro would love to meet you. Please enjoy $20 OFF any service for your first visit! Call to schedule your appointment today! 585-247-7110

The reason we use Laser Periodontal TherapyTM are to:

ENJOY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, PRIZES PROCEEDS BENEFIT HOSPICE & BEREAVEMENT SERVICES DON ALHART, EMCEE

Remove only diseased tissue without removing any of the healthy tissue, maintain the height of the tissue around the teeth, minimize pain and discomfort to the patient, get a closure of the periodontal pocket wound and allow healing to take place. Controlling periodontal disease makes it possible to save and restore otherwise hopeless involved teeth.

Call 585.214.1571 for ticket information.

Emery and Scuro DMD, PC 2184 Chili Ave, Rochester, NY 14624 (585) 247-7110 | www.drsemeryandscuro.com Emery & Scuro DMD, PC has been recognized as one of the top Rochester Dentistry practices. Verified by Opencare.com August 2019 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 9

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Alone at Home: Spending Quality Time with Yourself

t’s a warm August Friday night, and the weekend is stretching out in front of you — a big, empty void to fill. But with what? You can feel your anxiety rising. You can feel yourself spiraling down, questioning the past. And that’s when you grab for the TV remote, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, and head for the couch, or maybe, for bed. Sound familiar? It’s not uncommon for those who live alone to find time alone at home a real challenge. It’s especially true for those coming out of long marriages or relationships where familiar routines, chore schedules and social obligations filled evenings and weekends. I can remember many nights after my divorce, coming home after work to an empty house with hours on my hands and a hole in my heart. The prospect of a long, lonely evening ahead was almost unbearable. I was fine during the day, but when the sun started to set or the weekend rolled around, I would start to panic. After way too many bowls of ice cream and episodes of Dateline, I had finally had enough and started making better use of my “me time.”

I am now thoroughly comfortable spending time by myself and have come to enjoy my own company. In fact, it’s not unusual for me to pass on an invitation out, in favor of spending a nice quiet evening at home relaxing or fully engaged in something I love to do. If you are challenged by time alone, as I was, consider the suggestions below. You might even clip this column and put it on your fridge as a handy reminder. n Read. In our busy lives and with so many electronic options vying for our attention, reading can fall by the wayside. It’s such a shame. Reading for enjoyment and enlightenment can turn a lonely evening into a lovely evening. Don’t know where to start? Ask a friend for a suggestion or select a book from The New York Times’ best-seller list. Snuggle up in a comfy, well-lit place, and let a good book introduce you to new people, new places and new ideas. We are never alone when reading. n Write. Marcel Proust wrote, “We are healed of a suffering only by expressing it to the full.” Even if you never look back at what you write,

the act of committing your thoughts and feelings to paper can be therapeutic. Consider starting a journal if you haven’t already done so. A few minutes in the evening before bed can be a perfect time to capture what’s on your mind and in your heart. As you work through and write about some of the challenges you face living alone, you will find that reading and rereading your journal entries will be a great way to reflect on and track the progress you are making. n Clear Out the Clutter. I know this might sound mundane, but clearing out the clutter can be very satisfying and a great way to spend a few hours alone. I spent one recent Tuesday night sorting out my closet and filling two Hefty bags for Volunteers of America. It felt good. I not only lightened my load; I did something for a good cause. As a result, I felt part of something bigger than myself and less alone. n Pursue a passion. This can sound daunting, especially if you’ve yet to identify your passion, but hang in there. Many men and women in long-term relationships often sacrifice their own interests in favor of attending to the needs of others. The pursuit of what delights you can be lost in the process. Now’s a good time to rediscover your “loves” and to dedicate your time alone to these pursuits. Do some “internal” digging and identify the things you loved as a child or young adult and make a conscious decision to revisit them now. Evenings or weekends spent doing what you love can shift your perspective and change your world. Whether it’s cooking, exercising, gardening, writing, or practicing music,

when you’re absorbed doing the things you love, loneliness dissipates and you feel alive. n Reach Out. With time on your hands, you are in a great position to reach out and make connections with others, especially with long, lost friends. This can be a very meaningful way to spend your time. Just yesterday, I received a hand-written note from a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. I was very touched and inspired to do likewise with my own old friends. Pick up the phone, send an email, or send a “snail mail” note to someone with whom you’ve lost touch. n “Veg out.” That’s right, “veg out.” Grab the TV remote, a pint of ice cream, and head for the couch — or better — for bed. But this time, do it without guilt; do it without beating yourself up. Everyone is entitled to an occasional night when they just hang out, do nothing and eat yummy comfort food. Indulge yourself and tell yourself you deserve it. Wake up the next morning — free of remorse — and ready to take on the day: alone at home and “at home” with yourself!

dies with more than 38,000 participants, also revealed that the image of the overweight gamer lolling on the couch with a controller, potato chips and a bottle of soda may be more applicable to adults. Appel and his colleagues noticed a small correlation for video game playing and excess weight among adults. A possible explanation for the correlation is indirect: Those who spend more time playing video games are likely to spend less time exercising, thus weighing more. The prevalence of adult obesity in the United States is a staggering 39.8%.

In the past, the relationship between video games and obesity has been studied. Other forms of sedentary media consumption, such as watching TV, have shown a strong link to weight gain. “TV use is more reliably related to body mass in kids and adolescents,” Appel said. He offered a reason for this link. “There are more ads for high-calorie food and drinks in TV than in games,” Appel said. The study was published online recently in the journal Social Science and Medicine.

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of “Alone & Content” empowerment boot camps for women held throughout the year in Mendon. She is the author of “Alone and Content: Inspiring, empowering essays to help divorced and widowed women feel whole and complete on their own.” For information about her boot camp, to purchase her book, or invite her to speak call 585-624-7887, email gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com, or visit www.aloneandcontent.com

s d i K Corner

Will Video Games Make Your Kid Obese? Maybe Not

o the millions of parents who worry about the extra pounds their child might pile on while playing Xbox all day, rest easy. A new study suggests that video game-loving kids aren’t any heavier than those who aren’t into the gaming scene. Childhood obesity affects an estimated 13.7 million children and adolescents in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But researchers from Germany challenge the notion that gaming is fueling the epidemic. Excess weight gain in kids has a slew of causes: high-calorie, low-nutrient snacks and beverages, lack of physical activity, medication use, sleep routines and sedentary activities. However, the study found that video games can’t be counted as one of those activities. “Given our results, it is likely Page 10

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that the energy intake [food and drinks] and their energy expenditure [including non-sedentary activities] are not closely related to playing games,” said researcher Markus Appel, from the University of Wurzburg. Childhood obesity can lead to significant health problems like Type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea and psychological stress. Obesity-related conditions are some of the leading causes of preventable, premature death. Changing eating habits and activity levels are some of the best ways to prevent obesity. Jason Bruck, a nurse anesthetist at Mount Sinai West in New York City, shared some advice for parents. “Make sure your children stay active,” Bruck said. “Prepare meals ahead of time, provide healthy snacks. A lot of small details can influence your child’s health.” The research, involving 20 stu-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

U.S. Suicide Rate Rose 33% Between 1999 and 2017

he United States’ suicide rate in 2017 was 33% higher than in 1999 and is at its highest since World War II, according to a new study. It found that suicide rates among Americans aged 15-64 rose from 10.5 per 100,000 in 1999 to 14 per 100,000 in 2017, CNN reported. American Indian or Alaska Natives had the highest increase among all racial/ethnic groups, according to the findings released in June by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Statistics. There were significant increases in suicide deaths among girls and women in all racial/ethnic groups except Asian or Pacific Islander. The largest increase (139%) was among American Indian or Alaska Native girls and women, CNN reported.

Significant increases were also seen in suicide rates among boys and men in all racial/ethnic groups except for Asian or Pacific Islander. The largest increase (71%) occurred among American Indian or Alaska Native boys and men. American Indian or Alaska Native, aged 15 to 44, had the highest suicide rates for both males and females in 2017, CNN reported. A separate study published in June in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that suicide rate among U.S. teens aged 15 to 19 rose from 8 per 100,000 in 2000 to 11.8 per 100,000 in 2017. Among young adults aged 20 to 24, the suicide rate rose from 12.5 per 100,000 in 2000 to 17 per 100,000 in 2017. A CDC report released last year said U.S. suicide rates rose 25% between 1999 and 2016, CNN reported.

Advertise with In Good Health — Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper to reach nearly 100,000 readers in the region. For information, please email editor@GVhealthnews.com

PLAYING IN DIRT CAN STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM IT’S TRUE. Getting a little dirty can go a long way, especially for kids. Studies show that when young children are exposed to dirt, their immune systems are stimulated, which in turn makes them stronger.

August 2019 •

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Page 11

Things You Need to Know About Vaccination

By Ernst Lamothe Jr

his was a banner year for measles and mumps. Not good news for health officials and various communities that were rocked by these two viruses. The number of patients diagnosed with measles in the United States grew tremendously with more than 900 confirmed cases in 23 states. Measles is an infectious viral disease causing fever and a red rash on the skin, typically occurring in childhood. The United States is presently seeing the highest number of measles cases since the disease was considered eliminated in this country in the year 2000. Measles were reported in several states, including New York. In addition, during the first six months of this year, 44 states and the District of Columbia in the U.S. reported mumps infections in 1,471 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Before the U.S. mumps vaccination program started in 1967, about 186,000 cases were reported each year, but the actual number of cases was likely much higher due to underreporting. Since the two-MMR dose vaccination program was introduced in 1989, U.S. mumps cases decreased more than 99 percent, with only a few hundred cases reported most years. However, since 2006, there have been several increases in cases and outbreaks about every five years, according to the CDC. “Vaccines are meant to save kids and adults from infectious diseases and that is exactly what it has done.

This measles and mumps outbreak should be yet another reminder about the importance of getting vaccines,” said pediatrician Larry Denk, who works at Rochester Regional Health. “Some vaccines can wait until later and some must be performed on newborns.”

DTaP

DTaP vaccine can help protect children from diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Diphtheria can cause breathing problems, paralysis and heart failure. Before vaccines, diphtheria killed tens of thousands of children every year in the United States. Tetanus causes painful tightening of the muscles. It can cause locking of the jaw so you cannot open your mouth or swallow. About one person out of five who gets tetanus dies, according to the CDC. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, causes coughing spells so bad that it is hard for infants and children to eat, drink or breathe. It can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, or death. “These are the kinds of important vaccinations that you have to set up your child correctly from the beginning. We stress to parents that these cannot be misses or ignored.” said Denk, who is a member of American Academy of Pediatrics and certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

HPV

Human papillomavirus is a group of more than 150 viruses. Many people who get HPV have no

symptoms. Some people who get HPV develop warts in their genital area. Some HPV infections do not go away and can cause cancer such as cervical cancer, cancer in or outside of the vagina, cancer of the penis, cancer of the anus or rectum and cancer of the throat. HPV spreads by intimate skin-to-skin contact. “Because there are nine types of HPV and there may be even more, so this is one of those vacations that we stress,” Denk said. “The fact that it can be the first step to preventing cervical cancer shows the importance of this vaccination.”

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by a virus. People who have acute hepatitis B may not have symptoms, but those who do may have fevers, upset stomach, feeling tired, pain in the muscles or jaundice. Others who suffer from chronic hepatitis B have cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver, liver cancer, or even liver failure. This disease can spread by sharing razors or toothbrushes, or touching open sores. Hepatitis B vaccine is made from parts of the hepatitis B virus. It cannot cause hepatitis B infection. The vaccine is usually given as two, three or four shots during one to six-month increments. “Having hepatitis B can do incredible damage to your liver,” said Denk. “It is a disease that can be spread by sharing needles, transfusion from someone who has the disease or sex with someone who has hepatitis B.

Cholera

Cholera is caused by a type of bacteria. Symptoms can be severe diarrhea, throwing up, low blood pressure, fast heart beats or muscle cramps. People with severe cases of cholera can get dehydrated and die in just a few hours. This spreads by waste from sewers that gets into drinking water, or someone who has

Gingivitis Associated with Alzheimer’s Risk Maintaining oral health may contribute to maintaining cognitive health By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

esearchers believe that gingivitis may raise the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A study from Broegelmanns Research Laboratory at University of Bergen included 53 persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers had previously discovered that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain where the harmful enzymes they excrete can destroy the nerve cells in the brain. Now, for the first time, researchers discovered DNA evidence for this process from human brains. Lead researcher Piotr Mydel and his team examined brain tissue, salivary samples and spinal fluid samples and found the enzyme in 96% of the cases, along with an increase in production of the amyloid beta, a compound of the plaque that contributes to Alzheimer’s. That doesn›t mean gingivitis has a causal relationship with Alzheimer›s disease. “This is a preliminary study,” Page 12

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said Alexandra Tsigarida, program director of the periodontics program at Eastman Institute of Oral Health. “There’s [only] association at this time.” The study’s size is also too small to prove a causal effect; Tsigarida however, Tsigarida said that researchers learned that bacteria can travel from the mouth to the brain, which could indicate a biological role oral health plays in development of Alzheimer’s disease. “We cannot say it’s the only way Alzheimer’s is caused, but potentially one of the factors that contribute to it,” Tsigarida said. “If you have a healthy mouth, you can expect to have a healthier body. It doesn’t mean who doesn’t brush and floss will have Alzheimer’s.

“There’s a good association but we need more research. We have it pretty well documented the link between gum disease and heart disease. Our mouth is part of our body. The better the oral hygiene, the better for overall health.” Whether it’s related to Alzheimer’s disease or not, maintaining good oral health is important. Rob Buhite, II, dentist with Buhite & Buhite, DDS in Rochester, explained that gingivitis is an inflammatory response in the gum tissue. Many people don’t realize they have gingivitis since it’s not painful, but they may notice bleeding in their gums that doesn’t go away. Dental plaque, also called biofilm, are bacteria deposits on the teeth. They require manual removal or else they will cause inflammation and swelling. Buhite said that left untreated, gingivitis can cause “deleterious effects in the substructure and bone loss. That’s peritonitis.” He agrees with the research that oral health is related to the rest of the

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

Pediatrician Larry Denk. cholera doesn’t wash their hands before preparing foods. “We tell people who are traveling to certain countries that it is necessary to take the cholera vaccine in two doses more than a week before you leave,” said Denk.

Polio

Children in the United States should get polio vaccine to protect against polio or poliomyelitis. They should get four doses total, with one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4 through 18 months and 4 through 6 years old. “The important aspect to know about any of these vaccines is that there have been great outcomes with those who are vaccinated,” said Denk. “It has unequivocally been a success in curing sickness and infections. There is so much evidence to vaccinate your children as well as adults. While the medical community is not perfect because I would say we over prescribed antibiotics and maybe over diagnosed ear infections, but when it comes to vaccines we have been correct.”

body’s health, and that gingivitis may correlate to development of Alzheimer’s disease. To keep the mouth healthy, he said that people need to brush after meals, floss daily, and use an antibacterial dental rinse such as Listerine. Using a waterpik bruBuhite sh can also help break up biofilm, he said. “If you’re concerned about using a product, the best way to prove its validity is to look for the American Dental Association seal of acceptance,” Buhite said. “That means that material has been researched and proven to do exactly what it says.” He also advises visiting the dentist for a cleaning and exam every six months, or more often if advised to do so. Some people have underlying conditions or take medication that necessitates more frequent professional oral healthcare. But the most important aspect is home care. “What you do day to day makes a big difference,” Buhite said.

I Want To Live Now! I can’t say life has been easy. As a child I was abused at home physically and sexually. These wounds have left me with a life long battle with depression, anxiety and PSTD. My first and second marriage ended in ugly divorces. I have spent a lifetime in therapy and trying every medicine available but nothing worked on me. My psychiatrist said I was “treatment resistant” but I have learned that oral anti-depressants only help 30% of all the people who take them. When my daughter told me about Ketamine Therapy, I was skeptical. Then I looked on-line and I was shocked about all the news stories about Ketamine changing peoples lives. Intravenous Ketamine Therapy changed my life. I don’t wake up each day wishing I had died in my sleep. I have a new hope for living and I am living my best life now, for the first time ever. I am making up for loss years with my children and my grandchildren. I encourage anyone who is struggling to consider Intravenous Ketamine Therapy, it changed my life and it can change yours too! - Gale

585-673-2319 | www.ketamine.care 3300 Monroe Avenue Suite 345, Rochester, New York 14618

Sunday, September 15 Inside The Mall at Greece Ridge

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Walk for the men in YOUR life.

PROSTATE CANCER WALK & Health Fair

August 2019 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 13

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Compelling Reasons to Dig into Red Potatoes

aby red potatoes are my go-to variety of potato and here’s why: They offer a smidge more nutritional benefit than white; their nutritious skin is easily edible; they affect our blood sugar levels slightly less than white; and they hold their shape when roasted or boiled. First, let’s unearth a potato’s nutrition. From red to white to purple, this popular vegetable delivers the same nutritional goods across the board. All potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C (nearly half of our daily needs in one serving) and a good source of potassium (more than a banana). Antioxidant-rich vitamin C is vital to our overall health, helping to repair tissues and boost immunity. Potassium, on the other hand, helps to maintain normal blood pressure and keeps the hardest working muscle in our body beating strong. Naturally low in fat, sodium and cholesterol, potatoes also serve up healthy amounts of disease-preventing fiber, mood-boosting vitamin B 6, and bone-strengthening manganese. Un-doctored and simply boiled or roasted, potatoes are not that caloric: around 110 per average serving. Deep-fry them in oil or smother them with the works, however, and this healthy spud quickly becomes a nutritional dud. Red potatoes are moderately more nutritious than white because

Helpful tips:

Go easy on the add-ins and caloric toppings (one meager pat of butter adds 100 calories); avoid processed potatoes, like chips and fries. Select firm potatoes, minus sprouts and green coloration. Store potatoes in a cool, dark place — away from onions, as they cause potatoes to spoil faster of their thin, rosy-hued skin, which comes packed with nutrients, fiber and health-promoting phytochemicals. Their red color also means they contain anthocyanins, a specific antioxidant that may fend off major health problems, including heart disease, cancer and obesity. Studies have found that red- and purple-skinned potatoes have nearly two to three times more antioxidant power than white. Potatoes have gotten a bad reputation for causing weight gain and having a high glycemic index (GI), a measurement of how quickly a food raises blood sugar. But, according to experts at Tufts University, the type of potato, the preparation method, and the foods eaten in tandem can lower the GI. Recent studies suggest the following to lower this tasty tuber’s GI: choose fingerling or red potatoes, elect to boil or roast, and pair potatoes with protein-rich foods to slow digestion and slow the release of glucose into the blood.

Cream Potato Salad with Lemon and Fresh Herbs Adapted from Bon Appetit; serves 8 3 pounds baby red potatoes, washed and dried 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt 2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1 garlic clove, minced ½ cup chopped fresh dill ½ cup chopped fresh basil 2 celery stalks, diced 3 green onions, thinly sliced salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut the potatoes in half (or quarters, if large) and place in a bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper; toss until the potatoes are well coated. Dump the potatoes on two baking sheets, spread out into 1 layer, and roast for 35-40 minutes, flipping once with a spatula during cooking to ensure even browning. While the potatoes are cooking, combine the yogurt, remaining olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and garlic in a large bowl. Add the herbs, celery and green onions on top (don’t stir yet). When the potatoes are cool, add them to the large bowl, stirring gently to combine (hands work great!). Taste and adjust seasonings.

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.

Often Feel Bloated? One Ingredient May Be to Blame

f you often feel bloated after a meal, don’t be too quick to blame high-fiber foods. The real culprit might surprise you. Your gut may be rebelling because you’re eating too much salt, a new study suggests. “Sodium reduction is an important dietary intervention to reduce bloating symptoms and could be used to enhance compliance with healthful high-fiber diets,” said study researcher Noel Mueller, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. He and his research colleagues looked at data from a large clinical trial conducted in the late 1990s known as Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension-Sodium, or DASH-Sodium for short. Their conclusion: Consuming a lot of salt increases bloating, as does a healthy, high-fiber diet. Although it’s not clear exactly how salt contributes, Mueller suspects fluid retention may be the key. Eating more salt can promote water retention and make digestion less efficient, which can lead to gas and Page 14

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bloating, he said. Studies in mice have shown that dietary salt can alter the makeup of gut bacteria. And that, in turn, can affect gas production in the colon, Mueller said. “Our study suggests that selecting foods with lower sodium content, such as those that are not ultra-processed, may help relieve bloating in some people,” he said. Bloating affects as many as a third of Americans, including more than 90% of those with irritable bowel syndrome. It’s a painful buildup of excess gas created as gut bacteria break down fiber during digestion. For the current study, the researchers used findings from a 19981999 trial. In that trial, the DASH diet — one low in fat and high in fiber, fruits, nuts and veggies — was compared with a low-fiber eating regimen. The trial’s goal was to learn how salt and other factors affected high blood pressure. The new review found that about 41% on the high-fiber diet reported bloating, and men had a bigger problem with it than women. And diets high in salt increased the odds

of bloating by 27%. “We found that in both diets, reducing sodium intake reduced bloating symptoms,” Mueller said. The upshot is that reducing sodium can be an effective way to prevent gas — and may help people maintain a healthy, high-fiber eating regimen. Many things can cause bloating — lactose intolerance, celiac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, infection or other conditions, said Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at New York University Langone Health. “If someone is experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating on an ongoing basis, they should see their health care practitioner to see if the cause can be pinned down,” said Heller, who wasn’t involved with the study. “This way they will

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

know how to manage the issue.” Occasional bloating is not uncommon, she added. To help you avoid excess gas and bloating, Heller offered these tips: • Increase physical activity. • Limit highly processed foods, such as fast food, frozen meals, junk food and fried food. • Increase your fluid intake, and make peppermint tea part of it. Avoid carbonated beverages. • Eat more foods that are rich in fiber, such as vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Increase these slowly and in small portions, and be sure to increase your fluid intake at the same time. • Have smaller meals. The report was published recently in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Navigating Fair and Festival Food

Fried dough, funnel cakes, corn dogs, deep fried cookies — we’ve asked the experts about eating those delicious treats By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

rom sugary drinks to deep fried everything, fairs and festivals offer a bevy of nutritionally poor food choices. To stick with your healthful eating plan, try these tips from area health experts: • “Try to focus on things that are grilled. Many events have kebabs with maybe chicken and veggies on them. • “Don’t go to a fair starving. Try to eat beforehand. • “Bring healthful snacks. • “Once in a while, if you want to indulge in fried dough, share with a friend. It reduces the portion size. • “Go for roasted corn on the cob. • “Check out a taco truck or gyros for a meal with veggies. • “Portion matters; a few bites of something won’t do you in, but a paper plate filled with fried dough, that is more.” Heather Carrera, doctor of clinical nutrition and certified nutrition specialist who practices at physician Leslie James’ office, Pittsford.

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• “Don’t mistake hunger for thirst. An easy mistake to avoid is letting your hydration drift and then turning to food when what your body is really needing is water or specifically minerals and electrolytes. Drinking half your body weight in ounces of water per day is generally a good approach. When you are out in the sun for any amount of time with temperatures in the typical summer temperature ranges, it’s especially important to be replacing more than just water. Electrolytes and trace minerals are essentially to keeping your blood chemistry stable. If you drink too much pure water without replacing lost electrolytes your body can pull you even more dramatically to the salty and sweet treats around you. Generally, plan on 50% of your total water consumption being electrolyte-rich. Be careful what you select, most commercially available products are high in artificial ingredients, colors and fake sugars. • “When you’ll be out for an extended period of time, bring heat

resistant foods that are also high in fiber. They can provide the staying power to keep you full and feeling more in charge of your cravings. For example, apples and raw nuts. • “Look for solid protein options. If you’re consuming that protein along with whatever indulgence you may not be able to resist, the protein will help stabilize the fast calories — sugar. For example, you eat the hotdog without the bun or have a lettuce-wrapped burger.” Matt Boheen, founder, Restoration Wellness, Rochester. • “Look for chicken barbecue. If it’s half a chicken, share with someone. • “If you know you’re going to the State Fair for the day and know you’ll treat yourself to one or two things, remember, you’ll do a lot of walking. Don’t give up on yourself. Enjoy the day and then continue to eat in moderation. • “Plan for what you want to treat yourself to. Some go on a very

restrictive eating plan for a short time and then go back to eating whatever they want. • “You don’t tend to think about the calories in a smoothie or lemonade. Plan to drink water or if you’ll get a beverage, get an extra cup and split it or order a small. • “Think about the amount of alcohol.” Hannah C. Smith, registered dietitian nutritionist and manager of clinical nutrition for Rochester Regional Health. • “Try to find vegetables. They don’t have choices for organic, but vegetables are better for you. • “You can take some fruit and vegetables from home. Dried fruits in small amounts is healthful. • “As more people get educated about health, we’ll have more healthful options available.” Physician Az Tahir, who practices holistic medicine in Rochester.

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Brighter Views is offered by the Medicare 101 seminars every month! Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI). Participants learn Free one-on-one consultations. from Vision Rehabilitation specialists Brighter Views is offered by whothe teach various ways the Learn more! lifespanrochester.org participants can use their eyesight to Association for the Blind and Visually 585-287-6413. their fullest advantage. Impaired (ABVI). Participants learn Interested? A service of Lifespan’s Health Insurance Information Counseling & Assistance Program (HIICAP). from Vision RehabilitationPlease specialists Contact us today by phone at: who teach various ways the (585) 642-6386 via email participants can use theiroreyesight toat: Brighterviews@ their fullest advantage. goodwillfingerlakes.org

No person shall be denied benefits or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal Assistance on grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or marital status. This program is funded by participants’ contributions, U.S. Administration on Aging, N.Y. State Office for the Aging, N.Y. State Department of Health, Monroe County Dept. of Human Services / Office for the Aging.

August 2019 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

CDC Warns of Start to ‘Season’ for Mysterious Paralyzing Illness in Kids

he “season” for a polio-like illness that mainly strikes children is about to begin, so public health officials sent out an early warning to doctors in early July. The largest recorded outbreak of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) occurred last year, with the illness debilitating 233 people in 41 states across the nation, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. AFM cases typically spike between August and October, so the CDC is alerting medical professionals around the United States. “Doctors and other clinicians across the United States play a critical role,” CDC Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat said during a media briefing in July. “We ask for your help with early recognition of patients with AFM symptoms, prompt specimen collection for testing, and immediate reporting of suspected AFM cases to health departments,” she added.

“When specimens are collected as soon as possible after symptom onset, we have a better chance of understanding the causes of AFM, these recurrent outbreaks, and developing a diagnostic test,” Schuchat explained. AFM is a rare but serious disease that attacks the spinal cord, causing the muscles and reflexes in the body to become weak. The disease mainly affects the arms and legs, causing serious limb weakness, but it can endanger a person’s ability to breathe by weakening the muscles of the respiratory system. One out of four confirmed AFM patients in 2018 required respiratory support, and most often they were put on a ventilator, the CDC said. The average age of a confirmed AFM patient in 2018 was 5, the CDC reported. Currently, there are no proven ways to either treat or prevent AFM.

And at least half of patients do not recover from the illness, CDC officials have said. Officials continue to track the long-term progress of patients. The CDC began tracking AFM in 2014, following an initial outbreak of 120 cases. The disease has since settled into an every-other-year pattern, with major outbreaks recurring in 2016

Working Too Many Hours? You May Need to Reconsider Study: Long work hours tied to higher odds for stroke

eing first at the office and the last to leave may help get you that promotion, but new research warns that working long hours may not be so good for your heart. And the longer you do it, the higher your risk for a stroke, French researchers said. The findings come from a review of self-reported work habits and heart health among roughly 144,000 French men and women between the ages of 18 and 69. Those who worked long hours had a 29% greater risk of stroke, and those who worked long hours for at least 10 years had a 45% greater risk Page 16

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of stroke, the analysis found. For the purpose of the study, “long work hours” meant working more than 10 hours a day for at least 50 days out of the year. “Previous studies in South Korea, the U.S. and Europe have raised this issue,” said study author, physician Alexis Descatha. “But for the first time we had data to show an association with duration, [meaning] 10 years or more.” Descatha is a specialist in emergency medicine at Paris Hospital in Versailles, as well as a professor in occupational health with the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm).

He and his colleagues outline their findings in the July issue of the journal Stroke. Investigators focused on those who had been in the workforce for at least six months. Most were full-time employees. In addition to completing questionnaires, all participants also underwent medical interviews, during which investigators collected information on past stroke histories; body mass index (a standard measure of overweight/obesity); diabetes and high blood pressure status, and any family history of heart disease. The team found that about 30%

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

and 2018. In 2016, 149 cases were reported. All told, there have been 570 AFM cases in 48 states since 2014, the CDC said. Doctors are being urged to look for early signs of limb weakness, and to gather a wide array of samples from patients as soon as possible, the CDC said. of the French participants said they had worked long hours, while about 10% reported having worked long hours for 10 years or more. After setting aside those who had experienced a stroke prior to embarking on a long work hour routine, roughly 1% of the respondents were characterized as stroke survivors. In the end, the team found a strong association between working long hours and stroke risk, for men and women alike. The link seemed stronger for people under the age of 50. Descatha characterized the latter finding as “unexpected,” and said more research is needed to understand why younger workers are more affected. But he suggested it could be that at a younger age the working conditions, irregular schedules and stress that can accompany working long hours might have more of a negative impact on the heart than other factors such as being overweight and having high blood pressure — that typically affect older men and women. Physician Gregg Fonarow is director of the Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center and co-director of the UCLA’s preventative cardiology program. He noted that “a variety of potential mechanisms have been considered as helping to explain this excess risk. “These include long hours spent working leading to less daily physical activity, prolonged sitting, greater exposure to stress, and disruptions in sleep,” Fonarow said. “It has also been suggested that those with long work hours may pay less attention to their cardiovascular health or seek attention for concerning symptoms.” He added that the findings suggest greater attention is needed for modifying cardiovascular risk factors for those who work long hours. “It is possible to work long hours but still maintain a healthy blood pressure, healthy body weight, healthy cholesterol levels, and get sufficient levels of physical activity to substantially decrease the risk of stroke or heart attack,” Fonarow believes.

Golden Years

Students from Honeoye Central School next to residents at Quail Summit in Canandaigua whose portraits they painted as part of the school project.

Building Bridges with the Arts Art teacher Tim Williams has rounded up a team of his most promising student artists to take part in the school’s portraiture project in cooperation with Quail Summit. By Melody Burri

core one for the power of art. Residents at Quail Summit in Canandaigua learned again this year that the simple act of putting brush to canvas could successfully bridge the gap between those otherwise separated by decades, geography and life experiences. It’s the third year Honeoye Central School art teacher Tim Williams has rounded up a team of his most promising student artists to take part in the school’s portraiture project in cooperation with Quail Summit. And after two months of interviews and studio work, 22 painters and two photographers from Honeoye and Honeoye Falls/Lima schools unveiled original acrylic, watercolor and photography portraits to their subject residents at a recent grand reception. “This year the residents were almost more excited about seeing the kids again than seeing their portraits,” said Quail Summit Community Outreach Director Alice Berry. “They talked about getting to know who the kids were and hearing about their lives. They’re not expecting Picasso to walk through the door — they wanted somebody they could connect with.” Students came and interviewed their subjects, some staying for hours, some returning second time, and some even exchanging addresses, she said. “There’s a connection that makes all the difference,” said Berry. “Most of the portraits are hung in residents’ apartments, so when I come to visit, I see them proudly displayed.”

About 25 senior adults participated this year, including six from Quail Summit’s memory care center, Berry said. “Some who were painted before came back to see what the kids had done this year,” she said. Quail Summit Executive Director Gloria Harrington said the project continues to be one of the highlights of the year. “It’s a wonderful, fun learning project for both the residents and students,” she said. “A handful of the students have maintained their friendships with residents over the years.” Resident Lew Johnson, a former Ohio school administrator, was beaming alongside his portrait and its creator, Audrey Gillette, at the grand reception. “This is the greatest time I’ve spent with a student since I retired, and that was 30 years ago,” said Johnson. “We were on the same wavelength, and when I told her I thought the portrait was perfect, I thought she was going to fall over she was so relieved.” Retired teacher and Quail Summit resident Janet Read echoed Johnson’s thoughts, saying she hadn’t “had a good talk with a teenager in a long time,” and had enormous fun “hearing all about school.” For resident, Mary Crowley, the “enthusiasm of the young people is like an injection that feels so good,” she said. “Mr. Williams is to be congratulated on his manner and the educational contributions to his students,” August 2019 •

Crowley said. Al Talke had his portrait painted in the first year of the project, but opted for another round this year. “I decided to do it again to see how much the project has grown and because I enjoyed meeting the students and their families,” said Talke. “It is very personal to see the artists’ point of view radiate in their work.” In addition to the efforts of the portraiture creators, HCS alumna and Rochester Institute of Technology student Maddie Faraut brought a film crew to record the creative process and produce a full-scale doc-

umentary of the portraiture project. Williams attributed the high quality of his students’ work to their “outstanding level of commitment and dedication to detail.” “These are kids that are in the school plays, they’re in the choir, they’re in the band, they’re in sports,” he said. “They’re not just hanging out doing paintings — they’re truly busy. And these are also kids who half of them aren’t even taking a painting class, so they’re coming in of their own free will during study halls, after school, during lunch hour or on Saturday.”

Students at Honeoye Central School participating in a portraiture project in cooperation with Quail Summit. On the right is art teacher Tim Williams, who coordinated the project. IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

Golden Years

Hearing Aids: Coming Soon to a Drugstore Near You By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

he Over the Counter Hearing Aid Act, signed by President Trump in 2017, has started the process toward hearing aids sold directly to consumers with self-identified mild to moderate hearing loss. The Food and Drug Administration has until 2020 to finalize the rules on guidelines as to what qualifies as an over-the-counter (OTC) product. Hearing amplification devices or systems, also called personal amplification sound products (PASPs), are considered the entry level devices by people like Michelle Gross, member of the Hearing Loss Association of America Rochester Chapter and a resident of Brighton. Gross said the general public often mistakes PASPs for OTCs or even prescribed hearing aids. “When they see an ad in the paper, they don’t realize what they’re looking at,” she said. Although some ads for PASPs state “These are not hearing aids,” Gross said the wording might be more for reducing stigma instead of providing clarity. Some PASPs’ ads don’t mention “hearing aids” but stress the devices are for recreation, such as hunting, birding, or watching television.

While PASPS do amplify sound, “most don’t have some of the safety features to protect a person’s hearing, like sound limits,” Gross said. “Their frequencies aren’t adjusted to the person’s needs. They make things louder without any real control.” Though they’re as cheap as $30 to $200, they may not help a person with hearing impairment better follow a conversation at a restaurant or understand their soft-spoken granddaughter. Gross said that OTC hearing aids are “actual hearing aids with the features a hearing aid would have.” Since there’s no audiologist or hearing aid dispenser involved, the cost is lower. But that also removes the benefits of the skill of these professionals. Carolynne M. Pouliot, doctor of audiology with Hearing Aid Works Audiology, PLLC in Rochester, doesn’t view the emergence of OTCs as an entirely negative trend. “It will introduce people with mild hearing loss into the world of what hearing aids could do to help them and transition into care from an audiologist,” Pouliot said. She said that OTCs don’t have built-in compression. Hearing aids work pitch by pitch and compress

loud sounds so the user doesn’t experience further hearing loss, traits an OTC doesn’t have. “It’s not going to be finely tuned and adjusted like from a digital prescription hearing aid,” Pouliot said. “They won’t address hearing loss issues without creating a whole bunch of feedback.” While OTCs might provide a steppingstone for some people with mild to moderate loss, which is the recommendation for these devices, Pouliot fears that some with more profound hearing loss may think that since an OTC device doesn’t help them, there’s no use in trying a prescribed hearing aid. Seeing an audiologist can also help a person discover what’s causing the problem, which may be as simple and remediable as built up wax, fluid behind the eardrum or other problem that’s hampering their hearing. “We might recommend an OTC for financial reasons after they have an evaluation to make sure nothing else is wrong,” Pouliot said. “There are a lot of health issues that can go with hearing issues. An OTC won’t help people with that.” Going the OTC route also doesn’t provide device maintenance, repair,

cleaning and adjustments. Buying a hearing aid is unlike picking up a pair of “cheater” reading glasses from the drugstore, where it’s easy to sense if the lenses compensate for poor near vision. Hearing and visions work much differently. “I’m very nearsighted, but my retina works fine,” said Ron D’Angelo, doctor of audiology at Clear Choice Hearing and Balance in Greece and Brighton. “It’s the focusing mechanism that doesn’t work. For hearing loss, it’s the inner ear, like the retina, is damaged. That’s why you can’t have a one-sized-fitsall approach because it varies with patients.” The preset aspects of OTCs may or may not help. Also, the fit of the device may not work for the person buying it, since it must physically fit the ear. Many think of hearing loss as a quality of life issue, but it also bears medical effects. D’Angelo said that hearing loss can affect balance and has been associated with greater incidences of dementia. “Auditory depravation is a real thing,” he said. Naturally, the high-end hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars; however, “there’s quite a range for what a custom fit hearing aid can cost,” D’Angelo said. “There might be financing available or payment plan that is approachable by the patient. If something doesn’t work, it’s not worth anything. If it does, it’s worth every penny.”

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

For Seniors, Walking the Dog Can Sometime Be a Dangerous Thing

Golden Years

Fall-related bone breaks involving senior dog walkers has risen substantially. But there are ways for seniors mitigate the problem By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

wning a dog can provide lots of motivation to get out and walk. While that’s great for your health, dog walking can raise the risk of falling, especially if you’re an older adult. A study recently published in JAMA Surgery looked at 100 hospital emergency rooms nationwide. The number of fall-related bone breaks involving senior dog walkers has risen substantially for more than a decade, from 1,671 in 2004 to 4,396 in 2017. Of those involved with the study, 79 percent were women, who because of their smaller bone structure are more at risk for bone breaks. The most commonly broken bone was the hip (17%) but more than 50% broke an upper body bone, including the shoulders, arms, hands, wrists and fingers. Nearly one-third required hospital admission. The researchers blame both dog manners and owner conditioning. “Falls are the No. 1 risk as we’re elderly,” said Maddie Nizamis, certified personal trainer, certified in fitness nutrition and owner of Studio 22 Personal Training in East Rochester. Many elderly people who experience a hip fracture never quite regain the level of health they experienced previously. Some also become so de-conditioned that they can no lon-

ger live independently. Nizamis recommends increasing core strength and leg strength to improve stability, which can help prevent a fall. “Do some weighted exercise,” she said. Exercise related to functional movement, like squats, or standing and sitting repeatedly from a chair, can pay off. She also suggested wearing supportive footwear and paying careful attention while walking. “Stay in an area where you know the route,” Nizamis said. “When you have walked it before, you’re less likely to have a fall then. If you’re going to a new area with the dog, you’re at higher risk.” Kevin Silverman, certified personal trainer with Brighton Personal Training in Brighton, said that following a balance and strengthening program can reduce the risk of falls. “When your core and legs are stronger, your balance is more efficient,” Silverman said. “If the dog pulls you in a certain way or the leash wraps around your leg, you can’t completely eliminate the risk of falling. But if your muscles are conditioned and your body has the flexibility it needs, you can mitigate the results if you’re injured.” The other side of the coin is the dog’s influence on the possibility of

falling. If you’re in the market for a new dog, consider your choice carefully. Large, powerful dogs may be much harder to control than a smaller dog. But the dog’s personality also makes a difference. “Different dogs have different degrees of prey drive,” said Becky Rene, owner of Woof2Hoof Certified Professional Dog Training in Rochester. “Some are driven by anything that moves.” The dog’s breed can influence these tendencies and the need for exercise. Working dogs, like German shepherds for example, require much more exercise than dogs bred as companion dogs, like King Charles spaniel. Rene also encourages dog walkers to get the right equipment. Retractable leashes and extremely long leads can contribute to falls. A six-foot leash suffices, she said. Rene likes the Easy Walk harness, as it cinches up and self-corrects dogs if they forget their training and pull. Dog training can make walks much safer. “Leash walking is one of the most important things a dog can

learn how to do,” Rene said. “They shouldn’t be pulling, playing or biting at it. It is an important thing. An older dog can learn how to do it. You can teach an old dog new tricks.” As she walks her dogs, she “checks in” with them, meaning she makes eye contact or otherwise makes the dog aware of her presence. That helps prevent the distractions that can cause pulling. Training also helps the dog know what to expect, and where it should walk in relationship to the owner, not darting around. “You have to have patience to get a dog to walk correctly,” Rene said. “I don’t use anything harsh. You don’t need to pull the dog around or cause discontent. A walk is a bonding and pleasant experience for you and the dog. It takes a little work to get you both there.”

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 19

Golden Years

Foods for Healthy Aging By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

hile the phrase “super foods” may create buzz around fad foods, it’s true that eating a healthful diet can help support healthy aging. Area experts share their advice for eating right. Here’s what they say: • “I am a strong proponent of the transformative power of whole, and unrefined or minimally refined plant foods, like berries, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, squash, corn and potatoes. • “Eat whole grains like brown rice, and legumes — like black beans, chickpeas. Vegetables are an important part, but that’s not all that it is. There are starches: potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa and chickpeas. • “In moderation, eat the nuts, seeds, tofu, whole grain flour and plant-based milk. • “Look at the top two causes of death, according to the CDC: heart disease and cancer. There is a solid body of evidence around the different kinds of diet that reduces risk of heart disease and cancer. The big contributors are hypertension and diabetes. A low-salt diet has been proven to reduce blood pressure. Reducing processed foods and refined sugar controls diabetes and has also been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. Use the My Plate by USDA. • “Drink no or very minimal beverages with sugar added.” Physician Chanh Huynh, Churchville-Chili Family Medicine LLC, North Chili. •”Consume a solid source of collagen. A lot of companies have come out with flavored collagen or things easy to mix into things like water. A traditional approach is to take the carcass of a turkey or chicken — organic, free range — to make a bone broth. You’ll extract the nutrients from the marrow. • “Anything you can do to reduce inflammation is important.

Heart disease, cancer and diabetes: these are fundamentally inflammatory. Vitamin C is a potent anti-inflammatory. If you use a supplement, go for a wholefood oriented supplement. Boheen • “Your immune system starts to progressively dwindle as you age. We want to make sure our bodies are responding appropriately to stave off infection. A lot of dark, leafy greens supply a good amount of Vitamin C. • “Make sure you focus on calcium. A lot of people focus on dairy, which is OK, but it’s not bio-available. Make sure you’re doing the dark, leafy greens, which provides the body of a lot more available sources of calcium than you would expect. There’s a plethora of benefits about detoxifying the liver and clearing the kidneys. You can cook them down and still get a lot of the benefits. Steaming is best to preserve nutrient density. Or a powdered form of something as a last resort. You can mix it into a smoothie. • “If you’re going to do anything in terms of dairy, you’ve got to make sure it’s a cultured form of dairy like cottage cheese, kefir or a quality, plain whole milk yogurt. Stay away from the low-fat, no-fat or full of sugar yogurt. A lot of nutrients are absorbed in the presence of fat. Matt Boheen, doctor of chiropractic, founder of Restoration Wellness, Rochester. • “Make sure more of your fruits and vegetables are raw or lightly cooked. They don’t boil things into oblivion. Or use the water to make a soup out of it.

• “Do not over-eat to the point where you’re uncomfortably full. Caloric restriction is a way to increase lifespan. • “Meat should be like a treat or garnish for a meal that is in limited quantities. You don’t have to become a vegan but limit meat, especially red meat. Have a day where you don’t have any meat or use it as a flavoring. • “Refined carbs and sugar are a detriment to our health. • “Green tea, berries, onions, garlic, mushrooms are things that are definitely good for longevity. These combat the signs of aging and help get rid of toxins. They’re full of antioxidants.” Heather Carrera, doctor of clinical nutrition and a certified nutrition specialist at the office of Dr. Leslie James, Pittsford. • “Get a minimum of two liters a day for women and three liters a day for men of water. Drink more if you’re at all active. Hydration helps your overall health and helps you look more youthful. It puts less stress on your organs. Consult your health care provider if you have to watch

MS Patients Now Pay 20 Times More for Drugs Than a Decade Ago

ultiple sclerosis, epilepsy and Parkinson›s can be physically taxing conditions, but new research shows they exact a huge financial toll as well. Over a 12-year period, out-ofpocket costs for Americans with these illnesses jumped, with the biggest increase seen among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Those patients paid 20 times more for their drugs in 2016 than they did in 2004. That means someone paying just $15 a month for medications in 2004 had to pay an average of $309 a month in 2016, the study findings showed. Study author Brian Callaghan Page 20

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said that increase wasn’t just for newer medications. He noted that both newer and older medications for MS all cost about the same. “Out-of-pocket costs are mostly proportional to how expensive the drugs are,” he said. Callaghan is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Still, MS wasn›t the only neurological condition to see a steep outof-pocket increase. The study also looked at dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and peripheral neuropathy (a disorder affecting nerve sensation). For example, the monthly outof-pocket cost for epilepsy more than

doubled, from $18 in 2004 to $40 in 2016, the researchers reported. The study relied on information from a large, privately insured health care claims database. The researchers included data on more than 100,000 people with MS, more than 300,000 with peripheral neuropathy, over 280,000 with epilepsy, nearly 121,000 with dementia and almost 91,000 with Parkinson’s disease. Monthly out-of-pocket costs for those in high-deductible plans were twice as high compared to those with different insurance plans. In 2016, someone with MS and a high-deductible health insurance plan paid an average of $661 per month, compared to $246 a month for those who didn’t

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

fluid intake. • The biggest thing is to choose whole foods that aren’t processed and don’t have a lot of chemicals. • “Choose healthier fats, like nuts, avocado, stay away from saturated fat which causes inflammatory which increases Smith stressors in the body. • “With carbohydrates, choose whole grains, like whole wheat bread and cereal and make sure you’re getting many fruits and vegetables. • “Don’t over-consumer alcohol, which can stress the body. It increases the rate of aging and cancer. It also contains extra calories. There’s a direct correlation between the amount of alcohol consumed and risk of cancers such as colon and liver cancer.” Hannah C. Smith, registered dietitian nutritionist and manager of clinical nutrition for Rochester Regional Health.

have a high-deductible plan. The total costs someone paid varied widely. The study found that 5% of people with MS paid just $90 for their medications in two years. But another 5% had to pay nearly $10,000 for their medications. Bari Talente, executive vice president of advocacy for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said affordability and access are two big problems facing people with MS. “We’re very fortunate to have more than a dozen disease-modifying medications, but from 2004 to 2016, there’s been a tremendous increase in the list price of MS medications and a shift in the insurance markets to high-deductible health plans, with increasing deductibles and co-insurance. People with MS are getting hit from all sides,” she said. Talente said the average cost of medication for someone with MS was around $16,000 in 2004, and in 2016 was around $80,000. The findings were published online May 1 in the journal Neurology.

Golden Years

Meals on Wheels Delivers an Extra Health Bonus for Seniors

Oh, the Aging Eyes M Droopy eyelids, dry eyes, floaters, cataracts, ocular migraines are just some of the eye problems we may have to deal with as we age By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

s you begin to “play trombone” with your reading materials to get them in focus, it becomes apparent you may need reading glasses. Most people require correction for presbyopia — short distance vision — around their mid-40s to early 50s. While an unwelcomed sign of aging, it’s easily corrected with drugstore “cheater” glasses. Less common are other changes in vision related to aging. Some are more serious than others. Droopy eyelids may affect vision as one ages. “The eyelids may feel heavier and crepey,” said Rajeev Ramchandran, associate professor of ophthalmology, public health sciences, at the Center for Community Health and Prevention at Flaum Eye Institute. “In the front of the eye as you get older, you get more wrinkles. You start getting brow aches from having to lift your brow up.” As the lid droops, it can block vision. An evaluation can help determine if a surgical approach could remedy the problem. Dry eyes can also cause vision issues for older adults. It may feel like a foreign body is in the eye or that the eye tears a lot. Ramchandran said that the lipid layers may not be as present. “You may not be taking in as much water as you used to,” he said. “The intake of liquid may also be affecting your tears.” The eyelid also may not close as well as it used to, which can cause tears to leak and the eye to water more. Or a duct in the lower lid may be locked. Ramchandran recommends using non-tearing baby sham-

poo on a warm washcloth to clean away any build-up. Slowly, over time, cataracts can develop. The vision becomes dim and more yellow in tone and night driving becomes very difficult. The lens, which sits behind the iris, becomes cloudy. Exposure to UV light, diabetes and certain medication can hasten the otherwise age-related condition. With a 10-minute, outpatient surgery, doctors can replace the lens with an artificial lens. Behind the lens, there’s the vitreous jelly. “It’s mostly made of collagen and water,” Ramchandran said. “Just as you have breakdown in the skin, you have breakdown in the collagen of the eye. That can result in some more mobility of the jelly and also the condensation you see as ‘floaters’ which are common. For someone who’s nearsighted, they get floaters sooner.” He said that having a few floaters shouldn’t concern anyone, but a sudden increase or very large numbers of floaters or seeing “flashing lights” can indicate that the jelly is pulling hard enough to cause retinal tear. Retinal detachment can cause permanent blindness, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical care. As should anyone experiencing sudden loss of vision, loss of a portion of vision or persistent blurring. Some people who have ocular migraines suffer temporary vision loss that returns right away; however, people losing vision without history of migraines should seek prompt care. People with family history of macular degeneration or cigarette August 2019 •

smoking are more likely to develop the condition. “That’s something you won’t have any signs necessarily, but if suddenly straight things look wavy it could indicate you have something going on in the center of your vision,” Ramchandran said. Family history also plays a role in glaucoma, which is damage to the optic nerve. Usually, loss of the peripheral vision indicates onset. The lost vision cannot be restored. Stroke can also affect the retina and optic nerve. “If you have any pieces of your vision that you’re losing, those are signs you really need to get checked out,” Ramchandran said. Kerstin Abreau, doctor of ophthalmology at The Eye Care Center in Geneva, Canandaigua, and Newark, also said to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as “flashes of light, an increase in floaters, a black curtain coming across your vision, loss of vision in one or both eyes, or double vision.” If your regular provider cannot see you, you may need to go to the emergency room. “Please, do not wait to see if your symptoms go away on their own as this may result in permanent damage,” Abreau said. She recommends that people 60 an older visit their vision care provider annually to ensure that changes in vision are normal. Diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration are more common with older age. People with eye conditions may need more frequent eye exams.

eals on Wheels might do more than deliver hot food to isolated seniors: New research suggests it can serve as an early warning system for declining health. The study included Meals on Wheels drivers in Guernsey County in Ohio and San Diego County, who were trained to use a mobile app to alert care coordinators if the drivers had a concern or noticed a change in a senior’s condition. The care coordinators then followed up with seniors to provide support and connect them with health and community services. Over the 12-month study period, the drivers submitted 429 alerts for 189 clients. The most frequent alerts were for changes in health (56%), self-care or personal safety (12%) and mobility (11%). Follow-ups on the alerts led to 132 referrals, with most for selfcare (33%), health (17%) and care management services (17%), according to the researchers at West Health Institute at Brown University in Rhode Island and Meals on Wheels America. The study was published recently in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. West Health and Meals on Wheels America plan to expand the research program to as many as 30 Meals on Wheels sites across the United States, that include about 40,000 seniors. “By collaborating with Meals on Wheels America, we’ve developed a safe, cost-effective and scalable program to preemptively identify and address concerns that too often result in deterioration of a senior’s medical condition or pose a major safety risk,” said physician Zia Agha, chief medical officer at West Health Institute. “We’re excited learnings from this research program are now being implemented across the country within Meals on Wheels America’s expanded program that will positively impact as many seniors as possible,” Agha added in an institute news release.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Ask St. Ann’s

Ask The Social

Tips for Keeping Your Driving Skills Sharp

Security Office

From the Social Security District Office

By Clarise Klaver

hether you’re going on vacation or visiting family, having the freedom to hop in your car and go is why Americans equate driving with independence. Staying sharp behind the wheel can help you hold on to this privilege, regardless of your age. For older drivers, challenges of aging can make it difficult to do what was once second nature: • Have full range of motion to get in and out of vehicles, buckle up, check for blind spots and operate controls. • See and hear the surroundings and understand traffic signs, signals and sirens. • Assess and react to situations quickly, calmly and safely. Fortunately, many of these obstacles don’t have to get in the way of your road trip. Here are some key things you should do: — Equip yourself: Have your vision and hearing tested every one to two years to determine if you need corrective lenses or hearing aids. Be sure to use them, too! — Stay active: Stay physically, mentally and socially active and engaged every day. — Access technology: Newer vehicles often have built-in safety features such as a rear camera and auditory and visual alarms to help you navigate safely. If you have physical limitations, adapt your vehicle with touchpads, spinner wheels, switches, transfer seats or hand and foot controls. — Take a refresher course: AARP and AAA offer defensive driving classes to help you brush up on road safety and to learn about new traffic laws (yes, some have changed) and new automotive technologies. You’ll also save 10% on your car insurance for three years. If a stroke, joint replacement, surgery or other medical event

compromises your ability to drive, a rehabilitation center like the Transitional Care Center at St. Ann’s Community can assess your situation and provide treatment to help you reach your potential. Once you’re ready to go, here are a few safety tips to remember on the road: — Travel during off-peak and daylight hours, and avoid expressways if you cannot merge quickly and safely. — Map your route to reduce your anxiety. GPS is a great navigation tool, but bring along a paper map and TripTik from AAA as back up in case cell phone service is spotty. — Limit your driving time to eight hours per day and get plenty of sleep at night, so you stay alert. — Take breaks every two hours to walk and stretch your legs to prevent blood clots. — Eat and stay hydrated to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure at proper levels by incorporating a snack break during longer road trips. — Share the driving with your travel buddy. Ours is a beautiful country. Keeping your driving abilities sharp and taking care along the way will help you see every mile of it safely. Enjoy your trip! Clarise Klaver is an occupational therapist at St. Ann’s Community. Contact her at cklaver@ mystanns.com or visit www. stannscommunity. com

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Communities Fighting Fraud

lder people are at a greater risk of fraud and other forms of financial exploitation. The United States Postal Service has seen an increase in mail fraud and is promoting community strength and fraud awareness as a way to prevent abuse. Social Security agrees. You can help your more vulnerable loved ones fight fraud. You or a loved one might receive an advertisement in the mail, but it could be from a private company or even a scammer. United States law prohibits people or non-government businesses from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t lead people to believe that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or endorsed or approved by Social Security. Scammers commonly target people who are looking for Social Security program and benefit information. If you receive misleading information about Social Security, send the complete advertisement, including the envelope it came in, to: Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline Social Security Administration P.O. Box 17768 Baltimore, MD 21235

Q&A

Q: I will rely on Medicare when I retire. Can you explain the different parts of Medicare? A: The different parts of Medicare cover your specific needs. There are four parts, all of which work in tandem to deliver healthcare services: • Part A (hospital insurance): Helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care, and hospice care. • Part B (medical insurance): Helps pay for doctors services and many other medical services and supplies that hospital insurance doesn’t cover. • Part C (Medicare Advantage plans): If you have Medicare Parts A and B, you can join a Medicare Advantage plan. Private companies offer Medicare Advantage plans, which are approved by Medicare. These plans generally help you pay the medical costs not covered by Medicare Part A and B. • Part D (prescription drug coverage): Helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for treatment. Q: What is the difference between Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability?

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

Community can simply mean your family unit. The more you know about what your loved ones are exposed to, the better you can protect them. We also receive reports where someone pretending to be a Social Security employee has contacted members of the public. The intent of this type of call may be to steal your identity and money from your bank accounts. They may state that your Social Security number will be suspended or they may demand immediate payment. The caller generally asks you for personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, your mother’s maiden name, or your bank or financial account information. You should not provide any of this information to these individuals. It’s possible that a Social Security employee may contact you to followup on a previous application for Social Security benefits or to followup on other business you initiated with Social Security. Remember, Social Security employees will never threaten you or demand any kind of payment in exchange for services. It’s important that you report any and all fraud. This can only strengthen our communities and your family. You can report Social Security fraud at oig.ssa.gov/report.

A: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on prior earnings. SSDI is financed through the taxes you pay into the Social Security program. To be eligible for a SSDI benefit, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be “insured” for Social Security purposes. SSDI benefits are payable to eligible blind or disabled workers, the widow(er)s of a disabled worker, or adults disabled since childhood. SSI disability payments are made based on financial need to adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible. SSI is a program financed through general revenues. For more information, visit www. socialsecurity.gov. Q: Can a noncitizen get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? A: The laws and regulations concerning noncitizens differ for Social Security and SSI programs. Social Security administers both, even though they have different eligibility requirements. Some noncitizens do qualify for SSI. See Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For Noncitizens at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs for more information.

By Jim Miller

Looking for Care: How to Hire an In-Home Caregiver

Dear Savvy Senior,

Dear Looking,

Finding a good in-home caregiver for an elderly parent can be challenging. How can you find one that’s reliable and trustworthy, as well as someone your parent likes and is comfortable with? Here are some tips that can help. Know Your Needs Before you start the task of looking for an in-home caregiver, your first step is to determine the level of care your mom needs. This can pinpoint the type of help she’ll need. For example, if she only needs help with daily living tasks like shopping, cooking, doing laundry, bathing or dressing, a “homemaker” or “personal care aide” will do. But if she needs health care services, there are “home health aides” that may do all the things a homemaker does, plus they also have training in administering medications, changing wound dressings and other medically related duties. Home health aides often work under a nurse’s supervision. Once you settle on a level of care, you then need to decide how many hours of assistance she’ll need. For example, does your mom need someone to come in just a few mornings a week to help her cook, clean, run errands or perhaps bathe? Or does she need more continuous care that requires daily visits or a full-time aide? After you determine her needs, there are two ways in which you can go about hiring someone. Either through an agency, or you can hire someone directly on your own. Hiring Through an Agency Hiring a personal care or home health aide through an agency is the safest and easiest option, but it’s more expensive. Costs typically run anywhere between $14 and $25 an hour depending on where you live and the qualification of the aide. How it works is you pay the agency, and they handle everything including an assessment of your mom’s needs, assigning appropriately trained and prescreened staff to care for her, and finding a fill-in on days her aide cannot come. Some of the drawbacks, however, are that you may not have much

Yep, Mary just moved into The Village at Unity. Here’s a short re-enactment of Mary: “No fixing the house? No vacuuming? No driving in the winter? No cleaning? Three restaurants to choose from? And I can just have fun doing my hobbies and being with friends? Whoahhhh! That is awwwwesome!” Discover your own “awesome” at The Village at Unity. Call (585) 206-2103 now to schedule your visit.

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input into the selection of the caregiver, and the caregivers may change or alternate, which can cause a disruption. To find a home-care agency in your mom’s area ask for referrals through friends, family or doctor’s offices, or use the home-care locator service tool at PayingForSeniorCare. com — click on “Find Quality, Affordable Care.” In addition, Medicare offers a home health compare tool at Medicare.gov/ HomeHealthCompare to help you find and compare home health care agencies. You also need to be aware that original Medicare does not cover inhome caregiving services unless your mom is receiving doctor’s ordered skilled nursing or therapy services at home too. But if your mom is in a certain Medicare Advantage plan, or is low-income and qualifies for Medicaid, she may be eligible for some coverage. Hiring Directly Hiring an independent caregiver on your own is the other option, and it’s less expensive. Costs typically range between $12 and $20 per hour. Hiring directly also gives you more control over who you hire so you can choose someone who you feel is right for your mom. But be aware that if you do hire someone on your own, you become the employer so there’s no agency support to fall back on if a problem occurs or if the aide doesn’t show up. You’re also responsible for paying payroll taxes and any workerrelated injuries that may happen. If you choose this option make sure you check the aide’s references thoroughly, and do a criminal background check, which you can do through sites like eNannySource. com. To find someone, ask for referrals or try eldercare-matching services like Care.com or CareLinx.com. Or, for a fee, an aging life care expert (see AgingLifeCare.org) can help you find someone. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. August 2019 •

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Generics: Are They Really Safe, Effective? Recent news stories raise questions about effectiveness and safety of generic drugs By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

re generic prescription medications as safe and effective as their name brand counter-

parts? News reports such as NBC’s “Tainted Drugs” story by Didi Martinez, Brenda Breslauer and Stephanie Gosk in May indicate that imported generics may be subpar compared with name brands. One example was a nationwide recall of generic drug valsartan, a popular blood pressure medication which was found to contain carcinogens. The NBC story stated that about 85% of facilities manufacturing the ingredients used in American drugs come from factories in countries like China and India, where cost is lower. The problem is, oversight is not as stringent as in the US or other countries. Since summer 2018, manufacturers have sent out about 45 recalls of generic blood pressure drugs, including losartan, irbesartan and more. Their ingredients have been sourced from imported ingredients, according to the NBC story. In India and China, local laws make it more difficult to inspect. In some cases, manufacturers demand advanced warning before inspections, which in effect negates the point of “surprise” inspections. In addition, area physicians raise more concerns. Physician Tamar Hunsea provider with Greece Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLP, said that as a rule, generics are supposed to contain the same active ingredients as the name brand mediation. “The difference comes into play with the other components of the medication,” she said. These could affect how the medication is absorbed or cause other side effects. Hunse has had patients experience these differences. James Della Rocco, director of pharmacy systems for Unity Health, isn’t worried about US-sourced medications’ safety. Like Hunse, he said that the binders and other inactive ingredients may affect how the drug acts for certain patients, such as not dissolving in the same way. But the low cost of generic drugs makes medication obtainable for many people who would not otherwise be

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

capable of affording their prescriptions. “If you have concerns about where a drug comes from, ask a pharmacist,” he said. “They can say if it comes from the US,” he said. The Food and Drug Administration inspects medication production plants every two years, but with foreign plants, “they’re not monitored the same as the plants in the US,” Della Rocco said. “Maybe 50 to 100 are inspected and they need to inspect maybe 700. Oftentimes, you have to notify plants in places like China if you ‘re going to inspect them. These are points of trade agreements we have to look at.” In the case of carcinogens in the generic drug valsartan, Della Rocco said that patients would have to consume vast quantities of the medication to “get to the point where you’d get cancer.” Yet he is concerned about medicinal safety because imported medication isn’t as highly regulated as domestically produced medication. “We have got to make sure everything that comes into this country is inspected and is safe,” he said. “If you hear about less oversight and that it’s going to be de-regulated, I’d be concerned. You’ve got to be vigilant about what you take and where it comes from.” Della Rocco is also concerned about when drug manufacturer mergers, which on certain cases cause a monopoly or near monopoly for a particular generic. As a result, prices can skyrocket. “They can charge what they want,” he said. “When they’re the one of the few making it, that is a concern because it affects our budget in the hospital.” He has observed commonplace medication such as insulin go up from $20 to $80 a vial to $300 to $600 a vial. That can make it difficult to afford for many diabetics who depend upon insulin. The FDA doesn’t control drug prices. “It needs to be looked at by lawmakers,” Della Rocco said. “We know how to make this drug but if you get down to a few players in the game, you get price fluctuations.”

H ealth News St. Ann’s earns national marketing awards St. Ann’s Community has earned two awards from the 2019 Spring Digital Health Awards, which recognizes high-quality digital health resources for consumers and health professionals. They are: • St. Ann’s Community’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ StAnnsCommunity, won a silver award in the social media category. • St. Ann’s Community’s website, www.stannscommunity.com, won a bronze award in the webbased digital health category. Entries were rated by judges on a scale of 1 to 100 points based on content, format, success in reaching the targeted health audience, and overall quality. The Digital Health Awards are an extension of the Health Information Resource Center’s 26-year old National Health Information Awards, the largest program of its kind in the United States. Because of the dynamic nature of digital health resources, the Digital Health Awards competition is held twice each year in the spring and fall.

Thompson named Employer of the Year for fifth time On the heels of celebrating its associates for service milestones ranging from five to 40 years, UR Medicine Thompson Health was recently honored for its work in providing high-quality wellness initiatives to all of these associates and more. Thompson was named Employer of the Year — in the category of

1,000+ employees — at the Wealth of Health Awards on June 4 in Rochester. The award, presented by the Rochester Business Journal and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, is in recognition of a wide range of associate wellness programs. This represented the fifth Wealth of Health Award for Thompson since 2009. Other finalists in the 1,000+ category this year were the city of Rochester, CooperVision and Monroe Community College. The award came just two weeks after Thompson’s annual associate recognition dinner, held at King’s Catering and Party House in Hopewell. A total of 185 Thompson associates with more than 2,150 combined years of service were honored, along with 17 retirees who gave a total of 375 years to the health system.

St. Ann’s Cherry Ridge wins ‘Best Assisted Living Facility’ St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge has won “Best Assisted Living Facility in the 2019 Reader Rankings Awards,” hosted by the Rochester Business Journal and The Daily Record. The winners were announced recently at the Reader Rankings Gala at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. More than 13,000 nominations were collected during the nomination period in March and early April. The winners were determined by more than 47,000 votes cast from April 30 to May 24. Nominations and votes were gathered in about 80 different categories. “It’s an honor to win this award,”

said Jennifer Blackchief, vice president of housing and strategy officer at St. Ann’s Community. “It is our privilege to serve the residents and families of St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge and to be recognized by them and the community for the high standards to which we hold ourselves. We know that receiving a “best in class” award is not a destination, but an acknowledgment that we are on the right path for a long and incredibly meaningful journey.”

oncology as well as breast surgery. “Patients with cancer often need to see several different specialists,” Medeiros said. “Some of our patients come here from up to a three-hour drive away. We want them, and all of our patients, to be able to see all the specialists they need in one trip.”

RRH expands breast center in Penfield

The Golisano Foundation in Rochester will fund a pilot program to train providers serving older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) on how to care for those with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. The grant in the amount of $100,000 will be implemented over the next two years by two chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association, Rochester & Finger Lakes and Western New York. An estimated 400,000 New Yorkers live with Alzheimer’s dementia. By 2025, this number is expected to increase by 15 percent. Studies show that the prevalence of dementia among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities appears to be about the same as in the general population. However, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia is higher among adults with Down syndrome. An estimated 30 percent of people with Down syndrome in their 50s have Alzheimer’s and 60 percent will develop Alzheimer’s in their lifetime. In the 17 Upstate New York counties served by the two chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association, 6,708 adults aged 50 and older live with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Rochester Regional Health Breast Center has opened its new flagship location on the Linden Oaks Medical Campus in Penfield. The expansion is the first phase of a $4.5 million project to expand cancer services at Linden Oaks and it will greatly improve access to care for patients with breast cancer and other breast conditions. “More people than ever are turning to us for the breast care they need, and we’re making sure we have the capacity to keep seeing patients quickly, in an appropriately calming space while delivering the highest standard of care,” said breast center executive director, physician Lori Medeiros. The newly-expanded breast center is in the 20 Hagen Drive building on the Linden Oaks Medical Campus, which is also home to one of Rochester Regional Health’s Lipson Cancer Institute locations. By 2021, the $4.5 million expansion project will turn the building into a complete multi-disciplinary destination for patients with cancer. This includes the adoption of many cutting-edge technologies in radiation and medical

Jewish Senior Life Launches New Short-Term Rehabilitation Program

ewish Senior Life recently launched its mySuccess shortterm rehabilitation program. It is an evolution of its previous transitional care program and offers 33 percent more capacity, additional state-of-the-art therapy equipment, all private rooms and hotel-like amenities. The expanded program will meet a growing need for specialized post-acute care and provide patients with an unmatched recovery experience following a hospital stay, according to a news release. “We’re setting an example of what the future of care can and should look like,” said Mike King, president and CEO of Jewish Senior Life. “Our highly personalized, comprehensive approach considers the whole person, so patients and

their families can have peace of mind in knowing that we have the right staff, the right services and the right environment to ensure patients have a speedy and effective return home.” MySuccess short-term rehabilitation is increasing capacity from 68 patients to 88 patients, making it the largest post-acute care provider in Monroe County, according to the organization. This expansion builds on several years of transitional care growth at Jewish Senior Life, including its two specialty service lines which were added in the last three years— myPath for stroke rehabilitation and myHeart for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. These specialty care lines will continue at the expanded mySuccess short-term rehabilitation program, along with the following benefits: • In-house team of highly qualified, full-time medical experts — The mySuccess short-term rehabilitation program team of physicians, registered nurses and licensed nurse practitioners specializes in orthopedic care, wound care, cardiac care, cardiopulmonary care, stroke care, August 2019 •

medically complex patients and more, to provide patients 24-hour access to clinical providers. • High quality standards and patient outcome that exceed national averages – mySuccess is the only CARF (certified program) associated with a skilled nursing facility in the Rochester area, meaning it is held to the highest standards in quality and patient outcomes. Its patient health improvement scores and discharge to community rates are higher than the national average — with an average of 75 percent of patients returning to their homes as opposed to a residential care community. • Leading technology and programs to improve mobility, strength and confidence – mySuccess features the latest in speech, physical and occupational therapy, and it is the only post-acute care provider in Monroe County to offer the following: — Solo-Step Fall Protection and Balance System, in which users wear a harness attached to a 360-degree swivel lanyard connected to a high-performance trolley on an aluminum track. The trolley inserts into

Golisano Foundation awards $100K for dementia training

the track allowing patients to move along the track as needed. The Solo-Step system increases safety and provides confidence, allowing the patient to focus on their rehab instead of the fear of falling. — The Readiness Suite is a fully functional apartment where patients and family members can work with therapists to prepare for performing daily tasks such as getting in and out of the shower, making the bed and creating meals. • Homelike design with hotel-quality amenities — Like Jewish Senior Life’s long-term care homes, the overall design concept was inspired by The Green House Project, an innovative model of care that encourages a home-like model of care instead of the hospital-like model that is present in many long-term care and post-acute care organizations today. Patients recovering at mySuccess can enjoy amenities such as restaurant-style dining, private rooms and showers, flat-screen TVs, in-room Google Home and phone, hotel-quality linens, spa robes, cocktail and dessert carts, beauty salon services, massage services, complimentary internet, satellite TV and daily newspaper delivery.

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LIFE CHANGING MEDICINE, MOVING MEDICINE FORWARD

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019

Dr. Knight Discusses Heart Issues at Mended Heart Meeting

hysician Peter A. Knight, who is a professor in the department of cardiac surgery at University of Rochester Medical Center, was the guest speaker at the June 17 meeting the Mended Hearts Chapter 50 Meeting in the Webster Columbus Center He discussed newer techniques for the treatment of aortic valve disease specifically transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and minimally invasive aortic valve replacement. Mended Hearts, a national nonprofit organization affiliated with the American College of Cardiology, has been offering the gift of hope to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers for more than 60 years. Total membership is over 20,000. Mended Hearts began in 1951 when Dwight Harken, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Brigham Hospital in Boston, saw a need for a support group to help his patients after they had undergone heart sur-

Physician Peter A. Knight, M.D. (second from left) was the guest speaker at a recent meeting sponsored by Mended Hearts Chapter 50. Organization’s officers in the photo are, from left, Bernard Quinlan, Marlene Adams and Eugene Binder.

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Health News

gery. The Greater Rochester Chapter was established in 1966. For more information, visit www.mendedheartsrochester.com.

Feel Like New Again ORTHOPAEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE Rochester Regional Health Orthopaedics provides individualized diagnostic and treatment plans, along with the latest technologies and treatments for injuries and joint pain. It’s advanced. It’s personalized. There’s never been a better time.

rochesterregional.org/ortho HENRIETTA • WEBSTER • CHILI • GREECE • PERINTON IRONDEQUOIT • ROCHESTER

Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Rochester Regional Health Moves Practices to St. Mary’s Campus for Underserved Community

ochester Regional Health just took a big step toward making the St. Mary’s Campus — formerly St. Mary’s Hospital — into a comprehensive outpatient center for the underserved communities surrounding Genesee Street in Rochester. The organization recently cut the ribbon for a renovated suite on the St. Mary’s Campus that will be the new home for three practices: Unity Pediatrics, Unity OB-GYN and Health Reach – Healthcare for the Homeless. In the new location at St. Mary’s, patients of these three practices will be able to receive other important services — including lab testing, diagnostic imaging, the pharmacy and dentistry — under the same roof, and often during the same visit. “We’re bringing these services together to make it easier for the patients,” explained physician Bridgette

Wiefling, senior vice president of Rochester Regional Health’s primary care institute. “Being able to move these services together and co-locate them at the St. Mary’s campus has been our commitment at Rochester Regional Health to create a community asset, right here where people need it.” The renovation modernized more than 11,000 square-feet of space at St. Mary’s. All three practices are moving from their original location at 819 W. Main St. and will have the ability to see more patients, offer new technology and provide easier access to important healthcare services in a safer and more comfortable setting. With convenient access to the RTS bus line and a free covered garage, it will be easier than ever for patients to get the care they need.

August 2019 •

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2019