PRICELESS
5
Things You Need to Know About Vaping
MAMMOGRAM 2-D vs. 3-D. What’s Better?
Physician Avice O’Connell, director of UR Medicine breast imaging, discusses 2-D vs. 3-D mammography controversy
GVHEALTHNEWS.COM
DECEMBER 2019 • ISSUE 172
Surviving the
Holidays
3 Guide for a stress-free holiday season 3 Dodging dietary dangers 3 Healthful holiday gifts Page 16
Does it Run in the Family? How to create a family health portrait. P. 17
About 835 people in Monroe County go without a home on any given night CHEERLEADING
Find out how health professionals are tackling the problem of homelessness Page 12
Of all sports, football sends the most U.S. males to the emergency room, while cheerleading and gymnastics most often do the same for women and girls
PHARMACIES Closures affect 1 in 8 pharmacies in the US: Urban, independent pharmacies in low-income neighborhoods most at risk
Roast beef It is packed with good-quality protein and it sizzles with impressive amounts of selenium, several B vitamins, zinc and iron. Page 15
Turning the Tide Against HIV/AIDS Trillium Health to reach milestone in 2020: less than 750 new HIV infections in the Rochester region by the end of next year. Page.14
Survey Shows Americans
Feel Stressed
M
ass shootings, health care and the 2020 presidential election are significant causes of stress for American adults, a new survey finds. The poll of more than 3,600 U.S. adults found that 71% of them said mass shootings are a major source of stress, an increase from 62% in 2018. Hispanics were most likely to say mass shootings are a significant source of stress (84%), followed by blacks (79%), Asians (77%), Native Americans (71%) and whites (66%). Health care is a significant cause of stress for 69% of the respondents. Among the 47% who experience stress about health care at least sometimes, the cost of health care is the most common source of that stress (64%). Adults with private insurance (71%) were more likely than those with public insurance (53%) to say the cost of health care causes them stress. Overall, 55% worry that they won’t be able to pay for health care services they may need in the future, according to this year’s Stress in America survey from the American Psychological Association (APA). The online survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, also found that 56% of respondents have significant stress
about the 2020 presidential election, an increase from 52% in the period before the 2016 election. Stress related to climate change rose to 56% this year from 51% last year. Stress associated with widespread sexual harassment rose to 45% this year from 39% last year. Immigration was cited as a stressor by 48% of respondents in the new poll, which was conducted between Aug. 1 and Sept. 3, 2019. It was most likely to be a source of stress among Hispanics (66%), followed by Asians (52%), Native Americans (48%), blacks (46%) and whites (43%). Discrimination is a source of stress for 25% of respondents in the new poll, compared with 24% in 2018, 21% in 2017, and 20% in 2016 and 2015. The majority of people of color (63%) in the 2019 survey said discrimination has hindered them from having a full and productive life, and a similar proportion of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) adults (64%) said the same thing. In 2015, 49% of people of color said discrimination prevented them from having a full and productive life. The new poll also found that while only 38% of respondents feel the United States is on the path to
being stronger than ever, 73% feel hopeful about their future. “There is a lot of uncertainty in our world right now from mass shootings to climate change. This year’s survey shows us that more Americans are saying these issues are causing them stress,” Arthur Evans Jr., APA’s chief executive officer, said
in an APA news release. “Research shows us that over time, prolonged feelings of anxiety and stress can affect our overall physical and mental health. Psychologists can help people develop the tools that they need to better manage their stress,” he said.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2019
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PRIMARY CARE • HEALTH ASSESSMENTS • CARE COORDINATION • MEDICATION REVIEW December 2019 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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ADHD Rates Doubled Among U.S. Adults Over 10 Years
I
f the latest statistics are any indication, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is no longer an issue for children only. Over a 10-year period, ADHD rates more than doubled among American adults, new research shows. However, the rate among children remains much higher than in adults. “While we can’t pinpoint the source of the increase in ADHD rates in adults, we can surmise that it has to do with growing recognition of ADHD in the adult populations by doctors and service providers, as well as increased public awareness of ADHD overall,” said study co-author, physician Michael Milham. He is vice president of research at the Child Mind Institute, in New York City. For the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 5 million Kaiser Permanente Northern California patients, and found that the percentage of adults with a diagnosis of ADHD rose from 0.43% in 2007 to 0.96% in 2016. White adults showed a larger increase — 0.67% to 1.42% — than those in other racial/ethnic groups. Adults with other mental health conditions — such as depression, and bipolar, anxiety or eating disorders — were more likely to have
ADHD. The researchers also found that adults with ADHD had higher rates of health care use and sexually transmitted infections. Meanwhile, ADHD diagnoses among children aged 5 to 11 rose from 2.96% in 2007 to 3.74% in 2016, a 26% increase. The study was published online Nov. 1 in JAMA Network Open. “More work needs to be done to better understand why rates are higher in white adults, particularly whether there are deficiencies in detection and diagnoses among non-white adults,” Milham said in a journal news release. “And,” he added, “we must develop more effective diagnostic tools and standards for adults, who, in general, remain more challenging to diagnose than children.” Study lead author Winston Chung, a psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco, noted that people in some cultures are less likely to regard certain behaviors as a disorder or to seek help for them. “It’s always been just understood that different cultures and races might vary in meaningful ways in how they cope with stress or expressing emotions,” Chung said. However, “this is something we don’t actually have definitive answers to,” and more research is needed, he added.
Extending the Hand of A.A. Alcoholics who are deaf can access A.A.’s program of recovery in an updated American Sign Language translation of Alcoholics Anonymous
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W
ith over 35 million printed copies sold, the book Alcoholics Anonymous is now available in an updated abridged translation into American Sign Language (ASL). Commonly referred to as “The Big Book,” this basic text of the worldwide fellowship that bears its name is now available on DVD to the deaf community, the hard-of-hearing community and the hearing community as well. DVD features: • Professional ASL signers and DVD video production; • Updated translation inspired and reviewed by A.A. members who are deaf • Audio track and subtitles for use among ASL and non-ASL users; • The basic principles and practices of the fellowship that have provided a pathway to recovery for alcoholics for over 80 years; • Can be ordered at www. aa.org or may be available through a local A.A. office near you. A.A. has always been committed to making its program of recovery available to anyone, anywhere who reaches out for help with a drinking problem. This translation has been updated with current language and signing most familiar in today’s deaf community. Founded in 1935 on the principle of one alcoholic helping another to achieve sobriety, A.A.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2019
is an effective and enduring program of recovery that has changed countless lives. As explained in the book, A.A.’s recovery program of 12 suggested steps was formulated through the experience of its first 100 members and has reached millions of sufferers around the world. For more information about A.A. resources for alcoholics who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, contact the accessibilities and remote communities coordinator at the general service office at access@aa.org or by phone at 212-870-3344. For additional information about Alcoholics Anonymous, visit www. aa.org.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Avice O’Connell, M.D.
Director of UR Medicine breast imaging discusses 2-D vs. 3-D mammography controversy 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
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Q: We wanted to talk about breast cancer screening and the debate over whether 3-D tomosynthesis is better for screening than 2-D digital mammography for all patients. Do you have a position on this issue? A: The big question is whether tomosynthesis, which costs more and is being promoted a lot, is really better than digital mammography, which we’ve been using for the past 10 or so years. Of course, in science and medicine, it’s not a matter of what someone prefers or whether we think it’s better; there’s this thing called “randomized, controlled trials.” The timing of the criticism — that tomosynthesis is being pushed on us by industry that has a lot to gain from selling us machines — came at a time when the American College of Radiology and the National Institute of Health are well into recruiting for a huge trial called TMIST (Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial).
ceive digital mammography or tomosynthesis and then be followed for a number of years, and we’ll look at the mortality of people who got tomosynthesis and whether it’s lower than those who received digital mammography. We’ve told people [tomosynthesis] is the better mammogram because we’re less likely to call back people for abnormalities that turn out to just be overlapping tissue. But that’s different than finding cancers. We also know we’re finding more small cancers, but we’re not sure if that’s affecting mortality or if we’re just moving the needle back and finding more cancers when they’re smaller. One centimeter is the magic number. If we find something under one centimeter, and the lymph nodes are negative, that person has an excellent chance of survival. So that’s what the study is about. Not whether it’s prettier, or you feel like it’s better. It’s finding evidence to back it up.
Q: What is the TMIST study going to accomplish? A: The timing is perfect. It’s going to be a study of 160,000 women all over the country, and other countries as well. They’ll randomly re-
Q: How did an expensive new technology come to be so heavily marketed despite not having proven advantages? A: We’re hoping that we’re not pushing it, but are we pushing it? So, here’s the thing. Every five years or so, most mammogram machines get updated. We try to stay state-ofthe-art. The machines need to be inspected regularly by the FDA. When they start getting older, because they get a lot of use, things have to be replaced. After a certain point, it makes more sense to get a new one. A new machine runs between a quarter million and half million. You tend to buy the newest thing when you do update. Tomosynthesis was the newest thing. And we quickly discovered that, when we used it, we were less likely to have to call patients back in. We were also finding more and smaller cancers. But we need to know if that’s making a difference to the patients. A big criticism is that a lot of the research is being funded by industry. That the companies who make the machines are funding the research. But I would have to say that if industry didn’t spearhead new research, there probably wouldn’t be new technology. The government only has so much money to allocate to research, and the universities aren’t going to be able to put it as much as
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2019
industry. So when industry makes something new that they think is better, it’s important to for us to take it in and do a trial on it. Q: Do you suspect tomosynthesis will be better? A: It may not be better for everybody. It’ll probably be better for a group of people. We know from the DMIST trials years ago that compared film mammograms to digital mammograms that digital mammography was better for some patients, but not every patient. Until we do the trial, we won’t know for sure, but it probably won’t be necessary [better] for everybody. Q: What group benefited from digital with the DMIST trial? A: It was shown the digital was better for women with dense breasts and pre-menopausal women. So now it’s probably the same question. Will tomosynthesis be better for pre-menopausal women and women with dense breast tissue? I think it’s likely that will be the case, because digital mammography does a good job with people outside those categories. Now, in spite of the DMIST trial, everyone is using digital mammography now. No one stayed with film even though some patients did fine with film, because there were other advantages to the digital — not filing or losing film, being able to view them remotely. Digital is the standard. Now, tomo machines are expensive, so it’d be a question of whether a remote site that can’t afford one can know they’re not doing their patients a disservice by giving them a digital mammogram or, if they’re in the group that does better with tomo, making arrangements to get them to site which offers it. That would be an efficient, common sense way of doing it. Q: About how long will the trial take? A: It’ll take about five years to do the accrual. The follow-up will continue up to eight years and the data will be analyzed for longer. The first results will start to come out after five years. Q: What will be your role in TMIST? A: I’ll be the principal investigator for the University of Rochester. I’ll be signing the papers, making sure everything is done right. I’m hoping that anyone who reads this will realize how important this is for the future of imaging, because right now everyone gets the same imaging. We don’t have unlimited resources, so finding out what type of imaging and how often they need it is important.
Lifelines
Name: Avice O’Connell, M.D. Position: Professor of Imaging Sciences and Director of Women’s Imaging at the University of Rochester Hometown: Dublin, Ireland Education: Trinity College; University of Rochester Affiliations: URMC Organizations: American College of Radiology; Society of Breast Imaging; American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine; Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Family: Husband (a surgeon), 5 adult sons Hobbies: Knitting, reading, music
Closures affect 1 in 8 pharmacies in the US
Urban, independent pharmacies in low-income neighborhoods most at risk
I
n a report published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago found that despite an overall increase in the number of pharmacies in the U.S. from 2009 to 2015, one in eight pharmacies, or 9,654, had closed during this period. The researchers examined how pharmacy, community and market characteristics influenced the risk of a pharmacy closing. According to their analyses, independent pharmacies in both urban and rural areas were three times more likely to close than chain pharmacies. “Independent pharmacies are often excluded from preferred pharmacy networks and 340B contracts, which are both increasingly important aspects of the pharmacy market, so it is not surprising that independent stores are at greater risk for closure,” said Dima Mazen Qato, senior author of the study and associate
professor of pharmacy systems, outcomes and policy at the UIC College of Pharmacy. “Efforts to improve access to prescription drugs have focused almost exclusively on reducing drug costs, but affordable medications aren’t easily accessible when a local pharmacy closes. We need policies that specifically address pharmacy closures because such closures negatively impact access and adherence to prescription drugs,” Qato said. In prior studies, Qato and her colleagues have shown that pharmacy closures are associated with non-adherence to prescription medications. These declines in adherence also were shown to be worse in patients using independent pharmacies that subsequently closed. “Although efforts to promote pharmacy access have focused on addressing pharmacy closures in rural areas, we found that pharmacies located in low-income, urban areas are
at greater risk for closure,” she said. They report that approximately one in four pharmacies located in urban, low-income neighborhoods closed, compared with one in seven pharmacies located in rural, low-income neighborhoods. In urban areas, pharmacies serving disproportionately more uninsured or publicly insured residents with Medicare or Medicaid were two times more likely to close than other pharmacies. These market factors did not influence the risk of closure in rural areas. “Pharmacies located in rural areas may have financial incentives, including tiered pharmacy reimbursement rates for Medicaid prescriptions and critical access pharmacy payments, that are lacking in urban areas,” Qato said. The researchers say these analyses have important implications for policymakers seeking to address barriers in access to prescription drugs
in the U.S. According to Qato and her colleagues, payment reforms — including increasing reimbursement rates for Medicaid and Medicare prescriptions — and strengthening the regulation of pharmacy access standards, preferred pharmacy networks and the 340B Drug Pricing Program are necessary in order to protect pharmacies most at-risk for closure, specifically in urban areas. “Such policies may also protect pharmacies in predominately black and Latino communities and reduce disparities in access to prescription medications in urban areas,” said Jenny Guadamuz, first author of the study and UIC graduate student. “Our findings also indicate that pharmacy retailers, in partnership with health plans and pharmacy benefit managers, may need to consider more innovative, targeted and efficient strategies in the delivery of pharmacy services,” Qato said.
to parrot the drug lobby mantra that controlling drug prices will lead to less innovation and new drugs entering the market. No one is begrudging drug manufacturers a fair profit. Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) incredibly said, “You are putting too much weight in the hands of the government dictating price.” But isn’t that how negotiations work? Isn’t that the whole point? Why can’t CMS be the 800-pound gorilla at the negotiation table when it comes to drugs? We’re talking 130 million lives. Congressmen like Tom Reed seem to have no problem dictating hospital and physician prices. And to exacerbate this total inequity, commercial insurers were quick to jump on the CMS fee control bandwagon and mimic CMS payments to hospitals and physicians. We’re basically most of the way to a single payer system since CMS and commercial insurers are already paying hospitals and physicians about the same fee per procedure. Instead of a bill with some teeth that would simply and broadly allow CMS to negotiate prices for drugs, bipartisan bickering has watered down the bill to the point where they are actually debating how many drug prices CMS will be allowed to
negotiate. Right now, the bill would allow CMS to negotiate a whopping 25 prices. But Congress has magnanimously allowed CMS to negotiate (ready?) 35 whole drug prices … by 2033. Thirteen years from now? Despite the almost unanimous consensus that drugs cost too, you can thank the drug lobby the next time you are at a fund raiser for a friend who can’t afford their cancer drugs. CMS indifference to providers continues. No negotiating here. The 2020 fee schedule at least gives physicians a paltry 1-2% increase, but then alters the hoops they have to jump through to get paid. Physical therapy fees will be cut 8% and psychology fees 7% in 2021.
Healthcare in a Minute
By George W. Chapman
Lower Drug Costs: What’s Been the Holdup in Congress?
B
efore we overhaul our expensive healthcare system, we have to start with drug prices. So, Congress needs to get this seemingly no brainer bill done first. It’s called the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019. It is well documented, almost ad nausea, that we pay way more for drugs (and use way more drugs per capita) than most countries. We spent $345 billion or over $1,000 per person on drugs last year. In countries with a single payer or universal healthcare model, the government uses its purchasing power to negotiate prices with drug manufacturers.
But not the U.S.
Our government — through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) — covers 60 million people on Medicare and 70 million people on Medicaid. That’s a staggering 130 million people or 40% of the U.S. population. Canada negotiates drug prices and pays far less than we do. The purchasing power of our northern neighbor is a less than staggering 30 million people. CMS literally sets the fees for hospitals and physicians. There really isn’t any negotiation per se, unless CMS “listens “to hospital and physician trade associations counts. So why doesn’t CMS use its staggering 130 million people purchasing clout to negotiate drug fees? What’s the holdup? Simply: the drug lobby. It is the No. 1 lobby on the Hill, by far, spending $4 billion over the last 20 years and employing almost 1,300 drug lobbyists. That’s 2.4 lobbyists per congressperson. How are they
Why drug prices are so high and still going up? Blame the drug lobby. They are the largest of all lobbies in Washington D.C., spending $4 billion over the last 20 years and employing almost 1,300 drug lobbyists. That’s 2.4 lobbyists per congressperson. not tripping over each other as they enter and exit congressional offices? The ubiquitous drug lobby has succeeded in making this no-brainer issue into a partisan issue by contributing heavily to campaigns. Curiously, by comparison, there is little to no partisan bickering or compunction when it comes to setting prices for hospitals and physicians. By doing so, Congress has unwittingly limited its ability/cash to spend like the drunken sailor drug lobby. The drug manufacturers attribute their high prices and exorbitant profits to research and development, the cost of going through FDA approval, getting the drug to market and potential lawsuits. All debatable, but I’ll concede those points. So, this begs the question: why are they negotiating prices with anyone? Apparently, the U.S. government and U.S. consumers — paying anywhere from four to 120 times the price paid by other countries — are bearing most if not all of the costs of drug development. A lot of congressmen continue December 2019 •
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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Live Alone & Thrive
By Gwenn Voelckers
Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone
Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Those Who Live Alone
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his column is for all of you who have friends or family members who live alone. While the holidays can be a joyous time filled with laughter, cheer and gift giving, this time of year may not feel so “merry and bright” for singles. Feelings of loneliness and anxiety are not uncommon and may give way to the holiday blues for those on their own. What can you do to brighten the holidays for those who live alone? You can give the gift of time together — probably the most welcome and cherished gift of all. You can also give a thoughtful gift to lift a spirit, safeguard a loved one and warm a heart. Below, I’ve compiled a list of gift ideas for you. Some are practical, others personal, all are designed to put a smile on the face of someone who lives alone:
For fun
• An invitation to join you on New Year’s Eve. This can be a challenging night for those who are newly divorced or widowed. I popped the cork with my sister and her husband after my divorce and was deeply grateful for their invitation to spend the evening together. It got my new year off to a great start.
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• Tickets or gift certificates to movies, concerts, art openings or the theater. Include an invitation: “Be my guest.” And insist on doing the driving. • Dancing, cooking or art/craft classes. Do you have a single friend with two left feet? Dancing lessons might be in order. A widowed father who eats supper directly from the container? Consider a cooking class. Or a divorced sister who’s been looking for a creative outlet? A workshop in jewelry-making might delight her. There are so many possibilities!
For safety
• An AAA membership. I don’t leave home without it. A flat tire, an empty tank, a lost key – I’ve been there! This is a gift worth its weight in gold. • Handy tools for emergencies or life’s unexpected moments. Consider a compact “no-battery” wind-up LED flashlight with a hand crank. This is one of my prized possessions. How about a Swiss Army knife, complete with screwdrivers, scissors, a toothpick, and tweezers? It even comes with a nail file, can opener, and corkscrew. Or, consider a motion-activated doorbell that sounds a chime or
alarm when a visitor (or perhaps Santa?) arrives. Those of us who live alone need to be prepared for whatever life offers up. • A gift certificate for car washes. While not necessarily a “safety gift,” I always feel better when my car is clean (and that can’t help but make me safer on the road). Who doesn’t enjoy a clean, sparkling car? Choose a car wash near your recipient’s home or work place.
For pampering
• An opportunity to be “treated like royalty.” How many of your friends who live alone indulge or pamper themselves? My guess is not many, if they’re like me. Who has the time or money? But that’s what makes this the perfect gift! Why not surprise her with a spa certificate for a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure? Or make his day with a certificate for a gentleman’s facial or deep tissue/sports massage. You might also consider an extra toasty and colorful pair of socks. One World Goods in Pittsford Plaza features Maggie’s Organic Merino Wool Snuggle Socks with whimsical winter-themed designs. A fair-trade producer and distributor, Maggie’s is the oldest surviving organic apparel company in the US. • For women in particular who live alone — fresh flowers delivered. Do you know a single woman who lives by herself? When’s the last time she got flowers? It’s probably been years ... don’t I know it. So, delight her with a bouquet of yellow roses or tulips. The color yellow has been closely associated with sunshine, making these flowers excellent for cheering people up. • And speaking of deliveries, check out Gift of the Month clubs. Coming home alone at any time of year may feel a little empty, but it can really feel lonely during the holidays. Discovering a package on the doorstep can change everything.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2019
Go online and check out gourmet gifts and food clubs. You won’t believe the variety of delicious items that can be delivered on a monthly basis: chocolate, hot sauce, cheese, tea, cigars, wine, beer, pastas, olive oil, cookies, popcorn, pancakes, you name it. I love this idea so much I might treat myself.
For inspiration
• A gift of charity. Making a donation in someone’s name is a gift you can both feel good about. Think about your friend or family member who lives alone. What do they care about? Choose an organization that supports his or her values. • An invitation to join you in a volunteer activity. Helping others is a great holiday tradition. • Early on in my solo journey, a dear friend invited me to join her for a holiday gift-wrapping event to support the Humane Society. It felt wonderful to be out of the house and surrounded by other volunteers and staff who embraced the spirit of giving. • A subscription to “In Good Health” and/or “55 Plus” produced by editor and publisher Wagner Dotto. Both periodicals are filled with inspirational articles and trusted health information. Consider gift subscriptions for your friends and family who live alone. Chances are good your holidays and theirs will be healthier and happier for it. 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
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These Sports Are Most Likely to Send Young Americans to the ER ERs see about 2.7 million patients with sports-related injuries each year
O
f all sports, football sends the most U.S. males to the emergency room, while cheerleading and gymnastics most often do the same for women and girls, a new report finds. And, overall, U.S. emergency departments see about 2.7 million patients between the ages of 5 and 24 for sports-related injuries each year, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In some cases, these injuries might even be a gateway to opioid addiction: Opioid painkillers were given to ER patients suffering from a sports injury in about one in five cases, the study found. That number rose to nearly half (46%) among young adults aged 20 to 24. “As we have learned from the opioid crisis, many patients move from appropriately prescribed opioid medications to misuse of opioids,” noted physician Teresa Amato, who directs emergency medicine at Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, in Forest Hills, New York. She wasn’t involved in the new research. “I would encourage any parent with a child that has a sports-related injury who is being evaluated in an emergency department to have an open and frank discussion about pain control and if opioids are needed,” Amato said. “Of course, in some
cases there will be a need for these medications, but the discussion prior to dispensing or prescribing opioids may prevent misuse later on.” The new analysis of 2010-2016 national data was conducted by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. According to the report, football, basketball, cycling, soccer, ice/roller skating, and skateboarding are the leading causes of emergency department visits for sports injury for young Americans. Among males, just over 20% of these visits were due to a football-linked injury, while gymnastics and cheerleading accounted for the highest percentage among females (nearly 12%). In terms of where on the body the injuries occurred, kids aged 5 to 9 were more likely to have injuries to the arms and upper body than young adults aged 20 to 24, who were more likely to have lower-extremity injuries. Three-quarters of sports-related emergency visits for young patients needed scans, such as x-rays or CT scans, the report found. Opioid and non-opioid pain medications were given or prescribed at nearly two-thirds (64%) of visits. Non-opioid pain medication was given or prescribed nearly twice as often (41.4%) as opioid painkillers (22.5%), the CDC team found. December 2019 •
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Things You Need to Know About Vaping
By Ernst Lamothe Jr.
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aping has been an issue that continues to concern medical professionals, especially after several states reported unexplained teenage hospitalization, lung injuries and deaths. This year, more than 1,500 lung injury cases associated with the use of vaping products have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nationwide. Thirty-three deaths have been confirmed in 24 states. All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette or vaping, products. Vaping works by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs. The liquid can contain nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives. THC is the psychoactive mind-altering compound of marijuana that produces the “high.” “Until we know more information about vaping, it should be avoided,” said physician James Murray, pulmonary disease specialist at Unity Hospital, which is part of Rochester Regional Health. Murray offers five facts about vaping that he wants the public to understand. “Vaping is relatively new, compared to the decades of experience we have with combustible cigarettes, not to mention the THC, CBD oil or other agents that are part of what people are vaping.”
1.
More research needs to be done
There are some that say vaping is a safer version than smoking because it may produce fewer toxins and
OUTRAGEOUSLY HEALTHY
chemical compared to a traditional cigarette. But with the sudden rash of reported deaths, there has been a hyper focus on investigating these cases. Since the specific cause or causes of lung injury are not yet known, the only way to assure that you are not at risk while the investigation continues is to consider refraining from the use of all e-cigarette, or vaping, products. “It took decades for us to truly realize all the damage that was happening from cigarettes,” said Murray. “There is so much we don’t know about vaping and we truly need to investigate the issue. Kids are coming into the hospital with severe lung issues after vaping and that cannot be ignored.” The CDC and the Federal Drug Administration have not identified the cause or causes of the lung injuries in these cases, and the only commonality among all cases is that patients report the use of e-cigarette or vaping, products.
2.
It is being marketed to kids
People remember the cartoonish Joe Camel advertisements that many believed helped usher in the wave of teenage smoking. Medical experts see the same pattern happening with vaping. More than 150 various vape flavors exist, including gummy bear, cotton candy, Pina colada, tiramisu, strawberry cheesecake, watermelon, Doritos, kiwi and grape. “With teens gravitating to the flavors, vaping was marketed as a healthier and more appealing option to smoking. When you make these kinds of flavors available in chemical form, some of the appeal is going to
attract children and young adults,” added Murray. “This is getting younger people addicted to nicotine and, secondly, it promotes and normalizes smoking behaviors.”
3.
There is no benefit to vaping
Because vaping or e-cigarettes contain some form of ingesting nicotine into the lungs, smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causes many diseases and affects the health of smokers in general. Avoiding vaping lowers your risk for smoking-related diseases and can add years to your life. Smoking causes stroke and coronary heart disease, which are among the leading causes of death in the United States. There is no safe tobacco product. All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, carry a risk. “Smoking is one of the largest and most significant contributions to poor health,” said Murray. “It is inherently bad and should be avoided by everyone. It is the underlying factor to so many diseases.”
4.
People need to know more about vaping
While vaping may be common on campuses and among groups of teens and smokers, in general there isn’t a lot of awareness about the trend. There are people who suggest it is inherently safer and more natural and others who say it is a successful way to quit nicotine. “The problem is, there is a lot of information out there around the potential risks and there needs to be a coherent and cohesive message disseminated from as many medical experts as possible,” said Murray.
Physician James Murray is a pulmonary disease specialist at Unity Hospital, part of Rochester Regional Health: “Until we know more information about vaping, it should be avoided.” “While some people might report that it helped them quit smoking many remained addicted to nicotine.”
5.
The illness is real
People who vape are developing symptoms and findings consistent with a toxic inhalation syndrome, which includes coughing and shortness of breath. Inhaled substances may cause injury in pulmonary epithelium at various levels of respiratory tract, leading from simple symptoms to severe disease. “We have patients that are coming in with a variety of symptoms, some with severely reduced oxygen levels,” said Murray. “They are experiencing inflammation in their lungs and airways.”
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Medication Drop Box Locations: Bristol: Town Hall
Farmington: State Troopers
Canandaigua: FLCC (Keuka Wing) The Medicine Shoppe Ontario County DMV Office Canandaigua Police Dept. Thompson Hospital (lobby) Mental Health Clinic (County Complex)
Clifton Springs: Hospital (Lobby)
Geneva: Police Station North Street Pharmacy Richmond: Town Hall CVS Pharmacy
East Bloomfield: Town Hall Naples: Village Hall Phelps: Community Center Rushville: Village Hall Victor: Meade Square Pharmacy
If you do not live in Ontario County, please contact your local law enforcement agency. Questions, please call us at 585-396-4554.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2019
A Universal Way of Learning and Healing
Using arts, dance and music, The Hochstein School in Rochester offers different ways to learn, heal By Colleen M. Farrell
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on-traditional approaches to health matters aren’t new. But, in some cases, they are becoming more recognized by the medical community. Therapies involving music, art and dance are even being embraced by some health care practitioners, according to Jennifer Phillips, chairwoman of the expressive arts department at The Hochstein School in Rochester. “The arts are universal,” she said. Studies have shown they can help with cognitive function, motor skills development, relaxation and pain control. The arts can help boost emotional health, too. But, the crux of the mission of The Hochstein School’s expressive arts department is connection, whether it be between a client and a student, a client and his or her family or with themselves, Phillips said. “It’s incredibly, incredibly important,” she said. “It’s kind of at the heart of the expressive arts field.” For more than 40 years, Hochstein has offered music therapy. It’s since expanded to offer art and dance therapy, too. More than 1,000 people annually take part in the offerings. Clients find them in various ways. Referrals from past clients; passing by the Downtown United Presbyterian Church on Fitzhugh Street, which houses Hochstein; and community partners who make referrals. There’s no such thing as a “typical client.” They range in age from 6 months to 104. Their interests, backgrounds and learning abilities are as widespread as their ages. Some have learning differences. Others are dealing with medical issues. Still others have dementia or brain injury. “We have a pretty large population of folks who come here with developmental disabilities, either for a little extra help with some goal areas they have or they come to us because they want to learn to play an instrument,” Phillips said. The music, art and dance therapy programs are adapted for each client to help them achieve whatever goal they have, Phillips said.
“We have that kind of unique experience to work with many, many individuals with their different needs and different preferences,” she said. Hochstein even offers the ability for loved ones to participate with clients, like someone dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregiver. Phillips, a music therapist, says her medium can be a very powerful way for clients to express themselves and connect with others. “I think that music is personal. It’s a unique experience and every person’s journey with music is their own,” she said. “They get to claim that as their own.” Hochstein’s programs for children in early intervention are popular. They’re designed to help them overcome hurdles, but, “to the kids, it’s just fun,” she said. Thanks to the generosity of benefactors and other funding sources, the programs are open to anyone, Phillips said. “Our whole mission is to be able to offer expressive arts and music education and dance education to anyone who wants it, regardless of ability to pay,” she said. “We are here to cater to the community.” Phillips said Hochstein’s staff work well together, striving to create a supportive and comfortable learning environment. “Something that sounds really simple but when it comes down Phillips to it really isn’t is watching a client reach a goal that they have,” she said. “The joy from that is palpable.” For more information, visit https://hochstein.org or email jennifer.phillips@hochstein.org or carla. larsson@hochstein.org.
Leading a group music therapy session at The Hickok Center for Brain Injury.
Presenting “Music Therapy and Aging: Nurturing Connection Through Music, Rhythm, and Dance” for a group of residents in Pittsford.
Collaborative play through musical exploration at Hochstein’s Musical Mystery Tour.
Nature Nurtures Kids T aking that trek through the woods with your child may do more than build strong muscles. New research suggests that time spent in nature is also good for their mental and emotional well-being. “This research shows that children experience profound and diverse benefits through regular contact with nature. Contact with the wild improves children’s well-being, motivation and confidence,” said Nigel Doar, director of strategy at the Wildlife Trusts, the organization in charge of nature reserves in the United Kingdom. “The data also highlights how children’s experiences in and around the natural world led to better relationships with their teachers and classmates,” Doar said in a news release from the trust.
The study included more than 450 British elementary schoolchildren, mostly aged 8 and 9, who took part in a series of Wildlife Trusts activities in 12 areas across England over several weeks. The children completed surveys before and after they participated in the outdoor activities, which included learning about nature, its role in people’s lives and the needs of wildlife habitats. The Wildlife Trusts commissioned the study, which was conducted by researchers at the Institute of Education at University College London (UCL). The study found that 90% of children felt they learned something new about the natural world, while 79% felt that their experience could help their schoolwork. December 2019 •
After their outdoor activities, 84% felt that they were capable of doing new things when they tried, 79% said they felt more confident, 81% said they had better relationships with their teachers, and 79% said they had better relationships with their classmates. “The Wildlife Trusts believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of wildlife in daily life, and we’re calling on government to recognize the multiple benefits of nature for children
and ensure that at least one hour per school day is spent outdoors learning and playing in wild places,” said Doar. “Each generation seems to have less contact with the outdoors than the preceding one. We owe it to all young people to reverse this trend for their sakes, for our sakes and for nature’s sake,” said study co-author and UCL professor Michael Reiss. The report was published in November by the UCL Institute of Education for the Wildlife Trusts.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Healthcare for the Homeless in the Rochester Area In Monroe County, about 835 people go without a home on any given night By Ina Buga, Joy Snyder and Christine R. Birnie
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here are approximately 91,897 people in New York state without a place to go on any given night, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. This represents 46 homeless per 10,000 people, placing New York on the same level with Hawaii for the highest rate of homelessness per 10,000. In Monroe County, there are approximately 835 people without a home on any given night, constituting 11.2 homeless per 10,000 people. Homelessness and poverty are significant determinants of health. The homeless are at increased risk of chronic illness, poor mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, and smoking. Among inpatient admissions, psychiatric disorder and substance abuse are the leading causes of hospitalizations of homeless patients compared to non-homeless. They may often experience violence before and after becoming homeless. Additionally, it is reported that the mortality rate in the homeless is four to nine times higher than in the general population. There are many services in Rochester that are working to better serve the healthcare needs of the homeless.
The Mobile Medical Unit stationed at St. Joe’s House of Hospitality
Project Homeless Connect Project Homeless Connect hosted its eighth annual “Day of Services” in Rochester Oct. 15. This one-stop-shop gathered a broad range of community agencies and professions in one location to offer the homeless and those at risk of homelessness access to health care, immunizations, social services, legal services, medical care, food, haircuts and other services. Attendees had the opportunity to be assessed for acute illnesses, health screenings and management of chronic conditions. Guests were offered HIV and hepatitis C testing, information on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, naloxone training and naloxone kits. Attendees also received information on medication-assisted addiction (MAAT). A dental van was accessible at the event where guests had the opportunity to receive a full array of dental services, procedures and education. Through a partnership with Wegmans Pharmacy, students and faculty from St. John Fisher College Wegmans School of Pharmacy administered influenza immunizations to those attending or volunteering at the Day of Services. All services were free of charge and provided by volunteers from the community. Although the project was focused on the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in the Rochester area, it was free and open to anyone who wanted to attend.
St. Josephs Neighborhood Center
St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center is a service in the city of Rochester that is accessible to individuals that might not have access to healthcare services. The center provides comprehensive physical, dental and mental health services to uninsured and under-insured individuals in the Page 12
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Pharmacist Elizabeth Sutton Burke administering influenza vaccine to one of the attendees during “Day of Services” at Project Homeless Connect. greater Rochester area. Upon arrival at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, an individual first meets with a healthcare access specialist who performs insurance eligibility screening, application assistance and Medicaid enrollment. Since many homeless qualify for public services such as Medicaid, this support is valuable to gaining access to the care needed. If the individual is not eligible for public assistance, the center will continue to provide care until health insurance can be obtained.
Healthcare for the Homeless Program
Healthcare for the Homeless Program (HCHP) is a community outreach program through Rochester Regional Health providing quality comprehensive primary medical and dental care, diabetic and nutrition education, and intensive case management services for the homeless population in the city of Rochester and Monroe County. Services are provided at area homeless shelters, mobile medical unit, and at the brick and mortar clinic on Genesee Street.
UR Well Clinic
The UR Well Clinic is a student-run medical outreach program
Pharmacist Joy Snyder administering influenza vaccine to one of the attendees during “Day of Services” at Project Homeless Connect.
that provides health care services to uninsured and under-insured adults in the Rochester area. Patients are provided care by medical students from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD) and pharmacy students from St. John Fisher College Wegmans School of Pharmacy in consultation with attending clinicians. The clinic offers routine physical examinations, influenza immunizations, PPD [Purified Protein Derivative] placement for tuberculosis screening, ongoing care for chronic conditions, health education and preventive medicine. The clinic also offers specialty services such as orthopedics, neurology endocrinology and ophthalmology. Patients who require follow-up treatments receive referrals to other health care clinics.\
UR Street Outreach
UR Street Outreach is another student-run program at the University of Rochester SMD. The program serves the homeless population in the Rochester area whose needs are not met by the UR Well clinic. UR Street Outreach brings medical services to the homeless, seeking out camps where the homeless live, to better make contact with the homeless.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2019
This outreach is done in the hopes to establish relationships and trust to better provide the care homeless individuals need. These are a few examples of the outreach programs providing healthcare to the homeless in the Rochester area. Despite the many services available, it still remains a challenge to reach all of the homeless and to provide the care needed. Although most homeless qualify for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, adequate resources and support must be made available to this uniquely underserved population. Ina Buga is a final-year pharmacy student at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St John Fisher College, who participated in a service learning clinical rotation at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center. Joy Snyder, a pharmacist and a public health pharmacy fellow, and Christine Birnie, R.Ph., Ph.D., dean of the Wegmans School of Pharmacy, served as mentors and the preceptors for the service learning rotation.
Once the aligner is totally in place, it is very difficult to see unless one is looking for it. It’s like contact lenses for orthodontia.
Ditching Braces: Use of Orthodontic Aligners Expanding Clear aligners, such as the brand name Invisalign, offer the advantage of nearly imperceptible orthodontic treatment, unlike traditional braces By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
C
lear orthodontic aligners have improved a lot since the late 1990s. “It’s a world of difference from then until now,” said dentist Emile Rossouw, Ph.D., chairman of the orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics department at Eastman Institute for Oral Health, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center. “If I look at what I can do with them today and what I could do with them 20 years ago, that is very different. Our knowledge and expertise and the biomechanical principles help us use it much more efficiently today.” The better materials and a greater variety of attachments used “allow clinicians more options for correcting malocclusions,” Rossouw said. Clear aligners, such as the brand name Invisalign, offer the advantage of nearly imperceptible orthodontic treatment, unlike traditional braces. Once a patient at an orthodontic office completes an intake, exam and measurement protocol with the orthodontist’s team, a series of aligners is made specific to that patient and tailored to the treatment goals. As prescribed, the patient exchanges one aligner for the next in a series of incremental changes. Since the devices are removable, patients can take them out for eating, which means they won’t face dietary restrictions like no sticky or hard foods. This also makes cleaning the teeth much easier — a big reason aligners are important for patients who are not as scrupulous with their at-home care. Patients must remove aligners only for eating and brushing. Otherwise, the devices must be worn, even overnight. Aligners can correct most prob-
lems patients bring to their orthodontist’s office, but not all. “If you want to extrude a canine that’s impacted, you may need something rigid, an anchor in the mouth, to pull down the tooth,” Rossouw said. “With clear aligners, it may be harder. One can do quite a bit with aligners, but there are limitations.” Another example is the orthodontist’s ability to adjust the plan with the patient in the chair. Standard braces may be infinitely adjusted on the spot to suit the patient’s comfort level and how the oral plan unfolds. Teeth aren’t always compliant to the plan. Rossouw said it’s not uncommon to obtain additional aligners when this happens. Orthodontists can also attach a type of resin to the teeth to promote and restrain certain movement among the teeth, which can make the process more efficient. It’s not either/or. Some patients have an aligner on one arch and traditional metal braces on the other. They may begin with one appliance and end their treatment with the other. Dentist Steven M. Kazley operates orthodontic offices in Brighton and Fairport. He said that at first, orthodontists selected more straightforward cases for suggesting aligners; however, as the technique and appliance both improved in recent years, their use expanded. He estimates that 80 to 85% of his adult patients are treated with aligners. With increasing interest in aligners and orthodontics in general, a number of companies have begun selling FDA-approved appliances for a do-it-yourself approach to orthodontics at home. Clients buy a kit to create their dental impressions and December 2019 •
purchase the resulting aligners which they use in succession until their plan is complete, all without visiting an orthodontic office one time. There’s no professional assessment or measurements, X-rays or radiographs. The reason many go the DIY route is financial. Traditional braces and aligners can cost around $6,000. The “DIY” services like SmileDirectClub offer a series of aligners for $1,895. But the professionals warn buyers to beware. “There’s no oversight,” Kazley warned. “It’s purely sold to an unknowing consumer. The promises seem to be very good but the way that they do things, they don’t have the kind of range of latitude to do what can be done under supervision of a doctor.” For example, orthodontists can perform tooth reshaping to help oddly shaped teeth fit together better. They also use attachments that help them properly rotate a tooth into alignment, something that an aligner bought off the internet can’t do. “If there’s nothing to grip on, it cannot happen,” Kazley said. DIY-ers also have no professional monitoring the progress with x-rays and exams to ensure that the teeth are moving properly. Orthodontists focus on oral function and health, not just cosmetic appearance. Teeth that appear perfectly straight in the front may not align properly for chewing which can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) damage, bone loss, and root problems. The FDA approves only the appliances — not how they’re used. Should a DIY-er run into problems, they don’t have a means to correct them except for going to an orthodontist, which incurs more ex-
pense than if they went there initially. Rossouw said that the American Association of Orthodontists has noticed numerous complaints from people using DIY kits. Short term braces represent another means of saving money compared with standard orthodontic treatments from an orthodontist. Companies such as Six Month Smiles train dentists at long weekend retreats on how to use their orthodontic appliances to help patients improve their smiles cosmetically. While at least patients receive professional oversight, training for a long weekend is much different than the master’s degree required to become an orthodontist. “They likely cherry pick the easiest 10% to 15% of patients for treatment, but it’s really also a difficult thing to move teeth,” Kazley said. Roussouw added that the sixmonth method isn’t really fixing the problem, since crooked teeth could be only one facet of a malocclusion. There’s also overbite, cross bite and a variety of other dental issues. In many cases, other teeth may need to be moved into position first. “Uninformed patients choose a product because it may sound more affordable but it doesn’t correct the problem,” he said. Orthodontist offices work with patients to set up payment plans that can help them better afford quality care that truly addresses their oral health needs. The American Association of Orthodontists offers a Q&A at www. aaoinfo.org/_/online-orthodontic-companies to help consumers better evaluate the risks of alternative alignment programs.
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Trillium Health: Turning the Tide Against HIV/AIDS Organization close to reaching an important milestone in 2020: less than 750 new HIV infections in the Rochester region by the end of next year. (That number was under 2,000 in 2018) By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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ince the early days of the AIDS epidemic in 1981, Trillium Health has been part of the fight against the infection’s spread. Based in Rochester, Trillium represents one of the largest programs in New York, covering seven counties from Monroe to Chemung. Physician William Valenti wears a lot of hats with Trillium Health: senior vice president for strategic advancement, chief of innovation, co-founder and staff physician. He said that Trillium has made great headway in recent years. Since 2014, New York state has promoted End the HIV Epidemic by 2020, a program known to organizations like Trillium as EtE2020. Though there are a number of other similar initiatives going in the US, New York state’s was the first EtE2020 initiative. “We want it to go to under 750 new infections by the end of 2020,” Valenti said. “I think we’ll make it, if not, we should come very close. We’re under 2,000 in 2018.” The U.S. and the World Health Organization (WHO) initiatives are very similar, except a target year to achieve their goals is 2030, not 2020 as it is in New York state. Among Trillium’s 850 HIV patients, 92% have undetectable viral load; nationwide, only 85% of HIV patients have an undetectable viral load. An undetectable viral load means that the patient’s medication has suppressed the virus enough that it’s not transmissible; however, that does not mean the patient is cured. Valenti said that the organization has outpaced the US average for several years, but that could partly be because Trillium has been treating HIV patients for so long. “Our Trillium culture is built around working with population with HIV to help them deal with HIV with a comprehensive view of their health to help them take their medicine, stay in treatment, stay health and not spread HIV to others. EtE2020 “begins to consolidate our thinking around HIV treatment and prevention and the pillars of that initiative are to increase HIV testing; to help identify people with HIV who are not in care, link them to care, begin treatment and stay in treatment; and the idea of treatment in the modern area,” Valenti said. That includes a test that can measure the level of viral load within the blood. If it’s below a certain level — thanks to medication suppressing the virus — the patient cannot sexually transmit the virus to anyone else. The other emphasis is preventive medicine, pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis (PrEP). According to Trillium’s website, the daily pill can Page 14
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Physician William Valenti (center) with Trillium Health employees Michael Lecker, and Susanna Speed.
Trillium Health leaders in May cut the ribbon on an expanded and renovated clinic space at 259 Monroe Av.e at Monroe Square in Rochester. File photo. prevent infection among HIV negative people who are at risk for HIV, including those who have multiple or anonymous sexual partners; do not use condoms or do not use condoms regularly; are males with male sexual partners; use injection drugs or mood-altering drugs, such as alcohol, methamphetamines, cocaine, or ecstasy; have sex in exchange for money, drugs, or housing, etc. or have a sexual partner living with
HIV or a sexual partner whose status is unknown. Valenti said that Trillium has nearly 1,000 patients currently taking PrEP. “We’ve made a big push to get people on the preventive pill,” Valenti said. “It reduces the risk of new HIV up to 99%. It’s an important public health activity in terms of our efforts to stop the spread of HIV.” The success of patient compli-
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2019
ance with taking PrEP is especially notable since many in the population taking it have one or more risk factors — multiple sexual partners and lack of condom use ‚ yet they consistently remember to take a pill every day to make PrEP effective. “When you give people information and empower them, they’re motivated,” Valenti said. The office follows up with PrEP patients every three months. “We do screening for sexually transmitted infections, we repeat the HIV test, we talk about how they’re doing taking PrEP,” Valenti said. His office also helps patients overcome any obstacles to taking their prescriptions. Trillium has a team of prevention navigators who work with patients to take down their sexual histories, talk about education and give them information. “We have a half-dozen young people working in this program and are essential to the effort,” Valenti said. “It helps people stay adherent to that one pill a day.” Though Trillium still sees new infections, Valenti said they’re “driving downward” with a decrease of 10% from 2017 to 2018 across New York. “The decrease in the Finger Lakes and Rochester area hasn’t been as dramatic as that,” he added. “We know that from research it takes at least 13 people on PrEP a year to prevent one infection. It’s a big job to stop the spread of HIV.” Trillium has operated a syringe exchange program for more than 20 years, which helps people who use illicit drugs obtain clean needles instead of resorting to ones possibly used by someone infected with HIV. Trillium’s operating budget of $30 million comes from grants and patient billing. The organization works to get all its patients on health insurance so Trillium can bill for services as needed or allowed. Trillium employs 280 agency-wide. Trillium has been recognized as a federally qualified health center. To fulfill that mission, the organization has expanded its services to include women’s health and pediatrics later in 2020. “For the HIV program, we’ll continue to develop our EtE2020 programming and build on what we call prevention science activities,” Valenti said. “It’s a new component within HIV. It uses the evidence to develop best practices to end the HIV epidemic. We have a big year ahead of us in ‘finishing the job’ and getting to under 750 by end of 2020. But that doesn’t mean we all pack up and go home. “We have reached one benchmark. But there’s another generation or two of work to really manage this epidemic. Getting to zero is the next step. Hopefully there will be a vaccine at that point. In the absence of the vaccine, other medical strategies are coming down the pipeline.” These could include medication like PrEP that could be injected monthly or implanted for slow release for a year, similar to Norplant. Trillium is also hoping to launch a mobile clinic in early 2020 to bring healthcare to people instead of relying upon them to come to the office. The organization also wants to expand its telehealth to a secure, encrypted smartphone app. “We want to find new ways to link people to care,” Valenti said. “That’s our agenda.”
SmartBites
Helpful tips
By Anne Palumbo
The skinny on healthy eating
Roast Beef Rounds Up Crucial Nutrients T o beef or not to beef? That is the question that plagues many as red meat has come under fire. Does its consumption cause cancer? Heart disease? Type 2 diabetes? Conversely, what benefits do we reap from eating beef? While the answers to these questions are complex, varied and continuously being investigated, the bottom line, according to leading experts and health organizations is this: It’s still a smart idea to reduce your red meat intake in order to reduce your risk of the diseases mentioned above. Reduce. It’s doable advice. For both health and environmental reasons, I don’t eat a lot of red meat. But I do eat some; and, at this festive time of year, I probably indulge more than I normally do. Roast beef, especially the leaner cuts, offers clear nutritional benefits. Not only is it packed with good-quality protein, but it also sizzles with impressive amounts of selenium, several B vitamins, zinc and iron. An average 3.5-oz serving of roast beef has about 25-28 grams of complete protein, which, for many, tackles over half of our daily needs. Protein helps to keep our muscles and bones strong, which is important for maintaining balance, mobility and inde-
pendence as we age. Roast beef is a selenium superstar, with an average serving providing 50% of our daily needs. A powerful antioxidant, selenium fights oxidative stress and helps defend our body from chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s. This essential mineral is also important for the proper functioning of our thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism and controls growth and development. Healthy doses of immune-boosting zinc, energy-producing iron and vitamins B:6, B:12 and niacin provide more good reasons to eat beef. Working together, the B vitamins strengthen our immune system, convert food to energy, keep our nerves in tiptop shape, and help make red blood cells. So, why do leading institutions, including the American Institute for Cancer Research, say we should limit our consumption to no more than about three portions per week (total: about 12-18 oz)? Strong evidence suggests a link between the regular consumption of red meat and colon cancer.
Garlic-Rosemary Roast Beef with Horseradish Sauce Adapted from Diabetic Living Magazine
3 pounds beef eye of round roast 1 teaspoon salt, divided ¾ teaspoon ground pepper, divided 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1 shallot, minced (1/4 cup) 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary (or 2 teaspoons dried) 4 cloves garlic, minced, divided 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt 1½ tablespoons prepared horseradish 2-3 teaspoons Dijon mustard 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, more if prefer • Preheat oven to 400°F. • Season roast with ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet (see Tip) over medium-high heat. Add the roast and cook, turning every few minutes, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. • Combine butter, shallot, rose-
Choose lean cuts, which run lower in saturated fat, cholesterol and calories. Anything with “round,” “chuck” or “loin” in its name is usually either extra lean or lean. For example, eye round roast has only 4 grams of total fat, l.4 grams of saturated fat, 54 mg of cholesterol, and about 165 calories per average serving versus prime rib that has 17 grams of total fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 77 mg of cholesterol, and 265 calories. If “char”—a potential carcinogen— develops during the cooking process, scrape it off. mary, and 3 cloves minced garlic; spread on top of the roast. Transfer the pan to the oven. Roast until a thermometer inserted in the center of the meat registers 125-130°F for medium-rare, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer the roast to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. • Meanwhile, whisk remaining garlic, yogurt, horseradish, mustard, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with the remaining salt and pepper. Adjust seasonings, adding more lemon juice if needed. Slice the beef thinly and serve with the sauce. • Tip: If you don’t have a large ovenproof skillet, you can brown the roast in a large skillet and transfer it to a roasting pan for Step 3.
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.
Can Intermittent Fasting Work For You? Diet has been in the news after actress Jennifer Aniston said she follows it By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
T
raditionally, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but don’t tell actress Jennifer Aniston that. According to numerous media outlets, the svelte star relies upon intermittent fasting to keep her figure trim — despite having turned 50 years old in 2019. The eating plan as Aniston uses it involves eating nothing from 6 p.m. until 10 a.m., although she does drink beverages such as celery juice in the morning. Physician Az Tahir, who practices holistic medicine in Rochester, said that intermittent fasting “has been shown to have health benefits,” he said. He listed weight loss, reversing symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, reducing LDL cholesterol levels, mitigating the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and augmenting chemotherapy to both increase its ability to fight cancer and lessening its negative side effects. As for weight loss, “mainly, it regulates glucose and glycogen,” Ta-
hir said. “When you do intermittent fasting, the amount of the food you eat is less, so the calories are less.” He said the easiest way to fast is eating two meals per day. Eating right — when ones does eat — is important while on this type of plan: eschewing processed foods and simple carbohydrates in favor of a mostly plant-based diet with only a small amount of animal-based food. Heather Carrera, doctor of clinical nutrition who works in the office of Lesley James, MD in Pittsford, also said that research indicates that intermittent fasting offers “a lot of benefits” for people with Alzheimer’s, gastrointestinal problems or excess weight. Like Tahir, she said that eating a better diet is important and added that those with diabetes should be monitored. “I think there’s a lot of merit to intermittent fasting, but it needs to be done in a healthy way,” Carrera said. “If you eat poorly and you start to intermittent fast, it won’t have the health benefits. December 2019 •
Carrera has irritable bowel syndrome and said that intermittent fasting helps her and many others with IBS because it allows the digestive system to rest. “You should do it for health reasons, not necessarily for weight loss, although that can be a side effect,” Carrera said. Shifting the hours is alright, too. Some may find it easier to stop eating earlier in the evening so they can eat again sooner the next day. Others prefer sharing their evening meal for social reasons and then pushing out their next meal until lunchtime the following day. The time span isn’t set in stone, either. Some intermittently fast for fewer or longer hours. Some even eat only every other day. Before making any changes in eating patterns, it’s important to receive a healthcare provider’s approval to ensure it won’t interfere with any medication or health conditions.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Holiday Greetings
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Healthful Holiday Gifts By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
“Health is wealth” as the saying goes. Why not give healthful gifts this season? While giving something as obvious as a diet book is likely not a great idea, gifts to promote good health come in many forms.
1.
Fruit basket. Most grocers
sell beautiful arrangements of fruits. Or, you can make your own with a large basket or other festive container. I like to cushion the interior with a new kitchen towel or shredded red and green paper and fill it with a variety of fruit to about 1/3 above the container’s capacity. Placing firmer fruit on the bottom, like apples, helps ensure it will last longer, as will cradling softer fruit in a few layers of tissue paper. For the lack of a nicer container, I’ve even wrapped a sturdy cardboard box with Christmas paper. Include more exotic fruits and also favorites like apples and oranges so if feels more special. Party stores and dollar stores cell cellophane shrink wrap bags that will keep the goodies inside. Then top with a bow. Fruit baskets make great thank-you gifts to a family hosting your celebration. Also consider people who may seldom have fresh fruit, like a relative living in a nursing home. An elderly person who has enough “stuff” may also enjoy an edible gift.
omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid the glazed varieties, as they’re high in sugar. Nuts roasted and sprinkled with sea salt offer a better option. Or just plain nuts are good, too. Grocery stores usually provide containers of nuts in the shell this time of year in the produce section. Add a nutcracker and pick and you’re all set. Or peruse the store for shelled nut gift sets.
4. 2.
Chocolate. Select a high-qual-
ity dark chocolate. Despite its decadence, chocolate’s antioxidants can provide a boost to the immune system. Skip milk chocolate, which contains a much lower level of antioxidants, and white chocolate, which isn’t really chocolate at all. Whether it’s a stack of bars wrapped and tied off with a ribbon (children especially love this), a fancy holiday gift package or a seasonal box of candies, chocolate is always welcomed and when eaten in moderation, a treat that provides some health benefits.
3.
Nuts. Providing
allergies aren’t an issue, fancy nuts represent a terrific present, as they’re delicious sources of minerals, protein and healthful
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Maple syrup. Most people love it but consider it a special treat because of its price. With its bevy of minerals (even calcium!) as an all-natural sweetener, maple syrup represents a very healthful food. I’ve found that shopping at a maple farm’s store can offer a wider variety of decorative glass bottles and even seasonal containers instead of the taupe plastic jug or plain glass bottle.
5.
Tea or coffee. Both bever-
ages offer antioxidants. But among teas, white tea has the most, followed by green and then black. Fruit tea is usually made with a black tea base. Some herbal teas purport to support the immune system’s health.
Many stores sell tea or coffee packaged nicely. Or, as with the fruit, choose a few varieties and package them up yourself. As a nice touch, include a set of nice mugs in a style appealing to the recipient or accessories like a tea cozy or a French press and grinder.
6.
Community supported agriculture membership. Also
known as a CSA, this membership gives your recipient a share of a local farmer’s freshly harvested crops all summer and fall. Some also offer winter shares, which tend to include more root crops. That should expand the recipient’s produce consumption, since most CSAs offer a vast array of fruits and vegetables. Some CSAs include items like eggs, honey and meat. Before you purchase, make sure that the pick-up location — which may or may not be on the farm — is close enough to your recipient.
7.
Healthful gift cards. Support your recipients’ interest in a new activity, whether it’s dance lessons, martial arts school membership, golf club membership or anything else that gets them moving. But as with the aforementioned diet book, don’t make it as obvious as a gym membership unless they have explicitly stated that kind of gift would be welcomed. Along with the membership certificate, package up an accessory such as a vacuum-sealing, stainless steel insulated water bottle.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2019
Holiday Greetings
Holidays: Dodging Dietary Dangers By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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ith family gatherings, work parties, cookie exchanges and food gifts, the season can feel full of dietary hazards if you have food restrictions. Whether it’s an intolerance or allergy, your dietary restrictions may not seem important to others. From a “forgotten” ingredient in a side
dish or a relative who thinks it’s “all in your head,” here’s how you can dodge dietary dangers. From Heather Carrera, doctor of clinical nutrition at the office of Lesley James, MD in Pittsford: • “Bring a dish to pass that you can eat, hopefully something that’s
part of the main meal so that if everything there is something you can’t eat, you’ll have something you trust to eat. • “Carry a snack with you that you can eat. Worst case scenario, if your own dish is the only thing you can eat at least you’ll have your snack, too. • “Usually, there’s at least a few staples most people can eat like a veggie tray or cold cuts. • “Try to identify at the beginning as to what looks safe and what you can stay away from. There are usually a few things compliant. • “Call ahead to see what you can eat if it’s a family member and you feel comfortable asking. Ask if there are gluten-free options or whatever your need is. • “Especially around family, feel comfortable saying, ‘No thank you.’ Practice a few lines ahead of time of you’re going to say. People don’t get it. You don’t have to go into the nitty-gritty, but stay positive and polite. • “If it’s something like lactose intolerance, bring some digestive enzymes along. • “If you load up on anti-inflammatory foods in the weeks leading up to the holidays you can help your body deal with things that are inflammatory. Make sure your diet is as clean and anti-inflammatory as possible leading up to the holidays. It helps set your body up for success.
• “If you have irritable bowel syndrome and you’re on a low-fat diet and you eat something accidentally, there are certain teas like fennel, ginger or peppermint to help reduce gas and bloating. They can help settle your stomach. • “For food gifts, my go-to line is ‘Thank you so much! I’ve eaten so much that I want to have room to really enjoy it.’ So, I take it home and give it to someone else. • “If it’s an allergy that’s not going away, it’s worth telling the person, ‘I wish I could eat it and it looks terrific, but I can’t.’ After you give it to someone else, tell the giver how much that other person enjoyed it. • “Suggest something else they’ve made in the past that you’ve enjoyed and that you can eat.” From physician Az Tahir, who practices holistic medicine in Rochester, also suggested what to do: • “It can be a challenge, especially when traveling and at family functions, if you’re allergic to foods commonly used. Usually, you have fruits and vegetables. They’re usually safe and you can buy them anywhere. • “Nuts can be a healthful food if you’re not allergic to them. • “If you’re allergic to something, don’t just eat it because you’re afraid of offending other people.”
Does it Run in the Family? How to create a family health portrait By Jim Miller
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he holidays are a perfect time to create a family history to help identify your own genetic vulnerabilities. An accurate family health history remains one of the most important tools in keeping yourself healthy as you age, and the holidays when family members come together is a great time to do it. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips and tools to help you create one.
Know Your Genes
Just as you can inherit your father’s height or your mother’s eye color, you can also inherit their genetic risk for diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease and more. If one generation of a family has high blood pressure, for example, it is not unusual for the next generation to have it too. Therefore, tracing the illnesses suffered by your relatives can help you and your doctor predict the disorders you may be at risk for, so you can take action to keep yourself healthy. To create a family health history, you’ll need to start by collecting some basic medical information on your first-degree relatives including your parents, siblings and children. Then move on to your grandparents, aunts, uncles and first cousins.
You need to get the specific ages of when they developed health problems like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, depression, etc. If family members are deceased, you need to know when and how they died. If possible, include lifestyle information as well, such as diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol use. Some relatives may not want to share their medical histories, or they may not know their family history, but whatever information you discover will be helpful. To get information on diseased relatives, get copies of their death certificates. This will list the cause of death and the age he or she died. To get a death certificate, contact the vital records office in the state where your relative died, or go to VitalChek.com. Or, if you were adopted, the National Foster Care & Adoption Directory Search (see ChildWelfare. gov/nfcad) may be able to help you locate your birth parents so you can get their medical history.
Helpful Tools
To get help putting together your family health history, the U.S. Surgeon General created a free web-based tool called “My Family Health Portrait” (see phgkb.cdc.gov/ December 2019 •
FHH/html) that can help you collect, organize and understand your genetic risks and even share the information with your family members and doctors. Another good resource that provides similar assistance is the Genetic Alliance’s online tool called “Does It Run In the Family.” At FamilyHealthHistory.org you can create a customized guide on your family health history for free.
Handling the Results
If you uncover some serious health risks that run in your family, don’t despair. While you can’t change your genes, you can change your habits to increase your chances of a healthy future. By eating
a healthy diet, exercising and not smoking, you can offset and sometimes even neutralize your genetic vulnerabilities. This is especially true for heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. A family medical history can also alert you to get early and frequent screening tests, which can help detect other problems (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cancers like breast, ovarian, prostrate and colon cancer) in their early stages when they’re most treatable. Jim Miller is the author of Savvy Senior, a column that runs every issue in In Good Health.
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Holiday Greetings Survival Guide For a Stress-Free Holiday Season By Kimberly Blaker
D
o you dread the hustle and bustle of another holiday season? Between shopping, wrapping, baking, holiday cards, parties, and many other obligations and tasks, surviving the season can be a feat, let alone finding the time to enjoy it with your family. This year, why not make a pact to eliminate stress by following these tips?
Early planning — First, close your eyes and think back to the previous couple years and how hectic and stressful they felt. What percentage of holiday activities and tasks would you need to eliminate to make the season truly enjoyable and relatively stress-free? During this
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process, don’t think about what you can’t eliminate. Just determine the percentage of reduction you need to make. Next, make a list of everything you need to do during the holiday season, to which parties you’ll be invited, and how much money you’ll spend. Now cross off the least important, least necessary and least desirable events and tasks. Then review the list, and calculate how much time and expense you’ve shaved off. If you haven’t reached your predetermined reduction, go through your list again. Once you’ve decided which parties you’ll attend and the commitments you’ll make, plan how you’ll say ‘no’ to all the others, so you’re
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Share in the preparation — Enlist your family to help prepare for the holidays, and divvy up the tasks. Don’t expect perfection from yourself or your family. Remember, you probably don’t notice or mind the imperfections in others’ holiday gatherings. They’re just as unlikely to see any in yours. Also, keep in mind the holiday season isn’t the time to be head cook. Plan potluck gatherings. Then, either suggest what each person should bring or, to avoid duplicates, ask guests to let you know what they’ll bring. Holiday time-and-energy savers. Save time — in gift wrapping by setting up a station in a spare room or the basement. Or stock a large box or basket with wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, tags, tape, scissors, and pens, so everything is stored in one place. Have extras of everything on hand. Keep cleaning to a minimum during the holidays. Dismiss unused areas guests won’t see or use, and clean only the obvious in rooms that will be seen. The barely-visible layer of dust on your baseboards is unlikely to be noticed with all the holiday decorations and festivities. Make everyday meals quick and simple throughout the season. Soups, sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables, cottage cheese, pre-cut veggies and dip, and other prepared or semi-prepared healthy foods will suffice for one month of the year. Do your holiday shopping early in the day on weekdays while your energy is high and crowds are small. Shop online or by catalog. If an item lacks details, search for a manufacturer’s website to get the information you need. Give gift cards. Hard-to-shop-for recipients will appreciate something practical. Gift cards to restaurants, department stores, sporting good outlets, and specialty shops, or for a massage, pedicure, or round of golf make great gifts. Don’t overdo the baking. Your guests will likely have had their fill of holiday treats long before your
gathering arrives. As for the warm gesture of taking a plate of baked goodies to friends or neighbors, instead, show they’re in your thoughts by visiting or calling them to wish them a happy holiday season. Money saver — Does your gift list grow each year? Decide with whom it’s essential or important to exchange gifts. Then talk to extended family, friends, coworkers, and others about forgoing gift exchanges, putting a cap on the price, or doing a drawing instead. You’ll likely learn many feel the same as you do. Care for yourself — Enjoy holiday treats in moderation. High fat and sugary foods and the lack of healthy meals can lead to tiredness and stress. Keep goodies stored in the freezer where they’ll be less of a temptation. Have plenty of convenient, healthy snacks such as raw vegetables and nuts on hand. Prepare low-fat meals that won’t bog you down. Pace yourself, and don’t try to do everything in one day. Finally, give yourself a break. Get plenty of exercise such as a brisk walk in the fresh air, and set aside time for relaxation, like a long bubble bath. Things to do for next year — Start your shopping early. Create a new tradition with a friend or family member and set a monthly shopping date for the upcoming year. By making a scheduled commitment, you’ll be more likely to follow through. Keep the early holiday shopping fun and choose a different town or shopping center for each trip, focusing on unique malls or trendy towns. Also, get a label printing software program or app early in the year and enter all of the addresses on your holiday card list. When the holidays roll around, you can print the labels and eliminate the most time-consuming aspect of sending out holiday greetings. Finally, remember the holiday season should be a joyful time for everyone, including yourself, to join in the good cheer with family and friends. Maximize ways to ease your stress to keep the ‘happy’ in your holidays!
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Serving Monroe and Ontario Counties A monthly newspaper published 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
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2019
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Four in 10 Upstaters Don’t Get Enough Sleep BC BS Study: Eye-opening facts about a lack of shuteye. Study also shows more men report snoring than women
F
our in 10 Upstate New York adults are not getting enough sleep, according to a survey commissioned by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. The recent time change from daylight saving to standard time at 2 a.m. Nov, 3, is not helping. according to the health insurer. Sleep experts recommend that adults get at least seven hours of sleep a night. “Turning our clocks forward each March and turning them back each November disrupts our body’s natural 24-hour cycle, or circadian rhythm,” said physician Gregory Carnevale, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield vice president and chief medical officer. “The impact on an already sleep-deprived society is like nationally imposed jet lag, although it’s easier to adjust in the fall, when we gain an hour, than it is in the spring, when we lose one.” Excellus BlueCross BlueShield commissioned One Research to conduct an online survey of Upstate New York adults ages 18 and older. Among the findings: • Men are significantly more likely than women to report getting seven or more hours of sleep each night. • Average hours of sleep vary with age: Compared with other age groups, adults 35- to 44- years old are
the least likely to get seven hours or more of sleep at night. Significantly more adults aged 65 and older report getting the most sleep. • One in five adults report that they snore. More men report snoring than women. • More than half of adults (especially women) report often feeling tired during the day. • Eight out of 10 adults have tried at least one method to improve sleep. Obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and depression all are health conditions associated with not getting enough sleep, although it’s not clear whether sleep disruption leads to these clinical problems or the problems disturb sleep. Poor sleep is linked with impaired decision-making and decreased alertness, which can result in injuries to the sleep-deprived and/ or those around them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in 2017, 91,000 police-reported crashes involved drowsy drivers. Those crashes led to an estimated 50,000 injuries and nearly 800 deaths. Lack of sleep also is an economic issue. The National Safety Council estimates that worker fatigue costs employers $136 billion a year in health-related lost productivity. December 2019 •
“As a society, we need to recognize the dangers of trying to get by with fewer hours of sleep and wake up to the health benefits of a good night’s rest,” said Carnevale. He offers the following tips for improved sleep. • Keep bedroom quiet, dark and cool. • Avoid large meals, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bed.
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, including on weekends. • Exercise regularly. • Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. • Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed. • View and download a new Excellus BlueCross BlueShield infographic on ways to improve sleep at https://tinyurl.com/yxawl2pr.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Bladder Health for Life Like many other tissues of the body, bladder muscles get weaker and less stretchy with age, causing a series of problems By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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he aging process is unkind to most of the body. The bladder is no exception. To support bladder health, you can take steps to mitigate the effects of aging. It helps to understand better how aging affects the bladder. “The bladder is composed of muscle and elastic fibers,” said physician William Tabayoyong, assistant professor in and urologic oncologist with University of Rochester Medical Center. “They stretch to accommodate urine and the muscle squeezes to get rid of it.” Like many other tissues of the body, these get weaker and less stretchy with age. That means that the bladder won’t hold as much and that the bladder won’t completely empty during urination. “It leads to frequent and incomplete emptying,” Tabayoyong said. “You feel fuller more frequently.” For women who have given birth to multiple children, this can mean urinary leaking and incontinence, since the pelvic floor muscles support the bladder. Childbearing weakens those muscles and it can manifest years later. “There is a condition that the
musculature weakens to where the vagina begins to drop,” Tabayoyong said. “If it drops, that can kink the urethra so it makes it harder for women to urinate and empty the bladder.” That also happens later in life. For men, enlarged prostates can block the flow of urine from the bladder, causing them to struggle to empty the bladder completely or urinate at all. Lifestyle changes can help maintain better bladder health. Tabayoyong recommended staying active and eating a balanced diet. Alcohol and coffee and other sources of caffeine can irritate the bladder, so reducing intake can improve bladder function. “People don’t often think of constipation as affecting the bladder,” Tabayoyong said. “The nerves that control the bladder and rectum run in similar places. Having a large, impacted stool can affect the ability of the bladder to empty. A regular bowel regimen can often help with the bladder.” That could include eating more foods rich in fiber such as whole grains and whole fruits and vegetables or adding a fiber supplement to
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the diet. Women should also consider performing Kegel exercises. “Doing those can help improve urinary issues,” Tabayoyong said. “Pelvic floor physical therapists can help. They specialize in helping patients focus on that specific area.” It’s also important to empty the bladder completely whenever the urge strikes and not wait for 15 or 20 minutes. Holding it for long periods of time can stress the bladder. Other medical conditions can exacerbate bladder problems, such as diabetes, which can affect the nerves that control the bladder and alter the sensation that the bladder is full. “Poor blood glucose control delivers sugar to the bladder to increase frequency,” Tabayoyong said. “Getting a handle on diabetes is important. “Patients who have problems with congestive heart failure can get edema in their legs. When they go to bed, that fluid goes into the bloodstream and gets turned into urine.” Better managing disease such as these can help reduce bladder and urinary issues.
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Physician Chanh Huynh is board-certified in family medicine and works at Churchville-Chili Family Medicine, LLC in North Chili. He said that obesity puts older patients at “significantly higher risk for urinary incontinence.” He advises patients to drink at least eight 6-oz. servings of water throughout the day to ensure adequate hydration. Drinking plenty of water can aid in alleviating constipation, another condition that hampers urination. Smokers should quit. In addition to its many ill effects on many bodily functions and organs, “smokers are two to four times more likely to have incontinence,” Huynh said. “For a long-term, heavy smoker — more than one pack a day — it’s six times more likely.” He also advised that women urinate after sexual intercourse to decrease their risk for urinary tract infection. “Post-menopausal women may benefit from a vaginal estrogen cream, but they should ask their doctor,” Huynh said.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2019
‘We’ve failed to understand the extent to which poverty deprives whole populations of vigor and longevity’
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cross the region’s urban, rural and suburban communities, the top health concern is poverty. It drives health inequities that undermine wellness and cut lives short more than any other single cause of illness. That’s according to an extensive new report by Common Ground Health, the health research and planning organization for the Rochester-Finger Lakes region. “We’ve failed to understand the extent to which poverty deprives whole populations of vigor and longevity,” said Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health. “As much as we all talk about poverty, as much as we all talk about health, we’ve kept them completely apart.” “Overloaded: The Heavy Toll of Poverty on Our Region’s Health” aims to close that gap. The report connects the dots between life lived on the financial edge and appalling health inequities — unfair and avoidable sickness and death linked to income, race and other factors. It weaves together health data, personal stories and analysis of more than 6,800 responses to Common Ground’s My Health Story survey conducted in 2018. The research shows that the conditions and stresses of poverty compromise the physical and emotional wellbeing of residents every day, from exposure to mold, lead and other toxins common in substandard housing to the psychological strain of trying to make ends meet. The study found that by nearly every metric, residents of the Finger Lakes with scarce financial resources experience alarmingly worse health outcomes. The report’s findings include: • The estimated cost of health inequity exceeds $1 billion annually for our region. • More years of life are lost to health inequity than all forms of can-
cer combined. • Residents of high poverty neighborhoods die eight years earlier on average than residents of low poverty neighborhoods. • Compared to residents with household incomes over $75,000, those with incomes under $20,000 are 105% more likely to lose their teeth, 154% more likely to have diabetes, and 224% more likely to be diagnosed with depression. “Poverty is a public health issue that knows no geographic boundaries,” said Diane Devlin, public health director for Wayne County, noting that roughly equal number of people in poverty are living in our region’s rural, suburban and urban communities. “No matter where they live, cash strapped residents have a hard time affording transportation, safe housing and nutritious foods, which are fundamental to health,” she said. “Health and wealth are tightly intertwined,” said Leonard Brock, executive director of the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative. “As much as poverty puts folks at higher risk for diabetes, hypertension, asthma and other chronic illnesses, poor health also compromises a person’s ability to earn a living wage. It’s an unfair cycle that traps individuals,” he said. The report concludes that investing in interventions to address the root causes of health inequities is imperative. In addition, it notes that the region has a proud history of public health success and an unusually strong tradition of collaboration across the health care ecosystem. Building on this legacy, and with its new report guiding the discussion, Common Ground calls for collaboration across geographies, sectors, backgrounds and perspectives to challenge the tangle of structural inequities that currently lead to poor health. Download a copy of the report, at www.CommonGroundHealth.org.
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Study Finds Rochester Region’s No. 1 Health Concern is Poverty
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aser pain relief is considered a breakthrough technology that uses photon (light) therapy to promote healing and reduce pain. This therapy has gained wide popularity among physicians worldwide and in particular with professional athletes. It’s popularity is directly related to three main characteristics. 1. It’s surgery free: Avoiding surgery and the time associated with postoperative healing is a significant benefit for doctors, patients and, of course, athletes. 2. It’s drug free. Managing pain
without the use of expensive prescription drugs can save money. 3. It’s fast acting. Quicker recovery times with laser therapy allows people to return to doing what they love and enjoy a full life. • How does it work? — Class -4 laser works through a process known as “photobiomodulation.” This photochemical process stimulates healing on a cellular level by enabling cells to more rapidly produce energy (ATP). Treatments are fast, safe, FDAcleared and painless with no known side effects. Most patients experience results after only a few sessions. December 2019 •
Treatments are administered in as little as four to 10 minutes. • What conditions does laser therapy treat? — Cervical (neck) pain; elbow and joint pain; lumbar (back) and sciatica pain; muscle spasms; knee and joint pain; wrist pain; foot and ankle pain. In conclusion, the deep issue class -4 laser provides deeper penetration than traditional therapies, resulting in fast, efficient and consistent results. The treatments are so successful that within our practice at Modern Chiropractic & Pain Relief we have
two state of the art class-4 lasers. Bill Ferris is a doctor of chiropractic with specialization in functional medicine. He is the president and founder of Modern Chiropractic & Pain Relief and New York Weight Loss in Victor. Call 585-398-1201 or visit www.modernchiropractic.com
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Dear Interested, An ethical will — also referred to as a legacy letter — can be a valuable complement to your legal will, as well as a wonderful gift to your family or other loved ones. Here’s what you should know along with some tips to help you make one.
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Unlike a last will and testament, which tells your loved ones (and the legal world) what you want them to have, an ethical will (which is not a legal document) tells them what you want them to know. With an ethical will, you can share with your loved ones your feelings, wishes, regrets, gratitude and advice, as well as explain the elements in your legal will, give information about the money and possessions you’re passing on, and anything else you want to communicate. Usually no more than a few pages, the process of writing an ethical will can actually be quite satisfying. But be careful that you don’t contradict any aspects of your legal will or estate plan. And, if you’re having trouble with the writing, there are resources available to help you, or you can express yourself through an audio or video recording.
Where to Start To craft an ethical will, start by jotting down some notes about
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2019
what’s really important to you and what you want your loved ones to know. Take your time and remember that you’re not trying to write for the Pulitzer Prize. This letter is a gift of yourself written for those you love. After you’ve gathered your thoughts you can start drafting your letter. You can also revise or rewrite it anytime you want. And for safekeeping, keep your ethical will with your other legal documents in a secure location but be sure your executor has access to it. A safe-deposit box or fireproof filing cabinet or safe in your home is a good choice.
Get Help If you need some help, there are numerous resources available like Celebrations of Life (CelebrationsofLife.net), which offers how-to information and examples of ethical wills, along with a “Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper” book, and the Ethical Wills/Legacy Letters workbook that you can purchase for $16 and $10 respectively. Another good resource is Personal Legacy Advisors (PersonalLegacyAdvisors.com), a company that offers ethical will writing classes and workshops, along with personalized services like coaching, editing, writing and/or audio or video recording your ethical will. Prices will vary depending on the services you choose. They also sell a do-it-yourself guidebook “The Wealth of Your Life: A Step-by-Step Guide for Creating Your Ethical Will,” by Susan Turnbull for $24. You also need to know that many people choose to share their ethical will with their family and friends while they’re still living so they can enjoy their reactions, while others think it should be read after their death. It’s up to you. 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.
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Why Weight Gain Often Comes With Age
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t happens to most aging Americans: Excess pounds pile on, despite efforts to eat right and exercise. Now, research in fat cells reveals why it’s so tough to stay slim as you get older. The new findings could point to new ways to treat obesity, Swedish investigators say. A team led by Peter Arner of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm analyzed fat cells taken from 54 men and women over an average of 13 years. People in the study who consumed the same or more calories as they got older had an average 20% weight gain. Why? According to Arner’s group, fat cells showed agelinked declines in the rate at which fats — lipids — were removed and stored from the cells over time. It’s a process called “lipid turnover.” The researchers also assessed lipid turnover in 41 women who had weight-loss surgeries, and how their lipid turnover rate affected their ability to maintain their weight loss four to seven years after surgery. Only the women who had a low cellular lipid turnover rate before the surgery had increases in their rate after the surgery and were able to keep pounds from coming back in the years after the surgery. The Swedish team suggested that these women may have had more “room” to increase their lipid turnover compared to women who already had a high turnover rate before weightloss surgery. That gave them an advantage in terms of being able to stay relatively slim. “The results indicate for the first time that processes in our fat tissue regulate changes in body weight during aging in a way that is independent of other factors,” Arner, a professor of medicine, said in an institute news release. One U.S. expert in weight loss said the findings make sense, but many other factors are probably involved. “A normal process of aging is slower metabolic rate. Our body uses less energy to function, and as a result there is less ‘lipolysis,’ or breakdown of fat,” said registered dietitian Sharon Zarabi. She directs the bariatric program at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. But, “ultimately, what influences weight loss is our metabolism, microbiome, hormones, nutrient intake, genetics, muscle composition, exercise and environmental toxins yes, that’s a mouthful,” Zarabi said.
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Ask The Social
Security Office
From the Social Security District Office
Social Security Covers Disabled Children Social Security program distributes about $2.7 billion each month to benefit about 4.1 million children
C
hildren are our future. We share our knowledge and talent with them, we pass on our values to them knowing they will share those gifts. Social Security safeguards children all year long, but we’d like to take this opportunity to share information about our programs that provide direct support to children. The latest information available says that in 2018 the Social Security program distributed about $2.7 billion each month to benefit about 4.1 million children on average each month because one or both of their parents are disabled, retired or deceased. Those dollars help to pro-
Q&A
Q: I plan to retire in spring. How soon can I file for my Social Security benefits? A: You can file four months before you plan to receive benefits. Go ahead and apply now if you plan to retire when winter’s frost finally lets up. To apply, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire. Applying online has never been easier — you can do it from the comfort of your home. All you need is 15 minutes and internet access. Q: I’m retiring early, at age 62, and I receive investment income from a rental property I own. Does investment income count as earnings? A: No. We count only the wages you earn from a job or your net profit if you’re self-employed. Non-work income such as annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains and other government benefits are not counted and will not affect your Social Security benefits. Most pensions will not affect your benefits. However, your benefit may be affected by government pensions earned through work on which you did not pay Social Security tax. You can retire online at www.socialsecurity.gov. For more information, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Q: I was wounded while on military service overseas. What are the benefits for wounded warriors, and how can I apply? A: Through the Wounded Warrior program, Social Security expedites processing of disability
vide the necessities of life for family members and help make it possible for those children to complete high school. When a working parent becomes disabled or dies, Social Security benefits help stabilize the family’s financial future. Children with disabilities are among our most vulnerable citizens. The Social Security Administration is dedicated to helping those with qualifying disabilities and their families through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which is separate from the Social Security program. To qualify for SSI: • The child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of conditions, resulting in “marked and severe functional
claims of current military service members or veterans disabled while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001. Service members and veterans who have a Veterans Administration compensation rating of 100 % permanent and total (P&T) may also receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits. Keep in mind, this expedited process applies to only the application for benefits. To be eligible for benefits, you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of “disability,” which means: • You must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and • Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or to result in death. You can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800325-0778). Find more information for veterans at www.socialsecurity.gov/ people/veterans. Q: My brother had an accident at work last year and is now receiving Social Security disability benefits. His wife and son also receive benefits. Before his accident, he helped support another daughter by a woman he never married. Is the second child entitled to benefits? A: The child may qualify for Social Security benefits even though your brother wasn’t married to the second child’s mother. The child’s caretaker should file an application on her behalf. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov. Q: What do I need to report to Social Security if I get Supplemental Security
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2019
limitations.” This means that the condition(s) must severely limit your child’s activities; and • The child’s condition(s) must be severe, last for at least 12 months, or be expected to result in death. If the parents of the child or children have more income or resources than are allowed, then the child or children will not qualify for SSI. You can read more about children’s benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ EN-05-10026.pdf. Social Security and SSI also covers many chronic illnesses and conditions. The Compassionate Allowances program is a way to quickly identify people with diseases and other medical conditions that, by definition, meet the standards for disability benefits under the Social Security and SSI programs. Thousands of children receive SSI benefits because they have one of the conditions on the Compassionate Allowances list at www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm. Keep in mind, Social Security and SSI are two very distinct and separate programs, and eligibility for each is different. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ people/kids to learn more about all we do to care for children. Social Security is with you and your children throughout your life’s journey, securing today and tomorrow. If you know a family who needs our help, please share these resources with them.
Income (SSI) payments? A: You need to report any changes that may affect your payment amount. This includes changes in your income or resources. You must report changes of address, changes in your living arrangements, and changes in your earned and unearned income. To learn more about SSI, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi. Q: I was incarcerated for two years. Before I was imprisoned, I received SSI benefits. Will my SSI payments start automatically when I am released? A: No. You must contact your local Social Security office and provide them with information regarding your release dates. In some cases, it may be necessary to reapply for SSI benefits. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/reentry or contact your local Social Security office. Q: I am applying for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs. Can state agencies help with my Medicare costs? A: When you file your application for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, you can start your application process for the Medicare Savings Programs—state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. When you apply for Extra Help, Social Security will send information to your state unless you tell us not to on the application. Your state will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program. Learn more by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.
Ask St. Ann’s
By Suellen Pineda
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Honoring the Holidays Call Dr.Dr.Kornfeld,OD George Kornfeld, OD Call with Hope (866) 446-2050 By Sister Mary Lou Mitchell
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fter the loss of a loved one, it’s not uncommon to hear someone wish they could skip the holidays because they cannot imagine how they will get through them alone. In reality, the holiday season can still be a time of hope and strength for the living, filled with the love they need to heal. The only way to make the pain of loss go away is to work through it, and shedding tears is a positive sign that you’re on your way. The pastoral care team at St. Ann’s Community recommends being kind, caring and tender to yourself as you grieve, just as you would be toward another person. Viewing your loss through the lens of gratitude is also essential. Remember who this person was in your life and all the joy you shared. Stay open to all the love and attention your children and grandchildren still have to offer. Take time for self-care that feeds your body, mind and soul. A new approach to the holidays Reclaim the activities and traditions you shared and add your twist to take the first step toward honoring a loved one who’s passed. For example, rather than skipping a holiday service, ask a family member or friend to go with you. You could also host a holiday dinner and leave your loved one’s chair empty at the table to acknowledge that things are different. Simple gestures like these open the door to healing because they help you and others feel safe and free to share memories and to experience the love that remains within you and all around you. Healing from a painful past If the holidays were never a joyful time for you because your late spouse or family member was unkind, you could find hope in how you handled yourself and express your gratitude for lessons learned.
For example, did you treat the person with kindness even when they couldn’t reciprocate? If the answer is yes, you could thank that person for helping you develop the gifts of compassion and courage. Also, now that you’re free to experience the holidays on your terms, discern what you’d like to do differently to bring yourself joy. If someone is struggling with grief, you can gently help them open up by sharing a poem, a conversation or a photo. If the person won’t let you in, don’t force it and don’t get frustrated. Give them the time and understanding they need. Find hope in a community Losing a loved one may prompt a move to a senior living community. Choose one that embraces grief as part of aging and has resources to holistically support seniors and their families, especially a spiritual component to care rooted in their faith tradition. As hard as it may seem, healing from the loss of a loved one is within everyone’s power. Keep hope and love alive by honoring them during the holidays. These gifts keep on giving, and it’s never too late for you to receive them. Mary Louise Mitchell, SSJ, PhD, RN, is the director of pastoral care for St. Ann’s Community, which offers a full continuum of eldercare options. You can reach her at 585-6976446 or mmitchell@mystanns.com, or visit www.stannscommunity.com. December 2019 •
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H ealth News New pediatric audiology office treats children with special needs Clear Choice Hearing and Balance has recently opened its new pediatric audiology office suite, right next door to its preexisting Greece location at 103 Canal Landing Blvd. Among other patients, the office will treat children with special needs. “Working with children with special needs requires a unique approach that’s truly needed in our community,” said Clear Choice Hearing and Balance Founder/ Owner Christine Tirk, a Spencerport native who started her successful, full-scope audiology practice more than a decade ago. “I became very interested in providing the appropriate facilities and environment after hearing about the struggles faced by an employee of mine. He was frustrated by unsuccessful attempts to get his children tested for auditory processing disorder.” Auditory processing disorder (APD) in children can cause speech and language delays, impede learning and disrupt interaction with others. It can often be a symptom in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, ADHD/ADD, and Down syndrome. In addition, the sensitivity to stimulation that often accompanies these diagnoses can make testing extremely difficult in a traditional, often-crowded clinical setting. “We’re having success diagnosing children who have never even been able to get through the testing process previously,” Tirk said. According to a company news release, the difference that Clear Choice Hearing and Balance offers starts from the moment clients enter the separate, welcoming waiting room with its eye-catching, Rochester-themed “I Spy”-type wall mural. Commissioned from well-known Rochester illustrator Chris Lyons, the colorful 20-feet-wide by 6-feet-high mural provides relatable and interactive amusement with its accompanying, rhyming clue sheets. The room also features other carefully chosen games, toys and activities for patients from ages 0 to 18. Waiting, however, is kept to a minimum by a support staff that understands the challenges that face families of children with special needs. A specifically designed, wheelchair-accessible auditory booth has room for a child, a parent and an audiologist, while pediatric audiologist Kyrsten Stephany patiently works with families one-on-one to ensure a relaxed experience with a successful outcome. “Our whole staff is proud of the unique and safe place we’ve created here,” says Tirk.
Thompson volunteers honored for milestones The 160 active volunteers with UR Medicine Thompson Health were honored Oct. 25 at the health system’s annual volunteer recognition luncheon, with pins presented to
volunteers marking milestones ranging from 100 hours to 9,000 hours of service. Richard Kolb of Canandaigua was recognized for 9,000 hours. Kolb became a spiritual care volunteer with Thompson in 2007 and arrives at the hospital early each weekday morning to offer support to patients, families and staff. Honored for 5,000 hours apiece were Eileen Alven of Manchester, a spiritual care volunteer, and Mina Drake of Canandaigua, whose volunteer work at Thompson has primarily been through its auxiliary, the Thompson Health Guild. Also recognized during the event were the following: • For 2,000 hours, Janet Berg, Barbara Caulfield and Harold Murphy. • For 1,000 hours, Edwin Blance, Kathleen Coyle, Yvonne Harris, Barbara Hildreth, James Linder, Marilyn Pettinger, Angela Rockmaker, Linda Sutfin and Mary Lou Tetley. • For 500 hours, Robert Cownie, Charlene Smith, Barbara Urbaitis, Ruthel VanAmburg, Alice Vienna, Jeanne Waddington and Tom Wunder. • For 100 hours, Richard Cromwell, Fran Davis, Wanda Hill, Hal Martin, Peter Militello, Lisa Rising-Patchen, Pamela Savage, Janet Waxman and Cathleen Urell.
UofR Nursing School teams up with St. Lawrence University The University of Rochester School of Nursing has entered into an early acceptance agreement with St. Lawrence University. The agreement allows St. Lawrence students to apply for early acceptance to the UR School of Nursing’s Accelerated Bachelor’s Program for Non-Nurses (ABPNN) during their junior year and receive notification of their admission status by the end of the summer following their junior year. Upon graduating with a baccalaureate degree from St. Lawrence, accepted students will continue their studies at the UR School of Nursing, where they can earn their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 12 months. The UR School of Nursing will accept up to two qualified SLU students each year. “We’re thrilled to formalize this agreement with such a highly regarded institution,” said Alexandria Duffney, director of enrollment management at the UR School of Nursing. “St. Lawrence students have proven to be well-prepared for the rigors of nursing school, and we look forward to helping facilitate their career aspirations by offering them this early enrollment option.” The accelerated bachelor’s degree program enables individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree to complete nursing coursework and clinical instruction in just one year. Graduates of the program are then eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become registered December 2019 •
nurses. The ABPNN at the UR School of Nursing is distinguished by its strong academics, immersive clinical experiences, and exceptional student support. Admission to the program is highly competitive with hundreds of applicants from across the country applying for approximately 70 slots in each of the three cohorts the school convenes each year.
Thompson opens pain management practice With the addition of a physician and nurse practitioner, UR Medicine Thompson Health recently opened Thompson Health Pain Management at the Canandaigua Medical Group, 335 Parrish St. in Canandaigua. Physician Anthony Eidelman and nurse practitioner Michelle Dugan began seeing patients at the practice Nov. 7. The practice is affiliated with F.F. Thompson Hospital. Eidelman is an assistant professor in the department of neurosurgery’s neuromedicine pain management program at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry while Dugan is an adjunct faculty member for the University of Rochester School of Nursing. At the new practice, the two specialize in back and neck pain, cancer-related pain, complex regional pain syndromes, spinal radiculopathy, nerve injuries/peripheral neuropathy, peripheral joint pain, knee pain, post-herpetic neuralgia/ shingles and sports injuries
St. Ann’s event takes top fundraising spot St. Ann’s Community employees participated in the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Oct. 12 at Frontier Field along with over 1,400 participants from the Rochester area. The Alzheimer’s Walk Committee at St. Ann’s helped organize and facilitate several fundraisers throughout the months of September and October. The most popular fundraiser was a gift basket battle between departments, which consisted of a raffle for themed gift baskets. The gift basket battle raised almost $5,000 in just one week. St. Ann’s Community remains the top fundraising team in Rochester for the fourth consecutive year, coming together to raise a total of $21,000 to be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. St. Ann’s also had the biggest team for this year’s walk with 130 registered employees as walkers. The 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Rochester has raised a total of $270,000 of their $396,000 goal for the year. All funds raised through the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s further the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. The walk is held every year in more than 600 communities nationwide, and the walks have raised more than $75 million since growing nationally in 2015.
Friendly Home ranks one of best nursing Friendly Home has been included on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Nursing Homes 2019-20. Of more than 15,000 nursing homes evaluated nationwide, fewer than 3,000 earned this designation. Friendly Home was also among the top 8% of nursing homes to receive a High-Performing Long-Term Care rating. The U.S. News & World Report list of Best Nursing Homes offers consumers comprehensive information about care, safety, health inspections, staffing and more. “On behalf of our board of directors and leadership team, we are grateful to our staff for their important role in making the Friendly Home a great place to live and thrive for seniors in the Greater Rochester community,” said Glen Cooper, president and CEO of Friendly Senior Living, the continuum of communities that includes Friendly Ho “We are committed to providing excellent and compassionate care always. Our members and their individual needs always come first. That’s why, I believe, we have landed on this prestigious list.” Friendly Home also earned the designation in 2016 and 2017.
St. Ann’s wins ‘Best Senior Living Community St. Ann’s Community announced that it has won in “Best Senior Living Community” category in the 2019 Rochester’s Choice Awards, hosted by the Democrat & Chronicle. More than 20 senior living communities were nominated by residents of greater Rochester. This is the seventh year that St. Ann’s Community has taken home the gold in the senior living community category. “We are humbled and honored to be voted Rochester’s Best Senior Living Community for the seventh year,” said Michael E. McRae, president and CEO of St. Ann’s Community. “We couldn’t achieve this honor without the dedication and commitment of our employees and staff who are caring for the most important people on earth.” St. Ann’s Community is the seventy largest nonprofit senior living provider in New York state and Rochester’s leading senior housing and health services continuum. With campuses in Irondequoit, Webster and LeRoy, St. Ann’s offers a complete range of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, transitional care/rehab, hospice/palliative care, and adult day programs. One of Greater Rochester’s largest private employers, St. Ann’s has more than 1,200 employees.
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