IGH - ROCH 187 - March 21

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MARCH 2021 • ISSUE 187

What Kids Are Losing with Virtual Learning

Online classes are effective to contain the transmission of coronavirus but they are robbing kids from having the full school experience: interacting with others, developing connections, teamwork. See story on page 15

Kids Special Inside n Schooldays at home: Ergonomics matter for children n 1 in 5 Americans, mostly young people, has STD n Speeding on U.S. roads taking thousands of teenagers’ lives n Substance dependency different in youth than adults

COVID-19: Experts Believe Virus is Here to Stay

page 7

How to Snack Better During the Pandemic

MENTAL HEALTH

Unhappy with mental services in Rochester, Sara Taylor creates advocacy group, PEEEEEEK

5

Things You Need to Know About

COVID-19 VACCINES

WEIGHT LOSS

A new drug, marketed as Ozempic can cut 15-20% of body weight. ‘Drug turned out to be amazingly more effective than anything else we’ve seen come before,’ says researcher

Anne Palumbo, author of the SmartBites column, offers several recipes that will make you FEEL NOT guilty about snacking. P. 12

‘Maskne’ — the Face of the Pandemic

Some medical professionals are experiencing skin abrasions and breakouts from longterm mask wearing.

A new issue arises with constant use of mask: maskne

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

asks are not the only things on people’s faces during the pandemic.

Crops of acne — colloquially called “maskne” — have also made

an appearance, thanks to the face masks’ presence. Many people have to wear a mask all day, which only exacerbates the problem.

Elizabeth Arthur, dermatologist

with Helendale Dermatology in Rochester, recommends wearing only a clean mask.

“A lot of people don’t have access to a clean, disposable mask every day so they rely on cloth masks,” she said. “I wear cloth, but I wear a clean one every morning. If I’ve been someplace I will change it into a new one.”

Cloth can be gentler on the skin than disposable paper. Arthur said that after just a couple of hours, a paper mask irritates her skin. The chemicals used for processing can contribute to the irritation. Arthur recommends using fragrance- and color-free detergent for cleaning cloth masks.

One of the reasons that masks cause breakouts is that they trap moisture against the skin because of respiration.

Before donning a mask, Arthur recommends applying a zinc-based barrier such as one used for diaper dermatitis.

“That would help as it acts as a barrier,” she said.

Rosehip oil, available over the counter, can soothe the skin. Arthur also recommends Mask Armor, a product that contains black elderberry, tea tree, and peppermint oil to calm the skin.

“It’s nice because it helps make your mask more effective as it has antiviral properties,” Arthur said.

“We do have to get people on a topical prescription if the common sense measures don’t work.”

When patients use chemical-based sunscreen—a common in-

LET’S MOVE

FORWARD

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • March 2021

gredient in many all-in-one makeup and moisturizer products — that can irritate their skin.

Men wearing masks tend to experience folliculitis which can manifest as a pimple-like blemish, but it is caused by friction against a shaved hair. Arthur recommends shaving with Aveno brand shave gel with a sharp razor. Or they can use an electric razor and not get quite as close.

Again, the topical zinc can help, but if those tricks aren’t working, see a dermatologist,” Arthur said. “We may prescribe an oral antibiotic temporarily as an anti-inflammatory.”

Friction also causes problems for women, especially if they are wearing foundation and other makeup under the mask.

Christina Velez, licensed esthetician and owner of Skintopia in Rochester, said that she avoids wearing makeup under her mask and applies only eye makeup. Considering that is all that is visible on the face anyway, her strategy makes sense.

She advises against using harsh astringents for cleaning the skin.

Alcohol-based cleaners strip out the natural oils of the skin, which causes more breakouts.

“People should be coordinating with a licensed skin therapist, not someone that sells a multi-level marketing item people can sell out of the trunk of their car,” Velez said.

“The therapist can go over if the skin is irritated, red and how to treat it.

Build a relationship with a trusted esthetician. Otherwise, you’ll waste money on consumer products with no useful ingredients.”

She likes Image Skin Care’s Clear Cell, a restoring serum that is oil-free.

“It helps with oily, irritated problematic, inflamed, sensitive skin,” Velez said.

Right now, it’s easy to focus on all the things we can’t do. But what if we all focused on the things we can do?

We can learn more about testing and vaccines.

We can protect ourselves and others by continuing to wear a mask.

We can show support for essential workers and local businesses.

We can stay home and safely connect with the people who matter to us.

kaitlyn 27. gerry 73.

Life is always learning something new.

You’re never too old to learn. As we commemorate 100 years, Jewish Senior Life continues to create innovative ways to help redefine excellence in senior care.

At the Green House Cottages, residents have more independence and choice than ever before—providing a safe, comfortable space that feels like home. To experience the difference at Jewish Senior Life, call 585-427-7760.

All photos safely taken prior to COVID-19 pandemic.

March 2021 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 3

Meet

Join us on Tuesday, March 2. Noon.

Samuel Trychin Ph.D. “Calm during COVID.”

Behavioral psychologist Dr. Samuel Trychin will discuss strategies for preventing/ reducing unwanted emotional reactions to challenges faced by people with hearing loss in “Calm during COVID.” Dr. Trychin’s presentation emphasizes the stress that masking and distance have on people with hearing loss during the current pandemic, while offering techniques for dealing with it.

A practitioner in Erie, Pa., Dr. Trychin has authored numerous books and conducted workshops and training sessions nationwide. He specializes in understanding the psychosocial effects of hearing loss.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. For details and current schedules please visit: HearingLossRochester.org

HealthConscious Readers In Good Health — Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper — reaches nearly 100,000 readers who are interested in reading all about healthcare.

Advertise Available at all Wegmans locations plus about more than 1000 high traffic locations in the region. Advertise once, get results all month long

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Andrew Powers, MD

New Thompson Hospital doctor enjoys his role as “community surgeon.” He discusses career and talks about why he thrives in a smaller hospital setting Q: What falls under the auspices of general surgery?

A: I’m sort of a straight-forward bread-and-butter general surgeon — breast cancer, benign breast disease, colon cancer, colonoscopies, gall bladders, hernias of all sorts, as well as some emergency issues. That’s sort of the bulk of what I do. I’m trying to be a community surgeon in a broad-based practice. I try to take care of a lot of the simple to moderate complexity stuff so that people don’t have to go up to Rochester.

Q: What are the advantages of having these procedures done in a smaller hospital like Thompson?

A: I think for a lot of the low to moderate complexity procedures, a community-based hospital like Thompson is a really nice place to go.

I think it’s totally reasonable to take those kinds of surgery here. Overall, I think people like to stay in the community and not have to worry about driving an hour and a half for a procedure they can get done close to home. It makes it easier for their family to see them if they have to stay for a day or two.

Q: We just got a pretty big regional snowstorm. I imagine that compounds the transportation issues around this time of year.

A: I can tell you an anecdote. We had a nice young man, he’s 16 with a significant intellectual disability from south of here who stayed local because the next alternative was up in Rochester. He had to stay in the hospital for a little while, so it cut the commute for his family to see him from two hours down to 20 minutes.

It’s been great for his family’s morale, who are, in turn, able to support him better without having to do that commute.

Q: COVID-19 has had an impact on what surgeries could be performed for a lot of hospitals. What kind of impact has that had on you?

A: We’re fortunate enough to not have had such a high demand that we haven’t been able to handle — but it’s been close. It’s definitely been a challenge with a lot of moving pieces. But I think we’ve done well as an institution to make sure we still can take care of people.

Q: You’re relatively new to Thompson Hospital. What brought you here?

A: I’ve been here since September. It looked like an interesting practice, it’s the right size for what I’m trying to do, which is true general surgery. It’s a smaller, community-based hospital. I, myself, tend to thrive more in situations where I can form personal relationships with other patients and providers. We can get to know each other and work together better. I like it like that.

Q: Have you worked in large hospitals?

A: Just for training.

Certainly in medical school, and some of my training, it was a bit bigger and the collegiality wasn’t the same.

I think it’s good for patients if there’s collegiality between physicians, because it means we aren’t going to hesitate to pick up the phone and get advice from a colleague about a challenging case. I think that consistent interaction helps with that

editor@GVhealthnews.com

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • March 2021

and it’s one of the upsides to working at a smaller community hospital.

Q: You mentioned “true” general surgery. How would you distinguish that?

A: In a bigger facility, general surgeons often just do acute care, inpatient stuff. At smaller hospitals, the general surgeons are doing a little bit of everything.

Q: How much time do you generally get to interact with patients?

A: Anytime I see a new patient, it’s usually a 20-minute interaction, 30 to 45 minutes for breast cancer because there tends to be more questions. That’s not something you couldn’t always get away with at a bigger facility. We have more time to take care of people.

Q: Is technology enabling general surgeons to do more, or is it pushing them to specialize more than they have in the past?

A: It depends. In a place like this, it’s allowing us to do a lot more.

We’re using the daVinci robot here.

Right now I’m focusing on using it for hernia repairs. Once I get more comfortable with that, I can branch out. The selling points are it’s less painful. Some people think it’s a better repair. I think it’s a little faster once you get good at it. It allows us to do more surgeries in a less invasive fashion.

Q: Do general surgeons tend to get “broader” or “deeper” as their careers progress?

A: It depends. As they go forward, they typically become deeper.

I think the thing about being on call is that you have to take care of a lot of different things that come through here, whether it’s a tissue infection or gall bladders. I’m focused on hernias and breast disease that can be managed here.

Lifelines Name: Andrew Powers, M.D. Position: General surgeon at F.F. Thompson Hospital Hometown: South New Berlin, New York Education: Bachelor’s degree, Ithaca College, Ithaca; Doctor of Medicine degree from Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook; residency in general surgery, Mary Imogene Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown Affiliations: F.F. Thompson Hospital; St. James Hospital Work Experience: Advanced Surgical Services, F.F. Thompson Hospital, Canandaigua (September 2020-present); University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, (September 2020-present) Specialization: Laparoscopic gallbladder, stomach, bowel, colon surgery; breast surgery for cancer and benign diseases; hernia repair; advanced abdominal wall reconstruction; colonoscopy and upper endoscopy; skin cancer and lesions – including melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell; temporal artery biopsy; port placement; wound care, abscess, soft tissue foreign body; and hemorrhoid and fissure treatment Certification: Board-eligible in general surgery Hobbies: Music and gardening

New Weight-Loss Drug Can Cut 15-20% of Body Weight ‘Drug turned out to be amazingly more effective than anything else we’ve seen come before,’ says researcher

A

new weight-loss drug is almost twice as effective as current medications, clinical trial results show, and experts say it could revolutionize the treatment of obesity.

Overweight and obese people lost an average 15% of their body weight using a weekly injectable 2.4 milligram dose of semaglutide (Ozempic), a new report reveals.

What’s more, one-third of all participants lost 20% of their body weight, a result comparable to those of people who’ve undergone weightloss (bariatric) surgery, the researchers said.

That means a person who weighs 250 pounds could wind up losing as much as 50 pounds after a year and a half on the drug, the results showed.

“This drug turned out to be amazingly more effective than anything else we’ve seen come before,” said senior researcher Robert Kushner, a physician and professor of medicine specializing in obesity treatment at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago. “It’s the very first time we have a medication that even begins to approach the weight loss people achieve with bariatric surgery.”

Physician Ania Jastreboff, vice-chairwoman of the Obesity Society’s clinical care committee, agreed that semaglutide’s effectiveness could significantly alter the field of obesity medicine.

“This degree of weight loss is significantly more than what we’ve seen with any other medication thus far,” said Jastreboff, co-director of the Yale Center for Weight Management, in New Haven, Connecticut.

The drug’s maker, Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk, applied for approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in January based on these clinical trial results. It hopes for approval before year’s end, Kushner said. The company funded the drug trial.

Semaglutide is already on the market at a lower dose as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes.

The drug is a synthetic version of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), “a hormone that all of us make,” Kushner said.

“When this hormone is released, it helps reduce our appetite, reduces our hunger and helps us feel full sooner,” Kushner said.

Nearly 2,000 overweight or obese adults participated in the 68-week clinical trial, which ran from the fall of 2019 to spring 2020 at 129 sites in 16 countries.

The entire group started with an average weight of 232 pounds and a body mass index (BMI) of 38, which placed them firmly in the obese category, the researchers said. BMI is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

People taking semaglutide had an average weight loss of 15%, compared to about 2% for a group treated with a placebo, the findings showed.

That makes semaglutide roughly 1.5 to 2 times more effective than other weight-loss drugs, which tend to help people lose between 4% and 11%, the researchers said.

Seven out of 10 participants lost at least 10% of their starting body weight, and one in three lost 20% or more.

There are some side effects, mostly gastrointestinal, the study authors said. More than four of 10 people taking semaglutide experienced nausea.

Some others reported diarrhea, vomiting or constipation.

However, these side effects could be managed, Kushner said. Only 7% of participants had to drop out of the trial because they couldn’t tolerate the drug.

Doctors prescribing this drug probably can limit these side effects by gradually raising the dosage in new patients, Jastreboff said.

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March 2021 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 5

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Embrace the Joy of Missing Out!

C

hances are you’ve heard the expression: Fear of missing out — or FOMO. It refers to the anxiety that occurs when you fear you are missing out on fun, events, experiences or invitations that could potentially make your life more exciting.

Gripped by FOMO, you can become consumed with chasing any and every opportunity to be socially connected and in-the-know. The constant striving and longing, comparing and despairing, can be exhausting. And seriously stressful.

The good news? The pandemic has knocked the wind out of FOMO, given that many of us still remain anchored at home with few outside activities.

It came as no surprise then when FOMO was replaced with a better, healthier version of itself: The joy of missing out — or JOMO. It’s all about appreciating the life you have, living in the moment, and being content with your life “as is.”

JOMO means slowing down, deepening human connections, being intentional with your time, and focusing on the things that matter to you.

The poem below sums it up beautifully:

“Oh, the joy of missing out.

When the world begins to shout And rush towards that shining thing; The latest bit of mental bling – Trying to have it, see it, do it, You simply know you won’t go through it; The anxious clamoring and need This restless hungry thing to feed.

Instead, you feel the loveliness; The pleasure, of your emptiness.

You spurn the treasure on the shelf In favor of your peaceful self; Without regret, without a doubt, Oh, the joy of missing out!”

– Michael Leunig Making the most of missing out during this pandemic has been an eye-opening experiment and experience for me.

Here are a few of the joys I’ve discovered in the hopes that they might inspire you to create your own list. n The joy of guilt-free rest and relaxation I’ve embraced my inner sloth.

Even in retirement, I was running at

s d i K Corner

Parents of Newborns in Monroe County to Get Help Through New Nurse Telehealth Program

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aring for a newborn is a lot of work, especially when many new mothers are being discharged earlier from the hospital and may go home to fewer supports and resources because of the pandemic.

Many families find they can use some help after the baby arrives.

A new community program available for many Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members offers families that support. ROC Family Connects provides parents of newborns free telehealth visits with a registered nurse from the child’s Page 6

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primary care practice for the first six months of baby’s life as a support to families in addition to their usual newborn scheduled office visits.

The nurse provides a health check for baby, makes sure mother is recovering after childbirth, and offers information on routine infant care and child development. The nurse also screens family-specific needs in areas of health care, breast feeding, parenting and other issues such as recommendations for childcare or financial resources, identifying postpartum depression, and dealing with

a frenzied pace, overprogrammed, and overwhelmed with things to do. Today, I enjoy more leisure time, often watching a matinee movie, followed by a luxurious “no-power” nap. n The joy of deepening relationships With fewer options for going out and socializing, I’ve stayed in closer touch with my dearest friends during our weekly “walks and talks” (at a safe distance). Strolling along the canal, on park trails or in residential neighborhoods, we are getting to know each other on a deeper level.

Making more meaningful connections has been one of the pandemic’s silver linings for which I am so grateful. n The joy of uninterrupted presence Having the time and space to pause and savor pleasant experiences has made an enormous and positive difference in my life. I’m determined to never let this go. I’ve made a promise to myself to stand still and admire what’s right in front of me, to take the time to internalize the beauty and goodness that’s all around us.

One simple example: Lately, I’ve been watching the birds at my feeder for longer than usual. I can now identify the species, marvel at their exquisite markings and recognize their songs.

This practice of paying closer attention to life’s sweet pleasures has been a tremendous source of joy for me. n The joy of masking up Oh, the freedom! I love not putting on make-up these days. Behind my mask I’m all “naturelle,” as the French would say. No foundation, no blush, no lipstick, no nothing. The time and effort I save at my bathroom sink can be better spent watching the birds!

My mask also provides, at times, a welcome measure of anonymity, especially when I complete the look with my big, furry winter hat. All

covered up, I can sneak in and out of the local grocery store without being stopped to discuss, well, nothing actually.

Being incognito has been a gift! n The joy of cooking or not Many of my married friends have shared this particular joy: They relish being released from food shopping and the routine of preparing three square meals a day. The pandemic has relaxed many of our daily rituals and this is probably most noticeable in the kitchen.

Eating avocado toast four nights in a row? Is that so wrong? n The joy of fewer choices I just saw this headline: “The paradox of modern life: so many choices, so little joy.” That resonates with me. I think it explains my love of air travel. My choices are limited.

I’m confined to my seat, my meal options are few, and my activity pattern is reduced to reading, listening to music, and ignoring the snoring person seated next to me.

On the plane, I have no important decisions to make or complex problems to solve. It’s heaven! Too many choices can be paralyzing.

The pandemic has contracted our lives and limited our choices. It has delivered untold hardship and heartache. But it has also delivered valuable time in which to reflect and rethink the way we live, the way we love, and the way we experience joy.

Are you missing out on life?

Good for you. It’s time for a joyful celebration!

new family dynamics. Depending on the family’s interests and needs, nurses will either provide the desired services or connect them to community services.

“ROC Family Connects does just that, it connects parents and infants with resources to promote the child’s and family’s healthy development,” said Brian Steele, physician and vice president of medical affairs, clinical services for Excellus BCBS. “These visits are designed to provide guidance and support to parents and connect families to community services based on individual needs and preferences.”

Families are enrolled at prenatal care appointments or through the baby’s primary care practice when the baby is born, and a visit is scheduled in the first few weeks of life. Most families will receive one initial visit, with up to three follow-up visits in the first six months of life.

ROC Family Connects is a supported adaptation of the Family Connects International program. Family Connects is a program of Duke University’s Center for Child and Family Policy.

The local program is available to many Excellus BCBS members through the health plan’s partnership with Accountable Health Partners, Greater Rochester Independent Practice Association, Rochester Regional Health, Jordan Health, and the University of Rochester Medical

Center. The United Way of Greater Rochester, The Children’s Agenda, and Children’s Institute helped to start the program here.

Program data for Family Connects found 94% of families who received a nurse visit needed support in at least one area and studies found improved outcomes in child health and well-being in families receiving these visits.

Two studies published in Pediatrics and the American Journal of Public Health found that by the time the baby was six months old, families that participated in Family Connectsexperienced greater community connections, had access to higher quality child care, showed higher quality parenting behaviors, had enhanced home environments, improved maternal mental health and reduced emergency medical care for infants. ”Adjusting to a newborn is difficult enough, but during a pandemic, families are distanced from friends and family who otherwise would have provided help and guidance,” said Jennifer Cathy, chief impact officer at United Way of Greater Rochester. “Thank you to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, ESL Federal Credit Union and Konar Foundation for recognizing the importance of partnering to support moms, dads and babies. We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this unique program and health care partnership, on families throughout our community.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • March 2021

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Alone and Content, empowerment workshops for women and author of “Alone and Content,” a collection of inspiring essays for those who live alone. For information about her workshops, to purchase her book, or invite Gwenn to speak, visit www. aloneandcontent.com

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

PREVENTABLE. TREATABLE. BEATABLE. It’s time to understand the importance of prevention and early detection— and to change the way we see colorectal cancer.

• • • • •

Both men and women can get colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Early cases can begin as noncancerous polyps with no symptoms.

Age and a family history of colorectal cancer can put you at risk.

Early detection can help prevent colorectal cancer.

To schedule a screening or colonoscopy today, call (585) 922-3989.

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2/18/21 3:20 PM

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

COVID-19: Experts Believe Virus is Here to Stay

T

he FDA will expedite the review process for manufacturers developing updates and boosters to counter the United Kingdom and South African strains or variants to the coronavirus. An advisory panel of independent experts will be charged with reviewing and approving the booster shots. Pfizer, BioNtech and Moderna boosters have already gone through the process. Most epidemiologists warn COVID-19 will not just go away even after we have achieved herd immunity or have it under control. Like the common flu, we may require annual boosters until a “one and done” shot is developed. The worldwide pandemic will be reduced to a manageable epidemic. In the meantime,

ACA Open Enrollment Expanded

Millions of workers have lost their employer sponsored health insurance primarily due to the ravages of the pandemic. Via executive order, President Biden created a special expanded three-month open enrollment period from Feb. 15 thru May 15. The previous open enrollment period under the previous administration was only the last six weeks of 2020, Nov. 15 thru Dec. 31. The Association of Health Insurance Plans lauded the executive order and expressed no concern over possible “adverse selection.” (Adverse selection can occur when a previously uninsured person can enroll in a plan any time they want, versus only during a designated sign up or enrollment period. The

President Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act to get more equipment and supplies to vaccine manufacturers for increased points of care and at home testing. The goal is to have 61 million home testing kits available by the end of summer.

FEMA has awarded $1.7 billion to 27 states to establish community vaccine centers, especially in underserved areas. Overlooked and under appreciated is the role of primary care providers can play in the delivery of vaccines. Once supplies are adequate and distribution streams improved, primary care practices are clearly more appropriate for vaccine and booster administration than state fairgrounds, hospital parking lots and football stadiums. fear is those who wait until they are sick or injured, then sign up.)

Medicare Ad Fatigue

If you’re wondering why the seemingly endless (and annoying) Medicare ads are still disrupting your favorite TV viewing long after Dec. 31, you’re not alone. In the past, all seniors were covered by “regular” or traditional Medicare. Since there was no choice, the government didn’t need to advertise. The ubiquitous ads ruining your viewing are run by Medicare Advantage plans that are administered by commercial insurers that are looking to sign newly eligible seniors as they turn 65 throughout the year. (Open enrollment, which runs October thru December, is for seniors already covered looking March 2021 •

to switch plans.) Competition for members among commercial plans results in a lot of TV advertising.

And for good reason. Forty percent of all Medicare eligibles belonged to a Medicare Advantage plan last year; and with the onslaught of savvy baby boomers turning 65, there is a lot at stake. Traditional or “regular” Medicare will probably phase out for adults without a disability, over the next several years as Medicare Advantage plans continue to grab most of the newly eligible seniors.

There is another reason for the heavy advertising: huge profits. Many commercial carriers are making more money in Medicare Advantage plans than employer-based commercial plans. United Healthcare, for example, covered 3.5 million members last year and expects to add another 900,000 this year. United made $15.4 billion last year, despite the pandemic. The ads claim they may reduce the amount being withheld from your Social Security check for Medicare by $100 or so a month. That is accomplished by switching seniors from their traditional Medicare plan to Advantage plans.

Hospital Pricing

As of Jan. 1 hospitals must post “prices” for 300 “shoppable” procedures such as MRI, labs, consults, obstetrics, surgeries, psychotherapy.

Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible for just about anyone to do comparison shopping. Warning: you may need psychotherapy if you try to do this. The problem is, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services left it up to the hospitals and didn’t provide many guidelines. Consequently, some posted spread sheets with “prices,” “fees” and “negotiated rates” while others provided online “cost estimators.” To add to the confusion, many don’t even use the universally accepted billing codes to

easily identify the 300 procedures. So how do you compare? You can’t. As predicted here last year, this would be a mess. Regardless of trying to find the best deal, can the typical consumer really shop around? The hospital you select may not be in your network. Your chances of getting approval to go outside of your network for one of the routine “shoppable” services is probably zero. The physician you select for a consult or procedure may not be in your network or even have privileges at the hospital you select. Even if he or she does, it may not be their preference. So right now, until there is more uniformity, shopping around for the best deal is a fool’s errand.

Pandemic Preparedness

Another pandemic is inevitable. The Northeast Business Group on Health has developed a list of recommendations for employers so they aren’t caught off guard again.

1. Build a pandemic response plan; keep it simple. 2. Establish a safe workplace. 3. Enhance employee experience working from home. 4.

Have a strong return to work plan. 5.

Address employee benefits stressed by the pandemic, like behavioral care. Develop your vaccine strategy.

6. Plan for future pandemic or epidemic now.

W. Chapman George

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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Page 7

Sara Taylor is the founder and project coordinator of PEEEEEEK and a long-time community nonprofit leader in Rochester.

Q A &

with Sara Taylor

Unhappy with mental services in Rochester, mother creates advocacy group, PEEEEEEK

By Todd Etshman Q.: What does BIPOC PEEEEEEK stand for?

A.: Parents Elevating their voice to Educate and Empower Each other to Eliminate disparities and inequities in services related to the Emotional health of our Kids.

Q.: What is the mission of PEEEEEEK? A.: We have two basic goals. The first is to foster a Black and indigenous people of color network of parents and caregivers (BIPOC) with children impacted by mental illness

or other behavioral health conditions.

The second is to forge change with behavioral health providers to foster a system built to respond to the unique needs of BIPOC children and families. Behavioral health providers need to recognize that mistrust and inequities exist in BIPOC communities regarding mental health issues and the lack of adequate assistance provided.

Q.: How did PEEEEEEK start?

A.: I founded this project in the fall. I have a child in the mental health system and it’s based on the difficult experience of navigating through the children’s mental health system. The experience feels like it’s from a horror movie.

Black families don’t go to mental health service providers. They’re struggling with heightened levels of distrust after these two incidents (Daniel Prude and the Rochester Police handling of a 9-year-old girl).

The wait list for a child’s mental health crisis is six to eight weeks. A child in crisis can’t wait six weeks.

They suffer in silence. Parents might give up in that time period instead of moving forward. Even if they did wait that long, there are no clinicians of color. If 70% to 80% of your patients are minorities, you need staff members that are minority members, too.

I was also influenced by a study released in October by the Surgo Foundation and Mental Health America that identified Rochester as one of 13 cities in the U.S. where COVID-19 vulnerability and poor mental health overlap.

In these cities, more than half of the city residents live in census tracts that are highly vulnerable to the pandemic and have high rates of poor mental health. The report found that 60% of Rochester city residents live in highly COVID-19 vulnerable neighborhoods with high rates of poor mental health.

People residing in areas of Rochester such as the 14621, 14605 and 14609 neighborhoods lack access to adequate mental health care. We have one of the highest rates of childhood poverty in the country. Our neighboring cities are in a similar

state of crisis. The PEEEEEEK mental health project works in Buffalo, Syracuse and Utica, too.

Q.: How does it work?

A.: We want to bring this to the heart of our neighborhoods. We want to bridge the gap between BIPOC families and the behavioral health care system. The board consists entirely of parents with children impacted by mental health. It’s parent driven. That’s what makes this project unique. No one else has a model like this.

We are functioning together and as part of Partners in Community Development, a nonprofit founded in 1992 by Len Statham to help people in subsidized housing find jobs, avoid eviction and support the emotional needs of families.

PICD, along with the Rochester Housing Authority, is in subsidized housing complexes and can find people who are isolated and struggling with mental health issues.

Persons at risk can be found in many other places, too, such as churches, settlement houses and recreation centers.

We have weekly support groups, some virtual some in person, to help people deal with issues such as how to interact with the police and how to navigate through the mental health system. Since our inception, over 100 families have received assistance.

We want parents to be able to get help. With all of the distance learning taking place, who is helping the parent or parents of a child with an emotional disorder set up their computer? We hold providers accountable to do that. We also work with mental health service providers and colleges to help find staff members of color.

Q.: Who provides the funding?

A.: We are a small non-profit 501(c) (3) that does not have large government contracts and grants but the need is critical and we are actively seeking private donors and partners.

For more information including how to contact Taylor, go to www. positivestepsny.com.

Excellus BC BS Accepting Award Applications Local nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for grants

N

onprofit organizations in Upstate New York can apply for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Award grants totaling $150,000 to help fund health and wellness programs in Upstate New York. The application period closes March 5.

All nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Rochester region are invited to apply for an award of up to $5,000 each.

The award can be used for programs that have clear goals to improve the health or health care of a specific population. Any program Page 8

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that aims to improve the health status of the community, closes the gap in health disparities, reduces the incidence of specific diseases, promotes health education and assists our communities in dealing with COVID-19 will be considered.

For additional information and the online application, go to https:// news.excellusbcbs.com and type “Community Health Awards.”

Award winners will be announced later this spring.

“The company’s Community Health Awards demonstrate a corporate commitment to support local organizations that share our mission

as a nonprofit health plan,” said Jim Reed, president and CEO-elect for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

“These awards complement our existing grants and sponsorships with agencies that work to improve community health, in Upstate New York.”

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield divides its 31-county Upstate New York operating area into four regions: the Rochester region, encompassing Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties; the Central New York region, which includes Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Oswego and Tompkins counties;

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • March 2021

the Southern Tier region, including Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Tioga, Schuyler and Steuben counties; and the Utica region, comprising Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego and St. Lawrence counties.

The company’s corporate giving follows all applicable laws and regulations and does not support funding organizations that conflict with its corporate mission, goals, policies or products.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 9

Good Dental Health for Life

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

G

ood dental health for life relies upon consistent home care and professional care; however, each stage of life brings certain focal points of dental care.

In Good Health spoke with three local dentists, who discuss the main dental concerns affecting people according to their age.

6 months to 4 years

“Generally, at 6 months, they should be seeing their pediatric dentist,” said Jolly M. Caplash, a dentist at Rochester Oral Surgery in Rochester and chairman of dentistry at Rochester Regional Health. “They may be seeing them sooner. Once they go through that initial exam, maintain it every six months. They’re going through their pediatric dentist to see if their tooth eruption follows the right pattern.”

Parents should begin wiping teeth off with a washcloth or cleaning them with a soft brush and flossing between them at home at least twice per day. This keeps plaque off the teeth. Plaque causes tooth decay. Although baby teeth eventually fall out, they serve as placeholders for adult teeth. Losing them early can mean a greater chance of misalignment.

In addition to keeping the teeth clean, parents need to stick with

only water in bottles and sippy cups between meals.

Constantly drinking milk, juice or other liquids “puts them at risk for decay,” Caplash said.

Especially detrimental is sending kids to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Since babies do not swallow all the liquid, there may be the formation of some pools in their mouths, which might feed the bacteria that will damage their tooth enamel and cause cavities.

By the time children can write their own name, they should be able to brush their teeth, but parents should monitor them to ensure good hygiene and maintain regular checkups to keep cavities away.

“Fluoride from drinking water and other sources like toothpaste and mouth rinse can help prevent tooth decay and make the child’s teeth stronger,” said Alexis Ghanem, clinical associate professor and director of the Advanced Education of General Dentistry-GME program at Eastman Institute for Oral Health. “Fluoride is a natural mineral that can slow or stop cavities.”

Preteen to Middle Age

By the preteen years, the baby teeth have left and parents should continue encouraging good hygiene

and keep an eye on their children’s consumption of sugary treats and beverages. These contribute to cavities. Acidic beverages such as citrus fruit juice and soda particularly damage tooth enamel.

For the teen and young adult years, periodontal problems become the biggest threat, mainly caused by smoking, poor oral hygiene habits and diabetes. It is easy for teens to become lax about brushing when they leave home and go to college.

They may not keep up with their dental cleaning visits, either.

When a person reaches middle age, many health issues that they have ignored become more apparent.

Many studies have found an association between periodontitis and many other diseases and conditions.

Ghanem listed respiratory disease, chronic kidney disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer.

“In our clinic, we often see patients having periodontal diseases along with some kind of systemic diseases associated to them,” he said.

“Patients with diabetes should be told that they are at increased risk for periodontitis. They should also be told that if they suffer from periodontal disease, their blood sugar may be more difficult to control, and they are at higher risk for other complications such as cardiovascular and kidney disease.”

Adulthood

By their 50s, many people begin to experience cracked teeth and need dental caps. Dentist Antonio Calascibetta, owner of Celestial Dental in Henrietta and known as Dr. C., said that stress-induced tooth grinding and the age-related wear on the teeth are primary causes of cracks.

“We have seen a lot more cracks since the pandemic began because of everyone’s stress,” Calascibetta said.

Anyone 65 or older is “pushing the limits of our teeth,” Calascibetta said. “We will see frequently that the elderly has gum and bone recession.”

Negligent home care and smoking contribute to this process, among other reasons. The problem with receded gums is that the root surface has thinner enamel and is more prone to cavities for this reason. The more teeth lost, the more the jawbone breaks down.

Many older adults take medications that can cause dry mouth.

“Any patient with dry mouth is more prone to having dental issues without the saliva flushing away bacteria,” Calascibetta said.

Moisturizing mouth rinses and drinking plenty of water may help.

Arthritis can make brushing properly more challenging. To promote better oral care in these cases, Calascibetta recommends clients use an electric brush and prescription toothpaste with extra fluoride.

Age Emphasis 6 mos. to 4 years

Parents should establish good habits of brushing, flossing and dental visits. Drink only water between meals and at bedtime.

5-12

Parents should supervise brushing, flossing and fluoride rinsing. Minimize sugar intake.

Teens

Continue home and professional care.

Avoid tobacco use and minimize sugary beverages and snacks.

Young adult Middle-aged adult Older adulthood

Continue home and professional care. Address any other health concerns like diabetes that can affect dental health.

Continue home and professional care. Address small dental issues before they become big issues.

Continue home and professional care. Ask about moisturizing mouth rinses, prescription fluoride toothpaste and an electric toothbrush

‘But Doc, It Doesn’t Hurt Yet!’ The consequences of delaying dental treatment

By Antonio Calascibetta, DDS (‘Dr. C’)

Y

our dentist has just done an exam on you, and you’re told that you have a cavity. You’re shocked! It doesn’t bother you, so what gives?

Bacteria that sit on teeth release acid as a waste product when breaking down sugars. As the acid leaks and demineralizes the outside of the tooth (the enamel), a cavity is formed. Cavities in this stage rarely need to be treated with fillings — using fluoridated toothpaste and drinking fluoridated tap water can keep these cavities at the same size for years, even decades. They don’t

Page 10

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cause pain, because the enamel has no nerve tissue.

However, once the decay reaches the softer, inner portion of the tooth (the dentin), the cavity must be managed with a filling, as it will never repair itself as enamel can.

It’s at this point where we may get pushback from patients as “it doesn’t hurt yet.” Therein lies the danger.

The acid from the bacteria spreads much more quickly in the dentin, and as it approaches the nerve (the pulp),

it can become quite bothersome.

When the cavity does inevitably cause you the dreaded toothache, it is generally too little, too late. Frequently, your only two options are a root canal or pulling the tooth.

Early management of these smaller cavities will prevent more costly and lengthy visits, and more importantly, preserve your smile.

If a dentist recommends a large treatment plan to you because you have cavities, yet none of them are hurting, it never hurts to ask for a second opinion — this is something I recommend to all of my patients

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • March 2021

if they have doubts. Don’t wait too long, though! Nobody likes to sit through a root canal.

Dr. Antonio Calascibetta’s practice is Celestial Dental located on W. Henrietta Road. For more information, visit www. celestialdental.com or call 585-360-0202.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 11

Make healthy swaps

It’s easy and fun to come up with healthier versions of your favorite indulgences. Call a family powwow, list your most popular snacks, and assess their integrity. Too sugary?

Too salty? Too high-fat? Too devoid of any nutrients whatsoever? Highlight the ones that don’t make the healthy cut and consider alternatives.

Suggestions: If you have a sweet tooth, choose fresh or dried fruit over candy, homemade banana ice cream or smoothies over ice cream, and healthy granola bars instead of cookies. If you have a salty tooth, reach for popcorn over chips, nuts over crackers, and meat roll-ups instead of beef jerky.

Practice portion control

Remember, size matters, especially when it comes to snacks, including healthy ones. Controlling your portion can help you enjoy between-meal bites without spoiling your appetite for lunch or dinner. A few portion-control tips: Place snacks on smaller plates; brighten up where you snack (research from Cornell University found that subjects who dined in a darker room consumed 36% more food and were less accurate in estimating how much they consumed than those who ate in a bright room); and don’t give healthy foods — i.e., avocado, granola, smoothies, whole grains — a free pass just because their nutrient-rich.

Their calories can add up, too.

How to Snack Better During the Pandemic

By Anne Palumbo

W

hat do potato chips, pretzels and popcorn have in common? You may have guessed: They’ve been flying off the shelves during the coronavirus pandemic.

Same for cookies, candy and other indulgences during this stressful time.

Snack food consumption has increased by over 8% since lockdown, which is more than during the Great Recession, between 2008 and 2010, where snack-food consumption increased by only 1%.

Unfortunately, all this snacking has resulted in snugger waistbands for many, with an average weight gain of seven pounds, according to new data from a COVID-19 symptom study.

On the bright side, however, and because of our move toward healthier eating in recent years, many of us are bypassing highly processed, empty-calorie snacks for more nutritious snacks. So the issue is not the snack as much as it is the constant craving for the snack.

I can relate. After working at my desk for hours on end, my mind starts to wander … to the just-baked granola bars whose scent has made a beeline for my nose … or to the creamy hummus with my name etched in the top … or to the popcorn laced with soy sauce and Parmesan cheese. Feet don’t fail me now!

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Unquestionably, being homebound can turn snacking into a fullfledged pastime; and, if you’ve got kids at home, well, that pastime can become a battleground.

But it doesn’t have to be. When eaten in moderation, good-for-you snacks can help manage hunger, boost nutrition, and even foster togetherness time for those living under the same roof.

Let’s take a look at six ways to snack better during the pandemic:

Prep and plan snacks ahead of time

They say not to grocery shop on an empty stomach and the same holds true for snacking: Know what’s in your snacking future and you’ll be less likely to overindulge or land on something unhealthy. Game for some fruits and veggies? Then take time the night before or in the early morning to wash and cut up your produce. After, place everything at eye level in the fridge so it’s the first thing you reach for. Do the same for other healthy snacks, such as dips, smoothies, roll-ups, hard-boiled eggs, and more. Be sure to enlist help — from snack suggestions to prep, assembly to serving.

Don’t multitask while snacking

Snacking straight out of the bag

while watching TV or working at your computer can lead to overeating and weight gain. Distraction and not really thinking about what you’re consuming can do that. When you’re ready to snack, eliminate distractions (screens, social media, texting), sit down, and focus on your snack. Chew slowly, savor every bite, appreciate textures and tune into your hunger-fullness scale. According to a recent study, people who ate a meal in 22 minutes consumed 88 fewer calories and felt less hungry than those who cleaned their plates in nine minutes.

Set snack times

The urge to graze is understandable these days, now that COVID-19 has upended our schedules and routines. Feeling adrift and uncertain, many of us have found ourselves reaching for snacks at all hours, with restless kiddos being particularly vulnerable. Establishing structure around snacks by setting specific times has numerous advantages, according to health experts. It establishes an expected routine and gives us purpose; it helps us feel more in control; and it reins in the urge to constantly nibble. A good rule of thumb is to snack (or provide snacks) a few hours after one meal ends and about one to two hours before the next meal begins.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • March 2021

Creamy White Bean Hummus

1-2 garlic cloves 1 can cannellini beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons tahini 2 tablespoons olive oil juice of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon water (more, if seems thick) 1 teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon coriander ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Place garlic in food processor and pulse until minced. Add remaining ingredients and process until well blended. Serve with cut-up veggies.

Bump up healthy snacks with protein and good-foryou fats

Ever eat a pretzel or cracker and feel hungry shortly after? Snacking on carbohydrate-based snacks can have that affect — even snacks made with fiber-rich whole grains.

Same with celery, carrots, apples and bananas. While their dietary fiber certainly helps us feel fuller longer, the feeling doesn’t last forever.

An excellent way to prolong the “fullness factor,” say nutritionists,

is to pair your healthy snack with protein or good-for-you fats — two nutrients that take longer to digest.

Some popular snack pairings: Wholegrain toast with mashed avocado, veggies dipped in hummus or Greek yogurt ranch dip, popcorn sprinkled with grated cheese, or a scoop of peanut butter spread over a lengthwise-sliced banana.

Lastly, the internet is loaded with healthy snack recipes. From roasted chickpeas to baked sweet-potato chips, fruit roll-ups to applesauce muffins, the recipes are yours for the trying.

Here in our household, we aim to try something new every week. Not only does it give us something to do, but it encourages meaningful time together in our favorite area of the house: the kitchen!

Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing

1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or rice vinegar 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon dried dill or chives ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper milk or water, as needed to achieve desired consistency In a medium bowl, stir together all the ingredients. Add milk or water by the tablespoon until desired consistency is reached.

for about an hour. Using parchment handles, remove from pan and cut into bars.

Ready-in-Minutes Banana Ice Cream

3-4 bananas, peeled, frozen, broken into chunks ½ cup coconut milk (lite or regular) 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla

Baked Granola Bars

2 ½ cups rolled oats (not quick or instant) 2 tablespoons brown sugar ¼ cup flaked sweetened coconut 1 cup (total) of “extras”— chopped nuts, dried cranberries, chocolate chips 3 tablespoons canola oil ¼ cup honey 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Line a 9” x 9” square pan with 2 crisscross sheets of parchment paper (not foil), leaving extra overhang on all sides.

Combine oats, brown sugar, coconut and extras in a large bowl.

Whisk together oil, honey, cinnamon, salt and vanilla in a small bowl. Add honey mixture to oat mixture and mix thoroughly. Spread in prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly with the back of a spatula.

Bake for 30 minutes; cool in pan

SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating

Canned Tomatoes Linked to Better Health

D

o I have an unusual attachment to canned tomato products? You might think so by the stash in my pantry: diced, crushed, whole, stewed, pureed.

Truth is, of all the canned goods I tap for cooking, canned tomatoes make my heart sing more than any other.

They’re economical, convenient and never seem to spoil. I like that in a vegetable. No waste!

They’re also, much like their forbearer, high in both nutrition and flavor.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, canned foods can be just as nutritious as fresh and frozen foods because the fruits and vegetables used for canning are picked at peak freshness.

Although most nutrients remain relatively unchanged by the canning process, the water-soluble nutrients — such as vitamins A and C, thiamine and riboflavin — can be damaged by the high heat canning requires. On average, canning destroys from one-third to one-half of the vitamins mentioned above.

The high heat, however, has a remarkable affect on perhaps a tomato’s most valuable nutrient: lycopene.

It increases the amount. For example, one medium-size fresh tomato delivers 4 mg of lycopene, whereas a cup

Put the frozen bananas, coconut milk (shake can before opening), honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla into a blender and blend, starting at low speed and working your way up gradually to high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Do not over blend (otherwise the friction will melt your ice cream).

Serve immediately as soft-serve, or transfer to an airtight container and freeze for a few hours for firmer ice cream.

nutrient don’t end there. Several studies suggest that lycopene may also be your heart’s best friend, thanks to its ability to help reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol, and maintain good blood pressure.

In fact, promising research from Finland demonstrated that men with the greatest amount of lycopene in their blood had a 55% lower chance of having any kind of stroke. Another V8, please!

Worried about the sun’s harmful rays? Premature wrinkling? A diet rich in lycopene may help increase your skin’s defense against sunburns and damage caused by UV rays.

While tomatoes, especially those canned or cooked, can’t substitute for sunscreen, they can provide a consistent level of skin protection, say scientists.

Anne’s Break-Out-the-Chips Salsa

of tomato soup or a half-cup of tomato puree delivers a whopping 25 mg.

Although there is no recommended daily intake for lycopene, current studies suggest daily intakes between 8-21 mg to be most beneficial.

A powerful antioxidant, lycopene helps defend your cells from damage caused by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals. When free radicals accumulate, they can increase your risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Fortunately, eating antioxidant-rich foods like tomatoes can help reduce the risk of these diseases.

But the benefits of this superstar March 2021 •

4 cloves garlic 1 jalapeno pepper (less if desired) 1 cup fresh cilantro (optional) 1 large onion 1 orange bell pepper 1 yellow bell pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes 1 15-oz. can petite diced tomatoes fresh lime juice from 1 to 2 limes 1 tablespoon chili powder 2 teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon sugar 1 ½ teaspoons salt (or more) ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper Finely chop garlic and jalapeno pepper in a food processor, then add cilantro (if using) and process about a minute more. Cut onion and bell peppers into large chunks and add to food processor. Pulse about 10 times or until onion and peppers look

Helpful tips Not all canned tomato products are created equal, so be sure to read the label and ingredient list.

Choose “low sodium” or “no salt added” if salt is a concern for you.

Look for cans that say or indicate “Non BPA” (most do). Since your body absorbs more lycopene when it’s combined with a little fat, consider adding some healthy fats, like olive oil, to your dish. evenly chopped.

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mixture from food processor to saucepan and sauté for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, and lowering heat if mixture starts to burn.

Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, lime juice and all spices to saucepan; mix well. Bring mixture to a simmer and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn heat down if it starts to boil and sputter. After 15 minutes, adjust seasonings, cover, turn heat to lowest setting and let it cook for 15 minutes more. Turn off heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Place in jars and refrigerate: good for about 2 weeks.

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.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 13

kids special

Schooldays at Home:

Ergonomics Matter for Children May children at home are working on laptops, which was meant for short periods of work, not for hours

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

E

rgonomics in the workplace is all about ensuring workstations help keep employees in comfortable positions that fit their size and helps them perform work without strain.

The principles are just as important for children who now spend many more schooldays at home, more likely than not working at makeshift desks — or no desk at all.

You may not realize that your children are not comfortable in their home education set-up.

“Good posture and movement patterns help prevent chronic pain,” said physician Joanne Wu, who specializes in spine and pain management at Rochester Regional Health.

“Chronic pain is not vocalized well by children. They usually manifest with decline in attention span, grades and behavioral outbursts.”

Wu also instructs in yoga at her business, Fit2BWell in Rochester.

Most children at home are working on laptops, which Wu said was meant for short periods of work, not for hours.

It may not seem like a big issue because children are known for sleeping and sitting in odd positions and not feeling sore as an adult would; however, Jeana Voorhies, doctor of chiropractic and assistant pro-

fessor of chiropractic clinical sciences at New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, said that since children are still growing, “it can have an impact on neurological development.

“It puts some strain on those structures,” Voorhies said. “Over time, especially as a child, we’re setting them up for some bad habits and potential long-term effects.”

Ideally, parents should have a workspace the right size for each child; however, this gets complicated as finances and space are strained in dedicated space for each child and possibly the parents as they may be working from home as well.

Voorhies said that the 90/90/90 rule is the goal. When seated, the back and hips, knees and ankles should each be bent at a 90-degree angle.

The line of vision is also important.

“We don’t want to be looking down for too long,” Voorhis said.

“Ideally, that screen should be right in your line of vision. That can be simple by putting books under the laptop. It brings it up to the line of vision so the neck is in a neutral position.”

In a regular school day, most children move around more than they may move at home. Ordinarily, they

1 in 5 Americans Has an STD

O

ne in five people in the United States probably carries a sexually transmitted infection, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

On any given day in 2018, nearly 68 million people had a sexually transmitted disease, according to the new CDC report. There were 26 million new cases that year. The agency refers to these diseases — such as HIV, syphilis and gonorrhea — as sexually transmitted infections, or

Page 14

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STIs. Nearly half of newly acquired STIs occurred in people aged 15 to 24 years, and new cases in 2018 would result in nearly $16 billion in direct medical costs, the report said.

People with STIs don’t always have symptoms. Left untreated, some STIs can increase the risk of HIV infection or cause chronic pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and/or severe pregnancy and newborn complications,

may join in activities in the classroom, PE, athletics or at least moving from class to class, depending upon their age. Voorhis said that at home, children can move their laptop to different positions such as standing to break up their day.

“One position I love to let their children do is to take the tablet or lap top and lie on their tummy, propped on their elbows,” she added. “In that position, you take your neck and spine out of that flexed posture.

It gets the spine into an extended position.”

At any opportunity, children should stretch and get active, including after the schoolwork is done.

Otherwise, sitting in a hunched over posture can cause upper crossed syndrome.

“This is a big problem,” said Larry Peshkin, doctor of chiropractic at Irondequoit Chiropractic Center in Rochester.

A deformation of the neck, pectoral and back muscles, upper cross syndrome leads to many problems Peshkin sees in his office.

“Upper crossed syndrome leads to headaches coming from the neck, tight pectoral muscles and pinching on the nerve on the spine, which causes numbness and tingling in the hands,” Peshkin said. “When kids start having this deformation, you can point it out a mile away. They have rounded shoulders, the neck is flexed anterior to the body like Lurch on the Adam’s family and females get the dowager’s hump at the shoulder blades you see with elderly people.”

Like Voorhis, Peshkin recommends good seating posture and periods of activity to mitigate the effects of so much sitting.

In addition to upper crossed syndrome, thoracic and cervical spine joint restrictions can result from sitting in a position of poor posture.

Peshkin explained that the 24 bones of the spine have a soft disc between them. If any of these is even slightly misaligned, portions of the spine will not move freely. This can cause discomfort, swelling and inflammation, and muscular guarding which leads to further restriction.

“Since your spine functions as a unit, rather than as isolated pieces, a joint restriction in one area of your spine often causes compensatory problems in another,” Peshkin said.

“Think of this as a rowboat with multiple oarsmen on each side. When one rower quits, the others are placed under additional stress and can become overworked.”

Limited movement in the cervical spine causes cervicogenic headaches, along with stiffness, muscle tightness and joint inflammation.

This can irritate nerves from the neck to the head.

“Cervicogenic headaches are according to the report published online Jan. 23 in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the costliest STIs, according to the report. Medical expenses for these infections include lifetime treatment for people with HIV as well as treatment for HPV-related cancers.

Of the estimated $16 billion in lifetime medical costs from STIs acquired in 2018, most ($13.7 billion) were associated with HIV. Another $755 million were attributed to HPV infections.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • March 2021

Avoiding Strain While Working at Home

Larry Peshkin, doctor of chiropractic at Irondequoit Chiropractic Center in Rochester, recommends the following to prevent strain issues: • Monitors should be visible without leaning or straining and the top line of type should be 15 degrees below eye level.

• Keep your shoulders relaxed and elbows bent to 90 degrees.

• Wrists should not be bent while at the keyboard. Forearms and wrists should not be leaning on a hard edge.

• Keep frequently used objects close to prevent excessive reaching.

• Take a 10-second break every 20 minutes. Micro activities include walking, stretching, or moving your head in a “plus sign” fashion.

• Periodically, perform the “Brugger relief position.” Position your body at a chair’s edge, feet pointed outward. Weight should be on your legs and your abdomen should be relaxed. Tilt your pelvis forward, lift your sternum, arch your back, drop your arms, and roll out your palms while squeezing your shoulders together. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths.

Sitting workstations:

• Hips and knees bent 90 degrees, feet flat on floor or footrest.\• Use a lumbar roll for lower back support.

• Avoid sitting on anything that would create an imbalance or uneven pressure, like your wallet.

Standing workstations:

• Keep your head, neck, torso, and legs vertically aligned.

• Wear shoes that provide proper arch support • Use a footrest to shift your weight from foot to foot.

•Adjust the footrest to approximately 10% of your total body height. most commonly one-sided, but occasionally may be present on both sides of the head,” Peshkin said.

“Pain often radiates from the base of your skull toward the top of your head and sometimes over your eyes.

In rare instances, the pain may travel into your arm. These headache episodes may last from hours to days.

The pain is continuous but fluctuating and is often described as deep.”

Yet another issue is thoracic outlet syndrome, stemming from the base of the neck just above the collarbone where important nerves and blood vessels pass through. Peshkin said that compressing these tissues causes pain, numbness or tingling in the arm.

More than $1 billion in lifetime medical costs were connected with chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis combined, the researchers said in a CDC news release.

About 60% of those costs were among 15- to 24-year-olds. Nearly 75% of the $2.2 billion in non-HIV-related STI medical costs were among women, according to the report.

The total cost of STIs is far higher than the medical costs estimated, however, the study authors noted.

The report didn’t include costs associated with lost productivity, other non-medical expenses, or STI prevention.

kids special

What Kids Are Losing with Virtual Learning

Online classes are effective to contain the transmission of coronavirus but they are robbing kids from having the full school experience: interacting with others, developing connections, teamwork

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A

ttending school is more than learning academic subjects and physical education. For many children, it represents their main source of socializing opportunities with peers. Because of the pandemic, this important aspect of school has been indefinitely put on hold.

Even children who home school have lost face-to-face connections with those in their home school groups, clubs, athletic teams and other social outlets as these have been shuttered or at least curtailed during the pandemic.

While deemed necessary to curb the spread of coronavirus, online school presents a different dynamic to children.

They may be able to interact with teachers in real time and with each other on a limited basis, but they have lost the incidental socializing in a normal school day: chatting between classes, sharing stories over lunch, hanging out while waiting for the school bus, sitting with friends riding to and from school.

These moments may seem inconsequential; however, they help children learn and develop in many ways.

For the very youngest students, “these are critical years for them to develop socialization skills,” said Robert Nazario, licensed master social worker and supervisor of schoolbased services for Endeavor Health

Services in Rochester and Buffalo.

“For kids that are just learning how to be verbal and express themselves, it’s critical in their emotional health. It’s been a setback for them.

For older kids, it’s been isolating. The pandemic has isolated them and their families and that has led to a lack of services being provided — help they may need.”

A lack of social interactions — positive, negative and neutral — means fewer opportunities for developing emotional intelligence and skills that will help children navigate relationships of all sorts.

Unlike planned interactions with friends through technology (a Zoom meeting between best friends), the more spontaneous interactions in a school day (learning how to befriend an irksome classmate) tend to be more educational. Children also miss chances to develop teamwork skills.

“There’s not that natural progression of relationships and connections,” Nazario said.

He also sees the lack of in-person schooling as limited the safety net for families who need help with physical, mental, emotional and developmental needs, although wellness check-ins can help mitigate the effects.

Heather Paessler-Chesterton, Ph.D. and licensed mental health counselor in private practice in Rochester, said that social interaction with their peers is “how they get a sense of who they are with people and a sense of the world.

“We learn coping skills, creative problem solving and develop empa-

thy for others,” she added.

Since the pandemic began, all of this — and more — shifted to the digital world. While those who are introverted may welcome reduced less pressure to engage with others and more barriers between themselves and social interactions, that may not be beneficial for their development. And for those who thrive on socializing, stunting these interactions can feel as if they are hamstrung.

“We are relational beings, but developmental beings, and that’s a lifelong process,” Paessler-Chesterton said. “We hope this is a short-term effect. As for the lasting effects, we can get back on track and things will wash out.”

She encourages parents to stay attentive to their children’s emotional needs and watch for any signs of depression or anxiety, such as changes in eating and sleeping habits and extreme changes in behavior beyond the garden variety acting up or regression.

Paessler-Chesterton thinks that taking time to pay attention to each child one-on-one can help mitigate the effects of fewer peer interactions.

Especially for older children whose peer groups are even more important, it can help to connect through Facetime or Zoom with friends.

Andrew Bellush, licensed mental health counselor at Genesee Behavioral Health Center Children and Youth Program through Rochester Regional Health, calls social interactions with other children “a way to recalibrate their social-emotional systems. Kids don’t typically get to

explore all the pieces of themselves within their own family system, as their role is too concrete or established in some sense. Being amongst their peers helps stimulate other pieces of their own personality.”

These interactions let them discuss shared and differing interests and home lives and practicing their social skills. Bellush said that is how children work on their emotional development. When these opportunities cannot happen, parents can help fill in some of the gaps.

“Parents can take on a more playful role with their children right now to help mitigate these effects,” he said. “Many playgrounds, parks, the zoo, skating rinks, gyms and pools are opening up again.”

Although it is not the same as peer interactions, taking time for oneon-one interaction with the children can help them feel better connected.

Bellush also suggested considering expanding the “social bubble” so children can have a few playmates, providing this follows current health guidelines.

At this point, it is difficult to tell how long-lasting the effects of limited socialization may be. That is why Nazario believes there has been a greater push to resume in-person classes.

“Children are resilient,” he said.

“Families have shown their resiliency. My hope is that with kids getting back to school, even if in a hybrid schooling, that they can get back to where they need to be developmentally, academically and socially-emotionally. I hope those skills will come back as well.”

If parents are concerned about their children’s mental health, they should consult a primary care provider, who can recommend what to do next, he advised.

Parents can help their children simply be being present in their lives.

For example, make meals together as a family, play games, and share outdoor activities such as walks or runs, Jolly suggested.

“Anything you can do together as a family will help,” he said.

Some gatherings with friends are fine, as long as everyone follows social distancing measures such as meeting in open spaces, wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart, according to Jolly.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34 in the United States.

Child Suicides Are Rising During Lockdown; Watch for the Warning Signs

A

mong the many dangers the coronavirus pandemic has brought, parents really need to be on the lookout for one in particular: an increased risk of suicide among vulnerable teens.

“We’ve seen an upsurge in really bad suicide attempts,” and the pandemic is likely behind that increase, said Taranjeet Jolly, an adult and pediatric psychiatrist at Penn State Health’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Social isolation during the pandemic can push youngsters with underlying mental health issues “over the edge,” Jolly said in a Penn State Health news release.

Other factors include family dys-

function and long amounts of forced time with others. Even children in socalled healthy families can feel overwhelmed. Anxiety about pandemic shutdown-related financial struggles, constant bad news and health-related worries can also transfer from parents to children.

Parents should watch for certain behavioral changes in their children, Jolly said. Have their sleep habits changed? Do they sleep more or less?

Do they have trouble concentrating?

Do they seem drowsy or lethargic?

Do they spend more time alone in their room? Do they snap at or become angry at small things?

“Don’t be afraid to reach out,” Jolly said.

March 2021 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 15

kids special

Substance Dependency Different in Youth Than Adults

Teens more likely to become addicted to substances than adults and the habit may be harder to break

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

T

eens respond differently to substance abuse and dependency than adults. Understanding the dynamics of how it is different helps teen authority figures better understand prevention strategies and why they are so important.

It is easier for teens to become addicted to substances than adults.

“Adolescents have a tendency to be more impulsive because the prefrontal cortex of their brains is still developing,” said April Aycock, a clinical coordinator of adolescent and young adult substance use disorder at URMC Strong Recovery. “Also, youth are more prone to addiction due to their rapid brain development.”

At a time when the pressure to fit in is never keener and the stress of their changing bodies and role in society builds up to levels that are hard to handle, drugs and alcohol look like an easy way to take off the edge.

Aycock said that marijuana, alcohol and nicotine are the most widely used among teens. They are easy to access and the penalties for using them are not as severe as other substances. Most parents have alcohol in their homes already. Through vaping, nicotine is easy to hide.

Habits established at young age are harder to break than if they are established at a later age because teens are still developing their coping skills.

Jennifer Faringer, director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in Rochester, said that marijuana use affects the lungs, if smoked, and also the brain, including cognitive ability, memory, IQ and ability to succeed in school.

“There’s a relationship of using marijuana and a greater likelihood of developing schizophrenia or substance abuse disorders,” Faringer

said.

Although still illegal in New York, marijuana is often viewed as not as bad as other drugs. Many teens view it as naturally derived from a plant — not a concoction of chemicals cooked up in a filthy, backwoods meth lab — and even an image as a retro cool drug because of its association with 60’s-era hippies.

Current teens’ grandparents may have used it, so it is easy to reason that teens can use it and be perfectly fine as well.

“Marijuana carries the lowest perception of risk, even though it is a very different drug than from a decade ago,” Faringer said.

She added that its level of THC, the compound in marijuana that causes its hallucinogenic effects, has increased to as high as 90% in some modern marijuana, far above the 20% levels of 10 or 15 years ago. This increase drives its ability to addict and keep users hooked. Because teens believe it is harmless, they are more likely to try it and “it can certainly lead to other drugs,” Faringer said.

She said that anecdotally, many young adults linked their opioid addiction to beginning with marijuana because of their comfort level of using drugs and impaired judgement.

For years, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has periodically attempted to legalize recreational use of marijuana in New York with the most recent push begun in January 2021.

“That would unquestionably drive use rates in teens,” Faringer said. “In states where it’s already legal, you can see their numbers rising.”

Of course, not every teen who tries marijuana ends up addicted to that or any drug. But avoiding use can prevent that risk.

Faringer said that talking with

teens about immediate consequences, like poor school performance, works better than long-term consequences.

Colin Wilcox, assistant director of School Based Services at The Center for Youth Services in Rochester, also said that simply telling teens that they will later regret taking drugs won’t work.

“Someone who’s 16 or 17 and smoking weed doesn’t have the brain development to think ahead,” Wilcox said.

He also said that the earlier a person begins using substances, the harder it is to break the addiction.

“And they’re more likely to use other drugs as well.”

Unlike adults, who tend to use drugs more isolated, teens are more likely to surround themselves with peers who are using drugs, providing more motivation to continue.

“It becomes identity development to use drugs,” Wilcox said.

Treatment for substance use with teens differs from that of adults.

Fewer resources exist for teens. They may also lack transportation to access resources.

“Treatment has to include all areas of support, as well as challenging circumstances within adolescents’ daily life,” Aycock said. “Treatment for adolescents has to take into consideration family systems, school environments, peer relationships and other social determinants.”

“Almost every addiction is not just a substance or chemical addiction,” said Andrew Bellush, licensed mental health counselor with Genesee Behavioral Health Center-Children and Adolescents in Rochester.

“We are addicted to the idea of what that substance represents for us: romance, danger, rewards, relaxation, sleep, solitude, etc. All these are feelings we positively associate with the use of drugs.”

Therapists try to connect clients

to support groups, activities that reinforce positive coping mechanisms, and peer groups to build accountability and sense of community.

He encourages “activities which create a natural sense of atelic goal accomplishment. Therefore, the activity can be practiced over and over without feeling like it has to be checked off of a list and creates a deeper sense of dedication to oneself.”

Look for more information at www.ncadd-ra.org.

Setting Up Expectations James Warren is an environmental specialist with the Council on Alcoholism and Addictions of the Finger Lakes, which has offices in Geneva, Lyons, Penn Yan, Seneca Falls and Watkins Glen. He said that his organization provides training to parents where they can comb through a mock bedroom to find vaping items. Many feel pleased that they find 10 or 15 items and then surprised that 40 additional items are in plain sight.

“We ask them, ‘Realistically, do you want that consequence for your life?’” Warren said. “Young people are concerned about health.

Is this the healthiest choice for your body? We can’t make that choice for them.”

He also reassures parents that talking with their kids about drugs will not spur them to try drugs.

Rather, parents should discuss their expectations with their children and help them understand the facts.

“Help them think through how this would affect the plan for their life,” Warren said. “Give them strategies to be able to get themselves out of situation they don’t want to be in.”

Speeding on U.S. Roads Is Taking Thousands of Teenagers’ Lives

N

early half — 43% — of all fatal car crashes involving teens and their passengers are the result of speeding, a new automobile safety report reveals.

The finding stems from an in-depth analysis of all fatal motor vehicle accidents across the United States between 2015 and 2019. During this five-year period, 4,930 teen drivers and passengers died in crashes involving speeding.

And while the report acknowledges that deadly speeding is a problem at any age, it warns that the consequences of speeding pose a particularly grave danger to young drivers between the ages of 16 and 19.

“We have a culture of speeding in this country,” said Pam Fischer. She’s senior director of external engagePage 16

•

ment for the Washington, D.C.-based Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which represents highway safety offices across all U.S. states and territories.

Although the period studied did not include the pandemic, GHSA executive director Jonathan Adkins said in a statement that the United States “has a speeding problem that has only worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.»

According to Adkins, “Thousands of people die needlessly on our roads because some drivers mistakenly think less traffic means they can speed and nothing bad will happen. The data tell us that teen drivers are the most likely to be tempted to speed, so the need to address this issue is more critical than ever, given traffic death

trends during the pandemic.”

Fischer noted that wide acceptance of speeding means that, in practice, many drivers view speed limits as minimums rather than maximums.

As a result, speeding has become a “national pandemic,” she said.

Fischer puts it down to a simple equation: Inexperience plus immaturity plus speeding equals deadly accidents.

As the GHSA report itself noted, “teen drivers do not have the experience necessary to recognize and quickly react appropriately to dangerous situations, which makes speeding even riskier for them.”

Fischer presented the findings earlier this year.

The study found that teen drivers who died in a speeding accident were

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • March 2021

more likely to be male (37% versus 28%), and were more likely to not be wearing a seatbelt. Teen fatalities also tended to involve being run off the road and/or car rollovers.

Younger teens (16- to 17-yearolds) were found to be at the highest risk for a deadly speeding crash. But teens aged 18 and 19 were more likely to get into an accident between midnight and 5 a.m. Older teens were also more likely to have accidents while on a highway or freeway.

And when it comes to speeding fatalities when passengers were in the car, more was decidedly worse: The greater the number of teenagers in the car alongside a teen driver, the greater the risk for a deadly speeding accident.

5

Things You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines

Separating the myths from facts about vaccines

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

I

n mid-December, the first 170,000 doses of the coronavirus were ushered into the state of New York.

Double that number came a week later. Slowly every state has received its initial doses of the vaccine. Now, under the new Biden administration, there is a strong push for everyone to be vaccinated. Recently, the president said that by July everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be able to do so.

There have been many questions and rumors about the vaccine as residents hope it is the first wave of good news when it comes to COVID-19 and the attempts to return to normalcy.

“We are bombarded with a lot of information about the vaccine and it is important that people understand all the aspects and that it is safe,” said Aja Bottler, infectious disease physician at Unity Hospital, which is part of Rochester Regional Health.

Bottler answers five frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

1.

What is the process?

Some people may wonder if the vaccine was fast-tracked and created too soon. But experts say there is a reason why the vaccine came through in less time than others because COVID-19 had similar strains from Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The vaccines were built upon years of work in developing vaccines for similar viruses.

“The process was quick because the technology to develop it was already in rapid development,” said Bottler. “You had a study where many people took part in clinical trials and we were able to learn so

much from the overall cases.”

More than 70,000 people volunteered in clinical trials for two vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) to see if they are safe and work to prevent COVID-19 illness. To date, the vaccines are 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 with no safety concerns.

Bottler said there was one fascinating aspect of the vaccine process that many people haven’t talked about.

“You had all these companies that were working on and produced millions of dollars in a vaccine that hadn’t been approved by the Federal Drug Administration. If it didn’t get approved, they would be stuck with a vaccine that they would have had to throw out,” said Bottler. “That is something that is unpredicident in the process when other vaccines were created.”

2.

Signing up

During the initial roll out and during the beginning of the year, federal elected officials, health care workers, those working in nursing homes and senior citizens were prioritized with the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed in phases to groups of people at increased risk of exposure or severe illness. Phased distribution will take time, with vaccines not expected to be widely available to all New Yorkers until mid-2021. The different phases of COVID-19 vaccine distribution are determined by New York state and may change. The federal government determines how much vaccine New York state receives. The federal government has given New York about 300,000 vaccines per week for more than seven million people

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

March 2, 9, 18

Hearing loss group presents program

Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Rochester Chapter offers virtual programs in March for anyone interested in hearing loss. All use the Zoom platform. Preregistration is required by visiting the HLAA website at http://hearinglossrochester.org All presentations are free and in real time. Closed captioning is an option for all participants.

• Noon, March 2: Behavioral psychologist Samuel Trychin will show strategies for preventing and reducing unwanted emotional reactions to the challenges faced by people with hearing loss in “Calm during COVID.” His presentation emphasizes the stress that masking and distance have on people with hearing loss during the current pandemic, offering techniques for dealing with it. A practitioner in Erie, Pennsylvania, Trychin has authored numerous books and conducted workshops and training sessions. He specializes March 2021 •

who are eligible, as a result supply is very limited.

3.

Should you get the vaccine?

There are people on either side of the vaccine who are either highly excited and plan to receive it right away and others who are skeptical and may take a wait and see approach. Bottler has a clear answer when asked if people should get vaccinated.

“Absolutely they should. I plan to get the vaccine and I have told my parents to get the vaccine when it is available to them,” she added. “You are seeing every age group contract COVID-19 so it is not only seniors.”

The two doses will have to be taken at least four weeks apart.

“The reason why I urge people to receive the vaccine when it becomes available is that we don’t know the long-term effects of being diagnosed with COVID. You could have longterm chronic lung disease and other symptoms that people have talked about lasting for months could recur later, so you want to do everything you can not to get the full brunt of COVID.”

4.

Have there been any side effects?

There is no COVID-19 in the vaccines and there are no serious side effects. But a few common occurrences have happened in people.

“You will feel pain in the injection site as you would with any vaccine within the first three days,” said Bottler. “You may feel fatigue or have a headache or a fever. There have been reports that some people have had allergic reactions so that is why everyone is monitored for 15 minutes after they take the shot to see if they have any reaction.”

5.

Several unknowns Bottler said it is difficult to

in understanding the psychosocial effects of hearing loss.

• 10 a.m., March 9: Prospective, new or experienced hearing aid users can share their experiences, questions, and hearing loss journeys in an informal virtual round table discussion facilitated by Joe Kozelsky, a retired audiologist and hearing aid user. Real hearing aid users discuss real problems and concerns.

• 10 a.m., March 18: This is a continuing orientation to the online “Virtual Demo Center” website. It is a review of selected assistive listen-

Aja Bottler, infectious disease physician at Unity Hospital, which is part of Rochester Regional Health. “Hopefully the vaccine will be rolled out to the general population soon enough,” she says. predict when the larger population will receive the vaccine. The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as large quantities are available. Several thousand vaccination providers will be available, including doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers.

However, no timetable can be stated for sure.

“Hopefully the vaccine will be rolled out to the general population soon enough. But it is difficult to anticipate when it will occur,” said Bottler.

Bottler said she hears people talking about whether the vaccine will affect fertility. Coronaviruses enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses not DNA so it should not impact the sperm or egg in any way.

The American College of Gynecology recommends that COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant individuals. It should be offered to lactating individuals similar to non-lactating mothers.

Medical officials are still trying to figure out what should be the proper protocol with people that have compromised immune systems such as those who are going through chemotherapy or have HIV.

ing devices, captioning-capable and amplified telephones, signaling-alerting devices and smart phone APP’s related to hearing enhancement and gives the opportunity for the presenters to answer questions from those joining the Zoom meeting. =HLAA is the nation’s leading organization representing consumers with hearing loss. HLAA opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, support and advocacy.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 17

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Serving Men, Women and Children

By Jim Miller

How to Choose a Hospice Care Program Dear Savvy Senior, Where can I turn to find a good Medicare-covered hospice provider? My husband’s mother has a terminal condition and wants to die at home, if possible, so I’m helping out where I can.

Sad Sandy

Dear Sandy, Hospice is a wonderful option in the last months of life because it offers a variety of services, not only to those who are dying, but also to those left behind. Here’s what you should know about hospice care, along with some tips to help you choose one.

Understanding Hospice Hospice care is a unique service that provides medical care, pain management and emotional and spiritual support to people who are in the last stages of a terminal illness — it does not speed up or slow down the process of dying. Hospice’s goal is to simply keep the patient as comfortable and pain-free as possible, with loved ones nearby until death.

The various services provided by a hospice program comes from a team of professionals that works together to accommodate all the patients’ end-of-life needs.

The team typically includes hospice doctors that will work with the primary physician and family members to draft up a care plan; nurses who dispense medication for pain control; home care aids that attend to personal needs like eating and bathing; social workers who help the patient and the family prepare for end of life; clergy members who provide spiritual counseling, if desired; and volunteers that fill a variety of niches, from sitting with the patient to helping clean and maintain their property.

Some hospices even offer massage or music therapy, and nearly all provide bereavement services for relatives and short-term inpatient respite care to give family caregivers a break.

Most hospice patients receive care in their own home. However, hospice will go wherever the patient is — hospital, nursing home or assisted living residence. Some even have their own facility to use as an option.

To receive hospice, your mother-

in-law must get a referral from her physician stating that her life expectancy is six months or less.

It’s also important to know that home-based hospice care does not mean that a hospice nurse or volunteer is in the home 24 hours a day.

Services are based on need or what you request. Hospice care can also be stopped at any time if your motherin-law’s health improves or if she decides to re-enter cure-oriented treatments.

How to Choose The best time to prepare for hospice and consider your options is before it’s necessary, so you’re not making decisions during a stressful time. There are more than 4,300 hospice care agencies in the U.S., so depending on where you live, you may have several options from which to choose.

To locate a good hospice in your area, ask your mother-in-law’s doctor or the discharge planner at your local hospital for a referral, or you can search online at Medicare.gov/ care-compare, which provides lists and ratings of hospice providers in your area.

When choosing, look for an established hospice that has been operating for a few years and one that is certified

by Medicare. To help you select one, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization offers a worksheet of questions to ask CaringInfo.org.

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Medication Drop Box Locations BRISTOL

Town Hall (585.229.4523)

Only YOU can secure your meds.

Monitor

Count your medications regularly.

Secure

Lock up any medications you don’t want anyone to access.

Dispose

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.

March 2021 •

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DMV Office (585.396.4210) FLCC, near gym (585.785.1000) Police Department (585.394.3311) The Medicine Shoppe (585.337-4300) Thompson Hospital, lobby (585.396.6000)

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Police Department (315.828.6771) North Street Pharmacy (315.787.5388)

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Village Hall (585.374.2111)

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Community Center (315.548.8484)

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Medicare Coverage Medicare covers all aspects of hospice care and services for its beneficiaries. There is no deductible for hospice services although there may be a very small co-payment — such as $5 for each prescription drug for pain and symptom control, or a 5% share for inpatient respite care.

Medicaid also covers hospice in most states, as do most private health insurance plans.

For more information, see the “Medicare Hospice Benefits” online booklet at Medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/02154-medicare-hospice-benefits. pdf.

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Page 19

Ask St. Ann’s

By Amy O’Reilly

Choose Nutrient-rich Foods for Greater Immunity

E

ating nourishing foods not only brings enjoyment and spice to life, but it’s also how your body gets vitamins. Making good choices will boost your immunity and support your overall health and well-being, especially as you age.

During National Nutrition Month in March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that you “personalize your plate” to include vitamin- and mineral-rich foods you need.

These general guidelines from the dietitians at St. Ann’s Community can help.

Choose fresh Fill half your plate with bright and colorful fruits and vegetables.

Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, strawberries and red bell peppers contain vitamins A and C to support a healthy immune system.

Green salad topped with almonds and avocado will provide high vitamin E levels, which acts as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful free radicals that can damage cells and cause illness.

Eating high protein foods such as poultry, seafood, and beans high in zinc and rich in vitamin B12 helps produce new immune cells and keep blood and nerve cells healthy.

Salmon, trout, mushrooms and fortified items such as milk, orange juice and cereals provide vitamin D to keep bones and muscles healthy and strong, including your heart.

Vitamin D also helps your immune system fight off bacteria and viruses.

To receive the maximum nutritional value of what you eat, choose fresh foods whenever possible.

Frozen or canned foods with reduced sodium or no salt added are healthy alternatives, too.

fresh foods to your plate.

Supplement when necessary When your diet doesn’t provide all the vitamins you need, vitamin supplements can help you make up the difference. This is especially important as the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals lessens with age.

Your doctor can order a simple blood test to identify which supplements you need and check to ensure they won’t interfere with your medications.

For example, people aged 51–70 require 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day and 800 IU for those over 70 years of age. While your body produces vitamin D with help from the sun, needing a supplement to meet these requirements is common during Rochester winters.

The dietitians at St. Ann’s Community recommend vitamin D supplements labeled “D3” or cholecalciferol, which you should take with nutritious high-fat foods like nuts to help with absorption. Also, any multivitamin you take should include at least 400 IU of vitamin D. Preparing healthy meals that support your body type, cultural background and tastes is a daily act of self-care that can make a major difference in your quality of life. So, stay away from labeling foods as good or bad and enjoy! When your plate includes enough nutrient-rich foods, treating yourself to dessert is a just reward!

Amy O’Reilly is a registered dietitian nutritionist at St. Ann’s Community.

Contact her at aoreilly@ mystanns.com or visit www. stannscommunity. com

Pickup or delivery Most local grocery stores provide delivery or curbside pickup. If weather and pandemic restrictions make travel difficult, subscribe to an online grocery or meal kit service like Misfits Market or Hello Fresh to add

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Ask The Social

Security Office

From the Social Security District Office

What Are Social Security Representative Payees?

Millions of people get monthly Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments.

Some need help managing their money. When we receive information that indicates you need help, we’ll assign a representative payee to manage your benefits for you. We try to select someone who knows you and wants to help you. A representative payee receives your monthly benefit payment on your behalf and must use the money to pay for your current needs, including: housing and utilities, food, medical and dental expenses, personal care items, clothing and rehabilitation expenses (if you’re disabled).

If you need help managing your benefits, tell a Social Security representative that there is someone you want to be your representative payee.

They should be someone you trust and see often, and who clearly understands your needs. Social service

Q&A

Q: I currently receive Social Security disability benefits. I now have a second serious disability. Can my monthly benefit amount be increased?

A: No. Your Social Security disability benefit amount is based on the amount of your lifetime earnings before your disability began and not the number of disabling conditions or illnesses you may have. For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Q: How much will I receive if I qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?

A: The amount of your SSI benefit depends on where you live and how much income you have.

The maximum SSI payment varies nationwide. For 2021, the maximum federal SSI payment for an eligible individual is $794 a month and $1,191 a month for an eligible couple.

However, many states add money to the basic payment. For more information, go to www.socialsecurity. gov/ssi.

Q: I noticed that my date of birth in Social Security’s records is wrong. How do I get that corrected?

A: To change the date of birth shown on our records, take the following steps: • Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); Show us documents proving: • U.S. citizenship (if you have not previously established your citizenship with us); • Age; and

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • March 2021

agencies, nursing homes or other organizations are also qualified to be your representative payee. Ask them to contact us.

You can write to us within 60 days of being assigned a representative payee if you don’t agree that you need one or if you want a different representative payee.

We also offer an option, called Advance Designation, which allows you to choose a representative payee in advance. In the event you can no longer make your own financial decisions, you and your family will have peace of mind knowing you already chose someone you trust to manage your benefits.

You can submit your advance designation request when you apply for benefits or after you are already receiving benefits. You may do so through your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/ myaccount, by telephone, or in person.

You can find more information at http://www.ssa.gov/payee.

• Identity; then • Take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.

Note that all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. For details on the documents, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ ss5doc.

Q: I’m gathering everything I’ll need to file my taxes this month. Do I have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits?

Also, where can I get a replacement 1099?

A: Some people who get Social Security must pay federal income taxes on their benefits. Still, no one pays taxes on more than 85% of their Social Security benefits.

You must pay taxes on some portion of your benefits if you file an individual federal tax return and your income exceeds $25,000. If you file a joint return, you must pay taxes if you and your spouse have combined income of more than $32,000.

If you are married and file a separate return, you probably will have to pay taxes on your benefits. You can read more about tax preparation in relation to Social Security at www. socialsecurity.gov/planners/taxes. htm. Social Security benefits include monthly retirement, survivors, and disability benefits. They don’t include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, which are not taxable. You can also get a replacement 1099 or 1042S when you open your own personal my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount.

H ealth News St. Ann’s has new associate director of nursing

St. Ann’s Community, Rochester’s leading senior housing and health services provider, recently promoted registered nurse Shaneeya Cooper to associate director of nursing.

Cooper earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Cooper from Nazareth College. She also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Rochester, and she is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing Education.

Cooper has 17 years of nursing and long-term, acute and ambulatory care experience, starting out as a unit aide and progressed throughout her career as a certified nursing assistant and a licensed practical nurse prior to obtaining her RN and BSN. She previously served as a clinical adjunct professor at Nazareth College, where she was responsible for teaching future registered nurses.

Prior to her promotion, Cooper worked as a nurse educator at St. Ann’s Home since 2019. As a member of the nursing leadership team, Cooper will be responsible for planning, organizing, leading and controlling the overall operation of the community 24-hours a day, seven days a week. She is tasked with creating a productive, supportive, and satisfying environment for residents, patients, and staff.

Wharton named associate dean at UofR School of Nursing

Mitchell J. Wharton, an accomplished educator, researcher and clinician, has been named the University of Rochester School of Nursing’s new associate dean for equity and inclusion, pending approval by the Office of the Provost.

The apWharton pointment of Wharton, an assistant professor of clinical nursing and faculty diversity officer at the school, shatters glass ceilings at the school: he has become the first male and the first person from a group underrepresented in nursing to serve at the associate dean level of senior administration.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve students and colleagues by leading the mission to enhance equity and inclusive practices within our school,” said Wharton, who will transition to this position full time in July after fulfilling his current clinical and educational responsibilities for the spring semester.

“I look forward to engaging members of the School of Nursing and Rochester communities as we work together to thoughtfully and respectfully develop strategies to increase diversity throughout the nursing workforce and academic nursing pipeline.”

Wharton has been an integral figure in the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for the past several years. He has been co-chairman of Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness since 2018 and the faculty adviser for the student-led Leading with Integrity For Tomorrow (LIFT) program since 2014. He has also been a co-facilitator for the school’s Racial Equity Series, served on the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Executive Committee for Diversity and Inclusion, and served as the School of Nursing’s representative to the Academic Community Engagement Collaborative. He was honored with the School of Nursing’s Mary Dombeck Diversity Enhancement Faculty Awards in 2020.

As associate dean, Wharton will join the UR Nursing senior leadership team, where he will work to more fully integrate issues of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the school.

Two HCR Home Care employees become RNs

Two employees of HCR Home Care recently became registered nurses, one of them thanks to a grant from HCR’s nonprofit partner organization.

Rosa Arroyo earned her R.N. at the Universidad Del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A long-tenured HCR employee, Arroyo joined the company in 2004 and has worked in such positions as home health aide, interpreter, service facilitator and telehealth liaison. She recently began working in the field as an R.N. case manager and started online classes in January to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Universidad Del Sagrado Corazón.

Arroyo’s studies were partly made possible through a grant from HCR Cares, a nonprofit partner of HCR Home Care that focuses on research and education. HCR Cares provides grants to nursing students, to help with expenses beyond tuition and to increase diversity in the nursing workforce.

Maidelis Mulet Marrero earned her R.N. from EDP University of Puerto Rico. A home health aide at HCR since 2018, Marrero joined the company’s East Team as an R.N. case manager in the Finger Lakes region.

Ultimately, her goal is to transition to HCR’s transcultural team.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield honored for LGBTQ workplace equality

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield once again earned high marks from the Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer workplace March 2021 •

Jewish Senior Life’s Campus Tower Cottages exterior present day. Smaller photo shows the facility in its early days.

Jewish Senior Life Commemorates 100th Anniversary

J

ewish Senior Life is recognizing 100 years of care and service for aging individuals. Its new commemorative centennial campaign, “100 Years of Life,” launched recently, honors the organization’s history of serving the community, with the theme of “looking back and moving forward.” The campaign features several pairings of residents and staff members whose combined ages total 100, including 99-year-old Vera Altman and her one-year-old friend, Auggie D’Angelantonio.

March 2020 was the official 100th anniversary of the founding of The Jewish Home by four trailblazing women. Jewish Senior Life had planned to launch a full year of celebratory events and community programs, culminating in a large fundraising gala in October. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. One week before celebratory activities were scheduled to begin, they had to close their doors to visitors. All resources were directed toward keeping residents and employees safe from disease. Centennial celebration plans were cancelled.

“Now has come the time to commemorate our centennial year,” says Michael King, president and equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

The 2021 index rated 1,142 major U.S. businesses on LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBTQ community.

“We’re proud to be recognized

CEO of Jewish Senior Life. “For 100 years, we have been committed to ensuring the health and safety of older adults. Today, faced with the tremendous challenges of the pandemic, our staff remains fiercely dedicated to keeping our residents protected, active, connected with loved ones, and engaged in activities that brighten their days. We are very grateful to our community supporters, volunteers, residents, their families, and our employees, for all that they’ve done to support us and make us who we are today.”

“We have always strived to enhance the quality of life for older adults with a community guided by warmth, dignity and respect,” says physician Margot Weinberg, board chairwoman of Jewish Senior Life. “Achieving such a momentous milestone –– 100 years –– truly speaks to our organization’s ability to accomplish this day in and day out, and we plan to continue to serve the community with innovative programs and services for many more years to come.”

More information about Jewish Senior Life’s Centennial can be found at www.100yearsoflife.org.

for the seventh year in a row for our inclusive policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ equality,” said Sady Fischer, corporate director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Excellus BCBS. “Diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and culture, and affirming our LGBTQ+ employees and members is part of that mission.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 21

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • March 2021

Health News Touching Hearts gets ‘Best of Home Care’ award

Touching Hearts at Home announced it has received the 2021 Best of Home Care –Leader in Excellence Award from Home Care Pulse, the leading firm in quality assurance for home care.

Touching Hearts at Home is now ranked among the top 10% of home care providers participating in the nationwide Home Care Pulse Satisfaction Management Program.

To qualify for this award, 10% of Touching Hearts clients and caregivers were interviewed each month by Home Care Pulse. Over a 12-month period, Touching Hearts received high client and caregiver satisfaction ratings in areas such as caregiver training, compassion of caregivers, communication, scheduling, client/ caregiver compatibility, etc.

“It’s a great honor to have earned this Leader in Excellence Award for the second year in a row”, said Mark McDermott, president of Touching Hearts. “More importantly, it reflects that our clients and caregivers are having superior experiences as we empower older adults to age in place.

I am really proud of our caregivers and grateful for our clients’ praise.”

“Touching Hearts has worked extremely hard to provide high-quality care and employment, and their

work hasn’t gone unnoticed.” says Erik Madsen, CEO of Home Care Pulse.

at Healthgrades. “Those hospitals that achieved the America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award have exhibited a long-standing commitment to quality and superior clinical outcomes, which differentiates them from other healthcare organizations. We applaud their ongoing efforts.”

From 2017 through 2019, if all hospitals performed similarly to those achieving Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award, 177,026 lives could potentially have been saved. For example, patients treated for community-acquired pneumonia at a hospital that achieved the award had, on average, a 35.9% lower risk of dying during their hospital stay than if treated at a hospital that did not receive the award.

During that same time frame, patients treated in hospitals achieving the award had, on average, a 25.7% lower risk of dying than if they were treated in hospitals that did not receive the award, as measured across 19 rated conditions and procedures for which mortality is the outcome.

Other Healthgrades awards Rochester General Hospital has received include America’s 250 Best Hospitals Award (2021, 2020, 2019), America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Critical Care Award (2021, 2020, 2019), and America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Gastrointestinal Care Award (2021, 2020, 2019)(2021, 2020, 2019).

Rochester Regional among top U.S. hospitals

Rochester General Hospital recently announced that it has achieved the Healthgrades 2021 America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award. Rochester General Hospital is among the top 1% of nearly 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide for superior clinical performance year-over-year according to Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians, and health systems.

“Our health care workers have always risen to any challenge and broken down any barriers that may have been in the way to provide exceptional care to those who need it, when they need it and where they need it,” said Kevin Casey, physician and president, Rochester General Hospital. “The pandemic emphasized this extraordinary dedication and compassion our employees have for every single patient and their commitment to making this community healthier.“ “COVID-19 has profoundly changed the delivery of healthcare but what is unchanged is the importance of high-quality care,: said Brad Bowman, chief medical officer

Home.

It’s never been more important.

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That’s why St. Ann’s Community at Chapel Oaks in Irondequoit offers the finest in retirement living, designed to provide peace of mind and make you feel right at home.

Here, you’ll be part of a community that cares.

Neighbors looking out for neighbors, with plenty of opportunities to stay connected. And even convenient services like grocery delivery right to your door.

Plus, you’ll take comfort knowing you have access to a full continuum of care should you or a loved one ever need it.

Your home at Chapel Oaks includes: • • • • • • • •

Choice of 1-or 2-bedroom luxury apartments No entrance fee Maintenance-free living with first-class amenities Delicious array of dining options, including complimentary breakfast daily Courtesy transportation to medical appointments Priority access to health services Indoor pool and fitness center 24-hour security

Retirement Living at Chapel Oaks • To schedule a tour, call 585-697-6606 • StAnnsCommunity.com/Chapel-Oaks March 2021 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 23

All the comforts of home — plus a whole lot more.

Retirement Living at Cherry Ridge At St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge, we know how important it is to feel at home. That’s why we offer the finest in retirement living, free from the demands of home ownership.

Located on 41 beautiful acres in Webster, Cherry Ridge offers a range of choices including spacious apartments and cottage homes. Whatever you choose, you’ll be part of a community of caring friends and neighbors and have access to a wide array of first-class services and amenities.

And you’ll rest easy knowing that you have convenient access to a full continuum of care should you or a loved one ever need it.

Your home at Cherry Ridge includes: • Choice of luxury cottage homes or apartments • Maintenance-free living • Delicious array of dining options, including complimentary breakfast daily • Courtesy transportation to medical appointments • Priority access to health services • 24-hour security

TO SCHEDULE A TOUR, CALL 585-697-6702.

StAnnsCommunity.com/Cherry-Ridge Page 24

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • March 2021