In Good Health: Rochester #204 - August 2022

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n 5 Issues Kids Face Today P. 19 n Special Needs: Resources for Families P. 18 n PLUS: Your Child’s Educational Team P. 20

GVHEALTHNEWS.COM

AUGUST 2022 • ISSUE 204

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

Are Schools Safe?

Nineteen children and two teachers were killed in a shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. As kids gear up to return to our local schools, how safe are they?

Page 16

HIGHLAND’S NEW CHIEF OF SURGERY Roan J. Glocker talks about his new position, his field of expertise and how he wants his team ‘to be rowing in the same direction.’ P. 4

FDA MULLING OVERTHE-COUNTER SALE OF CONTRACEPTIVE PILL Page 11

Puff, Puff, Pass?

Since New York’s legalization of recreational marijuana, questions about its safety have mounted, especially for teens and young adults. We chat with local professionals about how to approach marijuana use with your still-developing teens. P. 10

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Brad Pitt Believes He Has Rare ‘Face Blindness’ Disorder — What Is It?

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ward-winning actor Brad Pitt believes he suffers from a rare condition that interferes with his ability to recognize people’s faces.

In a new interview with GQ magazine, Pitt said that he thinks he has prosopagnosia, an extremely rare neurological condition that makes it difficult to tell faces apart.

“Nobody believes me!” said Pitt, 58, who has not been officially diagnosed. “I wanna meet another [person with it].”

Pitt said the condition is why he stays home so much.

Folks with the condition can have a difficult time telling family members apart or even recognizing their own faces in group photographs. They also have difficulty recognizing people out of context, such as seeing a work colleague in a grocery store.

About 2.5% of babies and young children are born with the condition, said physician James Galvin, director of the University of Miami’s Comprehensive Center for Brain Health.

People also can develop prosopagnosia as a result of a brain injury, and degenerative forms of the disease have been associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s, Galvin said in a university news release.

It can be caused at birth from damage in a part of the brain called the fusiform gyrus, which is considered a key structure for high-level visual interpretation like facial and object recognition.

For people who acquire the condition through brain damage or disease, it’s usually due to something gone wrong in the right temporal or occipital lobes of the brain, which are critical for memory and visual processing.

Children with prosopagnosia may have difficulties following the plots of television shows and movies because they have trouble recognizing the different characters. However, they do better with cartoons because the characters are simply drawn with clearly defined features and outfits they wear in every scene.

There are no specific therapies for the condition. Instead, people adapt to it by using other clues to recognize people — clothes, voice, body shape, hair style, and skin color and tone, Galvin said.

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Page 2 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2022

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August 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 3

Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Roan J. Glocker, M.D.

Vascular surgeon is Highland Hospital’s new chief of surgery — he talks about his new position, his field of expertise and how he wants his team ‘to be rowing in the same direction’ Q: You’re the new chief of surgery at Highland Hospital. Can you give us a sense of what that position is? How administrative vs. clinical is it?

A: I’m a practicing vascular surgeon here at Highland, so I see patients in clinic several days a week. I see inpatients, and patients in the emergency room and all that type of thing. That’s not going to change; I plan to continue all of that.

The chief job involves a number of tasks and responsibilities. You are in charge of credentialing surgeons in the hospital and making sure surgeons who work here have all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed. It’s making sure the patients in the hospital who are under the care of surgeons are all getting the best possible care.

And it’s allocating resources within the operating room, interacting and working with colleagues in all the different fields. The anesthesia colleagues, the nursing colleagues, colleagues in the emergency room, on the floor. It’s making sure everything’s working as smoothly as it possibly can.

Q: Has it been a goal of yours to assume this position, or did it open up and you were available and willing?

A: I’ve been working at Highland for around eight years now. It’s not necessarily a job that I had identified years ago as a future goal for myself, but it is an opportunity that I’m very much looking forward to.

One of things I like most about my job as a vascular surgeon is that I get to interact with all different types of people around the

hospital. I see patients in the emergency room. I have inpatients on the floor. I do outpatient work. I collaborate with different colleagues from other specialties. So I think that will serve me well in this role, since I’m already interacting with all these people, as we move forward on all these fronts. It’s something I’m looking forward to.

Q: Is it difficult to switch gears from clinical to administrative, or do they flow together easily?

A: I don’t know if I’d define it as a gear shift. I still consider my clinical work and taking care of patients as my primary work. But I think it’s an opportunity to work on the bigger picture stuff. It’s not just seeing a single patient, it’s working with all these other

people to affect and improve the care of patients all over the hospital and throughout our health system. That’s something I’m excited about.

Q: You’re also involved in the administration as treasurer, correct?

A: I’m the secretary treasurer of the Highland Hospital medical staff, yes.

Q: What kind of insight does that give you into how resources are allocated?

A: Yeah, I think that’s another example of a position where you get to interact with all kinds of people from all over the hospital. That committee is made up of doctors, nurses and APPs [advanced practice providers] from all over the hospital who deal in some way with the dayto-day functioning of the hospital and how to best optimized the flow and care of patients, but also what we in the hospital are doing for the community as a whole. One of the things I’m most pleased with as far as the medical executive committee goes are our efforts like scholarships for nursing students. It’s an opportunity for us in the hospital to recognize the people we work with and work around us and to help them as well.

Q: What’s an issue you’ve identified that you want to address on an administrative level?

A: Well, I think the pandemic and the last two years have taught us a lot, and we’d be really silly not to change anything in our practice and got back to business as usual.

One thing it’s highlighted is how interconnected everything is and how important each link in the chain is. And things you may not have thought were weak links can be. If you’d told me before COVID that I wouldn’t be able to do surgeries because we didn’t have enough gloves or contrast dye, or enough staff in the hospital to take care of patients, I would have said that’s crazy. But here we are, and those are all challenges we’ve faced. So making sure we’re working collaboratively and making sure everyone has what they need to succeed is what we need to concentrate on moving forward.

We all need to be rowing in the same direction. I’m not sure that’s something we appreciated before the pandemic.

Q: Can you talk a bit about what vascular surgery is?

A: A lot of the patients I see had never heard of vascular surgery. It’s not a very well-known specialty, and is one of the smaller ones nationally.

We deal with the diseases and disorders of the arteries, veins and lymphatics. On the artery side that can be things like aneurism disease.

We also deal with occlusive disease, which are diseases that cause narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks or problems elsewhere in the body like strokes and lower extremity problems. On the vein side we deal with blood clots and venous insufficiency, which can lead to swollen legs and varicose veins.

Page 4 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2022

Also, one of the nice things about this discipline is it brings us in contact with other specialties: traumatic injuries, cancer surgeries, other types of orthopedic or reconstructive pathologies where they need our help to either protect an artery from damage during another type of surgery, or they need our help to reconstruct an artery that’s near or running through something like a cancer that needs to be removed. So the multidisciplinary work is really fun.

Q: For lack of a better word, how “hackable” is the vascular system? How easy is it to reroute and reconstruct things?

A: Well, it’s like real estate.

It’s location, location, location.

It depends on the patient, the pathology, what arteries you’re working with. But vascular surgery is a pretty unique specialty in that some of the operations I do are some of the most tried and true, old school operations that haven’t changed much over time. But there’s also a lot of technology and research that have moved the ball forward and made things more minimally invasive, allowing us to do operations with smaller incisions. Just yesterday I did what’s called an endovascular aneurism repair with a patient with an aneurism in their abdomen, who is at risk of rupturing and causing a life-threatening problem. So, we treat that proactively to avoid a bad outcome. A generation ago that would have been treated with a large incision on the abdomen, cutting out that aneurism and sewing in a cloth tube in its place. That operation has at least a five-to-seven day hospital stay, some time in the ICU and a relatively long list of potential complications. Nowadays we’re able to go in through the groin through very small incisions, build a configuration of stents in the aorta itself that keep bloodflow going where it needs to without it flowing towards the aneurism. So we eliminate the rupture in a minimally invasive way. I did that surgery two days ago; that patient went home the next morning.

Lifelines

Name: Roan J. Glocker, M.D., M.P.H. Position: Chief of surgery at Highland Hospital; serves as the secretary and treasurer of the Highland Hospital medical staff; is an associate professor of surgery at the University of Rochester.

Hometown: Rochester Education: Bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology from Tulane University; Master of Public Health degree from Dartmouth College; medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse; residency in general surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center; fellowship in vascular surgery and endovascular therapy at the University of Alabama in Birmingham Affiliations: Highland Hospital, Strong Memorial, F.F. Thompson Organizations: American College of Surgeons; Society of Vascular Surgery; Vascular and Endovascular Surgical Society Family: Wife; three children Hobbies: Golf, skiing, driving his kids to activities

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August 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 5

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Alone and Content: Rediscover Your True Self

T

here’s no magic pill for getting good at living alone. Like mastering any new skill, it requires effort and a lot of practice.

My own path to contentment took some time, some growing pains, setbacks as well as successes and some aching losses before I rediscovered my true self. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been well worth the journey.

The reward has been a life on my own filled with more peace, freedom and joy than I could have imagined.

The journey began with a set of soul-searching questions to identify and clarify my beliefs, values, likes and dislikes. I was careful to focus on what matters to me and to steer clear of “shoulds” and other people’s agendas.

The result? I created a list of personal principles and preferences that illuminated the way forward and shaped my future as a self-sufficient, independent woman.

Now, in the happy third chapter of my life, I am comfortable being me and expressing my true self. In no particular order, below are just a few examples of my insights (some profound, others practical and a few whimsical) that have inspired and guided me: • Gratitude, forgiveness and loving kindness are life staples to embrace, practice and model on a daily basis.

• Gathering with friends and

R

family around a flickering fire, indoors or out, enhances life. It’s warm, relaxing and hypnotic — a life essential in my book.

• If I am unhappy with an aspect of my life and choose to stick with the status quo, nothing will get better.

• For me, a stick shift is hands down preferable to an automatic transmission. Driving is so much more fun. It’s all I’ve ever

owned.

• Hardship, failure and loss can build strength and self-awareness.

Taking time and turning inward can create space for reflection and renewal of the spirit. I remind myself after losing something or someone I love: after rainbows there are rainbows.

• An honest-to-goodness listener (not a pretend listener) melts my heart.

• Music makes life better. I enjoy playing and listening to all genres of music, but I always return to the Great American Songbook.

• As an introvert, solitude, nature and meditation recharge my batteries.

• Letting go of old ways of thinking, of a poor self-image or of destructive thoughts or behaviors can free us up to embrace life’s blessings.

• Gardening is a great teacher.

Fertile ground exists in each of us, and a little planning, caretaking, and patience can produce beautiful results.

• Solo travel is an adventure not

25 Million Kids Missed Routine Vaccinations Worldwide in 2021

oughly 25 million children around the world missed critical vaccinations during 2021, as the pandemic continued to disrupt routine medical care, a new report from the World Health Organization and UNICEF shows.

“This is a red alert for child health. We are witnessing the largest sustained drop in childhood immunization in a generation. The consequences will be measured in lives,” UNICEF Executive Director Cather-

ine Russell said in a news release issued in July. “While a pandemic hangover was expected last year as a result of COVID-19 disruptions and lockdowns, what we are seeing now is a continued decline. COVID-19 is not an excuse. We need immunization catch-ups for the missing millions or we will inevitably witness more outbreaks, more sick children and greater pressure on already strained health systems.”

Between 2019 and 2021, vac-

to be missed. It’s good for the mind, deepens the soul and fosters confidence.

• Living alone doesn’t mean being alone. We are social beings. We need each other to feel safe, happy and whole. Relationships are the glue.

For those coming out of a long relationship, determining or rediscovering “who you really are” can be a daunting process.

After years of focusing on the needs and desires of a spouse and family, many discover that, somewhere along the way, they have disappeared around the edges and lost their own sense of self.

Rediscovering yourself and identifying those things that bring joy and meaning into your life can turn living alone into an adventure of the spirit. Once you establish your individual interests and means of self-expression, you may find that time alone and the silent moments between events no longer feels empty.

Below is an exercise to help you get back in touch with your true self.

These are but a few of the questions to contemplate on your road to self-discovery.

Spend some time answering these 10 questions: 1. Search back. What hobbies did you pursue as a child that gave you joy? What did you do particularly well or (perhaps secretly) take pride in?

2. More recently, when do you completely lose yourself in something? What activities make you feel alive and complete, as though nothing is missing?

3. What do you hold most dear?

4. How do you want to be remembered?

5. What is your biggest regret?

If you could have a “do-over,” what would you do differently? cine coverage dropped to 81%, with a 5-point drop recorded in the percentage of children who received three doses of the vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.

The vaccine, DTP3, is used by the two international agencies as a marker for broader vaccine coverage.

“As a result, 25 million children missed out on one or more doses of DTP through routine immunization services in 2021 alone. This is 2 million more than those who missed out in 2020 and 6 million more than in 2019, highlighting the growing number of children at risk from devastating but preventable diseases,” the UN officials said.

Nearly two-thirds, or 18 million, of the children, most of whom live in low and middle-income countries, didn’t receive even one dose of the childhood vaccine.

Decreases were also seen in HPV

Page 6 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2022

6. How would your life change (or get better) if you were a more curious person?

7. What brings tears to your eyes?

8. If you were to dedicate your life and resources to a particular cause or charity, what would it be?

9. What does your perfect day look like?

10. How do you want to describe yourself and your life a year from now?

Then, take action After answering these questions, ask yourself how you can use these insights to influence the direction of your life. What can you do today to reconnect with a past love or pursuit, to delve more deeply into an existing interest, or to fulfill a new passion or purpose?

When you identify your values and the things you love to do, and pursue them, you will feel more integrated and in touch with your true self. You’ll be spending your time immersed in pursuits that bring you personal satisfaction — pursuits that reinforce who you are and who you want to become.

Those of us who live alone have the gift of abundant time to ourselves. Use it wisely. Use the time to get to know yourself all over again.

With each passing day, I am confident you’ll find your internal compass, unique to you, pointing toward the truth — your true self.

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 her to speak, visit www. aloneandcontent.com vaccinations, with over a quarter of the coverage achieved in 2019 lost, and measles, with first-dose coverage dropping to 81% in 2021. WHO officials noted this is the lowest level since 2008 and means 24.7 million children missed their first dose in 2021.

No region of the world was spared, with the most dramatic declines seen in East Asia and the Pacific region.

The biggest factors behind the shift include conflict or other fragile settings, a growing vaccination misinformation campaign and COVID-19-related issues.

“Planning and tackling COVID-19 should also go hand-in-hand with vaccinating for killer diseases like measles, pneumonia and diarrhea. It’s not a question of either-or, it’s possible to do both,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in the news release.

Pig Hearts Successfully Transplanted Into 2 BrainDead Patients

G

enetically altered pig hearts could soon become a viable transplantation alternative for people with life-threatening heart disease, new experiments show.

A team at NYU Langone Health has successfully transplanted two such pig hearts into brain-dead humans on life support, making advances that may soon help address the nationwide organ shortage.

No signs of early rejection were observed in either organ, which were transplanted in surgeries performed over several hours on June 16 and July 6, doctors report.

The hearts functioned normally for three days without additional mechanical support, using standard post-transplant medications.

After three days, the experiment ended and the patients were taken off life support.

“It was, I think, one of the most incredible things to see a pig heart pounding away, beating inside the chest of a human being,” physician Robert Montgomery, director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, said during a recent media briefing. “It is a great privilege for me to have witnessed that in my lifetime.”

The goal of these experiments is to create a pig heart that can be transplanted using techniques and medications nearly identical to the procedures now used to implant donated human hearts, said physician Nader Moazami, surgical director of heart transplantation for NYU Langone’s division of heart and lung transplantation.

“It brings me great excitement to tell you that the function of the heart was excellent,” Moazami said at the briefing. “We did have to make some tactical surgical modifications at the time of transplantation. Part of that is because the pig heart is very similar, but it’s not identical to the human heart.”

If progress continues, the first transplant of a genetically modified pig heart into a live human using NYU Langone’s procedures could take place by 2025, Montgomery said.

A steady supply of functional pig hearts could be critical in saving the lives of tens of thousands of patients

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on the verge of dying from heart disease, said physician Alex Reyentovich, director of the NYU Langone advanced heart failure program.

“There are 6 million individuals with heart failure in the United States,” Reyentovich said during the briefing. “About 100,000 of those individuals have end-stage heart failure. And we only do about 3,500 heart transplants a year in the United States, so we have a tremendous deficiency in organs. There are many people dying waiting for a heart.”

The hearts were procured from pigs that had undergone 10 genetic modifications, including four pig gene alterations intended to prevent rejection and abnormal organ growth, and six human genes added to make the hearts more compatible with human biology.

The first whole-body donor to receive one of the pig hearts was Larry Kelly, a 72-year-old Vietnam veteran.

“He was an organ donor and would be so happy to know how much his contribution to this research will help people like him, with heart disease,” said his partner, Alice Michael, who’d been with him for 33 years.

Michael said she didn’t know it was possible for someone to donate their whole body, even if their individual organs aren’t suitable for transplant, until NYU Langone approached her.

“I didn’t even have to think about the decision,” Michael said. “I knew he would want to do it, and I had to do it.”

A new infectious disease protocol developed by NYU Langone also prevented any sign of porcine cytomegalovirus, which is considered a risk to successful transplantation.

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Phone: 585-421-8109 • Email: Editor@GVhealthnews.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Writers: Deborah J. Sergeant, Chris Motola, George Chapman, Gwenn Voelcker, Anne Palumbo, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Kimberly Blaker, Nikki Tyler • Advertising: Anne Westcott (585-421-8109) • Linda Covington (585-750-7051) Layout & Design: Joey Sweener, Kris Adams • Office Manager: Bernadette Driscoll

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August 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 7

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Already in Operation

I

f you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or having a mental health crisis, you can dial just three numbers — 988 — to get help.

Callers will be connected to a trained counselor at a local call center and ultimately routed to potentially lifesaving support services. The three-digit code for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline replaces the 10-digit number for what was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The new three-digit number is easy to remember, free, available 24/7 and confidential, said Thea Gallagher, a clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health in New York City.

“If 988 becomes just as ubiquitous as 911, we are saying that mental

health and physical health are on the same level, and that breaks stigma,” she said.

The need for such access and services has never been greater, Gallagher said.

“With the ongoing pandemic, we have seen an increase in depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and behavior, so we know mental health has never been more negatively impacted,” she said.

In 2020, more than 47,000 Americans died by suicide, a 33% increase from

2000, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts.

The new number will also accept texts, and live chat is available, said physician May Lau. She is a pediatrician at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the medical director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Clinic at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.

Crisis counselors speak multiple languages and are culturally competent at counseling members of the LGBTQ community. There are also resources available for people who are deaf

or hearing-impaired, Lau said.

“The text function is only in English for now, but most of the people who feel comfortable texting are younger, and many of them are bilingual,” Lau noted.

The new line is not just for people who are contemplating suicide.

Counselors are also skilled in discussing self-harm, addiction, domestic violence and other mental health issues. If a caller needs immediate medical attention, 988 will collaborate with local police or hospitals to dispatch services.

“We are trying to help people deal with crises before they become life-threatening,” said Anthony Wood, interim CEO and COO of the American Association for Suicidology. The group has been calling for a three-digit suicide hotline for years.

respondents) revealed what they consider to be the most important social determinants of health: access, 85%; substance abuse, 66%; gun violence, 53%; climate change, 51%.

ed by COVID-19, early retirements and a recession. Consulting firm Kaufman Hall says a solid one-third of their clients are suffering with no end in sight. Ninety percent of KH clients cite labor shortages as their No. 1 threat followed by overall rising expenses, supply chain problems, diminished consumer demand impacted by COVID-19, cyber threats and resulting pressure on remaining staff.

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

CMS Initiative Designed to Protect Local Rural Hospitals

O

ne in five of us lives in a rural community.

Since 2010, 138 rural hospitals have closed, typically for financial reasons. Nineteen rural hospitals closed in 2020 alone.

People that live in rural areas are subject to shorter life spans and higher mortality than those living in urban and suburban areas. Consequently, CMS is proposing a new designation, “rural emergency hospital,” to bolster services and financial viability.

In addition to supporting emergency services, Center Medicare & Medicaid Services is looking to support and stabilize maternal, behavioral and addiction services.

While this is well intentioned, few rural hospitals, despite the REH designation, will survive alone.

Recruiting and retaining qualified physicians, nurses and ancillary service providers like pharmacists and techs, will still be a struggle. To survive, REHs must affiliate or integrate with a larger healthcare system.

Otherwise, staffing shortages will be their downfall.

In addition to protecting rural hospitals per se, CMS must also protect rural EMT services. EMTs are overworked and underpaid, especially those servicing rural areas. Once you have been stabilized at a rural facility, it is the EMT who cares for you when you are transferred to a larger hospital post -accident, -heart -attack, -stroke, -overdose or -complicated delivery.

The REH designation would be affective January 2023.

ACA: 30 Million Are Now Covered By It

develop back-up plans if the ARP is not renewed by Congress.

More than 35 million Americans, or one in 10, are covered by the Affordable Care Act. Millions rely on expanded Medicaid or income-based subsidies. Originally, for those who don’t qualify for Medicaid, premium subsidies ended once you earned more than 400% of federal poverty guidelines. (In 2022, the individual poverty level is $13,590; for a household of three it’s $23,000.) Once over than the 400% threshold, you paid the full premium. Consequently, millions of people dropped insurance.

Consequently, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan which gave relief to those making just more than 400% of poverty guidelines. It limited the amount spent on insurance to 8.5% of income. If not renewed, the ARP will expire end of this year. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates premiums would double for 3.4 million people causing most to drop coverage altogether.

Savvy states are scrambling to

Social Determinants of Health Your family history and your genes have a lot to do with how long you will live and your overall health.

But the social determinants of health can easily negate your family history and the best of genes. Physicians and insurers agree that without addressing these social determinants, the best efforts of providers can be for naught. Among the social determinants impacting health status are food and shelter security, access to care, gun violence, climate change and addiction. Large insurers are investing in food and shelter for members in need. For example, United Health has invested $45 million in goods and resources for at-risk populations, saving the member $1,200 to $1,500 in out-of-pocket expenses annually. Keeping healthcare costs down helps everyone, not just the insurance company. A recent Medscape survey of physicians (2,342

Over 380,000 Mental Health Apps

Since COVID-19, both apps on your phone and companies offering services online or via telehealth have increased exponentially. Digital Healthcare Elsewhere mental health, for better or worse, has become the darling of venture I just returned from touring Scotcapitalists. The potential benefits are land, England and France. All three clear: access, privacy, personal, low countries have universal coverage, cost. There are more than 380,000 direct-to-consumer apps on your Apple basically “Medicare for all” in our or Android phone and 20,000 are spe- parlance. Naturally, (of course!), I queried unsuspecting tour guides, cific to mental and behavioral health Uber drivers, wait and hotel staff, like Talkspace and Calm. There are and anyone I befriended at bars and apps by which providers can prescribe like reSET. There are platforms restaurants about their healthcare.

The vast majority were satisfied designed for employers and insurwith access, providers, quality and ance companies like Ginger, Lycra their overall care. There were the Health and Modern Health. But do usual complaints about government they all work? Naturally, the rapid bureaucracy. But then again, don’t proliferation of digital mental health we complain about our insurance has engendered a lot of skepticism among traditional face-to-face mental companies? The one thing everyone stressed, (once realizing I was Amerhealth providers, academia and ican), is citizens are covered and lack insurers. Many of the startups went of money is not a barrier to getting bankrupt, leaving patients stranded. care like in the U.S. They cannot But to be fair, access to traditional fathom why such an advanced counface-to-face care is difficult so you try as the U.S.A. doesn’t guarantee can’t blame someone for trying healthcare for all. They expect their digital. Unless the severe shortage of mental health professionals improves, government to guarantee care and even when complaining about their digital is the answer for millions system, they became very defensive of consumers. The digital industry when I poked holes. The prevailneeds validation, which comes from ing attitude was there are plenty of research and then academic publicathings to worry about in this life and tion. A more global issue with digital getting healthcare should never be a mental health is integration and worry. coordination with a patient’s primary care provider, healthcare system and electronic medical record. If this George W. Chapman is not effectively accomplished, we is a healthcare busiare just continuing down the road ness consultant who of expensive, disjointed, ineffective works exclusively healthcare. with physicians, hospitals and healthcare Labor Shortages organizations. He operates GW Chapman According to a survey of hospital Consulting based in and medical group CFOs, their No. 1 Syracuse. Email him concern effecting financial viability, at gwc@gwchapmanaccess and patient experience is the consulting.com. continuing labor shortage exacerbat-

Page 8 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2022

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Addiction

Marijuana Especially Dangerous for Teens, Young Adults

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

S

ince New York’s legalization of recreational marijuana use, Mike Favata, deputy with Monroe County Sheriff’s office, has received numerous questions about its safety.

However, legal does not equal safe or healthful.

“There is danger in driving under the influence of marijuana,” Favata said.

Just as with alcohol, it is illegal to drive while affected by marijuana.

Favata said that using marijuana often leads to using harder drugs.

Many people he knows battling addiction say they started with marijuana.

Although the teen years are about pushing boundaries and experimentation, trying marijuana just one time is not a good idea. Marijuana purchased as street drugs may con-

tain fentanyl, responsible for numerous overdoses, or other harmful substances. Besides, it is not legal for anyone younger than 21.

“You don’t know what you are taking into your body,” Favata said.

“They need to treat this like any other product someone hands them.

Would you be willing to ingest it if you don’t know where it came from?”

Although teens would likely turn down sushi handed to them by a sketchy-looking stranger on a street corner, they are willing to try marijuana from an unknown source because a friend hands it to them.

Some adults tell teens that it’s OK to experiment with marijuana vape pens since they used hookahs as teens.

“The THC in vape devices used for marijuana could be 70% to 80%, versus street marijuana, which could

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be 12%,” Favata said.

Most people know about marijuana’s hallucinogenic effects. They may not realize that marijuana use can cause long-term changes to the brain.

“It is not recommended, especially for the adolescent brain,” said Erin Parr, who holds a Master of Arts degree in counseling and psychology and is credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor and clinical supervisor at Horizon Health Services, Inc., which provides services throughout Western New York.

While low-dose marijuana can be prescribed for therapeutic use, taking it at higher levels and/or without the guidance of a healthcare professional invites disastrous results. Parr said that the “final push” for brain development occurs between the ages of 12 and 24. Flooding the brain with marijuana during that time may permanently disrupt brain maturation.

“We see a variety of harms with regular use of high potency cannabis use,” Parr said. “There are significant risks for the developing brain. It’s very important for parents, coaches and teachers to know about these harms.”

The effects are user-specific, but can be worse for users younger than 15, who have an 11-times greater risk of developing schizophrenia, a chronic lifelong brain disease. Young users can also experience an increased risk of psychotic illness in their 20s. Youth of any age with a first-degree relative with bipolar disorder, anxiety or depression have a much greater risk for developing these with marijuana use.

Other raised risks include lifelong lower emotional function, lower cognitive processing, reduced language development, attention deficits and IQ drop of up to eight points.

“You don’t get a do-over with brain development,” Parr said. “It needs to last your whole life. We need young people to not disrupt this critical period of brain development.

There is no safe amount of cannabis to consume during pregnant.”

While most of the youth who try marijuana will not develop a substance use disorder or psychosis, the devastating effects for those who do could make it not worth trying.

Parr encourages parents to talk with their children about marijuana risks and to avoid glorifying their own youthful drug experimentation. Instead, answer any questions honestly and warn teens that the marijuana of a generation ago was far different.

“Anytime a parent is directive or instructive, it’s natural for teens to dig in their heels,” Parr said.

“We want parents to provide good information. We want them to know the potential risks and benefits.

I encourage parents to ask them what’s interesting about it, have they experimented with it, do they know it has these effects? Usually, a young person can say they know a friend who started using it and seem to have some strange experiences. Most have no idea that cannabis is a modifiable risk factor for psychosis.”

Setting boundaries with clear consequences can help teens feel secure that you care about their health and safety. Both parents should agree on their stance on drug use and share their agreement with their children.

Involve your children in activities they enjoy that build a healthy self-image. Help them seek treatment for any mental health issues so they are less likely to try self-medicating with marijuana. Know your children’s friends and where they are after school and in the evening.

“Maintaining a relationship with your children is key,” Parr said. “It’s hard to make a positive difference if your young person does not want to engage with you. If cannabis use is affecting school performance, financial stuff happening, and brain development, let professionals have that conversation with your adolescent. They can do the substance abuse counseling so the parent can be the parent.”

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700 West Metro Park, Rochester, NY 14623

Q: What is the mission of Cameron Community Ministries, in brief?

A: We’re meeting the basic needs of the community. Everyone needs to have food, they need to have shelter, they need clothing and they need advocacy and support. We have hot lunches every [week] day. When people move into their new apartments or houses, we have a move-in bag that we give with household cleaning supplies and a mop, broom and bucket. For us to provide those [services] free of charge for the community is really meaningful. We know that we’re making a difference in the lives of so many people.

Q: Why is it important for Cameron to provide classes in gardening and nutrition?

A: The Lyell Otis community is a food desert, meaning it lacks access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Cameron is working with the community to show them how to grow their own food and to prepare nutritious meals.

Q A &

with

Olivia Kassoum-Amadou Meeting the basic needs of the community is main mission of Cameron Community Ministries, says its executive director

By Mike Costanza

S

ince it was created in 1984 to serve free breakfasts to hungry children and seniors, Cameron Community Ministries has grown into a multifaceted nonprofit that offers a wide range of services to needy youths, teenagers and adults. All can head to its Cameron Street campus for free hot lunches, food and clothing. A social worker is on hand to advocate for and assist the nonprofit’s clients, or “guests” and the nonprofit’s computers stand ready to provide internet access. Cameron has offered programs on how to grow nutritious produce in soil and will soon offer a class in hydroponic gardening. Its

Peace Garden offers a respite from the pressures of city living.

Cameron has just 11 part- and full-time employees, about 120 active volunteers and a current budget of just $627,000.

Though many of its guests live in the Lyell-Otis neighborhood, the nonprofit is willing to assist anyone living in the Rochester area. It served 19,000 children and adults in 2021 alone.

Olivia Kassoum-Amadou, Cameron Community Ministries executive director, spoke to In Good Health about her organization’s aims, assets and challenges.

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Q: One of your gardening programs is called “Seeds for Supper.” Can you tell us about it?

A: It’s very popular program.

For about six weeks we have Cornell Cooperative Extension come in each Saturday to teach classes for people new to gardening or who have some experience with it. They tell them how to grow food even if they have a limited budget. Most of our population would fit in there. They also talk about food literacy, being resilient with their food and how you can connect with other community members in gardening. People then go out to our Peace Garden to plant some of the herbs and vegetables that they learned about. They can harvest the food and take them home to prepare them for their own meals.

Q: Another of your programs, “Cameron Crops,” teaches children and teens how to garden in a novel way—hydroponically. Can you give us a few details of the program?

(Note: hydroponics, in a nutshell, is a type of horticulture that involves growing plants not in soil, but in a solution of water and mineral nutri-

ents.)

A: That’s an exciting program that we have with the Hoekelman Center [part of the Golisano Children’s Hospital]. It’s going to teach our young people an alternative way to grow food. We’ll actually set up the hydroponic system. The Cornell [Cooperative Extension] has a controlled environment hydroponic consultant, who we will call upon to advise us on the design and teach the kids how to care for and operate the hydroponic system. Pediatric residents will teach the kids about the hydroponic process of growing.

Q: What will the program entail?

There’s the educational piece, the growing part, nutrition classes and cooking classes. When the plants are ready, the students will harvest the plants, then learn how to prepare meals using some of the crops they’ve grown. The program will begin when the Rochester City School District’s classes start in September and go through the school year.

Q: Cameron just opened its AT&T Digital Learning Center. What kinds of services will it provide?

A: We’re trying to do our part to narrow the digital learning gap among community residents. We have 18 computers, including laptops and MacBooks. People can come in and have Internet access, attend basic computer classes and more.

Q: What challenges does Cameron face in the coming year?

A: We are out of space here at Cameron for staff offices and all of our program numbers have gone up. With the economy being the way that it is, we don’t anticipate those numbers leveling off or going down anytime soon. We are also interested in having a drop-in center for our adults. This drop-in center would be a place where community members in need could come in, take a shower, do laundry, receive a hot lunch and make use of other services.

For more information on Cameron Community Ministries and its programs, go to https://cameronministries.org

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Medical Career

Demand Continues High for Respiratory Therapist A licensed respiratory therapist can make an annual mean wage of $65,770

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

W

ith only an associate degree, a licensed respiratory therapist can make an annual mean wage of $65,770. The career is ranked at sixth in the US News & World Reports’ Top Health Care Jobs.

The US Department of Labor states that by 2029, they expect a 19%-plus increase in demand for respiratory therapists.

These professionals take care of

patients of all ages who have breathing difficulties. This can include assessing, treating and supervising respiratory therapy technicians in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Stephen G. Smith, respiratory therapist and past chairman and extended member of the New York State Education Department Respiratory Therapy Licensure Board, said that 74% of respiratory therapists work in hospitals. That is because it is not covered by Medicare or health

insurance, making it a costly service for doctor’s offices to provide. Large healthcare systems can more easily absorb the expense.

“One of our concerns is that they need to work in inpatient and outpatient settings,” he said.

He is working to require a bachelor’s degree for the profession.

However, that can only help respiratory therapists gain employment because it will open the way for health insurance companies to cover their services. Medicare requires a bachelor’s degree as a minimum for this type of provider to be covered and typically, health insurers follow Medicare’s lead on what’s covered.

“What would happen is those practicing now would be grandfathered in,” Smith said. “Once the bill became law, those in school, whether associate degree or bachelor’s, would require a Bachelor of Science degree in respiratory therapy to practice.”

Then, the person needs to pass a licensure exam to practice.

The role has room to grow with positions in supervision and management, positions in academia for those willing to achieve the necessary experience and, as needed, further education. In addition to these roles, Smith has also operated his own durable medical equipment business that specialized in chronic pediatric cardiopulmonary cases.

“You have to be strong in math and the sciences,” Smith said. “You have to have good interpersonal skills and be able to talk with people and educate people with cardiopulmonary diseases and their families.

That’s a big responsibility.”

Kristine Barrett, respiratory therapist with Rochester Region-

al Health, felt drawn to the career through a personal experience. One of her premature twin boys, Jake, used a mechanical ventilator at a year old. She managed so much of his care so competently that a nurse complimented her on her ability to quickly learn and apply information toward her son’s care.

“The ventilator and troubleshooting it seemed easy for me,” she said.

She felt that since she could take good care of Jake, she could also care for others. She completed a two-year course at Genesee Community College in Batavia about six months after Jake underwent surgery to correct his heart condition.

That was 27 years ago. Now working at Unity Hospital, Barrett cares for older adults, which can be challenging because of the amount of loss of life she sees daily.

“When I was in the program, at the point where we talked about death, we had to realize we’re going to lose way more patients than we’re going to save,” Barrett said.

Many people do not understand what respiratory therapists do or think that they are nurses. That can make her day a little difficult at times.

Barrett believes that possessing solid math and science skills, compassion, integrity, flexibility and a thick skin help people interested in going into respiratory therapy.

“You’re in situations where the adrenaline is high, emotions run high, and it can be challenging,” she said. “Know that you are part of a team that saves patients’ lives and there’s nothing more rewarding than that.”

AFib: Take Your Fluttering Heart Beat Seriously

By Kimberly Blaker

O

ften, when we think of heart conditions, we associate them with age. Although atrial fibrillation (AFib) is found more often in those over age 60, it can affect people of all ages, even children. Two million Americans are affected by this serious condition, which increases the risk of health complications, including heart attack and stroke.

What is AFib, and what causes it?

AFib makes the heart beat rapidly and irregularly. It commonly feels like a fluttering of the heart. According to the Mayo Clinic, “During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart.”

AFib, also known as arrhythmia, is not deadly in and of itself but is nonetheless a serious condition. It increases the risk of heart failure or can be the result of a serious underlying health problem.

There are several causes associated with AFib. It can be genetic or may be caused by one of several heart-related diseases, previous heart surgery, sleep apnea, lung disease, infection, or an overactive thyroid.

Caffeine, heavy alcohol use, street drugs, and certain medications can also cause AFib.

What are the symptoms, and how is it diagnosed?

vated cardiac event recorder can also help with the diagnosis.

The most common symptom of AFib is a fluttering heartbeat or palpitations. Other symptoms also sometimes accompany the condition, such as: Fatigue, dizziness, thumping in the chest, anxiety, shortness of breath, feeling faint or confused, sweating and chest pain or pressure.

In the event of chest pain or pressure, you should treat it as a medical emergency because it could indicate a heart attack.

If you do experience symptoms of AFib, diagnosis is painless and relatively simple. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and an electrocardiogram. A patient-acti-

Types of AFib and treatment There are four types of AFib, although one form can progress into another.

Paroxysmal AFib is intermittent and can last for just a few seconds or up to a week. Symptoms may range from none to severe. Either way, this form of AFib goes away on its own within a week or less.

Persistent AFib doesn’t go away on its own. It lasts until it’s treated with either medication or electric shock. For those at high risk of a stroke or if there’s another known cause of the AFib, physicians will treat the source of the irregular heartbeat as well.

Page 12 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2022

Longstanding persistent AFib doesn’t respond to the above typical treatments. So several forms of minimally invasive catheter ablation are usually considered. For this procedure, you’ll be given something to relax you and a local anesthetic to numb the groin or neck area where the catheter will be inserted.

Finally, permanent AFib occurs when longstanding persistent AFib is unresponsive to treatment. If treatment has been ineffective, your doctor might decide to discontinue the treatment. This form of AFib is associated with an increased risk of a heart attack and can also impact the quality of your life.

So whatever the form of AFib, take the condition seriously. If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention without delay.

5 P

Things You Should Know About Men’s Health

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

hysicians understand getting male patients to come to their offices remains challenging.

Men have many reasons not to skip their doctor’s visits. The top 10 health ailments that men suffer from more than women are heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic pulmonary disease, accidents, pneumonia and influenza, diabetes, suicide, kidney disease and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.

“Men’s health is a little overlooked,” said Jacob Gantz, attending physician for the Center for Urology as part of Rochester Regional Health.

“But you have to understand that if you don’t take care of yourself, it will affect your quality of life and longevity. That affects yourself, friends and the family who care about you.”

Gantz, whose special interests include minimally invasive robotic surgery, kidney stone disease, and treatment of urologic cancers, gives five tips about men’s health.

1.Regular checkups

“Men should be screened regularly with checkups. When it specifically comes to urology we talk about prostate screening and if there is blood in your urine,” said Gantz.

“There are also treatments and screenings for erectile dysfunction.”

Gantz also stressed the importance of self exams. A testicular

self-exam is an inspection of the appearance and feel of your testicles.

You can do a testicular exam yourself, typically standing in front of a mirror.

“Men should consider focusing on this self exam because it often allows us to catch testicular cancer early. Like any condition, early detection saves lives,” he added.

2.

Men are reluctant

A recent Cleveland Clinic survey revealed some of the reasons why men don’t visit the physician regularly. Some men just don’t like talking about their health, the survey found — even when they do see a doctor. One in five admitted they haven’t been completely honest with their physicians. Common reasons included embarrassment or discomfort with discussing certain issues and not wanting to be told that they should change.

“Men sometimes hesitate going to the physician because of a few reasons, including their willingness to tolerate discomfort and saying they have busy lives and not wanting to take the time being of inconvenience,” said Gantz.

of prostate 3.Importance exam

Beginning at about age 45 — and as young as 40 if you are African

American or have a strong family history of prostate or other cancers — all men should talk to their doctor about screening for prostate cancer.

Routine screening starts with a PSA blood test and may include a rectal exam. If your doctor is already drawing blood for other tests, the PSA test order can be added.

Results should be back within a few days.

“When you see your physician every year, they can recommend and refer you to a urologist,” said Gantz.

“Visiting a urologist for a PSA test is still ideal. However, a PSA blood test can still be vital for testing. When incorporated with other diagnostic tests, it can help detect prostate cancer.”

4.Myths and prevention

Gantz said increasing age doesn’t always correlate to an immediate decline in overall health.

“Many men think that getting older means that they will automatically have underlying medical problems including erectile dysfunction,” said Gantz. “There are many treatments that can help your quality of life.”

Lithotripsy is a procedure used to treat kidney stones that are too large to pass through the urinary tract. Lithotripsy treats kidney stones by sending focused ultrasonic energy or shock waves directly to the stone.

The shock waves break a large stone into smaller stones that will pass through the urinary system.

“We have many minimally invasive treatments that have less side effects than previous treatments,” said Gantz. “We have used ultrasound

Jacob Gantz is an attending physician for the Center for Urology of Rochester Regional Health.

to treat prostate cancer and kidney stones.”

5.Mental health

Men are four times more likely to commit suicide compared to women, according to Men’s Health Network, which attributes part of the blame on underdiagnosed depression. To help men with depression and to reduce the risk of suicide, doctors, loved ones, and men themselves need to recognize that society’s model of masculinity — to ignore pain — can work against men. Looking the other way may trigger depression and thoughts of suicide.

“Some of them are shy and hesitate wanting to reveal personal issues with anyone including their doctors,” he added.

CARING FOR THE WHOLE YOU. BODY AND MIND. Now more than ever, your emotional wellbeing is key to overall health. Having meaningful connections with others is important for both physical and mental health.

CONNECT

EXERCISE

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Spend time with family and friends.

Connections and support are important for your emotional health.

You don’t have to pump iron or run a marathon. Short walks around the block throughout the day have big benefits.

Find a new hobby or old one. Or sign up to volunteer somewhere. You’ll give your brain and mood a boost.

Check out our podcast episode, “An Honest Conversation About Mental Health” in the Community Check-in.

Find it wherever you listen to podcasts.

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August 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 13

Should You Take Daily Aspirin for Your Heart?

By Jim Miller

T

here’s no doubt that taking lowdose daily aspirin is beneficial to most people who’ve had a heart attack or stroke. But if you don’t have heart disease, should you take it as a preventive measure?

The answer for most people is probably not, according to new guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a widely respected independent panel that develops recommendations on preventive health care. Here’s what you should know.

New Guidelines For years, aspirin has been a goto pill Americans use to help ward off cardiovascular disease because of its blood thinning capability. But like most medicines, it can cause serious side effects.

Aspirin irritates the stomach lining and can cause bleeding in the stomach, intestines and brain, which can be life-threatening. And the risk of bleeding increases with age.

About one-third of Americans age 40 and older, and more than 45% of people over age 70 — who don’t have cardiovascular disease — already take a daily aspirin to help prevent cardiovascular disease because it’s been recommended for decades by many different health experts.

But in the past few years, new research has emerged showing that for many people without diagnosed heart disease, the risk of bleeding may outweigh the benefits of taking a daily aspirin. This research, along with the advent of other effective therapies in preventing heart attacks and strokes that don’t cause bleeding — better blood pressure drugs and statins for lowering cholesterol — has narrowed the role aspirin plays.

Here’s a breakdown of the updated USPSTF guidelines of who should, and shouldn’t, take a daily aspirin, and for those who should, how to take it safely.

Who Should Take It? Page 14 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2022

There are two categories of people who can still benefit from using aspirin. People with established cardiovascular disease, especially those who have already had a heart attack or stroke. There’s strong evidence that taking a daily low-dose aspirin significantly reduces the risk of a second cardiovascular event. And adults aged 40 to 59 with a 10% or higher risk for a cardiovascular disease over the next decade. They may see a small benefit to daily aspirin, but it should be an individual decision and discussed with your doctor.

Who Should Skip It? People who are 60 and older — without established cardiovascular disease — who do not currently take a daily aspirin to prevent heart disease should not start now. This is particularly true for people with a history of bleeding, say from ulcers or aneurysms, or those taking medications such as blood thinners, steroids or anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen. If they already take a daily aspirin now, they should ask a doctor about how to proceed, because there may be a serious risk to suddenly stopping.

How to Use it Safely The best approach is to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of aspirin specifically for you. Because the risk of bleeding raises with dosage, if aspirin is recommended, take the lowest possible amount, which for most people is an 81 mg baby aspirin. And if you experience any stomach pain, talk to your doctor.

You should also know that in 2016 the USPSTF suggested that daily aspirin use could also help lower the risk of colorectal cancer along with cardiovascular disease. But the group now says there’s not enough evidence to support that claim.

Jim Miller is the author of Savvy Senior column, which runs every issue in In Good Health.

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

Helpful tips

The skinny on healthy eating

Latest Buzz on Beets I f you haven’t eaten beets in a while, you might want to head to the nearest farmer’s market.

This in-season veggie, known for its luscious colors and earthy flavor, is packed with a bounty of nutrients and antioxidants, enough to grant it superfood status.

A beet’s color contributes to many of its unique health benefits.

Betalains, the pigments responsible for this tuber’s jewel-like hues, are plant compounds esteemed for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

While antioxidants help to protect cells from free-radical damage, anti-inflammatories help to suppress inflammation that can damage arteries, organs and joints. Although more research is needed, recent studies suggest that betalains could help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and more.

Worried about your blood pressure? Reach for a beet! Beets are rich in two nutrients that may lower blood pressure: dietary nitrates and folate. In your body, dietary nitrates are converted into nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Folate, a B-complex vitamin, is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure by helping blood vessels relax and improve blood flow.

Folate also reduces levels of homocysteine, a protein

in the blood that has been linked to heart disease.

If you’re thinking all this improved blood flow is good for brains, you are correct! More blood means more oxygen, and more oxygen means improved mental performance.

Of course, beets have many more nutritional perks that make them a great addition to most diets. First, they’re super low in fat and calories (only 40 calories per average serving), but high in water, which keeps you hydrated and satiated. Second, despite their meager calories, they contain moderate amounts of protein and fiber, two more nutrients that promote feelings of fullness. In other words, beets may help with both weight maintenance and weight loss.

And while beets do have more carbs than your average vegetable, they’re the good-for-you carbs that take longer to digest and that have been linked to healthier weight, happier guts, and lower risks of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

On the subject of diabetes, the American Diabetes Association encourages the consumption of this non-starchy vegetable, as there are no known risks to eating beets if you have diabetes. Since their glycemic index is medium and their glycemic load is low, beets should not have a major effect on blood sugar levels.

Your Salt Shaker May Prove Deadly, Study Finds

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Toasted Walnuts Serves 4 3-4 medium beets, scrubbed and ends trimmed 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 clove garlic, minced Kosher salt and coarse black pepper, to taste 3 tablespoons olive oil 4-6 cups baby arugula or other fresh greens mix ½ cup toasted walnuts ½ cup crumbled goat cheese fresh basil for garnish Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Drizzle beets with scant amount of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, wrap in foil, and place on a baking

P

eople who douse their meals in salt may have a shorter life than those who rarely reach for the salt shaker, a large new study suggests The study, of more than 500,000 British adults, found that those who always sprinkled salt on their food at the table were 28% more likely to die prematurely than people who rarely added salt to their meals.

On average, salt lovers shaved about two years off of their life expectancy at age 50.

The findings do not prove the salt shaker is a deadly weapon. But they do support going lighter on the condiment, said lead researcher, physician Lu Qi, of Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans.

“It’s a simple behavior people can modify,” Qi said.

Processed foods and ready-togo meals are often heavy in sodium, and best limited. But, Qi noted, it can be tricky to avoid the sodium lurking in prepared foods. Resisting the salt shaker on your kitchen table is straightforward.

Health experts have long advised limiting sodium in the diet — largely to help control blood pressure levels.

Yet studies have been mixed as to whether that lengthens people’s

Beets that are small or medium-size are more tender and tastier than large ones.

They should be heavy for their size and firm, with no nicks or cuts. If the edible greens are still attached, they should look bright and fresh, not wilted.

Beets, unwashed and placed in a tightly sealed bag, will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Note: Raw beets and their greens contain high levels of oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones and also hinder the absorption of certain nutrients. When boiled, however, a beet’s oxalate content is markedly reduced. sheet. Bake until beets are fork-tender, about 55-60 minutes. Let cool for 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil and set aside.

Peel cooled beets with a small sharp knife, then cut into wedges, slices, or bite-sized pieces.

Place the arugula or greens in a separate bowl and toss with enough vinaigrette to moisten. Put the salad on a serving platter or individual plates, then arrange the beets, walnuts, and goat cheese on top. Drizzle with additional vinaigrette if desired, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and then garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately.

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.

lives. One likely reason is the way that studies measure sodium intake, Qi said.

Some have measured sodium in participants’ urine samples, which only reflects their recent salt intake.

Others have asked people about the foods they’ve eaten in the past month or so, which is also an imperfect estimate.

In contrast, Qi said, a habit of topping every meal with salt says something about a person’s longterm taste preferences.

The findings are based on 501,379 adults taking part in the UK Biobank Study. When they were recruited, between 2006 and 2010, they answered questionnaires on their diet and lifestyle habits.

Over nine years, more than 18,000 participants died prematurely — which the researchers defined as before age 75. When they assessed each person’s life expectancy, they found that the risk of an untimely death was 28% higher among people who’d said they “always” used salt at the table, versus those who never or rarely did.

Of course, there may be many differences between those groups of people. The “never” group is likely to have other healthy habits, for example.

August 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 15

BACK TO SCHOOL

Are Schools Safe?

Nineteen children and two teachers were killed in a shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. As kids gear up to return to our local schools, how safe are they?

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

W

ith school shootings dominating the news, it can seem like the schoolgrounds are not the safest place for children. How can parents feel that their children will be safe if an active shooter situation arises?

For Greece Central School District, it is not about a knee-jerk reaction to specific events but continuing to improve safety measures.

“Over the years, we’ve repeatedly made school safer,” said Steven Chatterton, director of school safety and security for Greece Central School District. “The leaps all schools have made in security is outstanding and have continued to evolve. When a tragedy happens, it’s hard to assure parents schools are safe, but overall, they are safe.”

He cited policies such as one point of entry during the school day and not propping doors open help keep schools safer.

Chatterton said that the community has also become more aware of school safety.

“We take a lot of phone calls and emails involving safety,” he said.

“People see a stranger walking on the playground or think someone wasn’t screened well. People monitor kids’ social media and report anything they know that isn’t appropriate that might affect school. They may call in to say, ‘My son is having a problem with this kid and I don’t want a fight.’”

Social media is often the source

Andrea Lighthouse is a school psychologist in Penfield Central School District and representative of the New York Association of School Psychologists

Kenneth Shamlian is a clinical psychologist at University of Rochester Medical Center

such as a former student.

“I could count on one hand where it’s someone not affiliated with the school,” he added.

School policy includes lockdown drills to help ensure the students will listen to teachers during emergencies.

New at Greece this year, students’ phones will go into a locked pouch for the day, but will stay with them.

The pouches are unlocked at the end of the day. Since each teacher has a phone, calling for help will still be possible.

Chatterton said that all the students calling 911 at the same time would not help anyway.

The school also has two school resource officers and a police officer sweeping the school. He said that

at their school. Andrea Lighthouse, school psychologist in Penfield Central School District and representative of the New York Association of School Psychologists, encourages parents to correlate school safety with vehicle safety.

“We buckle a seatbelt just to be safe, but how many accidents have you been in?” she said. “You have fire drills at school, but how many fires has your school had?”

Questions like these can help children understand the rarity of

“The news can make it feel like the world is falling apart. Your job as parents is to provide a safe space so your children can meet their own difficulties and challenges.”

Kenneth Shamlian, clinical psychologist at University of Rochester Medical Center of conflict among students. Sometimes what began as bullying on social media on the weekend can develop into violence at school. Chatterton said that is the typical source of school violence. The scenario of a stranger shooting at a school is extremely rare. Usually, the perpetrator is someone with ties to the school,

arming teachers is not part of the school’s plan.

The school has installed a new camera system to deter crime and new lockdown activation system to more quickly control a situation.

Ramped up security measures may cause children to think that a violent situation is likely to happen

active shooter crimes.

Lighthouse also wants parents to answer their children’s questions without bombarding them with too much information.

“You never know where kid logic will go,” she said. “Having open communication and asking, ‘What are some worries you might have about this?’ is important to do so they can share with you a worry they might have that you don’t know exists.”

In a similar vein, exposing children to too much news on active shooting incidences can cause them to think that this is commonplace.

Kenneth Shamlian, clinical psychologist at University of Rochester Medical Center in the division of developmental and behavioral pediatrics, advocates taking breaks from the media.

“The news can make it feel like the world is falling apart,” he said.

“Your job as parents is to provide a safe space so your children can meet their own difficulties and challenges.

“Teens can maybe deal with more complex issues at the moment they hear them. That’s an opportunity as adults to manage our anxiety with these things. They’ll feel like we’re managing control as a family dealing with tough issues.”

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

FOR PARENTS

• Don’t use violence to settle disputes.

• Don’t carry weapons to school.

• Report crimes or suspicious activities to school authorities, parents, or the police.

• Tell a school official immediately if you see another student with a weapon.

• Tell a teacher, parent or trusted adult if you’re worried about a bully.

• Learn safe routes for traveling to and from school. Know where you can seek help if you need it.

• Get involved in your school’s antiviolence programs, and if there isn’t a program at your school, help start one.

• Educate your children on how to resolve disputes and avoid violence.

• Teach your children how to reduce their risks of becoming crime victims.

• Know where your kids are, what they are doing, and who they are with at all times.

• Set clear rules in advance about acceptable activities.

• Ask your children about what goes on during the school day. Listen to what they say and take their concerns and worries seriously.

• Do not allow your child to carry weapons.

• Become involved in your child’s school activities.

Page 16 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2022

From the New York State site

BACK TO SCHOOL

Family Meals: Why They’re So Important

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

T

o many busy families, regularly eating together as a family rarely happens. Busy work and school schedules pull family members in opposite directions often at mealtimes.

Frequently eating apart as a family is not good, according to several experts.

“Family meals provide a time to connect,” said Kenneth Shamlian, clinical psychologist at University of Rochester Medical Center in the division of developmental and behavioral pediatrics. “It’s a routine where adults model relating to one another and set up boundaries where people sit together and act together as a family. It’s about structure.”

Grabbing bags of fast food while driving one child to soccer, another to piano and another to a playdate relates a far different dynamic. That experience is rushed, chaotic and less of a shared experience than eating the same food at the same table at a pace that ensures meaningful

conversation.

At a family meal, “the family can discuss what’s happened during the day, and what is happening that week,” Shamlian said.

This becomes especially important as children become teens and conversing with parents is often more challenging. Shamlian believes that talking during a meal may be one of the few times teens regularly speak with their parents.

“There may not be much that brings everyone together at that age, but food and traditions can,” Shamlian said. “We have quite a few points of research that correlates sharing meals with benefits for kids, like less stress, less obesity, better academic performance, better parent/child relationships and decreased chances of risky behavior, eating disorders, and less anxiety.”

For some families, mealtimes can be stressful, such as children who have dietary restrictions, inability to take nutrition orally or those on the autism spectrum with rigid food preferences. That does not mean that

the family cannot connect. Shamlian encourages taking time with children engaging in a meaningful activity like completing a puzzle, playing a board game or reading a storybook.

Sharing family meals can also affect children’s physical health.

“Supporting healthful eating patterns at family meals may improve the likelihood that adolescents will choose nutritious foods in adulthood and may offer protection from becoming overweight, dieting behavior, disordered eating, drug and alcohol abuse, and early sexual behavior,” said Melissa Goddeau, registered dietitian nutritionist with Nutrition Care of Rochester, PLLC in Pittsford.

“Research has shown that teens who eat more frequently at home consume fewer soft drinks and more calcium-rich foods, fruit, and vegetables.”

Ideally, parents model healthful eating at home for most meals.

Goddeau added that involving children in meal planning and preparation at age-appropriate ability

can help ensure they will want to eat a meal and instill better eating habits.

She recommended simple tasks like rinsing berries and tearing lettuce for younger children.

Eventually, they may slice fruits and vegetables, measure ingredients, try recipes, and help with the planning and shopping.

“Preparing meals and eating together supports the goal of developing positive eating habits,” Goddeau said.

While healthful, balanced meals with minimal processed foods and plenty of produce is ideal, Amy L. Stacy, registered dietitian with Rochester Regional Health Diabetes and Endocrinology, said that “life can get in the way. Sometimes, it’s just not possible to have family meal together, but even if you can plan a few days of the week that the family shares a dinnertime, that’s beneficial, too.”

But to share more of those family meals, cooking on the weekend entire meals or time-consuming elements like meat or rice can hasten meal preparation during the week.

“I know someone who makes a whole bunch of stuffed ravioli, freezes them individually, and puts them in a Ziploc bag to reheat in hot water,” Stacy offered as an example.

Washing and cutting up produce in the morning can make dinner faster to fix. Stocking up on items like instant brown rice, steam-in-bag vegetables, ready-to-eat salad, and frozen, non-breaded chicken breast tenders can make meal prep faster since all of these can contribute to a healthful meal in minutes and are less expensive than many convenience foods or fast food.

How food is prepared can also increase the chances of eating together at home —and not from a drive through bag. Stacy is a big fan of roasting vegetables to reheat later; cooking lean hamburger to add to recipes and keeping on hand canned kidney beans to make soup.

When you do have the time, April Ho, registered dietitian with URMC, encourages making meal preparation and consumption an activity, such as family pizza or pasta making.

“Making meals and eating together should be a memorable, joyful experience,” Ho said. “If people feel that way about eating, they’ll want to do that more and place higher value on it.”

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August 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 17

BACK TO SCHOOL

Schoolchildren Face Anxiety This Year

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

P

andemic adjustments, economic difficulties, school violence, racial tension: a lot of big issues have caused some major upheavals in the lives of American families.

The stress from these challenges affects children’s mental health. As they return to school, that additional stressor may cause some to manifest mental health issues.

Andrea Lighthouse represents the New York Association of School Psychologists and is a school psychologist in the Penfield Central School District. She believes that the pandemic has affected children’s ability to self-regulate their behavior.

“During the shutdown and subsequent year to year and a half, they didn’t have those typical social interactions with their peers,” she said. “Kids missed out on some important opportunities to navigate disagreements, experience reciprocation in play and navigate those social situations.”

These social “lessons” are not necessarily taught in the classroom but are caught on the playground, in the lunchroom and in the hallway.

Younger children missed absorbing these behavioral and social “rules.”

As a result, they may act inappropriately to social situations they encounter at school.

“A huge piece I’m seeing is the emotional impact, too. Kids are struggling with managing frustration, persisting when things get tricky with academic tasks. With school being interrupted, they missed

those opportunities when things get hard. They missed some emotional regulation,” she said.

As a result, Lighthouse said that teachers are more explicitly teaching these principles to their classes.

Current events can cause anxiety about returning to school. Fearing violence, bullying, or becoming ill from COVID-19 can cause some children to not want to attend school.

“School avoidance, if you catch it early, we can fix it quite quickly and easily,” Lighthouse said. “The longer it goes on, the harder it can be to turn around.”

It may seem like knowing all about a topic would help children feel safer. However, the opposite can

happen.

While sensible caution is warranted, children should not have so much information that they obsess over what could happen.

“As a parent, you have to figure out the most amount of information to give them they can manage,” Lighthouse said. “Always be honest and clear but not give them more information than what they can handle.”

It also helps for children to feel a sense of predictability with a printed schedule. Consistent bedtimes, mealtimes and other home routines help children know at least in part what to expect. Lighthouse also recommends children have sufficient “down time”

for craft, free play, creativity, going outdoors and pleasure reading to “work through stressors they have.

“When school starts up, there’s a change in routine,” Lighthouse said.

“It’s normal for kids to regress those first few weeks of school, as they might be more emotional. Recognize that can be normal. Schedule in time with your child to do something together, maybe 10 minutes playing a game or reading a book. Do something you enjoy together.”

She encourages parents to let their children’s school know about any updates of stressors at home or other concerns a child may have and seek help from the school’s mental health professionals as needed.

Kenneth Shamlian, clinical psychologist at University of Rochester Medical Center in the division of developmental and behavioral pediatrics, wants parents to talk through their children’s fears with a worst-case scenario roleplay exercise, such as if a bully follows them, what will they do next? Or if their school is shut down from a new COVID-19 outbreak, how will they learn at home?

“Obviously, talking with teens is different than younger kids,” Shamlian said. “With younger kids, you need visual ways to help them understand the big picture. Maps, decision trees, stories with pictures, and putting up a visual schedule so they can know what to expect and come back to it. They’ll feel they have a sense of control.”

It may seem like current stressors will cause lasting repercussions for children, but that is not necessarily so.

“Kids are amazingly resilient,” Shamlian said.

Monroe County Offers Resources for Families with Learning Disability, Special Needs

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

E

ducating children with learning disabilities and other special needs often includes assistance from professionals who are experts in increasing accessibility to education.

While this may sound expensive, qualifying families can turn to free resources provided through Monroe County.

Local resources for parents include: 1. EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

www.monroecounty.gov/hdchild-ei

“Working with providers in the community, we offer early intervention services for children under 3,” said Julie J. Philipp, director of community engagement for Monroe County Department of Public Health.

“We also help fund and make referrals to preschool special education, but local school districts manage PSE.” The program helps children with physical skills: crawling, walking, reaching and drawing; thinking skills: learning and problem solving;

communication skills: talking, listening and understanding; self-reliance: eating and dressing; and social and emotional skills: making friends and playing with others. Whether through a self-referral or childcare or healthcare professional, the program can help children younger than age 3 get up to speed with skills they will need to succeed in school. While it may seem very young to worry about school, their pre-K experience builds upon these foundational skills.

2. PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION

www.monroecounty.gov/hdchild-ei-pse

The county’s preschool special education program can also help prepare children for performing well at school. This program helps children aged 3-5 with delays or disorders in development related to talking, understanding, walking, movement, hearing, vision, and any other concerns that make learning more challenging.

Each school district’s committee on preschool special education determines each child’s eligibility.

3. STARBRIDGE

www.starbridgeinc.org

The program aids families with children who have learning disabilities. As a parent training and information center (PTIC), Starbridge’s locations throughout New York state are funded by the U.S. Department of Education. These provide workshops and resources both for families and for professionals about topics such as special education rights and responsibilities “and promotes meaningful involvement of families in their children’s education programs,” said Seneca Hollenbeck, director of Performance Measurement at Starbridge.

The supports may include events such as a three-day workshop on dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia slated for this fall.

“We routinely offer workshops and webinars that discuss special education processes and supports for students with learning disabilities,” Hollenbeck said. “On our website, we have recordings of past webinars and tip sheets available for free at any time.”

By helping parents and caregivers learn more about learning disabilities and special education, they can better support students’ goals.

Page 18 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2022

Starbridge collaborates with partners throughout the region, including Special Education Parent Teacher Associations (SEPTAs); the Greater Rochester Special Education Task Force; issue-specific groups like Dyslexia Allies; and educators and school administrators.

“We listen to what others are seeing or experiencing, share best practices, and work to solve problems together,” Hollenbeck said.

Philipp directs parents to the special education definitions at www. understandingspecialeducation.com to help them better understand the jargon used by many in the special education field. A few examples include adapted physical education (APE): Specially designed physical education program, using accommodations designed to fit the needs of students who require developmental or corrective instruction in PE, and behavior intervention plan: special education term used to describe the written plan used to address problem behavior that includes positive behavioral interventions, strategies and support. May include program modifications and supplementary aids and services.

BACK TO SCHOOL

come back down and sound more rational.”

FIVE ISSUES

KIDS FACE TODAY

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

W

hile returning to school in the fall should be a time of excitement for children, it can present issues that cause stress.

These include: 1. SOCIAL AWKWARDNESS “Because of COVID, children have lost contact with friends and general opportunities,” said Kenneth Shamlian, clinical psychologist at University of Rochester Medical Center in the division of developmental and behavioral pediatrics.

“Many fear that things could go back to staying isolated and away from each other.”

Sticking with a routine at home and adding a moderate number of extracurricular activities and outings will help children feel more at ease with interacting with others.

2. SCHOOL VIOLENCE With school shootings frequently

in the news, it is little wonder some children may feel unsafe about returning to school.

“These incidences are shaping their expectations,” Shamlian said.

“There’s heightened awareness that the world is not always a safe place.

Kids are having trouble coping.” ➜ WORK AROUND: He advises parents to limit exposure to media and assure them that their school administration is working to make their school as safe as possible.

3. CONTINUITY Most children experienced interruptions in their school routine last year with hybrid classes and different teachers because of staffing difficulties.

“Some children wonder, ‘Will I see my teacher again?’” Shamlian said. “There are notable disruptions in teaching staff with the economy and the job market. It has made for a lot less reliable world.”

It can also mean issues with

back-to-school shopping. Certain items children want or need may not be readily available.

“For a lot of people, this has been the first time that no matter how much money you have, you still can’t get some of the things you want,” Shamlian said.

That can make the world seem unpredictable. ➜ WORK AROUND: If possible, address your children’s concerns as they arise. If they worry about having different teachers, attend the school tour and open house. If they cannot obtain the school supplies they want, plan how you can acquire alternatives.

“Coping is usually tied to kids’ developmental level,” Shamlian said.

“As a parent, you don’t have to share their anxiety, but you can validate what they’re expressing. If a child is overwhelmed, the best recipe is giving time and space. When they come back down, that’s the time to address their concerns. Take time to ride that emotional wave so they can

4. FALLING BEHIND ACADEMICALLY Missing a few months of school in 2021 and attending hybrid school for part of the past school year means many students have acquired gaps in their education. This can be deeply troubling for students who have worked hard to earn good grades. ➜ WORK AROUND: Although she acknowledges the academic gaps, Andrea Lighthouse, clinical psychologist and representative of the New York Association of School Psychologists, feels more concerned about social and emotion gaps.

“If they’re not settled, they won’t be able to learn,” Lighthouse said.

“That’s the primary thing. The academic learning will come after.”

5. MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES “I feel like this past year has been a really challenging year,” Lighthouse said. “I’ve been a school psychologist for 18 years and 2021-2022 has been the most challenging.”

She said that if only one or two children needed support, “we’d wrap all kinds of support around that child. Having it happen to the entire population, they’ll react differently to the same circumstances. We’re all in new territory because we’ve never done this on a large scale.” ➜ WORK AROUND: She encourages parents to reach out to their school’s mental health support if their children are not returning to their baseline mental health after a few weeks. Parents may notice behavioral changes, lower grades, and children withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy, social activities with peers and family activities.

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To learn more about local autism services and support, visit www.GolisanoAutismCenter.org To leave a message after hours, email HelpLine@GolisanoAutismCenter.org

HelpLine@GolisanoAutismCenter.org August 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 19

BACK TO SCHOOL

Sister Diana Dolce with Hope Hall School speaks to a group of students and guests. While only 57% of New York state children with disabilities graduate from high school, the rate at her school is nearly 100%.

Leading Your Child’s Educational Team

This is especially important for parents who have children with disabilities, experts say

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

P

arents should always be integral to their child’s education, but this is especially important for parents who have children with disabilities.

Only 57% of New York state children with disabilities graduate from high school and only 36% of Rochester children with disabilities do so.

The good news is that in schools such as The Norman Howard School and Hope Hall officials see nearly 100% graduation rates.

“This means capable students with special needs are not getting the services they need to graduate and succeed,” said Rebecca Ferri, representing the Educational Success Foundation.

“Though a result of countless factors, a critical piece is that families do not understand their rights when it comes to education and special education.”

The nonprofit developed a guide to help parents find resources for helping educate their children. (Visit educationsuccessfoundation.org.)

Educational Success Foundation also helps parents use these resources to assist their children succeed.

Many times, children with learning disorders and their families have already suffered a negative experience at their public school.

“When parents come, they often have been marginalized,” said Sister Diana Dolce with Hope Hall School.

“In many districts, parents have been kept at an arm’s length. Parents are not embraced. They know their kids and what their kids need.”

Dolce added that most of their students have an auditory processing disorder: what they hear and what they understand about what they hear are different.

“Typically, they fall in the lower average end of the IQ scores,” she said. “We look at IQ as an indicator of rate of learning. How much time do they need, not an indicator of ability. In traditional education systems, IQ is the same as an ability.”

That can mean children with low to average ability may not qualify for special education and possibly for minimal speech and language therapy. This is typically not a recipe for success.

Hope Hall also has students on the higher end of the autism spectrum who can learn best in the right environment.

Dolce said that students’ needs are met rather than overlooked at Hope Hall.

“They’re not bullied and not feeling stupid,” she said. “They can be very successful.”

For some children, their IQ may “increase” as high as 15 points because they were incorrectly diagnosed as intellectually impaired. Approaching their education differently, in a way that they can better absorb, often leads to better outcomes.

Dolce views parents, Hope Hall

and the student as three sides of a triangle, all working together for the sake of the child.

By following Hope Hall strategies at home, many parents report better success in improving their children’s behavior. This can include developing a predictable environment and routine; reminding students of upcoming shifts in activities; and breaking down directions into manageable chunks. Of course, the strategies vary by student.

“At Hope Hall, everyone gets what they need to learn the same thing,” Dolce said. “The New York State school district treats everyone ‘fairly’ which means they get the same treatment to learn the same thing.”

Many parents with a child who has a learning challenge may feel that the teachers, committee on special education or school administration are the most important portion of the “team” educating their children.

However, Kirsten Barclay, member of law firm Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC, said that legally, that is the parents.

“Good special education departments should make every effort to include parents,” Barclay said.

“Parents can work with districts to explain their unique circumstances and ask the district to partner with them to develop a way to meaningfully participate.”

That may mean arranging for phone meetings or other accommo-

Page 20 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2022

dations to attend meetings.

Any parent in disagreement about their child’s education plans has a legal right to file a complaint against their school district. Barclay said that school districts and parents have the options of proposing mediation under the state’s regulations.

They may also have a resolution session where parents and the district to meet to avoid an administrative hearing by reaching an informal agreement without a hearing officer.

If those efforts fail, the case goes on to an impartial hearing.

“The state provides a list of qualified hearing officers and there is a strict protocol for school districts to provide those sequentially off the list,” Barclay said. “It’s to avoid districts the ability to cherry pick certain hearing officers.”

Most school districts and parents want to avoid hearings because they breed ill will and take a long time to resolve. It also leaves children in limbo in their present educational plan until a decision happens.

Barclay encourages parents to let their children’s teachers know early in the school year “that you want to be their partner. An elementary school might have 45 students in a class. In middle school, maybe hundreds passing through. Let them know you want to support your kid and support the teacher in helping them make progress. Say you want to work closely together to make that happen.”

A Wet Nose and a Wagging Tail Opens Up a New World for Autistic Kids

A

new Australian study looking at the impact of an autism assistance dog for children and their parents has made an unexpected discovery: the dog has expanded their world, literally.

The presence of a specially trained therapy dog for autistic children is giving families the confidence to venture further afield and to many more locations, according to researchers from the University of South Australia.

UniSA researcher and occupational therapist Shelley Wright, who supervised the study, says the freedom to explore new places is something most of us take for granted, but for children with autism and their parents, this is normally fraught with sensory challenges.

“Impulsive and unpredictable behavior is a feature of autism and taking children out of their usual environment is often too stressful for both child and parent,” Wright says.

Wright’s team conducted interviews with eight families paired with an autism assistance dog (AAD) as a support for their child.

The study revealed: • On average, families visited 8.5

more places and traveled 15 miles further from their home after having the dog for more than a year.

• Parents reported greater freedom for young children with severe autism who were normally strapped in a pram for safety when leaving home. An AAD replaced the pram but still acted as a natural restraint.

• Prior to receiving an autism assistance dog, parents were reluctant to leave the family home because of the stress involved, leading to feeling trapped and isolated. The dog allowed them to venture out because their child was calmer and safer in its presence.

• Parents reported fewer meltdowns among their children who sought out the dog when feeling overwhelmed.

• Children on the autism spectrum often get lonely as they find social interaction and communication difficult. The dog gave them much needed companionship.

“The parents we interviewed were much happier and more at ease leaving their home with their child after getting an autism assistance dog,” said “Wright.

The study is published in the journal Health and Social Care.

THERE IS HOPE

Visit HopeHall.org to discover Visit discover how how the Dolce Dolce Method for Learning the Learning Mastery Mastery helps children learn learn

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August 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 21

Ask St. Ann’s

Ask The Social

By Nikki Tyler

How Do I Choose a Rehab Location After Leaving the Hospital?

S

ometimes a hospital stay is just the beginning.

If your loved one is hospitalized due to a fall, fracture, cardiac event or other unexpected medical incident, it’s likely they won’t go straight home.

They may need a short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility for rehab or, in more severe situations, for long-term care.

For family members, the situation can be overwhelming. How do you decide where your loved one should go? What’s the process for getting them there? If you know the answers ahead of time, it can take some of the pressure off when anxiety is high.

The first step: Working with the hospital social worker. That’s who will help arrange your loved one’s placement after discharge. Speak frankly with the social worker about where you want your loved one to go; the decision is yours to make.

The social worker should ask for your top five choices. Families often consider location, reputation and past experience with the facility, among other factors when making their choices.

Note: You are not required to stay in the hospital’s system (i.e., the rehab center run by the hospital) unless that is your choice or no other option is available.

Based on your input, the social worker will send a referral to the locations of your choice. The referral includes the patient’s demographic information, insurance and financial disclosure, medical record from their hospital stay and other forms required by New York state.

The referral goes to the admissions departments at the locations you choose. (At St. Ann’s Community, that’s my department.) An admissions professional reviews the referral to determine whether they can accept the patient. That’s based on several factors, including their capability to meet the patient’s clinical needs; the availability of space; and their ability to accept the patient’s “payer source” (e.g., Medicaid, private pay, long-term care insurance).

Important: As your loved one’s advocate, it’s perfectly fine for you to

call the admissions department at the facility you prefer and ask if they got the referral. If they didn’t, notify the hospital social worker. It never hurts to make that personal contact with admissions and give them a headsup that a referral is coming.

If any or all of your top five choices accept the referral, their admissions team will notify the hospital social worker, who will notify you.

If more than one accepts, you can choose the one you prefer. Arrangements will then be made for your loved one to be moved there upon discharge.

What if you don’t get your first choice or even one of your top three?

Continue advocating for your loved one by asking the social worker why the referral was denied. There may be legitimate reasons, but it never hurts to stay involved in the process and have your questions answered to your satisfaction. It’s a big decision, and your loved one is depending on you.

The reality is your loved one may not qualify for your first-choice location. It’s unfortunate and understandably frustrating, but space may simply not be available or other factors may not be met. The hospital social worker will help get your loved one the best care possible within the available options.

We’ve been discussing emergency hospitalizations, but I want to add something: If your loved one’s hospital stay is a planned one (such as a surgical procedure they’ve scheduled in advance), contact the admissions team at the rehab site of your choice and pre-plan their stay.

That way, you’ll have that decision made ahead of time, ensuring that a room is reserved. Be sure to let the hospital social worker know you’ve pre-planned. You and your loved one will be glad you did!

Nikki Tyler is senior admissions professional at St. Ann›s Community. She can be reached at 585-697-6507 or at ntyler@mystanns.com.

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From the Social Security District Office

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Use ‘my Social Security’ to Instantly Check the Status of Your Benefits Claim

f you applied for Social Security benefits or have a pending reconsideration or hearing request, you can instantly check the status online using your personal “my Social Security” account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one at www. ssa.gov/myaccount to see the following information about your claim: • Date of filing.

• Re-entry numbers for incomplete applications.

• Current claim location.

Q&A

• Servicing office location.

• Scheduled hearing date and time, if applicable.

• Publications of interest, depending on the claim and current step in the process.

Use your personal “my Social Security” account to instantly check the status of your application or appeal at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

If you have questions about retirement, disability, Medicare, or survivor’s benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income, visit our webpage at www.ssa.gov/benefits.

should report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) right away. You can report it at www.idtheft.gov Q: What is the average Social Security or you can call FTC’s hotline at retirement payment that a person re- 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4261) TTY ceives each month?

(1-866-653-4261).

A: The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired workQ: I served in the military, and I’ll reer in 2022 is $1,657. The average ceive a military pension when I retire. monthly Social Security benefit for a Will that affect my Social Security bendisabled worker in 2022 is $1,358. As efits? a reminder, eligibility for retirement A: You can get both Social Secubenefits still requires 40 credits (usurity retirement benefits and military ally about 10 years of work). retirement at the same time. Generally, we don’t reduce your Social SecuQ: I am receiving Social Security retire- rity benefits because of your military ment benefits and I recently went back benefits. When you’re ready to apply to work. Do I have to pay Social Securi- for Social Security retirement benety (FICA) taxes on my income? fits, go to www.ssa.gov/applyonline.

A: Yes. By law, your employer This is the fastest and easiest way to must withhold FICA taxes from your apply. For your convenience, you can paycheck. Although you are retired, always save your progress during you do receive credit for those new your application and complete it earnings. Each year Social Security later. We thank you for your military automatically credits the new earnservice! ings and, if your new earnings are higher than in any earlier year used Q: I applied for disability benefits, but to calculate your current benefit, was denied. I’d like to appeal. Can I do your monthly benefit could increase. it online?

For more information, visit www.ssa.

A: Yes. In fact, the best way to gov or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY file a Social Security appeal is online.

1-800-325-0778).

Our online appeal process is convenient and secure. Just go to www.ssa.

Q: A few years ago, I lost my Social Se- gov/disability/appeal to appeal the curity card. Now my credit report shows decision. For people who don’t have that someone might be using my Social access to the internet, you can call Security number. I’m afraid they might us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325ruin my credit. What should I do?

0778) to schedule an appointment to A: Identity theft and fraud are se- visit your local Social Security office rious problems, not just for you, but to file your appeal. for the financial integrity of our agency. It also puts our national security Q: How can I become a representaat risk if someone dangerous is using tive payee? your number to obtain other forms A: If you know someone who of identification. It’s against the law receives Social Security or Suppleto use someone else’s Social Security mental Security Income (SSI), and number, give false information when who needs assistance managing their applying for a number, or alter, buy payments, contact your local Social or sell Social Security cards. Keep in Security office about becoming their mind, you should never carry your representative payee. Go to www.ssa.

Social Security card with you. If you gov/payee for more information. think someone is using your Social Security number fraudulently, you

Page 22 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2022

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How to Sell Unwanted Burial Plots Dear Savvy Senior, How do I go about selling unwanted burial plots in my hometown cemetery? When my parents died about 25 years ago my husband (at the time) and I bought two plots near them in the same cemetery. But we’ve gotten divorced since then and have both moved out of state. Besides that, I would like to be cremated instead of buried.

— Looking to Sell

Dear Looking, Life changes such as relocating, family disputes and divorce, along with the growing popularity of cremation in the U.S., is causing more and more people to sell previously purchased burial plots they don’t intend to use any longer. But depending on where you live and the location of the cemetery, selling a plot can be difficult. And, if you do sell it, you’ll probably get less than what you initially paid for it. Here’s are a few tips to get you started.

• Contact the cemetery: Your first step in selling your unwanted burial plots is to contact the cemetery and find out if they would be interested in buying them back, or if you’re allowed to sell them yourself to another person or family. And if so, what paperwork will you need to complete the sale and is there a transfer fee?

Some states require sellers to offer the plot back to the cemetery before selling it to others.

• Selling options: If you find that it’s OK to sell your plots yourself, many people choose to use a broker. There are a number of companies — like PlotBrokers.com

and GraveSolutions.com — that will list your plots for sale and handle the transaction for a fee and possibly a commission. If you go this route, you’ll sign paperwork giving the broker permission to work on your behalf. Listings can last up to three years or until the plots sell.

Alternatively, or simultaneously, you can also list them yourself on sites like The Cemetery Exchange, GraveSales.com along with eBay and Craigslist, and handle the transaction yourself. In the ad, be sure to post pictures, describe the area where the cemetery is located and give the plot locations.

• What to ask: Appropriate pricing is key to selling your plots. It’s recommended that you find out what the cemetery is selling their plots for today and ask at least 20% less. If you’re pricing too close to what the cemetery charges, there’s no incentive for potential buyers.

• Beware of scammers: If you choose to sell your plots yourself, it’s not unusual for scam artists to reach out and try to get your personal financial information. Phone calls tend to be more genuine than emails and text messages.

• Donate them: If you don’t have any luck selling your plots, and if money isn’t an issue, you can donate them to charity such as a religious congregation, a local veteran’s group or an organization that aids the homeless. To get a tax deduction, you’ll need an appraisal, which a cemetery or broker may supply for a fee.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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August 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 23

Health News Thompson’s leader among ‘Hospital CEOs to Know’ UR Medicine Thompson Health President and CEO Michael F. Stapleton Jr. was recently named to the list of “83 Community Hospital CEOs to Know” published by Becker’s Hospital Review, a monthly Michael Stapleton publication featuring business and legal information for healthcare industry leaders.

Stapleton joined Thompson in 2011 as its executive vice president and COO. He became CEO in 2012, shortly after the health system’s affiliation with UR Medicine. Becker’s noted he has helped the organization grow in terms of locations and staff while overseeing a successful financial sustainability plan. In addition, the publication cited a sampling of the recognitions Thompson has received under Stapleton’s leadership.

He is one of five hospital CEOs in the state of New York named to the list, and the only one in Upstate New York.

The honor came just weeks after Becker’s named Thompson Health to its list of “Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare” for the fifth time.

For the complete list of “83 Community Hospital CEOs to Know,” visit www.beckershospitalreview. com/lists.

Cancer Support Community Rochester has new CEO Cancer Support Community Rochester has recently named James Love as its new CEO. He succeeds Melinda Merante, who retired.

Love previously served in various positions with the American Red Cross for 33 James Love years, including executive director of the Greater Rochester Chapter for the last seven years. He brings a wealth of nonprofit management experience to his new role, including in such key areas as program development and management, fundraising, building community partnerships, media relations, board development and strategic planning.

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead Cancer Support Community Rochester,” Love said. “Cancer is a devastating disease that impacts nearly everyone. Working in collaboration with the board of directors, staff and community partners, we will grow the organization and make our programs better known in the region so that we can serve more people living with cancer.”

Larry Yovanoff, chairman of the board of directors, said, “Our executive committee conducted a thorough search for a new CEO, and we found the right leader in Jim Love. With his vast nonprofit leadership experience, we are confident that Jim will take the organization to new heights.”

Love earned his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport and completed management training programs while at the Red Cross. He resides in Walworth.

Cancer Support Community Rochester provides free, non-medical, social and emotional support to people living with cancer, along with their families and friends. The nonprofit serves more than 5,000 people annually and offers more than 1,000 free programs annually to adults, teens and children who are affected by any type of cancer.

Alzheimer’s Association hires Golisano IDD health initiative lead As part of a new initiative funded by a $500,000 grant from the Golisano Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester Finger Lakes Region Chapter has hired Kathleen Pelkey as program director for the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) initiative.

Pelkey will be based in the association’s Meridian Kathleen Pelkey Centre Boulevard offices, but she will oversee operations in Rochester Finger Lakes; Western New York; and Southwest Florida.

“Kathy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role as a valued provider within the IDD system as well as someone who has witnessed, firsthand, the impact that Alzheimer’s and other dementias have on those who are at the greatest risk,” said Teresa Galbier, Alzheimer’s Association Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter executive director.

“I look forward to working closely with Kathy and the team in building health equity for individuals with IDD who are impacted by dementia.”

Pelkey comes to the Alzheimer’s Association with 36 years of experience in the IDD field, most recently as the senior director of programs & services and housing development at the Arc of Monroe County. She joined the Arc of Monroe in 2001, following a 14-year career at the Epilepsy Foundation, where she served as residential services program manager.

“I am so excited to join the Alzheimer’s Association and to support the agency in continuing to build and strengthen services and supports for individuals with IDD and dementia,” Pelkey said. “I have over 30 years of experience successfully building and championing services for people with IDD. I look forward to working with this team to improve the treatment, care and advocacy for individuals with IDD and dementia.”

In February, the Golisano Foun-

dation awarded the Alzheimer’s Association with a $500,000 grant for phase two of the IDD health initiative. For adults with Down syndrome, the lifetime risk of Alzheimer’s disease is 90%, and it is the leading cause of death. By age 60, at least 50% of people with Down syndrome already have clinical evidence of dementia.

The grant will be distributed over two years, with $300,000 in 2022 and $200,000 in 2023, and will enable the Alzheimer’s Association to hire additional staff to oversee the program in each of the three regions — Rochester, Buffalo, and Southwest Florida. The program will use a comprehensive approach that targets a wide range of individuals and organizations influencing the diagnosis, care, and support of individuals with IDD living with dementia.

The program is expected to have the following outcomes: 21 community educators trained, 225 caregivers who receive training from community educators, 300 professional caregivers trained and 675 people with IDD and dementia receive support

IJewish Senior Life affiliates with primary care practice of Dr. Zito Jewish Senior Life (JSL) has announced its affiliation with MDVIP-affiliated personalized primary care practice led by board-certified internal medicine specialist Gene M. Zito, M.D., in Pittsford.

This new partnership supports JSL’s vision to provide a full-spectrum of innovative, high quality, person-centered comprehensive health care services to individuals and their families in the Rochester region.

“Jewish Senior Life is committed to staying on the leading edge of services focused on helping people lead healthy, vibrant lives in the greater Rochester region,” said Michael S. King, president and CEO of Jewish Senior Life. “We are pleased to partner with Dr. Zito to expand our support to help the people we serve receive personalized, quality health care services, and access our full complement of services.”

Considered a provider of choice in the greater Rochester community, the addition of this practice will add a new element to JSL’s services, which currently range from a retirement community, assisted living, and long-term care, to community-based services, such as companion care, a physician-led house calls program serving housebound seniors, adult day programs, and daytime respite care for individuals with dementia.

In 2011 Zito was the first physician in Western New York to open an MDVIP-affiliated practice offering an individualized, non-formulaic approach to patient care with an emphasis on wellness and prevention—a role where he now draws on his 45 years of experience in medicine to customize care plans for his patients.

“I am thrilled to be affiliated with JSL, a well-respected, forward-thinking health care organization,” Zito said. “Together we will leverage the strengths of each of our organizations to elevate personal-

Page 24 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • August 2022

ized primary care to the next level of excellence and enhance the quality of the individual doctor-patient relationship.”

RGH reaches milestone using da Vinci Surgical System Rochester General Hospital has surpassed a major milestone, performing 15,000 robotic assisted minimally invasive surgeries with the da Vinci Surgical System, making Rochester General Hospital’s the most experienced da Vinci surgical program in John Valvo Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.

Rochester General Hospital installed its first da Vinci Surgical System in 2004.

The da Vinci Surgical System allows surgeons to operate through small incisions with tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than a human hand. The 3D high-definition system magnifies the surgeon›s view, allowing for greater control and resulting in a host of benefits, including: accelerated recovery, less post-operative pain and discomfort, less scarring and lower risk of infection.

“It’s exciting to continue to offer this type of technology to our surgeons and patients,” said physician John Valvo, director of robotics at Rochester Regional Health. “The da Vinci Surgical System improves clinical outcomes greatly and has incredible benefits for those undergoing surgery. Knowing this technology has helped us make an impact on 15,000 lives is remarkable.”

The first da Vinci Surgical System benefits a variety of surgery types, including urologic, gynecologic, thoracic, bariatric, cardiac, colorectal, and general surgery. For more information on robotic-assisted surgery at Rochester Regional Health,

Thompson Health recognized for stroke care UR Medicine Thompson Health has received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines-Stroke quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally-recognized guidelines.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines —

Health News Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines, which can minimize the longterm effects of a stroke and can even prevent death.

“Thompson is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Director of Quality and Patient Safety Wendy Blakemore. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in our area can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Thompson Health for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said physician Steven Messe, chairman of the Stroke System of Care Advisory Group.

Additionally, Thompson received the association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. This award aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

Rochester Hearing & Speech Center hosts 100th anniversary gala Rochester Hearing & Speech Center (RHSC) is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a Roaring ‘20s centennial gala at 6 p.m., Sept.

10, at Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford.

As Monroe County’s longest standing provider of hearing health, educational and clinical services, RHSC has helped support thousands of children and adults in the greater Rochester region in need of hearing and speech services each year.

“We are looking forward to celebrating this amazing milestone with our current and former clients, families, staff and our many donors and supporters throughout the entire community,” said Bob Russell, president and CEO. “This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of our organization as we anticipate the remarkable technological innovations that will help our clients and their families to Communicate for Life over the years to come.”

At the 100th anniversary gala, RHSC plans to recognize four indi-

Physician joins Canandaigua Family Practice UR Medicine Thompson Health recently welcomed physician Kate Skipton to Canandaigua Family Practice, an affiliate of F.F. Thompson Hospital.

A graduate of the University of Rochester, Skipton received her medKate Skipton ical degree from the Ohio State University College of Medicine and did her residency in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. For the past six years, she has been an outpatient physician with the Samaritan Family Health Network in Watertown, where she previously worked in both inpatient adult medicine and inpatient pediatric medicine as well as in the newborn nursery. She and her family recently moved to Farmington.

Skipton is board certified in family medicine and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the New York Academy of Family Physicians and the Medical Society of the State of New York.

viduals for their ongoing dedication and commitment to the organization and the people it serves. They are: • Justin Vigdor, founder of Al Sigl Center, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. He will receive RHSC’s Building a Sound Community Award; • Christian Kulak, director of strategic planning, Excellus BCBS, will receive the James J. DeCaro Leadership Award; • Larry Medwetsky, Ph.D., professor of audiology and former director of audiology and vice president of clinical services at RHSC, will receive the Peter Hixson Communication for Life Award; • David Pitcher, a certified public accountant and partner at Davie Kaplan Certified Public Accountants and member of RHSC board of directors, will receive the President’s Award.

Don Alhart, 13WHAM-TV news anchor, will be master of ceremonies and the event will feature a silent auction and live paddle call with auctioneer Joe Lomonaco of WHAM 1180 Radio.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the gala, visit www. rhsc.org/centennial-gala-2022.

Sign outside the new UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute in Webster, which open in July.

Wilmot Cancer Institute Brings Cancer Care to Webster

New regional cancer center on Hard Road already serving patients

U

R Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute opened its 14th cancer center July 11 at 875 Hard Rd. in Webster. The new Wilmot Cancer Institute Webster will provide multidisciplinary cancer care for patients, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, clinical trials, and other services.

The 21,000-sq.-ft. facility will offer 18 exam rooms as well as infusion and radiation therapy areas.

The new location will be able to accommodate patients coming to Wilmot from the greater Webster area, expanding east through Wayne County. The Webster area has the highest number of new cases of cancer of any zip code in the Rochester metro area, along with the highest population, and the highest number of new patients who seek care at Wilmot.

“Wilmot continues to extend the benefits of a university cancer center and program into communities where patients live,” said physician Daniel Mulkerin, associate director, regional operations for Wilmot Cancer Institute. “More than half of Wilmot’s patients receive their care at regional locations, and we are thrilled to be able to open the doors to the Wilmot Cancer Institute Webster to serve that need in the greater Webster area. Patients have been asking for a Wilmot location in Webster and we are happy to make that request a reality.”

Designed by Rozzi Architects and built by Russell P. LeFrois Build-

ers & Developers, the new Wilmot Cancer Institute Webster building is a $6.7 million construction project managed by The Cabot Group. In addition, the project includes a $3.7 million linear accelerator for use in radiation treatment. The building features:

The Webster area has the highest number of new cases of cancer of any zip code in the Rochester metro area.

• Eleven infusion chairs, including two private infusion rooms • A state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam system with advanced imaging and respiratory gating • 18 exam rooms • A conference room with videoconferencing capabilities that will allow physicians to collaborate with other cancer experts to develop appropriate treatment plans • Convenient, on-site parking “Cancer care is more complex than it has ever been before, and it requires a coordinated team with expertise in many disciplines to identify the best course of treatment for each individual patient,” said physician Jonathan W. Friedberg, director of Wilmot Cancer Institute.

“Our Webster office brings Wilmot Cancer Institute’s precision medicine approach closer to home for our patients and their families.”

August 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 25

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Health News GLOW YMCA and Rochester Regional’s United Memorial Medical Center break ground on Healthy Living Campus in Batavia Rochester Regional Health’s United Memorial Medical Center and GLOW YMCA broke ground July on the $33.5 million Healthy Living Campus, bringing comprehensive medical care and wellness programs to downtown Batavia.

The new 78,000 sq. ft. state-ofthe-art facility will offer everything from primary care and exercise studios, to cancer screening, nutrition education services and multi-use spaces for all ages under one roof.

“The GLOW YMCA and Rochester Regional Health Healthy Living Campus is a place for children, adults and families from all walks of life in our community to come together and improve their lives-spirit, mind and body,” said Rob Walker, GLOW YMCA CEO. “The state-of-the-art campus will not only be a benefit for the health of our residents, but also for the health of our local businesses, transforming downtown Batavia.”

The Healthy Living Campus will feature 22 exam rooms and two medical procedure rooms. UMMC providers will use that space to offer primary care and telemedicine appointments, behavioral health and

crisis intervention support, cancer prevention outreach, chronic illness and community education services.

There will also be a drop-in child care center where families can safely leave their children while at those appointments.

The new campus, which will replace the current GLOW YMCA, will also have a new indoor pool, group exercise studios, wellness center with the latest exercise equipment and indoor walking and running track, teaching kitchen and adventure room play area for children.

The campus will also feature an innovative intergenerational room, where seniors, teens and families can use the space for different activities every day. And it will have classrooms that during the school year will run pre-K and before and after school care programs, and camps in the summer.

“This is not the clinic of the past,” said Dan Ireland, UMMC president. “The Healthy Living Campus is the future of health care, where

medical and wellness programs are integrated under one roof. It’s made possible through our community partnerships, and it’s helping patients get all the care they need and deserve in one place. Today is not a celebration of a new building or clinic, it’s the celebration of a community coming together to reimage health and wellness of the future and transform our downtown.”

Rochester Regional Health CEO Chip Davis said the Healthy Living Campus is just one of several projects RRH is committed in bringing to Batavia.

“At Rochester Regional Health, we’re focusing on getting health care right for the communities we serve.

And that means delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time, to achieve the right health outcomes, for the right value,” said Richard “Chip” Davis, Ph. D., RRH CEO. The new Healthy Living Campus is expected to open to the public in late 2023.

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August 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 27

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