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Chief of anesthesiology at Highland introduces the use of nitrous oxide as pain relief option to mothers in labor. Page 6
MAY 2018 • ISSUE 153
BABY BOOMERS
Doctor Salaries
SPECIAL ISSUE
Report shows physicians have had modest rise in salaries. See how much they earn. Page 2 n Related: NY ranks nearlly worst state for docs. Page12
• Top health issues affecting boomers • Blood pressure: understanding • Checklist for your Social Security annual check-Up • Elder abuse. What you need to know • What to know about the new Medicare cards n Starts on page 13
Also: 93-year-old Rochester woman shares tips for healthy aging
Alzheimer’s Disease
All That Overtime Could Be Killing You
How Rich Ord of Canandaigua (with wife Melody) is dealing with the disease. Page 14
Study: Working more than 60 hours a week increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke
Runners and walkers — get ready! May marks the start of the spring running season. Page 8
Slim Down with Shiitake Mushrooms
They contribute to weight management by providing enough protein and fiber to keep us feeling fuller longer.
BLOOD PRESSURE New guidelines mean more Americans have high blood pressure. Find out if you are one of them. Page 13
Doctor Salaries Show Modest Rise, Report Says Also: Survey shows salaries of male doctors remain higher than their female counterparts
P
rimary care and specialty doctors in the United States have seen a modest increase in earnings this year over last year, according to the Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2018. The increases reflect a continued rise in doctors’ income over the past seven years. While there are many reasons involved, the main one comes down to the basic rules of economics. “The fact remains that the physician workforce is relatively stagnant in terms of growth and that demand for physician services keeps rising. The result, inevitably, is more spending and higher incomes for physicians,” said Tommy Bohannon, vice president of Merritt Hawkins, a doctor recruiting firm. The overall average doctor salary — including primary care and specialties — sits at $299,000. The average salary for primary care doctors is $223,000, compared with $217,000 in 2017. For specialists, it’s $329,000 this year, compared with $316,000 last year.
Top-earning specialties with the highest average salary include: • Plastic surgeons: $501,000 • Orthopedists: $497,000 • Cardiologists: $423,000 • Gastroenterologists: $408,000 • Radiologists: $401,000 The lowest-earning specialties, on average, are: • Internal medicine: $230,000 • Family medicine: $219,000 • Diabetes and endocrinology: $212,000 • Pediatrics: $212,000 • Public health and preventive medicine: $199,000 As in prior years, male doctors earn more than female doctors. Male primary care doctors earn $239,000, almost 18 percent more than women, who earn $203,000. Male specialists earn $358,000, about 36 percent more than female specialists, who earn $263,000.
Also as in previous years, white doctors earned more than those of other races. Here’s how they ranked: • White: $308,000 • Asian: $293,000 • Hispanic/Latino: $278,000 • African-American: $258,000 Who’s Up, Who’s Down? Is It Fair? Psychiatrists are seeing the biggest gains in compensation this year
(+16 percent). “We have never seen demand for psychiatrists this high in our 30-year history,” said Bohannon. “Demand for mental health services has exploded, while the number of psychiatrists has not kept pace. The short version is that aging produces many mental health challenges, including dementia and its associated pathologies, and that societal ills, such as the opioid crisis, are driving the need for more mental health professionals.” Other specialists who’ve gotten notable boosts in pay are plastic surgeons (+14 percent), physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists (+13 percent), oncologists (+10 percent), and rheumatologists and critical care specialists (+9 percent). Specialties earning less include general surgery (-9 percent), urology (-7 percent), otolaryngology,diabetes and endocrinology (-4 percent), and pathology and neurology (-2 percent). Overall, 55 percent of doctors feel that they’re fairly compensated. And for the third year in a row, doctors cited “gratitude/relationship with patients” as the most rewarding part of their job (27 percent), followed by “being very good at what I do/finding answers, diagnoses” (24 percent) and “knowing that I’m making the world a better place.”
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2018
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Jewish Senior Life’s Physician House Calls program brings a team of skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals and a wide range of services—directly to your home. Our doctor provides one-on-one primary care, medical assessments, and coordination of care with other home health services. The Physician House Calls team will work with you to develop a comprehensive care plan that will give you and your family peace of mind. This program is available to individuals 65 years and older.
“Dr. Baratta is wonderful. I feel comfortable when she is here; she’s so welcoming and makes me smile.”
Call (585) 244-5993 or visit jslphysicianhousecalls.org A service of Jewish Senior Life
– Lily, Physician House Calls patient since 2010
2021 Winton Road S., Rochester, NY 14618
PRIMARY CARE • HEALTH ASSESSMENTS • CARE COORDINATION • MEDICATION REVIEW May 2018 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Are you 60 years of age or older? Do you have trouble connecting with or getting along with others? If so, you may be eligible for current HARP studies. For more information, or to learn about other studies available for seniors, please call the study team at: (585) 276-6204 or email HARP@urmc.rochester.edu
CALENDAR of May 12
HEALTH EVENTS
Free mammogram screenings scheduled Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women. But mammogram screenings can save lives since they can find breast cancer in the earliest stages when it is most treatable. That’s why the Cancer Services Program of Monroe County has teamed up with the Elizabeth Wende Breast Care to offer free breast cancer screening events that make it easy for area women to get their annual mammogram. If you are 40 years or older, have a family history, or have concerns about your risk, you should take advantage of these free screening events taking place at 170 Sawgrass Drive, Rochester.
Dates of free screenings are as follows:
You don’t have to face hearing loss alone. The Rochester Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) unites people with all degrees of hearing loss. Come to one of our monthly chapter meetings to meet others with hearing loss and learn from the professionals who treat it. Visit our website for details: HearingLossRochester.org
• 7:30-11 a.m., Sat., May 12, • 7:30-11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 20 • 7:30-11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 8 Please call 585-224-3070 today to schedule your mammogram. Visit www.GetScreenedRochester.org for more information. Funded by the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Cancer Prevention & Control.
May 19, 20
Chapel Oaks, Cherry Ridge to hold open house
Seniors looking for apartments or cottage homes can attend open houses this month at St. Ann’s Communities at Chapel Oaks and Cherry Ridge. Visitors can tour the campuses, visit the model homes, enjoy refreshments and ask questions about services. Both communities offer maintenance-free living, firstclass amenities, and priority access to St. Ann’s continuum of care. The open house at Chapel Oaks in Irondequoit will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19; the open house at Cherry Ridge in Webster will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, May 20. For more information, call Chapel Oaks at 585-697-6606 or Cherry Ridge at 585-697-6700 or visit www. stannscommunity.com.
May 19
Workshop for women who live alone Do you live alone? Is it a challenge for you? “Alone and Content: How to Survive and Thrive on Your Own” is a one-day workshop offered for women who want to rediscover joy and contentment, and to gain the know-how to forge a meaningful life on their own. You’ll meet others in similar circumstances and learn practical strategies to overcome loneliness, rediscover your true self and socialize in a couples’ world. The workshop takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 19, at the Page 4
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House Content Bed & Breakfast in Mendon. Breakfast, snacks/coffee/ tea and a delicious healthy lunch will be provided. The workshop fee of $165 includes a Living Alone binder, empowerment exercises, and helpful resources you can trust. To learn more, contact Gwenn Voelckers at 585-624-7887, email gvoelckers@ rochester.rr.com, or visit www.aloneandcontent.com
May 20
Guest speaker to highlight plant-based diet Participants of the May meeting of the Rochester Area Vegan Society will hear Tim Kaufman speak on “Finding the Road to Health and Recovery.” Kaufman was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome in his early 20s and was in chronic pain most of his life. By the time he had reached the age of 37, he was addicted to fentanyl, alcohol and fast food. At over 400 pounds he was unable to perform simple daily tasks and he had lost his interest in life and had almost given up. Kaufman started a journey to regain his health by changing one small thing at a time. He is now an athlete that thrives on a plant-based whole food lifestyle and leads a healthy, happy, productive and very active life that is free of all medications he was once on. He uses his platform on social media to help others find health and happiness. You can find him on Facebook, Instagram, and his webpage at fatmanrants.com. The program will take place at 7 p.m., Sunday, May 20, at Brighton Town Park Lodge, 777 Westfall Road, Rochester. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is a vegan potluck. Please bring a dish with enough to serve a crowd, and a serving utensil; also bring a place setting for your own dinner. For more information, call 585-234-8750 or visit rochesterveg.org. Cost is $3 guest fee for non-members.
June 5
Hearing loss group to discuss accessible airport, OTC hearing aids Hearing Loss Association of America Rochester Chapter invites anyone interested in hearing loss to any or all of several events on Tuesday, June 5. All programs are held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, East Avenue at Westminster Road, Rochester. • 10 a.m.: “Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE)” at Church Vestry Room. Prospective or new hearing aid users can share their experiences, questions, and hearing loss journeys in an informal round table discussion facilitated by retired audiologist and current hearing aid user Joseph Kozelsky CCC/A (retired.) • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at parish hall.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2018
Program begins at noon. “Creating a Better ROC Experience” with Andrew Moore, interim director of aviation at Greater Rochester International Airport Some HLAA members commute regularly in and out of the Rochester airport. Others travel occasionally. Andrew Moore will highlight the many improvements taking place at ROC as part of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Initiative. This $79 million project is slated to be complete by the end of October. According to the ROC website, “it should transform ROC inside and out to a 21st century airport complete with high tech smart terminal technology and a near barrier free environment to create a better passenger experience.” With eight years at ROC, Moore is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives and secretary of the New York Aviation Management Association. • 7 to 9 p.m. at parish hall. Program begins at 8 p.m. “Over the Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know” with Ramona Stein, PhD. If the current pricing model for obtaining hearing aids shuts out 86 percent of hearing disabled people who need them because of high costs, can OTC hearing aids reduce this gulf? Ramona Stein, owner and audiologist at Sounds for Life in Pittsford, explores the controversial issue of OTC hearing devices. Stein will comment on the OTC Act’s purpose, types of devices on the market, and the benefits vs. drawbacks for OTC devices as opposed to purchasing a brand name hearing aid from a traditional audiologist. All HLAA programs are free. For more information, visit hearinglossrochester.org or call 585 266 7890.
June 9
Tour de Cure to raise money to fight diabetes Funds support local diabetes research initiatives and Camp Aspire for kids with diabetes. The Manning & Napier Tour de Cure will take place Saturday, June 9. The funds raised by Tour de Cure participants directly support research, education and advocacy for people living with Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. Specifically, local fundraising supports Camp Aspire, a two-week summer camp in Rush, for children aged 13-17 with diabetes. The main goal of Camp Aspire is to allow the campers the ability to feel at ease and accepted in a community where having diabetes is the norm, not the exception. The Manning & Napier Tour de Cure has grown to become the top Tour de Cure in the country, raising more funds than any other ADA tour event in 2017. This year, the goal is to maintain the top spot in the U.S. and surpass the fundraising amount achieved in 2017. Additional elements have been added to the 2018 program to encourage continued community support and increase participation, such as a new 5k run and a walk option, which was part of the Tour de Cure for the first time last year. In 2017, many families opted for the walk option so they could participate together. For more information, call 585458-3040 or visit www.diabetes.org.
All That Overtime Could Be Killing You Study: Working more than 60 hours a week
increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke
A
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by Local News, Inc. Distribution: 33,500 copies throughout more than 1,500 high-traffic locations.
In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2018 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. 154 Cobblestone Court Dr., Suite 121 – P.O. Box 525, Victor NY 14564. • Phone: 585-421-8109 • Email: Editor@GVhealthnews.com
Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Writers: Jim Miller, Deborah J. Sergeant, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, George W. Chapman, Christine Green, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Kim Petrone (MD), Kyra Mancine, Melody Burri • Advertising: Anne Westcott, Linda Covington • Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas • Office Assistant: Kimberley Tyler No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.
May 2018 •
You may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan right now. Call today
Maritsa Santana-Ruiz 1-585-802-0541 (TTY: 711) 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET, Mon. - Fri. A licensed sales agent will answer your call. santanaruizm@aetna.com
Aetna Medicare is a PDP, HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Our dualeligible Special Needs Plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the state and Medicare. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. 72.12.700.1-2351
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Diabetes Now Affects 23 Million U.S. Adults
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he latest tally of Americans adults affected by diabetes finds more than 23 million struggle with the blood sugar disease. Of those, the vast majority — 21 million cases — are caused by Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to overweight or obesity, according to the report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another 1.3 million cases are attributed to Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder where the body fails to produce enough of the blood sugar hormone insulin. The number of diabetes patients is now “nearly 10 percent of the entire [adult] population,” noted physician Robert Courgi, a diabetes specialist at Northwell Health’s Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, Long Island. “As expected, the overwhelming majority is Type 2 diabetes — usually caused by obesity and treated with pills,” added Courgi, who was not involved with the new report. On the other hand, “Type 1 diabetes results in a destruction of the pancreas, is difficult to diagnose and must be treated with insulin,” Courgi said. “Type 1 must be recognized quickly and treated appropriately.” The new CDC numbers were based on 2016 data on more than 33,000 adults from the federal government’s National Interview Survey. The researchers noted that the 2016 survey was the first to add “supplemental questions to help distinguish diabetes [by] type.” According to the team, led by CDC investigator Kai McKeever Bullard, certain populations seem to be hit harder by either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. For example, the researchers said “white adults had a higher prevalence of diagnosed Type 1 diabetes than did Hispanic adults,” while “blacks had the highest prevalence of diagnosed Type 2 diabetes.” While Type 2 diabetes affected about 8 percent of white adults, that number rose to 9 percent of Hispanics and 11.5 percent of blacks, the report found. Overall, diabetes prevalence rose with advancing age but fell as levels of education and income improved. The findings were published March 30 in the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Steven M. Finkelstein, M.D. Chief of anesthesiology at Highland introduces the use of nitrous oxide as pain relief option to mothers in labor Q: You’ve recently been promoting nitrous oxide as an anesthetic for women in labor. What advantages does it provide? A: In January Highland Hospital became the first in the region to offer self-administered nitrous oxide to laboring mothers. It’s a new option. We’ve been relying on epidural anesthesia for women in labor; it’s a needle injected into the lower back. A small catheter goes through the needle, and the woman gets anesthetic medication slowly pumped into the lower spine. It essentially makes the lower half of the body fall asleep. Nitrous oxide is a completely different mode of minimal analgesia that the patient can deliver to herself. We have a machine called Nitronox which is hooked up to a nitrous oxide tank and delivers a mix of 50 percent nitrous oxide and 50 percent oxygen. The mother holds the mask up to her own face, anticipates the contractions, breathes the nitrous oxide into the mask, then breathes it back out into the mask. The result is a moderate amount of pain control for the contraction compared to an epidural. The pain relief is much less, but the maternal satisfaction rate is very high because it gives the patient a lot of control over the process. Another advantage is that, after the nitrous oxide leaves the mother’s system after a few breaths, she can get up and walk around. Q: So the pain relief effect is very short-lived? A: It kicks in in about a minute and then fades in about another
minute. The disadvantage is that some women notice dizziness, nausea, fatigue, altered consciousness — there’s a bit of buzz that comes with it that some women will enjoy and some women will not enjoy. Q: Is this something you’d offer first before suggesting an epidural? A: To a large extent it’s a woman’s choice. So, women will go through the entire labor just using nitrous oxide. Some will choose no anesthesia at all. Some will go from nitrous oxide to an epidural. Because we’re in the early stages of using it, we’re trying to figure out its exact place in the armamentarium of anesthesia for labor. Q: It’s an extremely old form of anesthesia, isn’t it? Why does it seem to cyclically come in and out of favor? A: Yes, it’s been used for anesthesia since the late 1700s. It’s been used on and off. It fell out of favor when epidurals started becoming more and more effective and became the primary mode of anesthesia for labor in the U.S. But nitrous oxide’s been very popular in Europe, Canada and Australia for quite some time. I think one of the big recent changes is the existence of this machine that can be controlled by the mother that delivers a fixed percentage of nitrous oxide. That’s only been available for the last few years. At this point somewhere around 150 hospitals in the United States are using it. Q: Is this mixture always optimal, or do you tweak it? A: For most healthy women, 50 percent is just enough to take the edge off the pain without seriously depressing consciousness. In the operating room, in the
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2018
dentist’s office, we can dose it up to deeper levels of pain control, but we feel 50 percent is a safe concentration when not mixed with other medications. Q: I could be wrong, but my impression is that patient-directed medications are unusual these days. What do you think makes a drug good for at-will use? A: There is some degree of control with epidural medication. So, the pump that we hook the epidural up to has a button that the woman can press to get a booster dose. Like the nitrous oxide, that helps lead to more maternal satisfaction. Q: How’s the response been? A: We’ve doing it since late January. So far, more women like it than don’t. Some women haven’t felt that it was enough. Some have moved on to epidurals and appreciated both modes during different stages of labor. Q: Do you see broader uses for this kind of nitrous oxide delivery? A: We do still use nitrous oxide in the operating room, though less frequently than we used to. We have allowed women who have been using nitrous oxide in labor in to repair of episiotomy or perineal tears. That happens sometimes. Q: What brought this method to your attention? A: Feedback from literature from around the country, as well as feedback from colleagues and midwives from around the country who are using it. I’ve been aware of it since I started training, it just hasn’t really been available until the last few years in this country. I don’t think the machines were available on a widespread basis here. Q: Broadly speaking, what role is there for pain in medicine. Is it something that should be suppressed as much as possible, or are there useful amounts of it? A: Taking into account the opioid crisis, our focus has gone from pain control as a sixth vital sign to functionality. In other words, can the patient function on a day-to-day basis with a controllable amount of pain. Q: What developments do you see emerging in your specialty? A: For a while we’ve had a focus on multi-modal analgesia. So, I foresee we’ll be relying a lot more on combination therapies and less on opioid medications. I think that’s going to be more of a focus going forward.
Lifelines Name: Steven M. Finkelstein, M.D. Position: Chief of anesthesiology at Highland Hospital — since January 2017; associate professor of clinical anesthesiology at the University of Rochester’s School of Medicine and Dentistry Residency: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School Hometown: Seaford, NY Education: University at Buffalo; Harvard Medical School Affiliations: Highland Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center system Organizations: American Society of Anesthesiologists; New York Society of Anesthesiologists Family: Married; two children Hobbies: Travel, sailing
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Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman
Physicians Rated: Patients Give Their Doctors 4 Out of 5 Stars
T
he online ratings site “Healthgrades” and the Medical Group Management Association collaborated on a survey to determine what people think of their physician. Close to 7 million people went online to rate over 1 million physicians. The bottom line is that people don’t just want to see a physician, they want to be seen. People care about both the clinical and patient experiences as essential to a positive encounter with their provider. Fifty percent of people cited at least one of these factors as
Walmart Getting Into the Act Hopefully, the physician practices that belong to the Medical Group Management Association will take heed of the above survey results. Physician- and hospital-sponsored primary care practices are under assault. Large corporations see an opportunity and are keenly attuned to consumer trends and desires. Not to be outdone by the announced mergers of Cigna/Express Scripts and Aetna/CVS, Walmart announced a possible deal with insurer Humana. Walmart would pay Humana around $37 billion. All three merger partners have said the improvements in access to convenient community-based care far outweighs concerns about hurting competition. They claim they are responding to what consumers want, implying physician and hospital sponsored practices are failing to meet the grade. Just a few weeks ago Amazon, JP Morgan Chase and Berkshire Hathaway announced a potential joint healthcare venture.
important: compassion, comfort, patience, personality and bedside manner. Twenty-three percent cited at least one of these factors as important: knowledge, time, insurance, appointment scheduling and communication. There was little difference in physician ratings by gender. Overall, respondents were very happy with their physician giving an average rating of four out of five stars. In open comments, the interaction with staff was critical to a positive experience.
Fraud Down The DOJ and HHS recovered $2.6 billion in fraudulent claims last year. This is a decline of 21 percent from the previous year because stricter enforcement efforts are making it harder to get away with fraud. The joint anti-fraud effort has a recovery to expense ratio of 5 to 1. In other words, the government spends $1 to recover $5. Last year, the government (DOJ/DEA) created an opioid fraud unit. In just a couple of months, the DEA revoked the controlled substance license of 147 prescribers. The DEA is focusing on prescribers and pharmacies that dispense disproportionate amounts of controlled substances. The DOJ is seeking special permission from the courts to participate in settling lawsuits filed by states against opioid manufacturers and drug distributors. Superbugs Are Here Seemingly right out of some May 2018 •
dystopian science fiction novel, the Centers for Disease Control has discovered hundreds of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The CDC’s Antibiotic Resistance Lab found 221 bacteria that could not be killed by any or most known agents. It costs us $2 billion per year to combat these superbugs which, if uncontained, are on track to kill more people than cancer by 2050. The CDC has issued containment strategies to healthcare facilities, emphasizing the need for quick identification of superbug cases including regular internal infection control assessments. People most at risk for spreading infections are people who have recently traveled or were treated elsewhere. Healthcare Cost Study Confusing There is no argument: US healthcare costs too much. A recent study published in JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Society hypothesized that our exceedingly high cost per capita of care ($10,000-plus) is not because of too many doctor visits, hospitalizations, procedures and tests. Researchers concluded it’s the cost of these services that create the overall high cost of care compared to virtually every other country. No kidding! Their reasoning is specious. Americans don’t see their doctor as much and have fewer procedures versus other countries because costs are prohibitive. Our notoriously high deductibles and copays serve as disincentives to seek care. So the volume of services we consume is artificially low due to high out-ofpocket responsibilities. Citizens of other developed countries don’t face our financial barriers and see their providers more often. The result is better outcomes. Healthcare Success Success in healthcare emanates from an active partnership between provider and patient. Neither partner
can say they “owe it all” to the other. There are seven things patients can do to be a better partner in their care. Ask questions about tests, procedures, treatment plan, medications even the provider’s experience. Be clear on what the game plan is. Know what’s in your record. The information belongs to you. Most of us now have electronic records and most practices offer access through an online portal. Be prepared for your appointment. Do your homework. Know your family history and your medications. It doesn’t hurt to go online and research your symptoms or illness. Be open and honest. It doesn’t help to sugarcoat things like the medications, vices or bad habits. Be committed to the game plan. There can’t be success without your participation and buy in. Seek “well” care, not just “sick” care. When you’re in the exam room because your aren’t well, the provider’s focus will be on only that. There is little time to discuss or review your master plan. Keep your appointment. Life is full of surprises and unplanned events; so when one occurs please call the office and reschedule! The quickest way to fall from grace with any provider is to be a “no show”.
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George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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unners and walkers — get ready! May marks the start of the spring running season. Temperatures are ideal to participate in a race. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and the humidity hasn’t kicked in yet. There are plenty of races out there — from small community races to larger events, beginner to advanced. Whether this is your first 5K or your fiftieth, lace up those shoes and get out there. Not a runner? You can always walk these events, or attend as a spectator to cheer your friends and family on.
Village & Museum in Mumford. Participants get an event themed Nalgene bottle, all day access to the village, photo opportunities with staff in historic costumes and post-race refreshments. https:// www.gcv.org/events/5k-fundraiser-race-through-history Sunday, May 20
Lilac 5k, 10k or 5k + 10k
Saturday, May 5
Bill Lawler Huntington’s 5k/Walk
This is the 9th annual race to increase awareness, raise money and help find a cure for Huntington’s Disease. The course goes through downtown Rochester and along the river path. The 5k and the 1.5 mile walk start at 9:00 a.m. Amenities include T-shirts to the first 300 registered, as well music, food and beverages and prizes for kids. The race starts from Murphy’s Law Pub on East Avenue. https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/ Rochester/BillLawlerHuntingtons5K
Taco de Mile
Like tacos? For this race, you have to eat four tacos during the 1-mile run. There will be vegetarian and vegan tacos available as well. And yes, tacos are gluten free! 6:30 p.m. start, Cobbs Hill, Rochester http://yellowjacketracing. com/races/taco-de-mile
5k for FA (Fanconi Anemia)
This race raises money for the Fanconi Anemia Research fund (FA is an inherited, life-threatening disease that affects bone marrow). This trail run starts at 10 a.m., preceded by a Zumba warmup. The course is on a well-maintained and marked cross country trail that winds into the woods at Parma Town Park in Hilton. The event also includes a kid’s Fun Run at 9:15 a.m. and a 2-mile walk at 10 a.m. Preregistered 5k runners get a tech T-shirt. There will also be raffles and prizes. www.5kforfa. com/ Sunday, May 6
Medved Madness Trail Race & Relay
This is a 15-mile trail course with three distinct loops. Run solo or as part of a three-person relay starting at 8 a.m. Race takes place at Mendon
Runners start out strong at the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester’s 2017 Pink Ribbon Walk & Run.
Sprint into Spring Ponds Park. Post-race runners can enjoy a chicken BBQ. First 300 registered get a tech T-shirt. There’s also a free half-mile kid’s trail race. www. medvedrunwalk.com/medved-madness-trail-race/ Saturday, May 12
ADP Helmet Heroes Run
This race benefits the Hickok Center for Brain Injury. The 10k starts at 9 a.m., the 5k starts at 9:15 a.m. and the 1-mile Fun Run starts at 9:30 a.m. The race takes place at Mendon Ponds Park — starting from Stewart Lodge in Honeoye Falls. http://helmetheroesrun.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=6964
Right to Run 19k, 5k
These races in Seneca Falls celebrate the women’s movement. Proceeds benefit the future home of the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Both the 19k and the 5k start at 8:30 a.m. All registrants get a T-shirt and post-race food. http://righttorun19k. org/
Canandaigua Classic Half Marathon & 5k
All registrants receive T-shirts and half marathoners receive finisher medals. Course is along Canandaigua Lake and includes portions with rolling hills. The half marathon starts at 8:00 a.m. and the 5k starts at 8:15 a.m.
https://raceroster.com/ events/2018/15483/canandaigua-classic-half-marathon-5k-2018 Sunday, May 13
Pink Ribbon Walk & 5k Run
Held at Genesee Valley Park, this Mother’s Day race is a big fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. The 9:00 a.m. Pink Ribbon Walk (2.3 or 3.6 miles) is for women, men and children. The Pink Ribbon Run at 9:30 a.m. is for women only. http://bccr.org/pink-ribbonwalk-run/ Saturday, May 19
Strollin for the Colon
This event is sponsored by the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. It starts from Geneseo Central School, in Geneseo. Proceeds go towards the development of local cancer awareness programs. The 5k run starts at 10 a.m. and the walk starts at 10:05. The first 200 registered receive T-shirts. www.facebook.com/StrollinForTheColonGeneseoNY/
Race Though History
This race begins with a 100-lb. anvil being fired into the air! Starting at 8a.m., run or walk along the nature trails at the Genesee Country
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Tribute to the Fallen 5k, Waterloo
This race is held in the town considered the birthplace of Memorial Day, and is part of Celebrate Commemorate weekend. It starts and ends at Waterloo High School. An evening race, it starts at 6:30 p.m. Registered participants receive a race T-shirt. http://waterloony.com/ memorial-day/celebrate-commemorate/events/5k-walk-run/ Other Upcoming Races: http://yellowjacketracing.com/ races www.medvedrunwalk.com/ events/ www.grtconline.org/calendar/ races
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This race has been a tradition for years and draws thousands. Previously held at R.IT., this is the second year at the new downtown location. This is an evening event, with a 7 p.m. start. The 3.5-mile route starts at Plymouth Avenue and ends at Morrie Silver Way, Frontier Field. For this event, you must be a member of a local Rochester company to participate. www.jpmorganchasecc.com/ city/rochester/event-details
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Run alongside lovely lilacs! This popular, well attended event coincides with the yearly Lilac Festival, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. The 5k starts at 8a.m., the 10k starts at 9:15 a.m. or run both. All races start from Highland Avenue. There’s also a half mile Dunkin Donuts Dash at 11 a.m. Participants pick up and eat (or carry) a dozen munchkins to the finish line. https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/ Rochester/LilacRun
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2018
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Hypnosis Helps Break Addiction
Practitioners say technique helps the mind change rooted behavior at the heart of the addiction By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
A
ddiction isn’t easy to break. “Over 20 million Americans over the age of 12 have an addiction, excluding tobacco,” according to AddictionCenter (www. addictioncenter.com). The site further states that “100 people die every day from drug overdoses. This rate has tripled in the past 20 years.” Among the many types of assistance available, hypnosis has been shown to help people change their ways. Helga Rahn, certified hypnotist and owner of Inner Harmony Hypnosis in Rochester, said that the modality is very effective. “I work directly with the person’s inner subconscious mind that holds the emotional need to use a substance, even when consciously, the person does not want to.” By tapping into the reason clients had initially chosen addiction over healthy coping mechanisms, Rahn said she can help them achieve better success in beating the addiction. For some people, simply working on the level of the conscious mind isn’t as effective. “It does not always get to the core emotional need and oftentimes change is only temporary,” Rahn said. The client may also hold to false beliefs, what Rahn calls “inner mind programming,” that cause them to turn to substance abuse to console themselves. Rahn works with clients to replace those with thoughts and feelings that are positive. She encourages clients to follow their doctor’s directions for seeking traditional rehabilitation concurrently with hypnotherapy. At Brighter Life Hypnosis in Rochester, owner Sharon Altman, clinical hypnotist, said that what clients are dealing with doesn’t matter; hypnosis works on the same mechanism, although different techniques may be used. “This is a self-help modality,” Altman said. “I’m not treating someone. I do something very different. My methods are about opening you up a person to a process of self-discovery to get to the underlying issues that drive compulsive behavior.” It’s not a matter of placing people in a trance and they wake up transformed. Clients
are aware of the interaction, but in a relaxed state of internal focus in which they can explore what prevents them from doing what they need to do. “It’s wonderfully relaxing and not that different than a state where people are daydreaming, meditating or deeply in prayer,” Altman said. “If you’re deeply engrossed in a movie, that’s similar.” Once in the comfortably relaxed state, Altman guides clients in clearing out self-limiting thoughts that block who they really are. Sessions can last as long as two hours or more. To become successful, clients need to be willing to change. “That’s critical,” Altman said. “They have to do it for their own benefit and they have to be ready to change because they are going to change. If you’re really not ready, you won’t change, especially for smoking.” Clients usually need three to six sessions to resolve their issues. Rekha Shrivastava, certified hypnotist and certified rehabilitation counselor and credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor, operates Blossom Hypnosis in Pittsford. She said that the changes made during hypnosis sessions have a 95 percent retention rate. “It becomes internalized and it Shrivastava changes the behavior,” she said. “I might make suggestions to how to deal with stress and anxiety rather than turning to drugs or alcohol. Those suggestions can be embedded. I give them an audio recording to reinforce it.” She had worked in talk therapy for 20 years at Unity Health System and now combines that method with hypnotherapy. She also addresses root issues, such as grief, abuse or phobia to resolve the reasons for addiction. “The conscious mind has a tendency to rebel, even though you know drugs are harmful,” Shrivastava said. “Somehow, you give in because you act on the buzz and do it. The subconscious mind is not impulsive. I have clients who were addicted who now don’t want to touch the things to which they were addicted, like drugs or alcohol. Those suggestions will start working and the person can stay sober.” She said that the “cognitive restructuring” helps clients resist the substance to which they were addicted because they now can manage stress healthfully. Hypnotherapy rates range from around $105 to $150 per session. It’s usually not covered by health insurance.
May 2018 •
Sunday, May 20th 1 - 2:30pm
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 9
Live Alone & Thrive
By Gwenn Voelckers
Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone
Embracing Faith: ‘You Are Never Alone’
T
his year, Easter and Passover overlapped. While the two celebrations are very different, they share common themes: spring and hope. The coinciding of these two holidays reminded me of the healing power of faith and a conversation I had with Teresa Jackson, one of the most thoughtful and inspiring women I’ve met through my Live Alone and Thrive workshops. She is now happily remarried. Her faith lifted her up and carried her through the darkest times. Her journey may inspire yours. n Would you care to share a little bit about your faith? I’m a Christian. I’ve looked at other religions and have made a conscious decision to remain a Christian, even though I don’t understand it all. n What role did your personal faith play in your adjustment to living alone? My Christian beliefs hold to the tenet that I am never alone — that Christ is with me wherever I am. I’ve prayed a lot and have found indescribable peace in that praying. n What was the biggest challenge you faced living alone and how did your faith help you heal? Grieving the end of my marriage caused me the most pain while alone.
All the ‘what ifs and why mes’ really tore at my heart. “The Purpose Driven Life,” by Rick Warren, and other inspiring Christian books helped me get things into perspective. I also listened to Christian radio programs. Talking to girlfriends was also a huge part of my healing. n Is there a particular experience you had that captures the power of your faith? My son was 7. After dinner he brought me his homework book to sign, as this was his teacher’s daily requirement. He’d been at his dad’s house the previous three days and I saw his dad’s girlfriend’s signature on the parent line in the book. Something snapped — all the weeks my precious children were away from me ... all the awfulness ... all the hatred and injustice and fear. I sucked it up and forced my shaking hand to sign my name next to hers. I made my way outside, stumbling in the cold, and collapsed under my pear tree. I laid on my back clutching my chest, my heart. No tears. Just intense pain. I did not, could not, make a sound nor move, but after a while my mind prayed a lament, begging God for relief from this excruciating
pain. In that instant, a ‘peace that passes all understanding’ moved over me and I felt my golden retriever, Kyla, appear and quietly curl up next to my body. n Did you ever lose faith or struggle to regain your faith? I did not lose my faith but, boy, did I ever have a few words with God! One morning during breakfast with my two young boys, I ran to the garage and grabbed my bike after just learning of another injustice the boys endured. I needed to get out of the house so the boys wouldn’t hear my rant at their father. I tore down the road, enraged and screaming at God, ‘How could you let this happen?!’ About a half mile from home, I saw a doe standing by an apple tree by the side of the road. I calmed down immediately and just sobbed. I turned the bike around just as the sun burst over the horizon, washing the sky, the quiet country road, and me in orange light. I was reminded again ‘You are never alone.’ n What advice would you give to those whose suffering has challenged their faith? Remember a time when you risked it, trusted God, and felt pretty good after you did. Remember that, ‘This, too, shall pass.’ Remember that there are things we can only learn when we are alone. That God has a bigger plan than our plan. n What do you find most rewarding about your faith? I feel like I have a purpose in life. My job is to be a servant to God. He’s the boss of me! The thing is, I need to figure out each day what he’d like me to do with the time and resources he has put in my care.
n What role does prayer play in your life? Prayer is the great wireless communication connection to God. God speaks to us in three ways, (1) through the Bible, (2) through people, which includes books people write and teachers like you, and (3) through prayer, which includes sending things in nature to us for comfort like sunrises, dogs, and deer. n How can those who live alone activate their faith more fully? It’s like exercise and eating right. You get out of it what you put into it. You prepare your body for the years ahead by keeping moving and putting good things into it. You prepare your mind for the times ahead by studying your faith, whichever faith you choose, and putting good things into your mind, like good music, good words, and good visuals. n Was there a favorite scripture passage that lifted you up during your challenging times that you’d like to share with my readers? ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 4:6-7
Makhni says these recommendations from the American Sports Medicine Institute can prevent and reduce the risk of injury: • Avoid overuse. Don’t pitch on multiple teams with overlapping seasons. Follow limits for pitch counts and days rest. In 2017, the Michigan High School Athletic Association issued specific pitch count rules, mandating that pitchers are limited to throwing 105 pitches in one day and can’t pitch for three days if they throw more than 75 pitches in a game. • Warm Up. Proper strength conditioning involves the whole body
— the upper body, core and legs. • Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. • Be vocal. Pain and soreness are signs that something is wrong, not battlefield scars to try and pitch through. Pitchers should be encouraged by their coaches and parents to speak up freely at the first sign of any shoulder or elbow pain. • Play multiple sports. Take advantage of other sports at your school to give your arm a rest and allow for normal growth processes.
Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, N.Y. For information about her workshops, book, or to invite her to speak, call 585-624-7887, email gvoelckers@ rochester.rr.com, or visit www.aloneandcontent.com.
s d i K Corner
Youth Pitchers: 5 Smart Tips for Reducing Your Risk of Injury
P
itching is a big part of baseball, no matter what level. But with mounting evidence of overuse elbow injuries in recent years, pitchers are under closer scrutiny from coaches than ever before for any signs of potential arm wear and tear. Eric Makhni, a sports medicine physician and surgeon at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, says steps can be taken by the baseball community and parents to prevent and reduce the risk of these injuries in youth pitchers especially. “Pitching year-round, inadequate rest between seasons and pitching in multiple leagues all have been linked Page 10
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to an increase in elbow and arm injuries,” Makhni says. “These issues are increasingly magnified for youth pitchers because their body isn’t physically developed to handle that volume of use.” Emerging technology has shown potential for flagging early warning signs. A study led by Makhni and published in the December issue of Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery found that a wearable sleeve sensor device was shown to be effective for measuring torque in the elbow during the pitching motion. “Excessive torque could be a precursor to injury,” Makhni says.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2018
Meet Your Provider
Acu-Care Acupuncture Center An acupuncturist who has a medical degree is on a mission to marry authentic family-inherited acupuncture with Western and Chinese medicine. Q. How did you get interested in acupuncture? A. When as a small child, I saw my grandfather, my uncle and my father inserting needles to treat patients. From then on, I told myself that I would be a doctor to help more patients. When I was in middle school, I started to learn traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture) from my grandfather and father. After my grandfather passed away, I studied under my father and would also visit my uncles’ clinic. Later, I decided to go to medical school. I wanted to study medicine, not only traditional Chinese medicine, but also Western medicine. I wanted to know the difference between the two medical ways of practice. My goal was to use modern scientific technology to study Chinese medicine and to find scientific evidence to prove how acupuncture works and to develop a
novel acupuncture treatment modality to improve acupuncture treatment results for all patients. I also wanted to be specialized in integration of both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine to reach the ultimate clinical outcome. Q. Did you always see yourself as a health care practitioner? A. After graduating from medical school and after several years of studying medical research at the University of Minnesota Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, I found out that Americans needed authentic acupuncture to improve their overall health and quality of life. It was then that I decided to practice acupuncture. It was and it remains my goal to show people how acupuncture works by combining the authentic familyinherited training with my academic training in Western and Chinese medicine to my acupuncture practice. Q. How long have you used acupuncture to treat neuropathy and pain? A. I have more than 20 years
experience treating neuropathy and pain. In fact, acupuncture used as a method to treat neuropathy and pain has been well-documented in literature. Acupuncture can reach amazing clinical results in certain autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, dermatomyositis, etc. Acupuncture is also an effective cancer support care focusing on improving cancer patient’s quality of life and modulating cancer immunity. Q. Why is acupuncture becoming so popular? A. This is due to more and more people experiencing positive outcomes with acupuncture care. How to integrate acupuncture care with conventional Western medicine practices is the current hot topic amongst healthcare providers. In my recent experiences more and more MDs are becoming interested in acupuncture as an effective method of treatment. As a private practitioner I receive hundreds of referrals from local MDs and other health care practitioners.
Rui Wang, third from left, operates Acu-Care Acupuncture Center in both Rochester and Syracuse. She is the seventh generation of her family to practice acupuncture. In addition, she has received medical training at Tianjin Medical University and post-doctoral training at University of Minnesota Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Web: www.AcupunctureCenterUSA.com Email: AcuCareAcupunctureCenter@live.com
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Page 11
SmartBites
The skinny on healthy eating
crumbs and egg. Refrigerate mixture for 10 minutes. Divide mixture into 4 portions and shape into 1/2-inch thick patties. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 8 minutes, flip; then cook for 7-8 minutes more. Meanwhile, combine ingredients for spicy aioli in a small bowl and mix well. Top burgers with spicy aioli and garnish of choice.
Slim Down with Shiitake Mushrooms
W
ith swimsuit season right around the corner, many of us are looking to drop a few pounds. But how do we stick to our diets when some of the lower-calorie foods are so blah? Mushrooms, including shiitakes, may be the ticket, as they provide a big blast of deliciousness for very few calories. One cup of cooked shiitakes, for example, has only 80 calories and next to no fat. Make your next burger with half beef and half chopped shiitakes — and you’ll have a tasty patty with half the calories and fat. Low calories notwithstanding, shiitakes contribute to weight management by providing enough protein and fiber to keep us feeling fuller longer. According to a recent study on satiety published in the journal of “Appetite,” those who ate a mushroom-rich meal experienced less hunger, greater fullness, and decreased prospective consumption compared to those eating meat. More research — conducted at the University at Buffalo — indicated that mushrooms may help with weight loss by regulating blood sugar. The preliminary study examined how plant-based glucose can aid in normalizing blood sugar, which then supports the essential hormone balance needed to shed pounds.
Peter Horvath, associate professor in the department of exercise and nutrition science at UB, suggested that both a mushroom’s dense phytonutrients and antioxidants work together to nourish cells and level blood sugar. Beyond being a dream diet food, this rich-flavored mushroom contributes more nutrition than you might think. Shiitakes are a knockout source of copper, selenium and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), nutrients we need to keep our systems running smoothly. An essential trace mineral, copper joins with iron to form red blood cells and helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, and nerves. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and helps defend the body from chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. And vitamin B5 plays a role in energy metabolism, red blood cell production, and nerve function. All three keep the immune system humming. Lastly, shiitakes contain unusually high amounts of two antioxidants — ergothioneine and gluthatione — that some scientists suggest could help fight aging and bolster health, according to a team of Penn State researchers. Few mushrooms boast such high levels.
Shiitake-Black Bean Burgers with Spicy Aioli Adapted from One Green Planet Serves 4
For the Burgers: 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cups shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, finely diced 15-ounce can unsalted black beans, drained and rinsed 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons lower-sodium soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1 beaten egg For the Spicy Aioli: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 garlic clove, minced 2 teaspoons hot sauce (recommend: Sriracha) 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook 3 minutes more, just until mushrooms start to soften. Remove from heat. Place beans in large bowl and mash. Stir in sauté mixture along with soy sauce, salt, pepper, bread-
Helpful Tips
If available, buy loose over prepackaged shiitakes (so you can inspect quality) and store in a partially open zipper-lock bag, which maximizes air circulation without drying out the mushrooms. Look for shiitakes with the thickest caps you can find and avoid those that appear wet, slimy or shriveled. Take a whiff: they should smell earthy not sour or fishy. Keep packaged shiitakes in their original containers and simply rewrap those not used in the box with plastic wrap. Quickly rinse shiitakes before cooking, or simply wipe the caps with a damp paper towel; remove tough shiitake stems with a sharp paring knife.
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.
New York Ranks Nearly Worst State for Docs By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
T
he personal finance website WalletHub recently released its report on 2018’s Best & Worst States for Doctors. New York came in third from last, meaning only Rhode Island and New Jersey are worse states in which to practice. South Dakota, Nebraska, Idaho, Iowa and Minnesota ranked as the top five best states. The report included 16 key metrics, which includes average annual physician wages to the quality of the public hospital system. For doctors practicing in New York, the outlook is grim. In the following categories, the Empire State rated: • 49th — Average annual wage of physicians (adjusted for cost of living) • 42nd — Average monthly starting salary of physicians (adjusted for cost of living) • 51st — Hospitals per capita • 16th — Insured population rate • 28th — Projected percent of population aged 65 & older by 2030 • 46th — Projected physicians per capita by 2024 Page 12
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• 49th — Malpractice award payout amount per capita • 50th — Annual malpractice liability insurance rate Physician Leila Kirdani practices at Quality of Life Medicine in Rochester and New Hartford. Kirdarni practiced in traditional family medicine for 15 years. Her offices don’t accept insurance but operate on a feefor-service business model to eliminate the red tape and allow providers to practice in a more patient-centered fashion. She said that the insurance company mandates since the Affordable Care Act have made it “ridiculously complicated to see patients.” For her, so much is being demanded of doctors. “It’s not Kirdani about the relationship with the patients, which is what a lot of doctors and people value. It’s about documentation.” For example, if a doctor doesn’t
check off every box and include the required wording in each area of the chart, he doesn’t receive reimbursement for the visit — which can be paltry to begin with compared to the doctor’s operating overhead. “Rochester has one of the lowest reimbursement rates for primaries,” Kirdani said. “It gets down to bean counting. Are you checking off all the right boxes? It’s not about patient satisfaction.” Instead of focusing on patients, doctors’ noses are buried in laptops as they fire off questions and tap in patients’ responses, she said. Barbara Greenwald, executive director of the New York State Osteopathic Medical Society, said that the high rate of medical malpractice suits in New York has complicated the delivery of medical care. As a result, doctors must pay high premiums for medical malpractice insurance to protect themselves. She said that her organization and the Medical Society of the State of New York has been lobbying for a cap on emotional damage claims. “We don’t get very far,” she said.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2018
“Lawyers are more apt to go into politics than doctors.” She said that doctors in Downstate New York struggle to make enough money to afford the high cost of living in the city, since insurance reimbursements are so low. Here in Upstate, health organizations struggle to attract enough care providers to meet the needs. “To draw docs to sparsely populated areas, you need to enhance the infrastructure,” Greenwald said. “It’s a more complex problem. To attract physicians, they’ll want ameniGreenwald ties and a hospital nearby. Some doctors are going back to making house calls. It should be ‘prescriber prevails’ instead of the insurance company deciding on cost.” To read the entire report, visit https://wallethub.com/edu/bestand-worst-states-for-doctors/11376.
Golden Years
Lucretia McClure, a resident at Valley Manor, one of the Episcopal SeniorLife Communities in Rochester. The former librarian still enjoys work at age 93. She works at the library at Valley Manor.
93-year-old Shares Tips for Healthy Aging By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
I
t’s not polite to ask a lady her age. But Lucretia McClure, a resident at Episcopal SeniorLife Communities in Rochester, happily volunteers that she’s 93. At her age, it’s a badge of honor. McClure lives at Valley Manor, one of the Episcopal SeniorLife Communities in Rochester and serves as the community’s librarian. McClure had worked as a medical librarian at Harvard’s Countway Library of Medicine and University of Rochester Medical Center, where she logged 50 years. McClure retired at age 85. She has relished working at the Valley Manor’s library since 2012 and helped prepare it for opening by May 2017. The library boasts 3,000 donated and purchased titles which McClure has cataloged. For her efforts, Valley Manor named the
facility for McClure. Though born in Denver, McClure has lived in Rochester most of her life. She likes that Valley Manor is close to where she lived and that working at the library “takes me back to the early days of library work,” she said. Unlike many public libraries, the library at Valley Manor still uses a physical card catalog, in deference to residents’ preference. McClure thinks that could change in a few years, however. Alison B. Miller, public relations and communications coordinator for Valley Manor, said that the library “is a big drawing point for this community.” Many in the community are retired professionals that enjoy reading books about current events and also
popular novels, according to McClure. While working daily at a library may seem a strange way for a 93-year-old to spend her days, McClure thinks that staying busy and finding a purpose have helped her age with very few health issues. She beat colon cancer a couple years ago and has no other health problems now. She also sparks her interest listening to the various guest speakers who visit Valley Manor. She walks for exercise, not wanting to take time away from her library work to attend exercise classes offered in the community. “I carry and shelve books,” she said. “I have a job and can’t run around and enjoy things like that.” She reads many of the new titles so she can recommend them to patrons, but can’t keep up with the flood of 20 books per month. McClure thinks that people who have no purpose in life are more likely to suffer in health. She also thinks that “it’s no good to worry and good to be busy. Those who don’t stay busy wither on the vine.” Although she acknowledges good genes as one key to healthy long life, she thinks that “living a decent life, eating your vegetables and doing good things” helps out, too. But her top recommendation is to “join up and do something.” Brian Heppard, medical director and attending physician at Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, thinks along similar lines. “It’s really meeting a holistic view, not only physical health, but emotional, spiritual and mental health,” he said. “All four are really important. People need to feel they have a purpose. It’s especially true for older people who maybe have retired and family has moved out of the area. They can feel they don’t
have a purpose and that can precipitate a decline.” Social engagement with a couple close friends and involvement in volunteering helps older adults feel more connected. Physical activity is also important. Heppard encourages walking, but anything that’s enjoyable and fun can help an older adult keep moving. “Watch your weight so it’s not too low or too high,” he said. “Have visits with your primary care doctor to regularly review medication with an eye for what can be stopped. The medical literature says poly pharmacy can be very dangerous for older adults.” Eating a balanced, moderate diet — not fad diets — can help maintain a healthy weight. “We focus a lot on people being overweight, but it’s OK to be a little plump when you get older,” Heppard said. “If you have an extra 10 to 15 pounds, you have some caloric reserves if you have a stroke or pneumonia.” He also recommended not smoking and drinking only in moderation: one serving of alcohol daily for women and no more than two daily for men. Reducing fall risk can help extend healthy old age. Maintaining physical fitness, improving the home environment (such as better lighting and nixing trip hazards) and using assistive devices as needed can help minimize fall risk. Many older people experience isolation since friends and family may have already passed away. Heppard said that for some, faith and spirituality help them cope, as well as recognizing the beauty in life despite tragedies. “There’s a recognition that loss is a part of life,” Heppard said. “They don’t let it become all-consuming. There’s an ability to transcend and move beyond.”
Blood Pressure: Understanding the New Guidelines New parameters mean more Americans have high blood pressure By Jim Miller If you’re unsure what your blood pressure levels should be, you’re not alone. Recent changes in the hypertension guidelines made by the American Heart Association and the American College Cardiology mean that roughly 30 million more Americans than previously thought are now considered to have high blood pressure (hypertension). According to the new guidelines, anyone with a blood pressure reading above 130/80 is considered to have high blood pressure. Previously, those with a blood pressure reading between 120/80 and 139/89 would have been put in the prehypertension category and wouldn’t have been considered hypertensive until they got to 140/90. But the new guidelines eliminate the prehypertension category, putting everyone with systolic pressure readings (top number) between 120 and 129 and a diastolic reading
(bottom number) below 80 in a new “elevated” category. And those with a reading of 130/80 or higher fall in some stage of hypertension. Here’s a complete rundown of the new five category blood pressure ranges: • Normal: A top number less than 120 and a bottom number less than 80. • Elevated: A top number between 120 and 129, and a bottom number less than 80. • Stage 1: A top number between 130 and 139, or a bottom number between 80 and 89. • Stage 2: A top number of 140 or higher, or a bottom number of 90 or higher. • Hypertensive crisis: A top number over 180 or a bottom number over 120. May 2018 •
Millions of Americans with high blood pressure don’t know they have it because it usually has no outward signs or symptoms. But high blood pressure, over time, can damage your arteries and increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney damage and even dementia. To guard against this, everyone over the age of 40, as well as those younger with risk factors for hypertension should get their blood pressure checked at least once a year. If you find that your blood pressure numbers fall in the “elevated” category, you should take steps now to get it under control. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, losing weight, exercising, watching your salt intake, quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol is often all you need to get it back to normal. Even if your blood pressure numbers are in the “stage 1” category, lifestyle changes are recommended first, unless you’ve had a heart attack or stroke, or you’re at high risk for cardiovascular problems because you smoke, have high cholesterol or Type 2 diabetes. Then medications
may be prescribed. But if your blood pressure falls in the “stage 2” or higher category, the new guidelines suggest medication, regardless of age, plus lifestyle changes. There are several different kinds of drugs used to lower blood pressure. It usually makes sense to start with the oldest, safest, and least expensive drug: diuretics or water pills, such as chlorthalidone or hydrochlorothiazide. But these meds can drive up blood sugar levels, so if you have Type 2 diabetes or are at risk of it, your doctor may prescribe another drug, such as an ACE inhibitor, ARB or calcium channel blocker. You should also be aware that blood pressure drugs could cause side effects including dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue and headaches. They can also cause a decline in kidney function so make sure your doctor periodically monitors your potassium levels. For more information, see the American Heart Association comprehensive web page on high blood pressure at Heart.org/HBP.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 13
Golden Years
R
“In my last couple of years, I noticed that I was becoming forgetful,” said Ord. “It seemed to be increasing, so for patient safety, I took an early retirement at age 66.” As would be true of anyone — especially of someone like Ord — there are a lot of memories to corral and a lifetime of stories and lessons to hold on to. That’s tough to do, even under the best of circumstances.
ich Ord has done a lot of living in 70 years. He’s hoping he’ll be able to remember most of it, and that others will too. But for Ord and his family, the clock is ticking. The Vietnam War veteran, medic, musician, former supervisor of cardiology at F.F. Thompson Hospital, husband, father of seven, grandfather of 17 and soon to be great grandfather has Alzheimer’s disease. “Every day I am less present than I was yesterday,” said Ord. “I am getting dumber every day, and then I am going to die. My only motivation [for speaking out now] is trying to help others and not dying with my story still in me.” Alzheimer’s is stealing plenty, but not Ord’s voice. Not yet. With almost 50 years of acute care hospital experience, specializing in neurology and cardiology, he’s got enough scientific background and language to describe the experience and impact of worsening dementia on friends, family and coworkers. And its impact on him. A lot of living This Canandaigua resident has an intensely colorful life. He’s gone from a childhood in the small, heavily segregated steel mill town of Aliquippa, Pa., to the front lines of the Tet Offensive in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division. He’s gone from living in a clothing-optional campground and a tipi in Springwater, to a family homestead on the outskirts of Canandaigua. He’s gone from being broke and staying at local motel with his last $175, to becoming the supervisor of cardiology at Thompson Health. Over his 70 years, he’s explored first hand the tenants of Catholicism, Christian Fundamentalism, Native American Spirituality, Druidism, Wicca and 12 step programs, to name a few. “I embarked on a lengthy spiritual pilgrimage trying to find my way back to God on a long convoluted path of studying many of the world religions — not as a passive observer, but fully immersed in that lifestyle,” said Ord. And along the way he’s earned a living as a professional drummer and bass player, a medical instructor, supervisor and technology developer. “I also worked as a paramedic after helping start the paramedic program in Beaver County in Pennsylvania,” said Ord. And as might be expected from an Army veteran who saw the most gruesome frontline duty, Ord had grown very accustomed to severe traumatic situations and had become quite comfortable working in them. He was the go-to guy for the most difficult calls. Years later, Ord became supervisor of cardiology at Thompson Health in Canandaigua where he served for the last decade of his career before retirement. During that time, Ord was recognized as employee of the year for his role in taking the cardiology department from an analog, paper-based system to a completely digital system. “Richard Ord is always willing to do whatever needs to be done, and Page 14
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The diagnosis Not long after retiring, at the urging of VA Hospital staff in Canandaigua, Ord volunteered to participate in the “Brain Aging Study for Vietnam Veterans,” which was conducted by the University of San Francisco and run locally at the University of Rochester. “It provided me an opportunity to receive an early diagnosis and early intervention,” said Ord. “Although there is no cure, research has shown the current medications for Alzheimer’s work best in the early stages.” The testing was extensive among 3,000 participants, Ord said. “At the end, my doctors at the VA were notified that I tested positive for Alzheimer’s,” he said. The first medication was a simple pill — and the results were excellent. “I came to realize my dementia had started longer before I ever noticed it,” said Ord. “The medication improved my cognitive ability significantly.”
Rich Ord and wife Melody used to hit the road often on two wheels. Photo provided
Rich Ord: Medic, Musician, Memory-Maker As Alzheimer’s disease stakes its claim, Ord fights back By Melody Burri all involved can count on the fact that he will do it well,” said Anne Johnston in a publication to employees of Thompson Health at the time of his recognition. “With words, skill and insight that encourage and inspire others, Ord is known as a wonderful teacher, mentor, coworker and friend.” His accomplishments included developing a new EKG management system, implementing a new digital ECHO system, and instituting patient stress testing that could be done
by nurse practitioners, “displaying his trademark calm demeanor and exceptional knowledge base,” Johnston wrote. Even that wasn’t enough for Ord. Having explored the essence of his faith from Christianity to Druidism, Wicca and Native American Spirituality and back again to Christianity, Ord also volunteered as chaplain assistant at the hospital. Toward the end of his tenure though, hints of change began to emerge.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2018
Music to the rescue, again Music has been a part of Ord’s life for as long as he can remember. It saved him from working in the Aliquippa steel mill and paid for his first car, for starters. “My 13th year I was given a drum set for Christmas,” said Ord. “Six days later, I had a band and played New Year’s Eve from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. It paid $100 each for the five of us. “By ninth grade I was working the steel mill bars every night playing rock and roll for adult wages,” he said. “It was six nights a week from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and then to school in the morning. I was not old enough to drive so my dad would drive me to the bar and drop me off, go home and sleep for three hours and get up and come back and get me and bring me home.” Ord made enough cash to buy his own car at 16. And when he finally retired, it was music to the rescue, once again. “I had always played music as a hobby, and after taking care of the sick and dying people for 50 years, I wanted to be around people having fun,” said Ord. “I ended up playing in five bands for a while. I was playing music full time and fulfilling my childhood dream.” He’s been a bassist, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, or some combination of each, for Leah and the Fingerlakers, Part Tyme Saints, D. Harv Evans and CSR Ord, and Beaver Creek Bluegrass, among others. But a couple of years later, the disease progression caught up with him, and Ord has had to cut back playing to a minimum now. These days, his main role in life at this point is “grandfather.”
Tools for coping “Experiencing a daily decline in cognitive ability is very frustrating,” said Ord, who said forgetfulness is constant and ongoing. “Early on, I started writing things down so I could remember them. My wife bought me a leather ‘man bag’ and I didn’t want to use it at first. Men do not carry purses!” But eventually he acquiesced, and now carries in that bag his cell phone, wallet, eyeglasses, sunglasses and two spare chargers — one for cars and one for wall plugs. Also stowed are a small tablet, pads of brightly colored sticky notes, a pen and pencil and small multipurpose tool. It really helps to have these tools at his side all the time, Ord said. “I have been slowly losing various abilities one at a time,” said Ord. “I can no longer read books. My attention span is often so short, I forget what was on previous pages. And my driving is fine, but I forget how to get to places and sometimes forget how to get home.” Technology comes to the rescue: Ord’s smartphone gives step by step directions to get him to his destination and home. “I have locators on my keys, phone and man bag,” said Ord. “My son bought me a calendar I have on my desk that displays the date and day of the week. And one daughter gave me a large block calendar with important dates and handwritten messages, including reminding me to buy flowers for my wife for Valentine’s Day. “My other daughter gave me a Google Home because I love music,” he said. “And sometimes I let the dogs out and forget they are out, or need reminders to take meds or to do particular things at a particular time. The tech stuff really helps.” Friends and family have sent photos to help remind Ord of their richest times together. “God has blessed with a great supportive family, and each day that helps face and deal with worsening dementia,” he said. Together Ord and his family have learned ways to help slow the progression. “Take care of the body,” said Ord. “Maintain a good sleep routine with a fixed bedtime and wake up time. I have sleep apnea so I need to use it nightly! Eat well, he advised. “Lots of fresh fruits, berries, proteins, vegetables — you know, the stuff your mom told you to do,” said Ord. “And get outside and get some exercise. I am still struggling with this one!” He also advises that people with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis challenge their brains. “I recently took up the violin and am taking piano more seriously,” he said. “Keep learning new things. It seems to me challenging the brain really helps.” The most important step is to pray every day, focusing on gratitude, said Ord. “I’m thanking God for what I have been blessed with and trying not to focus on what I am losing,” he said. “I’m loving my wonderful wife, Melody Ord, our seven kids, 17 grandkids, and our first great grandchild who is on the way.”
Golden Years
4 Health Issues Affecting Older Adults By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
M 1.
any issues affect the health of older adults. Area experts weighed in on four of them.
Hormone imbalance “Every cell in our body has receptors for hormones,” said physician Leila Kirdani, board-certified in both metabolic medicine and family practice at Quality of Life Medicine in Rochester. “Hormone imbalance affects all areas of the body.” She explained that as hormone levels decline, the cells won’t function as well. People experience unwanted changes in energy level, mood, aches and pains, short-term memory, cholesterol levels, organ function and bone strength. Supplements and over-the-counter medication can Kirdani help better balance hormones.
2.
Alzheimer’s disease The number of people in New York with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to increase by 15 percent in the next seven years, according to the New York State Alzheimer’s Association Coalition. “As we look at risk reduction and prevention, one of the things we’re looking at is how can we detect this disease at its earliest form,” said Cathy James, co-chairwoman of the New York State Alzheimer’s Association Coalition. “We’re working on early detection at this point because May 2018 •
we don’t have biomarkers. Clinical trials are going on to determine what those biomarkers are. Perhaps then, some of the medication that hasn’t shown efficacy at a certain stage would have more effect with individuals who are pre-clinical symptoms.” Age and genetics represent leading risk factors James for Alzheimer’s disease. At present, nothing cures Alzheimer’s disease, but taking a few preventive steps may help delay onset for some of those who will develop the disease: exercise, maintaining physical health, proper diet, keeping the brain active and social interaction. “Restorative sleep is also a factor that may recharge our brains,” James said.
3.
Falls For many frail elders, a fall begins a decline in health. A hip breaks. They’re laid up for weeks. They catch the flu. They slide into pneumonia. After a long recovery, they’re weaker, less sure on their feet and less likely to exercise for fear of falling. They begin losing muscle tone and balance skills slip, which are both factors that lead to subsequent falls. Sarah Otis, health and wellness coordinator at Lifespan of Greater Rochester, holds degrees in exercise science and gerontology. “Falls are not a natural part of aging,” Otis said. “Older adults do
have control and can reduce that risk.” She said that maintaining well-lit environments without hazards such as throw rugs, clutter and extension cords helps prevent falls. People concerned about falling should consider taking fall prevention classes, as well as engaging in exercise that increases strength and balance
4.
Depression Christine Peck, licensed master social worker and director of care coordination at Lifespan, said she has read research indicating older adults who suffer depression experience higher emergency room admissions. “Some of those ER admissions are preventable,” Peck said. Depression also affects quality of life and activities of daily living. Its signs include changes in eating and sleeping patterns; persistent sadness lasting longer than three weeks; lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities; isolation; and feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, apathy or anxiety. “If community-based services can offer support to help with depression and other issues, hopefully we can help prevent some of those avoidable health crises,” Peck said. Older adults are more prone to depression because of loss, grief, isolation and chronic, limiting health conditions. “We recommend that an older adult speak with a primary care provider about what’s happening with them health-wise and emotionally,” Peck said.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 15
Golden Years
Elder Abuse Often Unseen By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
I
n 2011, the New York State Elder Abuse Prevalence Study estimated more than 260,000 older adults have been victims of at least one form of elder abuse in the preceding year. Cathy James, co-chairwoman of the New York State Alzheimer’s Association Coalition, said that problems with judgment and reasoning often put people with Alzheimer’s disease at greater risk for abuse and financial exploitation. She advises checks and balances so that there’s not just one person looking at the individual’s finances and managing all his care. “If someone has concerns, there are lots of resources within our community, like the Alzheimer’s Association and the local office for the aging,” she said. Physician Thomas V. Caprio, director of the Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center at University of Rochester Medical Center, said that
elder abuse is under-reported. “Older adults may be fearful to report abuse and families may not be alert to the warning signs or know where to seek assistance,” he said. He said that signs of abuse may include: • Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, fractures) • Torn clothing, blood in underwear • Changes in behaviors (fear, depression, insomnia) • Weight loss, unkempt appearance, poor hygiene • Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, unexpected gifts of money • Unpaid bills, forged signatures on checks, changes to legal papers (wills and bank accounts) “Having honest and open lines of communication with loved ones is a critical component in preventing and intervening in abuse situations,” Caprio said.
Julie Allen Aldrich, director of the Monroe County Office for the Aging, advises people concerned about possible elder abuse to call Neighbor Connects at 585-325-2800 or 800-3429871 to connect with any local office
for the aging. “We want to keep older adults safe in their homes as long as they’re able and they can transfer to other forms of care as needed,” Aldrich said.
Debra Kostiw’s First-Hand Experience with Elder Abuse Debra Kostiw, president of Home Helpers of Rochester, never dreamed that her mother, Ellie McGarigle, would join the statistic. McGarigle loved playing card games, socializing at the theater and Faith United Methodist Church, and welcoming new people to her Fairport neighborhood. She also couldn’t resist cheesecake and shrimp cocktail, and traveling to new places. Though diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease many years before, she still lived independently, as the disease progressed very slowly. A few years ago, McGarigle began needing more help. Kostiw hired a nurse to check on her and set up her medication boxes. That enabled Kostiw to continue working and caring for her own family. Two years ago, discussing McGarigle’s driving strained their relationship. Kostiw said that McGarigle decided on her own to put down a deposit at an independent living community, a move Kostiw supported. Kostiw said that her brother in Michigan rarely contacted their mother. Upon hearing about the move, he and his family visited. Kostiw arranged for them to tour the community with their mother. She later learned that the tour was canceled and McGarigle made her son her power of attorney. More shocking to Kostiw, McGarigle moved to Michigan to live with Kostiw’s brother four days later. Kostiw said she later learned that her brother had filed for bankruptcy four months before the visit and that he charged his mother $400 a month to rent a bedroom in his home. Attorneys told Kostiw the only way she could get her mother back Page 16
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was to sue for guardianship, which would cost her $20,000 and likely her relationship with McGarigle. Kostiw said that over the following months, McGarigle would call her, asking for help in moving back home, but in a few days, she’d changed her mind. Occasionally, McGarigle used strong language to complain about her daughter-inlaw’s behavior — a change Kostiw then attributed to Alzheimer’s. Other household changes bothered Kostiw, like her brother’s new car, despite having recently filed for bankruptcy and losing his job. Then, another bombshell: McGarigle gave her son $130,000 to buy a boat and lakefront mountain house, located a two-hour drive from the previous one. The previously savvy lady did not seem to understand Kostiw’s warnings about how she handled her money. Kostiw said that calls from her mother increased in frequency and her brother eventually agreed to drive McGarigle to New York. Kostiw then learned all her mother’s expensive furniture was gone, replaced by mismatched garage sale items. More troubling, the formerly impeccably-kept woman’s hair straggled down her shoulders. Her room was a mess. She had also fallen in the shower the year before and broken her clavicle, unknown to Kostiw at the time. Kostiw said that closer to moving time, “she said they wouldn’t speak with her and they were stealing all her money,” Kostiw said. “I said to not worry about it; we’d take care of it when she got here.” Kostiw said that her brother would not even help with their mother’s medication and that he has a history of mental health problems. Abruptly, he canceled the drive to
Ellie McGarigle and her daughter Debra Kostiw: Bad experience with elder abuse. New York. Kostiw said he sounded frustrated. She told him to book the soonest direct flight for her. He took his mother for one last trip to the bank. Her brother told her later that he wasn’t feeling well and was going to pull over. He drove into a tree instead. McGarigle died in the crash. Only later did Kostiw learn devastating revelations about her mother. According to Kostiw, McGarigle’s best friend related that McGarigle told her that her daughter-in-law crushed her hand during an argument until she cried and told her that she was no longer welcome. She spoke with her brother privately, assuming his ignorance to the abuse. She was wrong. His mother had showed him her swollen, bruised wrists a couple of days after
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2018
altercation, Kostiw said. McGarigle received no medical treatment. He threatened his wife with divorce if she ever did it again. Kostiw said that at her mother’s funeral, “instead of loving memories, I got all these stories from people saying she called and asked them to come get her and she wanted to live with them. She couldn’t even pet her own dog there.” Friends told Kostiw that her mother hid in her bedroom at night and on weekends to avoid strife. Remorse compounded Kostiw’s grief. The happy homecoming had turned into a funeral, where McGarigle’s friends cut pieces of ribbon that could span their outstretched arms and laid their last “hug” about her in her casket.
By Jim Miller
What to Know About the New Medicare Cards Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the new Medicare cards? I’ve heard there are a lot of scams associated with these new cards and I want to make sure I protect myself.
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Leery Senior Dear Leery, The government will soon be sending out brand new Medicare cards to 59 million Medicare beneficiaries. Here’s what you should know about your new card along with some tips to help you guard against potential scams. New Medicare Cards Starting in April 2018, Medicare will be removing Social Security numbers from their new Medicare cards, and begin mailing them out to everyone who gets Medicare benefits. The reason for this change is to help protect your identity and reduce medical and financial fraud. The new cards will have a randomly generated 11-character Medicare number. This will happen automatically. You don’t need to do anything or pay anyone to get your new card. Medicare will mail your card, at no cost, to the address you have on file with the Social Security Administration. If you need to update your official mailing address, visit your online Social Security account at SSA. gov/myaccount or call 800-772-1213. When you get your new card, your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same. If you have a relative or friend who lives in another state and gets their card before you, don’t fret. The cards will be mailed in waves, to various parts of the country over a 12-month period starting in April, and ending April 2019. Medicare beneficiaries in Alaska, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia will be the first to receive the mailings, between April and June. The last wave of states will be Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee, along with Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
When you get your new Medicare card, don’t throw your old one in the trash. Instead, put it through a shredder or cut it up with a pair of scissors and make sure the part showing your Social Security number is destroyed. If you have a separate Medicare Advantage card, keep it because you’ll still need it for treatment.
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Watch Out For Scams As the new Medicare cards start being mailed, be on the lookout for Medicare scams. Here are some tips: n Don’t pay for your new card. It’s yours for free. If anyone calls and says you need to pay for it, that’s a scam. n Don’t give personal information to get your card. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare, asking for your Social Security number or bank information, that’s a scam. Hang up. Medicare will never ask you to give personal information to get your new number and card. n Guard your card. When you get your new card, safeguard it like you would any other health insurance or credit card. While removing the Social Security number cuts down on many types of identity theft, you’ll still want to protect your new card because identity thieves could use it to get medical services. For more information about changes to your Medicare card go to Go.medicare.gov/newcard. And if you suspect fraud, report it to the FTC (FTCcomplaintassistant.gov), AARP’s fraud help line, 877-9083360, or your local Senior Medicare Patrol program. Go to SMPresource. org for contact information.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. May 2018 •
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 17
Ask St. Ann’s
Ask The Social
By Kim Petrone, MD
What is Caregiver Burnout?
C
aring for an older adult has its rewards, but it can also be exhaustingand frustrating, even in the most loving relationships. Consistently putting your needs last opens the door for caregiver burnout. Common signs of caregiver burnout include: • Withdrawing from your friends and family • Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy • Feeling blue, irritable or hopeless • Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated or angry • Experiencing changes in your sleep pattern • Getting sick more often • Contemplating hurting yourself or the person in your care Just as flight attendants instruct adults to put on their oxygen masks first before assisting a child, you need to take care of yourself when caring for others. Here’s how: • Go easy on yourself — Having negative feelings about your role as a caregiver is normal and don’t mean you’re a terrible person or a bad caregiver. • Talk about your situation — Find a trusted friend, co-worker, or support group and share your feelings and frustrations. See a therapist, social worker, or clergy member for professional advice.
•Accept help — Know your limits. Admit when you need help from others and accept it when it comes. Friends and family often want to help, but don’t know how — give them a task like doing the grocery shopping or sitting with your loved for an hour.
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•Temper expectations with education — Learn about your loved one’s condition and set realistic expectations about how much you can do — especially when the person’s health condition will become more severe over time. •Stay healthy — See your own doctor, eat right, and get plenty of exercise and sleep. And don’t forget to laugh to counter everyday stresses and lighten your mood. • Help is out there — To make time for yourself, consider support services like these: • Respite care services range from a few hours of in-home care to a short-term stay in a skilled nursing or assisted care facility. • Adult day care programs, like those offered by St. Ann’s Community, provide seniors a safe, supervised social environment and medical care during the workday while giving you, the caregiver, a well-deserved break. St. Ann’s Community also offers caregiver support through its continuum of eldercare services. Physician Kim Petrone is medical director of St. Ann’s Community and the Rochester General Wound Healing Center at St. Ann’s. She is board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics and has been providing medical care for seniors at St. Ann’s since 2005. Contact her at kpetrone@mystanns.com or 585-922-HEAL (4325), or visit www. stannscommunity.com.
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From the Social Security District Office
Checklist For Your Social Security Annual Check-Up
S
ay “annual checkup” and most people imagine waiting at the doctor’s office. But there’s another type of checkup that can give you a sense of wellness without even leaving home. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov and follow these five steps to conduct your own Social Security annual checkup. Your Social Security statement is available online anytime to everyone who has a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Creating your account gives you 24/7 access to your personal information and makes it impossible for someone else to set up an account in your name. Your statement provides information about work credits (you need 40 credits to be entitled to a Social Security retirement benefit), estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, plus a history of your earnings. • Work Credits Count — If you have earned 40 work credits, your statement will show estimates for retirement, disability and survivors benefits. If you don’t have 40 work credits, the statement shows how many you have and how many you still need to qualify for benefits. • Review Earnings Record — Review your history of earnings year by year to make sure each year is correct. This is important because Social Security benefits are based on your lifetime earnings. If any years are incorrect or missing, you may not re-
ceive all the benefits you are entitled to in the future. If you need to correct your earnings, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. • Study Benefit Estimates — Review the section titled “Your Estimated Benefits.” Be sure to review not only your retirement estimate, but your disability and survivors estimates. No one likes to think about disability, but a 20-year-old worker has a one in four chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age, underscoring the importance of disability benefits. Since the value of the survivors insurance you have under Social Security may be more than your individual life insurance, be sure to check your survivors estimates also. • Calculate Additional Estimates — You can use our Retirement Estimator to compute future Social Security benefits by changing variables such as retirement dates and future earnings. If you want to project what future earnings could add to your benefit, visit www.socialsecurity. gov/estimator. • Schedule Your Annual CheckUp — Each year, make a date with yourself to review the most recently posted year of earnings on your Statement. By checking your record every year, you can be certain when you retire that Social Security will have a correct record of earnings to use when computing benefits for you or your family members.
Is Your Medicine Safe at Home? Only YOU Can Secure Your Rx! Help us prevent addiction, accidental poisoning & protect the environment!
MONITOR– count your medication regularly
SECURE– lock up any medication you do not want anyone to access
DISPOSE– drop off any unwanted/unused and expired medication to your local disposal site
Medication Drop Box Locations: Bristol: Town Hall
Farmington: State Troopers
Canandaigua: FLCC (Keuka Wing) The Medicine Shoppe Ontario County DMV Office Thompson Hospital (lobby) Mental Health Clinic Police Station (lobby)
Clifton Springs: Hospital (Lobby)
Phelps: Community Center
Richmond: Town Hall
Rushville: Village Hall
Shortsville/Manchester: Red Jacket Pharmacy
Victor: Mead Square Pharmacy Questions, please call us at 585-396-4554.
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Geneva: North St. Pharmacy Police Station
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2018
Excellus Selects Nonprofits to Share in $91,200
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hirteen nonprofit Rochester area organizations are receiving Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Community Health Awards. Each award recipient will receive up to $4,000 allocated by the company to help fund health and wellness programs in the company’s six-county Rochester region. The health plan is donating $91,200 to 33 nonprofits across Upstate New York. Through a competitive application process, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Community Health Awards support programs that have clear goals to improve the health or health care of a specific population. “The company’s grants demonstrate a corporate commitment to supporting local organizations that share our mission as a nonprofit health plan,” said Holly Snow, director of community health engagement, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. The recipients are: Monroe County • Angel Care Ministry of St. Marianne Cope Parish, to supply mothers in need with new portable baby beds to ensure that newborns have a safe place to sleep. The goal is to reduce the number of infants who die from an unsafe sleeping environment. • AutismUp, to help children with autism and related disorders enjoy traditional summer camp experiences while developing social skills. The Summer Social Skills Camp program exposes campers to “new-to-them” physical activities. The program serves 80-plus children per year at two locations. • Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester, Inc., to fund a training course to help staff identify, understand and respond to signs of stress in young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. • DePaul Community Services, to offer a falls prevention training program to staff and residents of its licensed mental health residential program. The combination of mental illness and chronic medical conditions contribute to an increased risk of falling. The program’s goal is to decrease the numbers of falls with injury by 50 percent. • Friendship Children’s Center, to provide funding for behavioral health specialist visits to families of children with behavioral health needs and development of strategies that parents can use at home and in the center’s classroom. • InterVol, for its Recovery of Unused Medical Supplies program. Funding will be used to purchase 130 totes to collect medical supplies, to add 65 new locations across Western New York to collect an additional 2,000 pounds of medical supplies each year. • St. John Fisher College, to support training for students and faculty of St. John Fisher College’s Wegmans School of Nursing (WSON) to deliver the American Lung Association’s Open Airways for Schools (OAS) program in Rochester City School District elementary schools. WSON volunteers teach children
The health plan is donating $91,200 to 33 nonprofits across Upstate New York. with asthma how to detect warning signs, environmental triggers and use management techniques. • Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach, Inc., to provide men and women leaving Monroe County jail with access to safe housing and a new life focused on health through wellness. Funding will be used for its Wellness Education program which includes recreation therapy, wellness education and exercise. • Volunteers of America of Western New York, Inc., to help men and women leaving Federal prison successfully transition into a healthy, productive life. The money will be used to purchase exercise equipment for the Residential Re-entry Center to give residents the opportunity to engage in positive activities, improve fitness, reduce stress, and help build positive, healthy living habits. • Wilson Commencement Park, to help fund the Children’s Theatre Project to serve children in its transitional housing program. Interactive workshops expose children to music, imagery, play-acting experiences, and skills to help them develop confidence and the ability to work with others. Ontario and Wayne Counties • Council on Alcoholism and Addictions of the Finger Lakes, Ontario County, for its Hidden in Plain Sight, Telling Their Secrets program to help parents, teachers and others identify signs of substance abuse. The program helps adults look for clues placed in a replica of a teen’s bedroom that may suggest the young adult is experimenting with or using drugs/alcohol. The goal of the program is to help increase awareness in order to intervene and possibly save lives. • Home Meal Service, Inc., Wayne County, for new Meals on Wheels delivery equipment. Specialized delivery equipment must be used to meet New York state requirements for food safety. Funding will be used to purchase new food delivery carriers to provide an additional 500 hot, nutritious meals to Wayne County residents. • The Partnership for Ontario County, Inc., Ontario County, funding for the Community Support Center wellness programs. The center provides free services to residents of Ontario and surrounding counties, blending individual therapy, group counseling and wellness programs to support physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health and wellbeing.
For more information on Excellus’ Community Health Awards, go to ExcellusBCBS. com/Community. May 2018 •
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Vets Driving Vets: 1400 Rides So Far Program at Compeer Rochester is seeking more volunteers to address demand By Christine Green
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little more than a year since it was launched, CompeerCORPS’ Vets Driving Vets program has given nearly 1,400 rides to local veterans. The program started in January 2017 to address the growing need for reliable transportation among veterans in the Rochester area. “Vets Driving Vets is meant to serve any veteran in any type of situation to get them where they need to go,” said Mike Buckpitt, an Army veteran and CompeerCorps program manager. CompeerCorps is part of Compeer Rochester, an agency offering supportive mentoring and friendships for youths and adults living with mental illness. CompeerCorps specifically assists veterans readjusting to civilian life after they return from military service. They have been serving vets from all branches of the military for the last six years. The program serves veterans who need rides within Monroe County and is funded through a PFC Joseph Dwyer grant for peer-to-peer support. Veterans who use the Vets Driving Vets program often get
rides to medical appointments, to visit friends and family, or to attend a variety of veteran programs and activities. Eric Baetzold, CompeerCORPS program coordinator and a Marine Corps veteran, said that they currently assist a Korean War veteran who visits his wife’s grave twice every week with a bouquet of flowers. The same driver takes him every time and they’ve created a very special and unexpected friendship. Baetzold pointed out that the relationships that form as a result of this program helps both drivers and riders battle isolation and loneliness. Buckpitt also noted that a multiple rider van system cannot offer drivers and riders these very important connections. “We love having that one to one. I don’t want to use vans because it will take that unique nature away from it.” CompeerCORPS makes it easy for riders and drivers to connect using a simple phone message system to set up appointments. A veteran who needs a ride calls the appointment line and leaves a message detailing their ride request. The
0.3%
program puts out a call to volunteer drivers, and, if a driver is available, they call the rider beforehand to confirm the date and time and introduce themselves. This is an easy way to break the ice between driver and rider making it that much easier for everyone involved. Drivers are usually retired veterans who are looking for a way to give back to their community and get to know a fellow veteran. There is no minimum commitment expected from volunteers in terms of time or number of rides they must give. Volunteers can give as many or as few rides as they like. Volunteers only drive distances they are comfortable with. Right now the need for volunteer drivers is growing rapidly, and both Buckpitt and Baetzold said they need more veterans to give rides in downtown Rochester as well as the west side of Monroe County. Marc Shiro, an Army veteran, is a volunteer who drove over 3,000 miles with Vets Driving Vets last year. “If we don’t help each other out why are we here? Why are we put on this earth if we aren’t going to help each one another?” he said. Roger McElwain, a Marine Corps veteran who is unable to drive himself to appointments, gets a ride every Friday from Shiro. “They have really been a miracle in the making. I don’t know what I would have done without the program. I don’t know where I’d be if it wasn’t for them. They’ve really come through for me. I’m grateful for that.” Local veterans interested in volunteering for the Vets Driving Vets program are encouraged to visit compeerrochester.org/compeercorps or call 585-753-6862.
Running the Vets Driving Vets program are Mike Buckpitt, an Army veteran and CompeerCorps program manager, and Eric Baetzold, CompeerCORPS program coordinator and a Marine Corps veteran. “Vets Driving Vets is meant to serve any veteran in any type of situation to get them where they need to go,” said Buckpitt.
OUR LOW AVERAGE MARGINS MEAN YOU CAN SAVE FOR OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS.
From 2012-2016, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s annual operating margin has averaged 0.3 percent, considerably lower than the average of the four major for-profit health plans. Based on a comparison of earnings before interest and taxes, we would have needed to collect $1.6 billion more in premium revenue to achieve the same level of earnings as the major carriers over that period. Because we’re a business, not a charity, we need to earn a margin. But we do not pay dividends to shareholders. That works in your favor. We’re a nonprofit health plan, so we deliberately budget for low margins to keep coverage more affordable. We know you have other important things that matter. We’re neighbors helping neighbors build healthier communities.
A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2018
H ealth News Jewish Senior Life starts Diabetes Center of Excellence Jewish Senior Life announces that it has established a Diabetes Center of Excellence within its transitional care program, providing education and interventions for patients with diabetes who are receiving transitional care after a hospital stay. “More and more individuals are coming to us with diabetes, so we’ve established this Diabetes Center of Excellence to remain proactive to their needs,” said Mike King, president and CEO of Jewish Senior Life. “As a center of excellence, we will have a comprehensive diabetic education program for patients and their families, our staff, and the community at large, ensuring all those affected are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully care for and manage this disease.” According to the Centers for Diabetes Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in 10 people in the United States have diabetes. Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing other complications such as cardiac disease, peripheral vascular disease, foot ulcers and amputations, stroke, peripheral neuropathy, renal disease, and blindness. Since many transitional care patients are currently living with diabetes, adding the center of excellence will allow Jewish Senior Life to better care for these individuals and to become a resource for other members of the community. As part of the Diabetes Center of Excellence, Transitional Care at the Jewish Home offers: • Diabetes educators responsible for designing and directing diabetic self-management education programs • Individualized care plans for patients • Tools and ongoing support for patients and their families • One-on-one and group education for patients, focused on weight management and exercise Jewish Senior Life continues to be the only post-acute rehabilitation provider in a skilled nursing facility in the Rochester area that is certified by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), meaning that it is held to the highest standards in quality and patient outcomes. For more information on the Diabetes Center of Excellence at Jewish Senior Life, visitwww.DiabetesCOE. org.
Schwarz inducted into Medical and Biological Engineering group Edward Schwarz, Ph.D., director of the Center for Musculoskeletal Research (CMSR) at the University of Rochester Medical Center, recently joined the top 2 percent of medical and biological engineers as he was inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows.
Schwarz received this honor for his efforts to prevent inflammatory bone loss, a common consequence of rheu matoid arthritis, infections, tumors, and wear and tear on prosthetic implants. Schwarz, who is also the Richard and Margaret Burton Distinguished Professor in Orthopedics at URMC, is Schwarz a leader in orthopedic biologic therapy and stem cell research. His lab is working on several approaches to develop living bone implants to repair large areas of bone damage caused by trauma or bone cancers. They use recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) to revitalize allografts (donated cadaver bone) and stem cells to generate a patients’ own living bone tissue on 3D-printed bone implants. Schwarz’s lab also developed a novel passive immunization for a devastating bone infection, caused by an antibiotic resistant “superbug,” methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is now increasingly seen outside hospitals. The team also made the breakthrough discovery that these bacteria can crawl deep into tiny channels in bones, where they may evade the immune system. In 2017, the CMSR was awarded nearly $6 million to study deadly MRSA bone infections. Under Schwarz’s direction, the CMSR has consistently ranked as one of the top NIH-funded orthopedic research programs in the country, with Schwarz himself receiving the highest amount of NIH funds for an individual investigator from 2014 to 2016. Schwarz attributes this success largely to the quality of the faculty in the CMSR and the center’s focus on promoting the next generation of scientists and national leaders. Election to the AIMBE College of Fellows is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to a medical and biological engineer. College membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to “engineering and medicine research, practice, or education” and to “the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of medical and biological engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to bioengineering education.” Schwarz was inducted at a formal ceremony during the AIMBE Annual Meeting at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC April 9.
Thompson named ‘LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader’ UR Medicine Thompson Hospital recently became one of only 418 healthcare providers across the country to earn the “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation rom the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The designation was awarded May 2018 •
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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H ealth News in the 11th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), released March 27. A record 626 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2018 survey, with HRC Foundation proactively researching key policies at more than 900 additional non-participating hospitals. “Scoring 100 percent and being included among the 418 to earn a ‘LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader’ designation is very meaningful to Thompson because it represents an important step in our journey to demonstrate commitment to providing inclusive care for all,” said Vice President of Associate Services and Wellness Jennifer DeVault. “We pledge to continue our work in ensuring everyone feels welcome and receives equal treatment from our hospital.” The 11th edition of the HEI marks the second year that participants are given a numerical score based on their LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. HEI participants are given scores in four criteria: foundational elements of LGBTQ patient-centered care, LGBTQ patient services and support, employee benefits and policies and LGBTQ patient and community engagement. Participants receiving the maximum score in each section earn the status of “2018 LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” and those scoring between 80 and 95 points earn the
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“Top Performer” designation. Thompson Hospital received the “Top Performer” designation from the HRC in 2017, having previously received designations from HRC in 2016 and 2014 as well. Of the hospitals that did not participate in the HEI but were scored based on research, only 63 percent have patient non-discrimination policies that include both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” and only 53 percent were found to have an LGBTQ-inclusive employment non-discrimination policy.
Breast Cancer Coalition awards $75,000 for research grants A fourth-year PhD student whose research lies at the interface of chemistry and chemical biology and a faculty scientist who investigates the role of histone modifying enzymes in gene regulation and cancer progression have received the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester’s 2018 Research Initiative grants. The grants are awarded annually to fund innovative new projects with the potential to yield significant medical breakthroughs in the cause and prevention of breast cancer, prevention of metastasis, and cure. • Arash Latifkar, a graduate
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research assistant in the department of chemistry and chemical biology at Cornell University, was awarded the $25,000 pre-and-post-doctoral grant to support his proposal, “Determining how down regulating Sirtuin 1 expression in breast cancer generates a secretome that promotes invasion and metastasis.” Latifkar has discovered that breast cancer cells with low levels of the Sirtuin 1 protein secrete factors that enable cells to break free from their primary sites and enter the blood stream to spread to new sites and undergo metastasis. His research will provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of metastatic breast cancer. • Scott A. Coonrod, the Judy Wilpon Professor of Cancer Biology at the Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, was awarded the $50,000 faculty grant. His proposal is titled “Role of PAD-2 in ER-DNA Binding and Endocrine Resistance.” Coonrod’s project will explore the mechanisms driving estrogen receptor alpha (ER) signaling and endocrine resistance and investigate the role that the ER co-factor peptidylarginine deiminase 2 (PAD2) plays in the process. The research will advance understanding of how resistance to the drug tamoxifen, which is used to treat ER+ breast cancer, may develop. Since 2003, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester has awarded $776,125 to researchers in Upstate and Western New York. Research proposals are solicited from regional medical and research institutions and through the Coalition’s website. Recipients are selected through a competitive review process.
NYCC now offering online degree in sports nutrition New York Chiropractic College has created a Master of Science degree program in sports nutrition, a completely online, graduate-level academic program without any residency requirements — one of only a few fully online master’s level programs in this discipline. The 36-credit graduate program, which will launch in January 2019, is designed for a part-time course of study, with students taking two or three courses per trimester for two years. The online delivery format provides a flexible learning environment to help facilitate the learning and time commitment of working professionals and healthcare providers. This rapidly-growing specialty within the healthcare field has captured the attention of those looking to expand their expertise to include optimizing human performance — whether through giving elite athletes the edge they seek or enabling everyday athletes to go further and improve their personal best. Sports nutrition stresses the relationship between nutrition and exercise science, metabolism and disease. It is about providing a pathway to peak performance with a faster recovery, according to the college. Graduates can immediately be-
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2018
gin their careers in the field of clinical nutrition, working in a wide range of environments including clinical practice, consulting and working with athletic teams. Other career opportunities include teaching, working for the government or nonprofit agencies, or working in a related industry setting. According to NYCC, earning an M.S. in sports nutrition will also enhance the professional paths of coaches, athletic trainers, exercise physiologists, and various healthcare professionals.
American Cancer Society has new leaders The American Cancer Society recently announced new volunteer and staff leaders for the Rochester market. • Tiffany Paine-Cirrincione has been named senior manager of community development for the seven-county Rochester market. Prior to her time at ACS, Paine-Cirrinci one spent four years working for the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute, where she served as associate director of advancement and community events. While at Wilmot she stewarded growth Paine-Cirrincione of its signature community event, the Wilmot Warrior Walk. She’s a graduate of SUNY Brockport and the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Prior to her time at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, she worked for the YMCA of Greater Rochester and Flower City Habitat for Humanity. Paine-Cirrincione currently serves on the board of Mary’s Place for Refugees, as immediate past chairwoman of NextGen Rochester, and the associate board for Gilda’s Club Rochester. • Todd Muscatello has been named vice chairman of the Upstate New York area board. Muscatello, who is currently chairman of the ACS’s Rochester board of advisers, is corporate vice president commercial group market leader for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. In that role, he has oversight for Muscatello the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield employer group book of business. He oversees all regional and national account commercial sales, account management, sales operations and distribution channel management functions. In his new role as vice chairman of the American Cancer Society’s Upstate New York area board, Muscatello will be charged with providing the leadership for volunteer oversight, direction, and partnership development as it pertains to revenue and program strategies across the entire Upstate New York footprint.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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We finally got our pool. We waited our whole lives, but with all that was going on we just never had the time. Now we do—and time for a lot more. Like cooking and fitness classes, relaxing dinners, and just enjoying our time together. Best part: it all happens right here at Chapel Oaks.
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, May 19, 12:00-2:00 pm St. Ann’s Community at Chapel Oaks, Irondequoit More information: Al Brumigan, (585) 697-6606 Page 24
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • May 2018