Active Living a guide for senior wellness
p. 3 New Service at Oswego Health
Bariatrics
p.10 New Surgeon
Yuriy Zhurov, MD Fall 2017
New Haven’s Luella Laney in her gardens after knee surgery
Healthy at any age
I am pleased to bring you our latest issue of Active Living, where we feature an area woman who took advantage of our collaboration with Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists (SOS). She underwent her total joint surgery at Oswego Hospital, enabling her to maintain a favorite pastime. This relationship with the area’s best orthopedic team allows community members to not only remain active, but to also undergo orthopedic surgeries close to home.
Active Living is a magazine dedicated to strengthening a positive attitude, action and knowledge of seniors’ health awareness.
We are excited to introduced another new initiative, the Center for Weight Loss & Surgery at Oswego Health, to assist residents enbrace a healither lifestyle. Free weekly Wednesday information sessions are held. To learn more, please read the next page.
A Publication of Oswego Health 110 West Sixth Street, NY 13126 315-349-5511
One other new service is Oswego Health Care OnDemand, which offers physician care 24/7 with a click, skype or phone call. We will be the first in the area to introduce this service to the community later this year. You can also read about this service on Page 6. Before I close, I want to share just a little about me. I arrived at Oswego Health on July 3rd and am enjoying working alongside an exceptional group of physicians and staff. While I have spent most of my healthcare career, a total of 31 years in leadership positions in the Pittsburgh area, I find my new community warm, friendly and very welcoming. I look forward to meeting many of you and I hope that if you need healthcare services, you will choose Oswego Health.
Michael Harlovic President and CEO of Oswego Health Jeff Coakley Executive VP for Business Development Marion Ciciarelli Senior Director of Communications Jennifer Martin Director of Marketing Anne Raham Communications Coordinator
Sincerely,
Maureen Miceli Executive Assistant
Michael Harlovic, President and CEO for Oswego Health
Correspondence: Oswego Health Development and Community Relations 110 West Sixth Street Oswego, NY 13126 dearoh@oswegohealth.org
©2017
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Staying Active
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Oswego County’s Premier Community
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The Manor Exceptional Summer
oswegohealth.org for newsletters, medical information, provider listings and more Information in this issue comes from a range of medical experts. If you have any questions or concerns about specific content that may affect your health please contact your health care provider.
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Growing Older, Staying Intimate
Center for Weight Loss & Surgery at Oswego Health
Let Us Be A Part of Your New Beginning Oswego Health has introduced a new service to assist community members who are struggling with weight loss.
The surgeons, Jeffrey DeSimone, MD, and Kenneth Cooper, DO, who are affiliated with Central New York Surgical Physicians, PC, perform nearly 450 bariatric surgeries each year and have brought their expertise to Oswego Hospital. They are seeing patients in Suite LL30 The Center for Weight Loss & Surgery at Oswego of the Oswego Health Services Center and will soon be Health provides an experienced and knowledgeable performing surgeries in the Oswego Hospital Surgery staff to assist community members in being successful Center. achieving their desired weight goals. The team, which includes two well-known bariatric surgeons, a dietician, Free Seminars psychologist and registered nurse, works with each individual patient, coaching them through every step Community members can learn more about this of weight loss. new service by attending a free seminar, held each Wednesday. Call 315-349-5822 to learn a time that Oswego Health’s program is comprehensive and meets your schedule. One of the surgeons will lead personalized. the seminar in the JPC conference room, located in Participants will become well-versed and educated in the lower level of the Oswego Health Services Centhe process to provide the best environment for success. ter, adjacent to Oswego Hospital.
Dr. Jeffrey DeSimone below and Dr. Kenneth Cooper at right.
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active
Staying young and
A New Haven resident’s total knee replacement surgery allows her work in her perennial gardens, with stunning results.
Luella Laney, who resides in her family home with sister, Jeanette LaClair, enjoys spending most evenings tending to their various flowers, vegetables and trees. It seems there is always something that needs weeding or relocating. Luella shared some history of the property, where her parents once lived. It was originally a chicken farm and through the years the family transitioned it to a working dairy farm. Circumstances have brought the sisters back to their homestead. Luella can point out yucca lilies that were planted some 60 years ago by her parents. Since then, hostas in various shades of green have been planted around the house “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the flowers so colorful as they are this year,” said Luella. Asked her favorite and she will tell you it’s the hostas with their mix of greens and leaf shapes. She’ll also simply tell a visitor that she spends hours in the gardens because “it’s pretty.” Occasionally, passersbys will stop by and admire their gardens. One such couple stopped with their grown daughter to admire the flowers and to talk about gardening in general. In the back of the County Route 51 house are raised beds, where Swiss chard, beans, carrots and other vegetables grow. A frequent visitor is a friendly rabbit that of course has been named Peter. Nearby are bird houses, in fact six of them, along with a feeding station that attract Purple Finches, Robins, Gold Finches, Blue Jays and Red Breasted Grosbeaks. and yard, as well as varieties of iris, day lilies, Oswego tea, rudbeckia and hydrangeas in several shades of pink and purple. Some flowers have specifically been planted to attract butterflies or humming birds.
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On the property, there are also blueberry bushes that had a more than abundant crop this year, six or so Washington Hawthorne trees with thorns, and new two years ago was a black gum tree.
Both Luella and her sister are retired teachers, who taught at Altmar Parish Williamstown and Mexico School Districts, respectively. Luella has two grown children and two grown step children. But the apple of her eye is her new grandson born in June. “He is a cutie,” Luella says as she beams. As for the coming winter months, Luella spends time snow blowing the property, which includes paths to their bird feeders. There is also time to look at nursery catalogs and to plan that next addition to her perennials.
Following her surgery, she immediately began physical therapy through Oswego Health’s Physical Therapy Department, which also provided great care, from the hospital to home, allowing her to walk without assistance after ten days. To arrange your own excellent orthopedic care experience close to home, please call 315-349-5873.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery Conscious of maintaining her good health, Luella knew that at some point she’d have to undergo knee replacement surgery for a troublesome right knee. Earlier this year, she learned of Oswego Health’s collaboration with Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists (SOS) and made an appointment. She liked the fact that she could undergo her total joint surgery close to home, allowing family members to visit her in the hospital. Performing Luella’s surgery in Oswego Hospital’s stateof-the-art surgery center was SOS’s Seth Greenky, MD. While in the hospital, Luella said the staff intently listened to her needs, were very accommodating and compassionate.
Exercising as You Age
Orthopedic Specialist Seth Greenky, MD in Oswego Health’s physical therapy room with Luella Laney.
Exercising regularly can help improve the length and quality of your life. Your doctor can help you decide what types of exercise are best.
Your relationship with exercise might change a bit as you get older. Your body won’t necessarily run as fast or lift as much weight as when you were younger. But exercise is still important. In fact, exercise is one of the best things you can do to enjoy a longer, healthier and more independent life.
Balance exercises (such as side leg raises and walking heel-to-toe like you’re on a tightrope) build leg muscles, improve balance and help prevent disabling falls.
Endurance exercises (such as walking, swimming or cycling) increase energy and staying power by improving the health of your heart and lungs. In general, healthy Check in for a checkup. Depending on your present people should strive for a weekly total of at least two and fitness level, getting your doctor’s OK may require an a half hours of aerobic activity that makes them breathe examination, especially if you aren’t accustomed to ex- harder. ercise. Flexibility exercises (like stretching) extend your musBuild a stronger, more flexible body. The National In- cles and tissues to help keep your body limber, prevent stitute on Aging recommends the four kinds of exercise falls and hasten recovery from injuries. outlined here. Set your own pace. It is recommended to start with a Strength exercises (such as weightlifting and push-ups) light exercise regimen, increasing your activity slowly. build your muscles and increase the rate at which you Use a chart to track your progress. For example, write burn calories—which helps keep your weight and blood down once a month how many repetitions you can do sugar in check. while lifting weights, distance traveled while walking or how long you can stand on one leg.
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Healthcare, Just A Click Away Healthcare from a board-certified physician will soon be a call, click or skype away when Oswego Health unveils Care OnDemand. Oswego Health will be the first in the area to introduce this virtual service, which is expected to be launched this fall. All you need to do is call us when you have a medical condition and a physician will become available within 30 minutes of that call.
3 Your primary care physician will be notified by OnDemand regarding your virtual visit. 3 You will receive a bill in the mail of $39.99 for your virtual visit. You may pay by check or credit card.
This new initiative was made possible in part with a $35,000 gift from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, which provides grants to projects considered as transformatiional creating a vibrant community life for the Oswego County region. The health system is collaborating with Carena, which was founded in 2000 and operates virtual clinics for health systems throughout the country. A few details to ensure you have the most efficient The Shineman Foundation has recently made a $35,000 gift OnDemand virtual visit: 3 Be ready to verbalize your condition 3 Have a list of your medications and their doses available, as well as a list of any conditions or surgeries. The OnDemand physician may prescribe medications for you, which can be filled at your pharmacy.
to Oswego Health’s telemedicine initiative, Care OnDemand. In the photo from left, Myia Hill, Oswego Health Foundation Development Manager; Tiffany Woodward, Oswego Health Foundation Administrative Assistant; Karen Ferguson, Oswego Health Foundation Director; Karen S. Goetz, Executive Director Shineman Foundation and Penny Halstead, Shineman Foundation Sr. Administrative Assistant.
Join in the Conversation Having trouble hearing the conversation in a crowded Assisting Burch in the office is Kathleen Blum, who has room or are family members telling you the television worked at Oswego Health for the past 20 years. is too loud? The department is hosting a free Lunch and Learn on Oswego Health’s licensed Audiologist Kathleen Burch hearing loss and its treatment on Nov. 14th from 11:30 to offers free hearing screenings at your convenience. She 12:30 at GS Steamers in Oswego. Audiologist Kathleen can properly fit a range of hearing Burch and Eric Loewenguth, a aids that are small and attractive. Territory Manager for Signia/ She can even dispense a hearing Siemens Hearing for the past 11 aid that streams directly to your years will discuss, “How We Hear smart phone or television, so you and What Can Go Wrong With won’t miss another conversation. Our Hearing.” Reservations are required by calling 315-349-3792. Ms. Burch has 20 years experience in hearing diagnostics and hearing aids. She earned her Masters of Arts in Audiology from the University of From left, Audiologist Kathryn Burch and Buffalo. Office Assistant Kathy Blum.
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The Audiology office is located in the Oswego Health Service Center. For more information, visit: oswegohealth.org.
The Manor at Seneca Hill An Affiliate of Oswego Health
Exceptional Summer
sure each resident, as well as their family feels special and receives the individualized attention they need.”
Summer Picnics
The Manor hosted separate picnics for its residents and New technology for The Manor’s residents and patients, their families, and for the participants and families of the recognition for providing high-quality care and two Adult Day Health Services program. The weather was picture-perfect picnics made it an exceptional summer superb, allowing for both events to be held outdoors. We are sharing a few photos from both events. at The Manor at Seneca Hill.
New Technology An Oswego Health employee giving program is putting the latest technology in the hands of The Manor’s residents and rehab patients, allowing them to keep in touch with family members and friends. Through the Oswego Health Foundation’s mini-grant, members of the Manor’s activities staff secured two iPads. “We are finding that more of our residents and rehab patients are very comfortable using technology and this was yet another way to keep them in touch with their loved ones,” said Heather Huggins, The Manor’s Activities Director.
Enjoying the Adult Day Health Service picnic are Jane Hollister and her daughter, Karen.
The mini-grant program encourages Oswego Health employees to develop innovative projects focused on promoting awareness of the health system or customer service. Each year a portion of the employee giving campaign, We Are the First Step, is used to support the selected mini-grant projects.
Quality Care The quality of care at The Manor at Seneca Hill remains one of the best in Oswego County. The Manor has earned a four-star quality rating for 16 consecutive months from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). The most recent CMS survey was released in July and uses a range of one to five stars to rate skilled nursing homes across the country.
Elvis croons a favorite song with Melody Slade, Marlene Slade, and Kim Zbikowski, who were visiting Anita Noyes.
While the facility earned a four-star for quality, its overall score was 3-stars, which is established through health inspections, staffing and the quality of care. The Manor has consistently earned a 3-star overall rating. “The staff is to be commended for ensuring that not only are our residents safe, but that they are receiving the best of care,” said Jason Santiago, Oswego Health Vice President and The Manor’s Chief Operating Officer. “The care they provide is heartwarming as they make
Among the families at the Resident Family picnic was Mary Jane Lacey’s.
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ladies Crafty
Oswego Health’s self-proclaimed crafty ladies meet weekly to catch up with one another, perhaps enjoy a snack or two, and of course to knit and crochet. Most of the crafty ladies, who are members of the health system’s Auxiliary, have been doing their needle craft work for most of their lives and get great satisfaction out of their hobby, especially when it comes to helping others. So when Oswego Health Registered Nurse Jeannie Gower approached Auxiliary leadership about a special project, the ladies got their needles working. “I thought our patients who are cold due the symptoms of their illnesses would like a hat,” Gower said. “And, I thought of the crafty ladies.”
Seated in the photo from left are Crafty Ladies Barbara Wall, Lynn Forbes and Ann Sirchia. Standing are Dawn Smith, volunteer/clinical support coordinator, Jeannie Gower, RN; and Cheryl Stilwell, RN, clinical director of the hospital’s medical/surgical floors.
Now some 50 or so hats later, Gower says, “The patients Community members interested in becoming a memreally have fun picking one out as they are knit and ber of the Oswego Health Auxiliary should call Dawn crocheted in some cool-looking colors.” In fact, Gower Smith at 315-349-5566. handed out 12 hats in a single day. “The adults just love them,” she adds.
Staff is the best, friendly and professional Mary Wacker had been trying to treat her leg wounds at home, but after treatments at the Center for Wound Healing at Oswego Health, she found the success she was seeking. The Center’s staff, which provides specialized care made it all possible. The staff was the best, so friendly and professional,” said Mary, of Fulton, who was the Center’s first patient. “They are wonderful.” During her seven weekly visits Mary’s legs were treated with healing medications. “It was amazing how fast they healed,” she said. Mary is continuing her care with Oswego Health’s occupational staff, which is providing lymphedema treatments that will reduce the swelling in her legs, which is related to other health issues. Several other wound care patients are finding success with similar care.
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Excellent Care At Home
The care provided by OHHC staff members has been recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Whether it’s nursing care, physical therapy, or assistance (CMS), as the healthcare provider scored five out of 5 in connecting with community health services, The stars for patient satisfaction. “The OHHC staff is to be staff of Oswego Health Home Care (OHHC) is ready to commended for achieving 5 stars,” Butler said. “They have consistently earned the top star rating as they provide these services in your home. truly care for the patients they visit.” OHHC extends the arm of skilled services from hospitals, clinics and physician offices into the home. Working To learn more about the services offered by OHHC, under the direction of your physician, services are please call 315-598-4422. available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “Our staff helps to improve the quality of life for individuals who want to receive their care at home,” said Carrie Butler, Director of Patient Services. “Not only does it benefit the patient, but their family members as well, knowing that they are getting excellent care from our well-trained and knowledgeable staff.” Our family-centered approach includes teaching patients and their families about their care, coordinating additional services, and researching community resources.
Oswego County’s Premier Community Now is the time to consider the carefree lifestyle you have always wanted.
maintained with attention paid to every detail, so you can relax and enjoy your favorite hobbies and pursuits.
Springside at Seneca Hill, Oswego County’s premier community, has apartments available for active individuals aged 62 and older. Our residents enjoy living in a beautiful setting with no home maintenance worries and chef-prepared meal served in the wellappointed dining room.
You can learn more about Springside and see our apartment and home layouts by visiting: oswegohealth. org/services/retirement-living. Call us for a tour at 315-343-5658. Imagine, you could soon be enjoying that easy lifestyle.
Springside residents also enjoy not only our beautiful gardens and grounds, but also participating in education, cultural and wellness events. Our community is affordable with several options that include apartment living or a one-story duplex or cottage style home. Residents pay no school, city, county property or sewer taxes. Local transportation to the grocery store, a doctor’s visit or other appointments is among the many included amenities, as is lawn care and snow removal. Free WiFi is yet another benefit. Regardless if you are interested in one of our available spacious apartments, or a home, our properties are well
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Welcome Surgeon Yuriy Zhurov, MD Oswego Health’s General Surgery Associates has The surgeons provide surgery care in Oswego Hospital’s welcomed a new surgeon and has moved into more state-of-the-art surgery center that features the latest spacious offices. technology and equipment. Working alongside the Surgeon Yuriy Zhurov, MD, surgeons are knowledgeable and compassionate joined the surgical practice in nurses and other clinicians. September at its new 38 Erie Street location in Oswego. Rounding out the practice are Surgeons Allison A. Duggan, MD; Jai Singh, MD, and Theresa Ruddy, MD. Nurse Practitioner Deana Grimshaw is also part of the care team.
For the convenience of community members, Dr. Singh, Dr. Ruddy and Dr. Zhurov also provide care at Oswego Health Primecare locations in Fulton and Oswego. General Surgery Associate locations: - 38 Erie Street, Oswego 315-342-6771 - Fulton Primecare, 522 S. Fourth Street, 315-592-3930 - Central Square Primecare 3045 East Ave., 315-668-1202
The surgeons provide a range of procedures including those for the thyroid, gallbladder, breast care and bariatrics, as well as laparoscopic surgeries for appendectomy, gastrointestinal, hernia, colon and gallbladder. Dr. Ruddy, who is a general surgeon, specializes in colon/rectal surgeries. Among those procedures and conditions she treats are colonoscopies, diverticulitis, anorectal issues, colitis, colorectal resections, inflamed bowels, Crohn’s disease and cancer.
‘The Big Little Hospital’ “I call it the big little hospital,” said Joe Caruana, of Hannibal. “It’s big in service, but still small enough to make you feel at home. And, it’s just seven miles from my house.” Joe and his family have used several services at Oswego Hospital, including the Emergency Department and Surgical Services. “It’s been excellent from the first person to the last,” he said. “Everyone is friendly, helpful, efficient and courteous. They stick to their schedules too, just as they promise, including the physicians.” Joe, a former Hannibal Superintendent of School adds, ” The physicians are key and the nurses are first class. I’m happy they are in our county.”
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Growing Older, Staying Intimate You can enjoy a healthy sex life as you age. But be prepared for some natural changes in the way your body works.
Outside factors
Sexual problems can also result from other illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. But while There’s no doubt that your life will change as you these problems may have an effect on your sex life, grow older. But aging doesn’t mean giving up a loving they don’t have to end it, according to the NIA. By physical relationship. Most older people are able to communicating with your partner and following your enjoy a satisfying sex life, according to the National doctor’s advice you should be able to carry on. Institute on Aging (NIA). Counseling may also help people who experience these However, just as at most other points in one’s life, level of problems. sexual activity depends on desire and having a willing Different but good partner. No matter how your sexual life changes with age, it can Normal changes still be good. For some people, sex later in life even has Aging brings some natural changes to the sexual desire some advantages. and ability of both men and women, according to the Changes in sexual ability may force couples to NIA. communicate more about their needs. Couples also Women may experience changes in the shape and learn to take more time with intimate activities such as flexibility of the vagina. Another common change hugging, kissing and caressing. In the end, the result is a decrease in vaginal lubrication. This can affect can be a more fulfilling experience for both partners. sexual pleasure, but it’s easily remedied with over-the-counter vaginal lubricants. Other medical issues, such as hysterectomy or mastectomy, may affect your desire for sex more than your physical ability. Men often face more serious sexual problems than women do. Many men experience at least some degree of erectile dysfunction—difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. But for many men it’s possible to manage and even reverse these problems, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If you’re having erectile problems, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help find out what is causing the trouble and treat it accordingly. Possible treatments include counseling, surgery and prescription drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil hydrochloride (Levitra or Staxyn), avanafil (Stendra) or tadalafil (Cialis).
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Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Oswego, NY Permit #413
Oswego Health 110 West Sixth St. Oswego, NY 13126
You have saved and saved, now use your savings to create your legacy. If you are 70½ or older, you can use your individual retirement account (IRA) to support our cause.
IRA
CHARITABLE
ermission. 17TH49
ROLLOVER
Avoid taxes on transfers of up to $100,000 from your IRA to support our cause.
YOUR SAVINGS, YOUR LEGACY.
Satisfy some or all of your required minimum distribution for the year.
Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize deductions.
Make a gift that is not subject to the 50% deduction limits on charitable gifts.
Use your rollover to make payments on an existing pledge to us.
Making an IRA charitable rollover gift to the Oswego Health Foundation will lower the income and taxes from your IRA required minimum distributions this year. Visit our website to learn about how you can create your legacy by making an IRA charitable rollover gift to support our cause this year. Ready to talk now? Please give us a call.
Oswego Health Foundation
315-326-3473