Active Living a guide for senior wellness
p. 4 Staying young &
Active
p. 5 Orthopedic Partnership with SOS p. 5 Ask The Pharmacist, Medication Tips Spring 2016
Healthy at any age Active Living is a magazine dedicated to strengthening a positive attitude, action and knowledge of seniors health awareness. A Publication of Oswego Health 110 West Sixth Street, NY 13126 315-349-5511 Chuck Gijanto President and CEO of Oswego Health Jeff Coakley VP for Communications and Government Affairs Jennifer Martin Director of Marketing
Our cover story features Sheri Morey, of Oswego, who throughout her life has made it her mission to be both physically fit and active in her community. I applaud her participation in triathlons, near and far, along with her other pursuits. I am a runner too and her dedication and commitment to staying healthy is something we should all embrace, especially as we age. We also highlight our new partnership with Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists (SOS) in the issue. The entire team at Oswego Health, including our own orthopedic surgeons, the emergency department staff, the medical imaging department, the nurses on the floor and in the surgery center, along with the physical therapy department are most excited about working with this well-known group. We are looking forward to this summer when together we will provide exceptional orthopedic care to Oswego County residents, close to their homes. Chuck Gijanto
Marion Ciciarelli Director of Public Relations
President and CEO for Oswego Health
Anne Raham Communications Coordinator Maureen Miceli Administrative Assistant Correspondence: Oswego Health Development and Community Relations 110 West Sixth Street Oswego, NY 13126 dearoh@oswegohealth.org
Welcome to our latest edition of Oswego Health’s Active Living publication, offering health information and tips for those age 60 and older. We thank those of you who commented on how much you enjoyed reading our first Active Living magazine, printed last fall. We hope you find this issue is just as informative.
Inside:
Š2015
facebook.com/oswegohealthcare for Oswego Health community news, events and medical information
4
Staying Young and Active
6
Manor Introduces Speech Program
11
Independent and at Home
twitter.com/oswegohealth
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.
2- Active Living
9
Springside in the Summer
Healthy You Baby boomers: Tips to help those with arthritis As the population ages, more and more people are developing the most common form of this disease. You heard your parents and grandparents talk about the aches and pains that sometimes come with growing older. But now you’re experiencing them yourself. It may seem like you’re too young for arthritis.
Wear and tear Osteoarthritis, the most common form of the disease, tends to come on with age, says the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). It also may develop after a joint injury. “It’s the type [of arthritis] all of us are at risk for,” says W. Hayes Wilson, MD, a spokesman for the Arthritis Foundation. “It’s really a wear-and-tear phenomenon that can come on with time.” Cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joints deteriorates, so bone rubs against bone. The result is often pain in the fingers, knees or hips.
Get checked out See your physician if you have joint pain or swelling. It’s important to realize you can take steps to reduce and cope with arthritis pain. It’s not just something you need to tough out because you’re getting older. Getting diagnosed is the first step toward feeling better.
Keep fit. Regular exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Good activities include low-impact aerobic exercise, stretching and walking. Swimming is also good, says Dr. Wilson. Protect your joints. Splints or braces can help protect and support sore joints. Heat up or cool down. A warm bath or shower or heating pad can help relieve joint pain. An ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel can also help when applied for 15 minutes or so. People with circulation problems, however, shouldn’t use cold packs, advises the NIAMS.
“People often don’t realize the person sitting next to them has arthritis,” Dr. Wilson says. “Many people have this disease, so you’re not alone.” Your peers can provide advice and a listening ear, he adds.
Getting relief If you have arthritis, your physician will help you develop a treatment plan to ease symptoms of the disease. The plan might include medications. Since osteoarthritis doesn’t cause as much inflammation as other forms of arthritis, pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may work for you, according to the NIAMS. However, you’ll want to discuss all medication use—over-thecounter, prescription or alternative—with your doctor.
Here are some other things you can do that might help you feel better: Shed some pounds. Excess weight puts added stress on your joints. Losing just a modest amount of weight can help you feel better.
Oswego Health - 3
active
Staying young and
A 70-year-old Oswego resident became a runner long before it was popular Longtime Oswego resident Sheri Morey began running triathlons long before it became a bucket list item for millions of Americans.
Her first triathlon event was some 40 years ago in Aurora. Since then, Sheri estimates that she has taken part in more than 100 race events. “As a kid I always swam, biked and ran and when I found they were a sport, it was a natural thing for me to do,” Sheri says. She embraced the concept of a healthy mind and body while a student at the University of Wisconsin. She advocated this philosophy as a physical education teacher and varsity girls’ tennis coach for the Oswego City School District. “Everyone doesn’t have to move as much as I do; 20 minutes of exercise each day is great. I’m lucky because my passion keeps me healthy.” She stays healthy training and competing in various race events, from 5K road races and half-marathons to full ironman events. During her race career, she’s competed in the ITU World Triathlon Grand Finals in London, Edmonton, Canada and Chicago, where she’s competed at Olympic distances, finishing fourth, second and fifth respectively, in her age group, 65 to 70.
Her race schedule has taken her twice to Kona, Hawaii for the famed World Championship Ironman Race. She first competed in 1986 as a 40-year-old and returned in 2007 at age 61, beating the time she recorded 20 years earlier. She achieved this, she says, due to improvements in training and nutrition. Sheri says the Kona Ironman race, which attracts professional runners, provides a unique opportunity, allowing herself and others to compete alongside Olympic athletes. “What other sports offers that?” she asks. While she has entered races in Hawaii and London, she
4- Active Living
favors the small local races, like those held in Oswego, Sodus Bay and Henderson Harbor. “They are fun and low- key,” Sheri says. She trains just about every day. How Sheri trains depends upon her next race and typically includes a rotation of swimming, running and biking five to seven days a week. Assisting her with her workouts is a personal coach. “I like to move. This is really a healthier lifestyle for the body, doing different things each day. I want to do the best I can do when I compete. Obviously, it’s not a matter of finishing, it’s to do the best you can and how you stack up against the competition.” While taking part in triathlons may be her passion, Sheri strives for a balance in her life, putting aside quality time for her community and family. She has been associated with The Music Hall in Oswego for the past 34 years and serves as the volunteer coordinator. She is also a board member of the Rice Creek Association and an active participant in the poverty committee at the Newman Center at SUNY Oswego. She has other sports interests too, including tennis, squash and volleyball.
Sheri also strived to instill the importance of an active lifestyle at Leighton Elementary School, where she taught. She helped develop a school triathlon with grade-appropriate distances that still takes place today each spring.
part of her longtime belief, “If you don’t have a healthy body, you can’t have a healthy mind. It goes back to the Greeks.”
Sheri’s husband, Mark, a retired SUNY Oswego psychology professor and her main triathlete supporter, goes to almost all her events. In addition, they enjoy traveling, hiking and camping. A favorite trip was camping in New Zealand for three weeks. They also like to spend time with family and friends. The couple has four children and three grandchildren.
p Marathon, 26.2 miles
Just How Far is It? p Sprint triathlon, quarter-mile swim, 17-mile bike ride and 5K run (3.1 mile) p Half Iron Man, 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run
p Full Iron Man, 2.4-mile swim, 102-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon run Sheri celebrated her 70th birthday in April, but that milestone is certainly not keeping her from a race schedule p ITU World events with Olympic distances, 1-mile this summer. In June, she will take part in the Ironman swim, 27-mile bike ride and a 10K run (6.2 miles) 70.3 mile race in Syracuse and the following month will participate in full ironman event in Lake Placid. It’s all a
Oswego Health and SOS Collaboration Oswego Health and Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists (SOS) are excited to announce a collaboration, which will bring SOS orthopedic surgeons to Oswego County to provide care. The SOS staff will work alongside Oswego Health’s orthopedic team to provide office consults, as well as see patients in Oswego Hospital’s emergency room and conduct procedures in the surgery center. This care will be supported by physical therapy services. “We are pleased to be able to provide our community with comprehensive orthopedic services,” said Oswego Health President and CEO Chuck Gijanto. SOS and Oswego Health will provide general orthopedic care in Oswego, such as joint replacement and sports injury surgery. The advanced surgeries, such as spine and major trauma, will be transferred to Syracuse. SOS has 28 orthopedic surgeons on staff. Most specialize and offer care for knees, hips, hands and upper extremities, feet/ankle or the spine. They are also well-versed in treating sports injuries, including those experienced by high school and college athletes, along with weekend warriors. Oswego Health currently has one independent orthopedic surgeon and two employed orthopedic surgeons on the Medical Staff. “We realized that in order to continue to be successful in offering orthopedic care, we needed
SOS Orthopedic Surgeon Michael Vella talks to a patient. to enhance our services,” Gijanto said. “Gone are the days of a single orthopedic provider or a small practice. Specialization has become the norm and it’s what the patient expects. So, this collaboration brings that level of care conveniently to Oswego.” While the details on the implementation of SOS care locally are being coordinated, it is anticipated that this summer the Syracuse orthopedic group will be utilizing Oswego Health facilities. The SOS physicians will provide joint replacement surgery, sports medicine, foot and ankle care and hand, wrist and shoulder care.
Your online healthcare link http://www.oswegohealth.org/services/orthopedics/ Oswego Health - 5
and at home
Independent ...
So you want to remain as independent as possible and still live at home, avoiding a readmission to the hospital. Oswego Health Home Care can help. At age 97, Maynard Lonis is able to remain living in his Phoenix home thanks to the care provided by Oswego Health Home Care. Each week, a registered nurse visits him and his family to check his vital signs, conduct a skin assessment and perform catheter care. If additional care is needed, Stephanie Walberger, RN, his OHHC caregiver, visits him more frequently. Lonis appreciates the care enabling him to stay home and not be hospitalized or placed in a skilled nursing facility. “She’s wonderful and has a terrific bedside manner,” Lonis said.
will work with you and your physician to tailor that care to meet your specific needs. OHHC offers: • Disease management • Infusion therapy • Wound care • Physical therapy To arrange for OHHC services, please call 598-4442.
OHHC can arrange a range of home care services and
Oswego Health Home Care services can help to improve the quality of life for patients and offer convenience for their families and physicians. Home healthcare can help patients to live as fully as possible at home with their loved ones.
Oswego Health Home Care An Affiliate of Oswego Health
For more information call 598-1544 oswegohealth.org 6- Active Living
Diabetes There is help to manage your diabetes
Diagnosed with diabetes means having a lot of questions regarding diet and nutrition as well as exercise. Ready to assist area residents with their questions is Oswego Health’s Certified Diabetes Educator Susan Callaway, RN. Among the offered services are appointments for oneon-one counseling. There are also two support groups for community members. • The Oswego group meets the third Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. in the Cafeteria Conference Room. • The Fulton group is held from 10 to 11 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at Springside at Seneca Hill. For more information on these services, please call 3495513. In this edition of Active Living, Oswego Health provides some tips for diabetic foot care.
Diabetes and your feet Diabetes can cause nerve damage and reduce blood flow. This can make your feet numb and slow to heal when they’re injured. As a result, even minor injuries could become serious problems. For example, small sores that aren’t found and treated can become deep sores called ulcers. An infected ulcer requires medical attention, sometimes in a hospital. In serious cases of infection, it may be necessary to amputate toes or a foot. But you can protect your feet from diabetes-related complications using this advice from the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society:
Control your blood sugar. Follow your doctor’s advice about diet, exercise and medicine. Practice good foot hygiene. Wash daily with lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry well, especially between the toes. Pat gently; don’t rub. Apply a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between the toes. Take care of your toenails. Cut nails straight across. If your nails are thick and tough, a doctor can cut them. Check your feet daily. If necessary, use a mirror to look at the bottom of each foot, or ask someone else to look for you. Check between the toes for swelling, redness, blisters, cuts, scratches, bleeding and nail problems. Protect your feet. Don’t let them get too hot or too cold. Don’t soak them in hot water or use a heating pad on them. And don’t go barefoot, even indoors. Wear a different pair of shoes on alternate days. Do not wear open-toed shoes, especially those with thongs between the toes. Choose shoes that fit. Shoes should have extra room in the toe box and be made of soft upper material that can breathe. Don’t wear shoes that rub your foot or cause redness. Wear the right socks. Socks or stockings should not be tight at your toes. Choose square-toed socks or socks without seams. Avoid stretch socks, nylon socks, or socks with an elastic band or garter at the top.
Oswego Health - 7
ASK
Your Phamacist Medication Safety
New Lifeline Dispenser Sandra Obelman, OH Director of Pharmacy
Whether you’re taking one medication or many different kinds, it’s important to be smart about your prescriptions. To help you use your drugs in the safest and most effective way, consider these tips.
Q Do I need to keep track of over-the-counter drugs also?
A Yes. Keep a list of all your medications. This includes prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Before taking a new drug, review the list with your doctor to make sure you don’t run into problems.
Q What if something seems wrong?
A If you’re unsure about something—like side effects, when you
can stop taking the medication or what to do if you miss a dose—talk about it with your doctor. If you have problems with your medicine or you think it isn’t working right, call your doctor right away.
Q What if I fill my prescriptions at several pharmacies?
A Try to have all of your prescriptions filled at the same place. That makes it easy for your pharmacist to review your records and tell you if a new drug might cause problems. Get to know your pharmacist.
• The dispenser stores pain medications and other “on demand” medications. • Only dispenses medications at scheduled times, which can helps reduce the risk of over-and underdosing. • The dispenser’s locked cabinet prevents inappropriate access to medications.
Q Why do I need to keep a list of my medications?
A This is helpful to emergency responders and family members
who may not be familiar with your medications. If you need to unexpectedly go to the hospital, having a list will assist those who care for you.
having trouble keeping track of my medications schedule. Q I’m what can I do?
A Oswego Health’s Lifeline service offers a convenient dispenser that can assist area residents with their medications.
Lifeline now has the latest pre-loaded dispenser that provides your medications at the times you’ve scheduled. This helps reduce complications from incorrect medication use. The dispenser holds 40 days of medications and can dispense up to six times a day. It’s as easy as pushing a button. For more information, please call 343-1887. 8- Active Living
Call Lauri Clark, Lifeline Coordinator, to learn more. 315-343-1887.
The Manor Introduces Two New Services To ensure that the Manor’s residents have all the services they may need, the skilled nursing facility has implemented several new services.
Short-Term Intravenous Program “We are very pleased to announce the offering of IV services to both our short-term rehabilitation residents and residents who need long-term skilled nursing care,“ said Oswego Health Vice-President and The Manor’s Chief Operating Officer Jason Santiago. “It’s an additional service that The Manor is providing to ensure both short-term rehab and long-term residents remain comfortable and receive the best of care. We have trained both our RNs and LPNs on the intravenous program,” said Santiago. The intravenous service, introduced in mid-April, is beneficial for those who may become dehydrated or need a PICC line for antibiotic therapy. This service will provide our rehab and long-term residents the continuation of care needed to prevent longer hospital stays and unnecessary readmissions to the hospital and maintain their current levels of care.
Speech Therapy New software installed at The Manor at Seneca Hill is helping those with swallowing disorders or dysphagia. Synchrony, a virtual reality-assisted biofeedback system, allows participants to visualize swallowing activities in real time. This capability helps The Manor’s Speech and Language Pathologist Melissa Beatrice evaluate the quality of a swallow to guide therapeutic intervention,
while monitoring treatment progress. The system also enables patients to participate in fun, game-like interactive activities, which helps keep them motivated and interested in their rehabilitation. Melissa said she is seeing impressive results since Synchrony was installed. “It’s been incredible,” she said. “This fun, interactive program is very motivating and is providing these individuals with a better quality of life.” Community members can see the new program in action by visiting:
Your online health information www.oswegohealth.org/services/ rehabilitation-services/speech-therapy
Oswego Health - 9
Colon Cancer
the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Gastroenterologist Bishnu Sapkota, says the best prevention is a colonoscopy.
History Hereditary
Risk
“It is the gold standard,” Dr. Sapkota said. “It is a one-stop procedure because any polyps that are discovered during the screening are removed. Colonoscopy has been shown to detect 95 percent of all large polyps that are 10 millimeters or greater in size and 75 to 85 percent of all polyps less than five millimeters in size. No other screening test approaches a colonoscopy’s ability to find polyps.”
Personal history of colorectal cancer and other diseases. Anyone with a personal history of colorectal cancer is at risk of developing the disease a second time. The chances of getting the cancer a second time are greater if the first colorectal cancer occurred at age 60 or younger. Women with a history of ovarian, uterine, or breast cancer have a greater chance of developing colorectal cancer. Individuals with a history of inflammatory bowel disease are also at increased risk. Lifestyle A diet high in fat and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been shown to increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. Cigarette smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and heavy alcohol use may also increase the risk of acquiring the disease. Personal or family history of colorectal polyps. Polyps are somewhat common in people ages 50 or older. Some types of polyps are more likely than others to become cancerous.
Reducing the risk. Regular screenings are the most effective tool for reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Who is at risk? Although often thought of as a disease Adults with no symptoms, who are at average risk of that primarily affects men, colorectal cancer is an equally colorectal cancer, should begin screenings at age 50. significant health concern for women. Men and women When detected early, colorectal cancer can be treated over the age of 50 are at almost equal risk of developing and even cured. The chance of surviving the cancer rapcolorectal cancer. idly decreases if the tumor is not detected early. Age. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases Talk with your physician. with age. Although colorectal cancer can occur at any Remarkable advancements have been made in the treatage, it is more common in people over age 50. ment of this cancer. Don’t be afraid to talk to your physiFamily history of colorectal cancer. Individuals with a cian about colorectal cancer. An early diagnosis can save parent, sibling, or child with colorectal cancer are more your life. likely to develop the disease (especially if the relative is affected before the age of 60). Generally, the more firstdegree relatives that have colorectal cancer, the greater To find a provider please contact the physician one’s risk for developing the disease. Dr. Sapkota offers some important tips on colon cancer.
referral line at 315-349-5500.
10- Active Living
Springside in the summer As the warmer weather arrives, it’s hot dog and strawberry time at Springside at Seneca Hill. Members of the community are invited to stop by Oswego Health’s premier retirement living facility for active adults to enjoy these summertime favorites. Along with enjoying the treats of summer, community members can see firsthand this attractive facility that offers both 1- and 2-bedroom apartments in a congregate living environment, as well as one-story, duplex-style homes and cottages. The duplex-style homes and cottages are adjacent to the main building and offer maintenance services, privacy without the chores, a patio and many more amenities. These feature two bedrooms, two baths and a garage. The center of the congregate apartment building is the hub of daily life, where residents enjoy restaurant-style dining and recreational and educational opportunities in the activity area. Free wireless Internet is available in this building. For a tour, please call 315-343-5658.
A hot dog buffet is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 9th. The annual strawberry festival will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 28th. There is a small charge for the food.
Oswego Health Fulton Primecare Location Opens Meeting the need for primary care physicians To meet the need in Fulton for an additional primary care physician, Oswego Health’s Primecare Medical Practice has expanded its primary care services and has opened an office at the Fulton Medical Office Building at 522 S. Fourth St., in Fulton. Primecare Physician Kamal Gautam, MD, is providing care in suite 1700 and community members can call 592-3930 for an appointment. Later this summer he will be joined by family practice physician, Joselito Ouano, MD. The practice is dedicated to providing exceptional medical care, including the treatment of upper respiratory issues, sick visits, injuries, infections, rashes and sprains or strains. The medical team can also provide physicals and smoking cessation counseling.
Your online find-a-physician oswegohealth.netreturns.biz/providers/ Find a provider, make an appointment Need a printed physician directory? Use the “print directory” button to print a PDF of a complete list of our physicians, organized by specialty. You can either choose to display and then print the PDF, or you can save it. You can also print a directory of any search results.
Oswego Health - 11
Oswego Health 110 West Sixth St. Oswego, NY 13126
Free hearing screenings Oswego Health’s board-certified Audiologist Karah Gottschalk is offering free hearing screenings to members of the community.
The screenings are held from 11 a.m. to noon each Tuesday and appointments can be arranged by calling 326-3792. Dr. Gottschalk offers the screenings in suite 210 of the Oswego Health Services Center, which is adjacent to Oswego Hospital. She is able to properly fit individuals of all ages with affordable hearing aids and has a wide range of attractive styles and sizes available. Left untreated, hearing loss in adults is tied to social isolation, depression, early exit from the workforce, and an overall reduced quality of life. New research also has found a strong link between degree of hearing loss and risk of developing dementia.
What are the benefits of hearing aids? • Hear new sounds that you have not heard previously • Clearer phone conversations • Become a part of the conversation with family and friends • Improved hearing in noisy, large group settings