Get the most up-to-date coronavirus news online at masslive.com
Better Health D
|
LYME DISEASE: know the basics and prevention, D2 SENIORS: healthy eating options, D2 TRAVEL: industrial reinvention in the Ruhr Region, X2
| SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2020
Coronavirus:
Telephone therapy helps expand remote access.
Social distancing regulations around coroanvirus disease 2019 have made telehealth an important component of health care delivery. By Anne-Gerard Flynn
Special to The Republican
Governor Charlie Baker’s orders expanding access to telemedicine, which prohibit exclusion of delivery devices, like telephones, have helped removed barriers for many seeking therapy for behavioral health issues, say providers like the Mental Health Association. Sara Kendall is vice president of clinical operations for the MHA that serves the Greater Springfield Area, and was asked about the impact the expansion is having for clients.
state insurers must allow all in-network providers to deliver clinically appropriate, medically necessary covered services via telehealth. How has this benefited your clients, in particular the fact that no specific requirements can be placed on technologies used, meaning, for example, audio-only telephones cannot be excluded as they are now under state legislative requirements?
The broadening of the modes in which telehealth can be delivered has been a tremendous benefit to the individuals with whom we work. Many folks experience technology access barriers and others are not yet comfortable in utilizing technology in this way. Having the opportunity to start with a telephonic connection has been more accessible and a good first wave of transitioning to technological means of receiving behavioral health services.
Our culture is more technologically supported and driven every year. Communication via teleconference platforms has become more widely utilized and, therefore, a form of communication many find comfortable. To have the opportunity to utilize this same comfortable source of communication to receive behavioral health services seems intuitive. It offers the ability to work with another individual in relation to aspects of life that may be uncomfortable, in a setting they find comfortable. It represents a balance of the behavioral health experience.
It would seem people might draw more support from seeing a therapist face-to-face, but the HPC data seems to suggest otherwise. The data found that the highest volume telehealth service delivered in 2017 was for a 45-minute psychotherapy session. What does this seem
seek support. To be able to fold in this important service to one’s life is great. All of the many creative ways we, as helping providers, can offer to help engage individuals are worth the effort. TeleWell services at MHA have already yielded a great result.
The study also found generalized anxiety disorder to be the most common diagnosis among those who used telehealth for counseling in 2017. What are you seeing among clients using TeleWell in terms of issues?
We have the opportunity to work with individuals who live with a range of experiences, such as depression, anxiety, substance use, intellectual disability to name a few. We’ve found with the opportunity to virtually work with individuals in their home environment that we are able to learn much more than we had previously providing services in
MHA recently launched TeleWell to give clients access to therapy/counseling remotely. Had this been in the planning stage even prior to the outbreak of coronavirus in the United States?
There are so many barriers for individuals to access care for their emotional wellness we knew telehealth was a necessary service. Fortunately, that planning started months ago which meant we had the distinct luck of timing in planning and rolling out MHA’s TeleWell services. MHA’s BestLife Emotional Health and Wellness Center wanted to assure the ability to offer services to individuals as a way to minimize unnecessary wait times. In our efforts to promote this open access, steps were taken to prepare to institute the telehealth initiative in the early winter of 2019 and we were able to successfully begin offering this service in late January 2020. This allowed staff time to become comfortable with this new technology and new way of engaging with individuals in the course of behavioral health treatment. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been able to seamlessly transition to this mode of service delivery, supporting individuals in making this transition during this important time.
Governor Baker’s March 15 order requires that during the coronavirus outbreak in the
What kind of response are you seeing to TeleWell, and is it particularly popular with any one age group?
Individuals have responded quite favorably to the use of TeleWell. Most folks who initially thought they would not be comfortable with a virtual or telephonic platform have responded well after giving it a try and happy they gave it the effort. We’re utilizing this with every age group and have found it equally accessible and the feedback equally favorable.
It is not easy for anyone to keep mentally balanced today with all the uncertainties of coronavirus. What kind of a burden is the coronavirus outbreak in the state placing on MHA therapists in terms of keeping up with the demand for counseling?
The demand as we’ve experienced thus far has not been untenable. We’ve been able to successfully continue to meet the increasing needs of our community as they present. The balance has been in providing opportunities for self-care, an important directive to work-life balance and an intentional daily support for the individuals - our clinicians and recovery coaches providing this good work.
Telehealth has been really pushed given the need for social distancing with coronavirus – do you think it will become increasingly popular even after the immediate burden of COVID-19 has eased?
I do believe, given the opportunity to utilize technology in this new way for this important service, telehealth will continue to be a requested and sought-after service model well after the immediate burden of COVID-19 has passed. Sara Kendall is vice president of clinical operations at the Mental Health Association that serves the Greater Springfield Area. (ANNE-GERARD FLYNN PHOTO)
A recent report from the state’s Health Policy Commission found use of telehealth on the increase in the commonwealth even prior to the pandemic, and that more than half of all telehealth visits in 2017 were for mental health services. Does this surprise you?
Having had the opportunity to see telehealth utilized successfully it isn’t at all surprising.
to suggest about life today in terms of people trying to address their mental health needs and the flexibility needed to help them do this?
Seeking assistance for behavioral health needs can be a challenge, it can be hard. Given the societal stigma and lack of understanding in relation to the needs of emotional wellness we, as a collective humanity have, it can take great strength to
the office. During recent weeks, it has been integral for us to not only maintain connections with folks, but to be flexible in both our approach and scheduling. We’ve scheduled times to meet with folks for 30 minutes twice a week, 1 hour twice a week or 5 minutes a few days a week, if that is what they find helpful. The ability to be fluid during this protracted time has been critical.
What aspects of Gov. Baker’s order around telehealth and therapy are you hoping will become part of legislation, and anything that you would include/suggest if you could?
The ongoing ability to utilize the Common Procedural Technology Codes for Telephonic Support would be an important component to continue. For many individuals who experience access to technology and WiFi connections to be a barrier, the current TeleHealth Platforms would not feel attainable.
%%SATFOL-%%3MONTH%%2DATE
D2 | SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2020
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
The basics of
Lyme disease
Healthy Lyme disease poses a threat to millions of people across the globe. The misconception that Lyme disease is exclusive to the United States, and the northeastern portion of the country in particular, is understandable.
disease can affect any organ of the body, and it is often misdiagnosed because it tends to mimic symptoms of other diseases. Lyme disease may be misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and even psychiatric illnesses like depression. Such misdiagnoses can delay treatment of the underlying infection.
How do I get Lyme disease?
The majority of Lyme disease patients get the disease from the bite of a nymphal tick. Nymphs are immature forms of ticks that are very small, typically the size of a poppy seed, Hundreds of thousands according to Lymedisease. of people in the U.S. are org. The bites are painless diagnosed with Lyme disease and, when coupled with the each year, but the 2017 U.S. size of nymphal ticks, that Geological Survey found that increases the likelihood that 95 percent of those cases are people will not even realize in the northeast, mid-Atlanthey’ve been bitten. Ticks tic or northern midwest recan stay attached to the body gions. In spite of that, no one for several days, feeding all is immune to Lyme disease, the while. Lymedisease.org regardless of where they live. notes that the longer the tick The World Health Organistays attached, the more zation notes that, in addition likely it will transmit to the United States, there the Lyme and other are foci of Lyme borreliosis pathogens into the in forested areas of Asia and bloodstream of the in northwestern, central person it’s attached and eastern Europe, proving to. that Lyme disease is a global issue. With that in mind, it How can I safebehooves everyone to take guard myself steps to understand Lyme against Lyme disease and how to reduce disease? their risk of getting it. The Global Lyme What is Alliance, which Lyme disease? funds research According to Lymedisease. aimed at preventorg, an online resource that ing, diagnosing and supports science-based advo- treating tick-borne cacy, Lyme disease is caused illnesses, notes that by a bacterium known as practicing tick bite Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme prevention habits is the
best way to prevent Lyme disease. Through its “Be Tick AWARE” campaign, the GLA urges people to follow these simple steps to reduce their risk for Lyme disease: • Avoid high tick traffic areas, like tall grass and leaf piles • Wear proper clothing, including long pants, sleeves and socks. Avoid walking in grass barefoot or in open sandals, even when grass has been cut short. • Apply tick repellant approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. • Remove clothing upon entering your home, tossing clothing into the dryer at high temperatures for 10 to 15 minutes to kill live ticks. Note that the GLA says putting clothes into the washer will not kill live ticks. • Examine yourself for ticks every day. No one is immune to Lyme disease, regardless of where they live. Recognizing that and take protective measures can help people lower their risk for Lyme disease.
eating
options for seniors “Let food be thy medicine” is a quote attributed to Hippocrates, the ancient scholar considered to be the father of modern medicine. The saying relates to the notion that what people put in their bodies can heal and/or prevent certain conditions. For seniors with medicine cabinets full of over-thecounter and prescription medications, the idea of relying predominantly on food to promote optimal health may be tempting, and various foods can be particularly useful to the 50-and-over demographic. According to the World Health Organization, poor diet is a major contributor to many of the diseases that affect older people. Poor diet has been connected to the development of diabetes, and degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis also may be linked to the foods ones eat. The National Council for Aging Care says micronutrient deficiency is often a problem among the aging due to factors like lack of variety in diet and reduced food intake. Eating a variety of foods can provide all of the nutrients people need to stay healthy as they get older. Certain foods may be particularly helpful.
We’re Here for You.
· Brain-friendly foods:
Introducing BHNTeleCare.
Connecting individuals and families with therapeutic supports by phone or through a secure internet connection. Call today for information or to schedule a session:
413-BHN-WORK (413-246-9675)
Foods such as avocado, leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, blueberries, and salmon are good sources of vitamin E, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that may help ward off dementias like Alzheimer’s disease, advises Sonas Home Health Care.
· Anti-inflammatory foods:
24-Hour Crisis Line: 413-733-6661 www.bhninc.org
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent inflammation that can cause cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Aging.com says foods
that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, should be consumed at least twice per week.
· Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, canned or frozen produce tend to be high in micronutrients, including a variety of important vitamins that are essential for all components of health. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises eating dark green vegetables, such as leafy greens or broccoli, and orange vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes.
· Energy-boosters:
Choose whole grains that can provide sustained energy by way of healthy carbohydrates over processed grains.
· Bone-friendly foods:
Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, can prevent calcium from being leached from the bones, which contributes to conditions like osteoporosis.
· Digestive system-friendly foods: The digestive system slows
down as the body ages, as the walls of the gastrointestinal tract thicken and digestive contractions that push waste along may slow down and become fewer. Foods rich in fiber can promote proper digestion by moving food through the digestive tract more easily. High-fiber foods also may help naturally reduce blood cholesterol levels.
· High-iron foods:
Without enough iron in the body, a person may feel tired and lethargic from a reduced production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. A lack of oxygen in body tissues from anemia can be serious, says the National Council for Aging Care. Tofu, spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and fortified breads and cereals are high in iron. Smart food choices can help seniors live long and healthy lives.