IGH - WNY, #81 JULY 2021 by In Good Health: WNY's Healthcare Newspaper

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JULY 2021 • ISSUE 81

Top Issues

Affecting Women's Health

Special issue on Women's Health and Wellness. Begins on p. 12

Farmers’ Markets Are Back

They are a great place to get healthy food, meet friends. P. 9

MEET YOUR DOCTOR

Rachelle St. Onge, a physician at UBMD OBGYN, specializes in complex contraception and family planning. p. 4

Erie County Department of Health advises residents to prevent bites and check for ticks on humans and pets. p. 7

Adler said. From 2018 to 2020, nearly eight in 10 nonfatal drowning injuries also occurred among children younger than 5. The data show that the number of pool or spa-related, hospital emergency department-treated, nonfatal drowning injuries fell from 2019 to 2020, but the decline is not statistically significant, according to the CPSC. The lower number of drownings is likely due to limitations on summer activities—including group or public swimming—during the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency said.

Water Safety Tips

Child Drownings in U.S. Pools, Spas Are on the Rise Higher incidence seen in residential pools

ool and spa drowning deaths among U.S. children are spiking upwards, and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic may also mean that fewer kids are getting the swimming lessons that might keep them safe, the Consumer Product Safety Commission warns. On average, there were about 400 reported pool/spa drowning deaths among children younger than age 15 each year from 2016 through 2018, according to new CPSC data. Three-quarters of those deaths

involved children younger than 5, and 83% of those occurred in residential pools. Child drownings remain the leading cause of unintentional death among U.S. children aged 1 to 4, according to the CPSC. “As we enter the summer months, parents and caregivers must be mindful of the pandemic’s impact on their children’s swimming ability and water safety skills,” said Robert Adler, CPSC acting chairman. “CPSC’s latest report confirms

Two locations...

One group of expert emergency physicians. It takes a lot to provide excellence in emergency care. It takes quick and easy access to care, state-of-the-art technology, and most importantly, it takes physicians who have dedicated themselves to achieving excellence every single day. Physicians who have seen it all and know how to handle essentially anything. That excellence can be found at the Emergency Center at DeGraff Medical Park (formerly DeGraff Memorial Hospital). Our physicians are second to none and combined with our highly-trained nurses and staff, they all share one goal – to provide patients with outstanding medical care. In fact, they’re the same physicians who provide emergency care at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

Where excellence is. DeGraffEmergency.org Page 2

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

that most child drownings involve children under the age of 5, whose limited experience around the water due to recent social distancing restrictions could put them at greater risk of drowning,” he added in a CPSC news release. “With fewer children attending swimming lessons during the past year, it is critical to refresh these and other lifesaving skills, while practicing increased vigilance both anywhere children are swimming and during non-swim times as well,”

• Never leave a child unattended in or near water. The designated adult water watcher should not read, text, use a phone or otherwise be distracted while watching children. This advice includes situations involving bathtubs, buckets, decorative ponds and fountains. • If you own a pool or spa, install layers of barriers to prevent an unsupervised child from getting to the water. These measures can include door alarms, pool covers and self-closing, self-latching devices on doors that access the pool and on gates of four-sided fences. • Learn how to perform CPR on children and adults. • Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim. • Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments. Your pool or spa should have drain covers that comply with federal safety standards. If you’re not sure, ask your pool service provider about safer drain covers.

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conversation Celebrating National NursesHHA Week ! class to be eligible for HHA jobs! Enjoy a ﬂexible schedule with great beneﬁts on a collaborative team that provides expert care and support to families during challenging times.

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Is a Pandemic Baby Boom • on the Way?

merica, get ready for a baby boom. That’s the likelihood anyway, according to a new forecast that suggests a drop in pregnancy and birth rates seen during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic is about to be reversed. “We expect a dramatic rebound soon,” said study lead author physician Molly Stout, maternal fetal medicine director at Michigan Medicine Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital, in Ann Arbor. “We’re already seeing signs of a summer baby surge,” Stout added. Using a modeling system based on Michigan Medicine data, her team found that pregnancies rose from 4,100 in 2017 to 4,620 in 2020. Between November 2020 and spring of 2021, though, they dropped by roughly 14%. The researchers attributed the drop to a downturn in conceptions associated with pandemic-related lockdowns that began in March 2020. Now, the modeling system suggests that over the summer and fall of 2021, there will be 10% to 15% more births than would normally be expected, according to the report published online June 3 in JAMA Network Open. While previous media reports have suggested a pandemic-linked

Admissions Nurse • Hospice House RN baby boom, they were mostly Come grow with us! • specuHHAs for Hospice House & Home Care lative and not based on data, Stout

noted. • HR Specialist • Maintenance Associate “What we have shown here is • a HR Assistant career providing • Nutrition You will enjoy rewarding expertAssociate that through modeling of pregnancies within a health care system, we • Employment & Training • Security Guard challenging times while having a care can project birth rate increases andto families during Director • Teacher III decreases associated with major sogreat work-life •balance and generous paid time off! IV Assistant Director • Teacher cietal shifts,” she said in a Michigan (Principal) • Certiﬁed Teachers Medicine news release. • Housing Program (Summer Program) Stout pointed out that major Coordinator societal changes seem to influence • Teacher I, II • Urban Farmer reproductive choices, population • Youth Services growth and fertility rates. She cited • Child Development Counselor the 1918 flu pandemic, the Great DeSpecialist • Youth Services pression in 1929 and the recession of • Substance Abuse Site Coordinator 2008 as examples. Counselor “Usually, we see the effects by • Program Coordinator • Family Case Worker modeling birth and death rates, only • Program Secretary as the changes are occurring,” Stout • Community Crisis Specialist • Family Partner said. “With this methodology, we can • Health Coordinator accurately project anticipated birth For full job descriptions and to apply, rates ahead of the actual changes.” please visit our website: www.caowny.org Being able to predict upcoming birth trends may help health systems better plan for labor and delivery needs, she said. Experts suggest that the drop-off in pregnancies after pandemic-related lockdowns in March 2020 may owe to several factors. Among those Obstetrics & are economic uncertainty; lack of Gynecology child care or other support systems; the impact on working women; and postponement of reproductive A full range of services! and fertility care. Our Williamsville office offers complete Women’s Health services, including wellness visits, infertility, complex contraception & family planning and in-house ultrasound services.

Apply at NiagaraHospice.org/Careers

SERVING WESTERN NEW YORK

A monthly newspaper published 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. © 2021 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. 3380 Sheridan Dr., #251 • P.O. Box 550, Amherst, NY 14226 Phone: 716-332-0640 • Fax: 716-332-0779 • Email: editor@bfohealth.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Writers: Deborah J. Sergeant, Jim Miller, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, George W. Chapman, Jenna Schifferle, Julie Halm, Daniel Meyer, Catherine Miller Advertising: Anne Westcott, Amy Gagliano • Layout & Design: Joey Sweener Office Manager: Nancy Nitz 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.

From preventative visits to new concerns, our team is with you. • • • • • • •

General care for adults, seniors, pediatrics & adolescents Reproductive endocrinology & infertility Complex contraception Pelvic health Menopause management & hormone therapy Minimally invasive & reconstructive surgery And more!

716.636.8284 UBMDOBGYN.COM

Buffalo Office: Conventus | 1001 Main Street, 4th Floor | Buffalo, NY 14203 Williamsville Office: 1020 Youngs Road, Suite 110 | Williamsville, NY 14221 July 2021 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Rachelle M. St. Onge, MD

Physician at UBMD OBGYN specializes in complex contraception and family planning

FDA Approves Diabetes Drug for Weight Loss Aid

egovy, a high-dose version of the diabetes drug semaglutide, has been approved as a new aid to weight loss by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Studies funded by drug maker Novo Nordisk showed that participants who received weekly injections of the drug had an average weight loss of 15% and lost weight steadily for 16 months before leveling off, the Associated Press reported. In comparison, participants who received a placebo had average weight loss of about 2.5%. “With existing drugs, you’re going to get maybe 5% to 10% weight reduction, sometimes not even that,” physician Harold Bays, chief science officer at the Obesity Medicine Association, told the AP. Bays has helped conduct studies of Wegovy and other obesity and diabetes drugs. In the United States, more than 100 million adults — about 1 in 3 — are obese. Dropping even 5% of one’s weight can bring health benefits, such as improved energy, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, but it often doesn’t satisfy patients who are focused on weight loss, Bays said. Bays said Wegovy’s most common side effects were nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Those usually subsided, but led about 5% of study participants to stop taking it. The drug also shouldn’t be given to people at risk for some cancers, because of a potential risk for certain thyroid tumors, the FDA said. Wegovy is a synthesized version of a gut hormone that curbs appetite. That’s a new strategy in treating obesity, physician Robert Kushner, a member of Novo Nordisk’s medical advisory board who heads Northwestern Medicine’s Center for Lifestyle Medicine, told the AP. Novo Nordisk said it also is developing a pill version that should start final patient studies later this year.

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Q: Tell us about the new complex contraception and family planning program you’re running through UBMD OBGYN. A: We opened up a new office on Youngs Road, which was something our previous chair had initiated. Then, when Dr. [Sarah] Berga came a year ago, we were able to finalize that move. And the new space on Youngs Road is much bigger and updated than our prior space, which has allowed us to expand our services, one of them being our family planning. We’ve mostly been focused on complex contraception in that clinic. That’s being able to provide contraceptive counseling to patients with various medical conditions who might have been told they can’t use contraception or that they shouldn’t because their medical conditions might put them at risk of side effects. With this clinic we’re able to tailor what those options are for these patients and usually offer something, regardless of their medical history. Q: What types of contraception tend to cause problems for individuals with medical conditions? A: The most common birth control that we might steer clear of are those that contain estrogen. So we most commonly think of birth control as “the pill.” That does contain estrogen and, for people with certain medical conditions, that may increase the risk of blood clots or stroke. So we would probably try to avoid those. But we have a lot of other options these days. We have

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

long-acting, reversible contraception. Implants is one of them. There’s one that goes right under the skin of the arm. That one provides a steady amount of progestin; there’s no estrogen in that. There are also IUDs [intrauterine devices]. There’s one that has progestin, but since it sits within the uterus, it’s less systemic. There are also non-hormonal IUDs as well, which are made of copper and can be a very effective form of birth control without introducing any hormones. Q: How does the copper one work? A: The copper IUD, for lack of a better term, is toxic to sperm. So it prevents the sperm from being able to mobilize within the uterus, which keeps it from meeting the egg. Q: And that doesn’t have any side effects? A: You mean long-term? Q: Long or short. A: A copper IUD doesn’t have any long-term effects in the sense that it doesn’t create any scar tissue or inflammation. Some people may experience slightly heavier periods with it. So for people who have heavier periods as a baseline, it may not be the best option for them. And that’s what this clinic is all about. It’s about really getting to know our patients, seeing what they’re looking for in a birth control, or helping them regulate their menstrual cycles or helping them control any bleeding they may be having. Q: How big is the implant that goes in your arm? A: It’s about the size of a matchstick. And it goes right under the skin of the arm. So you shouldn’t be able to see it if you look at your arm, but if you palpate your arm gently, you should be able to tell that it’s there. Q: Generally speaking, what are you ﬁnding is most popular with your patients? A: I see a trend with the long-acting reversible contraception and progestin IUDs. The biggest side effect from that IUD is that people’s periods get later or stop altogether. And that can be very appealing to most

reproductive-age women, to have fewer periods or no periods at all. Q: What are the circumstances under which someone might be referred to a complex contraception specialist? A: I would say right now most of our patients are self-referred. But we might see someone who is having issues with their birth control and may just want a second opinion. Or somebody who was told that they couldn’t be on birth control containing progestin hormones if they’re at risk of blood clot. But studies show they’re actually pretty safe, even if they have a history of blood clots. And ultimately hormonal contraceptives are safer than pregnancy, which will put them at a higher risk for blood clots if they have that history. Q: Are patients usually open to switching birth control methods or do they tend to ﬁnd something they like and stick with it? A: Usually the best form of birth control, which is something I tell the residents I mentor, is the one that the patient is most happy with and that they’re going to continue with. So if someone is on birth control that’s safe for them and they’re happy with, I don’t feel that we necessarily have to switch them to one that I personally might think is better. I do find that, if a patient was prescribed a medication that would not be safe for them, I find that after counseling them on the risks of continuing versus an alternative that’s safer, most patients are willing to switch to something that’s safer. And they’re usually happy with that switch. Q: Generally speaking, do you ﬁnd contraception is more widely accepted nowadays relative to the recent past? A: I think it depends on the patient and their interactions with the medical system. I think there are still a lot of barriers to getting contraception out there to patients. It’s something that physicians should be ready to discuss with patients, and not just OB-GYNs. For example, somebody who might have a cardiac history, their cardiologist may want to know what their contraception options are. As a society we still have a ways to go, because there are still institutions, usually connected to religious organizations, that won’t prescribe birth control to their patients. That can be a barrier to care for patients whose insurance restricts who they can see or might not know they can go somewhere else for their contraception needs.

Lifelines

Name: Rachelle M. St. Onge, M.D. Position: OB/GYN at UBMD Obstetrics and Gynecology and assistant professor at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedial Sciences Hometown: Morrisville, New York Education: SUNY Upstate Medical University: Master of Public Health degree (2015) and medical degree (2015); University of Rochester, residency in OB-GYN Afﬁliations: Oishei Children’s Hospital; Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital; Erie County Medical Center Organizations: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Family: Wife, one child Hobbies: Hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding

Not Ready for PostPandemic Mingling?

hile some people may be ready and eager to reconnect with family and friends at social gatherings post-pandemic, it’s OK to feel apprehensive. As restrictions loosen because infection rates are plummeting and more people are getting vaccinated, many people are experiencing feelings that they didn’t expect — such as anxiety about returning to social situations, according to a psych services expert. “For some people, these changes are exciting, and for other people, they’re daunting,” said physician Itai Danovitch, chairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral

neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. It’s normal to struggle with change, even when it’s positive, Danovitch said. After so many months spent at home, returning to the workplace or attending a family barbecue can cause many to feel worried, anxious or even panicked. “Fear or anxiety is normal,” he said in a center news release. “We feel things for a reason, and anxiety is basically a threat response.” These feelings will vary from person to person. Even one individual’s perception may change from day to day. It is possible to work through

these feelings, Danovitch said. He suggests that people take the time before a social event to think about exactly what parts of the upcoming interaction make them anxious, then strategize about what they can do to work through their concerns. “Think about what factors are within your control,” Danovitch said. “For example, if you have concerns about an upcoming event or a gathering, talk to the host about those concerns early. Get the information you need to make a decision about your comfort level, and don’t be afraid to communicate that decision.” This may mean having to limit the time spent at a social gathering or even declining an invitation. “We need to have honest conversations with each other,” Danovitch said. “It takes a certain amount of bravery and courage to do that, to be honest about how you feel, because there’s risk of being misunderstood.”

These feelings aren’t always a sign of an anxiety disorder, he said. They may just be trepidation or shyness that will be alleviated over time. That’s not the case when anxiety and fear cause dysfunction, impairment or severe distress. For those who struggle with social anxiety to the point where it impedes their lives, Danovitch recommends talking to a primary care provider about care and treatment options. “For example, if you’re so anxious about returning to work, which is a social setting, that you’re not coming into work at all,” he said, “if you are having recurrent panic attacks, or if your anxiety is persistent, pervasive and affecting your function, then it makes good sense to seek professional help. Anxiety disorders are very common, and there are a number of effective treatments available to address them.”

strategies by placing early childhood and development experts in pediatric offices serving high percentages of Medicaid patients.

tage plans currently require a video call but that restriction would be removed as well. Prior to the pandemic, the vast majority of providers and payers were highly skeptical of the efficacy and cost benefit of telehealth and its acceptance was slow to say the least. Interestingly, the majority of commercial payers expect they will not raise premiums due to the pandemic or telehealth. One third report they will adjust benefits, primarily for telehealth and mental health.

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

2020 Leading Causes of Death (COVID-19 Doesn’t Top the List)

OVID-19 was the No. 3 cause of death behind heart disease and cancer. Early in the pandemic, naysayers believed COVID-19 would be no worse than the annual flu which was the ninth leading cause of death. Here are the top 10. No. 1, heart disease, 690,882 deaths;

New CMS Administrator The Senate has confirmed Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as administrator of Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS), which oversees the Medicare and Medicaid programs. She replaces Seema Verma. Brooks-LaSure previously was director of Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage policy with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Several industry trade associations, including the Association of Health Insurance Plans and some physician groups, lauded her confirmation.

Pharmacy Fraud: 300% Increase Last year’s pandemic and resultant chaos provided some shifty pharmacies with an opportunity to scam unsuspecting consumers and their insurers. One national pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) found fraudulent claims submitted by participating pharmacies increased 300% in 2020 from 2019. The average audited recovery in 2020 increased 70% from 2019. The fraud was concentrated almost entirely in independent pharmacies versus pharmacy chains like CVS or Walgreens. Scheming pharmacies would hire telemarketers to call consumers to inquire about any pain or symptoms they may be experiencing. The unsuspecting con-

2, cancer, 598,532; 3, COVID-19, 345,323; 4, accidents, 192,176; 5, stroke, 159,050; 6, respiratory disease, 151.637; 7, Alzheimer’s, 133,382; 8, diabetes, 101,106; 9, flu/pneumonia, 53,495; 10, kidney disease, 52,260. Experts believe deaths from COVID-19 are underreported.

sumer would provide their insurance information. The pharmacy would then bill the insurance company for unwanted or unnecessary items such as topical pain creams, expensive vitamins, migraine therapies, etc. Often, the pharmacy would supply the consumer with a generic drug, but then bill the insurance company for a more expensive brand name. This would increase the consumer’s out of pocket cost considerably. 112 pharmacies were fired from the PBM’s network.

2022 Healthcare Budget Here are some of the major healthcare-related priorities being proposed by President Biden for fiscal 2022. 1. Increase Health and Human Services budget by 23%. HHS services include aging, alcohol and drugs, emergency medical services, disabilities, mental health, children and families and public health. 2. Make permanent the rule that those buying coverage on the exchange don’t have to pay more than 8.5% of household income on insurance if their income is above 400% of federal poverty guidelines. 3. Provide $400 million in grants for proposals to expand telehealth and electronic records into rural areas and to integrate the electronic records of rural veterans with private providers and the VA. 4. Expand rural maternity and obstetric management

Drug Prices As frequently reported here (ad nauseam), there are virtually no controls on drug prices. Biden is proposing to merely allow CMS to negotiate prices, (versus set prices like it does for physicians and hospitals), and have Medicare and Medicaid pay for some highly expensive drugs. The federal government negotiates prices on practically everything it buys, except drugs. The potential savings from the list of expensive drugs could be $50 billion a year for each of the next 10 years — or a total of half a trillion dollars. It would easily pay for all of the aforementioned priorities in Biden’s budget and more. But all of this depends on enough members of Congress to stand up to the ubiquitous and powerful drug lobby. Recent senate hearings have exposed the fact that Big Pharma spends far more enriching themselves on stock buy backs than on research and development. The drug industry as always argued it needs high profits to support research and development. The top 15 CEOs earned a combined $470 million in salary. The top three are: Len Schliefer of Regeneron, $135 million; Stan Erck of Novavax, $48 million; and Alex Gorky of J&J, $30 million.

Telehealth Bill The pandemic will be credited with expanding the use and acceptance of telehealth by providers, consumers and payers. However, some telehealth services were in jeopardy of being terminated by CMS, (no longer paid for), once we were clear of COVID-19. The most important of these temporary services was audio only (by phone) telehealth. A bipartisan and bicameral bill allowing CMS to pay for phone-only telehealth, permanently, is sure to be signed into law shortly. Geographic and originating site restrictions (like calls from the patient’s home to their provider) would be removed. Medicare Advan-

July 2021 •

Care Delayed If you have experienced a delay in the care or services ordered by your provider lately, you’re not alone. A recent survey conducted by the Medical Group Management Association found that 80% of medical groups report a dramatic increase in the number of services, procedures, therapies and drugs that require a prior authorization or approval by the patient’s insurance company. This has resulted in more delays and outright denials of care. Medical groups have added staff just to stay on top and track hundreds of prior authorizations. Fortunately, Congress is well aware of this costly and potentially dangerous practice. A bipartisan bill called “Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act” requires Medicare Advantage plans to adopt electronic prior authorization and several other reforms to speed the process up. Several studies in the past have demonstrated that the added costs associated with prior authorization, for both providers and insurers, often exceeds any savings in unnecessary care. 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 – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 5

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Living Alone Is No Laughing Matter — or Is It?

hen was the last time you laughed until your side hurt? Acted silly? Or felt like a kid again? If you are like me, it’s been a long time. Too long! The pandemic knocked the funny out of my funny bone. But happily, things are changing for the better. Life is opening up and there is plenty of fun to be had for everyone, including those who live alone. Sure, living solo can be serious business, what with all the chores and responsibilities that rest solely on our shoulders, but let’s not forget to laugh a little and enjoy ourselves along the way. “Why focus on fun?” you might ask. Because having fun, letting your hair down, and relaxing means letting go of your problems and worries for awhile. When that happens, you have time to “breathe” emotionally. When you are not occupied with troubling thoughts, your mind is free to wander, which can make room for new insights, understanding, and creativity. You may see things in a different light. And what might seem insurmountable at the moment (a Saturday night alone) can become more manageable. My life was no barrel of monkeys after my divorce. In fact, having fun was a low priority on my to-do list. I was busy trying to put my life back together as a single woman. Finding entertainment wasn’t among my goals. But then I took a trip that

changed everything. A couple of friends, determined to rescue me from my somber existence, coaxed me to join them on a road trip to Martha’s Vineyard. Warning everyone that I would be no fun to be with, I reluctantly squeezed into the backseat of the Volvo. We poked around the island for a few days and then found our way to one of its most charming harbor towns, Oak Bluffs. It’s a magical little place that is home to colorful, whimsical cottages. Oak Bluffs is also home to the Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest platform carousel in America. I stood there admiring it, commenting on the warm patina of its bobbing horses and remarking on how much fun the kids were having. That’s when my friends elbowed me and said, “Oh, come on, let’s take a ride.” After complaining that I was just too old for that sort of thing, they ignored my protests and literally lifted me onto a bright yellow horse. It was so much fun! I loved it! I even grabbed for the brass ring, in hopes of winning a second free ride, but a fresh-faced 11-year-old beat me to it. His joy brought a smile to my heart. Riding that carousel made me giggle and laugh and feel like myself again. It felt foreign and unfamiliar. But more than that, it felt fabulous! I was reminded of how much better my life could be if I just got back on that horse and made having fun more of a priority.

“My life was no barrel of monkeys after my divorce. In fact, having fun was a low priority on my to-do list. I was busy trying to put my life back together as a single woman. Finding entertainment wasn’t among my goals.” Back home, I started weaving fun and entertainment into my life. And I encourage you to do the same. Below are a few tips to help you tickle what may be a dormant funny bone: • Hang out with fun (and funny!) people. My sister Anne is the funniest person I know. Opportunities to be with her trump almost everything else on my calendar. We laugh, poke fun at each other, and otherwise just enjoy being together. When I’m with Anne, my cares drift away and life is good. So, take a look at the people you hang out with. While we all need supportive friends with whom we can sort through life’s difficulties, we also need some fun-loving souls. Be sure to connect with them on a regular basis. • Diversify your entertainment. While I love classical music performances and can’t resist a good documentary, those activities don’t invigorate my inner child nor make me chuckle. No, to have fun, I need to dance as if no one’s watching, enjoy a two-scoop ice cream cone, or watch – for the umpteenth time – the 1980 comedy “Airplane!” with Leslie Nielsen. When’s the last time you went bowling, rode a tandem bike, played board games with friends, blew bubbles, or went to a comedy club? There’s no time like the present! • See the humor around you. I’ve also discovered that we don’t have to manufacture our own amusement. It’s there for the taking, if we just

look around. Yesterday, I saw something funny happening right in front of my eyes. A dog was pacing back and forth in the back seat of the car ahead of me, sticking its head out the windows on each pass. It looked ridiculous! I could have observed this scene with indifference, but I decided to enjoy the moment and embrace its inherent humor. Do the same. Pause and enjoy the absurdity that surrounds us. • And ﬁnally, be silly and don’t take yourself too seriously. Oh, come on, you can do it! Let go, let loose. If this year has taught us anything, it has taught us that life is short, time is precious. Join your kids or grandkids on the playground and feel the wind on your face while you pump a swing higher and higher. There’s nothing like a little fun and a good laugh to brighten your day and lift your spirits, whether you live alone or not. So go for it. Grab for that brass ring. And enjoy the ride!

In 2020, those numbers dropped to 20% of high school students and 5% of middle school students. The preferred brand of e-cigarettes was JUUL, which was used by 25% of high school vapers and 35% of middle school students. Most users got their e-cigarettes from a friend (57% of high school students and 59% of middle school students), reported the researchers, who were led by Teresa Wang, from the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health. Flavored e-cigarettes were preferred by far among by both high school and middle school students (85% of high schoolers and 74% of middle schoolers). Fruit-flavored

e-cigarettes were the most popular, followed by mint-flavored e-cigarettes. Also, many students switched to disposable and refillable e-cigarettes, the researchers noted. “The evidence is clear that as long as any flavored e-cigarettes remain on the market, we will not end this youth epidemic,” Myers said. “The FDA must act to clear the market of all flavored e-cigarettes. And it should reject JUUL’s application to keep selling its products, given the unquestionable evidence that JUUL drove the youth e-cigarette epidemic and remains highly popular with kids.”

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Alone and Content, empowerment workshops for women and author of “Alone and Content,” a collection of inspiring essays for those who live alone. For information about her workshops, to purchase her book, or invite Voelckers to speak, visit www.aloneandcontent.com

Youth Vaping Rates Decline But one in ﬁve U.S. teens still uses e-cigs

lthough the number of teens who use e-cigarettes has dropped significantly, new research suggests that vaping rates are still too high. “This study underscores that flavored e-cigarettes, especially JUUL, have caused the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use and nicotine addiction in the U.S. and shows why the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] and other policymakers must act now to eliminate all flavored e-cigarettes,” said Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. To get around bans on e-cigarettes sold to kids, there was a dramatic shift to fruity-flavored Page 6

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disposable e-cigarettes, such as Puff Bar, and pre-filled menthol cartridge products, which were left on the market by loopholes in U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, he said. “It’s alarming that over 7% of high school e-cigarette users wrote in Puff Bar as their usual brand, although it was not named in the survey,” Myers said. For the study, researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveyed more than 14,500 middle and high school students about their use of e-cigarettes. In 2019, 27.5% of high school students and 10.5% of middle school students said they used e-cigarettes.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

Ticks Thrive in Warmer Weather

Erie County Department of Health advises residents to prevent bites and check for ticks on humans and pets

ith warmer weather in store for Erie County, the Erie County Department of Health is reminding residents that this is the season for ticks and the tick-borne illnesses. Ticks — small, wingless, blood-sucking insects — are active from April through November in Western New York. Tick larvae, active from mid-May through July, are the size of a poppy seed and difficult to see. Ticks can be extremely small, so a thorough inspection on yourself and your children of skin and clothing – and pets – is necessary after gardening, camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. When outside, people can take

steps to prevent tick bites by covering exposed skin and tucking longsleeve shirts into pants and pants into socks. Use insect repellent that has 20% or more DEET, picaridin or IR 3535; use these repellents according to their labels, and do not use on children under two months of age. “Where there are ticks, there can be tick-borne diseases. Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-born disease in the United States, and is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick,” said Commissioner of Health Gale Burstein, a physician. “Fever, headache, fatigue and a characteristic bull’s-eye skin rash are typical symptoms, and people may develop more

serious and lingering complications.” Ticks found on skin must be carefully and completely removed. The best technique is to use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upwards with steady, firm pressure. The risk of developing Lyme disease is extremely low if the tick is attached less than 36 hours. Testing of the tick for spirochete infection has a poor predictive value and is not recommended. If you or a family member has had a tick bite, monitor for symptoms and consult your health care provider with any concerns. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated in its early stages with antibiotics.

where ticks are likely to be. • Repel ticks on exposed skin with repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET, picaridin or IR3535. Do not use on children younger than two months. Use according to instructions on the label. • Treat clothing, socks, shoes, boots, and camping gear with products that contain permethrin; do not use this on skin. It can remain protective through several washings. Pre-treated clothing is available and may be protective longer. • Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long, light-colored pants tucked into socks or closed-toed shoes. Talk to your veterinarian about effective tick control options.

How Can I Reduce Ticks in My Yard?

Find and Remove Ticks from Your Body

• Keep lawns mowed and edges trimmed • Clear brush, leaf litter and tall grass around the house, and at the edges of gardens and stone walls • Stack woodpiles neatly away from the house and preferably off the ground • In the fall, clear your yard of all leaf and garden litter, where ticks can live in the winter • Keep the ground under bird feeders clean so as not to attract small animals that can carry ticks into your yard • Locate children’s swing sets and other play equipment in sunny, dry areas of the yard, away from the woods where ticks can be abundant • Using an approved insecticide once a year (in June) can significantly reduce tick numbers on a residential property

• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you. • Conduct a full-body tick check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body upon return from tick-infested areas. Parents should check their children for ticks under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair. • Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and day packs. • Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks effectively. If the clothes cannot be washed in hot water, tumble dry on low heat for 90 minutes or high heat for 60 minutes. The clothes should be warm and completely dry.

How Do I Protect Myself and Family? • Avoid direct contact with ticks • Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. • Walk in the center of trails: stay on cleared trails when walking or hiking, and avoid the edge habitat

Writer on the Run By Jenna Schifferle

jenna.schifferle@gmail.com

Elimination Diet: A Three-week Program to Reset My Eating Habits

here’s an old saying that goes: You can’t outrun a bad diet. The older I get, the more I realize the truth in this statement. For years, I used running as my sole form of “healthy” — to gain energy, lose weight and clear my mind. I learned to eat for recovery and long runs, but I never quite learned what to eat. Over time, I’ve come to realize that the foods that go into my body often matter more than the miles I cover. As in-person races resume and I prepare for 30 miles on my 30th birthday, I decided to consult a dietitian for insights into my eating habits. A recent stint with gallbladder issues and digestive problems spurred me to take action. So, I scheduled a two-hour consultation with Buffalo

Nutrition & Dietetics, where we went through my entire family history, medical records, eating habits and more. The session covered all facets of my health, and the dietitian provided me with more insights on my overall wellness than I ever would have thought possible. At the end of our time, she assigned me an elimination diet, a regimented, three-week program to reset my eating habits and determine any food sensitivities. This began with me completely cutting out processed sugar, gluten, dairy, caffeine, and alcohol. A few days in, the cravings hit me hard. I want chocolate; I want pizza; I want to guzzle a ton of coffee. Instead, I eat fruits, vegetables, brown rice, white meats and glu-

ten-free bread. I sit with my cravings for a good long time and wait for them to fade, and it gets easier as the days pass. Now, I feel brighter, more clear-minded and ready for anything. I’ve given my body a few days to acclimate to this new diet while refraining from running. This weekend, I’ll test out a long run and see how my body does with the dietary changes. That said, I’m optimistic that this change will be good for me. At very least, I hope to determine if I have any food triggers and inspire myself to continue cooking healthy meals long after the diet has ended. We all know that a healthy diet can impact your mood, energy levels and overall health. What’s great is that you don’t have to do an elimination diet and cut out everything bad

July 2021 •

to be healthy. Sometimes, a simple change like cutting down on caffeine or skipping the fried food can make a big difference. Small steps lead to big changes, and sometimes all it takes is for you to start moving. That philosophy has been a cornerstone in my life, with both running and this new dietary initiative. Next month, I’ll be taking the first step toward my 30 miles for my 30th birthday. Until then, I encourage you to take the first step toward whatever you’re striving for in your life. I know you can do it. Until the big 3-0!

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Post COVID-19 Life: Ways the Pandemic Has Affected Health

patients, unfortunately, that possibly could have been prevented had they had their screenings on time. “Patients have been more hesitant to go to the hospital if they’re ill. One had chest pain and refused to go to the ER at the height of the pandemic and had a heart attack and died. I have seen those types of dramatic things lessening now that the vaccine is more widespread and the protocols.” He also noted that mental health has deteriorated throughout the pandemic, as those with pre-existing mental health conditions have neglected their care and additional cases of mental health issues have cropped up because of the stressors associated with the effects of the pandemic. As a positive result of the pandemic, telehealth has helped more people connect with healthcare providers for routine matters. Before COVID-19, few were interested in it. Fasanello said that his office adapted to telehealth early on in the pandemic. Many older adults have struggled in a variety of ways during the pandemic, including physically, since they lacked a means of engaging in physical activity such as at a senior center or gym. “It’s impacted them socially,” said Laura Greene, a center manag-

er of Catholic Health Life Program at Villa Maria in Buffalo. “Everyone has experienced increased isolation, but that population can’t necessarily get out of the house otherwise.” Joseph Fasanello Her organization typically provided transportation to a senior day center for socializing, entertainment, activities, a hot lunch, and as needed a visit to the clinic. COVID-19 changed all that. “They lost a lot of that connection,” Greene said. “As a result, we’ve seen some impact on their physical health, cognitive health, mental health. We’ve tried to improvise to find other ways to stay connected to mitigate the impact on those areas of functioning.” Outfitting clients with GrandPads—a tablet especially programmed for use by older adults— has helped reduce the isolation caused by the pandemic. Virtual programming like bingo, tai chi, entertainers, meditation, Bible study and all kinds of discussion groups help relieve isolation. “They can add their family and friends to the device,” Greene said. “They can stay in their home socially distanced and still talk with their children, grandchildren and friends from the center they’re not seeing right now.” She added that without mental stimulation and socialization, many older adults experienced cognitive decline. Staying secluded for months was harder on older adults who may not have as many social connections. Many have experienced relatives and

friends passing away and do not have family living nearby. Virtual meetings have also helped connect older adults with dietitians and other experts to keep tabs on their health. Laura Greene “Long after the pandemic is behind us and we’re back to normal functioning, I think we’ll maintain the GrandPads for that reason,” she said. “If they’re not interested in coming or for whatever reason can’t get out, it can be a way to connect. There are games and music on it that they can benefit from.” Dental health providers have noticed a few other effects of the pandemic. Amanda Dotterman, dental hygienist at Advanced Dental, PC in Niagara Falls, said that many patients have presented with broken teeth. “People were very stressed, clenching and grinding during the pandemic,” she said. During the early part of the pandemic, all routine care was delayed, including dental care. “With the delayed treatment, there are risks that things will happen because we’re not looking for them,” Dotterman said. “I’ve seen an increase of cavities, tartar build-up and—because people are drinking more wine, stains.” Frequent stress munching on sweets and constant access to food while at home has meant many people have new cavities. Now that the backlog at dental offices has cleared up, Dotterman wants people to make sure they come in for a check-up.

give the participants room to do just that. Prior to going into private practice at Core Mental Health Counseling, located at 374 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, Costello worked in the field of addiction therapy, where he noted his primary clientele was men. “I’ve also sat in on men’s circles for personal development and I have gained too much for words,” he said. “There are such benefits to sitting with other men who have learned how to sit with their own emotions and experiences and process that.” Costello noted that even in his field, the majority of providers tend to be female, leaving sparse room for men who may be more comfortable seeking assistance from a male provider. The men’s group that Costello established recently concluded its

first six-week session which was held virtually, and he says he hopes to begin another session in the future, providing more men a space to learn and grow and to simply bond with other men. “Primarily, it’s about connection, to normalize that despite outward appearances, other guys struggle with anxiety, fear, depression, relationship struggles, loneliness, kind of the whole gamut of human emotion and it’s just never really talked about with men, especially the intimate details of their lives, its not always discussed,” he said. Costello noted that there are many reasons why men are often times less likely to seek out help and support when it comes to mental and emotional wellness issues, one of which is a stigma which exists around the issue. This can lead, he said, to men letting issues go for far too long. “It’s changing, but it has been typical that when I see a guy in my office, he’s already in crisis, the wheels are falling off,” he said. The therapist noted that seeking counseling is anything but a sign that a man is somehow falling short. “It’s not an indicator that there’s anything wrong or that you’re failing, or you can’t handle things,” he said. “If anything, it’s an indicator that you’re noticing things and paying attention.” Additionally, Costello noted that men are more prone to focusing on external issues surrounding them rather than the personal internal response to things they may be experi-

encing. “Guys tend to intellectualize emotion a little bit, as though it’s a problem or a puzzle that has a solution,” he said. While participants do delve into Brian Costello some weighty emotional topics, the group is also geared at looking forward and outward, in addition to inward. Costello describes the group as a hybrid of personal development and group therapy. Costello said that the sessions feature a range of topics through the six-week time frame and a typical session can include educational material, mindfulness and meditation, goal setting, accountability activities, exercises such as writing or journaling, book reviews and group conversations and check-ins. While this session is over, Costello said that he hopes to begin another and also hopes to help others through social media accounts which provide information as well as encouragement. Costello can be found on Instagram at @briancostellocounselor and on Facebook at @BrianCostelloCounseling. For more information on Core Mental Health Counseling, visit www.corementalhealthcounseling. org.

Some other health issues developed unnoticed during the pandemic By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

arious facets of the COVID-19 pandemic have affected health in a variety of ways that healthcare providers did not expect at its onset. While illnesses from coronavirus captured the world’s attention, other health issues developed unnoticed. One of the reasons is that routine and preventive care plummeted. “When the pandemic started, most busy schedules of providers were almost nothing as patients were afraid to come,” said Joseph Fasanello, a family physician with Trinity Medical Primary Care in Kenmore. “Preventive visits were almost nonexistent. I saw it among all age groups. It’s starting to improve, beginning in early 2021. It’s almost— knock on wood—back to normal.” That means that many people skipped regular physical examinations. All health screening visits ceased entirely for weeks. Some patients skimped on care for chronic health issues like diabetes and hypertension. Even after the quarantine was lifted, many patients feared visiting the hospital or doctor’s office. “I’ve already seen upticks in preventable diseases,” Fasanello said. “Just going to screenings for chronic disease wasn’t happening. We weren’t doing things like mammograms, diabetes monitoring, cholesterol. I’ve even seen some fatalities in

‘Let’s Talk’ Men’s group gives participants opportunity to bond, grow and learn By Julie Halm

rian Costello, licensed master social worker and credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor, saw a need for a space where men could connect with other men as well as to learn and grow psychologically and emotionally. This led him to the creation of Let’s Talk, a men’s group which aims to

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

BPPN’s Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative Partners With Say Yes Buffalo

Produce and products offered at South Buffalo’s Farmers’ Market, a weekly Saturday event in Caz Park.

Rooted Locally plants offer a unique twist to your weekly green grocery list. They are available at Elmwood-Bidwell Market in Buffalo.

Farmers’ Markets Are Back

The markets are a great place to get healthy food and meet friends By Catherine Miller

armers markets are back in full swing and are stocked with surprising health options that go beyond your basic fruits and vegetables. After a year in hiatus or in a scaled-down version of years past, many of the local weekly pop-up farmers markets are bringing back your favorite vendors, have added some new ones, and even have guest vendors that rotate on a weekly basis, making each week’s event unique and healthy. South Buffalo’s Farmers Market, a weekly Saturday event in Caz Park, welcomed Too Raw Organics and the cold pressed juice masters Marcus Burley and Chris Greco to a recent market. Their pressed juices were so popular they sold out before the end of the afternoon. “Tropical Dream is our most popular flavor,” acknowledges Burley, one of the co-owners of Too Raw Organics. “We also have many flavors that are high in nutritional value such as Senzu, which is a kale, apple and cucumber-based juice.” In addition to the delicious cold pressed juices you can find gluten free baked goods at the KupKates booth and pure honey from the Beez Kneez Apiary. Add in a bunch of fresh flowers from April Spencer’s Florist and you have an afternoon picnic ready to go. On Saturday mornings you can also find the Elmwood-Bidwell Market in full swing at the intersection that bears its name. Breadhive is available for your bread needs featuring

their baguettes, bagels and pretzels made with regional grains and local produce. You can also check out Rooted Locally for a unique twist to your weekly green grocery list. “We sell live trays of microgreens that are high in nutrition and chemical-free,” said Lisa Brocato, who co-owns Rooted Locally with her husband, Justin. “We bring more than a dozen varieties of microgreen trays to each market, from sweet to spicy. We also sell large salad mixes that include edible flowers or another unique ingredient, as well as wheat grass that tends to be popular with health foodies and pet owners alike as it’s high in nutrients and has many health benefits.” The Williamsville area has expanded to include two farmers markets. The traditional Williamsville market continues at the Amherst Town Hall and the newer Clarence Four Corner’s market is located on Clarence Center Road. Both markets are open on Saturdays. The Williamsville market features fresh produce from The Green Heron Growers, Becker Farms and The Kernal. The Clarence market, not far away, helps you to round out your shopping with Pacific Cloud Seafoods, along with fresh eggs and meats by Kindred Kreek. Hamburg’s Farmers Market opens each Saturday morning and boasts everything from apples to zucchini, but there’s more. Located at the Moose Lodge on Church Street they offer fresh, locally sourced meats from Hanzlian Sausage, one of our family’s favorite vendors due to their

freshness and variety. There are items from Flat 12 Mushrooms which, you guessed it, are mushroom-based products including broths and cream cheese. While the Hamburg market offers many other locally sourced health food options, if you want to step outside your wholesome zone, the market also offers baked goods from Mazurek’s Bakery, and samplings from a couple of regional wineries if you are so inclined. Western New York is home to so many farmers markets that you could travel to a different venue each weekend and still not see all they have to offer by the end of harvest season. There are many reasons to visit these seasonal markets. “It’s not just about the farmers’ markets,” said Buffalo Councilmember Christopher Scanlon, who sponsors the South Buffalo market, located inside beautiful Cazenovia Park. “It’s about bringing the community together, getting outside in ideal locations to enjoy the park settings and supporting local vendors. All in all, the markets are great for the community.” You can find dates and times for these and many other local farmers markets on Google and Facebook by searching “farmers markets near me.” Or start with the ones listed and ask your favorite vendors where they pop up each week. Our local farmers markets are a great place to shop for your favorite foods, share time with friends and enjoy the summer.

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uffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network’s Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative (BFI) in partnership with Say Yes Buffalo is premiering a new video to support the #InvestinDads Campaign, which aims to raise $40,000 to support program development for fathers and male caregivers. To date, the #InvestinDads Campaign has raised $11,200 from Univera Healthcare, Five Star Bank, National Fuel, the Aquino Family Foundation and many generous, individual donors. “Say Yes Buffalo has been instrumental in the development of our campaign. We are truly appreciative of their continued support, partnership, and leadership in our community,” said Antoine Johnson, program manager of the Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative. “Coming out of the pandemic, the need for engaged fathers is greater than ever,” said David Rust, executive director at Say Yes Buffalo. “The community’s been in crisis in a lot of ways, both economically and socially, and when fathers are more engaged, the data shows that students are more likely to do well in school and more likely to seek postsecondary education.” Say Yes Buffalo has been a partner with the Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative since 2018, offering parenting and financial literacy education, as well as oneto-one mentoring with fathers. “We’re grateful for the program funders — the John R. Oishei Foundation, Key Bank, the First Niagara Foundation, and the Mother Cabrini Foundation— for answering the call for work like this to occur in the community,” Rust said. The campaign video is a call-to-action for the community to support this critical program that empowers healthy father and male involvement for children, women, and families while providing the tools and resources needed to become a better father. The program focuses on building a future for our children and our community—one father at a time. The #InvestinDads Campaign will run through June 2021, culminating in an event known as “Fathers Eve” at 6:30 p.m. June 19 Fathers Eve is nationally recognized and is all about celebrating dads everywhere. Fathers Eve is always held the evening before Father’s Day. It’s an opportunity for fathers, father figures, and stepfathers to get together and celebrate the “Brotherhood of Fatherhood.” For more information, contact Antoine Johnson at ajohnson@bppn.org. Individuals can donate at this link: https://InvestingDads.givesmart.com and through Text to Give Platform by texting ‘InvestingDads’ to 76278.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Sunscreen Vital For Skin Health

Taking steps to protect your skin from the sun is important By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

he benefits of wearing sunscreen have been known for three decades. The sun is a major cause of skin cancer and signs of aging, which sunscreen can help prevent. But many people do not bother applying it regularly. They may slather it on for a day at the beach or amusement park to avoid a painful sunburn, but not more often than that. Emily Gottstein, physician assistant at Orchard Park Dermatology in Orchard Park, advises patients to

wear sunscreen daily regardless of the weather. “Even on cloudy days, you need sunscreen,” she said. “There’s long and short UV rays. The ones out on cloudy days cause damage. You can still get sun damage on cloudy days that can cause skin cancer. Sun damage adds up over time. It’s cumulative. Even if you’re not burned, every exposure adds up.” She advises using a facial lotion containing SPF 30 before leaving home in the morning. During the

lunch hour, avoid exposure by using a physical barrier, such as a largebrimmed hat while taking a walk or sitting under a patio umbrella at the café instead of in direct sunlight. Or apply a dusting of SPF powder if you wear makeup and do not want to take it off. “Layering doesn’t add up to more protection, like SPF 30 makeup primer plus SPF 30 foundation equals 60 SPF,” Gottstein said. Some people worry about applying chemical-based sunscreens to their skin. However, Gottstein said that physical sunscreens with zinc or titanium offer a good alternative. “The sunscreen that a person uses is the best sunscreen, if they prefer one type than another,” Gottstein said. “It’s better than nothing at all.” Gottstein said to apply one ounce — about the volume of a shot glass — to cover the body’s exposed skin. Water resistant sunscreen is recommended while swimming or excessively sweating. Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours and after toweling off. Many cosmetics contain SPF, which makes it easier to protect the skin for those who wear makeup. One of those is the TIM line, developed by Deanna Cahill, owner of The Brow Diva. She has worked in the makeup business for more than 30 years in Rochester. “The importance of SPF in your skincare, whether it be a day cream or a tinted moisturizer, is because of the exposure that you get just from walking from the car to a building or walking out in a parking lot or taking a short walk,” Cahill said. “It’s the accumulation of the daily exposure we get from the sun that does the most damage. “That’s why it’s important to wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the harmful rays. Vitamin D is great, but it’s also important to protect us from the harmful rays.”

Sunscreen is For Everybody People of color often overlook sunscreen, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey of 2,007 people. The survey responses revealed that 61% of blacks and 23% of Hispanics said they never wear sunscreen. While it is true that skin containing more melanin is less prone to sun damage than lighter skin, it’s not a free pass to skip sunscreen. Darker skin can still suffer the effects of sun-induced damage, including sunburn, lines, wrinkles, spots and skin cancer. “People of color can get skin cancers and can get very bad skin cancers, including melanoma on the bottoms of their feet,” Dermatologist Emily Lambert at Geneva General Hospital, said. Considering how few ads for sunscreen include people of color, some may not bother with sunscreen because they do not think the products are meant for them. Advertisers may feel that showing people with darker skin tones may cause people to mistake their natural skin tone for a suntan—the exact opposite effect of what their products are meant to do. Nonetheless, the unspoken, incorrect message is that only people with light skin tone need sunscreen. Another factor is the small selection of cosmetics that match darker skin tones. When it’s hard enough to find the right shade of tinted moisturizer or foundation, why worry about whether or not it contains SPF? Lighter skin tones have a much broader selection of products that are more widely available.

Address Psoriasis Naturally You have more options than prescriptions By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

f taking medication is not your ideal only means of addressing psoriasis or you would like more tools to reduce flare-ups, you have more options than prescriptions. ========= Tips from Emily Gottstein, physician assistant, Orchard Park Dermatology, Orchard Park: • “Moisturizing is always important, especially using fragrance-free moisturizers. There are creams and there are lotions. Creams tend to be a little thicker and they provide a better barrier to the skin than lotion, which is thinner. • “Not smoking can help manage psoriasis. • “Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition. Decreasing weight can help. • “Sometimes some short sun exposure can help psoriasis. It’s a delicate balance because you don’t want a lot of unprotected exposure. Try 10 minutes of indirect exposure two to three times per week.” ========= Page 10

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Physician Francisco Tausk, professor of dermatology, allergy, immunology and rheumatology at University of Rochester School of Medicine: • “The National Psoriasis Foundation supports the Mediterranean diet. The only study that had controls was one in Iran where they looked at a vegan diet with low sodium. They saw patients’ psoriasis improve in a month with low calorie, low carb, plant-based eating. These diets are a little difficult to follow in that they are strict. They are anti-inflammatory as there are antioxidants in vegetables and fruits. There’s not been too much scientific work done on the effect of diet. • “If you lose weight, you respond much better to the biologic—medication. By far, patients will improve overall. Fat tissue produces a lot of inflammatory issues. A lot of mediators, molecules involved in producing psoriasis, are the same as those made by fat tissues. If you have a lot of waist circumference fat, it makes sense your psoriasis will be worse. • “Mindfulness meditation

has been shown to help psoriasis. It became extremely popular in the US. It helps patients deal with the stress and it leads them into the path of meditation. Stress makes most patients with psoriasis worse. Addressing that is important. With depression, the brain releases inflammatory markers. It’s a vicious cycle. Psychotherapy and anti-depressants are of importance. Exercise is also important in the same vein as depression and meditation. Yoga can help. • “I do recommend to patients certain supplements, including turmeric. Studies show it reduces psoriasis. For others, there are not that many control trials, but I recommend certain supplements as anti-inflammatories, like vitamin D. Everyone

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

here has very low vitamin D levels. Resveratrol is an extract from grapes that is a strong antioxidant that protects against inflammation. I tell patients to take omega-3 fatty acids. I prefer they take them not from fish but algae. If you go with fish, buy wild caught fish, not farmed. The wild caught salmon feeds itself on plankton that has the omega-3. To get the right oils, you need salmon that were feeding off the algae that contain the oils. Since it’s very expensive, I tell patients to buy plant-based omega-3 oils. Some studies have been for it and some are against it. But there are more for consuming the oil. I also tell patients to try sulforaphane supplements. It turns on your natural antioxidants in your own cells.”

SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating Nutritious Great Northern Beans Make Delicious Baked Beans

ver eat something without giving a wit about its nutritional chops? Say, a yummy side that accompanies your main course like no other? Baked beans has always been that side for me. Come summer, it’s all I ever want with whatever’s on the grill. For years, I never thought much about baked beans, other than that they slipped out of a can and tasted delicious! But once I inspected the can’s nutrition label, I realized that while canned baked beans indeed feature some important nutrients, some of the other ingredients — sugar, salt, additives — make them less nutritious and more caloric than they need to be. So I started making my own baked beans with canned Great Northern white beans, a popular bean that’s nearly identical to the hard-to-find canned pea (aka navy bean) that’s traditionally used to make this dish. Like most beans, Great Northerns are your heart’s best friend. They’re chock full of cholesterol-lowering fiber; they’re super rich in folate, a B vitamin that lowers levels of an amino acid associated with greater risk of heart disease and stroke; they’re low in fat and calories (only 200 calories per cup); and

they’re loaded with heart-protecting antioxidants. For vegetarians and those trying to reduce their intake of meat, Great Northerns are an excellent source of low-fat, plant-based protein (about 15 grams per cup), a nutrient we need to build up, keep up, and replace tissues in our body. Although the protein in this versatile bean is incomplete, it can easily be combined with other foods, such as pasta, rice or grains, to yield a complete protein. Despite its small size, this tasty legume boasts a whopping 13 grams of fiber per cup: 50% of our daily needs. Because Great Northerns contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, we reap multiple benefits: improved digestion and elimination, lowered cholesterol and blood-glucose levels, and greater satiety for better weight management. In fact, according to a study published in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition,” people who eat beans are less likely to be obese and more likely to have a smaller waist and lower body weight than people who don’t eat beans. Lastly, this nutritious bean is an impressive source of manganese, phosphorous, and iron—essential minerals that support brain and nerve functions, bone and teeth health, and energy production, respectively.

Healthier Baked Beans Serves 6-8

1 tablespoon olive oil ½ onion, diced (about 1 cup) 1 cup tomato sauce 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon Kosher salt ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 2 15-ounce cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly oil an 8-inch square baking pan. Heat olive oil on medium heat in large skillet. Add onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until translucent. Turn off the heat and add tomato sauce, mustard, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Stir well, and then gently mix in beans, adding more sauce if preferred. Pour into prepared baking pan and cover with foil. Bake the beans for about 25 minutes and serve. Note: If using dried beans, about 1½ cups will yield the approximate canned amount.

Helpful tips Look for canned beans labeled “Low Salt” or “Low Sodium” and thoroughly drain and rinse before using. Nutrition-wise, canned beans and dried beans are about equal. Cooked beans, whether prepared from the dried state or retrieved from a can, can be covered and chilled for up to 5 days.

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.

Plant-Based or Low-Fat Diet: Which Is Better for Your Heart?

oping to eat your way to a healthier heart? Diets rich in plant foods may beat low-fat eating regimens for cutting the risk of heart disease and stroke, a new study finds. Saturated fat, the kind largely found in animal products, has long been viewed as the enemy of the heart, since it can raise “bad” LDL cholesterol. In the new study, which tracked more than 5,100 Americans, researchers found that people with diets low in saturated fat did indeed have better LDL levels. But that did not translate into a lower risk of heart disease or stroke, the study found. On the other hand, people who consumed plenty of plant foods — vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and nuts — did have lower risks of cardiovascular trouble. Experts said the findings do not mean that LDL cholesterol, or saturated fat, are unimportant. People who eat a lot of plant foods also tend to have low LDL, and their diets are often fairly low in saturated fat by virtue of limiting meat and dairy. But focusing on saturated fat can “miss many aspects of diet quality,”

said study author Yuni Choi, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Minnesota. Instead, she said, a more “holistic” approach to eating is likely better for heart health. Choi presented the findings at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting in June. Studies released at meetings are generally considered preliminary until they are published in a peer-reviewed journal. The results come from a long-running study of heart health that began recruiting young U.S. adults in the 1980s. Over 32 years, 135 participants developed coronary heart disease, where “plaques” build up in the arteries and slow blood flow to the heart. Another 92 suffered a stroke. Choi and her colleagues assessed all study participants’ diet histories, assigning them “scores” based on how many plant foods and how much saturated fat they typically ate. Overall, both vegetable fans and those who shunned saturated fat had lower LDL cholesterol. But only plant-rich diets were linked to lower risks of heart disease and stroke. For every incremental increase in those scores, the risk of heart disease

declined by 19%, on average. The risk of stroke, meanwhile, dropped by 29%. That was with factors like smoking, body weight, and income and education levels taken into account. In what may be good news to burger lovers, “plant-based” does not have to mean becoming vegetarian or vegan. Try filling 70% to 80% of your plate with vegetables, beans, whole grains and the like, said senior researcher David Jacobs, a professor of public health at the University of Minnesota. It’s important to eat those foods “close to the way they’re grown,” Jacobs said — rather than buying heavily processed versions. Variety is also key. “You want to have a colorful, beautiful plate,” Jacobs said. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist not involved in the study, agreed that a “predominantly plant-based” diet is the way to go for heart health. “Animal products are not meant to be part of every meal,” said Freeman, who directs cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver. Instead, he encourages patients

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to consume a wide range of plant foods, in their “natural form.”

Bioactive Compounds Why are plant-rich diets so heart-friendly? It’s not any single magic ingredient, the researchers said. Such diets are typically high in fiber, unsaturated fat and a slew of vitamins and minerals — but the explanation may go beyond those nutrients, according to Jacobs. Unlike animals, he pointed out, plants boast an array of self-generated chemicals that protect them from the environment. And those so-called bioactive compounds may benefit the humans who eat them. Choi said the researchers also want to study the ways in which different diets affect the gut microbiome—the vast collection of bacteria and other microbes that dwell in the gut and perform numerous vital functions. It’s possible, she said, that plantbased diets partly benefit the heart via effects on the gut microbiome.

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OMEN'S HEALTH

What Women Should Know to Live a Healthy Life By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

n many ways, men and women have different health needs and issues. Area experts shared with us a few of the top issues women face. From Joseph Fasanello, family physician at Trinity Medical Primary Care in Kenmore: • “It’s always about the screening. Don’t change the oil when the engine is knocking; it’s too late. Many people say, ‘I’m fine. I don’t want to go for a screening.’ But that’s when you want to find it. We want women to be up to date with STD screening, breast cancer screening, colon cancer screening, cervical cancer screening and one time a year, blood work. It allows us to dig our heels in and stay on top of things. Cancer screenings and routine labs and check-ups: that’s 99% of our focus. • “Many women who’ve had babies are afraid to take their children in for vaccines. They wonder, ‘Should I even get vaccinated for COVID?’ There’s so much we’re still learning as this is a novel vaccine. • “There are so many stressors for women. A woman who has four children who are schoolaged and a full-time job as the primary breadwinner now has to perform at a higher level for her work, home and children’s education. That would be enough to push a lot of people to the breaking point with that much responsibility. And there’s a limited outlet for stress. I do think things are improving. Since spring has come, I’m seeing a little return to normal. We’ve tried to Joseph Fasanello Page 12

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go out of our way to be helpful and accommodating. We tell patients they’re not in this alone. You’re never bothering us when you call. There’s always something that can be done to help. Their primary care providers are their advocates.” From Jessica Burke, certiﬁed through DONA as a post-partum doula and owner of Birth Grove Doula in Buffalo • “The number one problem that so many women have across the board is domestic violence. When a woman goes into the hospital, typically if she doesn’t have the A to Z Jessica Burke warning signs or prerequisites, they skip the domestic violence screening. It’s usually a printout they give her. That’s not sufficient. Pregnant women are at a much higher risk for domestic violence. Studies show that a change in focus of the mother provokes jealousy which is a huge risk factor. It’s that way before she was pregnant, but it gets worse. When you see chronic pain syndrome, depression and anxiety, these correlate with domestic violence. Oftentimes, you will see the partner will do all the talking. The birthing person might continuously look at the partner for approval when asked questions. They may also have constant physical contact from the abuser. If it seems like it’s not being reciprocated and it’s a controlling gesture, you can tell, especially if there are these other signs, like history of insomnia, lack of energy. There won’t always be a bruise to look for.

• “Living in constant survival mode in pregnancy increases the mom’s stress hormones. That can negatively affect the fetus. Chorangiosis is when the placenta is not getting enough oxygen. Stress hormones create a lack of oxygen. That causes mini strokes all over the placenta and calcifications. It can cause preterm labor and cause the baby to not receive enough oxygen in the womb which can cause brain damage and bradycardia. Women with seemingly healthy pregnancies have emergency C-sections because the baby’s heart is slow or stopped beating. The stress causes a huge cascade of physical and mental health problems. Instead of going home with their babies, they go home confused, terrified and without answers. In a high-stress environment, doctors don’t have time to explain things all the time.” From Physician J’Leise Sosa, from General Physician Women’s Health in Buffalo • “Maternal mortality is a big issue. We are seeing a lot of preventable deaths or near deaths for women giving birth. There are a lot of studies going on to identify why we are experiencing this and the education moms need. Access to safe housing, transportation, healthy food can affect overall health and increase risk for death and poor outcome. We should focus on this now and realize that health is intertwined with public health and all of these other factors. • “If I had a magic wand, every pregnant woman would have their insurance cover pelvic floor therapy. The heavy uterus weighs down on the lower back, pelvic floor and uterus and abdominal muscles. This can cause back pain and incontinence. Postpartum yoga or Pilates six weeks after giving birth can help. Those exercises are geared toward this area. A

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

physical therapist and even bringing it up with their OB-GYNs may help. Some insurance will cover this. • “The other thing that’s of particular interest to me is treatment of fibroids in the uterus. Fibroids can affect up to 80% of women by age 50 and 15% to 30% will end up with heavy, painful periods and chronic pelvic pain as a result. We haven’t had as much research as to who’s at risk and how to prevent them. The treatment has been hysterectomy or removing the fibroids. It puts women out of commission for six to eight weeks. The Acessa procedure allows us to do a minimally invasive procedure. It goes from a baseball to a marshmallow consistency and the volume decreases. You no longer have the pain. Patients are three to five days out of work.” From OB-GYN Lisa Jane Jacobsen from the University at Buffalo. • “As OB-GYNs, we look out for their health as a whole, including heart disease and breast cancer. Those are the biggest health concerns overall for women. For breast cancer prevention, they need to be screened appropriately. If you have risk factors, like a family member, with breast cancer, that needs to be discussed with the primary care provider or OB-GYN. At the age of 40, discuss if that’s the right time to begin mammograms as they can reduce the risk of breast cancer deaths. • “Overall, more women die of heart attack than any other cause. It’s important to address the risk factors including elevated lipids and high blood pressure. One of the hardest things to address is probably weight, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. It takes a lot of effort to make sure exercise is part of your daily lifestyle— that it’s a priority.”

Back Health Through Pregnancy Experts offer tips for a more comfortable pregnancy By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Pregnancy can certainly do a number on a woman’s back, both from the extra weight gain—much of it concentrated in the belly—and also postpartum hunching to nurse. Plus, joints naturally loosen up during pregnancy to allow for easier birth. Moms can easily mitigate some of these effects. Ideally, women should plan to become pregnant. Part of that should include developing a level of pre-pregnancy fitness. “Like anything else, it is about diet and exercise,” said physician J’Leise Sosa from General Physician Women’s Health in Buffalo. “Engag-

ing in regular exercise prior to pregnancy is so crucial. You’re conditioning and strengthening your body for the big changes that will occur.” She recommended 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise and strength training five days a week or 50 minutes three days a week. With each workout, stretching 10 to 20 minutes before and after is also important. Sosa also advised avoiding excessive weight gain, as that can worsen back pain and cause complications with pregnancy. As moms gain more weight up front, they tend to try to compensate by arching their backs for better bal-

Home Pregnancy Tests: When and How The sooner your pregnancy is conﬁrmed, the sooner you can begin prenatal care By Barbara Pierce

hink you might be pregnant? Even when you’re using the best birth control methods, there’s always some chance of getting pregnant. When in doubt, test! It’s as easy as taking an over-the-counter pregnancy test at home. Some tests can accurately detect a pregnancy days before a missed period. HPTs are inexpensive, private and easy to use. Most drugstores sell them over the counter. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most tests are 99% effective if taken after a missed period. Simply open the test, follow the instructions and view the results. The tests check your urine for a hormone called hCG. hCG is present only if you’re pregnant. It is released only after a fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus or to your uterine lining. Levels of hCG are low at the beginning of a pregnancy, so the longer you wait to test, the more accurate the result. With most tests, you place the end of a dipstick in your urine stream or dip it in a container of collected urine. A few minutes later, the dipstick reveals the result.

Your result will be displayed by one of these methods: a plus or minus symbol, (plus if you’re pregnant, minus if you’re not), lines, a change in color, or, for some tests, the words “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant.” If the line or symbol doesn’t appear, the test isn’t working properly. Try another. Some tests are more sensitive than others, as the amount of hCG needed to be detected in the urine to produce a positive test result is lower. Several websites discuss the pros and cons of each brand of test; this is helpful if you’ve never tested before. Always check the test’s expiration date and read the instructions carefully before beginning.

When should I take a home pregnancy test? Timing is very important when it comes to getting an accurate result. If you don’t want to wait until you’ve missed your period, you should wait at least one to two weeks after you had intercourse. If you are pregnant, your body needs time to develop detectable levels of hCG.

ance. Jessica Burke, certified through DONA as a post-partum doula and owner of Birth Grove Doula in Buffalo, said that yoga and stretching can help. A pregnancy support belt or kinesiology tape can also transfer the effect of the weight to elsewhere in the body. “A lot of times when a mom has back pain, it’s when the baby’s head is pushing against the backbone,” Burke said. “What I tell a lot of my clients is you can take a tennis ball to your sciatic nerve. Lie down and roll back and forth gently on the ball for a little while.” Slouching may feel comfortable to ease a painful back; however, not hunching over can help fight prevent pain. “Be aware of posture in the prenatal and postpartum period,” Burke said. “The crux of it after birth is to engage in those exercises to strengthen and recondition those muscles that were stretched to their limits in pregnancy.” Modalities like prenatal yoga, chiropractic and pregnancy massage can help, as can floating in a pool. However hot tubs are off-limits because of the heat. It is OK to apply ice to the back to relieve pain. Many women in the latter stages of pregnancy find that pregnancy pillows and body pillows can support the belly and knees while lying down in the safest pregnancy sleeping position, the side. According to the American Pregnancy Association, “it provides the best circulation for you and your baby. It also places the least pressure on your veins and internal organs. Sleeping on your left side will in-

crease the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta and your baby. Plus, good circulation helps reduce potential swelling, varicose veins in your legs and hemorrhoids.” Sleeping on the side can be hard for back or stomach sleepers to comfortably achieve without support pillows. After the birth, losing weight right away can help relieve lingering back pain and help support the mom’s overall health. While the belly may reduce, the breasts enlarge after birthing. To help compensate wear a well-fitted, supportive nursing bra. Ergonomics also matter while nursing. Lisa Jane Jacobsen, an OBGYN with University at Buffalo, advises new moms to “Maintain good posture during breastfeeding. Always make sure you are well positioned, bringing the baby to you instead of your body to the baby.” Jacobsen is also an associate dean of curriculum for the Jacobs School and vice chairwoman of education for the OB-GYN department. “You may need an appropriate cushion, the semicircular pillow to rest the baby on,” Jacobson said. Boppy brand nursing pillow is one example. How moms hold the baby during nursing sessions offers another means of making breastfeeding more comfortable. “The ‘football hold’ brings the baby along the side under the breast,” Jacobson said. “You’re hoping to breastfeed for months to come. You want a position that will allow you to keep breastfeeding and not injure yourself.”

This typically takes seven to 12 days. The earlier you take the home pregnancy test, the harder it might be for the test to detect hCG and you could receive an inaccurate result. Experts recommend you take the test in the morning instead of at night. In the early days of pregnancy, when hCG levels are still building up, your morning urine will have the best chance of having sufficient hCG levels built up for an accurate test. If you take the test at night and it’s negative, you may want to take another in the morning to confirm that you’re not actually pregnant.

peat the test one week after a missed period, first thing in the morning, or ask your health care provider for a blood test. False negatives also happen if you check the test results too soon, or take the test at night.

How accurate are home pregnancy tests? Experts agree that HPTs can be 99% accurate when used correctly. Washington University School of Medicine online states: “Despite marketing claims that home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate, research over the past decade has shown that up to 5% of them return false negatives. The most common mistake is to test for pregnancy too soon after the missed period.” The chances of a false-negative are much higher than those of a false-positive. Giving you a positive result when you are not actually pregnant is rare and happens only if you’ve recently been pregnant, are on fertility medications containing hCG, or have a rare medical condition. Giving you a negative result when you are actually pregnant does happens, very seldom, but it does happen. If you get a negative test but think you might be pregnant, repeat the test one week after your missed period. For the most accurate results, re-

July 2021 •

Pregnancy signs Could you be pregnant? Even before you miss a period, you might suspect that you’re pregnant. The most common early signs of pregnancy include: • Missed period: A week or more beyond the expected start date • Tender, swollen breasts • Nausea with or without vomiting • Increased urination • Sleepiness If you miss a period and notice some of the above signs or symptoms, take a HPT or see your health care provider.

If my test is positive? If your test is positive, make an appointment with your health care provider. The sooner your pregnancy is confirmed, the sooner you can begin prenatal care. Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, with offices in Buffalo, offers pregnancy testing, said Jacquelyn Marrero, media relations director at the organization. “Our pregnancy tests are urine tests. We draw blood only if it’s medically needed or upon the patient’s request,” she said. “We offer a wide range of sexual and reproductive health care services including pregnancy testing and options counseling.”

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OMEN'S HEALTH 5 Things You Should Know About Women’s Health By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

ust like every individual person has a variety of circumstances that affect their health from family history to environment, both men and women have various health ailments that can affect them in different ways. “In our society, women often take on the role of caregivers and managers of the health of their families and subsequently leave their own care last on the priority list,” said physician Faye Justicia-Linde, clinical assistant professor of the department of obstetrics and gynecology for the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Services in Buffalo. “I try to remind patients that their own health is just as important and is what allows them to be effective in all that they hope to accomplish.” Justicia-Linde talks about five facts that women should know about their health.

1.Routine visits

There are several routine visits that women should pay attention to. A well-woman exam is one of the most important steps that women of all ages can take to protect their health. This is an annual preventive screening of breast and gynecological diseases. During the visit, the doctor will discuss your health and lifestyle behaviors and will perform

a physical exam of your breast and pelvis. In addition to regular sexually transmitted disease screenings, women should also focus on pap smears, mammograms, bone density scans and colonoscopies. A common condition among older women, osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps. “During the time we are taking a patient’s history, we are assessing for risk factors for adverse health outcomes by discussing things like day-to-day activities, menstrual patterns, diet, physical activity, environmental exposures, use of substances, mood status and more,” said Justicia-Linde. “In the exam, the blood pressure measurement, as simple and mundane as it appears on the surface, is one of the most important components of the exam. A regular, thorough, dermatologic exam is very important.”

2.Cardiovascular diseases Cardiovascular disease are heart conditions that include diseased vessels, structural problems and blood clots. Some examples are coronary heart disease, which dam-

Parade sponsored by the Breast Cancer Network of WNY in 2019. The group uses the event to raise awareness of breast cancer and funds for the organization.

Breast Cancer Network Links Peers for Support

The group reaches hundreds of patients and survivors each year By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

n the early 1990s, a few Buffalo-area breast cancer survivors began meeting to share support. From those initial, informal meetings grew a group that now reaches hundreds of breast cancer patients and survivors annually. Breast Cancer Network of Western New York in Depew was formally established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1994 and is currently led by Rob Jones, executive director. Its mission is “to support, edPage 14

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ucate and advocate for individuals with breast cancer, breast cancer survivors and family and friend co-survivors. We are dedicated to ending breast cancer and the deaths it causes.” A volunteer-based organization, Breast Cancer Network provides educational programming for people newly diagnosed, hosted by survivor volunteers. The group also assembles and distributes “goody bags” through its TLC Tote Program. The

ages the heart’s major blood vessel or high blood pressure, which refers to the pressure of blood against your artery walls. Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death for women amounting to one in five deaths. Another factor is that women experience contrasting symptoms to ailments such as heart attacks. Men often describe their chest pain during a heart attack as a crushing weight on the chest. “Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms when having a heart attack. Rather than crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm and neck, women tend to have nausea or a heartburn-like sensation, weakness and shortness of breath,” said Justicia-Linde. “Anyone with risk factors for cardiac disease such as elevated cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes should get evaluated if they have sudden and new onset of those symptoms. In general, women, especially women of color, often face minimization of symptoms or attribution of symptoms to anxiety or depression without also considering organic illnesses.”

3.Disparity in health

oath is ‘I will prevent disease whenever I can; for prevention is preferable to cure,’” she added. “Intervention has the best chance of success when implemented before significant problems arise. Regular encounters with a health care provider increase the chance of identifying warning signs and taking steps to prevent the onset or worsening of disease.”

4.Myths and stereotypes

Many times there are myths about certain health ailments that can be dangerous because they penetrate through society and people can decipher the difference between fact and fiction. “There seems to be a widespread belief that many troublesome symptoms are just to be accepted as the price of being a woman or ‘the price of getting older’ and are downplayed or normalized,” said Justicia-Linde. “For example, irregular, painful or very heavy periods are not normal and can be a sign of an underlying disease. Many things women struggle with and are embarrassed to talk about due to social taboos but it can be treated and improve quality of life is possible.”

Justicia-Linde believes disparities in maternal health, especially severe maternal morbidity and mortality, have finally come to increased national attention. The postpartum period is also getting additional attention, from recognition that it often is the most risky time for adverse events in connection to breastfeeding for both maternal and child health. “Every year at the medical school graduation, the new graduates and faculty in attendance recite the physician’s oath. One of the lines of the

5.Understand your body

totes include comfort items, resource materials and information on treatment options and what patients can expect in the next several months. Reading materials may include Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book and Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor’s Soul. Comfort items could include a meditation CD, journal, socks, note cards and more. Windsong Radiology and Breast Care sponsors the program. “When someone receives a tote, they come to our facility and it’s presented by a survivor who can offer a little counseling session between the two of them,” Jones said. The organization hands out 200 totes annually. “My problem with that is it’s not enough,” Jones said. “We know there are lot more people in Western New York who are diagnosed annually. There are about 900 a year in Erie County. We are not reaching everyone we need to reach.” Breast Cancer Network hosts a book club and monthly educational programs involving wellness, selfcare or research, led by local experts. The organization also hosts support groups and restorative health classes, including semiweekly yoga, tai chi, meditation, Zuma and painting. Because cancer causes a financial burden for many people, Breast Cancer Network provides a financial aid program available for medical needs of patients and survivors up to $500 per award. About 50 people volunteer with Breast Cancer Network and 120 participate in their programming. Although since March 2020, the group has suspended in-person services, it

has offered virtual programming in every area possible. Jones hopes to reopen in-person services Sept. 1. Each year, the organization typically hosts a Craft Beer Golf Tournament. This year, it was July 19, presented by Keith Morgan with Tavern at Windsor Park and Drew Brown with Murphy Brown’s Beer Emporium at Diamond Hawk Golf Course in Cheektowaga. Its other major fundraiser is at a restaurant to support its efforts. A small state grant also helps, along with donations. “Breast cancer touches people in many ways,” Jones said. “We’re very fortunate to receive gifts like that.” Breast Cancer Network has donated more than $55,000 over the past four years to The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester for research, among other organizations. “Fundraising has been challenging,” Jones said. “We’ve lost several fundraising opportunities that have been quite helpful to us.” For example, its traditional Wine, Cheese and Chocolate event held every spring was scaled down compared with other years. In addition to hurting the organization financially, eliminating or curtailing events reduces opportunities for volunteers, patients and donors to mingle. Changing programming to virtual has also been tough on the organization. “The socialization is a big part of that,” Jones said. “With all of our programming, they love to be with other people and be with people who have been through the same thing. These are all a good opportunity, whether a class or fundraiser.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

Medical experts hope that people take more of an active role in recognizing and evaluating their bodies so that early prevention can take place. “Of all things, I really wish more women would have a better understanding of the anatomy and function of the reproductive system. Without that foundation, red flags are missed while women suffer needless anxiety over normal phenomena,” she said.

OMEN'S HEALTH

Left Students from a recently held selfdefense class held at WNY Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness in Buffalo pose following an intense session.

Empowering and Educating Women to Protect Themselves

Top Dusty Bockrath, who holds a purple belt as an experienced combat competitor, serves as the primary instructor each Sunday morning at WNY Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness in Buffalo.

Local courses improve self-conﬁdence by teaching self-defense techniques By Daniel Meyer

iolence against women is on the rise and the horrific acts can negatively impact a women’s physical, mental and emotional health. Some local fitness centers and martial arts studios are determined to help curb the violent behavior by educating females in Western New York on how to properly defend themselves if they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation because of someone else’s violent behavior. Specialized classes are now being offered to women of all ages. Instructors believe these instructional courses will help improve self-confidence by empowering women through self-defense. Using the concepts of awareness and avoidance, these self-defense techniques also help improve physical conditioning, develop self-discipline, establish the importance of setting goals and have an overall positive influence on the students.

Rise in violence against women The World Health Organization recently estimated that globally one in every three women worldwide have or will be attacked physically in a violent fashion at least once during the course of their lifetime. The statistics locally show there have been numerous cases of domestic violence and other incidents of violent behavior toward women in Western New York, some of which has been exacerbated and exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. One woman interviewed for this story, who did not want to be fully identified publicly because of the violent tendencies of her ex-husband, said the importance of women recognizing they can be a victim of physical abuse is crucial, adding the best way to prevent domestic vio-

lence and protect potential victims is through empowerment and education. She has taken self-defense courses at three different local facilities since filing a restraining order against her former spouse after he was charged with felony assault for attacking her in the parking lot of her employer. “I am a survivor of repeated acts of domestic violence and one horrific case of sexual assault so I can speak first-hand the importance of self-defense and knowing how to prepare yourself physically and mentally if you are about to be or are already being attacked,” said Lynn, a single mother of three children, who asked that her last name not be published. “Violent crime against women is on the rise and I urge other females of all ages to do what you can so you don’t become a victim. Empower yourself by mastering self-defense. It could save your life.” In an effort to educate and help protect women and their loved ones, Kate Allen is one of the self-defense class instructors who firmly believes there is no substitute for every female to possess the knowledge of how to protect herself. “It was a life-changing class for me when I first took this type of course because I left feeling that I had what it takes and could truly defend myself,” said Allen, who is the gym manager of WNY Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness on Green Arrow Avenue in Buffalo. “These are practical and achievable techniques that are effective because they have been proven to work. You learn how to defend yourself in any possible situation.”

No experience necessary Allen and Dusty Bockrath offer women’s self-defense classes at no charge at WNY Mixed Martial Arts

& Fitness every Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon, utilizing a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based self-defense philosophy. The instructors stress that there is no age requirement or physical fitness level needed to attend, with a typical session comprised of about 25 to 30 women and girls. “We welcome women and girls of all ages to learn practical self-defense techniques,” said Allen. “A lot of women who are coming in lack self confidence in some form or fashion. What we tell them is you will never become invincible, but that you will develop confidence in your abilities so that you feel safe and prepared.” Brenda Lawrence moved to Niagara Falls after escaping a toxic relationship in another state that resulted in her having suffered multiple concussions and having her jaw broken in three places. Despite being in less than ideal physical condition, she knew her new chapter in life had to include an improved self-esteem and confidence in being able to defend herself if she were to ever be assaulted again. “I am not a runner or a weight-lifter but I am someone who needs to be prepared for a variety of self-defense scenarios based on my line of work and the amount of travel I do for my job,” said Lawrence, who has taken multiple self-defense courses since moving to Western New York. “Restoring faith in myself and having the proper mindset to live my life the way I want personally and professionally was a must. I have that now because of what I absorbed in self-defense class.” The curriculum for each self-defense class varies depending on what venue it is offered at, but the consistent message of empowering females by presenting them with a physical and mental skill set to address any situation they may find themselves

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remains the same no matter where or who provides them with instruction. “The hope is no woman ever has to use these skills,” said Allen. “I feel good knowing each woman who participates and embraces what we work on is helping play a role in improved self-confidence and preparation for a variety of self-defense situations.”

Where to Go to Attend Self-Defense Courses

arious local venues currently offer women’s self-defense courses, including: • WNY MMA & Fitness www.wnymma.com 255 Great Arrow Ave., Buffalo 716-898-8924 • SPAR Self Defense www.spardefense.com 4685 Transit Road, Williamsville 716-835-7727 • Riederer’s Kenpo Self-Defense Studio www.kenpodefense.com 2468 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda 716-695-1600 • Swan’s Martial Arts Academy www.swansmartialarts.com 275 Alexander Ave., Cheektowaga 716-830-6852 • Lake Effect Martial Arts www.lakeeffectbjj.com 2106 George Urban Blvd., Dpeew 716-395-3451

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Page 15

Ask The Social

Security Ofﬁce

From the Social Security District Office

Eligibility For Spouse’s Beneﬁts

S Aerial view of the Niagara Hospice House at 4675 Sunset Drive in Lockport. The hospice is starting a fundraising campaign to build six additional patient suites at the facility.

Capital Campaign to Expand Niagara Hospice House Residential Wing Six new suites at Lockport campus will care for more Niagara County families

he Niagara Hospice board of directors recently announced it has received approval from the New York State Department of Health to add six residential patient suites to the Niagara Hospice House at 4675 Sunset Drive in Lockport. The $2 million facility project will expand hospice house to a total of 16 residential suites. The organization’s capital campaign is now underway to fund the expansion. Niagara Hospice House opened in June 2007 as a state-of-the-art facility that has been the model of hospice facilities throughout the country. “We are forever grateful to the community for supporting the construction of hospice house in 2007 to address the growing needs of families when they face difficult times with a loved one,” said Martina Fern,

director of philanthropic giving. “As we look forward to completing this much-needed expansion, the clinical staff is already planning for the day when we can admit six additional patients. We invite organizations and individuals to join us in contributing to the campaign. Through generous community support, we can ensure more new patients and their families will receive the highest quality of care and support. Every gift goes a long way to enhancing quality of life for families as they seek to maximize precious time together with loved ones during the last stage of their life.” To give to the capital campaign, organizations and individuals can visit NiagaraHospice.org/ExpandHospiceHouse to make secure online donations or call 716-280-0789.

Advertising Sales Executive — Part Time In Good Health: WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper is published by Local News, Inc., a small publishing company behind several magazine and newspapers in Upstate New York. We are hiring a responsible, upbeat, articulate sales person to sell print and digital ads for the Buffalo publication. Previous experience in ad sales preferred but will consider any strong sales background. Person will work independently—from own home ofﬁce. Great potential for the right person. Compensation is based on a weekly salary plus commission. Past sales reps have earned from $25,000 to $35,000-plus depending on performance. View the paper online: www.bfohealth.com. Send resumes to buffalohealthnews@gmail.com Page 16

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ocial Security helps you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information and tools that support you throughout life’s journey. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following: • 62 years of age or older. • Any age and have in your care a child who is younger than age 16 or who is disabled and entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. Your full spouse’s benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age. If you choose to receive your spouse’s benefits before you reach full retirement age, you will get a permanently reduced benefit. If you wait until you reach full retirement age to receive benefits, you’ll receive your full spouse’s benefit amount, which is up to half the amount your spouse can receive. You’ll also get your full spouse’s benefit if you are under full retirement

Q&A Q: I applied for a Social Security card for my child at the hospital and the card came back with the first name misspelled. What should I do? A: Contact your local Social Security office to ask for a corrected card. We need to see at least two original documents proving your child’s: • U.S. citizenship. • Identity. We also must see proof of your identity, as the parent. The documents you show us must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. To find out more, go to www.ssa.gov/ ssnumber. There, you can learn what documents you need to fill out and print, and then bring or mail the information to us. You may also want to read the publication, Social Security Numbers For Children, available at www.ssa.gov/pubs. Q: I am nearing my full retirement age, but I plan to keep working after I apply for Social Security benefits. Will my benefits be reduced because of my income? A: No. If you start receiving benefits after you’ve reached your full retirement age, you can work while you receive Social Security and your current benefit will not be reduced because of the earned income. If you

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

age, but care for a child and one of the following applies: • The child is younger than age 16. • The child has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. If you’re eligible to receive retirement benefits on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits that equal the higher spouse benefit. For example, Sandy qualifies for a retirement benefit of $1,000 and a spouse’s benefit of $1,250. At her full retirement age, she will receive her own $1,000 retirement benefit. We will add $250 from her spouse’s benefit, for a total of $1,250. Want to apply for either your or your spouse’s benefits? Are you at least 61 years and nine months old? If you answered yes to both, visit www. ssa.gov/benefits/retirement to get started today. Are you divorced from a marriage that lasted at least 10 years? You may be able to get benefits on your former spouse’s record. You can find out more by visiting www.ssa. gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html for more information.

keep working, it could mean a higher benefit for you in the future. Higher benefits can be important to you later in life and increase the future benefit amounts your survivors could receive. If you begin receiving benefits before your full retirement age, your earnings could reduce your monthly benefit amount. After you reach full retirement age, we recalculate your benefit amount to leave out the months when we reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings. Learn more about Social Security reading our publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits, at www. ssa.gov/pubs/10069.html. Q: Will my eligibility for the Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs be reviewed and, if so, how often? A: If you get the Extra Help, Social Security may contact you to review your status. This reassessment will ensure you remain eligible for Extra Help and receive all the benefits you deserve. Annually, usually at the end of August, we may send you a form to complete: Social Security Administration Review of Your Eligibility for Extra Help. You will have 30 days to complete and return this form. Any necessary adjustments to the Extra Help will be effective in January of the following year. Go to www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp for more information.

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Coping with COVIDExacerbated Tinnitus Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve had mild tinnitus — ringing in my ears — for years, but when I got COVID-19 in January it got worse. Are there any treatments you know of or can recommend that can help? Almost 60

Dear Almost, Unfortunately, new research indicates that tinnitus, a common hearing problem that affects around 50 million Americans, may be worsened by COVID-19 or possibly even triggered by it. Here’s what you should know along with some tips and treatments that may help.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus (pronounced tinNIGHT-us or TIN-a-tus) is the sensation of hearing a ringing, buzzing, roaring, hissing or whistling sound in one or both ears when no external sound is present. The sounds, which can vary in pitch and loudness, are usually worse when background noise is low, so you may be more aware of it at night when you’re trying to fall asleep in a quiet room. For most people tinnitus is merely annoying, but for many others it can be extremely disturbing. Tinnitus itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of some other underlying health condition. The best way to find out what’s causing your tinnitus is to see an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist — a doctor who specializes in ear, nose and throat diseases (commonly called an ENT). The various things that can cause tinnitus are: • Hearing loss, which is the most common cause. • Middle ear obstructions usually caused by a build-up of earwax deep in the ear canal. • The side effects of many different prescription and nonprescription medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, certain blood pressure medicines and diuretics, some antidepressants, cancer medicines and antibiotics. • Various medical conditions such as high blood pressure, vascular disease, diabetes, allergies, thyroid problems, ear or sinus infections, Meniere’s disease, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, otosclerosis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a tumor, an injury to the head or neck, traumatic brain injury, depression,

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stress and more.

Treatments

While there’s no cure for tinnitus there are many ways to treat it depending on the cause. For example, if your tinnitus is caused by a wax build-up in your ears or a medical condition like high blood pressure or a thyroid problem, treating the problem may reduce or eliminate the noise. Or, if you think a medication you’re taking may be causing the problem, switching to a different drug or lowering the dosage may provide some relief. Or if you have hearing loss, getting a hearing aid can help mask your tinnitus by improving your ability to hear actual sounds. Another good treatment option for tinnitus that can help suppress or mask the sound so it’s less bothersome are “sound therapies.” These can be as simple as a fan or a white noise machine, listening to music or podcasts, or leaving the television on. There are also apps created by hearing aid companies, like ReSound Relief (ReSound.com) or Relax by Starkey (Starkey.com), which allow you to stream customize sounds directly to your hearing aids, or (if you don’t use hearing aids) through Bluetooth audio devices like headphones or speakers to help you manage your symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychological counseling can also be helpful. Your audiologist or ENT can help you figure out the best treatment options. There are also certain medications that may help. While currently there’s no FDA approved drugs specifically designed to treat tinnitus, some antianxiety drugs and antidepressants have been effective in relieving symptoms. Other things you can do to help quiet the noise is to avoid things that can aggravate the problem like salt, artificial sweeteners, sugar, alcohol, tonic water, tobacco and caffeine. And protect yourself from loud noises by wearing earplugs. For more information on tinnitus treatments, visit the American Tinnitus Association at ATA.org.

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

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

Health News Roswell Park announces new chief academic ofﬁcer A longtime champion of education as “a great equalizer” will now lead Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s broad slate of educational programs. Jamie Smith, has joined the cancer center as chief academic officer, senior vice president of education and dean of the Roswell Park Graduate Division of the University at Buffalo. Smith previously served as associate vice president of academic affairs and dean of liberal arts, sciences and initiatives at Erie Community

College, school partner to advance diverse healthcare workforce Trocaire College and Health Sciences Charter School have announced a new collaboration designed to enhance educational experiences and opportunities in the healthcare field for high school students by giving them a jumpstart on college curriculum. The goal of this partnership is to create a pipeline of students who successfully achieve their Health Sciences diploma and Trocaire certificate or degree to help fill a need for skilled and diverse healthcare workers in Western New York. “There’s a natural synergy between Trocaire College and Health Sciences Charter School, as both our institutions are committed to education as a path to success, career training and providing qualified graduates to Western New York’s workforce,” said Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D., president, Trocaire College. “This partnership will help us to reach these goals, while providing a transformative experience for the students on their path towards healthcare careers of achievement and lives of purpose.” As part of the partnership, initial plans include providing Trocaire credit for approved Health Sciences classes, offering select Trocaire classes at the school, and enabling qualified Health Sciences students to take classes at Trocaire in their junior and senior years. For example, this semester Health Sciences students are taking a health disparities class featuring guest Trocaire lecturers. Additional opportunities to expand on the partnership will be explored in the coming months. “I am confident the learning of our Health Sciences students will broaden thanks to the opportunities this partnership with Trocaire will provide, and it will continue to be a priority for all involved,” said Jaime Venning, head of school, Health Sciences Charter School. “Students will

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College (ECC). In those roles, Smith worked to develop curriculum in ECC’s more than 80 approved programs, reviewing more than 100 approved courses, administering numerJamie Smith ous grants, and addressing a variety of educational and community needs through her policy work. “We are so fortunate to have an educator and innovator with Dr. Smith’s energy and record of achievement to lead our educa-

tion initiatives,” says Candace S. Johnson, Ph.D., president & CEO and M&T Bank presidential chair in leadership at Roswell Park. “Dr. Smith will oversee every aspect of how we fulfill our mission to educate the next generation of cancer experts and to be a resource to our community through learning opportunities.” Smith will lead graduate degree programs in cancer sciences as well as training for clinical professionals and scientists and special summer programs for health professionals and undergraduate and high school students. She will also work to expand community education and outreach with a special focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and biomedical/

healthcare workforce development, and will play an important role in the leadership of our Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) from the National Cancer Institute. Smith earned her Doctor of Education degree from St. John Fisher College’s Ralph C. Wilson School of Education after completing a Master of Library Sciences degree from the University at Buffalo. She serves on the New York State Board of Regents State Library Advisory Board and on the Health Sciences Charter School and Elmwood Village Charter Schools boards of trustees, in addition to her service on behalf of several community, educational and civic organizations in Buffalo.

embrace their current skill sets and receive college readiness and course credit, all while progressing towards their future aspirations. I look forward to seeing what this collaboration brings to our students.” The impetus for founding Health Sciences in 2010 was to address the critical shortage of skilled workers for the many health-related positions that remain unfilled in Western New York. With hands-on commitment from local healthcare industry partners, Health Sciences exposes students to healthcare career opportunities through specialized classroom curriculum, laboratory-based researching, mentoring programs and real-world internships.

icine (ACNM) and a delegate to the American Medical Association, and locally recognized as a distinguished educator in nuclear medicine. He continues to serve in director and board roles with the American College of Nuclear Medicine, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Therapy Center of Excellence, the SNMMI Correlative Imaging Council and as a governor for the American-Sino Academy of Nuclear Medicine/Molecular Imaging. “Imaging is a pivotal element of a comprehensive cancer center. Dr. Kiltzke has worked at both the national and local level to establish guidelines that ensures high quality imaging for patients,” says physician Ermelinda Bonaccio, chairwoman of diagnostic radiology at Roswell Park. “I am very excited that he has earned this important honor which recognizes all he had done in the field of diagnostic and nuclear imaging.” Klitzke received his medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, with subsequent residency training in surgery and radiology and nuclear medicine at the University of Chicago, LIJ-Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The University of Missouri Kansas City, SUNY Buffalo and the Cleveland Clinic.

riod toward these behavioral health programs. “We are very grateful to these three amazing philanthropic organizations for their support and their confidence in ECMC’s expert behavioral health caregivers,” said Thomas J. Quatroche Jr., Ph.D., ECMC president and CEO. “As our region’s leader in comprehensive behavioral health services, we are committed to developing and implementing programs like IOP and further expanding existing services like the Help Center that will provide critically important care for the residents of Western New York and save lives.” Esther Annan, program officer for The John R. Oishei Foundation, said: “Now more than ever, behavioral health services are a critical part of our community’s wellbeing. We believe that ECMC’s expanded services will provide care that is needed in WNY and we are pleased to join our fellow funders to support these outpatient initiatives.” Tracy Sawicki, executive director, The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, said: “The Tower Foundation knows how important ECMC is to Western New York’s mental health landscape. We’re glad to work with the Lee and Oishei Foundations to help ECMC grow its ability to serve the community and fill gaps in mental health services.” Jane Mogavero, executive director, Patrick P. Lee Foundation, said, “One of the Lee Foundation’s top priorities is to ensure people living with mental illnesses have access to high-quality medical treatment and support services that enhance their quality of life. ECMC shares this goal and has been a valued partner in our work. With the extended hours at the behavioral health help center and the development of an intensive outpatient program, there will be additional opportunities and entry points for community members to access the appropriate level of care they need. We are grateful to the team at ECMC for their leadership and continued commitment to expanding the mental health services in Western New York.”

Roswell Park diagnostic radiologist earns high honors Alan Klitzke, a veteran diagnostic radiologist and nuclear physician at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been named a fellow of the American College of Radiology (ACR). Recognition as a fellow is the highest level of ACR membership, with only 10% of members awarded this distinction. Recipients demonstrate advances in the field of radiology, focus on significant scientific or clinical research and have served the college on a local or national level, depending on the number of years of dedicated involvement in the college. The distinction for those earlier in their career, such as Klitzke, is reserved for those noted for exceptional leadership and contributions to the field of Radiology at the national and international level. Klitzke, on staff with Roswell Park for more than 14 years as an assistant professor of oncology, specializes in whole-body PET/CT imaging, nuclear medicine and therapy, and CT, MRI and ultrasound imaging of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis. He is a past president and fellow of the American College of Nuclear Med-

ECMC to expand outpatient behavioral health programs Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation recently announced that it will receive funding from three local foundations for the expansion of two outpatient behavioral health initiatives: development of an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and the expansion of help center services through increased hours. The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, Patrick P. Lee Foundation, and The John R. Oishei Foundation will award $258,118 each for a total of $774,354 over a five-year pe-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

Health News ECMC Marks First-Year Anniversary of KeyBank Trauma and Emergency Department New state-of-the-art facility cares for approximately 70,000 patients in ﬁrst year; ECMC achieves $15 million private fundraising goal and reached $25 million with NYS award Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation recently commemorated the first-year anniversary of the opening of the institution’s $55 million KeyBank Trauma and Emergency Department, which doubled the size of the previous 40-year old facility and features state-of-the-art technology and equipment for the region’s only level 1 adult trauma center. Since it opened to patients on June 2, 2020, nearly 70,000 patients have been care for in the new facility. The project raised $15,050,717 from private philanthropy and received a $10 million award from New York State. “On the first anniversary of the opening of this truly remarkable facility, we again express our most sincere admiration and gratitude to

emergency department caregivers who day-in, day-out provide lifesaving care for our friends, relatives and neighbors throughout Western New York,” said Jonathan A. Dandes, ECMC Corporation board chairman and chairman of ECMC’s capital campaign. “Further, we are deeply thankful to all of the donors to the capital campaign that helped make this project possible. Every donation, large or small, made a difference in our ability to build the most state-ofthe-art trauma and emergency department in our region and beyond. As chair of the project’s capital campaign, I can say without qualification that our first major solicitation for public support of any capital project in ECMC’s esteemed history was an overwhelming success.” ECMC Corporation President

Patient treated at ECMC’s KeyBank Trauma and Emergency Department. The department is celebrating one years since it first opened. Nearly 70,000 patients were treated in the period. and CEO Thomas J. Quatroche Jr., Ph.D., said, “From the very beginning of planning for the future KeyBank Trauma and Emergency Department, our process was one of inclusion, collaboration and cooperation. Working closely with our emergency department clinicians, our goal was to design a new facility that met their needs and expectations, while always keeping patient care as our guiding principle. Thanks to their input, the support of our community and the guidance of our board of

directors, we managed to complete this project as the COVID-19 pandemic dominated our region, as well as across the country. Yet, despite that significant challenge, and thanks to everyone involved, we kept the completion and eventual opening of the facility on schedule. As I have said previously, our emergency department clinicians have always provided national best-in-class care and now they have a national bestin-class facility to match their excellence.”

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Page 19

Why Ice Cream Makes Us Feel So Good Need to cool off on a hot summer day? You guessed it, ice cream! By Amanda Jowsey

t seems that there is one go-to food that fits just about any occasion. Bad breakup? Ice cream. Feeling stressed? Ice cream. Celebrating? Ice cream. Need to cool off on a hot summer day? You guessed it, ice cream! What is it about this tasty treat that makes us feel so good? Turns out that there are actually scientific reasons for our enjoyment of a cold pint, cone, dish or shake, however you prefer to get your fill.

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Dietitian Sheila Flavin

Dairy-based ice cream contains several vitamins and minerals.

tent and the high fat content. The two of those together make it very palatable. There’s definitely room for fun foods in your diet,” Flavin said. Chiropractor Paul Bluestein also helps to set the record straight on the nutritional component of ice cream. Bluestein is the founder and president of Patient Advantage, a personal medical research and patient advocacy firm. In ice cream, “If you include other items that are healthy, walnuts, bananas, pecans, small fruits

The vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium in ice cream benefit overall well being. Registered dietitian Sheila Flavin wants people to be cautious when considering these nutritional benefits, however. “The reason you eat ice cream is not for the nutritional benefits, but it’s what I put in the category of a fun food. It’s celebratory. It tastes good because of the high sugar con-

It boosts energy.

Chiropractor Paul Bluestein etc, there can be another small component that would add to the nutritional value. Artificial flavors have a negative effect. Colorings make it a less perfect food. You don’t want the extra chemicals,” Bluestein said. “Many cheaper ice creams with artificial flavors and coloring wipe out all the nutritional benefits.” The bottom line is that high quality, dairy-based ice cream with little to no additives is the best way to keep its feel-good benefit alive.

high that elevates mood,” Bluestein said. “It’s a big burst. The fat component also has that type of trigger. The fat component is more likely to make you want to eat more of it. Ice

cream is a mix of both saturated and unsaturated fats, but both help satisfy the body’s need for fat to energy conversion.

It can provide natural relaxation.

sufficient levels of L-tryptophan affects hormonal balance, thought patterns and behavior. According to Bluestein, “The amounts are relatively high in dairy products. If you’re making ice cream from real cream and real milk, you are going to have higher levels of L-tryptophan. Some

research suggests that it’s an aid to sleeping.” You would, however, have to consume a significant amount of this tasty treat for it to have any sustained impact on emotional regularity or improved sleep.

It triggers happiness.

body will overreact and produce extra amounts of dopamine and your brain explodes with pleasure,” Flavin explained. She specializes in treating those with eating disorder issues. People have to be careful with restricting desserts like ice cream because it can ultimately lead to overeating. It’s OK not only to allow desserts in the diet, but to enjoy them and feel good about them when eaten in moderation, Flavin said. Adding natural flavors or ingredients to the ice cream introduces another variable, Bluestein explained. Chocolate, for example, in its natural form, has solids that are both antioxidants and mood boosters. “Having chocolate ice cream is actually a different experience than having vanilla,” Bluestein said.

“You’re going to get a bigger happy feeling out of chocolate ice cream, theoretically, than you would vanilla or other flavors.” There is, of course, the emotional component to eating ice cream. That happy connection to our childhood that plays a role. “It’s hard to connect a bad memory with ice cream. It’s a treat. It’s a reward. That psychological piece is there,” Bluestein said. Of course, like all things, moderation is key. If you are an otherwise healthy individual and you love to indulge in this creamy cold snack, you can put aside your guilt. Ice cream really does make you happy. I tried to interview a cow for this story to see how she felt about helping to make one of the world’s most beloved treats. All she said was “mooooo!”

The carbohydrates, fats, proteins and sugar in this sweet treat all help to keep us moving. “It’s the sugar

Ice cream is made from milk and contains high levels of L-tryptophan. This amino acid helps to produce serotonin and melatonin. Some research suggests that having

The Institute of Psychiatry in London examined people’s brains when eating ice cream. They found that a part of the brain that registers emotional pleasure, the orbitofrontal cortex, was activated. According to the Journal of Nutritional Health and Food Engineering, ice creams that are rich in protein also increase the odds of boosting tyrosine levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter that raises dopamine levels. They also state that eating sweets causes the release of endogenous opiates which influence mood and the ability to calm down. Flavin said there can be “a heightened response to dopamine” when eating ice cream, especially if you go without it for a long time. “If you restrict a food like ice cream... and then you finally eat it, your

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021