PRICELESS
Furry Friends This Thanksgiving: A good time to be grateful for our furry friends. See “Live Alone & Thrive” column on page 8 n Related: Dog ownership associated with longer life Physician Colleen Mattimore discusses the creation of Medical Health Associates of Western New York of which she is the president
BFOHEALTH.COM
NOVEMBER 2019 • ISSUE 61
Food for a Healthy Brain What types of food may benefit our brain the most? See page 12
Crossing the Finish Line
3 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surging in U.S.
Tying the Knot Tied to Longer Life Span, New Data Shows
Cheektowaga writer Jenna Schifferle crosses the finish line at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Oct. 13. She shares her experience in her ‘Writer on the Run’ column, page 4
Special Issue
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Five Things You Need to Know About Hypnotherapy Practitioner says hypnotherapy offers a variety of therapeutic techniques that can alter and heal the mental state and mind. Page 9
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Tying the Knot Is Tied to Longer Life Span, New Data Shows Research also shows widowed have the highest death rate of all the categories
M
arried folks not only live longer than singles, but the longevity gap between the two groups is growing, U.S. government health statisticians report. The age-adjusted death rate for the married declined by 7% between 2010 and 2017, according to a new study from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Not only is the rate for married lower, but it’s declining more than
any other group,” said lead author Sally Curtin, an NCHS statistician. Statistically, death rate is the annual number of deaths for every 100,000 people. It’s adjusted so that a 26-year-old and an 80-year-old married or widowed or divorced are on equal footing. The new study reported that the death rate for never-marrieds declined only 2%, while that for divorced people hasn’t changed at all. Worst off were the widowed, for whom the death rate rose 6%. They have the highest death rate of all the
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categories, researchers said. Married men in 2017 had an age-adjusted death rate of 943 per 100,000, compared to 2,239 for widowers. The death rate was 1,735 per 100,000 for lifelong bachelors and 1,773 for divorced men. Married women had a death rate of 569 per 100,000, two-and-a-half times lower than the 1,482 rate for widows. The death rate was 1,096 for divorcees and 1,166 for never-married women. Part of the marriage benefit could be explained by the fact that
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people in good health are more likely to marry, said Katherine Ornstein, an associate professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Once you’re in a marriage, there are a host of tangible and intangible benefits that give you a health advantage, experts said. Married people are more likely to have health insurance, Ornstein said, and therefore, have better access to health care. Being married also means you have someone looking out for you and reinforcing healthy behaviors, said Michael Rendall, director of the Maryland Population Research Center at the University of Maryland. “Having somebody there who’s your spouse will tend to promote positive health behaviors — going to the doctor, eating better, getting screened,” he said. This is particularly true of men, who previous studies have shown derive more health benefits from marriage than women. “Men tend to have fewer skills than women in terms of looking after themselves,” Rendall said. Finally, the companionship of marriage staves off health problems associated with loneliness and isolation, Ornstein said. “Social support and the social engagement that comes with being married is a huge benefit for mental health and physical health,” she said. All these benefits also explain why widowed people tend to do so badly after the death of their spouse, Ornstein said.
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©WellCare 2015 NA_03_15_WC IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 3
Writer on the Run
By Jenna Schifferle jenna.schifferle@gmail.com
Getting to the Finish Line
Five hours, 13 minutes and three seconds. That’s what it took for Cheektowaga writer to complete the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct. 13
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t the stroke of midnight, I watched black shadows flicker against the wall. The fire alarm flashed the faintest light every 15 seconds. I counted the moments that passed between bursts and checked my calculations again … and again. Outside, the wind howled as it smacked against the window of the 17th floor. The clock inched forward, and so passed the night before my marathon. When my alarm rang at 4:50 a.m., I was on my feet, praying that fatigue didn’t claim me prematurely. I ate and changed into my race gear. My white shirt read “Foolhardy” in black and blue lettering, a nod to the October edition of this column. The word would serve as my mantra during the race, reminding me to be bold in my endeavor. I repeated the word to myself as I secured my race bib and headed out the door. My Uber driver dropped me off a block away from the Ronald McDonald House race tent, where I stretched and drank a cup of coffee. There were hundreds of people gathered inside, and a DJ played music as our start time approached. Soon, the first wave was announced and the crowded thinned out. The rest of us waited anxiously, fiddling until they finally announced the second wave. I joined a crowd of eager runners, scurrying down the sidewalk to corral H. Beside me, a petite brunette chattered away excitedly and shared the story of her first marathon. Her name was Melissa, and we reached the gate together, exchanging tidbits about our lives and tips for the race. Our corral was a distance from the start line, and we crowded together as we waited to toe the line. I could feel a pang of anxiety starting, and I bounced on the balls of my feet to stay moving. To distract myself, I talked to people. A short blonde introduced herself as Crystal. She had run her first marathon over a year ago in Disney. Originally, she had intended to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon, but it got canceled. Instead, she transferred to the full marathon with little time to prepare. At mile 20, she thought she was “going to die,” until another runner put his arm around her and told her they’d finish together. Ever since, she was hooked on marathon running. Dave, another runner in our corral, was running his 16th marathon. His son lived in Vietnam and had told him that in Vietnamese culture, they don’t believe in luck. Instead, they tell people to go “with success.” The gun went off, and for the next 20 minutes, we inched closer to the start line. People flung their extra layers of clothing on the sidelines, leaving paths on either side of us. When our feet brought us to the front of the crowd, Dave turned to me and Page 4
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repeated his phrase: “With success!” As my feet tapped the timing mat, he disappeared into a sea of faces, and my race began. I had made it past the start line. People crowded the sidelines along the course, cheering from the top of their lungs. They brandished signs and waved pompoms in the air. At mile 1, I spotted them: my cheer squad. My parents and boyfriend had made the journey from Buffalo to Chicago to root for me in person, and they stood on the opposite end of the street — in front of our hotel — with a sign that said, “Go, Jenna, Go!” I cut across two lanes of runners to wave at them and tell them I loved them. They donned the same “Foolhardy” shirts, and as I passed by, we looked like we shared a secret only we understood. They screamed my name, and I kept going. At mile 3, I made a mad dash to the bathroom inside a 7 Eleven (waiting an hour inside a start corral isn’t ideal). Luckily, the patrons let me cut, and I was in and out in three minutes. Just shy of mile 4, I spotted my cheer squad again and reminded myself not to get too excited and run faster. With so many people in one area, the GPS on my watch wouldn’t connect, so I was pacing based on good, old-fashioned feeling. I had no idea how I was doing until I reached the official timing chips. As the miles passed, the crowd remained. Even when there wasn’t an official fuel stop, people handed out food, water, beer and even vodka. Uplifting signs and funny catch phrases were everywhere. Someone dressed up like an alpaca with a poster that read: “Run a marathon? Alpaca my bag.” When I passed the pride district, spectators performed dance routines on stage while singing their hearts out; when I passed the Hispanic district, there were Mexican flags waving and Spanish music blaring. I cruised into the halfway point feeling strong, only a few minutes behind my average half-marathon time. Just beyond the halfway point, I saw my parents and boyfriend again. This time, I stopped momentarily to hug them, switch out the water bottles on my running belt, and take a quick group picture. My dad was beaming ear to ear as he waved another sign that read, “Halfway there!” I soaked them in for a second and then hit the pavement. As I settled back into my pace, I noted that this would be the part of the race that hurt most. So, I decided to break it up into parts: Hit 16 miles, replicate 18, push it to 20, see what happens. My training had brought me up to 18 miles, so I knew I could do it again. Between miles 16 and 18, I reminded myself of that fact. Still, those miles dragged. Throughout the race, I’d been diligent about fueling with my gels and staying hydrated,
“I cruised into the halfway point feeling strong, only a few minutes behind my average half marathon time.” but I needed real food. I grabbed part of a banana from an aid station and choked down some pretzels from a spectator to keep from depleting. Finally, I hit the 18-mile marker. My timing was on pace with my training run, and I felt — dare I say it — good. So, I asked myself if I could push the point, which had originally been to replicate my training. Could I do two more miles without stopping? I was going to try. As I passed the Biofreeze station, people furiously rubbed their sore, aching muscles with cream, as the woman next to me laughed. I turned toward her, and she said, “That’s not going to help us now.” I smiled in agreement, realizing for the first time that I ached everywhere. The 20-mile marker came and went as I made my way into Chinatown. The district was marked by a massive archway, colorful streamers and paper dragons, and the largest crowd I’d seen yet. Amidst the spectators, three foolhardy faces stood out, and I ran to them, wrapping my arms around them collectively. I didn’t know whether to fall over or laugh. My boyfriend asked me how I was doing, and my response was simple: “I’m going to finish, and then I’ll probably cry.” I didn’t know why, but I knew it was true. I was feeling
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
the weight of exhaustion, silenced only by the triumphant awareness that I was going to finish — five and a half miles to go. I continued on, begging myself to push the point to 21 miles. I did, and then I pushed it to 22 and 23. At the end of that mile, I walked for a minute and then kept going. At mile 24, my stomach lunged, and I took another walk break that lasted only a minute. I kept going, playing mind games to keep myself running — make it to the street sign; no, the next street sign; make it to the Burger King; push it to the mile marker. Finally, I made it to mile 25, where I knew the only hill on the course would be waiting. When I saw it, I wanted to walk, my feet locking up at the thought of working any harder. From the sidelines, a woman shouted that the finish line was around the corner. I thought she was lying until another woman mimicked her. “Don’t stop,” they said. I decided to listen despite my body yelling and my mind wearing down. Every step hurt as I approached the top, and my lungs screamed for air. Finally, the ground evened out, and I turned the corner. There it was: the finish line. On the sidelines, my cheer squad rallied for me. I waved with what energy I had left and decided to sprint. When you’re 26 miles into a marathon, “a sprint” looks more like an agonizing crawl and feels like it, too. Regardless, my pace quickened, and I started passing people, weaving in and out to bolt across the finish line. Moments later, I did. My feet tapped the final timing mat, and I was done. I threw my hands in the air as my feet skidded to a clumsy walk. My marathon took me five hours, 13 minutes, and three seconds to complete. You might think that’s slow or strong or somewhere in between, but it doesn’t matter. Five years ago, I set out on a journey inspired by watching the athletes at the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Days later, I started running with zero experience or knowledge, beyond knowing I would need to put one foot in front of the other. Along the way, I accrued injuries and setbacks while battling every doubt my mind could muster. I told myself I couldn’t more times than I can count, but I never gave up. Instead, I did what I knew and put one foot in front of the other. On Oct. 12, 2014, I became inspired. On Oct. 13, 2019, I became a marathoner. To all my foolhardy readers, go with success. Chase whatever dreams speak to your wild hearts and trust that one step after another will get you to your finish line. To check previous columns from writer Jenna Schifferle, where she discusses her preparation for the Chicago marathon, go to bfohealth.com and type “Writer on the Run” on the search button.
November 2019 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 5
Meet
Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Colleen Mattimore, M.D. President of Medical Health Associates of Western New York discusses why four pediatrics groups in the Buffalo area decided to join forces to form a ‘super group’
Beyonce’s Dad Reveals His Breast Cancer Diagnosis Mathew Knowles, father of singers Beyoncé and Solange, recently revealed that he has breast cancer. The 67-year-old music executive told host on “Good Morning America” host Michael Strahan he was diagnosed about two months ago after he and his wife noticed blood on his shirts and sheets. Although he admitted thinking, ‘Why me?’ about his situation, Knowles said he is doing well after undergoing surgery at the end of July. He added that due to a gene mutation, he is at risk of developing cancers of the pancreas and prostate, as well as melanoma. He shared his story to raise awareness about the condition and urge men to get tested. Breast cancer strikes one in eight women in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society, which expects 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer to be diagnosed in men in 2019. “Male breast cancer is rare and accounts for only about 1% of all breast cancers,» according to physician Melissa Conrad Stöppler. She adds that prior radiation exposure, a family history of breast cancer, elevated blood levels of estrogen, and mutations in genes including BRCA2 all increase breast cancer risk in men. Treatment for breast cancer in men includes surgery to remove the tumor and any affected tissue and lymph nodes, Stöppler says. Adjuvant therapies are often prescribed afterwards, which may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy. Early detection and treatment improves the chances of a good outcome. “It is not possible to completely prevent male breast cancer,” Stöppler says. “However, there are many healthy lifestyle choices that may help reduce the risk of breast cancer, including maintaining a normal healthy weight and getting regular exercise.” Page 6
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Q: How big is the group that you oversee, Medical Health Associates of Western New York? A: It’s four pediatric offices that came together in what’s called a super-group — or doctors-without-walls. So, it’s Western New York Pediatrics, Suburban Pediatrics, Integrity Health Group and Williamsville Pediatrics Center. Each group continues to practice independently from a day-to-day standpoint. We don’t, as Medical Health Associates, offer any clinical services, we all still maintain our own office culture and still practice independently. The business arm of it is where the four groups coming together has value. We have leadership through a CEO, accounting services and HR. Those are the services MHA offers to each of its groups. Q: Can you describe your role as president? A: When we came together we formed a board of managers. I’m the president of the current board for Medical Health Associates. Q: Are you still practicing? A: Yes. I’m a fulltime pediatrician. Q: What are the advantages to structuring practices this way? A: Centralizing the business aspects of small companies like pediatric practices and hiring the talent to run the business, it takes that responsibility off the physicians. The theory is to let the
doctors go back to being doctors and not worry so much about the business level. That all gets sent to the central office. Same with accounting and HR, too. As you know, there are a lot of changes mandated by the state, and you have to be very careful with your HR procedures. Having someone who can concentrate on that is very helpful. Q: Does pediatrics in particular benefit from this structure? A: On the patient level, they probably don’t notice. More globally, it’s that practices in the super group have leadership that’s looking at best practices and outcomes. It just moves the bar up and ensures that you’re getting a high level of care from any physician within the group. Q: Did you come up through one of the subgroups? A: I came up through one of the groups, Western New York Pediatrics. Q: How did you become more involved in the administration? A: This took years to form. As time went on, I’ve actually become a little less involved than I was. MHA has been around for about two years, but the groups were meeting for about three years prior to that to lay the groundwork. So, we’ve been at this for a while. Once we formed, I became the president, but my role has more or less stayed the same. I go to some business meetings and work closely with the CEO. We have board meetings every month.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
Q: What are some of the challenges coordinating four different practices with their own cultures? A: The biggest challenge in trying to find common ground. It does help if there’s some commonality in how we use our EMR [electronic medical records] so we can look at quality metrics. So, trying to find common ground that all the docs can agree on has been the biggest challenge. Everyone was doing things a little bit differently. Sometimes that’s OK, but you also need to have a common platform to track your metrics. They’re clinical metrics. It’s really about discovering what everyone’s doing now, and then looking at benchmarks and standards of care, then just rolling it out at the committee level. We use the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines called Bright Futures as a starting point. Really just making sure everyone’s adhering to what’s recommended and making sure everyone’s using the same diagnostic codes. We’re still learning from each other, but I think that’s been biggest challenge. Q: In your own pediatric practice, what kinds of changes have you experienced? A: I felt like we were already pretty high-quality care, but we have learned different ways to do things from the other groups. One thing has been we’ve kind of combined knowledge about mental health, so that’s been an advantage. At the business level, everything’s been a lot more streamlined. Q: What kinds of initiatives are the groups working on collectively? A: We had an initiative to, for instance, use the same vision screener for kids from 12 months on up. We met with the pediatric ophthalmologist and discussed in all four practices the best practices recommended in Bright Futures, so we’re all doing the same thing. We are working on clinical pathways for standards of care for asthma, for example. We’re started to track HPV vaccination rates and trying to put methods in place to increase our vaccination rates. Q: Do your patients migrate between the practices? A: At the moment, no, but it’s been talked about.
Lifelines
Name: Colleen Mattimore, M.D. Position: President of Medical Health Associates of Western New York Hometown: Buffalo Education: University at Buffalo School of Medicine (medical degree), cum laude; Harvard University, post baccalaureate extension program, pre-med; University at Buffalo, bachelor’s degree in nursing, cum laude Affiliations: Oishei Children’s Hospital Organizations: American Academy of Pediatrics; Buffalo Pediatric Society; Medical Society of Erie County; Medical Society of the State of NY; Irish American Pediatric Society Family: Husband, three children Hobbies: Bike riding, kayaking
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Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman
NYS Lags When it Comes to Vaccines
T
he personal finance website WalletHub tracked 18 key metrics to determine state vaccination rates among children and adults. The states with the best vaccination rates are: 1, Massachusetts; 2,
Vermont; 3, Rhode Island; 4, North Dakota; 5, New Hampshire; 6, Nebraska; 7, Delaware; 8, South Dakota; 9, West Virginia; 10, Washington. New York state ranks in the bottom 10 at No. 43.
ACA Continues to Perform
increasing. Over the last two years, 2017 and 2018, 2.5 million people decided to drop insurance. The ACA requires all insurers to rebate any profits or surpluses over 20% of total premiums collected. Consequently, insurers owe a record $1.3 billion to consumers this year. The rebate is further evidence that insurers are doing well and that the market has stabilized. Most of the rebates will go to individuals insured via the exchanges versus those covered by large employer-sponsored plans.
While everyone running for president is espousing what they would do about healthcare, the ACA keeps chugging along. The designers and proponents of the ACA predicted that once insurers became more comfortable with their new markets, premiums would stabilize. They were right. According to BlueCross BlueShield Association, the median preliminary premium increase across 23 exchanges so far, for 2020, is an impressive 2.3%. This continues a trend of minimal (relatively) premium increases for the ACA over the past few years. A recent survey conducted by eHealth revealed a majority of commercial insurers plan to increase the number of plans they offer on the exchanges. All of this has occurred while Washington continues to dismantle and attack the ACA by eliminating the mandatory insurance requirement and reducing marketing support. As a result, the rate of uninsured Americans is now
Pre-existing Conditions
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 54 million of us have a pre-existing condition that could have been declined (not covered) if not for the ACA. The fate of the ACA awaits a constitutional challenge in federal courts. Any “replacement plan” suggested by Washington or any presidential candidate would certainly have to include the ACA’s crucial provision covering pre-existing conditions.
Drug Information
Years ago, most physicians would get information on new drugs from a drug “detailer” or drug rep. They were employed by a drug manufacturer and typically were paid a commission based on the volume of prescriptions filled in their market. Drug detailers would show up at a busy practice and get valuable time with the medical staff in exchange for drug samples, pizza, doughnuts, pens and coffee cups. Detailers would also sell several physicians at once by providing drinks and dinner at a local restaurant. Kickback regulations have severely limited the gifts detailers can give to physicians. Consequently, busy practices have reduced the access and time they allow detailers. Thanks to technology, more and more physicians are getting their drug information online. Only 54% of physicians say they see drug reps in person. About 40% of physicians do not give any time to drug reps. Physicians say drug companies are doing a better job of providing effective, non-promotional, educational information online. Busy physicians do not want to be “sold” on a drug. They want access to clinical information that helps them treat their patients.
Future of Medicine
Large corporations, like Walmart, are sensing lots of opportunity in the healthcare industry. They are reacting to: fewer and fewer medical residents specializing in primary care every year; the predicted shortage of physicians growing to 122,000 by 2032; the fact that traditional providers of care are cash-strapped and slow to adapt; consumers are not getting what they want; and the overall cost of health is high. New players CVS and Aetna merged about a year ago. Still in the planning stages, they are committed to providing a high-tech healthcare experience utilizing artificial intelligence, virtual care (telehealth) along with their physical brick and mortar clinics. CVS plans to turn 1,500 of their stores into “HealthHUBs” which will focus on providing a variety of health services.
Walmart University
Walmart’s 1.5 million employees can now further their education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree from “Live Better U.” The degrees are offered through Purdue University Global, Southern New Hampshire University, Bellevue University and Wilmington University. Employees will pay just $1 a day while pursuing degrees in health science, healthcare management, pharmacy technology, and optical care. Walmart will homegrow the professionals they will
November 2019 •
need to staff their 5,000 pharmacies, 3,000 vision centers and 400 hearing centers. Walmart is also trialing a full-service standalone clinic in Dallas, Georgia. The giant retailer plans to provide home healthcare in the future as well.
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 7
Live Alone & Thrive
By Gwenn Voelckers
Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone
This Thanksgiving: A Good Time to Be Grateful for Our Furry Friends
A
s Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded to slow down and set aside time to remember, reflect and be thankful. To be grateful. And to count our many blessings. This year, in addition to being thankful for my good health, my dear friends and family, and some new opportunities to learn and grow, I am filled with a deep appreciation for Scout, my 3-year-old English springer spaniel. I named her after the feisty little girl in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Scout has enriched my life in immeasurable ways, and I can speak with enthusiasm about the joys of sharing my life and home with her. In doing so, I hope to inspire you — especially those of you who live alone — to give pet ownership serious consideration. • Thanks to Scout ... I look forward to coming home and walking through my front door. No matter how stressful my day or how tired I might feel, I am filled with eager anticipation as I approach the entryway. My heart practically skips a beat. When I step inside, I am greeted by a full-body wag and some cheerful yapping that always make me smile. After I take off my coat, Scout and I enter into our welcome-home ritual: she pokes her head through my knees and I rub her ears until her hunger kicks in (which takes less than two seconds). It’s so good to be home! • Thanks to Scout ... I get to experience — really experience — the
outdoors and all the beauty, mystery and drama that the weather and our four seasons hold. Scout insists we walk, run or play outside multiple times a day — rain or shine (or snow!). I consider her my personal trainer par excellence. While exercising Scout, I’ve witnessed breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. I’ve been soothed by the soft sound of raindrops on my umbrella. I’ve felt victorious against Nor’easters that threaten to rob me of my coat. And on crisp November days, I’ve been transported back to halcyon fall days in Ohio, where I grew up. Would I, on my own, spend this much time outdoors? Not a chance. In the dark of night or in bad weather, the comforts of home and a warm bed would prevail. Think of how much I would miss! • Thanks to Scout ... I know the nearly indescribable feelings of contentment and peace when she is snuggled up against me during my morning meditation. At my side, with her chin resting on my lap, our breathing begins to synchronize, in and out, in and out. In these relaxed, mindful moments, I have no cares. No one can reach me. For a few precious minutes each day, the world has stopped, and it’s just me and my dog in blissful tranquility. • Thanks to Scout ... I’ve met a wonderful and interesting assortment of dog lovers and their “best friends.” On our afternoon walks along the Erie Canal, Scout and I regularly
Gwenn Voelckers and her dog Scout enjoying some leaf peeping at Harriet Hollister Park at the end of Canandaigua Lake. meet and greet fellow two- and fourlegged walkers. Over the years, these acquaintances, some of whom have become friends, have turned our daily walking routine into a spirited and meaningful “canal connection.” When our paths cross, we exchange more than just passing pleasantries; we stop, chat and, mostly, laugh while our dogs get reacquainted and tangled in each other’s leash. I leave these encounters with a warm heart, so happy to be part of a community of devoted animal lovers. • Thanks to Scout ... I’ve discovered my “inner parent” and am proud of her. Having no children, I used to wonder if I would have been a good mother and role model. Would I have been patient? Nurturing? Firm when needed? Calm in a crisis? Sacrificial? Scout has given me a chance to explore and express my maternal side, and to cultivate my caretaking skills. My relationship with Scout has led to increased self-awareness. She has helped me discover and develop some essential, as well as some elusive, parts of myself. • Thanks to Scout ... I now have a deeper appreciation for the messiness of life, and how much joy and humor can be generated by the chaos and clutter of a lovable pooch. Scout reminds me that I’m not
Dog Ownership Associated with Longer Life Here’s more evidence your dog might lengthen your life
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etting your health go to the dogs might turn out to be a great idea: New research bolsters the association between dog ownership and longer life, especially for people who have had heart attacks or strokes. Earlier studies have shown dog ownership alleviates social isolation, improves physical activity and lowers blood pressure. The new work builds on that, said physician Glenn N. Levine, who led a committee that wrote a 2013 report about pet ownership for the American Heart Association. “While these non-randomized studies cannot prove that adopting or owning a dog directly leads to reduced mortality, these robust findPage 8
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ings are certainly at least suggestive of this,” he said in a news release. The two new studies were published recently in “Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.” One study, from Sweden, compared dog owners and non-owners after a heart attack or stroke. Records of nearly 182,000 people who’d had heart attacks and nearly 155,000 people who’d had strokes were examined. Dog ownership was confirmed with data from the Swedish Board of Agriculture, where registration of dog ownership has been mandatory since 2001, and the Swedish Kennel Club, where pedigreed dogs have been registered since 1889. When compared with people who didn’t own dogs, owners who
lived alone had a 33% lower risk of dying after being hospitalized for a heart attack. For dog owners who lived with a partner or child, the risk was 15% lower. Dog-owning stroke survivors saw a similar benefit. The risk of death after hospitalization for those who lived alone was 27% lower. It was 12% lower if they lived with a partner or child. What’s behind the canine advantage? “We know that social isolation is a strong risk factor for worse health outcomes and premature death,” said study co-author Tove Fall, a doctor of veterinary medicine and a professor at Uppsala University in Sweden. “Previous studies have indicated that dog owners experience less social isolation and have more interaction with other people. Furthermore, keeping a dog is a good motivation for physical activity, which is an important factor in rehabilitation and mental health.”
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
really in control, and that life can march along just fine, thank you, despite the disarray and dog hair that blows like tumbleweed through my home. It’s a good life lesson. • Thanks to Scout ... I am happier living alone. She’s a second heartbeat in my home, a loving companion and a source of never-ending amusement. Even listening to her chew her food makes me chuckle! We share a human-animal bond anchored in mutual adoration and unconditional love. For that special bond and blessing, I am grateful. If you, too, enjoy the companionship of a dog or cat, let’s be thankful for the countless ways our furry friends expand and enhance our lives. In their presence, every day can be Thanksgiving! Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of “Alone & Content” empowerment boot camps for women held throughout the year in Mendon. She is the author of “Alone and Content: Inspiring, empowering essays to help divorced and widowed women feel whole and complete on their own.” For information about her boot camp, to purchase her book, or invite her to speak call 585-624-7887, email gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com, or visit www.aloneandcontent.com The second set of researchers reviewed patient data from more than 3.8 million people in 10 separate studies. Compared to non-owners, dog owners had a 24% reduced risk of dying from any cause; a 31% reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular-related issues; and a 65% reduced risk dying after a heart attack. The study did not account for factors such as better fitness or an overall healthier lifestyle that could be associated with dog ownership, said co-author Caroline Kramer, an endocrinologist and clinician scientist at Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. “The results, however, were very positive.” As a dog owner herself, Kramer said adopting her miniature schnauzer, Romeo, “increased my steps and physical activity each day, and he has filled my daily routine with joy and unconditional love.” Tove, however, cautioned more research needs to be done before people are prescribed dogs for health reasons. “Moreover, from an animal welfare perspective, dogs should only be acquired by people who feel they have the capacity and knowledge to give the pet a good life.”
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Things You Should Know About Hypnotherapy By Ernst Lamothe Jr
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here are many battles we face on a daily basis, whether it’s related to work, school or family. However, our own health is one of the most important aspects of our lives, especially mental health. Mental health refers to our cognitive, behavioral and social well-being, and affects the way we interact and socialize with others in our daily life. Our mental state can severely alter the way we act and think. People who are looking for non-medical ways to heal have turned to hypnotherapy, which practitioners say is effective for those who suffer from mental illnesses, addictions and who are looking for overall guidance. “Hypnotherapy offers a variety of therapeutic techniques that can alter and heal the mental state and mind,” said Corrin Matthews, a certified master hypnotherapist who practices in Buffalo. Matthews, who has more than 19 years of experience with hypnotherapy, talks about five facts that people should know about the practice.
1.
Hypnotherapy vs. Stage Hypnosis
When thinking of hypnosis, many people have in mind stage hypnosis, which involves the Las Vegas-style shows of watching people get hypnotized. Little do they know there is more to the field. When dealing with a certified hypnotherapist, these professionals focus on
your mental state and the healing process. “Clinical hypnotherapy is completely different from stage hypnosis, because it offers helpful therapeutic techniques that are scientifically proven to work,” said Matthews.
2.
Neuroscience
There are several neurological disorders that remain unexplained, and many medications that temporarily ease the symptoms. Yet it still continues to impact more and more people every day. By understanding neuroscience and how the brain works, it gives us a better understanding of how our mental state is impacted, according to Matthews. “I explain hypnotherapy as neuroscience because it mainly focuses on the brain and contributing factors that alter our behavior and judgment,” Matthews said.
3.
Reprogramming the Brain
The brain is a complex organ and serves as the center of the nervous system. Hypnotherapy is a way to reprogram how the brain works and positively impact our mental state. “Rewiring the brain is like installing a new program in a computer,” Matthews said. “A new software program improves and fixes older issues into better and improved features.” The same goes for hypnotherapy. In order for people to feel a differ-
ence in their mental state and behavior, the brain needs to reprogram itself, according to Matthews. Like regular therapy, many of our bad habits, experiences or phobias will come up in the sessions. While fear is natural and a healthy response to danger, especially in a survival instinct mode, phobias are different. They are more intense than fears and can lead to anxiety and panic attacks. The main goal of hypnotherapy is to push those bad habits away and to place positive reinforcement as our main focus. This then builds a clearer foundation of how we want to continue to live our lives, Matthews said.
4.
Psychological and spiritual guidance
Between hypnotherapy and counseling, people come in for healing mental, spiritual and emotional healing. Therapists must have a degree and background in psychology, health and have worked as counselors in different settings. “It is not only crucial but it is required to understand how the brain works and the psychology behind it,” said Matthews, who is also a reverend and biblical counselor. “Many of my clients come in for traumatic healing and many are looking for mental and spiritual guidance in their life.” She said clients tend to feel more closure and guidance with a religious or spiritual view.
Study: Hospital Patients Benefit from Presence of Flowers Local providers agree: Plants, flowers have positive effect on hospital patients By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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o you know someone who’s ill or injured? If you’re going for a visit, chances are you’ll likely bring along a gift as good manners. But taking a bouquet or plant to a friend admitted to the hospital or recuperating at home is more than just a thoughtful gesture. A gift of flowers may actually help the patient get better. A study by the American Society for Horticultural Science indicates that post-surgery patients between age 19 and 60 recovering in 40 hospital rooms with 12 plants and flowers had measurably lower blood pressure and heart rates than the 40 patients in control rooms with no plants or flowers. Patients with foliage also report-
ed less pain, reduced need for pain relievers and lower levels anxiety, plus greater patient satisfaction rates than the control rooms that were identical in every way, including the rooms’ views, except for the lack of plants. The patients were aware that the study provided the plants and flowers. “It’s the endorphins,” said Debra Stacey, psychiatric nurse practitioner at WNY Medical, PC in Buffalo. “You find that with animal therapy and exercise. If you took a book and show people pictures of puppies and kittens, you can measure the endorphins in the brain. Looking at the flowers brings them pleasure.” Many studies indicate access to nature as beneficial to patients, such as a hospital window facing a park,
photos of peaceful nature scenes or even viewing the color green. “We’ve seen some indications that the more contact with nature we have, the better we do mental healthwise,” said Timothy William Logsdon, licensed mental health counselor with Inner Quest Counseling Services in Amherst and Tonawanda. “Physical health and mental health are tied together.” Flowers also boost both the decor and patient mood. “Flowers represent hope, beauty and inspiration,” Logsdon said. “Hospitals are cold and sterile to begin with, so something to make them alive is a good thing.” Flowers in a hospital room could
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Corrin Matthews
5.
Healing Process
Many people want an easy fix in life, but not everything is immediate. Although patients want immediate relief of their symptoms or illnesses, they mentally have to put it in their heads that they want to heal and that they will get better. Many people do not consider hypnotherapy as a medical treatment, but it is an effective tool for pain management, addictions, injuries and depression, said Matthews. Hypnosis is also a great tool for removing emotional pain in which many people suffer from on a daily basis. Depending on the severity of the condition or mental state, the results can vary. For example, Matthews said that if someone wanted to utilize hypnosis for an addiction, then the results can be long term. “When it comes to results, it can be temporary or permanent,” she said. “Everyone and every brain is different.” And if someone suffers from anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder, then hypnosis can help reduce the severity of the symptoms but not take it away permanently, she said. provide another means for patients to connect with nature since going for a walk won’t work for most patients. “It’s a healing environment that brings relaxation,” said Shawn Marie Cichowski, professional coach with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology and owner of WNY Life Coaching Center in Williamsville and East Aurora. “It’s a natural element, bringing the earth in the room. It’s part of our DNA to connect with the earth. When we get back to healing environments, it helps the body heal and recover.” For some patients, they felt better connected to the outside world beyond their four hospital walls and to the people who placed the flowers in their room. The study’s abstract said that the flowers provided “effective positive distraction, which may provide ample involuntary attention, increase positive feelings, block or reduce worrisome thoughts and promote restoration from stress.” Though the participants in the American Society for Horticultural Science were aware that they received their flowers as part of a study, the presence of the bouquets and plants seemed to make the patients’ rooms feel special, which can provide a powerful emotional benefit. Patients allergic to flowers may still benefit from images depicting nature, like a card with flowers on it or a gift like balloons, stuffed animals or cards.
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Rachel Johnson dances during a recent performance.
Samantha Hughes celebrates her mastery of her dance number as volunteer Mariah Haddad directs the crowd’s applause in Samantha’s attention.
The bond between dancers and volunteers is strong, as shown here as Aria Lewis and Jillian Szeluga embrace before they hit the stage.
Chance to Shine
Volunteers remain lifeblood for nonprofit that provides outlet for special needs individuals By Daniel Meyer
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ll they want to do is dance. Following the philosophy of not allowing the diagnosis of a disability to deny them from having fun, patrons of a dance studio run by a nonprofit organization are loving life thanks to the efforts of volunteers doing whatever they can to allow members of the special needs community to become superstars. Danceability Inc. is a nonprofit that regularly hosts individualized dance lessons and movement classes for people with special needs who have family members wanting them to develop social skills with others who have similar obstacles in life. Now in its 13th year of existence providing unique opportunities for anyone with special needs that has a passion for dance, Danceability Inc. is entering its second year in its approximately 5,000-square-foot facility at 2365 George Urban Blvd. in Cheektowaga. The facility opened in October 2018 to rave reviews from volunteers who assist the dancers and participants themselves. “It’s an amazing place and we are so thrilled to be here,” said Robin Bishop, the organization’s executive director and a co-founder of the nonprofit. “To hear the excitement and enthusiasm from our dedicated volunteers and of course from all of our wonderful dancers is encouraging.” The dance studio provides par-
ticipants a safe indoor environment where they can have fun, spend time with friends, get some needed exercise and be a part of something special for special needs community members from throughout Western New York. “We provide a place for some truly wonderful people to be themselves and enjoy being around other people and interact and learn and be supported,” she said. The studio contains three different dance rooms and two waiting rooms, one of which is designated as a sensory waiting room where dancers with specific sensory needs can relax comfortably and avoid loud noises and just prepare for class. The facility also features a community room that can host birthday parties and other special event festivities for participants and others associated with the organization. Approximately 170 dancers are registered for the current dance season and close to 100 volunteers have offered their time in some capacity to assist the participants and do whatever else needs to be done to keep the studio running. While there is a steady group of dedicated volunteers who consistently lend a hand, anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to contact the studio. “What we ask of our volunteers is that they be at least 16 years old,
are enthusiastic about helping everyone feel welcome and want to have some fun,” said Bishop. “Volunteers don’t necessarily need to have previous experience as a dancer or a dance instructor. We just want people who can help and enjoy doing this type of volunteer work.” Danceability Inc. is collaborating this year with Buffalo State College for what will be its inaugural “Dance-A-Thon.” Set to take place Nov. 10, details are still being firmed up on the exact itinerary as additional event partners are still being sought. “We are going to have a tremendous debut for this and our plan is to make it an annual celebration so we are hopeful that other dance studios in the area will be interested and available in joining us,” said Bishop. “I ask anyone who wants to get involved to contact us at the studio as we continue to plan something that our dancers are really going to enjoy.” Efforts to raise money continue as part of the organization’s capital campaign, with an estimated $90,000 still being sought to help finance all of the upgrades that were made to its studio. Anyone interested in making any type of monetary contribution can visit the studio or go online at www.danceability.com. Bishop said reassuring dancers
and their families that no one ever “ages out” and participants are welcome to dance at the studio no matter what their age is one of the drawing points to the organization. It is key to recruiting and keeping boys and girls active at a young age and into their teenage years and beyond. “This is our 13th year and we have 30 students who have been with us for all 13 years, which I think really says something about what we provide and the volunteers we have and what an important part of being a dancer is in the lives of these special people,” said Bishop. “We accept everyone and we never tell someone they can’t come back because they hit a certain grade in school or a certain age.” The dance studio can be reached by calling 716-651-0094 for anyone who has questions or wants to learn more about what takes place inside. “If someone is the mother or father of or knows of someone who has special needs, we invite them to contact us and find out when they can watch what we do,” she said. “Our dancers can’t wait to get in here and show off what they have learned, and to see and hear how excited they are to dance reminds our volunteers why we are here in the first place.”
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
3 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surging in U.S.
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he number of people with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis is rising, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The information is part of CDC’s annual “Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report,” containing data from 2018. It was released early in October. In a companion press release, physician Gail Bolan, director of the division of sexually transmitted disease prevention, writes that this is the “fifth consecutive year of increases” for the three STDs.
STDs in numbers
Between 2017 and 2018, the number of gonorrhea cases increased by 5% to a total of 580,000 cases; this is the highest number of cases since 1991. As for chlamydia, cases hit the highest numbers ever recorded by the CDC. Compared with 2017, they were 3% higher, making a total of 1.7 million cases. The number of primary and secondary syphilis cases, which are the most infectious stages of syphilis, increased by 14% to 35,000 cases; this is also the highest level since 1991. Syphilis can pass between a mother and her unborn child, which doctors refer to as congenital syphilis. In 2018, there were 1,300 cases of syphilis in newborns, an increase of 40%. In all, 70% of congenital syphilis cases occurred in five states: California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Louisiana.
Congenital syphilis increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, newborn death, and lifelong medical issues. Antibiotics can effectively treat all three of the above STDs. However, if they are left untreated, they can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancies. STDs can also increase the risk of contracting HIV. These increases are particularly striking given that STDs had, seemingly, been on the ropes. As the CDC report states in the foreword written by D. Bolan, “not that long ago, gonorrhea rates were at historic lows, and syphilis was close to elimination.”
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Why the increase?
Several factors are likely to play a part in the increase in STDs. According to the CDC press release, these factors include poverty, drug use and unstable housing, all of which “reduce access to STD prevention and care.” The CDC also noted a reduction in condom use among some at risk demographics, such as young people, and gay and bisexual men. Added to this, the CDC explain in the press release how certain financial restraints have played a part: “[I]n recent years, more than half of local programs have experienced budget cuts, resulting in clinic closures, reduced screening, staff loss, and reduced patient follow-up and linkage to care services.”
s d i K Corner
Giving Your Child a Time-Out Won’t Cause Long-Term Damage: Study
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ime-outs don’t increase kids’ risk of emotional or behavioral problems, according to a new study that researchers say dispels misleading information. The study included the children of nearly 1,400 U.S. parents. Of those parents, 28% said they used timeouts when their child was 3 years old. From age 3 through fifth grade, there were no differences in emotional and behavioral health between children who had time-outs and those who did not, the investigators
found. Rachel Knight, an assistant professor of clinical psychology at University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, led the study, which was published online recently in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. “No differences were found with respect to child internalizing problems, including anxiety and depression, externalizing problems, including aggression and rule-breaking behavior, or self-control,” Knight’s team reported.
The authors noted that time-out is one of the only child discipline strategies recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Even though extensive research has shown it to be effective, some online information and media reports have claimed time-outs increase the risk of behavioral problems and damage parent-child relationships, the study authors explained. “Parents often resort to the internet and social media for guidance, but the internet provides inaccurate information for families regarding the use of time-out,” Knight and her colleagues warned.
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Research findings on the topic need to be offered in a “readily accessible and easily digestible format … to assuage possible parental concerns and promote the use of this highly effective child discipline strategy,” the study authors urged. However, as with previous research, the new study linked physical punishment to externalizing behaviors in kids. “We hope our findings will be helpful to parents who see confusing and at times alarming claims of negative side effects of time-out,” Knight said in a journal news release.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Top Foods For Your Brain Studies point to several types of food linked to better brain power
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oes what we eat affect the health of our brain? I ponder this question frequently now that I’m older and losing or forgetting things on a regular basis: glasses, keys, appointments, book titles, people’s names…you get the fuzzy picture. Since our brain is always “on” — working hard 24/7 and requiring fuel even while we sleep — why shouldn’t what we eat directly affect the structure and function of our brain? Many experts strongly believe it does, acknowledging that while there is no single almighty brain food that can ensure a sharp brain as we age, there are certain foods that are particularly rich in healthful components that support brain health. Research has shown that foods with certain nutrients that are touted to be healthy — omega-3s, choline, B vitamins and antioxidants, among others — actually correlated not only to cognitive function but also to how the brain itself functions. Many of the best brain foods are the same ones that protect our heart and blood vessels. Can the same benefits be obtained from consuming the same nutrients through supplements? Unfortunately, studies say “not entirely.” While the reasons aren’t completely understood, experts believe it has something to do with how our bodies metabolize pills versus food. If there’s any merit to that old adage “you are what you eat,” then perhaps eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes these top brain-boosting foods may help to keep our memory, concentration, and focus as sharp as it can be.
Leafy greens Dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collards and arugula stand out as an especially important category. A study from two acclaimed universities, recently published in the journal Neurology, found that a diet containing approximately one serving of green leafy vegetables a day is associated with slower age-related cognitive decline. Just one! The research suggested that the rich concentration of brain-healthy nutrients — vitamins A, E and K, lutein and folate — packed within the greens were likely contributors to the slower decline. Folate, in particular, may protect the brain by lowering the level of an amino acid (homocysteine) that, when elevated, may trigger the death of brain nerve cells.
Berries While all fruits do a body good, only berries seem to command attention when it comes to brain health. Experts credit the flavonoid anPage 12
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By Anne Palumbo
and memory. The benefit of such “gathering”? Researchers say these compounds may enhance memory and help slow down age-related decline. Even more good news? Two new studies have found that some of chocolate’s benefits may also occur at fairly doable doses: onehalf ounce to one ounce a day. Generally, the darker the chocolate (70 % or more), the greater the benefits.
Eggs
tioxidants in berries, especially the anthocyanins that give berries their brilliant hues, for protecting our gray matter. These antioxidants help by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, two processes that may accelerate the onset of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Researchers at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that women who ate one or two half-cup servings of blueberries and strawberries per week delayed memory decline by up to two and a half years. Studies have also suggested that berries may improve communication between brain cells and that blueberries in particular may delay short-term memory loss.
Fatty Fish
When people talk about brain foods, fatty fish swim to the top of the list because they teem with a nutrient that’s a major building block of the brain: omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s, which help build cell membranes throughout our body and brain, play an important role in sharpening memory, improving mood, and protecting our brain against decline. Studies have found that people with high levels of omega-3s had increased blood flow in the brain, as well as more gray matter. Gray matter contains most of the nerve cells that control decision-making, memory and emotion.
These healthy (unsaturated!) fats have also been linked to lower levels of beta-amyloid — the protein that forms damaging clumps in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Examples of fatty fish that contain high levels of omega-3s include salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines.
Nuts and Seeds Experts say we should all go a little nuts for nuts and seeds for this key benefit: nuts and seeds are especially rich in vitamin E. A potent antioxidant, vitamin E shields cell membranes from damage associated with oxidative stress, a disturbance that increases with age and is considered a major contributor to cognitive decline. According to a Harvard University study, women aged 70 or older who ate five or more servings of nuts per week scored higher on cognitive tests than women who didn’t eat nuts at all. Nuts and seeds also contain a host of other brain-boosting nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids. Those with the highest amount of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts. Walnuts are the only nut that contain significant amounts of omega-3s.
Dark chocolate For chocolate-lovers, news doesn’t get much better than this: Numerous studies strongly suggest that the right kinds of chocolate, consumed regularly, can help keep our mind sharp and alert, and our mood calm and happy. Cocoa beans are an excellent source of flavonoid antioxidants, which gather in the areas of the brain that deal with learning
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
While eggs provide a variety of nutrients, it’s their connection to choline that gives them their brainy edge. An essential nutrient that research says may protect against cognitive decline as we age, choline helps brain cells communicate with each other and keep memories intact. According to studies at Boston University and Harvard, adults with more choline in their diet scored higher on memory tests and experienced healthier aging of the brain. In fact, some experts believe that choline may hold promise in the war against Alzheimer’s. Given that egg yolks are among the most concentrated sources of this nutrient, we reap the most benefits by eating the whole egg (if your diet permits). Does eating eggs, which are also rich in brain-boosting B vitamins, help delay brain shrinkage, a natural loss linked to age-related cognitive decline? Current research suggests they may.
Whole Grains Nutrient-rich whole grains are an integral part of the Mediterranean diet — a diet linked to a reduced risk of memory decline in older adults, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Whole grains contain soluble fiber, which ferries cholesterol from the body and prevents plaque from forming in arteries. Clear arteries promote good blood flow to the brain and may help reduce the risk of developing dementia and stroke. Healthy-carb whole grains also provide a steady supply of energy to the brain by releasing glucose slowly into the bloodstream. Our brain, which uses a whopping 20% of the energy we consume, benefits from whole grains by remaining more mentally alert throughout the day. Keys? Why, they’re right here!
Coffee If coffee is the highlight of your morning, you’ll be thrilled to hear it’s good for your brain. Beyond boosting alertness and potentially
enhancing short-term memory, coffee may also protect the brain against cognitive impairments and heighten thinking skills. According to physician Donald Weaver of Krembil Brain Institute, “Coffee consumption does seem to have some correlation to a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.” What’s more, in a recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition, participants with higher caffeine consumption scored higher on tests of mental function. Coffee is also an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, which may offer some protection against progressive cognitive decline.
Turmeric Could a curry a day keep the forgetfulness at bay? Numerous studies suggest it may. Turmeric, the spice that gives curry its bright yellow color, has been the focus of research lately due to its concentration of curcumin. A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, curcumin has been shown to improve memory and mood in people with mild, age-related memory loss, according to a study by UCLA. The latest research on turmeric has also shown that because curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier, it may have the potential to help clear the amyloid plaques that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. In India, where turmeric is a regular staple in curry dishes, senior citizens traditionally have a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. More research is needed however to assess the impact of turmeric on this progressive brain disorder, as India’s low meat consumption may also contribute to the population’s reduced risk. Anne Palumbo is the author of SmartBites column, which appears in In Good Health every month.
SmartBites
The skinny on healthy eating
Humble Parsnip Asserts Plenty of Nutrients
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ity the poor parsnip. Often overlooked in favor of its more attractive cousin, the carrot, it yearns for our attention. Pale, anemic and rather awkwardly shaped, it begs for us to wake up to its distinct taste, versatility and rich nutritional profile. Let’s begin with what makes this particular root vegetable so nutritious. Parsnips, like many vegetables, are a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber, with one cooked cup providing nearly 25% of our daily fiber needs. While insoluble fiber promotes regularity, soluble fiber helps keep our tickers in tip-top shape by ferrying cholesterol out. Worried about Type 2 diabetes? Fiber may lower your risk of developing this chronic disease because it helps slow down the rate of glucose absorption after a meal. Despite its pale exterior, parsnips dish up a surprisingly healthy dose of vitamin C: about 25% of our daily needs in just one serving. Essential for the growth and repair of tissue all over the body, vitamin C also helps to increase the production of infection-fighting white blood cells, which is why many of us turn to vitamin C during cold and flu season. Though it may not keep you from catching a cold, there is some evidence that vitamin C may shorten the duration and intensity of a cold. Parsnips are a decent source of folate, a B vitamin especially important to woman of childbearing age because it reduces the risk of birth defects. Folate benefits the rest of us in three outstanding ways: by ridding the blood of an amino acid that has been linked to narrowing and hardening of the arteries; by regulating our moods due to its role in the production of serotonin (a.k.a. the “happy chemical”); and by helping to prevent gum disease by reducing inflammation. Rich in health-promoting antioxidants — with vitamin C and manganese leading the list — parsnips may provide protection against cell-dam-
aging free radicals that contribute to many chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and vision loss. As for its distinct taste and versatility, parsnips possess a sweet, nutty flavor unlike any other vegetable, lend themselves to a variety of cooking methods (roasted, sautéed, braised or boiled), and are a welcome addition to many dishes.
Adapted from Epicurious Serves 4-6
3 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 1½ tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 medium onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste (more, if desired) ¼ cup warm water 1 tablespoon ginger, peeled and minced 1 cup canned pumpkin 3 cups chicken broth 1 cup lite coconut milk Lime-Yogurt Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh 3/4 cup raw shelled pumpkin seeds, roasted Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place parsnip chunks in a large bowl and toss with ½ tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt. Spread out on large baking sheet in a single layer and roast, stirring once or twice, for 25 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic for about 5 minutes until soft. Add roasted parsnips to this pot, along with broth, and bring to a slow boil. Once soup is boiling, reduce heat to low, and add pumpkin and ginger. Before adding red curry paste, blend it with ¼ cup warm water in a small bowl. This makes it easier to incor-
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porate into soup. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Puree the soup with handheld immersion blender, stir in coconut milk, season with salt and pepper. Add more broth or coconut milk if soup seems too thick. Garnish with lime-yogurt drizzle and roasted pumpkin seeds. To make lime-yogurt drizzle: Whisk yogurt and lime juice (to taste) in a small bowl until well blended. Note: If you’re skipping the drizzle, you can add fresh lime juice directly to the soup when you stir in the coconut milk. To roast pumpkin seeds: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the raw, shelled pumpkin seeds flat on a cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, until lightly golden. Correction: October’s chia seed pudding recipe forgot the most important ingredient of all: 1/4 cup chia seeds. Clearly, I need to eat more brain foods!
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Helpful tips
Select parsnips that are firm, smooth and free of blemishes. In terms of size, small to medium offer the best flavor (fatter ones can be woody). Although parsnip’s peel can be eaten, many recommend peeling it to improve texture as well as taste (it can be bitter). Parsnips, stored in a plastic bag and placed in your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer, should last about two weeks. Wash just before use.
Parsnip-Pumpkin Soup with Coconut and Curry
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By Anne Palumbo
In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2019 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 • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo • Writers: Deborah J. Sergeant, Jim Miller, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, George W. Chapman, Jenna Schifferle, Daniel Meyer, Carl Francis Penders, Kasey Vavrek Advertising: Anne Westcott, Amy Gagliano, Karen Weaver Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas • Office Manager: Nancy Niet 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.
November 2019 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Promotion. That is a document Haberstro emphasizes as being to health, what the United States Constitution is to democracy. “With civic angst on the rise, you’re seeing an emphasis and increase in yoga, mindfulness, and meditation,” said Western New York’s only Centers for Disease Control’s-certified Work @ Health Trainer, a comprehensive program to promote employee health.
Walking the talk
Research: Sleeping Less Than 6 Hours May Raise Risk of Cancer, Even Death
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ot getting enough sleep may put some people at risk for much more than being drowsy the next day, a new study says. Middle-aged people with high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease or stroke could be at increased risk for cancer and early death if they get less than six hours of sleep a night, researchers reported early in October in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Specifically, those with high blood pressure or diabetes who slept less than six hours had twice the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke compared with people who slept six or more hours. Sleep-deprived people with a history of heart disease or stroke had three times the increased risk of dying from cancer during the study that spanned three decades. “Our study suggests that achieving normal sleep may be protective for some people with these health conditions and risks,” the study’s lead author Julio Fernandez-Mendoza said in a news release. He’s an associate professor at Pennsylvania State College of Medicine and sleep psychologist at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey. But more research will be needed to determine whether increasing sleep through medical or behavioral therapies could reduce risk of early death, Fernandez-Mendoza said. The study looked at more than 1,600 adults who were categorized into two groups. One had stage 2 high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes. The other had heart disease or stroke. Participants were studied in a sleep lab for one night between 1991 and 1998. Researchers then tracked their cause of death up to the end of 2016. In that period, 512 people died — one-third of them from heart disease or stroke and one-fourth from cancer. Fernandez-Mendoza said better identification of people with specific sleep issues would potentially lead to better treatment. “Short sleep duration should be included as a useful risk factor to predict the long-term outcomes of people with these health conditions,” he said.
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Personal Passion Benefits Communal Health Phil Haberstro and his Wellness Institute continue to tear down walls in Western New York minds, and build bridges with partners throughout the region By Carl Francis Penders “You’re talking about changing the culture, similar to what we’ve done with tobacco,” proclaims Philip L. Haberstro, executive director of the Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo. It’s a refrain anyone who has spent time listening to Haberstro’s message has heard more than once. Of course, “repetition is the mother of skill,” to quote Anthony Robbins, the celebrity life coach who’s been known to advocate his own passion for change. And it definitely requires a certain skill level to persistently convey wisdom that people are not always inclined to hear. While inclined to encourage mastery, Robbins reminds people that, “if I hear it again, or maybe hear it a different way, eventually it [wisdom] will take hold.” So Haberstro and his Wellness Institute continue to tear down walls in Western New York minds, and build bridges with partners throughout the region. It’s been a 30-year plus journey for the athletic Haberstro, playing football at Cardinal O’Hara High, Brockport State, and 11 years toiling as a linebacker for the semi-pro Buffalo Geminis. Pursuing a sports science degree at Brockport, he joined the school’s Faculty Student Association upon graduating, overseeing student union activities. “It gave me training in managing programs,” he says, facilitating rathskellars, band concerts, and lectures. “I was certified to teach physical education,” he said, and that calling caused him to join the Buffalo Athletic Club. “I taught handball, racquet-
ball and squash, and as program director, designed fitness programs for members. “I developed a real strong emphasis on personal fitness.” “I believed in what I was doing,” he said while in his Buffalo City Hall office, which was overflowing with reports, books, commendations and awards. “It was a heart-centered passion; I wanted to help people be healthy.” With fitness foremost in his mind, he formed Buffalo Fitness Consultants, an enterprise he still maintains. Yet influenced by Peter Drucker, author of “Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” and guided by Drucker’s admonition that “the 21st Century will be the century of the nonprofit. The leadership, competence and management of the nonprofit organization will largely determine the values, vision, cohesion, and performance of the 21st century society.” With his eye on the greater good, in 1989, Haberstro partnered with attorney John Giardino to form the Wellness Institute. The initial vision was inspired by the National Civic League’s push to launch the healthy communities movement in the United States, with Haberstro feeling it was imperative to convince employers of the importance of the health of their workforce. As for creating a healthy community, which virtually coincides with the institute’s website, www. creatinghealthycommunites.org, one recalls that culture-changing challenge, and the urgency to implement transformational strategies espoused by 1986’s Ottawa Charter for Health
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
To that end, Haberstro leads Delaware Park reflective walks at 10:45 a.m. from March to November, on each month’s first Sunday. He and the institute are at the forefront of Western New York walks, and the region’s “walkability movement,” providing walkability assessment tool kits, and the “Walking Club Toolkit,” a guide to starting a neighborhood or workplace walk. Demonstrating he’s a man of conviction, and one poised to “walk his talk,” a recent presentation to an American Association of Retired Persons’ conference at Buffalo’s Hyatt Hotel saw Haberstro extol the benefits of walking. He then led a vigorous hour-long walk to the Buffalo River, the Erie Canal Terminus, and back. “Walkable communities are more age-friendly, more economically vibrant,” he says, citing Buffalo’s Elmwood Village and East Aurora. He is co-chairman of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown’s Age Friendly Blue Ribbon Commission, and has been at the forefront of Buffalo’s All-America City entries. “We’ve made twelve applications, been a finalist eight times, and a two-time winner,” he proudly declares, adding he’s ready to again see the city through the process. “Bowling Alone” by Robert Putnam and other Putnam titles have influenced Haberstro’s thinking of late. Putnam writes about capital, seeing beyond the material. He references trust and reciprocity. Taking seriously Putnam’s research and input from Ottawa Charter presenter Trevor Hancock, Haberstro stresses capital in human, social, environmental, as well as economic terms. “Ninety percent of what we do is in partnership,” Haberstro says in attracting capital through trust and reciprocity. Yet undeterred from considering challenging questions, and drawing from the Ottawa Charter’s call to action, he asks, “What do you need to do to create health in communities? Where can we infiltrate institutions to bring about health promotions and resources?” And “What is the economic investment in health and wellness?” Good questions. “The initiatives have to be strategic and comprehensive,” said Haberstro, and that answers will arise through civic, political, and private leadership. Haberstro and the Wellness Institute are calling for new leadership with Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties mired from 56 to 60 out of 62 New York State counties as measured by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings & Roadmaps study. Is it something in the order of health-centered leadership? It’s something for Buffalo and Western New York citizens and leaders to think about.
Meet Your Provider
Grasta’s Beauty and Wig Studio Store carries the largest collection of wigs in Western New York. It serves cancer patients and those with hair loss Q: When and why did you open Grastas Beauty and Wig Studio? A: From 1942 to 1984 my mother Lucille K. Russo owned the LuRue’s Beauty Shop in Rochester. At the age of 14 I was helping my mom. I strived and managed to open my own business in 1973 in another Rochester neighborhood. I worked very hard and walked many blocks and handed papers at everyone’s door telling them about Grasta’s Beauty & Wig Studio. I followed up with many phone calls and invites until I was able to generate a new and loyal clientele. There is much pride between my mother and I in our accomplishments in the field of cosmetology. I was mentored by her and the daughter of a wig supplier. After 13 years I opened a second location in 1985 at 409 Parma Center Road and closed the first one in 2017. I’ve also been able to help many people who are shut-ins or cancer patients. When a client walks out of
Grasta’s Beauty and Wig Studio they will be proud to be wearing a Grasta wig, and no one will ever notice they are wearing a wig!
wigs. Everything is done on a oneon-one basis. No walk-ins allowed to ensure privacy and making clients feel beautiful inside and out.
Q: Do you serve a specific clientele? A: We serve any and all clientele. Whether you’re experiencing hair loss or you’re a cancer patient or someone had a tragic accident — everyone deserves the respect and confidential treatment that only a private appointment can accomplish. The wig shop is open by individual appointment only to ensure a personalized experience every time.
Q: Would health insurance cover any of the costs associated with the wigs or hairpieces? A: Yes, we do accept insurance. Contact your insurance company to see if and how much would be covered, and if prior approval is required.
Q: What are your specialties? A: We have the largest collection of wigs in Western New York. From human hair to synthetics and blends — and don’t forget accessories. We specialize in wig and hairpieces. There’s a wide variety of custom wigs to choose from, including my own line, European wigs, and Remy
Q: How long does it take for a custom wig to be made? A: Usually it takes approximately eight to10 weeks. However, we can do a rush order, if needed, and have the wig as soon as six to eight weeks with additional charge. Q: What is your return policy? A: Once the wig is purchased and you walk out the door there are no retuns. Unfortunately, all sales are final.
Sharon Grasta: “I do this with my whole heart and soul. I just love this work and it is my life. It’s my calling.” Q: Is there any financial assistance for veterans? A: Yes! Ask me about this. You pay first and the form I supply to you gets turned in to Champ VA Benefits for a one-time reimbursement for retirees and spouse. For more information Email: Shargrasta@yahoo.com
409 Parma Center Rd, Hilton • 585-392-7823 • www.GrastaBeautyAndWigStudio.com
Monday thru Friday by appointment only. No walk-ins!
Bladder Health for Life Like many other tissues of the body, bladder muscles get weaker and less stretchy with age, causing a series of problems. But you can take steps to mitigate the problem By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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he aging process is unkind to most of the body. The bladder is no exception. To support bladder health, you can take steps to mitigate the effects of aging. It helps to understand better how aging affects the bladder. Ju Joh is a family medicine physician and associate chief medical officer with Primary Mobile Healthcare Partners in Buffalo. He said that like many other tissues of the body, the bladder’s tissue gets weaker and less stretchy with age. That means that the bladder won’t hold as much and that the bladder won’t completely empty during urination. Some older adults purposefully hold their urine in an attempt to “strengthen” it. “If you can’t hold urine well and you start retaining urine, it further weakens the bladder,” Joh said. To avoid exacerbating the issue, he advises attempting to completely empty the bladder at least every three to four hours. “When you stretch out the muscle and thin it out by holding urine, it won’t retract as it should,” Joh said.
“’Trucker’s bladder’ is an issue that later can cause incontinence.” It can also contribute to urinary tract infections. Joh said that the longer a person holds urine, the more opportunity bacteria has to infect the urinary tract and the bladder. “When you urinate, that lets you get rid of the bacteria,” he said. Women who have given birth to multiple children often experience urinary leaking and incontinence, since the pelvic floor muscles support the bladder. Childbearing weakens those muscles and it can manifest years later. Women should
consider performing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles. Consulting with a physical therapist that specializes in incontinence may also help. For men, enlarged prostates can block the flow of urine from the bladder, causing them to struggle to empty the bladder completely or urinate at all. Consulting with a urologist can help men mitigate the effects of enlarged prostate. Lifestyle changes can help maintain better bladder health. Joh recommended staying active and eating a balanced diet should help. Alcohol and coffee and other sources of caffeine can irritate the bladder, so reducing intake can improve bladder function. “The older you get, constipation begins to play a role in urinary retention and bladder injuries,” Joh said. Maintain regular bowel movements by eating more foods rich in fiber such as whole grains and whole fruits and vegetables or adding a fiber supplement to the diet. Other medical conditions can exacerbate bladder problems, such as diabetes, which can affect the nerves that control the bladder and
November 2019 •
alter the sensation that the bladder is full. Some medications can make a difference, too. “Older adults should bring up their medication list with their doctor,” Joh said. “Look it over and talk about the benefits and risks. If they’ve been on hypertension medication for awhile, could they change their personal behavior and habits that could get them off the mediation? That medication can cause kidney issues. They should also talk about any natural supplements they’re taking.” Chanh Huynh is board-certified in family medicine and works at Churchville-Chili Family Medicine, LLC in North Chili. He said that obesity puts older patients at “significantly higher risk for urinary incontinence.” He advises patients to drink at least eight 6-oz. servings of water throughout the day to ensure adequate hydration. Drinking plenty of water can aid in alleviating constipation, another condition that hampers urination. Smokers should quit. In addition to its many ill effects on many bodily functions and organs, “smokers are two to four times more likely to have incontinence,” Huynh said. “For a long-term, heavy smoker more than one pack a day it’s six times more likely.” He also advised that women urinate after sexual intercourse to decrease their risk for urinary tract infection. “Post-menopausal women may benefit from a vaginal estrogen cream, but they should ask their doctor,” Huynh said.
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Golden Years
Doctors: Yes, Adults Need Vaccines, Too
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accines aren’t just for kids, a doctors’ group says. “Many adults are not aware that they need vaccines throughout their lives and so have not received recommended vaccinations,” physician Robert McLean, president of the American College of Physicians, said in a college news release. “Adults should get a seasonal flu shot and internists should use that opportunity to make sure their patients are up to date on the latest recommended immunizations, he advised. Along with an annual flu shot, other important adult vaccinations include: Tdap to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough; pneumococcal to protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis; HPV (human papillomavirus) to prevent cervical, anal and other cancers; hepatitis B; and herpes zoster to help prevent shingles. Each vaccine should be given according to guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention›s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). “Vaccines are safe, effective and help prevent illness, hospitalization and even death, especially among the elderly and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems,” McLean said. “Physicians should conduct a vaccine needs assessment with their patients regularly. People who cannot get a flu shot or other vaccines for medical reasons should talk to their internist about other ways of protecting themselves,” McLean recommended.
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Key Questions Seniors Should Ask Their Doctors With doctor visits getting shorter and shorter, what are the key questions seniors should ask their doctors? By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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ith electronic medical records, tighter margins for medical practices and a shortage of providers, most doctors cannot offer their patients much time to talk during visits. To get the most out of your visit, plan ahead the questions you should ask and concerns you should bring up. Local experts offered a few ideas. • “The big thing I notice that seniors don’t mention is balance issues and falls. If they’ve fallen at home, elderly patients tend to hide it. How long they were on the floor is important. The longer they’re on the floor increases the chances they’ll be in the hospital. If we detect it early on and
assess risks, we can lower chance of hip fracture and hospitalization. A big component is they don’t want to lose their independence so they won’t say they’ve fallen. We agree that they should stay as long as they can in their own home. We can identify their balance issues early on to work on core strength and balance exercises. We can work with visiting nurses who can help them do balance training at home. • “Seniors should talk about any issues with confusion and memory. That leads to their advanced directives. What we don’t do well is talk about what they wish to accomplish toward the end of life. Do they want to be resuscitated? That deci-
Should Older Women Stop Getting Mammograms?
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lthough regular screening mammograms can catch breast cancer early, new research suggests women over 75 who have chronic illnesses can probably skip this test. The study findings indicate that women with chronic conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, would likely die from those conditions before developing breast cancer. “For those 75 and over with chronic illness, the benefit of con-
tinued mammography is minimal. Women 75 to 84 are 123 times more likely to die of other causes than breast cancer,” said the study’s senior author, Dejana Braithwaite. That doesn’t mean all women over 75 should forgo mammography. “In healthy women age 75 and older, perhaps mammograms may make sense. It’s important to individualize the decision. Women should discuss with their providers the potential benefits of continuing mam-
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
sion-making should start early on. If they have issues with cognition, they might be losing their ability to make decisions financially and medically. They need to make those decisions before they are unable to. If you do it early on, you can get the family onboard with what their issues are. It helps them avoid family strife. • “Older adults tend to not talk about skin issues. They try to hide those things, as they often occur in the buttocks.” Ju Joh, family medicine physician and associate chief medical officer with Primary Mobile Healthcare Partners, Buffalo • “A lot of older adults take medication for pain. They’re not always open if they cannot afford their medication. Some [medications] they must have, some medication is nice to have and others they can skip if they cannot afford it. We need to know if they cannot afford it. It’s rare for them to say they cannot afford it. • “Older adults are more stoic about their medical situations. We have to coax them to tell us this information. A part of it is how their parents handled chronic disease. • “Asking about how their disease will progress in five years and 10 years will make a difference. If you don’t ask you won’t know. • “I would like my patients to be more open about their incontinence. Older adults don’t bring it up. It is very hard to discuss a topic when the patient doesn’t want to talk about it. It causes major impact on quality of life. It’s very common. The patients — and particularly male patients — are not open about those types of problems. They’re happy to talk about bowels, breathing and chest pain. But incontinence they don’t want to talk about. They probably feel it’s part of getting old and there’s nothing that can be done. Downplaying the problem is a major issue. • “They also may not want to talk about depression or isolation for the same reason. They’re not willing to seek treatment for it. When they start losing weight, someone else might say, ‘They’re not doing well; what can we do?’ but we can start treatment for depression so much sooner. Physician Geria Furtuna, who works as geriatrician at University of Rochester Medical Center
mography,” Braithwaite said. She’s an associate professor of epidemiology and oncology at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, in Washington, D.C. Professional guidelines vary in their recommendations for mammography in older women. The American Cancer Society advises women to stop screening when their life expectancy is less than 10 years. Meanwhile, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) says there is not enough evidence to guide women’s decisions about mammography at age 75 and up. Many European breast cancer programs stop recommending screening between 69 and 74 years.
Golden Years
Even Age 80 Is Not Too Late to Begin Exercising: Study
E say.
ven seniors who never exercised regularly can benefit from a workout program, researchers
A new study found that men in their 70s and 80s who had never followed an exercise regimen could build muscle mass as well as “master athletes” — those of the same age who had worked out throughout their lives and still competed at the top levels of their sports. The U.K. researchers took muscle biopsies from both groups in the 48 hours before and after a single weight-training session on an exercise machine. The men were also given an isotope tracer before the workout in order to track how proteins were developing in their muscles. It was expected that the master athletes would be better able to build muscle during exercise, but both groups had an equal capacity to do so, the University of Birmingham team found.
The study was published Aug. 30 in the journal Frontiers in Physiology. “Our study clearly shows that it doesn’t matter if you haven’t been a regular exerciser throughout your life, you can still derive benefit from exercise whenever you start,” lead researcher Leigh Breen said in a university news release. He’s a senior lecturer in exercise physiology and metabolism. “Obviously a long-term commitment to good health and exercise is the best approach to achieve wholebody health, but even starting later on in life will help delay age-related frailty and muscle weakness,” Breen said. Current public health advice about strength training for older people tends to be “quite vague,” he noted. “What’s needed is more specific guidance on how individuals can improve their muscle strength, even outside of a gym setting through activities undertaken in their homes
activities such as gardening, walking up and down stairs, or lifting up a shopping bag can all help if under-
Going Overseas? Travel Safe, Travel Smart Traveling abroad can bring its own challenges to seniors By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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re you a mature adult making plans to travel overseas this winter? Safeguard your health while you’re traveling with these tips from the experts. Talk with a travel agent about where you want to go and any health issues you have. As you share your health concerns, your agent should be able to tell you about any potential complications. Matthew Carr, co-owner and travel agent at Carr’s Destination Vacations in Hamburg, said as one example that medication may cause problems in traveling abroad. “As long as you have it with you and don’t combine your prescriptions into one big bottle, you should be OK,” Carr said. “A lot of people don’t realize that if they take four different medications, they can’t combine them in one bottle. The label should show the prescription on it, what it’s for and that it belongs to them.” Some medication isn’t permitted
in some countries in the Middle East, including some anti-depressants and controlled pain medication. Instead of skipping needed medication, talk with your doctor about what to do. Carr recommends obtaining a larger supply of medication than needed for the length of the trip abroad — just in case. As long as you show it to airport personnel upfront, you should be fine. He also recommends bringing any medication in a carry-on bag and not checking it. Any durable medical equipment will also be allowed on planes, trains, cruise ships and buses. Cruise ship travelers should bring any needed mobility equipment, as it would be difficult for cruise ships to provide 50plus wheelchairs aboard for travelers’ use. Most airlines maintain a supply for travelers who ask for a chair in advance. It’s not advised to wait until the last minute. It can also help to let an airline employee know--not the
skycap employed by the airport if you’re going to be a bit late to the gate because of your mobility issues. “Most airlines, cruise ships are very accommodating when it comes to travelers bringing medical devices needed for walking or whatnot,” Carr said. While he can help clients better understand what challenges they may face such as uneven walking surfaces or stairs, “mostly, it’s up to the client on what their physical limitations are. If it involves a lot of walking, I tell them to make sure they’re bringing comfortable shoes and make sure they have a water bottle with them.” Some who travel by cruise ship want to dress up for nice dinners in formalwear and high heels. But keep in mind that the ships are very large and these types of trips require a good deal of walking even before making port to explore cities. A travel agent can give you ideas on how to mitigate the rigors of the
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taken as part of a regular exercise regimen,” Breen said.
trip. For example, if you have a heart condition, a week of hiking in ancient ruins at high altitude may not work for you, but a bus tour could make it doable. Travel agents can also recommend precautions such as vaccinations necessary for some exotic locations or whether or not it’s safe to drink the water or use ice in bottled drinks. Elizabeth McCulloch, vice president and motor coach operator with D & F Travel, Inc. in Buffalo, thinks that touring by group offers a much safer and easier way to travel. Where to go, stay and eat is preplanned, which can help travelers avoid illness and injury. “It’s definitely safer,” McCulloch said. “You have a sense of not being alone.” Of the many tours she has led, she recalls a couple which involved a traveler needing medical attention. Thanks to traveling in a group, these tourists were able to get help in time. McCullouch also suggests wearing sensible shoes to prevent injury and dressing in layers to prevent overheating. She recommends purchasing trip insurance, which can help if you run into a difficulty that shortens the trip, or a temporary health insurance policy, which can cover you while traveling abroad. That may seem like overkill; however, the healthcare providers in many countries will not provide care unless paid up front. Travel insurance may also cover the cost of transporting home the body of people who die in other countries instead of their loved ones footing the expense. Make sure you’re up-to-date on all of immunizations, including influenza. Considering that some countries do not vaccinate as widely as America, older adults may be more vulnerable to illnesses not common at home. It’s also important for safety to ask about the availability of public transportation and if your cell phone will work there.
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Various Walk to End Alzheimer’s events take place every year in Western New York. Those events have raised more than $800,322 this year, including $516,312 raised in Buffalo on Sept. 14.
Finding a Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease Local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association raises top dollars destined to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and to help fund programs for those affected By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
D
oes it seem like many organizations and individuals you know are taking part in some sort of fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association? It’s just not an impression. The Western New York chapter offers numerous opportunities for the community to become involved. Since dementia is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., it’s vital to both fund research and provide help for those affected and their families. The Alzheimer’s Association represents the largest nonprofit funder of dementia research. The main fundraisers are Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day, held by chapters nationwide. RivALZ events are particular to the Western New York chapter and a handful of chapters nationwide. “The signature fundraising events that our chapter hosts support and engage our Western New York community on many levels,” said Lynn Westcott, director of corporate relations for the chapter. “They raise needed funds to keep our programs and services free to those in need of care, support and information to manage the disease,” said Westcott. “They also advance vital research efforts so we can reach our goal of our first survivor of Alzheimer’s. And they provide an easy entrée for the community to learn about us, to utilize services, volunteer, join our advocacy efforts, and/ or partner with us through corporate initiatives.” The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for dementia Page 18
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care, support and research. It has been held annually for 30 years. More than 600 communities nationwide participate. The Western New York chapter hosts Walks for the six different counties. The most recent event in Buffalo Sept. 14 raised more than $516,312 with about 3,500 people attending. The walk in Lewiston raised $101,098, followed by Batavia ($59,912), Allegany ($57,192), Dunkirk ($43,211) and Medina ($22,597). Altogether the chapter raised $800,322 through Walk to End Alzheimer’s this year. “We’re a part of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s because we want to bring love and hope and encouragement to families — just like ours — that have been affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia,” said Neil Boron, on-air host at WDCX Radio in a statement. “We also want to help provide for the needs of the Alzheimer’s Association in advocacy, education, research, support, respite care, etcetera, but most importantly, we want to help find a cure and end Alzheimer’s forever.” Another corporate sponsor is the law firm Cellino and Barnes. “Many diseases that tormented mankind for centuries were thought to be impossible to stop, from smallpox to tuberculosis to diphtheria to polio,” said Steve Barnes, a partner. “Now science has eradicated these and many other ‘incurable’ diseases.’ Together we will add Alzheimer’s to this list.” The Alzheimer’s Association also hosts The Longest Day. The Longest Day event is named for the
“Many diseases that tormented mankind for centuries were thought to be impossible to stop, from smallpox to tuberculosis to diphtheria to polio. Now science has eradicated these and many other ‘incurable’ diseases.’ Together we will add Alzheimer’s to this list.”
Steve Barnes, a partner at law firm Cellino and Barnes, and a sponsor of causes related to Alzheimer’s disease.
“long days” caregivers put in with their loved ones with dementia and because it used to be held only on the longest day of the year in mid-June. Participants can host a Longest Day event anytime of the year now, and can raise funds doing any activity they choose. Whether it’s a karate school kicking for the cause, a knitting club making a scarf in a day or a baking company baking for a cure, the events put the “fun” in fundraisers. Participating groups can choose to seek pledges and/or sell items to raise funds. The Alzheimer’s Association also hosts RivALZ, a flag football game “to inspire fundraising, awareness and action in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease,” the organization’s website states. The Western New York chapter’s services include 24/7 helpline, care consultations for families affected by dementia, support groups for caregivers, social activities for individuals with dementia and their care partners, and educational programs. The Alzheimer’s Association’s free multilingual helpline provides reliable information and support to those in need of assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-272-3900.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
Every 65 Seconds Someone Develops Alzheimer’s Dementia in the U.S. The Alzheimer’s Association shares facts on the disease: • Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, which accounts for about 80 percent of dementia cases. • Dementia refers to a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. • According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2019 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report, every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s dementia. • One in 10 people aged 65 and older lives with dementia and the percentage of people with dementia increases with age. • More than 400,000 individuals live with Alzheimer’s dementia in New York state. This number does not include individuals with other types of dementia. • More than 1.6 million New Yorkers provide unpaid care to their loved ones who live with dementia.
Crestmount Senior Apartments “We Build Our Communities Where You Want to Live.” Fall Open Houses: Amenities: 11/02 10am-12pm Utilities & Cable Inculded, 11/20 10am-12pm On-site Manager & Maintenance, Salon, Exercise Classes, Scheduled Events, Indoor Mail, Trash & Laundry, Private Patio/Balcony.
By Jim Miller
Cremation:
An Affordable Way to Go
Dear Savvy Senior,
285 Crestmount Ave.Tonawanda, NY 14150
(716) 743-2459
How much does cremation cost and how can I find a good deal in my area? I would like to get a simple, basic cremation that doesn’t cost me, or my family, a lot of money.
Frugal Senior
Dear Frugal, Cremation costs can vary widely. Depending on your location, the provider and the services you request, cremation can range anywhere from $500 to $7,500 or more. But that’s a lot cheaper than a full-service funeral and cemetery burial that averages nearly $11,000 today. Here are some tips to help you get a good deal. Shop Around Because prices can vary sharply by provider, the best way to get a good price on a simple “no frills” cremation is to call several funeral homes in your area (most funeral homes provide cremation services) and compare prices. When you call, ask them specifically how much they charge for a “direct cremation,” which is the basic option and the least expensive. With direct cremation, there’s no embalming, formal viewing or funeral. It only includes the essentials: picking up the body, completing the required paperwork, the cremation itself and providing ashes to the family. If your family wants to have a memorial service, they can have it at home or your place of worship after the cremation, in the presence of your remains. If you want additional services beyond what a direct cremation offers, ask the funeral home for an itemized price list that covers the other service costs, so you know exactly what you’re getting. All providers are required by law to provide this. To locate nearby funeral homes, look in your local yellow pages or Google “cremation” or “funeral” followed by your city and state. You can also get good information online at parting.com, which lets you compare prices from funeral providers in your area based on what you want. Or, if you need more help, contact your nearby funeral consumer alliance program (see Funerals.org/ local-fca or call 802-865-8300 for contact information). These are volunteer groups located in most regions around the country that offer a wide range of information and prices on local funeral and cremation providers.
Great Lakes Cardiovascular proudly welcomes Dr. Julianne Nichols
Pricey Urns The urn is an item you need to be aware of that can drive up cremation costs. Funeral home urns usually cost around $100 to $300, but you aren’t required to get one. Most funeral homes initially place ashes in a plastic bag that is inserted into a thick cardboard box. The box is all you need if you intend to have your ashes scattered. But if you want something to display, you can probably find a nice urn or comparable container online. Walmart. com and Amazon.com for example, sell urns for under $50. Or, you may want to use an old cookie jar or container you have around the house instead of a traditional urn. Free Cremation Another option you may want to consider that provides free cremation is to donate your body to a university medical facility. After using your body for research, they will cremate your remains for free (some programs may charge a small fee to transport your body to their facility), and either bury or scatter your ashes in a local cemetery or return them to your family, usually within a year or two. To find a medical school near you that accepts body donations, the University of Florida maintains a directory at Anatbd.acb.med.ufl.edu/ usprograms.
Your heart is in good hands
Julianne Nichols, DO 5959 Big Tree Rd., Ste. 102 Orchard Park, NY 14127 705 Maple Rd., Ste. 300 Williamsville, NY 14221
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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. November 2019 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Foods to Avoid When You Have the Flu
Ask The Social
Security Office
By Kasey Vavrek
W
hen you have the flu, it may seem like nothing can make you feel better (or worse). However, relief may come from an unexpected place. Oddly enough, some foods may make your flu symptoms worse — or better — without you ever realizing it. The flu often makes consuming food difficult, as flu symptoms can cause nausea or stomach symptoms. Nausea can decrease the desire to eat, and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can be triggered if food is consumed too soon. Eating nutrient-dense foods is useful no matter what kind of sickness you have. In fact, it’s especially important when you have a fever. But not all food is created equal. While comfort foods may be what you want when you’re not feeling your best, they’re not necessarily going to make you feel better. In fact, I’d suggest avoiding your go-to comfort foods, as you may end up developing a distaste for them if you consume them when nauseated. I’d suggest avoiding these four foods when you have the flu:
Caffeinated drinks and alcohol
Between elevated temperatures and increased sweating, dehydration is something to be cautious of when you have a fever. Caffeine and alcohol can make your symptoms worse (especially stomach-related symptoms), so I’d recommend sipping on water and other clear liquids throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Greasy foods
You’ll want to avoid foods that are difficult to break down and hard on your gastrointestinal system. Foods high in saturated fat should be
avoided or limited, as well as fried, greasy foods.
From the Social Security District Office
Hard to digest grains
Certain Disability Payments and Workers’ Compensation May Affect Your Social Security Benefits
The flu occasionally causes you to have an upset stomach, so sticking with foods that are easy to digest like simple/refined carbohydrates is recommended. Foods like dry saltine crackers, toast and pretzels are easy on your stomach and are most likely to be tolerated when you have the flu. That being said, foods that are higher in fiber are also harder to digest, so I’d recommend avoiding them at first.
Sugary food or drinks
You may think vitamin C rich fruit juices are the best things to drink when you’re sick, but most of these options aren’t nutritionally dense and can inflame your immune system. Again, I’d recommend sipping on water and other clear liquids to stay hydrated.
What should I eat instead?
Broth-based soups are a good choice when you’re sick, as they’re easily tolerated but will also help to replace any fluids and sodium that may have been lost. If you’re losing a lot of fluids from stomach issues (vomiting or diarrhea), drinks with electrolytes like sports drinks or Pedialyte will help keep you hydrated better than water. Once you’re able to tolerate liquids, try slowly moving to soft, bland foods that are less likely to trigger nausea. I’d also recommend consuming small, frequent meals once you’re able to eat, as an empty stomach can also worsen nausea in some people. Kasey Vavrek is a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
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any people working nowadays have more than one job. This means they have several sources of income. It’s important to keep in mind that having multiple sources of income can sometimes affect your Social Security benefits; but, it depends on the source. Disability payments from private sources, such as private pensions or insurance benefits, don’t affect your Social Security disability benefits. Workers’ compensation and other public disability benefits, however, may reduce what you receive from Social Security. Workers’ compensation benefits are paid to a worker because of a job-related injury or illness. These benefits may be paid by federal or state workers’ compensation agencies, employers, or by insurance companies on behalf of employers. Public disability payments that may affect your Social Security benefits are those paid from a federal, state or local government for disabling medical conditions that are not job-related. Examples of these are civil service disability benefits, state temporary disability benefits, and state or local government retirement benefits that are based on disability. Some public benefits don’t affect
Q&A
Q: How much will I receive if I qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits? A: The amount of your SSI benefit depends on where you live and how much income you have. The maximum SSI payment varies nationwide. For 2019, the maximum federal SSI payment for an eligible individual is $771 a month and $1,157 a month for an eligible couple. However, many states add money to the basic payment. For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi. Q: Can I use the metal or plastic versions of Social Security cards that some companies make? A: We don’t recommend it. There is no need to have a replica of your card. In most cases, the only time you may need to produce your Social Security card is when you apply for employment. At other times, we strongly recommend that you keep anything with your Social Security number on it with your other important papers. Do not carry your Social Security card with you. Also, we strongly advise against laminating your card. Your Social Security card has many security features, which are not detectable if
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
your Social Security disability benefits. If you receive Social Security disability benefits, and one of the following types of public benefits, your Social Security benefits will not be reduced: • Veterans Administration benefits; • State and local government benefits, if Social Security taxes were deducted from your earnings; or • Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can read more about the possible ways your benefits might be reduced at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/EN-05-10018.pdf. Please be sure to report changes. If there is a change in the amount of your other disability payment, or if those benefits stop, please notify us right away. Tell us if the amount of your workers’ compensation or public disability payment increases or decreases. Any change in the amount or frequency of these benefits is likely to affect the amount of your Social Security benefits. An unexpected change in benefits can have unintended consequences. You can be better prepared if you’re informed and have financially prepared yourself. Visit our benefits planner webpage at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners for information about your options for securing your future. laminated. Those features include latent images you can only see at an angle and color-shifting ink. You should question anyone else other than your employer who asks for your Social Security number or your card. Not everyone you do business with needs it. Learn more at www.socialsecurity. gov/ssnumber. Q: I’m not sure when I’m going to retire so I want to estimate my retirement benefit at several different ages. What’s the easiest way to do that? A: Using our Retirement Estimator is easy at www.socialsecurity. gov/estimator, and it’s the best way for you to get a good idea of what your monthly benefit payment may be after you retire. The Estimator gives estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record. Keep in mind, these are estimates and we can’t provide your actual benefit amount until you apply for benefits. You can use the Estimator if you have enough work to qualify for benefits and aren’t currently receiving benefits. If you are currently receiving only Medicare benefits, you can still get an estimate. You can learn about this subject by reading our publication, “Retirement Information For Medicare Beneficiaries,” available at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Norb’s Take
Norb Rug is a writer from Lockport. He blogs at WhyWNY. home.blog.
By Norb Rug
Growing in Retirement Nurturing hobbies can cultivate happiness
I
retired over three years ago. Retirement can be a very traumatic experience for many people. It means the loss of “work friends” and a reason to get up in the morning. I know everyone says they will stay in touch, but few do. That is why it is important to develop interests outside of work before your retirement date. A Sydney University study found that a good retirement plan encompasses many of life’s areas. This includes physical activity, socializing and eating well, and people who successfully support these aspects of their lives in retirement achieve positive results. Retirement is the ideal time to travel if you can afford it because you don’t have to be back home by a certain date. Travel can help stimulate your brain and help keep you physically active. If travel doesn’t suit your style, there are many other options to fill your newfound leisure time. A “good” retirement has a different meaning for everyone, depending on their current lifestyle, income and the expectations about what life should be after work. What’s essential is to plan, plan, plan, so no matter what your retirement objectives are, you have the best chance of achieving them.
I was lucky to have participated in a phased retirement that allowed me to work part time as I neared my departure from the workforce. This gave me the opportunity to reinvent myself by becoming an independent journalist. I found out that once I didn’t have to write things like book reports and “what I did over the summer” essays, I loved it. In the past four years, my work has been distributed in over eight countries, by over 50 newspapers, websites and blogs and has been translated into at least five languages. Maintaining your health can help you choose when you leave work. A good retirement means remaining healthy, flexible, mobile and free from ailments. This will enable you to be able to do all the things you want. This is important because of the relationship to your wealth. Being sickly can drain your financial resources. Bonsai trees have always fascinated me, but up until I retired I was responsible for the death of many of them. I even spent $250 on one of them. I swear I even killed a plastic one. After I retired, I restarted my horticultural adventures. I started by growing “garbage.” No, not growing mold on an old sandwich — I started
out by cultivating three avocado pits. They are now around three feet tall. To give them strength, I had to braid them together. According to what I have read, in about five years, provided I have both male and female plants, I should be getting a few free avocados. It’s like a plant “Dating Game.” Growing things My next project was a pineapple plant. I twisted the top off a fresh pineapple and immersed the bottom in water. About three weeks later, it had established a good root system, so I planted it. It was now time to branch out (pun intended). My sister-in law, who has a whole room in her house dedicated to growing plants, started to bring a few things over. First off it was a banana leaf plant, then an angel wing begonia. I put the begonia in the downstairs bathroom and it seems to like the heat and the humidity. It is twice as large as it was when I got it and it seems to be taking over the room. I then bought a bonsai money tree. I have killed off three of these in the recent past, but I seem to have gotten the task of watering one of these down so far. It is thriving. I then added a voodoo lilly. This is a small version of a corpse plant. It blooms one day only in the spring and I swear it attracts flies from as far away as Toronto. After it bloomed, the plant seemed to die out so we just left it outside near our hedgerow. One day we looked over and lo and behold, there was a new shoot starting. It got so high that I had to
Kidney Foundation Holds the Great WNY Kidney Bean Cook-Off
T
he Kidney Foundation of Western New York will hold the third annual “Great WNY Kidney Bean Cook-Off “at 5:30 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 7, in the Atrium of Erie Community College, 121 Ellicott St., Buffalo. The culinary arts students at ECC will be creating recipes that incorporate the kidney bean, but there is a catch. Chili is not allowed. Also new this year, a healthy kidney option category for healthy recipes. Several culinary classes will present their creations. Attendees will choose a winning recipe and there will be a fan favorite contest, with a winner chosen by event attendees. In addition, the event features a basket raffle. Tickets for the event are $25. The first 100 people to register will receive free parking. One of the culinary arts students involved in the cook-off is Shammara Davis, a kidney dialysis patient. Davis was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 20. She started dialysis three year ago at age 42. In February 2016, during a routine visit to her rheumatologist for the L\lupus, some concerns arose in her blood work. The doctor did not like what he saw
in her kidney function numbers. She was sent to a nephrologist that afternoon and she began dialysis the next day. Within a week of beginning dialysis it was discovered that the disease had also attacked her large intestines. She suffered a perforated bowel and was hospitalized. She was kept alive on a ventilator for the next several months. It took a year of recuperation and physical therapy before she could function independently again. Davis also lives with compromised lungs that have brought on secondary diagnosis, such as asthma and emphysema. She has had bi-lateral hip replacements, a mild stroke which left her partially blind and keratoconus which required her to have bi-lateral corneal transplants. There was a subsequent infection which required them to be transplanted twice and then cataract removal. This has left her unable to drive but still thankful to have retained enough sight to be able to function independently. “I don’t tell a lot of people about my medical issues because I don’t want to be treated differently,” Davis said. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without facing these
challenges.” Due to her latest health journey Davis has had to re-invent herself once again. This is why she started culinary school after being a family support/donation specialist with Connect Life (formerly UNYTS), for 12-plus years. Davis has big plans for her life after she graduates in the spring. She plans on opening a small catering and event planning business. She would also like to start a non profit life skills program for foster, at-risk and underprivileged youth. Fostering and mentoring youth is something she has been doing for almost 10 years. She has had to set it aside for the past two years while she completes her degree program. When asked what message she would like to send to people who were just diagnosed with kidney disease she said, “Kidney disease is not a death sentence.
November 2019 •
support it with a small stick. Then suddenly the “babies” started poking up through the soil. Eventually I ended up with 21 new plants. It’s really going to smell around here in the spring. Because of the good luck I was having not killing things, I decided to dabble in the current fad of growing succulents. My wife bought me a few of them at Walmart. Some of them shriveled up and died but I think I finally got the knack on how to prevent this. The last two she got me were doing great. I seemed to be able to water them at the right time so I didn’t swamp them, being careful to pour off any extra water. I kept them on a windowsill so they could get some sun. They were looking good. One day as I was watering them, I saw a funny line on one of the leaves. Closer investigation revealed I was being very successful in nurturing another plastic plant. — Norb Rug is a writer and blogger from Lockport. You can follow his blog at WhyWNY.home.blog.
Dialysis is an inconvenience, but foregoing treatment is not an option.” She wanted to end with a special message as to why people should get involved in the Kidney Foundation of Western New York: “There are a lot of people who fight silent battles daily. As humans, we should just try to help each other.” For more information and to register, please visit www.kfwny.org/cookoff.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 21
H ealth News Dr. Khoury promoted chief of breast pathology at Roswell Roswell
Park
Comprehensive Cancer Center physician Thaer Khoury, a national expert sought out for his insights in both clinical and research pathology, has been promoted to chief of breast pathology within the departKhoury ment of pathology and laboratory medicine. On staff at Roswell Park since 2006, Khoury supports the work of the center’s clinical, epidemiology and basic-science teams. In this new role, he oversees second-opinion pathology reviews and heads a subspecialized team that provides operating-room consultations in real time. This structure streamlines communication between medical staff, allowing for decreased procedure times and fewer biopsies needed. Alongside authoring countless publications, Khoury has served as member of grant review boards for the Department of Defense and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, of which Roswell Park is a founding member. Khoury has practiced solely in breast pathology for the last decade, and his research has led to changes in clinical pathology nationwide. “Dr. Khoury is in demand for his clinical knowledge and guidance,” said physician Charles LeVea, chairman of the department of pathology and laboratory medicine. “We are excited to see him in this critical position, leading a growing, interactive area of the center that plays such an influential role in patient care and outcomes.” Khoury completed his fellowship at Roswell Park and residencies at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the University of Damascus.
Students learn about Health Care Collaboration Daemen College students and faculty from a range of health-related majors discussed interprofessional relationships in health care at two recent educational events held on campus. Hosted by the Daemen department of physical therapy, the events brought together more than 150 students and faculty from the college’s athletic training, health promotion, nursing, physician assistant and physical therapy programs. Each event was kicked off with a keynote address given by Robin Schenk, director of the dietetic internship program, who discussed “The Impact of Obesity on Overall Health.” The groups talked about the importance of interprofessional collaboration to improve the quality of patient care, safety, outcomes, and Page 22
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efficiency, and also its effectiveness in reducing health care costs. “These events were designed to help participants gain a better understanding of how to improve patient care as a team and the importance of communication to maximize patient outcomes,” said Michael Ross, assistant professor of physical therapy, who oversaw the educational events.” Participating in this kind of activity enhances the learning experience for our students and provides them beneficial insight and perspective from faculty who are experts in their fields.”
Biostatistician from Roswell to head national group Alan Hutson, Ph.D., chairman and professor of oncology within the department of biostatistics and bioinformatics at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, was named to a four-year term as chairman of the Society for Hutson Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Data Sharing and Big Data Task Force. The Task Force works to address hurdles related to the handling, accessibility and use of large data sets toward the goal of advancing development of immune-based therapies for cancer. Hutson has served as chairman of biostatistics and bioinformatics at Roswell Park since 2005. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in statistics from the University at Buffalo, and an additional master’s degree and doctorate in statistics from the University of Rochester. Song Liu, Ph.D., professor of oncology, vice chairman and director of bioinformatics within Roswell Park’s department of biostatistics and bioinformatics, was also elected as a member of this task force. Hutson is also the inaugural chairman of the steering committee appointed to govern the Immuno-Oncology Translational Network (IOTN), an initiative within the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Moonshot, and is one of four Roswell Park faculty leaders heading the IOTN Data Management and Resource-Sharing Center based at Roswell Park. “Some of the most exciting advances in cancer treatment of the last few years involved immunotherapies, but there’s so much untapped potential,” says Hutson. “Our goal with this SITC Task Force and a lot of the work we do every day at Roswell Park is to assess what the most pressing priorities are in data utilization and management and then address those challenges and opportunities so we can support the biggest oncology advances of the next decade.”
Façade of Terrace View Long-Term Care Facility, opened in 2013. It has been selected as one of the top nursing homes in the U.S.
ECMC’s Terrace View on National list of ‘Best Nursing Homes 2020’ Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes 2020 recognizes just over 400 of the best nursing homes across the 20 largest US states
ewsweek and Statista have included ECMC’s Terrace View Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility on the inaugural list of Newsweek’s National List of “Best Nursing Homes 2020.” Newsweek and Statista (a global data research firm) designed a rigorous methodology that evaluated nursing homes using data from two sources: Recommendations from medical experts (nurses, administrators, therapists and physicians); and nursing home performance based on U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data in three domains (health inspections, staffing and quality measures). The list was developed as an opportunity to recognize senior care organizations that stand out for their dedication to excellence in resident care and as a chance for Newsweek to engage its global audience with compelling content on a universally relevant topic. “We are very pleased that Terrace View has received this Newsweek national recognition just months after earning a 5-Star rating from CMS,” said ECMC President and CEO Thomas J. Quatroche Jr., Ph.D. “Terrace View continues on a steady
N
journey since 2014 to improve its ratings. The inclusion of Terrace View on the Newsweek ‘Best Nursing Homes 2020’ list is further verification of Terrace View caregivers’ focus on superior customer service, safety, and high quality, compassionate care for every resident.” Terrace View Administrator Anthony DePinto said, “All staff members at Terrace View have worked tirelessly with great determination to continue to improve the quality of care and customer service they provide to our residents. Having Newsweek include Terrace View on this list of ‘Best Nursing Homes 2020’ is confirmation that our determination and focus have now ranked Terrace View on par with the best nursing facilities across the country. We are grateful for this recognition and pleased that our residents are the ultimate beneficiaries.” Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes 2020 recognizes just over 400 of the best nursing homes across the 20 largest US states, including California, Texas and Florida. The complete rankings are on the Newsweek website: www.newsweek. com/best-nursing-homes-2020
Insurer gets high ratings Medicare plans
tion, customer service, and pharmacy services. Over the past year, BlueCross BlueShield implemented a number of strategic partnerships and programs aimed at assisting members and providers to identify and take action on closing needed gaps in care, addressing member and provider experiences, improving data oversight and compliance, as well as enhanced clinical programming. BlueCross BlueShield now has a full team solely dedicated to helping members with diabetes—one of the most prevalent conditions locally. The team works one-on-one with members who have diabetes to ensure they are staying on track with screenings, and to help coordinate regular appointments with their primary care doctor.
BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York received positive Star Ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for its Medicare Advantage PPO and HMO plans. The local health plan achieved a 4.5 out of 5.0 Star rating for its Medicare Advantage PPO plan, and a 4.0 out of 5.0 Star Rating for its Medicare Advantage HMO plan. The rating system provides a way for consumers to objectively compare Medicare health plans based on 47 care and service quality measures, including staying healthy, managing chronic conditions, member satisfac-
IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • November 2019
YOU STOPPED SMOKING NOW START SCREENING
Daemen College’s specialized cytotechnology program student Jessica Pillard (from left) Lia Harmon and Samantha Wozniak.
FRANK QUIT AFTER SMOKING 22,000 PACKS OF CIGARETTES OVER 30 YEARS
Cytotechnology Students Honored at White Coat Ceremony
T
hree graduate students in Daemen College’s specialized cytotechnology program were recognized at a white coat ceremony held at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the educational partner for the program. Honored at the white coat ceremony were Lia Harmon of Tonawanda, Jessica Pillard of Silver Creek, and Samantha Wozniak of Lancaster. The white coat ceremony is a symbolic rite of passage that officially recognizes cytotechnology students for their professional commitment to health care and clinical excellence in their field.
“We are proud of these exceptional cytotechnology students, who are now completing their training at Roswell Park,” said Diane Ramos, chairwoman and associate professor of natural sciences. “Through this unique educational partnership, our students are learning from Roswell Park’s senior cytotechnologists and pathologists to develop the hands-on skills and knowledge needed to provide the highest quality patient care.” Cytotechnology is a specialty within the spectrum of medical care that involves the microscopic interpretation of cells to detect cancer and other abnormalities.
BlueCross BlueShield of WNY Announces Recipients of $2.5 Awards BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York on Oct. 3 announced its second cycle of Blue Fund awardees, awarding $2.5 million to 12 major health-based projects across Western New York. The Blue Fund awards major grants in Western New York to organizations and initiatives that have a positive impact on key health areas. These include behavioral health, cardiovascular health, diabetes, health care workforce development, healthy children and the opioid epidemic.
Inc.
Recipients are? • Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo • Compeer of Greater Buffalo,
• Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County •Council on Addiction Recovery Services • Directions in Independent Living, Inc • Gateway Longview • Gerard Place • Kids Escaping Drugs • Massachusetts Avenue Project • Mental Health Association of WNY • Population Health Collaborative • Willie Hutch Jones Educational and Sports Programs David Anderson, president and
CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, described the insights behind the focus areas as those that will “have the highest impact on the overall health and well-being of Western New York residents. An investment in any of the key areas not only benefits us today but sets us up for a better future.” In a press release, officials at the Population Health Collaborative, which focuses on creating connections for Western New York health, said they will use the funding toward a new initiative, LiveWell WNY, using the 3-4-50 model. This model explains that three behaviors (lack of exercise, poor diet and tobacco use) lead to four diseases (cancer, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and lung disease) that contribute to 50% of all deaths. “Here at the Population Health Collaborative, we are focusing on creating connections,” said John Craik, executive director, Population Health Collaborative. “We know as a region we are program rich, but systems poor. We have the assets we need to improve context in which people make choices that either harm or help their health, but those assets are not aligned. As a result, Western New York’s growth and development is impeded by the largest and most costly chronic disease burden in New York State.”
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