IGH - WNY 70 August 2020 by In Good Health: WNY's Healthcare Newspaper

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AUGUST 2020 • ISSUE 70

BACK TO SCHOOL The fall semester will be like no other in recent memory. We spoke with local experts. See what to expect P.7

Use of Alcohol, Drugs Up During Quarantine P. 14

Mask Up! Don’t Let Down Your Guard Against COVID-19

Parmesan

Find out why parmesan cheese is such as nutritional powerhouse P. 11

Smoking

‘My Drug Addiction, and How to Kick the Tobacco Habit’ P. 13

More People Are Dying During the Pandemic – and Not Just From COVID-19

ore people in the United States are dying during the COVID-19 pandemic, but not just because of the coronavirus. One reason, experts say, is people with other ailments may not be seeking help. That conclusion is emerging from new research showing deaths are increasing from causes such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes — while emergency room visits for those conditions are down. “One factor that could be contributing to the increase is that people are afraid to come in for care,” said

physician Steven Woolf, professor of family medicine and population health at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. “We need to assure them that the danger of not getting care is greater than the danger of getting exposed to the virus.” Woolf led a study published July 1 in JAMA that examined the number of deaths reported in the U.S. in March and April, when the pandemic began to take hold, compared with preceding years. The nationwide data showed there were 87,000 “excess deaths” — that is, more than would have

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been expected during the two-month period — but only two-thirds of the total were attributed to COVID-19. In 14 states, more than half of the excess deaths were from causes other than COVID-19. Moreover, the JAMA study found huge increases in excess deaths from underlying causes such as diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease in Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania — the five states with the most COVID-19 deaths in March and April. New York City experienced the biggest jumps, including a 398% rise in heart disease deaths and a 356% increase in diabetes deaths. Other research underscores the findings. A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed data from March through May and calculated that 22% of excess deaths were not attributed to COVID-19. Although data is still being gathered, “Upward trends in other causes of death (e.g., suicide, drug overdose, heart disease) may contribute to excess deaths in some jurisdictions,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Time to Make A Move?

Woolf said he is certain those trends are continuing, and offered two explanations. The first is that COVID-19 did contribute to many of the deaths even though it was not listed on death certificates and people may not have been tested for the virus. “We now know that the virus is not just a respiratory problem,” he said. “It causes other physical responses, such as damaging the immune system, blood clotting and arrhythmias. It’s possible some of these spikes (in excess deaths) were caused by COVID-19 and the doctors didn’t realize it.” The other factor, Woolf said, is some people may be avoiding or delaying treatment for medical conditions, as well as mental health or addiction problems. The CDC reported in late June that in the 10 weeks after the pandemic was declared a national emergency on March 13, hospital emergency department visits declined by 23% for heart attacks, 20% for strokes and 10% for uncontrolled high blood sugar in people with diabetes. “It seems like people are afraid of getting the virus, or maybe they’re afraid of adding to the burden on the doctors and the hospital,” said physician Mitchell Elkind, professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University in New York. “They think, ‘I don’t want to bother anybody, and I’ll be OK. Why don’t I just stay home and take care of this myself?’ “But obviously, especially for serious conditions like heart disease and stroke, that is the wrong thing to do,” he said. “Just like before the pandemic, they should seek help, call 911 or get to the emergency room right away.”

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2020

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 3

Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Eunice S. Wang, M.D.

Roswell Park physician in charge of chemotherapy infusion, leukemia services, says certain cancer populations do much worse once they’ve contracted COVID-19

Mask Up! Don’t Let Down Your Guard Against COVID-19

ven as the United States reopens, it’s crucial that people wear face masks when they can’t maintain proper social distancing, experts emphasize. “While it’s tempting to view [things] as being back to normal, that’s simply not the case,” said Patrick Gavigan, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Penn State Children’s Hospital. “The virus is still out there. We still have cases every day,” he said in a Penn State Health news release. In fact, 36 U.S. states were seeing increases in COVID-19 infections as of mid July, with Texas, Arizona and Florida posting record-breaking case counts in recent days. Much of that increase is being fueled by younger people testing positive for COVID-19, experts note. Wearing a face mask, social distancing and hand-washing are essential defenses against transmission of the coronavirus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Face masks or other face coverings are especially important because research shows that people become contagious before they start having symptoms or feeling ill. And some people who test positive never have symptoms. Face masks should be worn by anyone 2 years and older whenever and wherever social distancing measures are not possible, the CDC advises. “It’s easy to get mask fatigue and fatigue from all of the COVID-19 restrictions across the nation,” Gavigan said. “But we can’t let our guard down. Masks right now and for the foreseeable future remain a key part in keeping us safe...”

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Q: What does infusion mean in an oncological sense, and under what conditions would you be getting one? A: My role at Roswell Park is chief of the clinical leukemia service. I’m also medical director of the chemotherapy infusion center. So my clinical practice is focused on patients with acute leukemia. Leukemia is a blood cancer. Blood cancers are usually acute, very aggressive or chronic. My focus is more on treating patients with the aggressive types. Patients who come into my clinic will oftentimes have blood work or a bone marrow biopsy. Acute leukemias are very fast-growing tumors, so patients usually need to initiate their chemotherapy within a few hours or days of getting a diagnosis. My clinical practice intersects with my administrative role. Our infusion services consist of our downtown location at Roswell Park as well as our satellite center in Amherst. Our main site sees up to 150 patients a day to receive any type of infusion, transfusion or chemotherapy treatment. So as medical director, I work with the nursing and scheduling staff to improve patients flow, decrease wait times and make it a smoother experience for patients, many of whom may be receiving chemotherapy for the first time. Q: How long does a session take? A: It can vary. The infusion center does everything from blood count checks to growth factor shots, all the way to long-term antibody infusions, which can last upward of eight hours. One of our challenges is scheduling everything so that the person coming in for a shot in the arm can get in and out quickly, and the person getting an antibody infusion can get the appropriate attention during that time, and monitoring for possible reac-

tions or side effects. Q: Given how time-consuming many of these processes are, how has COVID-19 affected scheduling? A: We have an extensive screening process. Very early on, we took a large number of measures to secure the safety of our employees and patients. We have procedures in place to screen employees as well as patients when they enter our facility. They have a temperature check, a mask, they get questions asked, such as about the travel advisory. In the chemotherapy clinic the nurses have all been pre-screened. We have the ability to do same-day COVID-19 testing. We’ve made an effort to minimize visits whenever possible; obviously you can’t do that if the patient needs chemotherapy. Patients are being offered virtual visits for things like screening and some follow-ups. Q: Are chemotherapy patients more at risk from complications related to the virus? A: Cancer patients are at increased risk. In many studies there’s been data that patients who have recently had chemotherapy, even a few months ago, are at higher risk of contracting COVID, and certain cancer populations do much worse once they’ve contracted it. As you might guess, patients who have lung cancer, if they get infected, tend to not do very well. There’s been reports that patients with blood cancers may be at risk due to their impaired immune system. So we take the precautions I talked about earlier. In terms of treatment modalities, they’re limited overall. We’re all hoping for a vaccination, but this may not be an appropriate population to get those vaccinations.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2020

Q: Has it been more challenging to get patients to come in for their chemotherapy? A: That’s definitely true. There are patients who know they’re at higher risk. Many of them are older, receiving chemotherapy and maybe

treatments for other diseases. They hear the media reports and they know they’re the patients who don’t do well. We’ve received — I can’t even tell you how many — phone calls telling us they’re not comfortable coming in, especially from areas outside Buffalo that may have lower infection numbers. As much as possible, we’ve tried to alter regimens. For example, we may substitute a regimen where patients come in once every three weeks instead of every week. So we’ve been trying to reassure patients we can seek out alternative ways to administer their chemo, but there have patients who have just refused to come in. I’ve had at least a few patients who were very sick who we’re finally starting to see come back. I spent 20 minutes trying to convince a patient to come in. When she came in, she actually felt much better. We were able to show her we could deliver her care under the conditions. Q: What lessons have you and your team learned from this unusual year that you would work into your longer-term plans? A: I think one of the lessons is when we think we know something, we may not. We’ve been completely taken aback by the emergence of a completely new disease. The last time something occurred on this level may have been in the ‘80s with HIV. I think this is an eye opener for us, and that the conventional ways we’ve been taking care of people have now been dramatically altered. We can better utilize the fact that most people have smart phones and are on the internet. I think telemedicine has been a gamechanger in helping us do our job. So I think we need to adapt and adjust, and we’ve had to do it even on a daily basis. You recently interviewed my colleague, Dr. [Igor] Puzanov [chief of melanoma services], and he talked about how we’ve repurposed some of our tools for immunological research into cancer for researching how to treat COVID. So there are great advances we can take from this time period and prioritize what’s really important when it comes to treating cancer.

Lifelines Name: Eunice S. Wang, M.D. Position at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center: Chief, leukemia service; medical director of infusion services; assistant member of tumor immunology program. department of immunology Hometown: Bedford, Massachusetts Education: Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California; completed residency training in internal medicine at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University; completed a clinical hematology-oncology and research fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Affiliations: Roswell Park; Buffalo-area Catholic hospitals Organizations: Children’s Oncology Group, Society of Hematologic Oncology; American Society of Hematology; American Society of Clinical Oncology; American Association of Cancer Research Family: Husband; son (14), daughter (12) Hobbies: Travel, reading, family activities

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

Page 5

Addiction

NYS Ends the Use of Tobacco Coupons, Multi-pack Discounts

‘Tobacco use remains the No. 1 cause of preventable death and disease in the United States,’ says expert from American Lung Association

iscounts on the sale of all tobacco products, such as coupons and multi-pack price promotions, are prohibited in New York state beginning July 1. The law was passed as part of the state’s fiscal year 2021 budget. “We know that higher tobacco prices are linked to lower smoking rates. Putting an end to the tobacco industry’s ability to circumvent New York’s high taxes on tobacco products is a win for public health statewide,” said Joseph Potter, director at the Tobacco Action Coalition of the Finger Lakes. The Surgeon General has called raising prices on cigarettes “one of the most effective tobacco control interventions” because increasing

price is proven to reduce smoking, especially among kids. “Tobacco use remains the No. 1 cause of preventable death and disease in the United States,” said Michael Seilback, the American Lung Association’s national assistant vice president for state public policy. “In New York state we can attribute 480,320 deaths to smoking annually — and the economic costs of smoking to New York state is $10.3 billion. We applaud Gov. Cuomo and the state legislature for doing away with dangerous discounts that put money in the pockets of tobacco companies, while costing New Yorkers their lives.” A number of tobacco control measures passed as part of the state’s

fiscal year 2021 budget, including a new law that stops the shipping or delivery of e-cigarettes and vape products to private residences beginning July 1, providing another

important protection for youth. Earlier this year on May 18, the state ended the sale of all tobacco products in pharmacies as well as the sale of flavored e-cigarettes statewide. The average age that teens first start smoking in New York state is 13 years old, and 90% of adult smokers first tried smoking by age 18. According to the New York State Youth Tobacco Survey, nearly 40% of high school seniors in New York state use e-cigarettes, and 27% of all high school youth vape.

■ See article “My Drug Addiction, and How to Kick the Tobacco Habit” on page 13.

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

Hospitals Struggling Big Time

hat tends to get lost in all the headline-grabbing news related to the pandemic (PPE shortages, morbidity, testing, lingering long term effects, potential vaccines, opening and closing businesses and schools, etc) is the ongoing financial crisis facing our underappreciated frontline combatants — the hospitals. Prior to the pandemic, NYS hospital bottom lines were already barely profitable, averaging a razor thin 1% to 2%. If you exclude non-operating revenue or non-patient fees like grants, donations, and interest on investments, hospitals would run in the red. A stand-alone mid-sized hospital, 200 to 300 beds, will need hundreds of millions in bailout money from the federal government. Larger hospital systems will literally need billions in recovery funding. And hospitals are nowhere near being out of the woods yet. The number of cases and deaths related to the virus continue to spike in many states (not New York) primarily due to people ignoring safety recommendations. There is a $3 trillion hospital bailout bill being proposed by the House of Representatives, but its fate is not good. There are approximately 5,000 hospitals in the U.S. and that number is sure to shrink by the time we have defeated or at least controlled COVID-19.

End-stage renal dialysis The pandemic is already being considered a “black swan” event, or something that ends up creating significant change in the world. Past examples of black swan events would be WWI, the internet, personal computers, the breakup of the Soviet Union, and 911. COVID-19 will undoubtedly make virtual medicine a staple in the delivery of healthcare. The pandemic black swan event also signals a change in dialysis. To minimize the chance of an already compromised dialysis patient getting the virus, Medicare is enhancing payments for home dialysis machines to encourage patients to stay home for treatment. There are 750,000 people a year affected by end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and 85% of them have to trudge to a dialysis center, often hours away, for treatment four to five hours a day, three days a week. Home dialysis Page 6

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would be a huge improvement in the quality of their lives. ESRD patients are 1% of the Medicare population, but 7% of Medicare expenses. ESRD creates all kinds of other medical problems other than dialysis. 100,000 people are on the kidney transplant list every year, but there are typically only 21,000 kidneys available. The need for donor kidneys is increasing 8% a year.

Harbinger of healthcare If you want a reliable clue as to where we are headed, follow the money. Digital healthcare startups raised a record $5.4 billion in just the first half of this year, far exceeding amounts raised in the first half of any year since 2011. While the pandemic is driving this, one can clearly see where we are headed shortly and well beyond the end of the pandemic. “On demand” services, (just like streaming entertainment on TV), and

digital remote monitoring of chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cardiac arrhythmia, etc. lead the way with the lion’s share of investment. Digital behavioral health startups raised almost $600 million the first half of this year as the virus has created a significant increase in depression, anxiety and abuse.

ACA and birth control

While the future of the entire Affordable Care Act is expected to hit the Supreme Court sometime next year, the court recently ruled that any employer, not just churches, can qualify for the birth control exemption based on religious or moral convictions. The removal of birth control coverage from an employee’s benefit package will have minimal if any impact on premiums. Interestingly, the Supreme Court vote was by gender with the three dissenters being the three female justices: Bader Ginsberg, Kagan and Sotomayor.

Opioid epidemic? It’s back, but buried in the avalanche of COVID-19 pandemic news. Opioid-related deaths are spiking again in 30 states. Opioid-caused deaths are up almost 17%. The increase in drug abuse is most likely related to the stress and anxiety created by the pandemic. “Verily” is the science arm of Google parent company Alphabet. They are opening digital treatment and learning centers called “OneFifteen” to combat the crisis that just won’t go away. The curious name is derived from the fact that an average of 115 people died every day of an opioid overdose in 2017.

‘Retailization’ of healthcare

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2020

Walmart is getting into health-

care insurance. Yes, Walmart. Walmart Insurance Services will start selling Medicare plans this August in the Dallas-Fort Worth area market. Walmart also owns clinics that offer primary care, dental, vision, mental health and wellness services in Georgia. Walmart clinics charge a flat fee regardless on the patient’s insurance. Not to be outdone, Walgreen’s plans to open 500 to 700 primary care clinics, called VillageMD, over the next five years. The plan is to employ 3,600 primary care providers. Half of the clinics will be located in federally designated medically underserved areas. It remains to be seen how this will impact the private practice of medicine and hospital systems that also employ providers in remote, off campus facilities.

Telemedicine claims up

As further evidence of the pandemic “black swan” event, provider claims for telemedicine increased a staggering 8,300% in April 2020 compared to April 2019. Fueled by COVID-19 concerns and increased reimbursement from all insurers, to the equivalence of an in-person office visit, telemedicine is quickly becoming a more acceptable and doable tool for delivering healthcare.

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.

Contest: Celebrate Life After 60!

Nominate an Inspirational “60 Something” Today for the

Buffalo 60 Strong Contest!

Public invited to nominate seniors to be featured on the ‘Buffalo 60 Strong’ calendar

ou or someone you know could be featured in the 2021 Buffalo 60 Strong calendar, an exclusive calendar showcasing inspirational “60-somethings” and highlighting Buffalo events and activities. In addition to appearing in the calendar, winners receive “celebrity treatment” — a virtual kick-off party, professional photo shoot and compensation for their modeling time. Anyone can nominate a friend or family member — aged 60 to 69 — who has achieved remarkable levels of fitness, pursued a new hobby or helped their community. The candidate you admire might be giving back to a charity, fighting a chronic condition or caring for someone who is. “Seniors have more options than ever before. They are also at a point in their lives where they are navigating difficult healthcare decisions. They are seeking the best quality of healthcare because that is what they deserve. Our winners demonstrate how life in your 60s can be vibrant and active,” said physician John C. Notaro, medical director of Senior Care Advantage One. “Buffalo Medical Group is excited to introduce Buffalo 60 Strong, a public service initiative honoring inspirational seniors who make health a priority in their lives,” Notaro said. “Many of our winners may have overcome health obstacles and other challenges. The 2021 calendar will be released in conjunction with Senior Care Advantage One, a new program that offers high level quality care for seniors.”

Here’s how it works

• Log on to www.Buffalo60Strong.com to submit an application form, 200-400 word essay, head shot and full-length photo by Monday, Aug. 31. Instead of the essay, you can upload a smart phone video describing the candidate. • Or download an application at www.Buffalo60Strong.com and mail the completed form, a 200-400 word essay, head-shot and full-length photo to: Buffalo 60 Strong Contest, c/o Buffalo Medical Group Administration, 325 Essjay Road, Williamsville, NY 14221. The entry must be postmarked by Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020. • Those who nominate winning candidates receive a $50 gift certificate. Buffalo 60 Strong candidates must be between ages 60 and 69 on Sept. 1 and a resident of the following counties in Western New York: Alleghany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming. Celebrity judges will select 12 winners who exemplify how life after 60 can be a vibrant and active time. Contestants are judged on health/fitness/wellness, community involvement, volunteerism and how they are inspirational. Winners must be available Thursday, Oct. 1, through Saturday, Oct. 3. Questions? All proceeds from the calendar will benefit Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo to provide medical care, social, emotional and spiritual guidance and comfort for families and their loved ones facing the end of life. For more information, send an email to Buffalo60Strong@SrCareOne.com.

Twelve seniors – ages 60 to 69 – who are healthy, fit, and give back to others will be selected by celebrity judges to appear on the 2021 Buffalo 60 Strong calendar. Winners are treated to a virtual party, professional photo shoot and are compensated for modeling time.

"When I turned 65, I was still

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The Ride for Roswell Announces Locations for 2020 Ride

he Ride for Roswell, presented by the West Herr Automotive Group, has announced the locations and details for its in-person, scheduled, physically distant rides that are the features of this year’s Summer of the Ride. There will be four locations with five distances on six days this August: • Linde Tonawanda Campus, Aug. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16; 10-mile route; • UB North Campus, Aug. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16; 3-mile route and 10-mile route • Grand Island West Shore Parkway, Aug. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16; 20-mile route • Akron Five Corners, Aug 1, 8, 15; 38-mile route. This is intended for more advanced cyclists and will only be available 7–11:40 a.m. The Summer of the Ride runs August 1–21, with these in-person, scheduled rides taking place 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays each weekend. Learn more about these routes by visiting https://rideforroswell.org/routes.

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Spots are limited, as only 10 riders at a time will leave every 20 minutes to ensure that the event is following the most current physical distancing guidelines. Riders will also be asked to wear masks. Public areas will have signage outlining the guidelines and will be monitored by staff to ensure that distancing regulations are followed. “The ride has been a key part of WNY summers for 25 years, and we are excited to provide an opportunity for the community to safely come together and ride in memory or honor of those affected by cancer,” said Mitch Flynn, Ride for Roswell founder. “Cancer doesn’t stop for anything, not even the coronavirus, and the support of the community is needed now more than ever.” Only riders registered for the Summer of the Ride will have access to reserve one of these spots at an in-person ride. Since the first Ride for Roswell was held in 1996, the event has raised more than $53 million.

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August 2020 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 7

School buses may have a fraction of the students they usually transport.

Back to School Despite COVID Local schools ready to go with several back-to-school plans in the works By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

lanning for back-to-school isn’t easy as the pandemic and its effects drag on. School administrators have had to wait until they received guidance from a variety of sources (CDC, state government) before even drafting plans that will require revision before they’re implemented. Though these are guidelines — not legal requirements — school administrators want to keep children safe. Dan Domenech, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) in Virginia, told In Good Health in mid-July that his organization has been working on reopening plans. The organization’s taskforce of 27 supervisors from a variety of sizes of school districts have been drafting a plan that follows the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These include social spacing of optimally 6 feet minimum. Considering the size of most school classrooms, “it’s not possible for all the students to attend,” Domenech said. “The model is a hybrid or blended model: there would be a number of students in the building who can be accommodated with social spacing. Those who cannot will be at home.” The student body would cycle in and out of the school, two days in school and three days of remote learning at home per week. But Domenech said that the cost involved would be high, as the school would need to pay for more frequent cleaning, equipment to take temperatures, personal protective equipment for the staff, and additional bussing expenses, “because a 70-passenger bus accommodates 12 to 13 students now,” Domenech said. The AASA estimates that it will cost an average school district of 3,700 students $1.8 million annually in just these costs to adhere to the CDC’s guidelines. That’s an average of $490 per student. For larger Page 8

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districts, it would surge to the scores of millions. “The districts don’t have that money,” Domenech said. “They’ve had their budgets reduced because of the economy. They have to make additional cuts somewhere. There are attempts to lobby Congress to provide a bill that will provide additional dollars.” About 85% of the average school budget is personnel costs, according to Domenech. But laying off teaching staff at a time when schools need smaller class sizes presents a problem. Because of these issues, another back-to-school model considered is the one Domenech calls “Come one, come all, or don’t come at all.” He said that schools in states such as Texas, Alabama, Florida and Georgia are considering disregarding social distancing and masks at school and anyone uncomfortable with it may educate at home. “That disregard for guidelines is dangerous,” Domenech said. “We’re seeing right now what happens: the infection rate goes sky high. I’d hate to see what would happen in a school.” Typically, schools in New York tend to open after Labor Day, Sept. 7 this year. This is later that many schools in the South, which usually go back to school by mid-August. These districts may provide a foreshadow of what Northern schools can expect; however, by then it may be much more difficult to alter plans. “The teachers’ associations and unions are saying if the environment isn’t safe, they’re not going to teach,” Domenech said. “A lot are saying they’re going to retire or quit. Some have potential issues that could put them at risk. It’s another factor.” Remote teaching requires “incredible coordination and planning,” he added. Teachers and students must have the equipment, high speed internet access and familiarity with how to use both to participate fully.

He said that one-third of students don’t have a computer or internet in their home. “The money isn’t there to provide every child with a laptop,” Domenech said. “Not all parents can afford the internet.” Those in rural areas may not have a high-speed connection available. “The pandemic has made internet connectivity as necessary as every home having water and electricity,” Domenech said. Some districts have outfitted school buses with a Wi-Fi hotspot connection so school personnel can bring connectivity to pupils lacking it. For education at home to succeed, parents must also be willing and able to participate in educating their children at home. Domenech said that a much larger percentage of

parents wants their children to learn at school, not home. A large piece of that lies in the quandary of dual-income households. Who will watch the children if both parents work? Domenech has few answers for how to work through that challenge. Some populations of children need more attention from teachers and are less likely to excel in learning independently, such as special education students, English as a second language students and those who have not mastered reading. “They need to be in the building,” Domenech said. “Districts are considering prioritizing those students as distance learning isn’t as effective.” Sending children to school but keeping them spread out and in smaller groups without typical gathering points like gym class and lunchtime in the cafeteria may work in some schools; however, the building’s layout and size makes a difference, as does the number of children attending. Domenech said that on average about half the children who attend a school would be able to attend at a time; however, 25% would be better. But these are optimistic figures; many schools are overcrowded during normal times. Other community facilities could be considered, such as rooms at public libraries for instruction or childcare. School meals would continue regardless of where children spend their day, but extra-curricular activities, particularly those that keep children close to each other, will likely not happen. Domenech is also considering the social and emotional needs of children, especially considering the stressors of current times. Child

Wearing a mask during school time is part of what administrators are planning for the fall semester as a way to contain the spread of COVID-19.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2020

abuse may go unnoticed if children aren’t attending school. Signs of neglect could be missed.

Local Schools Michelle T. Bradley, superintendent of schools at Lockport City School District, has been looking to Gov. Cuomo’s office, New York State Department of Health and the state Department of Education for guidance. Once it’s received, “then we’ll kick into action,” Bradley said. The school’s coronavirus preparedness committee, formed March 1, was renamed the school reopening committee as the school started making basic plans and developing strategies. Just which direction those strategies will take is up to the guidance offered by the state bodies. Bradley said that the school will have to make plans regarding several areas, including health and safety, teaching and learning, budget, technical deficiencies, students with special needs, and more. Much speculation has circled among school administration that reopening could be based upon city, county or region, or by case number. Lockport schools had planned to return to classes Sept. 1; however, as of mid-July, it’s not certain when the schools will open and what school will look like at that point. “It does present challenges,” Bradley said. “It feels like we’re at a standstill. We don’t want to get too far out ahead of guidance from the governor’s office and the Department of Health. We’re hoping it provides us with enough time to put together a plan.” Bradley has been meeting with the Orleans/Niagara school district superintendents. They have discussed the same scenarios as Domenech, and discussed wearing masks and reducing the number of those riding the school bus. “The parents’ voices are important to us,” Bradley said. “We want to hear from the parents in terms of how safe and confident they are in returning their children to school, if they’d be willing to transport their child if we have to reduce capacity on school buses, and how remote learning has gone for the past several months.” The schools are also considering how the facilities could be reconfigured to accommodate more social distancing, how to meet the needs of younger and special needs students, and how to have physical education, school lunch, and more. If children learn from home part of the time, they will still be eligible for school meals as they have been right along. The schools are also already making sure each student receives an iPad at kindergarten and Chromebook in eighth grade. “We did notice some areas that didn’t have highspeed access, so what we did is provide those families with WiFi, which allows them access,” Bradley said. The schools are also stocking up on personal protection equipment, sanitizer, shields and sanitizing products in anticipation of a second wave of COVID-19 cases. “Our cleaning protocols will be enhanced, as well as bus cleaning protocols,” Bradley said.

School Supports The COVID-19 pandemic may keep your children at home for some of their education this fall. Here are some great resources to use By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

hile the school district will provide the materials you need for any of the time your children will spend learning at home, it’s up to you to keep them motivated and to fill their extra time, as most extra-curricular activities will likely not happen. The following websites can help support your educational efforts and provide some learning opportunities that don’t need your direct attention (sites are free unless indicated.

www.apples4theteacher.com Search through a variety of printouts for the elementary grades.

Games and puzzles

www.XtraMath.com After you sign up, children can practice math drills that gradually increase in difficulty. The site displays children’s progress through the drills.

www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/ sleep/sheep/reaction_version5.swf These games test reaction time as a welcomed study break. www.starfall.com The site offers many educational games and activities that require student participation — not just passive videos — and much free content for children pre-K through fifth grade. It’s $35 a year for unlimited access. Starfall also has a phone app. www.abcya.com Play free educational games and entertaining games for ages 5 through 10.

Other resources www.abcmouse.com Children aged 2 through 8 can learn through more than 10,000 activities in language arts, math, natural science, art and more. The site tracks children’s progress. $9.95 per month for unlimited use.

www.quizlet.com Create your own quiz or select from 350 million premade quizzes on a variety of subjects to test knowledge and prepare for tests. www.kidsworldfun.com A mix of on-screen activities and printable sheets teach children through third grade. https://kidshealth.org Find health articles for kids, along with print-outs and activities.

www.primarygames.com Complete educational puzzles for primary-grade children.

www.mapofus.org Maps and interactive videos of maps help teach geography.

www.puzzle-maker.com Easily make your children educational puzzles using spelling words or other themes as a fun way to study.

www.calculatorsoup.com Use any of a huge variety of calculators, which also show the work so you can help your children with even complex math problems.

Printable materials

https://826digital.com Receive prompts for budding writers.

www.moneyinstructor.com/play.asp Print play money and print lessons on counting and money. www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/ Explore maps of all sorts—perfect for geography and as a visual aid for history.

www.brainpop.com Check out the quizzes of all sorts. www.learnathome.scholastic.com $5.99 per month for membership. Get general educational resources for

The Long-Term Harm of Missing School

issing lots of school between kindergarten and eighth grade may have consequences when kids grow up, a new study suggests. When they reached their early 20s, frequent absentees were less likely to vote and more likely to have economic problems and poor educational outcomes, researchers found. The results suggest early school absenteeism should be taken seriously. “There’s this misconception, especially among parents, that it doesn’t matter as much if kids miss school early on — that it only becomes important when they get to middle or high school,” said lead author Arya Ansari, an assistant

professor of human sciences at Ohio State University. “This study shows that those early absences do matter, and in ways that many people don’t consider.” Ansari’s team reviewed government data on nearly 650 students from 10 U.S. cities who were followed from birth through young adulthood. The review found that school absenteeism had no effect on criminal, risky or deviant behavior, but it did have associations with political engagement and educational and economic success. While the research did not prove a cause-and-effect link, students who were often absent from school were nearly 5 percentage points less likely

August 2020 •

children aged 4 through 10.

Virtual tours/lessons/live streaming www.bbc.co.uk/teach/live-lessons The site offers educational lessons and videos on a variety of subjects—perfect for audio/visual learners. tion

www.gcv.org/explore/online-collec-

Tour the Genesee Country Village & Museum’s online collections of historic artifacts. (Better for teens than younger children.) www.nysm.nysed.gov/resources Take New York State Museum tours. The site includes activities, too. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/ news/bringing-zoo-you-march-2020-edition Enjoy the animals at the Smithsonian National Zoo right from your computer. https://whatson.cmog.org/ events-programs/live-streaming Feel like a guest at Corning Museum of Glass. www.americandairy.com/news-andevents/dairy-diary/virtual-farm-tourswhile-your-stuck-at-home.stml Tour a New York dairy farm from home, thanks to American Dairy Association Northeast. Three videos are available for three age ranges of children.

Reading and reading materials https://bookadventure.com The site doesn’t supply reading materials, but offers motivation to support reading with comprehension. www.gutenberg.org Read any of 45,000 free ebooks. www.roccitylibrary.org Log in with your library card for ebooks and other online resources. to have voted in 2012. The absentees also reported having trouble paying bills and were more likely to use government assistance, such as food stamps. They had lower high school grade averages, were less likely to go to college and were less likely to have a job. Not showing up for school may set a bad precedent, researchers said. “If you start out being disengaged with school, you may end up being less engaged with society more broadly. You’re less likely to vote, less likely to go to college, less likely to be employed,” Ansari said in an Ohio State news release. “We believe disengagement may be one of the key mechanisms linking early school absences to poorer outcomes in early adulthood.”

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Cooking at Home During the Pandemic Learn, stay healthy…and treat yourself once in a while By Jana Eisenberg

hile sheltering in place because of the pandemic, many of us are cooking more at home. Depending on your situation — live alone? With a partner or significant other? Have young or grown kids, or various dietary needs in the house? — it’s an opportunity to learn and adapt. Since March, my husband and I — it’s just us in a small apartment — have eaten every single meal at home. I’ve found that there are days where cooking and all that goes along with it is a comfort, and a welcome distraction. I’ve also experienced days when cooking is the last thing I want to do, being too distracted by the ongoing uncertainty. Sound familiar? Pre-pandemic, we mostly kept whole foods in the house — proteins like fish, meat and beans, a wide variety of vegetables, complex carbs — those foods with minimal processing or chemicals added. We still do that, and also leave space for the times when either external or internal conditions dictate different choices. We all need comfort sometimes, and food is a classic way to soothe oneself. So. There have been bagels. And potato chips. And, on occasion, ice cream and noodles. On better days, there have been boons, discoveries that we will continue to source when we can do our own shopping and choose to go out Page 10

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‘Since March, my husband and I have eaten every single meal at home. I’ve found that there are days where cooking and all that goes along with it is a comfort, and a welcome distraction. I’ve also experienced days when cooking is the last thing I want to do.’ to eat with impunity. And there have been accidents, either of a replaced or mistaken provision which, considering the circumstances, I didn’t want to waste. We’ve fallen in love with farro. The ancient grain that is touted as being more nutritious than other grains, with relatively high levels of protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins. It has a nutty taste — texture-wise I compare it to a chewier barley. It’s easy to cook and versatile. I’ve taken to making a large batch, sometimes with broth instead of water, and refrigerating it for reheating or eating cold. It’s great to make a facsimile of risotto, and it’s a terrific starter for the popular grain bowl served warm or cold. The dish — also known as a “pile of food” in our house — is basically a base of grain, layered with ingredients and flavorings. It’s an easy, delicious, healthy, filling meal. Add leftovers, tinned fish, avocado, roasted or raw veggies, chopped lettuce or other greens, etc. and splash with dressing or oil of your choice (i.e., olive, avocado, sesame, etc.) and

acid of choice (lemon or lime juice, a favorite vinegar, etc.). I eat it with a spoon. Since I started working exclusively from home with my few remaining clients — I’m a freelance writer, editor and proofreader — I’ve been documenting my more memorable meals with my iPhone. Partly in order to share with (or make jealous) like-minded friends, and partly to simply remind myself of what I did. • March 12 – The first day I worked from home. I remember announcing to my husband that I was going to make tequila and lime shrimp. Salads can be concocted out of almost any veggies in the fridge: I made one from tomatoes and onions, and threw in some roasted broccoli. Note: Sometimes you can decide what to make based on the available ingredients. Sometimes it might be driven by a craving. Sometimes it’s planned, sometimes spontaneous. This time I knew I wanted to do something different with our Trader Joe’s frozen shrimp. I thought of what was at hand, and what we might enjoy. I Googled a recipe.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2020

Voila. • March 20 – Our wedding anniversary. We’d begun doing Wegmans curbside pickup. Through an Instacart shopper substitution we’d ended up with a package of skinless, boneless chicken thighs, which we’d never select ourselves. Anyway, we had it, so I cooked it, roasting it with rosemary and other spices, and served it with one of our favorite potato substitutes, mashed cauliflower. I supplemented with a chopped raw vegetable salad (carrots, celery, grape tomatoes, olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, pepper). Note: The chicken thighs were a hit and have become an easily stored staple in our freezer. • April 4 – I “made” dried parsley, since I’d run out and had ended up with a fresh bunch that I’d never use all of. After drying it slowly in the oven, chopping it and storing it in an empty spice bottle, I felt disproportionately proud of myself. Spices have become more important, as we eat a lot of the same things over and over; you can change things up with various seasonings. Cumin is lovely on roasted veggies. Thyme or tarragon brightens up fish. One day, just for kicks, I labeled the tops of the jars and alphabetized the spice drawer. • April 18 – I’d been craving ramen — restaurant ramen, not cup noodles, to be clear. I found a recipe that, despite sounding fairly straightforward, required ingredients I didn’t

SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating have and multiple, sometimes hoursahead steps. I put together a list, that included fresh ginger. I accidently received about a half a pound, a ridiculously large amount (usually we get about a thumb’s length of it at a time.) Guess what? Once again an Instacart shopper decision led to a new discovery. You can freeze ginger. For the ramen, I made “jammy” soft-boiled eggs, and marinated them in a soy-mirin mixture. I marinade chicken in a slightly different soybased concoction. I doctored some commercial broth with ginger, spices and scallions, per the recipe. I boiled udon noodles separately, and parboiled some vegetables — we had celery, broccoli and onions, not traditional, but that’s the beauty of cooking with what you’ve got. • April 29 – Husband’s birthday. Potatoes in the house. I made shepherd’s pie. OMG. Still holds the title of “best pandemic meal ever.” • May 16 – “Pantry chili” is a thing — we are stocked with cans of beans, including black, light and dark red kidney, cannellini and garbanzo. Working together to brown ground beef (we keep a few pounds in the freezer) and chop the base vegetables like onions, garlic and celery, and measure out the spice mix, we can whip it up in under 45 minutes. • May 24 – Forgoing dinner for happy hour, I follow a suggestion from the New York Times for sardines: smear soft butter onto your base of choice (we had sesame rice crackers in the house; the other choice was frozen sprouted grain Ezekiel bread), smash on some sardine, add minced onions with a generous splash of lemon juice, salt, pepper and a fresh or dried herb if you have it. Eat. Repeat. • May 29 – Emotional eating takes over. Longing for a professional hamburger, and fed up with husband’s broiled attempts, I aggressively pan-fried Angus beef patties in butter, and made them into a “restaurant-good” presentation. Served on a toasted Kaiser roll (we keep them sliced in the freezer), mustard-mayo sauce, cheddar and shredded lettuce with salt-and-pepper roasted baby red potatoes. We “feel” better. • June 6 – Gussied up chili for dinner. My love for avocadoes is deep. When we are lucky enough to have ripe ones, I make a simple guacamole, by mashing them with lemon or lime juice, salt, and “the three Cs” from the dried spice drawer: cayenne, cilantro and cumin. Healthy and ready in minutes, no chopping required. Dinner a great success. • July 2 – For something different, I ordered a small container of lump crab, and we’d added portobello mushrooms to our shopping list. After drying out some ends of Ezekiel bread into crumbs, I made stuffed mushrooms with parmesan. The pandemic continues to be a challenging event in all our lifetimes. One of the things we can do is make efforts to nourish ourselves and our families the best we can, while staying safe, making good choices, and helping others when possible.

Chicken Caesar Salad with Grated Parmesan For Salad:

Serves 4

3-4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts 3 romaine lettuce hearts, washed and torn into bite-size pieces ½ cup or more shredded parmesan cheese For Dressing: 2 garlic cloves, minced ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons mayonnaise 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional) 4 tablespoons olive oil

Why Parmesan is a Nutritional Powerhouse By Anne Palumbo

rom nutritionists to cheese connoisseurs to sports trainers, parmesan cheese is favored by many and here’s why: It promotes bone health; it’s virtually lactose-free; it rocks with complete protein; and it’s loaded with flavor. True parmesan cheese (officially called Parmigiano-Reggiano) is a hard Italian cheese with a gritty texture and a complex fruity-nutty taste. Many artisanal and large cheese producers here in the U.S. also make decent parmesan. What makes this cheese stand alone (no matter its origin) is its lengthy aging process — a process that results in unique nutritional benefits. Time spent in the cellar helps protein develop, causing parmesan to have a higher percentage of this valuable nutrient compared with most cheeses. Thanks to its long aging, parmesan’s protein is easily digested, making it a good choice for infants and toddlers, seniors and others with delicate digestive systems. Likewise, this ready protein is favored as a quick energy source for marathon runners and weekend athletes alike. Parmesan contains virtually no lactose, which is deliriously good

news for those who are lactose-intolerant. Once again, parmesan’s lengthy ripening process contributes to this welcome benefit. Bones and teeth appreciate parmesan because it’s a decent source of two essential minerals: calcium and phosphorous. An ounce of this nutrient-dense cheese (roughly the size of your thumb) delivers about a third of your daily needs for calcium and a fourth for phosphorous. Both minerals help to keep bones and teeth healthy and strong. Interestingly, studies have suggested that eating harder cheeses like parmesan as the final food in your meal will help to reduce cavities. Chewing cheese stimulates saliva flow, which helps neutralize the acids that break down enamel. One heaping tablespoon of shredded parmesan has around 22 calories and 1.5 grams of total fat, most of which is saturated fat. Since saturated fat raises blood cholesterol levels, which may then increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, the American Heart Association recommends no more than about 13 grams a day. The good news is, parmesan’s intense flavor steers us toward moderation.

Preheat grill to medium high. Salt and pepper chicken breasts. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, flipping at the halfway point (meat is done when thickest part registers 165 degrees). Let cool; slice crosswise into strips. Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk everything together but the olive oil. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until well blended. Assemble salad: In a large bowl toss together lettuce and half of the parmesan. Drizzle with desired amount of dressing and toss again. Plate, top with several slices of grilled chicken, and sprinkle each portion with remaining parmesan.

Helpful tips

If you’re after authentic Italian parmesan look for the branding on the rind: Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano. For best flavor, buy a wedge from a wheel rather than pre-grated cheese. If buying pre-grated parmesan, look for American producers with good reputations, such as Sartori and BelGioioso. Store leftover cheese in a small zipper-lock bag and squeeze out as much air as possible before fastening seal.

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-

nist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

Eating Before Bedtime Might Pack on the Pounds

f you have a late dinner and then head to bed, beware: You may gain weight while you sleep, a new study suggests. That’s most likely because your metabolism slows, boosting blood sugar and other chemicals that contribute to weight gain and Type 2 diabetes, researchers say. “It’s not just what you eat, but when you eat that may be a factor in promoting conditions like obesity,” said study author Jonathan Jun, a physician and associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. “You might eat

the same number of calories in that 24-hour period, but your body will handle those calories differently depending on what time you eat them.” For the study, Jun’s team asked 20 healthy volunteers to eat the same dinner at 6 p.m. or 10 p.m. Both groups went to bed at 11 p.m. and got up at 7 a.m. Before the study, participants wore activity trackers. During the study, blood samples were taken hourly and sleep studies were conducted. The volunteers also had scans of body fats and ate foods containing compounds that allowed

August 2020 •

researchers to track fat burning. The upshot: Late diners had higher blood sugar and burned less fat. On average, their peak blood sugar level after a late dinner was about 18% higher, and the amount of fat burned about 10% lower, compared with eating earlier, the study found. These effects might be even greater for people who are obese or have diabetes, Jun said. The findings were published online June 11 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Careers in Healthcare

Contact Tracers Track COVID and Other Illnesses By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

hile “contact tracers” — more formally known as disease investigation specialists, case investigators or other titles — have gained the public eye tracking down the contacts of people diagnosed with COVID-19, it’s actually a position that’s long been part of public health. In many health departments, the specialists track 40 reportable illnesses — things like mumps, rubella, salmonella and the like — to the state health department and also work with people who have sexually transmitted diseases to minimize its spread.

These days, specialists have turned their focus on COVID-19, finding contacts of those who have tested positive, following patients, and supporting patients’ needs. “Now that businesses are re-opening, these investigations are very complicated,” said physician Gale R. Burstein, commissioner of health for Erie County Department of Health. “For the newly diagnosed people who are employed, we have to do investigations through work, or if they’ve partied, traveled or been on airplanes. It can be very complicated.” Those who are ill must stay in

isolation for 10 days and until they no longer have symptoms. People who have come in contact with the sick person are notified so they can remain in quarantine at home for 15 days. This connection also helps the health department identify a hotspot such as a gathering or business. The specialist also explains resources from the health department and sets up any supports such as grocery and medication delivery. The specialist follows up with text messages about symptoms and any other questions. Erie County ordinarily employs a handful of specialists. Because of the pandemic, about 40 are doing case investigation, including redirected employees and volunteers, and more are working on contacting, all of whom were trained for these duties. In addition, New York State Department of Health hired workers to assist local health departments in the work. A pandemic-time tracer isn’t necessarily a clinician, though training in community health work or healthcare is helpful. “In their ‘normal’ jobs, they already interface with people a great deal,” Burstein said. “They also need to be organized.” For Erie County’s regular tracers, nurses, social workers and epidemiologists typically fill the role, along with other tasks. For Niagara County, public health nurses and sanitarians fill the role of contact tracing for more routine outbreaks of illness. To bolster the number of workers performing tracing, the department has shifted people from other important but less urgent roles such as educators. In addition, the health department has hired three former public health nurses to assist with contact tracing and calls and more staff hired by New York state have also been

helping. “Health education and weekly clinics — we’re not doing anymore,” said Dan Stapleton, public health director for Niagara County Department of Health. “It’s prioritizing our staff and workload. A local health department can’t be all things to all people all the time.” Most of the public health nurses are bachelor’s trained nurses. The other tracers are associate’s degree trained. Additional training from the county helps the nurses and sanitarians who don’t have a public health background. Sanitarians usually have a science-based degree like biology. Stapleton listed soft skills for contact tracers as “patience, good recordkeeping, thoroughness and great interpersonal dynamics. These are critical to contact tracing and generally working in public health.” A professor in public health at University at Buffalo, he believes that now is a great time to work in public health. “There’s multiple ways to use it, whether it’s a science-based background or a nursing background,” he said. “UB has those degrees available. A public health degree, public health ed. There’s never been a more exciting time to choose public health as a profession. It’s never been more relevant.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists “epidemiologist” as the closest job title to the “contact tracer”; however, that’s a position that typically requires a master’s degree. The requirements required for contract tracing depends upon the hiring entity, whether a particular county’s health department for a long-term or short-term position or the state, as it’s hiring temporary workers during the pandemic.

Coping with Being Home Alone During the Pandemic By Catherine Miller

t’s not just the very elderly — many people have found it difficult to remain isolated during the coronavirus pandemic. As a culture we have become accustomed to being fed mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually by our interactions with others, and each element is an important part of our lives. Taking away our walks to the store, our dinners with friends and family and our religious events brings a wearying type of tedium to our days. Extended time alone can lead to depression and medical issues. But there are ways to combat that. Those that are over the age of 60 and live alone tend to have a more difficult time with isolation. While younger generations grew up with techno-social elements and could maintain socialization even while home alone, those over the age of 60 grew up with face-to-face interactions as part of their daily routine. During the pandemic the youthful seniors — those just over 60 — are being warned that they are in a higher risk of infection, and their family members cannot visit them without exposing them to possible illness, yet they were healthy and want to Page 12

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maintain their lifestyles. Many of these seniors have developed ways to battle the seclusion. “I learned long ago that the phone works both ways,” stated Rita Welker, a young, energetic senior whose life went from being very active, working full time and enjoying time with friends and family, to being isolated and alone nearly overnight. “At first I kept in contact with phone calls and that went well, but pretty soon I began to feel useless, as if I was slipping down a hole,” the medical scribe from Niagara Falls, recalled. For many young seniors that are accustomed to working and being socially engaged, being suddenly confined to their homes creates a huge void in their universe. “I started a routine and kept active,” Welker said, “I would get up at my regular time each morning, get ready for the day and have tasks that I wanted to accomplish. I cleaned out closets, washed windows, and did projects that I had been wanting to complete.” Welker said that she relaxed her structure occasionally, and then would get back into it the following day. Whenever possible she would take a walk, noting that exercise and sunshine were therapeutic. She read,

Rita Welker of Niagara Falls on dealing with isolation: “At ﬁrst I kept in contact with phone calls and that went well, but pretty soon I began to feel useless, as if I was slipping down a hole.”

exercised and got back into cooking, something she used to enjoy. Most importantly, she kept in touch with her family and friends, even joining her family at a virtual Easter table,

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2020

via the internet. As Welker learned, having a routine, but doing something different each day helps to stimulate the mind and keeps the spirit fed.

Addiction

Our Family, Focused on Yours.

My Drug Addiction, and How to Kick the Tobacco Habit By Kimberly Blaker

woke up this morning and felt the agonizing withdrawal symptoms washing over me. It’s a persistent anxiousness that doesn’t cease until I get my fix. I slipped on my robe and slippers, poured a cup of coffee, and frantically headed to the garage, where I try to keep the substance from my family. As always, my habit is waiting to greet me. As I take a hit, a peaceful feeling washes over my body and mind. I can now begin my day feeling alive once again. Yet as the day wears on, I feel the chemicals drain. Every hour or so, this drug starts calling me, unrelentingly, and I continue to replenish my body with the chemicals I so desperately need. Every worrisome or sad thought or happy reminiscence drives me to another fix. Even tiredness, hunger, and boredom can be eased through this addiction of mine. Now, as I lie in bed, I reflect on it. It’s my best friend and my worst enemy. I deliberate on how much it’s costing me, not just financially, but the toll it’s taking on my body. It’s stealing the rug from under my feet. It’s draining my energy and making my heart race through life. I can’t catch my breath. My skin is aging, and the substance leaves my body with a repulsive odor. I think about the diseases it puts me at risk for, such as cancer, heart disease, and emphysema. I don’t want to die that way. I want to live a full life. I tell myself to go to sleep, and tomorrow I’ll start anew. I’ll dry up and go straight. But as I drift closer to sleep, I know tomorrow will go unchanged, for the craving is already creeping in again. I’m dependent in this love-hate relationship. I look forward to my next drag off a cigarette. Nicotine is my life — and will probably be my death.

Three years later Fortunately, this relationship finally soured and came to a screeching halt. I kicked the habit and slammed the door behind. Through the years, I tried relentlessly to cut my ties with this shadow that seemingly couldn’t be shed; quitting cold turkey, cutting back, New Year resolutions, patches, gum, Zyban. All were temporary at best. But I never gave up. Today I wake up to the smell of the fresh summer breeze rather than the stench of stale cigarettes that once drenched my body. My skin glows, and my heart is calm. My midnight cough is long gone. Walking up the stairs doesn’t leave me breathless. My energy soars, and I look forward to the once dreaded pleasures of life. Now I can enjoy a vigorous peddle through the park or a spirited hike in the woods. Best of all, the diseases I could almost feel setting

in have mostly erased from my body and mind. I now feel an inner peace I could never leave behind.

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Ways to Help Quit If you don’t think you can quit cold turkey, try one of the following nicotine replacement methods or medications, most approved by the FDA for quitting smoking. • Nicotine Patches: These come in a 16-hour and 24-hour patch and don’t require a prescription. Manufacturers typically suggest eight weeks, though the FDA recommends three to five months. • Nicotine nasal spray: By prescription only, nasal spray delivers a quick dose of nicotine to the bloodstream. Recommended use is three to six months. • Nicotine gum: No prescription is required for nicotine gum, which comes in two strengths. It can be used for up to six months, though one to three months is the usual recommendation. • Nicotine lozenges: These should not be confused with tobacco lozenges. Tobacco lozenges are a form of smokeless tobacco and have not been proven a successful cessation aid. Nicotine lozenges, on the other hand, have been approved by the FDA for quitting smoking. • Nicotine inhalers: These can be used for up to six months and are by prescription only. • eCigarettes: Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers have become the latest success story in helping millions of people to quit smoking. While useful for quitting smoking, there is much debate on their safety as they have not been around long enough for any conclusive studies. • Bupropion: An anti-depressant, also known as Zyban, requires a prescription. It doesn’t contain nicotine, yet affects brain chemicals that lead to nicotine cravings. • Varenicline: Chantix is a drug developed for smoking cessation. Studies have shown a high success rate with Varenicline. Some studies have found it to have higher success rates than Bupropion. • Hypnosis: This method is useful for some smokers. Ask your doctor to recommend a hypnotist.

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August 2020 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 13

Addiction

Alcohol, Substance Abuse Rose During Pandemic By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

he rates of substance abuse disorders have risen because of the pandemic — and the effects of this increase may be long-lasting. The Recovery Village, a Florida-based organization, reports that in recent months, 36% of respondents reported an increase in substance abuse. Alcohol use is also on the rise. Among the states of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut — those hardest hit in the beginning of the pandemic — 67% of survey respondents reported an increase in alcohol consumption, with 25% reporting a significant increase. As to why their consumption increased, respondents replied that: • 53% were trying to cope with stress • 39% were trying to relieve boredom • 32% were trying to cope with mental health symptoms, such as anxiety or depression “We’re concerned because we feel there are multiple factors leading to an increase in the number of fatal and non-fatal overdoses,” said physician Gale R. Burstein, commissioner of health, Erie County Department of Health. “In general, people are reluctant to seek non-urgent healthcare. Even though this is a service that can be implemented through telehealth, we think people are reluctant. Telehealth, unfortunately, is relatively new in this area. Many people who could access telehealth are unaware of the availability, especially for substance abuse care. She added that previously, an in-person visit was required to obtain

medication for treating substance abuse disorders. That’s not the case nowadays. Unprecedented times Numerous other factors related to the pandemic contributed to an increase in substance abuse, including prescription drug misuse, illicit drugs and alcohol. Keeping people apart was necessary for reducing infections of COVID-19; however, the circumstance made life more difficult for people in recovery. “People are spending more time alone in their homes,” said Cheryll Moore, community coalition coordinator with Erie County. As a result, when an overdose occurs, “they’re not in typically social areas, like a McDonald’s bathroom or a car in the plaza.” When they’re discovered, it may be too late to administer lifesaving care, Moore said. A lack of routine also hampers recovery from substance abuse disorder. Many people were furloughed from work or laid off entirely. Their spouse and children may have been home more as well. Some still do not have their regular work schedule restored. Any regular activities like going to the gym, church or club or meeting a friend for coffee ended for a time. Special events such as weddings are delayed or curtailed. While many social aspects of life are available once again, they’re still not the same, as managers of public spaces still enforce social distancing, encourage wearing masks and limit patrons at a time. It’s all an obvious

Do Apps Really Help in Assisting Those in Recovery? By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

t seems there’s a few phone apps available to address every difficulty of life. Numerous apps address the many facets of substance abuse, from accountability to isolation. But are apps really helpful in assisting those in recovery? Robin Mann, licensed clinical social worker and executive director of Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, thinks that apps can be helpful, but only if they’re used properly. Some Page 14

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people prefer face-to-face assistance. “For me, it boils down to personal preference as to how comfortable you are at seeking out resources that are more technology-based,” Mann said. People accustomed to using technology may feel much more at ease reaching for an app than those who don’t use smartphones. In addition, those who feel stigmatized in seeking help face-to-face, apps offer anonymity. Mann said that apps such as

reminder that life pre-pandemic won’t be back soon. To some people, the hassle and stress may drive them into self-enforced isolation. “During times of stress, people are looking for a way to feel better,” said Anna Shurmatz, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Shurmatz Counseling in Buffalo. “The faster they can reach that feeling of being relaxed and not the things that are occupying their head, the better. Drugs and alcohol are good at doing that quickly.” She noted that the normalization of substance abuse, such as jokes on social media about “wine o’clock” minimizes the serious problem of substance abuse. With a lack of accessibility to many healthy means of coping, it’s easy to revert to that which is comfortable, “especially for those hanging on by their fingertips, who feel like they’re living in a pressure cooker,” Shurmatz added. Shurmatz said that virtual support meetings have been very helpful for those able to connect to them, particularly younger people accustomed to connecting through social media. But including phone calls in telehealth can aid those who do not want to use virtual meetings. It’s important to not stay isolated.

“Reach out, reach out, reach out,” urged Robin Mann, executive director for Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. “Although we’re socially distant, there’s still opportunity to seek help.” Whether a crisis hotline for a more urgent need or simply calling a supportive family member, connecting with someone else is vital. For someone who’s using drugs but who is not in crisis, seeking other ways to cope can help reduce using substances. Shurmatz said that trying new things like yoga, mindfulness, exercise, journaling or dancing could help. Renew a lost interest to fill empty hours. “There’s no right or wrong way to do these things,” she said. She also encourages people to look at any risks in their homes such as stockpiles of unused prescriptions or medication that’s not locked up. Many pharmacies in the area have drop-offs for unwanted medication to minimize accessibility to drugs. Anyone in need of help can contact the NYS HOPEline (1-877-8-HOPENY or text 467369) which operates 24/7 to help direct people to treatment and other services.

Headspace help with relaxation, meditation and mindfulness. “It helps ground people,” she said. “It puts people at ease.” She likes that apps can help people anytime and at their convenience. Whether it’s in the middle of the night, when a non-crisis counselor isn’t available, or on a lunch break surrounded by coworkers, an app can help. It’s also a plus that apps like these may be used by anyone, not just those who struggle with substance abuse disorder. “I don’t know anyone who has not been stressed at some point,” Mann said. “These apps definitely normalize it.” Tracking triggers may prove helpful for some people. Anna Shurmatz, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Shurmatz Counseling in Buffalo, said that is the function of the SoberTime app. “People can ask themselves, ‘What are the patterns connected to my substance abuse?’” she said. “‘Is it that I have a glass of wine after the kids go to bed or smoke marijuana?’ or is it, ‘I take opiates before bed because this is when I think my back will bother me?’ If you don’t know what’s connected to a craving, you’re flying blind.” Like an online AA, OneYear-

NoBeer is another app she mentioned. The app provides positive peer pressure, accountability and support for abstaining from alcohol. “There’s a thousand apps available for free around journaling, mood tracking and mindfulness,” Shurmatz said. “It’s just a matter of picking some that you think are helpful.” She cautioned that no one app is perfect for everyone; however, by trying different apps, many people can find one that helps. “In the very beginning stages where someone says, ‘I think I might have a problem with this’ or ‘This feels unmanageable’ or ‘My best friend overdosed and I don’t want to end up like them,’” she said. Some municipalities are using apps to help connect clients with services. Cheryll Moore, Community Coalition coordinator with Erie County Department of Health, said that the county promotes use of the NARCAN Now app. “It walks through someone reversing an overdose,” Moore said. NARCAN Now also includes safety information, a pharmacy locator, Though phone apps can’t take the place of professional help, they can augment it and provide easily accessible help as needed.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2020

St. It employs 240 with an annual budget of $22 million. For further information, visit www.ghealthenterprises.org or call 716-604-0488. Q: What has the health of the communities you serve been like during the Covid-19 pandemic? A: We are in the hot spot zones they are talking about in regards to the virus. When COVID-19 hit, we were well equipped for it through our extensive data bases — we have our own cloud — so we were able to track our clients by calling them, especially those we were treating before this occurred. When we did not have tests available, we were able to put them in a queue, so they knew when to come in for the test. We lost one person to the virus, but one person is too many, out of the 15,000 we serve. I am very proud of our staff because this is what we do — offering good preventive, primary and public health care and we are ahead of the curve in many areas.

Q A &

with Dr. Raul Vazquez, founder of G-Health Enterprises He discusses treating patients with the help of telemedicine and the launching of mobile medical units, equipped with examination rooms and a full lab, which will treat patients in their own neighborhoods. First of six units to be on the road in August By Michael J. Billoni

hysician Raul Vazquez is a recognized leader in healthcare innovation and delivery. A graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences as well as Fordham University, Vazquez and his wife, Toni, founded Urban Family Practices and G-Health Enterprises in Buffalo. Having come from humble beginnings in the Bronx, Vazquez understood that something dramatic had to be done to confront the challenges presented by a healthcare system rooted in what he defines as “reactionary care.” He believes “reactionary care” — as opposed to preventive care — is as problematic as it is unsustainable when the outcomes

prevent economically distressed communities and communities of color from receiving coordinated health management, delivered in a cost effective and cohesive manner. G-Health Enterprises has created a paradigm shift affecting real change in Western New York. Three organizations founded by the doctor and his wife — Urban Family Practice, Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network (GBUAHN) and Greater Buffalo United Accountable Care Organization (GBUACO) all have received high praise, and national accreditation, from the coveted NCQA review board. G-Health Enterprises has three locations in Buffalo — 564 Niagara St., 1315 Jefferson Ave. and 1195 Main

Q: How did your business model change when the coronavirus pandemic occurred in mid-March? A: When this pandemic began, we immediately switched to telehealth and we had equipment ready to continue providing care coordination to our patients. For the 8,000 clients we serve through GBUAHN, we assigned navigators to 80 to 100 people. They contacted each person to let them know what to do during this pandemic and what we could do for them. By talking with 8,000 clients we knew we were touching 24,000 people and we only had three of them infected with the virus. With contact tracing we were all set because these people trust us. We also asked them to download our COVID-19 apps which all included surveys to ensure we are doing what they needed. We managed 2,500 calls per day during this pandemic and we were able to because all of our systems are tagged in. We also repurposed staff and put some in transportation to bring people here to be tested and we had teams assigned to deliver food to those in need. We partnered with GOYA Foods and our pantry is full Q: How long have you been doing telemedicine? A: We have been able to conduct a virtual doctor’s visit with our clients since 2017. We are able to listen to someone’s lungs, see their ear, throat and nose and hear their heartbeat all through an interface with the client. We then make our determination from that visit. Q: What is the future for healthcare services? A: The future of healthcare is changing rapidly, and I personally do not believe we will need these structures to serve our clients. That is why we are now moving into the future by building a 37-foot long mobile medical unit. This will include two examination rooms, an urgent care and a full laboratory. We will partner with other organizations and we will take it on the road to zip codes with residents in most need of medical assistance. Eventually, we will own six mobile units. Q: When should we expect to see the first mobile unit on the road? A: It’s planned to be out in August.

August 2020 •

Company Gets $1.6 Billion From U.S. Government for Coronavirus Vaccine

accine maker Novavax will receive $1.6 billion from the U.S. government to provide 100 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine by early 2021, the Maryland-based company said recently. This is the largest deal announced by the Trump administration to date as part of its attempts to provide coronavirus vaccines and treatments to Americans as soon as possible, The New York Times reported. The $1.6 billion is coming from a “collaboration” between the Health and Human Services Department and the Defense Department, according to a Novavax spokeswoman. In May, the Trump administration said it would give up to $1.2 billion to British drugmaker AstraZeneca, which has said it could have a vaccine available by October. Federal funding has also been given to four other companies — Moderna Therapeutics, Johnson & Johnson, Merck and Sanofi — for their experimental coronavirus vaccines, The Times reported. Novavax has never brought a product to market, the Times reported.

Two Lysol Products Can Kill Coronavirus: EP

wo Lysol products are the first to be approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as able to kill the new coronavirus on hard, nonporous surfaces. The EPA said laboratory tests found that Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist destroy the virus two minutes after contact, according to reports. The agency says there are 420 disinfectant products that are effective against “harderto-kill” viruses than the new coronavirus, but the two Lysol are products are the first to be tested directly against the virus and be able to kill it. A recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found that Americans said they were cleaning more often because of the coronavirus pandemic, but only about half said they actually knew how to clean and disinfect their home safely, CNN reported.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

We are

On-site Visits are Available Spectrum Health is committed to do what is necessary to best meet the needs of our clients, our community and our staﬀ. While telehealth remains a valid treatment option, and works well for so many, we recognize the need to once again begin oﬀering on-site visits.

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Things You Need to Know About Pediatric Dental Care By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

he increased use of telemedicine during these unprecedented times has hit all areas of the medical field. Often overlooked is the essentialness of dental care. “The total body is connected and that includes oral health,” said Dian Wells, a board-certified pediatric dentist. “While everyone may know the basics with brushing and flossing, there have been some interesting questions and situations that our patients are looking at during this pandemic.” Wells, vice chairwoman and clinical assistant professor of pediatric and community dentistry in the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, talks about five dental issues that she has been hearing about through interaction with her patients in telehealth appointments.

Call today to discuss what option is best for you!

Baby teeth When baby teeth are beginning to come out and adult teeth are coming in, it can be very stressful for kids and their parents. Because of the previous stayat-home orders throughout, Wells said she has found parents coming into her office and being more in tuned with their children’s oral care. While it is a natural process of growth to go through teeth, sometimes the process doesn’t always go smoothly. “We tell parents they should focus on a couple of symptoms if they need to come to the dentist when their child’s teeth are coming in because we don’t want them to unnecessarily come in for something they can handle at home,’” said Wells. “If you see severe bleeding and gum swelling, you should come in because it might be an infection. They

could be dealing with the old tooth blocking the adult tooth from coming in properly. If your child can’t sleep or eat, it may be an emergency and we want to look at their teeth as soon as possible.” Wells believes it is essential to keep the area clean where the new teeth are coming to prevent inflammation.

Sucking your thumb While it is common to see a child sucking their thumb or using a pacifier, dental experts say there are consequences of letting that action last too long. Many children stop sucking their thumbs on their own, often by age 6 or 7 months or between ages 2 and 4. “By the age of 3, you should do your best to make sure your child isn’t sucking their thumbs because that can result in overbites and underbites,” said Wells. “They are at higher risks for trauma when it comes to doing activities because when they fall their teeth are not in alignment.”

Sugary Vitamins Stores are filled with gummy vitamins for children and adults for those who don’t like taking pills. However, oral health experts say the nutritional benefits may not outweigh the potential damage to the teeth. “The issue with those gummy vitamins or any gummy treats is that sugar sticks on and in between the teeth, and are often the cause of first and lasting cavities,” said Wells. “Many times parents are surprised because they say they feed their children nutritious meals and even stay away from juices and they wonder

where these cavities come from. Then we deduced that the gummy vitamins are often the culprit.” Wells said parents should even be careful about gums making sure they are sugar free and have xylitol. That substance is found in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables and is considered natural. It is found in sugar free mints, diabetes-friendly food and oral care products. “Kids can have abscesses and infections that can cause decay in their oral health. We want to avoid having to do large dental procedures like root canals on children and the first key is preventative early detection,” added Wells.

Fluoride Fluoride varnish can prevent about 33% of cavities in baby’s teeth, according to the CDC. Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water is not fluoride. Fluoride in water is the most efficient way to prevent one of the most common childhood diseases, tooth decay. The American Dental Association estimated 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental-related illness. “Fluoride is known to prevent cavities and strengthen your teeth,” said Wells. “It is found in toothpaste and is recommended by the dental community. It can help prevent tooth decay for children and adults.”

Visit your dentist Regular visits to your dentist for teeth cleanings every six months can help early detection of potential problems.

Dian Wells, a board-certiﬁed pediatric dentist, serves as vice chairwoman and clinical assistant professor of pediatric and community dentistry in the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Experts want people to floss once a day when they are young and continue that into adulthood. It prevents food and other particles from being trapped within the barriers. Make sure to floss between and around each tooth. Gently hook the floss like a C around the tooth. Slide the floss up and down and around all tooth surfaces, even the hard-to-reach back molars. Avoid snapping the floss between teeth. Experts also suggest changing your toothbrush every three months. “I know we are at a time where people are being cautious about leaving their house and the safety of their children so that is why we make sure that we have separate entrances and exits in our office. You can even check in from your car and we take temperatures as you enter. We don’t want any barriers to people maintaining their oral health,” said Wells.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2020

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF WILLIAMSVILLE, STILL WNY’S MOST AFFORDABLE ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE By Jim Miller

RV Travel Tips in the Summer of COVID Dear Savvy Senior, Can you write a column on RV travel for novices? My husband and I have been cooped up all spring and summer because of the coronavirus and would like to take a trip using a rented RV but could use some tips and want to be safe. Recently Retired

Dear Recently, Recreational-vehicle (or RV) travel has become a very popular option among U.S. retirees over the past few decades and is probably one of the safest and most convenient ways to get away this season. Because it’s a small home on wheels, RV travel will allow you to distance yourself from crowds of people and reduce your risk of COVID exposure that comes with other forms of travel, i.e. air/train travel, hotel/Airbnb lodging and eating in restaurants. But there are still risks — especially in public places like gas stations, shared restrooms and picnic areas — so exercise caution. If you’ve never traveled by motor home or RV, here are a few tips to consider.

Renting an RV To help you determine the RV size and model you need for your trip, consider your budget, destination and the number of travelers. If it’s just you and your husband, and you’re visiting several locations and driving lots of miles you may want a smaller motor home with better fuel economy. But if you’re taking other family members or friends, you may want a larger RV with slide outs and more sleeping areas. See GoRVing. com for a breakdown of all the different types of RVs available today. To locate an RV rental dealer near you visit CruiseAmerica.com, one of the largest RV rental companies in the world or search the Recreation Vehicle Rental Association at RVRA. org. Or use peer-to-peer RV rental sites like RVshare.com or Outdoorsy. com, which are usually a little cheaper. Rental costs will vary greatly depending on what you choose and how far you drive, ranging anywhere from $50 up to $500 per day. When renting a rig, be sure you get detailed instructions from the owner or rental company on how to use the RV’s systems, including the

generator, air-conditioning, leveling, slide outs, electric and entertainment, as well as how to empty waste tanks and refill fresh water. You should also know that because of COVID-19, most RV rental companies are vigilant about cleaning and disinfecting their units. But if you want to be extra safe, the CDC offers tips at CDC.gov/COVID19 — type “Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home” in the search bar.

Trip Planning Tips

• Three home-cooked meals daily and snacks • Beautiful, full-sized Chapel with daily services • Personally tailored Care Services • Stimulating social, educational and recreational activities • Housekeeping and laundry • Beauty/barber salon • Transportation services • Soda Shop open 24 hours a day • Generous common areas

Residents & staff would like to thank all of the families & friends of Park Creek for all of their love & support.

410 Mill St. • Williamsville, NY 14221 • 632-3000

It’s always wise to map out your trip route and reserve your campgrounds in advance, especially now during the pandemic, because some campgrounds and RV parks, as well as local, state, and national public parks may be closed or operating with restrictions. A free tool that can help you plan your trip is Roadtrippers.com, which lets you plot out routes, calculate mileage and travel time, and will identify RV campgrounds, points of interest and restaurants along the way. You should also consider becoming a Good Sam Club member (GoodSam.com/club, $29/year), which provides access to its webbased trip planner, camping and fuel discounts, and a copy of the Good Sam Guide Series that features detailed information on more than 12,000 private RV parks and public campgrounds. Most RV parks rent spaces on a nightly or weekly basis with rates typically ranging from $30 to $50 per night, however some in city and country parks may be $10 or even free. RV parks can also range from rustic facilities with limited or no utility hookups, as are more often found in state and national parks, to luxury resorts with amenities that rival fine hotels. For first-time RV renters, staying at a fully loaded RV park or campground with full hookups, a dump station, and staff on site is highly recommended. Look at Kampgrounds of America (KOA.com) or ReserveAmerica.com to browse the accommodations. And for more safe travel tips this summer, visit Coronavirus.gov — click on “specific resources for travelers.” Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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CORONAVIRUS Getting on with our lives in this new age Special Issue

Beware of Coronavirus Scams P. 13

Autism: Why Are Incidence Rates So High RECORD NUMBER OF PEDESTRIAN DEATHS IN U.S.

Local experts discuss the dramatic increase in cases of autism in the U.S.

Study estimates 6,590 pedestrian deaths in 2019, an increase of 5% over previous years

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Page 17

Ask The Social

Security Ofﬁce

From the Social Security District Office

Social Security: 85 Years of Serving People Like You

e take pride in having provided vital benefits and services to this great nation for 85 years. America has a diverse population with a variety of needs. With our diverse population in mind, we’ve created webpages that speak directly to groups of people who may need information about our programs and services. These pages are easy to share with friends and family or on social media. Here are just a few that might speak to you or someone you love. We proudly serve wounded warriors and veterans. They made sacrifices to preserve the freedoms Americans treasure. Many of them do not know they might be entitled to disability benefits from Social Security. Share our resources with them to make sure they get the benefits they deserve. www.ssa.gov/people/ veterans. Social Security plays an important role in providing economic security for women. Nearly 55% of the people receiving Social Security benefits are women. With longer life

Q&A

Q: A few years ago, I lost my Social Security card. Now my credit report shows that someone might be using my Social Security number. I’m afraid they might ruin my credit. What should I do? A: Identity theft and fraud are serious problems, not just for you, but for the financial integrity of our agency. It also puts our national security at risk if someone dangerous is using your number to obtain other forms of identification. It’s against the law to use someone else’s Social Security number, give false information when applying for a number, or alter, buy, or sell Social Security cards. Keep in mind, you should never carry your Social Security card with you. If you think someone is using your Social Security number fraudulently, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) right away. You can report it at www.idtheft. gov or you can call FTC’s hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4261) TTY (1-866-653-4261). Q: I served in the military, and I’ll receive a military pension when I retire. Will that affect my Social Security benefits? A: You can get both Social Security retirement benefits and military retirement at the same time. Generally, we don’t reduce your Social Security benefits because of your military benefits. When you’re ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, Page 18

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expectancies than men, women tend to live more years in retirement and have a greater chance of exhausting other sources of income. A woman who is 65 years old today can expect to live, on average, until about 87, while a 65-year-old man can expect to live, on average, until about 84. Also, women often have lower lifetime earnings than men, which usually means lower benefits. Women need to plan early and wisely for retirement and we’re here to provide valuable information to help. Share this page with someone who needs this information and may need help planning for their golden years. www.ssa.gov/people/women. Do you know someone who is just starting their career? Now is the best time for them to start preparing for retirement. The sooner they begin to save, the more they’ll have at retirement. Share this page with a young worker you know. www.ssa. gov/people/earlycareer. These are just a few webpages that are tailored to a specific group’s needs. If you didn’t see your own, check out our People Like Me home page at www.ssa.gov/people.

go to www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply. For your convenience, you can always save your progress during your application and complete it later. We thank you for your military service! Q: I have a 38-year-old son who has been disabled by cerebral palsy since birth. I plan to apply for retirement benefits. Will he be eligible for benefits as my disabled child? A: Yes. In general, an adult disabled before age 22 may be eligible for child’s benefits if a parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits. We consider this a “child’s” benefit because we pay it on the parent’s Social Security earnings record. The “adult child” — including an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild, grandchild, or step grandchild — must be unmarried, age 18 or older, and have a disability that started before age 22. Q: I applied for disability benefits, but was denied. I’d like to appeal. Can I do it online? A: Yes. In fact, the best way to file a Social Security appeal is online. Our online appeal process is convenient and secure. Just go to www. socialsecurity.gov/disability/appeal to appeal the decision. For people who don’t have access to the internet, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment to visit your local Social Security office to file your appeal.

Health News New leaders at Roswell’s gynecologic oncology department Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center recently announced the promotion of three physicians who will now play a leadership role in its department of gynecologic oncology. They are: • Peter Frederick was named clinical chief of gynecology. He will lead a teamwork-driven department and continue its compassionate, patient-centered focus. In his 10-year tenure at Roswell Park, Frederick has been integral in developing and Frederick promoting the gynecologic robotics program and training surgeons in these techniques. He will continue to serve as associate dean of graduate medical education. Frederick succeeds physician Shashikant Lele, who will continue to serve as a staff physician on the gynecologic oncology team. Frederick earned his medical degree from the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. • Emese Zsiros was named di rector of research. On staff since 2014, Zsiros has emerged as a valuable asset to the Roswell Park community. Her passion is providing personalized care, fine-tuning surgical Zsiros techniques and diving deep into cancer immunotherapy research. Zsiros currently leads the only testing center endorsed by the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery in the area. In this leadership role, she will lead the research strategy of the department with the goal of benefitting patients with gynecologic malignancies. She is a graduate of the University of Debrecen, Hungary, having completed a residency at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University and fellowship training in

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2020

gynecologic oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. • Melissa Moffitt was named fellowship program director. Moffitt, a new addition to Roswell Park’s medical staff, jumps headfirst into this leadership role with the fellowship program. She will promote learning for fellows and residents in Mofﬁtt each of the center’s competency areas and oversee the graduate medical education programs. Highly engaged in community outreach, Moffitt will also work closely with Roswell Park’s Cancer Survivorship Center, addressing important topics surrounding cancer, fertility and sexual health. Moffitt holds her medical degree from the University of California Davis School of Medicine and completed a residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and fellowship training at the University of Southern California Medical Center. “The dedication of this trio of physicians to their patients and Roswell Park’s mission is unmatched,” said physician Kunle Odunsi, Roswell Park deputy director.

Buffalo selected as Regional Women’s Economic Mobility Hub The WNY Women’s Foundation announced recently that Buffalo has been selected by the national Women’s Funding Network as the location for a new regional Women’s Economic Mobility Hub. These hubs will increase support and resources necessary to advance economic mobility among women and girls in communities across the United States. The Western New York Hub, led by WNY Women’s Foundation, will build from effective strategies incorporated in its MOMs: From Education to Employment program, which currently operates at seven community college campuses regionally. This data-driven program has received state and national attention. “While the MOMs program successfully leads to family-sustaining jobs for many women, for others, a college education is not the right fit and is too burdensome while raising children. A workforce development model has the potential to benefit even more women and their families,” said WNY Women’s Foundation Executive Director Sheri Scavone. “The new Women’s Regional Economic Mobility Hub will convene partners from community support services and various collaborations to further the support for women and their families.” The Women’s Economic Mobility Hub will include partnership with two nonprofits on the east side of the city, Harvest House and Buffalo Cen-

H ealth News ter for Arts & Technology (BCAT). At BCAT alone, 72% of students are African-American, 95% are female, and 55% have children while almost all of Harvest House’s students are single mothers living with incomes below the federal poverty level. “This strategic collaboration among our organizations will provide practical and flexible choices for women in the community who are committed to finding new career pathways for themselves and their families,” said Gina Burkhardt, BCAT CEO. The project is being launched at a pivotal time when economic mobility is essential to surviving the financial uncertainties resulting from the COVID crisis. The cohort includes Chicago Foundation for Women, Maine Women’s Fund, The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham, Arkansas Women’s Fund, Iowa Women’s Foundation, Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona, Women’s Foundation of Colorado, WNY Women’s Foundation, and Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis.

Roswell Park is first to implement Monarch bronchoscopy platform Lung specialists at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center now have a tool for visualizing and reaching lung nodules through a minimally invasive approach, enabling earlier diagnosis of cancer, smaller biopsies and broader treatment options for patients. The Buffalo-based cancer center has become the first facility in New York state to implement Auris Health Inc.’s Monarch platform for robotic navigational bronchoscopy into its interventional pulmonology program. Robotic navigational bronchoscopy can benefit patients who have a potentially concerning lung nodule, typically detected by a CT scan. It allows physicians to safely biopsy very small, difficult-to-reach areas of the lung, enabling earlier diagnosis of suspicious lesions that were previously inaccessible without surgery. “Peripheral nodules located in the outer section of the lungs are common — they’re found in up to a third of adults who get a chest X-ray or CT scan,” said physician Sai Yendamuri, chairman of thoracic surgery and professor of oncology at Roswell Park. “The vast majority of these concerning lesions — 96% — are not cancerous and don’t require treatment, but which ones? Earlier technologies did not allow us to effectively reach the lung periphery and determine the nature of the nodule as this new tool can.” The Monarch system integrates robotics and software with bronchoscopy, allowing for real-time, continuous visualization of the bronchial tubes, or airways, through a flexible endoscope that physicians can navigate to the outer regions of the lung. Using a handheld console, physicians can access traditional endoscopic views of the lung along with computer-assisted navigation based on 3-D models of the patient’s own anatomy.

BlueCross BlueShield Employees Donate $80,000 to Local Charities Insurer supporting organizations recovering from COVID-19 impact

lueCross BlueShield of Western New York employees “virtually” donated $80,000 to local charities, as part of the employees’ longstanding legacy of supporting the community. Sixteen local organizations each received a donation of $5,000, at a pivotal time as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This employee-driven support is in addition to the health plan’s recent $1 million donation to the WNY COVID-19 community response fund through its health focused grant program, Blue Fund. “BlueCross BlueShield has an 85year history of supporting initiatives that enhance the health of Western New York, and even in the midst of this pandemic, our employees were engaged to select recipients from our 2019 internal fundraising efforts,” said Julie R. Snyder, senior vice president, chief marketing and communications officer with BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “Our employees exemplify the health plan’s values by going above and beyond to make a positive impact in our community, especially during difficult times.” As a community-based, notfor-profit health plan, BlueCross BlueShield’s 1,500 employees have a long history of “paying it forward” through their Red-Stocking Fund. Established more than 60 years ago, the name of the fund was derived from the literal use of red stockings to collect charitable donations around the holiday season. The funds are raised through several year-round fundraising efforts anchored by the health plan’s employee volunteer group “BlueCrew.”

• Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper: The organization protects and restores our water and surrounding ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations. • Child & Family Services of Erie County: Its mission is to strengthen families and promote the well-being of children through prevention, intervention, education, and advocacy. • Cradle Beach Camp: Cradle Beach unites individuals and families, with a focus on empowering children with special needs and the underserved to become their best selves. • Food Shuttle of Western New York: Its mission is to help alleviate hunger in the community by transporting excess prepared and perishable food from super-markets, bakeries, restaurants, and other food sources to soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and other “care communities” throughout the Buffalo area. • Habitat for Humanity: Seeking to put faith into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. • Journey’s End Refugee Services: The mission of Journey’s End Refugees is to provide refugees with the resources and support they need to become successful, active and contributing members of the Western New York Community. • Live Like Luca, The Luca S. Calanni Foundation: The organization celebrates the life and legacy of Luca Calanni by following his example of kindness and caring. Its mission is to help all children experience the joys of participating in sports, camps, the arts and other activities that made Luca’s light shine bright.

The 2020 recipients: • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention WNY: The organization focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide. • Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue: A foster-based rescue that saves dogs from various high kill shelters to help decrease euthanasia rates of innocent dogs. • Buffalo Autism Project: The mission of Buffalo Autism Project is to provide an abundance of quality information, resources, and events surrounding best practices on Autism Spectrum Disorder to increase hope, awareness, and acceptance.

• Niagara County SPCA: Its mission is to prevent cruelty to all animals through public education on their humane treatment and to provide love, care, shelter and advocacy for companion animals in our community. • Ten Lives Club: Ten Lives Club is a non-kill, nonprofit cat-adoption group devoted to reducing the number of cats euthanized each year due to overpopulation and lack of space in shelters. • The Conor J. Long Foundation: It was established to inspire individuals to take action in their communities. The foundation creates positive changes in Western New York by assisting the elderly, helping the disabled, nurturing leadership development and by helping families in need. • Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY: The Veterans One-stop Center of WNY brings people, organizations and resources together in time, space and effort to effectively improve the well-being of all Western New York veterans of the US Armed Forces and their families. • Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network: Its mission is to assist the community in meeting the needs of people facing the death of a baby from miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or early infant death. • WNY Heroes Inc.: The mission of WNY Heroes Inc. is to provide veterans, members of the armed services, and the widows and children of deceased veterans with access to essential services, financial assistance and resources that support their lives and sustain their dignity.

Serving Western New York A monthly newspaper published by Local News, Inc. Distribution: 32,500 copies throughout more than 1,500 high-traffic locations in the region In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2020 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, Michael J. Billoni, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Jana Eisenberg Advertising: Anne Westcott, Amy Gagliano, Nancy Cardillo, Catherine Miller 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.

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Our dedicated frontline heroes are here for you.

Our ECMC family is incredibly grateful for the doctors, nurses, specialists, and staff who are working tirelessly to care for our community with undeterred dedication. Amid the challenges of the pandemic, you are fighting COVID-19 head-on. Even when we’re through this chapter, your courage and sacrifices will always inspire our community.

The difference between healthcare and true care ECMC.edu

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2020