In Good Health: WNY #93 - July 2022

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JULY 2022 • ISSUE 93

The recent shortage of baby formula raises questions about the low number of moms who breastfeed. Why don’t more women breastfeed their newborns? Story on page XX

The recent shortage of baby formula raises questions about the low number of moms who breastfeed. Why don’t more women breastfeed their newborns? Story on page 14 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE ■ Spider Veins: Should You Worry About Them ■ It’s Pool Day! ...But What If You’re Menstruating?

■ Why Kids Need a Summer Break

ADOLESCENT GYNECOLOGY OB-GYN Lisa Jane Jacobsen counts as one of her roles to teach medical students and residents.

She is one of the few specializing in pediatric and adolescent gynecology. P. 4

P. 12

CLARENCE NATIVE SETS POWERLIFTING RECORD

Camp Good Days Resumes InPerson Camps for Kids with Cancer Founder talks about the evolution of the camp for children with cancer.

‘We didn’t have any money. We didn’t have a camp. But we had a dream.’

Are Taller People More Prone to Certain Conditions?

I

f you’re taller than average, your genes may affect your risk for a variety of diseases, a new study suggests.

These include a higher risk for the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation and varicose veins, but a lower risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Other investigators have reported similar findings before.

This new study found new links between being tall and a higher risk for nerve damage leading to peripheral neuropathy, as well as skin and bone infections, such as leg and foot ulcers.

But just because you’re tall doesn’t mean that you’re destined to develop one of these conditions, said lead researcher, physician Sridharan Raghavan. He is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver.

“Personally, I don’t think a person should worry about their height as a predeterminant of their risk for medical conditions,” Raghavan said.

The new study provides a catalog of conditions with which height may be biologically or causally related, he said.

“This is really a starting point for future work, first, for considering whether height can help identify individuals at risk for specific conditions and guide preventive measures targeting modifiable risk factors for those conditions, and second, for understanding the biological mechanisms tying height to clinical conditions,” Raghavan said.

Those mechanisms are likely to differ for various medical conditions, and the new study may provide direction for future research, he noted.

Raghavan said that most conditions arise from a combination of factors. And while people can’t change their genetics, many studies have shown that healthy behaviors, which people can control and modify, can be protective.

“Nonmodifiable risk factors like height and family history might give us information about who is at risk for a condition, but they do not deter-

mine whether a person will get that condition,” Raghavan said. “Modifying other risk factors is likely to still be helpful in most cases.”

For the study, Raghavan’s team collected data on more than 250,000 participants in the U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) Million Veteran Program, looking at more than 1,000 traits and conditions among them. The data included more than 200,000 white adults and more than 50,000 Black adults.

Raghavan, who treats patients at Rocky Mountain Regional VA

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Page 2 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, noted that growth and metabolism related to height are connected to many aspects of health.

“In some cases, the mechanism will be due to physical effects of tall stature rather than a biological process,” he said. “For example, the association between height and chronic lower extremity venous circulatory disorders may be related to physical distance and different pressure in the circulatory system that impact taller individuals, compared to shorter individuals.”

Other links may owe to biological processes related to both height and physiology, Raghavan said.

Todd Lencz, a professor at the Institute of Behavioral Science at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset, Long Island, reviewed the findings, which were published online June 2 in PLOS Genetics.

“These effect sizes are not huge,” Lencz said. “This is not something that anyone should be reading and consulting their doctor about.”

While the effect of height on developing a medical condition may seem significant across an entire population, Lencz noted the risk is small on an individual level and can often be offset with a healthy lifestyle.

The effect of height is “such a tiny amount that all sorts of other things are going to be playing a much larger role,” he said. “It’s still good advice for everyone to not smoke, and to exercise and eat right.”

I enjoy learning about new businesses that provide services that will enhance my health.

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Lisa Jane Jacobsen, M.D

Local OB-GYN counts as one of her roles to teach medical students and residents. She is one of the few specializing in pediatric and adolescent gynecology

New Guidelines for Pancreatic Cancer Screening

B

y the year 2030, pancreatic cancer is expected to become the second most common cause of cancer deaths for both men and women in the United States, according to recent reports.

While considered uncommon, inherited gene mutations can increase a person’s risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Early detection of cancer is key to a greater chance of survival, but it is difficult to catch pancreatic cancer early as people usually have no symptoms until the cancer has advanced and hard to treat.

A clinician-researcher from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) contributed to new national guidelines published by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), recommending annual pancreatic cancer screening for patients who are at increased risk because of genetic susceptibility. While earlier guidelines had restricted screening to only those individuals with BRCA 1/2 who had a family history of pancreatic cancer, the new guidelines expand indication for screening for all with the gene variations regardless of family history.

“Because less than 25% of patients with BRCA 1/2 who develop pancreatic cancer have family history of pancreatic cancer, most cancers will be missed if screening is restricted to those with a family history” said first author of the guidelines Mandeep S. Sawhney, a gastroenterologist at BIDMC and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

“Although screen-detected pancreatic cancers are more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier and more treatable stage, it is important to acknowledge the potential downsides of screening.

These guidelines are the first to quantify harms from pancreatic cancer screening resulting from false-positive screening tests results and encourage care providers to carefully counsel their patients before enrolling in a screening program.”

Q: Give us a rundown of what your OB-GYN practice looks like.

A: I’m an OB-GYN, so I see patients of all ages for their women’s reproductive health issues, as well as doing general preventive care for women. I’m not an internist or a family practice doctor, so I’m not managing their thyroids, diabetes or migraines. But I definitely do comprehensive care for patients and make sure that their gynecologic and reproductive needs are being met.

I’m also a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist, which is kind of an unusual practice that not too many people are trained in. So I do see and consult for ages ranging from birth through adolescence. Most people are surprised to hear that children can have gynecologic problems, but they certainly can.

Q: What sorts of gynecologic problems might children and teens have?

A: Anything from being born with an atypical reproductive tract, to obstructions, to things that shouldn’t be growing there. Pathology of their reproductive organs, infections, irritations. And as they get older it might include things like delayed or early puberty. In the teenage years it might be irregular periods that signal that there’s some kind of other underlying issue that needs to be taken care of. And, of course, issues that you also see in adults like ovarian cysts, pelvic pains, STD complications and sexuality issues in general.

Page 4 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

Q: So for juvenile patients you’re generally seeing them for acute issues rather than routinely?

A: It all depends. I work as a consultant for kids who have a specific problem. Sometimes those kids have long-term problems that need to be followed over time. If a kid has a congenital problem, an atypical development over their reproductive tract, I might give advice about everything from how to control their bleeding problems to how to prevent future problems. How to normalize their reproductive lives, their menstrual flow, their pain. And also their reproductive capacity and how we can preserve that if they want to have kids down the road. So, they may be seen initially and then be seen regularly for follow-up after that.

Other times it’s a one-time thing and they don’t need to be seen for years and years. We do recommend that adolescents get seen earlier rather than later. Sometimes they need help with concerns about puberty. We can help with education and giving them advanced warning about pregnancy and STD risks. And it gets them comfortable with us so that, when the time comes, they’re comfortable coming to see us with any issues that arise.

Q: Do you also see adults?

A: Yes. I see adults all the way up to elderly patients. I very much enjoy seeing menopausal women. Because of my interests in the endocrine system, I enjoy helping them with menopause and the problems that can sometimes go along with that. I also treat a lot of irregular bleeding that can occur in any age group.

That’s another one of my specialties.

Q: What are the typical causes of spotting and abnormal bleeding?

A: It varies so much. It can be anything from a pathology like something growing in the uterus like a fibroid — hopefully it’s never something like endometrial cancer, cancer of the uterus. So sometimes there’s a pathology that needs to be removed.

But a lot of times it’s something to do with the systems

that control cycles. There are things that can affect the brain, the hypothalamus and the pituitary, which are the parts of the brain that control when periods come. So when there’s something wrong in those areas like thyroid abnormalities or they’re making too much prolactin hormone or sometimes even just under-eating and over-exercising. Sometimes your nutritional status can affect the periods quite a bit. Genetic problems can surface and cause problems. These things tend to lead to irregularity.

So instead of coming every 28 or 30 days, it can become quite irregular.

Q: Does that introduce complications for women who are trying to lose weight or otherwise introduce a substantial lifestyle modification?

A: It’s almost more the reverse.

Sometimes people who are very heavyset may find it may influence whether their periods come regularly or not. Being very underweight can also affect it, or if they’re undergoing a dramatic weight loss. That can signal to the brain that the period needs to be put on hold because the body isn’t ready. Over-exercising to the point where you’re not getting the nutritional calories can certainly also influence it.

Q: Have you found that patients put off a lot of OB-GYN care over the past two years?

A: I think it’s true that people did put off being seen for a while due to COVID-19, so if it wasn’t urgent people weren’t coming in as much. Luckily with Pap smears in general, which is a cervical screening test, we can actually space those tests. We used to have to do those yearly, but they can be as far apart as three to five years now depending on age. But breast cancer screenings, mammograms, those are annual things, and people weren’t coming in for those. I was just reading yesterday that sexually transmitted infection testing went way down. And unfortunately you have to treat those quickly before they get spread around. A lot of that wasn’t being done frequently.

Q: You’re also quite involved in the educational aspects of medicine.

A: I’m a faculty member here and clinically teach the medical students and residents. I also have a big role here teaching the pre-clinical medical students about reproductive health and reproductive medicine.

Lifelines

Name: Lisa Jane Jacobsen, M.D., MPH, MSHEd Position: OB-GYN at UBMD; associate dean for medical curriculum at UB Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Science; vice chairwoman of medical education in department of obstetrics and gynecology Hometown: Wayland, Massachusetts Education: Tufts University School of Medicine Affiliations: John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital; Buffalo General Organizations: American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology; North American Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology; Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology Family: Husband (Steve); two children (Cory and Justin) Hobbies: Teaching an exercise class

The 988 Mental Health Hotline Is Coming

T

he mental health equivalent of 911 is about to launch across the United States, but a new study finds that many communities may not be prepared for it.

Beginning July 16, a new 988 number will be available 24/7 for Americans dealing with a mental health crisis. It’s akin to 911, long used to get help for medical emergencies.

The new code will replace the 10-digit number currently used to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which was established in 2005. Health officials expect the easy-to-remember 988 to spur a surge in calls.

The trouble is, few jurisdictions are ready for that, according to the new study, by the nonprofit research organization RAND Corp.

“At the service level, the 988 transition is a simple number change,” said Ryan McBain, a RAND policy researcher who co-led the study.

But on the ground, McBain said, it’s a different story.

For one, local crisis centers need enough counselors to handle any influx of calls. Beyond that, some callers will need additional in-person help.

Yet, the study found, many jurisdictions lack such resources. It surveyed 180 state, regional and county health officials, and found that only half said their jurisdiction had shortterm “crisis stabilization” services to which callers could be directed.

Even fewer — 28% — had urgent care units that could be dispatched to people in urgent need. Meanwhile, only 22% had call centers that could schedule mental health appointments

on behalf of people who wanted them.

On top of those shortfalls, most local hotlines did not offer text or online chat options. That’s a key gap, McBain said, since teenagers and young adults often prefer those modes of communication.

Overall, McBain said, the findings confirm the concerns of many mental health experts: Jurisdictions have not had the time or resources to prepare for the 988 rollout.

The 988 code was authorized by Congress in 2020, with the intent of giving Americans an easier way to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline is a network of almost 200 crisis centers throughout the United States. When people call the national number, they are connected with the center closest to them to speak with a trained counselor and, if needed, get help finding local resources.

The intent of the Lifeline, and 988, goes beyond suicide prevention, McBain noted. It offers help to people in mental health distress, including problems related to substance abuse.

The looming 988 launch is only the beginning of efforts to shore up that system, said physician John Palmieri, acting director of the 988 coordination office at the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

“The Biden-Harris Administration has made significant strides in strengthening and expanding the existing Lifeline, and we expect 988 will continue to grow and evolve in the coming months, as more states start to step up,” Palmieri said in a statement.

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That excellence can be found at the Emergency Center at DeGraff Medical Park (formerly DeGraff Memorial Hospital). Our physicians are second to none and combined with our highly-trained nurses and staff, they all share one goal – to provide patients with outstanding medical care. In fact, they’re the same physicians who provide emergency care at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

Writers: Deborah J. Sergeant, Jim Miller, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Brenda Alesii, Daniel Meyer, Amanda Jowsey, Steve Yablonski • Advertising: Anne Westcott, Amy Gagliano Layout & Design: Joey Sweener • Office Manager: Kate Honebein 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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DeGraffEmergency.org July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 5

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

G

What My Garden Has Taught Me

ardening season is in full swing, as evidenced by the long check-out lines at gardening centers throughout our area.

July is the perfect month for folks to dig in, get their knees dirty, and try their hand at growing a few flowers and vegetables at home.

It’s also a good time to reflect the many life lessons that gardening offers to those who live alone. It has taught me the value of planning, preparation, patience and pleasure — four essential “P’s” for a bountiful garden and ... a bountiful life.

Fertile ground exists in each of us, and a little tending can produce beautiful results.

Here’s what I have learned:

• Plan. Realizing the garden of your dreams begins in your imagination, followed by careful planning.

Diagram your garden and it will help you avoid planting onions on top of potatoes or mistaking basil for a weed.

Likewise, envisioning your life goals and committing them to writing can help you flourish and grow.

• Cultivate. Good, cultivated soil promotes healthy, deep roots. When you add fertilizer to your garden you are rewarded with abundance. Adding essential ingredients to the foundation of your dream garden (and your dream life) will nourish all that follows.

You can’t go wrong with nutritious food, a walk in nature, a good book, soothing music or saying “yes” to a new adventure that’s been tugging at your heart.

• Plant. So many choices! Revisit your plan and embed your carefully selected seeds or seedlings with a tender, loving touch, being careful not to overcrowd or plant more than you can manage.

And remember: We reap what we sow, so follow your dreams.

Plant a tomato and you get a tomato; neglect to pull a dandelion and you’ll

Pride Center Launches New Transgender Youth Programming Safe and inclusive resources and services available for young people aged 13-18; annual transgender youth wellness conference to be introduced

P

ride Center of Western New York recently announced new transgender youth programming, focused on youth ages 13-18 of transgender experience and their families.

“We are thrilled to provide new programming and a safe, inclusive and celebratory space for Western New York’s young people of transgender experience, to reduce barriers to care and provide information and support,” said Kelly Craig, executive director of the Pride Center of West-

ern New York. “The more we can provide safe, inclusive and celebratory spaces for LGBTQ+ communities, the better.”

The Pride Center of WNY is an affiliate of Evergreen Health, and together with allies, service providers and external partners, the Pride Center offers knowledge, experience and resources to address LGBTQ+ issues, including HIV, sexual health, discrimination, social isolation and most of all – acceptance.

The new transgender youth pro-

Page 6 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

get an abundance of dandelions.

Seed your future with healthy choices that promote well-being.

• Weed. We all need room to breathe and space in which to blossom. It holds true for your garden and your life. Gardening is all about consistent caretaking. Slack off, even for a few days, and all things unwelcome show up and take root.

Weed out the negativity and any dream-stealing toxins that contaminate your life, dash your hopes, or spoil your fun. When you pull out the bad, you can more easily focus on the good in your life.

• Prune. When weeding is not enough, a major pruning may be in order. A job, relationship or home that no longer satisfies or meets your needs may need a hard look. It may be time to pull out that pair of “life loppers.”

• Mulch. Mulching keeps weeds at bay, the ground moist, and adds nutrients to the soil. It also adds a finishing touch.

Mulch offers a blanket of protection, in the same way that regular doctor appointments, insurances, vaccinations, and safety measures protect our lives. We can learn a lot from mulching.

friendship. When you exercise patience, life can be savored and more deeply appreciated.

Each year, I look to my garden to remind myself that growth takes time.

• Enjoy. Before you know it, your labor of love and patience will pay off. Take pleasure in the transformation as the colors, textures, and fragrances emerge. Too often, we fail to “stop and smell the roses” in our gardens and in our lives.

So get busy, then step back and take a good look. There’s nothing quite as gratifying as admiring what you’ve accomplished. It’s reason to celebrate!

By osmosis, gardening has taught me how to take better care of myself. I have absorbed its rich messages and learned how to nurture my inner garden and growth as a woman on her own.

I encourage you to grab a spade and join me. Beauty, growth, and an energizing sense of renewal can be yours, season after season after season.

• Wait. We all know that good things come to those who wait. Enjoy the gradual unfolding of a garlic scape, a lettuce leaf, an idea, or a

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

gramming will ensure young people of transgender experience receive the resources and services they need, including: • Drop-in services and activities in a safe space • Social support groups • Support groups for parents and caregivers • Individualized support and family support • Access to a regional referral library and transgender youth resource guide • Youth empowerment opportunities including a transgender youth community advisory board • Linkage and referrals to affirming medical, mental health, legal and other services The Pride Center of WNY has also hired a new transgender youth coordinator and is introducing an annual transgender youth wellness conference.

In alignment with the Pride Center of Western New York’s values, all transgender youth programming will

be staffed and designed by employees with lived experience, assuring that services are culturally competent and authentic. Center staff will implement programming to reduce isolation, eliminate barriers to care, and provide support to link youth and families to an array of community supports.

The Pride Center of WNY’s new transgender youth programming is made possible by financial support provided by City of Buffalo Common Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski, the Evergreen Health Foundation and New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.

“We are so grateful to have supportive partners who care deeply about advancing the important work we do every day,” said Craig. “This generous support allows the Pride Center of WNY to continue to carry out its mission to work with the community to make Western New York a safe, healthy, and satisfying place for LGBTQ people to live, work and establish their families.”

Check your skin

PRACTICE SUN SAFETY WITH THESE GUIDELINES THIS SUMMER

regularly for NEW or

CHANGING MOLES or NON-HEALING GROWTHS.

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Use a BROAD SPECTRUM

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Cover up with PROTECTIVE CLOTHING including a

BROAD-BRIMMED HAT.

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6/17/22 2:15 PM

HEALING ARTS

The Brain Tingles: ASMR & Relaxation Many people are now turning to ASMR to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression and insomnia

By Amanda Jowsey

A

soft voice, a hairbrush slowly gliding across your scalp, the quiet sound of a page turning in a book.

If any of these experiences give you goosebumps, you may be one of the people who experience a phenomenon known as ASMR, autonomous sensory meridian response, a tingling sensation that usually starts in the scalp and travels down the back of the neck and spine.

Feelings of peace, comfort and contentment follow.

Many people are now turning to ASMR to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression and insomnia.

First coined in 2010 by a woman named Jennifer Allen, the term ASMR finally seemed to legitimize a unique feeling that was hard to explain and that was not experienced by everyone else. Many people feel it early in life, while others do not until later. Perhaps they didn’t realize it until someone else gave it a name and mainstreamed this sensation.

My first experiences with ASMR were early on in life, when my dad would brush my hair after a bath, watching Bob Ross or listening to my fourth grade librarian teach a lesson.

It immediately elicits feelings of comfort, protection and sleepiness.

The feeling is caused by soothing audio-visual stimuli. The most common ASMR triggers for those who experience the phenomenon include whispering or soothing voices, gentle tapping or scratching sounds, soothing physical touch and personal attention (massages, haircuts, a comfortable physical exam, an embrace, getting your nails done), eating, and page turning. There are a wide range of triggers that vary from person to

person and it’s not necessarily specific or replicable.

Eric McFeely of Buffalo never knew there was a name for ASMR, but he is one of the people who experiences it.

“It’s hard to remember when it’s triggered for me because it’s always been inconsistent,” he explained.

“I’ve always just lumped it in with other good sensations. Having your scalp scratched and having a shoulder massage are both pleasurable sensations, right? But it wasn’t until I learned about ASMR that I realized it was a totally different degree of ‘good feeling.’”

He doesn’t feel it with high intensity, but it is a measurable instance when it does happen.

“For me, it is only triggered by an overall experience. A moment in time with all the right conditions, I guess. Maybe it’s the right combination of visual, audible and physical touches all put together. Maybe that’s why it’s rarer for me,” McFeely said.

We talked about the ASMR community online and its substantial growth over the years.

“I think that a lot of people have unique sensory input processing, but we all learn to cope in ways that homogenize us without ever thinking too much about it. Now with the internet, we’re better able to talk about and define those things. We can collect and quantify our more specific needs,” he said.

“In a small community, you might be the only one out of a thousand people with a certain experience, so you bury it down so as not to be ‘weird,’ but on the internet you can find 50,000 people who understand it completely,” McFeely said.

“Another thing is simply that the adult world is full of stress, and

Eric McFeely of Buffalo: “Having your scalp scratched and having a shoulder massage are both pleasurable sensations, right? But it wasn’t until I learned about ASMR that I realized it was a totally different degree of ‘good feeling,’” he says. we’re all looking to be soothed and relaxed in one way or another.”

Even live ASMR studios are popping up, like Whisperlodge NYC, the world’s first live ASMR performance, “a 90-minute immersive performance with special one-on-one treatments designed to relax the mind and body, expand awareness, and heighten the senses.

An article in the Journal of Trends in Cognitive Sciences summarized ASMR as “sounds that feel like touch.” Their study suggests that the “anatomical and functional links” between auditory and sensory processing form the basis of ASMR. “People enjoy a sense of touch from auditory (and often audiovisual) stimuli,” the article explained.

According to a paper in a behavioral neuroscience publication,

“ASMR is easy to use, and appropriate for wellness purposes on a wide range of people.” The study matched other similar findings that ASMR videos or experiences cause a decrease in heart rate, feelings of joy, safety and comfort—all of which can benefit anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Another study found that those who get these tingles tend to have higher levels of anxiety, or histories with insomnia than those who do not experience the sensation. Interestingly, it also seems that most of the videos involve personal attention, affection or caretaking scenarios. Is it possible that ASMR is a biological response entwined with our inner children, with our need to feel safe and secure?

Craig Richard, PhD from Shenandoah University in Virginia has been documenting and researching the phenomenon. He founded ASMR University, a website dedicated to his studies. Richard speculates that the feeling is related to parent-infant bonding. During ASMR, he said, the body releases endorphins which bind with receptors that are “best known for inhibiting pain while also stimulating pleasure, relaxation and sedation.”

Ultimately, ASMR may trigger these core experiences that formed our sense of safety and comfort as children.

Further research is needed to understand it fully, especially in relation to sleep, anxiety and depression. But it seems that the online world is on board with using this as a new method of coping with the extreme stress we feel day to day.

Millions of ASMR “roleplay” videos can be found online, depicting anything from a relaxing haircut to a pampering spa day or face painting session. These videos, if watched out of context with no background information, may appear strange and at times comical to some, but make no mistake, there are people out there who experience real and positive effects from watching them.

Taking care of you With a busy schedule, we get that it’s sometimes hard to make your health a priority — that’s why we make sure it’s ours.

At UBMD, we put your health and wellness first. Whether you need a primary care provider or a specialist, we’re the one source for the life you lead.

we’re with you Page 8 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

Providing roviding Women’s Healthcare • family medicine • primary care • neurology • neurosurgery • obgyn

• orthopaedics & sports medicine • psychiatry • surgery

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Additional Information

HEALING ARTS

Reiki Growing in Popularity

Roseanne D’Erasmo Script, reiki practitioner and owner of Buffalo Healing Therapies, during one of her reiki sessions. “It’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual realignment. It never depletes. It’s powerful, yet gentle,” she says, referring to reiki.

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

O

nce dismissed in many circles of Western medicine as quackery, reiki has gained a reputation as helpful for pain, anxiety and stress relief among many healthcare providers.

For example, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center hosts reiki practitioners for guests of its Survivorship and Supportive Care Center. The University of Rochester Medical Center also regularly hosts reiki practitioners for special events and clinics.

Most people do not understand how it works, but its effects impress many who try it.

“It promotes healing; we are more relaxed and it opens us,” said Roseanne D’Erasmo Script, reiki

practitioner and owner of Buffalo Healing Therapies. “’Rei’ is spiritual wisdom and ‘ki’ is lifeforce energy in Japanese. It shortens healing time, reduces pain, reduces stress and creates a sense of optimism.”

Script is certified in reiki; ThetaHealing, a meditation training technique; and healing touch, a type of energy therapy.

“It’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual realignment. It never depletes. It’s powerful, yet gentle,” she added. “They use it in many hospitals around the U.S. because it’s so easy to learn.”

Reiki clients remain fully clothed and practitioners place their hands slightly above clients. Unlike massage therapy, the practitioners do not manipulate tissue, but typically hover over patients.

Kids Need Summer Break Good routine, schedule and nutrition are important in the summer

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

W

hile no school districts in New York schedule school year-round, numerous districts do nationwide, citing reasons

such as decreasing remediation, reducing need for daycare and using school resources throughout the year.

The districts typically sprinkle their time off throughout the rest of the year, with week-long breaks during each quarter (so much for decreasing daycare!). While parents of children who have a typical summer break may feel that scheduling academic camps and reading lists will keep them ahead scholastically, enjoying summer as a break from rigorous mental activity offers benefits, too.

“Some time should be used for free play that isn’t structured or planned,” said Arthur Becker-Weidman, Ph.D., Center for Family Development in Williamsville. “It fosters creativity. I used to go out and play with my friends all day until lunch or maybe dinner, although that depends on the environment.

“Play develops a sense of efficacy. You have the ability to make

“We first scan the body to see what we’re dealing with,” Script said. “We hold the energy. We’re the plug and the energy comes through us and the energy goes where it’s needed.”

The client may feel warmth or, as Script described it, “a wonderful, glowing energy around them.”

A typical session will last roughly an hour. Clients often begin feeling relief right away. However, some may need subsequent sessions to work through a particular issue.

Lisa Metlak, reiki practitioner and owner of White Wolf Reiki & Wellness in North Tonawanda, explained reiki as “realigning the energy in the person’s body to help them in their mental state. It can be beneficial for calming anxiety and identify and help certain illnesses.”

She views reiki as complementary to medical treatment in that it supports the body’s ability to heal, but it is not a replacement for health care.

Some people think that reiki is like a spiritual ceremony of laying on hands practiced in some churches. However, Metlak said that reiki pulls energy in from the universe and does not necessarily involve prayer (although some reiki practitioners may combine reiki with spirituality, depending on the client’s wishes).

“Because it is not a physical thing in the body, there won’t be contraindication with medical treatments or medications,” Metlak said. “I do warn people you may cry; it’s OK. Let it go. They may hold back emotions and it finally lets them release it and they feel better afterwards.”

She said that she used to be in the camp of skeptics, thinking that reiki was not effective at all.

“It was a matter of being able to identify and pay attention to how it feels and be open to it,” Metlak said. “If you’re not open, then you’re going to inhibit your own healing process. A lot of times, that’s why you need reiki and a massage. And maybe a cabin in the woods.” things happen as opposed to everything happening to or for you. Sense of efficacy is vital for doing well in school. If you have no sense that you can make things happen, when things get hard, you’ll give up. If you have that sense of efficacy, you’ll persist.”

Summer break offers a chance for children to step away from the busy grind of school and learn and practice their soft skills and engage in nonacademic interests.

Free time for play helps children learn how to entertain themselves.

However, they need the right tools for play. Assess their playthings. Are their toys outgrown, broken or missing parts? Provide some age-appropriate outdoor play equipment, such as sporting goods, bikes and skates, sidewalk chalk, water squirting toys and swing set and slide. Plan for rainy days with some new coloring books and markers or crayons; craft supplies and kits; modeling clay; Legos and other building kits; dolls, action figures and puppets; and pleasure reading material.

While summer should represent a time of relaxation, it is important to for parents not to leave summertime as a completely blank slate.

Carrie Everett

Why Try Reiki?

“I

have had clients come for many reasons, all of which are usually very personal ones,” said Carrie Everett, reiki practitioner and owner of Reiki’s Light in Buffalo. “Reiki helps with stress and anxiety reduction, as well as helping with physical pain and side effects of chemotherapy.

Reiki can also be used in conjunction with western medicine for overall wellness.

“The effects of reiki can last for any time of 24 hours after an initial treatment to several days to a week after a series of regular treatments. Usually, I have clients that start a program of weekly visits for about a month to really kick start their energy healing, and eventually they move into monthly maintenance sessions.

“I have channeled reiki for chronic migraine sufferers, speech problems in youth, anxiety, stress, physical pain, panic attacks, as well as palliative care for both individuals that are departing, and their loved ones.

There are many reasons to try reiki, and as I stated, most often it is a very personal journey for my clients. I am finding more and more people that would like to stay away from traditional treatments and are looking for a more holistic medicine.”

It is tempting to let all the rules drop during summer, but that is not a good idea, according to physician Alberto Monegro, with the Pediatric & Adult Sleep Medicine and UBMD Pediatrics & UBMD Internal Medicine, and an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB. “For most Americans, we have the idea that when we are on vacation or when summer starts that the most restful thing to do is to stay up late and have inconsistent bedtime schedules, as we try to maximize every hour of our day,” Monegro said.

The “non-schedule” is stressful on the body and especially for children, who crave routine for when they sleep, eat and exercise.

“When that routine is thrown into disarray, their health is affected,” Monegro said. “It’s very difficult for a child with poor sleep habits in the summer to get back into the rhythm of going back to school.”

Summertime sleep is hard enough with the longer daylight hours throwing the body’s circadian rhythm out of whack. Sticking with a consistent bedtime and a cool, dark bedroom can improve children’s rest.

July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 9

produced more peppermint than anywhere in the world. Visit the nearby H.G. Hotchkiss Essential Oil Museum, which chronicles Lyons’ minty history. See who will be crowned Baby Mint and stay late enough for the fireworks show—one of the best in the region. July 15-17.

BurgerFest Hamburg www.hamburgburgerfest.com It is not just about burgers, but numerous kinds of foods, plus food trucks. Bring along the children for activities and inflatables. Explore crafts, the car show and the beer tent.

July 16.

It’s ‘Eat Up’ Season

Phelps Sauerkraut Festival Phelps www.phelpsny.com/sauerkraut-weekend It celebrates everything sauerkraut and cabbage. Phelps was once lauded as the sauerkraut capital of the world. See who will be crowned the Sauerkraut Festival Prince and Princess. Aug. 4-7.

Festivals across Upstate New York feature all sorts of food

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

n addition to the great weather, summer brings a bevy of foodbased events. Taste the flavors of the season at these food fests across the state. Each features the expected vendors, local food and live entertainment. Some include a midway or special events like a parade or fireworks, and they all focus on a notable food raised locally. Dig in!

Finger Lakes Wine Festival Watkins Glen www.flwinefest.com It offers tastings of 90-plus wines,

5

seminars, cooking demonstrations, toga contest, live music, fireworks, and, for those who plan to stay the weekend, on-site camping. July 7-10.

Taste of Buffalo Buffalo 716-249-1189 www.tasteofbuffalo.com It offers a sample of Buffalo’s best eateries. July 9-10; Aug. 6.

Eden Corn Festival Eden www.edencornfest.com It highlights one of the region’s top crops and includes the Agricultural and Community Showcase, and plenty of corn on the cob. Aug. 4-7.

Lyons Peppermint Days Lyons www.lyonstown.com/peppermint-days It commemorates when Lyons

Avon Rotary Corn Festival Avon www.avonrotary.org Festival includes an annual corn eating contest. Aug. 13.

Things You Should Know About Men’s Health 2.

early on. That is why we are reminding people about the importance of these screenings,” Patnaik added.

HEART DISEASE

Although heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women, almost twice as many males die of conditions that affect the cardiovascular system. According to the CDC, one in four men has some form of heart disease.

Average annual rates of the first heart disease complication rise from seven per 1,000 men at ages 35-44 to 68 per 1,000 at ages 85-94. The average age of a person having a first heart attack is 65.8 for men and 70.4 for women, according to the American Heart Association. Risk factors for heart disease include increasing age, gender (male), family history and race, smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity and overweight, and diabetes.

“Heart disease is another condition that we definitely watch for especially with family history,” said Patnaik. “Many of those causes are smoking, drinking and stress as well so we ask questions about those behaviors during exams.”

Sciences at the University at Buffalo Medical Department.

“We tend to get busy with our lives and ignore our own health even taking care of others at the expense of ourselves. We should make it a priority to be healthy for ourselves, the people we love and for the opportunity to do the things we want to do in life.”

1.AGE MATTERS Physician Priyanka Patnaik practices family medicine and is a clinical assistant professor at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo Medical Department.

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

P

hysicians understand getting male patients to come to their offices remains challenging.

The top 10 health ailments that men suffer from more than women are heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic pulmonary disease, accidents, pneumonia and influenza, diabetes, suicide, kidney disease and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.

“The only thing that stays with us all our lives is our body,” said physician Priyanka Patnaik, who practices family medicine and is a clinical assistant professor at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical

When it comes to adults 18-39 years old, she advises a yearly exam with general vital testing, checking of weight, height and blood work.

“You want to make sure your BMI is not higher than 25 and we want to check for your cholesterol,” said Patnaik. “It is all about preventive screening. We also like to have discussions about depression, sexually transmitted diseases and if you have a family history, check for diabetes.”

In ages 40-65 years old, there are many preventive screenings from prostate to colon. In May 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued new recommendations for colorectal cancer starting at an earlier age. Now we are seeing an increase of colon cancer between 40 and 50.

The American Cancer Society has approved the age of colon cancer to 45. The recommended age was lowered from 50 to 45 because colorectal cancer cases are on the rise among young and middle-age people.

“We are finding in the medical community several young people now who are getting colon cancer

3.STRESS

Page 10 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

Stress continues to be an underlying condition for many health ailments. It can affect essential components of your life such as sleep.

“Everything in our body is related to each other. When you have mental stress, there are many things that are simultaneously happening,” said Patnaik. “You are going to start secreting stress hormones that will affect your sleep and can lead to obesity and weight gain. It also can start a cycle of unhealthy behavior and the health issues cascade from

The Glorious Garlic Festival Geneva www.genevadowntown.com It had been held in Penn Yan at Fox Run Vineyard but this year will be at the Geneva Lakefront. The event includes wine tasting, cooking demonstration and the chance to sample and purchase freshly harvested garlic of several varieties. Aug. 6-7.

National Buffalo Wing Festival Buffalo www.buffalowing.com Inspired by a Bill Murray character attending the fictitious National Buffalo Wing Festival in the film “Osmosis Jones,” the real event was founded by local Drew Cerza in 2002 to promote Buffalo. Attendees flock from each U.S. state and 50 countries for eating wings, cooking and eating competitions and bobbing for wings from a kiddie pool of bleu cheese dressing—no hands allowed. Sept.

3-4.

Niagara County Peach Festival Lewiston www.lewistonpeachfestival.org Enjoy the midway, peach treats and see who is crowned the Peach Queen. Sept. 8-11.

——— Check the venue’s social media page in advance for event guidelines.

Bring along cash for purchases, as some food festivals do not accept cards or app-based payments, and totes to bring home local purchases. one problem to another.”

4.MENTAL HEALTH

Men are four times more likely to commit suicide compared to women, according to Men’s Health Network, which attributes part of the blame on under diagnosed depression.

To help men with depression and to reduce the risk of suicide, doctors, loved ones and men themselves need to recognize that society’s model of masculinity — to ignore pain — can work against men. Looking the other way may trigger depression and thoughts of suicide.

“Mental health is not something that can just be ignored or pushed to the side,” said Patnaik. “Just as I mentioned with stress, our environment does have correlation when it comes to our health.”

5.EXERCISE

Exercise remains another way to prevent bone and joint issues. Regular exercise gives you the ability to build muscle mass, increase strength, improve balance and coordination. Getting an exercise routine tailored to fit your personal health problems is the best way to improve on bone and joint issues.

A daily walk or other weight-bearing exercise is an effective way to maintain bone mass. Sedentary older people are more likely to have bone and joint issues compared to active older adults.

“We recommend any kind of activity that helps you burn calories,” said Patnaik. “Obesity leads to various bad health outcomes such as high blood pressure, hypertension and cholesterol.”

She added you want a healthy diet without large amounts of saturated fats.

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

Helpful tips

The skinny on healthy eating

Pork Ribs 101: Why Moderation is Key!

D

uring the grilling season and especially on the Fourth of July, my husband and I indulge in something we rarely eat all year long: pork ribs.

It’s a summer tradition that allows us to enjoy this tasty meat with an understanding that it won’t last forever.

We rarely eat ribs because, much like addictive chicken wings, we tend to devour them without really thinking about what or how much we’re eating. And while ribs certainly have some nutritional merit, they also have enough drawbacks for us — cholesterol-worriers that we are!

— to put them in the “occasional” food category.

What have ribs got going for them? You might be surprised. An average serving of ribs (3-4 oz) has around 20 grams of protein, which, for some, provides nearly 50% of the recommended amount. Protein is a powerhouse nutrient that we need throughout our lifetime, from growth and development when we’re young to maintaining muscle mass and strength when we’re old.

More pork perks: Ribs teem with several B vitamins, including the coveted B12, a critical vitamin whose deficiency is marked by extreme fatigue and lethargy. All together, the mighty B-team plays a vital role in helping to maintain good health, provide energy, improve memory, and boost immunity.

In addition to all those good B vitamins, pork ribs are an excellent source of selenium and zinc, two powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals — unstable molecules

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

that can harm your cells and contribute to many age-related diseases.

So, what’s not to love about this lip-smackin’ cut of red meat? Three biggies: fat, cholesterol, and calories.

Although some cuts of pork fall into the lean category with 10 grams of fat or less, baby back ribs and spareribs do not, delivering 20 grams of fat (or more!) per average serving. What’s more, a notable portion of that fat is saturated fat, the unhealthy fat that can raise cholesterol levels and increase risk of heart disease or stroke.

As for cholesterol, a 3-oz serving of ribs has 70 mg, a hearty chunk of the 300-mg recommended daily limit.

Last but not least, calories. Ever see someone eat an entire rack of barbecued ribs in one sitting? You’ve just witnessed the inhalation of nearly 2000 calories, perhaps more if the ribs were slathered in rich barbecue sauce. At about 300 calories per 3-oz serving, pork ribs on their own won’t land you in eater’s jail, especially if

Most People Think Their Diet Is Healthier Than It Is

U.S. adults commonly overestimate the quality of their diet, study shows

H

ow healthy is your diet? It seems like a simple question, but according to a new study, it’s one that most Americans struggle to get right.

“We found that only a small percentage of U.S. adults can accurately assess the healthfulness of their diet, and interestingly, it’s mostly those who perceive their diet as poor who are able to accurately assess their diet,” said Jessica Thomson, PhD, research epidemiologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricul-

Named for their shorter length (not the piglet), baby back ribs are leaner, more tender, and have less meat than heartier, fattier spareribs. To cut calories and make ribs a tad healthier: season ribs with a dry rub; read barbecue sauce labels carefully and cut your sauce with some apple juice or cider.

To further reduce salt and sugar, consider making your own rub and sauce.

tural Research Service in the Southeast Area, the study’s lead author.

“Additionally, most adults overrate the quality of their diet, sometimes to a substantial degree.”

Thomson presented the findings during the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held June 14-16.

The researchers wanted to find out whether a single, simple question could be used as a screening tool for nutrition studies — to replace or complement the detailed dietary

you practice portion control and only eat them occasionally. What may land you in the culinary clink, however, is the finger-lickin’ sauce, which can add hundreds of calories, not to mention loads of sugar and salt.

Lightened-Up Baby Back Ribs

Adapted from foodnetwork.com 1 (3-lb) rack, bone-in baby back ribs dry rub mix ½ cup 100% apple juice ½ cup barbecue sauce Dry rub mix: 2 tablespoons paprika 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon cumin questionnaires commonly used in nutrition research. Previous studies have found that self-rated health is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality, but there is scant research on whether self-rated diet quality is predictive of the actual quality of one’s diet.

The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults conducted every two years. Participants were asked to complete detailed 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires and rate their diet as excellent, very good, good, fair or poor.

Researchers used the food recall questionnaires to score each participant’s diet quality. Examples of foods ranked as healthier include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, lower-fat dairy products, seafood and plant proteins. Foods considered less healthy included refined grains and foods high in sodium, added sugars or saturated fats.

The study revealed significant disconnects between the researcher-calculated scores and how participants ranked their own diet. Out of over 9,700 participants, about 8,000 (roughly 85%) inaccurately assessed their diet quality. Of those, almost all (99%) overrated the healthfulness of

Preheat oven to 225 degrees. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for dry rub, using a fork to crush any clumps.

Place ribs on a double layer of aluminum foil (tear enough to encase ribs). Rub mix on both sides and then wrap foil around ribs, leaving a small section open at the top. Place wrapped rack of ribs on a large sheet pan and pour apple juice on the ribs through the opening in the foil. Cook for 2 hours. Remove ribs from foil and reserve ¼ cup of the juices.

Preheat outdoor grill to medium. Mix reserved juices with barbecue sauce and set aside. Grill over indirect heat for 10 to 15 minutes per side. For the last 10 minutes of cooking, baste with barbecue sauce.

Remove from grill, allow to rest 15 minutes before cutting, enjoy!

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.

their diet.

Surprisingly, accuracy was highest among those who rated their diet as poor, among whom the researcher’s score matched the participant’s rating 97% of the time. The proportion of participants who accurately assessed their diet quality ranged from 1%-18% in the other four rating categories.

Thomson said further research could help to elucidate what factors people consider when asked to assess their diet quality. For instance, it would be helpful to know whether people are aware of particular dietary recommendations and whether they take into consideration where their food is purchased or how it is prepared.

“It’s difficult for us to say whether U.S. adults lack an accurate understanding of the components of a healthful versus unhealthful diet or whether adults perceive the healthfulness of their diet as they wish it to be—that is, higher in quality than it actually is,” said Thomson. “Until we have a better understanding of what individuals consider when assessing the healthfulness of their diet, it will be difficult to determine what knowledge and skills are necessary to improve self-assessment or perception of one’s diet quality.”

July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 11

Left Dozens of kids touched by cancer at Camp Good Days near Keuka Lake in Yates County gather around a campfire. “Here at Camp Good Days, they get a chance to be with others who are probably the only other people in the world who can really understand what it’s like to be them; other children also going through cancer,” says camp founder Gary Mervis.

Camp Good Days Resumes In-Person Camps for Kids with Cancer

Founder talks about the evolution of the camp for children with cancer.

‘We didn’t have any money. We didn’t have a camp. But we had a dream.’

By Steve Yablonski

C

amp Good Days was founded by Gary Mervis after his daughter, Elizabeth “Teddi” Mervis, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at the age of 9, in 1979. She ultimately died in 1982.

“For me it’s a memorial to my daughter, Teddi — she’s the reason that I started it and it’s helped to keep her a part of my life every day,” he said. “And, to be honest with you, I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have this. I retired from my state job in 1994. Then I coached football up until two years ago at St. John Fisher College. This has become my everything else. I never looked at this as a job. This was my memorial to Teddi and probably the only thing in my life that really makes some sense out of something that didn’t make any sense.”

Marvis believed the loneliness of being the only child in her school and neighborhood dealing with cancer was as painful to his daughter as the treatments.

Camp Good Days has helped kids with cancer — and their families — for 43 years, until COVID-19 hit.

“Over these past three years it’s been really tough. We weren’t able to operate,” Mervis said.

But he is opmistic about the activities the camp plans for this year.

In July, Camp Good Days is going to do family camps then in August a traditional children’s camp, Mervis explained, adding, “We’ll be real busy pretty much all summer.”

What has made Camp Good Days so successful for over four decades is because it takes children who are dealing with cancer and it gives them a chance in a beautiful part of our state where people are there because they want to be—gives kids a chance to be kids again, Mervis said.

A lot of these children grow up too quickly, make adult decisions, he said.

“The treatment options are some of the most potent that medical science can come up with. Sometimes when a child is going through treatment a lot is happening to them and

Above Camp Good Days founder Gary Mervis (centered, seated) gathers with kids and family members in 2021.

Right Gary Mervis and his wife Wendy started Camp Good Days after daughter, Elizabeth “Teddi” Mervis, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at the age of 9, in 1979.

At Camp Good Days, All Programs Are Free Camp Good Days and Special Times, commonly called “Camp Good Days,” is a residential summer camp which provides summer camping experiences for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. It was the first organization of its kind in the United States to be started by a lay person, Gary Mervis. The camp is operated by a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, “Camp Good Days and Special Times Inc.,” which is one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country.

The camp offers weeklong summer

Page 12 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

camping sessions, weekend adult retreats, and year-round programs for families who have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. These include programs for children, adult oncology programs, family programs and brain tumor family retreats. All programs are provided free of charge.

Programs are open to: Children with cancer or sickle cell anemia, children who have a parent or sibling with cancer or sickle cell anemia, children who have lost a parent or sibling with cancer or sickle cell anemia, women and men with cancer.

Visit www.campgooddays.org for more information.

their bodies and they don’t feel very comfortable,” he continued. “They might be the only one in their neighborhood or church or synagogue or school dealing with this thing called cancer. Here at Camp Good Days, they get a chance to be with others who are probably the only other people in the world who can really understand what it’s like to be them; other children also going through cancer.”

Mervis’ daughter is always in his mind and helps guide his decision.

“I tell people all the time — at night a lot of times before I go to bed I will just kind of say to myself what would Teddi think; would she think I’m doing a good job?” he said.

“That’s what keeps me going and the day that I ask that question and I’m not doing a good job, then it’s time to do something else; unless the good Lord intercedes before that.”

Mervis made a promise to himself when he first started Camp Good Days. When Teddi was in the hospital, he’d run into some other parents who had a child in the hospital at that time and realized how blessed he was.

“I had a good job with good benefits, our marriage was very good … Teddi was doing OK. But I saw a lot people who were really torn because they quit work to be with their child; especially initially to get them to the many doctor appointments and sitting with them when they are getting their treatment. Finances was a big thing and I didn’t want to see anyone with a child who had cancer have to make a choice to take a child to Camp Good Days or make a car payment or pay the rent or mortgage.

So I said that all of our services and programs would be provided free of charge,” he said.

That was great in the early years; they didn’t have a lot of kids, he noted. But over the years with the increase in kids and just the overall cost of things, it became very expensive.

“But because of the support of so many people who believe in what we are trying to do I’ve been able to keep that promise. No family has ever had to worry about paying. I never wanted potential campers to be turned away by cost,” he explained.

“I never wanted people to have to choose between a car payment and going to camp.”

The camp is located on Keuka Lake. “It’s a beautiful part of our state. We’re right across from Keuka State Park. It’s a total of about 15 acres, all level and we use every bit of it. It’s a very special, special place.

The camp also maintains offices in Buffalo, Syracuse and Ithaca,” he added.

Mervis heard about a doctor in Michigan who had taken children from their clinic, rented an outdoor

camp and took the children there.

“The camp was as far removed from the sterile environment of the hospital as you could get. I saw those kids having fun and all I could think about was I wanted to send Teddi to that camp,” Mervis said.

He tracked down the doctor — a pediatric oncologist with the Upjohn Corporation in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

“He explained to me it was a new concept and his was only the fourth in the country. We didn’t really have anything for our kids here. So, I made an appointment with the head of Roswell Park and Upstate Medical Center. There were more than enough childhood cancer patients in the area to warrant such a program, albeit it many of them were too young to go to camp; some were in the midst of treatments and couldn’t go. But there were more than enough,” Mervis said.

That doctor was going to be in Buffalo on business. Mervis decided he’d drive to Buffalo and pick him up, bring him to Rochester and he’d stay overnight and the next morning at the Rochester Academy for Medicine they’d have an informational meeting.

And so, Camp Good Days was born.

“We didn’t have any money.

We didn’t have a camp,” Mervis said. “But we had a dream!”

The first event was held in the Adirondacks at Inlet, New York.

“No sooner had we put the children on the buses to go home, we were sitting around talking about how we could make this bigger and better the next year,” he said.

By the time the third year rolled around, 1982, Teddi had lost her battle. Many of the other children were sicker, as well. The medical staff decided camp needed to be closer to a major childhood cancer treatment facility.

Most of the medical staff came from the University of Rochester.

“So we drew a 60-mile radius around the U of R and looked at camps that we might be able to rent in that area,” he said. “Some of the camps that we looked at were in such disrepair that they wouldn’t meet the needs of our children.”

At first, week-long camp experiences were held at private camps. In 1986, the Branchport property, formerly cottage resorts Campbell’s Beach and Pebble Beach, was purchased to provide expansion of the program.

“We spent, I think, almost three years getting it ready so we could get permission from the state so we could operate a children’s camp,” he said. “It was a real blessing when we were able to move all our programs to one facility.”

The camp has served more than 50,000 campers from 22 states and 27 foreign countries.

“Before this COVID came, during the course of a summer, we’d have 1,200 to 1,500 children from the time we opened up our program at the start of June and ended usually with our weekend programs in September and October… right before election day,” he said.

the parent and the child to advocate for themselves, have access to testing, continue to grow as a person, and not fall behind.

Q: Who is your typical client?

A: Family members, primarily.

Our clients range in age from birth through adulthood. Many of our staff and board members have children with disabilities; that personal experience provides a unique perspective and a feeling of empathy to the families we reach. We want to empower clients to advocate for themselves; we will even offer one-on-one assistance.

Q: What are common types of disabilities?

A: Many clients have been diagnosed with Downs syndrome or cerebral palsy or autism, or blindness.

Additionally, we work with clients who suffer from psychological and emotional disabilities. We are seeing an increase in cases of delay and developmental disabilities.

Q A &

with Kimberly Kadziolka

New executive director at Parent Network of WNY explains organization’s mission, which is to help people with disabilities, and says African-Americans in general are more reluctant to ask for help

By Brenda Alesii

W

hen Susan Barlow decided to retire from her position as Parent Network of WNY’s executive director, agency officials knew they wanted to hire a replacement who understood the challenges of overseeing a nonprofit focused on providing education and resources for families of individuals with special needs and for professionals.

A veteran human services professional was tapped to fill the director role at the Buffalo-based agency.

Kimberly Kadziolka, a Pembroke native, took over the helm of Parent Network of WNY June 1, and hit the ground running. The North Buffalo resident earned degrees from the University at Buffalo, a master’s from Buffalo State, and a Doctor of Education degree from D’Youville University. Kadziolka worked at several area human services agencies and had stints teaching at Genesee Community College and at the Attica

Correctional Facility.

Q: What attracted you to this job?

A: I saw the posting and I had always heard how Parent Network and Susan were highly regarded and respected for the work they’ve done, especially as a smaller agency, in the disability and education community. Over the years, because of the service and advocacy work they do, I became familiar with the agency and referred many parents there. I have big shoes to fill.

Q: What is the core mission of Parent Network of WNY? A: We are here to assist families of individuals with disabilities navigate the educational support system, using resources, workshops and support groups. We also want families to have an understanding of the specific disability and tap into the collaborative service system. The goal is for

Q: Do you diagnose?

A: No. We assist with getting assessments, but we do not make diagnoses. It’s important to note that diversity and inclusion are important principles of our agency. We serve many people of color in the communities we serve, so we want to be relatable. I’m pleased that several of our staff are bilingual.

Q: Is there still a stigma attached to people with disabilities? Or with family members who may be uncomfortable with a disabled loved one?

A: Yes, I think stigmas still exist.

People don’t want to think that something is wrong with their child.

We’ve found that asking for help with our services helps to normalize the given situation and feel like you have something in common with others. There should be no shame — we all need help sometime.

Q: Are some cultures more reluctant to ask for help?

A: Yes, traditionally African-Americans may take longer to seek help. There are historically good reasons for that. The Tuskegee study is widely recognized as a reason for mistrust, but there are other factors, too: economic, access to health care, biases. I serve on the Journey’s End Refugee Services board, an organization that assists refugees and immigrants settling in Western New York.

This gives our agency a direct link to people from different cultures.

Q: How is Parent Network of WNY funded?

A: A variety of ways: federal and state grants, foundations and donations. The people of the Buffalo area are so generous. There are a lot of social service agencies here; we are all competing for dollars.

Q: What’s the best way to reach your agency?

A: Please go to our website where you’ll find a wide range of information, resources, and events posted: parentnetworkwny.org. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Our phone number: 716-332-4170.

July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 13

OMEN'S HEALTH

Barriers to Breastfeeding Shortage of baby formulas raises questions about the low number of moms who breastfeed

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A

few different factors have contributed to the recent shortage of baby formula, including breaks in the supply chain and fewer mothers choosing to breastfeed during the pandemic.

The latter reason stems from the limited availability of lactation consultants at hospitals and other nursing experts, sick mothers fearful about nursing their infants and fewer peer and family supports available to help.

Experts estimate that about 95% of mothers are physically and medically capable of breastfeeding. However, only 24.9% do for six months for a variety of reasons.

Perception of breastfeeding can cloud the issue, according to Mary Miller, certified lactation consultant and perinatal doula.

“The way the framing of ‘breast is best’ is a red herring,” she said.

“It’s parental choice. Many who go to formula didn’t intend to.”

She believes that the real issue is a lack of support for women who want to breastfeed. If they had that support, “reliance on formula would be reduced,” Miller said.

Miller is a Ph.D. candidate in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in public policy and social change and leader of the Greater Buffalo Area Chapter of Breastfeeding USA and offers lactation counseling and breastfeeding classes.

While some circumstances such as double mastectomy and certain medication would prohibit a mom from breastfeeding, many more could breastfeed. Miller said that doctors and nurses usually lack knowledge on breastfeeding while on medication.

“Breastfeeding as a discipline is taught within a single lecture for doctors and nurses,” Miller said.

“OB-GYNs aren’t generally well educated in that unless they seek it out.

Because of lack of education, physicians are more likely to recommend to not breastfeed if a medication is not cleared for breastfeeding.”

Sometimes, moms taking a prohibitive medication may be able to switch to something safe for nursing or nurse part-time, depending on how long the medication stays in their system.

While breast milk is free, the family’s socioeconomic level matters, especially if the mother experiences challenges.

“The virtual inability of low-income parents to get professional lactation support or buy a pump is a big barrier,” Miller said. “They may need to take a bus to pick up a pump when WIC will give you free formula from the bodega on the corner. WIC provides 50% of the formula sales in the US.” New York Milk Bank in Valhalla, Westchester county, provides milk by prescription for sick or premature babies whose mothers cannot provide milk, or adopted or surrogate babies (although it is possible for women to induce lactation, even if they have not given birth), as well as full-term, healthy infants. Milk donors are screened for health issues and the milk is pasteurized and tested for bacteria. But donated milk can cost around $5 per ounce.

Education on breastfeeding makes a difference. Without knowl-

Breastfeeding: Good for Moms, Children The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization all promote breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months (and slowly introducing food at this point) for a plethora of health benefits to baby, including optimal nutrition that adjust for baby’s age and current health issues, healthier gut biome, reduced risk of diabetes and obesity later in life, healthier immune system, and reduced risk of allergies.

For mom, the benefits include lower risk of certain cancers, easier return to pre-pregnancy weight and size and convenience (breast milk is always the right temperature and unless expressed, does not require bottles).

Page 14 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

edge or experience, it can be tough to get it right.

“The first time you get on a bicycle, you’re going to fall down,” said physician Fred Archer with UBMD Pediatrics. “A lot of times, it’s only because the body hasn’t done it before.”

He encourages members of the mom’s network to help foster a lower stress environment to help her succeed in breastfeeding.

Some women believe that they need to eat a special diet to produce healthful milk and think that because they cannot afford those “special foods,” breastfeeding will not work.

Archer said that is not true: a basic balanced diet is all that is needed.

Spending more for specialty foods is not necessary.

Many women who begin nursing quit within a few weeks because of concerns about milk supply. Normally, milk does not immediately come in when the baby is born. It can take a few days. Once it does, factors such as stress, hydration, and sufficiently frequent nursing or pumping all contribute to adequate milk supply— not the woman’s cup size or clothing size.

Some women fear that their baby is not getting enough to eat while nursing because they cannot measure milk consumption as with a bottle.

“If your kid is making five to six wet diapers, they have plenty of liquids,” Archer said. “You’ll see pooping every time they feed for a new baby. Especially for a first-time parent, that’s a metric to look at.”

Matching the pediatrician’s weight gain chart can concern parents enough to cause them to add formula. But supplementing with formula reduces the milk supply, as the body generates milk according to demand. Miller encourages mothers to ask if the baby growth chart is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information or World Health Organization. The CDC is based on US statistics among more formula-fed infants compared with the WHO statistics that includes a greater percentage of breastfed babies. This difference skews the growth chart.

Cultural variations also matter closer to home. Marixsa Sanchez, program manager of community health programs at Buffalo Perinatal Network and runs the baby café, said that some women have never seen a woman breastfeed.

“Seeing this is valuable,” Sanchez said. “Some have not breastfed generation after generation. They do not think it is normal. They think it is hard. We let them know what to expect.”

Although she helps women connect with a lactation specialist, stigma still exists among many population groups. To counter this, Sanchez promotes the many benefits of breastfeeding that many people have not heard.

For working moms, returning to work represents another barrier to long-term nursing. Learning how to use a breast pump can help moms leave behind milk for their baby’s childcare provider. However, they must pump during the workday to keep up the milk supply. Just nursing while home will not do it.

“We encourage at least breastfeeding at night and whenever at home,” Sanchez said. “Many jobs have only half an hour for lunch.”

LuAnne Brown, RN and CEO of Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network,

DIY formula?

It’s not a good idea. Most recipes circulating on the internet include corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk.

“The baby’s metabolism and physiology cannot process all that sugar in the first two months,” said Margaret Doerzbacher with UB. “Because of that, it actually will hurt the baby. They can become dehydrated because the body is trying to get rid of that sugar.”

So how about cow’s milk or goat’s milk?

“Young babies’ bodies are not really good at processing the kinds of proteins in cow’s milk,” Doerzbacher said.

“Goat’s milk is not optimal for human infants [either],” said Fred Archer, MD with UBMD Pediatrics. “It’s low in folates and folic acid, which support neurological development. We don’t support using that.” said that she encourages clients to reach out to their hospital’s certified lactation consultants for help and education.

“Healthy Families and the fatherhood program also help,” she added.

As odd as it may sound, many women do not realize that breastfeeding can include bottle feeding.

“Some don’t know about pumping and fear going back to work,” said Tammy Kowalik, bachelor’s trained nurse and international board-certified lactation consultant at Mercy Hospital. “There are options other than directly breastfeeding.”

Kowalik said that most insurance companies cover a breast pump purchase or rental at least in part.

Margaret Doerzbacher, Ph.D., RN, and clinical assistant professor in the UB School of Nursing, said that too much is expected of new moms: recovering from birthing while managing a household, working and caring for children, plus the new baby.

“It’s not a realistic expectation,” she said.

Formula seems an easier route, especially for working moms.

Recently passed legislation requires employers to provide a place for moms to pump.

But “there are tons of loopholes and for a large company, they still have to provide only one space even if there are many moms,” she said.

“Sometimes access to that space is difficult. You need access to a sink for handwashing, if for nothing else.”

There’s a difference between providing the bare minimum to meet the requirements. For example, a conference room with a locking door would be considered sufficient, even though psychologically, some moms may find it hard to pump in a room where they sat in a meeting with colleagues minutes beforehand. Or moms may have to use a room where scheduling is problematic. Waiting to pump can cause leaks and contributed to mastitis.

Creating a working environment where lactation is accommodated and honored can encourage more mothers to continue to provide breastmilk. Nursing babies longer can mean fewer missed days for mom as breastfeeding reduces illnesses among infants.

OMEN'S HEALTH

PIONEER OF POWER Clarence native sets national and statewide powerlifting records

By Daniel Meyer

S

he stands a mere 4-foot-10.

And she only weighs 123 pounds.

But what Maya Wright lacks in size and stature she makes up for in determination and dedication in her continued pursuit to become one of the most accomplished female powerlifters on the globe.

A 2016 graduate of Clarence High School, the 24-year-old Wright is impressing longtime observers of the bodybuilding and fitness industry thanks to her athletic ability, mental toughness and technique perfection, developing a unique skill set that allowed her to establish two American records and four New York state records for female powerlifting.

What makes setting and breaking national and statewide records even more impressive is the fact that Wright has only been training in the sport since 2015 and didn’t even compete in her first powerlifting meet until five years ago.

“I haven’t been doing this for very long, but I can tell you that I’ve come to absolutely love it,” said Wright. “I set goals for myself and work extremely hard to achieve them.”

Wright competed earlier this year at the Arnold Schwarzeneger Sports Festival, a prestigious event that took place in Ohio that is considered one of the most competitive powerlifting competitions in the world.

Records for powerlifting are established and appropriately categorized based on the body weight of each lifter. After confirming on the scale that she weighed 123 pounds, Wright proceeded to break two national records for her weight in the squat competition and what is defined as the “total” record for her combined effort in the bench and deadlift categories. The state records she broke for her weight were for the squat, the bench, the deadlift and the “total” for her combined scores in the bench and deadlift.

“It was a goal for me to get to compete at that festival and my additional goals were to challenge myself and attempt to break records,” said Wright. “I was pleased with my performance and I’m already training hard to return there in 2023 and build upon my success and achieve new goals that I will set for myself early next year.”

Wright trains with Carley Skarupinski, a coach at Mustache Fitness and Barbell in Tonawanda who credits her physical and mental toughness for her continued success.

“We’ve worked on building confidence with her lifting and the results are showing that she can accomplish what she sets her mind to by getting up and over any mental hurdles that serve as obstacles,” said Skarupinski. “Maya is flourishing as a lifter and it’s because of the mental victories she achieves when training and in competition.”

Wright credits her supportive family for inspiring her.

Maya Wright’s meteoric rise to glory included on-stage recognition earlier this year at the 2022 Arnold Sports Festival.

A complete focus on perfecting her technique is one of Maya Wright’s strengths when performing at national powerlifting competitions.

One of Maya Wright’s biggest supporters is Carley Skarupinski, her powerlifting coach who is never far behind whenever his star athlete is competing Photos courtesy of Barbell Productions.

“Female athletes constantly set and break records,” said her mother, Randa Wright. “She sets goals and doesn’t give up until she hits them.”

Wright currently attended the University at Buffalo, where she is pursuing a degree in exercise science and nutrition in the hopes of establishing a specific career after graduation.

“I’d like to work with the U.S. Army and develop fitness programs for soldiers,” said Wright.

Her efforts have resulted in Wright achieving role model status in the eyes of other local powerlifters who have observed Wright’s journey to success.

“Last year a young female lifter recognized me while I was volunteering at a local meet,” said Wright.

“She told me she watched my performance at an event in Florida and how she was inspired to sign up for a meet the same day. Until that moment, I did not realize the impact I would have on others, especially other females, in the sport. Representation is important. As a female athlete, I have the opportunity to be the role model that I needed and wished I’d had when I first started.”

Wright believes her rapid escalation in the sport should encourage anyone who develops a passion for a particular athletic event, especially because her original entrance into the world of competitive powerlifting was not that glorious.

“In 2019 I qualified for and competed in the USA Powerlifting Nationals and I completely bombed out, I mean it was absolutely terrible and just the worst,” said Wright. “But I learned from that experience, began training with my current coach and just used that experience as motivation to stay determined and focused.

I learned from my mistakes and now I’m at the point where I push boundaries and constantly raise the bar for myself because that is what I have learned is the best way to accomplish anything that I put my mind to.”

July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 15

OMEN'S HEALTH

Help for Spider Veins Brittany Montross

Illustration shows spider veins of a patient. The photo on the right shows the leg of the patient after treatment.

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

S

mall, squiggly and red, blue or purple in color, spider veins bother some women because of how the veins look on their legs and feet.

But they are not only cosmetic.

Spider veins can also cause pain and they may be associated with underlying varicose veins, which can cause aching, throbbing and swelling.

They often appear on the legs and face but can develop anywhere on the body.

Common risk factors for spider veins include family history, female gender, pregnancy, age, hormones

and history of varicose veins. Healthcare providers offer a few different means to get rid of spider veins.

Brittany Montross, clinical assistant professor at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo and vascular surgeon at UBMD Surgery, uses sclerotherapy to treat patients with spider veins, “the most tried and true treatment.”

Providers evaluate the larger, superficial veins’ function to ensure they do not require treating first.

The practitioner injects a small amount of liquid into spider veins that cause a scar that closes the vein.

“While some patients can experience staining at the site of the injec-

tion, these typically disappear within three to six months,” Montross said.

“Some also have development of new, small spider veins at or near the site of the previous veins. In general, once a vein is treated it does not open back up.”

Patients may require two to four treatments over several months to achieve the best results for large areas. The areas may itch a little for a few days and patients should avoid direct sunlight for two weeks, but most patients can go back to normal activities right away.

Laser treatments offer another option. Krystal Waters, registered nurse and esthetician at The Plastic Surgery Group of Rochester in Roch-

ester, uses this as her primary treatment.

“I use one lens to heat up the area and with the other lens, I trace along the spider vein to get it to coagulate, reabsorb into the body and disappear,” she

said.

The procedure can take up to two hours for a client with numerous spider veins. Treating just one small area takes only a few minutes. If clients continue with behaviors that contribute to spider veins, the veins will likely return.

Intense pulsed light therapy is another form of treatment. The high intensity, non-laser light heats and damages the walls of the veins until they disappear.

Jennifer Ellis, medical director of UR Medicine Vein Center, encourages patients to maintain a healthy weight, as carrying extra weight increases risk of spider veins. Sedentary lifestyle, smoking, or standing or sitting too much all contribute.

“If you’re very sedentary, take frequent breaks to elevate your legs or get up and walk around,” Ellis said. “That can be effective. Another option is compression stockings.

They are knee high socks that help support your legs.”

She recommends a balanced diet low in cholesterol, salt and processed foods to promote circulatory health.

Ellis also makes sure that patients don’t have underlying venous issues.

While for some women, spider veins can become painful. She wants more people to seek treatments “instead of waiting until they experience irreversible effects on their legs,” she said.

It’s Pool Day! ...But What If You’re Menstruating?

Experts discuss options for women who want to swim while menstruateing

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

S

wimming during menstruation can help relieve cramping pain.

It used to mean using tampons to absorb flow (pads are not recommended as they will also absorb water from the pool, lake or pond).

But women have a few other options.

Menstrual cups have gained popularity in recent years for both their convenience and low environmental impact. Because they can stay in place for up to 12 hours catching menstrual flow, women do not need to remove them for emptying as often as they would change a tampon.

A tampon should be changed more frequently when worn while swimming. Menstrual cups need replacing after years of use, unlike single-use pads or tampons.

For anyone concerned about absorbing chemicals common in most tampons and pads, menstrual cups skip that issue as well, since they are made of medical grade silicone.

“Menstrual cups are relatively easy to clean, as they need to be rinsed off with warm water between uses during menstruation and washed off with warm water and soap between periods,” according to the website of Chouchani, Sayegh & Bagnarello, MD, LLP in Williamsville. “They should be stored in breathable containers, such as a cloth bag.”

They are a good choice for swimmers. However, women new to menstrual cups should try them out first, since it may take a little practice to insert them correctly and get a good seal. The user should press the wider end of the cup flat, fold it into a “c” shape to insert, and then allow it to open while inside.

It is also wise to empty, rinse and reinsert the cup before swimming to ensure no leaking will occur.

In a similar vein, menstrual discs collect flow. They also provide protection for many hours at a time since they can collect more flow than a tampon. They are disposable, unlike

Page 16 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

menstrual cups. Both menstrual cups and discs reduce risk for toxic shock syndrome compared with tampons.

Another option is period swimwear. Ruby Love (www.rubylove. com) in East Farmingdale in Suffolk County is one example of a period swimwear manufacturer.

“The world is shifting away from sanitary pads but the insertable options are dangerous, riddled with chemicals and often fail,” said Crystal Etienne, CEO and founder of Ruby Love. “Many people choose comfort even though they are unsafe.

Ruby Love’s patented technology offers comfort along with protection against protection from leaks and stains—even when in the water.”

The swimwear that is similar to period underwear, but with a high-tech design that makes it both effective and undetectable in water.

The swimwear also allows users the option of adding a sanitary pad for extra protection. The swimwear includes an absorbent cotton layer, the company’s proprietary “Super

Absorbent Layer” to keep the user dry, a leak-resistant layer to draw away moisture and the exterior layer to hold it all together.

OB-GYN Anne Marie Davis at Neighborhood Health Center in Buffalo, encourages taking the plunge to any women concerned about the safety of swimming while menstruating “There are no risks in doing so,” she said. “There are so many options for protection from tampons to menstrual cups to the new kind of underwear that you can wear while on your cycle and the swimsuit. There are more and more options opening up. It comes down to every woman’s comfort, knowing their body and knowing their cycle.”

Swimming while the flow is light can lessen the chances of leaks. Women with heavy menstrual flow should speak with their healthcare provider, as this could indicate a concerning health issue.

WNY’s Most Affordable Assisted Living & Memory Care Stimulating social, educational and recreational activities Medication management Access to 24-hour personal care assistance

By Jim Miller

How to Choose a Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) Policy Dear Savvy Senior, I’m planning to enroll in original Medicare in a few months and have been told I probably need to get a Medicare supplemental policy too. Can you offer any tips on selecting one?

— Almost 65

Dear Almost, If you’re enrolling in original Medicare, getting a supplemental policy (also known as Medigap insurance) too is a smart idea because it will help pay for things that aren’t covered by Medicare like copayments, coinsurance and the Part A deductible. Here are some tips to help you choose an appropriate plan.

Medigap Plans: In all but three states (Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin), Medigap plans, which are sold by private health insurers, are available to new enrollees in eight different standardized plans. These plans are labeled with the letters A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N, with two more, C and F, that are only available to those eligible for Medicare before 2020.

Plan G is the most popular policy among new enrollees because it covers the most comprehensive range of benefits. Monthly premiums for Plan G typically range between $100 and $300, depending on your age and the state you reside in. If that’s more than you’re willing to pay, there are also high-deductible plans that have lower premiums but impose higher out-of-pocket costs.

For more information on the different types of plans and coverage details, including Medigap options in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, go to Medicare.gov/ publications and type in “choosing a medigap policy” in the Keyword box, and download their 2022 guide. Or call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask them to mail you a copy.

How to Choose: To pick a Medigap policy that works best for you, consider your health, family medical history and your budget. The differences among plans can be small and rather confusing.

To help you choose, visit Medicare.gov/medigap-supplemental-insurance-plans and type in your ZIP code. This will give you a list of the plans available in your area, their price ranges and the names, and contact information of companies that sell them. But to get specific pricing

information, you’ll need to contact the carriers directly or call the state health insurance assistance program.

See ShipHelp.org or call 877-839-2675 for contact information.

Since all Medigap policies with the same letter must cover the exact same benefits (it’s required by law), you should shop for the cheapest policy.

You’ll get the best price if you sign up within six months after enrolling in Medicare Part B. During this open-enrollment period, an insurer cannot refuse to sell you a policy or charge you more because of your health.

You also need to be aware of the pricing methods, which will affect your costs. Medigap policies are usually sold as either: “community-rated” where everyone in an area is charged the same premium regardless of age; “issue-age-rated” that is based on your age when you buy the policy, but will only increase due to inflation, not age; and “attained-age-rated,” that starts premiums low but increases as you age.

Community-rate and issue-age-rated policies are the best options because they will save you money in the long run.

You can buy the plan directly from an insurance company, or you can work with a reputable insurance broker.

Drug Coverage: You also need to know that Medigap policies do not cover prescription drugs, so if you don’t have drug coverage, you’ll need to buy a separate Medicare Part D drug plan too. See Medicare.gov/ plan-compare to compare plans. Also note that Medigap plans do not cover vision, dental care, hearing aids or long-term care.

Alternative Option: Instead of getting original Medicare, plus a Medigap policy and a separate Part D drug plan, you could sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan (see medicare.gov/plan-compare) that provides all-in-one coverage. These plans, which are sold by insurance companies, are generally available through HMOs and PPOs that require you to get your care within a network of doctors.

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.

Affordable memory care Enhanced assisted care Ask about our Spring Move-in Special!

Contact Us! 716-632-3000 410 Mill St., Williamsville, NY 14221 www.park-creek.com

Need help getting long term care or behavioral health services through your managed care plan?

“Without the help of ICAN, my mother would not have received the home care services I requested.”

Call ICAN at (844) 614-8800 or visit icannys.org

A program of the

ICAN is funded by the State of New York

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July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 17

Ask The Social

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Apply for Social Security Benefits Online

Free Services for two to five years.

We help you make the right decisions for you and your family’s health & life!

Did you know, you can do much of your business online with Social Security? This means no need to call or visit a local Social Security office.

You can take your time completing our online applications and even save your progress to return to later.

You can apply online for: • Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. You must be at least age 62 for the entire month to be eligible to receive benefits. If you were born on the first or second day of the month, you meet this requirement in the month of your 62nd birthday. If you were born on any other day of the month, you do not meet this requirement until the following month.

When you’re ready, apply at www. ssa.gov/retireonline.

• Disability Benefits – You can use our online application, available at www.ssa.gov/disabilityonline, to apply for disability benefits if you: – Are age 18 or older; – Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record; – Are unable to work because of a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death; and – Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. If your application was recently denied, our online appeal application is a starting point to request a review of the

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Q: My child receives SSI. He will be 18 in a few months. Will his SSI payments continue after he turns 18?

A: When a child who is on SSI turns 18, we conduct both a medical and a non-medical review to see if they are still eligible for SSI payments. If the child continues to meet the income and resource requirements, and is still considered to be disabled under the adult disability rules, then payment continues. For more information, read What You Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18 at www.ssa.gov/pubs.

determination we made. Please visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/ appeal.html.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI also makes payments to people who are age 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications. If you plan to apply for SSI, you can tell us you want to apply and we will make an appointment to help you complete the application. Or you can complete a large part of your application online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi.

• Medicare – Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, some people younger than 65 who have disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease.

If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, and are not working, you should apply for Medicare three months before turning age 65 at www.ssa.gov/medicare.

• Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs – Some people with limited resources and income may be able to get Extra Help paying their monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments related to a Medicare prescription drug plan.

People who need assistance with the cost of medications can apply for Extra Help at www.ssa.gov/i1020.

Please share these helpful resources with your friends and family.

can continue to get mail from Social Security when necessary, even if you get your benefits electronically by direct deposit or Direct Express. Learn more about SSI at www.ssa.gov/ssi.

Q: I get Social Security because of a disability. How often will my case be reviewed to determine if I’m still eligible?

A: How often we review your medical condition depends on how severe it is and the likelihood it will improve. Your award notice tells you when you can expect your first review using the following terminology: • Medical improvement expected — If your condition is expected to improve within a specific time, your Q: How do I report a change of address first review will be six to 18 months if I’m getting Supplemental Security In- after you started getting disability come (SSI)? benefits.

A: A person receiving SSI must • Medical improvement possible report any change of address by — If improvement in your medical calling our toll-free number, 1-800condition is possible, your case will 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or by be reviewed about every three years. visiting a local office within 10 days • Medical improvement not exafter the month the change occurs. pected — If your medical condition You cannot complete a change of adis unlikely to improve, your case will dress online. You should report your be reviewed about once every five to new address to Social Security so you seven years.

Page 18 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2022

Health News ECMC’s weight loss program gets accreditation Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation announced its Synergy Bariatrics/Center for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery has recently been accredited for a third consecutive three-year period as a comprehensive center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) — a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

This accreditation extends through March 2025.

“As an accredited program you have demonstrated that your center meets the needs of your patients by providing multidisciplinary, high-quality, patient-centered care,” according to a letter from MBSAQIP. “We are very pleased and gratified that we have received this designation for a third consecutive threeyear term,” said physician Christina Sanders. ECMC’s surgery director.

“Our team worked collaboratively and diligently for this accreditation.

Achieving this accreditation means that ECMC’s bariatric program is of the highest quality and properly centered on the patient.”

ECMC Corp. President and CEO Thomas J. Quatroche Jr., PhD, said, “This national accreditation is evidence that ECMC’s bariatric program continues to deliver care of the highest quality. I congratulate Dr. Sanders, Donna Jones, ECMC’s chief quality officer and ambulatory administrator, and the entire bariatric team for their dedication to providing this excellent specialized service to patients from across our region.”

HEALTHeLINK and Population Health Collaborative announce affiliation HEALTHeLINK, the health information exchange (HIE) for Western New York, announced an affiliation agreement with Population Health Collaborative (PHC) to drive higher quality care, control costs and improve the health and wellness of the people in Western New York.

Improving health equity and

health outcomes in communities with the worst health outcomes, both in rural and minority populations, will be an essential focus through this partnership.

The organizations are coming together to build on HEALTHeLINK’s secure and reliable technology infrastructure for the timely and accurate electronic exchange of clinical information among Western New York health care providers and expand its services to include Regional Health Improvement Collaborative activities like the Live Well Western New York model that has been the focus of PHC. “HEALTHeLINK has partnered with PHC for over a decade on initiatives related to diabetes care, population health, and practice transformation just to name a few, and after many discussions we thought it made sense for a more formal relationship as our respective organizations are both working toward similar goals of improving health in Western New York,” said Dan Porreca, executive director of HEALTHeLINK. “The clinical data alone doesn’t create value; it is what’s done with the data to improve health while recognizing and working on social determinants of health in support of community-based

organizations’ efforts. That’s what this transaction with PHC and more direct work with community-based organizations will enable us to do.”

Aligning these two organizations will further expand the utilization of data through a regional network of community-based organizations and community health champions to inform, support, and promote strategies to improve the health status of Western New Yorkers, increase access to care, and reduce health disparities.

To further address health inequities, clinical data will be used to identify areas of the community in need and create a baseline to determine the success of programs focused on improving health over time. It will also enhance the delivery of health care services among providers in the region who are already connected with the Statewide Health Information Network for New York (SHIN-NY).

Since 2002 the Population Health Collaborative, initially known as P2, has connected, and aligned existing resources in ways that improve the health and wellbeing for people living in Western New York. HEALTHeLINK will continue that commitment which will be enhanced by the data now available, according to a news release.

ROSWELL SCHOLAR’S PROGRAM Launching Roswell Scholars program, from left: Errol Douglas, chief human resources officer, Roswell Park; Candace Johnson, president & CEO, Roswell Park; Mary Ann Long, senior vice President of nursing, Roswell Park; Andrew Storer, deputy chief nursing officer, Roswell Park; Bassam Deeb, president, Trocaire College; and Jackie Matheny, special assistant to the president for external affairs, Trocaire College.

Trocaire College and Roswell Park Partner to Launch Roswell Scholars Program

First of its kind program creates a career pathway from student to employee

T

o improve career pathways for students in the health sciences, Trocaire College and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center have partnered to launch the Roswell Scholars program.

Beginning this fall, 10 Trocaire students will be accepted into the program annually to work on site at the Buffalo-based cancer center with Roswell Park staff to learn about potential career paths with the goal of

being hired upon completion of their degree. Roswell Park will provide mentors and shadow days, as well as professional development seminars to these students on an annual basis.

“Education has, and always will be, a central tenet of Roswell Park’s mission,” said Candace S. Johnson, Ph.D., president, CEO and M&T Bank Presidential Chair in Leadership at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. “The program with

Trocaire is our chance to share our knowledge and expertise about the latest innovations in cancer care and research to best equip students to enter the healthcare workforce, and we hope that many of these nurses in training will one day join our team at the cancer center.”

Trocaire will provide annual $1,000 scholarships to program participants and facilitate educational programming that will complement

and connect the students’ Roswell Park experience to their curriculum or training. In addition, Roswell Park will also provide the opportunity for students and graduates of the Roswell Scholars program to apply and interview for open positions that they are qualified for.

“With the demand for a welltrained healthcare workforce continuing to increase, the Roswell Scholars program is an opportunity for our students to go beyond the clinical experience and understand firsthand the variety of career opportunities available for them at one of the top cancer centers in the country, right in our own backyard,” said Trocaire College President Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D. “Our partnership with Roswell Park seeks to create a career pipeline, exposing students to different aspects of healthcare throughout their college years and preparing Roswell Park’s potential future workforce in the process.”

The Roswell Scholars program is the first of its kind program for both Trocaire and Roswell Park. Interested Trocaire students will be applying for the Roswell Scholar program later this summer.

July 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 19

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