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THE COMMISH February 2016 • Issue 16

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The Commish

Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

New Hope for Cancer Patients

Erie County Health Commissioner Gale Burstein: Happy to have opted for career in public health. Her major challenge: decrease opioidrelated deaths locally

At 91, former President Jimmy Carter is the most famous cancer patient to beneﬁt from a groundbreaking new treatment — immunotherapy Roswell doc: Therapy a ‘game-changer’

Winter Gardening

First-Time Moms Are Getting Older in US

Frozen spheres developed by Connie Oswald Stofko, a local gardening expert. She talks about making your garden prettier — in the winter

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Maple Syrup Season Coming Telehealth Expected to Living Making Grow Alone: Exponentially

the Best 2016 “Healthcare in a of Minute” on p. 5

Beyond Genes–Keys to Healthful Aging URMC prof says in many ways we’re not growing older healthfully

Oysters

Is there any truth to their libidoboosting power? Read “SmartBites” column inside

Half of Those with Glaucoma Don’t Know They Have it — Are You at Risk? February 2016 •

Special Olympics Project Unify has athletes who have disabilities competing alongside high school students who have no disabilities

New Guidelines New U.S. Dietary Guidelines: Boost Fruit and Veggie Intake, Limit Sugar and Salt

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 1

Average age of American women who have a child for the ﬁrst time.

First-Time Moms Are Getting Older in US The age at which U.S. women have their first baby is going up, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From 2000 to 2014, the average age of a mother's first birth rose from 24.9 to 26.3, data from the CDC report found. In the report, published Jan. 14, the researchers attributed the shift to two main factors: a decrease in the percentage of women having their first birth before age 20, and an increase in the percentage having their first birth over age 30. The percentage of women having their first child under age 20 fell to

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13.4 percent in 2014, down from 23.1 percent in 2000, according to the report. The percentage of women having their first child between ages 30 and 34 rose to 21 percent in 2014, up from 16.5 percent in 2000, according to the report. And 9.1 percent of women having their first child in 2014 were 35 or older, up from 7.4 percent in 2000. This is a trend that will likely continue as more women pursue professional goals, said Brooke Hodes-Wertz, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at New York University Langone Medical Center.

Sugary Drinks Tied to Increase in Deep Belly Fat And that type of fat associated with risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, researchers report People who drink sugary beverages every day tend to accumulate more deep belly fat over time, new research suggests. The study, of over 1,000 adults, found that those who downed at least one sugar-sweetened drink a day had a bigger increase in deep abdominal fat over the next six years. Researchers said the results are concerning because that type of fat -— known as visceral fat — surrounds a number of vital organs and is particularly unhealthy. "Visceral fat is the kind that's closely associated with the risks of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease," said Alice Lichtenstein, a

spokeswomen for the American Heart Association (AHA), who was not involved in the study. The findings, published Jan. 11 in the journal Circulation, are far from the first to connect sugary drinks to health consequences. Past research has already found that people who consume a lot of sugary drinks tend to have higher rates of diabetes and heart disease.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2016

ED: Overthe-Counter Sexual Treatments Unproven

Fight ED With Berries

lueberries and other foods rich in flavonoids —such as lueberries, cherries, blackberries, radishes and blackcurrant — are linked to a reduced risk of erectile dysfunction, say researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in

England and Harvard University. Eating more fruit was associated with a 14 percent reduction in risk. If fruit consumption is combined with exercise, that reduced risk of erectile dysfunction by 21 percent, according to the study, in The American Journal

of Clinical Nutrition on Jan. 13. “In terms of quantities, we’re talking just [eating] a few portions a week,” says Aedin Cassidy, the study’s lead researcher and UEA professor, in a statement.

rom horny goat weed to ginseng and maca, over-the-counter dietary supplements sold to improve male sexual health contain a wide variety of “natural” ingredients. Researchers from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center reviewed the scientific evidence for the most common ingredients to determine if they are effective — and most importantly — safe. The results are published online in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. “While certain natural supplements we reviewed show promise for improving mild sexual dysfunction, they lack robust human evidence,” said physician Ryan Terlecki, associate professor of urology and senior author. “In addition, because of concerns that some products are impure or weak, we do not routinely recommend these products to our patients.” For some products, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that can positively impact erectile function, libido and sexual performance. And perhaps most troubling, some products that are advertised as being “natural,” contain traces of phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors (PDE5Is), the same class of medication that includes prescription drugs such as Viagra, used to treat erectile dysfunction. One study revealed that 81 percent of tested samples of overthe-counter products purchased in the U.S. and Asia contained PDE5Is. “PDE5Is cannot yet be legally sold over the counter in this country,” said Terlecki. “Men who use these medications without a physician’s supervision run the risk of taking them inappropriately.” In addition, Terlecki said, men with enlarged prostates who take medications such as Flomax (tamsulosin), terazosin or doxazosin need to know how to time the dosing of the two medications to avoid causing dizziness and potential falls, which may result in fractures. An estimated 40 to 70 percent of men experience some form of sexual dysfunction during their lives. Due to concern regarding costs of prescription drugs, or embarrassment over discussing sexual concerns with their physicians, some men turn to overthe-counter products. According to a recent nationwide survey, 50 percent of respondents reported using dietary supplements for a variety of conditions. “There is a dizzying array of formulations available and the health effects of nutraceuticals are often confusing to patients and medical practitioners alike,” Terlecki said. “We reviewed the current evidence available for each of the ingredients in top-selling men’s health products to provide urologists with a guide they could use to counsel their patients. “Patients are paying more than $5 per day to take products with no proven effectiveness,” he said. Products included in the survey ranged in cost from 83 cents to $5.77 per day. February 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS Feb. 7, 24

Red Cross hosts volunteer orientation events The local chapter of the American Red Cross is hosting several volunteer orientation events. The events are open to anyone interested in learning about the ways in which the Red Cross supports residents in their communities. Volunteer orientation events are scheduled for the following dates, times and locations: • From 5:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17; American Red Cross 325 E. Fourth St., Jamestown • From 5:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 24, American Red Cross, 786 Delaware Ave., Buffalo Red Cross staff members and current volunteers will be available to discuss volunteer opportunities in several lines of service: disaster services, blood services, service to the armed forces, and health and safety services. The Red Cross is also seeking volunteers to join its disaster action team (DAT), which responds to local emergencies and large nationwide disasters. Locally, DAT volunteers respond to emergencies such as house fires, floods, transportation accidents and natural disasters. Relief efforts range from providing food and shelter to offering emotional support to the victims. The Red Cross invites residents to attend an event and consider volunteering regardless of their experience levels. While needs may vary based on current events, the Red Cross will do its best to accommodate everyone’s desire to get involved. For registration and more information, send an email to bernadette. bowie@redcross.org.

Feb. 17

Amherst senior facility holds open house Shaarey Zeked Apartments, a senior community in Amherst, has announced it will hold a tour of its facilities from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17. The tour is free. Shaary Zedek offers 59 senior apartments for individuals aged 55 and over. Located in the heart of Amherst, each apartment includes a large kitchen, spacious closets, and bright bathrooms. Both one- and two-bedroom apartments are available. The organization is offering $200 toward moving expenses and three months free cable. No reservations need to be made. Shaarey Zedek is located at 410 Hartford Road, one block north of Sheridan Avenue. For more information, call 8343711 or visit www.echahousing.com. Page 4

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Gale Burstein, MD Erie County Health Commissioner happy to have opted for career in public health. A major challenge: decrease opioid-related deaths in Erie County Q: What made you choose the public sector over private practice? A: I've actually never worked in private practice. I've always worked in either public health or academic medicine realms. My first job in medicine was as a medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I conducted research and worked on guidelines, policies and practices. We decided to leave Atlanta in 2005 and relocate to Buffalo. My husband and I are both Buffalo natives. I got a job here at the health department, but I felt I could be more productive outside the department given the politics of the time and left to work at Children's Hospital in adolescent medicine. I also did some work for the CDC on the side. Q: What brought you back to the health department? A: When Mark Poloncarz was elected county executive in 2011, he posted many of his department head positions online to apply for rather than appointing contacts to them. At the time I had never thought about being health commissioner, but I received a lot of calls from friends and family encouraging me to apply for the position. My husband encouraged me to apply even though I wasn't sure I wanted the position, saying that it would be a good networking opportunity and get me on the radar. They asked me to come in for an interview and the rest is history. Q: What is it like doing consulting for big public health issues? A: I feel like I had great opportunities at CDC to conduct research that would affect public health and health guidelines. It was a great experience. I did primarily health services-based research. It's a lot of work doing evidence-based guidelines. You have to be very thorough. It was a great opportunity to learn and change practices. Another thing I learned is how political

health can be. I worked in school and adolescent health, as well as in HIV and STD prevention. HIV prevention is very political. This was during the Bush administration, so it was a very interesting time. Q: Do those politics bleed down to the county level? A: There's politics at all levels of health, even within academia, but this administration has been very supportive of our health initiatives. So I haven't really encountered many challenges on the political side with my health initiatives. Q: What initiatives have been at the center of your run as commissioner? A: When I first took this position, one of the challenges we have in Erie County is a lack of access to health care services, particularly on the east side of Buffalo. So to be inline with the health care reform policy, we decided to open up one of the Erie County clinic buildings that had been closed. Since it's the county running the program with taxpayer dollars, we decided to recruit our partners to open up clinics within the building. So we opened up what we call the Erie County Health Mall at 1500 Broadway. It's one clinic building with four separate clinics in it. It's beautiful inside and looks like something you'd expect to find in the suburbs. It opened in 2014. Our next big challenge is taking on the opiate addiction epidemic.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2016

Q: How much of a problem is opiate addiction? Are we talking about illegal drugs, or prescription drug abuse? How do you treat it as a health problem? A: It's growing at an exponential rate. One of the biggest trends the CDC found was increased heroin usage, but prescription narcotic pain medication abuse is also a problem. The data that we have from the health department suggests that we had more than double the number of opiate-related

deaths in 2015 compared to 2014. So it's emerged as a public health crisis. We have an approach looking at prevention at different levels: preventing the addiction from happening, keeping people who are addicted healthy, and helping people who have overdosed. Another issue is changing the culture of pain management. Encouraging physicians to use opiate-based painkillers as a last resort and for a limited time. We're also looking at training providers to be certified to prescribe suboxone, which is a medication that can help treat patients with opiate addictions in conjunction with counseling. We're also training first responders and residents in how to recognize overdoses and administer naloxone to save their lives. We've trained over 7,600 to use naloxone, half of whom are first responders. We're also working with law enforcement to establish drug drop off kiosks to anonymously dispose of drugs and dispose of them safely. So we're trying to encourage people to use these kiosks. We also have some for needle disposal. Q: Why has this become such an issue? Opiates have been around a very long time. A: It's taken awhile to get there and it's going to take awhile to turn it around. In the ‘90s there was a big push to ensure providers were assessing and managing pain. Pain became the fifth vital sign. So the response by providers, and encouraged by the makers of these medications, was to prescribe a lot of these medications that are very potent. It's a lot easier to write a prescription than to counsel a patient about why they don't need it. And then patients began to expect pain medication. We have to turn that around. We also need to think of addiction as chronic disease rather than a social stigma. Q: With your background in pediatrics, how involved are you able to be in children's health? A: I make sure that I make the time to be involved. I still love practicing, though I don't get to do the extent that I used to. I love talking to teenagers as crazy as that sounds. I'm the supervising physician of one of our school-based health centers. I'm usually there a couple mornings a month. I still do teaching and give a lecture to pediatric students doing their rotations a couple times a year.

Lifelines Name: Gale R. Burstein, M.D. Position: Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Health; clinical professor of pediatrics at SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Residence: Amherst Education: SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine; completed a pediatric residency at Case Western Reserve University-Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland; received adolescent medicine fellowship training at the University of Maryland; completed an STD prevention fellowship and a masters in public health at John's Hopkins University in Baltimore; worked as a medical ofﬁcer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Organizations: American Academy of Pediatrics; Buffalo Pediatric Society Family: Married (Peter Bloom), two sons (Zachary, Joshua) Hobbies: Swimming, hiking, skiing, music

Blood Donation, Gays & the FDA Local gay rights activists are calling blood donation requirements unfair and discriminatory By Tim Fenster

ate last December, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lifted its more than 30-year-old ban on blood transfusions from gay and bisexual men, but with stringent requirements that some gay rights activists are calling unfair and discriminatory. Instead of pushing an all-out ban, the FDA will now allow blood donations given on the condition that the donor has not had sexual contact with another man in 12 months. The FDA says its decision reflects the most current scientific evidence and ensures the safety of the blood supply by reducing the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission through blood transfusions. “The FDA’s responsibility is to maintain a high level of blood product safety for people whose lives depend on it,” said the FDA’s Acting Commissioner Stephen Ostroff in a statement. “We have taken great care to ensure this policy revision is

backed by sound science and continues to protect our blood supply.” However, Matthew Crehan-Higgins, senior director of the WNY Pride Center, challenges that claim, pointing out that modern testing can detect HIV within a couple of weeks of an infection. Even by the most conservative estimates, Crehan-Higgins says, HIV can be detected within three months. “Leaving even the one-year ban in place continues to have stigmatizing affects on our community,” Crehan-Higgins said. “The presence and nonpresence is the only thing that should come into play here.” The FDA issued its recommendation that blood establishments indefinitely ban gay male donors in 1983, having determined that high rates of AIDS and HIV among that population posed too great a risk to the blood supply, according to the FDA’s revised policy guidance. At the time, the FDA also banned donations from other at-risk populations, including sex workers and

those who inject illicit drugs (rules that will remain in place, with either a lifetime ban or one-year deferral depending on the behavior and its associated risk). “Previously, there was not enough scientific evidence to support a change in blood donations policy for men who have sex with men in the United States,” said FDA spokeswoman Tara Goodin. Crehan-Higgins pointed out that the ban was enacted early in the AIDS epidemic, at a time when little was known about HIV, and that the science has advanced in the intervening decades. “That’s been outdated for a long time,” he said. He asked that the FDA’s new policy look at “everybody through the same lens.” However, Goodin, the FDA spokesperson, said the agency did consider alternatives, such as individual risk assessments, but concluded that there is too little data on the effectiveness of donor educational questionnaires. Similarly, they found

a “lack of reliability in self-reports of monogamy by partners in any type of sexual relationship.” What’s more, current science shows gay male sex presents a 62fold increase in risk of being HIV positive, while heterosexuals who have been promiscuous in the past year only have a 2.3-fold increased risk. And though gay men only make up 2 percent of the total US population, they account for about two-thirds of all new HIV infections in the US. The FDA also claims that its new policy is based on behavior — not on a potential donor’s sexual orientation. But gay rights activists who have been fighting the blood ban for years say that despite the policy change, they are still being singled out for just that reason. “Anything that refers to a specific condition for gay and bisexual men is discriminating,” Crehan-Higgins said. “The one-year abstinence rule is still a functional ban.”

Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman

Telehealth Growing Exponentially

here were just 250,000 telehealth “visits” in 2013. That number is expected to hit 7 million by 2018. Most plans are now paying for telehealth, which means more and more physicians will participate, if only to remain competitive. Telehealth allows physicians to remotely monitor diseases like diabetes and develop care coordination plans. This is a tremendous boon to homebound elderly or those living in predominantly rural areas. A major impediment to telehealth has been state borders. Getting licensed to practice in different states has been a hassle for physicians. The new Interstate Physician Licensure Compact is an agreement that makes it far easier for physicians to get credentialed in other states. Currently 12 states participate with most being clustered in Western/Central states with large rural populations like Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. So far, New York has not enacted. Contiguous states Vermont and Pennsylvania have introduced legislation. Some carriers are getting way ahead of the competition in order to attract and retain business. New York state- based Oscar Health offers telehealth through Teledoc to its 100,000 members for free. Members can call or use the Oscar Health website (www.hioscar.com) to relay their symptoms. A physician responds in less than 10 minutes.

Medical Bills

The No. 1 cause for bankrupt-

cy is still medical debt. 1.7 million Americans will file for bankruptcy this year because they can’t pay their medical bills. A study conducted by NerdWallet (yes, NerdWallet) considered data from the CDC, federal courts and the Commonwealth Fund. Most people max out credit cards, which carry high interest rates. The study also reveals 10 million people with insurance claim they can’t pay all their outstanding medical bills. While ObamaCare has reduced the number of uninsured Americans by 15 million, it isn’t a panacea. The average US household income is about $50,000. The cost of a basic family plan is about $20,000.

Doula Care

Doula is from the Greek word for “a woman who serves.” As women choose alternatives to delivering their baby in a hospital, many are hiring doulas who are trained to provide non-clinical emotional, practical and informational support throughout pregnancy. Doula care is not covered by insurance. Advocates claim the use of doulas can reduce costs by lowering C-sections, the use of epidurals and preventable complications. The problem is there hasn’t been enough experience with doulas to confirm the claims. While research has shown that the cost of inpatient deliveries far exceeds the benefits, the mortality rates for “outside”-born babies was twice that for hospital-born babies.

Cost Containment

Most industry experts estimate 30 percent of healthcare is unnecessary.

But how much is attributable to overly demanding patients? According to a study in the American Journal of Managed Care, a lot. Fifty-two percent of primary care physicians admit to making unnecessary referrals to specialists to placate patients. Thirty-nine percent acquiesced to prescribing expensive drugs when equally effective generic drugs were available. It is totally understandable why physicians would want to avoid conflict with their patient customers. Many believe fee for service/volume is a major cause of unnecessary care since there is not a financial incentive for either party to keep costs down. Cost containment incentives are gradually being imposed on physicians and hospitals. Patients can do their part in cost containment by cooperating and becoming informed consumers.

Nurse Placement Reflects Change

In what should come as no surprise, a 10-year study that tracks nurse employment found nurses are increasingly employed outside of hospitals. In 2012, 76 percent of new nurses took jobs in hospitals compared to 87 percent in 2005. This reflects the shift about where care is being delivered. Hospital occupancy has been declining 5 percent a year while services provided to the community by home care agencies, case management companies, ambulatory care centers, urgent care centers and physician offices have seen marked increases.

Free Doctor Visit

In order to improve overall

February 2016 •

health, some health plans in large markets like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Miami are offering a free primary care visit to their members. The physician still gets paid, but the patient does not have to pay down their deductible or the 20 percent co-pay. The hope is that the “free” visit will give the primary physician an opportunity to identify any health issues before they become serious and to reduce unnecessary trips to the emergency department. It also gives the physician chance to meet brand new patients and establish a baseline on them. Many consumers are deterred from getting necessary care because of high out-of-pocket expenses.

ACA Headed for Veto

While there have been over 50 attempts to repeal the ACA/ ObamaCare, the various bills never got past the Democratic-controlled senate. But now that the Republicans control the senate, a bill will finally reach the President’s desk. While it will definitely be vetoed by Obama, it is an indication of what might happen if a Republican wins the White House next year.

George W. Chapman is a health consultant who operates GW Chapman Consulting in Upstate New York. To reach him, email gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Unique and Local Ways to Stay in Shape From aerial dance to barre classes to hula hooping: region oﬀers variety for those who want to stay active in the winter By Katie Coleman

inter puts many of us in hibernation mode. Daylight quickly escapes us, and the cold keeps us hidden away inside, presenting extra barriers to stay active. Stagnancy through winter is a little dangerous. Feelings of depression and isolation can quickly creep up on us and can be hard to shake. To keep your exercise routine fresh this winter, here are a few unique ways to stay active in Buffalo until the weather allows us to play outside again.

Barre Classes

Working out using a ballet barre has become an increasing trend in America through studios such as Pure Barre that have popped up all over the country. This workout consists of tiny isometric movements, which occur when your muscles contract without changing length. According to breakingmuscle.com, one of the main benefits of isometric training is that the body is able to activate nearly all available motor units — something that is usually very hard to do. “There is often a misconception that one needs to have dance experience or be in prime physical condition to do barre classes,” said Sloan Evans, chief executive officer at Pure Barre, located at 7660 Transit Road in Buffalo. “This isn’t the case with Pure Barre. While we do use a ballet barre for stability in class, Pure Barre is not a dance class. The low impact nature of our workout makes Pure Barre accessible to clients spanning a wide range of ages and fitness levels.” Pure Barre classes are 55 minutes long. They begin with a warm up and light weights to work out your arm muscles. Next you will use a ballet barre to work on your thighs and glutes. The barre is followed by a set of abdominal exercises, and finished up with a cool down. Call Pure Barre

SEX AFTER PROSTATE CANCER?

Free Seminar in Rochester Thursday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. “Treating Sexual Dysfunction After Prostate Cancer”, by Louis Eichel MD.

story ideas? editor@buffalohealthnews.com

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Sengupta Conference Room, Rochester General Hospital, Polisseni Pavilion, Ground floor. Spouses and significant others welcome. Registration not required. Arrive early for best seating. Use Portland Ave. garage. Parking passes to first 30. Email:ustoorochesterny@gmail.com

at 276-3570, or go to Purebarre.com for more information. Buffalo Barre is another local option to try out a barre class. The studio also offers yoga and pilates classes all taught by certified instructors. It offers different types of barre classes like power core barre, burn barre, light barre and express barre. Buffalo Barre is located at 5843 Transit Road in East Amherst. Call 880-7049, or go to Buffalobarre. com for more information.

Buffalo Aerial Dance

Aerial dance is a mixture between contemporary dance and circus arts, which uses unique exercise instruments such as aerial silks, static trapezes and lyras to provide a full body workout in a challenging new way. No experience is necessary — there are beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes as well as an aerial yoga class. Aerial silks are large pieces of fabric that are rigged so dancers can wrap themselves to create different poses and drops. They also use static trapezes, hung so that dancers can move around on a trapeze bar and ropes to form different pose sequences. Lyras are metal hoops suspended from one or two points, allowing for aerial, contortion, and spinning during classes. Corde lisse are vertical ropes that are also incorporated in the dances. Buffalo Aerial Dance is located at 255 Great Arrow Ave. in Buffalo. Call 432-8074, email buffaloaerialdance716@gmail.com, or go to Aerialdancebuffalo.com for more information.

Hula hooping

The great thing about hooping is it’s simple and can be done right in your living room if you have the space for it. It’s a complete core and full body workout, and also a great way to express your self in a new way. It can be very hard at first, but the more you practice the more you’ll get in sync with your hoop and find your own rhythm. You can find affordable hoops pretty easily online, although they do get more expensive once you get into LED (light up) hoops. There are different sizes and weights to accommodate your shape and what feels right to you. Ultra Hoops, located at 295 Auburn Ave. in Buffalo, sells different handmade and smart LED hoops. For more information, call 400-3144, or go to ultrahoops.com, where you can learn how to hoop, read up on different hula tips and tricks, and how to pick out the right hoop for you.

Line Dancing

Hustle for Health offers free line dancing classes to clients in the Buf-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2016

falo area ranging from 8 to 80 years old. Classes are set to original, instructional dance music created by Sam “DJ Maestro” Anderson, who grew up in the Detroit techno scene and wanted to reach a new audience. “Hustle for Health is unique because it’s cool,” said Jennifer “Jazzy T” Williams, the co-founder and community outreach director for Hustle for Health programs. “We took something you’d do in a nightclub and brought it to community centers, schools, and churches. You can take these classes and get exercises, entertainment, and a bonding experience.” Every class starts with mindfulness: breathing and centering exercises as well as a positive affirmation. This sets the tone of the class to create a supportive environment for everyone to exercise in together. Williams said sometimes the gym can be very competitive and isolating, and that’s what makes Hustle for Health special: their mindfulness practice squashes any competitive or disconnected vibes, showing that everyone is there for each other. There are differently themed classes such as a cancer survivor slide and birthday slide, and each instructor matches the demographic of their group. To learn more or get involved, call 4049444, or go to www.hustleforhealth. com.

Tattoo Removal Growing in Popularity More than one in five people regret having tattoos or

seek or have completed their removal By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

bout 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo, according to the Pew Research Center. Of them, about 17 percent regret a tattoo and 11 percent are seeking or have completed tattoo removal. Some find that what they thought was clever years ago isn't funny anymore. Or that their tats don't look right for working in a professional environment. Others who got inked with a significant other's name want that moniker removed once the relationship ends. Unfortunately for those unhappy with their tattoos, removal is not cheap or easy. Tattoos cost from $45 to $150 to obtain, but around $1,000 to $3,000 or more to completely remove. For small tattoos, some use cosmetics to camouflage their ink with success. Surgical removal can replace a tattoo with a scar. A series of chemical peels may lighten some tattoos. Over-the-counter and Internet-sourced tattoo "removal" products "don't work well," said Samuel Shatkin, board-certified plastic surgeon with Aesthetic Associate Center in Amherst. "The ink is too deep." Instead, he advises people to visit

a reputable, board certified plastic surgeon to seek laser tattoo removal. Modern laser equipment provides the most effective means of removal with less pain and scarring than other methods. "They generate high energy for short periods of time to minimize damage to healthy tissue," Shatkin said. Some clients liken the pain of removal to the pain of receiving a tattoo. Laser tattoo removal on thinner skin, such as the fingers, can cause greater pain as the laser pulses deeper into the layers of skin. Shatkin said that using a numbing agent or medication helps. Spacing the several treatments a month apart allows patients' swelling and skin damage heal, though some clients dislike the appearance of a half-gone tattoo. Amanda Cooper, a registered with The Skin Center at Southgate Medical Group in West Seneca, explained that the laser uses heat and light to break up the ink particles. “After it's broken down, the body filters it out as waste. It's uncomfortable, but we try to make it tolerable with a blowing machine. We numb it

a little bit." Cooper said that green, blue and black tattoos remove the easiest since the laser can differentiate it from light-pigmented skin. That's why laser removal doesn't work as well on darker skin tones. Tattoos with white, yellow, and fluorescent colors prove more difficult to remove from lighter skin because the colors more closely resemble the natural color of the skin. She added that typically, the laser treatment only lightens skin pigments as a negative side effect, but doesn't change the texture. The lightened pigment may normalize over time. Clients undergoing treatment should avoid sun exposure to the sensitive, healing skin.

For people who want to modify a tattoo, such as to change a name or alter an unwanted statement or image, laser removal can provide a blank area for the tattoo repair after the skin heals.

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Page 7

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Valentine's Day Message For Those Who Live Alone Dating tips for finding that special someone I’m often asked by readers and those who attend my “Live Alone and Thrive” workshops whether I ever date or would consider getting married again. My answer is unequivocally “yes!” More often than not, people are surprised by my answer. I like the question, because it gives me a chance to remind everyone that being successful at living alone doesn’t mean abandoning the idea of building and sharing a life with someone special. I’ve said it before and it bears repeating: Living alone doesn’t mean being alone. Many people satisfy their need and desire to be with people by developing a great group of friends, including family members. Others want more, and long for romance and the exclusive domain of a loving relationship. It is to this latter group that I dedicate this column. If the idea of dating in mid-life seems daunting, know that you are not alone. I’ve talked with many older women and men who have resigned themselves to “terminal single-hood,” after having tried unsuccessfully to enter the dating scene. It only takes a few disappointments and rejections to send people running for cover. But like any challenge, if you approach dating with thoughtfulness

and care, a satisfying and lasting relationship is possible at any age. Below are a few tips I’ve assembled from my own experience and the experiences of others that may help you jump-start your search for a loving companion: Deﬁne what dating means to you. If you haven’t dated in years (perhaps in decades), the term “dating” may suggest the first step in a predictable path to marriage. These days, dating is, well, dating. And you can define it any way you like. Maybe you just want a date for a work event. Perhaps you’d be happy with a number of companions with whom you could enjoy movies, dinner, intimacy, etc. Or, you may be on a serious quest to find a new life partner. Your definition — your dating goal — will shape the style and pace of your search. Know what you’re looking for. I remember reading a magazine article recently in which the author details her experience of writing down the qualities she wanted in a man, and then — lo and behold — having the man of her dreams stroll right into her life.

Was it coincidence? Magic? Who knows, but the exercise has merit. Thinking about what you want as well as what’s unacceptable will help you refine your search and improve your chances of finding a compatible partner. Be yourself. This is no time to try and become the person you wish you were or you think others will find attractive. One of the advantages of being a little older is increased self-awareness and the confidence to be who you truly are. Accept and embrace yourself “as is.” Pretending to be otherwise will only compromise your chances of meeting someone who loves you just the way you are. Spread the word. If you want to meet someone, make your search a priority and let friends and family know you’re looking. Don’t be apologetic about expressing your desire to find a companion. It might sound like this: “You know, it’s been a while, and I’m feeling ready to meet someone. May I ask a favor? Would you keep me in mind if you run into someone you think might be a good fit for me?”

Other ways to initiate your search include joining a matchmaking website or by subscribing to a dating service. Having had no experience with these avenues, I can only offer this bit of cautionary advice: It’s potentially risky, so take precautions. There's a lot written on this subject, so look for books and articles, or conduct a Web search to learn how to best protect yourself. Put yourself with like-minded people. Do you like to dance? Are you an athlete? Is reading your passion? We all like being with people who share our interests; and one way to kick-start your dating adventure is to attend social functions that attract the kind of partner you are looking for. Now’s the time to join clubs and groups whose members include potential partners. It could be a book club, a hiking group just for singles, dance lessons that don’t require partners, or support groups or organizations that cater to divorced or widowed men and women. To be successful, you need to get out of the house. Have fun and keep your expectations in check. We’ve all suffered the occasional bad date or rejection. Try not to let that stop you from meeting new people and pursuing that special someone. Dating, just like networking for a new job, can put you in the company of interesting, stimulating people. Even if your heart doesn’t go pitter-patter, you’ll be out in the world and expanding your experiences and circle of friends. So give it a whirl. Muster your courage, pick up the phone, and enjoy the search for that special someone! Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive, empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, New York. For information about her upcoming workshops or to invite Gwenn to speak, call her at 585624-7887, email her at gvoelckers@ rochester.rr.com.

Stressed Teens May Face Higher Diabetes Risk as Adults: Study

KIDS Corner

eens who have trouble coping with stress may be at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes as adults, new research suggests. For the study, researchers examined data from more than 1.5 million 18-year-old men who were conscripted into the Swedish military between 1969 and 1997. The participants all underwent standard testing for stress resilience, and none of them had

diabetes at the age of 18. But during the follow-up period, from 1987 to 2012, more than 34,000 of the men were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, according to physician Casey Crump, from the department of medicine at Stanford University in California, and colleagues. Compared to men with the highest resistance to stress when they were 18, those with the lowest stress

Fewer Childhood Cancer Survivors Dying From 'Late' Effects

ewer childhood cancer survivors are dying years later from lingering effects of the treatment that conquered their cancer, a new study finds. Experts called the report, published in the Jan. 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, "very good news." "The findings substantiate what Page 8

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experts in the field have hoped would be true," said lead researcher, physician Gregory Armstrong, of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in Memphis, Tenn. Survival rates from many childhood cancers are high, but survivors still face what doctors call "late effects" — health problems that develop months to years after the cancer

treatment has ended. Among U.S. children who survived cancer back in the 1970s and '80s, 18 percent died within the next 25 years, Armstrong said. But children treated for cancer in the 1990s had better long-term survival rates. Over the next 15 years, 2 percent died of a treatment-related cause, compared to 3.5 percent of

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2016

resistance were 51 percent more likely to have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes later, the investigators found. However, the study only found an association, and was not designed to prove a cause-and-effect relationship between stress resilience and diabetes risk. The study was published online Jan. 13 in the journal Diabetologia.

those treated in the early 1970s. The overall death rate dropped over time, too: Of children treated for cancer in the early 1970s, 12 percent died over the next 15 years. That fell to 6 percent among children treated in the 1990s. So what changed? Armstrong said there were important shifts in the way doctors manage common childhood cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Hodgkin lymphoma and Wilms tumor, which affects the kidneys.

Body Massage: More Than Luxury

Finally.

Closure to my leg pain and varicose veins.

Practitioners talk about therapy’s healing power. ‘Should not be a once-in-a-blue-moon type of deal,’ they say By Katie Coleman

hen your body needs a tune up, who do you turn to for help? Medical doctors now recognize massage therapy as a proper medical treatment for emotional and physical issues like chronic pain and stress, as well relaxation and rejuvenation. Some of the recognized benefits of massage include improved posture and circulation, lower blood pressure, headache reduction, flexibility, a strengthened immune system, deeper breathing, and post-injury rehabilitation. Massage is also recommended to treat illnesses like depression, anxiety and insomnia. “A lot of times people think of massage as a luxury or a once-in-ablue-moon type of deal — and it’s not,” said Grant Morse of Orchard Park, managing member of Vitality Group of WNY LLC, and owner of the four Buffalo area Massage Envy locations. “To receive massage on a monthly basis is where true healing takes place,” Morse said. “It’s natural healthcare — it increases energy and wellbeing, releases muscle tension and treats conditions like arthritis, hypertension, and headaches.” Morse had a herniated disc in his neck, and sat down with a neurosurgeon to create his treatment plan. One of the first things his surgeon asked him was if he had been going to a massage therapist. Morse was so excited because in the past doctors weren’t as on board with massage as a formal medical treatment. For example, if someone has chronic back pain, they are many times recommended to go to a physical therapist. That’s been happening for a long time. Now, a doctor may recommend massage in addition to physical therapy to attack the issue from many angles. Chiropractor William Owens Jr. of Greater Buffalo Accident & Injury Chiropractic, has been in practice for

18 years, and spent six years teaching at the New York Institute of Massage. Owens sends many of his patients dealing with pain to a massage therapist at Sisters of Charity Hospital. “It’s important to understand there are two types of massage — relaxation, and being treated for a specific condition. The qualifications of your therapist are very important. If you’re going for a medical treatment, make sure they are trained in those areas. Most of my patients who’ve been injured at work, or in a car accident, will have a massage consult to help them manage their pain while they’re healing, and before doing a more invasive treatment. Massage therapy is a natural and conservative way to manage pain.” Heather Whitley is one of Massage Envy’s therapists, who is licensed by New York state after 1,000 hours of training as well as passing her boards exam. “Massage is not just about relaxation. It can improve your quality of life, and enhance the way you look at the world around you,” Whitley said. “There’s also a great sense of camaraderie. Instead of shaking my hand, I’ll have so many clients go in for a big hug. It’s such a healing experience on both sides that it very rarely goes without recognition.” One of Whitley’s clients, Mike Stachewicz Jr, moved to Buffalo in 2003. “I used to do a lot of heavy construction and exercise a lot, and a lot of times I’d get really sore and stiff,” Stachewicz said. “Getting a massage from a licensed massage therapist is totally different from getting a backrub from your wife — they’ve been trained to dig into certain trigger points to loosen entire groups of muscles. I would always feel refreshed and relaxed, and perform better at work and with my fitness routine after our sessions.”

There is a solution to the discomfort, swelling and appearance of varicose veins. The Venefit procedure is a clinically proven, minimally

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Connie Oswald Stofko, publisher of BuffaloNiagara Gardening online magazine, can’t think of a better time to enjoy gardening activities than in a Buffalo winter.

Gardening in the Winter

Top By Catherine Miller

hink it’s too early in the year to start thinking about gardening? Think again. There are tips and tricks you can utilize to enjoy the outdoors now and prep your garden for the upcoming growing season. Connie Oswald Stofko, publisher of Buffalo-Niagara Gardening.com — an expert in gardening —took time to clue us in on the top nine winter ways to enjoy your garden.

Does the garden and lawn look a bit drab without color? Fill

balloons with water and a bit of food coloring. Place the balloon outside to freeze and then snip and peel away the balloon once its solid. Place several together in a pyramid, using decorative planters or garden accessories to display them, or simply line the colored iced globes to form a vibrant parameter in the yard. Remember to be watchful of where the food coloring will leak if they should melt. Enjoy the bright colors on a gray winter day.

Despite the lack of bright colors there is a beauty to a winter garden that we seldom appreciate. Snow lying softly on trees

and bushes; a birdhouse surrounded by bare branches awaiting its tenant; a dormant rose bush adorned in ice crystals. Step outside with a camera and take photos of all the wonders winter has to offer. Page 10

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Tips

With the vegetation harvested and the annuals at bay take a close up look at your gardening beds. Winter is a great time to

rethink what you’ve done in the past. Take photos of the area and start planning on how you can rotate your vegetables, breathe new life into a quiet corner or revamp an entryway. Make a list of what you will need once the weather breaks.

Join a gardening club — it’s the quickest way to get the best information on what works and what doesn’t in your region.

Take a class — whether at a nursery or one of the many gardens in our region, gardening classes are continually being

Gardening clubs meet more often in the “off season” so now is a great time to make new friends and get some new ideas.

held. Learn to make indoor floral

arrangement or an outdoor decoration using natural items to give as a gift. There are lectures and workshops available in the area as well as horticulture certificate programs and master gardener training classes.

Enjoy exhibits — from the Buffalo and Erie Garden Botanical Gardens to the Plantasia Garden Show and even area nurseries — visit their exhibits and enjoy

a bit of nature. Parts of the Botanical Gardens can make you feel as though you’ve retreated to a tropical oasis — and that’s a nice break from reality at times during a Buffalo winter.

Spruce up your indoor plant collection. While visiting the

nurseries see what they have in stock for indoor plants and add a few to your home. A great way to add oxygen to your home in winter, indoor plants can bring a meditative, relaxed feel to a room.

Prepare for spring planting by making crafts for your garden.

Whether you want to make a clever garden sign to set in the garden or homemade plant tags for your vegetables, take the time you have now indoors to prep your items. When the outdoor gardening days come you can then have them ready at hand to add to the garden after your initial planting to quickly bring your spring garden to life.

Ready, set, plant! Use a gallon milk jug spliced halfway down to begin planting now. Yes — now!

Winter sowing has become a hot item in our region and a milk jug seems to be as good a place to start as any. Fill the bottom half of the jug with your soil and seeds. Leave the cap off for ventilation and moisture. The flap of the spliced jug allows

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2016

Frozen spheres developed by Connie Oswald Stofko. She created the spheres from balloons, water and a bit of food coloring. She does that to add color to a garden during the winter time when there is a lack of colors. for you to plant and transplant your little seedlings that should be ready just around the time your ground is. Opaque milk jugs have been known to work, as well as translucent ones. You can even use plastic containers from spinach and other leafy items from the produce section. Make sure to puncture the bottoms for drainage. Plants that are willing to be winter sown are tomatoes, squash, cantaloupe, marigolds, cosmos, zinneas and most other self-sown and hardy varieties. These kid-friendly ideas are great for idle hands and minds when the young ones could use a freshair alternative. Whether you spend time outdoors as a family or take a few peaceful moments to yourself, the fresh winter air is good for your body, mind and soul. For details and more information on these ideas and much more visit www.Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com to see just how far you can stretch that green thumb.

SmartBites

abundant zinc then for the excess cholesterol.

Helpful Tips

The skinny on healthy eating

Irresistible News About Oysters Is there any truth to their libido-boosting powers? Oh, oysters. Nothing says “aphrodisiac” more than this pearl of the sea. With its luxurious texture and arousing reputation, no wonder consumption soars during Cupid’s favorite month. But is there any truth to its libido-boosting powers? According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: no; there is no such thing as an aphrodisiac. But current research tells a different story. According to a team of American and Italian scientists, oysters contain rare amino acids that may temporarily increase the production of hormones (testosterone in men; progesterone in women) that increase libido. While more research is clearly needed — the studies were done on rats, after all — the findings do show rousing promise. Provocative properties aside, there are oceans of other reasons why we should be consuming this luscious mollusk. To begin, oysters are an excellent source of lean protein that’s low in both calories and fat. Six medium oysters, for example, shell out between 6 to 8 grams of this essential nutrient at only 60 calories and

2 grams of fat. (Slurp a dozen and you’ve knocked off about a fourth of your daily protein needs.) We need protein because it has its hands in every critical function of the body, from tissue repair to energy production to immune function. Are you sitting down? Six little oysters deliver over 400 percent of our recommended daily allowance for zinc. Zinc, best known for its immune-boosting properties, also helps expedite wound healing and quell out-of-control inflammation. But it doesn’t end there. This little mineral may also play a role in testosterone production, further fanning the oyster’s amorous flame. Oysters are surprisingly rich in other nutrients, too — from bone-building vitamin D to energy-boosting iron and vitamin B12 to cell-protecting selenium. What’s more, oysters boast a decent amount of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Although Casanova, the Italian womanizer, was purported to eat 50 oysters a day, he clearly was not under the care of a good nutritionist! That many oysters could pose a potential health risk — if not for the

Women & Children’s Hospital says it’s the first in WNY to use treatment

Healthy Oyster Stew Adapted from Cooking Light 1 bacon slice, finely chopped 3/4 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup finely diced celery 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/3 cup dry white wine 2 cups 1% low-fat milk 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional) 1 (16-ounce) container standard oysters, undrained 1 teaspoon dried parsley 2 teaspoons (or more) fresh lemon juice Cook bacon in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving one teaspoon drippings in

pan; set bacon aside. Add onion, celery, and green onions to drippings in pan; cook over medium heat seven minutes or until celery is tender, stirring frequently. Stir in flour; cook one minute, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in bacon, milk, thyme, salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce (if using); bring to a simmer. Cook two minutes or until slightly thick, stirring constantly with a whisk. Stir in oysters; cook four minutes or until edges of oysters curl (do not boil). Stir in parsley and lemon juice. Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, 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.

Innovative Scoliosis Treatment Now Available in Buffalo

Laser Ablation Therapy in Buffalo to Treat Epilepsy omen & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo is now offering MRI-guided laser ablation to treat patients of all ages with epilepsy. Officials say it’s the only hospital in Western New York to offer the treatment. Each year, approximately 150,000 people develop epilepsy, and one in 26 will develop it in their lifetime. This makes epilepsy the fourth most common neurological problem in the country, following migraines, strokes and Alzheimer’s disease. Renée Reynolds, pediatric neurosurgeon, medical director of neurosurgical outreach and education at Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, began performing laser ablation therapy in 2013 after learning about it during her fellowship training in Seattle. She is also an assistant professor of neurosurgery, University at Buffalo. With vast improvements in imaging and diagnostic testing, identifying areas of the brain where epilepsy arises is much easier. Patients who have a focused source

When buying fresh, look for oysters no more than five or six days out of the water (seafood markets must display the date when oysters are harvested). Shells should be closed (oysters with open shells are often dead) and the oysters should not smell fishy or rotten. Buy them either the day or the day before you plan to eat. To store oysters in the fridge, put them on a tray or plate with the round cup side of the oyster down and then cover them with a damp towel or cloth. Do not store oysters in a plastic bag, sealable container or tucked in ice.

within the brain initiating their seizure activity are best suited for laser ablation therapy. During the minimally-invasive procedure, a laser is placed into the suspected source of the patient’s seizure activity. MRI technology allows GPS navigation of the brain, and once the laser is in the optimal location, the heat from the laser destroys the affected tissue using real-time MRI imaging. “Following the laser ablation treatment, many patients remain seizure free, and their recovery time from surgery is remarkable compared to the alternative open surgical techniques,” said Reynolds. The majority of patients stay overnight in the hospital and return home the following day with minimal pain. The minimally-invasive procedure reduces patients’ risk of hemorrhage, infections, cosmetic defects and post-operative hydrocephalus, or fluid accumulation in the brain. In addition, patients typically experience a faster recovery.

omen & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo is now using magnetically extendable rods to treat a patient with early onset scoliosis. Officials at the hospital say this is the first time the treatment is offered locally. Most cases of scoliosis occur during adolescence when the majority of spinal growth has already occurred, but for patients whose spines are still growing, scoliosis is more difficult to treat. David “Tre” Hall, 9, was diagnosed with early onset scoliosis at the age 3 after doctors noticed deformity of his spine. Hall previously had a vertically expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) device inserted that needed to be surgically lengthened every six months. For the first time in Buffalo, pediatric orthopedic surgeon Jeremy Doak used the magnetic expansion control (MAGEC) spinal bracing and distraction system to attach titanium rods to Hall’s spine with screws inserted into the vertebrae and a magnetically expandable box. “These rods just became FDA approved about a year ago,” said Doak. “Now, patients and their

February 2016 •

families in the region do not have to travel far to receive state-of-theart, cutting-edge care. They can get it right here at Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.” “To have the rods extended so his spine can grow, Hall will need to come to the orthopedic clinic about every three months. We wave the magnetic expander over his back and the rods extend without any invasive procedure,” Doak said. Once the patient’s spine reaches maturation, a final definitive spinal fusion surgery is typically required and the extendable rods are removed. While a patient may be hospitalized for three to five days following the initial insertion of the growing rods, this procedure significantly decreases the number of surgeries patients with scoliosis will require. “Magnetically extending the rods reduces the overall cost and lessens the chance of infection as well as the number of hospitalizations for the patient, giving patients better outcomes and an improved quality of life,” Doak added,

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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New U.S. Dietary Guidelines: Boost Fruit and Veggie Intake, Limit Sugar and Salt Recommendations revised every five years

mericans need to cut back on added sugars, saturated fats and salt if they want to eat a diet that can improve their health, according to the federal government's latest version of its dietary guidelines. The guidelines, released early in January, break new ground by specifically recommending that people limit added sugars to fewer than 10 percent of their daily calories. The last version of the guidelines, which came out in 2010, only said that people should reduce their intake of added sugars without setting a specific goal. The guidelines are updated every five years, so they keep up with current science. The new recommendations — called the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans — also ask that people limit saturated fats to fewer than 10 percent of their daily calories, and consume fewer than 2,300 milligrams per day of salt. That's a bit less than one teaspoon of salt. Overall, the guidelines emphasize the adoption of a healthy eating pattern that fits into a person's lifestyle, rather than recommending specific amounts of different foods, such as vegetables or meats. "These patterns can be tailored to an individual's personal preferences, enabling Americans to choose the diet that is right for them," the report states. The guidelines even provide three examples of a healthy eating plan that people can adopt: a healthy American diet; a Mediterranean-style diet; and a vegetarian diet. The emphasis on a healthy eating plan is meant to be more consumer-friendly, making it easier for people to use the guidelines, experts said. According to the new guidelines, a healthy eating pattern includes: ■ Any type of vegetables, especially if they're eaten in a wide variety. ■ Fruits, especially whole fruits. ■ Grains, at least half of which are whole grains. ■ Fat-free or low-fat dairy, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and/ or fortified soy beverages. ■ A variety of protein sources, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, beans and peas, nuts and seeds, and soy products. ■ Oils. ■ If alcohol is consumed, it should be done so in moderation — up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men, the guidelines say.

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One of the sleep rooms at Sleep Medicine Centers of Western New York. The patient is constantly monitored so specialists can determine sleep patterns and treat any disorder.

Feeling Tired All Day? You May Have Sleep Disorder It’s natural to feel tired in the afternoon, but if you don’t feel rested in general, that’s a good time to seek help,’ says expert By Jana Eisenberg

ot getting enough quality sleep can cause problems for people of all ages. From possibly affecting brain development in children, to an adult falling asleep while driving a car, the effects can be perilous. Sleep disorders fall under the medical specialty of neurology — when you or your child visit a sleep clinic or see a sleep specialist, you’re analyzed by a neurologist. And, sleep disorders are often treated multi-disciplinarily, bringing in cardiac, ENT, pediatric, psychology, pulmonary or other specialists. And, say experts, awareness is increasing, leading to more diagnoses and better treatment. Physician Daniel Rifkin is founder Rifkin and medical director at Sleep Medicine Centers of Western New York; he’s also a clinical assistant professor of neurology at the State University of New York at Buffalo. “The field of sleep medicine is growing,” he said. “It used to be a knee-jerk reaction: if a patient was having trouble sleeping, primary care physicians prescribed sleeping pills. Now, we treat it much differently, with a variety of techniques.” So, when should you see a doctor for a sleep-related issue? “It’s natural to feel tired in the afternoon, but if you don’t feel rested in general, that’s a good time to seek help,” said Rifkin. “You shouldn’t feel like you need to have coffee to stay awake.” Obstructive sleep apnea, concurred physician Sandra Block, medical director of Buffalo Medical Group’s Sleep Center, is a detectable

issue, which, when effectively treated, improves patients’ quality of life and even their life expectancy. Apnea can contribute to or cause serious health issues, like high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, heart attack and stroke, all of which can lead to earlier death. “We spend a third of our lives sleeping,” Block said. “Because we’re Block essentially comatose while we’re doing it, we don’t always think of it. Not being able to breathe while you’re sleeping is a problem. Now that we are realizing its effects, it’s coming more to the forefront.” Carol Bernat, one of Rifkin’s patients, had been feeling excessively sleepy for years. When she mentioned it to her new primary care physician, he suggested a sleep study. She ended up in Rifkin’s care, and after several appointments and studies, she now uses nightly CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) treatment. “I didn’t think I had apnea. I don’t have a lot of the typical problems or indicators: I’m not overweight, not a smoker,” said the 51-year-old. The sleep study revealed that Bernat has moderate obstructive apnea — she “almost stopped breathing” several times per hour. After reviewing treatment options, she settled on a CPAP mask, which attaches to a bedside machine. It applies a specific, constant air pressure to keep her airway open while she sleeps. “The hardest part was getting over the idea that I needed to use CPAP every night, forever,” Bernat said. “Adjusting to the mask and ma-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2016

Most Common Sleep Disorders Some of the most common sleep disorders are: • obstructive sleep apnea, • insomnia, • restless legs syndrome and • narcolepsy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 50-70 million US adults have sleep or wakefulness disorder. Snoring is a major indicator of obstructive sleep apnea, according to the center. chine wasn’t bad. Some have a harder time. Overall, the quality of my waking life is very different now — I’m not sleepy at all during the day. Of course, I can still get fatigued.” Physician Block said, “It really upsets me when someone comes in who may have told their general practitioner 20 years ago that they snore. They should’ve had a sleep study way back then. Cardiologists are getting the training now. And there’s a lot more research on the health effects of sleep disorders.” Research includes indicators of links between sleep disorders and conditions that affect people of all ages, like ADHD and dementia. Insomnia, which is characterized as difficulty falling or staying asleep, can be exacerbated by changes in our culture, including our literal and figurative attachment to electronic devices. “One of the biggest causes of insomnia is bright light exposure,” said Rifkin. “The bedroom should be a dark, cool, quiet place; an environment only for sleep and sex. Now, bedrooms are inundated with TVs, computers, and phones. The brain doesn’t know if we should be awake or asleep. For better sleep, people should refrain from stimulants like caffeine and nicotine during the day.”

Immunotherapy Breaking Ground in Cancer Battle

Roswell professor calls it ‘game-changer.’ President Carter, at 91, is the most famous cancer patient to benefit from therapy By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

he news of former President Jimmy Carter's successful cancer treatment with pembrolizumab, used as an immunotherapy drug, drew attention to the cutting-edge, still-developing therapy. In essence, immunotherapy uses medication to stimulate the body's immune system to fight the multiplying cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. It works differently from chemotherapy drugs, which affect any healthy and diseased tissue that multiplies quickly. Immunotherapy cannot prevent cancer, but it otherwise works in a similar fashion to influenza vaccine by stimulating an immune response to fight the disease. "These new agents are very impressive and true game-changers," said physician Joseph J. Skitzki, fellow of the American Cancer Society and associate professor of oncology, department of surgical oncology and department of immunology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The term "immunotherapy" may be used to refer to several types of therapies. One is antibody therapy, which has been used for the past 15 years to treat cancers like lymphoma and breast cancer. Cellular therapy, including bone marrow transplantation, represents another kind of immunotherapy. Newer drugs that help to stimulate the immune system, such as the kind of treatment Carter received, represents another kind of immunotherapy. "Since these drugs target the patients' immune system and 'release

the brakes,' allowing the immune system to go wild, the patient's own immune system attacks the cancer cells so that these therapies can be relatively non-toxic," Skitzki said. "Since they don't target a specific tumor type, these new drugs can be used for a wide range of cancers and are actively being investigated for a variety of tumor types." He added that most patients tolerate these drugs well. The newest immunotherapy drugs may seem like a miracle cancer cure, but it's too soon to know its long-term effectiveness and for what types of cancer it is most useful. Carter's cancer, melanoma, "is one that we know is very involved with the immune system," said physician Leslie Kohman, medical director of SUNY Upstate’s Cancer Center. "Kidney cancer is another. They have a very intimate relationship with the immune system, and many others do." Kohman serves as the medical spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, Inc. in New York and New Jersey. She said that only a very small percentage of all cancer patients make good candidates for this kind of immunotherapy, but she hopes that in the next few years, additional clinical trials will help researchers understand what types of cancer the therapy can most benefit. "In the cancer community, people are really talking about immunotherapy," Kohman said. "We're going to be learning as we develop more

Cancer Death Rates Down 23 Percent Since 1991: Study Additional 1.7 million survivors, expert says

eaths from cancer continue to decline in the United States, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society. Since peaking in 1991, cancer death rates have dropped by 23 percent, the ACS said in the report released in January. "Cancer death rates are continuing to decline by about 1.5 percent per year," said study author Rebecca Siegel, strategic director for surveillance information services for the American Cancer Society. The 23 percent drop in death rates occurred from 1991 through 2012, she said,

and that translates to more than 1.7 million cancer deaths averted. "We are doing very well, I would say, is the bottom line," she said. The findings are included in Cancer Statistics, 2016, the American Cancer Society's latest annual report on cancer incidence, mortality and survival. The report was published online Jan. 7 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. The data was collected from the U.S. National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program and other sources. Over the past decade, the

drugs. There are only a few of these drugs and they're only applicable to a few patients." Kohman said that since Carter's cancer had spread to his brain, immunotherapy made sense as a treatment since it passes through the blood/brain barrier, something that most chemotherapy drugs cannot do. The immunotherapy drugs followed Carter's radiation therapy that provided precise treatment in high doses to very small areas. "Every normal cell gets a very, very small dose but the tumor gets a very large dose," Kohman said. "It can be administered over a few treatments." Carter, 91, had four small lesions on his brain. Their size made the cancer easier to treat. "Immunotherapy is another tool which may turn out to have definite advantages over some of our more traditional chemotherapy regimens," Kohman said, "but it's not a magic bullet—that we can tell right now. "Cancer develops resistance to everything eventually. These newer drugs are much less toxic. But there hasn't been five-year follow-ups on these drugs." Kohman said that only about five percent of adult cancer patients are offered or participate in clinical trials, mostly because they're not aware of them, they don't qualify or their physicians do not mention them. "The way we get answers faster is we have more people participating in the trials," Kohman said.

rate of cancer deaths has dropped by 1.8 percent a year in men and 1.4 percent in women, according to the report. The decline in the past 20 years has been driven by the continuous drop in deaths for four major cancer types: breast, colon, lung and prostate, the report noted. For 2016, the ACS estimates that there will be about 1.6 million new cancer cases and nearly 600,000 deaths in the United States. Despite the progress, death rates for certain cancers are increasing, Siegel and her colleagues found. These include cancers of the liver, pancreas and uterus. Thyroid cancers are the most rapidly rising, increasing more than 5 percent yearly in both men and women, the research revealed. However, some of that increase stems from overdiagnosis due to advanced imaging techniques, the experts said. The decline in cancer deaths is due to early detection and treatment advances, along with fewer people smoking, Siegel said.

February 2016 •

Vice President Biden Pushing for Cancer Cure

.S. Vice President Joe Biden said recently that the United States would speed up the approval of promising new drug combinations in his government’s newly announced drive to cure cancer “once and for all.” So-called combination therapy is increasingly seen as central to fighting tumors, as scientists unlock the different genetic factors driving cancer cell growth, but bringing such cocktails to market can be slow and costly. Biden said he had hosted a meeting at his home with three unnamed large drug companies and the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at which both sides had pledged to do more to get novel cancer drug cocktails to patients. “The head of the FDA made a commitment that everybody would move much more rapidly in approving combinations,” Biden said. At the same, the pharmaceutical industry executives had all said they were “open to different ways of doing business” in order to ensure that promising drugs from different companies were tested together as early as possible, he added. Cancer experts are particularly excited by the promise of new immunotherapy medicines that help the body’s immune system fight tumors and which have been shown to work well when used alongside other drugs.

For Cancer Survivors, Expenses Keep Mounting

cancer diagnosis is costly, and new research suggests that it remains costly even after the disease has been treated. "Cancer survivors are facing high costs even after years. The economic burden is substantial," said study author Zhiyuan Zheng, senior health services researcher at the American Cancer Society's Surveillance and Health Services Research program. For example, the study found that non-elderly survivors of colon cancer had extra expenses of about $20,000 annually. Those extra expenses included direct medical costs, as well as lost productivity. For survivors of breast cancer under 65, the economic burden totaled about $14,000, and for prostate cancer it was approximately $9,000, the research revealed. For elderly people, colon cancer survivors had extra costs of about $19,000 a year. Senior prostate cancer survivors faced about $17,000 in extra expenses, and older survivors of breast cancer had about $14,000 in extra medical costs and lost productivity, the study found. The findings are scheduled for publication in the May issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Golden Years Single Grandparents Face Many Challenges Raising Grandkids Nearly 7,000 households in Erie, Niagara counties have grandparents caring for grandchildren full-time By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

recent study published in Current Gerontology and Geriatrics states that single grandparents rearing their grandchildren have a higher likelihood of health problems than single parents. The issues include exacerbated physical health problems and increased rates of depression. Georgia State University researchers, along with researchers from University of Toronto, studied grandparent caregivers represented in the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Erie County, 5,265 households are grandparents caring for grandchildren fulltime. In Niagara County, it’s 1,226. Genesee County has 358 grandparent-led households and in Wyoming County, it’s 182, according to Kinship Navigator, a statewide program that supports related but non-parental caregivers. “Many of the grandparents are single, particularly the maternal grandmothers,” said Gerard Wallace, attorney and director of Kinship Navigator. Wallace also serves as public service professor at Wallace University at Albany School of Social Welfare. He believes that the stress of each person involved contributes to the mental and physical health issues experienced by the grandparents. Many times, the parents of the child have lost parental rights because of abandonment, death, addiction, incarceration or mental illness. In turn, the child manifests many behav-

ioral and emotional issues. Beyond dealing with the multiple problems of their adult child and partner, the grandparent must also work with the emotional effects on the grandchildren. The children have suffered not only the loss of their parents and any previous stability, but also possibly witnessed or experienced abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and alcohol and drug abuse. Wallace called these “multiple adverse childhood experiences.” “As you get four or more of these, the children will experience lifetime emotional, physical and social problems,” Wallace said. “The caregivers have heightened levels of stress. In one study we did, we show 39 percent of the caregivers have clinical levels of stress. It’s higher than single parent moms.” In addition, most grandparents aren’t as able to keep up with active grandchildren as they were their own children more than 20 years ago. If the children are small, the grandparents’ sleep may be interrupted numerous times all night. Many seniors in this population already live on fixed income. Adding grandchildren to their financial burden nearly guarantees poverty. Wallace said that about 40 percent of single grandparents are at the poverty level and most have few means of improving their financial situation. Despite the difficulty of their circumstances, the legal community still considers kinship care, not adoption, as the best option for children without suitable parents. The grandparents “bring family strength to it,” Wallace said. “There’s no greater strength than a grandma’s love. The children have some continuity of family.” Multiple placements in foster care creates further instability in the child’s life. Child Protective Services possesses only limited resources to find a suitable home, so close rel-

atives, particularly grandparents, represent the first choice. Wallace encourages grandparents caring for grandchildren to seek help at the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, a state agency that administers child welfare services. They should also ask about the Non-parent Grant, commonly called a “Child Only Grant” that’s available to anyone raising a child not their own. The amount of money distributed depends upon the income and resources of the child, but is around $430 for the first child and $150 for each additional child and includes Medicaid. Wallace said that only 15 percent of eligible children in New York receive the grant. Many counties also provide legal services through their respective child or youth services offices. Joan Sherry, representing Respite Care for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Buffalo, encourages grandparents to maintain their own health. “Many times, they let their own health go because they’re so worried about what’s happening to the children,” Sherry said. “They don’t even think of themselves. Sometimes, they need to talk to a social worker or counselor because they get so exasperated. They get all pent up inside and aren’t able to sort out what is the best thing to do for this behavior that the grandchild is exhibiting.” In addition, safety issues, technology, education, nutrition and so much more have changed since grandparents’ first time in childrearing. Also, the grandparents must give up their own retirement plans now that they’ve started childrearing again. Sherry recommends grandparents seek help from trusted friends and relatives who can help watch the children regularly, such as a few hours a couple times per week to

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2016

build in respite time, or seek or form a support group. “They can say to one another what is on their minds,” Sherry said. “Once they get it off their chests, sometimes they get ideas from others who are going through the same thing. The group organizes respite weekends for grandparents raising grandchildren and offers guest speakers to help group members parent young ones again. At one event, Sherry organized a lunch for the group members where volunteers served them. “They’re always the caregivers and no one cares for them,” she said. Another time, a grand enabled Sherry to treat the grandmas to haircuts, manicures and pedicures. She said the ladies were thrilled by the simple gesture because “they never do anything for themselves.”

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veryone wants to live to old age, so long as they're healthy. But the Administration on Aging, part of the US Department of Health, states on its website that most older people have at least one chronic health condition and many have multiple conditions." According to the organization, from 2011 to 2013, the most common conditions among older people were: • arthritis (49 percent) • all types of heart disease (31 percent) • any cancer (25 percent) • diabetes (21 percent in 20092012) • hypertension (71 percent in 2009-2012). Although more attention is being given to healthy aging, growing rates of obesity across many age groups are developing a greater number of problems such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Genes do play a role in aging, but lifestyle choices — begun when young — represents the larger reason behind why people aren't as healthy as they could be. "Our popular culture features quick fixes," said Melinda Yoder, registered dietitian and owner of Balanced Nutrition of Western New York in Buffalo. "Nutrition and health is a lifestyle and lifelong commitment. You need to focus on it in your 20s and 30s. I have a lot of patients in their 50s who say, 'If only I knew back then.'" Avoiding tobacco can help prevent numerous types of cancer and lung issues because cigarettes expose the body to numerous toxic chemicals. Smoking negatively affects healthy longevity. Regular physical activity also helps people age well. "It's not necessarily going to the gym every day but avoiding sedentary behaviors and engaging in sustained activity," Friedman said. "That's part of what has to happen to increase poor health in the population." Especially if you work a sedentary job, try to work more movement into your day such as walking or biking to work, taking the stairs, walking in place or lifting light weights while on hold, walking during your lunch break, and getting active after work. Joining a club or activity that keeps you moving physically can help you maintain a healthy weight. Find a hobby that you like, so you continue participating. If something

in your life changes, find a different activity to regularly raise your heart rate and break a sweat. It's also important to retain flexibility, balance and strength. Activities such as yoga, Pilates, strength training and martial arts can help. You can Yoder also incorporate socializing into your fitness activity. Numerous studies indicated that staying connected to others helps people age better. Eating right influences aging in incalculable ways. J. Elizabeth Smythe, registered dietitian, nutritionist in private practice and director of community engagement for the American Diabetes Association Upstate region, says that "you are what you eat." Many chronic conditions and diseases involve inflammation response, which begins at the cellular level. To combat this effect, Smythe advises clients to "eat a more colorful plate, and more plant-based foods." "Obesity causes more inflammation and more rapid aging," she said. "Calorie deficits may slow down the aging process." "Diet is very important," Yoder said. "By managing your weight and eating nutritious food in moderation, you can prevent a lot of health problems like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular complications. You support strong bones and muscles to live a better quality life in retirement." She encourages eating a balanced, varied diet to ensure eating all the nutrients you need. Balanced eating includes whole grains, lean protein and dairy sources, plenty of whole fruits and vegetables and healthful fats in moderation. It's not a matter of constant self-denial, but of making good choices most of the time, such as consistently choosing water over caloric beverages, eating a moderate amount of calories, and snacking wisely. "You can still find places [in your diet] to enjoy a slice of pizza or piece of birthday cake but it's about strategizing and planning," Yoder said.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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How to Keep Tabs On an Elderly Parent with Video Monitoring

The Social Ask Security Ofﬁce By Deborah Banikowski

By Jim Miller

Preventing Debilitating Diseases Among Women

here are lots of great video monitoring cameras that can help families keep a watchful eye on an elderly parent from afar, but make sure it’s OK with your mom or dad first. Many seniors find this type of “I’m watching you” technology to be an invasion of privacy, while others don’t mind and even welcome the idea. With that said, here are some top monitoring devices for keeping tabs on your mom.

Nearly 60 percent of people receiving Social Security benefits are women

Video Monitoring

As the technology has improved and the costs have come down, video monitoring/surveillance cameras have become very popular for keeping an eye on your home, business, child or pet (via smartphone, tablet or computer), but they also work well for monitoring an elder loved one who lives alone. Most home video monitoring cameras today are sleek, small and easy to set up, but do require home Wi-Fi. Although camera capabilities will vary, the best devices all provide wide-view angles, HD quality video, night vision, built-in motion and sound detection that can notify you when something is happening, and two-way audio that let’s you talk and listen. And, they also offer a video recording option (for an extra fee) that saves past video to a cloud, so you can rewind and review what you missed. One of the best products available today that does all this and more is the Nest Cam (nest.com), which costs $199, but if you want their video recording option, it’s an extra $100 per year for a 10-day video history, or $300/year for 30 days. Also check out the Piper NV (getpiper.com), which — at $279 — is more expensive than the Nest Cam but allows free Internet cloud storage. And the Simplicam (simplicam. com), which is the cheapest of the three but the video quality isn’t quite as good. They charge $150 for the

camera, or $200 for the camera plus 24-hour video storage for one year.

Sensor Monitoring

If your mom or dad is uncomfortable with video monitoring, and doesn’t want you to be able to peek in on her whenever you want, another less invasive option to consider is a “sensor” monitoring system. These systems use small wireless sensors (not cameras) placed in key areas of your parents’ home that can detect changes in activity patterns, and will notify you via text message, email or phone call if something out of the ordinary is happening. A great company that offers this technology is Silver Mother (sen.se/ silvermother), which provides small sensors that you attach to commonly used household objects like her pillbox, refrigerator door, TV remote, front door, etc. So, for example, if your mom or dad didn’t pick up her pillbox to get her medicine or didn’t open the refrigerator door to make breakfast like she usually does, or if she left the house at a peculiar time you would be notified and could check on her. You can also check up on her anytime you want online or through their mobile app. Silver Mother costs $299 for four sensors, with no ongoing monthly service fees.

SERVING WESTERN NEW YORK in good A monthly newspaper published by

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In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2016 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. 3380 Sheridan Dr., # 251 • P.O. Box 550, Amherst NY 14226 Phone: 716-332-0640 • Fax: 716-332-0779 • Email: editor@bfohealth.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Publisher: Jamie Sandidge • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo • Writers: Deborah J. Sergeant, Jim Miller, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, George W. Chapman, Tim Fenster, Catherine Miller, Katie Coleman, Jana Eisenberg Advertising: Jamie Sandidge (585-317-1671), Donna Kimbrell (716-332-0640) • Layout & Design: Eric J. Stevens • Officer Manager: Alice Davis

ust about every minute, a woman dies of heart disease. But the majority of these deaths are avoidable. That’s why Social Security encourages you to participate in National Wear Red Day on Feb. 5, which aims to raise awareness about preventing heart disease and stroke among women. Social Security plays an important role in many women’s lives — nearly 60 percent of people receiving Social Security benefits are women. Social Security provides important financial assistance to women in times of need, including a sudden illness or an injury leading to disability. While many illnesses and injuries are difficult or impossible to prevent, there are steps that women can take to help prevent some health issues, so that they can live longer and healthier lives. According to the American Heart Association, “heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year.” But the American Heart Association reports that this is 80 percent preventable with education and lifestyle changes. Changes in diet and exercise can help prevent these events, along with obtaining preventive healthcare such as cholesterol checks. You can take part in raising awareness about this women’s health issue by wearing red on Feb. 5 to show your support. You can also learn more about heart disease and stroke prevention by visiting www.goredforwomen.org. Raising awareness about women’s health issues is important to improving quality of life for all women. Social Security is also committed to

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addressing the unique concerns that women may face in obtaining Social Security benefits, whether they’re seeking benefits for health or other reasons. Women may face different situations than men throughout their lives that can affect their need for benefits. For instance, women are more likely than men to outlive their spouse. Working women earn less on average than men do. Women are more likely to be stay-at-home parents or spouses. All of these circumstances can cause women to have different Social Security needs than men have. In order to address these concerns in one place, we have a website designed for women that provides pertinent information to women regarding Social Security’s services. This website includes information that may be particularly useful to working women, women who receive Social Security benefits, brides, new mothers, wives, divorced women, caregivers and widows. Our website for women provides information on retirement, survivors, disability, and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Our website also contains links to Social Security publications relevant to women’s issues, such as our publications “What Every Woman Should Know and Understanding the Benefits.” You can visit our website for women at www. socialsecurity.gov/people/women. We hope that raising awareness on women’s health issues and providing women easy access to information about Social Security benefits can enrich your life and the lives of those you love.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2016

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February 11th February 25th 10 to Noon By Jim Miller

How to Find Discounts for People with Disabilities Dear Savvy Senior,

Are there any worthwhile discounts available to people with disabilities, and if so, how can I find them? My wife — who’s 48 — has multiple sclerosis that now requires her to use a wheelchair. Need to Save Dear Need, There are actually a wide variety of discounts and services available to people with disabilities and those living with a chronic illness that can literally save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars each year. Here are some tips to help you find them. Always Ask

The first thing to know is that most businesses that offer discounts to people with disabilities or their escorts don’t publicize them, so it’s important to always ask. Also note that most nonprofit organizations and government agencies that provide disabled services or benefits will require proof of disability through a letter from your doctor or some other form of verification before they will accommodate you.

Search Locally

The disabled discounts available to your wife will vary depending on where you live, so a good place to start is to contact the local chapter of the nonprofit organization that specializes in your particular disease or disability — in your wife’s case that would be the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety. org, 800-344-4867). Local chapters often know where to find discounts on the medical supplies, mobility equipment and support services. Some organizations have even negotiated special discounted rates with suppliers, and a few even provide subsidized equipment directly. To search for other disability or disease specific organizations, use any Internet search engine, any type in your disease or disability followed by organizations — for example “Arthritis Organizations” or “Hearing Loss Organizations.”

Search Online

DisabledDiscounts.com is one of the best resources for finding disabled discounts online. This is a free website that lists thousands of discounts in all 50 states. You search by state and county in 30 different categories ranging from assistive technology to federal and state tax discounts, entertainment to educa-

tion and so much more. Also visit Benefits.gov and BenefitsCheckUp.org, two great sites that will help you look for financial assistance programs your wife and you may be eligible for, and will tell you how to apply. And see Disability. gov, a site that connects people with disabilities to helpful programs and services in your area.

Types of Discounts

Here are a few examples of the different types of disabled discounts and services that are out there. • Recreation: Most movie theaters, museums, zoos, theme parks and aquariums provide reduced admission to people with disabilities or their escort. And, the National Park Service offers the “America The Beautiful Access Pass” (see nps.gov/ findapark/passes.htm) to disabled residents, which provides a lifetime of free access into all national parks and federal recreational lands. • Taxes: There are numerous federal tax deductions and credits available to people with disabilities, and a number of states and counties also offer property tax deductions to disabled homeowners. • Utilities: Many utility companies, including electric, gas, phone, water and trash services offer discounts to customers who are disabled, elderly or low income. • Communication devices: Forty seven states have equipment distribution programs (see tedpa.org) that offer free amplified telephones to residents with hearing impairment. • Home modiﬁcations: There are a number of federal, state, local and nonprofit organizations that help pay for home accessibility improvements like wheelchair ramps, handrails and grab bars for elderly and disabled people in need. • Travel: Amtrak offers a 15 percent rail fare discount to adult passengers with a disability and up to one traveling companion. • Reading services: For those with vision or physical impairments that make it difficult for them to read, the Library of Congress (see loc.gov/ nls) offers a Talking Books program that provides free audiobooks, magazines and audio equipment. And the National Federation of the Blind offers a free newspaper and magazine reading service at nfbnewslineonline. org.

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Maple Syrup:

Nature's Nutrient-rich Sweetener High season for maple production approaching in the area By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

s frigid winter days give way to warmer daytime temperature, maple syrup producers will soon begin their annual season of transforming sap into syrup. To transform maple sap into syrup, producers heat it to evaporate excess water until the syrup reaches the correct temperature and consis-

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tency. It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup. Nothing is added. Maple syrup offers nutrients not found in other sweeteners. Beyond its unique flavor as a pancake topper, maple syrup "is a healthier, natural sugar," said Helen Thomas, executive director of the

New York State Maple Producers Association. "It is also vegan approved." Maple syrup offers nutrients not found in other sweeteners. For example, one quarter-cup serving offers 95 percent of the daily value of manganese, and 37 percent riboflavin. It also offers traces of zinc, magnesium, calcium and potassium. The nutrients inherent to maple syrup helps the body resist many kinds of health problems, according to J. Elizabeth Smythe, registered dietitian in private practice and director of community engagement for the American Diabetes Association Upstate region. "The darker the color, the more antioxidants — disease fighting properties — it contains," she said. "It has anti-aging, immune system-boosting properties. It prevents the inflammatory response and goes hand in hand for lowering risk of Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, and coronary heart disease." She said that the key is that syrup contains polyphenals, which are plant-based compounds. Of course nearly all sweeteners contain carbohydrates. That's why Smythe advises clients to consumer any sweetener in moderation. Compared with other sources, the amount of antioxidants that maple syrup contains is low. "It has minerals in it, but not enough to make or break your health for the periodic times you use it," said Melinda Yoder, registered dietitian and owner of Balanced Nutrition of Western New York in Buffalo. "Use it sparingly as part of your overall healthy diet." But maple syrup contains many more nutrients than nearly every other sweetener, so if you want a sweet topping for a dessert, sweet potato casserole, meat glaze or other dish, reach for your jug of maple syrup. Consider using maple sugar,

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2016

a granulated form of maple syrup, suitable in many recipes calling for white granulated sugar. It's made by cooking the maple sap until it crystallizes. Most recipes require only half as much maple sugar because of its intense sweetness.

Get the 100 percent Pure Maple Syrup Make sure you purchase 100-percent pure maple syrup to receive the health benefits of genuine maple syrup. Some manufacturers package syrup in jugs similar to the classic maple syrup container to associate their product with genuine maple syrup. Most stores stock genuine maple syrup right next to artificial products, so look for "100 percent pure maple syrup" on the label to find the real deal. Watch out for terms such as: • pancake syrup • maple flavoring • pancake topping • genuine maple flavor • contains natural flavoring • naturally flavored These terms can indicate that the product contains corn syrup or other sweeteners and is not 100 percent pure maple syrup.

Where to Find It Want to find a maple producer in your area? Visit www.nysmaple. com, the website of the New York State Maple Producers Association. Most producers sell syrup year-round. The site lists 160 maple weekend events throughout the state. Most are the third and fourth weekends of March. Call in advance to confirm information.

Health in good

H ealth News Windsong Radiology receives recognition for lung screening Windsong Radiology has been named a Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) for its ongoing commitment to responsible lung cancer screening. “We are thrilled to be part of this elite group, as we continue our commitment to high quality screening practices,” said physician Thomas Summers, president of Windsong. He said low dose CT screening has shown to be the only proven method to detect lung cancer at an early and treatable stage. “We are proud and honored to be working with Windsong Radiology Group as a Lung Cancer Alliance Screening Center of Excellence,” said LCA President and CEO Laurie Fenton Ambrose. “Their commitment to practice responsible lung cancer

WNY’S HEALTHCARE NEWSPAPER

screening will lead to advancements in research and many lives saved. They are an example to follow.” Windsong is the only facility in this area to be recognized by both the American College of Radiology and the Lung Cancer Alliance as a nationally recognized lung cancer screening center of excellence. Designated Screening Centers of Excellence are committed to providing clear information based on current evidence on who is a candidate for lung cancer screening, and to comply with comprehensive standards based on best practices developed by professional bodies such as the American College of Radiology (ACR), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP) for controlling screening quality, radiation dose and diagnostic procedures within an experienced, multi-disciplinary clinical setting.

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Catholic Charities Launches Initiative to Raise $11 million

IS HIRING! Join the team that’s changing lives and building futures!

Msgr. David Slubecky, vicar general and moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Buffalo, reveals the theme while Nicole Tzetzo, 2016 Appeal chairwoman with her husband Nicholas, unveils the visual of the Appeal 2016 theme during the kick off of the annual Appeal. Dennis Walczyk, Catholic Charities CEO, is at right. Catholic Charities of Buffalo officials and volunteer leaders recently announced an $11 million goal for the 2016 Appeal. Msgr. David S. Slubecky, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Buffalo, representing The Most Reverend Richard J. Malone, Bishop of Buffalo, made the announcement at a kick-off event held at the new Catholic Charities Health Care Center for refugee clients and the community, located in the former Nativity Roman Catholic Church on Buffalo’s West Side. The theme for the 2016 Appeal is “Find Good Within” and the patron saint of the 92nd annual Appeal is St. Nicholas. The Appeal helps fund Catholic Charities’ 70 programs across 61 sites

in the eight counties of Western New York along with Bishop’s Fund for the Faith. “I wish I could report the need for our services has diminished, but unfortunately that’s not the case,” said Msgr. Slubecky. “Last year alone we provided assistance to nearly 132,000 individuals, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, and we anticipate a similar or increased volume in the coming year.” To make a donation or learn more about Appeal 2016, contact Catholic Charities at 218-1400 or go to www.ccwny.org. You can also check out Catholic Charities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccbuffalo and on Twitter at www.twitter. com/ccbuffalo.

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Drivers Wanted To distribute copies of In Good Health, Buffalo’s

Healthcare Newspaper, in offices and other high traffic locations in the region. Great for active retirees or at-home moms in need of some extra cash. Not a regular job. Work only one or two days a month during office hours (9 to 5). Compensation: $9/h plus 30 cents per mile. It amounts to about $150 - $200 per month. Call 716-332-0640 and ask for Alice.

February 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 19

Snowshoe racing stirs the competitive spirit among these participants in the Special Olympics. Courtesy Special Olympics, provided by Solas Studios Photography. Used with permission.

Special Olympics Rolls Out Integrated Sports Program Project Unify has athletes who have disabilities competing alongside high school students who have no disabilities By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

pecial Olympics' mission has always been about empowering athletes who have disabilities to succeed in sports and life. The organization's newest initiative, Project Unify, seeks to integrate participants with disabilities on teams with high school students who have no disabilities. Renee Snyder, vice president of development and public awareness for Special Olympics New York, said that the athletes with disabilities can earn varsity letters, travel and engage in "real competition" with the public high school students. "It means participants with and without disabilities are participating on the same field, court and track," Snyder added. So far, the organization has been working with high schools in Albany, Rochester, Buffalo and Long Island, but its goal is to spread the program to every New York high school and integrate into every sport, beginning with a large roll-out this year. "The dynamics are amazing," Snyder said. She said that some athletes with disabilities who had exhibited behavioral issues work harder to control their behavior so they don't miss their chance to participate in their sports. Gaining respect from other students helps them feel better about going to school and desire to work harder at their academic pursuits, Page 20

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"They love getting those highfives in the hallway," Snyder said. "You can look at athletics for people without disabilities and it has the same effect. It breaks down social barriers." The students without disabilities find that they have more in common than not with their peers challenged by disabilities. "The program is so widely accepted in the school," Snyder said. "It brings out the best in the entire school." The purpose of Project Unify isn't to replace a school's current athletic program, but to work alongside it. Snyder said that the program helps introduce Special Olympics at a younger age, which she hopes will help increase the number of athletes participating in Special Olympics. About 65 schools and 700 total students statewide are slated as part of Project Unify for 2016. The organization's national program, Healthy Athletes, emphasizes fitness among its athletes by offering free health screening and education at competitive events. "It gives them the opportunity to be better athletes," Snyder said. Special Olympics New York is also building a statewide Athletes Leadership Congress "to offer leadership opportunities to give them a voice in Special Olympics and in

At the Special Olympics Winter Games Competition in 2014, this figure skater strikes a triumphant pose. their communities." Snyder believes that in general, Special Olympics provides a necessary service for people with intellectual disabilities. "Physical fitness is one of the reasons," she said. "There aren't a lot of opportunities to be part of a team and Special Olympics provides that." Volunteer coaches receive train-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2016

ing from Special Olympics in working with athletes who have disabilities. They help the athletes learn the skills needed to excel at their chosen, competitive sport. The athletes "gain confidence, independence, respect in their communities," Snyder said. She believes these opportunities aren't otherwise available to participants and that they help them become more independent. "More than 50 percent of our athletes work in the community," Snyder said. "The national average is 4 percent. Many say Special Olympics gave them the confidence to work. That's what we pride ourselves in. Our athletes have developed skill sets that make them more employable, and through our programs they can network and make connections." About 65,655 participate in New York, the largest Special Olympics program in North America, and the sixth largest in world. More than 30,000 volunteers work for Special Olympics statewide, enabling 5,000 competitive experiences year round. The organization employs fewer than 50 fulltime staff. "Being a coach is a thankless job," Snyder said. "They put in practices; they travel. We don't pay them and many times, they spend out of their own pocket to do things, but at the end of the season, they thank us for the experience. It gives me goose bumps when I hear that."