Wny igh 12 oct15

in good Talking Health with Mayor Brown Buffalo mayor reveals his exercise regimen, diet and shares his own recipe, The Byron Brown Egg McMuffin, which he prepares on Saturday mornings.

Oh yes, he does the cooking on Friday nights as well

Menstrual Cups Anyone?

October 2015 • Issue 12

bfohealth.com

priceless

Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

The Pink Pill

Pill to increase women’s libido — known by some as ‘Viagra for Page 9 women’ — hits the market. We get local reaction

Method seen as substitute for tampons, pads

No Beef in Buffalo Special Needs Athletes

WNY vegans gaining momentum

Inside: Jobs in Healthcare See pages 18 and 19

Healthcare for Female Refugees, Asylum Seekers

Complex journey requires strong support system, Page 10 advocacy, local experts say

Little pumpkin seeds are big on nutrition See SmartBites column on page 12

Meet Your Your Doctor Doctor Meet Roswell Park physician Stacey N. Ackers talks about cancers of the reproductive tract, robotic surgery and how she breaks the news to patients who are diagnosed with cancer Page 6

October 2015 •

Learn more about SABAH, a Buffalo-based nonprofit dedicated to helping special needs athletes reach their potential

Page 11

It’s Fall: Hit the Outdoors

See our suggestions

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 1

It’s Fall: Hit the Outdoors

location, it is still a good idea to dress in bright colors; orange vests, hats and gloves are most common. “The brighter the color [the better],” she said. “Anything that makes you look different from an animal.”

Staying on the Trail

As any seasoned hiker knows, autumn is the most difficult time of year to follow a hiking trail. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to pack potentially life-saving supplies every time you go out in the woods.

Beckwith urges hikers to remember the 10 essentials — a somewhat fluid list which varies depending on the hiker and the environment.

But the basics of the 10 essentials include: fire-starting materials; a headlamp; a first aid kit; rain gear and extra clothes; extra food and water; a pocket knife; a map and compass; a whistle (to alert others if you become injured); and a space blanket or bivy bag, to keep you warm in case of an emergency.

“Hypothermia can set in very quickly,” she warns.

Similarly, she advises that you dress lightly for a cold-weather hike, and bring along warm clothes to wear when you rest and thus your body cools down. Dressing too warm will make you sweat as you begin exerting yourself, and therefore may make you colder in the long run.

She also recommends cold-weather hikers dress in wool, and never cotton.

“Cotton just absorbs sweat, and it gets cold and stays cold,” she said. “‘Cotton kills’ is a slogan in the back country.”

And lastly, Beckwith suggests bringing a handheld GPS system, which can lead you to a road or to your vehicle should you lose the path entirely.

October is one the best months of the year to hit the trail, camp or do something outdoors. Here is a quick guide to the outdoors.

By Tim Fenster

A

utumn — or at least that month or so when the trees are in all their bright and fiery glory — is arguably the most beautiful time of the year in Western New York.

But for many, the idea of going out and appreciating this beauty can seem daunting. Trails are harder to follow, white tail deer hunters are out in force, it’s colder out and camping at many state parks has closed for the season.

However, with just a bit of research, advice and the right packing, a mid-October tenting trip can be just as enjoyable and comfortable as one in July or August.

Staying Warm

With early local snowstorms — October Surprise, Snovember — still in recent memory, weather is naturally a high concern for many area campers.

That is why Sarah Beckwith, co-owner of Gear for Adventure in Hamburg, recommends that you bring

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a sleeping bag liner for autumn trips.

This liner can add 10 to 20 degrees, and strikes a nice balance between a light summer sleeping bag and a heavy-duty winter one, which could leave you sweating through an average October night.

You could also fill a Nalgene bottle with warm water and place it between your legs as you sleep. Beckwith says all your blood passes through this area to reach your feet, so this can warm the blood throughout your body. Simple stretches can also help warm numb cold appendages.

“When you wake up in the morning, there are things you can do like swing your arms,” Beckwith said. “It gets blood to your fingers.”

Hunting Season

Before you set out for a hike or camping trip, know whether hunting is permitted in the park of your choosing.

And even if hunting is barred from the

Where to go

One of the most popular area camping destinations, Letchworth State Park, remains open until Oct. 18, but be advised that deer hunting is allowed with a permit.

Another popular local destination, Allegany State Park, is open until Dec. 1, and hunting is also permitted there.

Meanwhile, camping at the Adirondacks, Thousand Islands and Catskills closes sometime between early September and mid-October; closing dates vary between campgrounds at these parks.

As for those with a little more money to spare (or novice to the wilderness), many state parks offer yearround cabin rentals.

“For fall foliage enthusiasts, September and October are the best times to visit campgrounds in the Adirondacks and Catskills,” Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Marc Gerstman said in a recent press release. “Opportunities for hiking, paddling and other outdoor adventures are plentiful at state campgrounds throughout autumn.”

For more information on parks and availability, visit www.nysparks.com.

For information on hunting seasons throughout the state, visit the state Department of Environmental Conservation at www.dec.ny.gov.

And to book a state campground or cabin, go to www.reserveamerica.com.

The website offers a comprehensive list of rules and regulations, available facilities, recreational opportunities and even allows prospective visitors to take a virtual tour of the campground, so that you can know exactly what you’ll be in for.

Shaarey Zedek Apartments 55+ community

Open House Sunday, October 18th • 1 to 3 pm

Carefree Living at its Finest in the Heart of Amherst!!!

• 1 & 2 Bedroom Styles • Heat & Hot Water Included • Your Neighbors are waiting for you The Smart Choice in Senior Housing Call 716-834-3711 to make an appointment to see an apartment www.echahousing.com

410 Hartford Rd., Amherst, NY 14226 (off Millersport, 1 block North of Sheridan) Page 2

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2015

No Beef in Buffalo WNY Vegans gaining momentum

By Katie Coleman

T

hree years ago, Melinda Shaw, the East Amherst mother of two who’s been a faithful vegan for 24 years, decided to amp up the veg-presence in the community by creating WNY Vegans.

The group features around 750 members and is interactive and supportive of vegans, or those curious about becoming one. Members post pictures, ideas, and questions about their vegan ventures.

One of WNY Vegan’s followers, Corine Cicchetti, is a physiatrist at Buffalo

Spine and Sports Medicine. In January, Cicchetti gave up all dairy products after noticing they made her feel sluggish and tired. Then in April, after reading some animal product literature, she gave up all animal products and has switched to a whole foods plant-based diet, which doesn’t include any processed food, sugar, and very little oil.

“I have much more energy. I can get up earlier in the morning. I can eat more now than I’ve ever eaten, and not have to worry about weight. My skin is better. I just generally feel overall

better,” said Cicchetti, who finds a lot of her family-friendly vegan recipes on pinterest.com. “Consistently the literature shows that a whole foods plant-based diet can prevent and treat diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancers.”

Why are they vegans?

There are three reasons people go vegan, according to WNY Vegans founder Melinda Shaw: for animal welfare, because of the harmful effects of animal agriculture, and for health problems associated with eating animal products. But she said a lot of people misinterpret the diet as difficult to achieve.

“Everybody thinks being a vegan is so hard, and don’t know what they can eat,” Shaw said. “Once they become vegan, a whole world opens up to them. For lunch today I made the kids barbecue tofu, marinated it and baked it in the oven. I think it’s a misconception that vegan food’s going to be boring and limited.”

Vegans need to supplement B12, according to Shaw. Veganhealth.org recommends that vegans either eat B12-fortified foods two or three times a day to get at least three micrograms, take one B12 supplement daily providing at least 10 micrograms, or take a weekly B12 supplement providing at least 2,000 micrograms.

WNY Vegans has a local dining

guide ranging from Ethiopian to Italian food on its Facebook page, and Shaw said there are quite a few options in the Buffalo area depending on what you’re looking for.

“The vegan community in Buffalo has grown a lot in the last few years.

There’s energy behind the vegan movement. You can see so many new restaurants opening, and many are starting to have at least a vegan option on their menu,” said Shaw, who found Pizza Plant to be one of the great family dining choices because of its vegan “cheese” and “meat” options.

Vegan Events Slated for October • Starting from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Oct. 1, Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine is holding a five-week, plant-based cooking class with certified plant-based chef Jessica Altman at 100 College Parkway, Suite 100, in Williamsville.

• Asha’s Sanctuary will hold an animal-friendly fall festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at 2969 Coomer Road in Newfane.

Join WNY Vegans at facebook. com/groups/WNYVegans or go to wnyvegans.com for more information.

For Altman’s blog offering vegan recipes like garden-stuffed tomatoes and peppers, go to gardenfreshfoodie.com.

Meet Your Provider

Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled

C

ommunity Services for the Developmentally Disabled has been providing services for people with developmental disabilities throughout Western New York for more than 26 years. Our mission is to assist them in achieving their highest level of independent living, enable their fullest participation in society, ensure that their civil and human rights are protected, and promote their ability to be productive, contributing members of their community.

We provide services for people of all ages, with unique needs. In the last six years, we identified the growing need for respite services. The demand for respite services lead to the opening of our first overnight respite site in 2013. This site serves the families of Western New York providing a much needed rest for their families and caregivers. Beyond the overnight stays, we also offer afterschool and Saturday respite.

Our goal is to continually improve the lives of those we serve which means we offer a wide range of person-centered services including: day habilitation services, vocational services, self-directed services and service coordination. Every program or support builds upon each person’s skills and interests in an effort to help those that are able, gain competitive employment.

services. Project COACH is one of these programs, which we offer for people with developmental disabilities and their families. It is an after hour’s telephone assurance network that provides support, assistance, and guidance with information, referrals, outreach, counseling, advocacy, and crisis intervention. Project COACH is a lifeline for the people we serve to stay connected in their community.

Recently, we expanded our vocational services. We added two new programs, which are PROMISE, and Pathway to Employment. PROMISE (Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income) provides transition services to youth enrolled in Buffalo and Niagara Falls city schools. It will advance employment and post-secondary education outcomes of 14-16 years old students who receive SSI. Pathway to Employment provides individualized career planning and training in job readiness skills that prepare people for

As the national leader in the creation of safe housing for those who are in situations of abuse or violence and also have a developmental disability, we have emergency

Community Services provides services for people of all ages, with unique needs. supported employment services. People are linked with internships in the community that help define the career path of their choice.

After providing consistent, comprehensive services in Western New York, Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled has earned a reputation of successfully serving people who are faced with unique challenges. We have developed programs that fit the person’s individual needs to ensure their success, and assist in reaching their goals and making their dreams into reality. We are an agency passionate about our mission, committed to the people that we serve, and dedicated to providing unparalleled, person-centered services.

716-883-8888 • www.csdd.net • 180 Oak St., Buffalo, NY 14203 October 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Making Strides

CALENDAR of

Fight against breast cancer continues in Buffalo

HEALTH EVENTS

By Tim Fenster

E

very year, about 40,000 women in the United States die of breast cancer, and approximately 230,000 are diagnosed with the disease, making it the most common form of cancer affecting women.

Put in other terms, one in eight U.S. women will be diagnosed with cancer throughout her lifetime.

But there is hope for those who receive this terrifying diagnosis.

Thanks to breakthroughs in treatment and research, breast cancer survival rates have risen dramatically in recent years, increasing by 30 percent since 1983, said Kelli Cravey, senior director of community events for the Eastern Division of the American Cancer Society, Inc. “I think we’re getting to know breast cancer,” Cravey said. “We’re getting better at treatment and we’re getting better at tackling breast cancer in a streamlined manner so that it doesn’t wreak havoc on the rest of the body.”

Cravey wants to see those rates continue their upward trend until breast cancer deaths are a thing of the past. But doing so will require millions of dollars in research as well as funding to support the millions of women who are already battling the disease.

That is why Cravey is asking Buffalonians to dig deep for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, the annual 5K walk that fundraises for the ACS as well as promotes awareness of breast cancer and breast cancer prevention.

“We are working on defeating breast cancer,” she said. “And to do that, we need funds.”

The annual walk, set for Oct. 17, is in its 20th year in Buffalo and is one of 325 Making Strides events held across the country.

Similar to the popular Relay for Life events, Making Strides invites participants to form fundraising teams that will then take part in the 5-kilometer (just over 3-mile) walk. Participants are also encouraged to wear pink clothing; some even don pink wigs, pompoms and tutus.

Recent years have seen the event bring together more than 10,000 walkers and raise approximately $500,000 for the ACS. Organizers are hoping this year will be better than ever, thanks in part to their new location at Canalside. As of press time, Cravey said they are on track to set a new fundraising record.

“People are really excited about the new location,” she said. “We’re looking forward to another great year and knocking it out of the water.”

The walk is also meant to be a celebration for women who have survived breast cancer.

In memory of mom

But for some, including Cravey, the walk is a very personal time for mourning and reflection.

When Cravey was just 15 years old, she lost her mother, Debbie, following her four-year battle with breast cancer.

That same year, Cravey organized a breast cancer rally in her hometown of Traverse City, Mich. that was attended by at least 100 supporters.

Ever since, Cravey has been an advocate for the fight against breast cancer.

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Oct. 7, 14

Schofield offers free wellness programs

Kelli Cravey, with daughter Coral, is senior director of community events for the Eastern Division of the American Cancer Society, Inc. “I work every day in the memory of my mother,” she said.

After receiving a degree in communications from Michigan State University, she landed an internship with the “Tonight Show” and went on to a successful career as a freelance TV producer. Her credits include MTV, the SyFy Channel and the Travel Channel, and working on popular “hidden camera” shows such as “Scare Tactics” and “Punk’d.”

Meanwhile, she continued to support cancer organizations through donations and fundraising.

Eventually, Cravey began researching various cancer organizations and came to the conclusion that the ACS was the best to support. “I kept coming back to the American Cancer Society,” she said.

Cravey soon decided to turn her passion into a career and joined the ACS in 2006.

Two years later, she relocated to Buffalo with her husband, who is in the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed here.

In the time since, Cravey has helped organize hundreds of Making Strides events throughout the ACS’s eastern division, a region that comprises New York state and New Jersey. The 27 Making Strides events that are held each year raised $20 million last year.

She also underwent a double mastectomy in April of this year, after finding out that, like her mother, she has the BRCA-1 gene, which is a predictor for the disease. Before the surgery, she had an 87 percent increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Now that risk is less than 3 percent.

She credits the discovery of the BRCA-1 gene to research that received funding from the ACS. “The American Cancer Society has been tied to every major breakthrough in breast cancer,” she said.

Registration for Making Strides of Buffalo begins at 8:30 a.m., and the walk itself will commence at 10 a.m.

For more information about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, or to donate, visit www.makingstrideswalk. org. For more information about breast cancer, visit www.cancer.org/cancer/ breastcancer.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2015

The community is invited to attend free wellness programs offered in October by the Schofield Adult Wellness Center. They are: • Brown Bag Medication Evaluation Clinic — Meet with Schofield’s consultant pharmacist and D’Youville pharmacy students for a free, private half-hour pharmacy consultation.

Bring your non-narcotic prescriptions, current medications, current over-thecounter pills, and herbal supplements in their original containers. Put them all in a bag for the clinic. Call for your half-hour appointment. The clinic will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oct. 7.

• Sharing Your Wishes — at 1 p.m., Oct. 14. Do your loved ones know your health care wishes if you could not speak? Will your wishes be honored?

Learn about advance care planning and how you can discuss with your loved ones what is important to you. You’ll receive a free guide and helpful information to plan ahead to give you and your loved ones peace of mind.

Schofield’s Adult Wellness Center is located inside Schofield Residence, offering short-term rehabilitation, long term care and a dedicated hospice unit in partnership with Hospice Buffalo.

Call 716-995-3851 or visit Schofield’s website at www.SchofieldCare. org to register, or to learn more about the programs.

Oct. 10

Scleroderma group schedules major event The Scleroderma Foundation TriState Chapter and Rochester Support Group will host their annual Scleroderma Patient Education Forum and an evening fundraiser benefit featuring “Cinnamon” Lady of Song to help raise funding for education, and research while honoring scleroderma patients

within our community. Music, food and photo exhibit are among the attractions.

The event will take place from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. (forum) and from 6 – 10 (fundraise benefit) Oct. 10 at The Rochester Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Ave. in Rochester. To register, call 800-867-0885 or email RochesterEd. SclerodermaTriState.org. Ticket price is $60 and includes lunch. For more information, call 585-234-0398.

Scleroderma is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects the body’s connective tissue by the over-producing of collagen; causing internal organs to scar or tighten. In some cases it causes the organs to cease functioning, resulting in organ failure or death.

The disease currently has no known cause or cure. There are an estimated 300,000 individuals with scleroderma in the United States. It normally strikes individuals between the ages of 25 and 55 regardless of race, ethnic group, or geographic location.

Oct. 14, 21, and 28

Workshop for women who live alone Do you live alone? Is it a challenge for you? “Living Alone: How to Survive and Thrive on Your Own,” is a threepart workshop offered for women who want to rediscover joy and contentment, and to gain the know-how to forge a meaningful life on their own.

You’ll meet others in similar situations and learn practical strategies to overcome loneliness, rediscover your true self and socialize in a couples’ world.

The workshop takes place from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at House Content Bed & Breakfast in Mendon on three consecutive Wednesdays: Oct. 14, 21 and 28.

Light refreshment is provided. The workshop fee of $145 includes a Living Alone binder, empowerment exercises and helpful resources. To learn more, contact Gwenn Voelckers at 585-6247887 or email gvoelckers@rochester. rr.com. Voelckers is the author of the continued on page 6

Serving Western New York in good A monthly newspaper published by

Health Buffalo–WNY Healthcare Newspaper

Local News, Inc. Distribution: 35,000 copies. To request home delivery ($15 per year), call 716-332-0640

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2015 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, Katie Coleman, Stephanie Brochey, Jana Eisenberg, Patrick Broadwater, Michael J. Biloni • Advertising: Donna Kimbrell • Layout & Design: Chris Crocker • Officer Manager: Alice Davis No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.

In Good Health is Printed Locally at Buffalo NewsPress

Combating ‘Sitting Disease’ While Working at a Desk

By Stephanie Brochey

A

s Western New Yorkers close out the summer months and head back inside, many will experience lowered activity levels. This decrease in physical activity becomes more dangerous as many settle back into a long winter of working from their desks.

Studies have shown repeatedly that sitting too much and for too long is linked to heart disease, diabetes and other major health problems. Adjusting your habits may seem difficult in an office that doesn’t seem supportive, but simple changes can help you and your coworkers experience a healthier workplace.

Sitting throughout a normal workday, even with daily exercise, increases the risk of dying from almost all causes. Exactly how and why sitting affects our bodies is not entirely conclusive, but it has a major influence on how our bodies metabolize fat and sugar (which can lead to serious complications like heart disease and diabetes).

A study by the American Cancer Society in 2010 concluded, “time spent sitting was independently associated with total mortality, regardless of

physical activity level.” The study went on to say that women who sat for over six hours a day were 37 percent more likely to die sooner than women who only sat for three hours. For men, that percentage was 18 percent.

The benefits of getting out of the chair are staggering, and affect all areas of well being. Genetically, our bodies are made to move, and our systems work better when they do. Aside from the physiological benefits, quality of life and mental states can improve drastically. Workplace stress can be diminished, if not eliminated, just by taking a brisk walk.

There are many ways to combat “sitting disease.”

The first step is talking to your employer about it. Bringing light to the issue will help make a shift happen office-wide. Be prepared with facts about the dangers of sedentary lifestyles, and gain your coworkers’ support. Employers need to know that balanced, integrated care plans can keep employees stay healthier and happier. Small changes can help decrease sick time and allow workers to perform better at their jobs.

• Consider changing to a sit-stand desk area. When speaking to your employer about this, make sure you offer options. Your company may have already considered sit-stand workstations but have not made the change because of cost or convenience. DIY sit-stand templates and modification ideas are available all over the Internet.

Creating a modification to your current office furniture is a cost effective way of creating a healthier workspace.

• Set alarms for activity throughout the day. Every hour, set an alarm to stretch, bend or walk. Most people make excuses for why they wander from their desks, but there really shouldn’t need to be one. Talk to your employer about implementing office-wide times for employees to get up and move. This approach doesn’t need to affect productivity. Turn the walks into meetings. Discuss matters with coworkers across the office face-to-face, instead of via email or by phone. Move garbage cans and printers further from desk areas.

• Rethink your commute and travel habits. We do many things throughout our day out of convenience that we

rarely consider harmful to our health.

Can you bike or walk to work? Planning ahead can make this an option for almost anyone. If your commute requires a lot of vehicle travel time, consider parking further from your workplace and walking the rest of the way. It all starts with preparation and knowing that the inconvenience will be worth it to improve your well being.

• Stay away from vending machines. Although the additional walk to a vending machine seems helpful — unless you don’t buy anything — you’re probably still contributing to your unhealthiness. Bringing healthy snacks to work keeps your energy up throughout the work day, and will cut temptations to binge on junk food.

More energy means more motivation to get up and get moving!

• Don’t stop moving off the clock.

Although studies have shown that even vigorous exercise cannot undo the damage of sitting for seven, eight hours a day, it’s still important to keep moving. Making healthy habits stick requires making changes in all aspects of your life, not just when you’re away from the office.

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman Price transparency Hospitals are just getting around to making their charges for procedures available to the public, but few if any will make what various insurers actually pay them available to the public.

Confidentiality agreements between hospitals and insurers prevent this.

Transparency in what insurers pay hospitals for procedures is touted as a way of increasing competition among both insurers and hospitals, thereby keeping costs under control.

A recent study by the Center for Studying Health System Change estimates that a transparent all-claims database could save $100 billion a year.

Mega insurance mergers It remains to be seen if recently announced insurance mergers, not yet approved, will lower or increase premiums. Both the American Hospital and American Medical associations have expressed concerns over the pending merger of insurance giants Aetna and Humana and Cigna and Anthem.

Their fear is that one huge insurer will dominate the market and will be far less willing to negotiate payments to hospitals and physicians in the marketplace.

If the mergers are approved, the Department of Justice will be vigilant for unfair pricing and monopolistic activity.

Massachusetts update Industry observers consider the Bay State as a harbinger of healthcare to come for the rest of the country. “RomneyCare,” or its version of “ObamaCare,” has been law since 2006.

So what has been the impact on costs and health after nine years?

Ninety-nine percent of all residents are insured, so the mandated universal coverage is successfully in place.

Overall costs increased 4.8 percent last year. This sounds pretty good relative to the rest of the country, but it was actually deemed to be disappointing by authorities and consumer advocates.

The good news regarding future costs is that insurers are aggressively moving away from fee-for-service reimbursements to alternative models designed to control costs and improve outcomes.

Fraud and abuse Congress has approved another $378 million in funding to combat Medicare fraud and abuse. Last year, Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Control recovered $3.3 billion. The return on investment is very good, with $7.70 recovered for every $1 spent on detection.

Accountable Care Organizations Despite the fact that 75 percent of ACOs didn’t save money, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data shows that overall, there was a savings of $411 million.

Savings are calculated by what CMS would have paid to the ACO under normal fee-for-service reimbursement versus alternative payments received by the ACO. ACOs are a new concept, so it is not surprising that 75 percent are not saving money. The 25 percent that are prove it can be done.

Advocates continue to point out that ACOs may be the best way to control costs, eliminate unnecessary care and emphasize team-based care that focuses on prevention versus just treatment. But, if CMS truly believes in population management through ACOs, it will have to loosen overly stringent formulas for risk adjustment and quality benchmarks. CMS will also have to eliminate the “penalty only” quality scoring system.

In other words, there is no reward

for improving quality; there is only a penalty for not hitting quality benchmarks. The transition from fee-for-service to fee-for-quality is hard enough for most providers. Advocates of ACOs are saying if CMS continues to set the bar too high too soon, there will be more failures and the ACO business model will be doomed to early failure.

Interstate insurance sales This has been discussed recently by virtually everyone running for president. It is not new. A bill to allow insurers to cross state lines was introduced in Congress 10 years ago.

Proponents believe by eliminating the red tape associated with different state regulations, insurers would increase the size of their risk pools — more covered lives — and lower their per unit administrative costs which would give consumers more choices with lower premiums.

But simply opening up the borders, so to speak, won’t necessarily create more national insurance plans. Insurers would have to set up their provider networks with thousands of physicians, hundreds of pharmacies and dozens of hospitals before attempting to sell insurance in a new state, all of which is expensive and time consuming.

Cadillac tax. No, not the car It takes effect in 2018. A “Cadillac” tax will be imposed on employers that offer “overly rich-expensive” plans which typically result in employees having to pay more out of pocket. The tax will be imposed if the premium for an individual exceeds $10,200 for an individual. The purpose of the tax is to provide an incentive for employers to shop plans and for insurers to control premium prices.

Plans that offer unlimited access

October 2015 •

to hundreds of physicians and several hospitals may have to be narrowed (less choice) to keep costs and premiums down. It is estimated that by 2018, 16 percent of employers could be offering an individual plan that costs over $10,200.

Community Health Centers Odds are you reside in the service area of a federally funded CHC. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, more than 700 new sites have opened.

There are 1,300 CHCs that operate 9,000 sites for an average of 180 sites per state. The CHCs provide care to 20 million people. Both sides of the aisle in Congress favor the program that supports providers in underserved rural and urban areas.

Telemedicine Thanks to technology and changing reimbursement to physicians, virtual (video) primary care doctor-patient consults are expected to double to 5.4 million over the next five years. Easier access to primary care physicians means less postponement of seeking care and better compliance with treatment plans. It is estimated that failure to seek care and failure to follow a physician’s advice costs $100 to $289 billion a 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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Page 5

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

from page 4

column “Living Alone,” published every month in this newspaper.

Oct. 20

Expert on cochlear implants to speak in Rochester Anyone interested in cochlear implants is welcome to participate in a meeting sponsored by the cochlear implant subgroup of Hearing Loss Association of America, Rochester Chapter. The meeting will feature Cochlear Americas Clinical Territory Manager Lisa Lamson at the group’s meeting at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20. Her presentation takes place in the vestry room at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, East Avenue at Westminster Road, Rochester.

Lamson will review Cochlear America’s new Nucleus 6 device in addition to telecoils, listening devices and more. She has been with the company since 2006 and is an adjunct professor at Syracuse University.

For more information contact Bob or Carol Bradshaw at RCBradshaw@ aol.com.

Oct. 22

Hospice chief to discuss end-of-life study Physician Christopher Kerr, chief medical officer at Hospice Buffalo, will be the featured speaker at TEDxBuffalo 2015 on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Asbury Hall at Babeville in downtown Buffalo (www.tedxbuffalo.com/2015speakers).

He will discuss some of the findings from a recent study led by him and The Palliative Care Institute. The study indicates dreams and visions provide a profound source of meaning and comfort for the dying.

The study resulted in two scientific articles: “End-of-Life Dreams and Visions: A Longitudinal Study of Hospice Patients’ Experiences” and “End-ofLife Dreams and Visions: A Qualitative Perspective from Hospice Patients,” both of which are drawing national and international attention.

This study was conducted in partnership with James P. Donnelly, PhD, department of counseling and human services, Canisius College, and Cheryl Nosek, professor, undergraduate programs director at the nursing department, Daemen College.

The Palliative Care Institute was established to advance the scope of palliative care awareness, education and research. It not only seeks to educate current and future professionals about palliative care, but also the community at large. The Palliative Care Institute is an affiliate of the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care and is located on its campus in Cheektowaga.

For more information, call 716-9892072.

Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Stacey N. Ackers, M.D. Roswell Park doctor talks about cancers of the reproductive tract, robotic surgery and how she breaks the news to patients who are diagnosed with cancer Q: As a gynecologic oncologist, what cancers do you most commonly treat?

A: Cancers of the reproductive tract. Cervical, uterine, ovarian, vulva, fallopian tube and vaginal cancers, but not breast cancers.

Q: How does the technology help?

A: It allows you to get a lot more detail. Things are magnified, you get three-dimensional images. You can do extensive operations with tiny incisions, so the patients can have a much faster recovery.

Q: It’s been awhile since the HPV vaccine became available. What impact has it had on cervical cancer so far?

A: It’s difficult to say because the population that received the vaccine probably wouldn’t have developed cervical cancer yet. But the idea is that it would reduce the rate of cervical cancer.

Q: What is the user experience like for a robotic surgery platform?

A: So generally you start off placing ports, little instruments, into the patient’s abdomen. We hook up the robot to the ports. Once you place the instrument into the port, you’re sitting in front of a console about 20 feet away from the patient. So you are commanding the robot to do what you want it to.

Q: Do you think it’s had a secondary effect of making young women more aware of the risks of HPV? A: Absolutely, yes.

Q: Does it help with outcomes?

A: When you’re operating on complicated patients, it helps a lot. You have the smaller incision, less of a risk of infection, less of a risk of complications, shorter hospice stay. So we know these patients tend to have better outcomes.

Q: How treatable is cervical cancer when it’s been detected?

A: If it’s detected in the early stage, it’s very treatable and curable.

Q: How quickly does the disease usually develop?

A: You do see some rare subtypes, but the majority of cervical cancers take several years to develop. So we’re usually able to detect precancerous cells on their annual gynecologic exams.

Q: I understand you do robotic surgery. What kinds of operations are you able to apply that to?

A: Cancer of the uterus. Early stage cervical cancer. Early stage ovarian cancer.

Got a health event you want to share? Send it to editor@bfohealth.com.

Deadline: the 10th of each month.

Page 6

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2015

Q: As a subspecialist, how much of your practice is focused on general gynecologic medicine?

A: We do see some general gynecology patients, such as patients who are at high risk for developing cancer.

But for the most part, we see cancer patients.

Q: How did you become interested in gynecologic oncology?

A: During my second year of residency, I had some exposure to GYN-oncology and became very passionate about it and decided that was the way I wanted to go.

Q: What kinds of symptoms do these cancers usually produce?

A: For cancer of the uterus, it’s bleeding after menopause. Though it’s rare in younger women, they would experience very heavy bleeding or bleeding outside of the vaginal cycle.

For ovarian cancer, patients might experience bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss are the most common complaints.

Q: Women’s health seems like one of the great health care education victories; a lot of women get their annual gynecologic exam. Is there still room for improvement?

A: I think the big thing is making sure patients have access to health care.

If they don’t have access to health care, it can be a challenge to try to improve their health outcomes.

Q: Has the ACA health care law helped?

A: Not that I’ve personally noticed.

Q: How well do you get to know your patients?

A: One of the unique things about the specialty is that we not only perform surgery, but we also administer chemotherapy. You develop a very close relationship with these patients, as you may be seeing them for chemotherapy for many years.

Q: Cancer is a very serious and emotionally charged diagnosis. How do you break bad news to patients?

A: I think you really have to individualize it for the patients. Every patient responds a bit differently, so you have to figure out how to deliver bad news to that patient.

Q: What can women do to maintain the health of their reproductive tract when you’re not around?

A: Self awareness of their own body; noticing changes. Physicians don’t see you on a daily basis, so being able to communicate any changes to your physician during the 20 to 30 minutes you spend with them is important.

Q: Is screening available for most GYN cancers?

A: The main cancer we offer screening for is cervical cancer, which we do annually. However, there’s isn’t screening for ovarian or uterine cancers, which is why being aware of your own symptoms and changes is so important.

Lifelines Position: Gynecologic oncologist at Roswell Park Hometown: Birmingham, Ala. Education: University of South Alabama College of Medicine Affiliations: Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Sisters of Charity Hospital Organizations: Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Buffalo OB-GYN Society Family: Married, two children Hobbies: Shopping

Treating Opiate Addicts

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As more people die of opiate abuse in Erie County, medical director warns that some detox programs actually increase the risk of a drug overdose

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y almost every indication, opiate abuse is at an all-time high in Western New York and, sadly, so too are overdoses. In 2013, at least 106 drug users died in Erie County from opiates, which includes heroin, prescription painkillers and Fentanyl, a powerful opioid that is often mixed with heroin and is believed to be the cause of many of those deaths.

In 2014, at least 116 died of an opiate overdose in the county.

With such staggering rates of addiction and resulting deaths, many are calling for treatment programs — both voluntary and court-ordered — to reverse the deadly trend.

But Torin Finvar, medical director at Horizon Village Terrace House in Buffalo, warns that detox programs actually increase the risk of a drug overdose, if the addict quickly returns to shooting up heroin, as they so often do. “We’re actually increasing the risk of overdose and death by putting people through a detox,” Finver said.

The reason? Detox drugs like buprenorphine (more commonly known as suboxone) stick to the receptors in the brain, making it more difficult for an addict to feel the euphoric effects, or “high” of an opiate. Often, an addict who uses three or four bags regularly, Finver says, will need to inject six to eight to feel the same effects if suboxone is still in his or her system.

Meanwhile, the days without opiates have caused the addict’s usually high tolerance to plummet.

“You have lowered the bar,” Finver said. “[At that point] it’s a fine line between getting high and overdosing.”

It’s a common problem with out-patient therapy, which often only address the physical addiction but not the underlying issues that lead so many addicts back to the needle.

“Ninety percent of the time, if we detox an addict and they walk out the door, they are back to using within a week,” Finver said.

That is why many out-patient programs become, for some addicts, little more than a source for cheap pills they can either use to stave off violent withdrawal sickness or sell to other addicts.

“We try to avoid a vicious cycle where people come in for free drugs,” Finver said of Horizon Village Terrace House.

Similarly, some in-patient treatment programs are no more effective, primarily because they are too short.

Many in-treatment programs only last for 28-days, and many insurance companies are reluctant to fund longer stays, if not reluctant to pay for expensive in-treatment at all.

Studies show one month of in-treatment is no more effective than an out-treatment program.

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an addict should be in a residential rehabilitation program for a minimum of three months. “We know something happens at the three-month point,” Finver said.

Addicts who maintain three months of sobriety are more likely to reach one year. Those who reach one year of sobriety are more likely to stay clean for three years. And so on.

Of course, kicking a powerful and consuming addiction is about much more than the duration of a rehabilitation program, or what drugs an addict is given to dull the agonizing effects of an opiate withdrawal.

“When you get into recovery, you have to change everything. You need to change who you hang out with, how you think, how you feel,” said Jodie Altman, program director at Kids Escaping Drugs. “If somebody isn’t willing to change everything, that’s where the problem is.”

That is why Kids Escaping Drugs focuses on a holistic approach to treating addiction, including 12-step meetings, therapy and a focus on getting their youth involved in different activities with a different (and sober) social circle.

“A kid doesn’t get sick alone, a kid doesn’t get better alone,” Altman said.

Both Finver and Altman say it’s equally important for recovering addicts to change their attitudes and outlook. “[Addiction] is a life full of sheer worry and self-centeredness,” Finver said. “What recovery really teaches people is you need to overcome that and you need to get over your fear and worry and low self-esteem.”

“We need to start leading them down a path where they start doing good for other people,” he added.

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For more information, call 585-624-7887 or email gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 7

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Setting goals can help restore your confidence

A

s I’ve shared in the past, my self-esteem took a real nosedive after my divorce. I felt exposed and embarrassed. It was as if my personal and private failure at a relationship had become very public. I just wanted to hide. And hide I did! I hid in my work, in my home, and in my self-help books. I also hid from my friends.

Divorce — even a fairly amicable divorce — can really knock the wind out of your self-confidence. If you are suffering from the fallout of a failed marriage and are in hiding, as I was, know that you are not alone.

Regaining my self-confidence was a slow process and painful at times, but ultimately very rewarding. The process started with baby steps.

While I am a huge believer in positive thinking, I intuitively knew I wouldn’t be able to think myself into more confidence. I knew it would require work and that I would have to build my confidence back up one success at a time. And that’s when I discovered the incredible power of goal setting.

During the dark days following my divorce, I found the simple act of

writing down mini-goals and checking them off the list actually helped me get through my day. At the time, my list was pitifully basic: get dressed, make my bed, water the plants, etc.

That list looks pretty pathetic now, but anyone who has endured a painful divorce knows just what I’m talking about. The simplest tasks can seem insurmountable.

But I kept at it, adding more items to the list as the days wore on.

Remarkably (thankfully!), this process of writing down and accomplishing my goals began to have a real and positive impact on my day and on my self-esteem. Committing things to writing seemed to have miraculous power. My “to do” list was motivating me.

It held me accountable. And it enabled me to see and track my progress and success.

It wasn’t long before one good day was followed by the next and the next and the next. My sense of accomplishment was as energizing as it was fulfilling. I began to feel better about myself.

To this day, I create a “to do” list on a daily basis and still get a confidence boost when I complete a goal

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Page 8

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Daniel J. Patterson D.O., F.A.C.O.S.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2015

and check it off the list. This practice has been so rewarding and self-affirming that I now employ a goal-setting process for my bigger life plans and projects.

In fact, I created a “Goal Worksheet” for myself that captures what every good goal should be: written down, specific, time bound and achievable.

Below is an example of a travel goal you might adopt for yourself this fall. I chose this example because traveling solo is a great way to get to know yourself better, expand your universe, and have some fun!

Your goal statement: I will get out of my comfort zone and take a first-ever weekend trip alone — a mini-retreat of sorts to recharge my batteries, rediscover my center, and enjoy some quiet time to think, reflect and dream.

Your timetable and action steps: 1 – By Oct. 9: I will share my goal with a few friends and ask for suggested retreat destinations within easy driving distance. (I highly recommend the Roycroft Inn in East Aurora, NY) 2 – By Oct. 14: I will review my options, make a decision, and reserve my hotel room for the weekend of Oct. 23, 24 and 25.

3 – By Oct. 15: I will inform my family members (and, if appropriate,

neighbors) of my plans, including my travel destination and how to reach me.

4– By Oct. 16: I will make arrangements for pet care, if necessary.

5 – By Oct. 20: I will spend a few days researching restaurants, checking out things to do, and finding a spa for a much-anticipated massage!

6 – By Oct. 21: I will pack light, including emergency supplies, a journal and a good book, which may come in handy as a pleasant diversion while eating alone.

7 – By Oct. 22: I will prepare healthy snacks for the road, carefully review my driving directions, check my tire pressure, and fill my gas tank.

8 – By Oct. 23: I will take off early, excited and proud to be leaving on my mini-adventure!

Goals can give your life direction and purpose. And they can put passion into your everyday existence, which is especially important for those of us who live alone.

It may take some time before you regain your footing and self-esteem.

Chances are, you’ll take some detours and encounter some bumps along the way. But I have found that setting and accomplishing mini-goals — and eventually larger life goals — is key to regaining self-confidence.

Actually doing (vs. wishing and hoping) has worked for me, and it may work for you, too . . . wherever life takes you.

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 October workshop, check out the events calendar in this issue, or contact Gwenn at 585-624-7887 or email at gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com.

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Women’s issues Pink Pill For Women’s Libido Now Available New drugs hits the market this month but several doctors are cautious about the new ‘Viagra’ for women

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

D

iminished libido? There’s a pill for that. Aug. 18, the US Food and Drug Administration gave the green light to Addyi (flibanserin) for treating low sex drive in premenopausal women. It’s the first approved libido pill for either gender in the US. It’s on the market beginning this month.

“Today’s approval provides women distressed by their low sexual desire with an approved treatment option,” said physician Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) in a press release. “The FDA strives to protect and advance the health of women, and we are committed to supporting the development of safe and effective treatments for female sexual dysfunction.”

Medically known as generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), low libido not caused by any other physical or mental health issue or circumstantial issue can be hard to treat.

“Women’s sexual dysfunction is multi-faced,” said Michele Frech, doctor of osteopathic medicine practicing at Neighborhood Health Center. “Ninety percent of the time when I ask, ‘How’s your relationship?’ it opens a whole can of worms. It’s typically not physiological, but something going on in the relationship. Men more have a physical, functional problem and for women, it’s completely different.

“There should be a push to get something for women, but I’m not sure

this is the answer.”

Erroneously called “Viagra for women,” Addyi works differently from male impotence drugs. The purpose of Addyi is to treat sexual desire, not performance.

Viagra increases blood flow through a man’s body, including the genitals, which improves sexual performance. Though researchers aren’t certain exactly how Addyi works, they do know that the daily pill is a serotonin 1A receptor agonist and a serotonin 2A receptor antagonist.

Sprout Pharmaceuticals, based in Raleigh, NC, manufactures Addyi, which is available through prescription. Its side effects include low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

Patients taking Addyi should not consume alcohol or take moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors because “it could increase the likelihood of a syncope, a temporary loss of consciousness,” said David Kurss, OB-GYN with Suburban Obstetrics and Gynecology at Women’s Wellness Center of Western New York in Williamsville. “People have got to choose. They recommend some people to take it at night so they’d already be in bed.”

Because of these elevated risks, the FDA approved Addyi with a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS).

Physicians prescribing Addyi and the pharmacists filling it must be registered with the REMS program to track any problems patients encounter. The prescribers must also strongly caution

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patients about the contraindications involving drinking alcohol while taking Addyi.

Other common responses to the medication include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, fatigue, insomnia and dry mouth.

“It’s not a perfect medication,” Kurss said. “I suspect there will be other medications on the horizon. But it’s a good start.”

The FDA’s press release stated that researchers tested Addyi in three studies consisting of 24 weeks each.

Each trial included 2,400 premenopausal women who had HSDD at least five years. Their age averaged 36 years. The drug’s trials were randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled.

Following the women for at least one year. From the participants’ responses, the researchers reported that “on average, treatment with Addyi increased the number of satisfying sexual events by 0.5 to one additional event per month.

Terrie Palazzo, physician assistant at All Care for Women in East Amherst and Orchard Park, is not that impressed with the pill’s results during trials.

“It doesn’t seem that significant to add one more encounter a month,” Palazzo said. “Considering all they have to risk and give up, it’s not that effective.”

Critics of the drug have said that its minimal effectiveness, saddled with significant risk factors, indicate that the

pressure on the FDA exerted by women’s groups may have influenced the drug’s approval so that women have a drug to aid their sex lives just like men.

But sex “is more of an emotional connection for women than it is for men,” Palazzo said. “For men, it’s more of a physical response.”

That’s why formulating a women’s pill is so much harder.

The FDA states, “Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report adverse reactions from the use of Addyi to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program at www.fda.gov/MedWatch or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.”

Sprout predicts no problems with insurers covering the new drug, which should hit pharmacies by October.

2015. They manufacturer foresees its cost as comparable with Viagra, a drug used to treat male impotence.

Despite some initial hesitancy from medical professionals, the industry sees big potential for the small, pink pill.

On Aug. 20, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. acquired Sprout Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for approximately $1 billion.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 9

Women’s issues Healthcare for Female Refugees, Asylum Seekers Complex journey requires strong support system, advocacy, experts say

By Jana Eisenberg

B

uffalo reportedly welcomes around 1,500 refugees annually.

They come from countries including Bhutan, Eritrea and Somalia.

With our history of welcoming and providing services to resettle refugees and asylum seekers, Buffalo is focused on making sure there is help for those who need it.

Pam Kefi, director of program development and integration for Jewish Family Services, says her agency oversees all the refugee programs of the four local resettlement agencies in the area.

“We feel strongly about supporting human rights and helping with the difficult transition,” said Kefi. “When refugees arrive, we ensure that they receive a health screening, a link to primary care, and that their children get shots so they can start school. We also provide healthcare coordination. Like all the agencies, we work to help reduce barriers to health care.”

JFS also runs the Western New York Center for Survivors of Refugee Trauma and Torture, which has served 163 people in the last 18 months. The center is a collaborative initiative funded by Jewish Family Service of Buffalo and Erie County through a grant from the NYS Health Foundation.

Everyone who works with the refugee population agrees that there are challenges. With such a strong support network available, though, the populations are assisted to learn what they need to know and become part of the system.

“The problems with getting healthcare are logistical and cultural,” Kefi said. “Refugees have a lot to learn; it’s an unfamiliar structure and many requirements. There are frequently

language barriers.

They have to learn how to advocate for interpreters.”

“Many of them are coming from war zones,” she added. “They may show physical ramifications from that, such as injuries from torture, car-bombing or other explosives.

They may have scars and broken bones that weren’t set properly. There is obviously trauma as well.”

May Shogan, director of international exchanges and education at the International Institute of Buffalo, described some of the particular challenges for women.

“When they get here, they see Rohith Saravanan, a medical provider, working with a refugee family. Photo. courtesy of Jericho Road a primary physiCommunity Health Center. cian,” said Shogan. cancers screenings,” she added. “Some “The doctors talk with women about Griswold iterated the difference of them are afraid to even utter the gynecological care. We don’t want between resettled refugees and asylum word ‘cancer.’ As a result, many of to overwhelm them. Especially with seekers. Refugees are here legally, and them won’t go for testing, or if they go, can receive Medicaid, she said, and women from conservative countries, they don’t follow up.” there are cultural aspects. We reassure “asylum seekers have nothing.”

To address these challenges, for the them about any tests they may receive.

“Buffalo has many people dedisixth year, in partnership with Roswell They must trust that it will not violate cated to these populations,” Griswold Park Cancer Institute, the Internationtheir virginity, or their beliefs.” added. “Dr. Myron Glick has set up al Institute of Buffalo used a Komen and gotten federal funding for JeriThe ‘C’ word Foundation grant to provide education, cho Road Community Health Center.

“We discuss breast and ovarian transportation, translation and assessThey offer full primary, pediatric and ment. obstetric care as well as many other “We include doctors, interpreters, programs.” cancer survivors and other refugees at Karen Forster runs Jericho Road’s the education sessions to offer support Priscilla Project, which helps low-inand answer questions,” Shogan said. come pregnant refugee women. One “Then we plan their screenings, take of her staff members, doula manager them to appointments in a group, and Flora Thaw, came here originally from stay with them. We also do follow-up.” Burma on a student visa over three Kim Griswold, associate professor years ago and then became an asylum in the Department of Family Medicine, seeker.

School of Medicine and Biomedical “My brother was here already,” Sciences, University at Buffalo and said Thaw about her initial introducexpert in refugee health, is the primary tion to the American systems. “In the clinician and medical director of the U.S. everything is different. I had to WNY Center for Survivors of Refugee apply for cash assistance and Medicaid; Trauma and Torture.

I did not know what that all meant!

“Cultural competency of healthcare The caseworker explained it again and providers is another area for improveagain. It took time to understand the ment,” she said. “We are working to system even if you speak English.” integrate training through UB’s School “Dr. Glick was the primary care of Global Health. We are applying for physician for my brother and his grants and doing community work to children, so I knew him. Now he is my identify refugee leaders within their doctor, too,” added Thaw. “Heather own communities. And we are workQuinn is a nurse practitioner who I saw ing with hospitals to train residents for women’s health. In my country, if and doctors.” you are single, they don’t ask you if Other challenges include the culyou have any sex partners. When I was Emily Comerford, a nurse practitioner in women’s health, working with a refugee patient. tural taboos that may surround mental first asked questions like that here, I Photos courtesy of Jericho Road Community Health Center. health and care in that area. was shy and a little uncomfortable.”

Page 10

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2015

Women’s issues Menstrual Cups Offer Women Third Option Method seen as substitute for tampons, pads

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

L

adies, you have another choice instead of tampons and sanitary pads.

Meet the menstrual cup.

Made of soft, surgical-grade silicone, a menstrual cup collects rather than absorbs menstrual flow. Instead of emptying your pockets and filling landfills, a cup may be reused.

Not many women have heard of it or are interested in it, according to David Kurss, an OB-GYN with Suburban Obstetrics and Gynecology at Women’s Wellness Center of Western New York in Williamsville.

“I haven’t had any patients ask about this,” he said. “I asked every patient in my office for a day — and I saw a lot of patients — and I didn’t have one person say, ‘I’m interested in trying that.’”

“Most people are used to the absorptive nature of the tampon or pad. I’m sure there are some patients who work a long shift or go hiking and don’t have access to restrooms. I think some may want to be made aware there is an alternative.”

The cup is shaped like an inverted bell with a stem at the closed end. It collects flow and, according to man-

ufacturers, as long as it’s correctly, it cannot leak regardless of the user’s activities.

“You would have to place it perfectly so it wouldn’t leak,” said Michele Frech, doctor of osteopathic medicine in the OB-GYN at Neighborhood Health Center, in Buffalo. “It can be mortifying especially for a teenager.

You have to be careful to not spill it after you take it out. Most women use tampons you’d have to be comfortable with your own body.”

After washing her hands, the user folds the cup into a “c” shape and inserts it inside her vagina. The cup pops open inside and forms a seal. Only a small portion of the stem remains outside the body.

Every 12 hours, the user must remove and empty the cup. Squeezing the cup while it’s inside breaks the seal and the user may pull it out by the stem. After emptying the flow into the toilet, the user washes the cup with mild soap and warm water to clean it.

At a multi-stall public restroom, the user may wipe the emptied cup with tissue paper and wash it the next time; however, since most women need to empty it only every 12 hours, it’s not

difficult to time emptying the cup in private at home. After the period ends, the user boils the cup for use next month.

No research has shown a connection between toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and using menstrual cups. TSS has been linked with using tampons and other items inserted into the vagina. Though rare, TSS can be fatal. It is caused by strains of the staphylococcus aureus bacterium. Proper hygiene while using a cup greatly reduces the already minimal chance of contracting TSS. “Follow manufacturer directions,” Frech advises any woman trying a menstrual cup. “As long as you have a way to adequately clean it, it should be safe.”

She added that TSS is “a theoretical risk, but pretty rare. It’s probably less risky with a cup because silicone is not reactive. The question is, can women keep it clean? How does it degrade and withstand repeated use?”

Most cups have measurement markings on the side which could be useful for women who need to measure their flow, since absorbent products cannot offer a consistent means of

measuring.

Examples of brands include DivaCup (www.divacup.com), Mooncup (www.mooncup.co.uk), Lunette (www. lunette.com) and SoftCup (www.softcup.com).

Though the initial cost is a little high — $32 to $39, compared with around $5 to $8 for a package of disposable products — the cup pays for itself in less than eight months and lasts for years. One exception is the Soft Cup, available at Walgreen’s, which is disposable.

Odor isn’t a problem since as long as the cup is inside, the flow is not exposed to air, unlike when using a pad.

Virgin women run the risk of tearing the hymen if the opening to their hymen is small. For some cultures, this defines losing virginity, but the medical definition of virginity is if a woman has never experienced intercourse. Most cup makers offer a size for women who have never had a baby and another for mothers who have delivered, whether vaginally or surgically.

Manufacturers recommend not using a cup for post-partum bleeding, while using topical medication, and whenever a vaginal infection is present.

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Q U A L I T Y C A R E F O R Y O U R FA M I LY October 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 11

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Little pumpkin seeds are big on nutrition

L

ately, my husband and I have been sprinkling shelled pumpkin seeds on everything: salads, cottage cheese, roasted vegetables, cereal.

They’ve reached “staple status” in our kitchen because they’re delicious and convenient and chock full of nutrients we need and benefits we care about.

Now that we’re eating less meat, we’re always concerned about protein.

A handful of pumpkin seeds gives us about 8 grams of this powerhouse nutrient, which accounts for a decent chunk of our daily protein needs.

Protein — a.k.a. “the building block of the body” — is needed to build and maintain all kinds of body components, from hair to bones to muscles. Protein also makes up the hemoglobin that carries oxygen in our blood. In other words, without it, we’d probably never get off the couch!

Pumpkin seeds are one of the best plant sources of zinc, an important mineral that boosts our immune system and aids in speedier wound healing.

In addition, zinc may protect against age-related vision loss; and, according to the “Journal of International Medical Research,” may help prevent osteoporosis in women, especially those who have gone through menopause.

Sleepy? Grumpy? Pumpkin seeds may be your ticket to restful shut-eye and a better mood, as they are teeming with tryptophan — an amino acid that your body converts into serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical that promotes sleep and overall well-being.

Low in both sodium and cholesterol, pumpkin seeds have about 150 calories and 5 grams of fat per handful.

Do know that most of the fat is the good, unsaturated kind that can help lower cholesterol.

Helpful tips

Shelled pumpkin seeds are available in prepackaged containers as well as bulk bins. Make sure the seeds are not shriveled and show no signs of moisture or insect damage. If possible, smell the pumpkin seeds to ensure they are not rancid or musty. Store seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months (they may last longer but they lose their fresh taste).

Roasting seeds (stove-top or in the oven) brings out their flavor and adds some crunch.

Thinking about babies? Zinc is vital for normal fetal development and the maturation of sperm.

Getting a daily dose of pumpkin seeds is good for hearts. In part, this is due to their high concentration of magnesium, a mineral that regulates heart rhythm and helps relax blood vessels. Since low dietary levels of magnesium have been linked to increased rates of hypertension and heart disease, this little gem may promote cardiovascular health. Pumpkin seed’s diverse mixture of antioxidants — those free-radical-gobbling compounds that have been shown to thwart age-related diseases — may also keep our tickers in tip-top shape.

5500 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221 Office: 716 220-2342 Email: frank@smartnutritionbyfrank.com

Whole Wheat Quick Bread with Pumpkin Seeds

plus a handful for topping the bread 1 ½ cups low-fat buttermilk 2 large eggs 4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled coarse salt, for sprinkling Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly oil a 9 x 5” loaf pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix flours, sugars, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

Stir in 1 cup of the pumpkin seeds.

In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk with eggs and cooled butter, whisking to combine. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir, just until combined. Batter will be thick and sticky.

Spoon batter into loaf pan and spread out evenly with a spatula. Top with additional pumpkin seeds and coarse salt. Bake for 50 minutes, until loaf is browned on top and sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing. Great toasted!

Adapted from Amanda’s Cookin’ 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (or honey) 1 teaspoon salt 4 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup roasted, shelled pumpkin seeds,

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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.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2015

MRI | 3D MAMMOGRAPHY | CT | ULTRASOUND | BONE DENSIT Y | X-RAY

Southtowns Radiology is proud to offer Genius 3D Mammography. Studies have shown that Genius 3D mammography detects 41% more invasive breast cancers and reduces false positives by up to 40% for all women, not just those with dense breasts. This means one simple thing: early detection. When making your 3D mammography decision, we welcome you to choose the superior patient experience at Southtowns Radiology, where our compassionate staff, efficient care and gentle techniques have set us apart.

To learn more about 3D mammography, visit southtownsradiology.com. Or call one of our convenient locations to schedule an appointment.

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Constant Social Media Presence May Jeopardize Teens’ Mental Health

T All Care for Women is an all female practice that believes in educating our patients so they can make well-informed decisions regarding their health. We offer routine GYN care, highrisk and standard prenatal care including nuchal fold sonogram at our Williamsville and West Amherst offices, and our staff is well experienced in laparoscopic or keyhole internal surgical techniques to examine the female reproductive system.

6095 Transit Road • East Amherst 716-634-9303 www.allcareforwomen.com

eens who feel a round-the-clock compulsion to participate on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter may pay a price in lost sleep.

They may also face a higher risk for depression and anxiety, new research suggests.

British researchers surveyed nearly 470 teens to explore how 24/7 social media participation might affect their emotional health.

“Adolescence can be a period of increased vulnerability for the onset of depression and anxiety, and poor sleep quality may contribute to this,” said study co-author Heather Cleland Woods, a psychology administration teacher at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. “It is important that we understand how social media use relates to these.”

Approximately 90 percent of teens worldwide use social media, the researchers said in background notes.

Facebook alone counts almost 1.5 billion users, and Twitter, more than 300 million. Evidence is increasingly revealing a link between social media use and well-being, particularly in the teen years, Woods said.

According to the study, the more teens engaged with social media and the more they were emotionally invested in site participation, the greater the risk for impaired sleep, poor self-esteem, depression and/or anxiety.

Meet Your Provider

Windsong Radiology Group

Q: You were selected to replace Dr. Janet Sung, Windsong’s founder, as the director of women’s imaging. How difficult was it to fill those shoes?

A: I don’t think I could ever “fill those shoes.” Dr. Sung was truly a visionary when it comes to the business of radiology and satisfying the needs and wants of the patient. My hope is to carry on in her footsteps by being an advocate for our patients.

Like Dr. Sung, I plan to stay informed about the newest technology available, and analyze its potential value in early cancer detection. If it proves to be beneficial, I will fight to make it available to our community and patients.

Q: What is the biggest challenge in getting women to have their annual breast cancer screening?

A: Women are renowned for taking care of their entire family and leaving little time for taking care of themselves, often neglecting to schedule an annul mammogram. Windsong follows the American Cancer Society guidelines recommending annual screening mammograms for all average-risk women over the age of 40. Early detection is vital in the fight against breast cancer.

Q: Why is it important for women to know if they have dense breasts?

A: First, it is normal to have dense breast tissue. Every woman has her own ratio of dense vs. fatty breast tissue. Dense breast tissue is comprised of less fat and more connective tissue, which appears white on a mammogram. Cancer also appears white, thus tumors are often hidden by the dense tissue. As a woman ages, her breasts usually become more fatty. Radiologists have been reporting a woman’s dense breast tissue to her referring doctor for twenty years, however, that information is not always conveyed to the patient. Displaying heterogeneously or extremely dense breast tissue on a mammogram is considered dense.

Q: How is Windsong different from other breast screening facilities?

A: Windsong Radiology has long been known for its commitment to life-saving innovation. It was the first facility in WNY to be awarded ACR Breast Center of Excellence accreditation. Also, as the first freestanding facility to offer 3-D mammography back in 2011, Windsong has unsurpassed expertise in reading 3-D images.

Dr. Anna Chen is the director of women’s imaging at Windsong Radiology Group Windsong takes pride in the fact that we are able to fully evaluate each screening patient if we detect a problem that same day. At Windsong, we are often able to fully evaluate questionable findings on the same day. Although it takes a bit longer, our hope is that it relieves some of our patient’s anxiety.

If a patient receives a diagnosis of breast cancer, Windsong is Western New York’s first and only breast care facility to receive accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). This designation is only given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and undergo a rigorous evaluation process and on-site review of their performance.

Windsong Radiology Group • 6 Convenient Locations in WNY 716-631-2500 or visit windsongradiology.com.

October 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 13

Food Allergies, Intolerances and Sensitivities Significant differences about conditions but they all bring their own set of problems to sufferers

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant “She’s allergic to shellfish.”

“He’s lactose intolerant.”

“I have gluten sensitivity, so no bun, please.”

W

hat are the differences among food allergy, intolerance and sensitivity? Though some people use the terms interchangeably, they’re not synonymous.

• Food allergies: they are the most severe of the three conditions. Usually, an individual shows systemic response such as hives, upset stomach wheezing and even swelling in the mouth and throat that inhibits breathing. People can die from some food allergies.

• Food intolerance: it may cause vomiting, gas, bloating and diarrhea, but it differs from allergy because it’s not life-threatening and Schwartz usually few other symptoms manifest.

• Food sensitivities: it may prompt similar symptoms as food intolerances; however, the response tends to be hit-or-miss. The patient may be able to “get away with” a small amount of

the offending food or tolerate it under certain circumstances.

Self-diagnosis can be difficult for many people.

“Where it gets cloudy where the reaction could include vomiting and diarrhea, where it could be a bacterium or bacterial toxin in the food,” physician Stanley Schwartz who is board-certified in allergy and immunology.

Schwartz is a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and chief of the department of medicine at Kaleida Health.

The body’s response to stimuli, along with testing, can help doctors determine how to classify a reaction and how to best treat it.

About 20 percent of people with childhood food allergies outgrow them, though children with multiple allergies tend to not outgrow them. Common examples of food that triggers allergy include peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, dairy, strawberries and shellfish. Exposure to even a tiny trace of the offensive food may cause a serious, even life-threatening response.

“These reactions occur within seconds to an hour of touching or eating the food,” said Katie Manis, registered dietitian with Kaleida Health. “The reaction occurs each time the food is eaten and is the same reaction.”

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The severity of food intolerance varies among patients.

Celiac disease offers an example of a food-related autoimmune disorder, though sometimes “gluten sensitivity” is used to describe it. In addition to stomach upset (less common in adults), the individual can experience “unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, fatigue, bone or joint pain, arthritis, bone loss or osteoporosis, depression or anxiety, tingling numbness in the hands and feet, seizures or migraines and an itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis, among other problems.

People with celiac disease must avoid any food containing gluten, a protein naturally occurring in wheat.

Though the condition raises the individual’s risk of long-term health problems, he’s not in imminent danger from eating a food containing wheat. But he should avoid wheat and foods prepared in a fashion that could cross-contaminate them. A factory that makes both rice and wheat-based cereal could cross-contaminate. Or a cutting board used to slice gluten-free and wheat bread.

Eliminating gluten from the diet is the only way to manage celiac disease.

It’s considered a lifelong condition.

With a food intolerance, once the offending food is expelled or passes through his system, the response

is over. Lactose intolerance can be managed by avoiding milk and foods containing milk, or by supplementing with lactase, the enzyme missing from the person’s digestive system.

“That’s a completely different mechanism than a true allergic response,” said physician Anita Shrikhande with Westside Allergy Care in Batavia.

Unlike allergies, there are no tests for intolerances. Usually, doctors recognizing these symptoms suggest an elimination diet so the patient can avoid the food triggers.

“Some people have headache when drinking red wine and that may be an intolerance,” Shrikhande said.

“Some people use the term ‘allergy’ for everything, but it describes a specific response.”

“Food sensitivity” refers to an item that doesn’t agree with a person. For example, some people find that raw onion causes them to experience heartburn. They may or may not always have heartburn after eating raw onion.

Since the reaction is relatively mild, doesn’t happen every time and it’s not a systemic response, that makes the response a food sensitivity. Because of its inconsistent nature, it’s hard to test for a food sensitivity — except by the patient’s own process of trial and error.

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Residential Options for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

n the past, people with developmental disabilities didn’t have many options when it came to living arrangements. But the industry is changing.

“There’s a shift away from institutional settings,” said Kelly Dodd assistant director of contact center services at Olmsted Center for Sight’s Western New York 2-1-1 program. “The goal of most agencies, families and individuals is to be living in the community. There are a number of different opportunities.”

These days, instead of only homebased or institutional-based options, group homes give more options that are cost-effective for insurers and more appealing to adults with developmental disabilities who want to become more independent, yet still need some help.

The NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (www. opwdd.ny.gov) helps people with developmental disabilities “receive high-quality person-centered supports,” said Denise M. DeCarlo, deputy director of communications for the organization.

These include community residences that are staffed 24/7 to provide personal care or ones that provide staff only certain times of the day.

An individualized residential alternative is a group home where up to three clients live and receive needsbased support, but not 24-hour care.

Family care programs use certified private homes to provide community-based living for clients.

The group home option has become so desirable that a prioritized

registration list categorizes how long clients and their families will have to wait.

The priority list is based upon several factors, such as if the client is potentially dangerous to himself or someone else.

“One of the challenges now is there are not enough certified residences in the area,” said Dodd of Olmsted Center for Sight said. “There are really long waiting lists.”

Other obstacles to finding the right answer include understanding benefits available and awareness of the agencies and organizations that can help.

“Families and individuals can look at the opportunities in the area using the 2-1-1 website or by calling,” Dodd said.

The 2-1-1 program provides comprehensive health and human services information to help people connect to the best resources for their situation, including a specialized database of resources for people with developmental disabilities. Those interested in contacting the program can call 1-888-696-9211 or visit www.211wny.org.

Some families wait until a health crisis forces parental caregivers to seek another option for their adult child with developmental disabilities.

Stephanie Woodward directs advocacy at Center For Disability Rights.

The statewide agency operates offices in each county in the state and she believes that early planning can help families receive the kind of care they want for a child with developmental disabilities.

“Start financial planning before

you need community or home-based services,” she said.

“Your insurance may not cover it. Or if you think your savings will cover it, as soon as your savings are gone, they may not accept Medicaid. The person may be sent to a place that is not a good place. If you think in five or six years you may need more services, start planning now.”

Woodward is a big proponent of homebased care, since she feels community supports can help many people with developmental disabilities live more independently.

An adult with developmental disabilities being helped by a She often observes people living in group friend. Photo are courtesy of Center for Disability Rights. homes who could live more independently, which fills a space in a top-level group fund to preserve family assets. She also home that could be filled by someone helps people who should qualify for with greater needs.

Medicaid but are unable to get com“Consider what the individual munity services. A special needs trusts wants,” Woodward said. “We encourpays bills for the client. It costs $200 to age going with independence first. start and $20 monthly to maintain.

Do some financial planning. If your “It’s a low cost way to be able to insurance doesn’t cover it well, start keep more of your money,” she said. doing some spend down planning to In Buffalo, dialing 2-1-1 can help get qualified for Medicaid. It can cover families find resources. The New York care. There are things you can do with- State Office for People with Developout getting rid of all your money.” mental Disabilities (866-946-9733) may She recommends starting a trust also help.

SABAH provides opportunity, education to special needs athletes

By Patrick Broadwater

T

here’s an athlete in everyone.SABAH, a Buffalo-based nonprofit, has been dedicated to helping special needs athletes reach their potential for nearly 40 years.

SABAH (Spirited Athletes Bold at Heart) engages its athletes in sports ranging from ice skating and hockey to football, soccer and volleyball as a way to promote physical fitness and also strengthen their independence and build their social skills to help improve their quality of life.

“We create opportunities for people with special needs to achieve to whatever level that’s possible,” said Sheila O’Brien, SABAH’s executive director. “It creates opportunities for building self-esteem. They reach goals weekly, overcome obstacles and get to a different level they never thought they could get to.”

SABAH’s athletic programs are open to athletes of all ages who have physical, intellectual or emotional disabilities. Currently, there about 700 athletes participating, from age 3 to late 60s. The organization offers its traditional weekend and evening programs, as well as school-day educational and recreational programs in 21 schools in Western New York.

“We really can accommodate anybody at any level,” O’Brien said. “We structure our programs so that we can accommodate differentiated instruction to whatever level they’re at.”

Athletes are introduced to sports in a positive and nurturing way and adult programs also include guidance and support from Buff State nutrition educators.

“People with disabilities tend to have a huge problem with obesity, so we have people come in to work with participants on healthy eating strategies.

We try to make it fun and enlightening for them.”

SABAH started in 1977 as a skating association for the blind and handicapped, but has evolved over the years to focus more broadly on health and wellness and turf-based sports, as well. Skating remains a huge part of the program’s focus with high-profile special events, such as the annual Celebration on Ice held at First Niagara Center.

The organization’s longevity in the community has also helped it to build a strong base of volunteer support. SABAH programs run with the participation of about 500 volunteers, a large percentage of which are high school students.

“It’s a cliché, but I think volunteering does as much if not more for the volunteer than the participant,” O’Brien said. “For high school students, I think it’s invaluable. It introduces them to people with disabilities and they gain a comfort level that we hope carries forward with them for the rest of their lives.

“I think it’s really impactful for them because it’s one-on-one volunteering, so you really create a relationship with someone. There’s a personal attachment and investment.”

Individuals interested in participating in SABAH programs or volunteering for the organization can learn more by visiting www.sabahinc.org or contacting SABAH at 716-362-9600.

October 2015 •

Manny, a spirited athletes who’s bold at heart

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 15

The Social Ask Security Office

By Deborah Banikowski

This International Skeptics Day, Check Your Social Security Statement

I

How to Save on Hearing Aids I

t’s unfortunate, but millions of Americans with hearing loss don’t get hearing aids because they simply can’t afford them. Hearing aids — typically sold through audiologists’ offices — are expensive, usually costing between $1,000 to $3,500 per ear. What’s more, traditional Medicare doesn’t cover them and private insurance typically hasn’t either.

But there are numerous ways to save on hearing aids if you know where to look. Here are a few tips.

Medicaid.gov.

While most private health insurance companies do not cover hearing aids, there are a few that do. United Healthcare, for example, offers hightech custom hearing aids to their beneficiaries through HealthInnovations for $599 to $899 each. And a small number of other plans will pitch in $500 to $1,000 toward the cost of hearing aids, or give you a discount if you purchase hearing aids from a contracted provider.

And due to state law mandates, three states — Arkansas, New Hampshire and Rhode Island — currently require private insurance companies to provide hearing aid coverage for adults and 20 require it for children. So check with your insurance provider to see if it offers a hearing aid benefit.

If you are a Medicare beneficiary you should know that while original Medicare (Part A and B) and Medigap supplemental policies do not cover hearing aids, there are some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans that do. To look for a plan in your area that covers hearing aids visit Medicare.gov/finda-plan.

If you are a current or retired federal employee enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, some plans provide hearing aid coverage, including the BlueCross BlueShield plan that covers hearing aids every three years up to $2,500.

And, if you are on Medicaid, most state programs cover hearing aids, but requirements vary. To find out contact your state’s Medicaid program or visit

If your income is low, there are various programs and foundations that provide financial assistance for hearing aids to people in need. Start by calling your state vocational rehabilitation department (see parac.org/svrp.html) to find out if there are any city, county or state programs, or local civic organizations that could help.

Also contact Sertoma (Sertoma.org, 816-333-8300), a civic service organization that offers a comprehensive list of state and national hearing aid assistance programs on their website. Or call the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders at 800-241-1044, and ask them to mail you their list of financial resources for hearing aids.

Check Your Insurance

Page 16

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Veterans Benefit

If you are a veteran, the VA provides a hearing aid benefit if the hearing loss was connected to military service or linked to a medical condition treated at a VA hospital. You can also get hearing aids through the VA if your hearing loss is severe enough to interfere with your activities of daily life. To learn more, call 877-222-8387 or visit VA.gov.

Assistance Programs

Cheaper Buying Options

If you are unable to get a third party to help pay for your hearing aids, you can still save significantly by purchasing hearing aids at Costco or online.

Most Costco stores sell top brands of hearing aids for 30 to 50 percent less than other warehouse chains, hearing aid dealers or audiologists’ offices. This includes an in-store hearing aid test, fitting by a hearing aid specialist and follow-up care.

And websites like EmbraceHearing.com and Audicus.com, sell quality hearing aids directly from the manufacturer for as little as $400 or $500. But, you will need to get a hearing evaluation from a local audiologist first, which can cost between $50 and $200.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2015

nternational Skeptics Day falls in October, making it a month of second-guessing and, hopefully, getting to the truth of the matter. At Social Security, we believe that a healthy bit of skepticism encourages you to get the facts.

We have created an easy way to cast aside doubt about Social Security, and you can access this resource any time of the year, day or night. You can clear any amount of skepticism you might have about your Social Security earnings by creating a safe and secure “my Social Security” account at www. socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

With a “my Social Security” account, you can instantly check your Social Security statement. Financial experts have said that your statement is “… probably the most crucial financial planning document for every American.”

By thoroughly checking your Social Security statement, you can make sure each year that your work was correctly documented. This will ensure you get a correct Social Security benefit when you start collecting.

Q&A Q: I applied for my child’s Social Security card in the hospital but have not received it. How long does it take?

A: In most states it takes an average of three weeks to get the card, but in some states it can take longer. If you have not received your child’s card in a timely manner, please visit your local Social Security office. Be sure to take proof of your child’s citizenship, age, and identity as well as proof of your own identity. And remember, we cannot divulge your child’s Social Security number over the phone.

Q: Is it illegal to laminate your Social Security card?

A: No, it is not illegal, but we discourage it. It’s best not to laminate your card. Laminated cards make it difficult — sometimes even impossible — to detect important security features and an employer may refuse to accept them. The Social Security Act requires the Commissioner of Social Security to issue cards that cannot be counterfeited. We incorporate many features that protect the card’s integrity. They include highly specialized paper and printing techniques, some of which are visible to the naked eye. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you.

There are many other valuable features of “my Social Security” that will stave off that skepticism. You can: • Keep track of your earnings and verify them every year; • Get an estimate of your future benefits if you are still working; • Get a letter with proof of your benefits if you currently receive them; and • Manage your benefits: – Change your address; – Start or change your direct deposit; – Get a replacement Medicare card; and – Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.

If you do find a discrepancy on your statement, you will need to collect the proper documentation from your employer to correct any misinformation and submit it to Social Security.

For detailed instructions, you can access the publication “How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record” at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Join the over 20 million people who are accessing their personalized accounts from the comfort of their home or office at www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount.

Q: I have two minor children at home and I plan to retire this fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security benefits after I retire?

A: Monthly Social Security payments may be made to your children if: • They are unmarried and under age 18; • Age 18 or 19 and still in high school; or • Age 18 or older, became disabled before age 22, and continue to be disabled.

Children who may qualify include a biological child, adopted child or dependent stepchild. (In some cases, your grandchild also could be eligible for benefits on your record if you are supporting them.) For more information, see our online publication, “Benefits For Children,” at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs.

Q: I just got a notice from Social Security that said my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) case is being reviewed. What does this mean?

A: Social Security reviews every SSI case from time to time to make sure the individuals who are receiving payments should continue to get them.

The review also determines whether individuals are receiving the correct amounts. You can learn more about SSI by visiting our website on the subject at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

Schofield Cares In Your Home, Or Ours

104 years of quality care now available to families throughout Erie & Niagara counties.

By Jim Miller

Adjusted Flu Vaccine Options Available to Seniors This Year Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about this year’s flu shot?

Last year’s vaccine was ineffective at preventing the flu, especially among seniors. What options are available to me this year?

Seeking Protection Dear Seeking, You’re right. Last season’s flu shot was not very effective at preventing the flu. In fact, according to the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who got the shot were just 19 percent less likely to visit the doctor for flu than people who did not get the shot. In good years, flu shot effectiveness is in the 50 to 60 percent range.

The reason for the shot’s ineffectiveness last year was because the vaccine was mismatched to the circulating flu viruses, which can genetically shift from year-to-year.

This year, U.S. health officials have tweaked the flu vaccines to include last year’s missing strain, which will hopefully provide better protection.

But a flu shot is still your best defense against the flu. So, depending on your health, age and personal preference, here are the flu vaccine options (you only need one of these) available to older adults this year.

Standard (trivalent) flu shot: This traditional flu shot has been around for more than 30 years and protects against three different strains of flu viruses.

This year’s version protects against two A strains (H1N1 and H3N2), and one influenza B virus.

Quadrivalent flu shot: This vaccine, which was introduced two years ago, protects against four types of influenza — the same three strains as the standard flu shot, plus an additional new B-strain virus.

High-dose flu shot: Designed specifically for seniors, age 65 and older, this trivalent vaccine, called the Fluzone High-Dose, has four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot does, which creates a stronger immune response for better protection. Howev-

You can trust your loved one with Schofield. We’ll provide an enhanced experience through a professional team of nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists as well as medical social services and helpful aides.

er, note that the high-dose option may also be more likely to cause side effects, including headache, muscle aches and fever.

FluBlok vaccine: Created for adults 18 and older who have egg allergies, this is a trivalent flu vaccine that does not use chicken eggs in its manufacturing process.

Intradermal flu shot: For those who don’t like needles, the intradermal flu shot uses a tiny 1/16-inch long micro-needle to inject the vaccine just under the skin, rather than deeper in the muscle like standard flu shots. This trivalent vaccine, however, is recommended only to adults, ages 18 to 64.

To locate a vaccination site that offers these flu shots, visit vaccines. gov and type in your ZIP code. You’ll also be happy to know that if you’re a Medicare beneficiary, Part B will cover 100 percent of the costs of any flu shot, as long as your doctor, health clinic or pharmacy agrees not to charge you more than Medicare pays. Private health insurers are also required to cover standard flu shots, however, you’ll need to check with your provider to see if they cover the other vaccination options.

Pneumonia Vaccines

Two other important vaccinations the CDC recommends to seniors, especially this time of year, are the pneumococcal vaccines for pneumonia. Around 1 million Americans are hospitalized with pneumonia each year, and about 50,000 people die from it.

The CDC is now recommending that all seniors, 65 or older, get two vaccinations –Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Both vaccines, which are administered just once at different times, work in different ways to provide maximum protection.

If you haven’t yet received any pneumococcal vaccine you should get the Prevnar 13 first, followed by Pneumovax 23 six to 12 months later. But if you’ve already been vaccinated with Pneumovax 23, wait at least one year before getting the Prevnar 13.

Medicare Part B covers both shots, if they are taken at least 11 months apart.

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

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• •

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Golden Years Special Issue of In Good Health, Buffalo’s Healthcare Newspaper

Call 716-332-0640

for more information and to reserve your advertisement space

October 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

H ealth News Wesley Hicks Jr., named top cancer doctor Newsweek magazine recently published its list of top cancer doctors recognizing the best in the fight against cancers of all kinds.

Included on the list is Wesley L. Hicks Jr., an expert in head and neck surgery and oncology at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo.

Newsweek, Hicks. in conjunction

with Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., compiled the list through peer nominations and extensive research. Tens of thousands of phone calls were made to leading specialists, department chairpersons and vice presidents of medical affairs to gather information on the top specialists in varying areas of expertise.

More than 100,000 nominations were received for this distinction.

“I am honored to be included on this list of doctors working to improve the lives of those suffering from cancer,” Hicks said. “My efforts are supported by a team of outstanding health care professionals at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Their support and commitment have enabled me to dedicate my professional life to providing the best possible care to my patients.”

Hicks was one of 16 doctors in

Health

New York recognized for treatment of cancers of the head and neck region, and one of only two not located in New York City. Examples of head and neck cancers include larynx (voice box), oral/lip, nasal/paranasal sinus, salivary gland, thyroid/parathyroid and pharynx (throat).

Kaleida takes another step in the reuse hospital Kaleida Health recently released its request for proposals (RFP) for the reuse of Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.

The Oishei Children’s Hospital, which is currently under construction on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Cam-

pus, will open in late 2017 and replace the nearly 125-year old Bryant Street facility.

The RFP has been sent to the local, statewide and national development community. Nearly two dozen neighbors and community leaders have been meeting throughout the summer to formalize the campus reuse strategy. This cross-section of community members make up the Project Advisory Committee (PAC), which is designed to give Kaleida Health advice and counsel about redevelopment of the hospital.

Robert G. Shibley, the dean of architecture and planning at the University at Buffalo, founder of the Urban Design Project and a lead consultant on city and regional, is chairing the committee.

The main Women & Children’s

in good

WNY’S HEALTHCARE NEWSPAPER

EMPLOYMENT Cazenovia Recovery Systems is hiring!

Counselor Associate Counselor Case Manager Housing Specialist Residence Monitor Secretary Site Supervisor Facility Assistant Program Director Vocational Counselor Join the team that’s changing lives and building futures!

These exciting opportunities fill quickly, so submit your resume and cover letter: By email: adminresume@cazenoviarecovery.org Visit www.cazenoviarecovery.org for more information.

Page 18

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2015

Are you looking to make a GLIIHUHQFH LQ VRPHRQH·V OLIH" A career as a Direct Support Professional might be for you!

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Hospital of Buffalo campus is comprised of seven interconnected buildings constructed between 1917 and 1995, and encompassing approximately 617,000 square feet on a site between Bryant Street and Hodge Avenue.

Additional properties include 187 Bryant St., 125 Hodge Ave. (home of Hodge Pediatrics, an electrical substation and a maintenance garage), and another parcel of more than two acres — one block away on West Utica Street, which now used mostly for parking.

Interested neighbors and community members are encouraged to visit Kaleida Health’s website to offer feedback on the reuse process: www. kaleidahealth.org/Childrens/reuse/.

Fitness at Canalside gets 11,000 participants The Fitness at Canalside, the summer program presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, had more than 11,000 individuals participating in one of the 13 free classes offered over during the summer.

“It has been a summer to remember at Canalside,” said Ryan Coate, Spectra general manager at Canalside.

Got a health event you want to share? Send it to editor@bfohealth.com.

Deadline: the 10th of each month.

Catholic Charities awarded $27 million contract

“The participation and engagement around this series surpassed expectations,” said Gretchen Fierle, senior vice president, marketing and community relations, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “To have over 11,000 individuals making a trip to Canalside to get active, and get healthy, is something we are excited about as the region’s largest health plan. We want to thank Canalside and the dedicated and passionate instructors for this successful partnership.”

Fitness at Canalside offers a comprehensive variety of free, engaging fitness classes, with the most popular sessions drawing nearly 400 participants down to the waterfront. The classes are taught by some of the area’s most talented and beloved fitness instructors.

Catholic Charities of Buffalo has been awarded a five-year, $27 million contract to provide Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program services in Chautauqua County for the first time beginning Oct. 1 and to continue providing WIC services across Erie and Niagara counties.

The federal WIC special supplemental nutrition program provides food, participant-centered nutrition education and referrals for eligible pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and infants and children under the age of 5. According to the New York State Department of Health, WIC program participants have longer, healthier pregnancies and fewer premature births.

In a competitive bid process, the state Health Department selected Cath-

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olic Charities to operate WIC in the three counties through September 2020.

Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services had administered the WIC program most recently in that county. Catholic Charities has been the sole provider of WIC in Erie County since October 2009, following the transition of services from the Erie County Department of Health. In Niagara County, Catholic Charities has administered the program since 1985.

Catholic Charities WIC serves about 21,000 participants each month in Erie and Niagara counties, operating out of nine full-time sites and six sites on a part-time basis.

“We are delighted to welcome the families of Chautauqua County into the Catholic Charities WIC ‘family,’” said Dennis C. Walczyk, Catholic Charities chief executive officer. “It is our privilege to be able to grow the continuum of services we currently offer in Chautauqua County like basic assistance, counseling for all ages and other family-focused programs.” In 2014, Catholic Charities’ services in Chautauqua County impacted more than 4,700 people.

• Endicott • Gasport • Houghton • Orchard Brooke

• Orchard Park • Salamanca • Three Rivers • Westfield

Send your resume to absresumes@absolutcare.com October 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 19

Mayor Byron Brown led Soccer for Success participants in a ceremonial kick in recognition of $200,000 in recently completed improvements to Buffalo’s Durant Park.

Talking Health with Mayor Brown Mayor reveals his exercise regimen, diet and shares his own recipe, The Byron Brown Egg McMuffin, which he prepares on Saturday mornings. Oh yes, he does the cooking on Friday nights as well

By Michael J. Billoni

W

henever he is seen in public, Buffalo Mayor W. Brown is always impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, crisp dress shirt, sharp tie and a gold Buffalo pin on his lapel.

More than that, he is the picture of being physically fit.

But how can that be with the many events he must attend that revolve around meals and the long hours associated with being the mayor of New York state’s second largest city?

“Being healthy is very important to me,” the mayor says during a recent interview in his second floor office of City Hall. “One thing I do is I go to the doctor regularly for checkups. Oftentimes, people may have little health issues going on and they let them linger and when they finally go to the doctor, the problem has been found too late.”

The city’s 58th mayor, who was reelected to a third four-year term with a landslide victory in November 2013, has championed Buffalo’s remarkable resurgence and the significant progress the city has experienced under his leadership, resulting in over $5.5 billion in new economic development activity which is expected to create over 12,000 new jobs.

Since taking office the mayor has seen the waterfront flourish, the Buffalo Sabres’ new $200 million Harbor Center open, the Buffalo-Niagara Medical Campus continue to grow and Solar City Buffalo begin to be built, just to name a few of the many positive projects occurring in the city.

Mayor Brown, who lives in Masten District neighborhood, is quick to point out one of the major priorities of his administration is the quality of life of its residents, which is people staying healthy and living healthy lifestyles.

“That has gone hand-in-hand with what we have done to make Buffalo more bicycle-friendly,” he says proudly.

“Buffalo has a bicycle master plan that includes a complete streets plan and Page 20

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at the end of this year, we will have over 80 miles of bicycle lanes. We now have over 400 bicycle racks and we are looking at ways to educate bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists in how to share the road safely.”

The mayor certainly walks the talk when it comes to creating a healthy community.

“I try to eat healthy every day, concentrating on fruits and vegetables.

I try to practice portion control, not overeat at meals and I mix in exercise,” he explains. “I don’t exercise as much as I should or like my wife Michelle, who is in the gym six days a week. But each day I will do my pushups and sit ups at home and I walk the stairs in City Hall. The building is 32 stories and I never take the elevator. Walking the stairs is a great opportunity to get some exercise during the workday and this summer I rode my bicycle regularly.

“Healthy communities are more vibrant, more exciting, more dynamic and more productive,” he adds. “Children who are healthy are more productive in school and people are more productive at work and they miss less days. They are happier and friendlier so there are great, great benefits from people living healthy lifestyles.”

The mayor says Buffalo has truly embraced First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move”(“America’s Move to raise a Healthier Generation of Kids”) initiative and it has been awarded five gold medals, which makes Buffalo one of the highest recipients of medals for a city of any size in America.

“Another important element of quality of life has been our investment in parks, pools and recreation centers in the City of Buffalo,” adds the mayor who points out since he took office in 2006 the city has invested more than $41 million in park improvements.

The question comes back to the mayor’s health and how he manages all of the events he attends that revolve

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2015

Mayor Byron Brown delivered dozens of bike helmets to young city residents as part of Buffalo’s National Night Out festivities in August. around meals or snacks.

“I could literally eat at 10 different breakfast, lunch or dinners seven days a week,” he explains. “However, I must be disciplined enough not to do that. I will eat once at breakfast, once at lunch and then dinner but I will not eat at multiple events because I know the consequences of taking in that many calories in terms of weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.”

At home, his wife is a very good cook “and thankfully she does most of the cooking,” he says with a smile.

However, the mayor is in charge of preparing the Friday night meal at home which he will do in the kitchen

by cooking from a variety of items on his menu — or he may surprise the family by calling for a “Pick Up Friday.” On those nights he will stop at one of their favorites — Chef’s Restaurant; Rasta Rant, a Caribbean Restaurant on Bailey Avenue for a jerk chicken dinner; submarine sandwiches from Wegmans or a pizza from Mister Pizza.

Saturday morning, though, is when the mayor shines in the kitchen creating “my famous breakfast—The Byron Brown Egg McMuffin.” The ingredients are: wheat English muffin; low calorie butter or margarine, egg, American cheese; and turkey bacon.