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in good June 2015 • Issue 8

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Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

Ride for Roswell Turning 35? Time to Start the Turns 20 Conversation About Prostate Cancer Founder Mitch Flynn talks about how he came up with the idea to do the event, which grossed $4.4 million last year

Alternative Ways to Fight Them

Comprehensive Stroke Centers

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Letchworth State Park in Castile, one of seven great places to enjoy the outdoors in the region. See story on page 20.

Two Buffalo hospitals considered top notch for stroke treatment

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Great Outdoor Hotspots to Enjoy in WNY

Community Gardens Nearly 100 uniquely crafted community gardens across Buffalo offer plenty of ways to lend a helping hand toward the beauty and bounty of a garden in the community

Big Reasons to Eat More Black Beans Page 9

Meet Your Doctor Physician Philip M. Stegemann, clinical director of orthopedics at ECMC, talks about too much exercise, ACLs, rotator cuff, tendons and his love for beekeeping Page 6 June 2015 •

Among the fastest growing healthy snacks Page 3

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Noah and Emma:

Most Popular Baby Names E Cambridge got a sneak peak at the list, since naming their baby girl Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte (which lands at No. 10) Elizabeth (which fell from the top 10 to No. 14) Diana (No. 297) of Cambridge.

Each year, the list reveals the effect of pop culture on naming trends. This year’s winners for biggest jump in popularity in the top 1,000 are Aranza and Bode.

Aranza jumped an amazing 3,625 spots on the girls’ side to number 607, from number 4,232 in 2013.

The Latin soap opera “Siempre Mi Amore” was aired on Univision from 2013 to 2015. The show featured a

mma and Noah are America’s most popular baby names for 2014, according to figures from the Social Security.

Emma returns to the top spot she held in 2008 and hangs out in first place with Noah. There are a few new names in the top 10 in 2015 — James (a former No. 1 from the ‘40s and ‘50s) on the blue side and Charlotte on the pink side, her first time ever in the top 10.

Makes you wonder if the Duke & Dutchess of

young lead character named Aranza, and obviously had its effect on naming trends last year.

Bode raced ahead 645 spots, from number 1,428 in 2013 to number 783 in 2014. This might have had something to do with the Winter Olympics in early 2014, where Bode Miller continued his outstanding alpine skiing career by collecting his sixth Olympic medal. Not only is he the most successful male American alpine skier of all time, he is considered by many to be an American hero.

The second fastest riser for boys was Axl, a nod to both rock legend Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses and Axl Jack Duhamel, son of Stacy Ann “Fergie” Ferguson and Josh Duhamel. For girls, Montserrat, the lead character in a very popular Latin soap opera, was number two, joined by another Monserrat (spelled just one letter differently) at number three.

For all the top baby names of 2014, go to Social Security’s website, www. socialsecurity.gov.

What Readers are Saying About In Good Health “Very informative!”

Judith Tyler, Buffalo “Very informative on wide range of topics to appeal to a wide audience.”

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“Very informative and interesting little magazine. Lots of info.

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Here are the top 10 boys and girls names for 2014: BOYS GIRLS 1 Noah Emma 2 Liam Olivia 3 Mason Sophia 4 Jacob Isabella 5 William Ava 6 Ethan Mia 7 Michael Emily 8 Alexander Abigail 9 James Madison 10 Daniel Charlotte

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Among the fastes t growing healthy snacks Page 3

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

Top 10 Food Trends for 2015 Popcorn — along with refrigerated juices, smoothies, yogurt, nutrition bars, trail mixes and specialty nut butters — is among the fastest growing healthy snacks, according to the Institute of Food Technologists.

T

he April 2015 issue of Food Technology magazine, published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), features Contributing Editor A. Elizabeth Sloan’s insights on the top food trends for 2015. Sloan gathers data from a multitude of industry resources to come up with the following trends.

1. Fresh and Refrigerated Foods: Nearly nine in 10 adults feel that fresh foods are healthier, 80 percent feel that they are tastier, and 78 percent of consumers are making a strong effort to eat more fresh vs processed foods. Shoppers are buying more fresh ingredients, up 10 percent vs. just three years ago.

2. Eating for a Specific Lifestyle: Dramatic changes in lifestyle, eating patterns, and demographics are creating new rules for marketing and packaging and are motivating new food product purchases.

Nearly half of all eating occasions are alone and the family meal continues to erode; only 27 percent of family meals include children.

3. Reasonable Snacking: The average number of in-between-meal snacks has grown from two per person per day in 2010 to almost three in 2014, and consumers are snacking throughout the whole day. Refrigerated juices, smoothies, yogurt, nutrition bars, trail mixes, specialty nut butters and popcorn were among the fastest growing healthy snacks in 2013.

4. Discovering New Cuisines: More sophisticated food experiences characterized by unique flavors and culinary narratives is another trend on the rise.

Gourmet products such as oils, cheeses, and baked goods are purchased by more than 40 percent. Pickling, fermenting, fire-roasting, and smoking are all hot food preparation trends for 2015 as well as global flavors like harissa, aji, gochujang, yuzu, togarashi, peri peri, and za’atar.

5. Exclusion Diets: Consumers are continuing to experiment with alternative eating styles. In 2014 one-third of adults tried a specialty regiment like gluten-free, lactose-free, raw/living foods, dairy-free or a juice cleanse.

Three-quarters of U.S. households prepare meat alternatives for dinner

with eggs being the most popular meat alternative. Food restrictions, intolerances, or allergies have a good deal of influence on food choices for one in 10 shoppers and 17 percent are somewhat influenced.

6. Breakfast: Most people are eating breakfast five times a week.

Having more energy and mental focus, helping maintain weight and feeling full until lunchtime are all things that motivate non-breakfast eaters to dig into breakfast. Ethnic flavors for breakfast are trending as well such as chipotle, manchego, chutney, Cotija, and chimichurri.

7. Rethinking Natural: In 2014, 29 percent of consumers bought more local foods and beverages, 28 percent bought more organic products, 25 percent more natural foods, and 23 percent more non-GMO offerings.

8. Whole Food Nutrition: In 2014, fiber/ whole grain were the most sought after food ingredients. Non-wheat flours (peanut, millet, barley, and rice) were among the hot culinary ingredients in 2015, followed by ethnic flours like fufu, teff and cassava. More than one third of the best-selling new foods/ beverages in 2013 carried a real fruit or fruit health benefits claim, and 14 percent of the best-sellers touted a vegetable health benefit.

9. ‘Cook-Less’ Meals: More than a quarter of consumers say they are preparing more meals in less than 20 minutes than they did five years ago.

One-pot meals were up 29 percent, and meals using marinated meats and poultry were up 21 percent. Packaged meals and kits, oven baking, and take-and-bake products are all popular among consumers.

10. Diet Watching: Over half of adults are watching their diets; 66 percent for general health reasons, 55 percent to lose weight, 40 percent to limit fat, sugar, sodium, 38 percent to prevent future medical issues, 37 percent to maintain weight, 22 percent to treat a current medical condition, and 10 percent for a real or perceived food allergy or intolerance.

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National Cancer Survivors Day Thursday, June 4, at 12:00 Noon.

On this date we will honor those we love who have survived this horrific disease. Join us for a delightful lunch and entertainment. A $10 admission fee will be charged. Tickets will be sold for our basket auction and door prize. All money collected will be donated to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. RSVP by Wednesday, June 3rd

Anniversary of Amelia Earhart’s Last Flight Thursday July 2, at 12:00 Noon.

Join us for a delicious lunch and celebrate the life of Amelia Earhart with a presentation by Denise Reichart. RSVP by June 25th

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Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 12:00 Noon.

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June 10

June 13, 20

Memory care support groups at Harris Hill

Asbury Pointe holds Saturday open houses

The McGuire Group’s Harris Hill Nursing facility, 2699 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville, will be hosting two memory care support groups on Wednesday, June 10. A general support group will be held at 3 p.m., and a daughter’s support group will be held at 5 p.m.

The support groups are held on the second Wednesday of every month and coordinated by memory care professionals from The McGuire Group in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY. Support groups are a great way to share caregiving tips and coping mechanisms with others who are experiencing similar situations while caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

For more information, contact Sarah Pietrowski at 632-3700. Information can also be found at www.mcguiregroup.com in the support groups section.

June 11

Seminar to discuss hip and knee pain treatment

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

Orthopedic surgeon Nicholas Violante from Excelsior Orthopaedics will host a seminar on treatment options for hip and knee pain. He will discuss total hip and knee arthroplasty, common causes and symptoms of arthritis, and treatment options. The event will include a lecture, question and answer session and refreshments.

The event will take place at 4 p.m., Thursday, June 11 at The McGuire Group’s Garden Gate Health Care Facility, 2365 Union Road, Cheektowaga.

Participants will also have a chance to tour the facility.

Those interested should RSVP by June 9 by calling 668-8100. The seminar is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.mcguiregroup. com.

Asbury Pointe Retirement Community is holding open houses at its Getzville facility. The free, informative Saturday open houses will be held from 1 – 4 p.m. June 13 and June 20 at Asbury Pointe, 50 Stahl Road. Future open houses will take place July 18, Aug. 15 and Aug. 22.

Guests will be able to tour available apartments — many of which have newly upgraded amenities such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and custom cupboards — as well as see the grounds, speak to current residents, get answers to the many questions they have and enjoy delicious refreshments.

“We’re proud to have the opportunity to showcase our well-appointed apartments and beautifully landscaped grounds as we discuss the many convenient amenities and social opportunities available to those who choose Asbury Pointe,” said Karen Grady, executive director of Asbury Pointe.

The facility is an affiliate of Beechwood Continuing Care, a local nonprofit senior care community.

Asbury Pointe’s open houses are free and open to the public; reservations are not required. For more information, call 716- 810-7500.

June 17

Bereavement meeting held in West Seneca The McGuire Group will host a free bereavement support session for anyone coping with grief, sadness or loss at 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, at Seneca Health Care Center, 2987 Seneca St., West Seneca.

Bereavement/support groups are held on the third Wednesday of the month and hosted by experts from The McGuire Group who understand the feelings caused by sadness and loss.

Those interested in attending can call 828-0500.

Serving Western New York in good A monthly newspaper published by

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In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 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, Stephanie Brochey, Patrick Broadwater, Daniel Meyer, Tim Fenster, Ernst Lamothe, Katie Coleman, Nancy Cardillo • Advertising: Donna Kimbrell, Marsha Preston • 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

Ride for Roswell Turns 20 Founder talks about how he came up with the idea to do the event, which grossed $4.4 million last year

By Tim Fenster

I

n recent years the Ride for Roswell has grown into one of the largest and highest grossing charity events in the area, but the ride’s founder, Mitch Flynn, is quick to note that it wasn’t always so.

“I like to say the ride was an 11year overnight sensation,” he said. “It grew, in terms of fundraising, dramatically.”

When Flynn devised the ride in the mid-‘90s, he saw it as an opportunity to marry his love for bicycling with his painful experiences with cancer.

He was an avid bicyclist, having ridden across the United States in the mid-‘70s. He was also a trustee for the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, a nonprofit organization that manages donations to the institute — and had lost his father-in-law to liver cancer in 1991.

“I realized a way to take my love of bicycling and my family experiences with cancer and turn it into a way to raise money for Roswell,” Flynn said.

The first Ride for Roswell, held in 1996, brought together 1,000 bicyclists

The Celebration of Hope will begin at 4 p.m. Friday, June 26, at the University of Buffalo North Campus. Routes will depart either from UB North or from Roswell Park the morning of June 27, and all will conclude at UB North.

For more information on the Ride for Roswell, or to donate, visit www.rideforroswell.org.

and raised approximately $100,000 for the cancer institute. Over the next few years the ride grew slowly but steadily, both in terms of participation and dollars raised.

In 2002 the ride generated $300,000 for Roswell, a significant milestone at the time.

It wasn’t until 2006 that the ride, now with thousands more taking part, broke the $1 million barrier.

From there participation and donations seemed to skyrocket. The ride raised about $2 million in 2008, $3 million in 2011 and $4 million in 2013.

Last year the event brought in 8,216 riders, 763 teams and raised roughly $4.4 million.

Event organizers explain that they are able to include so many Flynn riders because they offer a dozen routes, ranging from a three-mile family route to a 102-mile ride that runs to Lake Ontario and back.

For this year, the event’s 20th anniversary, organizers will offer the ride’s first-ever Canada route, a 44-mile ride that heads up to Horseshoe Falls and back.

All routes will be taking place June 27, and all are at full capacity.

The ride’s 20th anniversary celebration will also include a Celebration

of Hope ceremony the evening before the ride, which Roswell Park Event Marketing Coordinator Lindsay Truesdell describes as similar to the Olympics opening ceremony.

The event will include a musical performance by country artist Kellie Pickler, a speech from former Buffalo Bills gunner Steve Tasker and family-friendly entertainment such as face-painting, jugglers and food vendors.

Event organizers are hoping the added buzz this year will push donations past $5 million.

“We’re grateful for anything the community gives,” Tuesdell said. “We just hope to outdo the previous year.”

So far the ride has outdone itself to the tune of $35 million for Roswell Park. The money is split between the institute’s cutting-edge cancer research

Ride for Roswell’s organizers estimate the event has raised more than $35 million to help to Roswell Park and its patients.

Here is a sample of what the race has raised Year of the race Amount raised 1996 $100,000 2002 $300,000 2006 $1 million + 2008 $2 million 2011 $3 million 2013 $4 million 2014 $4.4 million and improving patients’ quality of life.

“I know the Ride for Roswell has done more good for more people than any other event in Western New York,” Flynn says.

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

Hospital report card Medicare has developed a five-star hospital ranking system. The number of stars a hospital earns is based on how it did according to an 80-question survey of patients who received care, inpatient or outpatient, within the last six months. The survey covers 3,500 Medicare certified hospitals. Hospitals are graded on pertinent issues like how they were treated by business and clinical staff, communication with physicians and other caregivers, medication administration and instructions, and overall care received. The survey does not inquire about the non-clinical amenities or lures that have little to no relevance on the quality of care received such as valet parking, executive chefs and free cable TV. So far, only 7 percent of hospitals have received five stars.

Forty percent of hospitals garnered three stars. Fortunately, only 3 percent of hospitals received just one star.

Thirty percent of a hospital’s Medicare reimbursement is based on this survey.

Hospital ratings are updated quarterly.

While critics argue that no survey can accurately reflect the quality of care received, advocates argue that, nevertheless, hospitals need to understand that the consumer is always right.

Individual insurance mandate Fifteen million Americans had an individual policy last year, a 46 percent increase over 2013, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The report does not give the breakdown between policies purchased on the exchange or directly from carriers. Fifty percent of the increase last year came from California, Florida, Texas and Georgia, which coincidentally are some of the states with the highest uninsured rates.

More individuals would have purchased insurance if the penalty for not having insurance was more onerous.

It’s still far cheaper to pay the penalty vs. buy insurance. The individual mandate penalty for not having insurance in 2014 was only $95. It increased to $325 this year, which still a bargain compared to buying insurance, even if one qualifies for a discount based on income.

Wellness Incentives The ACA affords employers the opportunity to offer financial wellness incentives to their employees. Participation in wellness programs (like weight loss and smoking cessation)

must be voluntary. Participation cannot be mandatory. Participating employees (family members are ineligible) can receive as much as a 30 percent discount on their individual premium. US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for a prevention-based society in a recent Washington Post story. He suggested that all institutions — including government, private employers, schools, churches, providers, etc — need to emphasize wellness and physical activity.

Healthiness must become part of our culture.

ACO growth slows While the growth rate slowed last year, there are now about 600 accountable care organizations (ACO), putting 70 percent of us in a market served by one of them. 5.6 million Americans, or 11 percent, receive care from an ACO. The majority of ACOs are still Medicare sponsored. Commercial ACOs are slower to develop.

Transformative technology

Though long overdue, healthcare innovation and technology has exploded onto the scene in just the past few years. Mahek Shaw, MD, the founder of Symplexi, says consumers will benefit from three technological advances in particular. First, cloud-based electronic June 2015 •

records are proving to be more accessible, agile, adaptable and flexible for both consumers and providers. Epic and Cerner currently dominate the client-server based electronic record systems. Shaw predicts that within five years they will be outmoded. Second, patient centric devices like TEDMED, Jawbone, Fitbit and SXSW will transmit your data directly to your provider, allowing the doctor-patient relationship to be more of a partnership. Third, big data analytics will progress from improving operations and lowering costs to actually improving the care of the population being served by the provider organization. All of this cannot come quickly enough as both consumers and physicians are frustrated with the amount of paperwork and red tape involved in receiving and delivering care.

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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Meet

Physician Shortage Expected to Get Worse in NYS Philip M. Stegemann, M.D.

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

New report finds significant lack of primary care physicians

A

s our healthcare system transforms with a greater focus on primary care, care coordination and population health, communities across the state need more primary care providers, according to a new report from the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS).

“Doctor Shortage Imperils Primary Care Expansion” confirms that New York’s physician shortage continues and is expected to worsen as reform efforts — such as the delivery system reform incentive payment (DSRIP) program — rely on increased primary care. The report, which summarizes the results of HANYS’ annual Physician Advocacy Survey, found 20 percent of the 942 doctors needed are primary care physicians.

“At a time when healthcare providers are working to keep their communities healthier and out of the emergency room, primary care must be accessible in all corners of New York state,” said HANYS President Dennis Whalen. “From expanding successful programs such as Doctors Across New York to optimizing telehealth services, the state must explore ways to meet the current and future needs for primary care.”

Seventy-seven percent of respondents indicated that their primary care capacity is not sufficient to meet current needs, with 75% percent concerned about the ability to meet future demand.

The survey also found 86 percent of hospitals found primary care physicians very difficult to recruit.

Those surveyed provide primary care at a total of 542 clinics.

HANYS has advocated for additional slots for the successful Doctors Across New York program, the continuation of Primary Care Services Corps, and for funding through DSRIP to help providers recruit physicians and other healthcare professionals to communities in need.

HANYS’ 2014 Physician Advocacy Survey was developed in collaboration with Iroquois Healthcare Alliance, Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State, Rochester Regional Healthcare Association, and Western New York Healthcare Association. A total of 94 member hospitals outside New York City participated in the survey.

With a large number of respondents located in rural underserved areas in northeastern, central, Rochester, and western New York, the report includes a separate section for Upstate findings.

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We’ve asked the clinical director of orthopedics at ECMC — Is too much exercise unhealthy? He talks about that and about ACLs, rotator cuff, tendons and his love for beekeeping Q: Sports medicine seems like it has become a hot specialty over the last generation. What does the typical sports medicine patient come to you with?

A: Over the 28 years I’ve been doing this, I’ve gravitated toward shoulder pathology, both in athletes and older patients. Sports medicine tends to involve younger or very active people and activity-related or overuse problems. Athletes and weekend warriors will often have knee-related problems.

These can be related meniscal problems — that’s the cartilage between the top and bottom bones. You commonly hear of NFL players developing ACL injuries, which is a ligament injury in the knee. Oftentimes those patients need reconstructive surgery. There’s also overuse injuries of the knee. Basketball players can develop tendinitis.

Q: Every day, it seems new benefits from intense physical activity are being discovered, but is there a point where it starts to become unhealthy?

A: No, remaining active is never dangerous unless you have a cardiac problem that won’t safely allow you to raise your heart rate. Now in sports medicine sometimes you’ll get people who are avid runners or tennis players who are 60 years old but feel like they’re 25. People have to be realistic about that aging process and manage their expectations. Your brain may feel like it’s 25, but your body feels like it’s 60. But there’s no reason you can’t stay active throughout your life. If you’re developing arthritis in your knee, maybe go from running on a hard surface to doing the elliptical. But we encourage people to be as active as they can at every stage of their life.

Q: You mentioned the shoulder earlier.

A: Up in the shoulder, you’ll see problems related to instability where the shoulder wants to slide out of place. Oftentimes it’s a traumatic injury, where there’s a dislocation from tackling someone on the field or falling in soccer.

Q: What can be done to help joint problems?

A: Our joints are made up of bones and the cartilage that lines the joint — think of it like a tread on a tire.

Then there are the ligaments that hold the joints together and muscles and tendons that control the motion. As we age, all of those can have problems. If the cartilage wears out, you may suffer from arthritis.

The ligaments can become tight if they’re underused and reduce your range of motion.

Tendons can develop tears as we age.

Most people who come to an orthopedic surgeon don’t actually need surgery.

Q: What’s the deal with the rotator cuff?

A: It’s another buzz term like “ACL.” It’s made up of four muscles that help rotate your arm inward, outward and upward. The tendons that typically get injured are attached to the muscles that lift your arm up. If it’s injured, you’ll feel pain when you lift your arm up.

Another symptom is nighttime pain when you are lying in bed.

That can be traumatic, where the tendon gets torn off the bone, or as you get older, those tendons can start to wear down a bit — think of an older sneaker with worn laces.

When you tie your shoe, you may snap the laces. We don’t think of our tendons aging, but they age with the rest of us. There are treatments available for those degenerative tears. Athletes can acutely tear their rotator cuff diving for a ball or tackling someone. It’s a problem for overhead athletes like pitchers and swimmers, especially as they get older.

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

There’s a rehab process where we try to regain motion.

Q: How do you treat torn tendons?

A: It really depends on the specific tendon. Each muscle has a tendon that connects it to bone that allows us to move our joints. So we’re usually trying to restore function and motion. For some, you’re going to have to operate.

If you tear your patella tendon in your knee, for example, then that’s going to usually mean surgery. We can sew tendons back to the bone they came from.

There are also partial tears. Around 50 percent of people over the age of 75 have some kind of tear in their rotator cuff. Sometimes they have symptoms, sometimes they don’t.

Q: Do tendons have much capacity to heal on their own?

A: You have to think about what they do. It’s connect to muscle on one side and bone on the other. All muscles can do is contract — they can’t get longer on their own. They get longer when another muscle pulls the joint in the opposite direction. So when muscles contract, they pull the tendon away from where it came from. So tendons can heal, but the problem with a lot of tendon injuries is that they’re separated from where they came from. It’s like a tight rubber band. If you cut one side, it’ll snap back. There’s nothing putting it back to where it’s supposed to go. In those cases, we have to physically put the tendon back where it came from.

Sometimes that can be done by bracing.

One way to treat a torn Achilles tendon is to put it in a cast or brace with the toes point to the floor. What that does is bring the two ends of the tendon closer together so that the tendon can start healing. Then we slowly start bringing the foot into a neutral position as the tendon heals. So there’s no one way to treat all tendon injuries.

Q: What’s the overlap between engineering and orthopedics?

A: The physics of joints is very important in orthopedics, figuring out where forces are acting on the joint and what parts carry the load. We can replace joints with metal and plastic, but we have to do it with the knowledge of physics to make sure the man-made appliances we’re putting in the body simulate the biological parts. There’s a constant evolution of man-made parts.

A lot of that total joint replacements in the past didn’t work because of metal fatigue. As we understand those forces better, we can make better implants.

Q: What’s your interest in beekeeping?

A: It’s a fun hobby. Most bees are kept by beekeepers now, especially with the threat of colony collapse syndrome, so it’s extremely important to keep an environment where bees are able to have a good home.

Lifelines Name: Philip M. Stegemann, M.D. Position: Clinical director of orthopedics at Erie County Medical Center. He practices at UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and is a clinical associate professor at the University at Buffalo.

Hometown: Rochester, NY Affilations: University of Buffalo UBMD Organizations: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Trauma Association Family: Married, three children Hobbies: Being outdoors, beekeeping, golfing, fishing, history

Doctor: Don’t Wait Too Long to See Your Provider

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Buffalo doctor says preventive visits are the best way for patients to handle their health

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By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

I

t’s a sad but true story.

Many people wait too long to make a trip to their physician offices. They instead bypass regular visits when they are feeling well or even when they are not and trade them in for visits to the emergency room when things get beyond their control.

In the latest statistics, there were more than 1.2 billion visits yearly to physician offices, hospital outpatient and emergency departments, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. However, many of those visits did come from the emergency department from symptoms that were not one-time or first-time situations.

Joseph Riccione, a board-certified physician in family medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment in Buffalo, believes preventive visits are the best way for patients to handle their health.

Riccione said when people push back visits years after they need it by the time they come to the doctor, sometimes it is too late and they are navigating through stage four of a particular disease. High blood pressure can cause serious health problems such as stroke and heart attack, according to the American Heart Riccione Association.

“If patients come to the office with high blood sugar or high blood pressure, sometimes significant damage has already been done. The problem is patients are coming into their doctor’s visits sicker and sicker,” said Riccione, who recently joined the Buffalo Medical Group’s primary care department and will practice at BMG’s Orchard Park location at 3900 North Buffalo Road.

Researchers analyzed data from 37,000 American adults who had their blood pressure checked between 1999 and 2012. Those who saw their doctor at least twice a year were 3.2 times more likely to keep their blood pressure under control than those who saw their doctor once a year or less.

This is “probably because doctors recognize the need to control risk fac-

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tors and may be quicker to give them blood pressure medications,” study author Brent Egan, a professor of medicine at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, said in a journal news release.

Researchers also pointed to weight as a large factor in controlling blood pressure. Nearly 80 percent of the 78 million American adults who were diagnosed with high blood pressure are aware of their condition. However only three-quarters attempt to receive treatment and half of those people have been successful at keeping their blood pressure numbers at bay. High blood pressure also puts stress on your heart.

Even after controlling for factors such as diabetes, smoking and body fat, doctor visits were the strongest predictor of blood pressure control.

Riccione said another reason why it’s important for patients to visit their doctor offices regularly is that he believes it is an ideal bonding opportunity.

“There is real value for the patients and doctors to build a relationship that they can be nurtured by building a level of trust,” added Riccione. “When you have that trust, you feel like your doctor has your best interest at heart.

But if you only see your doctor when something dramatic occurs, then you might not be so willing to take their advice because you haven’t built that trust.”

Riccione said patients need to see a doctor as “more than just a person with a lab coat.” And when patients decide they don’t want to see the doctor, chronic problems can arise.

“As doctors, we are here to help,” said Riccione. “We want to solve problems. We are trained to diagnose issues.

We just want to make sure by the time the issue is diagnosed, there is something we can do about it. Patients need to see their doctors regularly and get updates on their health so people need to find a good physician that they can have a good connection with.”

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He has special interest in: 4 Endoscopic sinus surgery 4 Pediatrics 4 Facial trauma/reconstruction 4 Head and neck cancers He offers two convenient locations for patient consultation

85 High Street, Buffalo 3900 N. Buffalo Road, Orchard Park Please call 823-4962 for more information www.buffalomedicalgroup.com

Special: Women’s Health Don’t miss the next issue of In Good Health—Buffalo/ Niagara’s Healthcare Newspaper. For advertising in this special issue, please call 332-0640.

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Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

There’s no place like home: Make it your own!

W

hen Dorothy in the “Wizard of Oz” closed her eyes, clicked her heels and said wistfully, “There’s no place like home,” she was hoping to be transported back to that place of security, warmth, and love . . . and into the arms of her adoring Auntie Em. Ahhh, the comforts of home.

Creating a soothing and safe haven for myself after my divorce was an essential part of starting my life over as a woman on her own. Intuitively, I knew I needed to walk through my new front door and into my very own “warm hug,” a place where I would be embraced and inspired by all things familiar and friendly.

So I set out to create a retreat — a personal sanctuary where I could feel safe and sound. It was what I needed at the time. Since then, I’m delighted to share that my home has evolved into much more than just a nurturing place.

My living space became a palettte of personal expression where I gained a true appreciation for the value of having a “room of one’s own.”

With yourself as your sole guide and decorator, your kitchen, living room and bedroom can become portraits of your values, your loves and

your life. Making a home your own becomes an adventure in autonomy and a chance to explore and express — perhaps for the first time in your life — your own tastes unleashed, without compromise. It can be liberating. Energizing. Even healing.

One of the first things I did when I bought my own home (after I tore out the grass green shag carpet!) was to frame and display photographs of my family and friends. I wanted to see their faces when I entered a room and to be reminded of good times and the love that surrounds me. This was just the beginning of a series of decisions that made living alone in my own space not just pleasant, but lovelier and more wondrous than I could have imagined.

Paying attention to your surroundings can have an immediate and lasting impact on how you feel about yourself and about living alone. What better time than now to put out the welcome mat and make your home

your own. Here are some tips: Follow your heart. You’re on your own now. There’s no one around to second guess your decisions or rain on your preferences. You are free to express yourself in the colors you choose, the fabrics, the art and the accessories.

Don’t know where to start?

Look at your wardrobe.

There, you’ll find a reliable reference for your style and tastes in color.

Banish the negative. If something makes you feel bad when you look at it, either get rid of it or repair it. Ratty dishtowels, old lampshades, faded curtains: Their very existence in your home can dampen your mood and erode your self-esteem. Don’t underestimate the negative power of unsightly or outdated objects.

Exhibit the positive. On the other hand, surround yourself with images and objects that lift your spirit and reinforce who you are or want to become.

Photos of loved ones work for me. So do fresh flowers and original pieces of

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive, empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, NY. For information about her upcoming workshops or to invite Voelckers to speak, call 585624-7887 or email: gvoelckers@rochester. rr.com.

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art I collect on my travels. I believe in the symbolic nature of objects and find inspiration in what fills my home.

Reduce the clutter. Closets or drawers crammed with useless stuff, dark corners, cramped spaces — all of these contribute to negative energy, according to the tenets of feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of organizing space to achieve harmony and balance.

I’m a true believer in this concept, and it’s made a positive difference in my life. A good book on the subject is “Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui” by Karen Kingston. Check it out.

Decorate with your senses. Is the hollow sound of loneliness bouncing off your walls? Is there a musty smell wafting up from the basement? Are your cabinets sticky? When I started paying attention to more than just visual aesthetics, my home became even friendlier territory. Transform your solitary space by creating a beautiful atmosphere filled with lovely music, pleasing aromas, and clean surfaces.

Your home can become an oasis of independence and autonomy — a place that’s unconditionally yours, absent of compromise. Claim it. Fill it with who you are. Because once you make your personal space your own . . . there’s no place like home!

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SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Big Reasons to Eat More Black Beans

S

o many beans, so little time: it’s the feeling that washes over me whenever I’m in the canned-goods aisle of the grocery store. And while I’m crazy about all beans, my heart belongs to the black bean. There’s just something about the taste and texture of this versatile little bean that bowls me over.

Despite its small size, black beans are nutritional powerhouses. In fact, America’s top heart hospital, the Cleveland Clinic, cited this bean first in its best four legumes for boosting heart health.

I’m keen on this bean because it’s particularly high in nutrients I care about — protein, fiber and antioxidants — and admirably low in substances I want to avoid — saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.

Black beans are an excellent protein source, with one cup providing 15 grams or about 30 percent of our daily needs. Although it’s not a “complete” protein (meaning it does not have all nine essential amino acids), black beans can easily be paired with a grain, such as rice, to equal one. A workhorse nutrient, proteins function as building blocks for bones, muscles, cartilage,

diseases.

Black beans teem with folate, arguably one of the most important B vitamins for reducing risk of cardiovascular disease. We’re talking nearly twothirds of our daily needs in one cup!

Hearts love folate because it effectively lowers levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood that can lead to dangerous blood clots, hardening of the arteries, and heart disease.

As for carbs, yes, black beans do have carbs, but they’re the goods ones — the complex carbs that provide a steady stream of energy because they take longer to digest. And as for calories, black beans rock with only 220 calories per cup. Swimsuit season, here we come!

Helpful tips

skin, blood, enzymes and hormones.

Looking to add more fiber to your diet?

One cup of black beans has a whopping 15 grams or about 60 percent of our daily needs (a little less for men). Since black beans contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, we’re looking at a mighty bean that not only improves digestive-tract functioning and prevents constipation, but one that also lowers cholesterol and blood-glucose levels.

Thanks to its rich black coat, black beans are antioxidant superstars, boasting more antioxidant activity than any of its bean brethren and providing levels that rival those found in apples, grapes and cranberries. Antioxidants neutralize damaging free radicals and may help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other age-related

In general, canned beans have the same amount of nutrients as dried, but are usually higher in sodium. Look for canned beans with no added salt; some organic brands have less. Thoroughly drain and rinse canned beans before using. Cooked beans, whether prepared from the dried state or retrieved from a can, can be covered and chilled for up to five days.

Health Tex-Mex Black Bean Burgers

1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1 large egg white Kosher salt, coarse black pepper 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 6 hamburger buns Favorite burger toppings

Preparation

Cook rice according to package directions (1/3 cup should equal 1 cup cooked rice) and let cool.

Set aside 1/2 cup beans. In food processor, pulse garlic, shallot and jalapeño until minced. Add barbecue sauce, chili powder, cumin, and remaining beans to mixture and pulse until a chunky purée forms.

Transfer purée to a large bowl and mix in egg white, rice, and reserved beans; season with salt and pepper.

Form mixture into 6 patties about 1/2inch thick; cover and chill 1 hour (this helps bind patties so they stay intact while cooking).

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Working in two batches and adding remaining 1 tablespoon oil between batches, cook patties until browned and crisp, about 5 minutes per side.

Serve on buns with desired toppings.

We had ours with cheese and salsa — yum!

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.

Adapted from Bon Appetit Serves 6 1 cup cooked white long-grain or brown rice 2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed 2 garlic cloves 1 medium shallot, chopped 1 red or green jalapeno (optional) 1 tablespoon prepared barbecue sauce

Making the Switch to Healthy Smoothies

By Stephanie Brochey

F

ruit and vegetable smoothies are a great way to eat healthy this summer.

Integrating the proper amount of fruits and vegetables into a diet can be difficult, but adding fruit and vegetable smoothies into your routine can provide tons of vitamins and antioxidants, while also providing a refreshing, chilled treat any time of day.

Many pre-made smoothies from cafes or grocery stores are filled with sweeteners and unhealthy ingredients.

Making your own smoothies at home ensures you know exactly what goes into them. The fun of it involves experimenting with different flavors and textures. There is no right way to make a smoothie!

There are many different kinds of smoothies. Some are smooth and creamy, others are icy and textured.

Smoothies are mainly categorized by their base ingredients (yogurt, fruit, leafy greens, etc).

Green smoothies get their name because they are made using leafy greens (and tend to end up that color after mixing). It may not seem appetizing to add vegetables into a smoothie, but the resulting taste is still sweet, fruity and delicious.

Most household blenders should have no problem mixing up fruits or vegetables for smoothies. If you have any concern your appliance won’t be able to handle it, test it out by chopping up your ingredients ahead of time.

Most smoothies start with a combination of base liquid ingredients. The healthiest option is to start with water.

You can also choose milk, almond milk, green tea, coffee, yogurt, juice or even coconut milk or water, all depending on your recipes, preferences and dietary restrictions.

Green smoothies include a generous helping of leafy greens. Kale, spinach, wheat grass, romaine, Swiss chard, and other greens are great for a green smoothie. Spinach seems to be the winner in terms of lack of taste in the final product. Most recipes with spinach will result in barely any spinach flavor recognition.

For fruit smoothies, frozen fruit is the best way to chill and create that shaved ice texture.

I recommend that at least one of your fruit ingredients is frozen to avoid having to add ice, which will water everything down.

Choose your fruit based on combinations that sound best to you.

Keep texture and consistency in mind.

Bananas and avocados will provide a creamy result, fruits like apples will mostly break down, and berries will stay fairly gritty. The sky is the limit when choosing fruit to include. If you’re looking for ideas, look in your grocery juice aisle and take note of the combinations used in juices. That’s a great starting point. Some great twofruit mixes to start with include peach grape, strawberry banana, kiwi strawberry and pineapple mango.

Choosing additional vegetables for smoothies can be difficult, but you can reference recipes to try new ingredients. Orange vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, squash and the like are great options, especially when paired correctly. Small amounts of ingredients like ginger, mint and cucumber can also add unexpected, delicious flavor to your smoothie.

To round out your smoothie or to make it even more nutritious, you can add things like chia seeds, almond or peanut butter, flax seeds, cocoa powder, honey, cinnamon, or protein powder. Be careful, when choosing additional items to keep track of calories and added sugar.

Below you can find some delicious, easy smoothie recipes. Improvisation is June 2015 •

encouraged!

Berry Bliss Green Smoothie 1 cup water 1 cup baby spinach 2 cups frozen raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries Fruity Yogurt Smoothie 1 cup yogurt 1 banana 1 cup frozen strawberries ½ cup orange juice Ginger Banana Smoothie 1 banana 1 teaspoon ginger (grated) ½ cup orange juice ½ cup water 1 tablespoon honey 1 cup ice

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 9

Community Gardens Offer Personal, Communal Growth

By Katie Coleman

W

here there’s a will to strengthen your green thumb, Buffalo certainly has a way.

There are almost 100 uniquely crafted community gardens across Buffalo, offering plenty of ways to lend a helping hand toward the beauty and bounty of a garden in your community.

“Gardening has a multitude of therapeutic and physical benefits,” said Melissa Fratello, executive director at Grassroots Gardens of Buffalo on Main Street.

Grassroots has been helping local communities create and maintain community gardens since 1992. With the onset of major city demolitions, Grassroots started evolving vacant, asbestos and lead-ridden lands into food and flower gardens by facilitating land leases, insurance and giving resources to interested applicants.

“We are unique because we don’t purchase and rent garden space. We have a community-driven model,” said Fratello. “The where and the how depend on what the community wants.”

Communities will approach Grassroots with applications, and once

approved, Grassroots provides raised beds, certified organic soil, seedlings, baby plants, and learning resources to help volunteers get started.

In partnership with Urban Roots Garden Center, Grassroots also offers workshops in the fall and spring on topics like composting, organic pest management, and growing garlic.

Last year Grassroots added four new Buffalo Sprouts School Gardens, where teachers are encouraged to bring their students, who can learn how to grow and maintain plants from seedlings.

Recently, volunteer gardeners in Riverside started working side by side with the Buffalo Police Department at their community garden.

“This is an opportunity for the community to bond with the police department,” Fratello said. “Riverside is isolated, and a lot of people feel bullied, or are concerned for their kids’ safety. Now, they’re putting their foot down, and making a visible, tangible difference in their community.”

Grassroots has also seen successful refugee- incorporation through the

community garden on Victoria Street.

“Volunteers were pulling weeds in their garden, when a refugee volunteer from Bangladesh taught them that they were pulling up edible greens,” Fratello said. “They were all so excited to try them.”

Although Grassroots has all the resources to start your own community

garden, Fratello recommends getting involved at one of the 96 already-established gardens, where lead volunteers can help you get started.

Anyone interested in volunteering can go online to grassrootsgardens.org, where an interactive map displays all the garden locations and gardener-contact information.

Signs of Deeply Troubled Emotions How can early intervention prevent future mass shootings?

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

t’s only human nature to wonder if crimes such as the 2012 shootings at a Century movie theater in Aurora, Colo., and Sandy Hook Elementary School could have been prevented, despite their seeming randomness and relative rarity.

A recent FBI report has tallied 160 “active shooter” crimes such as the above examples, where intervention from citizens and law enforcement can affect the outcome. These did not include drug-related crimes, suicides or planned/ targeted murders.

A collaboration of Pete J. Blair and Katherine W. Schweit, “A Study of Active Shooter Incidents, 2000-2013” was published

by Texas State University and Federal Bureau Munschauer of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington D.C. in 2014.

The study implies that friends and family could notice indicators that someone they know is contemplating a horrific killing spree. And that something loved ones say or do beforehand could make a difference.

“If you have a concern, you should feel a lot of pride about yourself that you’re tuned in enough to even be wondering about your friend or loved one’s internal state of wellbeing,” said Carol Ann Munschauer, a clinical psychology and institute-trained psychoanalyst practicing in Buffalo. “If you catch that moment and be proud

Page 10

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you’ve noticed something, you don’t slough it off and you have the opportunity to make a huge difference in the person’s state of mind.”

While intervention may help guide a person off the path toward a violent act, it’s probably too late the day of the event. Earlier intervention results for a better outcome.

It all begins with recognizing the signs that someone is deeply troubled.

But keep in mind that only a trained therapist should attempt to psychologically profile an individual.

“When a person feels isolated and alone and not understandable, that’s when you see certain breakdowns in their whole self,” Munschauer said.

“You look to see if they’re changing in some way: more withdrawn and isolated and less communicative or unusually extroverted and impulsive.

“The main thing in my mind that leads to violent outbursts is the feeling of shame.”

Unlike guilt which people feel when they do something wrong, “shame is for something that’s wrong with me. I’m not lovable, capable.

Shallowhorn I’m defective. I always do something wrong,” Munschauer said.

Since shamed people feel weak, some flip over their shame into aggression, which Munschauer calls a “veneer to feel powerful, strong and in control.”

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

“People who shoot people in mass shootings, you can usually trace it back to shame. Every time I get these cases, If you wind back the clock, you can find something in their life that makes them feel shame. Shame is the warning symbol.”

She said that other unhealthy means of “gaining control” can include extreme and addictive behaviors such as gambling, drug and alcohol abuse, and promiscuity.

In general, a dramatic and enduring shift in the person’s habits and behavior can indicate trouble ahead.

For example, if a normally outgoing person becomes more reclusive or persists in a negative emotional state, it could indicate an internal struggle.

Other changes could include increased or decreased appetite, sleeping patterns, expressions of hopelessness, lowered performance at school or work and loss of interest in once-loved hobbies.

Dark fascination with violence or weapons may also predict trouble.

Many people collect vintage firearms, watch spy movies or skeet shoot as normal hobbies; however, writing a “hit list” or shooting effigies of perceived enemies indicate a person possesses a morbid and possibly dangerous manner of thinking.

It’s difficult for a layman to know the difference between someone who’s quirky and in need of friendship and someone whose emotional problems could lead to violence.

“Ages 17 to 25 is the window of time where a lot of psychosis occurs,” said Karl Shallowhorn, New York state credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor and director of community advocacy for the Mental Health

Association of Erie County and Compeer of Greater Buffalo. “Stress is a big trigger and young adults and teens go through a lot of stress.”

Identifying possible mental illness doesn’t mean the individual will become violent. Shallowhorn said that people living with mental illness are 12 times more likely to be victims, not perpetrators.

“But 60 percent of people don’t get treatment for mental illness,” he added.

“On average, they delay getting treatment 10 years from the onset of mental illness.”

Speaking up to someone who seems emotionally troubled can help him get on the path to treatment.

It makes a difference if one uses an approach of compassion instead of accusation. A few examples of what to say could include, “I’m concerned about how you’ve been feeling lately.

Would you like to talk about it?” Or, “You’ve seemed rather down in the past few weeks. I want to make sure you’re okay.”

A simple, non-threatening statement such as any of these can help the person feel less alienated. Showing you care could help direct the person on a different trajectory away from violence towards help.

Enlist the help of others who care about the person and reach out to others who care about this person. It may help to take him to a primary care physician or therapist or to talk with a minister trained in therapy.

It’s not possible to predict every violent act, but “if there’s something going on, reaching out can help,” Munschauer said.

Alternative Ways to Fight Allergies From acupuncture to Sonic Reike to home remedies: alternative practitioners say they can alleviate allergy symptoms

By Katie Coleman

F

or some of us, this time of the year marks the time of out-of-control allergies. Constant sniffles, whooping coughs and itchy sinuses are miserable. They can lead to lots of pill popping or lengthy, expensive doctor visits.

Not everybody wants that. Here are some recommendations from local practitioners on combating allergies drug-free, and just as effectively. All of these natural treatments are available by different practitioners at various locations across Western New York.

Acupuncture

Ancient Chinese medicine dates acupuncture back between 2000 to 4000 years ago. It teaches that if there is blockage in the body there will be pain,

or something isn’t going to function properly.

Acupuncturists place thin needles along points of the body, which lightly prick the skin and encourage circulation of blood, lymphatic drainage, oxygenation of tissues and release of blockages.

After experiencing the rewards of acupuncture treatments herself, Robbie Butler left the nursing field after 20 years working as licensed practical nurse, became a certified acupuncturist, and is now privately practicing at Elmwood Village Acupuncture in three locations in Buffalo, and Hamburg.

“It’s a pretty unique therapy. It’s exciting that something traditional can help people live better,” Butler said.

When the immune system is not

functioning properly, it can be the cause of allergy symptoms. Acupuncture addresses, and can boost the immune system — whether it’s deficient, or hyper-functioning, Butler said.

The main thing people wanted to address with Butler during her nursing years for their allergies is, ‘I don’t want to have to take all this medicine. It makes me drowsy.’

Butler said patients will come in during allergy season, and also when their symptoms are not at play.

“Not only does it help you with your allergy symptoms, but many times people will come in and say, ‘I’m sleeping better, and I’m not as stressed out as I used to be’,” Butler said. “It really gives them a lot of release, and

creates a more grounded, content feeling.”

Sonic Reiki

Allergy relief is also offered through Sonic Reiki, which uses sound’s electric magnetic energy to heal and balance energy fields.

“I found that drugs and shots only create more stress on the adrenals, and we do more of a natural approach just using healing sounds,” said Linda Sylvester, who after practicing reiki for 20 years founded Sonic Reiki in 2009 on West Ferry Street in Buffalo.

Sonic Reiki is said to have the ability to repair neuropath ways, whether it has to do with realigning the ner-

Continued on page 12

Oh, Allergies!

With weed pollen at the highest levels in 20 years, allergy sufferers are having a hard time.

Should you consider surgery to end the ordeal?

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

T

his is a nice time of the year but it can be pretty painful as well — especially if you suffer from allergies.

Because the cold winter kept trees dormant for a longer period of time, it meant tree pollen season overlapped with grass and mold season this year making it an incredibly cruel spring and summer for allergy sufferers. An estimated 50 million Americans — or one in five people — suffer from some types of allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With weed pollen at the highest levels in 20 years, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the idea of sinus surgery can sound like an ideal solution. However, before considering going under the knife, doctors say there are certain things you need to know.

“In terms of the Buffalo and Western New York area, it is known for being an area where people have allergies. There is a lot of pollen and trees in the area,” said Gerald Jeyapalan, a board-certified physician in otolaryngology. “There are substances in the air that affect people.”

Jeyapalan, who is part of the Buffalo Medical Group, focuses on facial trauma and reconstruction, head and

neck cancers, endoscopic skull based procedures, endoscopic sinus surgery and pediatrics.

A study, published in “The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology,” found no matter where a person lives, about 45 percent of people over the age of 6 had positive tests for at least one allergen, and so did 36 percent of children.

“Before this study, if you would have asked 10 allergy specialists if allergy prevalence varied depending on where people live, all 10 of them would have said yes, because allergen exposures tend to be more common in certain regions of the U.S.,” Darryl Zeldin, scientific director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, said in an agency news release.

Sinuses are air cavities in the bones of the skull and face, which connect with the nose through small openings.

There are four pairs of sinuses, which include: • One that sits above the eyes in the forehead • Another that lies behind the cheekbones • A pair that rests behind the nose • One located between the eyes and the bridge of the nose.

Sinus issues can cause swelling around the eyes, intense headaches,

throat irritation and fatigue.

“Sinus allergies are one of the main reasons why people have nasal obstruction. And when the sinuses are not allowed to drain, sinus infections can be quite a problem when the weather starts to change,” said Jeyapalan.

“When chronic infections occur, then you have to open up the sinuses and give them relief.”

Sinus surgery involves the precise removal of diseased sinus tissue in hopes of improving drainage so infected materials can filter from the sinus cavities. In most situations, the surgeon will employ endoscopic techniques, which allow better and more precise visualization, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

Surgeons have to reroute existing sinus pathways.

Jeyapalan said sinus surgery doesn’t always solve all the problems.

He pointed out that if environmental factors like dust, smoke, chemical pollutants and mold are the reasons why someone has chronic sinus infections, then opening up your sinus doorways so you can drain better might not fix the issues.

“Removing the sinuses is not the first option physicians should take when they get a patient,” said Jeyaplan.

“Just because you have been diagnosed June 2015 •

with a deviated septum doesn’t mean your problem will just be fixed with surgery because those can be two separate things. It might help you breathe better but you may still have the same allergy issues.”

However if you do need sinus surgery, improvements have been made. It’s not like it used to be years ago when it was very invasive. Now there may be no scarring, and doctors go through the natural opening, which is your nose.

Just like any surgery, doctors say there can be some complications. Those include both sides of the spectrum from the surgery failing to resolve any sinus issues and the patient remaining stuffed up, to excessive and constant draining once the passages have been opened up.

Health officials suggest a detailed patient clinical history must be created before any surgery is performed along with factoring whether they have seasonal or perennial allergies. An ear, nose and throat specialist would determine which sinus classification a patient falls under. Acute cases last four weeks or less, sub-acute cases last a month to four months, chronic cases last four months to a year and recurrent ones involve several acute attacks within a year.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 11

Continued from page 11 vous system or repairing cell integrity.

Sylvester heals the body using intent, sound, healing chambers, and sometimes color to correct different patterns of disease.

Sylvester looks at patterns of stress, grief, shock or other emotional attachments patients don’t want to let go of.

Sylvester said these stressors could suppress the immune system, and create an imbalance in the chemistry of

hormones and the nervous system.

“After so many stresses in our life, our body doesn’t have a way to reset.

It needs a little boost. If your liver is weak and your hormones aren’t supporting your adrenals, your adrenals become weak, and you’ll have a high sensitivity to allergies.”

Sylvester releases stress with hands on reiki healing. Creating a quantum configuration chamber around the per-

son, which looks like a round shower stall, Sylvester creates different sound pitches, which create scale waves to rebalance the body.

“Scale waves can break down negative thought patterns and emotions, and can configure energy to reconstruct new neuropath ways,” Sylvester said.

But every allergy response doesn’t necessarily need treatment.

“To some extent I believe allergies are healthy,” Sylvester said. You don’t want a person to stop breathing, but to have a little sniffle when you come in contact with an airborne allergen is a warning system telling you, ‘Hey, pay attention. This is stressing out your immune system.”

After being treated, patients must support their body’s healing by staying off of sugars, caffeine, balancing pH levels, and drinking a lot of water, and practicing at-home, healing exercises for extra support.

Home Remedies to Fight allergies

No to Steroids Incredible bulk or incredible Hulk?

A

lot of hard work, practice and dedication can help you sculpt a well-muscled body, but anabolic steroids will get you there a lot faster.

What will it cost you, though?

To help sort speculation from fact about the side effects, Clarkson University assistant professor of physical therapy and physician assistant studies Ali Boolani and two of his students have just published an opinion paper in Medical Research Archives. The short side of the long story of their research-based conclusion is: Don’t use steroids.

“It’s a hot topic, but we can’t do clinically based steroid research. It’s illegal and unethical,” says Boolani.

“We started this project last summer to

Benna Lun, a licensed naturopathic doctor in the Niagara region, provides several recommendations to treat springtime allergies at home.

Un-Controllable Sneezing “Calm itchy airways with homeopathic nasal sprays which, unlike some pharmaceutical versions, won’t cause rebound congestion or suppress your immune function. Also try steam inhalations to keep respiratory passages moist (and re-hydrate winter-ridden skin). Bend forward over a wide bowl of steaming water, create a tent over your head and the bowl using a large towel, and take slow, deep breaths for 10-15 minutes. Stop immediately if the steam begins to burn your skin or you start to feel light-headed. A drop or two of eucalyptus oil may be added to the water to boost immunity, kill bacteria and fungi, and decongest airways, but check with your medical doctor or naturopath first to ensure safety. You may prefer to purchase a steam inhaler appliance for greater convenience, but be sure to clean it often to prevent mold and bacterial growth.”

Red, Itchy, Watery Eyes “Tired looking like you’ve just sobbed through all 35 seasons of The Young and the Restless? Soothe those peepers with homeopathic eye drops and rinse out offending pollen particles using an eye bath purchased from your local drug store. Euphrasia (aka. eyebright) is a herb that reduces ocular inflammation and redness; try euphrasia eye drops or add a few drops of Euphrasia tincture to the bath and let the mixture to sit for 1-2 minutes before using to allow the alcohol from the tincture to evaporate.”

Sinus Congestion And Post-Nasal Drip “The constant throat-clearing, stuffy head, and incessant sensation of dribbling fluid is enough to drive any allergy sufferer to shut themselves away for the rest of the season. Avoid inflammatory, mucus- forming, and sinus-clogging foods including all sweeteners, deep-fried and processed foods, dairy products, bananas, oranges, and grapefruits beginning at least two weeks prior to allergy season. Also consider daily sinus rinsing (aka. nasal irrigation) to flush out pollen, reduce sinus congestion and clear mucus.

Page 12

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Check your local health store for a rinse solution, or make your own by combining 1⁄2 teaspoon non-iodinated salt with a pinch of baking soda per cup of lukewarm water. Leaning forward over a sink with your head turned to one side, use a large syringe or neti pot to gently squirt/pour the solution into your upper nostril until it flows out your lower nostril. Turn your head to the other side and repeat. Be sure to use fresh fluid each time to avoid contamination.”

Homeopathic Remedies “These remedies are available at many supplement and grocery stores, typically in slim tubes filled with lactose pellets. Choose the remedy that best suits your symptoms, and dissolve 2 pellets of 30C potency under your tongue 2-3 times/day to treat and prevent allergy symptoms. Common allergy remedies include Euphrasia for red, burning, and tearing eyes, and Allium cepa for profuse, watery, nasal discharge that seems to burn the skin beneath the nose. Talk to your homeopath or naturopath for more information, and for help in selecting the right remedy for you.”

Nutritonal Supplements “Supplements offer a useful adjunct to balance the inflammatory response and curb allergy symptoms.

Try quercetin, a plant extract naturally present in teas, berries, and red wine that blocks the release of histamine.

It is often found in combination with bromelain, an enzyme extracted from pineapples. Add omega-3 fish oils for extra anti-inflammatory power and a boost to heart health (check with your

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

doctor first if you are taking any blood thinners including aspirin, warfarin, or Coumadin). Made famous by commercials featuring yogurt-eating belly dancers, probiotics contain the types of bacteria that are natural inhabitants of our gut. Not only do they encourage bowel regularity, they also protect against food poisoning, improve immune function, and produce chemicals that help prevent cancer. Look for high-quality products that contain both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.”

Reduce Your Exposure “Stay indoors when pollen counts are high such as in the morning or on windy days, and opt to go out after a good rain which helps to clear pollen from the air. Pollen can stick to clothes, linens, and hair, so shower and change your clothes when you arrive home, hang-dry your laundry indoors, and change your pillowcases frequently.

Check your TV or radio stations, or the internet for local pollen count reports and take extra measures when counts are high, including closing doors and windows at night. If you have forced air heaters or air conditioners in your home or workplace, keep filters clean and vacuum often using a machine with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. Dehumidifiers are great for reducing moisture in the air, but clean regularly using a solution of water plus vinegar or tea tree oil to avoid mold growth.”

By Katie Coleman

explore what’s known on side effects, and my students spent hundreds of hours each sifting through current information.”

The allure of a bigger, stronger, faster body is as enticing as the huge paychecks professional athletes can command, but the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (synthetic testosterone) also creates some powerful and contradictory conditions, according to Boolani and students Britni R. Keitz and Holly S. Bronson.

Side effects include: acne, increased body hair, aggressive behavior, fluid retention, elevated blood pressure, sleeplessness, increased irritability, feelings of low libido, increased sex drive, increased appetite, sweating, increased feeling of well-being, depressive mood states, loss of head hair, and gynaecomastia (enlarged breast tissue in men).

“I found a lot more new research, so I added it and tried to get two sides of the issue but there’s a lot of inconsistent data. Much of the information on steroid use is from questionnaires,” Keitz says. “I found it amazing, though, what psychological changes the studies report — depression and homicidal feelings.”

Bronson adds, “It’s sad to risk your health to get ahead. This research can help open people’s eyes to the negative effects of steroids so they can make an informed decision before they take anything.”

The paper, “The Effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on Performance and its Adverse Side Effects in Athletes” is published in Issue 1, 2015, of Medical Research Archives.

Men’sHealth Prostate Cancer

Turning 35 Means Guys Should Start a Conversation About Prostate Screenings

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

B

ill Krellner, chapter leader of Us TOO Buffalo Metro Chapter, wishes more guys and health care providers would take prostate screening seriously.

“Guys are very indifferent about this,” he said. “We go to a lot of health fairs. If it weren’t for the women dragging them to the table, they’d walk right past.”

Us TOO is a national prostate cancer advocacy, awareness and educational organization.

A survivor who was diagnosed in 2005, Krellner says many men shirk the exam because of the digital rectal component and, in general, don’t like medical situations. But he added, “you can die from this if it’s not caught in time. Prostate cancer is 95 to 97 percent curable if caught in time.

“If anyone went to any of our Warchal meetings and if you asked any of our meeting members if PSA is necessary, we’d say we wouldn’t be here without it.”

Since about six year ago, the American Cancer Society shifted its position from routine annual prostate cancer screenings, which includes the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Now, the position is, “talk to your doctor.”

“We advise men to talk with their doctor about the importance of prostate screening and understand the benefits and limitations of a prostate cancer screening,” said Jason Warschal, health systems manager for hospitals in northern, southern and central New York.

He said that the shift stems from concern about the limitations and liabilities surrounding prostate screening.

“We want to be sure that with what tests are currently available, they really are able to decipher whether a man has prostate cancer or not and finding if it is a more aggressive cancer or not,” Warschal said.

A new urine test can find genetic markers that identify these more aggressive cancers to give men the facts they need to make a more informed decision on the treatment options.

The PSA and digital rectal exam themselves don’t identify cancer, which could subject men to unnecessary biopsies. That may soon change, however.

A new blood test used in conjunction with the PSA can help avoid unnecessary biopsies and false positives.

The 4Kscore test by OPKO Lab detects a variety of prostate issues and doesn’t account for age-related PSA increase.

A biopsy follow-up may or may not be able to confirm cancer; however new advances in biopsy can increase their accuracy.

“Multi-parametric MRI can detect suspicious areas within the prostate,” said Kent Chevli, urologist with Kaleida Health. “Ask for it. If the MRI shows a suspicious area, we know where to biopsy.”

Fusion biopsy ultrasound shows the MRI image superimposed so physicians can biopsy the area that’s suspect.

“It can identify the more aggressive cancers,” Chevli. “It gives more information to address PSA level monitoring or taking more aggressive treatment.”

Chevli sticks with the traditional guideline of starting at age 40 for men who are black and have family history of prostate cancer, and 55 otherwise through age 70, unless the senior man is in good health with more than 15-year life expectancy.

“Prostate cancer can be slow growing and people can die of something else first,” Chevli said.

Darryl Mitteldorf, a licensed clinical social worker and chairman of the New York State Prostate Cancer Coalition in New York City, wants more men to discuss prostate screening, rather than requesting routine screening, and to start the conversation in their mid-30s.

“Men who are younger can have prostate cancer,” Mitteldorf said. “People base it on a decade, but it could be earlier.”

Mitteldorf wants men to start the conversation at age 35.

“The age 50 is a made-up number,” he said. “Starting the conversation at age 35 captures the men who would benefit from PSA testing earli-

er. It’s a simple message.”

He feels like the multiple starting ages makes the matter “convoluted.”

He also thinks that starting the conversation earlier can encourage men to actually follow through. Many men delay and avoid prostate screening for several reasons.

“The biopsy itself can have a very slight risk of impotence or hospitalization, but it’s only like three percent,” Mitteldorf said.

He believes that taking a caseby-case approach to weigh risk factors offers men the best chances of early de-

All About Prostate Cancer According to the American Cancer Society: • Prostate cancer is the 2nd leading cancer diagnosed among men, behind skin cancer.

• About 220,800 cases are diagnosed per year.

• Of those, about 27,540 die from prostate cancer, or one out of 38.

• Six out of 10 cases occur in men 65 years older or older.

• The average age at time of diagnosis is 66.

• Prostate cancer is rare before age 40.

• 2.9 million men are living with prostate cancer in the United States.

• The five-year survival rate is 100 percent.

• The 10-year survival rate is 99 percent.

• The 15-year survival rate is 94 percent. tection and, should they have prostate cancer, a long and healthy life.

Men with elevated PSA must continue to monitor the number for the rest of their lives because even if their prostate cancer has been treated successfully, any missed cells can spread to other areas of the body.

Bill Krellner, chapter leader of Us TOO Buffalo Metro Chapter.

Organization Offers Support, Resources Us TOO is a national prostate cancer advocacy, awareness and educational organization.

Us TOO Buffalo Metro Chapter meets from 7 – 9 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the VA Medical Center, 3495 Bailey Ave., third floor, room 301. The organization also mans an office at the VA weekdays from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Veterans and non-veterans are welcome.

June 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Buffalo & WNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Men’sHealth Untreated Low Testosterone Can Cause Serious Problems

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

f you’re experiencing a gradual loss of libido, energy, lean muscle mass and ambition, you may have low testosterone, a hormone imbalance.

In addition, low testosterone can contribute to other life-changing health issues.

“Men come in with profound symptoms of depression, loss of good mood, major life stress, unable to concentrate or to spend time with their family,” said Jason Donovan, a physician assistant at Vitalize Medical.

“They want to come home from work and just flop down on the couch. They have no energy or interest in life like they used to.

“This can lead to hypertension, obesity, and not eating right. We see this all the time.”

Vitalize Medical, operated by urologist Ralph Madeb is based in Rochester but serves patients in Buffalo and other Upstate New York areas.

Low testosterone can negatively affect diabetics as well.

“Low testosterone leads to insulin resistance,” Donovan said. “All diabetics should have normal testosterone. It

will help their diabetes in check.”

Kent Chevli, urologist with Kaleida Health, Western New York Urology Associates, said that some men with low testosterone “have a higher instance of bone loss.”

All of these symptoms can be attributed to other conditions, so it’s important for men to see a primary care physician or urologist.

The aging baby boomers and advertising for the testosterone replacement prescriptions that could help them has resulted in more conversation about low testosterone and how men can address the issue. Oftentimes, men use the advertisements as a starting point to discuss their low libido and energy issues with their urologist or primary.

Physicians typically complete a physical and blood test to help diagnose low testosterone and other hormone imbalances in patients. A thorough physical and medical history evaluation is necessary to help uncover the cause and any possible contraindications or risks involved with testosterone replacement therapy.

If low testosterone is found, “we have to find out the cause of low testosterone, whether there’s a defect in the pituitary or testicles. Most of the time it’s a functional defect in pituitaryhypothalamus, due to medications, diabetes or obesity,” said Manav Batra, assistant professor in the division of endocrinology at UB and endocrinologist with UBMD Physicians Group. “Once you know where and what the cause is, it should be treated, and testosterone replacement can be done as needed.”

“We have shown from our research with testosterone replacement in diabetic and obese men that apart from improving sexual functions, it also decreases fat mass and increases muscle mass. It also improves energy, insulin sensitivity, decreases inflammation and has beneficial effects on bone.”

Batra said that testosterone replacement is not recommended for men with prostate cancer because even though it does not cause the cancer, it may worsen it.

Testosterone replacement therapy may also worsen symptoms of benign prostate enlargement, sleep apnea

(which should be treated before starting testosterone). It may also increase red blood cell production, which needs to be monitored regularly. It may cause blood clots in legs and cardiovascular events in elderly with testosterone replacement. Men with risk factors for these health issues should discuss their concerns with their doctors before undertaking testosterone replacement therapy.

Chevli, the urologist with Kaleida Health, said that treating low testosterone can affect fertility, so men desiring fatherhood should mention that to their urologist.

Some people worry about undue aggression from testosterone replacement therapy; however, when taken therapeutically, testosterone doesn’t cause this symptom.

“Instead, people say they have a bad attitude when they don’t have the right level of testosterone,” Donovan said.

Testosterone replacement may be administered through injections, patches or cream.

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Guys Should Improve Eating Habits as They Age All the pizza, bags of chips and beer you had in your 20’s? Well, that brings more consequences if you’re 40 or older

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

ost guys in their teens and early 20s can get away with wolfing down copious amounts of pizza, gulping soda and devouring bags of chips without any visible consequences.

Around age 30, that chowhound habit begins to more visibly affect their weight.

By 40, the pounds have really begun to pile up.

By 50, many serious health complications surface with symptoms they can’t ignore.

“It comes down to portion control and understanding their needs on a daily basis,” said Frank Giardina, registered dietitian and owner of SMART Nutrition by Frank in Williamsville.

“Most people don’t track their foods and just mindlessly eat.”

In addition to monitoring portion size, men can improve their diet by avoiding the dietary pitfalls to which men are prone. Juggling work, family life and chores can lead to grabbing whatever’s handy to eat.

“Lots of that grab-and-go food is loaded with excess sugar,” Giardina said. “Those that are low in fat and loaded with sugar to compensate. It accumulates over time. It can only process so much over time without storing it.”

He advises guys to track what

they’re eating, and figure out their nutritional needs through online tools, apps and the help of a registered dietitian, whose services may be covered by health insurance.

“Over time, as you’re eating better, you’ll have a good effect on your health as your lipid levels improve,” Giardina said. “You’ll lose weight and start feeling good. You also need to incorporate exercise, choosing activities appropriate to your lifestyle and abilities.”

Dropping bad habits can help men eat better. Men who don’t cook, for example, may rely upon more convenience foods or dining out; however, Katie Manis, registered dietitian with Kaleida Health, encourages men to pick up the mixing spoon.

“We can control all the ingredients and added sources of calories and fat,” she said. “When eating out, we usually don’t see the food being prepared and it is usually prepared with more than needed fat sources.”

Saturated fat has been linked to heart disease. That doesn’t mean guys have to avoid all their favorite foods.

Merely exchanging most of the red meat in a burrito or chili for more beans can reduce the saturated fat content. Or choosing meat more wisely, and adding a side salad can help, too.

Buffalo, venison, and grass-fed beef are also generally leaner than grain-

fed beef. And sticking with 97-percent lean and loin cuts of beef also greatly reduces the saturated fat content. Skinless poultry, pork loin and seafood also offer great protein sources.

Skipping meals because of busyness can harm health.

“Eating often helps keep your blood sugars in a more consistent state which can help our metabolism,” Manis said. “It is not correct thinking that skipping meals will help with weight loss.”

Skipping also encourages overeating or poor eating later.

Manis suggested an egg white sandwich on whole grain bread with a piece of fruit for a healthful breakfast.

Swinging into the drive-through lane provides an easy dinner; however, it’s just as easy to plan ahead for more wholesome eating. Grilled fish or chicken can offer both convenience and nutrients.

“Choose foods with color,” Manis said. “It’s important to eat a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables.

This will provide us with a variety of vitamins and minerals. Men tend to focus on protein, which although is important, the typical western diet exceeds our daily need for protein.”

It’s also important to improve your beverage choices. There’s a reason they call it a “beer” belly: alcohol packs a

wallop of calories. So do sweetened drinks, such as soda, sports drinks and energy drinks. Though juice offers nutrients, it is high in naturally-occurring sugars.

“Oftentimes, calories found in liquids are empty calories, meaning they do not provide any vitamin, minerals or other nutritional benefit,” Manis said. “These calories add up quickly and can contribute to expanding waistlines.”

For guys who drink a lot of milk, switching to skim or 1 percent to reduces overall fat intake. Instead of sports drinks (unless you’re engaging in hours of exercise) replenish with low-fat chocolate milk.

“It is a great post exercise drink,” Manis said. “There’s no need for expensive recovery drinks.”

Making dietary changes may sound like “going on a diet” but that phrase describes short-term changes.

Giardina encourages clients to make lifestyle changes.

“If you work within your nutrient intake or calorie or portion budget, you can strike a balance between that and exercise,” he said. “I try to set people on the right course, like GPS. Take small steps. You have to crawl before you walk and walk before you run.

“See if your health insurance covers visiting a dietitian.”

Enabling the Disabled in Hamburg Adaptive recreation programming provides individuals with disabilities access to sports, leisure time activities

By Daniel Meyer

D

elivering sports and recreation programs to individuals with disabilities by promoting inclusion, the adaptive recreation program offered by the Town of Hamburg Department of Youth, Recreation and Senior Services is making a difference in the lives of those with special needs.

By providing programs and resources for people with special needs to participate in recreational opportunities in the community and with their families, the recreation programming helps to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities by allowing them to participate in sports and healthy leisure time activities.

“We provide a wide variety of opportunities to individuals with disabilities, from open gym activities to sports clinics to field trips to various locations throughout Erie County,” said Martin C. Denecke, director of the town of Hamburg Youth, Recreation & Senior Services Department. “Thanks to our community partners, we are delivering safe sports and recreation programs that allow the participants to socialize in a fun and welcoming environment.”

The programming offered to children aged 5-18 provides a safe and sensory-sensitive environment that is both nurturing and challenging for children with autism spectrum disor-

ders and other neurobiological and behavioral challenges. All activities take place with the goal of strengthening various skills, including social communication, emotional, motor and behavioral. Using skill development stations supervised by trained professional staff members, each participant is given plenty of opportunities to become successful in each sport or activity.

Residents over the age of 18 from group homes participate with the hope of socializing and strengthening basic motor skills, with summer time softball clinics and games being one of the highlights for the advanced individuals with disabilities.

With participants from throughout Western New York, the adaptive recreation programs offered in Hamburg at different venues are growing in popularity. This underlines the need to obtain additional funding to assist physically disabled athletes and individuals with disabilities.

“Over the past five years, the Town of Hamburg Department of Youth, Recreation & Senior Services has been very successful in securing grant funding from local, regional, and national organizations and foundations as a means to continually expand and enhance adaptive programming,” said Mark Melewski, managing director and

organizational consultant for EECG Consulting. “The recreational and social components for individuals affected by autism spectrum disorder are incredible and the participants benefit from the town of Hamburg being very proactive in securing between 2009 and 2014 approximately $45,000 to $50,000 in grant funding for these tremendous programs.”

Feedback from parents of some of the child participants has been overwhelmingly positive.

Parents pleased

“The programs are really nice,” said Scott Flowers, whose 11-year-old son attends the weekly adaptive open gym program. “They do some great blended activities and the socialization with other kids and adults is tremendous. Scott gets really excited every Saturday morning and can’t wait to get there and play with his friends.”

“The more exercise my son can get, the better,” said Dan Maloney when speaking about his 6-year-old son.

“It’s been very helpful for him to look forward to having fun with other kids.

It really helps with socialization. I give the instructors and staff a lot of credit because they are so patient and understanding and make it enjoyable for the kids participating and for us parents June 2015 •

watching.”

“As a parent of two children who really love the programming, I really enjoy it,” said Meredith Baker about her 7-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter. “This gives my children an opportunity to do something they like and allows them to be independent.

The staff is phenomenal. The kids have a blast and it allows me to relax and just watch them have fun. We don’t stick out like a sore thumb because everyone fits in.”

In addition to the organized indoor and outdoor physical activities, there are also organized field trips to a local go-kart track, outdoor picnics at local parks and planned hikes at Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park.

It is the hope of Denecke and his administrative staff to continue to market their adaptive recreation programming in the hopes of adding more participants who can take advantage of the assistance provided by the various strategic partners. These include SABAH, the Buffalo Bills, the Donny Thiry Foundation, Disability Awareness Training and BlazeSports America.

“The town of Hamburg has been somewhat cutting edge with adaptive recreation opportunities and working with different entities to increase access to sports and recreation activity for those who for whatever reason have experienced barriers from fully participating in other recreational programming,” said Melewski. “I don’t think what is offered gets enough press or attention because it fills a niche and satisfies the needs of a specific audience.”

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Caring for those who care for those with Alzheimer’s

The Social Ask Security Office

Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect those who are diagnosed. It also has a direct and profound effect on caregivers — but these relief programs are available for these caregivers

By Deborah Banikowski

Social Security Supports National Cancer Survivors Day

By Nancy Cardillo

N

ancy Swiston knows firsthand what it means to care for someone with Alzheimer’s. After her mother was diagnosed, Swiston was her primary caregiver for 10 years.

She is now a dedicated advocate and volunteer for the Western New York chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Being a caregiver for my mother was the hardest — yet most rewarding — thing I have ever done,” says Swiston.

The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s — the most common form of dementia — is growing each year, as the size and proportion of the U.S. population age 65 and older continues to increase.

Every 67 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s, a devastating, debilitating disease that takes its toll on millions of Americans each year.

Of the top 10 most common diseases, Alzheimer’s is the only one that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed.

But Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect those who are diagnosed. It also has a direct and profound effect on caregivers, who can suffer from emotional distress, depression, isolation and other physical and emotional issues as a result of caring for someone with the disease. In fact, in 2014, Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers incurred $9.7 billion in healthcare costs of their own.

Caregiver responsibilities can range from providing transportation to appointments and adult day centers; helping individuals bathe, get dressed and complete other every day activities, increasing and expanding as the disease progresses. And for many caregivers, like Swiston, taking care of a loved one who is ill is simply second nature: “mom took care of me, so now I’ll take care of her.” Often, they don’t realize there is support available for them — or even that they need it. But it’s equally important that caregivers take care of themselves.

“One of the most important things caregivers can do is find time for themselves,” says Amanda Nobrega, director of outreach initiatives for the Western New York chapter of Alzheimer’s Association. “While that’s often the most difficult thing to do, it’s very important to realize when caregiving is taking over your life. Then you need to take some time to go out to lunch, take a yoga class, go to a movie – anything that gives you that much-needed break to ‘recharge.’”

The Alzheimer’s Association has developed a wide range of services to assist caregivers with everything from Page 16

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behaviors to ways to communicate to activities and respite care. “We want caregivers to know they are not alone, that there are knowledgeable people waiting to help them, to answer their questions, to support them.” says Nobrega. “Knowing what to expect as the disease progresses can better prepare the caregivers and prevent them from getting overwhelmed.”

The Alzheimer’s Respite Care Program provides caregivers with a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment. Not only does the program give caregivers an opportunity to have some time for themselves, it also strengthens their ability to be caregivers while giving the individual living with the disease an opportunity to interact with others and participate in activities designed to match personal abilities and needs. It’s also a tremendous resource when an unexpected situation comes up where immediate care is needed. Respite care can be provided at home or in a care setting, such as adult day care or a residential facility.

There’s also the Alzheimer’s Association’s live helpline, which is staffed 24 hours a day by care consultants who are trained in dementia care. Caregivers — or anyone with questions about Alzheimer’s — can call 1-800-272-3900 and talk to someone. Additionally, there’s information geared toward caregivers on the website at www.alz. org/WNY/, including a message board forum, information and support for additional family members and valuable online tools. The Alzheimer’s Association also offers support groups and information on ancillary topics, such as legal matters, safety and payment options for care.

“Caregivers need to know there is support for them, there are people who are going through similar issues and people who want to help them,” says Nobrega. “They are NOT alone.”

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

n 2015, more than a million people will be diagnosed with cancer. This alarming statistic affects people and families all over the world. On June 7 we observe National Cancer Survivors Day in the United States. In support of this day, Social Security encourages checkups, early detection, and awareness, while honoring the survivors who have gone through this battle and defeated the disease.

Social Security stands strong in our support of the fight against cancer.

We offer services to patients suffering from this disease through our disability program and our compassionate allowances program. Compassionate allowances are cases with medical conditions so severe they obviously meet Social Security’s disability standards, allowing us to quickly process the cases with minimal medical information.

There is no special application or

Q&A Q: What is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?

A: The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2015, your maximum monthly benefit would be $2,663. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2015, your maximum monthly benefit would be only $2,025. If you retire at age 70 in 2015, your maximum monthly benefit would be $3,501. To get a better idea of what your benefit might be, visit our online Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/ retire/estimator.html.

Q: Can I refuse to give my Social Security number to a private business?

A: Yes, you can refuse to disclose your Social Security number, and you should be careful about giving out your number. But, be aware, the person requesting your number can refuse services if you don’t give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone’s number and use it for any purpose that doesn’t violate a federal or state law. To learn more about your Social Security visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Q: How can I check the status of a pending application for retirement benefits?

A: If you applied for retirement or disability benefits online, you can check the status of your application at www.socialsecurity.gov by selecting “Benefits” and “Check Application Status” under “Apply.” You will need to enter your Social Security number and the confirmation code you received when you filed online.

form you need to submit for compassionate allowances. Simply apply for disability benefits using the standard Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application. Once we identify you as having a compassionate allowances condition, we’ll expedite your disability application.

Social Security establishes compassionate allowances conditions using information received at public outreach hearings, from the Social Security and disability determination services communities, from medical and scientific experts, and based on our research. For more information about compassionate allowances, or to view the conditions currently listed, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.

If you think you qualify for disability benefits based on a compassionate allowances condition, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov to apply for benefits.

Your application status will show: • The date we received your application; • Any requests for additional documents; • The address of the office processing your application; and • If a decision has been made.

Q: How do I appeal a decision on my application for disability benefits?

A: When we make a decision on your application, we’ll send you a letter explaining our decision. If you don’t agree with our decision, you can ask us to look at your case again, or appeal it. You must appeal within 60 days from the date you get our decision letter. You can: • File a disability appeal online with our new, improved process and electronically provide documents to support your request, even if you live outside of the United States; or • Visit your local Social Security office.

For more information, call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To learn more about Social Security’s disability programs, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/ disability.

Q: How can I become a representative payee?

A: If you know someone who receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and who needs assistance managing his or her payments, contact your local Social Security office about becoming his or her representative payee. Go to www. socialsecurity.gov/payee for more information.

WNY: Two Hospitals Considered Comprehensive Stroke Centers

By Jim Miller

How to Recognize Stroke Symptoms and What to Do Dear Savvy Senior, What are the symptoms of a stroke? My 66-year-old aunt had a stroke a few months ago and neither she nor my uncle had a clue it was happening.

Concerned Relative Dear Concerned, Unfortunately, most Americans don’t know the signs of a stroke, but they need to. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the No. 1 cause of disability. Being able to recognize a stroke and getting to the hospital quickly can make a huge difference in reducing its potentially devastating effects.

Here are some tips that help you recognize a stroke, and what you should do if it happens to you or your loved one.

Types of Stroke

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke — three-quarters of which are over the age of 65. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries blood to the brain is suddenly blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke), or burst (hemorrhagic stroke), causing parts of the brain to become damaged or die. About 87 percent of all strokes are ischemic.

Depending on the severity of the brain damage, strokes can cause mild to severe disabilities including paralysis, loss of speech, vision and memory, along with other health and emotional issues, and death.

Stroke Signs

Because stroke injures the brain, the person having a stroke may not realize it. Stroke victims have the best chance if someone around them recognizes the symptoms and acts quickly.

The five most common symptoms include: • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

The easiest way to identify a stroke is to use the F.A.S.T. test to identify the symptoms.

• F (Face): Ask the person to smile.

Does one side of the face droop?

• A (Arm): Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• S (Speech): Ask the person to say a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred?

• T (Time): If you observe any of these signs of stroke, call 911.

To help you remember the signs, the American Stroke Association has a free “Spot a Stroke FAST” app (see strokeassociation.org) that you can download on your smartphone or mobile device. Or, visit the National Stroke Association at stroke.org and print their “Act FAST” wallet card to keep as a reminder.

Act Quickly

Remember that stroke is a medical emergency and every minute counts.

Even if you’re not sure a stroke is happening, call 911 anyway. The longer blood flow is cut off to the brain, the greater the damage. Immediate treatment can save a person’s life and improve their chances for a successful recovery.

Ischemic strokes are treated with a drug called t-PA that dissolves the blood clots that block the blood flow to the brain. The window of opportunity to start treating a stroke is three hours. But to be evaluated and receive treatment, patients need to get to the hospital within 60 minutes.

If you have a choice, wait for the paramedics rather than driving the patient yourself. Patients who are transported by EMS are evaluated and treated much quicker than people who are driven in. And, of course, don’t drive if you are the one having a stroke.

It’s also very important that you call 911 even if symptoms go away.

When symptoms of stroke disappear on their own after a few minutes, a “mini-stroke” or transient ischemic attack (TIA) may have occurred which is a warning that a major stroke may be coming.

That’s why mini-strokes need to be treated like emergences too.

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.

Only 1 percent of all 5,700 U. S. hospitals has that distinction

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

W

ith a stroke, every second counts. When someone enters the emergency room with anything ranging from mild to serious stroke symptoms, action needs to be taken immediately to save as many lost brain cells as possible.

Kaleida Hospital received a designation in 2014 that shows it is up to the task.

It is one of two hospitals in Western New York that has been designated a comprehensive stroke center. The second one is Mercy Hospital, which also received the designation last year.

The designation reflects the high level of care and treatment hospitals address stroke events. Less than 1 percent of the 5,700 hospitals in the U.S. has this certification.

Kaleida Hospital — through Gates Vascular Institute — can offer patients every medical and surgical option currently available for stroke.

“True, comprehensive stroke intervention is far superior than just providing clot busting agents,” said physician Elad Levy, co-director of the Gates Stroke Center at Kaleida Health. “Now we have the technology where there is a significant opportunity to save patients lives. Being a comprehensive center means we have all the pieces in place. “ Each year, nearly 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation’s fifth leading cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today. Stroke is an ailment that can hit any population from younger people to senior residents.

Kaleida’s multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons and associated specialized staff provide diagnosis and innovative treatments for the care of patients with neurological disorders and diseases affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems, including stroke. Through their affiliation with the University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the team actively conducts clinical research to develop new methods to treat neurological conditions and offer hope to patients.

The Gates Vascular Institute combines a 24-hour, seven day a week staff filled with neurologists and endovascular neurosurgeons performing a wide range of services, from giving clot busting medications to performing advanced minimally invasive procedures

— all using state-of-the-art technology.

Vascular disease covers the head, heart, legs, kidneys, essentially the totally body, top to bottom.

In most places, you would have to go to different specialists in various areas. Gates Institute offers a one-stop shop for the past several years where physicians, nurses, clinical staff and others work in a team approach to attack stroke.

The same goes for Mercy Hospital of Buffalo.

“Catholic Health is thoroughly committed to providing our patients with the highest quality, most advanced stroke care available to achieve the best outcomes, period,” said Holly Bowser,” vice president of Neurosciences for the health system.

“We don’t just say we provide the best stroke care, we seek out these impartial reviews by leading national authorities to underscore the exceptional care we provide our patients and the Western New York community.”

Saving More Lives

There is a significant difference between comprehensive and primary.

The comprehensive stroke center designation, the highest level designation available, signifies that Kaleida and Mercy Hospital met the most exacting standards for treating the most complex stroke cases at any time of day, all year long.

A comprehensive stroke center should also be able to provide rehabilitation services.

In addition, a hospital must meet various guidelines to receive designation including documenting rapid assessment of stroke patients in emergency department, administering clot-busting drugs within specific time frame as well as having a specific stroke team in place. They must also have special imaging available and complete CT scans for candidates treated with tPA within 45 minutes along with having community programs to educate the public on stroke prevention.

The certification recognizes that both hospitals have state-of-the-art infrastructure, staff and training and have 24/7 availability of specialized treatments, including surgically treatment to remove clots from the brain.

A primary stroke center are hospitals and medical organizations that have a dedicated stroke-focused program, staffing by qualified medical professionals trained in stroke care and basic individualized care to meet stroke patients needs, according to the American Heart Association.

Find Us on the Web

bfohealth.com

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H ealth News Better Transportation System for Patients Working together: Kaleida Health, ECMC, Mash Care Network Kaleida Health, ECMC and MASH Care Network have teamed up to develop a new population health management model for Western New York.

The initiative is designed to align ECMC and Kaleida Health’s hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and home care (the VNA) with MASH’s urgent care, transportation, physician services and mobility management to provide a seamless experience for patients.

“We are very proud of this venture,” said Jody L. Lomeo, president and CEO of Kaleida Health. “The affiliation with MASH will mean better organization and management of our healthcare delivery system in

a manner that makes it more clinically effective, more cost-effective and safer for our patients. In short, it’s all about improving the patient experience.”

“The MASH Care Network was created to be a catalyst for improving the delivery and effectiveness of health care services throughout Western New York, “said physician Mark Pundt, CEO of MASH Urgent Care. “We applaud the visionary leadership at ECMC and Kaleida Health and are proud to play an active role in improving the quality of life for our community.”

The Buffalo General Medical Center, Gates Vascular Institute, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital and DeGraff Memorial Hospital recently launched their “signature service” program in conjunction with MASH Transportation. ECMC and the Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo will come on line next.

By coordinating transportation and having dedicated resources available, the hospitals can improve their respective discharge planning

processes, getting patients home in a timelier manner. In addition, it will assist the hospitals length of stay for patients.

Lomeo added, “The new signature service will ensure that all of our patients receive the highest quality, non-emergency medical transportation available. This is all about leading with care and creating a great experience for our patients.”

“This collaboration will help us design a system for where healthcare is going in the next few years,” said Rich Cleland, interim CEO, president and chief operating officer for ECMC. “Our initiatives will also fit perfectly with the New York State Medicaid redesign initiatives to bring care to the patient in low cost, quality settings to prevent emergency room visits and inpatient stays.”

Transportation is just

one of three initiatives that Kaleida Health, ECMC and MASH CareNetwork will undertake in 2015.

MASH is developing and will launch later this summer a care coordination and mobility management center that will link patients to care providers and facilities, ensuring access, appropriate care and the transportation needed to achieve both goals. Kaleida Health and ECMC are key partners in this effort to improve patient centered care and to help patients navigate the local health care delivery system.

Working together, Kaleida Health and ECMC are also developing a preferred diagnostic network for the local HMO’s to provide low-cost, high quality urgent care, imaging and laboratory services – all coordinated by MASH Care Coordination and MASH Transportation.

To help link with primary care and reduce overuse of local emergency departments, the five hospitals will work with MASH UrgentCare and its seven locations across Western New York.

Special: Women’s Health

Don’t miss the next issue of In Good Health—Buffalo/ Niagara’s Healthcare Newspaper. For advertising in this special issue, please call 332-0640.

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

Center for Hospice has new head of clinical marketing The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care (CHPC) has named Lynn Riker director of clinical marketing. In her role, Riker will develop and oversee agency-wide business development and marketing plans to support CHPC’s mission and values.

Previously, Riker served as vice president of administration, chief operations officer and marketing director at Riker Invision Health and the Brain & Spine Center, a multidisciplinary medical practice serving Western New York.

Riker has extensive management experience in sales, marketing, customer service and operations.

The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care is one of the nation’s largest hospice and palliative care organizations. More than 500 patients are cared for each day by Hospice Buffalo and its affiliate, Supportive Medical Partners.

CHPC employs 450 individuals and has 1,200 active volunteers.

advertising, community relations, public relations and digital media.

This included BlueCross BlueShield’s innovative journey website where consumers could easily compare plans, calculate premiums and subsidies, and make their purchases.

Also included were promotions for BlueCross BlueShield’s unique Two For One discount program, featuring $1,000 in savings throughout the community, as well as segmented TV, print, and radio ads featuring real BlueCross BlueShield associates and members.

A panel of senior marketing and communications professionals from Fortune 500 companies, creative agencies and education outlets judged the Best of Blue entries.

Cardiologist relocates North Tonawanda office Physician David Carlson Jr. has recently relocated his office in North Tonawanda to 415 Tremont St. in the DeGraff Memorial Hospital Wellness Center. He was previously at 277 Division St., North Tonawanda.

Carlson is a board certified cardiologist who has been a member of Buffalo Medical Group since 2002. In addition to his North Tonawanda office, he also sees patients at 295 Essjay Road in Williamsville.

BlueCross BlueShield campaign gets award

ECMC’s bariatric program gets national recognition

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, the region’s largest health insurer, has been honored by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association as a “Best of Blue.”

The health plan received the 2015 Integrated Marketing Award, a highly-competitive award recognizing the Blues plan that best integrated multiple marketing and communication channels to both win new business and support brand goals and objectives.

The award was only one of eight awards announced at the 2015 Blue National Summit in Phoenix, Arizona April, 23.

“Authentic. Simple. Intuitive.

Engaging. These are the words that guided everything our company did to position our brand for success as we take our first steps into the world of consumerism via the exchange marketplace,” said Gretchen Fierle, senior vice president of marketing and communications at BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.

“As the most recognized brand in the country and the leading community-based health plan in our region, our work is setting the standards for our evolving industry.”

Working with BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York’s brand agency of record, Eric Mower + Associates, and young entrepreneurial local agency, Block Club, the company created a multimedia campaign that showcased the benefits of choosing Blue over other health plans in the exchange marketplace.

The marketing plan integrated

A national accreditation and quality improvement program of the American College of Surgeons provided Erie County Medical Center’s bariatric surgery program with its highest endorsement.

The ECMC program is the largest bariatric program in the area, with more than 500 surgeries in 2014.

The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) in partnership with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, issued the three-year “comprehensive center,” designation after a series of extensive evaluations. “[This accreditation] formally acknowledges your commitment to providing and supporting quality improvement and patient safety efforts for metabolic and bariatric surgery patients,” read a letter from the program to ECMC’s Bariatrics Director Joseph A. Caruana. “As an accredited program, you have demonstrated that your center meets the needs of your patients by providing multidisciplinary, high-quality, patient-centered care,” “Your program is part of an elite group of MBSAQIP-accredited centers,” the letter concluded.

Caruana said: “The team at ECMC worked extremely hard for this accreditation and we are pleased that the hospital received the designation.

As the MBSAQIP directors indicated, this means ECMC’s bariatric practice is of the highest quality and properly centered on the patient.”

Three UB doctors to be honored in June Three University of Buffalo physicians — Rebecca Calabrese, Alan Lesse and Stanley Schwartz — have each been chosen to receive a teaching award at the medical residents’ graduation ceremony June 18. Faculty members will present the awards to Calabrese and Lesse and the chief residents will present the White Coat Award to Schwartz.

• Calabrese is a UB assistant professor in the division of general internal medicine and medical director of the UBMDIM hospitalist program at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC).

Lesse is a UB associate professor, vice chairman for education in the department of medicine and senior associate dean for medical curriculum in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He treats patients at the VAMC. • Schwartz is a UB distinguished professor of medicine, pediatrics, microbiology and immunology and is chief of the division of allergy, immunology and rheumatology in UB’s department of medicine and UBMDIM. He treats patients at Buffalo General Medical Center (BGMC), the VAMC and ECMC.

Remain safely at home with help from HomeFirst.

Catholic Health recognized for environmental excellence Catholic Health has been named a 2015 “System for Change” award winner from Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading environmental healthcare organization.

Practice Greenhealth promotes and enables efficiencies and environmental stewardship among its members while improving patient safety and care through tools, best practices and knowledge.

All four of Catholic Health’s hospital campuses — Sisters of Charity Hospital, Sisters Hospital, St. Joseph Campus, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo and Kenmore Mercy Hospital — earned Practice Greenhealth’s “Partner for Change” award as well as the Making Medicine Mercury Free award. This award recognizes significant efforts to eliminate mercury and other chemicals from the facility and patient care.

Catholic Health has made environmental stewardship a key priority over the last several years, empowering associates to become involved in the process through “Go Green” committees in each of its ministries. Through these efforts, Catholic Health has been able to divert approximately one-third of all its waste from landfills through single stream recycling. That represents approximately 1,800 tons of material that will be reused through the recycling process. Additionally, the system has invested substantially in decreasing its carbon footprint through energy efficiency measures and by obtaining ten-percent of the system’s electrical requirements from wind turbine generated power sources.

“Environmental responsibility is fundamental to how we operate as a Catholic ministry,” said Joe McDonald, president and CEO for Catholic Health.

“As a system, Catholic Health strives to make a difference in our communities by setting goals, monitoring our sustainability progress, and collecting data that can demonstrate our success.”

More and more people on Medicaid who might otherwise be struggling to take care of themselves won’t have to because of HomeFirst.

HomeFirst, a product of Elderplan, is one of the oldest managed long-term care (MLTC) plans in the state. Our Personal Care Workers provide assistance with bathing, dressing and meals.

You can keep your own doctor, and we provide transportation to medical appointments. There is no cost to participate.

HomeFirst is an affiliate of MJHS, which was founded on the core values of compassion, dignity and respect for every culture. Those core values date back to 1907, when MJHS began a tradition of caring every minute, every day.

Call 1-866-384-3509 or visit homefirst.org

Services covered by HomeFirst are paid for by New York State Medicaid. The services not part of HomeFirst benefits continue to be covered by Medicaid and/or Medicare benefits. All services are coordinated, even those not included in the MLTCP benefit package. H3347_EPHF14288

Check In Good Health online at bfohealth.com 716-332-0640

editor@buffalohealthnews.com

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Great Outdoor Hotspots to Enjoy in WNY

It’s time to get out and stay (more) active

By Patrick Broadwater

I

t happens every spring. Once temperatures start rising and days get longer, Western New Yorkers stream from their homes to get reacquainted with areas beyond their own neighborhoods. It’s not that they are dormant during the winter months (shoveling counts as cardio, right?), but once the snow clears, they’re simply ready to get out and take advantage of all the warmer-weather destinations the region has to offer.

Luckily, there is no shortage of great outdoor locations in Western New York. Here is just a partial list of the best spots for staying active during the beautiful spring, summer and fall months.

horseshoe pits, disc golf, and an 18hole golf course. There is a half-mile beach for swimming and access areas for fishing and boat/kayak launches.

At the north end of Grand Island, the Buckhorn Preserve has nearly 900 acres of marsh, meadows and woodlands.

It’s an ideal sight for bird watching, as well as proving ample walking and biking trails and opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

Canalside Downtown Buffalo With the addition of skating and ice bikes this past winter, Canalside is

A waterfall at scenic Letchworth State Park.

Knox Farm State Park

Audubon Town Park & Recreation Complex

East Aurora The sprawling 633-acre Knox Farm site is the former country estate of Buffalo’s famed Knox family. Many of the farm’s original buildings are still standing and in use. The site also includes trails, meadows, ponds and wooded areas that can be used for walking, hiking, horseback riding and more. An off-leash dog park has also been added for dog owners, while the park’s polo field is home to an annual exhibition match.

Amherst The Audubon complex adjacent to the University at Buffalo North Campus includes five softball diamonds, two baseball diamonds, multipurpose fields, an 18-hole golf course and a par3 course. The Northtowns Center, and its four ice rinks, is located across the street. The 5-mile Ellicott Creek bike trail begins at Audubon Town Park and winds through the UB campus to Niagara Falls Boulevard. The asphalt path is commonly used for biking, walking, running and rollerblading.

Beaver Island State Park and Buckhorn Island State Park Preserve Grand Island Located on the south end of Grand Island, Beaver Island State Park has 950 acres for picnics and athletic pursuits, including biking and hiking trails,

Horseback riding is one of many activities you may see at Knox Farm State Park. one of the most popular year-round destinations in Buffalo. But it really shines during the warmer months. The 21-acre multipurpose waterfront site boasts sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and water biking. Visitors can walk or bicycle along the waterfront paths, play one of the oversized board games or tour decommissioned ships at the Naval and Military Park.

It’s also a great place to catch a concert, watch a sunset or get your photo taken with Shark Girl.

Chestnut Ridge Park

parks system created by Frederick Law Olmsted, picturesque Delaware Park was created nearly 150 years ago.

The 350-acre park has three distinct areas: the meadow, lake and forest.

The meadow area includes an 18-hole golf course, three baseball/softball diamonds, six multipurpose fields, 17 tennis courts and four basketball courts. There are also playgrounds and lawn bowling courts and picnic areas throughout the park. The ring road and the trail surrounding Hoyt Lake are ideal for running and walking.

Letchworth State Park Castile About an hour’s drive from Buffalo, Letchworth is known as the Grand Canyon of the East for its large gorges and magnificent scenery. Follow miles of hiking trails and thick forests along the Genesee River to several towering waterfalls and breathtaking vistas. Visitors can go biking, horseback riding, kayaking, whitewater rafting, or take a hot air balloon ride over the canyons below. Voted the USA Today Reader’s Choice Award for Best State Park in the U.S., Letchworth is open year-round, but is especially photogenic in autumn.

Orchard Park A vast Erie County park in the Southtowns, Chestnut Ridge is a popular destination for picnics, hiking, running, tennis, disc golf, and more.

The network of dense, wooded trails are ideal for long or short hikes. One of the more popular loops leads down a ravine to a waterfall and the “eternal flame” kept alit by a small pocket of natural gas. The park roads are also widely used for running, through the larger hills, including “Big Mother,” are extremely challenging. Dozens of picnic shelters – complete with charcoal grills – line the ring roads, providing plenty of opportunities for picnicking.

Delaware Park The Shale Creek waterfall on the Eternal Flame trail in Chestnut Ridge Park.

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North Buffalo The centerpiece of the city-wide

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

Rent a kayak and tour the historic Erie Canal’s commercial slip area at Canalside.