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JULY 2020 • ISSUE 173
Travel gets grounded Travel expert Sarah Foster says COVID-19 putting a damper on summertime vacation plans. Page 5
Helping the homeless
Enjoy, but take proper precautions! See page 2
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Adjusting to ‘New Normal’
Just the essentials Denise Passero, owner of Mohawk Valley Essential Solutions, said wellness can be attained with essential oils. Page 12
Alpine Rehab and Nursing Center Free of COVID-19 Senior care center sets standard on how to deal with COVID-19. See Page 7
Raspberries: Put some razzle dazzle in summer
More young Americans abstaining from sex
This fruit is loaded with valuable fiber. See SmartBites, Page 14
Page 14 July 2020 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2020
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Summer safety Be careful out there! Learn to simmer during summertime fun By Barbara Pierce
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ummer is here, which means warmth, fun and sunshine. But it also means heat. As temperatures rise, so does the risk of serious heat-related illnesses and injuries. The Oneida County Health Department reminds us to take precautions during extremely hot weather. In extreme heat, our body temperature increases fast, our sweating mechanism can fail and our body cannot cool down. We can overheat and easily get dehydrated in hot, humid weather, says its website. Protect yourself from heat related issues: • Don’t get dehydrated: If you wait until you’re thirsty, it’s too late. Increased thirst is just one symptom that you’re dehydrated. Dark urine, dry skin, headache and cramps are common symptoms. Feeling irritable, tired, or confused can mean you’re dehydrated. Drinking beer on a hot day doesn’t do it. It actually dehydrates you, as it causes your body to lose fluids. Water is the best thing to drink to stay hydrated. There’s no magic number on the amount of water to drink. A good general rule is eight 8-ounce glasses a day; but everybody is different. Sports drinks are a good choice if you’re exercising or working in the heat.
• Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. “It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism stops working and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperatures can rise to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher,” said Christine Powroznik, communications intern with the Mohawk Valley Health System. People aged 65 or over are particularly vulnerable, as are those with a chronic illness. Causes include heat, strenuous activity, excess clothing, alcohol, or dehydration, she added. Heat stroke can happen in less than an hour with strenuous activity. If you are getting hot or lightheaded, stop and rest in a cool place out of the sun. Be sure to drink water or a sports drink before, during and after strenuous activity. Signs of a heat stroke include a fast, strong pulse; headache; hot, red, dry or damp skin; dizziness; nausea; confusion, and even hallucinations
and losing consciousness, she said. If anyone experiences these heat stroke signs, call 911 as it is a medical emergency. Relocate them to a cooler place, remove excess clothing, help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath, and do not give anything to drink. To prevent heat stroke, Powroznik advises drinking plenty of fluids, taking it easy during the hottest part of the day, wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, never let anyone stay in a parked car, and be especially cautious if you are at increased risk.
Be skin savvy
• Protect your skin: Skin is our body’s largest organ, but often forgotten when it comes to taking care of our health. “Make sure that you’re using the proper protection to guard yourself from ultra violet exposure,” said Victoria Bracco, communications specialist with MVHS.
“Practicing skin safety is crucial, as time spent outdoors will expose you to the sun even more. Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are recognized as a result of UV exposure,” she noted. “It’s vital that, when outdoors, you make sure that you seek shade, wear protective clothing and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. It’s also important to remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating,” she added. Apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. Photosensitivity is heightened skin sensitivity or an unusual reaction when your skin is exposed to the sun. You can become photosensitive as a result of prescription or over-thecounter medications, some skin care products or a genetic disorder. Certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, cholesterol-lowering drugs, birth control pills, anti-diabetes medicines, and others may put you at risk for photosensitivity. It causes damage to the skin, like an exaggerated sunburn with redness, swelling and sometimes blisters. It can look and feel like a sunburn or rash. A phototoxic reaction can occur on the first use of the medication, within minutes to hours of being exposed to the sun. The higher the dose on takes, the greater the reaction. • Be tick aware: As temperatures heat up, ticks are more active. To prevent Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses, it’s crucial to take the following steps, recommended by Dr. Heidi Puc of Integrative Medicine of CNY, Chittenango: — Avoid areas where ticks thrive, such as wood or leaf piles and long grass — Wear light-colored clothing, long pants, sleeves, socks and closetoed shoes. — Apply DEET-free tick repellent on skin and clothing. Remove clothing when you come home. Examine every part of your body for ticks. — If you find a tick, remove it and save it for testing, or see a health care professional. Monitor the bite site closely and see a physician if you notice any symptoms, such as a rash. Enjoy your summer and stay safe!
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July 2020 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Excellus BCBS responds to pandemic Unbudgeted spending is being funded through the health plan’s reserves
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xcellus BlueCross BlueShield expects to spend at least $162 million on its comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health plan is funneling more than $1 million worth of grants for testing supplies and personal protective equipment to Upstate New York hospitals and area health care workers. It is also working with regional business groups to help employers and their employees return to work. “No one has faced a public health crisis like COVID-19 in the almost 90 years that our health plan has provided coverage in Upstate New York,” said Christopher C. Booth, president and CEO of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “This crisis requires a strong and comprehensive response to assure our members are able to receive the care they need and to help assure the system will survive. The pandemic has significantly impacted the economy, sickened tens of thousands of people and continues to threaten Upstate health care.” With the state’s stay-at-home order and the suspension of elective medical procedures, Excellus BCBS expanded access to telehealth, trained physician offices how to use it, and increased the reimbursement to providers for these services. This allowed many local provider practices to continue to see patients using remote technology and replace lost in-office revenue. That expanded coverage and the increased reimbursement associated will cost at least $80 million in 2020. The health plan will absorb a $12 million reduction in Medicaid rates from the state this year, rather than pass it on to providers. Restoring some Medicare fees for providers that had been cut at the federal level added an additional $6 million in cost this year. Excellus BCBS also took several steps to reduce the administrative burden on hospitals that increased costs for the plan. • Suspension of prior authorization, reviews, clinical editing programs and claim-filing requirements will cost $51 million. • Implementing the 20 percent increase in reimbursement for COVID-19 admissions required under a new federal law will cost $3 million this year. For members, Excellus BCBS absorbed the cost of member out-ofpocket expenses for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19, medically appropriate testing, as well as absorbing the member cost share for all telehealth visits. These steps are adding about $9 million in cost this year. Page 4
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Maria Ciciarelli, M.D. Crouse’s director of women’s health integration talks about caring for women who delivered babies during COVID-19 pandemic Q: I take it people are still having babies through the pandemic. A: I was sort of joking with someone the other day about how it didn’t stop women from having their babies. It did change how we do things in the office and in the hospital. For example, how many support people you can have in the delivery room, the protective equipment we have to wear which, for labor, really isn’t optimal. So it’s those kinds of things that have affected our day-today at the office and at the hospital. Q: How do you prepare prospective mothers to deal with it? A: It’s challenging. As we’ve progressed with this, the rules have changed, sometimes even daily. Just trying to keep them informed about what the hospital policy is, what to do at home. When can family come to visit the baby? When is it OK to be around the baby? We use a lot of different specialists, so we rely on the pediatricians to tell patients when they get home from the hospital to quarantine for at least 14 days, especially if they have elderly parents who would normally help them out. Getting them mentally prepared during the visit is important. It’s hard whether you’re a new mom or a mom with kids at home, having someone come in to help is a big deal. I can’t imagine having to go home with a newborn and only having your husband to help. You need time to do things as simple as laundry, taking a shower. So I think as we’ve progressed through the pandemic it’s gotten a bit easier. Before we were saying don’t have anyone come around
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2020
the baby for six weeks, now we’re saying around two weeks as long as nobody’s sick and they’re wearing masks. Q: COVID’s risk factors seem to generally increase with age. How much of a risk are infants? A: There’s definitely concern about infant exposure, but I haven’t seen much about babies getting really sick. I also haven’t had any COVID-positive moms. There’s always a risk of exposure to the babies though, especially if mom was exposed. Q: Has there been any research into transmission through parents? A: I’m not aware of any reports of transmission through the mom, and I haven’t seen any research or report on babies that have tested positive if mom tested positive. No defects that I’m aware of in babies. Q: Do you expect an increased demand for obstetric services in the near future? A: I think it’ll have an impact as far they’re going to be more pregnancies after quarantine, if you ask me. People have been stuck inside with nothing better to do, so I think we’re probably going to have more babies. But I think it can go the other way with women who are afraid of being exposed and may skip their pap and pelvic exams. So it can go either way. Q: Has a backlog been building on the gynecological side? A: Up until recently, we were doing half days and only seeing obstetric patients and emergency visits. So we had all of our routine appointments back to reduce exposure to our staff and pregnant pa-
tients. So we have a very big backlog of routine stuff we’ll be catching up on over the next few months. We’re busy doing that. I think the vast majority of patients seem willing to come back, but do have some that are asking to push it back a bit longer because they’re still worried about exposure. Q: What brought you to Crouse? A: I grew up in Cicero, I graduated high school from CNS, went to college at Geneseo. I came back to CNY to Upstate Medical for medical school. The residency program at Upstate works out of Crouse, so I guess you can say I’m a lifer. Q: Do many of the younger trainees stay? A: Not very many, no, which is unfortunate for the area, because we’ve had a lot of OB-GYNs in the area recently retire. We see a lot come through for their training but then go back to wherever they came from or to other towns. I think in the last three or four years, we had one stay from the residency program and two come in through the Buffalo program, so I don’t see a lot staying. Q: Are you involved with fertility treatments? A: I do a lot of contraception, which is true of a lot of GYNs, but I also have a lot patients who I’ll start the infertility workup for. I’ll do ovulation-induction and check the fallopian tubes and that kind of thing. I don’t do any of the advanced infertility treatments — I’ll refer them out for that. But the patients who just need a little bit of help, like the ones with polycystic ovarian syndrome, that’s something that I enjoy doing, and there are a reasonable number of women who can be helped without having to see a specialist.
Lifelines
Name: Maria Ciciarelli, M.D., FACOG Position: Director of Women’s Health Integration at Crouse Hospital Hometown: Cicero Education: SUNY Upstate Medical Affiliations: Crouse Hospital Organizations: Board-certified with American College of Obstetrics and Genecology, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) Specialty: Contraception, adolescent medicine, infertility, skin injections Family: Husband; daughter 16; son 15 Hobbies: Gardening; hanging out by the pool; time with family
Travel turns terrifying Typical summertime travel plans anything but normal By Barbara Pierce
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othing is normal this summer — including our summer vacation travel plans. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention strongly advises against all nonessential travel, warning that travel increases your chances of getting COVID-19. Airports, bus and train stations, and public rest rooms are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus, whether it is airborne or on surfaces. To make matters worse, these are places where it’s hard to Foster social distance. Most of us don’t feel comfortable getting on a plane these days. As for a car trip, making stops for gas, food and bathroom breaks puts us at risk. Checking into a hotel or motel is very different these days, and we’re not sure it’s entirely safe. As for the home-sharing company Airbnb, its cleanliness standards are reportedly inconsistent. The CDC even advises against camping or traveling in an RV. Yes, travel is dicey this summer. It’s unsafe. However, there are so many benefits from taking a summer family vacation. Research shows travel is good for your health. Relationships become stronger when a couple or a family travels together; the benefits exist long after we return home. Travel makes us happier; even the planning makes us happy. People who take a regular break from the grind of daily life are healthier. Travel helps reduce stress and taking time to relax is so very valuable. People who regularly travel are less likely to die from heart-related issues.
And travel helps keep our minds sharp. When we get away from our usual environment, our brains become more active and that’s very good. Travel is especially good for keeping the mind sharp because it implies change. It takes you to new places and introduces you to different people and novel locations. It forces your brain to adapt and remain flexible. Experts advise us that to achieve the greatest effect, our vacation should be distinctly different from our day-to-day environment — especially the stressful parts. So, the question is how can we get all these great benefits and stay safe? The only answer: Explore on a day trip. We have many adventures and experiences that may be new to you right here in our local area. Play tourist right here. It’s not how far you get that counts. It’s the stimulus of the new. We asked local travel expert Sarah Foster for suggestions. “We have itineraries — amazing itineraries,” said Foster, director of media relations, meetings and conference marketing manager for Oneida County Tourism. “We have worldclass experiences in our area.”
Our area is packed with attractions that offer a variety of opportunities. Walk or bicycle our trails to experience breathtaking natural beauty; immerse yourself in history; get away to a beach for swimming and sunbathing; watch the sun set; or sample cheese.
The great outdoors
• Outdoor trails: This is a beautiful area to explore, with lots of great trails. “I’ve been taking afternoon walks, and it’s helped give me peace as well as quality times with loved ones, while allowing me to see the area I live in differently,” said Foster. “This inspired me to put together a list of outdoor trails,” she added. “Our main push has been getting people outdoors while maintaining physical distancing. We encourage people to explore the trails.” “We have a unique park system in Utica,” said Foster. “My personal favorite is the South Woods Switchbacks located at Valley View Golf Course,” added Foster. “They go around the course and have beautiful views and quiet, dog-friendly trails.” “South Woods is a world unto itself. With zigzagging trails and a canopy of trees, it’s a beautiful place to walk,” said Philip Bean, executive
director, Central New York Conservancy. The South Woods Switchbacks can be reached from Steele Hill Road or Master Garden Road. This path is peaceful and retains areas of vegetation much like what early settlers would have seen. For a complete list of trails, visit https://www.oneidacountytourism. com/blog/how-to-explore-the-outdoors-while-physical-distancing/. • Cheese trail: Cheese makers combine forces so we can appreciate the diversity of our area’s rich cheese-making heritage. Be a part of the flourishing and re-emerging cheese community. From goat farms to butter churns to cheese curds and chocolate, you’ll want to visit them all. For a list of participating cheese companies, see: https://www.oneidacountytourism.com/what-to-do/ attractions/cny-cheese-trail/. • Beverage trail: Breweries and wineries have re-opened. Our local breweries, distilleries and wineries come together to invite you to visit. Area tourism advocates are urging residents to be a part of the flourishing, fast-growing beverage community. “I especially love Brimfield Farm,” said Foster. “It’s a winery in Clinton that has a huge patio with stunning views, and great local wine and cheese. There’s also an amazing driving range on site.” • Bicycle trails: “Oneida County is a road cyclist’s dream,” Foster said. “There are hundreds of miles of state highways and well-maintained local roads with low traffic that connect welcoming small towns and villages. Some of the best riding is along the historic Erie Canalway Trail.” For details, visit https://www. oneidacountytourism.com/what-todo/recreation/bicycle-and-pedestrian-trails/ . For more ideas on local experiences, see https://www.oneidacountytourism.com/ or call 315-724-7221. Happy adventures!
MVHS, MMRI form partnership to process COVID-19 tests on local basis
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he Mohawk Valley Health System and Masonic Medical Research Institute recently announced a new partnership to process MVHS COVID-19 tests at the MMRI laboratory. This joint venture is designed to decrease the turnaround time for COVID-19 results for MVHS patients and will help identify those with COVID-19 faster, providing a significant benefit to MVHS, its patients and residents. Under this new partnership, MVHS will collect the COVID-19 test sample from the patient and send it
to MMRI, which will run the test and send results back to MVHS the same day. “This partnership creates a local solution to a national problem,” said Darlene Stromstad, MVHS president-CEO. “Like many hospitals across the country, we’ve had a challenge getting adequate supplies of testing materials.” She said the limited supply of “rapid” COVID-19 tests that produce results in 45 to 90 minutes has meant MVHS has had to send its tests out to be run in other states, sometimes taking up to three days or longer to
obtain results. “Waiting for results has often led to longer hospital stays, particularly for nursing home patients who must test negative before they can go back to the home, and in some cases, has delayed elective procedures,” Stromstad said. “Now, we will be able to send our rapid tests to MMRI and get our results back the same day. And, it’s all accomplished right here in our region.” She said MMRI has lab equipment that it uses for research that is a different process than producing testing results.
July 2020 •
However, within three weeks of an outreach email from Maria Kontaridis, MMRI executive director of research, “we had an agreement on a process that worked for us both. This is good for our patients and community,” Stromstad noted. “By partnering with MVHS and becoming a state testing laboratory for COVID-19, we hope to help local officials and physicians better manage their patients, reduce the deleterious effects of COVID-19, and help us all get our lives back to normal sooner,” Kontaridis said.
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Reality check Despite restrictions, it’s vital to find ways to stay socially connected By Barbara Pierce
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inding calm in this pandemic storm is the challenge of the moment. While COVID-19 has dissipated in terms of the number of positive cases and deaths associated with it, the dark reality of the “new normal” is setting in. Essentially, the “new normal” means a previously unusual occurrence that has become commonplace. Yes, it’s a stressful time; painful, but it’s only for the short run and essential to saving lives and getting this COVID-19 eliminated. Humans are sociable creatures. We’re wired to need frequent contact with each other, and that’s what makes this so difficult. Suggestions that may help: — Get into a routine: Our brain loves routine. Our brain thrives on routine. Routines let our brain know all is well and we can continue as normal. Creating a structure to your day can focus your mind. Days blend together when the things that used to distinguish them is missing. Fight against the blurring of the days by having a routine. When you don’t have a routine, it can reduce your motivation to do those things you still need to do. It becomes a downward spiral. For those still out of work or adhering to stay-at-home work orders, perhaps it would be advisable to get up a bit later in the morning, but set a time to be up and functioning. Shower. Dress. Eat breakfast. As you sip your coffee, review what you’re
going to do today, if you haven’t already planned your day. “It’s easy to fall into a lazy routine,” said college student Rachel Chang online. “For the most part, I believe I have a good routine down. I typically start off my days at the same time as I would if I were still at school. I get in a healthy breakfast to start my day off right. I’m dead set on not procrastinating my work, considering there’s really nothing better for me to do trapped inside my house. After I get most of my work done, I make sure I’m taking time to stay active. I find that working out in my back yard feels especially good for my well-being.” Scheduling your day means planning for the things you need to do, then adding a few activities that you enjoy.
— Do something productive: There is so much benefit to doing something meaningful, something with a purpose. Viktor Frankl survived life in a concentration camp. His book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” shares his experiences. The message: The difference between those who lived and those who died came down to one thing: meaning. Those who found meaningful things to do even in those horrendous circumstances were far more resilient to suffering than those who did not.
Keep brain in gear
Our brain does best when we give it something to be absorbed in. You’re fortunate if you’re working from home. Add some things you really enjoy.
For Dennis Osborne of Floyd, Oneida County Master Gardener Program volunteer, it’s gardening. “Gardening is something to do that keeps me occupied in a positive sense,” he explained. “I feel useful; I’m creating healthy food and beautiful flowers for my family and friends.” His wife Karen Osborne is making masks that she contributes to hospital staff and friends. “I have fun doing it; I’m thrilled to be part of the process,” she said. “I love to sew, and I can make a difference.” Reach out to those who are especially isolated, like the elderly. Consider making phone calls to strangers who would benefit from talking to someone. Find a way to connect with others. Reach out to your friends and family in virtual ways or by phone. If you can, use video — seeing someone face-to-face increases your feelings of connection. Consider setting up a family chat or having regular video meetings with co-workers. — Get moving, preferably outside: This is a beautiful time of year; get outside and enjoy it. Pull weeds in your garden; watch the birds; walk or ride your bike. It takes off the edginess that erupts from time to time. Getting outside puts things in perspective. The earth will still be here; the trees, birds, squirrels, and clouds in the sky. “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars,” an old Persian proverb, applies now. Stay calm and carry on. We’ll come through on the other side.
Study: Coronavirus may be seasonal after all
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ere’s a glimmer of hope about the new coronavirus: New research finds it appears to follow a seasonal pattern that is similar to the flu. Scientists found that all cities/ regions with large COVID-19 outbreaks have similar winter climates, with an average temperature of 41 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit, average humidity levels of 47% to 79%, and are located within a latitude band of 30 to 50 N. Page 6
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This includes Wuhan, China; South Korea; Japan; Iran; Northern Italy; Seattle; and northern California. The findings also suggest that U.S. mid-Atlantic states may be at risk, as well as New England, according to researchers at the Institute of Human Virology (IHV) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and the Global Virus Network (GVN). “Based on what we have documented so far, it appears that the
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2020
virus has a harder time spreading between people in warmer, tropical climates,” said study leader Mohammad Sajadi, an associate professor of medicine at UMSOM, physician-scientist at IHV, and a member of GVN. The researchers used weather data from the previous few months, as well as typical weather patterns from last year, to predict community spread of COVID-19 within the next few weeks. The next step is to determine if
weather and climate forecasts could make the predictions more reliable. Study co-author Anthony Amoroso said, “I think what is important is that this is a testable hypothesis.” Amoroso is an associate professor of medicine at UMSOM and chief of clinical care programs for IHV. “If it holds true, it could be very helpful for health system preparation, surveillance and containment efforts,” he added in an institute news release.
Won’t back down
Alpine Rehab and Nursing Center: Free of COVID-19 By Barbara Pierce
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ohawk Valley In Good Health newspaper senior staff correspondent Barbara Pierce recently spoke with Casey Bayes, assistant administrator at Alpine Rehab & Nursing Center, Little Falls, about the facility’s remarkable resilience in the face of the potentially deadly novel coronavirus. Q.: Nursing homes are under attack from COVID-19 and are regarded as hot spots for transmission of the virus. Of the residents in Oneida County who have died of the virus, 70% were nursing home patients. The vast majority of patients who were hospitalized with the virus were from nursing homes. How is Alpine facing this major threat from COVID-19? A.: We haven’t had COVID-19 in our building — not a single case. Q.: That is remarkable! And much to be proud of! How did you achieve this? A.: We started preparing in early March, before Gov. Andrew Cuomo mandated isolation of residents. Our
company, Personal Health Care, provided an adequate amount of personal protective equipment for the staff. They also provided help with policies and procedures. We’ve had continuous education throughout this pandemic and our staff is wonderful and very cautious. Staff, residents and families have all taken this very seriously in cooperating with the many changes. Q.: Experts say to meet this challenge of COVID-19, what is needed in nursing homes is adequate testing, protective gear and staffing. Many nursing homes have found that price too high, cutting into their already thin profit margin. What is your response to this? A.: Our company feels protecting our residents is the top priority. We’re taking needed safety measures. The testing and PPE have been mandated; having adequate staffing available has much to do with availability. We’ve been lucky to have staff that have been with Alpine for many years and are dedicated to what they do. The testing is costly, but necessary; we’re happy to comply. Q.: The “no visitor” policy must
be difficult for residents. How are you helping them get through this isolation? A.: We’re on one level, so each resident has a window and can have window visits, which keeps spirits up. A window visit helps; they can’t hug their family, but they can see them and be reassured they are well. We get the residents outside individually as much as we can. We’re looking forward to taking them out to the zoo, the museum, and other places of interest. That’s what we plan to do: outside activities. And we have tele-visits all day. Our activity director, Deandra Macri, goes around with her laptop, connecting people with their families. It’s a huge success, especially for people who don’t have family in the area. Q.: Do you have a mix of rehab patients and long-term patients? A.: About half our residents are short-term residents, to whom we provide rehabilitation. They are recovering from a stroke, a hip replacement, or in declining health. We can do therapy seven days a week for these people, as opposed to
most rehab facilities that offer only five days a week. The average length of stay for our rehab residents is 28 days. We love to see our residents go home safely and successfully! Half our residents are long-term. We love them all the same and they become family. Q.: What will the “new normal” look like for Alpine? A.: Virtual visits will be a bigger part of what we continue to do, especially for those with no family locally. It helps to engage the residents and keeps their spirits up. Q.: Anything else you would like to add? A.: In 2017, we won the national Silver Award for Excellence through the American Health Care Association. This award is based on achievement in health care quality. Less than 10% of nursing homes have won the gold or silver award; it’s difficult to achieve and we’re very proud of it. We’re working on our Gold Award application and look forward to showing our never-ending efforts to continue to improve the quality of care and life for our residents.
Mohawk Valley Health System updates visitation policies
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he safety of its patients, employees, physicians and community are of primary importance to the Mohawk Valley Health System. Therefore, during the initial onset of the coronavirus in the state, MVHS immediately complied with strict recommendations by the state of New York to limit visitors to its facilities. Its goal was to limit exposure to COVID-19, especially important to individuals with compromised health status. “We took our role to help flatten the curve of potential exposures very seriously,” an MVHS spokesperson said. “We recognize that separation of patients and their loved ones during
Oneida, Herkimer In Good
Visitor guidelines: Inpatient hospital units
Visiting hours for inpatient hospital units are from 3-7 p.m., seven days a week. Each visit is limited to one person at a time for a maximum of four
and
Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper
hospitalization can cause significant stress and anxiety. And now that the curve has been flattened, the state has provided updated guidance for hospitals regarding visitation,” the spokesperson noted. “We are happy to allow our patients to have visitors and will continue to keep you safe by following recommendations to ensure the health and well-being of our patients.”
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In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2020 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 • Phone: 315-749-7070 Email: lou@cnymail.com
Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Barbara Pierce, David Podos, Deb Dittner, Jessica Arsenault Rivenburg, Brooke Stacia Demott, Daniel Baldwin, Traci DeLore Advertising: Amy Gagliano Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas Office Assistant: Nancy Nitz 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.
hours per day. Only two visitors, in total, are permitted during the four hours of visitation per day. Visitors will be screened by a temperature check and asked about symptoms. Visitors will be denied entry if they report significant COVID-19 exposure or symptoms during the prior 14 days or have a temperature equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors will be given a mask to wear for their entire visit and will be instructed in appropriate hand hygiene. For the protection of patients and employees, visitors will be asked to leave the facility if they fail to or refuse to wear a mask. Visitors must maintain social distancing of six feet even in the patient room. A visitor must remain in the patient room unless otherwise directed by the clinical staff. At this time, the hospital cafeterias remain open only to employees. Also, MVHS will not be expanding visitation to patients who tested positive for COVID-19, are persons under investigation for COVID-19, or given limited supplies of personal protective equipment unless there are special circumstances as defined by the state Department of Health in its
earlier guidance. This includes: — Patients in labor, delivery, and the remainder of the patients’ admission — Pediatric patients — Patients for whom a support person has been determined to be essential to the care of the patient (medically necessary) including patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities and patients with cognitive impairments including dementia. — Patients in immediate end-oflife situations. During this phase one of visitation, a no-visitor policy remains in effect for the behavioral health units at MVHS hospitals. All visitors will be given a onepage hand out that details visitor guidelines, provides information on safety measures such as hand hygiene, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing, and contact information for questions. All visitors must be older than 18 years of age except for previously documented exceptions. For more information about specific areas of the hospitals such as emergency departments, outpatient services and maternity, visit mvhealthsystem.org/visitation.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman
Telehealth Surge Virtual medicine skyrockets tremendously
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o one could have predicted that a pandemic would be the catalyst or “black swan” event for telehealth. Up until the pandemic, telehealth was infrequently used. It was approximately 10% of a typical provider’s schedule in 2019. In April 2020, it had ballooned to 46%. Industry experts are predicting that telehealth could be $250 billion a year in spending post pandemic. Both providers and consumers are adapting to the new reality. According to a recent consumer survey by McKinsey & Company, 75% of respondents are highly/moderately likely to use telehealth services. Seventy-five percent of respondents who recently received services via telehealth were satisfied. Up until the pandemic, providers were somewhat reluctant to incorporate telehealth into their business models, primarily due to poor reimbursement from insurers. Telehealth was used mostly to reach isolated, rural or homebound patients. Because of the pandemic, Medicare began to reimburse providers for a telehealth visit the same as an office visit. Most commercial carriers followed suit. The big question is whether or not Medicare will continue improved telehealth reimbursement beyond the pandemic. The longer this pandemic lasts, the further the horse is out of the barn. Medicare would certainly face a backlash from both providers and consumers who have adapted to this deliver of care option. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma sounds like she is hedging her bets, though, when she said that while telehealth is getting us through this pandemic, it won’t replace the “gold standard” of in-person care. AHA addresses racism The pandemic has disproportionally impacted people of color. It has exposed the systemic racism in public health. Rick Pollack, CEO of the American Hospital Association, recently addressed the problem. “As places of healing, hospitals have an important role to play in the wellbeing of their communities. As we’ve seen in the pandemic, communities of color have been disproportionately affected, both in infection rates and economic impact. The AHA’s vision is of a society of healthy communities, where all individuals reach their highest potential for health … to achieve that vision, we must address racial, ethnic and cultural inequities, including those in health care, that are everyday realities for far too many individuals.
While progress has been made, we have so much more work to do.” COVID19 vaccine Dr. Tony Fauci is the nation’s leading expert on infectious disease. As director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, or NIAID, Fauci is cautiously optimistic about the development of a vaccine by bio tech firm Moderna. However, he believes the vaccine will not be a one and done solution and will most likely require boosters. Once a vaccine is approved for use, the question remains what will be its durability. It could be six months or a year or two. (It should be noted: Moderna is not the only bio tech firm developing a vaccine.) There has been much confusion over wearing masks. Fauci emphasized the three basics of mitigation
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2020
are still the most effective at slowing the spread of the virus: frequent hand washing, social distancing and masks in public. The latter all the more important when inside. Meanwhile, in anticipation of a vaccine, the federal government has begun stockpiling 400 million syringes by December.
What we know so far
A recent article in the New York Times gave a summary. 1. We will be dealing with this pandemic for a long time. 2. Masks mitigate the spread. 3. Our public health infrastructure needs an update if not an overhaul. 4. The pandemic is hugely expensive: testing, treatment, PPE, lost wages, mitigation, etc. 5. We can’t count on herd immunity to protect us. 6. There are far more symptoms than expected or experienced. 7. We can worry less about surface transmission of the virus. It is mostly person to person. 8. We can worry less about a mutating virus. 9. Warm weather will not defeat the virus. Estimates of the cost of the virus to insurance companies, (commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid) are modeled/based on infection rates. A population infection rate of 10% puts cost estimates around $30 billion while an infection rate of 60% could cause cost to skyrocket toward $500 billion.
Reopening healthcare
The pandemic forced hospitals and physician offices to close to non-emergent care. The cancellation of elective surgeries and routine office visits have put most provides in dire financial straits. Most have resorted to furloughing or laying off staff as bottom lines flounder. In April, CMS issued guidelines for providers to open up again for normal business. Basically, “non-emergent, non-COVID care (NCC) should be offered to patients, as clinically appropriate, in localities or facilities that have the resources to provide such care, as well as the ability to quickly respond to a surge in COVID-19 cases, if necessary. Decisions should be consistent with federal, state and local orders, and CDC guidance and made in
collaboration with state and local public health authorities. Careful planning is required to safely deliver in-person care to patients requiring NCC, and all aspects of care must be considered.” If you have been putting off care, you are encouraged to contact your provider and resume your treatment or address your health concerns.
CVS testing NURO
If pizza can be delivered via drone or autonomous vehicle, why not drugs? CVS pharmacy is currently testing delivering prescriptions via autonomous vehicle “NURO” in a Houston suburb. NURO is a business that started in 2018 delivering groceries in Texas and Arizona. The company raised over $1 billion from investors.
ACA exchange update
While the supreme court will not determine its fate till next year, it is still what approximately 20 million people rely on for their insurance. The removal of the individual mandate caused enrollment to drop after years of expansion, but unemployment caused by the pandemic may cause more people to buy insurance on the exchange when they lose their employer-based insurance. From 2016 through 2018, the Blues have dominated most markets, offering almost 50% of the plans on the exchanges. Medicaid insurers comprised another 25% of the plans being offered. Some commercial carriers like Aetna dropped out altogether while others like United Health are considering re-entering the exchanges due to increasing unemployment. George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.
UCP receives behavioral health federal grant
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pstate Cerebral Palsy recently received the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics grant, a two-year grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The grant is intended to assist the agency in improving the behavioral health of community residents through high-quality, coordinated, community-based mental health and substance use disorder services built on evidence-based practices and integration of physical health care services. As a CCBHC, UCP’s Community
Health and Behavioral Services clinic will increase access to and improve the quality of community mental and substance use disorder treatment services. The grant provides UCP with the necessary funding to provide a comprehensive collection of services that create access, help stabilize people in crisis, and provide the needed support services. As a CCBHC, UCP will provide person- and family centered integrated services including comprehensive 24/7 access to community-based mental and substance use disorder services; treatment of co-occurring disorders; and physical health care in one location.
Garage need overhaul? Do it! Is your garage safe and well organized? By Barbara Pierce
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magine a world where you could actually park inside your garage. Where your garage is clean, well organized, and you can quickly find anything. There’s always something more important to do than cleaning out the garage. So we learn to live with the clutter. We just keep adding to it: sports equipment, workbench with tools, more tools, bicycles, camping equipment, boxes of Christmas decorations, pool toys, etc. etc. Anything we don’t have room for in the house goes in the garage. We just keep shoving it in as we tell ourselves that one day, we’ll take care of all this stuff. That day is here. Lockdown during the COVID-19 crisis is a good time to get to those projects you’ve been putting off for years. Suggestions from experts to get you started: — How to begin: Begin by ordering a Bagster or rent a small dumpster, advised John Granza, owner of John’s Clean-Outs & Property Preservation in Rome. The business offers a wide range of clean-outs and junk removal. A Bagster is a small, 3-cubic-yard bag made of tough material for single use. You can purchase it from home
“Anything that could explode and start a fire should be stored in a cool, dry place.” improvement stores or online. After you fill it, schedule to have it picked up by waste management. A small dumpster holds more than a Bagster. Most garage cleanouts can be completed with a 10-yard dumpster, but this can vary depending on how much stuff you’re throwing away. If you work together as a family on this project, chances are every family member will have a stake in keeping things in order. — Clear the way: This is the first thing to do. Get the stuff that’s scattered all over the floor out of the way before you get to the shelves and cabinets. Put the stuff out in the driveway. “I typically start cleaning a garage at the outside door, moving inward and concentrating on clearing the floor,” said professional organizer Beth Levin on Budgetdumpster.com. — Sort things out: “Make categories for each item: ‘keep,’ ‘garbage,’
or ‘donate,’” said Levin. “Separate the items in piles as you bring them out from the garage.” As you bring things out, put into the Bagster or dumpster things you are throwing out. Put the things you’ll keep in one pile and the things you’ll donate in another pile. You may want a third pile for ‘sell.’” Have plastic bins, cardboard boxes or bags on hand so you can pack up donation items as you work and stash them out of the way.
Decisions, decisions
— About what to keep: Be brutally discriminating as you sort through every item, asking: “Do I really need this? Have I actually used it? Will I use it?” I hate to break it to you, but the only way you’ll ever be able to park your car(s) in your garage is if you purge. Don’t keep things that aren’t in working condition. Ditch all those gizmos you’ve been meaning to fix. Throw out the old stuff. Check expirations and wipe down old cans of paint, pesticides and other garage goodies. Extreme heat and extreme cold can alter paint formulas; your garage is not an ideal place for storing leftover paint. “Combustibles like gasoline aren’t good for long-term storage in a non-cool place like a garage,” added Granza. “Anything that could explode and start a fire should be
stored in a cool, dry place.” Oily rags can be combustible; toss them out. Donate the sports equipment that your kids have outgrown or lost interest in to make some other kid happy. — Clean the space: While you’ve got your garage cleared out, it might be a good idea to scrub it down before putting things back. — Organize: Once you’ve decided what to do with all the stuff you don’t want, it’s time to put back the things you’re keeping in an organized way. Group “like” items together (camping gear, garden supplies, car washing supplies, etc.). Put the items you use frequently in the most accessible location. Consider purchasing a freestanding, heavy-duty metal (not plastic) shelving system for along the walls. Be sure to securely anchor the shelves to the wall. This is good for frequently used items. Purchase clear plastic containers with airtight lids and ditch the cardboard boxes as cardboard is the perfect environment for bugs to nest and for mold to grow. Use a pegboard to organize hand tools, like hammers and hacksaws. Use wall hooks to hold larger items such as rakes, shovels, bicycles and beach chairs. Make sure your kids can reach the things they need to reach.
A 30 MINUTE NAP MAY FIX A POOR NIGHT’S SLEEP NO SLEEP? NO PROBLEM. A poor night’s sleep
has finally met its match. Napping for just 30 minutes a day is enough to correct the residual damage from lack of sleep, and helps to reverse the hormonal impact of sleep deprivation. Napping not only restores the body after a night of bad sleep, but is shown to promote creativity.
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Nurses Week The Balanced Body
By Deb Dittner
Food choices and healthy weight ‘Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.’
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uring recent months while being isolated at home, we have all been tested in a variety of ways including the foods we eat, how we sleep, exercise regimen, stress reduction, self-care and more. Now more than ever is the time to look at these factors and begin anew in order to promote the best of health possible. Hippocrates, Dittner the father of medicine, said, “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.” He also said, “All disease begins in the gut,” so how you digest the foods you eat and how you absorb those nutrients affects your entire well-being. Making healthy decisions of eating whole nutrient-dense foods will improve metabolism, increase digestion and promote a healthy weight.
What a better time than now to do just that? If you need to lose some weight or just need to maintain, incorporating these healthy foods and spices will make the process easier to swallow (no pun intended). — Hydration is important and what better way than to add tea to your daily regimen? Tea, either black or green, will boost energy, boost metabolism, aid in the prevention of heart-related conditions, detoxify the liver and assist in weight loss. Rooibos tea is a tasty herbal tea packed with vitamin C, and perfect to ice during the heat of summer. Another of my favorites is Tulsi tea, also good iced. I make a pitcher at a time and leave it in the fridge for a quick pick me up. — Eat cruciferous and a rainbow of veggies chock full of antioxidants and boosts metabolism. Summer is the time to enjoy these as they become more abundant at farmers markets. Vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach, salad greens, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, Bok Choy, arugula, Swiss chard and cauliflower detoxify and support the liver,
FREE LIVING WELL WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE Living Well Programs will be offered weekly for 6 weeks with phone support. Each participant gets a tool kit as part of the program. We offer the following programs this way: 1.Chronic Pain Self-Management mailed toolkit with weekly phone support 2.Diabetes Self-Management mailed toolkit with weekly phone support 3.Better Choices Better Health mailed toolkit with weekly phone support 4.Smoking cessation weekly phone support with mailed toolkit/resources. 5.Zoom call/video option for all programs are also available
HealthNet is offering our Living Well programs, to register call 315-867-1552. Smoking Cessation is a 3-week program with weekly phone support. 6-week programs with weekly phone support: Living Well with Diabetes Living Well with Chronic Pain Better Health Better Choices
provide fiber, and help to decrease inflammatory markers. Raw, steamed, or grilled can be a staple on your summer dining table. Aim for a minimum of three to five servings daily.
Rainbow of richness
— Eating a rainbow of antioxidant rich fruits aid against metabolic syndrome and heart disease. Summer produces the sweetest blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. Citrus fruits and apples are soaking up the summer sun ready for picking come fall. — Omega-3 fats are a necessary component for weight lose, brain health, and preventing cognitive decline and depression. Eating small fatty fish such as sardines, anchovies, and wild-caught salmon also benefit autoimmune conditions. Monounsaturated fats consist of avocado (my favorite), olive oil, and a variety of nuts. Vegetarian sources are flax seeds (also good for blood pressure), chia seeds, and hemp seeds (the most digestible protein).
— To balance the gut, it’s important to add probiotics into the diet. Probiotics aid in weight management and play an important role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from whole nutrient-dense foods. Include fermented veggies such as sauerkraut, pickled beets, cucumbers, and plain, probiotic-rich yogurt. — Now, let’s spice things up! A variety of herbs and spices will aid in nutrition, proper digestion, anti-inflammatory properties, and boosting the immune system. If you haven’t already, experiment with any or all of the following: curcumin, parsley, garlic, ginger, oregano, cilantro, cinnamon, thyme, chili powder, and fenugreek. Herbs that aid in digestion are chia seeds and licorice. • Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. For more information, check out her website at www.debdittner. com or contact her at 518-596-8565.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2020
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Helping the homeless Area program finding homeless people who need help getting back on right track By Daniel Baldwin
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he Utica Municipal Housing Authority provides safe, clean, and affordable housing opportunities to the homeless and other people who are earning a low income, according to uticamha.org. But in order for the organization to fulfill its mission, it must first find these sorts of people throughout the city of Utica, and that is where one of the organization’s programs — Homeless Street Outreach — steps in. Volunteers of the Homeless Street Outreach program walk around local parks, railroad tracks, soup kitchens, and food pantries trying to identify the traits homeless people possess, which includes people sleeping on the streets and benches or pushing a shopping cart full of his or her belongings. “The city of Utica through its emergency solutions grants has provided funds to the housing authority to help identify homeless people in the city of Utica,” UMHA Director of Grants, Programs, Compliance, and Monitoring John Furman said. “We go out daily into the parks, onto railroad tracks, into the area near the marsh (Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area), and near the (New York State) Barge Canal looking for homeless people. We’ve been extremely successful in identifying
people who are homeless,” he added. Once the volunteer finds a homeless person, he or she first tries to establish a good friendship with that person, and when that friendship bond is established, the members then try to fix his or her homeless problem by moving them into a vacant and available apartment in the Utica area. “Once we identify a person who’s homeless, we try to build a bond with them first,” Furman said. “Many of these folks have many challenges and we understand that many of them have been through very difficult life experiences. So we will create that relationship first with them that makes them feel welcome, and we will then try to connect them to housing and oftentimes emergency housing.” Recently, the organization found a homeless veteran living in his truck, and in a week’s time, was able to place him into its own public housing units. “Along with that, we provided that veteran with different kinds of services to make certain that he does not lapse back into homelessness,” he said. “So our Homeless Street Outreach program helps people to find immediate shelter.” The program served about 50 homeless people during its inaugural year in 2019.
While the Homeless Street Outreach program and UMHA provide homes to the people in need, the organization’s members are also willing to help people fulfill their higher needs in life, like finding a new job, purchasing utilities, and paying their bills and rent on time, as well as becoming less reliant on benefit or welfare programs.
Purposeful mission
“Providing homeless services is within our mission of helping people to have save, secure, and affordable housing,” Furman said. “We also look at people through holistic terms. We understand that people are more than individuals who just need food or shelter. We also understand that they have higher needs. Everybody wants to have a job and people want to feel that they’re self-sufficient. “People want to be able to make their own income. So along with housing, our job is to move people out of poverty, reduce a reliance on benefit programs, and have high-quality lives where they feel that they are part of the community.” But in exchange for the program’s efforts in fulfilling less-fortunate peoples’ needs and providing them housing, volunteers also ask the former homeless person to become a member of the group and help those
July 2020 •
who are facing the same circumstances. “What we try to do with our clients and residents is encourage them to give back to the community,” Furman said. “Some of our homeless people make our best volunteers because they lived through the experience. They lived through tough times and now they really want to give back to the community. “They want to help others with similar issues, and they have a lot of street wisdom, which they can share, Furman said. “They could be great motivational speakers that could inspire people and get people excited about changing their circumstances. So we really believe a lot in everyone giving back to the community.” In his 18 years at UHMA, Furman said his experience working there has been gratifying, as he has been very fortunate to work for a group dedicated to helping the poor. “I feel very blessed to work for the Utica Municipal Housing Authority,” Furman said, “and being able to help each day. I derive great satisfaction from helping others, and I think that at the end of the day I can feel that I made a difference and done something to make our community better.” “It’s more than a job working here at the housing authority,” he noted.
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Health Careers
Making scents Aromatherapy: Do essential oils really work? By Barbara Pierce
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ssential oils have been getting a lot of interest recently, for help with everything from headaches to infections to cancer. They are one of the fastest growing segments of the natural health industry. Though they have a reputation for not being taken seriously, there is something going on, medical professionals say. Essential oils do have health benefits. Passero “They are definitely something people should consider seriously,” said Denise Passero, owner of Mohawk Valley Essential Solutions. MVES takes a holistic approach to creating and sustaining wellness as a resource for essential oils. “More and more people are beginning to realize that they need alternatives and options and are
turning to essential oils,” she added. “They are the first place I turn for anything I need to create wellness in my body. Essential oils are a huge part of the wellness strategy in our home.” What makes oils essential? Essential oils are oils that are extracted from plants. They are “essential” in the sense that they contain the “essence of” the plant’s fragrance. They’re made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant to capture its compounds. Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling essential oils for therapeutic benefit. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries for its many benefits. “Just as essential oils support the life processes of plants, they can support the life processes of humans,” Passero added. “They can support mental and emotional wellness, create and support physical wellness, support the health and appearance of the skin, and increase mental focus.” Passero became interested in learning about essential oils when she had issues with her skin and digestive system. “Finding essential oils changed my life,” she said.
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“When I started realizing how these oils were improving my life, I had to know why they worked, so started researching them.” “I use essential oils and essential oil-infused products in and on my body daily. My shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, skin care — every single thing you do daily to take care of yourself is what I do with essential oils. I also use them to take care of my mental and emotional wellness which leads to a healthier immune system,” she said.
Infection fighter?
Do essential oils help with infections? There are many health conditions that are successfully treated with essential oils, and more are being evaluated. A Johns Hopkins study found essential oils kill Lyme bacteria better than antibiotics. Other researchers found beneficial effects for treating fatigue, reducing morning sickness, addressing anxiety, treating pain, and helping wounds heal faster. Though antibiotics have been the best weapon against infections, their overuse is making them less effective. As new strategies need to be developed to treat infections, more research on essential oils is being done, with promising results, Passero noted. “Essential oils are not a substitute for conventional medicines,” said Passero. “For example, they don’t stand in the place of antibiotics because they work completely differently. “There are studies that show essential oils are very effective in helping the immune system many ways. Certain chemicals may prevent infectious organisms from replicating themselves and spreading. Some may help the body to destroy the infectious organism.” She noted a medication is de-
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2020
signed to do one thing — enter the cell and target something specific in that cell. When drugs do what they do, they often throw the cellular network out of balance and may result in side effects. “For instance, antibiotics often not only kill the infectious organism, they also kill the good stuff — the natural desirable flora that live in our bodies,” she said. “Essential oils don’t do that. They help the immune system while keeping the cellular environment in balance. Hence, they create wellness without side effects.” Is there research to determine whether essential oils can help with cancer? “There are a number of studies related to essential oils and cancer,” she said. “There are studies that look at the effects of using essential oils along with chemotherapy to see if they will help fight cancer and shorten the amount of time a person may have to be on chemotherapy.” There are dozens of essential oils, all with different fragrances and chemical make-ups. Which essential oils are best depends on what symptoms you’re looking to ease or fragrances you prefer. It’s helpful to consult with a qualified expert, Passero said. As with any product you use for health purposes, use essential oils with caution. They are heavily concentrated, so it is important to dilute the oils properly, consider your individual reactions, and watch closely for adverse effects. Children may have unknown allergies that could make use of certain essential oils off limits for them. Do not drink essential oils as many are toxic. She recommends the Young Living Essential Oils Premium Starter Kit as the best and most economical way to get started. For more information, contact Passero at 518-620-1720 or visit https://mohawkvalley-ess.com/.
Mental Health Between You & Me
By Barbara Pierce
Cell phone insanity Distracted parents: What your children want you to know
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ear Mom and Dad: I’m sitting here in my baby seat, trying to get your attention. But your eyes don’t ever leave that little thing you’re holding in your hands. You don’t see me, your cute little 8-month-old baby. You don’t see that I’m watching you so closely, wishing you would look at me, waving my arms and making baby sounds, trying to get your attention. But nothing helps. No matter how much I try to get your attention, you don’t see me. Pierce You can’t look away from that thing in your hands. Don’t you know how badly I need your attention? If you keep ignoring me, I’ll give up. I’ll stop trying. I’ll withdraw into myself. My brain won’t develop the way it should. If you hardly ever talk to me, I won’t learn to talk as well as other kids. And I won’t learn to understand the things other people say as well as other kids. When I keep trying to talk to you and you don’t answer me, I’ll stop trying to talk. And I won’t be very good at handling my emotions. I might be whiny and feeling hurt all the time, or maybe I’ll have temper tantrums or become hyperactive. Probably won’t be a good outcome. Dear Mom and Dad: This is from your 8-year-old. I don’t like it when you are using your phone all the time. We just eat dinner in front of the TV, with you eating with one hand and using your other hand to hold your phone. I feel like you never pay attention to me. I wanted to tell you what happened at school today because it really upset me, and I don’t know what to do about it. But when I tried to tell you about it, you just told me to shut up and eat. Please Mom, just let me tell
you about it. I wish you would look away from your phone just for a few minutes and see me. I don’t think I’m important to you, not as important as your phone is, that’s for sure. So if I start doing stupid things, or angry, hurtful things, like hurting Rex because I’m really mad, or talking way too much, or crying, I’m just trying to get your attention.
From mouths of babes
I feel really lonely. I feel so alone and that makes me so sad. Maybe if I hide your phone from you, Mom, you’ll pay attention to me. Next time you put it down, that’s what I’ll do. Dear parents: This is your 15year-old talking to you. You’ve been on that device for hours — you’re glued to it. Ugh, could you look up every once in a while? Put that phone down, now! You even get mad at me when I ask you a question and interrupt you. You yell at me for no reason. I really think you’re addicted; you spend way too much time on it. You’re constantly checking, scrolling, or texting. It feels like you are not really here with me. When I try to talk to you about something, like my girlfriend, you keep checking your phone. I feel like you’re not really listening to me. I really do need your help sometimes; I need to know what you think about things that are important to me. I’m not even on my phone as much as you are. I think it would be a good idea if maybe we made a rule that none of us uses our phones during dinnertime, or in the evening. I’d be willing to give up my phone for that time. That’s because you are important to me; talking to you is important to me. Cell phones are an invaluable technology that has fundamentally changed the way we communicate and get information. But as with anything good, too much of it can lead to problems. Face-to-face interactions between
parent and child are so important for their cognitive, language and emotional development. Study after study shows there are so many ways distracted parents harm the development of children, especially that of babies. Children whose parents were addicted to their phones had delays in speech and language. And they were significantly more likely to have behavior problems. The mother not
paying attention seems to do more damage than that of the father’s inattention. • Barbara Pierce is a retired licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience helping people. If you would like to purchase a copy of her book, “When You Come to the Edge: Aging” or if you have questions for her, contact her at barbarapierce06@yahoo.com.
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SOSBONES.COM | 315.251.3100 July 2020 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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SmartBites
By Anne Palumbo
The skinny on healthy eating
Little raspberries score big on this!
W
hen it comes to a food’s nutritive profile, unexpected discoveries (good or bad) intrigue me. Pale cauliflower high in vitamin C? Who knew? Fibrous celery low in fiber? Didn’t see that one. Rich avocados full of healthy fats? More toast, please! So you can only imagine my delight when I discovered that raspberries — sweet, little raspberries — rock with more fiber than any other fruit: 8 big grams per cup. Since we
need between 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day, that’s about a third of our daily needs. A vital nutrient, fiber promotes regularity, lowers cholesterol levels, helps control blood sugar levels, and may even help us live longer by reducing the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and many cancers. Another discovery? Luscious raspberries are surprisingly low in sugar: only 5 grams per cup (about a teaspoon of sugar). As a compari-
Helpful tips
Fresh raspberries are highly perishable; use as soon as possible after purchasing or picking to ensure the best flavor and appearance. Choose berries that are ripe, plump and firm. Wash gently and pat dry right before eating or cooking. If not using right away, refrigerate unwashed raspberries in a shallow, covered container on a paper towel for up to 3 days. Be sure to toss any spoiled or moldy berries so they will not contaminate the others. son, one medium apple has about 20 grams. Equally low in carbs, raspberries are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to minimize their overall sugar and carb intake. Raspberries, like most berries, are full of antioxidants — health-protective compounds that have been tied to lower rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity and other chronic diseases. These same antioxidants also help toreduce inflammation, a known trigger of premature aging. On top of everything, a particular type of antioxidant found only in red berries is so strongly associated with brain health and delayed cognitive decline that weekly consumption of berries is highly recommended by many leading health organizations. On the vitamin front, raspberries dish up a healthy dose of vitamin C: about 50% of our daily needs in just one serving. Essential for the growth and repair of tissue body-wide, vitamin C helps to increase the production of infection-fighting white blood cells, which is why many of us turn to vitamin C during cold and flu
season and are seeking it now. Those looking to lose or maintain weight will appreciate raspberries’ nutrition stats: only 64 calories per cup and no fat, cholesterol or sodium. What’s more, raspberries’ slow-digesting fiber helps us feel fuller longer, making us less inclined to reach for those tempting chips.
Spinach, Goat Cheese and Raspberry Salad Adapted from Cooking Light Serves 2-4
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 5 teaspoons balsamic vinegar ½ teaspoon honey ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt (or more) ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ cup chopped red onion (optional) 1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach (or more) 1 cup raspberries ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted ¼ cup (or more) crumbled goat cheese or feta Combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl; blend with a whisk. Combine onion, spinach, berries and walnuts in a large bowl. Drizzle dressing over the salad; toss gently. Top with crumbled cheese and serve.
Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-
nist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.
More young Americans are going without sex
S
ex, and lots of it, has long been the primary preoccupation of young adults, but more of them are now going months and years without any intimate encounters. New research shows that one of three men between the ages of 18 to 24 have not had any sex during the past year, putting to rest all the talk of the “hookup culture.” Men and women aged 25 to 34 in the United States also reported an increase in sexual inactivity and a decrease in sexual frequency during the past two decades, the researchers found. “In the age of Tinder, young people are actually having less sex, not more,” said Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University. Analyzing national survey data, researchers found that sexual inactivity increased from 19% to 31% among men 18 to 24 between 2000 and 2018. They defined sexual inactivity as no sex at all for a year or more. Among those aged 25 to 34, sexual inactivity doubled among men (7% to 14%) and nearly doubled among women (7% to 13%) during the same two decades, the researchers reported. Many who remain sexually active are having sex less often, the findings also showed. Fewer people are having sex at least weekly, particularly those with one sexual partner. Page 14
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The report was published online June 12 in JAMA Network Open. “It is important to distinguish between a decrease in sexual frequency among those who are sexually active and an increase in those who do not have sex at all,” said lead researcher Peter Ueda, a physician-researcher at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. “While the mean sexual frequency among those who were sexually active may reflect their priorities and preferences, sexual inactivity may reflect an absence of sexually intimate relationships, with substantially different implications for public health and society,” Ueda said. Technology and society appear to be colliding in a way that dramatically affects young adults’ interest in sex, said Twenge, who wrote an editorial accompanying the new study. Even though kids are entering puberty earlier, they are taking longer to grow into adulthood, Twenge said. It’s not just about sex. These young adults also are taking longer to begin working, start dating, move out of their parents’ home, settle into a career, live with a partner, have kids or buy houses, Twenge said. The generation coming up after millennials, which Twenge calls “iGen,” aren’t even that motivated to hang out with friends, she said. “iGen does those things significantly less than previous generations
did at the same age,” Twenge said, noting that young adults these days would rather check out social media, play video games or text their pals. “They’re choosing to spend their leisure time communicating using their phones instead of face-to-face,” Twenge continued. “When people aren’t face-to-face, they’re probably going to have less sex.” All told, young adults now might decide that bingeing Netflix or posting on Instagram is more enjoyable than seeking a sexual partner, Twenge said. “There are just more things to
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2020
do at 10 p.m. than there used to be,” Twenge explained. Even when people are together, they’re allowing their smartphones to interfere with their chemistry, Twenge added. Many people on dates are guilty of “phubbing” -- pulling out their phone and snubbing the person they’re with, Twenge said. “What happens to face-to-face interactions when the phones come up? Not surprisingly, it just doesn’t go as well. It’s not as emotionally close,” Twenge said.
Spiritual Health Milk & Honey
By Brooke Stacia DeMott
Amidst the chaos, the Lord reigns supreme
“
Hey … so, how have you been holding up?” Other than the globally synchronized valediction of 2020’s dreary motto, “Stay safe,” a doleful greeting marinated in expectant sympathy has become an earmark of this bizarre time. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing; in reality, it’s probably the best way to approach someone you haven’t seen much of in the last three months. (Which, of course, is everyone). But honestly, I’ve struggled with DeMott that question. Its undertone carries a weighted assumption of despair, and so I’m tempted to sigh and commiserate — sort of like when you yawn because the guy next to you in the elevator started yawning. But truthfully? I’m fine. Not the kind of “fine” that’s typical of arms-length, American civility; it runs much deeper than that. I certainly haven’t been insulated from difficulty over the last three months. My husband, a self-employed laborer in a “non-essential” industry, was out of work for about seven weeks. He couldn’t get through to unemployment until that time had nearly ended, and a glitch in the IRS website held up stimulus assistance for nearly two months. So, with our sole provider indefinitely benched, seven kids to feed, and Governor Andrew Cuomo’s worst-case scenario being nine potential months of lockdown, there was plenty of reason to panic. In the midst of all of this, we lost a baby. The miscarriage was devastating and scary, requiring emergency surgery to stop what was, by all accounts, an alarming amount of blood loss. While I recovered physically and emotionally at home with my family, time marched on toward the dissipation of COVID-19 and the easing of Upstate New York restrictions. As the world took its first tentative steps forward, adjusting to the “new normal” of economic whiplash, America’s simmering racial division boiled over at the death of George Floyd and emerging hordes of opportunistic anarchists got a whiff. A generation of confused, unrooted, angry kids with handfuls of matches and hearts full of malice set the world on fire. Protests in major American cities drew enormous crowds, and shortly thereafter, a surge of new COVID-19 cases sparked chatter that we could potentially enter a “second-wave” lockdown. Add to this the uneasy awareness of increasing, blatant public manipulation forged by our politicians and major media outlets, prompt-
ing a blessed resurgence of critical thinking with questions like, “Why can’t my whole church meet together, but I can join thousands of people at a protest?” and “Why would we defund the police when lawlessness is rising?” As major market news becomes more politically charged, inconsistencies in public policy are feeding large doses of suspicion to the truthstarved public. And so, in light of all of this, when someone asks me how I am, I’m almost embarrassed to tell them that really, I’m fine. Truly, I’m better than fine; there’s an increasing undercurrent of peace that steadies my soul, and I find that remarkably, with every passing day, there is a growing sense of hope.
realms of my weakness, overtaking it, laying it to waste and replacing it with total confidence in my God, the rock of my salvation. “ … And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in
Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 4:6-7 • Brooke Stacia DeMott is a columnist with In Good Health newspaper. Got a question for Demott? Feel free to email her at brooketo@aol.com.
IGH_cancer_Mow4.7917x10.444.qxp_Layout 1 6/25/20 11:40 AM Page 1
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False Gods
“I tell you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body, more than clothes? “Look at the birds of the air; they don’t sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you much more valuable than they? “Can any of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life? “So don’t say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6 I’ve read these verses for years, wondering what it must’ve been like for a people living under occupation, in abject poverty, to hear them first, and then, to cast their cares solely upon the Lord. There’s a big difference between a faith born in prosperity, and one forged in the fires of trial. In America, Christian’s don’t really struggle. The biggest fight of the American church is apathy; we’ve lost our fire for the supremacy, magnitude, and holiness of the Kingdom of God. Instead of boldly proclaiming and living in total abandon for his kingdom, we’ve grafted ourselves to this one, using human methods to generate a false sense of supernatural experience. We’re selling a gospel by-product packaged in therapeutics and self-actualization mantras, cheapening the mission and making it our goal to coax a lackluster public into Sunday morning service. It’s a form of godliness that lacks power. And it has rendered the church impotent. But I have learned something in these remarkable days. The power of God manifests in the hearts of his children as a quiet, unyielding strength that swells in the deepest July 2020 •
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 15
Health News LFH employee earns MS in nursing
Hospital visitation restrictions partially lifting
Tracey Federico recently graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a Master of Science degree in nursing Federico has been with Little Falls Hospital for six years. She was first hired in the inpatient unit and transferred to the emergency department in 2018. While studying for her master’s degree, Federico completTracey ed clinical hours by participating in a quality improvement project with LFH’s Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Operating Nurse Heidi Camardello. The project studied caring for delirium in the hospitalized elderly at LFH in-patient unit. Delirium is common in older patients and may be a symptom of a medical emergency, such as hypoxia or hypoglycemia. It is characterized by an acute change in cognition and attention. Federico plans to continue her work as a nurse at Little Falls Hospital LFH following her graduation.
Bassett Healthcare Network has partially lifted visitation restrictions at hospital locations across the region. Bassett Healthcare Network’s hospital locations — including A.O. Fox Hospital, Bassett Medical Center, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, Little Falls Hospital, and O’Connor Hospital — are permitting one visitor at a time per admitted patient between the hours of noon and 8 p.m. daily. Bassett Medical Center’s Inpatient Psychiatry Department may have differing hours. Visitors to this area are encouraged to consult with their loved one’s care team and plan ahead. All people who enter buildings must wear a mask and participate in screening procedures, including temperature checks and a brief questionnaire. Visitors may visit only one at a time; exceptions may be made if a visitor requires assistance. Visitors are limited to two people per patient each day; they should be 18 years of age or older, except in rare situations approved by a patient’s clinical team. The patient or caregiver will determine who the visitors will be. Total time for visitors per patient,
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per day cannot exceed a four-hour maximum. This may be a single visitor for four hours, or two visitors splitting the time at their discretion. Once in the facility, visitors must remain in the patient’s room throughout the visit, except when directed by hospital staff to leave during care procedures. In accordance with ongoing guidelines set forth by New York state, Bassett Healthcare Network continues to suspend visitation to its long-term care facilities, including A.O. Fox Nursing Home, Valley Health Services, and Valley Residential Services. Special accommodations will be considered for end-of-life patients. Visit www.bassett.org/safe-care to learn more about Bassett Healthcare Network’s commitment to patient safety, visitation policies in all areas, response to COVID-19, and additional resources.
Valley Health Services names top employee Danielle Rickard was recently named Valley Health Services’ employee of the first quarter 2020. Rickard is the payroll clerk-human resources assistant and has been an integral member of the human resources department since May of 2016. In 2009, as a high school senior, Rickard worked in Rickard the dietary department at VHS. After high school, she relocated to Florida but then returned to New York state in 2014 and back to VHS’ dietary department. Rickard earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in accounting at Herkimer College. She is working on obtaining her bachelor’s degree from Empire State College, where she is majoring in business management and economics with a concentration in human resource management. Rickard has been an integral member of the HT team, and recently played a key leadership role during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The powers that be want to see employees succeed, and having a good attitude will help in getting you noticed.” Rickard said. She resides in Dolgeville with fiancé, Caleb Comstock; dogs, Maya, Amora and Dublin, and one cat, Iris.
MV Perinatal Network office operative The Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network at The Neighborhood Center, 3 Parkside Court, is open for anyone who needs insurance. The office can handle applications in the office by appointment only or over the phone with navigator in their area. For an appointment, call 315-7324657.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2020
Fund for Racial Justice and Equity established The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties recently announced the first step in a long-term strategy to challenge and overcome systemic racism and a broad range of longstanding barriers to opportunity for persons of color. Established with a gift of $50,000 from the Ronald and Sheila Cuccaro Family Fund, and a $50,000 match from the Community Foundation, the Fund for Racial Justice and Equity will support efforts to advance equality and social justice, building on the Community Foundation’s partnerships with nonprofit organizations, local government and other allies. “As a community, as a society, the time for committed action and meaningful change is today, tomorrow, and as long as it takes,” said Community Foundation President-CEO Alicia Dicks. “Thanks to Ron and Sheila Cuccaro’s example and to all those who will be inspired to give to this fund, the Community Foundation‘s work to build a Dicks said the foundation and partner organizations will seek out other major donor and community support to build the fund over time. The establishment of the fund, she said, is “just the beginning of an expanded effort by the Community Foundation to build on its years-long engagement with Black community leaders, partner organizations, and donors to address longstanding issues.” To support the fund, visit foundationhoc.org/racialjustice. Find out more at www.foundationhoc.org or call 315-735-8212.
SDMG offers expanded urgent care hours Slocum-Dickson Medical Group’s urgent care, laboratory, and radiology services are now open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. SDMG expects that these hours, while still limited, will provide more convenience for patients in need of urgent care services. For added convenience and safety, patients can now check in for urgent care online by visiting SDMG. com and clicking on the “urgent care online check-in” button. From there, patients will be able to select from a list of available appointment times and wait in the comfort of their own home. Patients will receive a text confirming their appointment time, as well as a reminder just prior to their reserved time. The SDMG laboratory is also offering this same service. Patients with lab orders will be able to schedule a time for their lab work using the online check-in system by visiting SDMG.com and clicking on the “Laboratory online check-in” button. Continued on Page 17
Health News Continued from Page 16 The lab provides a full range of pathology clinical services and a broad range of specialized tests to support the needs of primary care providers and specialists. The laboratory accepts orders from medical providers outside of the SDMG. SDMG’s urgent care provides prompt, personalized medical care for individuals over 2 years old for minor (non life-threatening) health problems such as sprains, broken bones, cuts, backaches, job-related injuries, and common illnesses. A board-certified physician is always on-site at SDMG urgent care.
Oneida Health receives $25,000 grant Oneida Health recently received a grant of $25,000 from the Central New York Community Foundation. The grant was awarded to aid in the procurement of critical personal protective equipment, testing supplies, thermometers, and technology. “We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the Community Foundation for its support during this time,” said Gene Morreale, president and CEO of Oneida Health. “Our ability to purchase and obtain adequate PPE supplies during this unprecedented time has been significantly challenged. The financial support received from the Community Foundation will further our efforts to maintain the highest level of safety for our patients, residents, staff, and providers.” “Serving both as the main hospital and a major employer in its region, Oneida Health is vital to the health and safety of Madison County residents,” said Robyn Smith, director, strategic initiatives at the Central New York Community Foundation. “Our grant from the Madison County Rural Poverty Fund will provide the essential resources needed to keep workers safe and ensure they are able to assist the community in this time of crisis.” The combination of the Community Foundation’s grant and donations of both purchased and homemade PPE supplies has made a positive impact, according to Morreale. Oneida Health is providing several ways that businesses and individuals can support the cause during the COVID-19 pandemic. These options include homemade or purchased PPE supplies, monetary donations, volunteer opportunities, supplies for staff break areas, food donations, and messages of support. For more information about ways to help, visit www.oneidahealth.org.
Rome Memorial reopens outpatient services Rome Memorial Hospital is taking a phased approach to resuming vital procedures and outpatient services to ensure patients get the care that they need to get healthy and
AmeriCU’s Youth Month supports local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during COVID-19 AmeriCU recently continued its support of three local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in the communities the credit union serves – Mohawk Valley Health System of Utica, Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital of Syracuse, and Samaritan Medical Center of Watertown. As part of April’s Credit Union Youth Month, AmeriCU encouraged members to build solid savings habits and for every deposit of $50 or more in an AmeriCU Youth Savings Account, the credit union pledged to make a donation to the CMN. With the generosity of AmeriCU members and a match donation from CO-OP Financial Services, AmeriCU donated $12,000. In addition, AmeriCU donated disposable facemasks to the CMN hospitals and three additional hospitals – Rome Memorial Hospital, Auburn Community Hospital, and Carthage Area Hospital – in support of essential workers during COVID-19. Above, AmeriCU’s Gail Rizzo-Spilka, left, and Theresa Rockwell deliver disposable masks to Larry Giardino, director of material management for RMH. stay well. “Our patients can trust that we have taken extra precautions to screen patients and staff and disinfect our facilities to minimize the risks of incidental exposure,” said Ryan Thompson, vice president of operations. “We are guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health to ensure that we have the testing and supplies necessary to deliver care in the safest environment possible.” Elective surgery: The hospital has resumed elective surgical procedures by redesigning workflows to test patients for COVID-19 the day before surgery and designating separate entrances, elevators, units and staff for patients’ enhanced safely. Sleep studies, pulmonary function tests: Appointments are available for sleep studies and pulmonary function tests in the Dorothy G. Griffin Cardiovascular Center at RMH. As with elective surgeries, the hospital redesigned workflows
and adjusted scheduling to follow guidelines from the CDC, NYS DOH, American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Thoracic Society. Off-campus lab, X-ray: In addition, the hospital has restored access to outpatient lab and imaging at Chestnut Commons, 107 E. Chestnut St. — Lab is available from 7-11:30 a.m. weekdays — X-rays will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Therapy services reopen at Chestnut Commons Rome Memorial Hospital has reopened its full complement of rehabilitation services at Chestnut Commons Physical and Occupational Therapy effective with comprehensive safety precautions to protect patients and staff. Located at 107 E. Chestnut St., the rehabilitation center offers
July 2020 •
physical and occupational therapy to restore function and reduce pain. The practice offers individualized therapy programs for the treatment of athletic injuries, post-operative conditions, relief from back and neck disorders including disc herniation and sciatica, arthritis, hand injuries, enhancement of mobility and independent living for neurological conditions, and treatment for chronic pain. In addition, specialty services are available by therapists with advanced training and credentials. “Every patient is treated with the utmost care and safety in mind,” said Rena L. Hughes, director of rehabilitation therapy services and director of business development. “Our expansive space at Chestnut Commons with separate gym and treatment areas enhances our ability to maintain social distancing for our patients.” For more information, call 315337-7952.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 17
Skin in the game The body’s largest organ deserves tender loving care By David L. Podos
S
kin is the largest organ of the human body. It protects us from many things such as injury, infection, cold, and heat to name just a few. It stores vitamins, water and other nutrients that our bodies need in order to function properly. But like any organ, it needs to be taken care so it can function at optimal levels. When we do have a skin problem, we often seek the advice of a dermatologist — a medical doctor that specializes in treating many skin conditions. Some of the more common maladies include acne, dermatitis, eczema, fungal infections, hair loss, warts, nail problems, psoriasis, rosacea, vitiligo, and skin cancers. As we move into the summer months, many people will be involved in outside activities and exposing themselves to more sun. Getting sunshine exposure can actually be very good for us as it produces vitamin D, an essential vitamin needed by the body. Many people living in the Northeast have very low levels of Vitamin D due to a lack of sunshine, particularly during the long winter months. Getting this vitamin from sun exposure during the warmer and sunnier months does make sense, but overdoing can put some of us at risk. Skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is the most common type of cancer, and according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. A dermatologist can diagnose whether or not you have this condition and recommend treatment options. Some dermatologists will recommend staying out of the sun altogether. If you do get sun exposure, limit your time and wear sun block. In terms of the latter, some agree while others disagree. Harold Lancer is a famous dermatologist and consultant to the Hollywood elite. He said no matter where you live and what season it is, wearing sunscreen is important. “People usually use sunscreen
badly,” he said. “They don’t apply it properly, they apply it once in the morning and they think it’s good all day because they believe the false advertising of the product being waterproof and effective for the entire day, which is not necessarily true.” “They also think that because it gets dark earlier in the winter, there is no risk,” he added. “However, you should wear sunscreen in the winter time because if you can see where you are going, if there is enough light to stimulate the retina, there’s enough light to stimulate melanocytes and aging factors in the skin. It’s not just sunlight, it’s light all together that damages the skin.” Meanwhile, in a recent New York Times story, dermatologist Bernard Ackerman has a very different point of view. Ackerman was a pioneer in the field of pathology for dermatologists who was an avid sun tanner and believed strongly that UV light exposure is not related to melanoma incidence. “Other dermatologists may worry about getting melanoma from exposure to ultraviolet rays,” says Ackerman, a renowned expert in dermatology and emeritus director of the Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology in New York and founded the International Society of Dermatopathology. “But the link between melanoma and sun exposure is not proven.” He has scrutinized, one by one,
the widely held precepts about melanoma and the sun, and found the evidence wanting. ‘The field is just replete with nonsense,’’ he said. Common wisdom also has it that sunscreens protect against melanoma, but Ackerman points to a recent editorial in the journal Archives of Dermatology that concludes there is no evidence to support that idea. Ackerman has done more than 700 published papers and studies in a career that dates back to 1962. He was an advocate of evidence-based medicine and has been highly critical of the dermatology industry’s over-blown, unsupported allegations that any and all sun exposure should be avoided.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s dietitian receives award for media excellence
T
he New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recently recognized Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Workplace Wellness Support Coordinator-Consultant Patricia Salzer with the 2020 Media Excellence Award. This award is given to a NYSAND member who has been consistently and actively involved in the promotion of evidenced-based nutrition through the media. As the winner, Salzer automatically receives an invitation to attend NYSAND’s annual meeting and exposition. “Pat is a frequent contributor to local and regional Upstate New York media and a valuable resource on topics of nutrition and diet for Page 18
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reporters throughout the state,” says Excellus BlueCross BCBS Regional President Eve Van de Wal. Her insights as a health and wellness subject matter expert have been published in the Buffalo News, Healthy Living Magazine, In Good Health, and the Utica Observer-Dispatch, among several others, and broadcast on television stations from Utica’s WKTV and Binghamton’s WBNG to Rochester’s WHAM. For the past 16 years, Salzer has worked with Excellus BCBS’s employer groups to empower employees to manage their health care and their costs by providing education, analytics, reporting and consultation.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2020
Melanoma is the only form of skin cancer that is aggressive with any regularity, he said. “But you need to understand this clearly: Melanoma skin cancer does not fit the mold of other skin cancers for several reasons,” he said. These include: • Melanoma is more common in people who work indoors than in those who work outdoors. • Melanoma most commonly appears on parts of the body that do not receive regular exposure to sunlight. • Heredity, fair skin, an abnormally high number of moles on one’s body (above 40) and a history of repeated childhood sunburns have all been implicated as potential risk factors for this disease. “But because people who receive regular exposure to sunlight get fewer melanomas, blanket statements that ultraviolet light causes melanoma cannot be made,” he said. It comes down to each individual’s preconceptions on the benefits and risks of sun exposure as well as the benefits of wearing sunscreen. People will do what they feel comfortable in doing. However, some people are more prone to burn from sun exposure than others. People who tend to burn minimally and tan easily are typically Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, and some Caucasians, Italians and southern French. People with a more northern ancestry — for example English or Irish — might burn quicker because they have less melanin than other people. A misnomer is that African American people cannot burn from the sun and or get skin cancer, but this is false. Because some people are able to get more sun exposure than others with less chance of burning does not mean they wouldn’t be at risk for skin cancer.
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RMH shows gratitude for donations
R
ome Memorial Hospital officials recently showed appreciation for the many donations of supplies from community members wishing to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The support we have received through this pandemic has been incredible,” said materials management director Larry Giardino. “We appreciate every donation, large and small, and will be using them to supplement our existing supplies. We’re also grateful to Oneida County for securing resources to protect our staff.” Since the hospital began accepting in-kind donations of personal protective equipment to supplement its supply, donations have come in from large companies, small businesses and individuals wishing to help. Donations have come from businesses like Harbor Freight Tools, Lowes and Big Apple Music of New Hartford, organizations including Mohawk Valley Community College and the Jervis Public Library, and many individuals and providers from the community. According to Giardino, the hospital is
Amanda Ingham, interim nurse manager of Rome Memorial Hospital’s emergency department, wears personal protective equipment that the hospital received from Harbor Freight Tools. continually monitoring the usage rate of all supplies and trying to anticipate future needs. “We are learning more about COVID-19 every day, and taking every step to ensure that we have the resources to protect our staff, patients, residents and the community,” he said. “We are constantly assessing our supplies and monitoring the market to be prepared for a possible
surge if and when it occurs.” Giardino and his staff continue to work closely with vendors as well as the Oneida County and New York State departments of health to proactively address emerging gaps in the supply chain. Small businesses, like dental offices or tattoo studios, and larger manufacturers or construction firms
that want to donate PPE that they’re not using because of the COVID-19 pandemic can contact the hospital by calling 315-338-7222. For information about donating handmade masks, contact Becky D’Aiuto, executive director of the Rome Hospital Foundation, at 315338-7181 or e-mail bdaiuto@romehospital.org.
mealtime ultimatums do not help. In this study, mothers of picky eaters reported more efforts to control what their child consumed — including limits on sugary, fatty foods. (When kids are high on the finicky scale, Pesch noted, they often stick to those types of foods.) Despite those battles, children’s fussiness held strong. In fact, coercion is probably destined to fail, according to Nancy Zucker, director of the Duke Center for Eating Disorders at Duke University in Durham, N.C. Zucker, who wrote an editorial published with the study, pointed to one of its key findings. Based on mothers’ responses to a standard questionnaire, the pickiest eaters also tended to be emotionally reactive in general. And those kids will not respond well to dinner-table demands — “It won’t work,” Zucker said. “These children will just shut down.” She agreed that the findings sug-
gest picky eating is a trait. “These kids may be more harm-avoidant,” Zucker said. “And when you think about it, eating is breaking a barrier — allowing something into your body. These children hold back when everyone else is running to the food.” So what can parents do? Zucker said that making meals a pleasant experience may at least brighten children’s moods around food. And that could, at some point, ease their boundaries. Including kids in shopping and meal preparation, Zucker said, is one way to make it more enjoyable for them. Pesch agreed, adding that simple exposure may help, too. That is, keep making varied meals for the family so that the picky eater gets used to the sights and smells. “But keep it low-pressure,” Pesch said. “Don’t try to force them to ‘clean their plates.’ “
s d i K Corner
Study: Picky eating isn’t just phase for many kids
F
or parents hoping their “picky” eater will grow out of it, a new study may be unwelcome news. Researchers found that choosy 4-year-olds were still turning their noses up at many foods at age 9 — suggesting their finicky eating is more of a trait than a phase. The study, which followed over 300 children, found three patterns: The majority were consistently middle-of-the-road when it came to food fussiness — sometimes shunning unfamiliar cuisine, but remaining relatively open to trying new foods. A sizable minority (29%) consistently ate everything their parents offered up. Then there was the picky 14%. From age 4 to 9, they routinely refused new foods and maintained a limited culinary repertoire. Still, researchers saw bright spots in the findings, published May 26 in the journal Pediatrics. For one, there were no signs that
picky eaters were underweight. And the fact that the fussiness seems to be a trait — and not a failure on the parents’ part — might bring some solace. “It can be very stressful for parents to deal with a picky eater,” noted senior researcher Megan Pesch, a pediatrician at the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. But if parents think they did something wrong to cause it, she added, these findings suggest otherwise. “It’s not your fault,” Pesch said. “It seems to be part of a child’s disposition.” Nor do the findings mean that parents cannot do anything about picky eating, she stressed. The study merely followed families to see what happened naturally — and did not test any intervention to change kids’ habits. What does seem clear is that
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Are men too manly? Men don’t prioritize health issues, but preventive screening essential By Barbara Pierce
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lot of men don’t like to think about their health issues because they feel they have to act strong and tough it out. But there are serious consequences to ignoring your health. There has been a substantial decrease in the life expectancy of men in recent years. Efforts are being made to encourage men to take control of their health and encourage early Goldberg detection and treatment of disease. Why men don’t take their health seriously: Men are less likely to visit a doctor than women. Physicians agree that they see a lot fewer men than women. “Many men go to the doctor for the first time in their 40s — on a stretcher with a heart attack,” says Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh online. It has a lot to do with being male. The more manly he feels, the less likely he is to seek medical care. It’s a sign of weakness. Men take better care of their cars than of themselves. The reasons men gave for why they will not see a doctor: They were too busy, or afraid of what they might find out, or uncomfortable
with prostate and rectal exams and blood draws. They rationalize that the problem will go away, deny anything is wrong, are embarrassed, don’t want to spend the money, or fear they will get bad news, a scolding or lecture. Men don’t usually like to talk about their health issues; they feel pressured to act strong and tough it out. A manly man sucks up the pain. But there’s nothing tough about ignoring symptoms.
Staying healthy
See a health care professional for regular checkups, even if you feel healthy. This is important because some diseases don’t have symptoms at first. Most of the things that contribute to men’s shorter, less healthy lives are preventable. Establishing baselines for factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and prostate-specific antigen (a screening test for prostate cancer risk) — and monitoring how they change over time — will enable your provider to catch potentially dangerous conditions early when they’re still treatable. The No. 1 condition that men are most likely to ignore is heart disease, the No. 1 killer of men. It can affect men in their 40s and younger. It can be prevented; lower your risk with visits to your health care provider. Cancer takes the No. 2 spot and there are important screening tests
for this. Prostrate cancer is the most common cancer among men. It is more likely to develop in older men and African-American men. A routine schedule for prostate cancer screening is the best way to detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages, giving you the greatest chance of successful treatment. “Most commonly, there are no symptoms of prostate cancer,” said Hanan Goldberg, a physician at Upstate Urology, Utica. “Only at an advanced disease stage will patients experience significant symptoms. Ideally, we want to diagnose the disease at a much earlier stage. This is why screening is so important. The screening process is quite simple.” “Prostrate screening tests are not as invasive as they used to be,” added Dr. Richard Chmielewski, head of the Falcon Clinic for Health, Wellness & Recovery, New Hartford. “One percent of breast cancer patients are men,” Chmielewski said. Men have breast tissue that can develop cancer. Men should schedule an appointment if they notice a lump, skin dimpling, nipple turning inward, redness, scaling or discharge of the nipple.
Sexual health vital
Sexual health is one of the most important elements of a man’s overall health and wellness as it allows a man to fully participate in and enjoy
sexual activity. A range of physical, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors influence a man’s sexual health. Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise. Sexually active men should work with their physician on whether they need screening. On the mental health front, “A lot of men are troubled; they have difficult problems. When men get depressed, they don’t talk about it,” said Chmielewski. George Mason of Randolph was there: “We had five sons; my wife constantly complained I wasn’t earning enough. I was depressed: I couldn’t talk to anyone about it. That’s not the manly thing to do. “I got more and more depressed; I thought of ways to kill myself. So I took a job in another state; I saved my life by leaving.” Men are four times more likely to kill themselves by suicide than women. The male suicide rate is rising. Men find it difficult to talk about concerns; they feel there is a stigma related to getting help. But thinking tough things through with a mental health professional can help. One reason men disregard their own health is that they’re too busy taking care of everyone else. However, if you die early, you’ll be hurting the very people you’re working so hard to protect. Your family loves you and needs you to be alive and healthy for as long as possible.
We did it.
Twice.
Oneida Health is ranked among America’s Top 2% of Hospitals for Patient Safety & Experience
Visit oneidahealth.org/awards to learn more
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