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APRIL 2022 • ISSUE 194
DIABETES A new study by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield shows that one third of adults are prediabetic — and most don’t know it. STORY ON P. 10
RELATED: EXCELLUS BCBS INVOLVED IN PROJECT TO MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTE INSULIN FOR $30 OR LESS PER VIAL. P. 10 ALSO INSIDE: U.S. Traffic Deaths Rise to Highest Level Since 2007. P. 2 Gwenn Voelckers: ‘25 Things I Know About Living Alone.’ P. 8
Adriana Yorke, the manager of Chef’s Express. The Utica bakery is partially staffed with people with disabilities. P. 20
Q&A WITH DIANNE STANCATO, HEAD OF THE YMCA
THEY’RE COMING Upstate Medical University researcher predicts “huge” season for ticks. Find out why. STORY ON P. 12
U.S. Traffic Deaths Rise to Highest Level Since 2007
Are you a compassionate person looking for a rewarding career supporting individuals working to gain greater independence in their daily living environments?
E
ven though Americans drove less in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, close to 39,000 lives were lost on U.S. roadways in 2020 — the highest death toll since 2007, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports. Fatal collisions spiked almost 7% between 2019 and 2020, the safety administration revealed in its annual crash report. “The tragic loss of life of people represented by these numbers confirms that we have a deadly crisis on our nation’s roads,” said Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s deputy administrator. “While overall traffic crashes and people injured were down in 2020, fatal crashes and fatalities increased,” Cliff said in an agency news release. “We cannot allow this to become the status quo.” In 2020, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled rose to 1.34, a 21% increase from 2019. When many Americans were in lockdown, road deaths increased even though total vehicle miles traveled fell by 11% from 2019 to 2020, the data showed. Risky behaviors contributed to many of these tragedies: In 45% of fatal crashes, drivers of passenger vehicles were either speeding, impaired by alcohol or not wearing a seat belt. Other major findings from the 2019-2020 data: • Deaths involving drunk driving jumped 14%. • Deaths of people in passenger
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cars increased 9%, and deaths of unrestrained people in passenger vehicles rose 14%. • Motorcyclist deaths rose 11%, reaching the highest number since data was first collected in 1975. • Bicyclist deaths increased more than 9%, hitting the highest number since 1987. • Fatalities in cities rose almost 9%, and pedestrian deaths approached 4%, the highest number since 1989. • Deaths in hit-and-run crashes jumped 26% • Deaths in large-truck crashes declined 1.3%. • Police-reported crashes declined 22%. • Number of people injured fell 17%. “This sudden uptick of lives lost in preventable crashes is caused by a combination of factors,” said Pam Shadel Fischer, senior director of external engagement with the Governors Highway Safety Association. “The safety of all road users must be the top priority when it comes to roadway design. We continue to face an ongoing safety crisis threatening people walking, biking, scooting and rolling. Drivers are still engaging in risky behaviors that put all road users at risk,” Fischer said in an association statement. The DOT strategy calls for safer roads, safer people, safer vehicles, safer speeds and better post-crash care.
New
Breast Care Program
In Oneida
Oneida Health is excited to welcome Dr. Mary Ellen Greco MD, FACS and Kristen McNeil, PA-C to our new Breast Care Program.
Experienced Breast Surgeon Roswell Park Cancer Network Affiliate Advanced Imaging Technology
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Page 2 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
Kristen A. McNeil, PA-C Breast Specialist
WE CARE LIKE FAMILY WE CARE LIKE FAMILY WE CARE LIKE FAMILY
We are growing and have exciting career opportunities in the health care industry. To join our talented, professional team, please visit one of our care facilities career pages for available positions.
Become a part of Our Family!
We are Life in growing balance.and have exciting career
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To provide people in our community with healthcare, customer services, Life in balance. We are growing exciting support & employment toand achievehave their individual bestcareer quality of life. A company philosophy that speaks to a continual process of individual opportunities in the health care industry. and collective development to improve our well-being, quality of life Our To joinVision. our talented, professional team, please and personal relationships. To redefine nursing care through successful teampages development, visit oneskilled of our care facilities career for use of technology, progressive service and being a strong community partner. available positions.
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ALicensed company philosophy that speaks toHousekeeping a continual process of individual Nurses Our Vision. and collective development our well-being, quality of life Laundry Certified Nursing Assistants to improve To redefine nursing care through successful team development, use and personalskilled relationships. Finance Physical Therapists of technology, progressive service and being a strong community partner. Maintenance Occupational Therapists Our Mission. Medical Records Speech Therapists Our To provideTeam. people in our community with healthcare, customer services, Social Nurseindividual Aides best quality of life. Registered Nurses supportWorkers & employment to achieve their Recreational Therapists Housekeeping Licensed Nurses Dietitians Laundry Certified Nursing Assistants Our Vision. Finance To redefine skilled nursing care through successful team development, use Physical Therapists of technology,Therapists progressive service and being a strong community partner. Maintenance Occupational Medical Records Speech Therapists Our Team. Social Workers Nurse Aides Registered Nurses Recreational Therapists Housekeeping Licensed Nurses Dietitians Laundry Certified Nursing Assistants Finance Physical Therapists April 2022 Maintenance Occupational Therapists
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Ajeet Gajra, M.D. U.S. Smoking, Vaping Rates Fell in First Year of Pandemic: CDC
C
onsider it a silver lining, courtesy of the coronavirus: A new government report reveals that both cigarette smoking and electronic cigarette use dropped slightly among American adults during the first year of the pandemic. The findings, published March 18 in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, are based on a survey of more than 31,000 U.S. adults that found 19% of respondents used at least one tobacco product in 2020, down from about 21% in 2019. Broken down, cigarette use fell from 14% to 12.5%, e-cigarette use decreased from 4.5% to 3.7%, while use of cigars, smokeless tobacco and pipes remained stable, according to the researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For comparison, 42% of U.S. adults were smokers in 1965. While CDC officials said public health campaigns and policies prompted the recent decline in smoking, experts point to factors such as tobacco company price hikes and pandemic lifestyle changes. “People who were mainly social smokers just didn’t have that going on any more,” Megan Roberts, an Ohio State University researcher whose focus is on tobacco use among young adults and teens, told the Associated Press. Also, parents who had to be at home with their kids full time may have cut back on smoking, and some people may have quit in response to reports that smokers were more likely to develop severe COVID-19, Roberts added. Ironically, the number of cigarettes sold in the United States actually went up in 2020 — the first such increase in two decades, the Federal Trade Commission reported last year. It’s possible that while fewer people smoked, those who did were just smoking more. “That’s a viable hypothesis — that you had people with more smoking opportunities because they weren’t going to work,” David Sweanor, a global tobacco policy expert at the University of Ottawa, told the AP.
New chief science officer at HematologyOncology Associates wants to bring more cancer-related research, new clinical trials to the area Q: You’ve recently joined Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York. A: Yes, I did. Though I’m not new to the area. Q: How did you become involved with the group? A: So I’ve been in this community for about 25 years, since the ‘90s, when I arrived to train at Upstate Medical University where I completed my internal medicine residency and then my hematology-oncology fellowship. Then I stayed on, worked for the VA for a little bit. So I was always aware of Hematology-Oncology Associates throughout that time. But at that time I was very focused on being an academic physician, in being an educator on top of being a practicing doctor. I was also very involved in research. At some point I decided to make research my main focus. About four year ago, I transitioned to an industry position where I was working on clinical research, designing and conducting trials for new and emerging therapies. Eventually, I found myself dearly missing actual patient contact and decided to come back to practice. Q: What were your main considerations? A: All this while, I never left the area—some of the positions were remote and that was before work from home became fashionable. But I decided I needed to return to bedside, to the clinic. Hematology-Oncology Associates has a high quality of care, they’re very involved in research, and I have many friends here. Many of the doctors were collaborators in the past. And when you’ve been in the community this long, you tend to share a lot of patients. So I knew the practice well, and it seemed like a very good fit, especially in terms of
Page 4 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
bringing access to research and new therapies to the community. Q: How do you balance research and patient work? A: I think oncology is somewhat unique out of all specialties, because research is almost a daily part of our clinical care. Even though we’ve made great progress in therapeutics, there’s still a lot of ground to be covered. We do this by providing the appropriate clinical trials to patients. The way clinical trials work is already ingrained in our clinical practice. Of course there are certain regulatory requirements for conducting research in an ethical and appropriate manner. We’re able to offer trials as part of our daily practice. And oncology patients tend to be more receptive to participation. Many times they’ll even travel to New York City or Boston to participate in them. Our goal, as much as possible, is to bring new trials to our community to minimize travel and make it easier to find the newest therapies right here in town. Q: Is there any research you’re working on now that you’re particularly proud of? A: I would say, having just gotten here, we’re really wrapping up our research on breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer and blood cancer. That’s one part. Number two, there’s a greater emphasis on what’s called real world evidence research. Meaning not necessarily within the confines of a clinical trial. In the real world, when patients get treated, outcomes may be different with different therapies. So we’re working with a large national organization, the National Cancer Care Alliance. I recently got named as the chair of the research committees for NCCA. So we really hope that we’ll be able to enhance our real world evidence-based research through our
participation. So in the short term, I’d say that’s something that I’m proud of. And also it’ll give our practice and our geographic area some visibility throughout the country. Q: Are you still doing any teaching? A: I maintain a voluntary position as a clinical faculty professor at Upstate. Certainly as opportunities present I’d like to do it in a more formal manner, but informally, of course, we have many nurse practitioners and physicians assistants here. I happen to have a research team with research nurses. So I enjoy sharing knowledge and educating other team members. Q: You’re coming off a medical director position. Are you trying to move away from administrative work in general or are you still taking on some administrative duties at your new position? A: My position here is chief science officer, so my focus is going to be on building up the research program and modernizing the research infrastructure and enhancing the offerings for new clinical trials that we can bring to the area. So that’s going to be my main focus, at least for the next three years. Q: What elements make a good research program in this age of vast, distant networks? A: While the pandemic has been a very unfortunate situation, it’s also forced a rapid growth in technology. I will say there are two components. The first is you need the appropriate staff, with the appropriate training on site. And you need other things, like a dedicated laboratory with the appropriate facilities and pharmacy support to conduct research. The other part is that the art and science of conducting clinical research is evolving rapidly in this post-pandemic world. We’re able to do many things electronically. We’re able to do telehealth visits for patients who are in the study, which can make it a lot easier for them. We’re able to sign consent documents electronically. So these things were not done in the past out of concern for regulatory compliance, but now that we’ve demonstrated that it’s feasible and safe to do a lot of these things, so hopefully that will make it simpler not only for patients, but for staff conducting research to successfully carry out the trials.
Lifelines
Name: Ajeet Gajra, M.D. Position: Chief science officer at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY Hometown: New Delhi, India Career: Recently served as chief medical officer at Cardinal Health and associate director of the Upstate Cancer Center, where he also served as medical director. Has published over 110 peer-reviewed manuscripts in journals including Journal of Clinical Oncology, Cancer, Lancet Oncology, New England Journal of Medicine and Blood. Affiliations: St. Joseph’s Hospital; Crouse Hospital; University Hospital; VA Hospital Organizations: American College of Physicians; American Medical Society; American Society of Clinical Oncology; American Society of Hematology; National Cancer Care Alliance Family: Wife; two children Hobbies: Hiking, nature-based activities
Arthritis Is a Scourge Worldwide Arthritis cases worldwide up 113% —from 247.5 million people in 1990 to 527.8 million in 2019
O
steoarthritis has become increasingly common in recent decades, and authors of a new study say preventive steps are needed to bring numbers under control. “The disease burden ... is formidable,” said co-senior author physician Jianhao Lin, of Peking University People’s Hospital in China. “Due to population expansion, aging and the epidemic of obesity, one would expect such a burden would increase in the near future.” The chronic joint disease, which causes pain, disability and loss of function, is a major worldwide public health concern, according to the authors. Their analysis includes data collected as part of an ongoing effort that involves more than 7,000 researchers in more than 156 countries and territories. It found that arthritis cases worldwide rose from 247.5 million in 1990 to 527.8 million in 2019. That’s an increase of more than 113%. Age-adjusted rates of arthritis rose for knee, hip and other joints but decreased for arthritis of the hand. Arthritis prevalence rose with age and was higher in women than in men. It was also higher in more developed countries. Arthritis of the knee contributed the most to the overall arthritis burden, while arthritis of the hip had the highest estimated annual percentage increases in most regions, according to the findings published March 2 in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology. “Primary and secondary prevention, including refraining from overweight or obesity, preventing knee injury, and avoiding heavy repeated joint-loading activities are effective measures in alleviating the burden,” Lin said in a journal news release. “In addition, exercise therapy could delay functional loss and should be recommended as core treatment” for arthritis of the knee, he added.
Arthritis prevalence rose with age and was higher in women than in men. It was also higher in more developed countries.
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of MADISON COUNTY
(800) (315) 342-9871 697-3092
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For answers to all your questions Contact us at 800-342-9871 or call one of the NY Connects partnering agencies at 315-697-5700. You may also look for services and support at www.nyconnects.ny.gov
ASSAULTING ME
SERVING ONEIDA, HERKIMER, & MADISON COUNTIES A monthly newspaper published by Local News, Inc. 20,000 copies distributed. To request home delivery ($21 per year), call 315-749-7070.
In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2022 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 Phone: 315-749-7070 • Email: IGHmohawkvalley@gmail.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Contributing Writers: Barbara Pierce, Deb Dittner, Gwenn Voelckers, David Podos, Deborah Jeanne Sergeant, George W. Chapman, Anne Palumbo, Daniel Baldwin, Megan Plete Postol • Advertising: Amy Gagliano Layout & Design: Joey Sweener • Office Manager: Kate Honebein No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement — not to take the place of — the recommendations of your health provider.
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We DO NOT tolerate any forms of aggression. Incidents may result in removal from our facilities and prosecution.
Bassett.org/BeKind April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 5
2022’s Most Obese Cities in the U.S.
T
he personal-finance website WalletHub recently released its report on 2022’s Most Overweight and Obese Cities in the U.S., as well as accompanying videos and expert commentary. In order to call attention to the communities where weight-related problems are most prevalent, WalletHub compared 100 of the most populated U.S. metro areas across 19 key metrics, used to determine a total score out of 100 (see chart at right). The data set ranges from the share of physically inactive adults to projected obesity rates by 2030 to healthyfood access.
Key Stats • The McAllen, Texas, metro area has the highest share of obese adults, 44.90%, which is 2.4 times higher than in Asheville, North Car-
olina, the metro area with the lowest at 18.50%. • The McAllen, Texas, metro area has the highest share of physically inactive adults, 36.90%, which is 2.7 times higher than in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the metro area with the lowest at 13.90%. • The El Paso, Texas, metro area has the highest share of diabetic adults, 16%, which is 2.6 times higher than in Reno, Nevada, the metro area with the lowest at 6.20%. • The Jackson, Mississippi, metro area has the highest share of adults with high blood pressure, 40.60%, which is 1.8 times higher than in San Jose, California, the metro area with the lowest at 22.80 %. To read the full report and your city’s rank, visit: https://wallethub. com/edu/fattest-cities-in-america/10532.
MOST OVERWEIGHT & OBESE CITIES
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
McAllen, Texas Total Score: 84.78 Memphis, Tennessee Total Score: 83.94 Knoxville, Tennessee Total Score: 83.92 Mobile, Alabama Total Score: 83.04 Jackson, Mississippi Total Score: 82.94 Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama Total Score: 82.91 Little Rock-Conway, Arkansas Total Score: 82.82 Shreveport, Louisiana Total Score: 82.76 Augusta, Georgia Total Score: 82.42 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Total Score: 81.91
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
WALLETHUB, MAR. 2022
Chattanooga, Tennessee Total Score: 80.50 Lafayette, Louisiana Total Score: 80.28 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Total Score: 78.39 Youngstown, Ohio Total Score: 78.24 Huntsville, Alabama Total Score: 78.24 Winston-Salem, North Carolina Total Score: 78.06 Wichita, Kansas Total Score: 77.95 Nashville, Tennessee Total Score: 77.65 New Orleans, Louisiana Total Score: 77.54 Fayetteville, Arkansas Total Score: 77.29
Healthcare in a Minute
By George W. Chapman
Alexa, Please Connect Me with a Doctor…
D
epending on where you stand, the corporatization of healthcare is either an unnecessary and unwanted intrusion into your healthcare or a welcome improvement. Amazon, the corporate giant with seemingly unlimited resources, has partnered with Teladoc, an online 24/7medical service, to provide virtual on demand, non-emergent care. On the surface, 24/7 on demand care provided by out-of-network providers is not new. The twist here is you contact the provider through an echo device like Alexa. As crazy as it sounds, several hospital and physician systems have already signed up, including Boston Children’s,
Cedars Sinai and Houston Methodist. It remains to be seen how well out of network Teladocs can be successfully integrated into comprehensive hospital and physician systems that are in the midst of organizing to accept reimbursement from insurance companies based upon value added or overall outcomes. Alexa type Teladoc services can relieve the pressure on overworked hospital and their network providers and certainly offer consumers convenience. Unless these services are effectively integrated into hospital and physician systems, they will be perceived as intrusions upon and leakage from value-based care.
Telemedicine in Jeopardy
reimbursement. And consumers, who have come to embrace telemedicine, will be denied a convenient way to access and maintain their care. President Biden has threatened to veto the bill.
They say necessity is the mother of invention. When it came to telemedicine, the necessity created by the pandemic didn’t exactly invent telemedicine, but it certainly expanded its use to the point where it is now firmly entrenched in healthcare delivery. When a public health emergency was declared two years ago to combat the virus, Congress and Medicare authorized both the expanded use of telemedicine and enhanced reimbursement to providers. Providers are paid the same for in-person and virtual visits. Telemedicine proved to be a critical and effective tool to combat the virus, protect staff from infected patients and not harm providers financially. The senate just voted 4847, along party lines, to terminate the PHE. It now goes to Congress. If passed, it could virtually kill telemedicine. Providers cannot afford to offer telemedicine if there is a return to pre-pandemic inadequate
More COVID-19 Money The Office of Management and Budget is requesting another $22.5 billion from Congress to continue the fight against the virus. Just over half of the new funding would go toward buying more medicines, vaccines, boosters, oral anti-virals and monoclonal antibodies to treat those infected. Roughly $2 billion is for testing and much needed financial support for inundated commercial and public health labs. $1.5 billion will provide coverage for the uninsured and a similar amount is slated for research on next generation vaccines. The bill contains no additional relief for hospitals and physicians who have absorbed both financial and staffing losses fighting
Page 6 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
the virus over the last two years. To add insult to injury, a moratorium on a bill that would reduce their reimbursement by 2% expires in April.
CVS Philanthropy? The retail drug giant announced it invested $185 million in 6,600 affordable housing units in several cities throughout the US. Poor or lack of safe housing is a social determinant that negatively impacts both access to and outcome of care. Residents of the CVS subsidized housing now have access to a variety of services conveniently provided by CVS-like pharmacies, durable medical equipment and clinics. Kudos to CVS. Right? Last year, CVS revenues were $77 billion, resulting in net cash flow of an astounding $13 billion. The $187 million “investment” in affordable housing is a paltry 1.4% of their $13 billion net cash flow. It is virtually nothing compared to $77 billion in revenues. So, is there an ulterior motive? You be the judge. Hospitals and physician healthcare systems can’t afford to provide subsidized housing to improve the care provided to their patients. Their reimbursement is fixed by Congress and Medicare and commercial insurers typically follow suit. Drug prices continue to escalate unregulated or encumbered by Congress andMedicare, so CVS and other drug giants can easily afford to reinvest their profits and capture market share.
Physician Shortage Addressed Aging baby boomers and early retirement due the pandemic have increased fears of an impending physician shortage. Certainly, the unencumbered increase in nurse practitioners and physician assistants has helped mitigate the shortage. But there has not been an increase in the number of encumbered physician
residency slots in decades. Congress and Medicare finally authorized the funding of an additional 1,000 residency slots in teaching hospitals with emphasis on hospitals serving health professional shortage areas which are typically inner city and rural. Medicare pays hospitals for resident salaries and related teaching expenses. The biggest change in residency slots will be a preference among hospitals for primary care versus specialty slots.
Cost of Insulin Diabetes is one of our most pervasive, but treatable, chronic conditions impacting the lives of millions. President Biden vowed to cut the cost of insulin when he addressed the union in early March. One in four insulin users cannot afford to use the drug as prescribed, which inevitably will result in other serious conditions. Since not one for-profit insulin manufacturer has offered to help, not-for-profit drug manufacturer Civica Rx is partnering with BlueCross BlueShield and health system giants Intermountain Health, Trinity Health, and Kaiser Permanente to develop and distribute affordable insulin at about $30 a vial by 2024. The price will be based solely on the cost of development, production and distribution. It will be interesting to see if this competition causes current manufacturers to lower their prices. 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.
A: Between 50 and 60 employees. Both are staffed 24 hours per day. Q: What is your current annual operThe shelters are designed with high ational budget and where does the YWCA security as we want our clients to receive its funding? feel protected as they are obviously A: Eighty-five percent of our escaping form a bad situation. We funding is from federal, state and want them to feel totally safe and local grants as well as the generossecure. The houses are located in ity of individual donors. We also secret locations, most people do not receive revenue from our Salute to know where they are, in fact some of Outstanding Women fundraising our board members I am sure do not event, which is now 33 years in the know where the houses are located. making. Seven women and one We provide everything the client youth are selected and all are nomineeds while staying at the home, nated by the community and chosen from bedding, personal hygiene by independent judges. The judges products, meals, etc. Clients can choose nominees from categories stay up to 90 days and if we haven’t such as education, human and public found suitable alternative housing service, entrepreneurship, science, for them by the end of 90 days we technology, engineering, arts and can extend that out another 45 days. mathematics to name a few. We hold As soon as we receive someone into a huge luncheon for the winners that the house they are assigned a case were selected at Harts Hill Inn. That manager who works with them while luncheon will be in April. There is an they are with us and helps to provide admission to attend. We have sponsuitable housing after they are on sors that promote the event as well. their own. So there is quite a lot of Last year it was held virtually and follow-up. we made $30,000. This year it will Q: Is there an on-going problem with be live and we anticipate to make domestic violence in our area? around $60,000. A: We have one of the highest Q: Who are your clientele, what sernumber of domestic violence cases vices do you offer and how does someone right here in Oneida County. We are contact the MV YWCA to receive help? second only to New York City. A: Our services are many from Q: Why does Oneida County have crisis intervention, sexual assault, such a problem with this, what are the child abuse, domestic violence. We causes? have a hotline so you can call 24/7, A: We like to think that more 365 days a year. That number is 315and more people are aware of the 797-7740. A person can either call services we offer so there are more that number to speak to a trained people reporting domestic violence advocate or text that number. A incidents, which makes our numbers person can also chat with us online jump. We also have a high number of at ywcamv.org/chat. Our Herkimer refugees coming into our city. There By David Podos County number is 315-866-4120 and cultures are different than ours, they that is a call number only. realize that the behaviors that they MP Order Propo Q: How long have you been the CEO the YWCA its all about empowering Q: Is it just women experiencing did in their home country are not This adand will appear at the classification of: of the Mohawk Valley YWCA? women girls. abuse that you work with? tolerated in this country. We also A: I have been CEO for the past Q: When did the YWCA come into A: Not necessarily, we have a see an increase in alcoholism and Romehere NYin the Mohawk Valley? six and half years. existence good number of men seeking out our drug addiction in our county which Q: What past employment experiA: The YWCA began here in services as well. People sometimes contributes to an unhealthy and often with ences have you had in working in the 1906.in TheHome YWCA isDate actually05/2014 a worldforget that men can be the victims times dangerous home environment. nonprofit sphere? wide international organization and of physical and sexual domestic Q: Has the pandemic contributed Date: March 17, 2014 Acct# A1ZGFE Sales Rep: GRIMALDI, JENNIFER L Size: HCN6toAd Id: AM A: I worked seven years in we are a little but important piece of assault-abuse as well. We are gender an increase in domestic violence? the nonprofit credit union sector. I that. neutral in providing our services. A: Absolutely, we have seen a MP Order Propo worked for the Girl Scouts for nine This Q: What is your area regarding offer-classification Q: Tell me about ad will appear at the of:your shelter services 50% increase in our services since the years, at that time I was a chief ing services? that your organization provides. pandemic began. Rome NY operating officer. So the transition to A: We currently offer our serA: We offer two shelter services. my current position was a perfect fit w ivices to both Oneida and For more information on the services th in Hom e Da t eHerkimer 0 5 / 2 0 1 4 We have a home in Utica and one in because the Girl Scouts was all about counties. Rome. The home in Utica has 16 beds that the MV YWCA provides as well as Date: March 17, 2014 Acct# A1ZGFE Sales Rep: GRIMALDI, JENNIFER L Size: HCN6 Ad Id: AM empowering young girls and here at Q: How many staff do you have? and the home in Rome has seven. upcoming events, visit: ywcamv.org
Q A &
with Dianne Stancato
CEO of Mohawk Valley YWCA: Empowering women and girls
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to about $160 per distribution.The paper is usually distributed at the beginning of the month. Drivers pick up the papers (in bundles of 100 copies) in North Utica and leave copies at various locations, following a list of places we provide. No heavy lifting. Drivers are required to have a dependable vehicle, be courteous and reliable. We audit all areas of distribution.
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April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 7
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Live Alone & Thrive
By Gwenn Voelckers
Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone
25 Things I Know About Living Alone
I
have been living alone for over 25 years now. Twenty-five years! One might think I’ve become stuck in my ways, but, honestly, just the opposite has happened. Being on my own has given me the freedom to live unencumbered, to change, to grow and to embrace lifelong learning. The only thing I’m stuck on is living life to the fullest! And apparently, I’m not alone. According to recent census data, singles make up almost 30% of US households. That suggests to me that more and more single, divorced and widowed men and women are making peace with living alone. Or better, they are having the time of their lives! Here are 25 things I know about living alone: 1. Living alone doesn’t mean being alone. In fact, it may offer more opportunities to pursue friendships, find true love and spend time with family members. 2. Loneliness is not a “state of being” reserved for single people. Were you ever lonely while you were married? 3. Rediscovering your “authentic
self” and identifying those things that bring meaning and joy into your life can turn living alone into a fulfilling adventure. 4. Accepting party invitations, even if it’s a party with mostly couples, is worth doing. It gets you out of the house. Couples often separate into groups of women and men, so singles blend right in. 5. The stereotyped image of single women and men as desperate and miserable are exaggerated and just plain untrue. Recent studies on the subject bear this out. 6. Doing a “random act of kindness” is a great antidote when you’re feeling sorry for yourself. 7. Friends matter. Reach out. Nurture your friendships. Honor your commitments. 8. Accepting a dinner invitation does not obligate you to anything. Take your time. Get to know your date before you embrace romance — literally. 9. Letting go of the idea that you need to be married to have any chance of being happy and fulfilled is essential. That idea will only keep you mired in self-pity. 10. Living alone can release your inner Martha Stewart. Do you have a craft project secretly lurking inside
you? Set it free! 11. Treating yourself well builds esteem. Prepare and eat decent meals at home. Get enough sleep. Exercise. You’re worth it. 12. Getting out of your comfort zone is worth the discomfort. Try something new — dance lessons, pickleball, jewelry making, a book club, or community band. It’s a great way to expand your horizons and meet people. 13. Isolating on holiday, birthdays, Sundays, etc. is for the birds. Solitary confinement is punishment for criminals, not single people. Make plans. 14. Traveling solo is a journey toward self-discovery. Whether it’s Paris or Peoria, striking out on your own will enlarge your world and build self-confidence. 15. Comb your hair. Lose the sweat pants. Put a smile on your face. It’s important to create your own positive feedback. Looking good will draw people (and compliments) to you. 16. Self-confidence and humor are powerful aphrodisiacs. Neediness and desperation are not. 17. It’s all yours — the good, the bad, the chores, the bills. Living alone, just as being married, is not Shangri-La. It’s real life. 18. There’s no shame in asking for help. It’s not a show of weakness. On the contrary. 19. Doing anything alone means you enjoy life and your own company; it does not mean you are a loser. 20. Expanding your definition of love beyond “romantic love” will stand you in good stead. Embrace “passionate friendships” – those relationships in which you can be yourself and feel completely comfortable. 21. Hanging out with negative
people is a real downer. Put yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and about life. 22. Time alone can make you philosophical: If I vacuum in the buff and no one is watching, did it really happen? 23. Your dream house can be yours. Whether it’s a shoebox-sized apartment or cottage in the county, you can — at long last! — make your home your own. 24. Velveeta mac and cheese may be just what the doctor ordered. There’s no harm in occasionally indulging in your favorite comfort food and tear-jerker movie if it soothes your soul. “The Way We Were” is my elixir movie of choice. 25. Living alone and loving it takes practice. Know that there is always someone you can call or something you can do to improve your situation. A little prayer doesn’t hurt either.
• Kids often feel more control over a situation if they can help in some way, such as donating items or part of their allowance, or making up a card or banner for Ukrainian children. Any of these acts teach compassion and help your children feel they are making a positive difference. • Monitor your children’s media exposure and limit it when necessary. Find out where they are getting their
information about the war so you can clarify or restrict it if needed, Lynch advised. Even if kids appear fine, parents should talk to them to assess their thoughts and feelings. “Talking to your children about the invasion will show them that it is OK to talk about difficult feelings and that we are there to help them,” Lynch said.
Those of us who have learned to enjoy living along are not spending our time bemoaning our fate. We have overcome adversity and we are the stronger for it. We have taken our lives into our own hands and have embraced the choices and possibilities that living alone has to offer. Here’s to the next 25 years!
Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Alone and Content, empowerment workshops for women and author of “Alone and Content,” a collection of inspiring essays for those who live alone. For information about her workshops, to purchase her book, or invite her to speak, visit www. aloneandcontent.com
Talking to Your Kids About the War in Ukraine
I
f Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has left your children confused and frightened, there are several ways to help them feel more secure, a psychologist says. First and foremost: Talk to your kids, and be honest, said Christopher Lynch, director of Pediatric Behavioral Medicine for Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, New Jersey. Kids can often tell when parents are withholding information. If you don’t provide the full picture, they may get wrong ideas about the situation and think they’re in danger. “Children benefit from honest explanations about what is happening, but those explanations must be tailored to the age and developmental level of the child,” Lynch said in a hospital news release. Here’s how to talk with your
children about the war and allay their anxiety: • Use age-appropriate words and concepts that your children can understand. Asking them to repeat back what they heard you say can help identify any need for clarification. • Reassure your children they are safe. Kids need to know that the adults around them are in control and know what to do to keep them safe. In this case, kids may need to understand that the war is far away and that they are well protected from it, Lynch said.
Page 8 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
Frank Guido couldn’t be happier he had a choice for treating his prostate cancer! Frank chose non-surgical CyberKnife® at HOA – offering 5 treatments instead of 35! “The original diagnosis was to treat my prostate cancer
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Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is an HMO plan and a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal. Our Health Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-883-9577 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-877-883-9577 (TTY: 711)。 A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
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April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 9
One Third of Adults Are Prediabetic — and Most Don’t Know It
O
ne in three adults in the U.S. — or about 88 million Americans — has prediabetes, yet more than 80% of them don’t know it, according to an Excellus BlueCross BlueShield review of current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a result, these adults can’t make the lifestyle changes or have the medical interventions needed to address their condition, the health plan’s research concluded. If you have prediabetes, your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered Type 2 diabetes. Still, you are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes within five years. In addition, 50% of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GD) during pregnancy will go on to develop Type 2 diabetes within five years. “If you know you have prediabetes, or another risk factor, there are things you can do to reduce your blood sugar and decrease the risk of it progressing to Type 2 diabetes,” said physician Lorna Fitzpatrick, vice president of medical affairs and senior medical director at Excellus BCBS. “People with Type 2 diabetes have a high incidence of serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and the loss of toes and feet.” The need to prevent Type 2 diabetes has never been greater, according to a news release by Excellus BCBS. Diabetes is currently the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. If current trends continue,
the CDC predicts one in five adults will have diabetes by 2025. About a quarter of all health care spending is on people with diagnosed diabetes. Prediabetes can be determined with a simple blood sugar test prescribed by your doctor. If you are found to have prediabetes, the American Diabetes Association says early treatment and moderate lifestyle changes can return blood sugar levels to a normal range, effectively preventing or delaying Type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes include losing around 5-7% of your body weight, or just 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person, and getting regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 150 minutes a week. “We’re talking about 20 minutes of physical activity a day, which could be as simple as a walk around the block after dinner with a walking partner or your dog,” said Fitzpatrick. As always, check with your doctor before starting, or making changes to, an exercise routine. DoIHavePrediabetes.org was created by the CDC in partnership with the American Diabetes Association, the American Medical Association and the Ad Council. Visitors to the site can take a brief online test to learn their risk. The CDC also offers a free online National Diabetes Prevention Program to help people lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 58 percent (71% for those over age 60). Find more information at www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention.
Excellus: Partnership to Increase Access to Affordable Insulin Objective is to manufacture and distribute three insulins for $30 or less per vial
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xcellus BlueCross BlueShield, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and other Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies joined Civica’s initiative to manufacture and distribute affordable insulins that, once approved, will be available to people living with diabetes at significantly lower Chitre prices than insulins currently on the market. The medications are expected to be available to all consumers for $30 or less per vial starting in 2024. Excellus BCBS, BCBSA and BCBS companies are collaborating on this initiative with Civica and other partners across the health care industry, representing nearly every corner of the diabetes ecosystem. “We’re proud to be part of this national collaboration to bring more
affordable insulin and other medications to our communities,” said Mona Chitre, chief pharmacy officer and vice president of integrated health strategy for Excellus BCBS. “The Civica initiative will help us fulfill our critical role of controlling rising health care costs while also ensuring that more patients take their medication as prescribed since their prescription drugs will now be more affordable.” “This is an important milestone in our continued partnership with Civica as we advance our shared goal of bringing lower-cost prescription medication directly to consumers,” said Kim Keck, president and CEO of BCBSA. “Access to affordable insulin can be the difference between life and death for diabetics — and we’re proud to be a part of Civica’s effort to ensure that millions of Americans have access to the medicine they need at a price they can afford. When we come together, we can make health care more affordable.”
More than eight million Americans rely on insulin to live, but as many as one in four insulin users report having to skip doses or take less than prescribed amounts due to the high cost of the medicine. The financial burden has made the drug inaccessible for many and has led to patients developing health conditions that were once preventable. Through this initiative, Civica will manufacture and distribute three analog insulins — glargine, lispro and aspart — which will be biosimilar drugs of the brand-name insulins Lantus, Humalog and Novolog. The insulins will be available in vials and prefilled pens at no more than $30 per vial or $55 for a box of five pens. “Diabetes is arguably America’s most expensive chronic condition, and it is heartbreaking that millions of people are rationing their care and putting their lives at risk because they can no longer afford insulin,” said Dan Liljenquist, board chairman of Civica. “Through mission-driven
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Page 10 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
partnerships, we are choosing to create a new market reality where no one is forced to ration essential diabetes medications.” This insulin initiative is one of the many ways BCBS companies are partnering with Civica to increase access to safe and affordable medications. This announcement follows the founding of Civica’s subsidiary, CivicaScript, by BCBSA, 18 BCBS companies and Civica Rx to develop and manufacture common generic medications for which there is currently not enough market competition to drive down prices. The first of these lower-cost generic prescriptions are expected to be available to consumers through specialty and home delivery pharmacies later this year. For more information on the insulin initiative, visit https://civicainsulin.org. For more information on CivicaScript, visit: www.bcbs.com/ civica-rx.
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The skinny on healthy eating Nutritious Potatoes Worth Digging Into By Anne Palumbo
T
he average American eats four to five potatoes a week. Surprised? Join the group. Even though this tasty spud is America’s most popular vegetable, it’s also dogged by enough myths to put some of us on the fence about consuming it. Myth #1: Potatoes are starch bombs that cause weight gain. It’s true, potatoes have more starch than most vegetables. And, yes, starch, especially refined starch (think donuts, cookies, cakes), can zip through your body and leave you hungry in no time. But here’s the good news about a potato’s particular starch: It’s a special type of starch known as “resistant starch,” which means it can’t be fully digested or absorbed by the body, much like fiber. Instead, it reaches the large intestine where it becomes a source of nutrients for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Research has linked resistant starch to many health benefits, including better blood sugar control and improved health of the digestive system.
Myth #2: Potatoes have no nutritional value. Why do we think potatoes are dietary deserts? Is it because they’re pale? A welcome mat for caloric toppings? Too common? Who knows why, but this humble spud deserves its day in the nutritional sun. Drum roll, please: One medium baked potato with the skin has 4 grams of heart-healthy fiber and more than a fourth of our daily needs for three essential nutrients: vitamins C and B6 (both boost the immune system) and potassium (supports healthy blood pressure). Perhaps another drum roll is in order for potatoes being sodium-, fat-, and cholesterol-free! Myth #3: Diabetics can’t eat potatoes. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes can be included in the diet of a person with diabetes, according to the American Diabetics Association. Although most potatoes have a high glycemic index, the effect of potatoes on an individual’s blood glucose level is highly variable and depends on a number of factors, including the kind of potato, how it is prepared, the portion size, and what it is consumed with. Ideally, waxy potatoes (small new potatoes, fingerlings) that have been cooked (and cooled) and then consumed in moderation with a protein or healthy fat would elicit a lower glycemic response. Myth #4: A potato’s skin has all the nutrients. The majority of the nutrients are found within the potato itself, not the skin. The potato’s skin contains about half the total dietary fiber.
Could the Keto Diet Help People With MS?
T
he keto diet is a low-carb lover’s dream, but a new study suggests the popular eating plan may also improve some symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your body attacks
the insulation wrapped around its nerves, causing numbness, fatigue, bladder problems, mood issues and mobility problems that can interfere with daily life. There is no cure for MS. But there may be a way to ease symptoms. In the study, when folks with MS ate a keto diet for six months, they reported less fatigue and depression and an improved overall quality of life. “Our study provides evidence that medically supervised ketogenic diets are safe and tolerable when studied over a six-month period, and convey clinical benefits to persons living with MS,” said study author physician J. Nicholas Brenton. He is the director of the Pediatric MS & Related Disorders Clinic at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Keto diets restrict your intake of
Myth #5: A baked potato has 250 calories. Yes and no. Yes, a baked potato laden with butter or sour cream or cheese can have up to 250 calories (or more!). But, no, a plain baked potato has only 110-120 calories.
Helpful tips Look for smooth, firm potatoes with no cuts, bruises or discoloration. Store potatoes in a cool, dark place such as a pantry, away from onions (proximity accelerates spoiling for both). Don’t refrigerate potatoes before cooking because it turns the starch to sugar and ruins the flavor. Potatoes with sprouts can still be used. Just remove the sprouts and cut away any green areas. Stored properly, most potatoes last about a month.
Preheat oven to 400F and lightly oil a 7 by 11 inch baking dish. Slice potatoes thin (about 1/8 inch thick) and layer half of the potatoes on the bottom of the dish, in overlapping layers. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft, stirring often. Add garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, cayenne, and flour, stirring until combined, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a low simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add in 1/3 cup of the cheddar cheese and stir to melt. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first half of the potatoes and spread out with a spoon. Layer the rest of the potatoes over the top and then pour the remaining cheese sauce on, spreading evenly with a spoon. Top with the remaining grated cheese and bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Healthier Scalloped Potatoes with Garlic and Thyme Adapted from erinliveswhole.com Serves 6-8
2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes (about 3 medium) 1 tablespoon butter 1 small onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper pinch of cayenne (optional) 1¼ tablespoons flour 1¼ cups reduced-fat milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-
carbs while increasing fats and protein. The goal is to shift from burning blood sugar for energy to a fat-burning state (ketosis), producing weight loss. Exactly how a keto diet improves symptoms of MS isn’t fully understood yet, but the researchers have their theories, starting with the weight loss it induces given the emerging role of obesity in MS. Ketogenic diets may also reduce inflammation and help rebalance the bacteria in the guts of people with MS. Certain gut bacteria create more inflammation in the body and this has been observed in some people with MS, Brenton said. The study included 65 people with relapsing-remitting MS, the most common form of the disease. It is marked by periods of flares followed by remissions. Patients ate a strict keto diet for six months. Researchers measured ketones in their urine each day to see if they were sticking to the diet. (Ketones are produced by the body when it is burning fat for fuel.) Fully 83% of participants adhered to the diet for the six-month study period.
Those who followed the diet had less body fat and showed about a 50% decline in fatigue and depression scores after six months. What’s more, their quality of life and mental health scores improved over the course of the study. They also performed better on tests measuring MS disability. Specifically, study patients walked an average of 1,631 feet on a six-minute walking test at the start of the study, compared to 1,733 feet after six months on a keto diet. Levels of inflammatory markers in their blood also improved through the study period, Brenton said. So, should everyone with MS start eating a keto diet? Not necessarily, Brenton said. There is no one-size-fits-all MS diet. “What works for some patients may not work for others, and accumulating evidence suggests that there are numerous benefits to diet interventions in patients living with MS,” he said. “My current advice is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and to maintain a healthy weight, as both of these aspects likely play a positive role in MS.”
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.
April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 11
Upstate Tick Expert Predicts ‘Huge’ Season for Ticks
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et ready Central New York. Despite the lingering cold temperatures and the ever-present chance of more snow, tick season is officially here. Upstate Medical University’s Saravanan Thangamani, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology, says ticks behave just like people do. They emerge when the sun is out, and the weather is warm and dry. And the few warm days CNY has experienced lately have been enough. But despite the mostly cold temperatures, for the week of March 14 to March 21, he said the Upstate Tick Testing laboratory had received 176
tick submissions. He said given the weather, that’s a lot for this time of year. “That’s a sign of things to happen,” said Thangamani, director of the SUNY Center for Vector-Borne Diseases. “We are anticipating a real uptick in the number of ticks submitted to our lab. This is going to be a huge year for the ticks. Technically every year is a huge year for the ticks, but we are seeing a gradual increase in the number of ticks humans encounter and submit to the lab. This trend will continue.” The community-engaged tick surveillance program, started by
Between You & Me
“H
gamani’s lab will continue to study environmental and ecological factors, including climate change, and how they influence the spread of ticks and disease-causing agents. Thangamani said ticks don’t die in the winter, they go into dormancy around 35 degrees and hide in perfectly formed igloos under leaf litter. As soon as the frozen ground thaws and the ground temperature reaches 45 degrees, ticks will begin to emerge and seek a host for a blood feeding. And if the weather gets bad again, they seek shelter, but they don’t disappear. Thangamani said there are several important things people can do to minimize their risk of tick bites and infections. First, apply tick repellent to your skin and clothing, especially your shoes and socks. Wear long pants and pull your socks over your pant leg. When you’re out, stay on the trail. When you come home, make sure you do a thorough tick check, focusing on your thighs, groin area and the back of your head. Then shower. Also, put the clothing you wore outside in the dryer at high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may be hiding. Deer ticks are commonly found on the thighs and groin, while dog ticks are most commonly found on the head. Thangamani urges the public to submit the tick and accompanying information to https://nyticks.org. “When the public encounters a tick, we encourage them to complete the tick submission form at nyticks. org,” he said.
She quit her job in a pediatrician’s office as she believed the doctor was purposefully hurting his young patients. As I worked with Linda and she went through job after job, it became clear she had a persecutory delusional disorder. In little signs, she saw evidence of other people’s wrongdoing, plotting against her, planning to harm her or others. After a few weeks, she quit or was fired, from job after job. Our psychiatrist prescribed several different antipsychotic medications. All gave her unpleasant side effects, so she refused medication. My goal was to help her understand why talking about what she thought she was observing didn’t work for her. I stressed that she should just ignore the plots and schemes. I’d learned that pointing out to her how improbable her beliefs were did not decrease her belief in them. This plan didn’t work. Like with Alan, what I did didn’t work either, and had serious consequences. He also refused medication. As he came in to see me, week after week, I gently worked to dissuade him from his delusions. He trusted me, agreed with me, and came to the decision that Howard Hughes could not be his father. Very bad on my part. The day after he came to that conclusion, I got an urgent call from his brother: “Alan wants to kill himself and he has a gun.” I sent the police to take his gun; he came to see me to talk about why he wanted to end his life. We continued to work together, getting his life back together. He reverted to his delusions; this time, I didn’t challenge them.
As with many other psychotic disorders, the exact cause of delusional disorder is not yet known, according to the Cleveland Clinic online. Researchers are looking at several factors. There might be a genetic factor involved. Or, brain abnormalities might be the cause. People who tend to be isolated socially appear to be more vulnerable to developing delusional disorder. Treatment includes medication and therapy. Therapy provides a safe environment for patients to discuss their symptoms while encouraging healthier and more functional behaviors. There’s no known way to prevent delusional disorder. Diagnosis and treatment can decrease the disruption to the person’s life, family and friendships. When properly treated, many people with this disorder find relief from their symptoms. Some recover completely; others experience episodes of delusional beliefs with periods of remission.
By Barbara Pierce
A Bizarre Mental Disorder You May Not Be Familiar With oward Hughes was my father. I’m sure of that,” said Alan, with certainty. The attractive 46-year-old man had come to the mental health clinic where I worked because he was concerned about shakiness in his hands. On his first visit, we talked about his shakiness for only a few minutes when he dropped the bomb—stating that Howard Hughes was his father and Katherine Hepburn his mother. I knew I had to stay cool, not let my face show the thoughts running through my head. I dealt with disturbed people all the time — depressed, ready to end their life, or psychotic — out of contact with reality. But this was a new one for me. Alan was handsome and neatly dressed. His demeanor was normal. He didn’t appear depressed or anxious or have any unusual behaviors. That is until he started talking. That explained why he’d lost his job; why he had no friends. He was quite psychotic, readily talking about his delusions. A delusional disorder is a type of serious mental illness in which a person cannot tell what is real from what is imagined. A belief that is not based in reality and is not changed or modified when the person is presented with contradictory evidence. People with delusional disorder experience non-bizarre delusions,
Thangamani in 2019, relies on the general public to become citizen scientists and submit to the lab ticks they find on themselves, on their pets or in their yards. The project helps the lab track tick hot spots and the prevalence of tick-borne diseases across the state. With the data collected through this program, Thangamani and his team created a tick map to track the emergence of ticks and tick-borne disease-causing agents in New York state. Since the map’s inception, the lab has tested more than 17,000 ticks, identified 15 different tick species present in the state and the presence of six pathogens. More than 30% have tested positive for Lyme disease. From January to June 2020, the lab tested 2,021 ticks. From the same time frame in 2021, it tested 5,005. In that time, the number of ticks carrying Anaplasma phagocytophilium (causative agent of Anaplasmosis) more than doubled from about 4% to 8.7% and ticks carrying Babesia microti (causative agent of babesiosis) tripled from 5 to 15 percent. Both diseases are rare but can be fatal if not treated early. In addition, in that same time frame, the number of ticks carrying Lyme disease increased to almost 33%. The Heartland virus has been in the news lately because ticks carrying it have been found in six states. It is carried by lone star ticks, which are historically found in southern states, but are making their way north. A cluster was recently found on Long Island. This virus is also rare but can be fatal. For the next five years, Than-
which involve situations that could occur in real life, such as being followed, poisoned, deceived, conspired against, or loved from a distance. These delusions usually involve the misinterpretation of perceptions or experiences. In reality, however, the situations are not true at all or highly unlikely. They often can continue to socialize and function normally, apart from their delusion, and don’t behave in an odd or bizarre manner. This is unlike people with other psychotic disorders. In some cases, however, people with delusional disorder might become so preoccupied with their delusions that their lives are disrupted. That was Alan — his life was disrupted. No job, no friends. His mother had died, leaving him her condo and money. He used the money to follow his delusion: to the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., seeking records that would prove his parentage; to Alaska, where he’d been born, to Katherine Hepburn’s apartment in Manhattan. I remember another client with delusional disorder, Linda. Like Alan, Linda was an attractive, wellgroomed, normal looking woman in her mid-40s. She was likeable, without friends or family. She came to our clinic because she’d quit her job and felt something must be wrong with her.
Page 12 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
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.
Gardening is Good for Your Mental Health By Barbara Pierce
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ardening is a real stress reliever, a big stress reliever for me,” said Linda Wimmer, master gardener with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County. The master gardener volunteer program is a group of volunteers who are trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension and use their horticultural skills and expertise to teach others about gardening and the environment. “There’s something about gardening that’s calming,” Wimmer said. “Having your hands in the soil; digging in the dirt. Being out in the sunshine, being out in the fresh air, away from electronics.” Gardening is good for our mental health in so many ways, agreed Holly Wise, consumer horticultural research educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County. “During the pandemic, when we were able to get together to garden, it was so good to connect with each other,” she continued. “People chatted about their interest in gardening, as well as sharing recipes, and other things.” “Gardening brings joy — there’s always something to look forward to, like a flower growing,” said Wise. As the weather begins to warm up, the urge to spend more time outside gardening is steadily on the rise. Research increasingly suggests that people who spend time outside regularly, or even look at images or videos of nature when going out isn’t possible, have better moods overall. A study published by the National Institutes of Health found that even viewing a garden brought about several positive psychological benefits, including reduced stress.
Being in nature and gardening significantly reduced the body’s stress hormone, improved mood, lowered irritability, reduced headaches and pain, decreased the need for medication, and even lowered the overall risk of heart attacks. Wise agreed. “Gardening distracts us. It’s a good stress reliever to dig in the soil, even if you’re just weeding,” she said. In times of stress, gardening lends an outlet to keep our hands busy, freeing our mind of stressful thoughts. Hands-on activities like gardening allow our brain to slow down. Focusing on something physical puts us in a sort of meditative state, releasing dopamine (the feel-good chemical in our brain) and slowing our breathing. Gardening decreases depression. Gardening and care of plants exposes people to sunshine with its high amounts of vitamin D, which creates serotonin, the chemical in brains that induces happiness. “When I’m having a bad day, feel-
serious aerobic benefits. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers gardening an ideal moderate to intense physical activity that reduces the risk for Type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, colon cancer, stroke and depression, among many others. The health benefits associated with gardening are quite impressive; especially when you consider that you’re using all the major muscle groups, not to mention all of the mental benefits of working outdoors and nurturing a garden. Great benefits while opening the mind and mood to the positive benefits of open air, sunshine and the good old fashioned meditative practice of digging in the dirt. As with any exercise program, beginning slowly and building up endurance is important. To help ing really down, I go out and work prevent injury and alleviate strained in my garden. After a few hours, I’m muscles, stretch before you start, if in a much happier state of mind,” you’re doing strenuous work, take said 67-year-old Donna Dorr of Port frequent breaks and stretch in beCharlotte, Florida. tween. In fact, researchers have found So get ready to get those hands that people who move to homes with and knees dirty! Let’s all benefit from greener areas have better mental what we reap and sow in the garden. health than they did in their previous “We’re all a little bit of a gardener in homes. our hearts,” said Wimmer. And the hands-on experience of toiling in a garden gives your brain an added boost. Evidence shows it Interested in Becoming a strengthens the brain and reduces the risk for dementia. Master Gardner? Plant-filled homes and gardens can boost memory and heighten your A training session for those attention span. interested in becoming master As Wise noted, being around gardeners is available at Cornell other people, working together as you garden, has double benefits — Cooperative Extension of Oneida the benefits of gardening and the County. Persons can join in the first benefits of being with others. part of April. For information, call And, of course, gardening offers Holly Wise at 315-736-3394, ext. unlimited ways to bend, squat, tug, 125, or see cceoneida.com/homepull, and dig to get physically fit. The garden/gardening/master-gardenerdigging, planting, weeding, shovvolunteers for details. eling and watering of gardening provides a total body workout with
The Balanced Body
Do You Have a Green Thumb? Get ready for growing some of your own nutrient-dense whole foods
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t’s that time of year when the sun starts setting later. The sun feels warmer as it shines down on your face and you start itching to get your hands dirty exploring the soil for this year’s garden. If you’ve never grown a garden before it’s perfect to start small until you become accustomed to planting. You may want to start by growing items that taste good together. Creating a sauce by growing tomatoes, basil, oregano, dill, onions and garlic in a bed works well. Adding a few marigolds interspersed between will aid the nutrients in the soil and keep bugs at bay. Growing potatoes in potato bags can be fun for kids to grow and learn the growing process. Sugar snap peas are always a favorite. Plant two rows placing a trellis in between for the peas to grow up on. Give them sun and water and enjoy! Herbs such as basil, parsley, mint and oregano are great for beginners and can be planted near the kitchen or in pots placed on the deck or steps. Some of you may not even have the possibility of growing your own
outside of a pot or two of herbs by the kitchen door. This is where farmers’ markets come into play. Local growers are able to remain on their land providing you the best produce, and allowing them to maintain a lifestyle to keep the economy in the community. Talk with your farmers. Ask them questions about their growing practices. I have always found they are more than ready to discuss how they farm their land, why they grow certain vegetables over others and what it takes to get the produce from seed to you. When you buy your food at farmers’ markets, you are speaking and voting with your dollar for locally and often organically grown foods. By being proactive, you are helping to sustain agricultural practices such as erosion control, cover crops, and habitats for natural pollinators. The seeds used by the farmers are often from numerous varieties that have been passed down over the generations as compared to genetically modified, patented, limited variety of seeds grown by commercial
agribusiness. And then there is taste. Oh my…you can taste the difference in locally grown produce. And the color! A locally grown tomato, for example, is a beautiful red, yellow, orange, green and even black. Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a wonderful way to support a specific farmer (or two). You usually sign up in early spring, which provides them the finances to start the spring gardening essentials. They begin working in the greenhouses, pressing seeds into the soil that soon sprouts and grows in a heated environment until ready for transplant outside when weather permits. Some CSAs can also have just fruit or added eggs, or breads. There are so many options for you to choose. If you can’t find an option that works for you, talk with the farmer. If you are growing your food or purchasing it at farmers’ markets, you can be guaranteed top-notch flavor. Your vegetables or fruits are picked at peak ripeness and delivered to you within a couple hours or so. Far away growers pick produce long before natural ripening, place in cold storage, and ship in a truck for thousands of miles. As a result, there is more often than not no flavor, poor coloration and overall poor quality. Buying your produce that was sun-kissed also provides you
with peak nutritional values. Locally and organically grown foods contain higher levels of cancer fighting and heart healthy antioxidants. If you are new to farmers’ markets or CSAs, start with one product at a time. For example, if you buy eggs at the grocery store, start buying eggs locally at farmers’ markets or roadside stands. The next week, make another change and so on until it becomes second nature. I always tell clients to try a new vegetable each week. Experiment by adding different seasonings such as curry. At season’s end, there can be an abundance of certain vegetables. It is so worth preserving the crop by freezing, canning, or dehydrating. Come winter, you’ll be happy you did. 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.
April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 13
USING MISTLETOE AND HELLEBORUS TO INTEGRATIVELY MANAGE CANCER AND INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS By Heidi Baldwin
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pring seems like a strange time of year to discuss mistletoe and the lesser-known winter blooming plant helleborus, but did you know these plants can be used medicinally for a variety of illnesses, including cancer, any time of year? Medicinal mistletoe is called Viscum album (white-berried mistletoe from Germany) and is used to help manage a wide range of cancers. Helleborus niger (known as “Christmas rose” or “Winter rose”) is used to help manage certain cancers and inflammatory conditions. Mistletoe is distinctly different from all other plants; the most striking phenomenon is that it grows on trees rather than the ground, and is parasitic in that it has a stake-like feeler with which it anchors itself in the wood of its host tree. It nourishes itself directly from the host tree, and, interestingly, starts taking on the qualities of the type of tree it is growing on in terms of medicinal qualities when harvested! One can find mistletoe on apple trees, birches, poplars, elms, oak trees, pine trees, firs, and others. Mistletoe therapy came out of anthroposophical medicine, which had its origin with Austrian spiritual scientist Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). Mistletoe is an important part of a
complementary system of healing, aiming to strengthen a patient’s “life forces.” Today in Germany, six out of ten cancer patients receive mistletoe preparations in addition to conventional treatments. Clinical studies have proven mistletoe extracts distinctly raise patients’ quality of life, giving them increased appetite and work capacity, improved sleep, greater resistance to infections, and in some a reduction in tumor size. Increased life-expectancy has also been observed.
Viscum album is produced from the mistletoe’s branches, including twigs, leaves, blossoms, and berries. Helixor is a commonly used brand made in Germany, and imported into the US. The extract is typically injected subcutaneously into the skin, or can be given intravenously (for more aggressive or rapidly growing cancers). In Germany, more commonly than in the US, it can also be injected directly into a tumor. Viscum album works well with chemotherapy and radiation to help these to work better,
INTEGR ATIV MEDICIN E E
and also to decrease side effects from those therapies. It has particular effectiveness in “solid tumor” cancers (breast, colon, lung, and others) as opposed to “liquid tumors” (i.e., leukemias and lymphomas). For lymphomas and leukemias, the plant extract Helleborus niger can be used. Helleborus is used in the management of cancer and other chronic inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune disease and chronic Lyme disease around the world, and is also used to alleviate anxiety. Several case studies on anxiety towards the end of life has encouraged use of this medicine in palliative care settings as well. Most commonly it is used as a complement to mistletoe therapy, but can also be used by itself in circumstances where mistletoe is not tolerated (i.e., in highly inflammatory conditions). It is notable that mistletoe and helleborous work well with high dose IV vitamin C (when given on separate days), medical marijuana, and low dose naltrexone (LDN). Those interested in these therapies should seek out physicians Heidi Puc in the Syracuse area, or Steven Johnson in the Albany area. Heidi Baldwin is a holistic health coach based in Syracuse. For more information, www.healwithheidi.com.
GOUT: A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON AN OLD DISEASE Remarkable progress has been made in diagnosing gout By Barbara Pierce
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uddenly, one morning, my elbow hurt when I moved it. “I must have slept on it wrong,” I thought. But it didn’t go away. It kept getting worse. “Must be arthritis,” I thought. As a 52-year-old woman, I hadn’t been bothered by arthritis yet. Movement helps arthritis, so I began moving my arms wildly. The pain only got worse. Over-the-counter painkillers didn’t touch my pain. The slightest movement of my arm became unbearable. I had to hold it perfectly still to be tolerable. Wide awake and in excruciating pain during the night, I cried. I’m not a crier. I went to the emergency room. They took X-rays and gave me strong pain killers. They were puzzled, couldn’t come up with a diagnosis. Gout was ruled out — it hit older men; it didn’t attack elbows. It was gout. (That was many years ago.) Gout is an underappreciated and extremely painful condition, one of the oldest afflictions. With severely intense pain, it can greatly impact your quality of life. It’s what you get when your body has too much uric acid. Uric acid is a natural compound in your body, excreted through urine. However, if you have too much of it, it forms tiny, spike-shaped crystals that get into your bloodstream and find their way into your joints, causing a
gout attack. We asked physician Martin Morell of Arthritis Specialists in New Hartford for more information. “It really hurts,” said Morell. “The pain subsides in three or four days. Once you have it, there’s a high chance you’ll get it again.” “It’s becoming more common — because we’re becoming more aware of it through early diagnosis,” said Morell. Remarkable progress has been made in diagnosing gout since I had it. Diagnosing includes an examination, family history, lab work, imaging tests, including X-rays. It can be diagnosed only during a flare-up when a joint is hot, swollen, and painful and when the lab finds uric acid crystals in the affected joint (the same crystals that cause kidney stones). In determining if you have gout, the health care professional asks about your eating and alcohol consumption habits. These questions identify any lifestyle-related risk factors for gout, such as sugar consumption and heavy alcohol drinking. More than half of the cases of acute gout occur in the big toe for the first time. And men are more often victims. “Estrogen protects women, until menopause,” Morell explained. “The cause is associated with genetics,” said Morell. The main risk factor for developing gout is high uric acid. 25% of people with a uric acid level more than 7.0 will develop gout.” “Most lab work doesn’t include
your uric acid levels unless you’re at risk,” continued Morell. “This is an important level that should be checked.” It’s important to know if your uric acid level is high because, left untreated, it not only causes gout and kidney stones, it destroys joints and causes kidney damage and is associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, even dementia, say some. “It will shorten your life,” Morell cautioned. Treatment of acute gout includes anti-inflammatory drugs and/or steroids, said Morell. Luckily, those painful gout attacks are very treatable and manageable if you get a proper diagnosis and start treatment promptly. This will include medications to control inflammation and lower your levels of uric acid, along with a few lifestyle changes to prevent future attacks. If your uric acid level continues to stay too high, more and more crystals form around your joints, and can land in your kidneys, vertebrate, heart valves, even your eyes, he continued. You’ll have chronic gout, repeated episodes of pain and inflammation. If you have it for years, the large yellow clumps can land anywhere in your body. High levels of uric acid must be treated or will to lead to permanent bone, joint and tissue damage. For most people, medication along with changes in diet are needed to lower uric acid levels and pre-
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vent gout — avoiding alcohol, soft drinks, shellfish, red meat, and sugar heavy foods or beverages. As for me, I had no more gout attacks for 20 years. However, during that time, I had a stroke and was diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. Because of these diseases, I had modified my lifestyle and avoided red meat, alcohol, soda and limited my sugar intake, which is perhaps why I had no episodes. Some believe that gout and high uric levels are associated with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that occur together — increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride level and may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetes, even dementia. I have metabolic syndrome. Could be a connection. Recently, I began having gout attacks in my knees. It was quickly diagnosed and I got an injection. Now I’m on a daily medication which lowers my uric acid; guess I’ll be taking it forever.
ogy can offer the benefits of the massage without the full body massage.” • Caveats: “Anyone with an issue with their hands and feet may not be able to have it.”
ATIVE INTEGR INE IC D ME
5. Chinese Herbs • How it works: “I work with women, specializing in hormonal and gut health issues. I meet with the women for an initial intake for two hours to do a health history,” said Chelsey Mollin, licensed acupuncturist, Chinese medicine practitioner and owner of Aliyah Health in Syracuse. “I look at their tongue diagnostically. Based on subjective symptoms and objective symptoms, we order the formula from a Chinese dispensary in New York, based on their symptoms.” • Why it works: “Chinese herbs work in a formula. It’s several herbs working together in a pattern. They work to get the body back to homeostasis so the body can work out its own curative actions.” • Caveats: It takes a little patience to see results.
6. Neurofeedback
TOP INTEGRATIVE HEALTH MODALITIES IN CENTRAL NEW YORK Some tips to help you live better By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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ntegrative health “brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way,” according to the National Institutes of Health, This can include multiple interventions in addition to conventional medicine. Integrative health is on the rise. According to www.goodtherapy. com, almost 69% of Americans use some form of complementary medicine in any given year. The most popular modalities are (in order): massage therapy, chiropractic care, nutrition counseling, health-life coaching, acupuncture, reflexology, detoxification, B12 shots, acupressure and alternative healing, as listed on www.mindbodybusiness. com. The growth in popularity is particularly notable considering many people pay for these services in full. Although chiropractic care is sometimes covered by health insurance, typically complementary modalities are out-of-pocket expenses. The Buffalo region offers numerous integrative health modalities from a large variety of providers. Here are five of them:
1. Lifestyle Medicine • How it works: “For every one of my patients, we assess diet, exercise, rest, relaxation, sleep and relationships,” said physician Susan Stone, who completed a fellowship in integrative medicine and was trained in medical acupuncture. She operates Willow Health Integrative Medicine in Syracuse. • Why it works: “I believe in our body’s intrinsic healing mechanism and look to tap into that as much as possible,” Stone said. “I blend it with conventional medicine and help people to custom-tailor treatment. I refer people if I need to.”
• Caveats: “A lot of times, people have come to integrative or functional medicine from their own research and maybe they’ve had some bad experiences with the medical system in the past,” Stone said. “People may have a fair amount of trouble with trusting a process. Or, on the other hand, you have to — like with any treatment — be realistic about expectations.”
3. Reiki
2. Cupping • How it works: “We stick silicone cups to the skin and move them around to lift up the tissue and get the blood moving,” Amanda Wells, licensed massage therapist with CNY Healing Arts based in Syracuse. “We leave them in an area for a while and massage around it and move them and massage the area that just had the suction on there.” • Why it works: “It’s good if you have chronic tension or issues that seem to not be letting go,” Wells said. “The cups create a nice negative pressure and draws the blood into the area to get the stuck adhesions loose and gets things moving again. If you have chronic issues like a shoulder issue that never really healed or past injuries, it can help. Fibromyalgia patients often get some relief. It helps open up the tissue.” • Caveats: “There can be bruising,” she added. “You don’t want to do it if you’re going to a wedding and your back is exposed.”
• How it works: “It is a Japanese energy healing technique,” Wells said. “We can combine it with a massage or do it as a separate treatment. The way I do it is put my hands on the body and feel where there’s constriction and depletion and the energy runs through my hands. That shifts the energetic patterns they’re holding. Anyone can get reiki.” • Why it works: “The practitioner helps channel and balance energy discrepancies. Some areas are depleted; some are stagnant. The practitioner gets everything flowing again. It’s very relaxing. It’s good for people who feel ‘stuck.’ Or if you’re having a hard time unwinding.” • Caveats: “I can’t think of any except for someone who does not like to be touched.”
4. Reflexology • How it works: “We apply pressure and stroke specific points on the hands and feet,” Wells said. • Why it works: “The philosophy is all the nerve endings are in the extremities,” she added. “Every part of the hand or feet has a corresponding body part. By going into the areas of the feet and hands, it affects the nervous system of the whole body. For someone that shouldn’t get a traditional Swedish massage, the reflexol-
• How it works: “It’s a non-pharmaceutical means of determining any imbalances in the brain and training the brain so brain patterns are closer to normative brain patterns by using different patterns of pulsed light and also sound pulses and frequencies of sound through headphones,” said Heidi Baldwin, practice manager and board-certified integrative nutrition holistic health coach at Integrative Medicine of Central New York. • Why it works: “The brain mapping it will help determine the best brain training protocols for that individual,” she said. “Many times, the brain map will determine if there are certain nutritional deficit or imbalances that need correcting to improve brain function. It works for many different brain ailments or disease processes. It’s very individualized for a person’s situation. I don’t think we know the mechanism, but it trains the brain to develop more normative brain waves in different areas of the brain. • Caveats: “For people with a history of seizures, we might modify the light’s intensity. There are no major contraindications.”
7. Acupuncture • How it Works: “We use needles,” said Reni Fairman, nationally certified and licensed acupuncturist and owner of Origin Acupuncture in Auburn. “Clients are often afraid and thinks it will hurt like an injection needle. They’re like a cat whisker, thin and flexible. We want to get harmony going between any organ systems that are out of balance. The point prescription is specific for that person. There’s not a particular protocol.” • Why it Works: “From a Western perspective, where we’re inserting the needles has an effect where the nervous system and vascular system meet. When we’re needling these areas, we stimulate them and propagate responses. We can have a local or distal effect on the brain, depending on where we put them and what we’re trying to achieve.” • Caveats: “Patient education. They want something different. Western medicine is failing a lot of patients, but they’re not necessarily up to the challenge to put in the time for the work for recovery.”
April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 15
okay, when I was just 11 years old. I wanted to be the person who held the hands of those who were sick. I wanted to provide care and support for people when they were at their best as well as when they were at their worst. I also knew that I wanted to be in charge of some of the decision-making that happens with patients. This is why I chose to become a nurse practitioner.
INTEGR ATIV MEDICIN E E
Q: What training was necessary? A: I started my education at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, where I obtained my RN. I obtained my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Syracuse University, while I began working. During the bachelor’s and master’s programs, I worked in various clinical practices and hospitals. As I am a family practice nurse practitioner, I can provide care across the lifespan. After graduation, I obtained my board certification from American Nurses Credentialing Center. I also obtained a colonoscopy certification as well as becoming a certified lactation counselor. Learning never stops. I am required to continue earning continuing education credits to keep my certifications and stay up to date.
JENNIFER KOHLER, FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER Nurse says health problems faced by her mom inspired her to pursue career in nursing By Barbara Pierce
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oard-certified family nurse practitioner Jennifer Kohler recently joined the staff of Integrative Medicine of Central New York in Chittenango. Q: How did you choose your career as a nurse practitioner? A: Growing up, I watched my mother struggle with her health. With a rare condition, it took years before she was properly diagnosed. At age of 5, I remember accompanying her and my father to numerous
doctor appointments, even in outof-state medical centers. I wanted to see her get better. I saw how medical professionals tried to help her. Thankfully, after almost 10 years of health issues, she was diagnosed and treatment began. At the age of 5, I made the decision that I wanted to be a healthcare provider. When she had numerous surgeries and complications, I chose the nursing route because it was the nurses who watched her in the ICU overnight; it was the nurses who talked to me on the phone as I cried, reassuring me that she would be
Q: What’s the difference between a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner? A: Nurse practitioners are RNs who have either a masters or doctorate degree and then receive additional clinical training. This allows them to practice as independent providers in some states, including New York. Nurse practitioners often focus on a holistic approach to disease prevention, education, care coordination and health management. Q: What attracted you to integrative medicine? A: Healthcare has become extremely challenging for both the patient and provider. In conventional medicine, treatment options are limited at times, due both to insurance coverage and the provider’s working knowledge of medications and therapies. Also, in conventional medicine, your time with each patient has become very limited, which leaves out many opportunities to assess and treat the person as a whole. I desired to find an area where I could expand my knowledge and offer patients a greater number of options for care without as many limitations.
Q: How does integrative medicine differ from traditional medical practices? A: In integrative medicine, we are able to use conventional and nonconventional options for care and treatment to offer the patient. We assess what works for each patient in terms of their physical, mental and emotional well-being. We treat the individual, not just the diagnosis. We bring together both sides of medicine to lead to better outcomes and improve overall well-being. Q: What are your day-to-day responsibilities? A: I start by reviewing messages and questions from patients and reviewing lab results. I recheck the charts for patients I will be seeing that day, to make sure we have all the information we need for the visit. The visits with patients start — they can be in person, by telemedicine or by phone, depending on each patient’s need. Q: What’s most rewarding about your practice? A: It’s most rewarding to work with like-minded people who truly desire to help people get better. Each patient is unique; we work together to address their differences and offer them the most comprehensive care. We spend time with the patient, really getting to know them. Q: What’s most challenging? A: The most challenging thing I have found about practicing integrative medicine is that I need to have a vast knowledge and understanding of each specialty of medicine. We don’t specialize in just one area — we pull together all of the patients’ concerns, current treatments and tests to develop a plan for care. For example, it’s very common to address the hematologic, cardiac, rheumatologic, neurologic and gastrointestinal issues for one patient at just at one visit. In conventional medicine, there would be a specialist for each concern. We bring all those specialties together, and make a whole assessment and plan. Jennifer Kohler and Integrative Medicine of Central New York are accepting new patients at 1386 state Route 5 W., suite 203, Chittenango, 315-741-5774. See www.imofcny.com for more information.
Lives Are Saved Through Organ Donation: Register Today
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ore than 8,500 New York state residents are waiting for an organ transplant that can save their life, according to a review of state data by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Unfortunately, time will run out for around 500 of them, as that is the average number of New Yorkers who die each year before a compatible organ becomes available. “These aren’t just statistics, but rather our loved ones, coworkers, and neighbors,” says physician Lorna Fitzpatrick, vice president of medical affairs and senior medical director at Excellus BCBS. “We can increase their odds for a successful donor match by increasing the number of people who register to be donors.” In New York state, the need for
donors is among the highest of any state in the union, but just 45% of state residents who are eligible have enrolled in the Donate Life Registry. All New York state residents age 16 and older can enroll to donate their organs, eyes, and/or tissues after their death. One organ donor can save 8 lives and heal 75 more through eye and tissue donation. • Donatable organs include the heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver and intestines. • Donatable tissues include the eyes and corneas, skin, heart valves, bone, blood vessels, nerve, cartilage and connective tissues. Following registration, donors receive a letter or email providing information on how to change or limit their donation. Registration is a legal
document ensuring the person’s wish to be a donor is carried out. Families will be told of the decision and given information about the process, but their permission is not needed for the donation to proceed. “While we continue to see increased enrollment in the New York State Donate Life Registry, there are still thousands of New Yorkers waiting for life-saving organs and life-changing tissue and corneal transplants,” says Mark Kenville, director of ConnectLife — Syracuse. “Everyone has the power to save and enhance lives by becoming a registered donor. It only takes a few minutes to register, and it can have a phenomenal impact on others’ lives for a long, long time.” New York state has simplified the
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process to register as an organ and tissue donor, including allowing registration through the Department of Motor Vehicles when you apply for a driver’s license or permit (www. DMV.NY.gov), through the Board of Elections when you register to vote, and through the New York State of Health marketplace when you sign up for, or renew, a health insurance plan (www.NYStateofHealth. NY.gov). You can also complete a paper or online registration form, or check to see if you’ve already registered to be an organ donor, at www. DonateLife.NY.gov. Find more information on organ donation and the donor registry at www.ConnectLife.org .
AUTISM AWARENESS
Early Signs of Autism
April is Autism Awareness Month!
Experts offer tips on what to look for By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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utism expert Stephen Shore, a physician, once said, “When you meet one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” The oft-quoted comment underscores the uniqueness of any person, including those with autism. While every person is an individual, parents should be aware of traits that could indicate that their children could be on the autism spectrum. Common signs your children maybe on the autism spectrum: • “Some signs to look for as early as 6 to 12 months old include no or few smiles, little eye contact, minimal babbling, few back and forth gestures such as waving good-bye, and does not respond to name. • “Other signs to look for as the child continues to grow during the toddler years include delayed language development, such as few or no two-word phrases by 24 months old; loss of previously acquired speech or skills; repetitive speech; avoidance of eye contact; difficulty reading/understanding other people’s expressions and feelings; prefers to play alone; little or no pretend play; lining up of toys without regard for functional play; restricted or few interests; repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning); watching things spin or move repeatedly; looking at parts of an object, such as wheels on a car, instead of the item in its entirety; listening to the same sounds repeatedly; sensitivity to sounds, smells, tastes, and/or sights; difficulty with changes to routine. • “Early intervention services are beneficial for a child with developmental differences such as autism to elicit improved social, communication, and play skills. Multiple research studies have shown positive long-term outcomes. • “Appropriate intervention uses evidenced based strategies to target joint attention, social deficits and behavioral challenges of children with autism and can influence the ways a child learns. It can lead to significant improvement in functional performance by school age. One of the beauties of early intervention is the parent involvement during sessions and carrying over suggested strategies in everyday interactions to promote continued development. When a parent observes possible signs of autism, they should look into receiving services as early as possible. A parent can refer a child less than 3 years old to the early intervention program by calling their local county health department.” — Wendy Miles, clinical leader/occupational therapist at Golisano Center for Special Needs, Syracuse
• “The upside of the increase of numbers is we do get better and better at earlier detection. We have seen children as early as 18 months. There’s benefit in getting diagnosed earlier. We don’t know what causes autism, but we know the earlier kids get comprehensive services, the better the prognosis. • “Look for delays in communication, not only delays in expressive language, receptive language, but the more unusual uses of language. They might have vocabulary but it’s all repetitive. It might be they repeat what they hear and not engaging in spontaneous language. It might not be functional to meet their needs by asking for things and letting people know what they need. This is called echolalia. • “Obviously, the thing most people understand is social delays. At this age, kids are typically very interested in other children and adults and getting attention. The typical baby in the high chair might drop a spoon and look at Mom. These kids won’t. • They don’t approach people. Their reference is self-directed. They’re not interested in other children. A typical 2-year-old runs to other kids at the playground. A kid on the spectrum may not show interest at all. • “Parallel play is typical for young toddlers, where kids play near but not with other children, but kids on the spectrum extend well into the pre-K years. By a certain age, we expect interactive play. • “At this age, you’d start seeing creative play where they create stories and use items as other items. Kids on the spectrum may line up toys and sort by colors and shapes but don’t use toys in the fashion for which they’re developed. They might focus on a part of the toy instead of using in the way it was designed. • “They may home in on the parts of things and are visually drawn to lines in their environments and tracing things. • “At this age, parents start to see stereotypes and repetitive movements like jumping, stiffening arms when excited or under-excited, hand flapping and spinning. • “I still hear in 2022 so many pediatricians say, ‘They’ll grow out of it.’ Early intervention is the best intervention. It’s frustrating when pediatricians brush it off as ‘typical boys’ or ‘she’ll grow out of it.’ Trust your gut. Early intervention is a county-paid program.” — Tanya Pellettiere, Ph.D., is a child and family psychologist with Liberty Post in East Syracuse
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April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 17
you can purchase a decorative urn through your funeral provider or online at Amazon.com. Or you may want to use an old cookie jar or favorite container that reminds your family of you.
By Jim Miller
What to Do with Cremated Ashes
Dear Savvy Senior,
A while back I saw an article on different ways to scatter a person’s ashes after they’re cremated, but I’ve misplaced it. Can you help me with this? I’m preplanning my funeral and would like to include instructions on what to do with my remains. — Planning Ahead
Dear Planning, There’s no shortage of options when it comes to handling or disposing of your cremated remains after you’re gone. Your family can keep, bury or scatter them in a variety of imaginative ways that reflect your life and personality. Here are some different options to consider.
Scatter them: The most popular option is to have your ashes scattered at a location you loved to be, a favorite fishing spot, camping area, golf course, beach, park or at home. If you choose this route, keep in mind that some places, such as national parks, require a permit. And many public areas, like parks or sports stadiums may prohibit scattering. Store them at home: Many families choose to keep their loved ones close, by storing them at home. If you and your family choses this option,
Bury/inter them: The burial option is good if you wish to have a special place for your family to visit. This is also the only option for cremated ashes sanctioned by the Catholic Church, which specifies that ashes of the dead should be kept in sacred places like a cemetery or a columbarium and not kept at home or scattered. Plant them: If you’re the environmental type, you can have your ashes planted with a tree. There are companies that offer living urns — like TheLivingUrn.com or UrnaBios. com — that mix your ashes with other nutrients that can be used to grow a plant or tree in your yard or a place of your choosing. Scatter them at sea: If you love the water, there are many businesses that offer ash scattering services at sea, especially close to coastal areas, or your family could rent a boat and do it themselves. There are also companies like EternalReefs.com that offer reef memorials so your ashes can rest on the ocean floor. Scatter them by air: This option will scatter your ashes into the sky so the particles can be taken by the wind. To do this, they could hire a private plane, helicopter or hot air balloon service, or use a balloon scattering service like Mesoloft.com. Or they could even send your ashes into outer space with Celestis.com.
Opening a New Door to Addiction Treatment Addiction affects all, regardless of background, race, ethnicity, gender, religion or socio-economic status. In recent years, communities across our nation — including Central New York — have experienced alarming increases in the number of people needing addiction treatment services. As the longest running treatment program in the region, Crouse Health’s Addiction Treatment Services remains committed to our mission to expand access to care and ensure delivery of high-quality addiction and mental health treatment in our community. We are proud of our new facility that matches the caliber of our staff and provides a nurturing, safe and uplifting environment that is already greatly enhancing our focus on holistic patient care: The Bill & Sandra Pomeroy Treatment Center at Crouse Health. If you, a loved one, friend or colleague is in need of treatment for substance use disorder, please contact us at 315-470-8304 or visit crouse.org/addiction. Bill & Sandra Pomeroy Treatment Center in Syracuse. The two-story, 42,000 square-foot facility at 2775 Erie Blvd., East, replaces the 100-year-old former location of Crouse’s outpatient treatment services at 410 South Crouse Avenue.
Page 18 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
Turn them into a record: If you love music, a UK company called Vinlyly (Andvinyly.com) will turn your ashes into a vinyl record. You supply the music (or voice recording) and cover image, and the company creates a memorial that your family can listen to for years to come. Turn them into jewelry or glass: If you love jewelry or glass trinkets, there are companies – like CloseByMeJewelry.com, SpiritPieces. com and ArtFromAshes.com – that will turn your ashes into wearable jewelry or glass art memorials. Go out with a bang: If you’re a hunter or a gun lover, a company called Holy Smoke (MyHolySmoke. com) will create loaded ammunition out of cremated remains. Your family could store the ammo in the engraved wooden box it comes in, or they can send you off in a gun salute. Turn them into art: If you love art, arrange for an artists or family member to paint your portrait, or a picture, with some of your ashes mixed into the paint. Or, if your family is into tattoos, many tattoo artists will mix some ashes with ink to create a memorial tattoo. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
Health News Rome Health has new breast health nurse navigator
Registered nurse Kelly Pietryka joined Rome Health as the new breast health nurse navigator in its Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. With 27 years of nursing experience, Pietryka comes to Rome Health with an extensive nursing backKelly Pietryka ground in radiation oncology, medical oncology, plastic surgery and health coaching. “Kelly’s strong background enables her to uniquely understand the workings of the healthcare system and to help patients better understand each step of the process as they begin their journey to wellness,” said Medical Imaging Director Sharon M. Carson. “The ability to communicate to patients exactly what to expect when undergoing a procedure helps reduce anxiety, allowing them to become an informed and active participant in their treatment plan.” “I am excited and honored to become part of this exceptional team,” Pietryka said. “I look forward to using my background to help guide, educate and support our patients as they move through their medical journey from diagnosis, to treatment and back to wellness.” “Not every abnormal mammogram finding ends up being a serious diagnosis, but it can be a very anxious time,” she said. “As a navigator, I will remain that ongoing consistent point of contact for our patients so they understand exactly what is going on each step of the way.” As breast health nurse navigator, Pietryka will work with each patient individually when an abnormal finding is present on mammography.
Working closely with the radiologist and the referring physician, she will guide patients through the process by explaining clinical information, treatment options, and next steps in everyday language. She will also help coordinate the care team beginning with the radiologist and referring provider, bringing in surgical consult and other resources as necessary to ensure that every patient receives the most coordinated and advanced care possible. Rome Health’s Breast Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence and participates in the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers program, as evidence of its commitment to provide each patient with the highest quality of care.
Urologist joins Upstate Urology at MVHS
Physician Seetharam Bhat has joined Upstate Urology at MVHS as a consultant urologist and assistant professor of urology for SUNY Upstate Medical University. Bhat received his medical degree from the Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Seetharam Bhat Memorial Hospital of Mumbai, India. He completed his residency in urology at Stanley Medical College in Chennai, India, a fellowship in laparoscopy and robotics at AdventHealth Global Robotics Institute in Celebration, Florida, and a fellowship in urology at Vattikutti Robotic Urology, Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, India. Prior to joining MVHS, Bhat served as director of clinical outcomes and senior clinical fellow at the Adventhealth Global Robotics In-
stitute, Celebration, Florida. He was also an assistant professor in urology at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences in Bengaluru, India. He has more than 12 years of clinical experience.
MVHS expands care network for mothers, babies
The Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) is expanding its obstetrical services. After a year of recruiting, the Mohawk Valley region now has access to a number of new obstetricians and three nurse midwives. At MVHS, physicians Dumisa Adams, Rose Antilus, Muzeyyen Ercanli, Jeannette Green, John Lovier and Jerome Rosenstein are joined by midwives Ronica Bennett, Caitlin Donaghy and Shelley Hong. At Slocum Dickson, obstetric services are provided by physicians Ashraf Aly, Kwaku Amankwah and Roxane Handal-Orefice. As a result, labor and delivery services are alive and well in the Mohawk Valley. According to a MVHS new release, The OB Care Center wants to ensure the health of every baby. Early prenatal care is necessary for the health of both mother and baby. More than 2,000 babies are born at the MVHS St. Luke’s Campus every year. Mothers stay in the same room during labor, delivery and recovery. Maternity and nursery staff are onhand to provide support and education on how to care for newborn infants. MVHS has the only Level II Special Care Nursery in the area for babies who need a higher level of care.
Rome Health’s nursing home has new administrator
Charles A. Lewis joined Rome Health as the new administrator of
Young Scholars LPP of Utica University ReceivesExcellus Award
E
xcellus BlueCross BlueShield recently awarded Young Scholars Liberty Partnership Program (YSLLP) of Utica University a Health Equity Award of $30,000 to support Young Scholars Mental Health Equity Programming. YSLPP provides year-round academic support, counseling and social and cultural enrichment to students from diverse backgrounds and communities of color in grades seven through twelve. These students and their families are among the populations that face overall health disparities, particularly in the mental health area. This program provides mental health support from a licensed social worker for students and their families. “The Young Scholars LPP social workers are the first and most trusted mental health professionals available to our students and their parents,” explains Pamela Matt, executive
Representatives from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield present Health Equity Award to Young Scholars Liberty Partnership Program of Utica University. Pictured left to right: Shayna Keller, Excellus BCBS community investments and partnerships manager; Alyssa Freeman, YSLPP social worker, high school; Pamela G. Matt, YSLPP executive director; Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BCBS Utica regional president; Zanya Ramos Rivera, YSLPP social worker, middle school/family engagement; Mary Hayes Gordon, YSLPP director of program operations. Not pictured: Vanessa Daniels, YSLPP social worker, middle school. director of YSLPP. “Stigma, cultural restrictions and other barriers often prevent students and parents from seeking mental health support. Pro-
viding immediate and free access to mental health professionals for each student upon entering the Young Scholars program helps to remove
the hospital’s 5-star nursing home on the third floor. The 80-bed residential health care facility (RHCF) provides shortterm rehabilitation, long-term care and respite care. “We extend our deepest appreciation to Anthony Joseph for his leadership in maintaining the Charles Lewis highest quality of care throughout the challenges of the pandemic and wish him well in his retirement,” said Chief Executive Officer AnneMarie W. Czyz. Lewis has been a licensed nursing home administrator for nearly 20 years, most recently serving as the administrator of Sunset Nursing Home in Boonville. Previously, he owned and operated the Lewis House in Westmoreland for over 20 years. He has a master’s degree in health services administration. “I’m humbled and honored to be selected to join the team at Rome Health. I am ready to continue on the path that has resulted in this facility being the only five-star facility in our area year after year,” Lewis said. “Tony Joseph and his team have proven themselves to be the standard that others measure themselves against. It’s my intention to support and help the residents and our colleagues every day.” The RHCF is rated five stars by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and has been ranked in the top 20% of skilled nursing facilities for seven consecutive years by the New York State Nursing Home Quality Initiative. Rome Health has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Nursing Home for short-term rehabilitation for three years year in a row. It is one of only 13% of skilled nursing facilities in the nation to earn the designation for 2021-2022.
these barriers.” The YSLPP is a collaborative effort between the Utica City School District and Utica University serving approximately 360 students from diverse backgrounds in grades seven through 12. Students nominated for the Young Scholars program are identified as having strong academic potential, but facing equally strong socioeconomic or other challenges that could keep them from realizing that potential. The mission of the YSLPP is to provide the necessary support for these students to stay in school, earn a New York State Regents Diploma with advanced designation, graduate college and be career ready. “We are proud to further our commitment to health equity by supporting programs such as Young Scholars LPP Mental Health Equity Programming,” said Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Utica regional president. “By removing critical barriers to mental health support, they are improving the health and quality of life for future generations in our communities.”
April 2022 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 19
Adriana Yorke, the manager of Chef’s Express. She said that everything at the bakery is made from scratch. “Our kitchen is a kitchen of all different abilities coming together to create the best baked goods that we can,” she said.
Jason Allen-Leonard is the co-owner of Wisk Baking Company of Utica, on Franklin Square, downtown Utica.
My Favorite Bakeries in Utica By Daniel Baldwin
I
t is not a good idea to talk about cakes, cookies and other sweets in a health-focused newspaper. Most of us try to stay away from these baked goods or try not eat them. But there are a few of us who love and cannot resist the rich, creamy, chocolaty and sweet taste that is in most cakes and cookies. And what better place to get and eat these sweet sugary baked goods than at a local bakery? I recently stopped at two local bakeries in the Utica area to try their best-selling baked goods, describe the taste and explain the reasons why I like these two bakeries. I did this to not only encourage local residents to try these places out, but to help the businesses get more customers and attention throughout the Mohawk Valley.
Many of the Staff at Chef’s Express, 241 Genesee St., Utica, have developmental disabilities and receive services from The Arc of Oneida-Lewis chapter.
Chef’s Express 241 Genesee St., Utica • Origins/history: The bakery opened on Dec. 1, 2021. Most of the staff in the bakery’s kitchen have developmental disabilities and receive services from The Arc of Oneida-Lewis chapter (an organization that provides employment, educational, residential, vocational, and rehabilitation services for people with developmental disabilities, according to Thearcolc.org). Adriana Yorke, the manager of Chef’s Express, said The Arc got a grant from the Utica mayor’s gala in 2019 and the organization used that money to build and open its very own bakery named Chef’s Express. People, who are supported by The Arc and are interested in baking, can come to Chef’s Express and learn how to make cupcakes, cookies and other sweets. “Our kitchen is a kitchen of all different abilities coming together to create the best baked goods that we can,” Yorke said. “People who receive services through The Arc come here and help us in the kitchen. It’s a prevocational program. So we’re here to teach them all job skills, so that they can go out to the community and get jobs in a bakery or in a restaurant.” • Menu/taste: The bakery’s menu consists of cupcakes, birthday cakes, specialty cakes, cookies large and small fudge brownies and blueberry
French macarons made from scratch at Wisk Baking Company. Macarons are small sandwich cookies that come in a wide variety of colors and flavors.
Sample of the baked goods offered by Wisk Baking Company includes cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, cannolis, moon pies, cookies, doughnuts, brownies and halfmoons.
muffins. Yorke said that everything here is made from scratch. Nothing comes out of a box or can. The bakery’s two top-selling products are its large cookies and red velvet cupcakes. I tried and enjoyed eating their large chocolate chip cookies. They had a buttery and toffee-like taste to them, which, to me, enhances the flavor of that cookie. This cookie was not hard as a rock when I first bit into it. Each chocolate chip was soft and creamy. This cookie gets a 10 out of 10. I also tried their red velvet cupcakes, which were dipped in dark chocolate and topped with buttercream frosting. This product definitely had a sweet and chocolaty taste. The frosting tasted like cream cheese. This cupcake was another treat that I loved and enjoyed. • Reasons why I like this bakery: Making many good-looking and delicious cakes or cookies is no easy task for any baker, to my point of view. The fact that Yorke and the rest of her staff, most of them with developmental disabilities, could get the job done and be good at it, is quite the achievement in my book and deserves mentioning in this article. “I don’t know any other bakery around here that does something like this,” Yorke said. “On top of that, we’re really making it a point to use the best ingredients and not skip any steps. Everything we put out, we make sure it’s perfect. If it’s not great we don’t put it out.” Wisk Baking Company of Utica 53 Franklin Square, Utica • Origins/history: In 2014, Douglas and Jason Allen-Leonard started the Wisk Business from home, baking cakes, cookies and other sweets in their kitchen. The business rapidly grew throughout 2014, which made it harder for both to work and bake at their household. They stopped working from home and opened their own bakery, on Franklin Square, downtown Utica, on Sept. 18, 2015. • Menu/taste: The staff and chefs at Wisk make cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, cannolis, moon pies, cookies, doughnuts, brownies and halfmoons. Wisk also has a breakfast menu, made up of pancakes, fruits, waffles, omelets and breakfast burritos. The chefs even make many types of sandwiches for lunch. But out of all the baked goods and foods
Page 20 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • April 2022
on the menu, the bakery’s best-selling products are its French macarons, something that I and possibly many other people have not heard of or seen on the front shelves at many other bakeries. These macarons are small sandwich cookies that come in a wide variety of colors and flavors. They have a buttercream or jelly filling sandwiched in between two round cookies. The cookies are made from egg whites, ground almonds and sugar. Wisk’s pistachio-flavored macarons are all green (green cookies and green cream) and actually tasted like mint when I tried it. Their brown-colored macarons have a chocolate and caramel taste, which to me is the best combination and my favorite of the bunch. I also love their dark chocolate raspberry-flavored macarons, which consist of a chocolate frosting filling sandwiched in between two purple-colored cookies. Their white cookies and cream flavored macarons taste better than an Oreo. I enjoyed eating every single macaron Jason gave me, no matter what color or flavor they were. All of them were delicious. • Reasons why I like this bakery: This baking company is unique and different from all the other bakeries I visited in the Mohawk Valley. It doesn’t stick to the basic bakery menu of cakes and cookies. It makes and sells other foods, like omelets, pancakes and sandwiches. It decorates cakes and other sweets differently. From looking at cake pictures on the bakery’s Facebook page, they are the best-looking cakes I’ve seen in my life. I believe that Wisk Baking Company is trying to stand out from the bakery group. Trying to push unknown or less popular baked goods (like the French macarons) and being successful at it. They are the best-selling food in the shop. In order to stand out from the competition, to my perspective, a business must lower prices and sell something that the other company is not. That is what I believe Wisk is trying to do. I give them credit for that. “A lot of the bakeries in the area are more Italian-based,” Jason said. “We try to do stuff outside of your typical Italian fair that you would find in Utica. We do offer some of the pastries that mirror the other bakeries, but in the same breath we try to be just a little bit different right down to the design of our cakes and stuff like that.”