in good Meet Your Doctor See Page 4
Give us a smile! See Page 13
October 2014 • Issue 104
free
Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
Providing Refuge Mohawk Valley caring for diverse population See Page 5
Women’s Health Special Edition Dealing with postmenopausal issues See Page 7
Cybersecurity: Are your medical records, devices safe? See Page 12
What turns men on? See Page 8 Yasi Back: Have confidence, will succeed See Page 9
Olives
‘Superstar’ health benefits See Page 10
Solving daycare dilemmas See Page 6
Overweight pets Does your furry friend need to shed some pounds? See Page 19
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Tuesdays
Support for the grief stricken Grief Survivors meets from 6-7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. Drop-ins are welcome. This is a faith-based support group for those suffering the loss of a loved one. For more information, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, tanya@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit online at www. thegoodnewscenter.org.
Wednesdays/Thursdays
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to visit HOA. You’ll soon see that our staff, experience, technology, clinical trials, and our holistic approach to healing make HOA an amazing place for cancer treatment–right here in Central New York.
A women’s support/therapy group is meeting weekly from 5:30-7 on Mondays. Groups will be held in a confidential location in New Hartford and group size will be limited to protect anonymity. Topics of discussion may include family issues, stress, anger, relationships, grief, and more. Clinical therapist Cynthia Davis, who has over 20 years of experience, will lead the group. To pre-register, contact Davis at 315-736-1231, 315-794-2454 or email cindycsw@yahoo.com
Overeaters Anonymous plans meetings
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
Is food a problem for you? Do you eat when you’re not hungry? Do you binge, purge or restrict? Is your weight affecting your life? Overeaters Anonymous meets from
5:30-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday in Room 101 (first floor) at Rome Memorial Hospital, 1500 James St., Rome. It also meets from 7-8 p.m. every Thursday at Oneida Baptist Church, 242 Main St., Oneida. Participants are asked to use the rear door. There are no dues, fees, weigh-ins or diets. For more information, call OA at 315-468-1588 or visit oa.org.
Oct. 1
FSLH Stroke Support Group to meet Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica will host a free stroke support group presentation at 6 p.m. Oct. 1 in the Soggs Room at St. Luke’s Home in the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services, 1650 Champlin Ave., Utica. Maria Santa Maria, coordinator of outpatient physical therapy at FSLH, will discuss information about recovery-related treatments and management strategies to help ease the transition to life after stroke. FSLH is the area’s only designated primary stroke center and is a recipient of the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s 2013 Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award for excellence in the care of stroke patients. For more information, call 315-6246847.
Oct. 1
Open houses at YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley The YMCA of the Greater Tri Valley will hold an open house at the
Continued on Page 18
Viral Attack What parents need to know about E68 By Hannah McNamara
T
he widespread upper respiratory virus that has hospitalized hundreds of kids throughout the United States has reached Central New York. It has been confirmed that this rare but serious virus is known as enterovirus 68. It is one of more than 100 of the most common viruses that threaten the health of humans. EV-D68 recently has caused an epidemic across the U.S. It has been reported in numerous states in parts of the Midwest and South and now Connecticut and New York. This is the first time it has caused a dangerous impact in the U.S., particularly affecting the lungs of children. “One possibility as to why this virus has affected children so abruptly this summer and fall season is because outbreaks occur in cycles and this virus is uncommon enough that no infants, children, or teenagers have ever been exposed to it up until this point,” said Linda Kokozski, nurse clinician for the Oneida County Health Department. Since most of the population has never been introduced to this virus before, there is no immunity against it in the U.S. It’s hard to tell the difference in symptoms between a common cold and the enterovirus 68. Many people who become infected will see mild to no symptoms. However, the most common symptoms for EV-D68 are wheezing, shortness of breath, muscle aches, coughing, a running nose, and fever. “Testing for EV-D68 is an intricate process and since there is no cure, the diagnosis won’t affect the clinical management of it,” Kokozski said. She said people should seek medical attention if cold and flu- like symptoms worsen and if upper respiratory complications results along with shortness of breath and chest pains. Although anyone can become infected with D68, according to the CDC, the disease has been mostly affecting children 6 months to 16 years but specifically toddlers aged 4 to 5. The worst cases reported have involved children with a history of breathing problems such as asthma or wheezing. The virus affects the lungs and does not allow any movement of air. Even if your child has no history of asthma, the symptoms to look for are similar to those of asthma. Kokozski advised anyone with asthma to make sure it is well controlled and to always have medication on hand. If the symptoms are mild, treat the virus as any other by drinking extra fluids, getting enough rest, and keeping the children home from school. Many recent cases have led to hospitalization that may result in supportive therapy such as oxygen and nebulization. It is spread just like the common cold, she noted. Close contact with an infected person who coughs or sneezes or touches the same object as an infected person places on at risk, she added.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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ER visits up for high blood pressure
E
mergency room visits for high blood pressure jumped 25 percent in the United States in recent years, according to a new study. The finding — based on nearly 4 million U.S. emergency room visits from 2006 to 2011 — points to a need for people to better control their blood pressure by going to their primary care doctor, said physician Sourabh Aggarwal, the study’s lead researcher. “That’s quite a big increase in the number of visits to the ER,” said Aggarwal, chief resident in internal medicine at the Western Michigan University School of Medicine in Kalamazoo. However, while ER visits jumped, hospital admissions for high blood pressure, or hypertension, fell by 15 percent, the researchers said. And deaths among those admitted to the hospital because of blood pressure spikes fell 36 percent, the investigators found. Aggarwal can’t say what lies behind the findings, as the data didn’t include detailed information. But he speculated that patients found to have high blood pressure in the ER may not have a regular doctor. In some cases, the high blood pressure gets detected when they seek care for another complaint, he noted. The finding that fewer admissions and deaths are occurring could indicate that emergency room and hospital doctors have become better at treating high blood pressure, Aggarwal suggested. For the study, researchers collected information from a nationwide emergency department database and looked for high blood pressure as the first diagnosis. ER visits because of high blood pressure jumped from 71 per every 100,000 people in 2006 to nearly 85 per 100,000 in 2011, the study found. One expert said the results suggest a change in health-care patterns rather than an alarming spike in Americans’ blood pressure levels. “What this is a sign of is that patients are going to the ER instead of their doctor,” said physician Stephen Pitts, associate professor of medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, who wasn’t involved in the study. According to the heart association, about one out of every three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for stroke, heart attack and heart failure. It’s called a “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms. Optimal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. The top number measures pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, while the bottom number measures pressure in the arteries between heartbeats.
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Patricia J. Malin
Dr. Rudolph Buckley
Dr. Rudolph Buckley specializes in spinal surgery with Hamilton Orthopaedics, but much of his time has been devoted to orthopedic research and providing minimally invasive spine procedures. He is a partner at Hamilton Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine in Hamilton, a seven-person orthopedic group. He recently spoke with Mohawk Valley In Good Health senior correspondent Patricia J. Malin about his long career. Q.: Why did you decide to practice in the Mohawk Valley? A.: My first full-time job was at Slocum-Dickson in Utica. I had received a scholarship from New York state to attend medical school in Atlanta. Upon completion of my studies, I had job offers in New York City, but I loved the Upstate area. I looked at Bassett (Cooperstown), Syracuse and Slocum-Dickson. I found the Utica area had a shortage of physicians. By choosing to begin my practice in Utica, it helped provide healthcare to a region in need and also met my scholarship criteria for medical school loan repayment. Q.: What prompted you to become a doctor? A.: My father, who worked in the Rolls Royce plant in London, wanted me to do it and my teachers in school pushed me, too. As for orthopedics, I played sports in school and had a lot of injuries. And I like surgery, so I put sports and medicine together. I specialized in spinal surgery because I understood it and it made sense to me. It is connected to all fields of orthopedics. I left England when I was 12 years old because my parents wanted more opportunities for their children. I have four older sisters. We moved to Queens first, and then to Hempstead, Long Island. Q.: What specific ailments or disorders do you treat? A.: Spinal disease and spinal injuries. Q.: What is the most challenging aspect of your job? A.: The changing landscape of medicine, especially electronic health records. There is constant scrutiny now by the government. The new regulations associated with the Affordable Care Act are not all bad; they were set up for a good reason, to apply checks and balances to the system. I received my MBA in 2012 so I could understand what the government is doing and to get perspective from the hospital’s’ side. Q.: What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job? A.: Taking care of people who are in dire straits; helping people maintain their health and take care of themselves. One of my patients is an 80-year-old woman who was bent over with scoliosis. She couldn’t walk distances without pain. She was told that it’s just old age. I worked with her in pain management and did minimally invasive spine surgery. She is now able to be active, enjoys
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
spending time with her grandchildren and is a vital member of the community. Q.: What are the newest developments in orthopedics? A.: The science and technology
associated with spine surgery is very progressive. Surgeries that traditionally required very large incisions with long periods of recuperation can now be accomplished though minimally invasive measures. This means the incisions are smaller, hospital stays are shorter and people get back to normal activities much sooner. The introduction of stem cells into damaged areas of the spine is also a newer method for treating spinal disease. The theory behind this treatment plan is the patient’s own stem cells are gathered and relocated directly into the area of injury. This technique provides a better environment for the body to heal itself. Q.: How do you keep up with the latest research and developments in healthcare?
Continued on Page 15
Lifelines Age: 48 Birthplace: London, England Residence: Hamilton Education: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 1984-87; Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga., summa cum laude, medical degree, 1988-92; Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, La., internship, 1992-93; orthopedic residency, Tulane, 1993-97; Masters in Business Administration, University of Tennessee, 2012 Employment: Fellowship in spinal reconstruction, St Joseph’s Hospital, Baltimore, Md., 1997-98; Slocum-Dickson Medical Group, Utica, 1988-2009; Hamilton Orthopaedics, 2009-present Awards: Irene Thibodeaux Award for outstanding chief resident, Tulane, 1997 Family: Daughter Rachael, who attends Howard University Hobbies: Cycling, antique autos
Cover Story Caring for the refugee population Refugees have dramatic impact on Mohawk Valley health care system By Traci DeLore
S
ince the 1970s when Vietnamese refugees began arriving and calling the Utica area home, the Mohawk Valley’s population has continued to diversify. The growing diversity, while adding to the “melting pot” feel of the region, can often make it difficult to provide services, such as health care, in an effective and efficient manner. According to the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees in Utica, Oneida County has the fourth highest concentration of refugees in the United States, and refugees make up about 12 percent of the city of Utica’s population. At Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica, just over 6 percent of patient encounters in 2013 were with non-English-speaking patients, said Ezio Poccia. That means out of 260,000 patient encounters, about 16,000 were with non-English speakers. To help provide the best possible care, FSLH has six interpreters on staff and also utilizes area interpreting services as well as an around-the-clock language line telephone interpreting service. “To date [this year], we have interpreted for 66 different languages,” Poccia said. Languages include Spanish, Bosnian, Arabic, Somali, Karen (Burmese), Nepalese, Cambodian and many others. The language barrier can cause a number of issues from a patient being unable to tell the doctor what is wrong or unable to read and fill out paperwork, to the doctor being unable to convey instructions to the patient. Typically, it takes about twice as long for a visit with a non-English-speaking patient, said Mark Warfel, family medicine residency program director and director of medical education for the Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica. Mohawk Valley Health System is an affiliation of FSLH and St. Elizabeth Medical Center. “Communication is verbal, but there are a lot of non-verbal aspects
Interpreters with the Multicultural Association of Medical Interpreters of Central New York participate in a professional development day on the health issue of bed bugs. It was conducted by the Oneida County Health Department. of communication,” Warfel said. That includes inflection and tone of voice as well as body language. “You have to be very careful about even the way you approach them,” Poccia said. Added all together, it just takes extra time to make sure the right messages are being conveyed, Warfel said.
Significant cost factor
In addition to taking extra time, providing interpreting services — either through staff or through third-party interpreting services — also adds additional expense for health-care providers, who must bear that cost. In 2013, the Mohawk Valley Health System spent $1,098,000 on interpreter and translation services. No reimbursement from government programs or insurance is provided. For that reason, the Family Medical Center tries to schedule patients of the same language for visits around the same time to best utilize translators. The center provides translators for 29 different languages.
The Multicultural Association of Medical Interpreters of Central New York, Inc., with offices in Utica, Syracuse, and Albany, is one area provider that helps health-care organizations fill in gaps with interpreting services for more than 55 languages. Providing quality interpreting services extends far beyond just translating words, said the organization’s executive director, Cornelia Brown. Interpreters go a long way toward bridging cultural barriers, such as lack of awareness of preventive care,
The Mohawk Valley
Sleep Disorders Center
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As the area’s longest standing Accredited Member Center of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, we are uniquely equipped to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of various sleep disorders. We have been serving the community since 2007 with highly qualified
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which can stand in the way of quality care. Health care providers have had to adapt to those barriers and make sure their staff is aware, added Mary Stronach, MAMI’s outreach coordinator. “Many of these cultures have no idea what that is,” Warfel said of preventive care. Having an interpreter who cannot only explain what a vaccination is, but do so in a culturally sensitive way is invaluable, he noted. To help promote that cultural sensitivity and connection, Warfel actually recruits participants for his residency program from overseas, looking in particular for people from areas where the region’s refugees are from. These residents then receive the rest of their training here with hopes they will stay and practice in the community upon completion of their education. “They provide services to these patients that are really helpful,” Warfel said because they know the culture as well as speak the language. To stay on top of the area’s refugee population needs, health care providers work hand-in-hand with the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees. The center can generally give providers a heads up on where the next group of refugees is coming from, Poccia says. That helps providers get a head start on making sure they have interpreting services available by the time those patients start arriving. “Refugees are fortunate they are living in a community that is open and welcoming and working to make changes that promote good outcomes,” Stronach said.
professionals and state-of-the-art technology. Medical Director Dr. Steven Levine is board certified by both the American Board of Medical Specialties; Sleep (ABMS/ABIM)
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In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2014 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 • Phone: 315-749-7070 Email: lou@cnymail.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Patricia Malin, Barbara Pierce, Kristen Raab, Malissa Allen, Mary Stevenson, Deb Dittner, Amylynn Pastorella, Mary Christopher Advertising: Donna Kimbrell Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Office Manager: Laura Beckwith
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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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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Women’s Health Mary in the Middle
By Mary Stevenson
Who’s watching the kids? In search of perfect daycare arrangements
A
hhh, back to school — a time for new beginnings, new clothes, new shoes and sometimes, new day care arrangements for school-aged children. For working parents and caregivers, before and after school childcare arrangements can be stressful, especially if this is the first year the child is in school, moving into a new district, or previous daycare arrangements fell through. Sometimes, there is tons of research and effort involved in sending the children to the right caregiver. Many times, it comes down to finances and location. There are several Stevenson options out there for parents and several ways to go about finding the right care to fulfill all desires and needs. Sandi Van Wormer, former Sauquoit resident and mother of five, has several needs to fill all at once. “My biggest challenge with
after-school care is that I have kids in different schools that get out at different times,” she said. “There is not one program that fits everyone. So I am left with trying to find a person who can handle pick-up’s and still be home for those who ride the bus.” Van Wormer’s five children attend different schools and have different dismissal times. “Two of our children attend public school and arrive home around 3:25 p.m.,” she said. Two attend private school and have dismissal and/or arrival times that range from 2–3 p.m. Some of her options include having parents of her children’s classmates help with pickups and drop-offs, hiring an au pair or changing her working hours, which isn’t always feasible. “Cost is a factor, but trust is a bigger factor. I need someone who I trust to be around my kids, who is reliable — who will never call in sick, or have to deal with their own kids or
©
Dr. Graber is pleased to welcome January Hill, MD to the practice Dr. Hill is now seeing new patients for surgical consultation for those considering weight loss surgery
The Van Wormer family includes, from left, McKinley, Amelia, Jameson, Jillian, and Elijah Van Wormer. some other drama,” Van Wormer said. “Our son is only 4, so putting him in an after-school program without any of his siblings concerns me.” Home daycare provider Jacqui Obernesser of Frankfort has been providing quality daycare for children for almost 22 years. “Caring for children has always been a huge part of my life, Obernesser said. “Even when I was a child, all I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a mother.” She began babysitting at age 12 and continued in various capacities throughout college. She began her own daycare as a means to stay home with her own children and to continue to support her family. Obernesser has seen many changes and additions to daycare regulations over the years. Some are state mandated and some are federal. “All are geared toward making the best possible environment for every child that attends,” she said. There is a new regulation now that limits all screen time for children, from TVs to computers to gaming devices, she added. What advice would you give to parents looking for daycare for school agers? “I highly suggest enrolling children in a licensed or certified daycare setting,” Obernesser said. “As a parent,
my No. 1 priority would be the supervision and safety of my child. I would also ask what school-aged activities the daycare program offers and if there was quiet space available to do homework. Lastly, I suggest always getting references, not only from past clients, but current ones also.” The Internet can be a valuable resource for daycare research. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services has a searchable database of licensed daycare homes, group family daycare homes and daycare centers. There are also tips and advice for parents looking for childcare for all ages. There are also childcare councils and resource centers in most areas. They have staff and resources to assist parents in their quest for daycare arrangements that allow for quality care within the budget of each family. Finding the right daycare that works for your family and situation is not a cookie-cutter search. Sometimes, you have to start at the end of the school year for the next. Sometimes, you have to work with what is available until what suits you comes along. It’s a search and a struggle that is always worth it. • Mary Stevenson is a contributing staff writer for Mohawk Valley In Good Health.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
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Women’s Health
Breaking down barriers
New GSM term aimed to put postmenopausal women at ease, facilitate conversation
By Mary Christopher
A
new acronym in women’s health is hoping to have a big impact on women who may feel uncomfortable talking with their doctors about postmenopausal problems. The term genitourinary syndrome of menopause has been developed to be a more all-encompassing way of describing genital, sexual or urinary problems — all common issues associated with post-menopause and low estrogen levels. It was developed and formally endorsed by the North American Menopause Society and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. “We want to see it better recognized and widely accepted to improve women’s quality of life,” said MarGass gery Gass, a gynecologist and executive director of the North American Menopause Society. “We hope this will facilitate conversation and at the same time provide more scientifically accurate terminology. These particular problems that arise after menopause are a constellation of symptoms, but they are all related to low estrogen levels.” Various terms have been used to refer to the problems women can have when estrogen drops, including atrophic vaginitis and vulvovaginal atrophy. Often these definitions cause embarrassment when patients talk to their physician or they don’t mention
them at all. Atrophy suggests wasting away and that is not exactly what is happening and many people are uncomfortable saying “vagina” in public, Gass said. Neither address urinary problems that can also occur post menopause. Vulvovaginal atrophy refers to the appearance of the vulva and vagina post menopause, but it does not mention symptoms. Atrophic vaginitis suggests inflammation or infection, neither of which is always present. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause covers the reproductive organs and urinary system, targeting a wide variety of symptoms that can affect postmenopausal women.
Hormone levels critical
The bladder, vagina and urethra are all affected by estrogen and when
estrogen levels drop during menopause, it can cause a variety of physical changes in those areas. Incorporating the word menopause in the term was important because it pinpoints to what the principal causes of the changes are, Gass said. Last year, the Vulvovaginal Atrophy Terminology Consensus Conference Panel met to discuss a more accurate and wide reaching term that would be acceptable for women, researchers, educators, media and public. While better communication was a main focus, addressing the proper symptoms including urinary problems was key, Gass said. “It was a challenge to come up with a term that meets so many criteria,” she said. According to an article in the October issue of Menopause, GSM may
RMH names Community Recovery Center director
C
harles Pucillo has been named the new director of Rome Memorial Hospital’s Community Recovery Center. Pucillo brings more than 24 years of leadership and counseling experience in both public and private facilities to his new position at the outpatient center, which provides comprehensive alcohol and substance abuse counseling. In 2011, Pucillo retired as program director Pucillo of Insight House Chemical Dependency Agency in Utica after 15 years with the agency. Prior to his work with Insight House, Pucillo served as director of the Alcohol Crisis Center in Utica
for six years. After his retirement, Pucillo’s desire to reach out to those who are suffering with chemical dependency did not diminish. His concern and compassion for people dealing with addiction drew him back to a job where he could offer them help. “I feel good, I’m healthy, I thought, ‘why not get back into it?’ I still have a lot to give,” Pucillo said. “It means so much to me to be able to help people find a way out of the clutch of their addictions so that they can truly be the best they can be.” Pucillo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in bible studies and pastoral ministry at Central Bible College, Springfield, Mo. He began his ministry in Brooklyn, where he found many of the members of his congregation were dealing with drug and alcohol abuse either directly or in their families. In ministering to his congregation, Pucillo soon found his second calling as a councilor for those
suffering with addiction. “I saw firsthand how an addiction can take control of a person and ultimately their family,” he said. “It is an important part of my life to be able to offer others the information and help they need to regain control of their lives again.” Pucillo became a credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor through the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, State of New York. Pucillo also holds credentials as an international certified alcohol and drug counselor through the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium. “The problems of addiction are prevalent throughout the population,” Pucillo said. “There is no specific type of person who becomes addicted and it is not limited by age or where a person lives. Addiction can happen to anyone.”
October 2014 •
include but is not limited to genital symptoms of dryness, burning and irritation; sexual symptoms of lack of lubrication, discomfort or pain and impaired function; and urinary symptoms of urgency, dysuria and recurrent urinary tract infections. The GSM term is doing well in public comment and has gained support from medical affiliations. Gass said The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is conducting an extensive review of all terminology in obstetrics and gynecology and is including GSM in its list of updated terminology. Name changes in medical terminology are not new as many compare integrating the GSM term to the way impotence in men is now called erectile dysfunction. The stigma once associated with impotence was removed, treatments increased and quality of life for men improved — all without using the word penis, Gass said. Studies published last year in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 60 percent of women experienced vaginal dryness but only 44 percent had discussed it with their health care provider because they were “too shy” to bring it up, according to the AARP website. Providers were even worse talking about it as only 13 percent of women in the study said their doctor or nurse had initiated a conversation about postmenopausal vaginal changes. Gass hopes similar stigmas will be erased for women and improvements in health will be made just as they were for men. “We hope to educate everyone about GSM because this is important to women’s health and well being,” Gass said. “Using GSM will make discussing these very personal problems so much easier.”
News in Brief Tickets on sale for fashion show The annual American Girl Fashion Show to benefit children’s programs and services at Upstate Cerebral Palsy will take place with shows at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at The Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona. Tickets are $35 per person and may be purchased online at upstatecp.org or by calling 315-724-6907 ext. 2278. Advance registration is required.
Women at the Well to gather
Women at the Well will meet from 6:30–8 p.m. Oct. 28 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. The faith-based group meets on the last Tuesday of each month. Drop-ins are welcome.
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Women’s Health
Are you SAD? Seasonal affective disorder real threat By Mary Christopher
D
uring the fall and winter months, some people suffer from symptoms of depression that can appear gradually or come on all at once and then disappear or alleviate once spring and summer arrive. For many, this is a sign that they suffer from seasonal affective disorder. SAD has a wide range of symptoms similar to depression that are a result of less exposure to sunlight during the day. Brighter days offer relief to people to the extent that Google searches about mental health problems decreased during the summer months, according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. “We see so much of this in the Mohawk Valley because of our lack of sunshine Horan for so long,” said Maria Horan, a licensed social worker practicing in Utica. “We have much higher instances of SAD compared to other areas because vitamin D becomes so scarce during the winter.” The recent Google study used the public database to identify and monitor searches related to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, eating disorders and schizophrenia and found that mental disorders could follow seasonal patterns. SAD symptoms can include fatigue, lack of interest in normal activities, social withdrawal, craving foods high in carbohydrates and weight gain. If someone notices that this is becoming a problem for them, then the first thing they should do is make an appointment with their primary care doctor and have blood work done to rule out problems that can be associated with clinical depression, Horan said. At first, it may be hard to distinguish between what could be a lack of vitamin D or a form of depression. “Some find that their mental health improves when they are outdoors or in nature,” said Susan Romeo, owner of Central New York Healing Touch in Clinton, which specializes in stress management. “The prescription very well could be going to a park and spending time there or incorporating more exercise. The more you can get
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outside the better.”
Season makes all the difference
Last winter, many of Romeo’s clients came to her with varying degrees of seasonal affective mood issues who were fine through most of the year and then became challenged with staying vital and finding joy in life during the grayness of winter. According to the American Psychiatric Association (www.psychiatry.org), people experience a shift in their biological internal clock or circadian rhythm as seasons change that can cause them to be out of step with their daily schedule. Research has shown that bright light makes a difference in brain chemistry and shorter daylight hours and lack of sunlight in the winter can create a chemical imbalance. Exposing the skin to sunlight helps the body make vitamin D, which is essential for bone Romeo strength, calcium absorption and proper immune function. There are some treatments and alternatives for those who are deficient in vitamin D. Using full-spectrum lighting is an effective way of treating SAD if a person has a hard time getting outdoors, Romeo said. Full-spectrum lights are light therapy boxes that mimic outdoor light and can help cause a chemical change that in the brain that lifts the mood and eases other SAD symptoms. Those afflicted can also take supplements, but consult a physician about which dose would be right for you. Include more vitamin D-rich foods in your diet, but that alone would not be enough to bring vitamin D levels to normal levels. Some of the foods include fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk and orange juice, fortified cereals and infant formula. Maximize sun exposure in the winter months and let as much as your skin show as you comfortably can. When all else fails, get outside even if it is just for a short time. Romeo said from a holistic point of view, fresh air and natural sunlight are always the best medicine. “We can understand why so many people worship the sun,” she said. “The outdoor experience, no matter how large or small, also facilitates one’s energy rejuvenation. There is a reason why thriving plants turn toward the light.”
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
Between You and Me
By Barbara Pierce
What turns men on?
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ike most women, I want men to be attracted to me. Drawn to me, excited by me, feeling they can’t live without me. Like most women, I worry about my less than perfect body. And I worry about all those flaws and quirks I have, mostly harmless, but sometimes I wonder. How will he view me, what will he think of me? Then an online article caught my eye: “As a single woman, you may not know that most ordinary guys are attracted to the quirks and ‘flaws’ that women are terrified will doom them to a lifetime of singlehood,” said freelance writer Bob Strauss on match.com. The first one he mentions is the one “imperfection” that keeps women awake at night — their weight. And I have to admit, that’s my concern. “Many men like plus-sized women with soft bellies,” says Strauss. He attributes it to early conditioning. Maybe they had a mother or mother figure that had that kind of body and they felt comforted and enveloped Pierce by the mother figure. I do know that we all carry in our subconscious minds an image of who is attractive to us. Think about it: You know right away if this person appeals to you or not. Some men prefer women who are bigger. They might like big breasts, or big butts, or all-over big women. I’ve been mistaken for my boyfriend’s ex-wife, because our body types are so similar. And similar to his second ex-wife also. Like all men, he has a distinct type. Before online dating changed the face of dating, I went to singles’ dances, often with a friend, Glenda. She was overweight, by about 40 pounds, and didn’t carry it well. But every time we went out together, Glenda danced the whole night, with one man after another, and went on to date many of them. And there I was, reasonably slender and attractive, standing on the sidelines watching her dance.
The Glenda factor
What did Glenda have that made her attractive to men? She liked herself. She was comfortable with herself. She felt attractive and sexy. And, she was approachable. She was open and friendly. Men were not afraid she’d turn them down if they asked her to dance. I learned a lot from Glenda. I know several overweight women like Glenda who have found men who think they are wonderfully attractive. So we shouldn’t agonize about our bodies. Just get out there and act like an attractive, sexy woman. Strauss adds: “The vast majority of guys don’t care much about a few, even 20-30 extra pounds.”
Other things he suggests men find attractive about women: • Glasses: “Every guy loves a girl in glasses, but women never seem to know that,” says one single guy. “For some guys (mostly the lazy ones who grew up watching teen comedies), glasses connote a nerdy personality and a high IQ, which can have intrinsic appeal,” adds Strauss. Others like them because spectacle-wearing women remind them of their mothers or early childhood crushes. • Freckles: The powers-that-be in the cosmetics industry have convinced women that their freckles need to be buried under thick slabs of spackle and bronzer. This is all based on a huge misunderstanding: To some men, freckles make a woman appear “innocent” and fresh. Even if you don’t have freckles, try wearing less makeup, which many men appreciate. • An independent streak. Says Strauss: The worst thing a woman can do is play down her naturally ebullient personality in an effort to be more “accommodating” to her partner and avoid making waves. Most guys like a brisk, good-natured argument, and if you nip this possibility in the bud by constantly replying, “I agree” or “Yes, you’re right,” the relationship will go nowhere. On the other hand, though, playing devil’s advocate in every conversation just makes you seem combative. So if you find yourself disagreeing more than not with your date, maybe it’s time to look for someone that’s a better fit for you, personality-wise. • Plain Janes: Standards of beauty in today’s media-saturated world have become so artificially elevated that many otherwise attractive women are convinced they’re “homely” because of a slightly bigger nose or a crooked smile. The good news is that most guys don’t care about this stuff. • Assorted quirks: Fran Drescher, star of “The Nanny,” had a piercing, snorting, abrasive laugh — and it made her a millionaire. That laugh also unmasked a secret crush that most guys didn’t even know they had: the hot girl with an unexpected quirk. “The right person will think your quirks are adorable,” says one expert. Remember this the next time you’re feeling self-conscious about slurping your straw three times as you finish your iced latte. You might just have the guy entranced! • Barbara Pierce is a retired licensed clinical social worker with many years’ experience in helping people. If you would like to purchase a copy of her book “If I’m so Fantastic, Why am I Still Single?” contact her at BarbaraPierce06@yahoo.com, or contact her if you have any concerns you would like her to address.
Women’s Health Ace’s Angle
By Amylynn Pastorella
An Air of Confidence
Take the ‘look good, feel good’ approach to your life
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utumn is here! Confidence is in the air! My favorite time of year has begun. From now until the new year, I’m empowered by falling leaves, seasonal music, anything pumpkin-scented, fresh air and my very favorite: fall fashion. Yes, this is my favorite time of year for being stylish. Ace’s angle this month is: “look good, feel good.” With the changing leaves comes rejuvenation. My inspiration came from a blog that I follow called, “Hello Gorgeous!” which promotes fun, classy, affordable outfits Pastorella for the everyday, working woman. Sorry guys, I am high on the power of confidence this month. I had the awesome opportunity to speak to “Hello Gorgeous!” creator, Yasi Back, and wanted to share her words of wisdom with you. Back, 30, from Kalamazoo, Mich., started her blog to show that women are amazing and should dress in a way that reflects how fantastic they are. Her belief is to have fun with your clothes. Back inspires and encourages women to take chances, be themselves and enjoy every minute of it. “Being a confident woman is so incredibly important — especially now, a time when we try to truly ‘have it all’. Your attitude is often times the first thing that people notice about you, other than the way you look,” she said. “An air of confidence says, ‘I believe in me and so should you.’ Confidence can open doors and present us with opportunities that might not have been there otherwise.”
‘Believe in yourself’
“Being self-confident doesn’t mean that you have to be perfect. It
Dinner dance set
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he St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation will hold its 36th annual dinner dance, presented by Mohawk Hospital Equipment, on Oct. 24 at Hart’s Hill Inn, Whitesboro. Proceeds from the event will help fund the updating of patient rooms at SEMC, as well as patient, visitor and employee safety initiatives including limiting the number of access points into the building. For more information, call 315-7344287 or visit www.stemc.org/foundation.
just means that you are OK with your imperfections. The best age-old advice that I could give is to believe in yourself because if you don’t, no one will. The best advice that I’ve ever been given is to say ‘yes’ first, and figure it out later,” she added. Back uses her blog to empower women because doing so is important to her. She has been given a small platform on which she can voice her opinions. Oftentimes, we get in a rut deciding what to wear day in and day out. Back hopes her blog inspires women to be creative with their outfits. “I’m of the belief that it’s good to have fun with your clothes. And what if you experiment with a style that is out of your box and you don’t like it? You can just take it off at the end of the day and wear something else tomorrow. We all have to wear clothes, so we might as well have fun with it,” said Back. Back started her blog as a way to occupy her time when she was starting her career. She started with posting photos and styled shoots. Her blog quickly morphed into a diary of daily office outfits through phone snapshots. “This has been a great way to keep me inspired and accountable for how I present myself daily,” said Back. “I have been so fortunate to have such a lovely audience and the response to my blog has been very positive. I’ve especially received a lot of positive feedback from working women who would like to be fashionable, but who are on a budget. I get giddy when I receive an
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Yasi Back uses her blog to help women develop and maintain confidence. email that says my blog has inspired someone to re-vamp her style. And it makes me so happy and is really humbling to know that in some small way, my blog could have a positive effect on someone’s life,” Back added. Take the time to take care of you. Wake up every morning with confidence, comfort and style in such a way that when you look in the mirror, you can smile knowing that you look
good. Visit Yasi’s blog today at hello-gorgeous-blog.blogspot.com. • Amylynn Pastorella is a contributing writer for Mohawk Valley In Good Health. To reach Amy, send correspondence to In Good Health, 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, 13502 attn: Amy or email her at aceangle@ gmail.com.
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Diet & Nutrition
Minus the additives
Additives often found in many foods we eat By Kristen Raab
I
t is well known that soda and candy contain food additives and food dyes. However, seemingly healthier foods have additives as well, and consuming them in moderation is our best defense against adverse side effects. Additives may be natural or manmade. Sarah L. Inserra, an outpatient dietitian with Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica, says the greatest concern involves man-made additives. Food additives are used for a variety of reasons. Additives may control the acid-base balance or improve color or flavor. Some additives such as vitamin A and vitamin D, which are added to milk, provide nutritional value. Other additives reduce bacteria and delay spoilage. Emulsifiers, thickeners, and anti-caking agents are used to maintain a “consistent texture,” Inserra explains. These types of additives are found in many foods, including pantry staples such as peanut butter. Color additives include any dye,
pigment, or substance which when added or applied to a food, drug, cosmetic or the human body, is capable of imparting color. Most processed foods have color additives. The presence of artificial coloring can often be found by looking at the label. Blue No. 1 and 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 40 and 3, Yellow No. 5 and 6, and Orange B will all be included in the ingredient list of a product. The greatest concern regarding these colors is is for people with sensitivities. For example, there are a very small percentage of people that may develop hives with yellow No. 5, Inserra said.
Be careful of coloring
There is a lot of debate about the dangers of color additives, and “some experts recommend elimination of all food colorings for patients with asthma or ADHD and hyperactivity,” she said. However, studies have not established a link between food colorings and behavior changes in children. “In addition, while it might be helpful to reduce the intake of food colorings, it is difficult to completely
SmartBites
By Anne Palumbo
The skinny on healthy eating
Little olives deliver big nutritious punch
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henever my friend goes on a diet, she quits eating olives. “Too fatty,” she whines, “too caloric, too salty.” Whenever I hear her lame excuses, I read her the Olive Riot Act. The Olive Riot Act, painstakingly penned by me one research-laden Sunday, makes the following bold assertion: Olives are too nutritious to diss. I know, pure Faulkner. But, it’s true. The humble olive, the bona fide guts of the most heralded oil to grace our palates since we got wise to the whole heart-diet-disease connection, has super-star health benefits. Olives are an unusually rich source of healthy monounsaturated fats, a.k.a. the “good” fats. This particular fat — also found in canola oil, avocados and lots of nuts — lowers harmful LDL cholesterol, raises beneficial HDL cholesterol, and helps to prevent heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. This little globe of goodness also provides exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, thanks to its diverse bounty of phytonutrients. A compound unique to plants, phytonu-
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eliminate them from our diets,” Inserra said. Annatto extract, dehydrated beets, caramel, beta-carotene and grape skin extract are natural colors that may be used, but they are more expensive and add unintended flavors to foods, she noted. Sodium benzoate is a food preservative used in foods such as soft drinks. “In soft drinks this may react with added vitamin C to make benzene, a cancer-causing substance,” Inserra said. Sodium benzoate is also linked with increased hyperactivity. Another additive that has received negative media attention is high fructose corn syrup. While consuming excess sugar of any kind may lead to health problems, there is not enough evidence to show that HFCS is worse than other sweeteners. According to Inserra, eating too much sugar may lead to health problems including Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and high triglyceride levels because of the additional calories consumed. She suggests people “exercise a heavy
healthy fats — had a 43 percent lower risk of weight gain. Since fats take longer to digest and olives contain a decent amount of fat, it stands to reason that eating olives may thwart the urge to snack or overeat. Girlfriend from above, do you hear me now? As with nuts, you don’t need to eat a lot of olives to reap the benefits. On average, 10 olives contain 50 calories, 5 grams of fat, a bit of fiber, and zero cholesterol. Sodium-wise, olives vary greatly in content, with green olives typically containing about twice as much sodium as black. If you’re sodium conscious, be sure to check labels or search online for values before you indulge.
Helpful tips
trients help to reduce both inflammation and oxidative stress, two culprits linked to chronic diseases such as arthritis,Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Olives, which are a key component of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, may also stave off weight gain. A Harvard study published in February found that people who followed a Mediterranean-style diet — a diet that favors whole grains, fruits and veggies, nuts and legumes, limited protein and
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
Rinse canned or bottled olives before consumption to reduce sodium content. If you don’t use all the canned olives after opening, transfer the olives, along with the canning fluid, into a storage container. Glass jars of olives can be stored directly in the refrigerator after opening. If purchasing olives in bulk, make sure that the store has a good turnover.
Tasty Tapenade
Adapted from Ina Garten
1/2 pound pitted black olives, such as Kalamata
dose of moderation when it comes to HFCS consumption” as well as other additives. She concedes it is unrealistic for most people to totally eliminate all food additives from their meals and snacks. People who eat a lot of their meals at restaurants may consume too much monosodium glutamate and trans fat. Too much MSG can cause “Chinese restaurant syndrome” which includes dizziness, sweating, ringing in the ears and a feeling of faintness. Chips often have MSG as well. Trans fat raises LDL (bad cholesterol), which increases heart disease risk. This dangerous ingredient is often present in fried foods, and it is likely in your non-dairy coffee creamer. The objective is not to avoid all additives; instead, try to reduce consumption. “Moderation is the key and make an effort to eat healthier foods,” Inserra says. “Make what you can, use minimally processed foods from reputable sources, and read the labels of the processed foods you choose to use.”
3 tablespoons capers, drained 2 garlic cloves ¼ cup olive oil 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1 tablespoon dried parsley leaves Salt and pepper, to taste 1 baguette, sliced and toasted Pulse garlic in a food processor until minced. Add olives and capers and pulse 5 more times. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, thyme and parsley and process until a slightly chunky paste forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve on toasts. Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.
Gut Check
Do probiotics really help? By Barbara Pierce If you watch TV, you have heard Jamie Lee Curtis, the spokesperson for fixing digestive health in America through the probiotic benefits of Activia yogurt. According to Dannon, manufacturer of Activia, nearly 90 percent of us have some sort of digestive issue, like diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, or diverticulitis. But, according to experts and the Federal Trade Commission, the small amounts of probiotics in Activia are too small to make much of a difference. But what about taking a probiotic supplement? Probiotics Ross have flooded the market in recent years — in foods and in supplements. What are they all about? Do they really help? Should you be taking them? “I heard about probiotics from a friend, just started taking them, and they work great,” said 65-year-old Sharon Anderson. “I used to have a huge problem with diarrhea after I had to take a long course of antibiotics, but taking probiotics has slowed it down a lot.” “Probiotics are known as the ‘good’ or ‘friendly’ bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract,” said Kim Ross, functional medicine practitioner and certified nutrition specialist in Utica. Ross’ goal is to help people improve their health through nutrition and lifestyle medicine. There is much research to support the benefits of probiotics on our bodies. “The ‘good’ bacteria in probiotics help the body break down food, use nutrients appropriately and effectively eliminate waste,” Ross said. It also plays a vital role in keeping the “bad” bacteria at bay, said Ross. Having an overabundance of “bad” bacteria in the digestive tract creates the potential for illness and disease to thrive. Some well-known examples of bad bacteria are the ones that cause diarrhea and other digestive complaints, strep throat, cellulitis, and ear infections.
What are probiotics?
The official definition of probiotics is: “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” Ross breaks this down in detail. Live microorganisms? Yes, probiotics are live bacteria that naturally occur in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract of the human body. They are a food source that allows the ecology of the gut to work in balance, promoting health from the inside out. The most common and well understood are the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups. However, there are several other strains and species each providing different benefits. For example, Lactobacillus is especially useful for the small intestine, and
is the most commonly used probiotic. Bifidobacterium is especially useful for the large intestine. “Since each species and strain provides specific benefits, it is important to note that not all probiotics are created equal, even though they are often grouped together as just one unit,” Ross said. “Therefore, it is important to know what exactly is in the supplement that you are taking.” Another important consideration is that probiotics must be taken in adequate amounts to be of any benefit. This is where some food manufacturers and supplements companies may fall short. Let’s compare it to something we are all familiar with — water. Everyone knows that the human body requires 64 ounces of water each day for optimal functioning. There are many foods that contain water, such as all fruits and vegetables. However, this does not mean that fruits and vegetables can provide an adequate amount of water needed over the course of the day and, therefore, further consumption of water is required.
Are you consuming enough?
So what are adequate amounts of probiotics? Research has found the dose should be determined based on the strain that is most helpful to you. For example, most effective for women with irritable bowel syndrome was found to be Bifidobacterium infantis 35264, a dose of 100 billion cfus (colony-forming units), Ross said. To reduce colds and flu-like symptoms in children, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, when used in conjunction with Bifodobacterium BI07 at 15 billion cfus, was beneficial, she added. “So this might leave you asking, ‘What dose do I need?’” added Ross. “Frankly, there isn’t a clear-cut answer, as it depends on why you are using them. However, the gold standard for measuring the effectiveness of probiotics is 15 billion cfus. Therefore, as a clinician, I recommend this to be the minimum starting point.” There are foods that contain probiotics naturally, fermented foods like miso, sauerkraut, kefir, and pickles, Ross said. A small amount of these foods should be consumed daily for optimal results. Ross advises to look for these key things when choosing a probiotic supplement: • It is a food source to the body; therefore, it’s most effective when taken daily to keep the gastro-intestinal tract balanced. • The probiotics you take should contain a mixture of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. • Keep it refrigerated. The cold keeps the bacteria inactive until you consume them. “Probiotics are a friendly food source that need to be consumed on a daily basis for optimal health benefits,” Ross said. “Consuming a small amount of fermented foods, along with probiotic supplements, is recommended. Since there are species and strains of probiotics available, it is best to speak with your healthcare professional to help you decide which one is most appropriate for your optimal health.”
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Cybersecurity Are your electronic health records, medical devices safe from hackers? By Patricia J. Malin and Amylynn Pastorella
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teven Baker is a researcher for Welch Allyn, the well-known Skaneateles Falls’ that manufactures medical diagnostic devices. Though you could say Baker diagnoses illnesses, he’s more likely to discover a problem in a patient’s “hardware,” for example, in a pacemaker or an insulin pump. Baker is not a medical doctor, but a doctor of philosophy who works at Welch Allyn’s software development office in Beaverton, Ore. He’s a sleuth, a medical detective of sorts, continually studying how to improve the security of medical devices and defend them from attacks by computer terrorists and hackers. Hacking medical devices is still a theoretical or futuristic concern. Nevertheless, once such hacking is conceivable, the experts know that in the rapidly evolving world of criminal hacking, it can become an actual lifeand-death matter. Medical technology companies must develop methods now to anticipate such threats and create shields to block them. Baker was recently invited to lecture at a three-day cybersecurity workshop organized by the Cyber Research Institute at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome. About 90 computer engineers, researchers, professors, educators and Internet domain experts from local information technology businesses and colleges including Syracuse University, Hamilton College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Clarkson, Texas A&M, University of Florida, Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Maryland gathered to study “hard
problems” in the world of cybersecurity. Baker discussed how to safeguard electronic health records. It affects every American who is covered under the Affordable Care Act, the federal legislation that makes it mandatory for your doctor’s office to maintain your records electronically. Baker recalled an alarming study conducted in 2011 when security experts (so-called “white hats” or ethical hackers) at IBM demonstrated it was possible for an outsider to disable pacemakers. Hackers might transfer their evil skills to de-program implantable devices and other therapy management software that is used to send signals to the brain, heart and kidneys. Because these devices are wireless, they can be attacked like other electronic devices. Rather than install a virus, attacks on medical devices alter the programming and instructions to the devices, resulting in actual physical harm or death to the patient. After learning of these demonstrations, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued urgent guidelines to manufacturers like Welch Allyn to take precautions against such exploitations. “The FDA started a test lab not to test these devices, but to advise companies on what steps to take,” said Baker. “The hackers actually got ahead of the manufacturers in exposing the vulnerabilities of these devices.” A pacemaker consists of a generator, or a tiny computer, and a lead, a wire that carries electrical signals between the pacemaker generator and the heart. Normally a physician or technician programs the pacemaker monitoring the heart’s electrical activity to vary its pace. Since programming a pacemak-
Steven Baker, right, chats with a colleague, Ish Morales, during a recent cybersecurity conference at the Griffiss Institute for Quality Assurance in Rome. Baker was called on to address the issue of hacking of medical devices and systems. Page 12
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
er is done by wirelessly transmitting instructions to the generator, it could be susceptible to attacks. Medical devices, like ordinary computers, leave electronic footprints behind. If a pacemaker or insulin pump happened to get hacked, a cybersecurity expert like Baker should be able to detect the malicious code and the source of the attack, or hopefully, take preventive action first. “Every medical device company is now looking at what its equipment is supposed to do and what it’s not supposed to do,” Baker added.
State protects records
Recently, CNN reported that hackers invaded Community Health Systems, which operates 200 hospitals across the nation. They broke into its computer system and stole data on 4.5 million patients from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas. Hackers gained access to patient names, Social Security numbers, birthdays, telephone numbers and physical addresses. Cybersecurity experts determined that hackers from China used high-end sophisticated malware to break into the Community Health Systems network. While New Yorkers were not affected, there is a fear that identity theft and fraud can happen anywhere. In New York state, it is the Department of Health’s mission to protect, improve and promote the health of all New Yorkers, and that includes medical records. “DOH’s comprehensive security efforts include continuous reviewing of practices to limit any risk of exposure,” said Monica Mahaffey, associate director of the public affairs group with DOH. To keep personal information secured, the DOH has a comprehensive program regarding cybersecurity. Information security is the foundation of all system design and development. The DOH also reviews security events that happen, such as the Community Health Systems breach. “New York State Public Health Law and federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements address information security risks. New York state also has extensive cybersecurity policies and standards to
guide and support efforts in case of an incident,” said Mahaffey. “New Yorkers should always protect their personal information and ensure that organizations with which they share their information are trustworthy,” said Mahaffey. When it comes to cybersecurity, the question of how, when and why identity fraud happens goes sometimes unanswered. Hackers typically seek to cause damage, steal information or both. According to Austen Givens, professor of practice in cybersecurity at Utica College, hackers do what they do for three basic reasons: to take money, gain strategic advantage, send a message, or some combination of these three reasons. “For example, one soda company may try to steal another soda company’s secret formula so it can create a similar product, boost sales, and gain a competitive advantage. A hacker may attempt to steal social security numbers and dates of birth so that he or she can apply for credit cards, which they can turn around and sell on the black market to make a profit,” said Givens. One nation may try to learn another nation’s secret information so that it can gain the upper hand in diplomatic negotiations or military conflicts; a social activist group might take down the website of a political organization that it does not like in order to make the political organization appear weak and vulnerable. Hackers can work from anywhere and infiltrate any person or organization to get ahead as long as they have some way to connect to another computer system, then they can theoretically hack that other computer system. “Interestingly, we used to think that if a computer was totally disconnected from all networks then it is totally protected, but that is no longer true. Last year a team of German scientists actually used sound waves from a cell phone to hack a computer that was turned on but completely unplugged from any computer network. So when we say that no computer is completely safe these days, we mean it literally,” said Givens. Most businesses have information technology specialists on staff and the regional primary care network based in Rochester is no exception.
The Balanced Body
By Deb Dittner
Keep Smiling! Proper oral health means following some basic guidelines
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hen you smile, the whole world smiles with you! A smile not only makes you happier but when you smile at a stranger walking down the street, they typically smile in return and you may have just made that person’s day a whole lot better. And yours as well. Smiling releases positive endorphins, creating happiness. Some say they don’t like to smile because of crooked teeth, stained teeth, or a variety of other dental issues. But it’s important for overall health to Dittner keep your teeth and mouth care the best it can be. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is usually recommended. But brush with what kind of toothpaste? You want to look for brands without triclosan. This active ingredient is in numerous anti-bacterial products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, face wash, plastic kitchenware, school supplies, and many more. Triclosan claims to kill 99.9 percent of germs and was first registered as a pesticide in 1969. I’m not so sure that is such a good thing for your mouth and health. Triclosan, when combined with water, responds by forming chloroform, a possible carcinogen, and when
exposed to sunlight, triclosan forms dioxins which are known endocrine disruptors. The chemical construction is comparable to thyroid hormones and polychlorinated biphenyls. PCBs have been prohibited from use in the United States but can still be found in the environment. This likeness in structure lets it adhere to thyroid hormone receptors, changing and interrupting the hormone’s natural control. Research has also noted that exposure to triclosan may also increase cancer risk. Choose toothpaste and other products without triclosan for you and your family. If you find this to be more costly, you can also make your own toothpaste. Here’s a recipe to experiment with: • Start with equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda (6 tablespoons each) • Add a therapeutic grade essential oil to taste (approximately 15 drops) • Mix together and store in a jar in the bathroom. The following will help you to decide which oil may be the best for you and your family. Experiment with flavor as this can encourage young children to brush more regularly. — Peppermint: antioxidant — Eucalyptus: antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory
KIDS Corner Study: Winter babies crawl earlier
T
he season of a baby’s birth influences its motor development during its first year of life, a new study by University of Haifa researcher’s shows. Babies born in the winter (between December and May) start crawling earlier compared to babies born in the summer (June-November). Forty seven healthy babies with typical development patterns where divided them into two groups. The first group comprised “summer-fall” babies, 16 babies born from June to November, and the second, “winter-spring” babies, 31 babies born from December to May.
colored teeth. A natural way to improve the staining is by “oil pulling”. Oil pulling is quick and easy to incorporate into your morning routine. Before stepping into the shower, take one tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil and begin to swish it around in your mouth between your teeth, over your tongue, and your gums all the while showering for 5 to 20 minutes. The oil will become frothy and white. Do not swallow the oil or gargle with it. Upon getting out of the shower, spit all the oil out. Thoroughly rinse your mouth and brush your teeth as you normally would. Repeat this process daily. Dental cleaning every six months is recommended as this will help prevent dental issues and overall health issues down the road. I would suggest looking for a dentist who practices holistically, and continues education to provide you with the best up-to-date options while avoiding chemicals, mercury, amalgam and overuse of X-rays. And just remember: A healthy mouth is a happy mouth! Smile on!
— Cinnamon: antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant — Clove: antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant (may also kill candida) — Lemon: antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant — Orange: antioxidant, antiseptic — Rosemary: antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral Tobacco, chewing tobacco, wine, tea and coffee are known to stain teeth. Proper brushing may help as will whitening. Chewing tobacco, also known as smokeless tobacco, is no better than smoking a cigarette. The nicotine is just as addictive and can cause tooth decay and heart disease. Chewing tobacco has also been known to cause a variety of cancers including lip, tongue, mouth, pharynx, esophageal, and pancreatic. With chewing tobacco comes dis-
• Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner specializing in reiki and holistic nutrition. Check out her website at www.The-Balanced-Body. com.
born in the winter (who started to crawl in the summer) started to crawl at an average 30 weeks, those born in the summer (who started to crawl in the winter) began crawling at an average of 35 weeks, with no differences noted between the boys or the girls or in the initial style of crawling (belly crawling or using hands and knees). The overall AIMS score was higher for those babies born in the winter, and the score for movement in the prone position, the scale most meaningful in connection with crawling, was sig-
nificantly higher for the babies in the winter group. By contrast, there was no significant difference in the scores for the supine position, sitting, or standing between the two groups. According to the researchers, the findings strengthen the assumption that there is a window of opportunity for starting to crawl and stress the effect of the season on the start of crawling. “The difference in crawling onset of four weeks constitutes 14 percent of a 7-month-old’s life and is significant,” the researchers note.
The study consisted of motor observations in the babies’ homes when they were 7 months old, and a follow-up session when they began to crawl. Parents were asked to record the stages in their babies’ development before and between the observations. The study used the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), an observational assessment with high reliability, to track the babies’ development. The scale relates to four positions: Prone (on the stomach), supine (on the back), sitting, and standing. The average age at which the babies started crawling was 31 weeks. But while the babies October 2014 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Ask
The Social Security Office
Column provided by the local Social Security Office
Let’s Talk About Medicare Many Medicare beneficiaries qualify for big savings and don’t even know it
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ctober is “Talk About Prescriptions Month” and marks the beginning of this year’s Medicare open enrollment period. It’s the perfect time to talk about Medicare prescriptions and the “Extra Help” available from Social Security. Newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries and current beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) plan, should act now. The Medicare open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. The Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is available to all Medicare beneficiaries to help with the costs of medications. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and participants pay an additional monthly premium for the prescription drug coverage. While all Medicare beneficiaries can participate in the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, some people with limited income and resources may be eligible for “Extra Help” to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The “Extra Help” is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year. Many Medicare beneficiaries qualify for these big savings and don’t even know it. To figure out whether you are eligible for the “Extra Help,” Social Security needs to know your income and the value of any savings, investments and real estate (other than the home you live in). To qualify, you must be receiving Medicare and have: • Income limited to $17,235 for an individual or $23,265 for a married couple living together. Even if your
Q&A Q: How can I protect myself against identity theft? A: First, don’t carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it secure at home with your other important papers. Second, don’t readily give out your Social Security number. While many banks, schools, doctors, landlords and others will request your number, it is your decision whether to provide it. Ask if there is some other way to identify you in their records. If you are the victim of identity theft, you should report it right away. To report identity theft, fraud, or misuse of your Social Security number, the Federal Trade Commission (the nation’s consumer protection agency) recommends you: 1 — Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the Page 14
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annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments. Some examples where your income may be higher include if you or your spouse: – Support other family members who live with you; – Have earnings from work; or – Live in Alaska or Hawaii; and – Have resources limited to $13,440 for an individual or $26,860 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your house or car as resources. You can complete an easy-to-use online application or get more information by visiting www.socialsecurity. gov/medicare. To apply for the “Extra Help” by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the “Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs” (SSA-1020). And if you would like more information about the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program, visit www. medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048). While we’re on the subject of open seasons, the open enrollment period for qualified health plans under the Affordable Care Act is Nov. 15 to Feb. 15. Learn more about it at www.healthcare. gov. This Medicare open enrollment season, while you search for the Medicare prescription drug plan that best meets your needs — see if you qualify for the “Extra Help” through Social Security. That’s a winning prescription worth talking about.
following companies (the company you contact is required to contact the other two, which will then place alerts on your reports): • Equifax, 1-800-525-6285; • Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289; or • Experian, 1-888-397-3742. 2 — Review your credit report for inquiries from companies you have not contacted, accounts you did not open, and debts on your accounts you cannot explain; 3 — Close any accounts you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently; 4 — File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place; and 5 — File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-4384338 (TTY 1-866-653-4261).
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
My Take By George W. Chapman
Why hospitals ask for Social Security numbers Don’t compromise your identity
E
ver wonder why the doctor or hospital asks for your Social Security number even though you have valid insurance? There is only one reason: in case you try to run and hide from your bill, collection agencies need your Social Security number to find you. My informal survey of practice managers and billing companies, however, reveals that it is extremely rare for a patient who owes money to also leave or flee town. Your Social Security number is the main piece of information crooks want when they hack into a providers’ medical record system. In order to defraud Medicare, criminals need your number. My advice is to not give it. Providers do not really need it and it exposes them to all kinds of hacking attempts.
Walmart Care
Forbes magazine reports Chapman the mega retailer has opened several primary care clinics in South Carolina and Texas. (New York state does not allow corporations to provide medical care). The clinics will be open 12 hours weekdays and eight hours weekend days. According to Walmart, the general public will be charged only $40 a visit and Walmart employees, covered by the Walmart health plan, only $4. Traditional providers (private medical practices, hospital sponsored practices, clinics and community health centers) are going to face more competition from “corporate providers” that see an opportunity to easily compete on price and access.
Center for Innovation The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created this department/bureaucracy — Center of Innovation — to experiment with ways to improve care and reduce costs. An example would be bundled physician and hospital payments to an Accountable Care Organization for certain diagnoses. Bundled payments are designed to eliminate unnecessary or duplicate tests and procedures, which account for 20 percent of total healthcare costs. The center’s budget is $1 billion which isn’t really a lot considering the government spends $1 trillion on Medicaid and Medicare. The center has not yet published any results saying they are still in the early stages of experiments. Innovations must address health-
care’s “Triple Aim.” First, improve the experience of care. Second, improve the overall health of Americans. Third, reduce the per capita cost of care.
How much is that again?
Your mechanic recommends a new transmission for your car and then says he has no idea how much it will cost. This doesn’t happen of course because there is price transparency and you need to know because you are paying for it. But in healthcare, neither the provider nor the patient typically knows how much a recommended procedure, test or drug costs because there is little price transparency and neither is paying for it thanks to third party insurance. Many providers find discussing costs with their patients just as uncomfortable as discussing end-of-life options with them. As healthcare is reformed, providers need to know the relationship between costs and outcomes. To counter this trend, many medical schools have introduced cost awareness classes. Students are trained to analyze actual doctor and hospital bills and to look for discrepancies between the primary diagnoses and the cost/outcome of procedures/tests/drugs ordered.
You can keep your plan
Under pressure from Congress, primarily due to the dismal rollout of the federal exchange last year, the Administration decided to let consumers keep certain plans for 2014 that were not ACA compliant. Unfortunately, that decision inadvertently allowed many commercial insurers to raise their premiums on existing customers 11 percent to 18 percent for 2015. The reason being the Administration’s decision curtailed the expected enrollment of younger people who usually favor cheaper non-complaint plans, which in turn left the carriers with an older and sicker population. Analysts say the good news is that this should be a onetime adjustment. George W. Chapman is a health consultant who operated GW Chapman Consulting, based in Syracuse. To reach him, email gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.
Get positive results! Advertise with In Good Health
Call 749-7070 By Jim Miller
Dear Concerned, According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 60 percent of people who suffer from dementia wander at some point. For caregivers, this can be frightening because many of those who wander off end up confused and lost, even in their own neighborhood, and are unable to communicate who they are or where they live. But there are things you can do to guard against this and protect your loved one.
Wandering prevention
For starters, to help reduce your mom’s tendency to wander, keep her occupied and involved in familiar daily activities such as preparing dinner or folding the laundry. It’s also important to encourage daily exercise and limit daytime napping to reduce nighttime restlessness. There are also a number of simple home modifications you can make to keep her from wandering away. Some possible solutions include: adding an extra lock on the top or bottom of the exterior doors out of the line of sight; install child-proof door knobs or levers; place a full-length mirror, or put a “STOP” or “Do Not Enter” sign on the doors you don’t want her going through; or get a signal device or motion sensor that lets you know when the door is opened. See alzstore.com for a variety of product solutions. And, be sure you hide the car keys to keep her from driving. It’s also a good idea to alert your neighbors that your mom may wander so they can keep an eye out, and have on hand a recent picture to show around the neighborhood or to the police if she does get lost.
Wandering services
If you want some added protection in case she does wander off, there are a number of services you can turn to for help, like the MedicAlert + Safe Return program (medicalert.org/safereturn). This service comes with a personalized ID bracelet that will have your mom’s medical information engraved on
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it, along with her membership number and the toll-free MedicAlert emergency phone number. If she goes missing, you would call 911 and report it to the local police department who would begin a search, and then report it to MedicAlert. Or, a Good Samaritan or police officer may find her, call the MedicAlert number, to get her back home safely. Another option that could help, depending on where you live, is a radio frequency locater service like SafetyNet and Project Lifesaver, which are offered by some local law enforcement agencies. With these services, your mother would wear a wristband that contains a radio transmitter that emits tracking signals. If she goes missing, you would contact the local authorities who would send out rescue personnel who will use their tracking equipment to locate her. Visit safetynetbylojack. com and projectlifesaver.org to see if these services are available in your community.
GPS tracking
There are also a number of GPS tracking devices that can help you keep tabs on your mom. With these products, she would carry or wear a small GPS tracker that would notify you or other caregivers via text message or email if she were to wander beyond a pre-established area, and would let you know exactly where to find her if she did. To find GPS trackers, consider the PocketFinder (pocketfinder.com) or the Alzheimer’s Association Comfort Zone (alz.org/comfortzone). Or, if you have concerns that your mother wouldn’t wear a GPS device or would take it off, there’s the GPS SmartSole (gpssmartsole.com), which is an insole with an embedded GPS device. For more wandering prevention tips and solutions, visit the Alzheimer’s Association Safety Center at alz. org/safety and This Caring Home at thiscaringhome.org. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
Mohawk Valley In Good Health: Your source for local health news
Colleen Moylan, LPN, 27 Years Experience
Bruce Stewart, DDS
Wandering Solutions for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Dear Savvy Senior, My mother, who lives with me, has Alzheimer’s disease and I worry about her wandering away. What tips can you recommend to help me protect her? Concerned Daughter
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Area surgeon explores world of research Continued from Page 4 A.: I go to national conferences two or three times a year. Q.: What suggestions do you have to improve the treatment of orthopedics in the future? A.: I think care should be coordinated regionally. There are excellent physicians in our area, but patients travel long distances for healthcare that can be expensive and not superior to the care provided locally. Q.: What are your goals? A.: To do more research, to make different devices and conduct more clinical trials on the use of stem cells. They’re already doing this research in
big cities. We could do it here, but the insurance companies won’t pay for it. You need to do the research in areas where the people can afford to pay out of pocket. I also would like to establish a minimally invasive spine service primarily using a laser. Q.: Is it possible for a doctor at the local level to make changes in healthcare or is it best left to fulltime researchers working at universities or private labs? A.: A mix is important. Research at the university level does not reach the general population. For this reason, clinical research at the local level is crucial.
Pot: Drug of choice in U.S.
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early 10 percent of Americans aged 12 and older were illicit drug users in 2013, and almost 20 million said they used marijuana, making it the most widely used drug, U.S. health officials reported in September. Two states, Colorado and Washington, permit the recreational use of marijuana. The new study findings are from a government report outlining the extent of substance use and mental illness in the nation. The report is based on an analysis of data from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. It also found that 4.5 million Americans aged 12 and older said they were
October 2014 •
current (past month) nonmedical users of prescription pain relievers, 1.5 million were cocaine users, 595,000 were methamphetamine users and 289,000 were heroin users. Almost 23 million Americans aged 12 and older required treatment for drug or alcohol use, but only 2.5 million received treatment at a specialty facility, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report. It also found that more than 14 percent of adults aged 18 and older said they received mental health treatment or counseling in the past year, and that nearly 44 million had a mental illness in 2013.
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H ealth News ACP makes medical staff announcements
ACP welcomes family nurse practitioners
Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare’s Adirondack Community Physicians recently made the following medical staff announcements: • Meira Yeger-McKeever has joined FSLH’s ACP Orthopedic Group as an orthopedic surgeon. Prior to joining ACP, Yeger-McKeever worked as an orthopedic surgeon in multiple New Jersey medical centers including St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston and Morristown Medical Center in Morristown. Specializing in Yeger-McKeever sports medicine, Yeger-McKeever has served as the assistant team physician for Baltimore Ravens football, Baltimore Blast professional soccer, Washington Nationals Major League Baseball and university sports programs including Morgan State, Goucher, and Loyola. Yeger-McKeever received her Bachelor of Science in biology from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla., and her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School in Newark, N.J. Yeger-McKeever completed an internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa., and a fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Md. She is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. • Tina A. Maxian has joined FSLH’s ACP Orthopedic Group as an orthopedic surgeon. Prior to joining ACP, Maxian worked as an orthopedic surgeon for Schenectady Regional Orthopedic Associates in Schenectady. Maxian received her Bachelor of Science in engineering mechanics from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., her Master of Science in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Maxian Polytechnic Institute in Troy, and her Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Medicine in biomedical engineering from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. Maxian completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at Albany Medical Center in Albany, a fellowship in orthopedic traumatology at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. and a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at Michigan International Foot and Ankle Center in Pontiac, Mich. Maxian is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Adirondack Community Physicians recently welcomed family nurse practitioner Kathy Freeman to the ACP New Hartford Medical Office and FNP Stephanie Roberts to the Mohawk Valley medical office. Prior to her position as a FNP at the ACP New Hartford Medical Office, Freeman served as a registered nurse at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare’s Genesee Urgent Care and as a RN at the ACP New Hartford Medical Office. Freeman earned her Master of Science family nurse practitioner degree from SUNYIT in Utica, her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Keuka College in Keuka Park, and her RN/Associate of Applied Science Freeman degree from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica. Prior to her position as a FNP at the ACP Mohawk Valley Medical Office, Roberts served as a RN at FSLH in Utica. Roberts earned her Master of Science family nurse practitioner degree and her Bachelor of Science in nursing from SUNYIT in Utica, and her Roberts RN/Associate of Applied Science degree from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica.
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FSLH launches inpatient portal With its launch of a new patient portal recently, Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica offers patients the option to access their inpatient medical information during and after their hospital stay. My Patient Portal allows patients and their designated family members to review health information from their stay at FSLH from the comfort and privacy of their hospital room, home, office or mobile device. The portal is accessed through www.faxtonstlukes.com/patient-portals and includes medications and diagnosis at discharge, patient education and discharge instructions, contact information for next care providers, select laboratory results and more. Inpatients with a valid email address can begin to use the secure portal by supplying an email during the hospital admission process. If you were a recent inpatient at FSLH and would like to register for the portal, call 315-624-5818 or email patientportal@mvnhealth.com for assistance. This phone number and email will
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
be monitored weekdays. Allow 24 to 48 hours for a response. The portal was recently developed and includes patient information from July 21, 2014, to the present date.
MVHS announces administration changes The Mohawk Valley Health System has made the following staff announcements: • Barbara Folger has been named assistant vice president of quality and outcomes management for MVHS. In this role, she is responsible for quality management, patient safety, regulatory affairs and infection prevention for the system. Folger has been an employee at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare for 28 years. She has served as a staff nurse, charge nurse, nurse manager and the director of nursing for Folger medical-surgical and maternal child services. She has also held positions as the performance improvement nurse administrator and the director of quality and performance improvement and case management. Folger received her Master of Science in health services administration and Bachelor of Science in nursing at SUNYIT Utica-Rome in Utica. She is a certified professional in healthcare quality, certified professional in patient safety and holds nurse executive advanced certification. • Marianne Baker has been named director of regulatory affairs for MVHS. In this position, Baker is responsible for meeting regulatory requirements and coordinating the efforts of identified committees, departments, and clinical service teams in providing feedback and input into responses to the Department of Health, DNV Healthcare and other accrediting bodies. She also oversees the language assistance program and the Baker clinical documentation improvement specialists. Baker has more than 30 years of healthcare experience beginning as a critical care nurse at Faxton Hospital. She is also a certified emergency medical technician. Baker received her Master of Science in health services administration and Bachelor of Professional Studies in human services from SUNYIT, Utica, and her Associate of Applied Science in nursing degree from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica. • Heather Bernard has been
named director of infection prevention for MVHS. In this position, Bernard oversees infection prevention programs at all MVHS locations, develops and executes annual infection reduction plans, and educates staff members on proper infection prevention practices. Bernard has been an employee at FSLH since 2008, serving as the nurse manager of the vascular access Bernard department, as well as the director of infection prevention. Bernard is pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice in infection prevention and environmental safety at Loyola University in Chicago, Ill. She earned her Bachelor of Science from SUNYIT Utica-Rome and her RN/Associate of Applied Science degree from MVCC. • Rebecca Delahunt has been named director of case management for MVHS. In this position, Delahunt is responsible for case management services at MVHS with clinical oversight of acute care registered nurse case managers, social workers and care coordination assistants. Delahunt has been an employee of FSLH for more than 24 years. Prior to her current position, she held various Delahunt nursing and case management positions throughout the organization. Delahunt received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from SUNYIT Utica-Rome and her RN from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica. • Martha Kodsy has been named administrative director of risk management and resource utilization for MVHS. In this position, Kodsy provides administrative leadership for case management, social services, mental health counseling and utilization management. She also oversees the organization’s risk management proKodsy gram that includes the identification, control, reduction and analysis of risk as well as the patient relations and grievance program. Kodsy has been an employee at St. Elizabeth Medical Center since
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H ealth News Continued from Page 16 1991, holding various leadership positions, most recently serving as director of performance improvement and risk management. She received her Master of Science in healthcare administration from New School for Social Research in New York City and her Bachelor of Science in business administration with a focus on human resource management from Utica College of Syracuse University in Utica. • Kimberly Witchley has been named director of social services and care transitions for MVHS. In this position, Witchley provides oversight to the social services department which focuses on discharge planning and care coordination, collaborates with network affiliates to grow network referrals within the organization, Witchley works with community resources to increase community service availability, and works with the MVHS leadership team to streamline discharge processes. Witchley has been an employee at SEMC since 2009. She has held various positions within the organization, most recently serving as director of case management. Witchley is pursuing a Master in Health Administration from Utica College in Utica. She earned her Bachelor of Science in social studies from Utica College in Utica and her Associate of Applied Science from SUNY Canton in Canton.
MVHS makes medical staff addition Lorna Grant has joined the Eye Associates of Utica, PC. Grant received her Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Vermont College of Arts and Sciences and her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, both in Burlington, Vt. She completed an internship at Tucson Hospitals Medical Education Program Grant and a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, both in Tucson, Ariz. Grant also completed a medical retina fellowship at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa.
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SDMG names employee of quarter Jessica Scalzo was recently named employee of the third quarter at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group PLLC in New Hartford. Scalzo is a medical radiographer and CT scan technologist who works mainly out of the group’s Ilion office. She works directly with patients performing a variety of radiologic procedures. Scalzo began her career with SDMG in 2012 and has proven to be a valuable Scalzo member of the radiology team. “She is a dedicated and professional employee who works hard to uphold the quality standards set forth by Slocum Dickson Medical Group,” an SDMG spokesperson said. “Jessica was nominated because of her kindness and professionalism toward patients and coworkers.” Scalzo is a New York state-licensed and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists-certified radiologic and CT scan technologist.
NYS DOH grant awarded to UCP, CFDS The New York State Department of Health awarded a grant for $822,168 to Upstate Cerebral Palsy in partnership with the Center for Disability Services in Albany. The funding from the Balancing Incentives Program innovation fund grant will allow UCP and CFDS to make systemic improvements to address barriers in providing community-based long-term supports and services to all the Medicaid beneficiaries that they collectively serve. Both agencies are major providers of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York state, covering a 34-county catchment area in central and northeastern New York state. This grant will allow them to explore opportunities to increase efficiencies and reduce costs in their various administrative functions. The intention is to look for ways to share resources, systems and applications across both organizations.
Kids Oneida kicks off Super Bowl raffle Kids Oneida Kick Off for Kids raffle, sponsored by MetLife and Time Warner, is offering a chance for a lucky winner and a companion to win an all-inclusive trip to this year’s Super Bowl in Glendale, Ariz. on Feb. 1. Tickets are $25 each and only 2,000 will be sold. The drawing will be held on Jan. 5 at Tony’s AUDelicious Deli & Sports Bar.
SEMC golf tourney raises $93,020 for upgrades The St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation held its 19th annual golf tournament recently at the Yahnundasis Golf Club in New Hartford. A total of 224 golfers helped to raise $93,020 to benefit the updating of patient rooms at SEMC, as well as patient, visitor and employee safety initiatives including limiting the number of access points into the building. Celebrating the occasion are, from left, SEMC Foundation golf committee co-chairs Peter Freedman and Terry Mielnicki; Syracuse University assistant basketball coach Mike Hopkins; and Scott Perra, president/CEO of the Mohawk Valley Health System. For information, or to find out how to become a part of foundation events, call 315-734-4287 or visit www.stemc.org/foundation.
The winner need not be present to win and will be contacted by phone from the information on the ticket. All proceeds will benefit Kids Oneida transitional services. For more information, call 792-9039. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.kidsoneida.org. Kids Oneida is a nonprofit organization that works with at-risk youth and their families to keep them from out-of-home placements.
LFH employees attend STAR conference Employees from Little Falls Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Wellness Center attended the second annual Survivorship Training and Rehab Program Connection Conference in Boston, Mass. recently. The STAR Program has been created to help cancer survivors physically and emotionally heal from the side effects of treatments. The program provides patients with the most comprehensive rehabilitation care available. Having access to world-class follow-up care, without added medical costs, will allow survivors to regain their health and get their lives back on track. Bassett Healthcare Network is one of the country’s first STAR program-certified health care facilities. “The message we want to send to the general public is that cancer patients are eligible for rehabilitation services, and the treatment they go through often leaves them physically
October 2014 •
and mentally exhausted,” said Julie Bush, director of rehabilitation services at LFH.
LFH recognizes operating room nurse Little Falls Hospital is celebrating the achievement of Missy Roy, who recently received her certified nurse operating room accreditation. In order to obtain a CNOR, a person must pass the CNOR exam, hold a valid RN license and have two years of experience in perioperative nursing. “By achieving this certification, Missy has validated her knowledge and skill of the latest standards of practice, said Tammy Hendrick, nurse manager, perioperative services. “CNOR-certified Roy nurses are recognized by fellow nurses as leaders in the operating room specialty.” Roy is a registered nurse in the operating room at LFH and wanted to obtain her CNOR in order to gain more knowledge and skills in her field. Roy has been a nurse at LFH for 19 years.
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CALENDAR of
HEALTH EVENTS
Got a health-related activity or event that you would like publicized? Call Lou Sorendo at 315-749-7070 or email lou@cnymail.com. Continued from Page 2 Rome Family Y and the Oneida Family Y from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 1 during regular hours of operation. Both branches will be open to members and free to guests. Members are encouraged to attend and bring a guest. Members who bring a guest who joins the Y during open house will be entered to win a $100 Y certificate to be redeemed for any Y program, personal training, membership, lesson or special event. Contact Jennifer Cossette, marketing specialist, at 315-336-3500 ext. 229 with any questions about the open house or any of the programs offered at the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley.
Oct. 1
Expo to focus on emergency preparedness The Frankfort Fire Department in conjunction with the Herkimer County Fair will be hosting the Mohawk Valley Fire Prevention and Emergency Preparedness Expo from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 1. The expo is free and handicap accessible. The event will be in partnership with many Mohawk Valley emergency services agencies, including the American Red Cross, New York State and local police agencies, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Herkimer County Office of Emergency Services and the Herkimer County Health Department.
Oct. 2
Health Night to focus on breast cancer October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and spread the word about advancements in imaging, diagnosis and treatment of breast disease. Rome Memorial Hospital’s team of experts will discuss the emotions and fears involved when confronted with potential breast disease and the impact on women’s lives, as Lyon well as screenings for early detection, diagnosis and treatment at October’s Health Night. The free presentation will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 in the hospital’s classroom. Facilitator Linda Lyon, nurse navigator at The Women’s Imaging Center Page 18
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at Rome Memorial Hospital, will lead the discussion. RMH’s classroom is located on the second floor of the hospital. Guests are asked to enter the North James Street entrance of the hospital. Advance registration is not required. Refreshments will be served.
Oct. 4
FSLH Foundation to host fundraiser The Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Foundation’s annual wine tasting and auction to benefit St. Luke’s Home will be held from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Sadaquada Golf Club, 4895 Henderson St., Whitesboro. An assortment of wines, hors d’oeuvres and chef-attended stations with a fall-harvest menu will be available. Ticket price is $75 per person and attendees must be at least 21 years old. For reservations, tickets or more information, call 315-624-5718 or visit www.faxtonstlukes.com/winetasting.
Oct. 5
Separated? Divorced? There is support The Separated & Divorced Support Group will meet from 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. The group meets every other Sunday. The meetings are free and open to all. For more information, contact Judy at 315-735-6210, judy@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.
Oct. 5
Ready to explore The Third Option? The Third Option support group for married couples will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. The group meets every other Sunday. For more information, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, tanya@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.
Oct. 5
VNA Foundation slates autumn gala The VNA Foundation is featuring its annual autumn gala from 1-4 p.m. Oct. 5 at the historic Mandana Barn, 1274 state Route 359, Skaneateles. Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased at the door or in advance
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
by calling 315-477-9301. For more information, call 315-477-9301 or visit online at www.477home.org. All proceeds from this event benefit the VNA Foundation of Central New York, which supports and promotes the provision of pediatric home health care services in the Central New York region.
Oct. 6
Sitrin plans Jerseys, Jeans & Jewels event Sitrin Health Care Center will host Jerseys, Jeans and Jewels Oct. 6 at Esche’s Aqua Vino Restaurant, Utica. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite team jersey with jeans and a little “bling” to this sportsthemed soiree, which benefits sports rehabilitation programs at Sitrin. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with the arrival of celebrity guests, the Utica Comets. There will be a variety of delicious food, cocktails, music and dancing and opportunities to mix and mingle. Proceeds from the event will fund specialized equipment and training for athletes with physical disabilities who participate in sports competitively and recreationally through Sitrin’s STARS (Success Through Adaptive Recreation and Sports) program. Tickets are $150 per person. Reservations are required. For ticket information or sponsorships, call 315737-2406.
Oct. 6
CNY Diabetes to host grocery store tour People with diabetes, pre-diabetes and their family members are invited to grocery shop with a registered dietitian and learn more about their food choices at 6 p.m. Oct. 6 at Hannaford Supermarket, 4593 Commercial Drive, New Hartford. Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare’s Central New York Diabetes Education Program is hosting the grocery store tour. Call CNY Diabetes at 315-624-5620 to register, which is required. The Central New York Diabetes Education Program is a cooperative effort of Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica.
Oct. 8
Insight House to host recognition dinner To promote the hopeful and healing message of recovery, Insight House will host its 11th annual Recovery Recognition Dinner at 6 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Radisson Hotel in Utica. Honorees will include Frank J. Furno with the Recovery Community Award, and Santo Paniccia, recipient of the Paul F. Vitagliano, Sr. President’s Award. Special guest, keynote speaker and recipient of the Prevention Youth Award will be Chris Herren, former NBA player and founder of Project Purple, a national initiative to break the stigma of addiction, bring awareness to the dangers of substance abuse, and shed light on effective treatment practices. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are $50 per person or $475 for a table of 10. Call 724-5168 ext. 289 for reservations or additional information.
Oct. 9
Explore wonders of centering prayer The Rest in God Prayer Group meets from 6-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. For more information, call Diana at 831-5946 or email her at lovericd@ gmail.com. To register, call Tanya at 735-6210 or visit TheGoodNewsCenter.org.
Oct. 10
Conference focuses on suicide prevention Rome Memorial Hospital’s Senior Behavioral Health Unit’s 11th annual mental health symposium “Suicide Assessment, Awareness and Prevention” will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Oneida Room at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona. Registration is open to all area healthcare providers, mental health professionals and the general public. The conference will provide valuable information to help understand and recognize suicidal Hines tendencies. The conference’s keynote speaker, Kevin Hines, is an award-winning international speaker, author and mental health advocate who presents firsthand insight into severe depression and suicide. The cost of the conference is $125 per person. Facilities or organizations sending three or more persons are eligible for a group rate of $110 per person. The fee includes the seminar, course materials, continental breakfast and lunch, a certificate of attendance and continuing education units (nursing and therapeutic recreation). Fees are non-refundable. Contact Greg Jones at 338-7171 or email him at gjones@romehospital.org to make an advance payment and to register. Registration can also be made the day of the event. Checks, made payable to Rome Memorial Hospital, may be mailed to: Greg Jones, Rome Memorial Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Unit, 1500 N. James St., Rome, N.Y., 13440.
Oct. 10-12
Marriage hurting? Try Retrouvaille A Retrouvaille program will be offered from Oct. 10-12 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. This weekend experience helps couples find a new way of looking at themselves and one another. The program focuses on teaching communication skills between a husband and wife. Overnight accommodations and meals are included. For more information, visit www. HelpOurMarriage.com. For confidential inquiries, contact Andrea or Mike at 1-800-470-2230 or info@thegoodnewscenter.org.
Pet Health
Plump pets? Tips to keep your furry friends fit and frisky Check for chubbiness
By Traci DeLore
O
besity in pets is becoming more common and causing any number of health issues for our furry friends. According to www.mydailymoment.com, the majority of pet obesity is due to overfeeding, improper diet, or lack of exercise. Owners who are away at work all day, leaving Fido home with a big bowl of kibble and no means to get any exercise, compound these issues. Obesity in our pets can lead to a variety of health issues including high blood pressure, skin problems, diabetes mellitus, and more. About 25 percent of cats are obese, which can reduce their lifespan. “It’s a big problem,” said Thomas Rothwell of the Paris Hill Cat Hospital in the town of Paris. One of the biggest contributors to weight and health problems in cats is the dry food that many cats are fed. Dry food seems like a good choice, he noted. It’s easy to store, lasts a long time, and it’s economical. The problem, according to Rothwell, is that most dry food is not properly formulated for a cat’s nutritional needs. “A cat is not closely related to a dog,” he said. “Their appetite is for meat.” Most dry cat food lacks sufficient protein for cats and contains too many carbohydrates. That often leads to obesity, especially in indoor cats, Rothwell said. He suggests feeding a low carbohydrate canned cat food. The Paris Hill Cat Hospital offers a tool on its website, www.parishillcathopsital.com, to help determine the nutritional quality of various cat foods. In addition to providing good food, cat owners need to provide their cats a stimulating habitat and encourage them to be active. Hide food and make your cat find it, offer toys to encourage exercise, or find other ways to help
Health
There is a simple and easy way to tell if your dog is overweight, she said. “You want to be able to feel their rib cage, but not see it,” she said. If you have to really dig around to feel a rib, your dog is overweight. If you can easily see the ribs, your dog is underweight. To help a dog lose weight, owners need to strictly control food portions and make sure their dog is getting enough exercise, Elbrecht said. Use a measuring cup to scoop out accurate food portions instead of just filling a bowl and letting your dog eat his fill. Swap out higher calorie treats like dog biscuits with vegetables like carrots or green beans. In fact, there are a lot of vegetables dogs can enjoy for a low-calorie treat, she said. However, she cautioned, owners should Traci DeLore’s still somewhat overweight beagle mix, Charlie, doing what he loves best — sleeping on never feed their dogs the couch. “We have trimmed him down from about 65 pounds to 53 pounds by strictly controlling his onions, grapes, raisins, diet and taking him for walks, but he still needs to lose more weight,” DeLore said. The photo above or chocolate, all of which depicts him at his heavier weight. Beagles are one of the breeds prone to being overweight. are harmful to dogs. Fatty table scraps aren’t a good choice either as they can your cat remain active, he said. they need a nice balanced diet,” said lead to a painful condition called panOther contributing factors to obesi- Dana Elbrecht of the New Hartford creatitis. ty in cats include aging, genetics or the Animal Hospital (www.newhartfordTaking your dog for a daily walk is cat’s breed, spaying and neutering, and animalhospital.com). great exercise for both pet and owner, low thyroid levels. Owners need to keep a close eye Elbrecht said. For some dogs, a 20-minAbout one-third of dog owners fail on the amount of treats or human ute walk is more than enough. Other to realize their dog is obese, according food their dog eats and make sure to dogs, including natural active breeds, to mydailymoment.com. A dog is more provide regular daily exercise. Obesity will need more exercise. The key, she likely to be obese if its owner is obese in dogs can lead to a variety of issues, said, is to make sure your dog is getand certain breeds — including small such a joint pain, especially in older ting activity every day. terriers, cocker spaniels, dachshunds, dogs. Spayed female dogs and neu“Keep them young and healthy, and beagles — are more prone to obetered male dogs are often more prone slim and trim, and they’ll live a longer sity. to obesity. life,” Elbrecht said. “Dogs need lots of exercise and
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October 2014 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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He shall overcome Faxton Cup Award winner Joshua Mullen model for people with disabilities By Patricia J. Malin
A
ll amputees experience difficult times of adjustment, but Joshua Mullen has a way of easing the transition to their new way of life. As the owner of Empire Orthopedic Laboratories of Yorkville, he’s an expert in fitting and using prosthetic devices. Yet it’s more than a job for him. He takes a personal interest in the well-being of his customers. He thinks of himself as a counselor and mentor for people with disabilities. Mullen, 37, was honored recently with the Faxton Cup Award, presented by Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica during a ceremony at the inpatient rehabilitation unit, Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services at the St. Luke’s Campus. The award is presented to a local individual or organization who is committed to the enhancement of quality of life for people with disabilities. Mullen was born without his left arm below the elbow. He was fitted for his prosthetic limb when he was just 4 months old. While growing up in Rome, he was a frequent customer of Empire Orthopedic Labs. Although he wears a prosthetic device in place of his left hand, he said he never viewed himself as disabled or handicapped. “Everyone faces adversity in their life, whether they’re disabled or not,” he said as he accepted the Faxton Cup Award. “I didn’t know I was disabled until someone told me, but I never considered myself disabled. Anyone who faces an obstacle needs to focus on what you can do.” Mullen graduated from Hartwick College in Oneonta with a degree in biology, but admitted he wasn’t sure
of a career path. He returned home in the summers and conveniently worked at Empire Orthopedic, which was then a franchise operated by a company in Rochester. “I knew that I didn’t want to do research or have a job that kept me behind a desk,” recalled Mullen. “I often helped my dad refinish furniture and wanted to find a career that was more hands-on.” He eventually obtained post-graduate training and certification in prosthetics and orthotics in Newington, Conn. He spent 10 years working in Watertown and Syracuse.
Taking the reins
In 2009, he was working at the VA Hospital in Syracuse when one of his clients called him with disturbing news. The Empire Orthopedic Lab was going to close because its orthopedic practitioner was leaving. Mullen jumped into action. “I contacted the owners,” he said. As he pondered how to finance the deal, it became an example of an obstacle he didn’t anticipate in his life. “I got a loan from the Small Business Administration, then I took out a mortgage on my rental property,” he explained. Five years later, he is delighted he took the risk. He has approximately 3,000 customers now, he said. In addition, his wife, Danielle, is his office manager. “I think I make people comfortable,” said Mullen, who is a certified prosthetist orthotist in the Division of Stride Orthotics and Prosthetics. “I know what they’re going through and I understand their needs.” Mullen wears a carbon fiber-titanium prosthesis that weighs about four pounds. He continues to research developments in prosthetics by attend-
“I didn’t know I was disabled until someone told me, but I never considered myself disabled. Anyone who faces an obstacle needs to focus on what you can do.” — Joshua Mullen
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • October 2014
From left are Anthony J. Scibelli, senior vice president of human resources, post acute and support services for Mohawk Valley Health System; Joshua Mullen, Faxton Cup Award recipient; and Diane Jackson, director of outpatient rehabilitation services at MVHS. ing national conferences and furthering his education. Amanda Straney, physical therapy and occupational therapy acute care manager at FSLH, nominated Mullen for the Faxton Cup Award. She noticed how Mullen visits the patients in the rehabilitation unit, some of whom have lost limbs due to diabetes, disease or traumatic accidents, and helps them through their recovery. His outgoing personality is an advantage. “He’s an easygoing guy and patients are comfortable with him,” she said. “He’ll tell them that he can help them and how this (prosthesis) will work. They take one look at him and know he has experience. He puts people at ease,” she pointed out. He understands that amputees go through a period of shock when they first lose limbs. “It is a shock to them, but I let them know how to get insurance and training,” he said. He offers them reassurance that he
can custom fit them with the proper equipment, whether it’s a prosthetic limb or orthopedic braces. Orthopedic Labs also sells orthopedic equipment, such as diabetic shoes, inserts and stockings, plus knee, ankle and foot braces. Mullen and his team can fabricate prosthetic limbs on site, helping their patients to walk and get back to work and their daily activities.
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