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DECEMBER 2020 • ISSUE 178
COVID19: Home for the holidays
Cut above the rest Central New York’s Lorena Malone shows what dedication and persistence can result in.
See Page 20
Fight depression with food
Yuletide season will be anything but traditional
See Page 14
See Pages 3-8
Meet Your Doctor
Pandemic takes toll on mental health
High anxiety unwelcome guest for holidays
Vinod M. Varki Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York bolsters medical staff. See Page 4
See Page 5
Boost Vitamin C with Portable Clementines
P. 15
Great Gifts for Healthcare Providers P. 17
December 2020 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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COVID19: The ultimate party crasher This holiday season will be like no other By Barbara Pierce
K
elly and Tony Calduch recently bought tickets for their annual trip from their home in Florida to spend Christmas with their daughter and granddaughter in Michigan. Now, though they feel planes may be reasonably safe, it’s being in airports that creates concern. They’ve canceled their trip. “I’ll spend Christmas face-timing time with my granddaughter,” said 57-year-old Kelly. “It’s not the same as being with her in person, but it’s not a bad substitute.” Like them, many families won’t be spending real time with those they love. This holiday will be like none other. Throw out your playbook for planning for the holidays. This year will present challenges. “We know 2020 has been a difficult year for so many, and everyone would like to be with their families this holiday season,” said Madison County Director of Public Health Eric Faisst. “But we remind you to be cautious,” he continued. “We’ve seen a lot of community spread lately. Much of that is a result of people hosting parties.” Consider these ways on how to make your holidays this year special, even if concerns about COVID-19 mean you’ll have to celebrate the holidays away from your friends and family. — Shop and ship early: Stay home and browse the web for gifts. As more people will be shopping online, shipping companies will be inundated, so don’t wait. — If you do go out to the stores, remember the basics, Faisst suggests: “Wear a facemask, wash your hands, and watch your social distancing. Do not go out if you are sick.” — Travel carries risks: Postponing is the best option, say experts. “If you travel out of state, please be extra cautious,” said Faisst. In many states, cases are spiking again. Don’t take an airline or hotel’s word for it when they claim to be safe or clean. — Avoid indoor get-togethers: “Keep any group gatherings small,” recommends Faisst. A smaller
gathering of loved ones you share a household with followed by a virtual get-together with others is the safest path to take. There’s potential for a spike in infections stemming from holiday parties, even if they’re small and only among relatives. Indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to no more than 10 people. “Consider alternative gatherings, such as parties on a virtual platform or a car parade in your neighborhood,” Faisst added.
Keep circle small
The risk is when you have extended family or people not in the circle you regularly mix with together. They could spread the virus. — But if you do choose to invite others, Faisst has these recommendations: “Limit the guest list to family and close friends. Ask guests, particularly those who live in high-risk areas, to avoid others for 14 days before the gathering; and ask guests not to attend the party if they’re experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or
Happy Holidays from Alpine Rehab & Nursing
if they’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.” Let guests know these expectations ahead of time. — Also, make sure you have plenty of space for social distancing, that everyone wears a mask which covers their nose and mouth, keep windows and doors open to the extent it’s feasible, use a fan to blow air outwards, plate food in the kitchen, limit the number of people who deal with the food, and try to limit alcohol use, he added. When people drink, the more careless they get and the more animated they get. Speaking loudly, laughing, and even singing, experts say, has the potential of spreading the virus more. Consider asking someone to be the coordinator to ensure that all these expectations are met. — Move the party outside if you can, Faisst continued. Outdoors is always safer than indoors. Look for activities that can be socially distanced and keep you active, like sledding or snow-fort making. And don’t forget to serve hot foods and
drinks to help keep everyone toasty. Do your gift exchange around an outdoor picnic table or fire pit. Those vulnerable to the virus — the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions — should avoid gatherings this year — Make special memories: You and your family may be a little tired of each other right now, but think of fun ways to help set the holiday season apart. Create a little advent calendar with festive activities for each day. Your activities don’t have to be elaborate — it could just be drinking hot cocoa together wearing Santa hats, watching one of the best Christmas movies on Netflix, or cooking together on Zoom — but it’ll help make the season brighter. — Keep up your routines: Sleep well, eat well, take time for yourself, and find time to keep physically active. Remembering what’s different will make this holiday more special. “Help is coming,” Faisst tells us, referring to the vaccine. “There is a light at the end of this tunnel.”
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December 2020 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Colon Cancer Screening Should Start at Age 45
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verage folks should start being screened at age 45 to prevent colon cancer, five years earlier than is now recommended, the nation’s top preventive medicine panel says. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends that people aged 50 to 75 be regularly screened for colon cancer, one of a handful of cancers that can be prevented outright. But new data suggests that screening earlier could save even more lives, said task force member, physician Michael Barry, director of the Informed Medical Decisions Program in the Health Decision Sciences Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “We have epidemiologic data that the risks of colorectal cancer are increasing before age 50, particularly in that 45- to 49-yearold age group,” Barry said. Computer models suggest that about 25 colon cancer deaths are prevented for every 1,000 Americans between 50 and 75 who are screened, Barry said. The earlier start is expected to prevent at least one more death per every 1,000 screened, Barry said. Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies are required to cover the full cost of any screening test recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The task force is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. This guideline covers people at average risk for colon cancer, Barry said. People with factors that put them at higher risk – for example, a strong family history of colon cancer – might need to start screening even earlier, and should discuss it with their doctor. Colon cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps that form in the colon or rectum. These screening tests detect the presence of these polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Colonoscopy is the most widely known colon cancer screening method, but it’s not the only one, Barry said. “There are a whole group of tests that can reduce the risk that someone will die of colorectal cancer,” he said. For example, people can have their stool tested for the presence of tiny amounts of blood, which can indicate the presence of either cancer or polyps.
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Vinod M. Varki, M.D.
Oncologist-hematologist who grew up in Miami is ready to face his first winter in Central New York. He recently joined Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York. Q: You’re specialized in both hematology and oncology, correct? A: Yes, I treat all types of cancers and all types of blood disorders. I see patients ages 18 and up. Q: Please give us some examples of the diseases you commonly treat? A: Some examples would be breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer and blood disorders such as myeloma, lymphoma and general issues relating to the blood. Q: How does your practice break down between your two specialties? A: I’d say it’s about 60% hematology [the field of medicine devoted to the study of blood disorders], 40% oncology [the field of medicine dedicated to the study and management of tumors or cancers]. Generally, the cancer patients are older whereas most of the benign blood stuff is in younger patients. That includes elevating white blood cell counts, low white counts, low or high platelet counts, low or high red blood cell counts. Elevated white counts could be from inflammation or an infection. Low white count could be from a bone marrow problem. A lot of the low red blood cell issues are from anemia or iron deficiency. Platelet problems can be from a bone marrow problem or vitamin deficiencies, things like that. Q: What kinds of treatment modalities do you offer at Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York? A: The modalities that I offer are chemotherapy, immunotherapy and biological therapy to treat cancer.
Q: What are the differences between those? A: So, chemotherapy encompasses chemicals that damage DNA and kill cancer cells as well as healthy cells. Immunotherapy is where you rev up the body’s immune system to fight cancer. And biological therapy is targeted therapy that attacks certain genetic features of the cancer. Q: What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to each of those therapies? A: It’s a matter of targeted therapy versus more systemic therapy. Q: Do you fill a specific niche within the practice, or are you all dividing up the same work? A: I’m doing general practice, but as cancer becomes more complicated we’ll all have our own niche areas of specialty. I tend to do a lot of melanomas and skin cancers, as well as GI cancers, lung cancers and breast cancers. Q: You’re coming up from down south. What brought you to Syracuse? A: I’ve been all over the place. I was looking for a private practice and, in this day and age, private practices are hard to come by. I wanted to be in a practice that was a collegial environment, and the physicians have autonomy with regard to the practice of medicine. The challenge in a lot of the big cities is that a lot of practices have become hospital-based. Hospitals have bought out a lot of practices, and the hospitals are basically the administrators and kind of run the
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2020
show. Whereas with a private practice, which is what I’m in right now, the physicians have the autonomy to control the day-to-day flow of things. Q: How big is Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York? A: We have about 14 physicians. Q: How recently did you start? A: I started Sept. 8. Q: Within the practice, how much influence do you have? How do you come to decisions together? A: Right now, since I only just joined the practice, I’m an associate. I’m not a partner. So, I do have influence in my day-to-day patient care, but in terms of big decision-making that’s between the board and the partners. Q: I take it there’s a path to partnership? A: Yes, there’s a path to partnership. That’s the model for private group practices for the most part. Q: Have there been any surprises so far? A: No, it’s pretty much met expectations. Q: Moving from region to region, do you encounter different types of cancer more frequently? A: Not really. This is smaller population overall, so it’s all proportional. The proportions are about the same, but prevalence is of course higher in bigger cities with larger populations. Proportionally, though, it’s about the same. Q: Are you ready for the winter? A: Oh yeah, I lived in Rochester for about three years, so I think I’m ready for it. Q: What kind of impact do you want to have in your new practice? A: I think I want to make a difference in my patients’ lives and help them through difficult times in their journey. I like being a cheerleader through the process. It’s also very intellectually stimulating, which is wonderful, because hematology and oncology are constantly evolving.
Lifelines Name: Vinod M. Varki, M.D. Position: Hematologist and oncologist at Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York (HOACNY) Specialty: Board-certified in internal medicine, medical hematology and oncology Hometown: Miami, Florida Education: Medical school: Vanderbilt University College of Medicine, 2011; residency: University of Rochester Medical Center, 2014; fellowship: University of Maryland Medical Center — Hematology/Oncology, 2017 Affiliations: Crouse Hospital; St. Joseph’s Hospital Organizations: American Society of Clinical Oncology Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine - Hematology, 2018; American Board of Internal Medicine - Medical Oncology, 2017; American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine, 2014 Family: Married Hobbies: Travel; tennis, swimming, saxophone, cooking, gym, hiking
The Balanced Body
Mental illness skyrockets By Deb Dittner
Turbulent times wreak havoc on state of mental health
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oday’s climate in terms of people’s health and welfare is in desperate need of repair. Mental health concerns and mental illness are at epidemic proportions as we continue month after month with various impacts of rising coronavirus cases, the volatile political front, and the rapid changes occurring in job transitions, a decrease or loss of income, and diminished social connections. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five people in the United States live with mental illness and that number may be on the rise. Because of the speed of change that has occurred since last March, it has been difficult to fully process the damage to your mental health. This is not to be overlooked. Those with previous mental health issues will definitely be affected. But those who have never experienced anxiety, depression, a panic disorder, mood disorder, eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and more need to take note of changes in their daily lives, including recognizing sleep and eating patterns and the effects of isolation. Those with previous mental health issues may have sought help in the past and developed coping skills in addition to regular therapy including medication. If this is new to you, connect with your primary health care provider to make sure you receive the proper care you need now. It is extremely important to take control over external triggers. Turn off the TV and other sources of news as that may feed into negative thoughts and feelings of doom. Go for walks outdoors, walk the dog, and don’t bring your phone with you. Simply enjoy the great outdoors, breathe deeply and soak in much-needed Vitamin D. If meeting family, friends or colleagues via Zoom, don’t discuss the current status of the day. Talk about happy events and focus on the positive. Negativity will only breed more negativity and greater stress. Now that the external forces are
Oneida, Herkimer In Good
Breathe easy
Breath work has been known to decrease stress and anxiety, and can be done anytime and anywhere. Take a deep breath into the count of four, hold for the count of four and release to the count of four. I recommend this process on arising for a minimum of three rounds and again before sleep, also using it frequently and as needed throughout the day. Gratitude makes you a happier and healthier person. The expression of gratitude improves mental health, decreases anxiety, and improves sleep. Daily gratitude practices may include 5-to-15 minutes of journaling
and
Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper
dealt with, let’s look internally and take action to decrease stressors.
Madison
counties
A monthly newspaper published by Local News, Inc. 20,000 copies distributed. To request home delivery ($21 per year), call 315-749-7070.
In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2020 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 • Phone: 315-749-7070 Email: lou@cnymail.com
Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Barbara Pierce, David Podos, Deb Dittner, Jessica Arsenault Rivenburg, Brooke Stacia Demott, Daniel Baldwin, Traci DeLore Advertising: Amy Gagliano Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas Office Assistant: Nancy Nitz
(what you are grateful for, and what you have done to provide nourishment to your body and mind), spending time in nature, be of service to others or volunteer, write a letter to someone you haven’t seen in a while, tell someone three things you appreciate about them, and dedicate time to prayer and meditation. Physical movement is necessary for a healthy mind and body. Yoga, including chair yoga, can improve flexibility, decrease chronic pain, aid in sleep, and improve mental health. Yoga is a mind-body practice, combining breath work, movement, and mindfulness. Weekly practice between 20 and 90 minutes for a minimum of two months followed by a more frequent practice most days of the week produces greater effects. Whole nutrient-dense foods reduce stress and anxiety. Some examples consist of fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and trout, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids; pumpkin seeds high in potassium and zinc; Brazil nuts high in selenium; dark chocolate with greater than 70% cacao, a good source of magnesium; eggs provide Vitamin D and protein, and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and arugula provide magnesium. Herbs and spices that
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.
December 2020 •
can help include turmeric, which decreases inflammation and oxidative stress; chamomile, which is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and cinnamon for its use as an anti-inflammatory. And don’t forget water — take your weight and divide by two to equal the ounces needed daily. These impactful ways to minimize the effects of mental health issues are effective and will improve your daily outlook on life. Receiving the appropriate care during such trying times will lead to a full and productive life.
Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. For more information, check out her website at www.debdittner.com or contact her at 518-596-8565.
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Between You & Me
By Barbara Pierce
A very COVID-19 Christmas T his has been an abominably bad year. We’ve heard the word “unprecedented” an unprecedented number of times. If I’d been watching this pandemic as a movie, I’d have said to myself: “Thank goodness that’ll never happen in real life!” But it is happening. We’re stressed, while many are tinged with sadness, anxiety, or depression. So how do we get through what should be the happiest time of the year but is so full of challenges? Seeking out the positives can help us not only cope, but enjoy, this holiday season. There is growing evidence that the absence of positive thoughts has a greater negative impact on our well-being than does the presence of negative ones. I think that’s hugely significant. Positive thinking is better for our emotional health than getting rid of negative thoughts. Thinking positive thoughts means gratitude. Gratitude means expressing appreciation of what we have. Noticing simple pleasures. The research is clear: Expressing gratitude makes you healthier, happier and increases your feelings of well-being. People who take time to notice and reflect upon the things they’re thankful for experience more
positive emotions. They feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. Gratitude helps us cope with stress. Here are ways you might cultivate gratitude during this holiday season: — Celebrate the present moment. We don’t need to reserve our gratitude for the big, important things. In every moment, notice the small, haphazard pleasures: the color of the sky, the softness of your sweater, the comforting home around you, the peacefulness of your neighborhood, the chirping of the birds. It’s simple. At any moment, ask yourself: What’s happening here and now that’s pleasant, beautiful or helpful? Pause and enjoy it. For me, at this moment, I’m content to have this cup of hot coffee steaming in the ray of sunlight coming through the window. The sky is pale and picturesque. My houseplants are doing well — I love the variety of colors and leaves massed together. Soon I’ll add red poinsettias. Earlier today, as I walked, a hawk soaring and gliding over the treetops caught my attention. I stopped for a few minutes to watch, his black wings a vivid contrast to the white clouds and blue sky. Watching him
circle overhead, I was filled with awe and a feeling of well-being. Those pleasant little details may be small, but they’re not insignificant. They contribute to your well-being, and well-being is all that matters ultimately. Every moment contains so many pleasant, helpful or beautiful details. Spend time thinking about being grateful for activities of the season, such as having close family to spend Christmas with, opening presents with children, the smell of the Christmas tree and the twinkling lights. Thinking about being grateful is also helpful. — Celebrate others. The second part of gratitude is acknowledging the good we’ve received from others. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how much the people in our lives mean to us. Consider the people who are important to you, now in your life. Write a letter to let them know that they are important to you and why. If you’re sending Christmas cards, add a personal letter. — Remember those in your life who believed in you and helped you get where you are. Take a moment to write to them, letting them know what they’ve meant to you. No time to write? Send a text, email or use social media. — Keep a gratitude journal. A gratitude journal is another
way to practice gratitude during the holidays. Every night, write down three things for which you are grateful. Get specific by writing: “My partner gave me a shoulder rub when he knew I was really stressed,” or “My sister dropped off a beautifully wrapped gift I love looking at.” Hold these images in your mind for several minutes. If every day sounds like way too much, try for once a week. If you do this regularly, you’ll notice a difference. It works because it slowly changes the way you perceive situations by adjusting what you focus on. “You can’t feel any negative emotions when you feel gratitude,” said my 92-year-old friend Peg, who is thriving and easily the most joyful person I have ever had the good fortune to know. We usually don’t remember exactly what happened at the holidays from year to year, but when something this different happens, it’ll stick out. This holiday season will definitely be memorable because it’s so different. It will be important to find ways to find joy. Barbara Pierce is a retired licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience helping people. If you would like to purchase a copy of her book, “When You Come to the Edge: Aging” or if you have questions for her, contact her at barbarapierce06@yahoo.com.
RECONNECT WITH YOUR HEALTH. WE’RE HERE TO HELP. At Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, we’re here to care for communities across Upstate New York. And a big part of that is helping people take care of themselves. If you’ve been holding off on scheduling appointments or addressing ongoing health concerns, now’s a good time to reconnect with your doctor. So focus on your health and move forward with confidence, knowing that we’re with you every step of the way.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2020
Seeking refuge in the arts A little arts and culture good for mental health during pandemic By Barbara Pierce
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here is increasing evidence that being involved in arts and culture has a positive impact on our lives. It relieves stress, improves wellbeing, helps depression, and slows down cognitive decline. Susan Belasco, retired professor of English in Hamilton, found a new passion as a docent and board member for the Oneida Community Mansion House in Oneida. The Mansion House, home of the utopian Oneida Community, which thrived in the 19th Century, is a National Historic Landmark where visitors can enjoy period rooms and interpretive exhibits in the museum, in addition to the beautiful extensive grounds. “The Oneida community is indeed good for my mental health,” she said. “It makes me very happy; I just love it and enjoy being a volunteer.” “What we offer is a crucial thing for me and for our visitors. Coming into this historic home lets you enter another world, a world where others lived in a very different time and place. When I come out through the door, I feel like I’ve spent time in another world. It’s a compelling, fascinating story that I enjoy sharing.” In the Mohawk Valley, we’re fortunate to have a thriving art community with a wide variety of performing arts and cultural activities across our region. Sadly, most activities are now on pause because of the pandemic. Recognizing the importance of arts and culture to our community, leaders are finding innovative ways to share art with us during these times. Engagement with the arts takes on a higher significance during these unsettled times, helping with mental strain and unleashing feelings of well-being. While tours of the Mansion House are not available, tours of the extensive grounds are available while the facility has developed an online presence. “The pandemic has been a challenge and an opportunity to the Kirkland Art Center,” said board member
Nora Revenaugh, a board member at the Kirkland Art Center, takes pleasure in playing the violin. Nora Revenaugh. “It’s tough to find ways to bring the community together when we’re not able to gather together.” The Kirkland Art Center is a multi-arts center, housed in an old church on the village green in Clinton. Its mission is to educate adults and children, to advocate for artists and the arts, and to engage the community in a range of cultural experiences and opportunities. Revenaugh became involved in
the center after moving back from New York City. Growing up in the area, she was active at the center during high school. “I wouldn’t be where I am today in my career if I hadn’t gotten that support from them. I feel like this is a good way to give back,” she said. Revenaugh developed an artist-in-residence program to support the mission of the center during the pandemic. A one-week residence in an artist’s retreat, with a stipend, is
being offered to three artists. “We want to support artists who may have to work at a day job or are a parent,” she said. “Art can be transformative for our lives,” added Revenaugh, a working artist. “Art is so great for our mental health, especially during a time when so much of our life is impersonal.” Director Jane Malin of the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts in Little Falls agrees. “Arts are a key part of a whole, happy, healthy life. We absolutely feel that the various types of art do quite a bit for health: emotionally, physically, and mentally. Arts definitely promote a healthier, happier life for people of all ages.” The center in Little Falls is “limping along during these difficult times,” she added. “Our gift shop is open; all of our items are made by local artisans.” And some classes are available online. Research supports the positive effect of both active and passive arts and culture engagement has positive benefits. Persons who engaged in art and cultural pursuits regularly enjoyed better overall physical health, fewer doctor visits, less medication usage, less depression, fewer falls, less loneliness and better morale versus those who didn’t. Other research found that making art reduces stress, even if you have no ability. It’s the process of creating that provides the benefits; it’s about the journey, not the end product. Creating art provides a distraction, giving your brain a break from your usual thoughts. Only 45 minutes of creative activity will significantly lower the stress-related hormones in your body. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, woodworking, gardening, drawing, sewing, or photography, a relaxing and rewarding hobby can lower your stress level and leave you feeling mentally clear and calm. It acts like meditation to focus your mind and temporarily push aside all your worries. These are good times to explore culture or develop a creative activity, and there’s a wealth of information online.
Excellus programs counter rising costs of diabetic medications
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xcellus BlueCross BlueShield is introducing three new programs to reduce the cost of diabetic medications for members in 2021. One in 10 adults has diabetes and the cost of medications such as insulin continues to dramatically increase. More than $1 billion a year is spent on drugs to treat diabetes in Upstate New York alone. “We recognize the connection the increasing prices of these medications can have on our members’ ability to take their medications as needed,” said pharmacist Mona Chitre, chief pharmacy officer and vice president integrated clinical strategy for Excellus BCBS. “The availability of these new programs will help our
members continue to have access to high quality medications at a lower cost.” Beginning Jan.1, the following Excellus BCBS programs will offer significant savings on insulin and certain diabetic medications for members enrolled in select commercial and Medicare health plans. • Commercial Insurance and Individual Exchange Programs • NYS $100 Insulin Max: This program limits the out-of-pocket expense for prescription insulin medications. Members will pay no more than $100 for a 30-day supply of a covered insulin. This applies to all out-of-pocket expenses, including copayments, deductibles and coinsurance.
• Patient Assurance Program: members will pay no more than $25 for a 30-day supply of eligible Tier 2 diabetic drugs. • Medicare Advantage Direct Pay: Nationally, about one in every three Medicare beneficiaries has diabetes and more than 3.3 million Medicare beneficiaries use one or more of the common forms of insulin, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. • Part D Senior Savings Model: To keep out-of-pocket costs low, consistent and predictable, Excellus BCBS will lower the cost of select insulin products to a maximum copay of $30 through the deductible, initial and coverage gap phases on select Medicare Advantage Direct
December 2020 •
Pay plans. According to CMS, this program will save Medicare beneficiaries an average of $446 in annual outof-pocket costs for select insulins, or more than 66%, relative to their average cost-sharing today. “Out-of-pocket costs can fluctuate one month to the next because the of the different phases in the Part D prescription drug benefit. This program provides Medicare members with a set copay for their insulin from the beginning of the plan year through the coverage gap,” said Chitre. “Ensuring a consistent co-pay for members can lead to better adherence, and taking medication as directed can result in better health outcomes.”
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Holiday Health
Make holiday safety a priority Put freeze on winter home fires By Barbara Pierce
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ome fires are dangerous no matter when they happen, but they become more common as the temperature dips. Home fires increase in winter months with peaks in December and January. Fires are a major cause of injury and death at home. Fire is fast. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames. Fire is hot. In just two minutes, a fire can become life threatening. In three minutes, the heat from a house fire can reach over 1,100 degrees. In rooms that are not even on fire, the temperature can reach over 300 degrees, hot enough to melt plastic and kill people in those rooms. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. Because many items in homes today are made of synthetic materials, if they catch fire, they burn very quickly. Fire is deadly. Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths. “This time of the year, there are three major things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping you and your loved ones safe from fire: space heaters, Christmas trees, and chimneys,” said Lieutenant Richard Roberts of the East Herkimer Fire Department. Space heaters when not used properly can be dangerous. During winter months, heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires. Roberts suggests what you can do to prevent fire caused by a space heater: — Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater. — Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep. — Don’t let pets or children play close to a space heater. — Proper placement of space heaters is important. Keep them at
Trees can be dangerous
Christmas trees and decorations make us feel the magic of Christmas, but decorations, especially trees and candles, increase the risk of fire. “The Christmas season is when everyone likes to decorate their houses and trees,” said Thomas Iacovissi, chief of the Rome Fire Department. Here are simple precautions that can make all the difference: — Never use lighted candles around a Christmas tree. Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are the top days for candle fires. Keep candles away from your Christmas tree, furniture and décor. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Consider using battery-operated flameless
candles. — If you’re putting up a real tree, be sure it is a fresh tree with green needles that don’t fall off when touched. — Before placing the tree in the stand, cut off at least two inches from the base of trunk. — Keep the tree three feet from any heat source. — Make sure the tree is watered daily. — Only use lights that are U.L. (Underwriters Laboratories) listed; never use lights that are frayed or worn. Never string more than three cords together. — Always turn lights off before going to bed or leaving the house. — Choose decorations that are flame resistant or retardant. — Dispose of the tree when it’s dry. — If you purchase an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled “fire resistant.” “Chimney fires happen due to buildup of creosote on the inside of the chimney; creosote is very flammable,” said Roberts. “To prevent a chimney fire, every year before you use your fireplace, have it cleaned and inspected by a professional.”
— Before starting a fire, make sure the flue is open and remove anything that might catch flame from the area. — Protect the opening with a screen to keep flying embers in and children and pets out. — Don’t leave a lighted fireplace unattended. — Don’t toss wrapping paper in the fireplace; it can start a flash fire. Don’t put tree branches or needles in the fireplace. — Dispose of the ashes safely. Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the container outside, at least 10 feet away from your house. Cooking is another leading cause of home fires. — Keep flammable items such as grocery bags and kitchen towels away from the stove and oven. — Clean up greasy spills as you go. — Don’t leave cooking unattended. — Most importantly, make sure you have working smoke alarms. The vast majority of fires happen in homes without a working smoke alarm. “All of these precautions save lives,” concluded Roberts.
Tips for a healthier holiday season
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ive your heart the gift of healthy eating this holiday season, the American Heart Association suggests. “It’s easy to get off track from making healthy choices during the holidays, and the pandemic may add to the stress,” physician Anne Thorndike, chairwoman of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Nutrition Committee, said in a heart association news release. “Eating healthfully during the Page 8
least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. — They should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater. — Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.
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holidays doesn’t mean depriving yourself; it’s about eating smart and looking for small, healthy changes and swaps you can make so you continue to feel your best. For example, choosing vegetables instead of crackers or chips at lunch may not seem like much, but those little changes add up over time,” said Thorndike. She’s an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the Metabolic Syndrome Clinic at Massachusetts
General Hospital in Boston. You don’t have to sacrifice taste when eating healthy, according to Bridget Wojciak, director of nutrition and dietetics at Kroger Health, a national sponsor of the AHA’s Healthy for Good program. “Find the delicious, nutrient-packed foods you love,” Wojciak said. “Not everyone likes broccoli, and that is OK. There are so many varieties of fruits and vegetables to try, and so many healthful ways to
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2020
prepare them. See what works best for you, and who knows? You may have a new holiday recipe to add to your table.” Here are some suggestions for healthy eating during the holidays: • Reduce sodium/salt by using more herbs and spices such as rosemary and thyme to flavor meals. • Choose nutritious snacks.• When grocery shopping, look for products with the AHA’s HeartCheck mark.
Health Careers
Angela Brown
Manager, companion care: Assisting seniors to remain in their homes fully understand our procedures and are supported as they work with our clients.
By Barbara Pierce
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ohawk Valley in Good Health newspaper senior staff correspondent Barbara Pierce recently spoke with Angela Brown, manager of companion care, Daughter for Hire, LLC. DfH offers non-medical in-home assistance to senior citizens in the Mohawk Valley and the Capital District, making it possible for them to remain in their own homes. Q.: How did you become involved in this career? A.: When my daughter was old enough to attend school, I decided to pursue a part-time job. I was unsure of the path that I wanted to follow and considered several options. A dear friend pointed out that I am the type of person that wants to help and care for others and suggested that I consider becoming a caregiver. I am thankful for her insight and advice. I interviewed for a caregiver position with Denise (Filhan) and Kathleen (Rutishauser), co-owners of DfH. I was instantly impressed with the mission and culture of the organization. Their values were a perfect match with mine and I knew this was where I belonged. Since that time, I’ve had two promotions, the most recent of which is my current position as manager of companion care for the Mohawk Valley. As manager, I work with each caregiver and client. I thoroughly enjoy supporting our clients and caregivers in this way. Q.: As manager of companion care, what are your responsibilities?
Brown A.: One of my favorite responsibilities is to meet with potential new clients and their families to discuss our services. Once someone decides to work with us, I work hard to understand their likes and dislikes and carefully match their personality with the right caregiver. I love nothing more than hearing a client tell me that they enjoy the time spent with our caregiver; I am happy that I’ve made such a good match. In addition to managing clients’ needs, I oversee and manage the weekly schedules for each client. I’m also responsible for interviewing and hiring new caregivers. I oversee, train and coach our caregivers so they
Q.: What assistance do your caregivers provide? A.: DfH offers caring, compassionate, and dependable non-medical assistance to seniors. We assist clients with daily activities that help them to remain independent in their own homes. Our services include meal preparation, light housekeeping, running errands, taking clients to medical appointments, medication reminders and, most importantly, companionship. For many seniors, it can feel like they are giving up their independence when they are considering in-home care. What we have found is that, with our assistance, clients learn that they are able to do more. Whether it’s going out for a nice lunch or dinner, or easily get to their appointments without worrying about who’s going to take them, our clients quickly see that they can count on us. We guide with our hearts; we treat each client like we would treat our own parent. Q.: What training did it take to become a manager? A.: In addition to being an extremely organized and detail-oriented person, my experience working as a caregiver and communicating with our clients and our office staff was essential for me to become an effective manager. My experience has given me the ability to understand the needs of both our caregivers and our clients, and to provide the
assistance and training necessary to ensure our caregivers feel supported and our clients’ needs are consistently being met. Q.: What are the rewards of this position? A.: I could go on forever about what I like about this position. I get to leave the office every day knowing the families and clients I have worked with are grateful for our help and assistance. I often hear how much they appreciate their caregiver, and I do too. I am privileged to work closely with some of the kindest, most compassionate people I’ve ever met. There is no better feeling than when I hear the relief in the voice of a family member of someone we have helped, and to know we’ve made a big difference in their life. es?
Q.: What are the foremost challeng-
A.: The biggest challenge is finding and hiring caregivers. We get many calls asking for the help of a caregiver; we’re always looking for reliable, caring, and compassionate individuals to join our team. Q.: Anything else you would like us to know about DfH? A.: In response to the COVID pandemic, DfH has implemented strict policies and procedures to reduce caregivers’ and clients’ exposure to the virus while we’re working with them. For more information on DfH, call 315-725-2955 or visit www. daughterforhire.com.
Are benefits of multivitamins all in your head?
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ultivitamins really are magic pills for your health, a new study contends — but just not the way you might think. The health ‘benefits’ of multivitamins might just all be a trick of the mind, researchers say. U.S. adults who regularly take multivitamins self-reported 30% better overall health than people who don’t use the supplements, results of a federally funded survey show. However, a comprehensive medical history — assessing dozens of physical and mental illnesses — revealed zero actual health differences between people who did or did not take multivitamins. “Users of multivitamins and nonusers don’t differ in any of these clinically measurable health outcomes, but they report at least feeling about 30% better in their overall health,” said lead researcher Manish Paranjpe, a student at Harvard Medical School in Boston. About one-third of Americans routinely take multivitamins in the belief that they contribute to good health, the researchers said in background notes.
But prior studies have found little evidence to support any benefit from multivitamins for an array of health problems ranging from heart disease to cancer, Paranjpe said. To see whether they could establish any benefit from the supplements, the researchers analyzed data on more than 21,000 people collected as part of the 2012 U.S. National Health Interview Survey. Participants were asked about their use of complementary medical practices, which included taking vitamin supplements. Nearly 5,000 people said they regularly took multivitamins, while more than 16,000 said they didn’t. Regular multivitamin users were significantly older and tended to have higher household incomes; they were also more likely to be women, college graduates, married and have health insurance. Participants were also asked about myriad health problems that might affect them. The researchers assessed them, based on their responses to survey questions about: • Their subjective assessment of their own health.
• Their need for help with routine daily activities, which serve as a measure of disability. • Their history of 10 long-term health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and arthritis. • Their bouts with 19 common ailments over the past year, including infections, memory loss, neurological dysfunction and musculoskeletal problems. • Their degree of psychological distress, which could indicate problems with depression or anxiety. Multivitamin users tended to judge themselves more healthy than nonusers, but the nitty-gritty medical details revealed that they really weren’t, the study authors noted. The strong belief that multivitamins work might trick people into feeling healthier than they actually are, Paranjpe and his colleagues said. It also might be that folks who take multivitamins are “in general, or just naturally, more positive people,” Paranjpe suggested. Reacting to the findings, Andrea Wong, senior vice president of
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scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry trade group, cited problems with the study’s design. The results “in no way discount the multivitamins’ many benefits in combating insufficient nutrient levels and promoting optimum health, nor does it provide basis for consumers to reconsider their decision to take a multivitamin or to take one in the future,” Wong said. Wong noted that the study was based on survey data that did not ask which specific multivitamins people were taking or how often or how long they’d been taking them. As such, it can’t prove a cause-and-effect relationship and leaves many questions unanswered. The primary role of a multivitamin is to fill nutritional gaps and make sure people get their daily allowance of underconsumed nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E and K, calcium, magnesium, dietary fiber, choline and potassium, Wong said. Paranjpe said these results shouldn’t be interpreted to say that all supplements are a waste of money.
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Health Careers Who Are the Loneliest Americans? The Answer May Integrative holistic life coach Surprise You By Barbara Pierce
Candice Sturtevant
Loneliness can strike at any age, but a new study finds that young adults are the loneliest Americans, with people in their 60s being the least lonely. Researchers analyzed responses from more than 2,800 people nationwide (aged 20-69) who participated in an online survey. They found that levels of loneliness were highest among 20-somethings and lowest among respondents in their 60s. Loneliness reached another peak in respondents’ mid-40s. “What we found was a range of predictors of loneliness across the lifespan,” said corresponding senior author, physician Dilip Jeste, senior associate dean for healthy aging and senior care at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine. For all ages, predictors of loneliness included lower levels of empathy and compassion; smaller social networks; lack of a spouse or partner; and sleep problems. Except for people in their 60s, greater loneliness was associated with lower social self-efficacy. That’s “the ability to reflect confidence in exerting control over one’s own motivation, behavior and social environment,” according to a UCSD news release. Among people in their 50s, loneliness was also linked to a lower level of decisiveness. The study underscored other findings that have drawn a strong link between loneliness and low levels of wisdom — especially empathy and compassion. “Compassion seems to reduce the level of loneliness at all ages, probably by enabling individuals to accurately perceive and interpret others’ emotions along with helpful behavior toward others, and thereby increasing their own social self-efficacy and social networks,” Jeste said. As to why young adults are so lonely, researchers noted that people in their 20s face significant stress and pressure while trying to establish a career and find a life partner. “A lot of people in this decade are also constantly comparing themselves on social media and are concerned about how many likes and followers they have,” said study first author Tanya Nguyen, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry. “The lower level of self-efficacy may lead to greater loneliness.” And people in their 40s begin to experience physical challenges and health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, she said.
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ohawk Valley In Good Health newspaper senior staff correspondent Barbara Pierce recently spoke with Candice Sturtevant, founder-owner, Clearly Connected LLC and the Clearly Connected Integrative Holistic Life Coaching, Wellness & Event Center in Whitesboro. Q.: How did you become a life coach? A.: After years of struggling and feeling “stuck,” I hired an amazing integrative holistic life coach that changed my life and inspired me to become a coach myself. I knew from the moment we started working together that I wanted to share the gift of this work with others. Being an integrative holistic life coach is more than a career path for me. It’s my life purpose. Service has always been the driving force of my heart and soul. Prior to becoming a life coach, I worked in the nonprofit sector for 24 years. My earliest days were spent working directly with children and families, followed by years of administrative and management roles. Q.: What training did it take? A.: I was trained and certified through Legacy Training International. The curriculum was delivered through immersion retreats in Denver, Wyoming and Arizona. I continue to coach and train with a master coach as a commitment to my clients and myself.
A.: VXN is a dance-fitness brand focused on improving your physical and mental wellness. In my classes, participants are able to feel like performers with the trending choreography, musical remixes and atmosphere lighting. The class experience promotes mind-body connection, emotional release and community in addition to physical fitness. Q.: How is working with you different from seeing a mental health professional? A.: My experience with the mental health industry is that it is focused on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. That is not my focus. I am an integrative holistic life coach and my focus is on personal growth and development for the client. My coaching is driven by helping my clients get clear and living their full potential. I was trained in a human development curriculum that focuses on the power of the client to heal and transform their lives through coaching, homework and holistic practices. I do not diagnose the client or look for what is wrong with them. I challenge them to change patterns, feel emotions and consider re-invent-
Q.: Life coaching is one component of your businesses, Clearly Connected LLC and the Clearly Connected Integrative Holistic Coaching, Wellness & Event Center. What are the other components? A.: I offer individual life coaching sessions, Reiki therapy, massage therapy and a new dance-fitness class that I recently launched, VXN Workout. Q.: What are life-coaching sessions like? A.: My coaching sessions are designed uniquely for each individual. Identifying the client’s intentions for our work together is the first step. From there, each session builds upon itself as the client is taken through a process that helps them get clear and connected to themselves and their lives in a more real and meaningful way. Q.: What about Reiki? A.: Reiki is an ancient energy healing treatment that is used to balance energy in the body, relieve stress and pain, induce relaxation, release emotional blockages, and accelerate natural healing. Regular Reiki sessions are often effective in bringing about an increased sense of well-being. Q.: What will the dance-fitness class be like?
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2020
ing themselves and their life. Q.: What’s rewarding about your career? A.: It’s an honor to facilitate and coach others. There is absolutely nothing more rewarding than seeing my clients grow, heal and discover their full potential and possibilities. Being of service to others is what brings true happiness to my life. Q.: What is most challenging? A.: I am invested in my clients and their path to growth and healing. One of the biggest challenges is to know when to push my clients harder or spend more time getting clear. Coaching is a partnership and the success is a direct result of our work together. Q.: Who should consider working with you as a life coach? A.: I work with clients who value integrity and commitment. I work with people who want more for their lives. Working with me requires selfchange, responsibility and personal growth. Q.: Anything else you would like us to know about you? A.: I am CNY’s Radio Coach on KissFM at 8:30 a.m. on the first Monday of the month. Listen to my broadcasts at www.clearlyconnectedcoach.com. For more information on Clearly Connected LLC and the Clearly Connected Integrative Holistic Coaching, Wellness & Event Center in Whitesboro, call 315-922-1645 or visit www. clearlyconnectedcoach.com.
Breaking down mental health Mind over matter: Different conditions can compromise quality of life By Barbara Pierce
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ew research finds that a significant number of COVID-19 patients developed a mental health issue — like depression, anxiety, or dementia — within three months of their COVID diagnosis. The term mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being — how people think, feel, and behave. When people have mental health issues, they are experiencing a disruption in these areas. There’s a subtle distinction between mental health issues and behavioral health issues. Behavioral health looks at how your behaviors impact your well-being — behaviors like eating, drinking habits, and addictive behaviors. While some mental health issues are related to behaviors, most are caused by brain chemistry or genetics. There is misunderstanding about mental health issues, and this may help clarify: — An anxiety disorder is more than ordinary worry; it is frequent excessive, persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. It may involve episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and terror that peak within minutes (panic attacks). — Mood disorder describes a serious change in mood to depression or mania. — Depression causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how you feel, think and behave; you may have trouble doing normal activities, and sometimes feel life isn’t worth living. Depression is a continuum of disorders, mild to major. Most severe is major depression. Symptoms include depressed mood most days, loss of interest in activities, withdrawal,
appetite changes, sleep changes, loss of energy, poor concentration, and thoughts of death. Some experience delusions or hallucinations. Hallucinations involve seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. Delusions are beliefs in things that aren’t real.
Depression debilitating
Just getting out of bed in the morning seems impossible when you feel depressed. Depression — that heavy feeling of sadness that goes on and on. You may feel hopeless, lack energy, and can’t get excited about anything. You might be isolating yourself. You feel unmotivated to do just about anything. Even simple things, like getting out of bed and getting dressed, become large obstacles. More than just a bout of the blues, you can’t simply “snap out” of it. Most people improve with medication and therapy.
— Bipolar disorder: Also known as manic-depression, it includes alternating periods of depression and mania, strong shifts in energy, mood, and activity levels, and switching between extreme excitement (mania) and depression. These shifts can affect the ability to perform daily activities and can last days, weeks, or months. Manic periods are associated with an intense drive to be active, inability to sit still, grandiose ideas, motivation to achieve big things, rapid speech, poor sleep, irritable or elated moods. Depressed periods are associated with overwhelming fatigue, low moods, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Some may have mixed states, where they are very active or agitated but simultaneously very distressed. Medication can bring the episodes under control and prevent relapse. Many people with bipolar disorder have long periods of being
well. Some with bipolar disorder experience hallucinations or delusions. Their symptoms may be mistaken for schizophrenia; however, they are different chronic disorders. — Schizophrenia causes symptoms more severe than those of bipolar disorder, and is less common. Symptoms include hallucinations and delusions, disorganized thinking; and many are unable to care for themselves. Other symptoms include social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, flat affect (lack of emotions), moodiness, and other symptoms that cause the inability to function socially or in a work situation. Medication treats some of the symptoms, but is not a cure. It reduces psychotic symptoms, but is less helpful for treating symptoms such as social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and lack of emotional expressiveness. — Seek help: Most of these mental health issues don’t go away on their own, and may get worse. A mental health specialist is a good place to begin. He or she can determine whether medication would be helpful and get you to the right place. The Mobile Crisis Assessment Team is a resource for Oneida, Herkimer, Schoharie, Otsego, Delaware and Chenango counties: “We’re here 24/7 for people who need a little support as well as those who are experiencing a serious mental health concern,” said director Kristin Sauerbier. “There’s no charge for our services,” she added. “We’ll talk over the phone, or go to where you are if you agree.” For its assistance, call 315-7326228 or 844-732-6228 anytime.
AHA kicks off America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk 2021 Hybrid event planned on May 15; radiothon and telethon will take place earlier The date for America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk is changing, but the mission of the event remains the same. The American Heart Association announced its plans for America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk in a digital kickoff recently. America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on May 15, 2021. There are currently three options for the event: — If the AHA, state and federal guidelines permit, the event will be in person at Accelerate Sports in Whitesboro. — If in-person gatherings are not permitted, the event will be digital. — If guidelines allow, the event will be a hybrid event, with some in-person and some digital events. Participants can register to be part of America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk at UticaHeartRunWalk@ heart.org. For now, the AHA and volunteers are planning for a digital event. A Facebook event page has been set up, https://www.facebook.com/
events/706368326938393/, featuring events leading up to and on May 15. The page will contain information from sponsors, and on May 15, will host the health expo and feature opening ceremonies. During the morning of May 15, people will have time to run or walk wherever they are and are encouraged to post their pictures on the Facebook event page. “We may have a new venue and things may look a little different, but it is this community that makes this event such a great success every year,” said Steve Gassner, administrative officer at Mohawk Valley Water Authority and logistics chair of America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk. He is also the chair of the Mohawk Valley Board of Directors of the AHA. The radiothon and telethon will still be part of America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk, although they will be presented earlier in the year. The date for the WKTV Telethon is still to be set. 2021 marks the 50th anniversary
of the WIBX Radiothon, when five people ran from Van’s Tavern to the station to drop off their donations to the radiothon set up in honor of former radio personality Ralph Allinger. This year’s radiothon will take place on March 5. America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk will continue to honor survivors of heart disease and stroke. Nominations are being sought for this year’s Red Cap Ambassadors. The nomination form is available at UticaHeartRunWalk.org. Albert Pylinski is a longtime supporter of America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk and a survivor, and spoke during the recent launch. “I’m a five-time heart disease survivor,” Pylinski, secretary of NYCM Insurance, said. “The American Heart Association’s science and research saved my life – and the lives of my siblings. We can be proud in the Mohawk Valley that we raise the money that saves lives nationwide.” America’s Greatest Heart Run
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and Walk lost a longtime volunteer when Deb O’Neill passed away in June. Her daughter, Kathryn O’Neill, honored her mother during the recent launch event. “This one’s for Deb,” Kathryn said. “Although my mother didn’t pass from cardiac complications, she put all her heart into the American Heart Association, the Heart Run and Walk, and our Team O’Neill. We’ll dedicate this year’s walk in her memory, and we call on all past and present Team O’Neill members to raise funds and walk or run in her honor, and to ‘Do it for Deb.’” “COVID has changed everything, but I know the Utica community will continue to work to reach our $1 million goal at America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk,” Gassner said. “Heart disease and stroke aren’t on pause, and I urge everyone to register at UticaHeartRunWalk.org for our May event.” For more information, visit UticaHeartRunWalk.org.
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s d i K Corner
Is pandemic harming kids’ mental health? S
ince last April, hospital emergency rooms across the United States have seen a sustained surge in visits related to the mental health of school-aged kids, a new report reveals. The findings suggest the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on children because of disruptions to their everyday life, anxiety about illness and social isolation. That conclusion comes from a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention review of data on hospitals in 47 states. Those hospitals account for nearly three-quarters of emergency department visits nationwide. The study tracked emergency visits involving children under age
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18 who sought care for a mental health issue between Jan. 1 and Oct. 17, 2020. “Our study looked at a composite group of mental health concerns that included conditions that are likely to increase during and after a public health emergency, such as stress, anxiety, acute post-traumatic stress disorder and panic,» said lead author Rebecca Leeb, a health scientist at the CDC in Atlanta who is part of its COVID-19 Response Team. “We found that from March through October, the proportion of mental health-related emergency department visits increased 24% for children aged 5 to 11, and 31% among teenagers aged 12 to 17 years,
compared to 2019,” Leeb said. Pediatric mental health visits actually dropped off dramatically from mid-March to mid-April, when stay-at-home orders were in effect in much of the country. Since then, however, such visits have steadily increased, according to the report. But Leeb said interpreting the numbers is not straightforward. On the one hand, she said even the large jumps seen in the report likely underestimate the total number of pediatric mental health emergencies. “Many mental health care encounters occur outside of emergency departments,” Leeb explained. But additional research indicates emergency department visits as a
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2020
whole dropped significantly between January and October. And that, Leeb said, might mean that “the relative proportion of emergency department visits for children’s mental health-related concerns may be inflated.” Regardless, Leeb said the findings show that many kids’ mental health was sufficiently concerning to prompt ER visits at a time when the public was being discouraged from using emergency departments for anything but the most critical care. As such, the findings “highlight the importance of continuing to monitor children’s mental health during the pandemic to ensure access to mental health services during public health crises,” Leeb said.
Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman
Big Pharma wins if GOP controls Senate
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democratic president will have minimal to no impact on any attempt to reign in drug prices if Republicans retain control of the Senate. The bill authorizing Medicare to negotiate just a couple dozen drug prices will probably continue to languish on Senate leader Mitch McConnell’s desk and not be brought up for a vote. The Big Pharma lobby, via hundreds of millions in contributions to political campaigns, will retain its grip on Congress. The industry continues its mantra that the power to set prices is paramount to innovation and the viability of the industry. Physicians and hospitals may establish prices, but Medicare determines what they are actually paid. Commercial carriers tend to mimic Medicare. Insured consumers rarely end up paying the price charged by hospitals and physicians. Congress has denied providers the power to set their prices to maintain their innovation and viability. Congress (Medicare) does not seem overly concerned about the viability of our providers.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Pfizer, without federal funding, has broken ahead of the competition with a vaccine that is 90% effective. It will be available for distribution by the end of this year. Any approved vaccine will be critical to defeating the coronavirus; but as with any other vaccine like the flu vaccine, not everyone will choose to take it. What remains to be seen is how long the pandemic will be prolonged if millions of us refuse the COVID-19 vaccine and then what
will be the related death rate among those who refuse the vaccine. If you look at the seasonal flu, there isn’t a lot of reliable data on how many unvaccinated adults die of the annual flu. It is not a reportable death. But there is data on how many unvaccinated kids die of the flu because it is a reportable death. The CDC reports 90% of children under 18 who die of the flu were not vaccinated. In a typical year, 50% of kids go unvaccinated. To keep perspective, between
100 and 200 children die from the seasonal flu each year and, as with COVID-19, about half had complicating conditions. The point is, many of those deaths could have been prevented.
Hospital Price Transparency
By executive order, hospitals must indicate their prices and charges for a mandated list of procedures established by CMS by Jan. 1, 2021 or face a fine of $300 a day. The executive order does not constitute a national healthcare plan nor will it save consumers millions as recently touted by the New York Post. This ill- advised executive order will only create more confusion and consternation among consumers shopping for the best deals. In a well-intentioned effort to help consumers make informed decisions and to create real price competition among hospitals, Medicare requires hospitals to post their “standard charges” which include: gross charges, discounted cash prices, payer specific negotiated rates, de-identified minimum negotiated charges and de-identified maximum negotiated charges.
Hospitals are also required to post their charges and payer specific negotiated rates for 300 “shoppable services.” (Did you get all that?) Besides fueling consumer confusion and suspicion about healthcare costs, this rule will be a nightmare for hospitals to comply. Shopping prices in healthcare sounds good, but it will be a wasted effort if your physician does not have admitting privileges at your selected hospital or your health plan considers your selected hospital out of network. Also, prices do not reflect outcome. Since most hospital admissions are elective, your physician, for a lot of reasons that have nothing to do with price, will have strong preferences for a particular hospital for your particular procedure. George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.
We did it.
Twice.
Oneida Health is ranked among America’s Top 2% of Hospitals for Patient Safety & Experience
Visit oneidahealth.org/awards to learn more
December 2020 •
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6 Foods to Help Fight Depression
Psychiatry linked specific depressive disorders — feeling down, no motivation, trouble sleeping — with brain inflammation. Speaking of sleep, this healthy green boasts decent amounts of magnesium, an essential micronutrient valued for its role in supporting deep, restorative sleep. Moreover, research has found that magnesium may help reduce stress and anxiety.
Dark Chocolate
By Anne Palumbo
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eeling blue lately? A tad blah? You’re not alone. According to findings from government-funded COVID Response Tracking Study released in June, Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in 50 years. From health worries to economic woes, social isolation to pervasive fear, many of us are struggling to stay positive. But here’s something to smile about: Growing research shows that simply making changes in what you eat can significantly boost mood and improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. In a recent study of people all diagnosed with depression, those who consumed a healthy Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, lean protein and olive oil showed fewer symptoms of depression after three months than those who ate an unhealthy diet of sweets, processed deli meats and salty snacks. The study further revealed that more than a third of the healthy eaters no longer even met the criteria for being depressed. As promising as this and other studies sound, however, the scientific community does acknowledge that there is still much to learn about how our diet influences moods. And while experts in the field recognize that there is no single food or nutrient that can prevent depression, they do have some strong clues about what’s good and what’s not. Let’s take a look at six foods that have shown promise in helping to ease stress, relieve anxiety, improve mood and fight depression.
Fatty Fish
Ever since studies found that depression is less common in nations Page 14
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where people eat large amounts of fish, researchers have cast their investigative nets toward the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, especially fatty fish. Many have speculated that omega-3 may have a positive impact on mental health because of two important factors: they lower brain inflammation and they alter brain chemicals associated with the uptake of dopamine and serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that affect our moods. Examples of fatty fish that contain high levels of omega-3s include salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines.
Eggs
Some say “an egg a day may keep bad moods at bay” and here’s why: Eggs are uniquely rich in two mood-boosting nutrients that may ease depression — vitamin B12 and selenium. Since vitamin B12 helps synthesize both dopamine and serotonin, eating foods that are high in this essential nutrient may lift our spirits. Multiple studies, in fact, have found that people with lower levels of vitamin B12 were more likely to have depression or anxiety. Selenium, on the other hand, works its mood magic by helping to keep our metabolism running smoothly and by wielding its antioxidant wand to suppress inflammation and oxidative damage to the brain, both of which can contribute to the development of depression. If you’re not an egg fan, many boxed cereals come fortified with B12, selenium, and other important vitamins and nutrients that contribute to mental health.
Bananas
How wonderful that science backs what we have known all along: Chocolate really does make you happy! In a study conducted at the Nestle Research Center in Switzerland, researchers found that eating about 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate every day for two weeks reduced the stress hormone cortisol in people who were highly stressed. According to experts, chocolate boasts a cascade of mood-elevating compounds, from inflammation-busting antioxidants to serotonin-boosting tryptophan to anxiety-reducing magnesium. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation, as the calories in that tasty chunk of dark chocolate could contribute to a whole new stress: weight gain.
Yogurt Good news, banana-lovers: Regularly eating America’s favorite fruit may turn a frown upside down, research shows. Experts point to a banana’s high concentration of vitamin B6, which helps make the “happy hormones” — dopamine and serotonin. This portable fruit also contains tyrosine, an amino acid that helps produce dopamine, too. Last but not least, one large banana delivers 16 grams of sugar and 3.5 grams of fiber, a beneficial pairing that allows the sugar to be released slowly into your bloodstream. Takeaway? Stable blood sugar levels often translate into better mood control and less irritability.
Spinach
Spinach and other dark leafy greens consistently make mood-boosting lists because they teem with folate, another B vitamin that helps increase serotonin levels. Studies have found that those who suffer from depression tend to display lower blood levels of folate. Spinach is also loaded with antioxidants, which protect brain cells from inflammation and toxic free radicals. A recent study published in JAMA
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2020
While many dairy products can be beneficial for depression because they are rich in nutrients that keep us satiated and promote relaxation, yogurt is especially beneficial because of its probiotics. Probiotics keep our gut healthy, and a healthy gut, according to research, may reduce levels of anxiety and depression. In a recent review published in Annals of General Psychiatry, researchers noted that the majority of studies found positive effects of probiotics on depression symptoms. Since it is estimated that 90% of your body’s serotonin is produced in the digestive tract, a healthy gut may be the ticket to better moods. Other fermented foods that are rich in probiotics that benefit gut health include kimchi, kefir, kombucha and sauerkraut. More food for thought: When you’re feeling down, it can be tempting to turn to junk food to lift your spirits. There’s growing evidence, however, that this sort of unhealthy food can bring you even lower. So try adding some mood-boosting foods to your daily diet. The six listed here are but a few of the many nutritious foods that may brighten your outlook.
SmartBites
The skinny on healthy eating
Boost Vitamin C with Portable Clementines
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othing says “nutritious snack” quite like a bright, cheery clementine. A cross between an orange and a mandarin, these seedless darlings burst with health-boosting vitamins and nutrients. Often called “Christmas oranges” because they’re in season during the winter months and are a traditional stocking stuffer, low-cal clementines provide a welcome respite to the heaviness of holiday eating. Like most citrus fruit, clemen-
tines teem with vitamin C, with one small fruit delivering around 50% of our daily needs. Well known for its immune-system support, vitamin C also improves skin health and may even help prevent certain cancers by disarming harmful free radicals that damage our cells. Another amazing vitamin C benefit: Eating foods rich in vitamin C increases the absorption of non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plants like spinach. A single clementine contains a little over 1 gram of fiber, which is
DRIVERS WANTED We’re looking for dependable people to help us distribute copies of In Good Health, Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper, in offices and other high traffic locations in the Utica-Rome-Clinton region. Great for active retirees or at-home moms in need of some extra cash. Work only one or two days a month during office hours (9 to 5). Compensation: $11.80/h plus 30 cents per mile. It amounts to about $150 per distribution.The paper is usually distributed at the beginning of the month. Drivers pick up the papers (in bundles of 100 copies) in North Utica and leave copies at various locations, following a list of places we provide. No heavy lifting. Drivers are required to have a dependable vehicle, be courteous and reliable. We audit all areas of distribution.
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notable given the fruit’s low-calorie count: 35. High fiber intake encourages healthy digestion by making stools easier to pass and has also been linked to lower body weights, according to multiple studies. All told, clementines’ attractive combination of dietary fiber, high water content, and low calories makes them an ideal snack to support a healthy weight or weight loss. Fiber also slows the digestion of sugar, allowing the natural sugar in clementines to provide a sustained and substantial boost of energy without spiking blood sugar. It’s why athletes often reach for fruit! Most processed foods with added refined sugars — like doughnuts, cookies, soft drinks — don’t contain fiber, which causes rapid insulin spikes and moments-later hunger pangs. Clementines abound with phytonutrients — health-promoting compounds found in plant foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Citrus flavanones, the particular phytonutrients found in clementines and oranges, have been widely studied for their possible role in the prevention of cancer, heart disease, and age-related macular degeneration. A pop-in-your-mouth snack that may promote fruit consumption in children, clementines — with only 7 grams of sugar and 9 carbs — are also a good source of folate, thiamine, and potassium.
Festive Clementine and Avocado Salad with Mixed Greens
Helpful tips
Look for fruits with a bright orange color and a heavy feel. Clementines will keep at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to two weeks. To prevent bruising, don’t store clementines in overcrowded conditions. Like grapefruit, clemetines may interfere with certain drugs: be sure to discuss concerns with your doctor. salt and pepper, to taste 4 clementines, peeled 2 avocados, cut into chunks 1 cup radicchio, sliced ½ walnuts, toasted and chopped 4 tablespoons crumbled cheese: feta, goat or gorgonzola 4 tablespoons pomegranate seeds 6 cups mixed baby greens To make dressing, whisk together oil, clementine juice, minced shallot and salt and pepper to taste. Place a handful of baby greens on a salad plate. Arrange clementine slices, avocado, radicchio, walnuts, crumbled cheese and pomegranate seeds on top. Just before serving, drizzle dressing on top.
Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-
nist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.
Serves 4 Adapted from Jeanetteshealthyliving.com
1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ cup fresh clementine orange juice 1 shallot, minced
Health in good
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Oneida Health sets precautionary visitation restrictions
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ll routine visitation at Oneida Health and its extended care facility will be restricted as a precautionary measure due to the increased prevalence of COVID-19 in nearby communities. This also includes individuals accompanying patients during outpatient visits throughout their network. “The safety of our patients, residents, and staff continues to be our top priority,” said Gene Morreale, president and CEO of Oneida Health.
“As the number of COVID-19 positive cases rise in surrounding counties, we need to be vigilant in taking the necessary precautions to maintain a safe environment to provide care.” Visitor restrictions at the hospital and extended care do include some exceptions for critically ill and endof-life patients. The extended care will maintain scheduled window and virtual visits for residents. Inpatient virtual visits will also be available at the hospital.
Patients who are 17 and under as well as those who are developmentally disabled are allowed one visitor to accompany them while receiving care, including emergency room visits. Obstetrical patients will continue to be permitted one individual to participate in the birth. “We do not take the decision to restrict visitors from seeing or accompanying their loved ones lightly,” said Morreale. “The rising number of cases requires us to take imme-
December 2020 •
diate precautions to limit its impact on the health and safety of those we serve.” He noted that the restriction on visitors should only be temporary. “We will continue to work closely with New York state and the Madison County Department of Health to monitor COVID-19 trends with the goal of reinstating routine visitation as soon as it is safe to do so,” he noted. For more detailed information, visit oneidahealth.org.
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MILK & HONEY By Brooke Stacia DeMott
Misplaced Faith 2020 reduces humanity to its bare essence “On Christ the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.” — Edward Mote, “The Solid Rock,” 1836
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ersonal tragedy tests the surety of our convictions. Often, great losses take place one at a time. A presupposed, unrequited covenant with our perception of equity gives a vague impression that we will have adequate spacing between catastrophes, allowing us to catch our breath and bind our wounds before bracing against the next blow. But when chaos is the rule — when every promise of stability in our security systems fails and “assurance” becomes a byword of the past — how do we regain a sense of constancy? There is only one thing that 2020 has universally demonstrated to the world — where have we truly invested our faith? Faith — the unseen hope placed in an object or ideal for its perceived ability to deliver us — has been a powerful motivator, unparalleled in human history. In all creation, humanity is unique in its ability to override instinct by the force of independent will. We can refuse to eat meat from a sense of personal conviction; we can withstand the temptation to commit adultery on the ideal of monogamy. We can even war against a beneficial instinct, such as self-preservation, with a variety of misguided destructive behaviors, culminating in the most extreme cases in suicide. In essence, we can convince ourselves to act on principle or emotion, regardless of a biological inclination to do otherwise. This peculiar rebellion against temporal drives is born of an even deeper and more mysterious anomaly of mankind — the desire to
worship. The act of worship requires both restraint and sacrifice, both of which run contrary to an instinctual urge for survival. Worship transcends reason. And yet, worship is by far the most defining characteristic of the human race. From antiquity, we have worshipped virtually anything and everything we can see or contrive — from animals and athletes, to hobbies and Hollywood, to science and sex. Painted worshippers bow at the altars of Yankee Stadium and the Astrodome, often (ironically) on Sundays. Marching worshippers pour themselves into social causes, venerating the ideals of equality. Centuries ago, children were sacrificed on the altar of Molech to appease demonic spirits. Today, children are sacrificed on the tables of Planned Parenthood as an offering to the gods of self-actualization and personal fulfillment. Thousands of hours and millions of dollars have been spent in reverent devotion to entertainment. Short bursts of gratification provided by our idol worship lead us to believe that there is some long-term satisfaction at the end of it somewhere. This cycle of striving toward near-fulfillment would go on indefinitely, unless of course some unforeseen turn of events brought it all to a screeching halt.
The unraveling of society
2020 slammed the brakes on our culture of misguided worship. All of a sudden, there’s nowhere to go, and no end in sight. Every one of our fixed institutions has proven astonishingly weak — socially, politically, economically and educationally. Seemingly unshakeable systems have unraveled, possibly irreparably. Not only have the systems
unraveled but our faith in them has been unalterably derailed. The ideological house of cards has fallen. In the wreckage, we might be tempted to fall apart, too. Hopelessness is the inevitable result of misplaced faith. As such, we’ve been brought to a place where we must ask ourselves, as the mysterious psalmist of ancient Israel once did, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” (Psalm 42:5) Here, the broken, introspective poet speaks to his own soul as if he were speaking to a friend. His situation is dire; just a few verses beforehand, he laments that “tears have been (my) food day and night.” He begs the question, “What is the reason for such restless despair?” He, like all of us, has put his faith in his surroundings. Once those surroundings come crashing down around him, his hope is buried in the rubble. But all at once, he realizes that his life is not at the mercy of unforeseen catastrophe, but in the hands of a purposeful God. So he does an extraordinary thing: He commands his own soul to act against its natural inclination to collapse in fear, and to redirect his hope to the unfailing Lord of creation. “Put your hope in God! For I will yet praise him, My Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5 The disintegration of manmade constructs is the only way to fully understand our own fragility. Exposed, we seek refuge in peace of
mind and find none. It is only then that we turn fully to God and finally understand who we are, and what we were made for. This isn’t a year of oppression, but of revelation. Our self-made curtains of temporal distraction and false saviors has been shredded, exposing the solitary hope of eternity with a perfectly loving, perfectly just Creator God. We have been gifted this moment to seize that hope — that perfect, unfailing hope — before the opportunity has passed us by. The shackles of idolatry have been loosened; it’s up to us to shake them off entirely. As Christians we must wrestle with the possibility that if we are in despair, perhaps it isn’t that we have lost faith in God, but in the counterfeit gods that have occupied his throne in our hearts. Will you grab your downcast soul by the shoulders, and turn it toward the face of the living God? Will you unbury your hope from the wreckage of the world, and plant it in the garden of eternal salvation? Will you truly trust in Jesus Christ? Brooke Stacia DeMott is a columnist with In Good Health newspaper. Got a question for Demott? Feel free to email her at brooketo@aol.com. The beliefs and opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of this newspaper or any other agency, organization, employer or company.
Calorie Count: Eating Early Doesn’t Boost Weight Loss
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f you’re overweight, eating most of your calories early in the day won’t boost the benefit of a healthy diet, new research suggests. In a 12-week study, 41 people ate the same healthy diet, but one group ate 80% of their calories before 1 p.m. and the other group ate 50% of their calories after 5 p.m. All participants consumed the same prepared, healthy meals. Weight and blood pressure were measured at the beginning of the Page 16
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study, and again at four, eight and 12 weeks. The analysis found that people in both groups lost weight and had decreased blood pressure, regardless of when they ate. “We have wondered for a long time if when one eats during the day affects the way the body uses and stores energy,” said researcher physician Nisa Maruthur. She’s an associate professor of medicine, epidemiology and nursing at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
“Most prior studies have not controlled the number of calories, so it wasn’t clear if people who ate earlier just ate fewer calories. In this study, the only thing we changed was the time of day of eating,” Maruthur explained. The findings were presentated in November at the American Heart Association›s (AHA) virtual annual meeting. Research presented at medical
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2020
meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. “We thought that the time-restricted group would lose more weight,” Maruthur said in an AHA news release. “Yet, that didn’t happen. We did not see any difference in weight loss for those who ate most of their calories earlier versus later in the day. We did not see any effects on blood pressure either.”
Holiday Greetings
Sterling Silver Stethoscope Necklace by AOBOCO ($29.99) features simulated birthstone crystals set in sterling silver. It can be found on Amazon.com
Bath and body products, including Inis’ Sea Mineral Soap, available at Eleventh Hour Gifts, 1922 Monroe Ave., Rochester.
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
handwriting. The bag is a good size for a travel cosmetic bag. Offer a classy gift with this Navy Blue Stripe Caduceus Necktie Tie ($34.95, www.amazon.com, item: B01F4EM2F2). In 100% finely woven silk, the tie features in small print the ubiquitous medical symbol, the caduceus in gold print, alternating with thin horizontal burgundy and gold stripes. The size is 3 7/8 inches wide by 56 inches long with a wrinkle-resistant lining. Stainless Steel Stethoscope Cufflinks add a classy touch for any man dressing up ($14.90, www.amazon. com, item: B0151R6FZA). Arriving pre-boxed, the cufflinks are 0.39 by 0.94 inches in size and made from 316L stainless steel. A subtle nod to her career choice, the Sterling Silver Stethoscope Necklace by AOBOCO ($29.99, www. amazon.com, item: B07SLN95V3) features simulated birthstone crystals set in sterling silver. The pendant is a stethoscope that forms a heart, showing the calling where her passion lies. The pendant hangs on an 18-inch chain. Let your doctor know that “The influence of a great doctor can never be erased” as stamped on this elegant
Great Gifts for Healthcare Providers T his season, thank a healthcare provider in your life with a thoughtful gift that demonstrates how much you appreciate their hard work.
Slippers
After a long day on their feet, any healthcare provider would appreciate comfortable footwear, like Isotoner Women’s Terry Slip-In Clog ($26, www.amazon.com, item: A96035ASH6). Featuring memory foam, and comfortable arch support, these plush slippers offer relief for painful feet. Available in a variety of colors and in sizes 6.5 through 10, the slippers are washable. Treat a male healthcare worker to RockDove Men’s Nomad Slipper with Memory Foam ($27.95, www. amazon.com, item: B07WKJQGY1). The sherpa fleece lined and covered slippers cradle feet in cozy comfort with memory foam and arch support. The sewn side seams ensure years of wear. Machine washable and available in a variety of colors.
Apparel
Know a healthcare worker who
enjoys a good dad pun? Give the “I Found This Humerus” T-shirt from Ann Arbor T-shirt Company ($15.95, www.amazon.com, item: B07JN78F3N). The silk-screened shirt is an original design and is sure to elicit a chuckle from medical personnel who enjoy wordplay. Pre-shrunk 90% cotton, 10% polyester jersey knit in gray, available in medium through 3x-large. Good Luck Sock Women’s and Women’s Medical Socks in Grey ($9.95, www.amazon.com, item: B07HFXV71G women’s; B07HFZG67Y men’s) feature a zany print of medical images, from lungs to stethoscopes to bandages. They fit adult shoe size 5 through 9 for women and 7 to 12 men, and are made from 85% cotton, 10% polyester and 5% spandex with a reinforced heel and toe and a low to mid-calf fit.
Accessories
Poke a little fun at doctor handwriting with the pouch inscribed, “A Wise Doctor Once Wrote” followed by an illegible scrawl. The zippered pouch ($11.99, www.amazon.com, item: B08K3GQDMH) may make nurses chuckle too as they have struggled to make out their doctors’
Doctor Keychain ($13.89, www. amazon.com, item: B07V4CNVZV). The hand stamped sentiment is on a lead-free and nickel-free stainless steel keychain measuring 15 mm. by 17 mm. and comes in a velvet pouch for giving. Treat a physician to a Hippocratic Oath Scarf ($29.99, www.amazon. com, item: B08KHRD5WQ). Elegantly printed in black with the famous doctor’s oath of ethics on tan 100% polyester, the scarf measures a generous 13.27 inches by 9.65 inches and features a fringe on each end.
Bath & Body
Restore that chapped skin with Burt’s Bees Essentials Holiday Gift Set ($9.99, www.burtsbees.com, item: 792850909663), which includes a sampler variety of Burt’s Bees products. Or go for the Hand Repair Kit (12.99, item: 85099-00) to soothe those work-weary hands. Root Candles (Eleventh Hour Gifts (1922 Monroe Ave., Rochester, www.facebook.com/EleventhHourGifts) include scents for relaxation, revitalization, and energizing. Eleventh Hour also sells numerous decadent bath and body items such as Inis products. Why not stop in and put together a luxury gift basket?
Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season
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ive your heart the gift of healthy eating this holiday season, the American Heart Association suggests. “It’s easy to get off track from making healthy choices during the holidays, and the pandemic may add to the stress,” physician Anne Thorndike, chairwoman of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Nutrition Committee, said in a heart association news release. “Eating healthfully during the holidays doesn’t mean depriving yourself; it’s about eating smart and
looking for small, healthy changes and swaps you can make so you continue to feel your best. For example, choosing vegetables instead of crackers or chips at lunch may not seem like much, but those little changes add up over time,” said Thorndike. She’s an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the Metabolic Syndrome Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. You don’t have to sacrifice taste when eating healthy, according to Bridget Wojciak, director of nutri-
tion and dietetics at Kroger Health, a national sponsor of the AHA’s Healthy for Good program. “Find the delicious, nutrient-packed foods you love,” Wojciak said. “Not everyone likes broccoli, and that is OK. There are so many varieties of fruits and vegetables to try, and so many healthful ways to prepare them. See what works best for you, and who knows? You may have a new holiday recipe to add to your table.” Here are some suggestions for healthy eating during the holidays:
December 2020 •
• Reduce sodium/salt by using more herbs and spices such as rosemary and thyme to flavor meals. • Choose nutritious snacks, like popcorn. • When grocery shopping, look for products with the AHA’s HeartCheck mark. During the holiday season, it’s also important to find opportunities to practice gratitude and meditate. Managing stress benefits your mind and heart.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Ask The Social
Security Office
From the Social Security District Office
Sign up for Medicare Part B Online
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or many people, signing up for Medicare Part B doesn’t require you to leave the comfort of home. Please visit our Medicare Part B webpage at secure.ssa.gov/acu/ ophandler/loginSuccess if: • You’re enrolled in Medicare Part A. • You would like to enroll in Part B during the special enrollment period. You can complete form CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare — Part B [Medical Insurance]) at www.cms.gov/Medicare/CMSForms/CMS-Forms/CMS-FormsItems/CMS017339 and CMS-L564 at www.cms.gov/Medicare/CMSForms/CMS-Forms/Downloads/ CMS-L564E.pdf (Request for Employment Information) online. You can also fax the CMS-40B and CMS-L564 to 1-833-914-2016; or return forms by mail to your local Social Security office. Please contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) if you have any questions.
Q&A Q: How do I earn Social Security credits and how many do I need to qualify for benefits? A: We use your total yearly earnings to figure your Social Security credits. The amount needed for a credit in 2021 is $1,470. You can earn a maximum of four credits for any year. The amount needed to earn one credit usually increases each year when average wages increase. You must earn a certain number of credits to qualify for Social Security benefits. The number of credits you need depends on your age when you apply and the type of benefit application. No one needs more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefit. You can read more about credits in How You Earn Credits at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Q: I’m trying to figure out the best time to retire based on my future earnings. How can I calculate my own retirement benefit estimate? A: We suggest you use our Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Our Retirement Estimator produces estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record, so it’s a personalized, instant picture of your future estimatPage 18
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2020
Note: When completing the forms: • State, “I want Part B coverage to begin (MM/YY)” in the remarks section of the CMS-40B form or online application. • If your employer is unable to complete Section B, please complete that portion as best you can on behalf of your employer without your employer’s signature. Submit one of the following types of secondary evidence by uploading it from a saved document on your computer: • Income tax returns that show health insurance premiums paid. • W-2s reflecting pre-tax medical contributions. • Pay stubs that reflect health insurance premium deductions. • Health insurance cards with a policy effective date. • Explanations of benefits paid by the GHP or LGHP. • Statements or receipts that reflect payment of health insurance premiums. Please let your friends and loved ones know about this online, mail, or fax option.
ed benefit. Also, you can use it to test different retirement scenarios based on what age you decide to start benefits. For example, you can find out your estimated monthly payments if you retire at age 62, 70, or any age in between. Try it out now at www. socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Q: How do I terminate my Medicare Part B (medical insurance)? A: You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). Because this is a serious decision that could have negative ramifications for you in the future, you’ll need to have a personal interview with a Social Security representative first. The representative will help you complete Form CMS 1763. This form isn’t available online. To schedule your interview, call us at 1-800-7721213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or contact your nearest Social Security office. For more information, go to www.medicare.gov. Q: I want to sign up for a Medicare Part C and D plan, but I’m not sure which plan I want. Is there a resource to help me find a plan? A: Yes. Medicare.gov has an online plan finder and instructions available on how to use this tool. To access the Medicare Plan Finder, please visit www.medicare.gov/finda-plan/questions/home.aspx.
Visitors restricted from the MVHS due to coronavirus
By Jim Miller
How Seniors can Save Money on Prescription Eyeglasses Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend for finding affordable prescription eyeglasses? I used to have vision insurance through my work but lost it when I turned 65 and signed up for Medicare.
Need Spectacles Dear Need, Unfortunately, in 2020 it’s still true that original Medicare does not cover vision services, which includes routine eye exams and prescription eyeglasses — unless you’ve just had cataract surgery. While there’s no one solution to this common need, here are a few tips that can help you save.
Medicare Advantage While original Medicare doesn’t cover vision services, there are Medicare Advantage plans that do. Medicare Advantage plans, which are sold through private insurance companies, cover all the same medical and hospital services that original Medicare does, but many of them also provide vision as well as dental, hearing and prescription drugs too. To locate Advantage plans in your area that provide vision coverage, go to Medicare.gov/plan-compare or call 800-633-4227. But before enrolling in a plan, check the benefit details to ensure the plan’s vision coverage includes routine eye exams, eyeglass frames and lenses. If you are currently enrolled in original Medicare you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan each year during the open enrollment period, which is between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. Or, if you already have an Advantage plan that doesn’t provide adequate vision coverage, you can swap to another plan between Jan. 1 and March 31. If, however, you don’t want to change your Medicare plan, you can still get coverage by purchasing a vision insurance policy — see eHealthInsurance.com. Vision policies typically start at around $11 to $13 per month for an individual, but before signing up make sure your savings potential is worth the cost of the monthly premiums and required copays.
Discount Stores Purchasing eyeglasses from discount retailers is another way to save. Costco Optical is one of the best discount stores for good eyewear and low prices. Eyeglasses cost an average of around $184, but to shop there you have to pay a $60 annual
membership fee. Some other good retail options for low prices include Sam’s Club Optical and Walmart Vision Centers. You also need to find out if you are eligible for any discounts. Some retailers provide discounts to membership groups like AARP and AAA. AARP members, for example, can get 30% off a pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at LensCrafters and Glasses. com, and you save an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical. AARP also offers $55 comprehensive eye exams (dilation included) at participating eye doctors. See AARPVisionDiscounts.com for more information.
Buy Online Buying eyeglasses online can also offer huge savings. Stores like ZenniOptical.com, and EyeBuyDirect. com sell prescription eyeglasses for as little as $6 and $7. These sites let you upload a photo of your face, so you can see what you’d look like in different frames. Or, for a snappier choice of frames see WarbyParker.com, which offers single-vision glasses starting at $95. They even offer a free program where you can request up to five pairs to try on at home for five days. To purchase glasses online, you’ll need a valid prescription from an eye doctor (typically no more than a year old), plus your pupillary distance number, which is the distance, measured in millimeters, between the centers of your pupils in each eye.
Low-Income Assistance If your income is low, depending on where you live, there may be some local clinics that provide free or discounted eye exams and eyeglasses. Put in a call to your local Lions Club to see what’s available in your area. See Directory.LionsClubs.org for contact information. You may also be able to get free eyeglasses through New Eyes (NewEyes.org, 973-376-4903), a nonprofit organization that provides free eyeglasses through a voucher program to people in financial need.
T
hroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the MVHS has adhered to the strictest standards of safety through its Our Safe Path to Care, which protects patients and their families, employees and providers. This has enabled community members to access all the health care services needed on a safe basis. However, as the number of individuals testing positive for COVID-19 in Oneida County has been steadily increasing recently, MVHS has taken additional measures to continue to keep patients, employees and providers safe. One such action was to suspend visitation to MVHS hospitals (including emergency department and inpatient hospital units) and outpatient facilities. “We are making this change out of an abundance of caution since the way in which COVID is spreading in our community has changed,” said Kent Hall, MVHS chief physician executive. “Prior to this, when we saw spikes in the number of COVID-19 positive individuals, they primarily came from residential facilities. However today, the majority of those testing positive for COVID-19 are coming from private homes and residences. This indicates that the virus is spreading throughout our community and not just as isolated clusters. Thus, we made the decision to play our part to limit potential spread of the virus in the community by suspending visitation.” The MVHS visitation policy is as follows: • No visitors are allowed for patients in inpatient hospital units, with the following exceptions: — Patients in the intensive care unit — Patients in labor, delivery, and the remainder of the patients’ admission — Pediatric patients — Patients for whom a support person has been determined to be essential to the care of the patient (medically necessary) including patients with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and patients with cognitive impairments including dementia — Patients in immediate end-oflife situations — Patients who are being discharged (visitors will wait in the lobby). Visiting hours for those individuals who meet the exceptions criteria are 4-6 p.m., seven days a week. Only
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. December 2020 •
one visitor is allowed during this time. • No visitors are allowed to accompany a patient into the ED with the following exceptions: — Pediatric patients: One parent/guardian may accompany the patient throughout his or her ED visit. — Patients for whom a support person has been determined to be essential to the care of the patient (medically necessary) including patients with intellectual and/ or developmental disabilities and patients with cognitive impairments including dementia – one support person may accompany the patient throughout his or her ED visit except when otherwise directed by medical personnel. — Patients in immediate endof-life situations: One support person may accompany the patient throughout his or her ED visit except when otherwise directed by medical personnel. — A support person may accompany patients undergoing same-day procedures or testing if it is determined to be medically necessary. That support person/companion may not be present for procedures or testing (with some exceptions) but may rejoin the patient for the discharge process. • Special circumstances in the outpatient, procedural and testing areas where a support person may accompany a patient include: — Pediatric patients: One parent/guardian may accompany the patient throughout his or her time at the hospital except when otherwise directed by medical personnel. — Patients for whom a support person has been determined to be essential to the care of the patient (medically necessary) including patients with intellectual and/ or developmental disabilities and patients with cognitive impairments including dementia: One support person may accompany the patient throughout his or her visit except when otherwise directed by medical personnel. — Maternity patients undergoing ultrasound testing: A partner may accompany the pregnant woman. — Pregnant women will be allowed one labor support person once they are determined to be laboring or when it is time for their scheduled induction or Cesarean section.
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Page 19
She Shall Overcome
Lorena Malone of Hannibal shows that with drive and determination, anything is possible ration to so many people, more than she will ever know.” “She is just a bundle of energy, and a joy, pleasure and honor to know,” she added.
By Lou Sorendo
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Lorena is a beautiful, strong girl who loves art and music. Typically, her hair is amazing and she has a mind-blowing smile. She laughs all the time and her friends mean the world to her.” This description of a fictional character in “Dumpling Days,” a book by award-winning and best-selling author Grace Lin, could very well be Lorena Malone, a 54-year-old Oswego native and Hannibal resident. While her strength today is derived from rigorous physical workouts and meditation, she showed her true power and resolve by overcoming a series of childhood and family related traumas by transforming her body and mind. The wife of Michael Malone, a process specialist at Novelis, the couple has four adult children: Cassandra, Dakota, Montana and Lucas. During the course of raising their children, health-related challenges arose that shook the hardworking parents to their core. In 1993, their first son Dakota was born with congenital heart defects. In 2011, her then 10-year-old son Lucas was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Two weeks before the Christmas of 2016, her son Montana was struck by a hit-and-run driver, suffering compound leg fractures and head injuries that resulted in severe behavioral changes. However, facing adversity is not uncommon for a woman who experienced a difficult childhood. Her parents divorced when she was 2-years-old, and she fell victim to childhood trauma as a pre-teen. She was bounced back and forth from parent to parent, and fended for herself alone during a trying childhood.
Fighting back
It was rising above the obstacles and focusing on her self and well being that changed the game for Malone. Situations out of her control began to overwhelm her, and despite working out every day, she just didn’t feel like anything productive was happening. Although she saw herself as being physically fit, an underactive thyroid contributed to her feeling constantly tired. That’s when Frank Heagerty Jr., a local personal fitness trainer, stepped up in the fall of 2016. “I had no idea what I was doing,” Malone said. “I was embarrassed when measured and weighed.” Malone started to train, lifting weights twice a week and following Heagerty’s program. He would hold monthly challenges for both his male and female clients that provided competition in terms of how many pushups or kettle bell swings they can do in a minute, or how many minutes they can do a plank. “I never got on that board, but I never complained. I just went and worked out hard,” Malone said. “By Page 20
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Her calling
Lorena Malone is shown before (left) and after her transformational fitness journey. the end of the first year, I was either ranked first or second on that board every single time.” Heagerty said during the holidays, his family wanted to know what Malone’s secret was to fitness success. “I didn’t really have a secret,” said Malone, noting that she and Heagerty approached health in the same manner, going the organic route with no stimulants or supplements. “We’re both disciplined,” Malone said. “I took a probiotic and thyroid medication, and that’s all I take now.” Malone committed herself to a program that featured two-week stretches where daily intake of carbohydrates did not exceed 10 grams. “I really thought I was going to die,” said Malone, a former pasta lover. It was just a few months into her new regimen when Montana was seriously injured in an accident. “It was stressful of course, but I decided to keep training because that’s where I could let it go. I stayed with it and haven’t stopped,” she said. Malone followed Heagerty’s lead and got into cutting, which basically refers to the act of burning fat while retaining as much muscle mass as possible. So unlike traditional weight loss where you are just looking to lose as much weight as possible from your body, in this instance the goal is to lose weight without losing any of your hard-earned muscle. Every couple of months, Malone would limit herself to 10 carbohydrates or less per day over a twoweek stretch. The practice involves breaking down fats for energy and producing ketones as a byproduct, which then can be used by the nervous system as a partial alternative to glucose. “It’s hard, I’m not going to lie. But I was really good and disciplined, and also worked out every single day during that time,” she said.
She experienced significant changes within six months in terms of how healthier her body looked and most importantly, how better she felt. “One of the keys is to switch up your workout and don’t do the same thing every single day,” said Malone, noting that workouts and participating in cuts on a regular basis worked for her. “I worked very hard before that, and nothing ever worked,” she noted. Her results as a result of cutting and workouts encouraged others. When she first started weight training, she could only do two pushups. A few months later, she won a women’s pushup competition at Heagerty’s training facility by doing 64 military pushups in one minute. Her youngest son Lucas, who is diabetic, won the men’s division after training with his mom for several months. “After experiencing gains, I then became addicted to fitness,” she said. While she wanted to lose some weight, overall she had a desire to feel better. “I felt physically exhausted all the time,” she said. “With me getting older, I wanted to get fit, feel good and set an example,” she said. She felt better each year, and after Heagerty fell ill, she felt it was important to keep the gains she experienced and hired another trainer, Danielle Bardin. She continued her weight training and walking routine, and started spin (indoor stationary biking) for cardio. She also does yoga to stay centered. Bardin is the owner of Revolution 315 Spin and Fitness Studio in Oswego and has seen Malone transform over the past four years into a virtual powerhouse. “Lorena is very dedicated to health and fitness and overall well being,” Bardin said. “She is always encouraging, motivating and inspi-
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • December 2020
Malone, who earned her LPN degree at BOCES in Mexico, worked at Pontiac Nursing Home in Oswego in the early stages of her career. She was one of two standout nurses’ aides chosen to be sent through nursing school cost-free, and served as the charge nurse at Pontiac for three years after graduation. She was working at Pontiac when Dakota was born with heart defects. Her eldest, Cassandra, was 16 months old at that time. Dakota required many treatments, forcing Malone to leave the nursing home to be with her sick child. She then switched over to private duty work, which gave her the flexibility to be with her son. She has been providing care to Peter — a quadriplegic — for many years. Malone also operated her own home daycare business for about 15 years. When she was bringing Lucas to pre-k, she noticed many working parents found it difficult to provide after-school transportation and care for their children. “I felt it was really important to educate the children and get them prepared for the real world, so I volunteered to take a couple of friends’ kids from pre-k and bring them home,” said Malone, noting the effort turned into a business venture when more parents expressed interest. She would care for them from the infant to school-aged stage. “I was like their second home,” she said. A vital aspect of Malone’s life is her devotion to her crew of rescued German shepherds. Since 1997, she has rescued six German shepherds. She presently has four shepherds: Blaze, Laila, Echo and Gabriel. “There is something about a shepherd. They are a bit intimidating by looking at them, but they’re pretty sweet,” said Malone, who has owned only German shepherds for the past 30 years. “Each shepherd has different characteristics. Echo and Gabe are working dogs, and give the perception that they are high strung,” she said. “They need a purpose, and you have to exercise them. I start every day with walking at least the two younger boys five miles, and they are ready to play when we get home,” said Malone, noting that once they do settle down, she can attend to training exercises. However, the trait that impresses Dakota the most about his mom is her ability to overcome adversity. “The character trait that inspires me the most about my mother is her ability to change the story that was given to her as a child and turn it into success on her terms,” he said.