In Good Health by In Good Health: Rochester's Healthcare Newspaper

in good 14 Gifts NOT to Give This Holiday PLUS: Gifts that will get your kids to exercise and thoughtful gifts for those who live alone

Stay Flu, Cold Free

Experts share some simple steps that will help you keep the flu (or cold) away

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SAD

December 2011 • Issue 76

Rochester–Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

Feeling depressed, unhappy and sluggish? You may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a common condition this time of the year in Rochester. Find out more about the problem and meet some SAD sufferers like Holly Maxwell of Henrietta. P. 21

Winter Brings No Relief for Allergy Sufferers

Mobile Medical Unit helps treat the homeless Bus travels to nine area shelters treating the health — and the teeth — of homeless people. Unity Health runs the program

People with Disabilities The challenge they face when they no longer have parents

Dilys Farney, a 68-year-old single mom who lives in Perinton, has been concerned with the future of her son, Paul, 40, who has developmental disabilities. “I kept thinking what would happen to him if I went ﬁrst,” she told In Good Health. Then she learned about Future Care Planning Services, a local nonproﬁt organization that helps families deal with situations such as the one she faces December 2011 •

Spencerport Dentist Elected ADA President William R. Calnon, who practices in Chili, is now the leader of American Dental Association, the nation’s largest dental group

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Is Your Back Screaming for Attention? • Has conservative care failed to bring you relief? • Do you have leg pain or sciatica? • Do you have lower back pain that inhibits your daily life? • Maybe Endoscopic Surgery is the ANSWER. Endoscopic Spinal Surgery bridges the gap between conservative care and major surgery. For more information, or to be referred to a doctor in your area, please contact

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Menopause Management OB /GYN Ultrasound 3D and 4D Bone Density testing – DXA Scan Page 2

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2011

Jeroo K. Bharucha, MD Wendy M. Dwyer, MD Marc H. Eigg, MD Donald J. Gabel, MD Amanda R. Gorman, MD Marc S. Greenstein, DO Michelle M. Herron, MD Judith E. Kerpelman, MD, CCD Edward B. Ogden, MD Rachel R. Paulino, MD Derek J. tenHoopen, MD Sandra Moore, WHNP Beverly Shaheen, WHNP Mary Frachioni, WHNP Kelly Shoots, NP Heidi Zielinski, CNM

FDA: 35 New Drugs Approved in a Year Report shows quick approvals of safe and effective medicines happening in the U.S.

ver the past 12 months, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved 35 new medicines. This is among the highest number of approvals in the past decade, surpassed only by 2009 (37). Many of the drugs are important advances for patients, including two new treatments for hepatitis C; a drug for late-stage prostate cancer; the first new drug for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 30 years; and the first new drug for lupus in 50 years. In a report released in November, “FY 2011 Innovative Drug Approvals,” the FDA provided details of how it used expedited approval authorities, flexibility in clinical trial requirements and resources collected under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) to boost the number of innovative drug approvals to 35 for the fiscal year (FY) ending Sept. 30, 2011. The approvals come while drug safety standards have been maintained. The report shows faster approval times in the United States when compared to the FDA’s counterparts around the globe. Twenty-four of the 35 approvals occurred in the United States before any other country in the world and also before the European Union, continuing a trend of the United States leading the world in first approval of new medicines. “Thirty-five major drug approvals in one year represents a very strong performance, both by industry and by the FDA, and we continue to use every resource possible to get new treatments to patients,” said Margaret Hamburg, Commissioner of Food and Drugs. “We are committed to working with industry to promote the science and innovation it takes to produce breakthrough treatments and to ensure that our nation is fully equipped to address the public health challenges of the 21st century.” Among the new drugs approved in FY 2011, a number are notable for their advances in patient care and for the efficiency with which they were approved: • Two of the drugs — one for melanoma and one for lung cancer — are breakthroughs in personalized medicine. Each was approved with a diagnostic test that helps identify patients for whom the drug is most likely to

bring benefits; • Seven of the new medicines provide major advances in cancer treatment; • Almost half of the drugs were judged to be significant therapeutic advances over existing therapies for heart attack, stroke and kidney transplant rejection; • Ten are for rare or “orphan” diseases, which frequently lack any therapy because of the small number of patients with the condition, such as a treatment for hereditary angioedema; • Almost half (16) were approved under “priority review,” in which the FDA has a six month goal to complete its review for safety and effectiveness; • Two-thirds of the new approvals were completed in a single review cycle, meaning sufficient evidence was provided by the manufacturer so that the FDA could move the application through the review process without requesting major new information; • Three were approved using “accelerated approval,” a program under which the FDA approves safe and effective medically important new drugs quickly, and relies on subsequent post-market studies to confirm clinical benefit. For example, Corifact, the first treatment approved for a rare blood clotting disorder, was approved under this program; and • Thirty-four of 35 were approved on or before the review time targets agreed to with industry under PDUFA, including three cancer drugs that FDA approved in less than six months. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act was established by Congress in 1992 to ensure that the FDA had the necessary resources for the safe and timely review of new drugs and for increased drug safety efforts. The current legislative authority for PDUFA expires on Sept. 30, 2012. Treat ADHD, Autism and Attention Deﬁcit Disorder naturopathically,combining modern medicine with the body’s inherent ability to heal itself.

Dr. Laura Sleggs, ND Naturopathic Doctor 607-661-5497 www.DrLauraND.com Defeat Autism Now! Practitioner

SERVING MONROE, ONTARIO AND WAYNE COUNTIES in good A monthly newspaper published by

Health Rochester–GV Healthcare Newspaper

Local News, Inc. Distribution: 30,000 copies. To request home delivery ($15 per year), call (585) 421-8109.

give better. This holiday season, while you’re making your list and checking it twice, consider adding

your favorite charity

to your holiday gift giving.

A message in the spirit of the season, from your friends at

Clifton Springs

Hospital & Clinic

FOUNDATION Quietly supporting the best hospital patient experience in Upstate New York 2 Coulter Road, Clifton Springs, NY 14432 | give online at CliftonSpringsHospital.org

Macular Degeneration Dr. George Kornfeld uses miniaturized binoculars or telescopes to help those with vision loss keep reading, writing driving and maintaining independence.

By Elana Lombardi Freelance Writer Just because you have macular degeneration or other eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy doesn’t mean you must give up driving. “People don’t know that there are doctors who are very experienced in low vision care.”Dr.George Kornfeld, a low vision optometrist. Low Vision patient, Bonnie Demuth, with Bioptic Telescopes

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2011 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. 106 Cobblestone Court Dr., Suite 121 – P.O. Box 525, Victor NY 14564. • Phone:(585) 421-8109 • E-mail: Editor@GVhealthnews.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Writers and Contributing Writers: Eva Briggs (M.D.), Jim Miller, Deborah J. Sergeant, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Jason Schultz Advertising: Marsha K. Preston, Beth Clark Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Ofﬁcer Manager: Laura Beckwith No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.

December 2011 •

Bonnie was helped with two pairs of glasses: Special $475 prismatic glasses let her read the newspaper and bioptic telescopes helped her distance vision.

“My new telescopic glasses make it much easier to read signs at a distance.” Says Bonnie, “Definitely worth the $1950 cost. I don’t know why I waited to do this. I should have come sooner.” Low vision devices are not always expensive. Some reading glasses cost as little as $450 and some magnifiers under $100. Every case is different because people have different levels of vision and different desires. “Our job is to figure out everything and anything possible to keep a person functioning visually.” Says Dr. Kornfeld. Dr. Kornfeld sees patients in his five offices throughout upstate New York including Rochester. For more information and a FREE telephone consultation call:

585-271-7320 Toll-free 1-866-446-2050

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Dec. 1

Park Ridge Auxiliary sponsors Lights of Love The Park Ridge Auxiliary is accepting donations for its popular Lights of Love celebration. Lights of Love can be purchased in honor of, or in memory of, loved ones for a donation of $8. During the holiday season, these lights decorate trees and flagpoles located on and around the Unity Hospital campus. A ceremony that includes a “flip of the switch” is held every year to kick off the Lights of Love illumination. This year, the ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Unity Hospital Education Center, 1555 Long Pond Rd. The celebration includes a brief gathering at the education center, featuring singing by St. Theodore’s choir and the displaying of the keepsake books with the names of all those honored with Lights of Love since its inception in 1988. Light refreshments will be served; over 8000 lights simultaneously turned on and around the Unity Hospital campus. The switch will be “flipped” at the surgery center entrance of Unity Hospital. Following the lighting, St. Theodore church choir will lead attendees in the singing of “Silent Night” in parking lot F, which is located at the entrance of the L.M. Salmen Surgical Center at Unity Hospital.

Dec. 2

Holiday shopping fair for seniors Seniors and their loved ones are invited to a holiday shopping fair at Chapel Oaks from 1–4:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2. Attendees will find chocolates, handmade jewelry, Christmas wreaths and decorations, sun catchers, wooden gifts, homemade crafts like floral arrangements and Christmas towels, Tupperware, Mary Kay cosmetics, magnets, knitted crafts like hats and scarves, and much more. The show is open to the public; there is no fee to enter and refreshments will be provided. Gift wrapping will also be available. Chapel Oaks is located on St. Ann’s Community’s Irondequoit campus. For more information, call Rebecca AhrnsWalker at 585-697-6601.

Dec. 5

Tree Of Lights to beneﬁt Thompson Health Thompson Guild will hold its annual Tree of Lights tree-lighting ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at the front entrance of F.F. Thompson Hospital, 350 Parrish St., Canandaigua. All are invited to attend this free holiday event. Refreshments will be served immediately following the tree-lighting ceremony. There will also be live music and a visit from Thompson Bear, Thompson Health’s mascot. Thompson’s Tree of Lights tradition Page 4

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allows community members to dedicate a light on Thompson’s holiday tree in honor or memory of a loved one. A minimum donation of $5 is collected per name. All proceeds benefit Thompson Health. Call 585-396-6156 for more information.

Dec. 8

Thompson’s 20th holiday bazaar scheduled Thompson Health’s 20th annual holiday bazaar will be held from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in the M. M. Ewing Continuing Care Center, 350 Parrish St., Canandaigua. This year’s event will feature arts and crafts vendors with an assortment of handcrafted holiday gifts and decorations, as well as the popular Thompson Guild bake sale, photos with Santa and holiday drawing prizes. Holiday drawing prizes include $1,000 cash, a 32” LCD high-definition TV, a four-burner gas grill and a one-year membership to BJ’s Wholesale Club. The prize drawing will be held at 4 p.m. on the day of the bazaar, but ticket holders need not be present in order to win a prize. Tickets are on sale in the Guild Gallery gift shop, located in the main lobby of the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center. Proceeds benefit the Sharon M. Pepper Wish Upon a Star program for residents of the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center. Call 585-396-6049 for more information.

Dec. 11

Tree of Lights takes place in Clifton Springs The Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic Auxiliary will host its 26th Annual Tree of Lights ceremony at 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11, in the main lobby of the Hospital, 2 Coulter Rd., Clifton Springs. All are invited to join this special holiday event. For a tax-deductible donation of $5 or more, community members may have a star placed on the tree located in the main lobby in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone close to them. Names will be read aloud during the Tree of Lights ceremony. Donations will be used for various projects throughout the hospital. To contribute to the Tree of Lights, stop by the information desk in the main lobby, call 315-462-0120, or visit CliftonSpringsHospital.org.

Dec. 18

Rochester Theater Organ Society holiday show Organist Tim Schramm will perform popular holiday tunes on the Rochester Theater Organ Society’s Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ at the Rochester Auditorium Center, 885 E. Main St., at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18. He will be joined by special cohost Phyl Contestable as the Reverend Mother, along with guest performers

Hillside Special Santas accepting holiday gifts to youth and families in need Hillside Family of Agencies has announced its annual Hillside Special Santas program that benefits children and families served by Hillside Family of Agencies affiliates: Crestwood Children’s Center, Hillside Children’s Center and Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection. Many children and families served by Hillside Family of Agencies do not have the resources for gifts during the holidays. The goal of Hillside Special Santas is to provide youth and families served by Hillside Family of Agencies with three gifts in addition to a modest grocery card to help make ends meet. “We hope that the community will keep our Hillside kids and families in mind as they start thinking about holiday shopping,” said Heather VanDyne, Hillside Special Santa coordinator. “We are thankful for the continued support from donors and our community partners. The youth and families that receive holiday gifts from Hillside are incredibly grateful and touched to know that someone in our community cares and is thinking about

Tim Burdick, Mark Daniels, Courtney Johnson, Alan Jones, Kelly Petro, Cecile Saine, Emmett Tross, Amy Walts and Luke Wilson. The Christmas Follies Show is free to RTOS members and costs $15 for non-members. Tickets are available online at www.rtosonline.org, and they will be available at the door the day of the show.

Jan. 24

Fibromyalgia support group at the Westside YMCA “Creative Arts for Stress / Round-

them during this time of the year.” “As you are shopping this holiday season, pick up an extra gift or two for a child or a family in the Greater Rochester area that is served by Hillside Family of Agencies. Some of the most needed sports balls (soccer, football and basketball), jewelry, sports watches for girls and boys, MP3 players (under $25), books for all ages and $25 grocery gift cards (Wegmans, Tops and Walmart). Items may be dropped off through Dec. 16 at Hillside Special Santas headquarters located at Crestwood Children’s Center, 2075 Scottsville Road, Rochester. Gifts may also be dropped off at any community partner location including Canandaigua National Bank, Leaf & Bean Coffee Co., Fairport Country Max, Ontario Country Max, Railway Station Diner, Superior Wood Furniture, Crnkovich’s Farm Market and Lyons National Bank. To learn more about Hillside Special Santas visit www.hillside. com and click on the Hillside Special Santas reindeer or call 256-7630. table Chat” will be topic of the Jan. 24 meeting sponsored by the New Fibromyalgia Support Group based in Rochester. The meeting, scheduled from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Westside YMCA (920 Elmgrove Rd. in Gates) is designed for people with fibromyalgia, their families, friends, and anyone interested in learn more about this disorder. Medical professionals are also highly encouraged to attend meetings. Support group meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. The meetings alternate between roundtable discussions and education speakers every other month. For more information, call Jackie at 585-752-1562 or visit www.newfibrosupport.com.

Alzheimer’s Association seeks award nominations The Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester & the Finger Lakes Region is seeking nominations for the Debra J. Mayberry Inspiration Award. This award is given annually to a woman who has made significant contributions to women’s health and overall quality of life in our community. The recipient must exemplify professional and personal accomplishment and demonstrated perseverance with regard to healthy living and successful aging. The honoree must be someone who has been a role model, leader and mentor who has made a measurable difference in the lives of people in her community. She will have devoted significant time and energy to ensuring that individuals in their community embrace healthy lifestyles and continue on a path to healthy aging. Nominations must be submitted no later than Dec. 16. Debra J. Mayberry, for whom the award is named, is the founder of the Rochester/Finger Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. In 1981, after her father had

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2011

died from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease, she sought to rally resources to help other families struggling with the diagnosis in the Rochester area. After meeting in New York City with representatives from the founding chapters, she returned home to hold a public meeting in which 80 people attended. It was after that response that Mayberry started the local chapter, which now offers programs and services to more than 100,000 people in our region. The award will be presented at the chapter’s annual “Celebrating Women & Successful Aging: the Little Purple Dress Luncheon” which will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Rochester. Gail Sheehy, New York Times best selling author and literary journalist, will be the guest speaker. For more information and to receive a copy of the nomination form, visit www.alz.org/rochesterny/ in_my_community_events.asp or call Judith Lemoncelli, at 585-760-5404 or Judith.Lemoncelli@www.alz.org.

TRANSPLANTS

Recipients at increased risk of 32 types of cancer

eople who receive an organ transplant have an increased risk of developing 32 types of cancer, a new study finds. Some of the most common cancers in transplant recipients include kidney, liver and lung cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the results show. Transplant recipients have double the risk of developing any cancer, compared with people who have not had a transplant, the researchers said. The increased risk of cancer comes, in part, from the medications transplant recipients must take to avoid rejecting the transplanted organ. These medications suppress the immune system, and may elevate the risk for infection-related cancers, said study researcher Dr. Eric Engels, of the division of cancer epidemiology and genetics at the National Cancer Institute. In some cases, immune-suppressing medications may act as carcinogens and directly contribute to cancer’s development, the researchers suggest. “Clearer understanding of the pattern of cancer risk associated with solid organ transplantation may help future patients have better, healthier outcomes,” Engels said.

Meds reduce risk of organ rejection

In 2010, a total of 28,664 organ transplants were performed in the U.S., including 16,899 kidney, 6,291 liver, 2,333 heart and 1,770 lung transplants. Previous studies have suggested that transplant recipients are at a higher risk for cancer than the general population. However, these studies focused mainly on those who received kidney transplants, and some studies were too small to accurately estimate risk for all but the most common cancer types. In the new study, Engels and colleagues evaluated medical data from more than 175,700 U.S. transplant

recipients, accounting for about 40 percent of all people who received transplanted organs from 1987 through 2008. The data came from the U.S. registry of transplant recipients and 13 state or regional cancer registries. About 14 percent of transplant recipients developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the white blood cells. The risk of this cancer was seven times higher in transplant recipients than in the general population, and was highest for lung recipients. NonHodgkin lymphoma is known to be related to immune suppression and infection with Epstein-Barr virus, the researchers said.

Lung, liver and kidney cancers

Lung cancer was the second most common cancer, found in 12.6 percent of recipients. This may be because the patients already had smoking-related diseases, the researchers said. In cases involving a single lung transplant, lung cancer typically arises in the recipient’s remaining diseased lung rather than the transplanted one. Liver cancer occurred in 8.7 percent of recipients. The increased risk for liver cancer may be due to recurrent hepatitis B or C infection in the transplanted liver. And 7.1 percent of recipients had kidney cancer. Recipients of kidney transplants have damaged kidneys, frequently including multiple kidney cysts, which can become cancerous. “We wish to understand how medical conditions, and individual immunosuppressive medications, may contribute to cancer risk. In addition, we hope our findings will stimulate other research into the carcinogenic mechanisms associated with organ transplantation,” Engels said. The study was published Nov. 2 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Knee Replacements Up Dramatically for Adults Years Old

omen and men aged 45 to 64 were 2.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for knee replacement surgery in 2009 than in 1997, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). AHRQ’s analysis of hospital stays for knee replacement surgery from 1997 to 2009 found that: • The rate for women aged 45 to 64 jumped from 16 to 42 stays per 10,000 people, while for men the same age,

the rate climbed from 11 to 28 stays per 10,000 people. • The rates for women and men 65 to 84 rose by 69 percent and 55 percent, respectively — from 72 to 122 stays and from 58 to 90 stays per 10,000 people. • Among those aged 85 years and older, rates increased by 23 percent for women (from about 27 to 33 stays per 10,000 people) and 36 percent for men (from about 27 to 36 stays per 10,000 people).

Heart Disease, Cancer and Trauma the Most Costly Conditions for Men The cost of treating men for heart disease topped $47 billion in 2008, leading a list of the 10 most expensive conditions for men age 18 and older, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The federal agency also found that

Cancer was the second most costly disease to treat ($34 billion), followed by trauma-related disorders ($33 billion) and osteoarthritis ($23 billion). On a per-patient basis, the average annual treatment cost ranged from $4,873 for cancer to $838 for high blood pressure. December 2011 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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WXXI Is Recognized For Its Work in the Health Arena With Two National Health Awards

XXI received two national health awards from the Health Information Resource Center for its work in health education. WXXI’s national health series, “Second Opinion” won a bronze award in the patient education information video category in recognition of its seventh season, and WXXI’s Healthy You outreach initiative received a merit award in the health promotion/disease and injury prevention information category. Organized by the Health Information Resource Center, the national health information awards program honors highquality consumer health information. “Second Opinion,” hosted by Dr. Peter Salgo, presents actual medical cases to a panel of experts to debate the pros and cons of diagnostic testing, interpret test results, and prescribe the best course of action. Dr. Roger Oskvig, associate professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), serves as the series chief medical advisor. Executive producers are Elissa Orlando and Elizabeth Brock. Fiona Willis is the series producer. The program is produced by WXXI, URMC, and West 175 Productions, and is underwritten nationally by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. “Second Opinion” airs Fridays at 10 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m. on WXXI-TV/HD, and on more than 250 PBS stations across the country. WXXI’s Healthy You initiative addresses the issues of child obesity and wellness in Western and Central New York. In partnership with WSKG Public Broadcasting in Binghamton, WXXI hosts televised forums, radio specials, and outreach events around the issues in an effort to inform and engage its communities. To learn more about Healthy You, visit: http://interactive.wxxi.org/healthyyou. Now in its 18th year, the National Health Information Awards honors those materials or programs developed for use by consumers, not for health professionals. Hundreds of local, state and national health-related organizations enter every year, but only a few take the prize of Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Merit awards. Page 6

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Dr. William R. Calnon Spencerport dentist elected president of the American Dental Association, the nation’s largest dental association . He discusses, among other things, why dental care is so expensive Q: Describe your position as president of the American Dental Association (ADA). A: First thing you’ve got to realize if that the ADA is a very large organization, larger than most people realize. There are about 156,000 members. So this year, as the president, I become kind of the face and the voice of the association to the public, policy members and the various stakeholders in the profession. Besides that, I serve as the chairman of the board of trustees for the ADA, which is the managerial group for the organization.

deliver good quality care. Finances, we realize, can certainly be a barrier to utilizing care. My message, I think, is that patients must be truly wise and informed consumers. I think a lot of patients don’t consider themselves a consumer of dental care, but they really are. They should always feel free to inquire at any office about alternative treatments, alternative materials and I would urge them to ask about payment options. Patients should also realize that the vast majority of dental disease to totally preventable. Prevention saves money.

Q: While medical professionals can’t unionize, do organizations like the ADA allow some degree of collective action for their members? A: The ADA is not a trade association, it’s an association made of members of a profession. When you look at the mission of our organization, it’s two-fold. It’s to support our members in what they do, but equally in our mission is helping the public. So it’s very publicly based as far as how you educate the public and promote policies for the public for oral care, especially with the government. So it’s definitely not a union or trade organization.

Q: Why is dental insurance so rare? A: It’s strictly a financial decision on the part of the employer. Dental plans are usually stand-alone plans and with today’s economy, you see a lot of employers cutting back everywhere they can. It’s not a good place to cut. I understand why employers do that, but in the long run it will cost more both in the dental side and also on the medical side. There’s a tremendous correlation between dental health and body health.

Q: What policies should the government promote? A: It’s not so much what they do enact, it’s also dealing with existing policy. Last year, as president-elect, I probably had at least 10 different trips to Washington. We dealt with every aspect of agencies. I had meetings with the Health and Human Services group. I had meetings with Federal Trade Commission. I had meetings with the Food and Drug Administration. So it really deals with how stakeholders, especially the government and government agencies, impact dentistry but health care in general, everything from dental materials to the scope of practice, to how dentistry fits in, to whatever degree, to health care reform.

Q: Why should the average person care about their dental health? A: Study after study shows a direct correlation between oral health and full body general health. Dental disease, for the most part, is a bacterial disease and can have a serious impact on both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Those two especially. And then there are the obvious reasons: people want to look good, portray what they want to portray. There’s also the bottom line: the ability to chew food properly.

Q: Why has dental care become so expensive? A: This is a very good question for the public to ask. I think my best answer is that the cost of dental care in general reflects a few things. It reflects the high cost, on our end, of the restorative materials. It includes the equipment that you see when you walk into any dental office. There’s a lot of new technology that we have to keep up with and it’s changing all the time. All of those things are required to

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2011

Q: What factors influence oral health? A: How long do we have? There are the genetic factors, which obviously they can’t control.

But there are a whole list of environmental factors under their control: a good diet, good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene is so important. Proper brushing and flossing on a routine basis makes all the difference in the world. Couple those with public health initiatives like community water fluoridation make a huge difference in disease rates. Q: What kinds of materials are being used these days? Has the old silver filling fallen out of use? A: What you’re referring to is dental amalgam. It’s still used, but the usage has really diminished over the last 20 years. A lot more materials are out there and they’re always changing. The tooth-colored composites are much more aesthetically pleasing to most people. On top of that, we still can use metallic restorations, gold restorations. A lot more porcelain is being used for crowns and restoration. Dental material science is an ongoing research area. We constantly find new materials. Q: Are we graduating enough DDS students to meet public demand? A: Yeah, we are. What we have is a distribution problem. It’s not because there are too few dentists, but that they are concentrated in certain areas. I think the reason that a lot of dentists don’t go to rural areas is that some of them have such small population, that it’s not possible to economically sustain a practice in those areas. We’re looking at ways to attract people to those areas. You’re finding more dentists who will have satellite offices a couple days a week in small communities. We’re trying to also attract students from those areas because it increases their chances of returning to those areas after graduation. There are some government incentives to encourage practices in those areas—they’re not just rural, they’re also under-served inner city areas. There are also public health venues that will attract new graduates for a period of time. All of those together is probably the best way to approach the situation. Q: Are there any notable technological advances in dentistry on the horizon? A: Dentistry has a tremendous research background. We make a lot of decisions based on pure research—a lot of it goes on right here in Rochester—it creates a really interesting scenario for a profession. There’s a tremendous amount of re-education going on. Patients will see rapid changes in materials and machines that they see in the office.

Lifelines Name: William R. Calnon, D.D.S Afﬁliations: President of the Eastman Dental Center Foundation Board, part of the URMC; past president of the NYS Dental Association, the Seventh District Dental Society and Monroe County Dental Society; fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy Education: Dental degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (1978). Completed his residency in 1979 at what is now the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at URMC. Career: Partner in Calnon & Cilano, DDS, PC, a general dentistry practice in Chili. Hometown: Spencerport Hobbies: Golf, gardening Family: Wife (school psychologist), two sons (dentist, dental student)

‘Grace, Courage and Dignity’

Take the trauma out of medicating your pet!

can compound your pet’s medications into a tasty treat! Some medications can be made up into a trans dermal gel usually applied to the animals inner ear.

CompassionNet marks 10 years in Upstate New York

ompassionNet, a unique pediatric palliative care program that has served more than 1,000 families, marked its 10th anniversary Nov. 1 with the release of a commemorative book. The book includes four true stories of Upstate New Yorkers facing medical crises with grace, courage and dignity. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield offers the unusual program of all-inclusive care to its members; its affiliate, Lifetime Care Home Health and Hospice, administers CompassionNet to families in Central and Western New York. “Our program treats the child and the family as one, addressing the child’s medical and nonmedical needs across multiple disciplines. We cover additional services, equipment and supplies in full,” said David Klein, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield chief executive officer. The child does not require a diagnosis of a terminal disease to participate in the program. “CompassionNet gives families what they need without the added stress of worrying about whether it will be covered by their health insurance,” said Pat Heffernan, Lifetime Care president. Families in the program have access to a CompassionNet pediatric palliative care medical team, including a registered nurse, pediatric nurse practitioner and a certified palliative care pediatrician. The team works with community organizations to help meet other unmet needs of all family members. Services include a case manager authorized to arrange for and approve services, even if they’re typically not covered by health insurance. “Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to providing help to the family early on in a child’s diagnosis,” Klein said. “The depth and breadth of services that CompassionNet provides was virtually unheard of among health insurance companies 10 years ago and even today.” Initially offered to families in the Rochester area, the program has grown to embrace families across Upstate New York. CompassionNet got its start 10 years ago when Lifetime Care staff experienced firsthand the lack of services for seriously ill children as they cared for an Excellus BlueCross BlueShield employee’s child who had a fatal brain tumor. With support from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Heffernan set out to design a program that would address the physical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual needs of seriously ill children and their families. Researching and visiting special palliative care programs across the

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country, Heffernan and Lifetime Care staff found that: • Parents reported that their family crisis began at the time of diagnosis — not when treatment failed or when a terminal prognosis was given or recognized. • The prevailing medical model of care did not provide the full range of services and support that families needed. • Parents often rejected hospice as an option — even when a child was dying — because they feared it meant “giving up.” In developing the program, a task force led by Lifetime Care sought input from bereaved parents; administrators and providers from Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester; staff and volunteers from nonprofit organizations that serve sick children; and respected community pediatricians. Based on these findings, Lifetime Care worked with Excellus BCBS to develop a health insurance benefit that would provide families with extra support. However, it became clear that each child’s situation was unique and that an insurance benefit could never be written to meet each family’s needs, recalled Heffernan. “To help the children live normal lives and assist with their pain and symptom management, CompassionNet evolved to allow coverage for alternative procedures and services that fit the individual needs of each patient and his or her family,” she said. “We feel honored to have played a part in the lives of these families,” said Heffernan. “Their stories are truly inspirational and a tribute to the human spirit, resilience and love.” Klein added, “The assistance of the medical community and numerous nonprofit organizations devoted to helping sick children and their families helps to extend CompassionNet’s net of care. “The anniversary booklet is a tribute to them and to everyone who has been touched by or involved in CompassionNet,” he said, “including our hard-working CompassionNet staff, the leadership of Lifetime Care and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield who had the vision and commitment to develop and continue the program, and especially to the children and families we’ve served and those we continue to help.” December 2011 •

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Page 7

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

‘Tis the Season: Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Those Who Live Alone This column is for all of you who have friends or family members who live alone. While the holidays can be a joyous time filled with laughter, cheer and gift giving, this time of year can also generate feeling of loneliness and anxiety. In my experience, those on their own are especially susceptible to the “holiday blues.” What can you do to add a little “merry” to the holidays for those who live alone? You can give the gift of time together — probably the most welcome and cherished gift of all. You can also give a thoughtful present to lift a spirit and warm a heart. Below, I’ve compiled a list of gift ideas for you — some practical, some personal, all guaranteed by me to put a smile on the face of someone who lives alone:

For fun

• An invitation to join you on New Year’s Eve. This can be a challenging night for those who are newly divorced or widowed. I popped the cork with my sister and her husband after my divorce and was deeply grateful for their invitation to spend the evening together. It got my new year off to a great start! • Tickets or gift certificates to movies, concerts, art openings or the theater. Include an invitation: “Be my guest.” And insist on doing the

driving. • Dancing, cooking or art lessons. Do you have a single friend with two left feet? Dancing lessons might be in order. A widowed father who eats supper directly from the container? Consider a cooking class. Or a divorced sister who’s been looking for a creative outlet? A course in jewelry making might delight her. There are so many possibilities!

For safety

• An American Automobile Association (AAA) membership. I don’t leave home without it. A flat tire, an empty tank, a lost key — been there! This is a gift worth its weight in gold. • Handy tools for emergencies or life’s unexpected moments. Consider a compact size “no-battery” magnetic LED flashlight that is shake activated. This is one of my prized possessions! How about a Swiss Army knife, complete with screwdrivers, scissors, toothpick, and tweezers? It even comes with a nail file and a highly coveted corkscrew. Or, consider a motion-sensor that activates a chime or alarm when a visitor (or new suitor?) arrives. Those of us who live alone need to be prepared for whatever life offers up! • A gift certificate for car washes. While not necessarily a “safety gift,”

KIDS Corner Children’s Use of Asthma Controller Drugs Has Doubled

he proportion of children who used a prescribed controller drug to treat their asthma doubled from 29 percent in 1997–1998 to 58 percent in 2007–2008, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Asthma controller drugs such as cortisteroids, control inflammation thereby reducing the likelihood of airway spasms; asthma reliever drugs, such as short-acting beta-2-agonists, make breathing easier; and leukotrienes help prevent asthma symptoms from occurring. AHRQ also found that during the Page 8

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1997–1998 and 2007–2008 timeframes: • Use of inhaled corticosteroids, a type of controller drug increased from 15.5 percent to 40 percent. Use of other controller drugs also increased: beta agonists (from 3 percent to 13 percent); and leukotriene (from 3 percent to 34 percent). • Use of reliever and oral corticosteroid drugs declined from 44 percent to 30 percent and from 17 percent to 9 percent, respectively. • Average annual total spending for all asthma drugs more than quadrupled from $527 million to $2.5 billion. Specifically, spending for con-

I know I feel better when my car’s clean (and that can’t help but make me safer on the road). Who doesn’t enjoy a clean, sparkling car? Choose a car wash near your recipient’s home or work place.

For pampering

• An opportunity to be “treated like royalty.” How many of your friends who live alone indulge themselves in luxurious services? My guess is not many, if they’re like me. Who has the time or money? But that’s what makes this the perfect gift! Why not surprise her with spa certificate for a facial, manicure, pedicure or aromatherapy? Or make his day by with a certificate for a sports massage, fitness facial, or appropriately named MANicure. • For women in particular who live alone — fresh flowers delivered. Do you know a single woman who lives by herself? When’s the last time she got flowers? Right, years can go by . . . don’t I know it. So, delight her with a bouquet of roses or tulips — preferably yellow, a color known to evoke the feelings of warmth and happiness associated with friendship. • And speaking of deliveries, check out Gift of the Month clubs. Coming home alone at any time of year can feel a little empty, but it can really feel lonely during the holidays. Discovering a package on the door stoop can change everything. Go online and check out www. AmazingClub.com. Unbelievably,

troller drugs grew from $280 million to $2.1 billion and for reliever drugs, the increase was $222 million to $352 million (all in 2008 dollars). • Spending for oral corticosteroids fell from $25 million to $8 million (2008 dollars).

Low Birthweight Infants Have Five Times Rate of Autism Autism researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing have found a link between low birthweight and children diagnosed with autism, reporting premature infants are five times more likely to have autism than children born at normal weights. The children, some born as small as about a pound, were followed for 21 years making this study, published in the journal Pediatrics, one of the most remarkable of its kind. The infants were born between September 1984 through July 1987 in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties in New Jersey at birthweights from 500 to 2000 grams or a maximum of about 4.4 pounds. “As survival of the smallest and most immature babies improves, impaired survivors represent an increas-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2011

you’ll find 36 different monthly clubs to choose from: Chocolate, Hot Sauce, Cheese, Tea, Cigars, Wine, Beer, Pastas, Olive Oil, Popcorn, Candles, you name it. I love this idea so much, I might treat myself!

For inspiration

• A gift of charity. Making a donation in someone’s name is a gift you can both feel good about. Think about your friend or family member who lives alone. What do they care about? Choose an organization that supports their values. • An invitation to join you in a volunteer activity. Helping others is a great holiday tradition. Early on in my solo journey, a dear friend invited me to join her for a holiday gift-wrapping event to support the Humane Society. It felt wonderful to be out of the house and surrounded by other volunteers and staff who embraced the spirit of giving. • Tibetan prayer flags. One need not practice an Eastern religion to embrace the beauty and blessings embodied in these colorful flags. I have my flags strung between two trees and am filled with warmth when I see them gently fluttering in the breeze. The Tibetans believe that the prayers will be scattered by the wind, spreading the good will and compassion into the surrounding area. • A subscription to “In Good Health.” I couldn’t resist. Send inspiration and trusted health information to your friends and family who live alone. Your holidays and theirs will be healthier and happier for it! Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive, empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, New York. For information about her upcoming workshops or to invite Gwenn to speak, you can call her at (585) 624-7887, email her at gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com.

ing public health challenge,” wrote lead author Jennifer Pinto-Martin, director of the Center Centers for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology (CADDRE) at Penn Nursing. “Emerging studies suggest that low birthweight may be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders.” Links between low birthweight and a range of motor and cognitive problems have been well established for some time, but this is the first study that establishes that these children are also at increased risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). “Cognitive problems in these children may mask underlying autism,” said Pinto-Martin. “If there is suspicion of autism or a positive screening test for ASD, parents should seek an evaluation for an ASD. Early intervention improves long-term outcome and can help these children both at school and at home.” The researchers, including a team at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, followed 862 children from birth to young adulthood finding that five percent of the children were diagnosed with autism, compared to one percent of the general population in what researchers called “the first study to have estimated the prevalence of ASD using research validated diagnostic instruments.”

Not much pollen around, but indoor allergies continue to become a bigger problem in the Rochester area

s e i g r e l Al

Winter Brings No Relief for Allergy Sufferers

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

ven with the last few autumn leaves cascading to the ground or being placed into large brown bags by home owners, that doesn’t spell the end of the road for allergy sufferers. While pollen counts are decisively low during the winter months, indoor allergies have continued to become a bigger problem in the Rochester area and nationwide. “The vegetation and tree growth compounded by the extent of rain hits this area really hard in spring and summer,” said Anatole Kleiner, a Rochester area physician whose focus is diagnosis and treatment of patients with environmental Kleiner allergies. “But the pain doesn’t end. The winter offers a host of other problems.” The Rochester metropolitan area this year ranked 32nd for worst cities for allergies based on pollen count and other factors. One of the fastest growing chronic diseases, studies show that hay fever and asthma has affected up to 40 percent of children in the United States. One in five Americans deal with allergy or asthma symptoms, and allergies ranked fifth in leading chronic diseases in the U.S., according to American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology. “You can almost call it an epidemic Condemi because the problem is growing across the world,” said Dr. John J. Condemi, who also suffers from allergies. “Ragweed is traveling farther north and we have a lot of it here. And the pollen count is going up everywhere. More and more people are getting allergies and hay fever.” Americans who deal with indoor allergies complain about headaches, fatigue, irritability, watery eyes, sinus pain, swelling in the face, sneezing and congestion similar symptoms to having a cold all year long. Because of allergic reactions to house dust mites, animals, cockroaches and mold, indoor conditions play havoc during the long winter months. Wallboard, damp wood, fabrics, leather and home paper products are the best places for mold to germinate. “Just about everyone has these

small microscopic ticks in their homes that hide everywhere from pillowcases to wall to wall carpeting. These dust mites feed off human skin flakes,” said Kleiner. Humans shed between five to 10 grams of dead skin each week, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The indoors also creates mayhem because of house pets. While many people think it’s only the fur of animals that causes nasal issues, pets’ skin and saliva offer just as many obstacles. And sometimes it takes years of exposure to animals before allergy symptoms develop. “Even when you get rid of a pet, their dander can stay in the house months after,” said Kleiner. Another challenge is the way homes are built today. Because they are built with better installation and more air tight, particles can’t flow in and out of the house as before. So the dust stays inside the home. Throughout the years, the Allergy Asthma Immunology of Rochester has worked on tackling the problems that affect allergy sufferers through academic based practices and clinical research. The organization also specializes in helping people fight the never ending battle of allergic, rheumatologic immunologic diseases, sinusitis and cough. “The problem with over the counter antihistamines is they only lessen the allergies by 40 to 60 percent so if you have very severe allergies it will still be severe,” said Condemi, founder of the Allergy Asthma Immunology of Rochester, which has four local offices in Brighton, Penfield Greece and Canandaigua. “You can still continue to develop new allergies.” Even though science has progressed to where allergy sufferers can literally get a shot of relief, the results have varied so much that it is not even close to being 100 percent dependable. With shots, the patient often starts with an injection every week for 10 weeks. Then it could

progress to once every two weeks and then once a month. “Although it is effective, it’s not nearly effective enough,” said Condemi. “You have to go to the doctor’s office to receive treatments, there is a lot of inconvenience and the number of injections could easily be 40.” Allergy physicians have worked for the past couple of years on developing a vaccine treatment called sublingual immunotherapy, a method of allergy treatment that can be used under the tongue rather than with a syringe. But, the research has not progressed far enough to receive Federal Drug Administration approval. “There is still a lot of work before it even has a chance to be approved by the U.S.,” added Kleiner. “They still don’t know what the exact doses they should offer patients.”

December 2011 •

However, Condemi points to a breakthrough in another condition affecting many children and adults. A new test has been created for asthma called mannitol challenge. Patients who had asthma, a disease characterized by abnormal airway construction were often put through a battery of test for their shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing to determine the severity. Condemi said for years the most common test was the exercise challenge where the patient would run on a treadmill, a practice used by the Army to determine if a recruit had asthma. The mannitol challenge makes it easier. The patient inhales doses of dry powder that has been known to bring significant improvement in symptoms and relief for asthma sufferers, a practice accepted in Australia, Europe and Korea.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 9

My Turn

By Eva Briggs

The Arrival of Respiratory Infection Season

he return of kids to school and the arrival of cooler weather heralds the arrival of respiratory infection season. How can you tell whether you have a cold, or something more serious, like pneumonia? Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue, usually due to infection. It affects the alveoli, small air-filled sacs deep inside the lungs. Worldwide, pneumonia is the leading cause of death. In the US, influenza and pneumonia combined are the eighth most common cause of death. Typical pneumonia symptoms overlap with the symptoms of other respiratory illnesses. Most patients have a cough. Mucopurulent sputum (looks like mucus with pus) suggests pneumonia. Patients with pneumonia often have fever (over 100 degrees), a rapid heart rate (over 100 beats per minute), fast breathing (over 20 times per minute), and abnormal or decreased lung

sounds. Not every patient with pneumonia — especially the very young or the very old — has typical symptoms. Some people have fever without respiratory complaints. Others have abdominal pain. Older people may become weak or confused without other symptoms. Most of the time, a doctor who suspects pneumonia will order a chest X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and to assess disease severity. Often people ask whether they have “walking pneumonia.” That’s not a medical term; it’s an outdated phrase to refer to someone who had pneumonia but wasn’t sick enough to be in the hospital. Fortunately most people can be treated with antibiotics without hospitalization, Severely ill patients, who have rapid breathing, low oxygen levels in the blood, confusion, wide spread disease on X-ray, and underlying chronic illnesses, may require

o o o o h c ahhh

Unplug Indoor Pollutants for a Breath of Fresh Air Allergists say home fragrance products may cause respiratory problems

ales of home air fresheners and scented candles are on the rise and so are respiratory problems in homes where these products are used, according to allergists at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Boston, Nov 3 – 8. “This is a much bigger problem than people realize,” said Stanley Fineman, president-elect. “About 20 percent of the population and 34 percent of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners. We know air freshener fragrances can trigger allergy symptoms, aggravate existing allergies and worsen asthma.” Home fragrance products may smell “fresh,” but Fineman warns many of these products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are merely “covering up” — not eliminating — odors in the home. VOCs commonly found in air fresheners include formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, limonene, esters and alcohols. Studies show that even VOC exposure levels below currently accepted recommendations increase risk of asthma in children. High concentrations of VOCs can trigger eye and respiratory Page 10

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tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even memory impairment. In his presentation, Fineman discussed a study of plug-in deodorizers that included more than 20 different VOCs with more than one third of those classified as toxic or hazardous. Despite research showing some air fresheners contain VOCs at toxic or hazardous levels based on federal guidelines, the home fragrance industry is expected to see continued growth, reaching $8.3 billion in global sales by 2015. Why the fondness for air fresheners? “There has been a shift among home fragrance consumers that pleasant smelling homes are not just for the holidays,” Fineman said. “We also are seeing a trend by manufacturers to market these products as aromatherapy which implies health and mood-boosting benefits although there are no scientific studies to support these claims.” For consumers who desire a fresh scent without the associated health risks, Fineman recommends opening windows to let in Mother Nature rather than selecting products labeled “organic” or “green.”

hospitalization for treatments like IV antibiotics and fluids, oxygen, and assistance from a breathing machine. The most common infectious cases of pneumonia are bacteria and viruses. It’s not always possible to tell which organism caused a particular bout of illness. And for people not sick enough to require hospitalization, testing to determine the cause isn’t usually needed. Empiric treatment — selection of an antibiotic based on the most common culprits usually works, along with rest, fluids, and treating other symptoms like fever, cough and wheezing. If you think that you have pneumonia, don’t just start any old antibiotic that you find hidden in the back of the medicine closet. The drug left over from your urine infection, skin infection, or toothache might be the wrong choice for pneumonia. The most common bacterial agents that cause pneumonia are Streptococ-

cus pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Chlamydophila pneumonia, and Legionella species. The first of these, often called pneumococcus, is the target of the pneumonia vaccine. So while the vaccine reduces your chance of getting pneumonia from this serious bug, it doesn’t protect against the other causes of pneumonia. The influenza vaccine reduces your chance of contracting pneumonia, because people weakened by flu are easier prey for the bugs that cause pneumonia. Quitting smoking also reduces your chances of pneumonia. Common sense hygiene measures like covering your mouth when you cough, hand washing, and staying home when you’re sick also combat the spread of illness.

Eva Briggs, a board-certiﬁed physician, works on the staff at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, in its two urgent care centers: one in Ithaca, and the other in Cortland.

Six Tips to Ensure Allergies and Asthma Don’t Ruin Holiday

oliday gatherings are festive fun, but it’s not easy to be the life of the party when you’re sniffling, sneezing and wheezing. From the host’s overpowering perfume to the nuts in the snack bowl, holiday parties can be a challenge for people with allergies and asthma. “During the holiday season you’re going to be exposed to allergens,” said allergist Myron Zitt, past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Be aware of where the problems lie so you can deal with them. And then, have a good time!” Let your host know you’ll be at the party with bells on after following these suggestions from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and its allergist members. Medicate before you go: There’s almost no avoiding the dusty decorations, the holiday candles, the potpourri or the perfume-doused reveler, and any of them may cause an allergic reaction. Your best bet is to take your antihistamine before you go. Find an allergist who can prescribe appropriate medication. Be the designated driver: Toast your host with sparkling water. In addition to being more clear-headed and safer on the road, you’ll avoid a possible reaction to ingredients, including preservatives in beer or wine. If you think you’ve had a reaction, it’s a good idea to see an allergist to determine the cause your misery. Eat smart: From the creamy dip to the gooey chocolate dessert, holiday goodies can be tempting, but

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2011

may contain many common allergens, including dairy, nuts, soy and wheat. Ask your host if the munchies contain anything you’re allergic to. And if you suffer from severe food allergies, always carry your injectable epinephrine. Steer clear of smoke: The cozy fire in the hearth can warm your cockles but make your lungs wheeze — smoke is a common asthma trigger. Go mingle in another room. Don’t let the greens make you blue: Christmas trees and other holiday greenery that deck the halls look pretty, but are associated with several possible allergens. You may be allergic to the mold commonly found on the trunk or the terpene in the tree sap of a natural tree. And the artificial kind can be covered with dust — a common allergen — after spending the year in the attic. Be sure to thoroughly clean your tree before putting it up. Poinsettias, a member of the rubber tree family, are everywhere this time of year. Stay away if you have a latex allergy Go on the defense: You could exchange more than conversation during cocktail party banter. Flu germs are everywhere and the illness can worsen asthma. Play it safe by getting a seasonal flu shot.

4 5

If you find you are sniffling and sneezing year round, allergy shots may be the treatment that can help you put your symptoms behind you for good. To learn more about allergies, asthma and allergy shots, take a self-relief test and find an allergist near you, visit www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

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Giving Compassion, Respect and Independence Dan Lill has earned a Healthy Hero Award from Greater Rochester Health Foundation for coordinating 250 volunteers to refurbish bikes for kids and their parents. Volunteers have logged more than 15,000 hours and serve 64 Rochester agencies to help kids stay active through bicycling.

R Community Bikes receives the Healthy Hero Award

an Lill wants to keep families active, so he and his crew of more than 250 volunteers repair and donate used bikes to city residents. For his leadership in R Community Bikes, Inc., Lill has earned the Healthy Hero Award from Greater Rochester Health Foundation (GRHF). “Giving away bikes is what we do best at R Community Bikes, Inc.,” said Lill. “In 2008 we gave away 654 bikes, and by 2010 we peaked at 2,434, a feat that would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, who spent countless hours helping clients find the right bike for their needs, ‘wrenching’ in the shop, organizing parts, building storage units as well as working at so many other important, behind-the-scenes jobs.” The bikes that Lill and the other

volunteers refurbish make it possible for hundreds of kids to have safe, active play. “The volunteers have contributed close to 15,000 hours of volunteer service, and 64 agencies refer clients to R Community Bikes. All of these men and women represent the community spirit of the Healthy Hero program,” says John Urban, president of the GRHF. GRHF recognizes people who help kids aged 2-10 in Monroe County stay healthy through improved nutrition or increased physical activity. People interested in nominating healthy heroes may visit www.BeAHealthyHero.org. Healthy Heroes are awarded $250 to be donated to the nonprofit organization of their choice.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 11

Stay Cold- and Flu-Free This Season Who wants to sniffle and sneeze his way through the holidays? By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

hile no precautions to avoiding colds and flu are foolproof, taking a few steps to protect yourself can improve your chances of enjoying the happiest season of all without being sick. If it seems that many people get sick during the holidays compared with other times of the year, you’re right. Linda Greene Director of Infection Prevention at Rochester General Health System explained. “We’re around a lot of people,” she said. “The common cold is spread very easily. People are in close quarters and people often shake hands or are in close proximity. The common cold Greene is spread within three feet. The closer you are, the more likely that you might catch something.” During the summer, people tend to spend more time outdoors. The air is

moister then, too. The lower humidity inside many heated homes and businesses tends to dry out nasal passages. “Our nose and skin is our first line of defense,” Greene said. “If the air is dry it can contribute to it.” Using a humidifier at night may help. To help ward off flu, get your flu shot. The notion that obtaining a flu shot puts you at risk for getting the flu is simply not true, according to nearly all experts. The vaccine does not put live flu germs inside you. If you come down with the flu after receiving a vaccine, you’re either very, very unlucky (since the vaccine is extremely effective), Healy or you were exposed to the virus between the time that the vaccine was administered and when it became effective. Don’t think that it’s “too late” to

receive a flu shot because winter has begun. “As our recent flu seasons have lasted well into the spring, there’s definitely still time,” said Dr. Mhorag Hay, an associate professor of medicine and infectious disease at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Stay away from people who have the flu or a cold. These viruses are spread by direct contact with infected individuals or when they have left germs behind on commonly used objects or surfaces, such as a doorknob, shared computer station, or countertop. If you share a workspace, wipe it down with disinfectant wipes before you start your shift. Keep surfaces clean at home, too. Going outside sans hat or with wet hair has nothing to do with catching a cold or flu. You would have to experience a significant episode of exposure to increase your chances of becoming ill. “If the human body becomes too cold—hypothermic—it can decrease the body’s ability to fight off infection,”

said Tammy Healy, certified infection prevention coordinator for Finger Lakes Health. “To help maintain a normal body temperature dress in layers, and use clothing that will pull moisture away from your skin.” Keep your hands clean. Wash before touching your face, inserting contact lenses, eating or handling food. Wash after using a facial tissue, using the bathroom, completing a chore such as cleaning the bathroom, changing the litter box or changing a diaper, and anytime you return from a social gathering. Wet the hands, lather with soap and scrub palms, backs, between fingers and under nails for 20 seconds, about the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Then rinse and dry with a clean towel. Consider using paper towels or designate a “sickie” towel if a member of the household is sick. If soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizing gel. “Hand washing and hand sanitizing clearly helps to prevent the spread of common colds,”

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2011

Eat right, but don’t go crazy with over-hyped supplements or particular foods. “While it’s clear that having a diet deficient in key nutrients is not good for overall health, no one has conclusively proven that taking extra amounts of certain nutrients — vitamin C, for example — decreases your risk of respiratory infection,” Hay said. “I advocate a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains as a way to avoid deficiency, but don’t advocate any particular ‘super foods.’” If you feel your diet frequently lacks adequate nutrition, talk with your doctor about taking a daily multivitamin. Eating right and exercise are both important for staying healthy; however, “most people are too busy partying and visiting during the holidays,” Green said. “All those things contribute to wearing us down some. Try to get exercise, even though it’s a busy time of year.” You don’t have to go to the gym if you don’t want to. Revel in the season: power walk through the store while shopping, walk around your neighborhood after dinner to enjoy the lights, play with the kids in the snow, or take the whole family ice skating. Any time you are sick, do everyone else a favor and stay home until you are better. A play on the word “absenteeism,” Greene calls going to work while sick “presenteeism.” “It perpetuates influenza among coworkers,” she said. Don’t just mask your symptoms with medicine and slog through the day because you are sharing the cold or flu germs with others. The world won’t implode without your presence for a few days and the extra rest will help you get well sooner.

URMC’s Hay said. “Its role in preventing flu is less clear, as we don’t fully understand how flu is spread. Regardless, it’s a good idea to practice good handwashing.” Healy agreed. “Frequent hand hygiene decreases the risk of [germ] transmission,” she said. Help your children decrease spreading germs, too. “Young children are the main reservoir of colds and flu,” Hay said. “Teach them good hygiene: throwing away tissues, hand washing, and covering coughs.” Teach them to sneeze or cough in the crook of their arms, not their hands, since they’re more likely to spread germs by touching objects and others’ hands with their contaminated hands than with their elbows. Decrease your stress level and get enough rest. Though not much research directly links a lack of rest and excessive stress with illness, “people have observed a correlation between severe life stressors and illness for centuries,” Hay said. “Certainly reducing stress is not harmful. Sleeping eight hours a night has been shown to be optimal for most adults. Its effect on cold or flu acquisition isn’t clear, but it’s a reasonable goal for overall health.” Do you really need to make the perfect gingerbread house, buy so many presents or write cards to people you barely know? Dial back your expectations. “Stress is another factor that will decrease the body’s immune system,” Healy said. “During the holidays stress levels increase leading to an increased risk of a person coming down with a cold or flu.” Take time to relax with a bath, book or exercise. Engage only in holiday activities you want to do and let the rest go.

Some feature stories in this issue:

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 13

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating Nature’s Cancer Warrior:

Brussels Sprouts

ver since I read that “up to 30 percent of all cancer is related to diet” (Dr. Mitchell Gaynor, Weill Cornell Medical College), I have been on a mission to avoid foods associated with an increased risk and consume those linked with cancer prevention. Topping my list of cancer-fighters? Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. According to research published in the “Journal of the American Dietetic Association,” one of the phytochemicals found in cruciferous vegetables — sulforaphane — can stimulate enzymes in the body that detoxify carcinogens before they damage cells. Lucky for all

of us who adore Brussels sprouts, this mini cabbage teems with sulforaphane. Detoxification benefits notwithstanding, I also reach for Brussels sprouts, especially during flu season, because they’re super high in vitamin C.

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We’re talking 80 percent of our daily needs in half cup. A vital nutrient, vitamin C helps the body maintain healthy tissues and a strong immune system. What’s more, this powerful antioxidant may also help the body fight off cancer by stabilizing free radicals. Another reason to bag the Brussels: This vegetable may keep inflammation at bay through its impressive concentration of vitamin K: nearly 140 percent of our daily needs in half cup. According to a study published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology,” higher intake of vitamin K may decrease the incidence of inflammation that has been linked to a variety of diseases: cancer, Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, and more. Like so many vegetables, Brussels sprouts are low in fat, calories and cholesterol, and moderately high in fiber. But unlike most vegetables, Brussels sprouts deliver an unexpected nutrient: about 2 grams of protein per serving.

Helpful tips

Choose firm, compact sprouts — from bulk displays vs. packaged containers — that are bright green in color. Select sprouts that are similar in size, as this will allow for more even cooking. Before storing sprouts in refrigerator, remove yellow or wilted outer leaves, but do not wash. Fresh sprouts will keep for 3 – 5 days.

Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Parmesan

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Toss Brussels sprouts, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in large bowl until sprouts are coated. Transfer sprouts to baking sheet and arrange, cut side down. Roast in oven for 15 minutes, then flip the sprouts to cut side up and roast for about 10 minutes more or until gently browned. Transfer to serving bowl. While Brussels sprouts roast, heat remaining 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil in small skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; cook until garlic is golden, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. After transferring sprouts to bowl, add garlic oil, gently toss, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.

1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 3 ½ tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 minced garlic cloves ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and pepper 3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (or more)

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2011

500 Helendale Road • Suite 265 Rochester, NY 14609

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New mobile medical unit helps treat the homeless Bus travels to nine area shelters treating the health — and the teeth — of homeless people By Jason Schultz

nity Health Systems has recently upgraded its ageing mobile medical unit, a change which promises to bring expanded medical, and now dental, care for Rochester’s nearly 8,000 homeless individuals. The new, 40-foot-long custom unit is part of Unity Health Systems’ Health Care for the Homeless service. It visits a number of Rochester-area shelters from Monday through Thursday, to see patients for medical and dental care in one of its two exam rooms. The only qualification for care is that the person be homeless. According to Chuck Albanese, director of community services at Unity Health, the new vehicle was a major upgrade from the 16-year-old unit it replaced, and the new dental care program is the only one of its kind in Western New York. “The old truck didn’t have the capability to do dental work, it didn’t have a wheelchair lift, and the heating and cooling Albanese systems left much to be desired,” he said. “The fact was it was an old vehicle and the time had come to make a change.” Albanese said the $417,000 mobile unit is paid for by grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Health Resources and Services Administration along with patient revenue and fundraising activities. It treats nearly 2,200 patients each year. “The demographics have changed,” he said. “About two years ago, the ratio [of people seeing us] was 50 percent male, 50 percent female, and now those numbers are closer to 55 percent women, and much more families coming in to receive aid. Two

years ago, 6 percent of the people we saw were under 18, and now 20 percent are children, so it’s not the stereotypical homeless man with mental or drug abuse problems that makes up the majority of our patients.” Albanese said the mobile unit grew out of Unity Health’s efforts for community outreach and referral from its clinic on West Main Street in Rochester. “Through our work giving referrals, we found that for people without the proper resources, just finding transportation to medical appointments was very difficult, so it made more sense for us to go to them.” Once arriving at one of the nine area shelters it will be visiting for the day, the unit’s doctors, nurses and dental care professionals provide a number of much-needed medical procedures, from physicals and immunizations to tuberculosis screenings and HIV tests. Albanese said the unit typically sees between two and 10 patients during the four-hour visit, with Mondays and Wednesday set aside for medical care and Tuesdays and Thursdays focused on dental care. As it was a Thursday, the mobile unit was paying a visit to the Grace House in Rochester, a transitional center for reintegrating parolees into society. Stepping into the unit, built much like a standard coach bus, patients are first greeted by medical technician, driver and triage specialist Keith Meyer, who signs patients in and determines what care is needed. Having started as a driver over a year ago, Meyer’s role has increased along with his knowledge about the health problems facing the homeless. “Diabetes is a big problem we see from many patients,” said Meyer, a burly ex-firefighter who uses his experience driving fire engines to navigate the mobile unit into tight parking

Dental assistant Regina Washington usesan X-ray device on patient Jeff Evans.

Dentist Scott Watson treating one of his patients, Jeff Evans. “For those without traditional access to dental care, which is most of the people we see, this program can be a much better alternative to the emergency room for everyone involved,” says Watson. spots. “A lot of their diets are made up of sweets donated by area bakeries, and that puts their blood sugar out of whack. We see a lot of skin problems, a lot of foot problems. We do our best to help, and some people want that help, some don’t, but we give everyone that comes here the same level of attention and compassion.” Scott Watson, the dentist on call during the visit, said the new dental program has the potential to be a huge boon to area homeless. “In just two weeks, the effect has been huge,” Watson said. “For those without traditional access to dental care, which is most of the people we see, this program can be a much better alternative to the emergency room for everyone involved: the patient can get their problem treated, and we can take some of the burden off the hospitals.” Watson said the biggest problem he sees with the homeless is tooth and gum infections, which can lead to a variety of more serious and debilitating health problems. “We find dental disease is exacerbated by some of the factors that go along with homelessness,” he said. “For those that smoke and use drugs, it speeds up the process of decay, and when you combine that with poor nutrition and years between dental visits, the result is poor dental health.” He said despite its size, the new unit is very well-stocked, and advances in technologyallowed all the amenities of a dentist’s office to fit on the bus. Dental assistant Regina Washington, a five-year employee at Unity Health, said the unit provides all the capabilities of a regular dentist’s office, from X-rays and cleaning to tooth extraction and root canals. She said this new effort will be a boon to the area’s

December 2011 •

homeless, as dental problems are found in almost all the patients that make use of this program. “Oral health can have a major effect on the health of the rest of your body,” she said. “Tooth and gum problems lead to headaches, earaches, throat problems, and a number of viral and bacterial diseases.” Sitting in the dentist’s chair that day was patient Jeff Evans, who was there for a general check-up and refitting of the partial dentures that he wears. After getting X-rays and a consultation from Watson, Evans was slated to receive a dental cleaning from the unit’s hygienist. Evans said he heard about the program through the Grace House, and was impressed with the level of care and convenience provided to those in need. “I really liked it; I think it’s a great thing to have for people who can’t afford to see a dentist,” Evans said. “I was having problems with my dentures and the dentist said he might be able to make the fit better, find me some molar [dentures], which I don’t have.” Evans concluded by saying it was a blessing to have a program like this in the community, and thanked the Unity Health employees for all their hard work. “I really appreciate them helping me out like that did; I can’t say enough about they way they reach out to people in the community and recommend it to anyone who needs their help.” More About the Mobile Unit? For more information about the mobile medical unit and the Health Care for the Homeless services, call 585-368-3720 or visit www.unityhealth.org/community.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

People with disabilities: The challenge they face when they no longer have parents Future Care Planning Services is playing a crucial role in the lives of at least 1,000 local families who have people with disbabilities By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

hree years ago, a dear friend of Jim and Barbara Goldsmith’s died. But along with battling their grief, the Brighton couple worried about the fate of their friend’s adult daughter, Marlena Graf, 56, who was diagnosed as severely developmentally disabled since birth. The condition also hampered her ability to walk even a few steps. The Goldsmiths knew that without immediate action, Graf could find herself tangled in bureaucratic red tape and losing out on quality care. They contacted the Rochester area Future Care Planning Services, who within three months helped them go to court to receive sole guardianship of Graf. “The process of going through the court system is difficult, overwhelming and very trying. I couldn’t imagine navigating it on our own,” said Jim Goldsmith, 78. “Future Care kept us on a level plane because we would have been stressed out and going around in circles without them.” A collaborative program of Lifespan, Al Sigl Center and the Arc of Monroe, Future Care Planning Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping create an extensive plan that addresses critical issues for people with a wide range of mental and physical disabilities. Until about a decade ago, many children who were diagnosed with developmental disabilities never outlived their parents, let alone lived into their 40s, 50s and 60s. But medical experts have noticed a trend that aging parents had not set up contingency plans for their children living longer than them, which led to extensive problems when a parent died or became too ill or frail to continue in their daily care giving roles. “We are able to help people access important information they need

because battling the legal and medical systems or trying to get a lot of these things done by yourself can be very tough,” said Doris Green, director of the 10-year-old program. “We make sure they don’t lose their Medicaid, assist care givers in any ways they need and protect our clients’ rights.” The organization charges a flat $350 initial fee for its services, but also offers more extensive aid for additional fees depending on the clients’ needs. Officials also help with wills, benefits, health insurance, powers of attorney, health care proxies and other essential necessities. They also keep in contact with the families by periodically performing follow-ups for two years. In March, Future Care reached a program milestone by assisting 1,000 families. The program has received grants from organizations like the National Alliance for Caregiving and the MetLife Foundation applauding its efforts to care for adult children with disabilities in a responsive and effective way. “There really wasn’t anything in this area like this program before,” said Green. “It was like a big jigsaw puzzle and we are just here to help people put it all together in one piece.” Future Care helped the Goldsmith step by step through court proceedings, keeping them abreast to the situation even when the couple Green didn’t have to appear in court. It also cost them at least three or four times less to gain guardianship because they didn’t have to hire their own lawyer. “Anyone who needs the kind of help that we needed, I would tell them to rush Future Care as fast as they can get there because we couldn’t have

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Jim and Barbara (Bunny) Goldsmith were able to receive guardianship of a friend’s daughter after this friend died three years ago. The daughter had been diagnosed with as severely developmentally disabled since birth. They said the work provided by Future Care Planning Services was crucial in the process. made it if not for them,” Goldsmith said. The organization also provides people with support at important times in their lives whether it is at the initial time of diagnosis from a long-term chronic illness or when a parent dies leaving a child with a disability to fend for themselves. For Dilys Farney, she realizes the latter could be a reality. Her son Paul, 40, was diagnosed with developmental disabilities. As a single mother, she often was the main adult who knew all the intricacies of his life from the foods he liked and disliked to the fact that he is allergic to adhesives. Program officials sat with her and created a detailed booklet. It spells out his food and leisurely preferences, names of his previous doctors, his do-not-resuscitate and transfer of power of attorney forms and information about how to help him with his hands-control vehicle, which includes special adaptive equipment that allows people with disabilities the independence and control of driving their own cars.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2011

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“It’s the reverse situation of what other families have to deal with when you are dealing with a child who is disabled. Even though the parent is the elderly one, they have to make a plan for the future of their children,” said Farney, 68, of Perinton. “My son has to be taken care of if I die first because I’m the primary person who takes care of him.” Farney understands that the booklet doesn’t replace her as a caregiver now and will never truly replace her even after she passes away. However, it does ease her mind. “At the time when we took part in Future Care, my son couldn’t even cook for himself,” she said. “I kept thinking what would happen to him if I went first. But now I feel so much better and it is because they really made m feel like they cared about my son.”

■ For more information, visit www.futurecareplanning.org/

Happy Holidays What to Give: Healthful Food Gifts for the Holidays By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

our children may have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads on Christmas Eve, but giving more healthful food gifts this season will benefit your recipients’ health. “Holidays don’t need to be all about candy, cookies and higher calorie foods,” said Donna Quinzi, registered dietitian with Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. “Gift giving to someone special can be healthful and would be most appreciated by the health conscious people in your life.” While sweet treats are fine in moderation, healthful foods can be treats, too, if they are delicious and presented well. Homemade gifts can help you

stretch your budget and give healthful presents. Put together a DIY bean soup mix in a large Mason jar and tie a raffia ribbon around the top. The layers of beans and other dry ingredients not only look pretty, but are also healthful. “Give those special in your life a meal that is high in fiber and protein,” Quinzi said. “On a cold winter night, what could be better?” Add some whole grain crackers to the gift, too, and perhaps tuck it all in a large pot. Pack a pretty basket with small bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, a small ceramic dish and dry some garlic and herbs you dry yourself. Mash garlic and dry on a baking sheet at 250 degrees with the oven door

Where to Buy Healthful Food • The Mustard Seed ‘N More (5101 SR 64, Canandaigua, 585-229-4812, mustardseednmore.com) sells a variety of mustard products from mild to wild. The vitamin-packed, locally-grown peppers blended into the pepper mustards lend a spicy kick and the honey mustard will make you forget all about fat-filled mayonnaise. Bonus: all profits benefit charitable causes. • Rochester Public Market (www.cityofrochester.gov/publicmarket, at the northeast quadrant of Rochester, at 280 North Union St.). The market is open year-round with locally-grown and created foods. Support local agriculture and find items you can’t find anywhere else. • Lori’s Natural Foods Center (lorisnatural.com, 900 Jefferson Rd., Rochester, 585-4242323) sells a large variety of natural and healthful foods and snacks. You’re sure to find something for everyone. • Sauders Store (2168 River Rd., Seneca Falls, 315-568-2673) carries bulk foods, perfect for making big batches of homemade soup mix. Pre-made mixes are also sold in bulk. • Spring Lake Bulk Foods & Fabrics (4250 Wolcott Spring Lake Road, Savannah, 315-5948485) also carries bulk food, pre-made mixes of all sorts and an impressive array of fabrics and craft items. Just walking the aisles will inspire many unique gift ideas.

14 Gifts NOT to Give Janel Welch, registered dietitian and clinical nutrition manager for Unity Health, offered 14 food gifts not to give this season: 1. “Don’t give sugar-free candies or chocolates to someone with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or other intestinal issues. The sugar replacement often used in these products is maltitol, which is only partially digested and absorbed. The part that isn’t digested tends to ferment in the intestinal tract and attract water. To someone with diarrhea-predominant IBS, having a few pieces of these sugarfree goodies can cause some ‘intestinal issues.’ As someone who has IBS, I can speak from sad experience. We’ll leave it at that. 2. “Pay attention that you don’t give tea with special properties to someone whom it might offend. The Republic of Tea, for example, makes ‘Get Lost’ tea, described as ‘herb tea for weight control’; ‘Get it Going’ tea for regularity; and ‘Get Gorgeous’ tea for clear skin. 3. “Be sure you don’t give alcohol to someone who doesn’t or shouldn’t drink. Even if someone has consumed alcohol in the past, they may now be avoiding it for a number of possible reasons. 4. “Don’t give those tins of stale popcorn to pretty much anyone. If it isn’t fresh, it isn’t worth the calories. 5. “Don’t give fruitcake as a food gift, because all the fruitcake jokes known to man are bound to ensue moments after it is unwrapped. 6. “Don’t give a gift assortment of dark chocolates to someone who is passionate about milk chocolate or vice

versa. The same goes for giving creamfilled chocolates to someone who is wild about nuts and chews. 7. “Don’t give alcohol or anything with caffeine to a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. These items are not in line with their beliefs. 8. “If you don’t know the gift recipient all that well, avoid holiday processed meat gift packs such as those from gourmet catalog companies or other foods containing meat, in case your recipient is a vegetarian. Give Vegan Dark Chocolate Bars, Andean Dreams Vegan Cookies, GoRaw Flax Snacks, Mrs. May’s Vegan Snack Mix, 3 Betty Lou Fruit Bars, Dr. Lankin’s Awesome Almonds flavored almonds, or Sensible Foods Dried Fruit. 9. “Don’t give food gifts that include chocolate, peppermint or spearmint, garlic and onions, coffee, caffeinated tea, citrus, tomato products, or chili peppers, to someone who suffers from acid reflux. 10. “Don’t give any food containing pork or pork products, or that combines dairy with meat products, to someone who keeps kosher or observes Muslim dietary laws. 11. “Don’t give peanut brittle, caramel apples, or candy canes to people with braces. 12. “To that friend of yours who is working hard to lose extra pounds, don’t give a gift card to The Cheesecake Factory. 13. “Don’t give chocolate-covered insects to people who might be ‘bugged’ by it. This actually happened to an acquaintance’s mom, and she was definitely not amused. 14. “If you’re giving to someone with dentures, make sure it’s a food they can chew, not something hard like nuts or apples.”

open until it’s no longer moist. Pack in a small, decorative jar with some dried Italian seasoning herbs. The recipient can combine the ingredients in the bowl for dipping the bread. “Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed and considered a healthy fat,” Quinzi said. “Add a fresh loaf of Italian bread and you have a beautiful and heart healthy gift.” If you’re not handy in the kitchen, buy the wares of those who are. Especially considering the movement toward locally-sourced foods, many people would welcome the gift of local honey, maple syrup or other “put-up” goods. “Frequenting the farmers markets for homemade jams, jellies and sauces and syrups is a great way to purchase locally-made and grown products,” Quinzi said. “Including some homemade bread or mixes makes a great breakfast gift. Starting the day with breakfast can be assured that you will be ready to meet the challenges the day will hold.” Many studies indicate that eating breakfast helps maintain stable blood sugar and decrease the chances of unhealthful eating later. Consider your recipients’ healthful interests. An outdoorsy type might appreciate a backpack with portable snacks: dried fruit or fruit chips (no sugar added), unsalted nuts and seeds,

December 2011 •

and low-fat granola bars. “These are easy to pack and provide a burst of energy for those on the go,” Quinzi said. Janel Welch, a clinical nutrition manager at Unity Health, recommends “nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts because they’re high in fiber and good types of fat, the unsaturated fat.” Tea drinkers would enjoy a variety of high-quality teas: green, white, black, herbal and fruit tea. “They may not ordinarily buy that for themselves,” Welch said. “Tea has antioxidants to help the immune system. A lot of people enjoy it because it’s a way to avoid the caffeine in coffee. You could put some honey in a basket with the tea. Or put in some tea diffusers or a tea ball if it’s loose tea.” Many older people on fixed budgets would appreciate a fresh fruit basket or other practical food gift. “A fruit basket is always a good gift because it is healthful and consumable,” said Amanda Tourtellotte, registered diet dietitian with Finger Lakes Health. “In the past I have received gift certificates to the grocery store as well which have been nice. “Try making homemade sauces, such as tomato, salsa or apple if you like to can. Creating a healthy meal basket is also nice, like whole wheat pasta, fresh sauce and fresh vegetables as sides.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

Happy Holidays Teen Tech Toys Can Improve Fitness Teens’ fixation on portable technology can be the catalyst for launching new fitness efforts By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

t seems like teens are constantly plugged in, logged on and sitting down. While modern technology has enhanced our lives, it has also helped fatten our young people. Instead of engaging in physical activity, many lead virtual lives online while their bodies become flabby and unfit. But technology can also help teens get active and in better shape. Teens’ fixation on portable technology can be the catalyst for launching new fitness efforts. Consider putting some of these items under the tree to help your teens improve their health. Consider applications for their iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. Many target teen boys or girls or anyone with fitness goals. Some offer workout ideas based upon specific equipment, such as • “iPump & Fitness Builder,” including weights, kettlebells, BOSU® balls, and many more. Users can also search for workouts based upon their location, their fitness objectives, or by

keyword. Videos of each exercise make sure they’re performing the movements correctly and users can customize the workouts, too. For teens who want to improve their fitness level to participate in sports or enhance their appearance but aren’t sure where to start, “iPump” can nudge them in the right direction. ■ “Authentic Yoga with Deepak Chopra” gives examples of yoga poses and workouts to improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength with instructional videos and photos of each pose accompanied by audio directions. Girls who want to have a long, lean, strong body would likely benefit from this app. ■ “iPump Lean” for teen girls emphasizes workouts to tone muscles and get fit. Both video and audio directions guide users through workouts based upon strength training movements, Pilates, yoga movements and cardiovascular activities. Users can also track

their progress, too. ■ “Navy SEAL Fitness” app will enthrall any teen who is glued to action movies. Teens can make it their mission to complete the app’s exercises that emphasize muscular strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. ■ “MotionTraxx Radio” for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, can get idle feet moving to their favorite beat. Teens can choose the intensity of their workout or walking/running pace, all based upon the pace of the music. For teens who

love tunes, “MotionTraxx” can get their heart rate up. ■ “iMapMyFitness” is like a hightech pedometer. Using the device’s GPS, “iMap” helps the user track more than just milage. It also records where the user has hiked, for how long, pace, speed, elevation. A social media element is built in, too. Users can compare their stats with their friends at MapMyFitness.com. For teens who used to be more outdoorsy, this app might motivate them

Host a Fit Holiday Get-together Dump the rich food, get your friends and family to do some fun physical activities during the holidays By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

oes it seem like all you do during the holidays is get with other people to eat? The holiday buffet for your work party, big family meals, church potluck and cookie baking parties can all add up to a whole lot of calories. But you can host get-togethers that focus on activity instead of eating. It may seem counterproductive to launch a fitness campaign during the holidays; however, Dr. Louis Papa with the University of Rochester Medical Center said that doing anything is better than doing nothing. “There are plenty of studies to show that individuals that exercise regularly and vigorously are at a low risk of chronic disease and illness and a higher overall sense of well-being,” Page 18

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he said. “There also more likely to maintain a healthy weight or at least not gain weight.” Instead of hunkering down indoors over a spread of rich foods, invite friends, family and coworkers to get outside and get moving with you. Renee Elwood, employee wellness coordinator for Unity Health System, said that the organization’s wellness committee has planned family fitness outings, a strategy that anyone could try for his own family. Ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding and skiing can provide outdoor Papa

fun families can enjoy together. But these activities are not just fun ways to bond. “Ice skating offers great physical and mental health benefits,” Elwood said. “It not only improves your cardiovascular health but it acts as a de-stressor or means of relaxation. “Fresh air in outdoor ice skating helps provide a mental release from the stressors of daily life and work. It’s also a fun way to enjoy the company of family and friends, which is why we’re doing it as a social/fun activity with employees and their families.” If your children don’t have skates, you can find used ones inexpensively at a store such as Play it Again Sports or online on ebay. The same goes for snowshoes. “Snowshoeing is a great aerobic activity,” Elwood said. “It’s walking

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2011

through the snow. It uses a variety of muscles and provides a great cardiovascular workout. At a moderate pace, snowshoeing can burn 400-500 calories per hour. That’s a pretty good work out.” Elwood said that skiing can be a beneficial fitness activity. With downhill or cross-country skiing, the leg, core and arm muscles used to stay upright get a workout. Jamie Gruttadauria, owner of Rochester Fitness Equipment, said that sledding can be a good workout. “Carrying that sled up the hill burns calories and engages leg and arm muscles,” he said. “You have to be flexible to go sledding and core stabilization.” Instead of cruising in your car to look at the Christmas lights displays, bundle up and walk around your

to get back outside. And for those who enjoy social media, the website will add more motivation to get moving. Digital heart rate monitors, available in sporting goods stores may encourage teens to challenge themselves to keep active. Starting for around $40, most ccontinuously track the user’s heart rate, record workout time, and recall average activity time and heart rate. They look like a high-tech watch and some even offer wireless connections for downloading information. Christine Pilaroscia, aerobics instructor and co-owner of Bounce Aerobics in Rochester, likes the bodybugg® and Fitbit health and fitness trackers. “They are both gadgets that track your heart rate, calories burned, and can even keep track of how many calories you can eat during the day, how much food you have already eaten and well, track your every fitness move,” Pilaroscia said. “As for apps, both of these gadgets have apps available but I prefer the app called “MyFitnessPal” to track everything for me,” she added. “It even has an awesome feature where you can scan a barcode of the food you just ate and it recognizes it as tallies it against your allotted calories for the day.” Teens interested in weight loss and fitness but aren’t sure where to start may appreciate the gadgets and apps Pilaroscia mentioned. Teens who love their mobile devices may also enjoy using the GPS to participate in geocaching. Give a $30 year’s membership to the world’s largest geocaching organization by visiting www.geocaching.com. Jamie Gruttadauria, owner of Rochester Fitness Equipment, vouched for the activity’s benefits. “It involves hiking and using technology, too,” he said. “It gets teens outdoors and enjoying nature.” Teens will enjoy following the GPS coordinates to find the hidden “treasure,” earning bragging rights online by finding it first, and hiding the cache in a new location. The caches are usually plastic boxes containing a log book and an item of nominal value. Thousands of people worldwide participate

neighborhood (or drive to a well-lit neighborhood and park the car). A brisk walk burns calories and gives you time to chat with friends. Before engaging in an activity, warm up by gently stretching and stretch afterwards, too. “It minimizes any aches and pains afterwards,” Elwood said. You can also burn some calories helping others. Sign up your family to help at a soup kitchen (which may be understaffed during the holidays), go caroling for your church or civic group or take turns ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Performing any of these seasonal activities keep you on your feet and reduces stress because you’re doing a good deed. “Being on your feet and being active is better than sitting at a dinner table and eating and eating and eating,” Gruttadauria said. If you want to warm up with a hot drink afterwards, go easy on the cocoa or fancy coffee drinks. Many of these are loaded with sugar. Try hot tea or warm cider instead, which offer antioxidants and are lower in calories than many sweetened drinks. If you really dislike the cold, grab a friend you’ve been meaning to spend time with and try a new indoor activity. Since the holiday season is a slow time

in locations in rural to suburban areas. The Wii and Kinect game consoles continue to interest teens and adults in fitness activities. If your teens love video games and are disinterested in outdoor activity, a Wii with a few games may be your best bet. Of course, the fitness-based games are an obvious pick; however, Gruttadauria said they would probably interest teen girls more than boys. “For the males, the war-type of stuff is more popular,” he said. “Any of the sports games would be a hit, too.” Some of the newer titles based upon games with which teens may already be familiar. These games incorporate players’ bodily movement to play can cajole them off the couch. Players of “The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword” use the Wii remote as a sword to battle their opponents onscreen, for example. “Zumba Fitness 2” may be a fun choice for teens who love to dance. “I’m a huge fan of the dance and fitness games they have out for Kinect and the Wii,” Pilaroscia said. “It makes the experience more enjoyable for a teen instead of just putting in a workout DVD.” Another bonus of these game consoles is that it can help families get active together. Your teens may not admit they like spending time with you and their younger siblings; however, if you meet teens on their terms and with an activity they like, you can increase your family’s fitness and togetherness. While giving a fitness gadget to teens may seem the sure-fire way to get them moving, select a gift with care. “They would have to be engaged in that activity for the app or electronic item to interest them,” said Jamie Gruttadauria, owner of Rochester Fitness Equipment. “As long as it’s related to their sport or activity, they’ll like it. You can add to what they’re doing with technology, but hooking them into an activity if they don’t have the motivation to get off the couch, it isn’t going to help get them into an active lifestyle. You being active helps. If they see Mom and Dad being sedentary, they’ll be sedentary. You have to make it fun.”

What They Want You to Know:

Nurse Manager By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ealthCarePathway.com describes nurse managers as “basically nurse administrators who oversee nurses, assistant managers, and who are responsible for running their department or ward. Their duties involve hiring, training, evaluating staff, scheduling work shifts, and ensuring that the patients are receiving the best care. They also must stay abreast of changes in nursing and advancements in technology and incorporate that into their work setting for their staff.” They must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and experience. Certification with the American Organization of Nurse Executives may be required. • “Patients should understand from the first moment that the care is a partnership with the patient and the family or those who support the individual and all the medical team. It really is a partnership. • “It’s really all about patient safety. • “It’s making sure when you’re in the hospital, it’s about your concerns, care being proactive, knowing your medications and raising questions, letting us know what really helps them. Each person is an individual. We want to know what’s important to them and helps them get through the day when they’re under so much stress. • “Nurse manager responsibility is 24/7. While we may not be on site, we’re always available. • “It’s always about our patients. The very first thing when we consider anything it’s patient-centered. Cheryl Sheridan, senior vice president and chief nursing officer, Rochester General Hospital

for most recreation venues, “It can be a great time to try classes at the community center or local fitness center,” Papa said. “Try stuff you’d never take like ballroom dancing, karate or tai chi.” Most fitness clubs and classes offer a reduced price or free trial class and it can be good way to spend some time with a friend during the season. Who knows? Maybe you’ll both find you like it so much you’ll continue as part of your fitness routine for a more healthful new year. December 2011 •

• “From my perspective, the patients really need to let us know about their experience and how we can make it better for them. Sometimes we don’t know until they get home and it’s too late to do anything about it or they don’t give us feedback. If the patient felt more comfortable letting us know right now while they’re in the hospital or since they were admitted, it would be helpful. They should do it in real time.” Terri Glessner, nurse manager, cardiothoracic surgery team Rochester General Hospital • “I wish that more patients and their families saw nurses as not just professionals who do treatments and give medications. We’re really an advocate for them.

• “Our role goes beyond just nursing. We holistically care for patients. We care for all parts of them, physically, emotionally and spiritually, making sure the doctors have information about how they are doing so they can appropriately attend to their needs. • “I think families are so stressed out about what happened that instead of partnering, they get in ‘attack mode’ for lack of a better word, looking for things they think we did incorrectly. We have information that’s valuable to the patient’s care and they do too. Instead of being adversarial, it ought to be a partnership. They should try to use that energy more appropriately to partner with nurses caring for your loved ones to help the patients heal. Sometimes family members—not so much patients—the relationship can be difficult. Be an advocate for your loved one in a more positive way.” Mary Ann Cropo, nurse director at Unity Health System • “I think most hospitals have changed the way they think about patients. We include family and visitors as ‘customers’ and it’s our goal to meet our customers’ needs. • “In the past, patients have been afraid to be honest. I want them to know we’re looking to provide the very best care we can provide. • “The role nurse manger includes lots of different hats. We are a patient advocate, staff advocate, organization advocate, we collaborate with physicians every day and the whole treatment team when it comes to complex cases. • Patients may have met us but don’t know what we do because we’re not in their rooms all the time. We’re the leader of their unit and we want to make sure their experience is as safe as it can be. We are here to make sure they have the right staff at the right time.” Vicki Jagodowski, nurse manager, medical cardiac units Rochester General Hospital Deborah Jeanne Sergeant is a writer with In Good Health. “What Your Doctor Wants You to Know” is an ongoing column that appears monthly to give our area’s healthcare professionals an opportunity to share how patients can improve their care by helping their providers and by helping themselves.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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The Social Ask Security Ofﬁce Column provided by the local Social Security Office

Save Some Time During The Holidays — Online

By Jim Miller

Funeral Planning On a Budget With the average cost of a “full-service” funeral running around $10,000, it’s worth shopping around Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 75, and have been thinking about getting my funeral and burial arrangements taken care of so my kids won’t have to. What funeral preplanning tips can you offer a senior with little money? Not Dead Yet Dear Not, Planning your funeral in advance is a wise move. Not only does it give you time to make a thoughtful decision on the type of service you want, it also allows you to shop around to find a good funeral provider, and it will spare your kids the stress of making these decisions at an emotional time. Here are some tips to help you find affordable services. Compare Providers

Choosing a quality funeral home is your first step and most important decision in preplanning your funeral. No matter what type of funeral or memorial service you envision for yourself, it’s wise to talk with several funeral homes because prices and services can vary. Websites like funeraldecisions.com and funeralpricefinder.com can help you compare. When comparing, be sure you take advantage of the “funeral rule.” This is a federal law that requires funeral home directors to provide you with an itemized price list of their products and services so you can choose exactly what you want. Be sure to ask for it.

Money Savers

With the average cost of a “fullservice” funeral running around $10,000, there are ways to save that few people know about. For example, if a traditional funeral and burial is what you’re interested in, you can save big — at least 50 percent — by purchasing your casket from a store vs. the funeral home, and your funeral provider must accept it. Two good casket shopping resources that may surprise you are Walmart (visit walmart.com and type in “casket” in their search engine) and Costco (costco.com) who offers its members a large variety of caskets and urns at discounted prices. Page 20

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Another way to cut your funeral bill is to request a “direct burial” or “direct cremation.” With these options your body would be buried or cremated shortly after death, which skips the embalming and viewing. If your family wants a memorial service they can have it at the graveside or at later without the body. These services usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000, not counting cemetery charges.

Should You Prepay?

Be aware that preplanning your funeral doesn’t mean you have to prepay too. But if you are considering paying in advance, be cautious. Prepaid plans are not regulated by federal law and state regulation is uneven. Before you sign anything, here are some areas you need to be very clear on: • Be sure you know exactly what you’re paying for before committing. • Are the prices locked in or will an additional payment be required at the time of death? • What happens if you move to a different area or die while away from home? Some prepaid funeral plans can be transferred, but often at an added cost. • Are you protected if the funeral home goes out of business or if it’s bought out by another company? • Can you cancel the contract and get a full refund if you change your mind? • If you do decide to prepay, get all the details of the agreement in writing, have the funeral director sign it, and give copies to your family so they know what’s expected.

Other Payment Option

There are other ways to set aside money for your funeral, rather than giving it to a funeral home. You can set up a payable-on-death, or POD account at your bank, naming the person you want to handle your arrangements as the beneficiary. With this type of account, you maintain control of your money, so if you need funds for medical expenses or something else, you can withdraw it at any time. This type of fund is also available immediately at the time of your death without the delay of probate.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

he holidays are here and that means busy days ahead for families across the nation: gift shopping, preparing for guests, sending out holiday greetings, looking up recipes for favorite traditional dishes, checking those credit card and bank account balances. Many people have found an easier way to manage many of their activities of the holiday season by going online. Some shoppers have eliminated the need to go to crowded shopping malls for holiday gifts by taking care of it over the Internet. Some even look up recipes on the Internet and send holiday greetings by email. You’ll find that these types of convenient, secure transactions can also be found in places you may not ordinarily think to look — for example, at www. socialsecurity.gov. You can apply online for benefits, obtain information, plan for retirement, and request a replacement Medicare card, even apply for extra help with your prescription drug costs all at www.socialsecurity.gov. You can handle much of your Social Security business quickly and securely from your home or office computer. If you visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov you will find that you can:

Q&A Q: When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, are benefits payable on that person’s record? A: Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to: • A widow or widower — unreduced benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60; • A disabled widow or widower — as early as age 50; • A widow or widower at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled, and receiving Social Security benefits; • Unmarried children under 18, or up to age 19 if they are attending high school full time. Under certain circumstances, benefits can be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren or adopted children; • Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled; and • Dependent parents age 62 or older. Even if you are divorced, you still may qualify for survivors benefits. For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2011

• get an instant, personalized estimate of your future Social Security benefits; • apply for retirement, disability, and spouse’s benefits; • check the status of your benefit application; • change your address and phone number, if you receive monthly benefits; • sign-up for direct deposit of Social Security benefits; • use our benefit planners to help you better understand your Social Security protection as you plan for your financial future; • find the nearest Social Security office; and • request a replacement Medicare card. Looking for more Social Security information? You can go online to find out almost anything you need to know about the Social Security program. Information is available on subjects ranging from how to get a Social Security number for a newborn to how to go back to work while receiving disability benefits. This holiday season, do you want to have more time to visit with friends and family? If so, take care of your Social Security business at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Q: I lost my Social Security card. Should I get a new one? A: You may not need to get a replacement card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, you can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. Remember, you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov. Q: If both my spouse and I are entitled to Social Security benefits, is there any reduction in our payments because we are married? A: No. We calculate lifetime earnings independently to determine each spouse’s Social Security benefit amount. When each member of a married couple meets all other eligibility requirements to receive Social Security retirement benefits, each spouse receives a monthly benefit amount based on his or her own earnings. Couples are not penalized simply because they are married. If one member of the couple earned low wages or failed to earn enough Social Security credits (40) to be insured for retirement benefits, he or she may be eligible to receive benefits as a spouse. Learn more about Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov.

SAD Attack

As weather gets cold and sunlight diminishes, more people in the region say they suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

ochester and Western New York area has been described as having abusive extremes in weather, especially when temperatures start to dip. While it forces residents to grow a tolerance to misery, it’s also the cause of seasonal affective disorder or SAD. The symptoms mirror depression including daytime sleepiness, less energy and ability to concentrate in the afternoon, slow, sluggish lethargic movement, unhappiness and social withdrawal. Known often as “the winter blues,” Seasonal Affective Disorder usually builds up slowly in the late autumn and winter months and has been under-diagnosed in primary care offices. “It’s difficult to diagnose but patients tell me their moods start changing as the season moves into winter,” said Michael Privitera, an associate professor of psychiatry for the University of Rochester Medical Center. “The fact that we experience a lot of cloud cover here, it cuts down on the amount of sun light we get, which makes Rochester one of the most difficult places for people with this disorder to live.” The Rochester area could be the northwest headquarters for seasonal affective disorder with its punishing, long winters where it’s not unusual to see the first snowflakes fall by Halloween. Adding to the problem is that those who experience the condition are sometimes ridiculed, forcing them to keep their feelings in the same darkness that spirals them into more depression in the winter. It’s also the reason why nationwide statistics on the disorder do not exist. People often think being a native of Rochester makes them impervious to the disorder. Yet here are two people from the area and they are the faces of SAD.

Holly Maxwell, 36, of Henrietta As a freshman at Penfield High School, Holly Maxwell had enough to worry about. She tried to fit in and be social but the start of every school year brought deep despair and depression. When the sun went down, so did Maxwell’s mood. She became a loner and a recluse for much of the early months of the school year because of her seasonal affective disorder. When the problem worsened during her junior year, she started seeing a psychologist and then a psychiatrist, needing to take Prozac to even out her temperament. “I had no friends,” said Maxwell. “There were days that I just didn’t want to get out of bed and there were days that felt even worse than that.” Her depression usually starts after Labor Day when the sun goes down earlier and earlier. She occasionally takes vitamin D as a supplement throughout the winter, a suggestion encouraged by physicians. “Our winter season is so long here

Holly Maxwell sets up her light box therapy, which boosts her from her doldrums. “I put the lights right next to me when I am sitting on the computer and it does give me a little extra energy,” said Maxwell in Rochester and even turning back the clocks is doing a number on my body because it starts getting dark at 5 p.m. and you feel like you never get to see the light.” A decade ago, Maxwell turned to light box therapy to revitalize her spirits, using it 30 minutes at a time. The therapy includes a special lamp with a bright, fluorescent light that mimics sunlight. Doctors advise taking long walks during the daylight; however, in the Rochester area sunlight during the winter is a rarity even in the daytime. While nothing is foolproof, the light therapy occasionally boosts her from her doldrums. “I put the lights right next to me when I am sitting on the computer and it does give me a little extra energy,” said Maxwell, who also has a prescription for Pristiq, used to treat major depressive disorders in adults. “It feels like having the sun in your face in the summertime and I do all of a sudden start feeling better.” Those who suffer from the disorder believe it’s more far reaching and prevalent than reported. Since there are no physical signs like cancer or liver disease or because most cities don’t experience similar five months winters like Rochester, the condition is sometimes dismissed. Seeing a psychiatrist helped Maxwell discuss her feelings without being ridiculed or dismissed. “A lot of people don’t know that this is a major hindrance. It’s looked upon lightly by some people as not

serious at all but it is,” said Maxwell. “There is a large population of people who are not saying anything.”

James Brown, 28, of Rochester For many years, James Brown never uttered a word about his condition. He knew people’s first reaction would be to simply toughen up, man up and stop complaining about this silly, silent affliction. But it wasn’t silly. It was debilitating. Brown started feeling the effects during his teenage years at East High School in Rochester every September when he began noticing the days becoming shorter. There was a sense of impending doom where he felt depression setting in both mentally and physically. “It’s quite depressing when you feel this foreboding presence draining your energy and there is nothing you can do about it,” said Brown. “Winter in Rochester feels like you are getting constantly punched in the face. It becomes harder to keep active and motivated during this season.” As a teenager, he struggled to cope for various reasons; first it wasn’t something that African American males talked about or admitted they had. Secondly, as a youth, you are still learning about yourself so he didn’t know how to handle it even if he could talk about it. So what he did was just try to drag

December 2011 •

himself out of bed every morning for school, attempt to stay focused in class even with spiraling depression and then come home directly after school and shut himself in. “You just grin and bear it,” said Brown. “It’s not something you talk about especially in Western New York because people are less likely to open up about their problems. But winters here can be very repressive, and we as a society don’t like to admit when we have a problem.” Brown’s doctors have suggested light therapy but he’s a bit skeptical about its success rate. “I’m not sure fake sunlight is going to make me any more active,” he said. “The best thing I have done for myself is a steady diet of activity inside and outside my house.” As an adult, he has learned to force himself out of his apartment even on days when blizzards are battering the area. He said it forces him to deal with the circumstances and try to regain some control of his life instead of being a helpless victim. “I still don’t understand it. There is something about the sun that helps my mood,” said Brown. “It doesn’t seem like you should feel lost without the sun but I do.” He believes seasonal affective disorder can be the silent killer because of the possible embarrassment when talking to someone who doesn’t suffer from it. “The best advice I would give is find someone you trust who will let you tell them how you feel,” said Brown. “Don’t feel a sense of shame. The winters bother a lot more people than they care to admit because you can see the faces of people in Rochester when we get an usually warm day in November or December. The hot dog vendors comes out for a day and it does lift people’s spirits.” According to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., various factors such as gender and heredity can increase SAD. Seasonal affective disorder is diagnosed more often in women than in men, but men may have symptoms that are more severe. “I am surprised that there is no support group here in Rochester for seasonal affective disorder,” said Privitera. “This area is certainly ripe for a self help group because people need to talk with others who are experiencing this.”

Coping With Seasonal Affective Disorder • Avoid dark environments. Get as much light as possible during daylight hours in the winter. • Rearrange work spaces at home and at the office near a window if possible, or consider setting up a light device in your area. • Sit near windows as much as possible. • Attempt to go to bed and wake up at the same time. • Use an artificial bright light device. Cool white light is effective as is full spectrum white light. Light should be used facing the individual but the person should not be starting at the lights.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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H ealth News Excellus moves program in-house, creates jobs Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has created 26 new jobs and six temporary positions in Upstate New York as it brings its disease management program back in-house. The health insurer and its affiliates now employ more than 6,500 people, primarily in Upstate New York. “We are doing this because our own employees are able to deliver comprehensive, high-quality health care management at a lower cost than the outside vendor we have been using for a number of years,” said Christopher Booth, president and chief operating officer of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “The new jobs are spread across our Utica, Buffalo and Rochester offices.” The company’s new in-house disease management program is being offered to most employer groups at no additional cost. Any self-funded employer that wants to buy a higher level of enhanced services continues to be able to do so. “The disease management program offers the full continuum of care–from preventive services and management of chronic conditions to acute care and end-of-life support,” Booth said. The service is available for Excellus BCBS’ commercial, Medicare and federal employee program members, including employers who have its HealthyBlue coverage. The disease management program for safety net products such as Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and ValuMed Plus was already administered in-house. This addition to the workforce helps to expand the presence of Excellus BCBS as a major employer in Upstate New York. The company’s employee payroll in 2010 was $328 million. At the same time, the company is one of the area’s largest consumers of local goods and services, spending more than $320 million in 2010.

Irondequoit Pediatrics welcomes new physician Daniela DeRosa has joined Irondequoit Pediatrics’ staff of physicians. She is the newest of four pediatricians at the Irondequoit-based practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Daniela to our team,” said both Kristen Savage and Douglas Bennett, both physicians at Irondequoit Pediatrics. “Her depth of knowledge, pediatric expertise, and passion for helping children, make her a great fit for our family-centered pediatric practice.” DeRosa sees her new role at Irondequoit Pediatrics not only as a means to care for children, but DeRosa also as an opportunity to educate families on the risks associated with childhood obesity, and the importance of healthy eating and exercise habits. DeRosa received her medical Page 22

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training in pediatrics at the University at Buffalo and Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo in Buffalo. She received a doctorate degree in osteopathic medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). She currently resides in Rochester and enjoys tennis, yoga and traveling in her free time.

St. Ann’s Community hires professionals St. Ann’s Community recently hired four professionals. • Judy DeLucia of Penfield was hired as the Cherry Ridge volunteer coordinator. She is responsible for interviewing, screening and placing the volunteers at Cherry Ridge, a St. Ann’s Community in Webster. DeLucia previously worked as the director of volunteer services at Unity Health System. • Jennifer Lechner DeLucia of Brighton was hired as manager of organizational development and life enrichment. In her new role, she leads St. Ann’s Community in its efforts to focus on person-centered care. Lechner, a social worker, previously worked for Green Hill Inc. in New Jersey as Lechner its green house guide and lead green house educator. • Donna M. Leone of Rushville was hired as the finance office manager. In her new role, she oversees the daily operations of the billing department. Leone previously worked for Rochester Primary Care Network as a Leone medical biller. • Susan Patruska of Caledonia was recently hired as the reimbursement manager for St. Ann’s Community. A registered nurse, she is responsible for the operations and overall performance of the reimbursement department. Patruska Patruska previously worked as the assistant director of nursing for the Jewish Home.

ACM Medical Laboratory has new CFO ACM Medical Laboratory, a division of Unity Health System, announced the appointment of Gita Ramachandran as chief financial officer, responsible for providing financial oversight for ACM’s global operations. Ramachandran brings not only considerable experience in financial management to ACM, but also the perspectives

Dr. Thomas Wong of the Canandaigua VA Medical Center Honored The Secretary of Veterans Affairs “Hands and Heart Award” recognizes VA employees whose dedication to veterans is marked by the highest standards in patient care. This award recognizes VA employees whose characteristics best exemplify the finest in direct patient care during the past year. On Oct. 27, Dr. Thomas Wong of the Canandaigua VA Medical Center became the latest recipient of this prestigious award.

of a seasoned executive with experience in strategic planning, process integration and acquisitions management. Ramachandran began her finance career in public accounting, and spent several years with Ramachandran healthcare company Baxter International, where she served in several positions of increasing responsibility in the financial organization, including controller of Baxter’s surgical instruments division. After Baxter, Ramachandran became vice president of finance for Ralin Medical Inc., a disease management company addressing the cardiac services market. She moved to Rochester in 1998 to join Frontier Corporation as vice president of corporate audit, and in 2000, became CFO of America Fiber Systems Inc., a start-up telecommunication company that grew to $50 million before it was sold in 2010. Ramachandran earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Madras in India, and a master’s degree in business administration from the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario in Canada. “I am very impressed with Gita’s strong business acumen, her ability to drive results, and her record of working effectively and collaboratively across functional boundaries,” said Angela J. Panzarella, president of ACM Medical Laboratory. “I am confident she will make a terrific addition to our team.”

Unity appoints new VP, chief nursing ofﬁcer Unity Hospital announced that Jane Pennington-McCormack has been named vice president and chief nursing officer of nursing and patient care services for Unity Hospital.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2011

Pennington-McCormack joined Unity Hospital (then Park Ridge Hospital) in 1987, and served most recently as the hospital’s senior director of nursing. She holds an undergraduate degree in nursing from the PenningtonUniversity of Massachusetts and a McCormack master’s in nursing administration from St. John Fisher College. Pennington-McCormack lives in Fairport with her husband.

Physicians join Rochester General Hospital Rochester General Health System and Rochester General Medical Group announce two new physicians have joined its medical staff. • Rashmi Khadilkar specializes in rheumatology. She attended Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia and completed her residency and fellowship at Temple University Hospital, also in Philadelphia. The Pittsford resident is board certified by Khadilkar the American Board of Medical Specialties in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology • Ana MolovicKokovic specializes in internal medicine. The Perinton resident attended the University of Belgrade in Serbia and completed her residency at Mount Molovic-Kokovic Sinai School of Medicine in the Bronx. She is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL? Brand-name drugs are just

generics in disguise. If you take a brand-name prescription drug, you should know that there are new generic and over-the-counter options that can save you money. Not every brandname drug has a generic equivalent, but there are generic and over-the-counter alternatives for treating many conditions, including high cholesterol. Generic drugs are real medicine. They are approved by the FDA as safe and effective, but they cost less. A lot less. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if generic drugs are right for you.

Generics are

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • December 2011

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