In Good Health: ROC #224 - April 2024

Pooch Power: 'Relax' Brainwaves Begin When Folks Play With Dogs

Playing fetch or grooming Fido isn't just good for your precious pooch — it also benefits your brain.

Such interactions appear to strengthen brain waves associated with rest and relaxation, South Korean researchers report in the March 13 issue of the journal PLOS One. Their small study compared people's mood or hormone levels before and after spending quality time with a willing canine.

For the study, Onyoo Yoo, a doctoral student at Konkuk University in Seoul, asked 30 volunteers to take part in a series of activities with his well-trained 4-year-old female poodle. After getting to know her, the

volunteers fed, massaged, groomed, photographed, hugged, walked and played with the pup.

During each activity, EEG tests measured their brain waves for three minutes. Participants also answered questions about their emotional states after each activity.

The study revealed that different activities had varying effects on participants' brain waves.

Playing with and walking the dog increased the strength of alpha waves, a general indication of stability and relaxation, CNN reported. The study noted that alpha wave activity is linked to lower mental stress and better memory.

Meanwhile, grooming, play-

ing and gently massaging the dog strengthened beta waves — evidence of heightened attention and concentration.

Volunteers also reported feeling less stressed, fatigued and depressed after the poodle play.

Many studies in this field have been anecdotal or subjective, according to a Canadian researcher who welcomed the insights offered by these experiments.

"It is super exciting" that Yoo's research provides more insight into how the known benefits of human-animal interactions may be occurring, physician Colleen Dell told CNN. She's a research chairwoman in One Health & Wellness at the Uni-

'Animal-assisted therapy can be very beneficial for people who enjoy being around animals.'

versity of Saskatchewan.

"Studying the area in a multitude of ways — such as the EEG and subjective scales — is really important," she said.

But a University of Michigan neurology professor said the study had some shortcomings — notably a low number of participants and the lack of a control group to see whether the actions would have similar benefits if done with a human instead of a dog.

"This study was not designed to determine what mechanisms might link pet interactions to the observed changes in brain activity," physician Tiffany Braley told CNN.

Researcher Yoo conceded that further study is needed to confirm the findings. He said the results may also have been biased by the participants' own fondness for animals because they were recruited at pet salons and a dog grooming school.

But, he concluded, one thing seems clear: "Animal-assisted therapy can be very beneficial for people who enjoy being around animals."

“My days are filled with friendships and activities, combined with the care I need.”

Adult Day Health Care is a medical model day program that serves adults with physical, psychosocial and medical needs. Services include medication assistance, cultural arts, and a noon meal. Transportation available within Monroe County.

Ask about our new evening program from 2:00-7:00 p.m. Call (585) 784-6570 or visit JSLAdultDayHealthCare.org for more information.

A service of Jewish Senior Life

Colon Cancer Blood Test 83% Accurate in Spotting Tumors

An experimental blood test accurately detected colon cancer in more than 8 in 10 people confirmed to have the disease, researchers report.

The test — which could be an option for people who want to avoid colonoscopy — is intended for people who have no colon cancer symptoms and are at average risk.

"The results of the study are a promising step toward developing more convenient tools to detect colorectal cancer early, while it is more easily treated," said corresponding author, William Grady, a gastroenterologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle.

Current guidelines recommend regular screening starting at age 45. But only 50% to 60% of people who are eligible for colon cancer screening actually take the tests, Grady said.

"Having a blood-based test for people to take during routine doctor's visits could be an opportunity to help more people be screened," he said in a Fred Hutchinson news release.

More than 7,800 people between the ages of 45 and 84 participated in a multisite clinical trial of the new blood test. The research was funded by Guardant Health, developer of the Shield blood test.

The test detects colon cancer signals in the blood from DNA shed by tumors. Called circulating tumor DNA, or ctDNA, it is also used to monitor for recurring cancer and in other emerging screening tests.

In all, 83% of study participants with confirmed colon cancer tested positive for ctDNA. Seventeen percent had a negative test, meaning the blood test did not show colon cancer even though a colonoscopy did.

Researchers said the test was most sensitive for colon cancers, including those in the early stages, and less sensitive in detecting lesions that could become cancerous.

The findings were reported March 14 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Grady likened the blood test's sensitivity to that of stoolbased tests. But he said it is lower than that of colonoscopy, which he considers the most accurate colon cancer screening tool.

"Getting people to be screened for cancer works best when we offer them screening options and then let them choose what works best for them," he said.

Meet Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Jeffrey R. Andolina, MD

URMC physician specializes in treating adolescents and young adults with cancer

Q: Tell us about your specialty

A: I'm a pediatric hematologist and oncologist who treats children and young adults with cancer and other blood disorders.

Q: Cancer tends to be a disease more commonly associated with older populations. What's different about cancer that emerges early in life?

A: Pediatric cancer is, thankfully, relatively rare. The causes of pediatric cancer are generally thought to be caused by random genetic mutations. Adult cancers are often due to inherited genetic causes, environmental causes or lifestyle factors. In children, especially young children, it tends to be random. The vast majority of pediatric cancers are neither inherited genetic nor environmental. I think it can be tough for families to understand that there's no clear, good reason for why this happens.

Q: So there's no way to really flag risks?

A: The causes are largely unknown or random. Pediatric and young adult cancers are usually not inherited or environmental. There are a small number of cancers where there is some family history or genetic predisposition, but they're a minority of cases.

Q: What does the progno sis generally look like for this age group?

young adults are generally able to tol erate very intensive treatments includ ing chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and immunotherapy much better than other adults. They're usually very healthy, without other medical problems. Because of this, kids do much better than adults with their prognosis. At least 80% of them

will be cured of their cancers.

Q: That's without the cancer returning later?

A: Almost all patients will be able to enter remission and about 80% of those will be able to achieve lifelong remission. A lot of that is just due to kids and young adults being healthy and able to tolerate intensive therapies.

Q: Are there particular challenges to treating this population?

A: There are a lot of challenges. I think, when a child is diagnosed with cancer, there's a huge impact on the entire family, the entire community, the entire school. It can really be overwhelming. With younger children one of the two parents often has to take a leave of absence from their job. It's obviously very emotional, very tough to have a young child go through chemotherapy treatments. In adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients there are, in some ways, even more challenges. They often don't have as many support systems as they had when they were younger. Some may be living on their own and may not have a stable situation. They sometimes can be caught in the sys-

dren I don't think there are too many preventive things to do. For young adults, staying on top of your health screenings can help with adult-onset cancers. People think of AYA patients as very healthy, so physicians need to be aware of new symptoms and make sure AYA patients are being evaluated.

Q: How has the field changed during your career?

A: I think there have been great advances in the field of pediatric oncology. For young children in particular, I think there's been a huge improvement in cure rates for pediatric cancer. This has largely been due to a national cooperative group called Children's Oncology Group and similar organizations that have developed clinical trials for all children with cancer and helped children across the country receive similar treatment. The treatments themselves are also getting better and safer. In addition to chemotherapy, surgery and radiation there are immunotherapies which consist of things like antibody treatments which have helped improve cure rates. In AYA treatments there's more awareness that this group needs to be treated differently than both younger children and older adults, which has led to better protocols for them. It's an ongoing effort to improve cure rates for AYAs. I think the dedicated services and treatments have been great for this group.

Q: What got you interested in treating these groups for cancer?

optimal care. Things like pliance, mental health, ple be thinking about what they can do to spite most cancers in

A: In my training I did a rotation on the pediatric cancer service and was really drawn to it. I got to work with a family through their cancer treatment. In teenagers and young adults specifically we have a population that needs a lot of effort. A lot of them are fun to work with. I think it's important for them to have a group of doctors and nurses they can really trust. A lot of times teenagers and young adults really like to use technology to communicate. Groups like 13thirty that focus on young adults have been very helpful.

Lifelines

Name: Jeffrey R. Andolina, M.D.

Hometown: Pittsford

Position: Associate professor of pediatrics at URMC; pediatric hematology/oncology/stem cell transplantation; director of pediatric bone marrow transplantation

Education: University of Virginia Medical School, MD (2004); internship in pediatrics, Northwestern University, 2004 – 2005; residency in pediatrics, Northwestern University, 2005 – 2007; fellowship in pediatric hematology-oncology, Northwestern University. 2007 - 2010

Affiliations: Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center

Organizations: Children's Oncology Group; American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy; American Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Family: Wife, five children

Hobbies: Playing sports

Pain, Tingling or Numbness in Your Feet?

By Andrea Ide

Pain, Tingling, or Numbness in your hands, feet or legs may be due to Nerve Damage. If left untreated this small annoyance can lead to big problems. Unfortunately, most people have no idea what to do abut this problem and some don’t even realize how big of a problem it is. They tell their doctor who gives them drugs and injections which only mask the pain and there is no surgery, other than amputation, that will heal/stop neuropathy from progressing.

Neuropathy is a term used to describe damaged nerves, primarily in the hands and/or feet, that are progressively breaking down due to a lack of blood supply, nutrients and oxygen reaching the nerves along with a lack of communication from the brain. Since the nerves are what the brain uses to communicate with the area and they are breaking down, the brains ability to communicate with the area lessens over tine, allowing for the progression of more breakdown and worse symptoms. It can be caused by Diabetes, Poor Ciculation, Poor Nutrition, Chemotherapy, Agent Orange, Misaligned Spinal Bones Placing Pressure on the Nerves, along with over 100 other causes. “Patients experience extreme sensations, loss of feeling, even No Feelings in their Hands and/or Feet along with muscle spasms, pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, and burning and many have a very hard time with balance” says Dr. Nathan Riddle of Riddle Wellness, a Neuropathy testing and treatment clinic.

This condition can eventually lead to further nerve damage, causing complete loss of legs or arms leading to amputation, death or brain injury due to falls, burns or other injuries that will not heal, along with organ failure in some cases.

Are you or someone you love suffering with loss of balance, numbness or pain from Nerve Damage in your hands and/or feet that just won’t heal? You don’t have to any longer. This local clinic right here in Rochester, NY is helping people find lasting relief without the use of drugs or surgery! That’s BIG EWS!

HEALING IS POSSIBLE

More than 20 million people in the U.S. Are dealing with some form of Neuropathy. Most commonly noticed first in the hands or feet, causing weakness, numbness, tingling pain and debilitating balance problems, often frustrated with no place to turn to and no hope of recovery. “By the time they come to see us, they feel like they have tried everything. Their MD put them on Anti-Seizure or Epilepsy meds like Gabapentin, Neurotin, Cymbalta or Lyrica and told them they will just have to live with the pain,” said Dr. Riddle.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

With recent advancements in nerve regeneration technology and treatment options, clinics all over are seeing larger success rates and faster results with their neuropathy patients.

“This new technology paired with our multifaceted approach, has been life altering for our patients and our clinic,” said Dr. Riddle.

The development and success of these new, highly effective Neuropathy Protocols by Dr. Riddle and his team at Riddle Wellness have been the talk of the town in recent months. “Neuropathy patients have been coming in from all over the state and the results that they are getting is truly amazing,” said the Patient Coordinator at the Clinic. There are some things people can do at home to aide in the healing process of their neuropathy however, healing neuropathy is an all-encompassing process that ill require lifestyle changes, home care and may or may not include chiropractic, (varying from patient to patient) along with guidance from a medical professional that is experienced, skilled and trained to treat neuropathy.

Dr. Riddle and his skilled care team in Rochester have been treating neuropathy for years now in and judging by their 5 Star patient reviews, and all their patient video testimonials, they have been doing a very good job providing excellent patient care. One person had all but given up, they were crying in their testimonial. They were so thankful and its all because of this amazing new treatment option! They state it

New Treatment Options for Neuropathy

“Numb feet and legs better!”

-Jean L

“Reducing gabapentin with Riddle Wellness neuropathy protocols!”

-Ray F

has about a 98% effective rate!

FIND LASTING RELIEF

Claim Your Voucher Now for a Consultation & Examination to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment... Dr. Riddle and his care team are here once again to help readers learn about new options for finding pain relief! Call the clinic today to receive your comprehensive (normally $250).

The clinic utilizes the most advanced Pain Free Testing and a full, easy to understand report of finding

with Dr. Riddle going over your options for care if you are able to move forward.

Call 585-670-0020 and use Code NUMB0021. They have agreed to reduce their usual cost of $250.

But hurry, due to the number of patients the office can see, this is a limited time offer, with only 25 spaces at this exclusively discounted rate. These will be on a first come, first serve basis, messages left will count. My advise, don’t suffer any longer, waiting around for it to get worse... If you or your loved one is experienc-

ing pain, numbness, tingling, pins and needle sensations, cramps and burning in your feet, or hands, along with the many other bodily symptions this horrible condition plagues people with, take action because it will progress.

Not everyone is able to start care at the clinic but, those who do are thankful! Find out if you are a candidate for their Neuropathy Protocols so they can help you regain the feeling in your hands or feet, stop the pain and start living life again! “Our Neuropathy Protocol is a multifaceted approach to heal neuropathy by nurturing the nervous system, increasing circulation, blood and oxygen, working to rebuild, strengthen and balance the body, all while stimulating the damaged nerves. Revitalizing and healing the damaged areas, enabling them to reactivate and function at an increasingly higher rate over time, all while increasing the patients quality of life dramatically,” said Dr. Riddle.

Over the years they have treated thousands of patients with chronic conditions of Neuropathy, Sciatic nerve pain, Back & Neck problems, Whiplash Injuries along with Knee Pain. The office is well known and has a good reputation. Patients drive hours to this clinic and the vast majority enjoy superior, lasting relief. In fact, many who have suffered and tried other treatment options with no luck, only to have been told that they are just stuck with their pain and discomfort, have credited the care team at Dr. Riddle office for giving them their lives back!

Call them now at their Rochester, NY location, for a full, thorough Consultation and extensive Neuropathy Consultation at $49. Use Code: NUMB0021 (saving you over $200) to determine if and how Dr. Riddle and his team can help you recover, just as they have helped so many others that suffer with the Pain and Numbness of Nerve Damage.

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

middleman (pharmacy benefit managers) and sell directly. Established giant PBMs like CVS Caremart, Cigna Express Scripts and United’s OptumRx refuse to work with CPD. As a sign of things to come, California’s largest insurer, the Blues, has dropped their PBM, CVS Caremart and affiliated with Amazon and Prime to significantly lower drug costs.

Gun Violence Addressed

Cyber Crime: ‘The Most Significant Attack on the Healthcare System in US History’

On Feb. 22, 2024, the giant healthcare billing clearinghouse “Change Healthcare” (owned by United Healthcare Group) was hacked. It is the clearinghouse for 50% of all medical claims in the US or 15 billion claims totaling $1.5 trillion annually. It is the link between providers and payers. The

Cost of US Healthcare Skyrocketing More and More

The final num ber for 2023 is still being calculated, but it’s safe to say now that it will be in the neighborhood of $4.7 trillion.

That is well over $13,000 per capita, which is nearly double the per capita cost in other wealthy developed countries, most of which have national health plans.

American Hospital Association called the hack “the most significant attack on the healthcare system in US history.” Tens of thousands of physicians, dentists, pharmacies, hospitals and other ancillary providers can’t get paid. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer asked CMS to cut through the red tape and advance payments to

Medicare Advantage Plans

MA plans added 1.7 million new members in 2024. The big three commercial carriers, United, Humana and Aetna, accounted for 86% of the new members.

As our nation continues to age and baby boomers hit their 70s, actuaries estimate that by 2030, less than seven years from now, our nation’s healthcare bill will approach an astounding $16 trillion. That’s more than triple the cost of last year.

This will be nothing short of calamitous.

If life expectancy is a good indicator of the true bottom line or getting our money’s worth, you need to look elsewhere. We don’t crack the top 50 of all countries ranked by life expectancy.

There are two outstanding contributors to our exorbitant costs that other countries with national plans or single payers don’t have to contend with. First, our countless insurers result in multiple non-clinical administrative and overhead costs and profits. (Medicare has lowest administrative costs of all insurers.)

Second, we spend (and use) far more on drugs per capita. Other countries with national or single payer systems use their purchasing power to negotiate all drug prices. Not just a measly 10 prices which Congress has reluctantly allowed Medicare to do in a couple more years. If not in this election cycle, healthcare will be the No. 1 issue in 2028.

Of the big three, Aetna grabbed 60% or 476,000 new members. Nonprofit plans didn’t fare as well. The Blues attracted only 9% of new members. The steady wave of baby boomers eligible for Medicare has slowed down somewhat. Between 2015 and 2020, MA membership grew at 22%. Between 2020 and 2025, it is estimated growth will decrease to 16%. New members or younger seniors don’t generate many claims, yet. Consequentially, profits are healthy for the various MA carriers. Claims naturally increase as younger seniors become older seniors. As the steady stream of newbies or younger seniors dwindles, so will insurer profits. CMS is vigilant for carriers that will tend to mark-up or “up code” claims to increase their annual per member payments from Medicare. United is being investigated for their artificial intelligence system which denies more prior authorizations for care than traditional Medicare.

Nurse Shortage Dire

By next year, 2025, we will be at a tipping point with the nursing shortage. Shortage estimates run anywhere from 200,000 to 450,000. If left unresolved, we can expect delays in treatment, a decrease in the “human touch,” increased waiting times and more stressed-out nurses retiring earlier and earlier. Primarily due to the shortage of nursing instructors,

providers while the clearinghouse is shut down. Too many eggs in one basket? The Department of Justice tried to block the purchase of Change Health by United Healthcare Group in 2022 but failed. As of this writing, the problem hasn’t been corrected and providers can’t get paid.

78,000 qualified applicants to nursing schools were turned down for admission. 10% of nurse instructor openings are unfilled. The average nurse instructor is between 56 and 60 years old. Nurse PhD applicants have decreased 10% in the last decade. The shortage of teachers is impacting capacity. Thankfully, in a rare example of bipartisanship, Congress is passing legislation to bolster the “nursing pipeline.” The Train More Nurses Act (S. 2853/H.6122) requires DHHS and DOL to conduct a study and issue a report on grant programs available to mitigate the nursing and allied professional shortage. Other legislation includes The Allied Health Opportunities Act (S.2304); The Precept Nurses Act (S.1627); The Nurse Faculty Shortage Reduction Act (S.2815/H.7002); and the Occupational Workforce Training for Healthcare Act (H.6078).

Mark Cuban

The billionaire entrepreneur has been shaking up the drug industry with his “Cost Plus Drug” company. CPD currently provides more than 2,500 generic drugs to more than two million consumers. The key is pure pricing transparency which is anathema to the drug industry. Price equals actual manufacturing cost plus a moderate markup for distribution and profit. Cuban said we need to “sustain versus extort.” CPD has recently constructed an 11,000 square foot facility in Dallas to produce sterile injectables which are in short supply. They are working with the FDA on other shortages. Cuban wants to bring prices down and bring manufacturing back to the US, away from China. For example, penicillin G benzathine now costs a staggering $600 per vial. CPD is working with the FDA to produce it for $3 per vial.. Yep. Cuban wants to bypass the expensive

Firearm injuries are now the No. 1 cause of death in children and young adults, ac cording to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Statistics show there has been a 42% increase in pediatric firearm deaths between 2018 and 2022. Eighty percent of adults report gun violence as a major concern. Northwell Health recently sponsored a meeting in New York City to discuss the alarming trend. Attending were providers, researchers and government agencies. A new multi-million-dollar awareness campaign was launched. So far, $10 million was pledged to the Ad Council by Northwell, Intermountain Health, Johns Hopkins, Children’s Hospital Association and Yale New Haven Health, among others. The goal is to raise $40 million in two years. DHHS has updated and improved their reporting mechanism for tracking pediatric gun deaths. 75% of all emergency rooms participate.

Free Preventive Care Challenged

The Affordable Care Act mandated that all insurers must provide certain preventive services, like immunizations and mammograms, without co-pays from patients. In a sense, they are “free.” This impacts everyone with insurance. A little-known lawsuit brought by the nonprofit Christian-sponsored Braidwood Management challenged the free preventive care mandate. Braidwood argued it should not be forced to provide preventive HIV drugs because it violated their rights under the Religious Freedom Act. And the government’s advisory committees that developed the preventive services mandate were not properly appointed by the president, which violates the Appointments clause. Basically, they argued congress cannot delegate such responsibilities to government agencies under some cases. A lower court has agreed with Braidwood. It is being appealed. Legal experts believe it will eventually go to the Supreme Court, which will probably ignore the religious freedom argument and focus on the delegation of authority argument. Recently, SCOTUS has been wary of congress delegating regulating authority to agencies, like the EPA for example.

George

Chapman

Over 1 Billion People Are Now Obese Worldwide

The United States ranks 10th highest in the world for obesity in men, results show.

More than 1 billion adults and children around the world are now obese, a new global analysis estimates.

Nearly 880 million adults now are living with obesity, as well as 159 million children, according to the report published Feb. 29 in The Lancet journal.

Obesity rates for kids and teenagers quadrupled worldwide between 1990 and 2022, rising from 1.7% to 6.9% for girls and 2.1% to 9.3% for boys.

Meanwhile, adult obesity rates more than doubled during the same period, researchers found. Obesity increased more than twofold in women (8.8% to 18.5%) and nearly tripled in men (4.8% to 14%).

“It is very concerning that the epidemic of obesity that was evident among adults in much of the world in 1990 is now mirrored in schoolaged children and adolescents,” said senior study author Majid Ezzatti, chairman of global environmental health at Imperial College London.

These figures outstrip predictions made by the World Obesity Federation, which had predicted that 1 billion people globally would be living with obesity by 2030 in its World Obesity Atlas 2022.

Essentially, the globe had already surpassed that mark by the time of the atlas' publication, according to the new study.

Obesity is now the most common form of malnutrition in most countries, researchers said.

That's because the proportion of adults who are underweight declined by more than half between 1990 and 2022, and by one-fifth in girls and more than one-third in boys.

More than 1,500 researchers contributed to the study, which looked

at body mass index for more than 220 million people representing more than 190 countries.

In the United States, the obesity rate increased from 11.6% to 19.4% between 1990 and 2022 for girls and from 11.5% to 21.7% for boys.

About 44% of American women and 42% of American men are now obese, up from 21% and 17% two decades earlier, researchers report.

In fact, U.S. men experienced the world's third-greatest increase in obesity rates during those two decades, just behind Romania and Qatar, results show.

The United States rates 10th highest in the world for obesity in men, results show. The nation also ranks 36th in obesity among women, 22nd in obesity among girls and 26th in obesity among boys.

The island nations of Tonga and American Samoa have the highest obesity rates in the world for women, while it is American Samoa and Nauru for men. In Polynesia and Micronesia, more than 60% of the adult population is living with obesity.

There are many forces driving obesity around the world, according to the World Obesity Foundation. These include genetics, biology, access to health care and increased availability of calorie-dense foods that lack essential nutrients.

Researchers worry that major global issues will worsen both obesity and underweight.

“The impact of issues such as climate change, disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine risk worsening both rates of obesity and underweight, by increasing poverty and the cost of nutrient-rich foods,” researcher Guha Pradeepa, from the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, said.

SERVING MONROE AND ONTARIO COUNTIES

In Good Health

published

times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2024 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. P.O. Box 525, Victor NY 14564. Phone: 585-421-8109 • Email: Editor@GVhealthnews.com

Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto

Writers: Deborah J. Sergeant, Chris Motola, George Chapman, Gwenn Voelcker, Anne Palumbo, Jim Miller, Julie Halm

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No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.

Serena, Ewing's Sarcoma

WNY Mom Bikes Across America for Mental Illness

Transcontinental bike trek — 3,600 miles from San Diego to New York City —honors the memory of her son, who died by suicide

By Julie Halm

Deborah T. Curtis doesn’t label herself as a cyclist. That’s a title she says she’ll give herself once she gets done riding clear across the country this spring. What she does label herself as is — a mom.

When these two aspects of the Clarence resident — one burgeoning and one a part of herself for several decades — combine, what she has become is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and access to treatment.

Curtis knows first-hand how devastating mental illness can be for individuals, as well as those who love them.

She lost her son, Brock, to his battle with mental illness in 2021. Brock was the youngest of four children and Curtis said that those who knew him would describe him as the all-American kid. “Six-foot-three tall, handsome, blonde-haired and blueeyed,” she said. “I think most of his friends’ parents would describe him as charming and funny. He loved to travel.”

While Brock was quiet as a child, sports brought him out of his shell and he played just about every one you could think of, but baseball was his favorite. Both athletics and travel would become defining features in Brock’s 24 years of life, during which time he managed to visit five continents. Among those were two studyabroad programs in Seoul, Korea, in Peru as well as time spent at school in Florida and California before grad-

uating from Niagara University.

According to his mom, it was around the time that he studied in Peru that some signs and symptoms of mental health issues began to appear.

Ultimately, Brock would be diagnosed with bipolar disorder around the age of 21.

Among the important messages that Curtis is trying to bring light to is that the onset of mental illness can happen later than many might think. According to Curtis, the highest incidence for onset of mental health issues is between the ages of 18 and 25.

“One of the things with mental illness is that many times, the person who has it feels ashamed or embarrassed and they wouldn’t if they were diabetic, if they had cancer,” she said.

Ending that stigma is one of the primary reasons that following the loss of her son, Curtis founded The Tallman-Curtis Family Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3), known affectionately as 4TeamBrock.

Each syllable of the foundation’s name pays homage to the young man it honors. The “4” is representative of his position as the youngest of four siblings; “team” is a nod to his love of sports and of course, Brock, the young man who Curtis knows can help her inspire meaningful changes.

It is in his memory and honor and with the logo of the foundation attached to her saddlebag, that Curtis

is riding more than 3,400 miles over the course of roughly two months from San Diego, California to New York City beginning in March.

While on the road, Curtis will stay intermittently with family and friends, as well as in hotels and she will also celebrate her 62nd birthday while on the road.

It’s a formidable ride, no doubt, but making meaningful impacts in the ways Curtis and the foundation hope to is no light lift, either.

In addition to recognizing that mental health issues should be destigmatized and that this area of wellness should be treated with the same openness and empathy as any other, Curtis said that access to care also needs to be made easier.

She recalled, “At the time Brock was sick, my one daughter was in med school, my husband and I had decent jobs and had good health insurance and finding the right doctors and getting an appointment, my daughter literally cried to one of her professors to get a recommendation and even then, it took another six weeks.”

For those without the same resources as the Curtis family, she said, finding help can be even more challenging and that is not a position that any person facing any illness should be left in.

Beginning with the ride and extending through the foundation, Curtis hopes to begin to move the needle on these issues, including

helping to implement peer-to-peer counseling for young people experiencing mental health issues and sparking important conversations on the topic.

While she did not fundraise for the bike ride itself and is financing the journey out of her own pocket, those inspired by her endeavor can make donations to the foundation by visiting https://4teambrock.com/

While cycling such huge distances is a new undertaking — before this summer the furthest Curtis had gone on two wheels was 70 miles back in 1989 — physical activity is something that has helped her remain close to the memory of her son and process through her grief.

Following Brock’s passing, she participated in the Tour du Mont Blanc which is a roughly 103-mile trek through portions of Switzerland, Italy and France, and last summer, she walked from Florence to Rome.

She recently retired from her job as a professor at Niagara University, where she taught in the College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management.

To traverse the width of the US, she decided that wheels would be in order this time around and says that what she lacks in experience, she makes up for in determination.

“Brock was really into the outdoors and sports and he would be the one going with me on this bike ride if he was here,” she said.

And in many ways, he will be.

Deborah T. Curtis bikes through the streets of Clarence, a suburb of Buffalo, where she lives. She embarked on a bike ride from San Diego to New York City to raise awareness for mental health issues. Her son, Brock, died four years ago after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

HAVE AN UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER AT CAMP EAGR

Camp EAGR provides an amazing sleepaway summer camp experience for kids with epilepsy and their siblings, aged 8-17, in a safe, supportive environment with highly trained counselors and 24/7 on-site neurologist

July 21 - 27, 2024

Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp

Learn more and register at epiny org

When every mom receives the care she needs, EVERYBODY BENEFITS

Along with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, we’re committed to reducing racial and ethnic maternal health disparities by 50% in 5 years. Join us and take action today:

01

0203 BE AWARE BE ENGAGED BE AN ADVOCATE

Childbirth complications are 46% higher among Black mothers. Anyone can help by learning more about this urgent issue. (Tip: start with our podcast episode)1

Every expecting mother should receive unbiased, high-quality care. Examine your own implicit biases. What might need to change?

Get the facts in our episode “Reducing Racial Disparities in Maternal Health” with Dr. Cuyler at ExcellusBCBS.com/ podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Support policies and organizations that increase access to affordable, culturally sensitive maternal healthcare. Let the expecting mothers in your life know they have a voice, are being heard, AND believed.

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Spring Cleaning SOS: Asking for Help When You Live Alone

It wasn’t easy. As a woman who lived through the challenges of divorce, I understand first hand how difficult it can be to ask for help.

The thought of reaching out for assistance was daunting. I didn’t want to be a burden or inconvenience my family and friends.

I wanted to show the world that I was perfectly fine, thank you. I avoided asking anybody for anything, determined to muscle through on my own, which only led to isolation and needless hardship.

But as I navigated my new-found independence, I began to realize the importance of asking for help and the positive impact it could have on my life and relationships.

It all started with spring cleaning.

I simply had to make sense of the boxes and bags of family photos, documents, and items I “inherited” after losing my mother and father. I had procrastinated for far too long.

It was time.

So ... I called my dear friend Carol and asked if she would help me begin the emotion-laden process of deciding what to keep, donate or throw away.

A self-described decluttering guru, Carol happily agreed to get me started. Among many helpful tips,

she encouraged me to ask myself, “Does it have value? Does it bring me joy?”

I’m delighted to report that — together — we made great progress. Her help was invaluable!

And we had a good time together, often laughing at the silly things I’ve held onto all these years. My grade school report cards come to mind. No need to be reminded that I “whispered too much.”

as incapable or inadequate? Are you concerned about being a bother? Or, would asking for help force you to acknowledge that, indeed, you need it?

• Redefine what it means to be strong. Everyone needs outside support from time to time, and seeking help on your terms is not a weakness. In fact, the strongest people are often those who have the courage to admit they need reinforcements.

I’ve always admired this quality in others. Real strength is knowing your personal limitations and having the confidence to recruit assistance when necessary.

Spring cleaning is a perfect example of a task that can be overwhelming to tackle alone. Could you use an extra pair of hands?

Here are some tips on how to ask for help:

• Be honest. Take a moment to reflect on what keeps you from asking for assistance. Could it be pride? Do you think you’ll be seen

• Have some faith. Believe that people truly want to help. Just think about how you’d respond if a friend, family member or co-worker asked for a helping hand. You likely wouldn’t hesitate; you might even feel slighted if not asked, especially if someone you cared about was having real difficulty.

Know that others, too, want to be there for their friends and family in need.

• Take a chance. When you choose to open yourself up and expose your authentic self, you are taking a risk. That’s a good thing! When you are “real” like this, you have an amazing opportunity to cultivate deeper, more meaningful bonds with others.

• Make the request. First put some thought into where you could

really use some support; then ask for help with one specific task. It could be something as simple as asking a neighbor for help raking out a garden bed or cleaning the garage to something as important as identifying a trusted roofing contractor.

If finding the right words to make a request is difficult, you might start out by saying, “You know, I’m not very comfortable asking for favors, but I wonder if you might be able to help me with something?”

• Express your gratitude. You know this, of course. A heartfelt thank you in person or in writing will be warmly received by the person whose help you have accepted. No need to go overboard. Remember, people want to help others and don’t expect to be compensated for doing a good deed.

• Offer help in return. Because giving can be as gratifying as receiving, make it known that you are available to return the favor. Better yet, find opportunities to offer help. We all have gifts and can be of great assistance to one another.

So, take it from me . . . life can be better, just for the asking.

Gwenn Voelckers is the author of “Alone and Content: Inspiring, empowering essays to help divorced and widowed women feel whole and complete on their own.” She welcomes your thoughts on this column as well as topic suggestion for future essays at gvoelckers@rochester. rr.com.

Frank Guido couldn’t be happier he had a choice for treating his prostate cancer!

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Frank chose non-surgical CyberKnife® at HOA –offering 5 treatments instead of 35!

“The original diagnosis was to treat my prostate cancer with seven weeks of radiation, five days a week. I was kind of upset that I was never given the option of CyberKnife,” said Frank. “The precise radiation achieved by CyberKnife, far fewer treatments, and the personalized care I received from Dr. Chin and his team made my decision an easy one. Better, the treatment was a real success!”

Rochester Annual Seasonal Pollen Onslaught Grows Near

‘In 2023, Rochester was voted eighth worst in the country for spring allergies and top 10 worst places to be for asthma — and this year promises more of the same.’

By Albert S. Hartel M.D.

Spring is in the air, and along with the excitement of the Western New York beauty, nice weather and outdoor activities, also comes the dread of the annual onslaught of seasonal allergies and asthma.

In 2023, Rochester was voted eighth worst in the country for spring allergies and top 10 worst places to be for asthma — and this year promises more of the same.

But suffering from allergies and asthma does not need to mean boatloads of medications or inhalers or mean hiding inside hoping for relief.

Allergic symptoms of sneezing, sniffling, itching runny nose, nasal congestion, post nasal drip, facial headaches, fatigue, itchy, watery eyes, throat clearing, coughing, chest

tightness and difficulty breathing are due to your body’s overreaction to normally harmless substances such as plant pollen.

The pollen from pretty flowers usually isn't the major culprit, as their pollen is heavy and spread by insects.

Pollen from trees, grasses, weeds and mold spores are released in a seasonal pattern and are blown in the air for long distances (Ragweed has even been detected in the air more than 100 miles out to sea).

Rochester is a hotspot because the region is very fertile ground for vegetation and packs a full season of growing into only seven warm months!

Also contributing to the worsening is the weather becoming less

A Mom with a Promise to Keep

By Lauren Spiker

“If you’ve learned anything from me through all of this, do something with it. Something to make a difference, to make things better.”

When your dying, 19-year-old daughter challenges you with these words, there is only one response.

“I promise.”

Little could I have imagined how that late night conversation would change the direction of my life.

Today, 13thirty Cancer Connect, the organization I established after Melissa’s death 24 years ago, is a nonprofit leader in adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology. Our work to support the nearly 90,000 AYAs diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States takes center stage in April — AYA Cancer Awareness Month.

AYAs, lost in the great divide between pediatric and adult medicine, continue to experience serious gaps

in relevant medical and supportive services.

Relative to young children and older adults, AYAs have seen less improvement in survival and are at high risk for recurrence, secondary cancers and complicated, long-term late effects. Because their unique challenges continue to be inadequately addressed, they suffer emotional and psychological distress, social isolation, diminished education and career opportunities and serious financial hardship.

ing lung inflammation, which makes asthma more likely to spasm when infections, exercise, cold air, irritants (like last year’s smoke from the Canadian wildfires) or more environmental allergens come along.

Reactions tend to get progressively worse over time and more chemicals released causes more symptoms and more underlying inflammation even with less and less exposures. Underlying nasal and lung inflammation also leads to susceptibility to more infections, which in turn can also lead to more asthma flares.

It is critical for asthma and allergy sufferers to determine their allergic triggers and causes of underlying inflammation to improve control and reduce need for long term daily medications, which often are otherwise needed lifelong. Environmental avoidance and reduction measures can reduce exposures, and allergy shots can desensitize and turn off allergen reactions so that the environmental triggers cause less baseline inflammation less likely to tip someone over and cause symptoms.

Shots also often help reduce long-term nasal and asthma medication needs as well as improve symptoms. In many people, allergy shots can eventually be stopped with continued control after discontinuation.

cold and snowy than it used to be, which leads to a longer growing season but also has caused an exponential increase in outdoor mold, as decaying leaves and vegetation get moldy but now survive the winter, and get released in the air like pollen whenever not covered by snow. The effect is cumulative and even things like dogs, cats, dust mites and other exposures that may not be enough to cause symptoms by themselves, add to the total amount of chemicals released into the nose, lungs, eyes and sinuses and cause someone to have symptoms much easier and more intensely.

Both allergies and asthma go hand in hand. Allergies are not only a major trigger of asthma but also a significant cause of baseline underly-

ly transition from cancer patient to, hopefully, healthy survivor.

Through a comprehensive array of essential resources, we help AYAs with cancer, aged 13-39, live their very best lives throughout the entire continuum of their cancer experience. Our peer support programs provide social and emotional reprieve from the debilitating effects of cancer while helping develop life-long health maintenance behaviors and coping strategies. Workshops for the healthcare teams who care for them and in-service presentations to school mental health teams, administrators and faculty are designed to help providers better address their needs.

The allergen and asthma trigger cycle repeats every year and rather than suffer, hide inside or load up on allergy and asthma drugs, other options can turn down your allergies, decrease medication needs and help you enjoy the wonderful but brief nice weather and wonderful outdoors Upstate New York has to offer.

Physician Albert S. Hartel specializes in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology. He is the president of Allergy Asthma Immunology of Rochester. For more information, visit https://aair.info or call 585-442-0150.

societal and economic implications and we must pay attention. This vulnerable segment of the cancer population has been overlooked for too long and they deserve better.

For 24 years, with the help of many, I’ve done my best to keep my promise but much more needs to be done. Together, we can keep “making a difference and making things better.”

Learn more at 13thirty.org.

13thirty Cancer Connect plays an important role in helping AYAs meet these challenges and successful-

Recent data shows the incidence of early-onset cancer is rising at an alarming rate, with cancer in young adults, aged 30-39, growing by the largest percentage.

This increasing cancer burden among AYAs has important medical,

Lauren Spiker is the founder and executive director of 13thirty Cancer Connect, originally named Melissa’s Living Legacy Teen Cancer Foundation.

In addition to her work at 13thirty Cancer Connect, Spiker serves on the board of the national AYA Cancer Coalition, leads the CNY Cancer Alliance and is active in many community and healthcare collaborations.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Care Now Considered Mainstream

Longtime chiropractor recalls that medical doctors were very prejudiced against chiropractic — chiropractic care has come a long way, he says

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Chiropractic has become “one of the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine therapies in the United States and Europe,” according to the National Institutes of Health.

One of the reasons is that with the high costs of healthcare, more people want to find solutions for the cause of their physical discomfort instead of taking medications that only mask the pain.

Many people dislike the side effects of pain medications as well, including the possible risk of dependency.

“Chiropractic has historically been stigmatized,” said Alex Kuehl, doctor of chiropractic and owner of No Crack Chiropractic in Rochester. “I do think it's improving.”

He said that the trend toward evidence-based practice in the field and movement of universities and healthcare programs toward inte-

grating more modalities of healthcare have helped reduce stigma toward chiropractic.

The desire to cut costs in healthcare also favors chiropractic.

“Generally, there is more research on chiropractic that's showing it to be a safe, cost-efficient and effective option for conditions like back pain,” Kuehl said. “Patients are taking charge of their health and looking for alternative treatments. In many cases, it works with less pain and more ability. And they share their success with their PCPs.”

One of the criticisms lobbed at chiropractic care is that some patients do not receive immediate relief in some cases, unlike with taking pain medication. Unlike most acute injury cases, someone with a long-term injury that sees a chiropractor after years of ineffective medical treatments may find that it takes weeks or even a few months of treatments from a chiro-

Doctor of Chiropractic: Providers Do More Than ‘Crack Backs’

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Hpractor to achieve lasting results.

“There’s not always an easy answer,” said Kuehl. “There are ways to work with different populations.”

The nuances of different chiropractic training and application of that training also matters.

“One of the things I tell people is that there are a lot of different types of chiropractors out there,” Kuehl said. “Even if you’ve had a bad experience, I wouldn’t write off the whole field and profession. It’s definitely worth doing your research and interviewing them and trying them out.”

The profession has come a long way since the 1980s when Vincent Sportelli, doctor of chiropractic, launched his career. He owns Sportelli Chiropractic Health & Wellness Center in Syracuse.

“[Medical] doctors were very prejudiced” against chiropractic, he said. “I had a booming practice and did my lectures and different seminars. I hit the ground running. But I’d get referrals from just eclectic MDs. Now, it’s from everyone. There are hospitals that have chiropractic departments and universities that have chiropractic colleges associated with them. The controversy has been eliminated, but it took 20-30 years.”

He added that chiropractic is the third largest of the medical primary professions.

These days, Sportelli treats medical doctors who want to avoid surgery and medication side effects.

“They’d rather try conservative approaches first,” Sportelli said. “Chiropractic is 95% effective. Who

couldn’t function and were in pain and couldn’t go to work or play with their kids because of pain and limitations. It wowed me that the chiropractor could help them move better without much technology. He used his hands to feel and affect the person’s body. And his knowledge of the body to get them better.”

He also liked the thought that chiropractors typically spend much more time with their patients. He typically sees four to five patients per day, not per hour as some primary care doctors do. Depending upon the reason for seeking care, patients may need multiple sessions.

“It’s a nice profession to get to know people,” Kuehl said. “A lot of times, they’ve tried other treatments and haven’t gotten better or they don’t like the side effects or the invasiveness of surgery or shots. I like that this is an option that’s safe and gets to the root of the problem. It gets to the underlying cause. They can get back to their life and be active.”

He focuses his practice on chronic injuries and helping patients who have struggled with pain for months or even year. More acute and promptly treated injuries may require only one or two treatments.

would not want to try chiropractic first?”

About one-quarter of his practice comes from people who want to prevent injury and stay active. He helps patients with weight control, nutrition and muscular symmetry, all within his training scope as a chiropractor and state-licensed clinical nutritionist.

Like Sportelli, it’s not uncommon for chiropractors to acquire further education that complements their chiropractic care. Sportelli is also certified to offer Theralase Cold Laser treatments.

Despite his practice’s advances, he said that New York limits what chiropractic doctors can do.

“This state is medically dominated — a pharmaceutical paradise,” Sportelli said.

In addition, chiropractic doctor graduates do not receive the same support in gaining patients as medical doctor graduates who “get fed patients from their medical university,” Sportelli said.

But a positive tradeoff is the start-up costs for setting up a practice is much lower than an independent medical practice.

“It’s rewarding as can be,” Sportelli said. “The patients love you and they bring in goodies and tomatoes from their gardens. They’re very considerate and appreciative of what you do. I can’t think of another profession I could get into than every day getting the reinforcement that they appreciate it and they can’t believe how quickly they got better.”

it’s very rewarding helping people feel better,” he said.

Richard “Rick” Tesoriero, owner of Tesoriero Chiropractic Office, PC in Oswego, said that beyond the New York state-issued license and the required education and exams — an undergraduate degree, four-year Doctor of Chiropractic degree and pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam and the New York state jurisprudence exam — a chiropractor should have “a good, outgoing personality. You can’t be an introvert; you have to be able to speak with your patients and help them open up. You need a personality to listen intently and deal with them.”

Chiropractors are required to complete 36 hours of continuing education credits every three years to maintain their licensure.

Tesoriero finds that most misconceptions about chiropractors derive from how people generally describe how a chiropractor “broke my back” or “crunched my spine” when a patient experiences soreness after a treatment.

Despite these and other challenges, Tesoriero said that he loves his work and doesn’t see himself slowing down anytime soon.

“I was really drawn to chiropractic,” Kuehl said. “It was the stories of the people he was helping. They

elping others, solving problems and working in healthcare: all of these attracted Alex Kuehl to working as a doctor of chiropractic. He owns No Crack Chiropractic, a mobile chiropractic care practice based in Rochester. As a young person, he shadowed specialists in a few different areas of healthcare to find the right fit, including emergency medicine, pharmacy, oral health and chiropractic. The lattermost stuck.

Some chiropractors focus on athletics, pediatrics, maternity care, among other specialties. In addition, chiropractors may work in education, training other chiropractors.

Kuehl encourages anyone interested in becoming a chiropractor to shadow someone in the profession so they better understand what the work is like.

“It’s not always easy work, but

He advises people who are possibly interested in working as a chiropractor to earn a degree in chemistry or biology, which would leave them open to earn a degree in any medical field.

The median salary for a chiropractor in the Rochester area is $79,260, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Things You Need to Know About Organ Donations

By Ernst Lamothe Jr

Every day, individuals worldwide wait for organ transplants that could mean the difference between life and death.

Despite advancements in medical technology, the demand for organs far outweighs the supply, highlighting the critical importance. In 2023, 46,632 organ transplants were performed in the U.S., which is an 8.7% increase from 2022 and a 12.7% increase from 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Without organ donors, hope would be lost,” said Nancy J. Ryan, director of development for the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network. “In this region alone, more than 850 adults and children are in need of a new organ to save their lives. Some patients wait years for their transplant and sadly, 16 people die each day because the donor organ they needed didn’t become available in time.”

Last year President Joe Biden signed into law the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act. This law allows competitive bidding for federal contracts under the Organ Procurement and Transplantation network and expands the pool of entities that can contract with the organ procurement network. It modernizes the system to further protect and expedite the organ transplantation process. Since 1987, the United Network for Organ Sharing has been the only entity to manage the OPTN through a contract with the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Ryan mentioned five essentials of information about organ donation.

1.You need to enroll as a donor Hospitals are required by law to

notify their federal designated organ procurement organization (OPO) — like Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network — when a patient’s death is imminent, as well as notify their contracted eye and tissue recovery agencies when a patient dies at the hospital. The process generally involves first registering, which includes signing up as an organ donor through official organ donor registries or indicating your choice on your driver's license. Next, informing your family and friends about your decision to ensure they understand and support your choice.

“The challenge is that people either don’t take the action to actually sign up as a donor or they avoid the decision altogether,” said Ryan. “It’s essential to take just a few minutes now to register as a donor because it helps to ensure your decision to help others is followed. It’s important to know that if you pass away and you had not previously registered or shared with your family that you wanted to be a donor, they would be left with having to decide about donation on your behalf. Imagine how difficult that may be for them. Families are often too emotional and unsure about what their loved one would have wanted, so they say ‘no’ to donation.”

2.One donor can save the lives of eight people

Specific organs and tissues that can be donated include the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, intestines, corneas, skin, bone and more. Living donors can contribute organs such as a kidney or a portion of their liver. While age and health status are considered, there is no strict age limit for organ donation. Even individuals with certain medical conditions can donate specific organs or tissues. The

decision to donate is typically based on medical suitability at the time of death.

“Individuals who wish to join the donor registry or are already in the registry, can specify the organs and tissues they want to donate to save and help others,” said Ryan. “One donor can save the lives of up to eight others. The heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas, lungs and intestines can all be donated to give second chances in life to others. Last year, nearly 40,000 men, women and children received life-saving transplants from deceased donor heroes. What is less commonly known is that one tissue donor could help up to 75 people through the donation of tendons, ligaments, veins, heart valves, skin and bone.”

3.Number of donors in Upstate New York slightly higher than the national average Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network has worked to increase the number of registered donors in the 20 counties it serves. Its regional percentage of registered donors is 66%, which is higher than the national average of 65% and well above the overall 49% enrollment rate in New York state. Less than 10 years ago only 29% of the population in this area were in the donor registry.

“The increase in registered donors undoubtedly has helped save more lives. In 2023, nearly half of the organ donors from this region were registered donors,” said Ryan. “The US organ donation and transplantation system remains the best in the world and donation rates have increased for the past 13 consecutive years.”

4.You can be

old and sick — and still be

a donor

For decades, medical professionals navigated through false public perception that doctors and nurses won’t work as hard to save your life if they know you are an organ donor. Organ donation is only considered after all efforts to save a patient's life have failed.

“The most common misconception about organ donation is that people think they are too old or not healthy enough to be an organ donor,” said Ryan. “The fact is, organs have been donated and transplanted from donors who were in their 80s and 90s. Medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes also do not necessarily ruleout donation. It’s important to know that there are no restrictions to signing up to be an organ donor, other than the enrollee must be at least 16 years of age in New York state. At the time of death — not at the time of donor registration — are determinations are made about what organs can be donated to help others.”

5.Ripple effect Organ donation has a ripple effect that extends beyond the individual recipient. Families and loved ones of transplant recipients are given the gift of more time with their cherished family member, friend or colleague. The impact of organ donation goes beyond the physical act itself, fostering a sense of community. In 2023, more than 16,000 individuals became deceased donors, making 39,679 deceased donor transplants possible, which was nearly a 9% increase from 2022.

Nancy J. Ryan, director of development for the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, which covers a 20-county area in Upstate New York.

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Healthy Meals, Delivered Here’s how to get the good stuff brought right to your doorstep

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Do you want ready-made meals for your busy weekday dinners? How about each meal, seven days a week?

A bevy of food delivery services have you covered, whether you want to heat and eat or do a bit of prep work.

Sweet Pea Plant-Based Kitchen is based in Rochester and touts its services as “the only whole food, plant-based service in the area,” according to Ryan Jennings, president and co-founder.

The meals are free of oils and some are gluten-free and soy-free. As much as possible, Sweet Pea sources

from within New York state, including its flours for pasta and bread.

“There are folks who are living a whole food, plant-based lifestyle and want more convenience,” Jennings said. “These include younger families and working professionals who are looking to incorporate more plantbased foods into their diet.”

Sweet Pea offers about 250 unique recipes. Home delivery is available for a small fee within 40 miles from Rochester. The entrées are $13. Sweet Pea is also available at the Strong Memorial Hospital café and on the patient menu at Highland Hospital.

Shaina Sidoti is the founder of Rochester-based

Shaina Sidoti founded Rochester-based Effortlessly Healthy to help people maintain a healthy weight through wholesome, healthful food. Effortlessly Healthy includes options for gluten-free, dairy-free, low sodium, diabetic friendly and vegetarian meals. They average $10 per meal and seniors can get a discount of 10% (family plan not included).

Lorraine’s Take N Bake in Fairport provides 45 ready-to-cook meals for around $11 each, including gluten-free, vegetarian, low sodium and low fat. Many include locally grown produce. They’re also preservative-free.

Founder Lorraine Serpe felt drawn to help older adults stay healthy through eating well. After numerous years of working in catering, she launched the Take N Bake idea in 2006.

Based in Brighton, Project LeanNation allows customers to choose from among 24-plus chef-prepared meals with a focus on healthful weight loss. The meals cost an average of $8.50. Project LeanNation also includes one-on-one health coaching.

Based in Germany but with US locations as well, HelloFresh provides meal kits for busy chefs to complete at home. The weekly selections include 100 options for any meal, plus snacks and desserts. “Fit and Wholesome” and “Veggies”

are among the menu categories. The meals cost about $10 each, plus shipping.

Fresh N Lean delivers to Rochester organic, healthful, ready-to-heat meals.

Based in Anaheim, California, Fresh N Lean prepares 100 different menu items in Mosic, Pennsylvania, for Northeastern customers. The 100plus meal plan options include keto, paleo, protein plus, vegan, vegetarian, Whole30, and Mediterranean. Gluten-free and non-GMO is also available. The meals start at about $8 each.

Before signing up for a meal delivery service, see if a trial period is available to ensure you can sample the food for a bit. In addition, compare the cost based upon the price per meal and shipping, not just for the cost of the food. Most companies require ordering by a certain day of the week, so plan to do so to avoid disappointment. Ask about any special dietary requirements such as allergies and food sensitivities before signing up.

Meal Delivery

• Effortlessly Healthy www.ehmeals.com

• Lorraine’s Take N Bake www. lorrainesfoodfactory.com/take-nbake.html

• Sweet Pea Plant-Based Kitchen www.sweetpeaplantbased.com

• HelloFresh www.hellofresh.com

• Fresh N Lean www.freshnlean. com/locations/rochester-meal-delivery

• Project LeanNation https://projectleannation.com

Sample of health meals delivered by Sweet Pea Plant-Based Kitchen of Rochester. This is one of several companies that deliver health meals to local consumers.

Effortlessly Healthy.

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Delicious Leeks Deserve a Closer Look

Oh, the heartbreak of being overlooked for your better-known cousins, garlic and onions.

There they sit, all full of themselves for being predictably tossed in shopping carts.

And there you sit, all anxious because few venture your way.

What gives? you whisper to fellow leeks. Don’t they know about our delicate, melty texture or the lovely subtlety we add to dishes? Aren’t they aware of our extraordinary health benefits?

Guilty as charged!

I breezed by leeks for years until I had two culinary epiphanies: potato-leek soup and potato-leek casserole.

Once smitten, I had no choice but to explore their more serious side: their remarkable nutrition.

Like other members of the sulfur-rich allium family, leeks are loaded with health benefits. To begin, leeks are rich in flavonoids, a blockbuster antioxidant that may offer protection against oxidative stress and cancers as well as cardiovascular disease. Some research shows that cancers of the colon, prostate, stomach, and esophagus are rarer in those who regularly consume alliums: onions, garlic, scallions, shallots, chives and leeks.

Leeks are high in vitamin A, which aids vision and supports immune health, and bone-building vitamin K and manganese. And despite their pale color, they’re a good source of vitamin C, another immune booster and scavenger of harmful free radicals that can lead to disease.

Additionally, leeks boast good amounts of folate (essential for red blood cell production and fetal development) and vitamin B6 (important for brain and heart health).

One last reason to reach for these low-cal veggies? Because leeks are a good source of water and some fiber, they may help to fill you up and eat less. Research consistently links diets rich in vegetables to weight loss or reduced weight gain over time.

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.

Helpful Tips

Look for firm leeks with bright white bulbs and crisp green stalks. Avoid cracked bulbs and withered yellow stalks. Choose smaller bulbs (an inch to an inch and a half wide) for better taste. Store unwashed leeks in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to two weeks. Cooked leeks only last a day or two in the fridge. For more fiber and B vitamins, eat some of the stalks, too!

HEALTHY POTATO-LEEK CASSEROLE

Adapted from eatingwell.com

2 leeks (white and light green parts only), halved, thinly sliced, and soaked in cold water for 15 minutes

2½ cups fat-reduced milk 1½ pounds (about 5) Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled (or not); sliced into 1/8” rounds 2 garlic cloves, smashed

1. Place oven rack in middle; preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly oil a large baking dish.

2. Combine milk, sliced potatoes, and garlic in a large saucepan, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 5 minutes or until potatoes are almost tender. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving ½ cup milk mixture.

3. Drain leeks. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks; cook 8 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat; place leek mixture in bowl. Arrange half of potato slices in a single layer in baking dish; top evenly with half of leek mixture.

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon kosher or regular salt, divided 2 teaspoons thyme, divided 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper

Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon thyme, and ¼ cup shredded cheese.

4. Repeat layers with remaining half of potatoes, remaining half of leek mixture, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon thyme, and 1/3 cup shredded cheese. Drizzle with reserved ½ cup milk mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan. Cover pan with foil; bake at for 25-30 minutes.

5. Remove foil from pan (but do not remove from oven). Turn on broiler; broil 5 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Check often to avoid burning. Remove pan from oven, and sprinkle with black pepper. Let rest and serve warm.

Autism Autism on the Rise

Autism now affects 1 in 36 U.S. children, up from the 1 in 44 reported in 2021. Why?

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

If it seems like you hear about autism spectrum disorder more than you used to, you’re not imagining things.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the prevalence has increased from 1 in 44 US children to 1 in 36.

Andy Shih, chief science officer at Autism Speaks in New York City, said the perceived increase in prevalence reflects progress in awareness, as well as earlier identification and diagnosis.

“More people have become aware of the signs of autism and the tools that can assist in identifying it, the more compelled they are to seek an official diagnosis,” Shih said. “While the prevalence increase is an indication of progress in certain aspects, it also reiterates the need for increased funding for autism research and services throughout the lifespan and spectrum and a need for earlier screenings as the average age of diagnosis in the U.S. is still 4 to 5 years old when we know that autism can be reliably diagnosed by 18 months to 2 years.”

Screening at the pediatrician’s office can help identify more children

who would benefit from intervention.

Autism Speaks offers tools to address these needs, including the M-CHAT checklist. This screening list poses a series of questions for toddlers to help identify signs of autism and assess whether they may need further evaluation. Shih also said that the World Health Organization’s virtual Caregivers Skill Training Program, developed in collaboration with Autism Speaks, provides a self-guided platform to teach caregivers therapies and services skills that can foster the development of their child.

“Intentional, targeted outreach, as well as training culturally informed service providers can also make a difference in delivering accessible quality care to the growing number of children with autism, especially in underserved communities,” Shih said.

The Autism Speaks Autism Care Network forms a partnership among 20 participating medical centers across the U.S. and Canada and uses patient insights to improve person and family-centered autism care.

A seeming increase in prevalence

of autism may seem like an alarming trend. However, it’s a positive move, according to physician Emily Knight, Ph.D., developmental behavioral pediatrician, assistant professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at URMC.

“It allows us to find more children with autism which is a good thing because we can connect more children with supports that are needed,” Knight said. “We hope we’re missing fewer children who we could benefit from these services. We do see that we’re catching some groups in the population that were missed before with socio-economic disadvantage who had less access to services. There’s still work to be done but these disparities are getting better.”

She theorizes that some children

were previously missed because the presentation of autism can be subtle and its traits can mimic other causes.

“With increased awareness of how the whole variety of how the spectrum looks, more providers are able to recognize those signs, even if they aren’t as clear,” Knight said. “Screening is recommended for all children, even when there are no signs of autism, at least at two of the well-child checks at 18, 24 and 30 months and any time a parent raises a concern.”

Autism By the Numbers

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• About 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.

• ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

• ASD is nearly four times more common among boys than among girls.

• About one in six (17%) children aged 3–17 years were diagnosed with a developmental disability, as reported by parents, during a study period of 2009-2017. These included autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, blindness and cerebral palsy, among others.

Can Proper Nutrition Affect Autism Behaviors? Experts Weigh In

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

If you have a child on the autism spectrum, it’s only natural to wonder why. Or wonder if something you do could help mitigate your child’s behavioral issues that are caused by autism.

Many parents scrutinize their children’s diet.

If the right foods can promote good health and prevent disease, could it also affect autism?

Physician Emily Knight, Ph.D., developmental behavioral pediatrician, assistant professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at URMC, says no.

“Autism is not caused by diet or food-related challenges or malnutrition,” she said. “The connection can go the other way around where children with autism have sensory and behavioral differences that cause feeding problems. They have higher rates of food refusals than typically developing children and can more limited range of food in their diets. When diets are very limited, they may not have the appropriate balance of nutrients.”

She added that studies indicate that children with autism tend to have less calcium and protein in their diet than typical children and that those gaps in nutrition can lead to long-term health risks — but not autism.

Knight said that families with

children on the autism spectrum look at diet because they hope to find a natural intervention that can help their children’s challenging behaviors.

The anecdotal findings appear convincing.

However, “when you invest time and money in trying to help your child be his best self, you can see improvements that might have happened anyway with therapy,” Knight said. “Or it’s how we’re variable in behavior day to day. It’s easy to attribute it to diet. When we do a study where we challenge people with particular foods that families think they might be sensitive to and there’s also a placebo, we see there’s no difference between the two. It’s not the food or nutrient that’s causing the problem.”

Families generally view “natural” solutions as less risky and more healthful and beneficial. But Knight cautioned that highly restrictive diets and elimination diets should be only undertaken with the guidance of the child’s primary care provider.

“Research has not found a causal relationship between gut health and autism,” said Andy Shih, chief science officer at Autism Speaks in New York City. “However, ensuring a healthy and balanced diet is a key part of health and wellbeing

in all children, including those with autism.”

He added that gastrointestinal issues are commonplace among those with autism, including constipation, diarrhea, irregular bowel movements, acid reflux and others, which can be caused by food sensitivities. The resulting stomach pain and discomfort can contribute to behavioral issues.

“We encourage families to consult with their child’s medical professionals to determine any food allergies and intolerances which might be contributing to GI distress,” Shih said. “A care team can help parents identify and implement treatment plans to relieve GI issues and reduce resulting behavioral symptoms.”

Anecdotally, some families choose to restrict gluten and casein (milk protein) intake and find it helps symptoms improve. However, Shish said that “rigorous clinical research to date does not support the effectiveness of gluten and casein free diets as an evidence-based treatment for autism.”

“While implementing a healthy diet in autistic children is important, some children may have food aversions and sensitivities that can make mealtime challenging for parents. Some children have sensory issues related to food, limiting the

taste, texture and smells of foods they are willing to eat, which can lead to concerns about weight gain or malnutrition and may require the implementation of strategies to help children become comfortable with a variety of new foods.”

Food & Autism

Autism Speaks in New York City offers resources and guidance to address concerns around nutrition, including these:

• Tips for picky eaters: www.autismspeaks.org/ blog/autism-picky-eating-tips

• Parent’s Guide to Feeding Behavior in Autism: www.autismspeaks.org/ sites/default/files/2018-08/ Exploring%20Feeding%20Behavior.pdf

• Parent’s Guide to Managing Constipation in Children with Autism: www.autismspeaks.org/ sites/default/files/2018-08/ Constipation%20Guide.pdf

Mental Health

Mitigate Stress

April is Stress Awareness Month. Here’s how to cope

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Stress isn’t only the hair-tearing day of unexpected cancelations, breakdowns and missed connections.

Stress can also come from perfectly happy causes, like a job promotion, new baby or retirement.

Any change can provoke stress. Life is never stress-free and we wouldn’t want it to be. But we can plan to mitigate stress to avoid its harmful effects on physical and mental health.

A big part of stress management is catching it early “before it comes to a head and you meet a breaking point,” said Matthew Drury, licensed master social worker at Rochester Regional Health Behavioral Health.

He recommends scheduling selfcare measures and “being proactive with these types of things.”

Schedule a weekly walk with a trusted friend, treat yourself to time for pleasure reading for a few

minutes each day, book a massage therapy session and plan to take a long bath or shower, for example.

Rushing through each day tends to compound stress. Delegating where possible and eliminating unnecessary tasks can help lighten the load.

Brendan Cooper, licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Rochester, encourages slowing down instead of speeding up to reduce stress.

“Be more deliberate about how we go about things,” he said. “If I have a stack of phone calls and emails and I have to figure out what to get for dinner and pick someone up — I can’t do all these at once. There are only one or two things you have to do right now.”

Focusing on the task at hand can help reduce stress because that task is more likely to get done rather than hopping from chore to chore without

completing any.

Cooper also promotes mindfulness as a strategy for mitigating stress. Mindfulness involves directing the attention to the sensory input at hand — sight, sound, sensation, scent and taste — and acknowledging and appreciating them. Mindfulness sets aside planning and doing for just being and enjoying.

Meditation offers a helpful tool for managing stress. Spend time daily focusing on pleasant thoughts, uplifting mantras, spiritual writings such as Scripture verses or gratitude lists — anything that helps you feel grounded and peaceful.

In addition to meditation, deep breathing can help mitigate stress, according to physician Stephen Judge, director of the UR Medicine Primary Care Network and associate chairman of Primary Care Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

“Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth,” he said. “It really works.”

Try to gradually increase the time breathing in and out, making them

longer, slower breaths to calm the body. This practice has been proven to provide both mental and physical benefits relating to stress.

Taking care of basic physical needs can also help the mind and body better tolerate stress. Judge said that regular exercise, a healthful diet and plenty of rest can help mitigate the effects of stress.

The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical exercise throughout the week for supporting good health. This should include aerobic exercise and resistance exercise. A balanced diet should include plenty of whole produce, lean sources of protein, healthful fats, whole grains and plenty of hydration. Try to reduce consumption of processed foods and simple sugars and simple starches. Most people need around seven to eight hours of rest every night. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and a restful place to sleep can help establish a good wake sleep cycle and beneficial slumber.

Brendan Cooper is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Rochester.

Physician Stephen Judge is the director of the UR Medicine Primary Care Network.

Mental Health

Treating Depression Beyond Medication

Lifestyle interventions can help reduce effects of depression

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, it’s important to follow your provider’s guidance, including taking any prescribed medication. But a few lifestyle interventions can also help reduce symptoms of depression.

Physician Stephen Judge, director of the UR Medicine Primary Care Network and associate chairman of Primary Care Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center, said that good evidence exists that psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are beneficial for people with depression.

Especially during the darker months of the year, “light therapy may be helpful for some people, but patients should speak with their primary care provider first,” Judge said. “Avoid alcohol and drugs, which will make depression symptoms worse.”

Exercise outside such as walking combines both the benefits of sun exposure and physical activity. The body generates vitamin D, a pre hormone, with sun exposure. A study from the National Institute of Health indicates that low vitamin D levels correlate with higher levels of depression and anxiety.

“A lot of what we talk about is spending time outside,” said Matthew Drury, licensed master social worker for Rochester Regional Health Behavioral Health. “After a 10-minute walk, you feel better

toward the end and continue even farther.”

This kind of momentum can help patients to become more active.

In addition to therapy, Drury encourages combining efforts such as outdoor activity along with self-care, such as a healthful diet, adequate hydration, and sufficient sleep. Drury said that one barrier to engaging in self-care automatic negative thoughts.

“A lot of times, people have thoughts of ‘I’m not good enough’

or ‘I don’t deserve to feel better,’” he said. “If people can identify a theme and challenge those thoughts that can be helpful.”

He also encourages clients to practice relaxation modalities such as meditating or deep breathing. These activities can help tap into the body’s stress response to calm it.

Although calming activities help reduce stress and depression, Brendan Cooper, licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Rochester, also recommends to patients that

they need to stay engaged and active in pursuits that they enjoy.

“It’s a struggle sometimes for people to feel motivated to do things they used to do,” Cooper said. “I talk about being curious about things rather than established interest. ‘What happens if I try this activity?’ It may work or not work but it moves people into trying to take action. When people are active, they’re feeling a little bit more in control of their lives.”

Depression can make people feel like they have lost control — that they cannot change their lives. To feel more in control and to build healthy structure into their lives, Cooper tells patients that having a routine or schedule can help.

Cooper said that he tries to help clients “recognize bigger picture values and work towards those. ‘I may have depression but if I can connect what I’m doing with a bigger picture that can push back against depression.’”

It may be tough to get to the gym regularly to work out. However, taking a walk and eating balanced meals helps with overall health, for example.

“That’s often a lot more helpful than saying, ‘I’m supposed to do this.’” Cooper said. Staying focused on thoughts and people outside of oneself also makes a big difference, such as helping others through volunteering.

Walking a dog or other types of outdoor exercises are seen by experts as good ways to reduce the effects of depression.

Singing Wind Sound Therapy Meet Your Practitioner

Biofield tuning: A powerful healing technique using sound

An interview with Carol McCoon, LMT, MS Ed.

Q: Does the energy around us affect our health?

It’s been scientifically proven that the energy field around the body plays a critical role in our health. When our energy field is weak and leaking, this may show up as physical ailments. The traumas we carry also influence both the physical and energy bodies.

Q: Why is the mind, body and spirit connection important to improving one’s health?

We are multifaceted beings. You cannot separate the soul from the physical body, or the mind from the emotions. If you see the problem as purely physical, then you are missing how every other aspect has brought the client to their state of dis-ease. Emotions influence the mind, body, and soul. Everything is connected.

Q: What makes your work different from other massage therapists and energy healers?

I’ve worked extensively with children, which has deepened my empathy for the traumatic events they experience and my understanding of resilience, the ability to set aside traumas and move forward.

Q: How does biofield tuning work?

A tuning fork is struck against a hard object and moved through the biofield. The tuning fork’s sound changes when the client’s stuck energy is found. The biofield feels more dense where the client’s energy is in a stuck “holding pattern” instead of being in their physical body.

Specific tones indicate different types of trauma, including loss, fear and pain. Tuning forks of different pitches are used to restore the client’s original, healthy, energetic

resonance. When healthy resonance is restored and reintegrated into the physical body, it helps support the body’s natural healing processes to be more effective.(To learn more about research and development of Biofield Tuning, visit www. biofieldtuning.com).

Q: How do you prepare for an energy medicine session?

Energy medicine practices require focusing on being the conduit of Universal Healing Energies on behalf of the client. Prayer is essential, too. This energy is available to all of us.

Q: What are your qualifications to provide therapeutic work?

I am a licensed massage therapist and have studied a wide variety of therapeutic methods. Each specific therapeutic method can potentially improve health issues. When combined, I am able to address the holistic nature of my clients.

Q: Since you’re not a doctor, how do you address medical health issues?

The intake form asks if the client is taking medications and is under a doctor’s care. At each session, I ask about changes to the client’s health. If depression and/or anxiety is indicated, I ask if she/ he is working with a professional therapist. I make it clear that my therapeutic work does not replace Western medical care. Visit my website to read client testimonials and listen to interviews describing all my work.

Physical Therapy

New York’s Physical Therapy

Assistants Elevated to Licensed Professionals

Legislation expected to encourage more people to enter the field and fill current vacancies

In 2022, at the behest of the New York chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a reclassification for physical therapy assistants (PTAs) from a certified profession to a licensed profession.

This reclassification, which took effect on Feb. 17, acknowledges the extensive training and qualifications possessed by PTAs and raises the stature of the profession with the hopes of encouraging more people to enter the field and fill current vacancies that remain as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While physical therapy was designated an “essential healthcare” service during the COVID-19 pandemic, a great number of practices continue to feel the effects of the pandemic to this day in the form of staffing vacancies created by individuals who left the profession or moved to other areas of the country.

According to a 2023 industry survey, 70% of physical therapy practices reported having openings for physical therapy assistants with an average vacancy rate of 12%. This represents a tremendous professional opportunity in a growing healthcare space as people live longer and look

How Does Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy can help manage movement and reduce pain in people with various conditions, like neurological diseases and traumatic injuries. Physical therapists evaluate and take measures to enhance a person’s physical function.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), physical therapists are trained and licensed movement experts. They can diagnose and treat a range of injuries, disabilities and health conditions.

Physical therapists aim to improve a person’s range of movement and quality of life and prevent further injury or disability.

Licensed physical therapists work in a range of healthcare settings, including outpatient offices, private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health, sports and fitness settings, schools, hospices, occupational settings, government agencies, and research centers.

What to expect

A physical therapist helps take care of patients in all phases of healing, from initial diagnosis to restorative and preventive stages of recovery. Physical therapy may be a standalone option, or it may support other treatments.

Some patients are referred to a physical therapist by a doctor, while others seek therapy themselves.

According to the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, a physical therapist receives training that enables them to:

• conduct a physical exam and evaluation of a person’s movement, flexibility, muscle and joint motion, and performance, including finding

for natural and noninvasive ways to treat occupational and sports injuries along with the physical effects of aging.

“Physical therapy assistants are an invaluable facet of physical therapy practices, allowing a licensed physical therapist with a Doctor of Physical Therapy to treat a larger number of patients effectively,” said Michael Tisbe, president, APTA New York. “PTAs are essentially a force multiplier, with each licensed physical therapist allowed to supervise up to four physical therapy assistants who are able to implement a physical therapist’s treatment plan without having to be directly supervised. The elevation of PTAs from a certified to a licensed profession affirms their high level of professional skill and dedication to patients and their care and will serve to incentivize people to enter this growing and important healthcare field.”

New York licensed physical therapy assistants meet preliminary and triennial continuing education and registration requirements with the State Department of Education to ensure they are up to date on the latest

industry standards and best practices. The change from being a certified profession to a licensed profession assures the public that they are being treated by an individual who meets exacting professional, educational, and ethical standards.

More than a dozen accredited physical therapy assistant programs are available throughout New York state where students can earn their physical therapy associate degree, and, in some cases, a dual associate and bachelor’s degree. According to ZipRecruiter PTAs in New York state earn an average salary of $72,800 per year compared to the statewide average for all professions of $51,499, making physical therapy a financially sound and stable career choice.

In New York, anyone can see a physical therapist directly without a referral from a physician, and most employer-provided health plans cover physical therapy sessions.

Submitted by American Physical Therapy Association

out about their health history

• give a clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care with shortand long-term goals

• perform physical therapy treatment and intervention

• give self-management recommendations, including exercises a person can do at home

Apart from physical manipulation, physical therapy treatment may involve:

• Iontophoresis: This uses an electrical current to deliver certain medications, such as topical steroids. This can decrease the presence of inflammation.

• Electrical stimulation (e-stim): There are two types of e-stim. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces pain. By contrast, neuromuscular electrical stimulation works to stimulate muscular motor units to improve muscular engagement.

• Heat, moist heat, and cold therapy: These may provide benefits to a range of conditions.

• Light therapy: This involves using special lights and lasers to treat certain medical conditions.

Common conditions physical therapy may help with:

Physical therapists can provide supplementary treatment to a wide variety of medical conditions, depending on their specialty.

Although physical therapists may not directly and independently treat the medical condition other than pure musculoskeletal conditions, they work to optimize recovery or educate a person on how to optimize their movement patterns.

Some conditions that could bene-

fit from physical therapy are:

• cardiopulmonary conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and post-myocardial infarction heart failure

• conditions that affect the hand, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger

• musculoskeletal dysfunction, including back pain, rotator cuff tears, and temporomandibular joint disorders

• neurological conditions, such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular dysfunction, and traumatic brain injuries

• pediatric conditions, including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy

• sports-related injuries, such as concussion and tennis elbow

• female health and pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence and lymphedema

• skin conditions or injuries, such as burns, wound care, and diabetic ulcers

Benefits of physical therapy

Depending on the reason for treatment, the benefits of physical therapy may include:

• pain management with reduced need for opioids

• avoiding surgery

• improved mobility and movement

• recovery from injury or trauma

• recovery from stroke or paralysis

• fall prevention

• improved balance

• management of age-related medical problems

A sports therapist can help an athlete maximize their performance by strengthening specific parts of the body and using muscles in new ways. A physical therapist or other healthcare professional can advise individuals about the benefits specific to their personal medical history and their need for treatment.

By Jim Miller

How to Get ‘Extra Help’ Paying for Prescriptions

Dear Savvy Senior,

Does Medicare offer any financial assistance programs to help seniors with their medication costs? I recently enrolled in a Medicare drug plan, but I take some expensive medications that have high out-of-pocket costs and need some help.

Living on a Shoestring

Dear Living,

Yes, there’s a low-income subsidy program called ‘Extra Help’ that assists Medicare beneficiaries on a tight budget by paying for their monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to their Medicare (Part D) prescription drug coverage.

And, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act that was passed by Congress and signed into law in late 2022, this program has expanded and gotten easier to qualify for in 2024. Even if you’ve applied and didn’t qualify before, you may be eligible now.

The Extra Help benefit is estimated to be worth about $5,300 per year. Currently over 13 million people are receiving this subsidy, but there’s around 3 million more who may qualify for it but don’t realize it.

The amount of financial assistance you would receive depends on your income and assets. If you qualify, you’ll pay no premium or deductible (unless receiving a partial subsidy), and no more than $4.50 for each generic drug or $11.20 for each brand-name drug your plan covers in 2024.

To get the subsidy, your resources must be limited to $17,220 or $34,360 for married couples living together. Bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and IRAs count as assets, but your home, vehicle, personal belongings, life insurance and burial plots do not.

Also, your annual income must be limited to $22,590 for an individual or $30,660 for married couples. If you support a family member who lives with you, or you live in Alaska or Hawaii, your income can be higher. In addition, the government won’t count any money if you receive help for household expenses like food, rent, mortgage payments, utilities and property taxes.

How to Apply

There are three ways to see if you qualify and apply for Extra Help: online at SSA.gov/medicare/part-dextra-help; by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213; or by visiting your local Social Security office.

The application form is easy to complete, but you will need your Social Security number and information about your bank balances, pensions and investments. Social Security will review your application and send you a letter within a few weeks letting you know whether you qualify.

If you don’t qualify for Extra Help, you may still be able to get help from a state pharmacy assistance program or a patient assistance program. Visit NeedyMeds.org to search for these programs.

Other Medicare Assistance

If you’re eligible for Extra Help, you may also qualify for help with your other Medicare expenses through your state’s Medicare Savings Program.

State Medicaid programs partner with the federal government, so income and asset qualifications vary depending on where you live. Medicare Savings Programs will pay your entire Medicare Part B premium each month. And in some cases, they may also pay your Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, depending on your income level. To find out if you qualify, contact your state Medicaid office.

You can also get help through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free Medicare counseling in person or over the phone. Visit ShipHelp.org or call 877-839-2675 to locate a counselor in your area.

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

St. Ann’s

AWellness: It's More Than Just Physical Health

By Mindy Sawnor

When we talk about “health,” we're most often talking about physical health: how our bodies are doing in terms of things like blood pressure, fitness, diet, sleep, etc. In general, we equate health with the absence of illness or injury.

But physical health is just one component of our overall wellness. As the World Health Organization says, "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." That means taking a holistic view of health and wellness.

That view involves what we at St. Ann's refer to as the 10 dimensions of wellness, 10 interconnected areas that when balanced create a positive quality of life. The dimensions are physical, spiritual, vocational, intellectual, nutritional, emotional, environmental, social, health services and purposeful. Let's take a look at three of them.

Physical

Physical health is, of course, vitally important, especially as we age. Staying active and fit can prevent or delay health problems and keep muscles strong so you can keep doing the things you love. Cardio workouts, resistance training and swimming are some of the things seniors at Chapel Oaks take advantage of in our fitness center. A wellness coach helps residents create fitness plans that meet their goals and are an appropriate fit for each individual.

Less intensive workouts also contribute to good physical health. Our residents take part in chair aerobics, yoga classes, Wii bowling and other light but beneficial exercises. These also offer opportunities for residents to enjoy each other's company, which supports the dimension of social wellness.

Intellectual

Working the brain is as important as working the body. Mental stimulation helps us stay sharp and maintain cognitive skills like awareness,

attention, perception and memory. For seniors, this might mean taking an art class, joining a book club, attending lectures and enjoying music and theater performances. These are among the options we offer at Chapel Oaks, along with mentally stimulating games like Scrabble and Jeopardy and group discussions on topics of our residents' choice.

Engaging in something of your choosing is what's important. Part of intellectual wellness is being self-directed, living life with purpose. That's why we listen to our residents and create opportunities based on their interests. For example, at their request last year, we formed a chorus group that performed to a packed house over the holidays! Knowing that your voice matters is not only nice but emotionally fulfilling — also a part of overall wellness.

Spiritual

Nourishing the spirit is like nourishing the body: we can't do without it. Activities like prayer groups, Bible study, grief support groups and weekly Mass can help us achieve balance in our lives and attain a sense of inner peace. That's important in a world that can sometimes seem out of control. We're also fortunate at St. Ann's to have a pastoral care team that's always ready to meet with residents and support their spiritual needs. The goal is to bring peace, meaning and connection to our lives and support our overall well-being.

So don't forget: physical health is important but it doesn't stand alone. Taking care of the other, less tangible dimensions of wellness is the key to living a full and healthy life at any age.

The Social Security Office Ask My Social Security: It’s Not Just for Retirees

From the Social Security District Office

personal My Social Security account can be helpful in so many ways. You can benefit from its personalized tools even if you are not retired or close to retirement.

With your personal My Social Security account, you can do much of your business with us online. You rarely need to call or visit a local Social Security office once you have one. Let’s look at some of the features offered by an account.

If you do not receive benefits, you can:

• Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states and the District of Columbia).

• Check personalized retirement benefit estimates to compare different dates or ages to begin receiving benefits.

• Check the status of your Social Security application after you apply.

Q & A

Q: I know you need to have limited resources to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). But what is considered a resource?

A: Resources are things you own that you can use for support. They include cash, real estate, personal belongings, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. To be eligible for SSI a person must have no more than $2,000 in countable resources. A married couple must have no more than $3,000 in countable resources. If you own resources over the SSI limit, you may be able to get SSI benefits while trying to sell the resources. Not all of your resources count toward the SSI resource limit. For example:

• The home you live in and the land it's on do not count.

• Your personal effects and household goods do not count.

• Life insurance policies may not count, depending on their value.

• Your car usually does not count.

• Burial plots for you and members of your immediate family do not count.

• Up to $1,500 in burial funds for you and up to $1,500 in burial funds for your spouse may not count.

• Get proof that you do not receive benefits.

• Get your Social Security statement.

If you already receive benefits, you can:

• Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states and the District of Columbia).

• Get a benefit verification or proof of income letter.

• Update your direct deposit (Social Security benefits only).

• Update contact information (Social Security benefits only).

• Get a Social Security tax form (1099/1042S).

• Opt out of receiving certain notices by mail and receive them in the secure message center.

Please help us spread the news! Let your family and friends know that they can create a personal my Social Security account today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Q: What is substantial gainful activity (SGA)?

Answer: We use the term “substantial gainful activity,” or “SGA,” to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is “substantial” if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both.

If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive work, we generally consider you to be engaging in SGA. For example, the monthly SGA amount for 2024 is $1,550. For a statutorily blind person, that amount is $2,590. In these cases, you would not be eligible for disability benefits if you made more than those amounts. You can read more about substantial gainful activity and determine if your earnings are considered as SGA at www.ssa.gov/ oact/cola/sga.html.

Q: I'm expecting a baby this June. What do I need to do to get a Social Security number for my baby?

A: The easiest way to apply for a number for your newborn is at the hospital when you apply for your baby’s birth certificate. The state agency that issues birth certificates will share your child’s information with us and we will assign a number and mail the Social Security card to you. You can learn more about the "Social Security number and card by reading our online publication. Social Security Numbers for Children", available at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10023. pdf. Ask

Mindy Sawnor is resident services manager at St. Ann's Community at Chapel Oaks. She can be reached at msawnor@ mystanns.com

• If you are blind or have a disability, some items may not count if you plan to use them to work or earn extra income.

You may also wish to read our material on "resources" in the booklet, "Understanding SSI" at www.ssa. gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm.

Eliminate or Cut Down on Your Alcohol Intake?

By Jennifer Faringer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates that alcohol accounts for approximately 4% of newly diagnosed cancers worldwide.

The cancers most commonly associated with alcohol use are esophageal, liver and breast cancer.

The IARC has gone so far as to classify alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen based on the strong evidence that demonstrates the causal relationship between alcohol and cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol increases a person’s risk for six types of cancer involving the mouth and throat, larynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, liver and breasts.

The risk increases with the num-

ber of drinks one consumes, therefore the less you drink the lower your risk for cancer. Drinking three or more alcoholic beverages a day increases the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancers.

If eliminating alcohol is currently not an option, consider following the recommended guidelines from the American Cancer Society and the United States Department of Health and Human Services that suggest limiting daily alcohol intake to one drink or less for women and two drinks or less for men.

How does alcohol cause cancer?

• Alcohol damages our cells and stops cells from repairing the damage. When we drink alcohol, our bodies turn it into acetaldehyde, the

The Importance of Pelvic Floor PT

By Tara Moore

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect any age and any gender.

The pelvic floor muscles are essential for healthy bowel, bladder and sexual function. If these muscles are not working appropriately, common conditions or disorders can occur. Common conditions due to weak, tense or poor coordination of muscles are incontinence, urgency, constipation, pain with penetration, pelvic pain, back and hip pain, and pelvic organ prolapse.

The pelvic floor muscles can be influenced by a variety of factors, including pregnancy, giving birth, result of trauma including sexual trauma, stress and other gynecological conditions. Hormone imbalances can also affect pelvic floor function. As with other medical conditions, there may not be one clear cause of someone’s pelvic floor dysfunction.

There are multiple ways to treat pelvic floor dysfunction, including physical therapy, medical devices, medications, diet, exercise, and surgery.

Pelvic floor PT is a non-surgical treatment option that can focus on strengthening, relaxation, manual therapy, exercises and education, all

depending on the specific condition being treated.

Your PT would evaluate your symptoms and perform an internal and external exam to get a full understanding of your condition and prescribe a treatment plan accordingly.

An external exam would allow your PT to assess the pelvic floor muscles, which cannot be palpated regularly as most muscles can be.

If you prefer not to have an internal exam, your PT can provide a program based on your symptoms without performing internal work. Your therapist will help to explain the cause, anatomy, plan of care, and treatment plan to address your concerns.

Tara Moore is a physical therapist who holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She practices at Wellness 360 Physical Therapy and Massage in Webster. For more information, visit www.wellness360fitness.com.

chemical that can damage cells and stop cells from being repaired.

• Alcohol increases the levels of some hormones in our bodies such as estrogen and insulin. Higher levels of these hormones can make cells divide more often increasing the chance that cancer will develop.

• Alcohol makes it easier for cells in our mouth and throat to absorb harmful cancer-causing chemicals that cause damage.

“Research shows that even small amounts of alcohol can carry health risks, including for certain cancers and cardiovascular issues,” according to George F. Koob, Ph.D., director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The more you cut down, the more you can

April

reduce your risk.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Consider being mindful of the risks of alcohol year-round. If you are hosting a social event, consider providing alcohol-free drinks.

For recipes and more information visit our webpage at: https://ncaddra.org/resources/awareness-campaigns/alcohol/.

Jennifer Faringer, CPP-G (Credentialed Prevention Professional—Gambling), is the director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence — Rochester Area.

CALENDAR HEALTH EVENTS of

Hearing Loss Association announces programs

The Hearing Loss Association announces the April programs which started April 2. Some of the remaining programs are:

• April 18 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in person at Lifespan, 1900 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester: “Assistive-Listening Devices Demo Center.” View and try out a selection of assistive- listening devices before actually buying them. Included are captioning-capable and amplified telephones, signaling-alerting devices and smart phone APPs related to hearing enhancement. Chapter members stand by to answer questions.

• April 18 — 7 to 8 p.m., virtual on Zoom. “Couples Communication: Strategies and Insights to Improve Your Relationship.” This presen-

tation will discuss some barriers to communication and the reasons that communication goes awry for couples. Insights and strategies to improve couples’ communication will be explored. Meghan L. Fox, a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Rochester with a specialty in conducting services with people with hearing loss and their families, will lead the discussion.

• April 23 — 8 to 9 p.m., virtual on Zoom. “Hear Together.” Virtual support group for parents and caregivers of deaf/hard-of-hearing children. Learn more about your child’s hearing loss, services to benefit them, and tips to support their language development. Kristin Bergholtz, CCC/SLP, a speech language pathologist leads the group, along with audiologist Carly Alicea. Register at kristinbslp@gmail.com.

For more information, view the organization website at hearinglossrochester.org or telephone 585-2667890.

Health News

Andrew Dober appointed director of labor sales at Excellus

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Andy Dober has appointed Andrew Dober director of labor sales.

Dober began his career at Excellus BCBS in 1992 and has held a variety of sales positions in areas including commercial sales and the government programs division. Since 2000, he has been dedicated to serving, retaining and growing the health insurer’s labor book of business across its 31-county service area. With this new appointment, Dober will also serve as the health plan’s corporate designee to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) National Labor Office (NLO).

Dober, a 2013 graduate of Leadership Greater Syracuse, is NYS-licensed in life, accident and health, and earned an Associate in Science degree with honors in labor studies from Onondaga Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in business and human resources management from SUNY Brockport, and an Advanced Labor Studies certificate from the BCBSA’s National Labor Office at Rutgers University.

He currently serves on the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) board and volunteers with various organizations.

New online transportation resource available

A new transportation and mobility management tool — www. here2there.help— has been launched for Monroe, Livingston and Ontario counties.

Here2there.help provides people of any age transportation options matched to their needs.

Simply enter the point-to-point transportation need and the website will provide options ranging from public transportation to specialized services like wheelchair or door- todoor.

The website even provides directions about how to walk, drive or bike somewhere.

Here2there.help is a partnership between Lifespan, Livingston, Monroe and Ontario counties.

Here2there.help is funded with support from RGRTA, the Genesee Transportation Council, NYSDOT, the Federal Transit Administration, United Way of Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes and the Monroe and Livingston County Offices for the Aging.

Lori Perry promoted at HCR Home Care

Registered nurse Lori M. Perry

Lori Perry has been promoted to the role of regional director of patient care services for HCR Home Care’s Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA).

In this role, Perry will provide clinical oversight and supervision of home health aides, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the Finger Lakes and Central New York regions. Perry has worked at HCR since 2021, serving as a LHCSA RN case manager and as an RN clinical educator.

Previous positions before joining HCR included serving as director of nursing at the Grand Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation and as an RN supervisor at Kirkhaven Nurs-

ing Home. Lori Perry is a resident of Brockport.

Alice Taylor named Thompson’s new stroke coordinator

Alice Taylor, a registered nurse

Alice Taylor who first joined UR Medicine Thompson Health over a decade ago, is the system’s new stroke/STEMI/ sepsis coordinator. In her role, she will work within Thompson’s quality department to oversee improvement with regard to stroke, sepsis and STEMI, a particularly serious type of heart attack.

A lifelong Canandaigua resident and graduate of St. John Fisher University, Taylor began working as a labor-delivery-newborn nurse in F.F. Thompson Hospital’s birthing center in 2012. She was a perinatal data specialist and the newborn hearing program coordinator from 2017 through 2021. In addition, she trained as a sexual assault nurse examiner for Thompson’s emergency department.

During the pandemic, Taylor worked on all of the medical-surgical floors in the hospital in addition to remaining in the birthing center. She transferred to Thompson’s ICU in September 2021.

“Her drive and initiative will help us further develop vital programs to benefit our community,” said Wendy Blakemore, Thompson Health director of quality, patient Safety and utilization management

F.F. Thompson Hospital is a New York State Department of Health-designated stroke center and recipient of the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get

With The Guidelines Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally accepted, research-based guidelines.

Jewish Senior Life promotes workers through its career program

Jewish Senior Life recently promoted five employees through its career ladder program. According to officials the promotions reflect the company's commitment to supporting professional growth and development opportunities for its workforce.

The career ladder program at Jewish Senior Life offers employees the chance to discover a career path aligned with their values, skills and long-term aspirations. By providing tailored opportunities for advancement, employees can chart a course that not only meets their professional goals but also nurtures their personal development journey.

The following employees achieved recent promotions:

• Bruce Gilbert: from environmental services tech II to environmental services team lead

• Lorianne Haniford: from LPN to LPN clinical coordinator

• David Ladiges: from mechanic to mechanic II

• Ivorick Radcliffe: from Jewish Home mechanic to Summit at Brighton maintenance team lead

• Jeremy Price: from security officer to security guard II

"We extend our congratulations to the promoted team. Their achievements exemplify the dedication and talent within our organization," said Christine Van Vessem, senior vice president of human resources and quality. "We are grateful for their commitment to professional growth and excellence."

Health News

Pittsford Resident Honored as Alzheimer’s Advocate of the Year for New York State

Statewide advocate Tamara Minter named recipient of 2024 Frank Carlino Award

Tamara Minter of Pittsford is the 2024 recipient of the Frank Carlino Award from the Alzheimer’s Association in recognition of her outstanding advocacy on behalf of individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s and all other dementias.

The award was presented in Albany on Feb. 26 as part of New York State Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day.

“Tamara is a dedicated advocate who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease and supporting affected individuals, especially those in the African American population,” says Lauren Ashburn, associate director of advocacy, New York state, for the Alzheimer’s Association. “She has taken a proactive role in drawing attention to the higher likelihood of Alzheimer's diagnoses in African Americans and works to provide education, services and support to the community.”

Minter began her Alzheimer’s advocacy through her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an international service organization for African American women. She served as health chairwoman for

Rochester’s Delta Nu Omega Chapter. “I realized that my great-grandmother, grandmother and mother, who was a social activist herself, most likely had Alzheimer’s or a form of dementia, and I see more and more older women in our community passing away with this disease every year,” Minter says.

She became a driving force behind the annual Dr. Lemuel & Gloria Rogers African American Health Symposium, focusing on health equity, education and hope for the African American community affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias.

In addition, Minter has engaged in advocacy initiatives alongside U.S. Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY 25) and New York State Senator Samra Brouk (D-NY 55), who chairs the Senate Committee on Mental Health. She advocated and received support from U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for equitable access and Medicare coverage for FDA-approved drugs to manage early-stage Alzheimer’s. Her continued dedication led to an invitation to attend the national Alzheimer’s Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C.

"Tamara Minter is a tireless advo-

26.

cate for health education and health equity in the Rochester community. She provides a template for the next generation of strength, commitment and grace in pursuit of better life and health outcomes,” says Arlene Wilson, senior director of programs for the Rochester & Finger Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Her commitment makes her a deserving recipient of Advocate of the Year.”

“We need to make more people in the African American community aware of Alzheimer’s and the resources available to caregivers, such as respite,” Minter says. “I am committed to knocking down barri-

ers now and in the future.”

The Frank Carlino Award is named for Frank Carlino of Cornwall, New York, who became the face of Alzheimer's at a time when people with the disease did not speak out about it. Carlino shared his experience living with Alzheimer's in a variety of public settings, including testimony before Congress in 2000.

In New York state alone, there are more than 410,000 people who live with Alzheimer’s disease and 586,000 caregivers who provide 7.74 million hours of unpaid care to their loved ones with dementia valued at nearly $15 million.

•

Tamara Minter of Pittsford received the Frank Carlino Award from the Alzheimer’s Association in recognition of her outstanding advocacy on behalf of individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s and all other dementias. The award was presented in Albany on Feb.