Cny igh 188 aug15

in good

free FREE

Job Surge

Healthcare support occupations — such as dental assistants, certified nursing assistants, home health aides — projected to surge over next five years. Some by more than 40 percent

Helpful or Hustle?

The claim: ionic foot baths eliminate some of the toxins in our bodies through the pores of the feet. Do they really work?

Reaction to Penicillin Writer: Whenever I was asked about allergies over the years, I stated I was allergic to penicillin. Forty years later I found out it was not the case

August • Issue 188

cnyhealth.com

Meet Excellus’ New Boss

CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

James Reed, a 44-year-old Skaneateles resident, is the new regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, CNY’s largest health insurance company.

Find out what he thinks about the Affordable Care Act., high insurance premiums and more. Page 14

Social Security Turns 80

Underage Drinking All About the SilverSneakers

Sweet News About Sweet Corn

Phil Rose, the Prevention Network’s program coordinator for underage drinking prevention. “Young people are questioning drinking more,” he says.

Page 5

Moving Along

Minetto resident Greg Callen, 40, has learned to deal with his disabilities in a productive and life-changing way. Aside from his day job, he commits all of his spare time to his nonprofit organization, Move Along Inc.

Meet Your Doctor

Page 13

Page 23

Medical director of the Sleep Center at Oneida Healthcare — Sherif G. El Bayadi, MD— talks about sleep disorders and ways to treat them Page 6 August 2015 •

How to Protect Your Eyes from Macular Degeneration

Page 8

See Savvy Senior inside

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 1

I am Tim Stitt.

This is my SURGERY story.

Tim Stitt arrived on a Friday night at Oswego Hospital’s Emergency Room in pain. After being diagnosed with an appendicitis, he was introduced to Surgeon Allison Duggan and transferred to the hospital’s seven-suite surgery center.

“The whole team at the hospital was just fantastic, from the staff of the emergency and imaging departments to the entire surgical team, who spent their Friday night with me,” Tim said. “They were quick, very competent and caring. The best part was that I was able to go home the following afternoon.”

s w e N Bad

oswegohealth.org

Most Obese People Will Never Reach Normal Weight: Study Though odds of losing 5 percent of body weight were better, three-quarters gained it back in five years

W

eight loss is considered a major health goal for people who are obese, but the reality is that few reach a normal weight or keep any lost pounds off, a new study shows.

In any given year, obese men had a 1-in-210 chance of dropping to a normal weight, according to the study, which tracked over 176,000 obese British adults.

Women fared a bit better: Their odds were 1 in 124, the study found.

On the brighter side, people were far more likely to shed 5 percent of their body weight — which is considered enough to bring health benefits like lower blood pressure and blood sugar.

Unfortunately, more than three-quarters gained the weight back within five years, the researchers reported online

July 16 in the American Journal of Public Health.

It all paints a bleak picture, the study authors acknowledged. And the findings underscore the importance of preventing obesity in the first place, said lead researcher Alison Fildes, a research psychologist at University College London.

However, the study does not suggest that weight-loss efforts are futile, stressed physician Caroline Apovian, a spokeswoman for the Obesity Society who was not involved in the research.

“We already realize that it’s almost impossible for an obese person to attain a normal body weight,” said Apovian, who directs the Nutrition and Weight Management Center at Boston Medical Center.

She said the “stark” numbers in this study give a clearer idea of just how difficult it is.

However, she added, the study was based on medical records, and there is no information on how people tried to lose weight. They might have tried a formal weight-loss program, or they might have tried a fad diet.

“So this has no relevance to how effective weight-loss programs are,” Apovian said.

Fildes agreed. On the other hand, she said, the results do reflect the real-world experience of obese people who are trying to shed weight.

“What our findings suggest is that current strategies used to tackle obesity are not helping the majority of obese patients to lose weight and maintain that weight loss,” Fildes said. “This might be because people are unable to access weight-loss interventions or because the interventions being offered are ineffective — or both.”

q Ro ute

Springside at Seneca Hill

1 48

An Affiliate of Oswego Health

Short-term Rehabilitation Services

OSWEGO - 5 miles

— Physical, Occupational, Speech services tailored to your individual needs.

Adult Day Health Program

The Seneca Hill Campus

— A medical model, the program offers a comprehensive array of services, provides nursing care and supervision, as well as activities and socialization.

24-Hour Skilled Nursing Care

Ro

ute

— 120-bed skilled nursing facility providing the specific needs of all residents in a home-like environment.

48

1

The Manor at Seneca Hill

10 County Route 45A, Oswego, NY

An Affiliate of Oswego Health

343.5658 Retirement Living for Independent Seniors Private Apartments, Duplexes & Cottages Restaurant-style Dining Complimentary Transportation Housekeeping Services Free WiFi in Apartments No Steps to Climb Safe and Secure Page 2

•

Seneca Hill Health Center

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2015

FULTON - 6 miles

q

20 Manor Drive , Oswego, NY

349.5300

Jobs in Support Occupations to Surge Healthcare support occupations — such as dental assistants, certified nursing assistants, home health aides — projected to surge over next five years

By Lou Sorendo

H

ealthcare support occupations across the nation are expected to grow by 28.1 percent, or by 1.2 million jobs, by 2022 compared to 2012 levels. Health-care support jobs are growing more than any other major occupational group, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to Karen Knapik-Scalzo, associate economist at the New York State Department of Labor in Syracuse, that trend is quite apparent in Central New York.

“We do see growth in health services, which has been growing for some time. The projections for that sector continue to be bright for Central New York,” she said.

Healthcare support occupations include certified nursing assistants, physical therapy assistants and aides, occupational therapy assistants, home health aides, medical assistants and dental assistants.

How significant is the healthcare

Health

sector in Central New York from a jobs perspective?

As of April, the Syracuse Metropolitan Statistical Area — comprised of Oswego, Onondaga and Madison counties — had 41,800 jobs in the private health care and social assistance sector.

This represents 13.1 percent of total nonfarm jobs in the metro area. Nearly 25 percent of that total is healthcare support workers.

For the healthcare and social assistance sector, projections call for 16.3 percent job growth in Central New York by 2020, Knapik-Scalzo said.

Within the sector, jobs related to ambulatory healthcare services, such as those at doctors’ offices, are projected to skyrocket 28.4 percent in Central New York by 2020, she added.

“We are definitely looking at continued job growth at hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing and residential care facilities and within social assistance,”

in good

CNY’S HEALTHCARE NEWSPAPER

EMPLOYMENT Place your help wanted ad with In Good Health to get the qualified employee you are looking for.

Call 342-1182 for more info.

• RN Nursing Supervisor • Home Care RN Case Manager • LPN, CNA, HHA, PCA • Home Care Nurse Manager • Home Care RN Screener • Home Care RNs www.st-camillus.org/careers.html

EOE / Affirmative Action Employer

she said.

In terms of the projected fastest-growing healthcare support occupations, Knapik Scalzo said to expect a surge of personal care aides, physical therapy assistants, home health aides and certified nursing assistants.

She said the demand for CNAs is going to be “huge,” according to reports she has heard from local employers.

What’s ‘hot’ on jobs scene — Even though they are considered healthcare support occupations, some of them are more entry-level than others. Some jobs — such as occupational and physical therapy assistants — might demand a two-year degree rather than others that only require a high school diploma.

Healthcare support occupations comprise three of the top-five fastest growing jobs projected in CNY to 2020.

Personal care aides, for instance, are expected to grow by 44.9 percent, while physical therapy assistants will see 44.4 percent job growth.

Home health aides, meanwhile, are projected to grow by 36.4 percent and are on the list of occupations featuring the most job openings projected to 2020.

“We are seeing the aging of the baby boomers, so it’s going to be a large population base that needs care,” she said. “Also, there is more of an emphasis on preventive care and maintenance as well. People are living longer, and that is becoming a factor.

“Years ago, you didn’t see as many people living into their 90s and over 100. Now, that is becoming more and more common.”

Knapik-Scalzo said the healthcare sector in CNY has been on a long-term upswing and perhaps may be accelerating more now than what she has seen in the past.

She noted there is also a high concentration of healthcare jobs in the region, with hospitals, outpatient care facilities and nursing homes providing many jobs.

“It is a large industry here in Central New York that continues to grow in our region,” she added.

With the trend in long-term care being toward “aging in place,” more elderly are opting to stay at home while receiving needed care.

Knapik-Scalzo said this will lead to a rise in healthcare support occupations such as home health aides and certified nursing assistants.

“We are definitely seeing more individuals wanting to stay in their own homes, and I think that trend will contribute to growth in those types of occupations,” she said.

Robust sector — New York state has the second-highest number of workers in the healthcare support occupation sector (338,760) behind California. Hourly mean wage is $14.06 while annual mean wage is $29,240.

August 2015 •

The Utica-Rome region has one of the highest concentrations of healthcare support occupation jobs (6,460) in the nation based on location quotient.

Location quotient is a ratio that compares a region to a larger reference region according to some characteristic or asset.

The New York State Department of Labor posted long-term industry employment projections from 2012-2022.

In the category of healthcare and social assistance, there were a total of approximately 1.4 million workers in the sector in New York state in 2012.

That number is projected to increase to about 1.68 million, which is a 20.8 percent jump.

The most dramatic increase will be in ambulatory healthcare services, an area that is expected to grow by 35.2 percent.

Employment numbers are expected to increase by 20.7 percent in New York state at nursing and residential care facilities, while hospital jobs for healthcare support occupation workers are anticipated to increase by 5.7 percent.

Pick Your Career, Your Salary Salaries for support occupations can go from an entry level $20,660 to more than $56,000

W

ages paid to those working in healthcare support occupations in Central New York differ depending on the job.

Here’s a summary of the information provided by Karen Knapik-Scalzo, associate economist at the New York State Department of Labor in Syracuse.

All Healthcare Support Positions • Average Salary: $29,330 a year • Median: $27,620 • Entry level: $20,660 • With experience: $33,670 Home health aides Average Salary: $24,610 Occupational therapy assistants • Average Salary: $48,910 Physical therapy assistants • Average Salary: $44,900 Massage therapist • Average Salary: $56,180

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 3

Revised IGH.qxp_Layout 1 7/30/15 2:02 PM Page 1

UPSTATE IS DEDICATED TO THE HEALTH OF OLDER ADULTS

EXEMPLARY NURSING CARE Upstate University Hospital is the first in the region to achieve NICHE exemplar status.

Only five other hospitals in the State have this designation.

This national status from Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders is awarded to both Upstate University Hospital locations.

GEM CARE FOR SENIORS

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Aug. 4

Free healthy living classes offered at Salvation Army Residents can learn how to better manage their chronic condition during a free, six-week program that is being taught by experienced health educators.

Oswego Health is offering the free workshops developed by Stanford University. The classes will be held from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, starting Aug. 4 and ending Sept. 8, at the Oswego Salvation Army, located at 72 W. Second St. in Oswego.

This program is designed to help those with any chronic disease, such as arthritis, heart disease, osteoporosis or diabetes to improve their health status through its living healthy workshops.

The workshops will cover nutrition and exercise, as well as how to get support, deal with pain and fatigue and talk with your physician and family members about your condition. Participants will learn goal-setting techniques and establish a step-by-step plan to improve their health. Caregivers of those with chronic diseases are also welcome to take part in the classes.

Those taking part in the program will be provided a free workbook and healthy snacks at each class session.

To register, or if you have questions, please call 349-5513.

Aug. 5

Oswego Health to host career fair for nurses

Upstate offers the first emergency and urgent care for 55+. Visit our calm, easy-access setting at 4900 Broad Road in Syracuse.

(The former Community General Hospital.)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL UPSTATE CONNECT

800.464.8668

UPSTATE.EDU/GEMCARE WWW.UPSTATE.EDU/HOSPITAL/PATIENTS/NICHE

Oswego Health will host a career fair for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants and graduate nurses from 4 until 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Alex’s on the Water, 24 E. First St., in Oswego. Candidates will have the opportunity to learn about the specific duties required for the open positions at Oswego Hospital.

Participants will be able to take part in onsite interviews. There are openings for all shifts, with both part and full-time positions available. Interested

community members are encouraged to bring a current resume. Those who are unable to attend the career fair, can apply online at oswegohealth.org

Aug. 6

Free seminar will address questions on Medicare

Are you turning 65 soon? Are you overwhelmed by all the mail, calls and Medicare options? The Cayuga County Office for the Aging will offer complimentary monthly classes to help you make sense of Medicare. You will learn how to determine whether the plan you are considering will give you peace of mind or potential headaches; how Part D drug plans work and whether EPIC co-pay assistance is an option for you. If your income is limited, officials will provide information about programs to help pay for your insurance coverage, as well as a listing of the free and low cost preventive care under Medicare.

The two-hour class is held in the basement training room of the Cayuga County Office Building. The upcoming class will take place from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 6.

Seating is limited, so registration is required. For more information or to register, call the Cayuga County Office for the Aging at 315-253-1226, or www. cayugacounty.us/aging under the News & Activities section.

Aug. 11

Benefit to help LaFayette Outreach An event to benefit LaFayette Outreach, a food panty affiliated with The Columbian Presbyterian Church will feature the LaFayette Community Band Concert. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Aug. 11, at the church, located at the corner of routes 11 and 20 in LaFayette.

Free refreshments will follow the performance. For more information,

Continued on page 20

Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga and Madison Counties in good A monthly newspaper published by Local

Health CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

News, Inc. Distribution: 35,000 copies.

To request home delivery ($15 per year), call 315-342-1182.

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2015 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 276, Oswego, NY 13126. • Phone: 315-342-1182 • Fax: 315-342-7776.

Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Jim Miller, Eva Briggs, M.D., Gwenn Voelckers, Deborah Banikowski, George W. Chapman, Deborah Sergeant, Anne Palumbo, Melissa Stefanec, Matthew Liptak, Chris Motola, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Hanna McNamara Advertising: Amy Gagliano, Marsha K. Preston, Cassandra Lawson Design: Chris Crocker • Office Manager: Alice Davis 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.

Page 4

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2015

New Report: Underage Drinking on the Decline Local official says the figures reflect situation in Central New York

By Matthew Liptak

A

recent report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a federal agency, says that drinking for youths between 12 and 20 years old decreased over 6 percent from 2002 to 2013.

The report, released in early June, surveyed 67,500 Americans aged 12 and older.

A local expert on underage drinking said he believes that trend applies to Central New York too.

“I think we’re actually getting through to people,” said Phil Rose, the Prevention Network’s program Rose coordinator for underage drinking prevention. “I think overall they’re just being more careful.

We haven’t stopped the drinking. We still have a long ways to go there, but people overall are being more thoughtful and they are definitely drinking less.”

The national study cites national and local campaigns against underage drinking and increased law enforcement as reasons for the decrease.

Rose said that includes local law enforcement, too. Cops are no longer treating underage drinkers with a velvet glove, he said.

“In the old days the police would say ‘Aw, they’re just kids. They’re experimenting. It’s what I did when I was a kid,’” Rose said. “That’s not true any longer. Law enforcement is cracking down. The penalties are much higher.

People realize that if you get busted it’s going to be thousands of dollars for legal fees and fines.”

The efforts of Syracuse’s Prevention Network to educate young people on the dangers of underage drinking have been fairly robust. The organization goes into schools to talk to students about the issue. It has created the Teen Institute, which teaches teen leaders how to talk to their peers about making healthy choices.

Peer-to-peer conversations on underage drinking can have more impact on a child than a child just talking to an adult, Rose said. Hundreds of kids have gone through the Teen Institute in Onondaga County.

“That kind of awareness builds some momentum and it gets through to the young people,” Rose said. “Young people are questioning drinking more.”

Rose also commended local schools for staging realistic mock DWI accidents. The events can make a deep impression on both students participating and those just watching. He believes it has helped get through to kids that drinking and driving is a really a “stupid” choice.

The downward trend in youth drinking may be due to generational

changes, too. People who were teens when the drinking age was raised from 18 to 21 back in 1985 have been raising young adults of their own.

Approximately 30,000 lives have been saved since the drinking age rise, Rose said. But other statistics aren’t as encouraging. The coordinator noted that, according to SAMHSA, 50 percent of pregnancies for females 21 or younger are associated with alcohol consumption.

SAMHSA’s substance abuse prevention director said that pressure to educate teens on the dangers of underage drinking needs to continue even though progress has been made.

“When parents communicate clear expectations and they are supported by community efforts to prevent underage drinking, we can make a difference,” Frances Harding said. “However, there are still 8.7 million current underage drinkers and 5.4 million current underage binge drinkers.”

The SAMHSA report reveals that alcohol remains the drug of choice for young people in America. Almost 23 percent of kids 12 to 20 years old use alcohol compared to tobacco (16.9 percent) and illegal drugs (13.6 percent.)

Rose said much of the problem with underage alcohol use is due to its availability. Alcohol is available to the public almost everywhere and the alcohol industry spends $6 billion a year on advertising, he said.

To help combat this the Prevention

Network is encouraging the passing of a law in Syracuse and Onondaga County that would make it illegal to have alcohol present at parties which include youth. It’s called the “social host” law.

“We’re talking with parents,” Rose said. “We’re talking with legislators.

We’re talking with law enforcement about having a new law that would prevent the allowing of alcohol at parties for youth.”

Underage drinking is not a problem for a majority of youth, he said. A local 2012 Prevention network survey showed that 76 percent of ninth and 11th graders hadn’t drank alcohol in the last month and 90 percent of middle school students had never tried alcohol. But underage drinking always has been a serious issue, and will likely continue to be a danger kids have to confront.

Rose thinks it should be attacked like smoking has been, by millions of dollars in prevention ads. That could be an important antidote to alcohol advertising, he thinks.

Whether or not the local expert gets what he wants, he is encouraged by the progress the federal study shows and hopes the downward trend continues.

“I think we have some momentum here,” Rose said.

For more information on the Prevention Network go to preventionnetworkcny.org or call 315-471-1359.

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman “Government” healthcare Like it or not, almost half (47 percent) of us receive care paid for or provided by Uncle Sam. The number of people/enrollees in millions are: Medicaid, 70; Medicare, 53; Tricare, 13; Veteran’s Administration, 9; Bureau of Indian Affairs, 5. That’s a total of 150 million out of 320 million Americans receiving their healthcare through a government program. The vast majority of the 150 million receive their care from a private physician.

Majority happy with ObamaCare According to a survey by the politically neutral think tank the Commonwealth Fund, 86 percent of people insured through healthcare exchanges report they are either “somewhat” or “very” satisfied with their coverage.

Other figures: • 68 percent of exchange enrollees have a “silver” plan, which is typically what employers offer.

• 77 percent reported that finding a primary care physician to care for them was either “somewhat” or “very” easy.

• 60 percent reported they got an appointment within two weeks. The number of people without health insurance is at an all-time low of 12 percent.

SCOTUS upholds ACA As most predicted, the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act 6 – 3. The overall intention of the law, to provide affordable care to all Americans, regardless in what state they

reside, was tantamount to some poorly worded phrases in the law. Sixteen million Americans still have access to healthcare and most of them are insured by private insurance companies.

The ruling has had a positive impact on both commercial insurer and for-profit hospital stocks, which saw a mini surge upon the ruling that prevented what many called a “death spiral” for insurance companies. NYS offers the most insurers through its exchange (16) than any other state.

Baby boomers impact Medicare Those born between 1946 and 1964 are creating a double whammy as they enroll in Medicare. Boomers tend to have more chronic conditions and live longer than their predecessors.

Roughly two thirds of seniors now have multiple chronic conditions and about 15 percent have more than six chronic conditions. The 15 percent accounts for 40 percent of all Medicare spending. Annual Medicare spending could exceed $1 trillion by 2023, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The average senior with five or more chronic conditions fills 50 prescriptions and has 13 physicians visits a year. All the more reason for the development of comprehensive, coordinated and integrated care systems like Accountable Care Organizations.

Physicians split on ACA While the AMA has been fairly silent, according to a poll of primary care

physicians by the Kaiser Family Foundation, physicians are pretty much split right down the middle 50/50 when it comes to like/dislike the ACA. Not surprisingly, 87 percent of Democratic physicians favor the law and 87 percent of Republican physicians don’t. In any event, despite their opinion of the ACA, 83 percent of the primary care physicians said they were still accepting the newly insured patients.

Systems slowly evolving to value based care About 12 percent of payments to physicians and hospitals are now value- or outcome-based. This percentage will increase considerably every year as pure volume-based fee for service payments are phased out. The timing couldn’t be better considering the influx of seniors with multiple chronic conditions as discussed above.

Unfortunately, about 40 percent of the healthcare systems out there report they are ill prepared for the dramatic paradigm shift in how care will be provided and paid for. Value-based care requires huge cultural, philosophical and operational adjustments among providers. The keys are interoperability of electronic medical record systems, strategic business intelligence, seamless and effective physician-to-physician communication, the ability to data mine, inspired leadership, excellent transition management, and real time date access.

August 2015 •

New coding requirements As if your physician doesn’t have enough to worry about with all the rapid changes in healthcare, effective Oct. 1 they will be required to adopt a new coding system (ICD-10) when submitting bills to Medicare and commercial insurers for payment. Staff must be trained and billing systems modified, which is very expensive.

Critics of the new system say the data required for payment is far too detailed and picayune. It should be noted that most other countries have been using the ICD-10 coding system for years.

Here are some examples: w55.21— cow bite; w61.33 — chicken peck; v00.01— collision with a roller skater; (I am not making this up.) y92.146 — injured in a prison pool; z63.1 — problem with in-law; w56.22 — struck by orca; y93.01 —injured while knitting.

GEORGE W. CHAPMAN is a health consultant who operates GW Chapman Consulting in Upstate New York.

To reach him, email gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 5

Back to School Special Issue of In Good Health coming editor@cnyhealth.com

Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Sherif G. El Bayadi, MD Medical director of the Sleep Center at Oneida Healthcare talks about sleep disorders and ways to treat them Q: Can we get a brief overview of your specialty?

A: Sleep medicine deals with everything related to sleep, anything that disrupts sleep, anything that affects how long we sleep. It’s a part of pulmonary medicine. There are other specialties that play a role in sleep medicine, like ears, nose and throat, neurology and pediatrics for child patients. So it really involves as many specialties as needed, but I’m a pulmonologist.

WE HAVE YOUR IN-HOME & COMMUNITY NEEDS COVERED!!

Schedule A FREE Assessment!

(315) 955-9669

www.arycss.com Our support services will make a positive impact on your well-being and quality of life!

All ages are welcome!

• Companion Care • Personal Grooming/Dressing • Housekeeping • Meal Prep/Cooking • Community Outings • Transportation to Appointments • Errands/Shopping/Reminders • Pet care • Home Maintenance/Small Repairs • Landscaping/Snow Removal • Event Planning • Overnight Care • Skills Training • Supportive Counseling • Case Management

Q: Sleep apnea is one of the more common sleep disorders. What causes it?

A: The most common problem is sleep apnea. It’s caused by an obstruction of air flow while we are asleep.

That obstruction happens because of many different factors, which we’re starting to understand a bit better.

I was involved in some studies while I was in training that involved a family of subjects with sleep apnea, none of whom were obese. I’m mentioning that because, while being overweight is a big factor, there are a lot of others that are involved in causing the airway to close while we’re sleeping. You get a shift in brain waves that happens that indicates the brain is waking up. We may not be aware that we’re awake, but the sleep ends up being not as restorative. It looks to a drop in oxygen sometimes, which can lead to problems with hormonal levels.

It can affect the heart. It affects other body symptoms and diseases.

Q: What was the accreditation process like for the Sleep Center at Oneida Healthcare?

A: The accreditation process through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine is one where they are looking to help centers to become excellent at

Serving the Greater Syracuse Region Onondaga, Cayuga & Oswego Counties Services also available in the following counties: Ontario, Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Yates, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Wayne Page 6

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2015

what they do. They walk through the entire process, from how the patients come in, to how the lab is set up. They look at room sizes, noise reduction.

It’s an extensive evaluation of everything from the process to the structure.

They interview the entire staff over the course of a day. The goal is to make certain that the level of competence and service is the best it can be.

As medical director, I was there the whole day to complete the survey.

They reviewed the information and we received accreditation.

Q: For patients who have never had one, what does a sleep study look like?

A: One of the important things we look at is their history, because there are so many different sleep problems.

I’ll give you an example: if someone’s not sleeping well, it could be that they wake up frequently during sleep or it could be someone who can’t get to sleep. So we have sleep onset and sleep maintenance insomnia. That makes a difference in how we think about and interpret a study. We look at the patient’s history of abnormal movement during sleep, which we call parasomnias. Some of the ones you may have heard of are sleep walking and night terrors.

We schedule the patient for a visit. They come in. The technician interviews them and show them the equipment that will be used to do the study. It’s called a polysomnogram. So we’re looking at brain waves to determine if the patient is asleep and at what stage of sleep they are in. We look at eye movements to measure REM sleep. We look at air flow. We look at movement of the chin.

We look at chest wall movement and EKG to understand what’s going on with the heart. We look at oxygen levels. We can add more sensors for a more specific study. It sounds

In the News The Sleep Center at Oneida Healthcare — under director of physician Sherif G. El Bayadi –has recently received program accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). To receive accreditation for a five-year period, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the AASM. These standards address core areas such as personnel, facility and equipment, policies and procedures, data acquisition, patient care, and quality assurance. Additionally, the sleep center’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves. The Sleep Center at Oneida Healthcare is managed

by Franciscan Companies, a Central New York-based company that specializes in respiratory and sleep therapies.

like a lot, but it’s all fairly light.

Most patients are able to get to sleep. Once they’re asleep the tech will look at the polysomnogram to make sure everything’s being captured. The next morning, another technician will score the study, and the interpreting physician will look at all that data and make a determination about what’s wrong and what needs to be done.

Q: What kinds of treatments are available?

A: The most reliable and used treatment is called positive airway pressure (CPAP). There’s variations on pressure levels to keep the airway open. So what it does, really, is act as an air-splint to keep the airway open.

If you can keep it open, then most of the negatives should improve, including concentration and memory. If we can help them to get restorative sleep, then those symptoms usually improve.

There are other treatments like surgical interventions, mouthpieces, nose tape, nasal sprays. How we incorporate these depends on the results of our study.

Q: How did you become interested in sleep medicine?

A: I became interested in pulmonary medicine in general at Brown University. A few of my attending physicians were interested in sleep, and I was surprised to see the impact sleep had on so many other diseases.

And, as a resident, you don’t get much sleep. So it all kind of ended up making sense.

Lifelines Position: Medical director of the Oneida Healthcare Sleep Center Specialty: Pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine Hometown: Mt. Vernon, Ill. Education: Rutgers University; Brown University Affiliations: St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Oneida Healthcare Organizations: American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American College of Physicians Family: Three adult children: two sons, one daughter Hobbies: Boating, fishing

‘My Reaction to Penicillin’ Whenever I was asked about allergies over the years, I stated I was allergic to penicillin. Forty year later I found out it was not the case

By Matthew Liptak

W

hen I was a little boy of 3 years old, I came down with a bug that was treated with penicillin. Worse than the illness was the reaction I had to the penicillin.

I had severe swelling and got a rash. Unfortunately, I missed the fun festivities that Christmas season.

My medical records always recorded the incident. Whenever I was asked about allergies over the years, I stated I was allergic to penicillin. It was only recently — four decades since the apparent allergic reaction — I found out that wasn’t the case.

Prompted by a media report that stated many who used to have penicillin allergies would no longer be allergic, I went in to see allergist Michael Sheehan of Allergy Asthma Rheumatology Associates in Syracuse.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that only an estimated 10 percent of people who report a history of severe allergic reactions to penicillin continue to remain allergic their entire lives.

“Penicillin allergy is often lost over time,” Sheehan said. “Certainly as one ages and as one has more potential medical problems, I think it’s nice to know whether someone may or may not still hold a sensitivity to it.”

It’s a reassuring feeling to have penicillin back in the arsenal of medicines that could be used to treat me.

The drug was one of the first antibiotics developed and can be a powerful one.

The process for getting tested to see if I still had an allergy was simple, painless and took three visits to the allergist over about a month.

The first visit is simply an evaluation. The doctor gets the details of the patient’s medical background, including medications they are on.

“At the first appointment, basically I underSheehan stand the problem and explain the procedure,” Sheehan said. “I don’t just launch into it because you have to see what other medicines the patient’s taking. Are they taking antihistamines? Are they taking beta-blockers? What is the condition of the patient? In the unlikely event a patient has a reaction to the drug, you want to make sure the patient isn’t going to suffer an undue complication.”

For the patient who is a good candidate for testing, another appointment is set up. At that time, the patient receives scratch skin testing, which is self-explanatory.

Scratch test

The patient is gently scratched on the arm in several spots that are hardly noticeable. A small drop of penicillin is introduced at each of the scratch sites and the patient is observed for several minutes for a reaction.

If there is a reaction, the tests don’t proceed further. The patient is consid-

Stop suffering now!

Prevent and cure foot, ankle and lower body pain without surgery!

Treat plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, bunions, “flat feet”, knee, hip pain and more with custom 3-D printed orthotics Improve strength, power, balance, and even running efficiency!

Introductory offer includes gait analysis and exam.

Home Stretch Physical Therapy P.C. 315-569-9308 • homestretchpt@gmail.com

5655 Thompson Road (JCC), DeWitt, NY 13214

Additional discounts for JCC members, health care workers, sports/running clubs, & 65+

After school care that’s

fun and productive!

Liptak ered to be at continued risk for a penicillin allergy. If there is no reaction, the testing proceeds a little further and the patient gets an interdermal (under the skin) injection of a drop of penicillin.

If the patient has no reaction to the interdermal testing, they are ready to be challenged. He or she receives 250 milligrams of amoxicillin, a penicillin, and is observed in the office for an hour. Patients who have no reaction are sent home with a prescription to take 250 milligrams of amoxicillin three times a day.

“If they’re negative, they go home with penicillin and then they’re told to come back in a month,” Sheehan said.

“Then we do follow up testing just to make sure they haven’t developed antibodies.”

There is some risk to the procedure, though Sheehan said issues are not common. A patient could have a reaction to the testing; that is why they’re observed first in the office. If there is a concern that a patient may have a reaction during his or her challenge while they’re away from observation, they can be sent home with an Epipen.

An Epipen is an injector for epinephrine, a chemical that can counteract the symptoms of allergic reactions.

Retesting for your penicillin allergy is not something someone may want to do impulsively. There are usually other options for antibiotics if you choose not to use penicillin, Sheehan said.

“There’s many other things one could use,” he said. “Certainly there’s no rush if one does have a history of a problem. There’s a variety of different families of medications that one can use quite legitimately as alternatives so for most people, there isn’t a rush to determine this.”

Sheehan said the patient may consider getting tested if he or she is getting older and thinks they may benefit from the use of penicillin in the future, particularly if they have an immunodeficiency.

Sheehan, who has been an allergist for 21 years, says he does about one or two testing procedures a month.

For myself, testing turned out to be a good decision. I went through the process and everything turned out negative. My body has lost its allergy to penicillin. That turned out to be particularly beneficial because in February, I came down with a bug, was treated with penicillin and quickly recovered.

B us in g fr omy, C it Ea st-a re a ri ct s, di st J- D & F- M e sc ho ol s. ivat an d ar ea pr

ot r child’s sp Reser ve you ! ay tod • K – 6th grade • Open snow days, half days, holidays and superintendent days • Enrichment classes available • Homework room available Monday – Thursday

5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt 315-445-2360 • www.jccsyr.org

Community Information Seminar:

Bariatric Surgery August 11, 2015 • 6:00 pm Presented by

Gregory Dalencourt, MD Medical Office Center St. Joseph’s Hospital Campus 104 Union Ave. • Suite 809 • Syracuse, NY

To register call 315-477-4740 or toll free 877-269-0355 Parking will be validated

August 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 7

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Dollars and Sense: Becoming Your Own Sole Supporter

“

I’ll end up alone and penniless.”

That pretty much sums up one of the biggest fears divorced and widowed women have when they find themselves living alone — by choice or by chance — in mid-life.

I discovered this seemingly universal fear around money management when I interviewed more than 50 women in preparation for my threepart workshop, “Living Alone: How to Survive and Thrive on Your Own.” I wanted the workshop curriculum to be relevant, so I conducted these interviews to identify the key concerns of women on their own. I learned that managing finances was near the top of the list.

While shared responsibility for financial matters is becoming more common these days, it is still the case that many women continue to hand over the purse strings and financial decision-making to their husbands.

It’s the “way it was” for many traditional couples, when the man was the primary bread winner, but it’s also the “way it is” for more progressive couples who simply want to divide and conquer when it comes to managing household responsibilities.

Problem is, once a woman is out of

the financial loop, she often remains uninvolved forever, which can put her at a real disadvantage. Her knowledge of and self-confidence around money matters becomes very diminished.

Simply put, when one spouse — man or woman — controls the finances, the other can be left in a vulnerable position when the marriage ends. This vulnerability was expressed over and over again in the interviews I conducted, which is why I devote a portion of each workshop to getting one’s financial house in order.

I consulted with my financial adviser and together we identified a few essential steps to help women gain control of their money and make progress toward financial autonomy: Come out from under the covers. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to financial management. Women, and men alike, need to find the courage to get “up close and personal” with their financial circumstances. I avoided looking into my

financial mirror for years until the fear of not doing anything was greater than the fear of facing reality.

Fear, in my case, turned out to be a blessing in disguise — a real motivator.

It prompted me to get my act together and seek help. There’s no time like the present to take charge of your money and your destiny.

Find your stuff. David Bach, renowned financial expert and author of “Smart Women Finish Rich” says it best: “Getting organized is one of the keys to financial security.

It begins with finding your stuff.” Before you can plan your financial future, you need to figure out where you stand financially in the present. It starts with gathering together all your financial documents in one place.

I cleared out a file drawer in my desk, purchased new hanging file folders, and started labeling the files according to the instructions in David Bach’s book.

It didn’t take as long as I thought it would and I felt a great sense of

accomplishment once I had everything collected together.

And guess what? This simple step helped me feel in more control. Almost immediately, my fears began to lessen.

Get help, if you need it. Once I had my “stuff” together, I was in a much better position to make sense of my financial situation. I continued to work through Bach’s book, but I found I needed more — I needed a real, live person to help me take the next step and make more progress. That’s when I engaged the help of a financial representative who helped me align my spending, saving and investing with my needs and priorities. He’s been an invaluable coach and motivator.

If you’re like me, you may benefit from engaging a professional. If you’re more self-directed and inclined to educate yourself on money matters, there are excellent resources out there in books, magazines and on the Web. Peace of mind and a sense of empowerment are the rewards for women who get their financial house in order.

Solid information, personal discipline, and good help from a trusted advisor can turn financial uncertainty into financial security. With increased self-confidence and awareness, you can better protect your future and more fully embrace the pleasures of living alone . . . with a little left over to splurge on something special just for you!

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive, empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, N.Y. For information about her upcoming workshop or to invite Voelckers to speak, call 585624-7887 or email gvoelckers@rochester. rr.com.

Cyberbullying: Is Your Child a Perpetrator?

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

W

orse than knowing another student is bullying your child is learning that your child is the bully. Bullying online can be harder for some parents to detect and understand, since today’s children have been brought up in the digital age, saturated with smart devices.

For one thing, bullying of any sort is different from garden-variety teasing. It’s an ongoing attack that does not stop even after the victim or another person has asked the perpetrator to stop.

Children and teens who are “just joking” stop when it goes too far. If they continue, and especially if the attack escalates, that’s bullying. Many bullies enjoy the thrill of hurting someone else who cannot defend himself and the anonymity of the Internet makes it easier.

“Some bullies sit behind the screen and have more confidence because they can hide,” said Nick Longo, co-founder of Stop the Hate Spread the Hope, Inc. in Syracuse. “They won’t say what they would say face-to-face. They won’t know the reaction.”

Without a victim’s response to make him face the severity of his attack, some cyberbullies continue their actions with impunity. The fallout

Page 8

•

caused by cyberbulling can be much greater than face-to-face bullying.

Instead of just a handful of classmates viewing an unflattering photo, the entire world can see in and weigh in on it.

The dynamics of bullying have also changed as far as who can perpetrate it. It’s no longer about who’s biggest on the playground but who can best mask his footprints online.

That is where parental monitoring comes in.

“We hear, ‘My kid would never do that’ a lot,” said Peter Blake, principal at West Genesee High School. “Unfortunately, in this era of technology, there is usually evidence and we have to rely heavily on that to prove our point to parents. The largest thing that I would recommend for parents is to be aware of their kids social media accounts.”

It’s easy for kids to open several aliases on their favorite social media platforms to hide their bullying from “nosy” parents.

“I would tell a parent that if they have access to their kids’ accounts and they don’t see a lot of activity or the activity does not seem age appropriate — i.e., younger than their kid really is — then it probably isn’t the actually account that the kid is using the most,” Blake said. “Sudden change in usage

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2015

may be a red flag that they’ve created a new account. Not many friends/followers on an account would be another sign.”

If the child dramatically changes behavior and friends in real life, that can also show he’s bullying.

Longo said that many factors can contribute to cyberbullying, such as revenge, desire to be popular and a lack of purpose.

“Proactively get the kids involved in some kind of service leadership,” Longo said. “It will make the world a better place. It’s almost harder to bully someone if you’re actively trying to get involved with service opportunities and put your work into something greater than yourself, beyond the four walls of your own person.”

Children who bully have deeply rooted issues may need professional counseling.

Involving the child makes a difference. Blake said that his school solicits the student body for suggestions of discussion topics related to bullying.

The school is working on building an environment where bullying students can develop the right means of making amends for their behavior.

“There are more and more students stepping up and reporting incidents that they are not involved in or requesting to help with the prevention program,” Blake said. “I would have to say that the majority of students are getting the importance of treating others with kindness.”

Power in Numbers New trend: more nursing home workers in Western and Central New York are joining healthcare workers’ unions

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

S

to the level they should be,” she added. tephanie Duess saw her father “They do a lot of heavy lifting when enter a rehabilitation center after it comes to patient care and they also having a stroke. need better living wages. We also want She saw that his care could have been better, which fueled her to become to make sure we have enough staff to keep the residents safe and to prevent a nurse and eventually work at Utica injury and burnout.”

Rehabilitation and Nursing Center as a Those are just some of the varilicensed practical nurse during the past ous reasons why workers feel joining year. a health care union is a worthwhile Recently, her organization went pursuit. from being a nonprofit to for-profit In addition, new union members company after being sold this year. also include licensed practical nurses, When that hapcertified nursing assistants, unit clerks, pened, Deuss laundry service workers and others. and many of The union represents more than her nursing 400,000 nurses and caregivers throughcolleagues said out Massachusetts, New York, New it was time to Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. unionize, which and Florida. Companies understand occurred this the unionizing year. is happening “We wanted nationwide. a say in the pro“Having a cess. We wanted unionized workto make sure that force is a reality everyone inwe have operatvolved was geted with for years ting the best care and frankly it has they deserved Duess no impact on the and workers quality of care were being compensated for the quality we provide,” of care we are giving,” added Deuss. said Joseph A trend has emerged where more Zupnik, CEO nursing home workers throughout of Focus Rehab Western and Central New York are in Utica. “Conjoining healthcare workers’ unions. sumers want to More than 275 workers at several difKnickerbocker know that their ferent nursing homes joined 1199SEIU family members are going to receive Union this year, including locally in the consistent attention they deserve, Central and Western New York and that’s a promise we make to them Officials say many nursing homes whether our employees are in a union are financially struggling and have to deal with declining medical reimburse- or not.” ment. In order to feel some peace of Better wages mind, workers are joining unions to Dawn Knickerbocker works offer themselves affordable healthcare, for Auburn Nursing Home, whose job and retirement security wages. workers also joined the union several “It’s essential that healthcare jobs months back. She said being part of a provide fair wages, steady employment union gives employees greater strength and a path to the middle class for those as they look to achieve a great work who dedicate their lives caring for sick environment and better wages. But and elderly,” said Ruth Heller, Cenalong with that, she thinks unions offer tral New York-area vice president of another benefit for employees.

1199SEIU. “I think places that have a strong “Healthcare is one of the fastunion force employers to know they est-growing job sectors in our country, have to treat their employees with reand our union is committed to ensurspect,” added Knickerbocker. “Employing that this industry remains stable ees now know there is a strong process and provides the good jobs and quality behind them. Everyone deserves to be care that our communities need,” she respected and come to work feeling added. respected. It is a basic human right.”

Family like bonds Knickerbocker said she went into the medical profession because she For Duess, the work she does is truly cared about people. That includes essential. Workers and residents who not only the people she serves, but live there become family. She said those on her staff. being part of a union is the epitome “We are here to make life a little of strength in numbers where you can better for people, and when you have fight for equity and justice for the staff. a good work environment that is the “We want to make sure we have first step to making that happen,” she a good benefits package and wages added. so that we can recruit the best quality “For all my years of experience of workers to the facility,” said Duess. and dedication to my residents, I am “And being part of a union makes you feel like you are part of something larg- not making much more than newly hired employees,” said John Brayman, er than yourself.” a CNA with 24 years of experience at She said another reason she wantFiddler’s Green in Springfield. “I feel ed to unionize was to help certified we deserve to be able to take care of nursing assistants (CNAs), who Duess our families like we have taken care of calls the real heroes of the nursing so many others.” profession.

“They are not getting compensated

NEW

LE MOYNE COLLEGE

FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM BEGINS FALL 2015 Every year, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) provide high quality, cost-effective, ethical and compassionate care for millions of Americans of all ages. It’s not merely a career – it’s a calling. In the coming decade, the need for family nurse practitioners is expected to increase dramatically.

Graduates of Le Moyne’s Master of Science, FNP certificate program are poised to meet the challenge by providing outstanding, patient-centered primary care to individuals and families in a variety of settings.

See what Le Moyne can offer you … } Full- and part-time options } 35 credits didactic coursework } 9 credits of clinical coursework (totaling 810 hours) } Post-master’s certificate available

For more information: lemoyne.edu/nursing nursing@lemoyne.edu | (315) 445-5435 August 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 9

Ionic Foot Baths: Helpful or Hustle?

We spoke with people on both sides of the issue

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

onic foot baths, also known as detoxifying foot baths, have become a hot trend among many spas and practitioners of alternative health. The claim is that the client soaks her feet for 30 minutes in sea salt water placed into a device that uses electric stimulation to produce positive and negative ions that stimulate the cells in the body to excrete toxins through the pores of the feet.

A 2011 study by the department of research & clinical epidemiology at The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, in Toronto, sought to identify and quantify toxic elements from ionic footbath treatment. Researchers use distilled and tap water with and without feet and used the equipment per manufacturer directions. Urine and hair samples, studied both before and after treatment, did not indicate any reduction of toxic elements because of the treatment.

Podiatrist Douglas Dickson with Fulton Foot Care, interviewed for this story, said he doubts the efficacy.

“It sounds a little far-fetched to me,” he said. “It sounds a little hard to believe. I would be very skeptical that a foot bath could detoxify one’s entire body. It probably feels good, but I don’t

see how it could do what they say.”

Adherents’ anecdotal evidence says differently. Joanne Moore, licensed massage therapist at Cleanse the Internal U in Evans Mills, offers ionic foot baths.

“It works, in a way, like a magnet, puling the toxins from the cells through the feet,” Moore said. “I’ve had a veteran who had problems with his feet see relief from pain after just one use.

I have one who has multiple chemical sensitivity and after just one session, she said she had her ‘brain fog’ eliminated. She could think more clearly after the foot bath.

“I’ve noticed so many benefits from it. People who have joint pain and fatigue, you should try a foot bath.

You may find quick relief. People don’t realize how they could feel so well from it.”

She said that because modern life and the toxins in the environment — including genetically modified food, cleaning agents and pollution — has thrown the body’s cells out of balance.

It’s overwhelmed with toxins and ionic food baths help regain the balance and ability to release toxins through the feet.

She said that as a session progress-

es, many clients see the water change color, such as brown or green. Some see flecks of floating debris and foam.

Detractors say that the metal electrodes placed in the water rust at a rapid rate because of the salt in the water, which accounts for the colors that form in the water during use. Lotions and sops applied to the feet could also contribute to the floating debris and foam some clients experience.

In addition to weekly treatments for three weeks, most clients pursue a regimen of drinking plenty of water, exercise and eating a diet of whole foods,

especially raw vegetables.

Moore recommends that clients “detox” twice a year. Sessions cost $30 each.

She does not recommend the treatment for people with a pacemaker, heart issues, pregnancy or recently discharged from major surgery.

Dickson the Fulton-based podiatrist said that the secondary elements of a detox — exercise and improving diet — and the weekly de-stressing offer some benefit, but “it’s hard to believe it would detoxify you. But at least it’s harmless, except to your wallet.”

NOT TAKING YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS AS DIRECTED?

YOU’RE TAKING

A CHANCE.

If you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, taking your prescriptions as directed is essential to healthy living. So remember:

If you’re not taking your prescriptions as directed, you’re taking a chance.

To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com/TakeAsDirected. #TakeAsDirected

Page 10

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2015

Parenting

Medicare Made Simple, LLC Your Medicare Specialist and Independent Agent Serving New York State’s Medicare eligible population since 2008!

By Melissa Stefanec melissa@cnyhealth.com

Theresa Cangemi, CSA, CLTC

No Rest for the Wicked Mommy

T

his month I am going to write about a topic that is very near, dear and familiar to me: exhaus-

tion.

Merriam Webster defines exhaustion in two ways: 1) the state of being extremely tired or the state of being exhausted; and 2) the act of using all of something or the act of exhausting something. I am going to start one of those online petitions and submit it to Merriam Webster. The petition will be to add a third definition — the state or act of being a parent.

Exhaustion set in months ago, as far back as my being pregnant. My son is now 9 months old and my daughter is 4 years old.

Exhaustion is a very real thing in my life. I almost never get a good night’s sleep. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. My son hasn’t been the best sleeper. For the first six months of his life, I was lucky to get more than a few hours of sleep a night. I then trotted off to work and tried to act like a normal human being. It wasn’t pretty.

I wasn’t so much forgetting to do things, as much as I was forgetting that I had done things. My mental fuzziness behaved like smoke from a campfire; it followed me wherever I moved.

Fast forward a few months, and exhaustion is still affecting every aspect of my life. It’s extremely challenging to get even the minimal responsibilities of each day done. Many nights, by the time my head hits my pillow, I literally have nothing to give. I know this stage isn’t forever, but that doesn’t make it any less challenging.

I work outside the home full time, as does my husband, and we both have commutes. My family and I have multiple commitments. The day-today chores eat up most of our free time. I know I am not the only parent out there who faces exhaustion on an almost daily basis. Most parents I come in contact with have extremely demanding lives and schedules (and when I say demanding, my kids are too young to be in team sports and have many commitments; I don’t know how other parents do it). Unfortunately, I don’t think I am the anomaly; I think I am more of the norm.

So here are some suggestions for exhausted parents everywhere. I am hoping I can take my own advice (if I write it down and have it published, it seems more binding that way).

Accept that being a parent is tough and demanding.

This isn’t going to change. This is what you signed up for. The sooner you accept that parenting is one of the toughest (and most rewarding) experiences in the world, the sooner you can deal with reality. Embrace the difficulties and the triumphs.

Learn to say no

Don’t book every minute of every day. Don’t say yes to every opportuni-

DO YOU HAVE PROPER MEDICARE COVERAGE? FIND OUT. Why Call a 1-800 number when you can get personalized service with face-to-face consultation & Enrollment.

315-676-4933 • tcangemi@twcny.rr.com www.MyMedicareMadeSimple.com “Commissions Paid by the Carriers, Not Fee Based”

“The Medicare Lady”

ty, demand or request that finds its way into your life. Turning down invites from friends and family or requests at work doesn’t make you a bad person; it makes you a sane one. Being a yes ma’am isn’t good for anyone, especially your children and partner.

Accept that saying no means you will disappoint people

When you turn down invites or say no to a project at work, people are going understandably be disappointed.

This may sound brazen, but disappointment is part of life — let people deal with it. Exhaustion, on a longterm basis, shouldn’t have to be part of one’s life. You are entitled to maintain a healthy balance. If people understand you want to be healthy and happy, that’s on them.

Medicare Advantage • Medicare Supplement • Prescription Drug Plans Long Term Care (CLTC) • Life Insurance • Final Expense (Burial) • Dental Plans Travel Insurance Coverage

Holistic Counseling for Mind, Body, Soul • Mental Health Therapist

Psychotherapy, Substance Abuse, Grief Counseling

• Spiritual Wellness Coach & Ordained Minister Guided Meditations, Huna Journeys, Akashic Records

• Weight Loss & Wellness Coach

Ask for help

Suddenly Slim Transformation Program Begins in August

People often tune you out when you complain. So instead of complaining, bluntly ask for aid when you are struggling. Make a clear request about when and how you need help. If that person isn’t available one time, keep asking. If a person refuses to ever help you when you are floundering (and assuming you don’t take advantage of that person), then you know who you should be saying no to when you need balance in your life. (I know this sounds like a jerky variation on the golden rule, but happiness is all about healthy boundaries. I am going to call this new rule the Silver Rule of Healthy Boundaries. I will file a patent after I file my petition, because I have so much free time on my hands.)

30, 60, 90 day programs

Martha Conan MS

315-254-1548 Mconan@twcny.rr.com www.marthaconan.com

When you mishear, you miss important pieces of your life.

Exercise

This may be the farthest thing from your exhausted mind and body, but exercise has a huge positive impact on one’s life. After I exercise, even when I am deathly tired, I feel amazing. If I do a reasonable amount of activity, exercise rejuvenates me when little else can.

Swap the kids

If you have a supportive spouse or friend, take turns watching the kids.

Get out and enjoy a meal where you only clean your own hands and feed your own face. Take some quiet time to bond with yourself. Rediscover what you enjoyed before you had children.

That person is still there. Invite him or her out to play every once in a while.

Return the favor to your friend or spouse so he or she can enjoy the same luxury.

Call us to take advantage of our special offers and put the pieces back in place!

FREE

Be realistic with yourself

Accept that, for a few years, the house will never be totally clean, the junk bins will never be totally organized and baskets of laundry will replace actual home décor. That’s ok.

You are busy enjoying your kids and recharging your own battery. You are never going to regret that.

Consultation

*

FREE

2-Week Trial* *Offers expire 8/30/15

Syracuse — 315-468-1926 1900 West Genesee Street

Skaneateles — 315-685-8117 27 Fennell Street

Cortland — 607-758-3890 3656 The Park, Cortland 13045 (Tompkins Street, Route 13)

Fayetteville — 315-446-0055 7220 East Genesee Street Suite 145

August 2015 •

Visit us at www.earqcny.com to learn more!

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 11

My Turn

By Eva Briggs

Summer Myths It’s time for some summer myth busting A moderate tan is healthy. The truth is that any tan is a sign of skin damage.

A base tan protects against sunburn. It turns out that this isn’t true.

You can still get a sunburn even if you’ve gotten a tan.

Windows block damaging rays. The light that causes skin damage consists of UVA and UVB. UVB, which causes most visible sunburn, is blocked by glass. But UVA rays can pass through glass. And both UVA and UVB can cause skin damage and cancer.

Tanning beds are safer than lying out in the sun. False again — tanning beds can very quickly expose you to more of the damaging UVA rays than the sun.

The higher the SPF, the better. This is true only up to a point — SPF greater than 50 does not give any significant additional protection.

Using a high SPF sunscreen lets you stay in the sun longer. Again, high SPF sunscreens don’t allow you to bask longer in the sun.

Chemical sunscreens cause disease.

No evidence links chemical sunscreens to health problems. But physical sunscreens, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, may be less irritating to

sensitive skin.

Name brand sunscreens are better.

False again, generic sunscreens work just as well. But the best sunscreen is the one you like and will use.

If you are using a spray-on sunscreen, don’t spray it on your face, because it can irritate the lungs if inhaled. Instead, spray it on your hands, and then rub it on your face. And some sprays are flammable, so don’t spray them near a barbecue or other open flame. Once your sunscreen reaches the expiration date, or if it changes color or consistency, toss it and buy a new one. As for babies under 6 months old, keep them out of the direct sun. Shade, brimmed hats, and long-sleeved shirts are other ways to reduce exposure to excessive solar radiation.

Dealing with ticks

You can remove a tick by covering it with Vaseline — or WD 40, paint thinner, dish soap, kerosene, nail polish remover. Despite the popularity of Internet myths, at best these things will not work to suffocate or poison a tick. At worst, it might make the tick vomit, which is exactly what you don’t want a tick to do. Because regurgitating its stomach contents into your blood stream is exactly how a tick transmits

Cancer Care at its Best The Only CNY Cancer Practice that is &HUWLˋHG IRU 4XDOLW\ E\ WKH $PHULFDQ 6RFLHW\ RI &OLQLFDO 2QFRORJ\

hoacny.com

Page 12

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2015

disease. And holding a lighted match to the backside of a tick won’t make it let go and back out either. Instead, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick near its head and apply traction until it’s pulled out. Or use a tick twister, widely available in pharmacies, online, at veterinarians, and many other stores.

If you pull out a tick and the head remains imbedded, you must dig it out to prevent disease. The head is very tiny and is only in the most superficial part of your skin. The head itself does not carry the Lyme disease bacterium.

You will do more harm trying to dig the head out. Simply leave it alone — or apply warm packs — and wait. It will work its way out in a few days.

You always know when a tick has bitten you. Tick bites are usually painless, especially initially. That’s why ticks are able to stay attached for the 36 hours or more required to spread Lyme disease. So you have to perform a tick check by looking after you have been outdoors.

A hot soapy shower will remove any ticks. This is only partly true. Soap and running water can wash off ticks that have not yet attached to your skin.

But for an attached tick, you will need

tweezers to pull it out. If you see a bug and can wipe, rinse, or flick it off, it’s not an attached tick.

Every tick bite requires antibiotic treatment. Not every species of tick and not every individual tick carries Lyme disease. A dose of preventive antibiotics may be useful when a tick is engorged and has been attached for more than 36 hours (those two characteristics go together). Actual signs and symptoms of Lyme disease require treatment too. But minor redness around a tick bite is normal and does not require antibiotics.

Ticks can fall out of trees onto you.

Ticks actually crawl up from low vegetation rather than falling down onto people. If you find a tick in your hair, it probably crawled up. That’s why ticks are often found at the top of your socks or at your underwear line — they crawl up until they find a good place to attach or are stopped by a barrier. So one way to reduce the chance of being bitten is to tuck your pants into your socks and to tuck in your shirt.

Ticks stop feeding after the first frost and die in the winter. If only that were true. Many ticks overwinter, and anytime the temperature is above freezing, they’ll feed on you or whatever warm-blooded critter they can find.

Eva Briggs is a medical doctor who works at two urgent care centers (Central Square and Fulton) operated by Oswego Health.

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Sweet News About Sweet Corn

D

o you suffer from corn-a-phobia? It’s a worrisome condition brought on by corn’s high carb content and its potential for genetic modification (GMO). Yes? Pull up a chair; we need to talk.

I, too, once shunned corn because I thought it was bad for me. But not anymore.

Once I got savvy to the “good carbs” in corn and learned more about GMO, I can’t get enough of this nutritious vegetable — especially now.

First, the carbs. It’s true: Corn is high in carbs, with a medium ear posting about 30 grams. But unlike the simple carbs in, say, a glazed doughnut, that zip through your system lickety-split, the carbs in corn are complex and take longer to digest. According to a study published in the “Archives of Internal Medicine,” foods that are absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream and have a more gradual effect on blood sugar levels may help lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Go, corn!

A belief that corn is high in both sugar and calories also triggers corn-aphobia.

Guess what?

Corn is surprisingly low in both, clocking in at around 3 grams of sugar

and 100 calories per medium cob.

As a comparison — a medium banana has about the same number of calories and nearly 15 grams of sugar; a medium apple: 95 calories and 19 grams of sugar.

Now, the genetic engineering of corn. While 90 percent of “field corn”— the virtually inedible commodity crop used to make everything from livestock feed to ethanol to corn syrup — is genetically modified, most sweet corn is not. Recent tests conducted on sweet corn samples by several grassroots environmental organizations found that less than 4 percent of the sweet corn grown in the U.S. was GMO. When asked, major grocery store and farmers markets representatives in our area said that their corn was not GMO. More reasons to get sweet on corn: One medium ear boasts about 3 grams of fiber (good for bowel health), 4 grams of protein (a workhorse nutrient), decent doses of B vitamins (brain and nerve boosters), and especially high concentrations of two antioxidants that may promote healthy vision.

Plus, corn is super low in both fat and cholesterol.

Helpful tips

Look for husks that have good green coloring and golden, supple silks. Kernels should be tightly packed, plump, and come to the tip of the cob.

Store corn, still in its husk, in the refrigerator for no more than two days (the sweetness declines as it ages). Purchase organically grown corn for 100 percent assurance that it is not GMO. Curious about GMO? Wegmans’ website (wegmans.com) is full of good information.

Charred Corn Salad with Basil and Tomatoes Adapted from Bon Appetit 4-6 servings 2 ears corn, husked 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion 1 clove garlic, minced 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered 1 cup black beans, rinsed ½ cup fresh basil leaves, slivered juice from 1 lime 1 small red jalapeno pepper, diced (optional) ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper

spoon oil over medium-high heat and add corn. Cook, stirring frequently, until corn looks slightly charred and is heated through—about 5 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium if corn starts to burn. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool. DO AHEAD: Corn can be made 3 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

Place onion in a strainer and rinse with cold water to mellow its flavor.

Drain well. Mix remaining 2 tablespoons oil, onion, garlic, cherry tomatoes, black beans, basil, fresh lime juice, and diced pepper into corn. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more lime juice or oil, if desired.

AHEAD: Salad can be assembled 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

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.

Heat a gas grill to high. Rub corn with 1 tablespoon oil. Grill, turning frequently, until corn is charred and heated through, 10-12 minutes. Remove from grill; when cool enough to handle, cut kernels from cobs and transfer to a large bowl.

Stovetop method: Cut the kernels from the cobs and place in a small bowl. In a large skillet, heat 1 table-

UPSTATE UROLOGY

ADVANCED TREATMENT, TRAINING, TECHNOLOGY GENNADY BRATSLAVSKY, MD

ZAHI N. MAKHULI, MD

DMITRIY NIKOLAVSKY, MD

JC TRUSSELL, MD

RAKESH KHANNA, MD

IMAD NSOULI, MD

SPECIALTIES: urologic oncology robotic and laparoscopic surgery of prostate, kidney, bladder, and adrenal

When you need labwork, we’re in your neighborhood When your doctor orders blood tests, visit laboratoryalliance.com to find directions and hours for our patient service centers.

Simply bring your prescription to any of our 11 locations, no appointment needed!

Most healthcare providers choose Laboratory Alliance — prompt, courteous and in your neighborhood.

laboratoryalliance.com

Locally owned and employing more than 430 Central New York professionals

SPECIALTIES: male infertility, erectile dysfunction, andrology, general urology

OLEG SHAPIRO, MD

SPECIALTIES: urologic oncology and endourology, robotic and laparoscopic surgery of prostate, kidney, bladder, and adrenal; renal stone disease

JESSICA E PAONESSA, MD

SPECIALITIES: nephrolithiasis (kidney stones); enlarged prostate, urination problems; voiding dysfunction; bladder surgery; kidney surgery

SPECIALTIES: general urology, andrology

SPECIALTIES: urologic oncology robotic and laparoscopic surgery of prostate, kidney, bladder, and adrenal

JONATHAN RIDDELL, MD

SPECIALTY: pediatric urology

SPECIALTIES: female/male incontinence urethral stricture disease pelvic organ prolapse vessico vaginal fistula, reconstructive surgery

SPECIALTY: general urology

SRINIVAS VOURGANTI, MD

SPECIALITIES: urologic oncology; prostate cancer, bladder cancer; kidney cancer; penile cancer

TIMOTHY K BYLER, MD SPECIALITY: general female urologic health

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A REFERRAL CALL 315-464-1500.

WWW.UPSTATE.EDU/UROLOGY August 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 13

Meet Excellus’ New Regional President

James Reed returns for second stint as regional president

F

or James Reed, succeeding in the business world while following a core personal value system is inseparable.

Reed, who has returned for his second stint as regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Central New York region, has Le Moyne College in Syracuse to thank for that.

He was formerly senior vice president of sales and marketing, a role that he will incorporate into his regional president’s duties.

Reed replaces physician Arthur P. Vercillo, who retired from the position earlier this summer. Vercillo will continue to focus on his local surgical practice.

Reed oversees 850 Excellus BCBS employees who work in the CNY offices.

He previously held the regional president position from 2008-2009 and moved into the senior vice president of sales and marketing role to help prepare the organization for significant changes resulting from passage of the Affordable Care Act. Reed earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business and a Master of Business Administration degree from Le Moyne College. He is on the Le Moyne College business school advisory board.

“I give tremendous credit to my career success to the foundation I learned and gained at Le Moyne,” he said. “It’s a good, well-rounded liberal arts education built on the Jesuit value structure and system.”

He said this approach not only gives one a broad sense of many fields of study, but it is grounded in the foundation of Jesuit values.

“Part of the success of my career has been around the value structure that I bring to the table. The values that you learn at Le Moyne carry with you for the rest of your life,” he said. Some of those values include spiritual inquiry, civic engagement and religious and cultural pluralism.

Reed said Le Moyne graduates are part of an extended family.

“When you graduate from Le Moyne, you have this connection with other graduates that is part of the Jesuit culture and value structure,” he said.

This sense of recognition and acceptance, Reed said, is evident throughout Upstate New York.

“Other colleges have good, quality liberal arts education, and quality academic reputations and programs, but maybe don’t have that connection and feel,” he said.

Reed, 44, is originally from Elmira.

In 2006, he and his wife Theresa bought a house in Skaneateles and have since called it home.

The couple has three children: two teenage boys, Jake and Tommy, and a 10-year-old daughter, Katie.

At Le Moyne, Reed played baseball for the legendary Dick Rockwell, a notable coach and athletic director who is considered an icon in Dolphin circles.

Reed was a pitcher until an injured shoulder sidelined him his junior year.

After growing up an athlete, Reed

said he believes in the concept of teamwork and making that an integral part of the business culture he wants to create.

“I think aspects that you learn in sports are very translatable over to the business world,” he said.

“I try first and foremost to build a good team and make sure people who are on the team are in the right roles and understand what their roles are,” he said.

“I view myself as the coach. With any team, you’ve got certain skill sets and responsibilities that team members have,” he said. “As the coach, I am able to help guide, counsel, mentor and provide focus and direction.”

Reed graduated from Le Moyne in 1993, and not long after was hired by BlueCross BlueShield of Central New York. He will be celebrating his 20th anniversary at Excellus in January of 2016.

Reed spent the majority of those years working in the Southern Tier. He took on sales and account management roles before relocating to the Central New York market as his job evolved.

His role involves leading the sales and marketing team that has account management as well as promotion and product responsibilities for the organization across Excellus’ Central New York territory.

Reed said he views himself as a senior level leader in the community with the responsibility and opportunity to engage with other leaders representing customers, hospital and physician communities.

“Relationships obviously in any business really are the keys to success,” he said. “This organization has been very good for nearly 80 years at developing relationships and keeping them strong.”

Reed said among his skill sets, the ability to create, cultivate and maintain relationships based on trust are paramount. He noted his career has been built on this ability.

Dramatic time of change

Reed noted the insurance industry environment has dramatically changed between his stints as regional president.

“I also think in many ways, it’s very much the same. We have very similar challenges as a community within healthcare and the health insurance industry,” he said.

These challenges involve the affordability of health insurance and healthcare coverage.

Page 14 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare

By Lou Sorendo

“That is of utmost concern to all our stakeholders, whether they are customers, hospitals or physicians in the provider delivery side of the system, as well as ourselves as an employer. In so many ways, we have exactly the same issues that we faced in 2008-2009,” he said.

Reed said new regulations are now intact with the arrival of the Affordable Care Act. “We still end up being focused on the same thing, and that is how do we make health insurance more affordable and accessible to people who live within our communities,” he said.

Reed said when the ACA was implemented in January of 2014, the state exchange was created and a new individual market was born across the country.

Today’s climate now features a new market segment that is more focused on the New York state-based exchange and the subsidies and accessibility associated with health insurance coverage, Reed noted.

When assessing the ACA, Reed said when the law was first passed in 2010, the main objective was to provide access to health insurance for people who did not have it.

“Generally speaking, I think the law is successful in its effort to provide access to insurance for those who didn’t have access,” he said.

For Reed, there are several aspects of his job that must be dialed in for him to realize success as a regional president.

One of them involves his internal team and employees and ensuring staff members are in the right positions and have the right resources to accomplish their objectives.

Another key component to success is being engaged with the community, he said. Reed noted Excellus features a significant employee presence in Upstate New York, and the company takes advantage of numerous community involvement opportunities.

“That’s an important piece of the regional president’s role because it’s impacting the lives and health of people that live and work in our community,” he said.

Effectively collaborating with the provider delivery system is another key to success as a regional president, Reed noted.

He said the ability of a locally based health insurance company to have a strong, established partnership with the provider delivery system is crucial when working together to develop payment policies and quality of care that’s delivered to members.

Reed said he has been working with Crouse Hospital, SUNY Upstate Medical University, St. Joseph’s Hos-

pital Health Center and the physician community to help unlock that partnership model.

Another key to success for Reed is engaging with customers. “We exist because our customers find value in the products that we sell,” he said.

He said it is essential to understand what customers’ priorities and objectives are, whether it involves providing coverage to employees, buying individual coverage or dealing with Medicare-eligible seniors.

Challenging environment — Reed said he faces many job-related challenges, including a regulatory environment that features a tax high burden to pay for the ACA. It has increased access, Reed said, but is also comes at a significant cost.

“There is an increased tax burden that we all pay in our premiums to help cover the subsidies and building of the exchange,” he said. “The regulatory environment is certainly a challenge from my perspective.”

Reed said the cost challenge is very real. “It’s easy for me to say that our objective is to align with the provider delivery system and customers in a way that benefits all,” he said.

“Those objectives are hard to achieve,” he said. “Especially in a climate where you’ve got somewhat disparate parties at the table. The insurance company is in the middle as a risk-taking conduit between providers and consumers. You’ve got hospitals

and physicians who may or may not be connected in any way. You’ve got specialists, primary care physicians, pharmacists and ancillary providers in an ecosystem that is quite large and complex.”

Reed said it is easy to say Excellus can make and foster a collaborative environment around that ecosystem where incentives and objectives become commonly aligned around the delivery of high-quality care at the most affordable costs. However, “the mechanism by which you get there can be very complex and difficult,” Reed noted.

Reed said technology looms as a challenge as well. He said the health insurance sector has yet to take advantage of the technology opportunities that exist.

Reed said Excellus is meeting the challenge with a multi-year investment toward modernizing the infrastructure associated with its transactions and delivery of those transactions so they are much more focused on current technology and use of rapid, mobile resources.

The lag, Reed said, was due to the advent of the ACA and time spent adjusting to those changes instead of upgrading from a technology standpoint.

Reed is a volunteer for The MakeA-Wish Foundation. He is also on the board of Syracuse Stage, CenterState CEO and is board president of Little League in Skaneateles.

And How About Those High Premiums?

A

13.9 percent rate increase on small group and 12.8 percent increase on individual policies is necessary in 2016 due to the rising costs of health care, regulatory burdens and operating losses from previous years, according to the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield website.

Excellus provides health insurance and administrative services for about 1.6 million Upstate New Yorkers in 39 counties. The proposed premium rates affect about 257,000 members or 15.9 percent of the health plan’s total membership.

Its proposed rates are subject to review by the New York Department of Financial Services.

The proposed rate adjustment is based on the need to recover from operating losses in previous years, anticipated increases in medical costs, and changes in the health insurance market driven by federal and state actions, according to the proposal.

“These changes are likely contributing factors for most Upstate New York health plans reporting underwriting losses in 2014,” the proposal said.

“We take proactive steps to help manage rising health care costs that drive premium increases,” said James

Reed, regional president Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Central New York region.

“Through innovative payment arrangements, we provide support and incentives for providers to attain the triple aim of enhanced patient experience, improved quality and reduced costs,” he noted.

Excellus is partnering with Upstate New York hospitals to provide incentives for improvements in quality measures and reductions in the number of hospital-acquired infections, Reed noted.

“We continue to offer significantly lower cost private coverage than the national average, which helps more people afford coverage,” he said. The annual family PPO [preferred provider organization] premium rates in Upstate New York averaged 30 percent lower than the national average reported in the most recent nationwide benefit-for-benefit price comparison done in 2010, he said.

“Wiser health care spending is fostered by strong local collaborations among those who provide care and the employers and insurers who finance it,” he said. “Lower costs mean broader access to affordable coverage.

Former Leader to Focus on Private Practice Physician Arthur Vercillo has retired from his position as regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Central New York territory.

“I look forward to maintaining my local surgical practice and spending more time with family and friends,” Vercillo said.

“For the past decade, I’ve enjoyed working with many talented people at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield,” he said. “I’ve been proud to be part of an organization that values collaborative relationships with health care providers and cares deeply about its service to employers, members and the community.”

Acupuncture Massage Yoga Esthetics Laser Skin Therapy & more!

Skin Care Products

AFTER

BEFORE

NeriumAD is a clinically proven formula that reduces the appearance of fine lines, discoloration and wrinkles.

NeriumFirm is formulated to reduce the appearance of cellulite and firms, tones and tightens loose skin in problem areas like your thighs, stomach or arms.

Real Results

Sharpen your focus.

Sharpen your edge.

See how our age-defying products are helping people look younger!

Contact Mary LaRussa

Independent Brand Partner Phone: 315-559-7392 n Website: www.maryl3331.nerium.com n mflarussa@gmail.com

For comprehensive, quality care from physicians you can trust, turn to University OB/GYN Associates All general and specialty women’s services are provided by our group

Infertility Diagnosis and Treatment

• Including Advanced Reproductive Technologies • In – Vitro Fertilization

Family Planning General Maternity Care Urogynecology High Risk Maternity Care Gyn Oncology General Gynecology and Well Woman Services • Including menopause and PMS

We’re accepting new patients to our practice 725 Irving Ave Suite 600 Syracuse NY 13210 315-464-5162

Our physicians are faculty of the Upstate Medical University We are the only group with the Academic Difference Most insurances accepted www.upstate.edu/obgyn August 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 15

Enabling Force Agency helping developmentally disabled persons changes name, adds personnel

By Matthew Liptak

O

SODUS, NY

NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER

Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, Memory Care, Hospice, Palliative & Respite Care, Triple Care - after hour physician care Outpatient Rehab

315-483-9118 www.blossomview.com

nondaga Community Living has changed its name to Opportunity and Choices in Life to reflect more closely what the organization is all about — it offers specialized, self-directed support services to each developmentally disabled person it serves.

Patricia Fratangelo, executive director of OCL since 1990, estimates the agency serves about 150 people in Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga and Cortland counties. That’s a substantial increase since the organization first started serving people in 1987 and assisted only 18 people in three group homes.

It has also just recently added staffers Kathleen Marafino, Mary Lou Ball and Andrea Hayes Stoughtenger to its team. The trio comes from another local agency that discontinued some of its services. The people they’ve served are expected to follow them to OCL and increase the number of self-directed individuals at OCL’s by up to 30 percent.

The growth may have to do with the unique way of how OCL chose to help those it served, according to Fratangelo. OCL doesn’t have any facilities or job sites at its location to offer the developmentally disabled and it meets each person without preconceived notions of how he or she might be helped. Instead, the person being served, along with staff and family,

Affordable Windows Factory Direct Pricing

229 SPECIAL $

Thousands Of Satisfied Customers

315-635-1572

decide on the right programs that will fit the individual. It’s an approach that has met with great success, Fratangelo said. So much so that OCL has become somewhat of a role model for other organizations both across the country and around the world, she said.

Fratangelo has been asked to travel to different nations to give advice on how to implement similar self-directed programs.

“I’ve been in numerous countries,” she said. “I’ve met with governments.

I’ve met with families. I’ve met with self-advocates. I’ve met with staff in a variety of different ways.”

One advantage of the self-directed focus, also called using personal supports, is the developmentally disabled person is likely to have fewer behavioral issues when he or she is consulted directly on their needs.

“We don’t have any behavior problems right now because if you give people what they need versus what you think they need, then people are happier,” Fratangelo said. “We spend a lot of time looking at what brings out the best in the person and then really what brings out the worst in the person. If we can know what brings out the worst in the person, then why would we ever do it?”

OCL serves people in other unique ways too, the director said. It will help pair non-disabled and disabled people together for their housing needs, find-

ing the right match of people through the common interests they share.

Fratangelo said this approach has met with success although she admits it can take some work to find the right pairing of housemates.

“Most people, at least that we are involved with, don’t dream about living with another stranger with a disability,” she said.

The organization also sends the developmentally disabled to college.

Eight individuals are now at Syracuse University pursuing a certificate of completion. It is given upon finishing a group of several courses of their choice.

They are given up to four years to pursue their higher education goals and are advised and supported by OCL and the university.

NEXT ISSUE MEN’S HEALTH & FITNESS

Where Independent Living meets Personalized Care.

81 South St., Auburn, NY 13021

315-252-0507

WestminsterManorAdultHome.org

• Eating disorders are largely overlooked in men. What are the signs a loved one has a problem? • Testosterone levels: Is this something you should worry about? Tread with care: learn about treadmill safety

BACK TO SCHOOL • Kids & caffeinated beverages: do they go together?

• Home school: What are the option locally? • How to prepare your kids for the first day in school • All about vaccination

Jacquie lost 100 lbs. and found a whole new perspective.

Sitting down for storytime with her students was hard. Getting back up was nearly impossible.

But since Jacquie had weight-loss surgery, she’s found the energy to keep up with her class.

Jacquie also found a compassionate team at Crouse. From trusted surgeons and nutritional experts to an ongoing support group that’s with her every step of the way. Hear Jacquie’s

story at crouse.org/weightloss.

Page 16

•

Downside apparent

Self-direction for the developmentally disabled has become more popular in recent years in New York state, according to Fratangelo. As other agencies are coming into the fold though, the attitude of state government has been to encourage, but heavily regulate this trend. That has led to some new challenges for OCL. Fratangelo said at one point her organization found funding relatively easy but things are now growing more complicated. She indicated she agrees with state regulations to prevent abuse but that she thought they may have gone overboard by creating blanket policies that aren’t appropriate for all agencies.

“They are very much bureaucratizing it, she said. “This is the worst that I’ve really seen the restriction and the knee jerk reactions and the overprotections.”

For more information on OCL, go to www.oclinc.org or call 315-434-9597.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2015

Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You? Upcoming Free Seminars: Aug 3 • Aug 20 To register: crouse.org/weightloss 315/472-2464

Don’t let life’s everyday demands and geographic separation prevent you or your loved ones from getting the care and attention they need!

Call 315.380.6195 to reach Geriatric Care Manager, Gail Rosenholm Your geriatric care manager can serve as a consultant, an adviser, a mediator, and advocate, a problem solver or a surrogate daughter managing all your services.

Visit senioradvocatecaremanagement.com to learn more.

By Jim Miller

How to Protect Your Eyes from Macular Degeneration Dear Savvy Senior, Is macular degeneration hereditary? My mother lost her vision from it before she died a few years ago, and now at age 65, I’m worried I may get it. What can you tell me?

Nearsighted Susan Dear Susan, Having a parent or sibling with macular degeneration does indeed increase your risk three to four times. But the good news is there are things you can do to protect your eyesight, and a number of treatments that are available if you do happen to get it. Here’s what you should know.

What is AMD?

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (or AMD), is the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 50, affecting about 10 million Americans.

AMD is a progressive eye disease that damages the macula, the part of the eye that allows us to see objects clearly, causing vision loss in the center of your vision. This affects the ability to read, drive, watch television and do routine daily tasks, but it does not cause total blindness.

There are two types of AMD — wet and dry. Dry AMD, which affects about 90 percent of all people that have it, progresses slowly and painlessly over a period of years. While wet AMD is much more aggressive and can cause severe vision loss in a matter of weeks or months.

Factors that can increase your risk of getting AMD include age (60 and older); smoking; excessive exposure to sunlight especially if you have light-colored eyes; certain genetic components; a family history of AMD; high blood pressure; obesity; and being Caucasian.

For anyone over the age of 60, it’s

a smart idea to get your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist every year. They can spot early signs of AMD before vision loss occurs. Early signs, however, may include shadowy areas in your central vision or unusually fuzzy or distorted vision. The Amsler grid at amslergrid.org, is a good tool to check your eyes for AMD.

Sound-based therapy works on supporting change in learning, development, and wellness.

The Davis Model of Sound Intervention ® repatterms the subtle energy system between the voice, ear and brain, supporting a pathway of self-healing. Appropriate programs are determined by a proprietary test battery. People of all ages with all issues/diagnoses have obtained a more balanced self with this approach.

Now at the RoseHeart Center 5900 N. Burdick Street, East Syracuse, NY 13057 ddavis@thedaviscenter,com • 862-251-4637 Dorinne Davis Schedule online at www.thedaviscenter.com World’s Leading Sound-based Therapist

Preventing AMD

While there’s currently no cure for AMD there are some things you can do if you’re high risk. One option is to talk to your doctor about taking a daily dose of antioxidant vitamins and minerals known as AREDS — vitamins C and E, plus copper, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc. Studies by the National Eye Institute have shown that AREDS can reduce the risk by about 25 percent that dry AMD will progress.

Most drug stores sell these eye supplements in tablet or soft gel form over-the-counter for around $20 to $30, but be aware that not all eye supplements contain the proper formulation.

Choose either the PreserVision Eye Vitamin AREDS Formula, PreserVision Eye Vitamin Lutein Formula, PreserVision AREDS2 Formula, or ICAPS AREDS. These four options contain the right formula mix.

Other lifestyle adjustments that may help prevent or delay AMD include eating antioxidant-rich foods such as dark green, leafy vegetables and cold-water fish for their omega-3 fatty acids; protecting your eyes from the sun by wearing UV protective sunglasses; controlling high blood pressure; exercising regularly; and if you smoke, quit.

Wet AMD Treatments

For wet AMD, there are several effective medications (Lucentis, Avastin and Eylea) available that can stop vision loss and may even restore it. These medications are given by injection into the eye, and repeated every month or two, perhaps indefinitely.

Note that each of these three drugs works equally in treating wet AMD, but there’s a big cost difference. Avastin costs just $50 per month, compared with $2,000 for the other two. So experts recommend Avastin as the first choice for most people with wet AMD, especially if you don’t have supplemental Medicare coverage.

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

Dedicated to:

Degree Programs include:

• Academic Excellence • Quality Patient Care • Professional Leadership

• • •

•

For more information call NYCC at 1-800-234-6922 or visit www.nycc.edu.

Doctor of Chiropractic Master of Science in Acupuncture Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition (online delivery) • Master of Science in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction (online delivery)

Academic Excellence.

Professional Success.

Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine of New York Chiropractic College School of Applied Clinical Nutrition

2360 Route 89 • Seneca Falls, NY 13148

August 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 17

Golden Years SilverSneakers Motivates, Educates Program is available at several locations in the region

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

E

veryone needs exercise to age well. Exercise aids in weight loss, reducing blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, maintaining good balance and keeping bones and muscles strong. It takes some effort, and most people could use a little more motivation to get out and get moving.

That’s what SilverSneakers Fitness is all about.

Offered at numerous gyms and community organizations, the program provides seniors with discounted memberships and programs well-suited to their needs.

About 13,000 facilities nationwide offer the SilverSneakers Fitness

Certified SilverSneakers instructors at Oswego YMCA Michele Southgate (left) and Cathy Bonoffski (in hat).

program (www.silversneakers.com), which is handy for snowbirds or those who enjoy traveling during retirement.

Members may use as many different facilities as they would like and any of the equipment or classes they wish (with some exceptions).

About one-fifth of people 65 and older qualify, according to the organization’s website. Many insurers and Medicare plans include SilverSneakers Fitness.

Joining is easy.

“They just bring in their insurance card to sign up,” said John Francis, owner of Workouts B’ville in Baldwinsville. “No doubt it brings more seniors to my gym.

“It helps them stay in shape. They stay more active and socialize with people the same age.”

Francis offers SilverSneakers classes Tuesdays and Thursdays, but some seniors stay afterward to use the equipment.

By working through SilverSneakers, gym owners don’t have to worry about seniors’ budgets prohibiting their gym patronage, unlike a scenario where they pay the membership outof-pocket. Community centers can also benefit from attracting new members who may be interested in other, paid programs or volunteering.

Typically, a gym offering SilverS-

In a typical SilverSneakers class, seniors do a number of exercises, including stretching.

Offered at numerous gyms and community organizations, the program provides seniors with discounted memberships and programs well-suited to their needs. neakers receives reimbursement each time the member visits the gym up to a certain maximum number of visits, equivalent to most gym’s membership fees. Additional visits won’t be covered; however, most gyms offer members unlimited use anyway.

It makes business sense for the facility owner to make his gym as welcoming an environment as possible to seniors by offering senior-oriented programming, classes and equipment.

SilverSneakers programs typically include walking, light weights, chairbased exercise and other ways to keep seniors moving, all led by personnel trained by SilverSneakers.

“The design of classes is such that it is appropriate for individuals who are fit and active as well as those who are sedentary, or may be intimidated or unfamiliar with exercise,” said Trish

Levine, health and wellness director of development at Oswego YMCA. Insurance companies typically cover SilverSneakers and gym memberships since staying fit can reduce the severity and prevalence of health issues. A planned monthly expense — the gym membership — can help prevent a large expense, such as surgery and recovery from a broken hip.

Seniors can’t beat the deal. As part of the insurance coverage they already receive, they get unlimited access, and, in many locations, programs that are easy on the joints.

“It’s been very popular among our older adults,” said Susan Montminy, wellness coordinator at North Area YMCA. They enjoy the style and format. They like exercising in the morning and they like the variety SilverSneakers offers.”

Healthful Dining for Seniors Where you go to dine makes a big difference, say experts

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

F

or many seniors, eating out fills both social and nutritional needs.

But it’s important to choose wisely to support good health.

Where you go to dine makes a big difference. Fast food restaurants offer fewer nutritious choices than many sitdown restaurants, for example. Most of their offerings contain too many calories, too much sodium and too much fat. Since each of these areas can contribute to health problems for many seniors, it pays to order carefully — and question what is served. “[When] we go out to eat there are many things hidden in what is served to us,” said Laurel Sterling, registered dietitian and wellness educator at Natur-Tyme in Syracuse. “It is difficult to know what you are really getting so we have to do our best with making good informed choices. Don’t be afraid to

Page 18

•

ask questions.”

You can also “spoil” your appetite by eating a nutritious snack such as a protein drink or bar or a piece of fruit 30 minutes before going out.

Sterling also suggested eating “a salad or veggies in place of white rice to get in more fiber and veggies.”

Many restaurants don’t mind swapping components of a meal. You’ll also lower the calorie count of the meal by eating more veggies.

Skipping appetizers, bread baskets, chips, sweetened drinks and alcoholic beverages greatly reduces calories, as does asking for dressing on the side.

“Choose oil and vinegar for dressing to cut out unwanted salts and sugars,” Sterling added.

The way food is prepared makes a huge difference. Sterling suggested asking for items that are baked, broiled,

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2015

steamed, grilled, poached or roasted instead of fried, breaded, covered in rich sauces.

Ordering a broth-based soup and a salad (dressing on the side) represents an a la carte order that goes easy on calories, fat and your wallet.

To limit sodium, Darlyn Frass, registered dietitian at St. Joseph’s Health, recommended choosing a baked potato, vegetable or side salad rather than fries or a potato or pasta salad. The latter are loaded with salt.

“Avoid soups, pickled items, ham, corned beef, and deli meats,” she added.

Before going out, prepare to eat right. Frass suggested looking online for nutrition facts and menus so you can know what you’ll eat ahead of time.

As an example of calorie control,

you could order off the children’s menu. Frass said to look for a senior portion on the menu as well.

You could also share an item.

“Divide an entrée or dessert,” she said. “Or, bring home half or more of your meal in a take-home box.”

You can also prevent overeating by pacing yourself with the table’s slowest eater. Or take one bite for every three bites of your dining companions.

It’s easy to attack the bread basket if you’ve finished your entree and others are still eating.

“No matter what your goal, enjoying food and sharing a meal with others adds to quality of life,” Frass said. “And to better digest a meal, take time to relax and enjoy it.”

The Social Ask Security Office Provided Deborah Banikowski, Social Security OfficeSocial Security Office

80 Years Of Social Security

S

ocial Security has provided critical Act was the Economic Security Act? The anniversary website also financial help to people of all ages for the last 80 years and, despite its includes a timeline of our history. It begins with the signing of the act in age, it’s not retiring any time soon. As 1935 and ends with this year’s anthe Social Security program celebrates nouncement of Vision 2025, our bold its historic birthday this August, we’re vision that will guide the agency as we reflecting on our diverse history, our work to meet the future customer sercurrent strengths, and ways we can vice needs of the public. A memorable continue to improve our services to spot on the timeline is Nov. 2, 2000, the you. date when we started taking retirement On Aug. 14, 1935, President Frankclaims online. lin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Since our agency’s beSecurity Act into law. In doing ginning, we’ve relied on our so, he promised the law would passionate and hard-working protect “the average citizen and employees to face challenges his family against the loss of a and provide exceptional serjob and against poverty-ridden vice. Throughout the 80 days old age.” Today, we continue to leading up to our anniversary, provide financial security for we’ve been posting employour country’s most vulnerable ee testimonials that answer citizens. In fact, Social Security the question, “Why do you provides world-class service to serve?” We also invited you to millions of people every day Banikowski share your story with us. You — online, on the phone and in can tell us how Social Security our network of field offices across the has made a difference in your life or country. the lives of your family and friends.

As we celebrate 80 years, we’re We would love to hear from you, the proud to present our “Celebrating the people we serve every day.

Past and Building the Future” anniverWhen the Social Security program sary website. There, you can read 80 started 80 years ago, our goal was to interesting facts about an agency that provide an economic lifeline for people touches everyone’s life at some point or another. For example, did you know in need. Today, Social Security continthe original name of the Social Security ues to protect millions of people. Join us in commemorating this significant milestone! Visit www.socialsecurity. gov/80thanniversary.

Q&A

Q: I lost my Medicare card. How can I get replacement?

A: The easiest and newest way to get a replacement Medicare card is by using your my Social Security account.

Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount for more information on how to create an account. You also can get a replacement Medicare card by calling us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778). Keep your card in a safe place. You don’t want anyone getting hold of your Social Security number. They could steal your identity.

Q: Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?

A: The law states Social Security disability benefits can be paid only after you have been disabled continuously throughout a period of five full calendar months. Social Security disability benefits begin with the sixth full month after the date your disability began. You are not able to receive benefits for any month during the waiting period. Learn more at our website: www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Q: Do I have to give my Social Security number whenever I’m asked?

A: Giving your Social Security number is voluntary. If requested, you should ask why the person asking

needs your Social Security number, how it will be used, what law requires you to give your number and what the consequences are if you refuse. The answers to these questions can help you decide whether to give your Social Security number. However, the decision is yours. Keep in mind that requestors might not provide you their services if you refuse to provide your Social Security number. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs to read or print our publication.

Q: My neighbor said he applied for Social Security retirement benefits online. Can you really apply for retirement without traveling to an office?

A: Yes, you can. And, what’s more exciting, it’s the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to apply for retirement benefits. Our secure website makes it simple, allowing you to apply for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. You can get started now at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.

Q: What is the earliest age I can begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits?

A: The earliest age you can begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits is age 62. If you decide to receive benefits before your full retirement age, which for most people is age 66 or 67, you will receive a reduced benefit. Keep in mind you will not be able to receive Medicare coverage until age 65.

Bruce Stewart, DDS Ultra Modern Dentistry Backed

by Old Fashioned Values

• Advanced Laser Periodontal therapy available.

• Implants placed and restored • CEREC Crowns - beautiful, strong, done in one visit • Digital low radiation x-rays • Root Canal therapy • Natural tooth colored fillings • Complete Smile makeovers • Complete recare services including periodontal and oral cancer screenings

NOW ACCEPTING DELTA DENTAL

321 Main St., Oneida, NY 13421

(315) 363-4940 www.oneidanydentist.com Join Us On FACEBOOK

Extended Payment Plans through Care Credit

Home Care by Seniors for Seniors There’s a huge difference in the kind of home care you can receive from someone who really understands what your life is like as a senior. The concerns you have. The need for independence. Someone who, like you, has a little living under his or her belt. Our loving, caring, compassionate seniors are there to help. We offer all the services you need to stay in your own home, living independently.

• Transportation • Shopping • Doctor Appointments • Companion Care • Housekeeping services • Meal preparation/cooking • 24-Hour Care • and more Call us today. Like getting a little help from your friends.

Onondaga, Madison, and Cortland Counties

Call 315-280-0739

Oswego, Cayuga, and Seneca Counties

Call 315-720-4441 ©2009. Each office is independently owned and operated. All trademarks are registered trademarks of Corporate Mutual Resources Incorporated.

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com

SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING SIMEON DEWITT

150 E. 1st St. Oswego, NY 13126 315-343-0440

TOWPATH TOWERS

100 Rochester St. Fulton, NY 13069 315-598-4700

SPRINGBROOK APARTMENTS 4920 N. Jefferson St. Pulaski, NY 13142 315-298-6101

Preference given for veterans or spouses of veterans.

August 2015 •

ns Applicatio g now bein accepted.

The following services are included in your rent • Trash Collection • New Appliances • Bus for shopping/groceries • Heat, Electricity & Hot Water • Snow Removal & Lawn Care • Planned Activities • All repairs & maintenance

Equal Housing opportunity Supervised by NYS DHCR

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 19

H ealth News Upstate University Hospital names two chief officers Upstate University Hospital has recently named two chief officers: • Physician Hans Cassagnol, who served as associate chief quality officer at Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pa., is Upstate’s new chief quality officer, Cassagnol has more than 15 years of experience in the healthcare field, most recently with Geisinger Health System, where served as associate chief quality officer at the system level and chairman of quality and safety for the Women Health Service Line. Geisinger is a fully integrated system, featuring seven hospitals, approximately 50 Cassagnol outpatient clinics, three outpatient surgical centers, 2,000 physicians and 21,000 employees.

Cassagnol has held faculty appointments at Temple University School of Medicine, the Commonwealth Medical College and Misericordia University School of Nursing.

A diplomate of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cassagnol is a member of numerous

CALENDAR

Continued from page 4 call 677-3293 or email cpresbyt@twcny. rr.com.

Aug. 17

Learning breastfeeding techniques Keep Calm and Latch On! — that’s the name of the workshop offered by Chris Herrera, group coordinator or CNY Doula Connection, to mothers and mothers-to-be who are interested in breatfeeding. “Although breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always come easily and is a learned art,” she says.

The meeting will provide expectant and new parents with the knowledge and confidence to successfully start and sustain a satisfying breastfeeding relationship with their baby. The free event will take place 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Women’s Info Center, 601 Allen St., Syracuse. For more information, call 315-418-3163.

Aug. 24

Support group offered to Lyme-infected people People infected with Lyme or tick-borne disease will have a chance to learn more about the condition and treatment at a support group meeting taking place 6 – 8 p.m., Aug. 24, at the Page 20

•

professional societies, including the American College of Physician Executives, American Society of Professionals in Patient Safety.

He is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Cassagnol earned his medical degree from the Szczesniak University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 1988 and a master’s degree of medical management from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business in 2012. He earned an undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in 1994.

• Nurse Marie Gressler Szczesniak, with nearly 20 years in patient relations and nursing, is the hospital’s new chief experience officer.

The new position will be responsible for leading and initiating efforts to enhance the hospital’s focus on family-centered care and work to strengthen the patient and family experience and patient relations.

Since 2013, Szczesniak served as the director of the office of patient experience at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, which included such responsibilities as patient relations, patient rights and responsibilities, service excellence, volunteer services,

patient and family advisory council, healing services, interpreter services and diversity and inclusion. Her work in this area involved collaboration with a variety caregivers.

Szczensiak joined St. Joe’s in 1998 and worked in a variety of nursing roles and assisted in numerous quality improvement initiatives, before heading the office of patient experience.

Szczensiak earned a master’s degree in nursing from Keuka College in 2011 and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Russell Sage in 1998.

Hartford Library, 2105 Oxford Road, south of Utica. The event is coordinated by John Thompson, a Lyme disease patient who is affiliated with the Mohawk Valley Lyme Support Group.

The group provides support, education and resources. Future meetings are schedule from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Hartford Library on the following dates: Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15 and Dec. 20, For more information, contact Renee at 315-797-6666 or through the email mvlymegroup@yahoo.com.

The local event will take place at at Long Branch Park in Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Walk starts at 10:30 a.m. Festivities and free picnic lunch to follow.

Musical entertainment by Bill Ali and the Shotgun Trio. T-shirts are available for purchase. Children will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of games and prizes.

Registration is required and preferred by Aug. 29. For more information call 315-682-4289, email dsaofcny@ aol.com or visit www.dsaofcny.org.

In addition to the 3-mile walk, participants can interact with sponsors, learn about clinical trials, and take part in a special tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s.

To start or join a team today, visit the Alzheimer’s Association alz.org/ walk. To learn more about disease and available resources, call the toll-free Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

Sept. 27

Oct. 3

Down syndrome group to sponsor Buddy Walk

Walk to End Alzheimer’s turns 25

Conference on Parkinson’s disease in Cicero

The Down Syndrome Association of Central New York, Inc. is sponsoring its 17th annual Buddy Walk on Sunday, Sept. 27. The purpose of this free event is to promote the acceptance of and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to nearly 300 walks planned for 2015 worldwide.

In 2014, nearly $13 million was raised nationwide to benefit local programs and services, as well as national advocacy and public awareness initiatives of NDSS that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.

The Alzheimer’s Association invites Syracuse area residents to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s Oct. 3 at Long Branch Park in Liverpool. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event in Syracuse.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s is more than a walk. It is an experience for hundreds of participants that descend on the park to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities and clinical studies enrollment to support programs and services. Walk participants also honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease with the Promise Garden ceremony.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2015

Loretto appoints new development manager Katie Mondrick has been named Loretto’s development manager. She will be responsible to create, administer and implement Loretto’s long-term development plan and manage all fundraising activities for the Loretto Foundation.

Mondrick has been with Loretto for four years, and most recently served as the associate director of marketing and development.

Mondrick Prior to joining

Loretto, Mondrick worked as a healthcare recruiter for Maxim Healthcare.

She holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in health services administration from SUNY Oswego and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Le Moyne College.

Mondrick is a member of the United Way Young Leaders Group, and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She and her husband, Lincoln, live in Verona.

Surgeon joins Auburn Community Physician Alan Sherburne has joined the Auburn Community Hospital medical staff and will be practicing at Surgical Services of Auburn, 77 Nelson St., suite 220 in Auburn.

Sherburne completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maine and received his medical doctorate degree from the University of Rochester School Of Medicine. Sherburne completed Sherburne his residency in

Oct. 8

Living an Active Life with Parkinson’s Disease Conference is a free day of learning offered by the Onondaga County Office for Aging and Upstate University Hospital’s HealthLink. The event will be held from 9 a.m. –2:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8 at the American Legion Post 787 in Cicero, 5575 Legionnaire Drive (off Route 31). Check-in is at 8:15 a.m.

Conference host Susan Kennedy (Host, WCNY’s “Cycle of Health”) will introduce programs on current research and treatment options, managing the emotional challenges associated with a chronic disease, improving and maintaining balance and strength and practical equipment & innovative devices to enhance daily living. Participants will also enjoy a light lunch at no cost.

The afternoon will feature an expert panel discussion with the presence of several professionals, including physicians P Pre-registration is required as space is limited. To register, please call Upstate Connect at 315-464-8668. The deadline for registration is Monday, Sept. 28

H ealth News

Past Upstate University Hospital CEOs Return to Campus for Celebration All five former Upstate University Hospital chief executive officers, whose tenure of leadership date back to the opening of the hospital, joined current CEO John McCabe, June 10 for a celebration and the naming of the hospital’s main lobby the James H. Abbott Lobby, in recognition of the

hospital’s first leader. Attending this historic event are, from left, James L. Rosenberg, (CEO from 1986-1993), Ben Moore III, (1994-2005), Thomas J. Campbell (1973-1985) Phillip S. Schaengold (2005-2009), current CEO John McCabe, MD, and James H. Abbott (1964- 1971).

general surgery at Boston University Medical Center and also worked in cardiac surgery at West Roxbury Hospital in Massachusetts. He is board registered in medicine in the state of Massachusetts.

reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 9-1-1 call and continuing through hospital treatment.

Crouse — the only Mission: Lifeline Silver hospital in the region — continues to meet its mission of providing the best in patient care by consistently having the lowest door to balloon times — an average of 42 minutes in 2014.

In 2014, 100 percent of heart attack patients cared for at Crouse received treatment in under 90 minutes, which is the national goal. Eighty-five percent received care in under 60 minutes.

The hospital attributes this rapid time to treatment to a team approach that includes community EMS agencies working closely with hospital ER and cardiac care staff to ensure a quick and coordinated patient hand-off process.

“Crouse Hospital is dedicated to providing high-quality, swift and efficient care for our patients who suffer a heart attack, and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is helping us accomplish that goal through nationally respected clinical guidelines,” said physician Joseph Battaglia, medical director for cardiac care services at Crouse. “We’re pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in cardiac care, and I am very proud of our team.”

New doctor at Primecare Practice in Central Square Oswego Health welcomes physician Timothy Tramontana, who will provide primary care in Central Square at the Primecare Medical Practice.

The Primecare practice is located in the lower level of the Central Square Medical Center, 3045 East Ave., (County Route 49) in the village of Central Square.

Tramontana is a family medicine physician, who is also a lipidologist certified by the American Board of Clinical Lipidology, allowing him Tramontana to treat cholesterol abnormalities.

He earned his medical degree from Ross University in Dominica, West Indies, graduating with high honors. He completed his residency at Syracuse’s St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was chief resident for the family medicine program. Since completing the program, he has been providing primary care in the Syracuse area.

A native of the Rochester area, who earned his undergraduate degree from

Nazareth College, Tramontana said he enjoys living in Central New York and wanted to practice locally so he could remain in the area.

Tramontana said that earning his medical degree was a long-time goal.

“I can remember as far back as junior high school wanting to become a doctor,” he said adding that he also liked science.

When he isn’t working, Tramontana competes in natural body building competitions.

American Heart Association recognizes Crouse Crouse Hospital has received the Mission: Lifeline Silver Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association (AHA) for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.

Each year in the United States, approximately 250,000 people have a STEMI — or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (heart attack) caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to immediately restore blood flow, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication.

AHA’s Mission: Lifeline’s goal is to

Crouse Hospital elects new board members Patrick A. Mannion, chairman of Crouse Hospital’s board of directors, has announced the appointment of two new members to the hospital’s board.

• Tim Kennedy, president, Syracuse Media Group. Kennedy was August 2015 •

appointed president of the Syracuse Media Group in August 2012, and has led the transformation of The Post-Standard into a digitally-focused media company.

The company has been recognized as the No. 1 ranked local media website in the country for 24 months.

Kennedy Prior to moving to Syracuse, Kennedy served as the general manager at a global media company, Rodale, Inc., in Pennsylvania; chief executive officer and president at The Morning Call in Pennsylvania; and vice president of strategy and development at the Tribune Company Rodgers in Chicago.

Kennedy earned his bachelor of Business Administration degree from Western Michigan University and his master’s in management at Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Playing an active role in the community, Kennedy is also a current board member for NY News Publishers Association and CenterState CEO. • Leola Rodgers, president and CEO, Syracuse Community Health Center. In January 2015, Rodgers was appointed president and chief exec-

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 21

H ealth News utive officer of Syracuse Community Health Center, Inc. The center provides a variety of primary and specialty care services, including primary adult medical care, pediatrics, family practice, OB/GYN, dental, urgent care, schoolbased health center services, eyecare, podiatry and behavioral health to more than 40,000 patients annually.

Rodgers has more than 25 years of progressive management and operations experience in multiple healthcare settings ranging from community health centers to multi-hospital academic medical centers.

She has served as associate administrator for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, Ambulatory Services, Oasis and HealthLink at Upstate University Hospital; administrative director at University Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fla.; director of division and patient support services at Boston University Medical Center Hospital; and senior financial analyst at Detroit Osteopathic Hospital in Michigan.

Rodgers earned her bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Detroit and her master’s in healthcare administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Rodgers is currently a board member for the Health Foundation of Western and Central New York; Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY; United Way of Central New York; the National Association of Community Health Centers; Community Health Care Association of New York State; CenterState CEO and Syracuse 20/20.

SOS opens office in Camillus Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists (SOS) has recently opened a Camillus location for its orthopedic and sports therapy group (OS&T) at 5417 W. Gen-

esee St., Camillus.

“Since SOS opened its OS&T practice, we’ve seen tremendous collaboration between SOS physicians and the therapists,” said physician John Fatti, president of SOS. “This comprehensive interaction further enhances post-operative and non-operative patient care and is essential for each patient’s rehabilitation and recovery. We feel it in the best interests of our patients and the community to have another location in the western suburbs of Syracuse so that they have easy access to these services.”

The employees at SOS OS&T specialize in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic injuries, sports-related injuries and post-surgical care and provide a variety of services and treatments. OS&T concentrate on treatments for hand and wrist; foot and ankle; neck and back; shoulder and sports medicine.

Red Cross offers free smoke alarm Installation The American Red Cross is offering free smoke alarm installation and home fire safety education in five counties of Central New York: Onondaga, Oswego, Madison, Cortland and Cayuga.

All you have to do is schedule an appointment through 315-2342299.

Volunteers and staff will come to homes with smoke alarms and batteries and will test current smoke alarms and install new ones if needed. During installation a fire escape plan, and a yearly fire drill plan, will be developed.

In 2014 the Campaign installed 31, 300 smoke alarms and prepared 19,500 households.

Correction Yes, kids with mental illness who have private insurance can be admitted at Hutchings Psychiatric Center I regrets a misstatement published in the June edition of In Good Health under the segment Meet Your Doctor. I had stated that adolescents “can only be admitted to Hutchings Psychiatric Center if they have Medicaid.” A more accurate statement is that although insurance companies sometimes prefer that adolescents be admitted elsewhere, Hutchings Psychiatric Center never

Crouse names new leaders in its medical staff Physician Thomas Green has recently accepted the position of interim vice president of the medical staff at Crouse Hospital. Green will serve the term through June 30, 2016.

Other appointments in the medical staff are: • Physician Thomas Hartzheim is the newly appointed as chief of the department of surgery for a four-year term. In addition, the following physicians were reappointed as department chiefs for a four-year term: • David Albala, chief, department of urology;

refuses to admit based on payor — and over the last year admitted over 50 children and adolescents with private insurance to their unit.

Thank you for considering publication of this retraction.

It’s important that parents have the most accurate information available to help with the care of their children.

Robert Gregory, M.D. Professor and Chair Department of Psychiatry SUNY Upstate Medical University • Leland Jackson, chief, department of family medicine; • Ross Moquin, chief, department of neurosurgery; • Robert Silverman, chief, department of obstetrics and gynecology • Frank Smith, chief, department of pediatrics; • Sam Spalding, chief, department of ophthalmology.

Also, at the recent June 2015 medical staff semi-annual meeting, the following physicians were re-elected as members-at-large and will represent all members of the medical staff on the medical staff executive committee for a two-year term: • Melinda McMinn, department of family medicine; • William Schu, department of surgery.

David Zump

Syracuse

Do you snore?

Do you have high blood pressure?

Do you wake up frequently during the night?

Reclaim Your Life (and Energy)!

Oneida’s Hometown Sleep Center is Accepting Patients • Conveniently located on the hospital campus • State-of-the-art hotel style rooms • Large beds, televisions and air conditioning Oneida Health Support is located on-site to ensure easy access to the therapy and equipment you need.

The Sleep Center at Oneida Healthcare 601 Seneca Street, Oneida Call: (315) 363-4419 Oneida Health Support is a partnership between Oneida Healthcare and Franciscan Companies Page 22

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2015

ano: A Smar

Don’t miss 55 the new issue of 55 PLUS

Award-W

t Way to Le

ave Assets

inning Co lumni

to Loved On

es

st Sean Kirst Turn s 55

PLUS August /

Issue 58 Septem

ber 2015 For in the CenActive Adults tral New Yor k Area

LIVING A LONGER, HEALTHY LIFE

CNY’s top

geriatricia n, Sharon Brangman, 59, on five things you should do to live longer.

Plus a profi le of the doct or

Priceless

INSIDE: Sk aneateles

Doc, a Ping-

Pong Cham

p

Subscribe today and get 55 PLUS magazine mailed to your home!

Name_____________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________ City / Town_________________________State_________Zip_________

Clip and Mail to:

55 PLUS

P.O. Box 276, Oswego, NY 13126

$

15 1 year 25 2 years

$

‘Attitude is Altitude’ A paraplegic, Greg Callen summons up tremendous hope, courage

By Hannah McNamara

A

fter plummeting 13 feet off a roof while attending a horse race in Saratoga Springs in 2005, Greg Callen suffered dual spine injuries.

“I was visiting friends to attend the Travers Stakes for the weekend and we were attending parties and drinking. I was not feeling well, so I went back to my friend’s apartment to take a shower, but the shower caused blackout from intoxication.

“When I came out of the bathroom, I walked toward the two doors where the exits led to either the downstairs or a balcony. As I walked out the one with the balcony to find my friends, I walked onto the roof and off of it,” Callen said.

Although he landed on his feet, a fragment of his vertebrate pushed against his spinal cord, resulting in paralysis.

Even though the recovery process and daily challenges he faces as a paraplegic have required an extreme amount of patience and courage, Callen still pushes himself to reach his goals each and everyday.

Callen, 40, has learned to deal with his disabilities in a productive and life-changing way.

Aside from his day job as director of admissions and marketing at Morningstar Residential Care Center in Oswego and affiliations with ARISE and the Disability Cultural Center at Syracuse University, he commits all of his spare time to his nonprofit organization, Move Along Inc. Callen also dedicates time to motivational and public speaking due to his passion for helping others.

However, the road to recovery has been long and challenging. Directly after the accident, Callen suffered from depression and anxiety for months on end. But his strong support system of family and friends stood behind him and pushed him to accomplish his dreams. After a year of suffering, Callen decided to pick his head back up and make the best of his situation.

“The largest challenge is the mind, always questioning daily activities being different compared to how they were, but still focusing on optimism in moving ahead and creating great opportunities for myself and others,” Callen said.

After attending an intense rehab facility in Detroit about nine months after the accident and overcoming depression, Callen decided it was time to follow his dreams of entrepreneurship. With the help of a boot camp for entrepreneurs at Syracuse University and his passion for athletics, Callen created Move Along Inc., a life-changing organization for many.

“I had learned so much about life skills through being coached and mentored as an athlete, and realized many kids injured or born with physical limitations may not have had that social opportunity to learn so many valuable lessons,” Callen said. “That thought helped develop the passion for Move Along.”

Move Along Inc. was founded by Callen in 2009 and he has been work-

ing to raise awareness and change the lives of disabled individuals in Central New York ever since. The organization creates athletic opportunities for people with physical limitations.

Moving right along

Move Along Inc. has achieved its vision to eliminate the barriers and perceived limitations of individuals with disabilities in order to create a world where they still feel comfortable enough to achieve their dreams. The organization offers programs such as kayaking and paddling, basketball and cycling to show anyone who is disabled that he or she can adapt to conditions and still compete in athletic events.

The organization has as its motto “Attitude is Altitude,” which is the same motto that Callen chooses to live by.

“The motto means that strength is found more in the power of our decisions versus the obstacles we may face,” he said.

The newest fundraiser for Move Along Inc. is “Laps for Limbs,” which was founded in Buffalo in 2012 by physical therapy student Kristen Smith.

Due to its major success in Buffalo,

Smith decided it was time to move the event to Central New York. The event allows sponsors and supporters of Move Along Inc. to complete laps around a track without worrying about uneven grounds and potholes. The donations directly support and benefit Move Along Inc. “Laps for Limbs creates awareness that there are opportunities for those facing physical challenges and allows people to enjoy life, whether they want to exercise or socialize,” Callen said.

“Opportunities can be endless if we have fundraisers to enable supplemental funding when insurance cannot help and to enable those with injuries to play again,” he added.

Move Along Inc. is growing at a steady pace and is continuously adding schools and universities to its list of those that support adaptive sports programs.

But Callen doesn’t plan on stopping there. His future goals include partnerships with universities, starting a Move Along Foundation, creating training for other larger cities to build the Move Along Inc. model, and hopes to grow from seven current programs to 28 or more.

August 2015 •

“There is nothing more rewarding than working with children and their families and having their lives change due to new options and opportunities,” Callen said. “Enabling others and increasing their quality of life has a strong intrinsic reward.”

Today, with the support of his family and friends, Callen lives independently in Oswego and has adapted to his circumstances in everyway he can. After living as a paraplegic for 10 years, Callen said everyone faces challenges; his are just different.

“I find my independence so valuable, but wouldn’t have it without such an amazing family,” Callen said. “I have become great at adapting though, and I have also improved my ability to communicate and ask for help if needed.”

Although Callen said he believes there will be a cure for spinal cord injury and medicine for chronic conditions of paralysis someday, he won’t let his condition bring him down in the meantime.

“I can’t wait for a cure, so I have been living and want others to live and find passion in life so their quality is always improving,” Callen said.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 23

Neuropathy and Pain Expert www.AcupunctureCenterUSA.com Integrated and Personalized Medical Acupuncture

Rui Wang, LAC, MD of China Our Philosophy of Care: Seek the Causes and Remove the Roots of the Disease for Cure Experienced in both Western Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine

7TH GENERATION RUI WANG, LLC Acu-Care Acupuncture Center

7TH GENERATION PAINLESS ACUPUNCTURE CAN WORK FOR YOU! Ancient Wisdom and Modern Medicine

CLINICALLY PROVEN TO BE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE Ask for professional, confidential and personalized consultation before any treatment.

Northeast Medical Center, Suite 209

4000 Medical Center Dr., Fayetteville, NY 13066 Tel1:315-329-7666; Tel2: 315-378-5556; Tel3: 607-798-7680; Tel4: 607-372-2082 www.AcupunctureCenterUSA.com ACCEPTING MOST INSURANCES

A LIFE CHANGING MEDICINE, MOVING MEDICINE FORWARD Page 24

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • August 2015