IGH - CNY-250 October 2020

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CNYHEALTH.COM

OCTOBER 2020 • ISSUE 250

Defeating Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

INSIDE n Is breast cancer the leading cause of cancer death in women? (It’s not) n 10 things young women should know about breast cancer n Latest news in cutting-edge gene-targeting and testing n The history of the pink ribbon Starts on p. 18

Ready for the Challenge

Meet Mark Muthumbi, the new regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s in CNY. He talks about his career, goals and more. Story on page 9

Jill Smith of Cicero was tested for the BRCA gene mutation and opted for prophylactic bilateral mastectomy at age 32. Smith is a member and co-founder of Positively BRCA Support Group. Story on page 20

Brussel sprouts America’s most-hated vegetable doesn’t deserve the bad rap P. 15

SHIFT WORK

Another health risk for workers in healthcare and other fields P. 11

Here for CNY. As always.

Faster Treatment = Better Outcomes People have been avoiding emergency rooms fearing they will be exposed to the COVID-19 virus.

Getting to the hospital quickly is critical for patients suffering heart attacks or strokes, when heart and brain cells can die by the minute. Other serious conditions — such as severe headache or stomach ache — can also cause long-lasting damage if treatment is delayed.

Our regionally recognized emergency services, cardiac care and Comprehensive Stroke Center teams are here 24/7 to provide you and your family with rapid intervention and treatment for all medical emergencies.

Your Safety = Top Priority To keep you safe, we have put in place stringent safety and infection control measures in our Pomeroy Emergency Services Department and across our entire hospital and outpatient sites to prevent the spread of infection, including:

Screening patients, visitors and staff at entry points Requiring all patients, visitors and staff to wear a mask Isolating suspected COVID-19 patients in private rooms Rigorous deep cleaning/disinfecting of all surface areas

Don’t wait to go to the Emergency Department – Call 911 #TakeMeToCrouse

RECONNECT WITH YOUR HEALTH. WE’RE HERE TO HELP. At Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, we’re here to care for communities across Upstate New York. And a big part of that

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2020

We’ve Got What It Takes to Keep You Safe.

At St. Joseph’s Health, we’ve watched these past few months bring out the best in our community. And we continue to work every day to keep you healthy as we emerge from this crisis.

Here are some of the measures we’ve got in place to bring you a higher level of safety and care.

Screening

Enhanced Cleaning

We’ve got temperature and symptom screening for everyone who enters our facilities.

We’ve got increased frequency and intensity of cleaning — using robust disinfecting processes.

Required Masking

COVID-Free Zones

We’ve got masks, and we require that staff and visitors wear them at all times.

We’ve got COVID-Free Zones in many of our facilities where we provide care only for people known to not have COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms.

Separate Staff We’ve got separate staff to treat patients in each zone — so you won’t be treated by doctors and nurses who are treating patients with COVID-19.

A H I G H E R L E V E L O F C A R E | WeveGotThisSJH.org © 2020 St. Joseph’s Health. © 2020 Trinity Health. All rights reserved.

October 2020 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 3

Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Simply Smiling May Boost Your Outlook

S

miling can trick your mind into being more positive, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of South Australia found that the simple act of moving your facial muscles into a smile can make you view the world more positively.

“When your muscles say you’re happy, you’re more likely to see the world around you in a positive way,” said lead researcher Fernando Marmolejo-Ramos, a human and artificial cognition expert at the university.

He and his colleagues studied how people interpret various images of facial and bodily expressions that range from happy to sad, based on whether or not they were smiling themselves.

The study involved 256 volunteers from Japan, Poland, Spain and Sweden. Participants were asked to hold a pen between their teeth, an act that forces facial muscles to replicate the motions of a smile.

They were then shown images of facial expressions that ranged from frowning to smiling, and videos of a person walking in different positions, ranging from “sad walking” to “happy walking.”

The participants viewed each image or video with and without a pen in their teeth, and then evaluated if the evoked emotion was “happy” or “sad.”

The researchers observed that the participants were more likely to view a broader range of the images and videos as “happy” when smiling themselves.

“In our research, we found that when you forcefully practice smiling, it stimulates the amygdala — the emotional center of the brain — which releases neurotransmitters to encourage an emotionally positive state,” Marmolejo-Ramos said in a university news release.

The results suggest that everyone, and particularly those suffering from mental health issues like anxiety and depression, may benefit from the simple act of smiling.

“For mental health, this has interesting implications. If we can trick the brain into perceiving stimuli as ‘happy,’ then we can potentially use this mechanism to help boost mental health,” Marmolejo-Ramos said. “A ‘fake it till you make it’ approach could have more credit than we expect.”

The study was published recently in the journal Experimental Psychology.

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Michelle M. Bode, M.D.

Doctor discusses her role as “physician informaticist” at Crouse Hospital and how she is trying to create a bridge between the IT world and the provider world Q: I’ve been doing this for a while, but this may be the first time I’ve run into a physician informaticist. What is a physician informaticist?

A: I am basically the bridge between the IT world and the provider world and am trying to figure out how to get them to communicate with each other more effectively. So, it’s a role that’s fairly new — there are nurse informaticists, pharmacy informaticists as well — but we’re all middle people who are trying to speak both languages.

Q: You’re still practicing as a neonatologist as well?

A: Yes, I’m still a neonatologist, a baby doctor. I still practice. At Crouse, I also cover in the newborn nursery and have some other clinical duties. But my full-time role is as a physician informaticist.

Q: What kinds of technical expertise do you have to have? What have you had to learn?

A: It’s called “learning on the fly.” I didn’t go to school for informatics. I have done classes online, but most of the providers who have come into this is learning through meaningful use. Doctors and other providers were told, “you will use a computer,” so we’re trying to help them work with technology rather than against it and try to help our colleagues work more effectively with it.

Q: What are some of the hurdles you saw?

A: The biggest hurdles are that computers are written by people who speak computers. Most of these programs weren’t written by providers, or the guidance given to the people writing the software was minimal or not taken well. So we have the government telling us we have to use it, but it wasn’t the providers creating the system that would work best for them. So it’s how to cope with the inefficiencies that developed going from making a few scribbles on a piece of paper to now having to log into a system, log into an EMR [electronic medical record], find what you’re looking for and then doing what you need to do. So, for people in the older generation, computers were not how they learned at all, everything was on paper. So, you have to bring them into the computer age.

Then you have the younger generation who has only known computers, but if anything goes wrong with the computer, they don’t know how to do anything on paper. So it’s bridging all of that. And then there are issues like how none of the EMR systems talk to each other. So you have a bunch of different systems, but none of them speak the same language. If

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2020

six to 18 months. It’s a technology that’s been around for a while and used more widely in states that are even more rural than Upstate New York. It hasn’t been a big part of our local system until very recently.

For some people, telemedicine will make things a lot easier. For others, it’s made it more difficult because it has limitations, and providers need to learn how to work around that.

Upstate NY is in the process of working all this out, figuring out where it works and where it doesn’t.

Q: What kinds of initiatives are you working on?

A: For Crouse there are several telehealth initiatives. We look at our different programs, like our stroke program, which is using telehealth as well as an artificial intelligence program used to help them figure out the results of their MRI as quickly as possible. The other big part of the initiatives I get involved in is really working with our providers, not just doctors, but all of our staff and how to best use the system to make the patient’s experience both good and safe. That can be anything from how orders cross, to how people document, to the education we provide.

Q: How much extraneous time do you think staff is spending wrestling with technology?

A: I think it is getting better each year. I think doctors and staff get more accustomed to the system and figure out how to spend less time on the technology. So it’s decreasing, but decreasing slowly because it’s always being upgraded.

Once you get comfortable with a system, they change it. But our ability to adapt is also getting better. The older generation struggles more.

you learn a system at one hospital and then you go and get a job somewhere else, you’re probably going to have to learn a whole new system.

Q: Are there any efforts being made to get those systems to talk to each other? Or establish some kind of universal platform?

A: Not necessarily a universal platform because you have too many groups competing and insisting they’re the best. What has happened is the promotion of what we’re calling “interoperability.” What it’s trying to do is set specific guidelines so that certain information will be labeled and communicated the same way. But the ability for one EMR to take and digest information from another EMR just isn’t there yet. They weren’t built that way. They’re all in silos, and now we’ve got to figure out a way to get these silos to talk.

Q: The hope with technology is always that it makes life easier for the people using it. Do you feel that EMR have lived up to that?

A: It’s a little bit of both, and you’d probably get a different answer depending on who you asked.

Technology has been very helpful in many ways. Take COVID and telemedicine. So now we’re going to see how telemedicine takes off in Central New York over the next

Q. You recently became president of Crouse’s medical staff. What does that job entail and how much of your time you have to spend on it?

A: I see the role of president of the medical staff as a bridge between the medical staff and the administration of the hospital. My goal is to represent the opinions and needs of the medical staff to administration as well as bring information to the medical staff from the administration.

This job is all about communication and as such the amount of time needed varies by the day and week.

Lifelines

Name: Michelle M. Bode, M.D. Position: Physician informaticist at Crouse Hospital; per diem neonatologist at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira; president of Crouse’s medical staff Hometown: Hudson, Ohio; currently lives in Skaneateles Education: Dartmouth Medical School; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Affiliations: Crouse Hospital Organizations: American College of Physician Leaders; Society of Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research; American Academy of Pediatrics Family: Married, one child Hobbies: Quilting, sewing, outdoor activities

7th Annual Oswego County

2020 SAFE Fair

Americans Now More Likely to Get COVID-19 Vaccine: Poll

J

ust over 54% of Americans now say they would get a COVID-19 vaccine in the first 12 months after it’s introduced, a significant increase from 42% in July, a new WebMD poll finds.

However, only 27% of the 1,000 readers who participated in the survey said they’d get a vaccine within the first three months after it becomes available, which is just slightly higher than 26% who said so in the July poll.

In the new survey, 12.5% of respondents said they wouldn’t get a vaccine at all, and 21.4% said they’re unsure.

For any COVID-19 vaccine to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it has to prevent or reduce the severity of infection in at least 50% of people who receive it.

But only 8.8% of survey participants said they consider that 50% standard effective, with 65.2%

saying a vaccine should be 75% to 99% effective to be approved by the FDA, WebMD reported.

Only 25.6% of respondents said they would get a vaccine that was 50% effective, 35.5% said they wouldn’t get the vaccine, 25.6% said maybe and 13.3% said they weren’t sure.

“We already know that people are worried about getting a COVID vaccine, and understanding how well the vaccine works could be another hurdle for patients,” said physician John Whyte, chief medical officer of WebMD. “Public health officials face a tough challenge explaining to consumers what this vaccine can and can’t do.”

There are more than 170 potential COVID-19 vaccines being developed worldwide, with 142 in pre- th clinical evaluations and 31 in clinical trial, according to WebMD.

Substance, Awareness, Family, Education FAIR Weds & Thurs. Oct. 21 & 22, 2020 11 am SAFE – 3 pm & 2Fair pm - 6 pm 2020 ZOOM Conference 7th Annual Oswego County Free Registration - www.vow-foundation.org/event Zoom Link Provided Free Drawing Entry for Each Registration Annual Oswego More Info – FacebookCounty Page @TheVOWFoundationInc

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Brought you partnership injuries, which nearly doubled in just number was less than 5,000 in 2014, Free Registration -– www.vow-foundation.org/event Zoom Lin 11toam 3inpm & 2 pm -with 6 pm

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In 2019, more than 29,600 e-scooter riders were treated in U.S. emergency rooms, up from about 15,500 the year before, the researchers found.

“I probably operate on at least two to three people that have scooter injuries every month, especially during the summer months,” said study co-author Eric Wagner, director of upper extremity surgery research at Emory University, in Atlanta.

“These injuries are increasing and they aren’t benign. Many of them are fractures, many of them are head injuries, and some of the head injuries require hospital admission, which means that they’re very severe,” Wagner said.

The study authors noted that only a minority of riders wear helmets and that riders often misunderstand traffic laws governing e-scooter use.

Wagner’s team found that from 2014 to 2019, more than 70,000

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October 2020 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 5

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Asking for Help: Don’t be Frightened by October Chores

H

appy October, dear readers! I love this time of year with all its fabulous autumn colors, cooler weather and cozy fall fashions.

October is all about a change: a change of season, a change in priorities and a change in perspective.

I don’t know about you, but I always need some help when confronted with all the chores and changes this time of year presents.

I need help with raking leaves, stowing hoses, putting away lawn furniture, cleaning gutters and downspouts, etc. I may even need some “emergency” pet-sitting, if I choose to take off and enjoy a leaf-peeping weekend in Vermont.

We all need a helping hand from time to time.

Giving and receiving help from my friends and family has proven to be a wonderful way for me to deepen relationships and strengthen bonds.

It’s another one of the many “life lessons” I’ve learned while on my own — that asking for help brings blessings, not burdens.

If asking for help is difficult or awkward for you, know that you are not alone. Many people — and, regrettably, many of those who may need it most — find it hard to reach out and ask for help in times of need.

There are many reasons, but my

experience tells me that lots of women and men who live alone avoid asking for help because they fear being seen as weak or vulnerable.

I know that after my divorce I was reluctant to ask for help. I wanted to show the world that I was perfectly fine, thank you.

When I really could have used some help, I avoided asking anybody for anything, determined to muscle through on my own. It led to isolation and pointless hardships.

Not asking for assistance kept me distant from friends and family. I denied myself (and them) the chance to connect on a genuine and meaningful level. Looking back, it’s clear to me that my healing and personal growth were compromised as a result.

I encourage you to let go of any excuses not to ask for help. Instead, be true to yourself and to those who love and want to support you.

Below are some words of encouragement and a few tips to help you help yourself: n Be honest. What keeps you from asking for help? Could it be pride? Do you think you’ll be seen as incapable or weak? Are you concerned about being a bother? Or, would asking for help force you to acknowledge that, indeed, you need it?

Take a moment and reflect on what keeps you from asking for assistance. n Redefine what it means to be strong. Everyone needs support every once in a while, and seeking help is not a weakness. In fact, the strongest people are often those who have the courage to admit they need help and reach out.

I’ve always admired this quality in others. Real strength is knowing your personal limitations and having the confidence to recruit assistance when you need it. n Have a little faith. Believe that people truly want to help. Just turn the tables, and think about how you’d respond if a friend, family member or co-worker asked for a helping hand. Chances are you wouldn’t hesitate. You might even feel slighted if not asked, especially if someone you cared about was having real difficulty.

Know that others, too, want to be there for their friends and family (and you!) when in need. n Take a chance. When you choose to be vulnerable and ask for help, you are opening yourself up and exposing your authentic self.

While it may feel risky, when you are “real” like this, you have an amazing opportunity to cultivate deeper bonds with others. It can be a positive, life- and relationship-changing experience, but only if you are willing to take a chance and make your needs known. n Make the ask. As a first step, put some thought into where you could really use some support and then ask for help with one specific item. It could be something as simple as asking a neighbor for help raking leaves to something as important as requesting a recommendation for a financial adviser.

If finding just the right words is

hard to come by, you might start out by saying, “You know, I’m not very comfortable asking for favors, but I wonder if you might be able to help me with something?” n Express your gratitude.

You know this, of course. A heartfelt thank you in person or in writing will be warmly received by the person whose help you have accepted.

No need to go overboard. Remember, people often want to help others and don’t expect to be compensated for doing a good deed. n Offer help in return.

Because giving can be as gratifying as receiving, you’ll want to make it known that you, too, are available to return the favor. We all have gifts, we all have needs, and we all can be of great assistance to one another.

Look around, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to help those who have helped you during your time of need.

Asking for help becomes easier with practice. Just as I did, you’ll soon discover the benefits that lie in the aftermath of the ask — benefits that include stronger relationships with existing friends and family members, as well as the prospect of making new connections with others.

The rewards inherent in accepting help and expressing your gratitude are many and go both ways. So, take it from me: Life can be better, just for the asking.

what is happening in the broader communities,” Goza said in an AAP news release.

“A disproportionate number of cases are reported in Black and Hispanic children, and in places where there is high poverty. We must work harder to address societal inequities that contribute to these disparities,” she added.

Physician Sean O’Leary is vice chairman of the academy’s committee on infectious diseases. “This rapid rise in positive cases occurred over the summer, and as the weather cools, we know people will spend

more time indoors,” he said.

“The goal is to get children back into schools for in-person learning, but in many communities, this is not possible as the virus spreads unchecked,” O’Leary added.

With flu season approaching, it›s important to “take this seriously and implement the public health measures we know can help,” he said.

That includes wearing masks, avoiding large crowds, maintaining social distance and getting a flu shot.

“These measures will help protect everyone, including children,” O’Leary said.

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Alone and Content, empowerment workshops for women, and author of “Alone and Content,” a collection of inspiring essays for those who live alone. For information about her workshops, to purchase her book, or invite her to speak, visit www. aloneandcontent.com

s d i K Corner

Over Half a Million U.S. Kids Already Infected With COVID-19

M

ore than 500,000 U.S. children had been diagnosed with COVID-19 as of early September, with a sizable uptick seen within weeks, a new report reveals.

There were 70,630 new child cases reported between Aug. 20 and Sept. 3. That brought the total to 513,415 cases — a 16% increase over two weeks, according to state-bystate data compiled by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Children›s Hospital Association.

“These numbers are a chilling reminder of why we need to take this virus seriously,” said AAP president,

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physician Sara Goza.

As of Sept. 3, children accounted for nearly 10% of all reported COVID-19 cases in the United States since the start of the pandemic, according to the latest weekly report from the two organizations.

The findings highlight the need to redouble efforts to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, the experts said. The virus has surged in Southern, Western and Midwestern states during the summer, they pointed out.

“While much remains unknown about COVID-19, we do know that the spread among children reflects

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2020

If safety is your concern, we’ve got you covered.

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At Oswego Health, safety is our priority, and we recognize and can appreciate everyone’s concerns today when it comes to healthcare.

For the second year in a row, we have been named one of the top 5 % in the country for patient safety by Healthgrades!

So why travel for your medical needs, when the safest care is right at home!

Learn more about our services in the community at oswegohealth.org October 2020 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

Presidential Candidates’ Misleading Messages About Drug Prices

E

lections are just around the corner and political ads, national and local, are rife with claims that their candidate is confronting drug manufacturers regarding their outrageous pricing. I wrote about this early this year, but I think it’s worth repeating as we are bombarded with these misleading claims by candidates. It is well documented that we pay more for drugs and use more of them per capita than most if not all other countries.

We spent about $345 billion or over $1,000 per capita on drugs last year. In countries with a single payer or universal healthcare model, the government uses its massive purchasing power to negotiate prices with drug manufacturers. But not the USA. We squander our purchasing power when it comes to drugs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) covers 60 million people on Medicare and 70 million people on Medicaid for a staggering 130 million people or roughly 40% of the U.S. population. By comparison, Canada negotiates drug prices, paying far less than we do, with a purchasing power of a relatively paltry 30 million people.

So why doesn’t CMS use its huge purchasing power to at least negotiate drug prices? Simply: because of the powerful drug lobby. It is the No. 1 lobby on the Hill by far, spending $4 billion over the last 20 years and employing almost 1,300 drug lobbyists. That’s 2.4 lobbyists per congressperson. (How are they not tripping over each other as they enter and exit congressional offices?)

The ubiquitous drug lobby has suc-

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ceeded in quashing this “no brainer” negotiating issue, which would save us literally billions in drug costs, by contributing heavily to campaigns.

While drug prices are allowed to escalate untethered, CMS clamps down on physicians and hospitals by unilaterally setting their reimbursement. Take it or leave it. CMS seeks “input” from physician and hospital lobbyists, but still establishes their fees in advance every year.

The drug manufacturers attribute their high prices and healthy profits to: research and development, the cost of going through FDA approval, getting drugs to market and potential lawsuits. All those points may be valid, but if CMS is not going to set drug prices like it does for providers, can’t they at a minimum negotiate prices? The U.S. government and consequently U.S. consumers are paying anywhere from four to 120 times the price paid by other countries, no questions asked.

A lot of congressman continue to parrot the drug lobby mantra that controlling drug prices will lead to less innovation and fewer new drugs entering the market. No one is begrudging drug manufacturers a fair profit. Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) said, “You are putting too much weight in the hands of the government dictating price.” What? Where is this when it comes to physicians and hospitals? CMS should be the 800-pound gorilla at the negotiation table when it comes to drug prices.

Campaigns are expensive so most candidates are more than willing to accept drug company donations

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2020

and look the other way. Instead of a bill with some real teeth that would simply and broadly allow CMS to negotiate prices for all drugs and save us billions, a bipartisan bill from Congress, (the 2019 Elijah Cummings bill), feebly suggests allowing CMS to use its substantial purchasing power to negotiate a pithy 25 (yes, 25) drug prices. The bill then suggests allowing CMS to negotiate 35 (yes, 35) drug prices — by 2033. That means, 13 years from now. This bill remains buried on Senate Leader Mitch McConnell’s desk as he has yet to present it to the Senate for a vote.

Despite the unanimous consensus that drugs cost way too much, you can thank the drug lobby and a beholden Congress for nothing being done about it and a lot of misleading lip service.

COVID-19 Price Gouging

This is a summary of an article

by ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom that investigates fraud and abuses of power. Zach Sussman was employed as an emergency physician for a free-standing, for-profit chain of emergency facilities called Physicians Premier ERs. The chain is not affiliated with any hospitals. Being a good employee, he went to one of the Physicians Premier emergency facilities for a COVID-19 test and was told by his employer he would be held harmless for any copays. He was shocked to discover his employer billed his insurance company for close to $11,000 for a 30 minute visit. About $2,000 was for the professional and physician component of the visit and about $9,000 was for the ER facility component. For perspective, Medicare pays about $42 for COVID-19 antibody testing. He was astonished

to see that his insurance company, Golden Rule, which is a subsidiary of insurance giant UnitedHealthcare, paid 100% of the $11,000. Because Physicians Premier ERs did not participate in his insurance, they were not beholden to any predetermined or pre-negotiated rates. Consequently, Physicians Premier ERs jacked up its charges and hoped for the best.

Coding experts called the $11,000 bill totally obscene and fraudulent.

Commercial insurers do audits for fraud but not nearly enough so cases like this can fall through the cracks.

Sussman did not want to be associated with this kind of price gouging and resigned from the ER company.

Physicians Premier did not respond to ProPublica for comment.

Caregiver Stress

If being an unpaid caregiver isn’t bad enough, a recent study by BlueCross BlueShield found it has a considerably negative impact on caregiver health. A review of 6.7 million member claims revealed that caregivers experience on average 26% worse health than non-caregivers. By generation: Gen Xers were 45% worse than their age benchmarks; boomers were 38% worse than their age benchmarks and millennials were 11% worse than their age benchmarks. Caregivers typically experienced more hypertension, depression, anxiety, obesity, hospitalization and ER visits. Millennials fared the worst of the three generations.

George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

Ready for the Challenge

Mark Muthumbi is taking the helm at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield in CNY in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. He talks about his career and his goal to keep the nonprofit a leader in the market

By Aaron Gifford

T

hings were much simpler when Mark Muthumbi first set his sights on a sales career.

First, complete a college business degree. Second, find a place where there were jobs in the field. Third, find a company with shared values that sells a product you believe in.

Fourth, work hard and maybe you can move up in the company and try to stay in the same place for a while.

Fast forward three decades, and the numbers are astounding: Muthumbi is now in charge of 850 employees in the Syracuse region, and is part of a leadership team that manages more than $6 billion in revenue to cover 1.5 million members across Upstate New York.

And yet, Muthumbi says, “the time flies by if you are doing something you enjoy.”

Muthumbi was recently promoted to regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for the company’s Central New York market. He replaces Jim Reed, who was named chief executive officer and president of Excellus’ parent company, The Lifetime Healthcare Companies, Inc. Muthumbi began his career 21 years ago at an entry level position with a company that was later acquired by the organization that evolved into Excellus. His first job was selling HMO plans for a company called Prepaid Health Plan.

“I sent out a ton of resumes, and that was where I ended up,” recalled Muthumbi, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in Virginia. His spouse-to-be was from the Syracuse area, so it seemed like a good fit.

“I only had one widget to sell,” he said. “It was pretty straightforward.”

After the Central New York market was merged into the Blue-

Cross BlueShield company in 2000, Mathumbi’s role as an account manager was expanded to include sales of several different products. He enjoyed the challenge, and earned a position at the national account level.

While taking on tougher assignments, he challenged himself further by enrolling in Le Moyne College’s MBA program, graduating in 2003.

“I actually loved taking all of that on,” he said. “I knew I wanted to be in management.”

With advanced degree in hand, Muthumbi was promoted to supervisory positions at Excellus and remained focused on getting to the top. By then, he had no interest in leaving the organization, even for opportunities in bigger markets or warmer climates. During college, he had considered pursuing a career in Washington, D.C., New York City or Atlanta.

“It didn’t take long to recognize the quality of life here,” he said.

“Traffic is not a problem — I can get to my son’s games. We have nature, outdoors, lakes, camping. And you make great friendships in small communities.”

Muthumbi has held five different positions with the company so far. He credits Excellus for fostering career development and making it possible for employees to further their education. He also appreciates that Excellus is a nonprofit, mission-based organization, where there are “members” instead of customers or beneficiaries.

Excellus has maintained a 2% profit margin in the past 20 years and, as a nonprofit, those revenues are used to keep member costs down.

The company maintains about $3.7 billion in assets, with about 88 days’ worth of claims and operating expenses, or $1,293 per member, at all

times. Administrative costs amount to about $47.11 per member, compared to an average of $68.08 per member for other plans in Upstate New York, according to the company’s website.

All told, Excellus employs more than 3,600 workers in the Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Southern Tier and Western New York regions. It partners with 86 hospitals with a 99% participation rate of physicians in its coverage area — 2,737 primary care physicians and 13,798 specialists or ancillary providers.

“The company is still a market leader,” Muthumbi said, “but we are a mission-based organization.

That keeps us all grounded, myself included.”

The biggest change Muthumbi has witnessed is the ever-increasing cost of health care, which obviously makes his job very challenging.

He has also seen major advances in medical technology that has led to outpatient or same day surgeries becoming commonplace. In addition, the pharmaceutical side of health insurance has grown astronomically.

“In 1999, spending on medications was about 10%,” he said. “Now, it’s 20-30% of overall medical spending.”

And of course, in Central New York and across the country, the health care and medical insurance industry continues to see mergers, consolidations and acquisitions of companies and facilities.

One of the most positive changes Muthumbi has been part of is the lowering of Upstate New York’s uninsured population, which is about 3.5% and substantially lower than it was five years ago, Muthumbi added. It is also less than half of the national rate of uninsured Americans.

October 2020 •

The new regional president said he is especially proud of the longevity of his staff. The career length for Excellus staffers is averaging between 16 and 20 years, Muthumbi says, and he knows some employees who recently marked their 30th, 40th and 45th anniversaries. Companywide, Excellus employees contributed 10,714 volunteer hours in their respective communities in 2018, according to the Excellus website.

Muthumbi, a recipient of BizEventz 40 under 40 Award and a graduate of Leadership Greater Syracuse, hopes to get to know as many of Excellus employees as possible in the years to come. He also wants to continue to cultivate strong relationships, especially with commercial members. With COVID-19 concerns and continued efforts to keep health care affordable when the unemployment rate in increasing, the new leader is taking the helm during very trying times. He says he’s ready for the challenge.

“Every day is different, which is exciting, but the question for me remains the same: How do we continue to be a leader in this space?”

When he is not working, Muthumbi enjoys following Syracuse University sports, playing chess and mountain biking. He averages 12 to 15 miles per trip, and aspires to eventually ride the length of the Erie Canal path from Buffalo to Vermont.

The Baldwinsville resident also enjoys spending time with family and travelling; he has been to Africa, Europe and other locations. This past summer, he has been involved with his son’s scouting activities. He has also taken up golf and corn hole.

“These are two games that I’m really starting to enjoy,” he said with a laugh, “but I will not claim to be good at them!”

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 9

Parenting

By Melissa Stefanec

MelissaStefanec@yahoo.com

Finding the Clear Raindrops in 2020 Every cloud has a silver lining.

Throughout this year’s obstacles, I’ve kept this English proverb in mind. It’s an oldie but a goodie. It’s optimistic, but it’s also a demand to mentally rise above the occasion. It’s something I keep returning to when I find myself lost in the madness without an anchor.

However, as 2020 continues to pile it on thick, I’m tempted to give one of my favorite proverbs a makeover. This year’s version should read something like this: every crap-storm has a few clear raindrops.

And, there are some clear drops.

Somewhere between sheltering in place and social distancing, I realized there were some good things coming out of all of this craziness. However, looking on the bright side is one thing. Finding the energy to remain there is another.

So, to help myself focus on the clear drops of rain in the crap-storm of the present, I wanted to reflect on what I have gained this year. I realize not all parents have the same blessings or quite so many, but I

know how contagious gratitude can be. Our mental prosperity hinges on finding the silver linings in this mess.

Here is what 2020 has given me: • Fewer demands —This one is many parents’ most valuable player in the silver-lining lineup. I don’t think most of us want to go back to the overbooked and over extended way things were. It wasn’t good for anyone. Being involved in everything was supposed to be in the winning playbook, but we all know better now. 2020 has brought us that wisdom.

• More quality time with my kids —Although not all of the extra time I’m spending with my kids is quality time, there is more quality time to go around. Because of this quality time, I know things about my kids that I wouldn’t have known otherwise.

We actually look forward to hanging out with each other more than ever.

Family time is a reprieve from the madness. Apparently, quality time makes the heart grow fonder.

• My husband’s home for dinners

—With my husband and I working at home, we eat more dinners together.

Before sheltering in place and social distancing, our family didn’t spend much time as a complete family unit during the week. It’s wonderful.

• Having teachable moments —All the crises this year have made for many teachable moments. One of my top priorities as a parent is to reveal the complexities of the world to my children. I want them to see this world for what it is — ugly, difficult and beautiful. That means discussing real-world problems and talking about solutions. 2020 has been full of one of those things.

• A chance for more charity — There is no shortage of good causes. 2020 is giving me a chance to put my money where my social media posts are.

With less money spent on activities, I’ve been able to fund the change I want to see. I encourage my children to do the same and share the reasons I am donating to a cause.

• A chance to be a better role model — I don’t tell myself or my family that they should just “get over” the difficulties this year has brought to us. However, I can control how I react to adversity. I have the choice to stay as positive as I can while simultaneously recognizing the difficulties that lay before me.

I have a chance to be a role model, and I have my children as a captive audience.

• More time outside — My family has always spent a lot of time outdoors, but this year has pushed us to new levels. We love it. Our bodies love it. Our minds love it. We have birding guides and tree-identifying books. We own several kickballs.

We have a badminton net in our backyard. The kids learned to ride bikes without training wheels and caught hundreds of fish. It’s been a banner year.

• More time to bake and cook — Some nights we order delivery, but other nights, we have the time to go all-in. My son has pulverized cauliflower for pizza crust. My daughter is an expert on slowing mixing the dry ingredients to keep them inside the bowl. They can both crack eggs without getting shells in the bowl. My husband makes his own hot sauce. I’ve always been into cooking, but I haven’t always had the bandwidth to incorporate my children.

• More time to read — My whole family is reading more than ever.

Sometimes, when I am teleworking, the house is eerily quiet. I assume the kids are up to no good. Actually, even at 6 and 9 years of age, they have been reading for hours.

• A way to identify the helpers — When hard times come, people show their true colors. 2020 has been an exceptional revealer. I want to surround my family with people who stand up for others, show empathy, model kindness and fearlessly lead.

2020 has made me reprioritize whom I spend my time with and whom I expose my children to.

• A reminder to value the right things — With all the distance and isolation of 2020, I value relationships more than ever. Most us are realizing how essential human connection is to health of our spirits. Material things be darned; 2020 is the year of the connection and support.

Walkable Neighborhoods Promote Good Health

Walking is a healthy habit but some have problems finding a safe place to walk

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A

brisk walk on a crisp autumn day can provide exercise and a sense of rejuvenation. As gyms and other places of fitness have been slowly reopening, walking can offer many people an accessible means of exercise.

It takes little equipment to enjoy walking — a pair of comfortable shoes and perhaps a jacket — but finding a place to walk can present more of a challenge to some people.

Before the pandemic, Fred Wilson of Camillus taught six aerobics classes at a variety of senior centers in the area. He’s a big believer in walking, too.

“Right now, that’s about the only exercise you can get,” he said of walking. “I’m fortunate because I live in an apartment complex, so there’s not much traffic, but in other areas, it’s tough. A lot of people live in neighborhoods that aren’t safe and walkable at all.”

Walkability includes many different facets — and without walkability, walking for exercise may be difficult, uninviting and even unsafe.

Randy Saboruin, owner of Metro Fitness in Syracuse, said that regular walking can help people lose weight; however, “you’ve got to have walking access,” he said.

Citing www.walkscore.com, he said that the average resident of a

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•

walkable neighborhood weighs six to 10 pounds less than those who live in less walkable neighborhoods.

Traits of walkable communities include places to walk that are safe from traffic, such as sidewalks in good repair, appropriate pedestrian-scale lighting, safe cross walks and drivers who practice safe driving habits. Bike racks are offered for cyclists’ use. The sidewalks are cleared of debris, snow and ice and also accessible for people using strollers and those who have trouble with mobility.

“The neighborhood needs mixed income and mixed use,” Saboruin said. “If it’s a slum, you won’t feel so safe. It needs to be safe and aesthetically pleasing. It’s like being downtown in the summer here. There’s ordinarily a lot of festivals to keep people engaged and it’s all walkable.”

Connecting people with destinations Walkable communities should also connect people with destinations and create a vibrant neighborhood, or what Austin Wheelock calls unique places to live and work.

“Pedestrian-friendly pathways are one of the most cost-effective ways to do that,” according to

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2020

Wheelock, who is deputy director at Operation Oswego County, Inc., and board member of Oswego Renaissance Association.

For example, walking to a store where healthful food is for sale at affordable prices helps people who do not have access to vehicles or public transportation. People who walk to what they need save on transportation and can allocate those savings towards health needs like medication and better food choices.

As another health benefit, people who walk stress less about their neighbors if they know them.

“When you jump in the car and drive, you don’t’ get to see your neighbors,” Wheelock said. “When

you’re walking, you see them working in the yard.”

To develop a walkable community, enough people must live in sufficient density to sustain the businesses and services. The community plan also contributes to walkability.

Wheelock said that having treescapes in neighborhoods offers shade and a buffer between sidewalks and streets to help walkers feel safer.

Wheelock likes to see good planning for effective neighborhood density.

“If you have a lot of vacant plots of land, it may not be as attractive or feel as safe,” he said. “Good lighting is another thing. It helps to make a good pedestrian friendly area.”

He added that signs that face walkers and that are at a low enough height for them to view from the sidewalk can even help drum up more business as pedestrians can more readily find what they want or things they did not even know they wanted.

Including art and signs can also encourage more walking.

“Some places have walking trails like adventure trails with footprints on the ground and color to make trails for people walking or biking,” Wheelock said. “That helps to make some inviting spaces and pathways for people to navigate.”

27

My Turn

By Eva Briggs

Shift work: Not Good For Your Health

By Eva Briggs, MD

Y

prone to feeling isolated, because ou probably read a lot about their jobs may hinder interactions the health risk to essential with family and friends. workers of potential exposure Shiftwork also clashes with most to COVID-19 during the current people’s natural internal clock, the pandemic. circadian rhythm, which is linked Another health risk for essential to natural daylight and darkness. workers in healthcare, police, fireThis tells us to be awake when it is fighting, food service, transportation and similar occupations is shift work. light and to sleep when it is dark.

When the natural sleep-wake cycle is Shiftwork is defined as any disrupted, it alters the natural release work that takes place outside of the of hormones and chemicals in your traditional 9 to 5 workday, such as body. evening, night, early morning, or Shiftwork adversely affects the rotating shifts. cardiovascular system. It changes the About 15% of workers are level of cholesterol, leading affected by shift work. to an increase in arterial Potential adverse disease such as heart effects of shift attacks. It increases work are due to insulin resistance, a combination VIRTUAL Mystery and Merlot Department SOCIAL and ADS.qxp_Layout 1 9/18/20 1:27 PM raising the Page risk 1of of lifestyle diabetes. and biology.

Other effects Lifestyle efinclude elevated fects include blood pressure less time and obesity. to exercise Sleep alterations regularly. include trouble Shift workers falling asleep might eat at and trouble odd times and staying asleep. be more likely Excessive sleepiness to eat an unor drowsiness develhealthy diet. Shift ops during times when workers are more

individuals need to stay alert, such as driving home after work. Night shift workers enroute to home are much more likely to be involved in a drowsy-led driving accident or near accident than daytime shift workers.

What can be done?

The problem isn’t going to go away because many professions require shift work. But there are measures workers can take to combat the effect.

The most important is to prioritize adequate sleep, seven to eight hours per night for most people.

Some ways to accomplish this start with minimizing light exposure during sleep times. Use room darkening curtains or shades. Try to keep the same schedule. If your shifts change, try to schedule your sleep times to include at least four of the same hours each night. Adhere to the same schedule even on weekends and days off. Ask other household members to help maintain the quiet and dark, such as by wearing headphones and avoiding noisy activities like vacuuming while you’re trying to sleep. Put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your front door so that delivery people and friends will not ring the

Join us for the Mystery,

doorbell or knock.

Experts also recommend working no more than five eight-hour night shifts or four 12-hour night shifts in a row.

I know from experience that’s not always achievable. After a string of night shifts, try to be off 48 hours.

Avoid long commutes, if possible.

Be aware that prolonged shifts and excessive overtime contribute to the adverse effects of shift work.

Rotating shifts are also particularly problematic. Plan to nap before the night shift, which can approve your alertness.

Can medicines help? Caffeine is more effective than placebo in reducing errors and improving performance for night shift workers.

Frequent small doses seem to work best. Be aware that for some people caffeine too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep. So, you may need to restrict it to the first half of the shift.

If all else fails, after appropriate changes to your sleep environment and schedule, prescription medicines such as modafinil (Provigil) and armodafinil (Nuvigil) can combat excessive sleepiness and promote alertness.

Eva Briggs is a medical doctor who works at two urgent care centers in the Syracuse region.

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CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

A monthly newspaper published by Local News, Inc. 35,000 copies distributed horizontal throughout more1/4C than 1,000 high traffic 9.75" x 3.19" stores.

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In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2020 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: Deborah Sergeant, Jim Miller, Gwenn Voelckers, Deborah Banikowski, George W. Chapman, Anne Palumbo, Melissa Stefanec, Chris Motola, Eva Briggs (M.D.), Mary Beth Roach, Aaron Gifford, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Timothy Byler (MD), Kimberly Townsend Advertising: Amy Gagliano, Cassandra Lawson Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas • Office Manager: Nancy Nitz 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.

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DRIVERS WANTED To distribute copies of In Good Health, CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper, in offices and other high traffic locations in Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga and Madison counties. Great for active retirees or at-home moms in need of some extra cash. Not a regular job.

Work only one or two days a month during office hours (9 to 5). $11.80/h plus 30 cents per mile. It amounts to about $150 - $200 per month. The paper is usually distributed at the beginning of the month on Mondays and Tuesdays. Drivers pick up the papers at our storage on Morgan Road, Liverpool.

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October 2020 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 11

5

Things You Should Know About Depression

the enormous and yet rising death toll. It can impact a person’s sense of control, encroaching on the comfort zones and requiring them to adjust to continually fluid situations. Being quarantined at home for months has also had an impact.

“When people feel isolated, it can easily lead to depression,” said Healey. “Also not knowing what the future can hold and dealing with the unknown can cause a sense of uneasiness.”

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

D

epression is a topic that is hard for many to understand, difficult for sufferers to cope with and often something challenging to talk about. Whether it’s because of the various misconceptions or the complexity of the subject, too often depression gets misdiagnosed or ignored. Making matters worse, 2020 has offered a consistent plate of unpredictability, tragedy and anxiety that has led to an increase in reported depression cases.

“With everything that everyone has experienced through this pandemic, oftentimes we don’t know how to handle everything that has been thrown at us on a daily basis,” said Jody Pittsley, associate administrator for behavioral health at Oswego Health. “Part of the process is trying to identify what causes people to feel depressed and offering coping mechanisms, like breathing, music or any way to relieve the stress in our lives.”

Mental health experts view trauma as any event or circumstances where a person experiences overwhelming or life-changing feelings.

It can have physiological, social and spiritual impact. Kathaleen Healy, a registered nurse at Oswego, and Pittsley discuss five aspects of depression that people should know.

Watch the symptoms 1.

Although depression symptoms may vary in intensity or frequency, there are a few warning signs. A person may feel sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopeless-

ness. There are times with angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters. When depression hits, there is a loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much, and reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain. There can be feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame.

“I think some people feel like they have a hard time admitting that they are dealing with something.

They try to hide or self-medicate to decrease their symptoms and make it go away,” said Pittsley. “When these feelings just don’t go away for days, then you can’t just attribute it to a few restless nights. It is not just being tired but feeling worthless, hopelessness and recklessness.”

Need support system 4.

It is difficult to go through anything and come out the Jody Pittsley, associate administrator for behavioral health at Oswego Health

Don’t be afraid to talk to a 5. professional Exposure to and living through

Difficult talking about it 2.

There is still a stigma about people expressing their inner

thoughts about their depression.

Some people will simply call it the blues or dismiss it as something that can easily be solved with a nap or vacation. However, it goes deeper than that. And because of the layers associated with depression and the backlash from family and friends, sometimes people decide to keep that part of their lives to themselves.

“People are fearful about how others will treat them if they openly share their thoughts about their depression,” said Healy. “They fear that people will look at them as not being

Kathaleen Healy, a registered nurse at Oswego Health. strong or just being a scared individual and it puts them in a vulnerable place.”

COVID and depression 3.

This pandemic is currently having an impact on the way

people live and navigate the world.

It is also causing a great deal of terror, despair, and even grief given

A U.S. Pandemic of Depression, Too? Rates Are Triple Pre-COVID Levels A

s the coronavirus pandemic has swept across America, so has an epidemic of depression, a new study shows.

Since the pandemic began, the prevalence of depression symptoms has roughly tripled, with the poor who lost jobs and savings most affected, researchers report.

“People with lower income were twice as likely to have depression, and people with the same income but who had less savings were 1.5 times more likely to have depression,” said lead researcher Catherine Ettman, director of strategic development at

Page 12

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2020

other side without people in your life to support you. Whether those are family, friends or even acquaintances, experts believe it’s essential to have a strong network to pull from.

“When we talk to our patients, we try to find out who their support system is,” said Healy. “We see how available those people will be for them and we offer back up support.

We understand that it takes a village to help people through their depression from mental health experts to family and friends.”

Boston University’s School of Public Health.

“We were surprised at the high levels of depression,” she said.

“These rates were higher than what we’ve seen in the general population after other large-scale traumas like Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina.”

The current pandemic is not just one event. With COVID-19 there is fear, anxiety and dramatic economic consequences, especially among people with fewer resources, Ettman said.

“This calls for us paying attention to mental health problems that are arising at this moment that will need attention in the coming months and years,” she said.

For the study, the researchers

traumatic events has the strong potential to shape a person’s belief, knock us off our equilibrium and rock a person to their core at a fundamental level. That is why reaching out to a psychological expert is important.

“We had an increase in people coming forward during the pandemic and they have reached out to us for help. We did telecommunication and are now able to see people live,” said Pittsley. “We welcome people coming into our doors and our team will help them in any way we can. Part of it is just letting people know there is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of.” used a survey of more than 1,400 people aged 18 and over who completed the COVID-19 and Life Stressors Impact on Mental Health and Well-Being survey, conducted March 31 to April 13.

That data was then compared with data on more than 5,000 people who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2017 to 2018.

Since the pandemic, 25% of responders reported being mildly depressed, compared with 16% before the pandemic. Fifteen percent were moderately depressed, compared with 6% before the pandemic.

There were 8% with moderately severe depression, compared with 2% before COVID-19 and 5% with severe depression, compared with less than 1% before COVID-19.

The risk for depression symptoms was highest among people with less than $5,000 in savings, the researchers found.

Ettman believes that in addition to more access to mental health care, programs that keep people’s heads above water economically are needed to ensure that they have the resources to weather through these times.

These can include moratoriums on evictions, extended unemployment compensation and universal access to health care.

The report was published online Sept. 2 in the journal JAMA Network Open.

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Is it Flu or COVID-19?

COVID-19 and the flu share many symptoms, says Excellus medical director

K

nowing the difference between influenza (the flu) and COVID-19 may be hard for an individual who isn’t feeling well since the illnesses share many symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Connect with your health care provider right away to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment,” said Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Medical Director Nicholas Massa, M.D. The CDC lists common symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share, including: • Fever or feeling feverish/chills • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Fatigue (tiredness) • Sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose • Muscle pain or body aches • Headache • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults The COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness of how dangerous a virus can be and how important it is to have an effective vaccine.

“In 2019, the CDC estimates between 39 million and 56 million people got sick with the flu and between 24,000 and 62,000 people died of flu complications,” said Massa.

“Fortunately, we have a flu vaccine in hand for this year’s strains that can provide a level of immunity or reduce the severity if you do get sick.”

The first place you should call to get the flu vaccine is always your primary care provider. If needed, the flu vaccine can also be obtained at most major pharmacies, and at other sites in our community. The CDC recommends it for everyone 6 months and older. Most health insurance plans cover the flu vaccine in full, and you usually don’t need an appointment to receive it at a pharmacy.

Nicholas Massa MD “The flu season could last as late as May in a given year, but it is important to get vaccinated sooner than later to help establish a level of immunity in our community,” said Massa. “It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide protection.”

Older adults should consult with their health care provider to see if they recommend the high-dose flu vaccine that is approved for people ages 65 years and older. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that the highdose vaccine was 24% more effective in preventing flu in adults 65 years and older relative to a standard-dose vaccine.

One person with the flu can infect other people one day before any symptoms develop, and up to about seven days after they become sick.

For the very young, the very old, women who are pregnant, and individuals with compromised immune systems including many patients on chemotherapy, catching the flu can place them at high risk for serious complications, including death. It isn’t always obvious who among us is vulnerable.

“The safety protocols we practice for COVID-19 should also help reduce the spread of the flu virus,” said Massa.

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SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating

Why Brussels Sprouts Deserve a Shout-Out America’s most-hated vegetable doesn’t deserve the bad rap

S

taunchly refused by many and accused of smelling like old socks when boiled, America’s most-hated vegetable doesn’t deserve the bad rap. Replete with flavor when properly prepared, Brussels sprouts pack an astonishing array of nutritional benefits. Plus, these unsung heroes are affordable, in season now, and last over a week in your fridge (a true bonus when grocery shopping is the last thing you want to do).

Nicely low in both calories and carbs, Brussels sprouts are exceptionally high in vitamins K and C. One cooked cup of these tiny green globes packs over 250% of the minimum daily target for vitamin K and over 150% of the minimum vitamin C target. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting, bone health and possible protection against osteoporosis, while vitamin

C supports collagen production, iron absorption, wound healing and immunity.

Like its cruciferous cousins — cabbage, kale, cauliflower and broccoli — Brussels sprouts

are rich in fiber, boasting nearly 4 grams per cooked cup. A valuable but often overlooked nutrient, fiber promotes regularity, helps regulate blood sugar levels and may reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Brussels sprouts teem with multiple disease-thwarting compounds — phytochemicals, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories — that help deactivate potentially damaging chemicals or shuttle them out of the body more quickly. Though more research is needed, some studies have suggested that the compounds found in Brussels sprouts may help decrease the risk of cancer, suppress inflammation, lower cholesterol and promote heart health.

A final shout-out: Brussels sprouts can help prevent ulcers. The sulfur compounds in this cruciferous gem are known to reduce ulcer risk by squelching the overgrowth of H. pylori, a type of bacteria linked to stomach sores.

Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with Toasted Pecans Serves 4-6

For the vinaigrette: 1 lemon juiced, about ¼ cup 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon minced shallot 1 garlic clove, minced ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Helpful tips

Steaming and boiling Brussels sprouts can make them mushy and stinky—not a good combo. Instead, give them the treatment they deserve by shredding them in a salad or roasting them at a high oven temperature, which creates crispness and a sweet, nutty flavor. Select tight, firm sprouts with healthy green leaves. Smaller sprouts run sweeter. Refrigerate unwashed and uncut in a sealed plastic bag for up to 10 days. ½ cup gorgonzola cheese crumbles In a small bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients until well combined. Set aside.

Wash the Brussels sprouts and removed any damaged outer leaves.

Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise.

Place cut side down and thinly slice crosswise to create shreds. Discard the tough root end and separate the shreds with your fingers. You may also use a mandolin or food processor to create shreds.

In a large bowl, combine sprouts, chopped pear or apple, cranberries, pecans, and gorgonzola crumbles.

Add vinaigrette, toss to coat, serve.

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-

For the salad: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, shredded 1 pear or apple, chopped ½ cup dried cranberries ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted

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

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October 2020 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

living center, we embrace the independent living philosophy which is putting the person at the center and in control of everything we do. The person coming to ARISE for services, they decide what services and supports make sense in their life, what they want their life to look like. Then our staff puts the pieces together to help achieve those goals.

Tania Anderson has been the chief executive officer at ARISE Inc. since April 2016. She oversees a $23.4 million budget, with funding coming from a combination of federal, state and local grants, fee-for-service payments and donations. The majority of its funding is tied to Medicaid

Q A &

with Tania Anderson

CEO of ARISE discusses the agency’s work, the personal reasons that drive so much of her efforts there, and how ARISE, with 830 employees, has been impacted during the pandemic

By Mary Beth Roach Q: Can you provide us with an overview of ARISE? A: ARISE is an independent living center. We serve people of any age with any kind of disability, and we’re organized by people with disabilities. We’re a non profit that operates in Onondaga, Oswego, Mad-

ison, Cayuga and Seneca counties, with offices throughout that area.

We provide services for people with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, mental health diagnoses. What sets us apart from other human service agencies is that, as an independent

Q: What kind of services do you offer?

A: We have a mental health clinic, which is outpatient and behavioral health services; we have a main location in Syracuse and in Fulton, and satellite locations throughout the community, and almost two dozen school locations. We have services for people with development disabilities, which range from employment services to helping them learn activities of daily living to recreation programs. We have access and advocacy services for people with physical disabilities that help them apply for benefits or advocate systems changes or whatever changes they might need. We have recreational programs. We have a farm out in Madison County that has integrated recreation. We have a ski program for people with disabilities. We have our adaptive programs, creating devices to help folks with disabilities.

We have a ramp program, where we organize volunteers to build ramps for homes for people to have physical access. We have some really critical programs during COVID related to institutional settings, transitioning people out of nursing homes, keeping them out of nursing homes with community support, and also our ombudsman program, which is a group of highly-trained volunteers that advocate for nursing home residents.

Q: Why did you get involved in ARISE? I’m a lawyer by training, and I was working as a lawyer and I joined the ARISE board in the late ‘90s because I knew it was a good organization. And then along the way, my daughter, Eliza, was born, and she was diagnosed with a disability when she was 13 months old. At that point, the mission and the work of ARISE became even more critically immediate to me. I found that the advocacy work at ARISE — just that whole world — became more interesting and vital to me. And I decided, when my predecessor [Tom McKeown] announced his retirement, that I would take a shot at a career change and leading this organization.

Thankfully, the board of directors

gave me that shot, and it’s been great ever since.

Q: Do you think the fact that you are a parent of a child with developmental disabilities has impacted your work at the agency?

A: Absolutely, being the mom of a child with disability colors everything I do. When I talk to staff or people who connect with ARISE, I always reinforce that. The work that we do is important and we always have to find our rock. And my rock is my daughter. I just have to look at her in the morning or during the day, then I know that ARISE is making a difference in her life, making sure that she’s successful, and independent, and happy. And I just extrapolate that among all the people that we touch.

Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted ARISE? A: COVID-19 has made a tremendous difference in what we do.

It never shut us down. We were able to transition all of our services to remote within a week. Most critically our mental health clinic, we transitioned to virtual platforms in a space of a week. Demand for those services has increased, and we’ve been able to meet that demand. As you can imagine, there’s the usual issues with mental health, and then they’re just exacerbated during a pandemic. Our other staff also transitioned to remote platforms in very creative ways, staying connected with people who really need this support in the community.

At the clinic, overall service use has increased on average by 30%. Calls to our after-hours crisis line have increased by 84%.

Q: You have written that ARISE is a civil rights organization with a focus on people with disabilities, so does the civil unrest in various cities throughout the country have an impact on your agency?

A: Absolutely. ARISE is a civil rights organization. That’s what sets them apart as an independent living center. It’s part of our charter to advocate for people individually and also for systems change. And we come from a long tradition of advocating for equal rights for all people. That tradition starts with race, gender, sexual orientation and our disability community. We have a slightly different focus based on our mission, but of course, we want the entire community to be inclusive and successful, so it’s really vital to the work we’re doing.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2020

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October 2020 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

• Page 17 8/26/20 4:07 PM

Cancer

ing of the skin • A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out) • Skin redness, soreness, rash • Swelling • Nipple discharge (could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid, or blood) Normal breast tissue may be lumpy, which is why it is important to know how your breasts normally feel. Most lumps are not cancer.

Many women choose to perform breast self-exams so they will know if a new lump appears or an existing lump changes size. However, breast self-exams are not a substitute for mammograms.

These changes may not necessarily indicate that you have breast cancer, but they could and should be evaluated.

Persistent and Speak 4.Be Up

Be your own health advocate and make sure you mention any breast changes or lumps to your doctor.

Some patient concerns are dismissed because they are “too young” to have breast cancer. If you think you feel something, seek answers. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion and more information.

Breast Cancer in Women Under 40: 10 Things You 5.

Need to Know

Find The Right Doctor

E

ach year, nearly 13,000 women under age 40 will be diagnosed with breast cancer, making up about 7% of all breast cancer cases, and 40% of all cancers of women in this age group.

Throughout her lifetime, a woman has a one in eight risk of developing breast cancer. No matter what your age you need to be aware of risk factors. In many cases of breast cancer early diagnosis is the key to survival.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, and it is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in women. (Lung cancer still kills almost 4 times as many women each year as breast cancer.) Breast cancer occurs rarely in men as well. There are about 230,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in women the U.S. each year, and about 2,300 new cases diagnosed in men.

To understand breast cancer, it’s important to learn the anatomy of the breast. Most of the breast is comprised of fatty (adipose) tissue, and within that are ligaments, connective tissue, lymph vessels and nodes, and blood vessels. In a female breast there are 12-20 sections within it called lobes, each made up of smaller lobules that produce milk. The lobes and lobules are connected by ducts, which carry the milk to the nipple.

The most common type of breast cancer is cancer of the ducts, called ductal carcinoma that accounts for just over 80% of all breast cancers. Cancer of the lobes (lobular carcinoma) makes up just over 10% of cases.

The rest of the breast cancers have characteristics of both ductal and lobular carcinomas, or have unknown origins.

Page 18

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1.Know Your Breasts

While women under 40 only make up about 7% of all diagnosed breast cancer cases, breast cancer is a leading cause of death among young women age 15-34. It is important to know your breasts. Know how they feel, and have your doctor teach you how to do a proper breast self-exam, if you choose, to help you notice when there are changes that need to be examined by a doctor.

2.Know The Risk Factors

Younger women may have a higher risk for developing breast cancer with the following risk factors: • Certain inherited genetic mutations for breast cancer (BRC A1 or BRCA2) • A personal history of breast cancer before age 40 • Two or more first-degree relatives (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer diagnosed at an early age • High-dose radiation to the chest • Early onset of menstrual periods (before age 12) • First full-term pregnancy when you are over 30 years old • Dense breasts • Heavy alcohol consumption • Obesity • Sedentary lifestyle • High intake of red meat and poor diet • Race (Caucasian women have a higher risk) • Personal history of endometrium, ovary, or colon cancer • Recent oral contraceptive use

3.Breast Changes to Watch Watch for changes to your breasts, and if you notice any of the following, see your doctor: • A lump in or near your breast or under your arm • Changes in the size or shape of your breast • Dimpling, puckering, or bulg-

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2020

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s important to find the right medical team to work with you. It may be tempting to stick with your first doctor, but it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion and make sure you are seeing the right specialists for your type of cancer. You may see several different types of oncologists (cancer specialists), including medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists. The medical specialists you see should be well versed on all the new treatments and approaches including genetics and neoadjuvant therapy (chemotherapy before surgery). Make sure your doctors know the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment guidelines which determine treatment based on stage of the disease and prognostic factors of the tumor that are considered the gold standard. You may also want a caremanager or caseworker to help you on your journey.

Your Medical His6.Know tory

It is important to know your family history and share it with your doctor. Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer have nearly twice the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer as a woman who has no family history. Tell your doctor which family member(s) had breast cancer or other breast diseases, and how old they were when diagnosed.

7.Seek a Second Opinion

Most doctors will suggest getting a second opinion, and even if they do not, it is always a good idea.

Most insurance will cover it. It’s important to seek a specialist in breast cancer who is up to date on the latest treatments and can help you make the best decisions on how to proceed.

You may discuss your diagnosis with another pathologist who can review your breast tissue slides and confirm a diagnosis, or another medical oncologist, surgical oncologist, or radiation oncologist to determine the

best treatment choices.

It’s OK to Ask 8.Know Questions

Ask questions! You should be an active participant in your care.

Your medical team should explain to you any medical terms you do not understand, explain your treatment choices, possible side effects, and expected outcome. Ask for references to additional specialists you can talk to so you can learn more about your breast cancer. If you have not yet been diagnosed with breast cancer but are at high risk, ask your doctors about testing and any preventive measures you can take.

Also don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for support. Seek support groups with other people who are going through what you are, or who have gone through it. Bring a close friend or family member to your appointments to both take notes, or record your visit, and to encourage you to request clarification if anything is unclear. Express your feelings and concerns.

9.Do Some Research

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, learn about your specific diagnosis. Understand what terms such as stage and grade mean, and how they impact your treatment options.

Helpful resources include BreastCancer.org and NCCN.org — guideline on breast cancer written for patients

Network With Other 10.Young Women

It can feel isolating to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, but there is support available and it can be helpful to connect with other women your age who are going through what you are, or who have beat breast cancer. You can start by asking your doctor about any local support groups. In addition, you can find support groups by searching online.

Some resources to find support groups include: • The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (1-800-4-CANCER; 1-800-422-6237) • Local chapters of the American Cancer Society • Local chapters of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Source: Onhealth.com, operated by WebMD LLC, part of the WebMD Consumer Network.

Breast Cancer Prevention for Young Women If you are a young woman there are some risk factors for breast cancer you can avoid.

• Don’t smoke • Exercise regularly • Eat a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant foods • Limit consumption of red meats and processed meats • Maintain a healthy weight • Limit or avoid alcohol consumption • If possible, avoid shift work, especially at night Changing your lifestyle and habits may not completely prevent you from getting cancer but it can lower your risk, especially if you have some unavoidable risk factors already such as a genetic history.

Cancer

Colleen Conner Ziegler visits Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park after she received a diagnosis of lung cancer five years ago, even though she never smoked in her life. She now is an advocate for more lung cancer research funding.

Lung Cancer Kills More Women Than Any Other Cancer Lung cancer — not breast cancer as some may think — is the leading cause of cancer death for women

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

ore women die of lung cancer than colon and breast cancer combined. Twenty-five percent of all cancer deaths are from lung cancer. According to the American Lung Association, 15% of people diagnosed with the disease have never smoked. Among nonsmokers, women are three times as likely to have lung cancer.

One of them is Colleen Ziegler, who lives in Rochester. She has never smoked but was diagnosed five years ago with stage 4 lung cancer.

“A lot of people are not aware of the impact that lung cancer [has]. It is the leading cause of cancer death,” said Ziegler, a patient at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

“Four hundred and thirty-three [people] a day die from lung cancer.”

Breast cancer research has helped reduce death rates among patients through proven prevention programs and treatments. Ziegler said that acquisition of research dollars is driven by awareness. Twenty years ago, she survived breast cancer. She believes that lung cancer is not as “popular” of a cancer because of lack of awareness.

“One of the challenges with lung cancer is there appears to be a stigma associated with it,” Ziegler said. “A lot has to do with the perception that tobacco use is the only cause.

Lung cancer receives only 6% of federal funding available for cancer research.”

Ziegler said that currently, the federal government designates $14 million to lung cancer research, compared with $90 million to prostate cancer and $150 to breast cancer.

Because of discrepancies like these, she usually travels to Wash-

ington, DC, annually to advocate for lung cancer research funding. Ziegler said oftentimes, representatives say they did not realize that lung cancer leads in cancer deaths — nor why lung cancer research has so few dollars allocated to it.

As to why women are three times as likely to have lung cancer as men, Ziegler said that researchers do not know. She was diagnosed at age 58, but knows women diagnosed in their 20s who have never smoked and lived healthy lifestyles.

“People think it’s only a 70-yearold guy who smoked his whole life,” Ziegler said.

Out of the spotlight Many people feel surprised that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer, according to Michael A. Archer, doctor of osteopathic medicine, and assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Thoracic Surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Lung cancer seems to stay out of the spotlight.

“It seems that most people know about breast cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancers because of screening programs that are used widely and education campaigns that have been very effective,” Archer said. “Lung cancer awareness, on the other hand, primarily results from antismoking campaigns, and we have not seen as much of a focus on prevention other than those antismoking campaigns and screening for lung cancer. With screening becoming more prevalent, our hope is that lung cancer related mortality rates should decrease over time.”

As to why non-smoking women

are at greater risk for lung cancer, it is not clear. Archer said that among smokers, lung cancer is the same between the genders.

“The unfortunate reality is that many more women started smoking in 1960s and 1970s and that this has driven the increase in lung cancer cases in women over time,” Archer said.

Non-smoking cancers start earlier and tend to go undetected longer.

Archer said that “genetic and/or hormonal differences between men and women” may place females at greater risk.

“Ongoing studies are trying to identify specific drivers of these gender differences in the development of these specific lung cancers,” Archer said.

If caught early lung cancer is treatable Ziegler said very few treatments are available for lung cancer patients.

She is currently enrolled in a clinical trial for alectinib, daily oral pills providing targeted therapy that “mutes” the cancer, though it won’t destroy it.

Ziegler thinks that eventually, the cancer will outsmart her treatment and mutate into a different type of lung cancer or another cancer that won’t respond to treatment. In the meantime, she travels to Boston every two months for a check-up and deal with side effects like fatigue, muscle pain, edema, weight gain, cataracts and shortness of breath — all of which she says are manageable compared with cancer. Five years ago, she was told she had three to six months to live.

October 2020 •

“My lung tumors have significantly decreased due to the target therapy,” she said. “Overall, I feel very lucky. It’s a matter of perspective and how you choose to look at what your life is like.”

She thinks that few people with lung cancer have as long to live because most lung cancers are discovered by the time they’re at stage 4.

She said she was sick 15 months before she received a diagnosis. Ziegler said that many do not get screened for lung cancer because for insurance to cover it, the person must have numerous risk factors. Among those who qualify, only 5% seek screening.

Physician Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer with the American Lung Association, believes that many women are not aware of “how significant lung cancer is for their health,” he said.

While Rizzo acknowledged that many current cancer cases are attributable to the tobacco use of the 1980s and 1990s, “there seems to be a number of young women who are nonsmokers who are diagnosed with lung cancer.”

In these cases, the cancer is more treatable, but only if caught early.

Unfortunately, few seek screening unless they have smoking history.

Even if money were no impediment, screening everyone is not a good idea.

“If you screen too widely, you find things that don’t need to be found and put people through needless procedures,” Rizzo said. “You want to screen people who benefit the most.”

The recommendations are mostly based upon smoking history. That does not help those who have lung cancer for non-tobacco causes. Rizzo said that environmental or occupational exposure are not included as risk factors.

About 7 to 8 million Americans are eligible for screening, but only 5% follow through.

“It’s another mission messages: assess yourself for being at high risk and talk with your physician about being screened,” Rizzo said. “If you’re screened, you’re more likely to have it diagnosed it while it’s early.

If it’s at stage 3 or 4, the survivability drops off significantly.”

Like Archer, he thinks that hormones may affect why non-smoking women have three times the rate of lung cancer as non-smoking men.

“There are genetic studies that it occurs more in Asian women than non-Asian women,” Rizzo added. “Is it due to the size of the lungs? It may have to do with anatomy.”

Lung Cancer at a Glance • This year 228,820 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer.

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the US. • Lung cancer claims more lives annually than either colorectal, pancreatic, breast or prostate.

• Nearly 20% of men and women diagnosed with lung cancer are never smokers.

Source: GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer:

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 19

Cancer

Family History Plays a Role in Cancer Risk In addition to predicting risk of cancer, genes can also make a difference in treating cancer

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

any factors play into why cancer develops, both known and unknown.

For some people, family history plays a role, yet only 5% to 10% of cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations, according to the American Cancer Society. Other health factors, such as obesity, diet, exercise and stress management make a difference as do environmental influences, including radiation, certain chemicals, tobacco use and smog exposure.

The American Cancer Society recommends exploring genetic testing for people who have a strong family history of certain types of cancer, those already diagnosed with cancer (especially if it appears an inherited mutation could have caused it), and people whose family members have a known inherited gene mutation.

A lack of a gene mutation does not meant cancer cannot occur.

“We often talk with women on knowing their history and knowing their genetics, but a family history doesn’t preclude you from having breast cancer,” said Andrea Moran, executive director of the Upstate New York affiliate of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

“They may say, ‘No one ever had it in my family history’ or ‘It doesn’t show up in my genetic testing,’ but that doesn’t mean you should take your eye off regular screening, at home breast care and mammograms.”

She encourages people to “know your normal” when it comes to their own bodies.

Whether it is the breasts or other areas of the body, “if you see something abnormal, that should prompt a call to a provider,” Moran said.

For those who undergo genetic testing, it is important to understand how a mutated cancer risk gene, such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or Chek2 for breast cancer, can raise risk for other areas of the body.

The BRCA1 or 2 genes place women at higher risk for reproductive cancers, for example. About 44% of females with a BRCA1 and 17% of those with BRCA2 mutation will have ovarian cancer by age 80, according to www.cancercenter.com.

All in the family Jill Smith of Cicero didn’t want to join those statistics.

Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28 in one breast and 32 in the other. By the time Smith was 23, her mother had died at age 47. Smith’s aunt was also diagnosed at ages 30 and 49.

Smith knew too well the devastation of breast cancer. Once she Page 20

•

became aware of genetic testing in 2006, she asked about it; however, her OB-GYN said that family history had nothing to do with it. Finally, five years later, she had genetic testing. The BRCA 1 gene mutation was detected, which increased her risk of ovarian and breast cancer.

She chose prophylactic bilateral mastectomy 12 weeks after having her fourth child, since “I felt close to the point where I knew I’d have cancer,” she said.

Though a difficult decision to make, she feels confident it was the right choice.

“I would rather have surgery than chemotherapy and radiation since I had four kids,” she said. “I watched my mom go through it. I need to be around for my kids. My mom never got to meet my kids. That was the driving force. I knew that I was going to have the mutation because of my family history and I feel really fortunate I found that out. I had the chance to stay a step ahead.”

Smith is a member and co-founder of Positively BRCA Support Group, started from grassroots efforts. The organization supports people touched by breast cancer and promotes information and awareness in the community.

She encourages people with cancer gene mutations — including men — to remain vigilant about their health and to ask their providers about other screenings and preemptive measures they may need.

Most insurance companies cover genetic testing for people with enough risk factors. The testing can reveal if they carry genes that raise their lifetime risk of cancer or if waitand-see is a reasonable approach.

People with genetic predisposition to certain types of cancer must also determine how preemptive surgery would affect other areas of life.

A young adult who had not yet had children may want to delay surgery that would affect fertility, for example, compared with someone who has already had a family.

Instead of paying for frequent rounds of imagery, insurance companies are usually more ready to pay for preemptive surgery and reconstruction for patients with high risk cancer gene mutations.

In addition to predicting risk of cancer, genes can also make a difference in treating cancer.

Physician Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer with the American Lung Association, said that in the past five to 10 years, “there are at least 20 new drugs targeting mutations.”

The treatment is most effective if begun with an early diagnosis.

“It’s probably more relevant in lung cancer because that’s where the

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2020

Jill Smith of Cicero was tested for the BRCA gene mutation and opted for prophylactic bilateral mastectomy at age 32. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28 in one breast and 32 in the other. Her aunt was also diagnosed at ages 30 and 49. genetic markers have been identified,” Rizzo added. “It’s part of the discussion when you talk with an oncologist. One question is, ‘Will my treatment change if we do genetic testing?’ They may give good reasons as to why they don’t want to do genetic testing. It may depend on the stage of the cancer or comorbidity of the patient.”

Cancer at a Glance • This year alone, breast cancer is estimated to be diagnosed in more than 252,000 women.

• Of those 252,000 women, an estimated 12,600 to 25,200 have a BRCA mutation.

• If you have a BRCA1 mutation,

www.aloneandcontent.com

you have an estimated 72% chance of developing breast cancer by age 80. If you have a BRCA2 mutation, you have an estimated 69% chance of developing breast cancer by age 80.

• 100% of patients with ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancers should consider genetic testing.

• One in 10 breast cancers have hereditary causes • One in six patients with prostate cancer have a germline variant (gene variation) • One in five patients with pancreatic cancer have a germline variant.

Source: BeBRCAware.com and www.invitae.com.

CA-00087634

Cancer

The History of the Pink Ribbon

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

n addition to the orange, gold and red foliage colors, you’re likely seeing a lot of pink this time of year as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Most people realize that a looped pink ribbon represents breast cancer awareness; however, many do not know about the origin of the campaign.

Ancient texts relate that ribbons used in décor have traditionally symbolized longing for those absent during wartime. The 1973 song, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree” (Irwin Levine, L. Russell Brown), echoes the sentiment of a ribbon symbolizing support and welcome for a loved one at war.

According to www.pinkribbon. org, Charlotte Hayley, a breast cancer patient in California, thought the ribbon was appropriate to symbolize the fight against breast cancer. In

1991, she started distributing peach ribbons with a handbill urging more funding for breast cancer. Hayley handed them out at grocery stores and sent them to public figures such as former first ladies and Dear Abby.

Self magazine editor Alexandra Penney adapted the symbol by shifting the color to pink. In 1991, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation established the pink ribbon as a national symbol for breast cancer awareness by distributing one to every participant in the organization’s NYC Race for the Cure.

Though Hayley died at age 91 in 2014, her grassroots effort demonstrated that everyday people could make a difference. That is the mindset behind organizations like Komen, which was founded by Nancy G. Brinker in 1982 to fulfill a promise to her sister, Susan G. Komen as Komen was dying from breast cancer. Brink-

er said she would do everything she could to eradicate breast cancer. A sister’s promise has grown into an internationally recognized organization.

Andrea Moran, executive director of the Upstate New York affiliate, said that the grassroots beginnings of Komen “is one of our strengths, and that we focus only on breast cancer.

“We also take a 360-degree approach. It’s not just research or patient care or advocacy. Because we’re grassroots, a lot of what we achieve is community-led and integrated into the landscape of small towns and communities.”

The organization is shifting in 2020 and 2021 to consolidate local affiliates under a national organization based in Dallas.

“We’ll be able to engage even if there’s not an affiliate where they live,” Moran said. “We will continue to have a presence in Upstate New York.”

Local grassroot groups Positively BRCA Support Group also started from grassroots efforts.

The organization supports people touched by breast cancer and promotes information and awareness in the community.

Member and co-founder Jill Smith of Cicero was tested for the BRCA gene mutation and opted for prophylactic bilateral mastectomy at age 32. She also had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed, since they were also at elevated risk for cancer.

She calls women like herself “previvors,” which means people who choose surgery to prevent cancer

October 2020 •

after their genetic testing shows an elevated predisposition for cancer.

“Those of us who haven’t had cancer don’t want to take away from people who have had cancer,” Smith said. “There’s a fine line. We’re not survivors. Some people don’t understand it. It’s hard to find where you fit.”

Yet a major surgery like prophylactic bilateral mastectomy is traumatic and generates plenty of questions and internal struggle. Smith described the surgery as painful both physically and emotionally.

“A lot of it was mentally challenging — the journey you’re going on,” Smith said. “It helps to have people who understand what you’re going through.”

Smith said that her husband, Frank, and their four children helped her through her surgeries and she wants to support other women facing a similar ordeal.

Smith said that originally, the group was for women who share the BRCA gene mutation and launched through Hope for Heather, a local ovarian cancer organization. Women with a BRCA mutation have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Eventually, the group has opened up for anyone with a genetic mutation risk for more kinds of cancer.

Ordinarily, Positively BRCA meets monthly and attends a variety of community events to raise awareness of genetic mutations.

Because of the pandemic, the group of about 40 members meets via Zoom and stay in touch via their Facebook page.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 21

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By Timothy Byler, MD

P

rostate cancer is one of the most common cancers and will affect one out of every nine men.

We look for signs of prostate cancer around age 55 and continue to around age 70. Signs of prostate cancer include a lump a doctor may feel on your prostate or an elevated blood test which results in referral to a urologist. Often, the blood test prostate specific antigen, or PSA, is the sign that is found by your primary care doctor during annual visits.

Once a man sees a urologist, the choices of watching the blood test or proceeding with a biopsy of the prostate are often discussed. A biopsy is when a doctor takes samples of the prostate to see if there is prostate cancer. This is the only way to know for sure if the blood tests or lump represent cancer or not.

In the past, many men had a biopsy done by placing an ultrasound in the rectum and taking samples through the rectum. This works well because the prostate is just inside and very close. Unfortunately, many men have fevers and infections after this biopsy. This infection has been rising because many bacteria have developed resistance to our common antibiotics for this. Also, some men have excessive bleeding from the rectum post biopsy and require procedures to stop it.

To help this, here at Upstate Urology, we have started performing these biopsies a different way.

It’s called transperinealbiopsy or TP biopsy for short. The ultrasound is still placed in the rectum to see the prostate. The biopsy needles, however, are placed through the skin under

the scrotum. The major advantage is that there is minimal, if any, infection risk this way. This prevents the need to take extended antibiotics or be admitted to the hospital. There is also minimal bleeding risk, stopping that concern for the rectal bleeding. Better yet, this can be performed in the office for most men safely.

This is a relatively new procedure and is only performed at few places in the country. The trend to perform the biopsy this way is growing with more centers learning every year. This is a big step to help men have a safer biopsy with less post procedure complications.

If you are concerned about your prostate cancer risk, have an elevated PSA or have been told you need a biopsy performed, we are happy to discuss our new method in greater detail. Please call 315-464-1500 for an appointment.

Physician Timothy Byler is an assistant professor of urology and member of Upstate Urology at Upstate University Hospital. He received his medical degree from Rutgers University – New Jersey Medical school and completed his residency at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

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Should I Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?

Dear Savvy Senior, My wife and I have thought about purchasing a long-term care insurance policy, but we hate the idea of paying expensive monthly premiums for a policy we may never use.

Is there a good rule of thumb on who should or shouldn’t buy long-term care insurance?

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There are two key factors you need to consider that can help you determine if purchasing a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy is a smart decision for you and your wife. One factor is your financial situation and second is your health history. Currently, around 8 million Americans own a policy.

Who Needs LTC Insurance?

As the cost of LTC — which includes nursing home, assisted living and in-home care — continues to rise, it’s important to know that most people pay for LTC either from personal savings or Medicaid when their savings is depleted, or through a LTC insurance policy. National median average costs for nursing home care today is around $92,000 per year, while assisted living averages around $50,000 per year.

While national statistics show that about 70% of Americans 65 and older will need some kind of LTC, the fact is, many people don’t need to purchase a LTC insurance policy.

The reasons stem from a range of factors, including the fact that relatively few people have enough wealth to protect to make purchasing a policy worthwhile. Seniors with limited financial resources who need LTC turn to Medicaid to pick up the tab after they run out of money.

Another important factor is that most seniors who need LTC only need it for a short period of time, for example, when they’re recovering from surgery. For those people, Medicare covers in-home health care and nursing home stays of 100 days or less following a hospital stay of more than three consecutive days.

So, who should consider buying a policy?

LTC insurance policies make the most sense for people who can afford the monthly premiums, and who have assets of at least $150,000 to $200,000 or more that they want to protect, not counting their home and vehicles.

Another factor to weigh is your personal health and family health history. The two most common reasons seniors need extended longterm care is because of dementia

or disability. And, almost half of all people who live in nursing homes are 85 years or older. So, what’s your family history for Alzheimer’s, stroke or some other disabling health condition, and do you have a family history of longevity?

You also need to factor in gender too. Because women tend to live longer than men, they are at greater risk of needing extended LTC.

Choosing LTC Insurance After evaluating your situation, if you’re leaning toward buying a LTC policy, be sure to do your homework.

The cost of premiums can vary greatly ranging anywhere between $2,500 and $8,000 per year for a couple depending on your age, the insurer and the policy’s provisions.

Also note that because of coronavirus, it may be more difficult to qualify for coverage now if you’re age 70 or older, in a high-risk group or have had a positive COVID-19 test.

To find a policy, get a LTC insurance specialist who works with a variety of companies. See the American Association of Long-Term Care Insurance website (AALTCI.org) to locate one. Also shop insurers like Northwestern Mutual and New York Life, who work only with their own agents.

Another option you may want to consider are hybrid policies that combine long-term care coverage with life-insurance benefits. These policies promise that if you don’t end up needing long-term care, your beneficiaries will receive a death benefit.

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October 2020 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 23

Safety, Affordability, and Moving into Assisted Living Facilities During COVID-19

By Kimberly Townsend

M

any individuals and families saw the silver lining while working from home this summer, taking advantage of having more time together. But as our region, our state and our country start to reopen, we are all facing new challenges — including renewed expectations from work while trying to balance the continued need to care for loved ones at home.

Even though assisted living facilities are not fully reopened to visitors, it is important to know that they are still accepting new residents.

While you and your loved ones may not be able to meet with assisted living facility staff in person or take a physical tour of the buildings, this should reassure you of the safety measures at those facilities — not deter you.

Making the change to assisted living is a big transition for your loved one and the rest of your family.

In addition to ensuring a safe environment, the other most common question is the financial cost when exploring the best fit for your loved one’s physical, emotional and social needs.

Here are a few tips to help you evaluate available options: • Different facilities employ different payment methods, like higher deposits or additional fees for certain amenities. Be sure to fully understand how your loved one’s needs may change in the future and how that may affect your budget.

• Certain assisted living facilities may have move-in incentives. Ask if these or any other incentives are available.

• Depending on the payment plan, some amenities can be bundled together. To avoid paying for too many unnecessary services within the bundle, ask about an “a la carte” option.

• A good location is extremely important and convenient for the sake of family visitation. However, cheaper assisted living options may be available right outside of your local zip code.

• Larger assisted living communities operate like businesses, so they may offer price breaks at the end of every month or financial quarter.

A phone call or virtual video meeting with a representative from the facility can also help you under-

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stand what will be needed as well as what is not allowed when moving your loved one into assisted living.

Clothing, assistive devices like glasses and hearing aids, and toiletries such as medications, hygienic and beauty products, may seem obvious. But you may also need to bring chairs for guests, kitchenware, bedding, light fixtures, books, magazines, a television or radio.

There are also some items that may not be allowed. For example, large furniture, wheeled chairs, and area rugs can be tripping hazards and may take up too much space. It is important to check with the facility for their requirements, restrictions and recommendations.

Don’t wait for assisted living facilities to reopen to visitors before you consider getting the care that your loved one might need. Waiting too long could prove detrimental for both you and your loved ones. Call now for a phone conversation, video chat and virtual tour of the spaces available.

And to help ease into this transition, include your loved one in virtual tours and phone or video conversations with representatives from the facility. Explain any concerns about your loved one’s medical conditions or social skills to staff members. Once the staff understands your loved one’s needs, they can better care for their physical and mental health.

Once your loved one is ready to move in, encourage them to explore programs and activities within the facility — which may spark new passions and experiences. And schedule regular visits, either in person (if allowed) or virtually. This can help your loved one adjust to this major lifestyle change and give them something to look forward to, regardless of whether they are struggling or thriving.

Kimberly Townsend is president and CEO of Loretto, based in Syracuse.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2020

W

Learn Online With Social Security

ith more people learning online, we would like to highlight some of the digital resources we have for educators.

Chances are a student will know someone who receives retirement or disability benefits. This could be a way to relate our many programs to a new audience. Showing young people that our programs help wounded warriors and children with disabilities can help them develop greater empathy and provide a path to inspired learning.

We offer an educator’s toolkit teachers can use to engage students and educate them on our programs.

The toolkit includes: • Lesson plans with objectives;

Q&A Q: My child, who gets Social Security, will be attending his last year of high school in the fall. He turns 19 in a few months. Do I need to fill out a form for his benefits to continue?

A: Yes. You should receive a form, SSA-1372-BK, in the mail about three months before your son’s birthday. Your son needs to complete the form and take it to his school’s office for certification. Then, you need to return page two and the certified page three back to Social Security for processing. If you can’t find the form we mailed to you, you can find it online at: www.socialsecurity.gov/ forms/ssa-1372.pdf.

Q: How can I get a copy of my Social Security Statement?

A: You can get your personal Social Security Statement online by using your personal account. If you don’t yet have an account, you can easily create one. Your online statement gives you secure and convenient access to your earnings records. It also shows estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for.

To set up or use your account to get your online Social Security Statement, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount.

We also mail statements to workers age 60 and over who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits and do not yet have a my Social Security account. We mail the statements three months prior to your birthday.

Q: How are my retirement benefits calculated?

A: Your Social Security benefits

• Infographics and handouts for each lesson plan; • Links to Social Security web pages; • Talking points; and • Quiz questions and answers.

You can access the toolkit at www.ssa.gov/thirdparty/educators. html.

Parents are a child’s first educators. You can use our toolkit to introduce your child or grandchild to the importance of having a social safety net for hardworking Americans.

We value and welcome the efforts all teachers make to educate America’s young people, and we want to help spark discussions with students about the benefits Social Security provides to millions of people.

Please share our toolkit with your favorite educators today.

are based on earnings averaged over your lifetime. Your actual earnings are first adjusted or “indexed” to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received. Then we calculate your average monthly indexed earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most. We apply a formula to these earnings and arrive at your basic benefit. This is the amount you would receive at your full retirement age. You may be able to estimate your benefit by using our Retirement Estimator, which offers estimates based on your Social Security earnings. You can find the Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity. gov/estimator.

Q: I get Social Security because of a disability. How often will my case be reviewed to determine if I’m still eligible?

A: How often we review your medical condition depends on how severe it is and the likelihood it will improve. Your award notice tells you when you can expect your first review using the following terminology: • Medical improvement expected — If your condition is expected to improve within a specific time, your first review will be six to 18 months after you started getting disability benefits.

• Medical improvement possible — If improvement in your medical condition is possible, your case will be reviewed about every three years.

• Medical improvement not expected — If your medical condition is unlikely to improve, your case will be reviewed about once every five to seven years.

For more information, visit www. socialsecurity.gov.

H ealth News Oswego Hospital named among top 5% for patient safety Oswego Health announced it is a recipient of the Healthgrades 2020 Patient Safety Excellence Award. This distinction places Oswego Hospital among the top 5% of all short-term acute care hospitals reporting patient safety data as evaluated by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems.

During the study period (2016 through 2018), Healthgrades 2020 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient hospitals demonstrated excellent performance in safeguarding patients in the Medicare population, as measured by objective outcomes — risk-adjusted patient safety indicator (PSI) rates — for 13 PSIs defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

Healthgrades found that patients treated in hospitals receiving the Patient Safety Excellence Award were, on average: • 48.3% less likely to experience a collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest, than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.

• 54.4% less likely to experience a hip fracture following surgery, than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.

• 66.8% less likely to experience pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital, than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.

• 63% less likely to experience catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired at the hospital, than patients treated at non- recipient hospitals.

In addition, if all hospitals in the country performed at the level of award recipients for each of the 13 patient safety indicators, 110,864 patient safety events could have been avoided.

“The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents in our community,” said Chief Medical Officer, Duane Tull, a physician. “Our priority has always been patient safety and quality of care, even throughout this pandemic. To receive these accolades during these unprecedented times is truly a proud moment for our staff and their hard work. This truly proves that our community hospital is one of the safest places to place to seek medical care in our region.”

Doctor joins Crouse Medical Practice in Manlius The appointment of physician Christina Walton to the primary care

provider team at Crouse Medical Practice is a homecoming of sorts for the young physician, who is welcoming new patients at the Manlius office.

The Central New York native was a member of Crouse’s ChoicWalton es program and Junior Volunteer corps during her years as a student at Cicero North Syracuse High School “My experience at Crouse during my high school years provided a rich and rewarding experience, as well as a wonderful foundation as I pursued my career in medicine,” says Walton.

Upon graduation, she began studies at the University of Rochester, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in public health (health, behavior and society) and biology.

She completed her medical degree at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed her residency in family medicine at the University of Buffalo — Sisters of Charity Hospital.

While in medical school, she received the J.T. Tai Foundation Scholarship, awarded for high academic standing, and the Cary F. Vastola D.O. Award, presented to the intern of the year, selected for demonstrating medical excellence and dedication to the osteopathic profession.

“I am so pleased to be back in the Syracuse area, beginning to practice at Crouse and being reunited with family,” says Walton.

She and her husband, Dan, whom she met in high school, became first-time parents in May, welcoming a baby boy, Ollie.

Dr. Dubin joins St. Joseph’s ENT practice St. Joseph’s Health welcomes physician Stephen Dubin to its ear, nose, throat and audiology practice at Northeast Medical Center in Fayetteville.

He joins a diverse team of highly qualified physicians providing comprehensive health care to Dubin the community.

Dubin earned his Bachelor of Science in economics and Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed residency training at the Cleveland Clinic and SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine.

Dubin is board-certified in otolaryngology and has practiced in the Syracuse area since 2001. He holds memberships in the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. In addition, he has lectured in academic

and community settings on a variety of ENT topics.

Dubin is welcoming new patients of all ages at the office in Fayetteville.

Nurse joins St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovascular Institute

St. Joseph’s Health welcomes Sonja Kocan, a certified family nurse practitioner, to St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovascular Institute in Watertown and Gouverneur. In this new role, Kocan joins a diverse team of highly qualified practitioners providing Kocan comprehensive cardiology care to the community.

Prior to joining St. Joseph’s Health, Kocan worked as a nurse practitioner at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam. Kocan previously worked as a registered nurse at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital emergency department in Syracuse, and Claxton Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg.

Kocan earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Columbia College in Syracuse, and a master’s degree in nursing from SUNY Upstate Medical University’s College of Nursing.

Kocan is certified in basic life support and emergency neurological life support.

Upstate neurosurgery department expands service Upstate Medical University has expanded its neurosurgery department with the hiring of three new surgeons, allowing Upstate to offer additional and expanded services to a larger region of New York state.

The expansion of the department by nearly a third — from 10 to 13 doctors — will allow Upstate to provide neurosurgical care to a wider portion of New York state, said Interim Department Chairman Satish Krishnamurthy, MD. Upstate now has the largest neurosurgical team in Central New York, according to the hospital.

“Upstate’s department of neurosurgery has been serving the region for more than 60 years,” Krishnamurthy said. “We are dedicated to the Upstate Medical University mission to improve the health of the communities we serve through education, biomedical research and patient care.

The addition of these three specialist neurosurgeons will enable us to provide excellent patient care to more patients in more specialty areas.”

The new surgeons are: • Harish Babu, who joins Upstate after completing residency from the department of neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Following residency October 2020 •

training, he completed fellowships first in epilepsy/ functional neurosurgery at the University of Toronto in Canada, followed by tumor/skull base neurosurgery fellowship Babu at the Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney in Australia. Babu obtained his neuroscience PhD from Charite Medical University in Germany.

Babu’s specializations at Upstate will include adult brain tumors, skullbase tumors and gamma knife; functional (epilepsy), general and spinal surgeries.

• Ali Hazama, who has been a resident in the department of neuro surgery at Upstate since 2013. Hazama is a graduate of Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Hazama’s specialties at Upstate will Hazama include general, spine and minimally invasive spine surgery. He will practice at Upstate Community Hospital and the downtown campus.

• Timothy M. Beutler, who completed a residency in neurological surgery at Upstate Medical University, which began in 2013 and included a fellowship in Neuro Critical Care (CAST Program) from 2017 to 2018.

Beutler is a graduate of Beutler Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Beutler’s specialties at Upstate will include critical care, general and spine. He is Upstate’s first neurosurgeon dedicated to critical care neurosurgery.

The department of neurosurgery multispecialty group offers advanced care and technologies as well as basic, translational and clinical research aimed at finding new treatments and improved strategies for disorders of the brain and spine. The department plays a central role in the following Upstate facilities: the region’s only adult and pediatric Level-1 trauma center, a dedicated Cancer Center, the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, neonatal care units, the region’s first Comprehensive Stroke Center and the region’s Telestroke Network, supporting stroke care at 11 hospitals across Upstate and Central New York.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 25

H ealth News St. Camillus has new director of nursing services The Centers at St. Camillus recently appointed Katrina Seeley as its new director of nursing services for the skilled nursing facility, where she will oversee the nursing practice across all inpatient and clinical programs, including long-term skilled nursing Seeley (continuing) care, short-term rehabilitation and the specialized care in Central and Upstate New York’s only state-certified brain injury center.

With a collective decade of successful experience in nursing and

health care management, Seeley specializes in long-term care, critical care medicine and advanced wound care.

She has held positions responsible for clinical, operational and quality leadership for nursing and clinical inpatient services throughout New York’s Capital District and central regions.

Seeley received her undergraduate education at SUNY Albany and is currently a master’s candidate.

She is a diplomate of the American Professional Wound Care Association and is certified in nursing executive practice.

She has received several honors and awards throughout her nursing career, including the Capital District Region’s Esteemed Nurse of Excellence Award.

According to St. Camillus, Seeley’s nursing career is dedicated to quality driven initiatives, and investing in and developing the next generation of nurses and health care professionals to become true leaders.

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Oct. 19 – 24

Online auction to benefit Golisano Center for Special Needs

Dining, jewelry, artwork, décor, wines, sports memorabilia and getaway packages are a few of the dozens of items up for bid when Advocates for Upstate Medical University holds its Mystery, Malt & Merlot Online Auction, beginning at noon, Monday, Oct. 19 and running through 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24.

The presenting sponsor for the online auction is Summerwood Pediatrics.

To participate, visit https://Advocates2020.ggo.bid beginning Oct. 19. Check the Advocates for Upstate Facebook page for a preview of select items.

A raffle for a diamond pendant, courtesy of Egon Ehrlinspiel Jewelers, and a raffle for mystery items are included in the event.

The event proceeds benefit the upcoming Golisano Center for Special Needs of the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Mystery, Malt & Merlot, now in its 22nd year, traditionally is held in April and attracts hundreds of people to a venue which features wine and craft beer tastings, a silent auction, dinner and a mystery to solve. This marks the first year that Advocates for Upstate has presented the event as an online auction due to limitation restrictions as a result of COVID-19.

Advocates for Upstate is a nonprofit volunteer membership organization that supports healthcare and scholarship through fundraising and service. Its initiatives support Upstate Medical University, Upstate University Hospital and its locations, including Upstate Community Hospital. For more information about Page 26

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Advocates for Upstate, visit www. upstate.edu/advocates.

Oct. 21-22

Substance Awareness Fair Goes Virtual

The Seventh Annual Oswego County Substance Awareness Family Education Fair (SAFE) will be virtual this year. Originally scheduled for April, the virtual event will be held online Oct. 21-22.

The free event will bring speakers, games, information, education, Q&A, prizes and much more. Learn about current drug trends, vaping/ juuling, health and wellness, addiction, prevention and treatment, mental health, mindfulness, suicide awareness and synthetic drugs, among other topics.

Each registration includes an entry for the many prizes to be drawn during the event.

The VOW Foundation was formed in 2013 following the 2012 death of Victor Orlando Woolson from synthetic drugs in Oswego.

The manufacturers of the synthetic drug XLR-11 were recently sentenced in Las Vegas on 24 charges, including continuing criminal enterprise, known as the federal kingpin statute, and sentenced to the minimum allowed, two decades in prison.

Victor’s mother, Teresa Woolson, was in Las Vegas in January 2020 to give a victim impact statement in federal court.

Register for the event at www. vow-foundation.org/event. To contact Teresa Woolson at VOW Foundation, call 315-402-6119 or email board@vow-foundation.org.

For more information and updates, follow the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheVowFoundationInc.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2020

Upstate Honored for Outstanding Care in Stroke, Heart Failure and Resuscitation

U

pstate University Hospital’s stroke and heart failure programs and its success in treating patients who suffer cardiac arrests while in the hospital are being recognized by the American Heart Association for outstanding achievement.

Upstate has received the following awards: • Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus with Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll • Get With the Guidelines-Heart Failure Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.

• Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation Silver Adult Achievement Award.

“These honors from the American Heart Association reflect on the outstanding work our health care teams do every day to deliver the most appropriate and safest care possible to our patients,” said physician Robert Corona, chief executive officer of Upstate University Hospital.

For its stroke care, Upstate received the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus with Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.

For its stroke care, Upstate received the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus with Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.

“The recognition we receive each year from the association is a testament to the care we offer stroke patients by providing them the greatest opportunity at the chance for a full recovery,” said stroke program Manager Josh Onyan. “Our stroke team, which comprises many facets of the health care team, is highly skilled and ready at every opportunity to treat patients from across town or across the state.”

The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to providing the most appropriate stroke treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific

evidence.

Upstate earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

Additionally, Upstate received the Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed with more than 90 % of compliance for 12 consecutive months for the “overall diabetes cardiovascular initiative composite score.”

Upstate’s stroke care has been honored previously by the American Heart Association. Upstate is the region’s first comprehensive stroke center as designated

by DNV Healthcare, a national hospital accrediting body. Upstate Comprehensive Stroke Center is also designated as a comprehensive stroke center from new york state department of health. for its heart failure care, Upstate received the Get with the Guidelines Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.

“Upstate is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our patients with heart failure by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-HF initiative,” said heart failure program Coordinator Connie Randolph. “The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”

Urology_MeetTheTeam_2132020_Full.qxp_Layout 1 2/14/20 10:01 AM Page 1

MEET THE UPSTATE UROLOGY TEAM Chairman Urologic oncology; robotic and laparoscopic surgery of prostate, kidney, bladder and adrenal

General urology, andrology

GENNADY BRATSLAVSKY, MD ZAHI N. MAKHULI, MD

NATASHA GINZBURG, MD

ELIZABETH FERRY, MD

NICK LIU, MD

Kidney Stones, Minimally Invasive Kidney Surgery, Enlarged Prostate

SCOTT WIENER, MD

RYAN SIDEBOTTOM, DO

JOSEPH JACOB, MD

General Urology, Endourology and Laporoscopic Surgery

EDWARD IOFFE, MD

RAKESH KHANNA, MD

General urology

IMAD NSOULI, MD General urology, male health, urologic oncology, enlarged prostate, kidney stones , and robotic surgery

MAHMOUD CHEHAB, MD Urologic oncology; robotic and laparoscopic surgery of prostate, kidney, bladder and adrenal

General Urology; Female Urinary Incontinence

MICHAEL CASTELLO, DO

Urologic oncology; robotic surgery of prostate, kidney, bladder

TOM SANFORD, MD

Urologic oncology robotic and laparoscopic surgery of prostate, kidney, bladder, and adrenal

Urologic oncology; robotic and laparoscopic surgery of prostate, kidney, bladder and adrenal

STEPHEN BLAKELY, MD

General Urology, Endourology

SERGEY KRAVCHICK, MD

General urology, male health, urologic oncology, enlarged prostate, kidney stones At Upstate Urology of Auburn.

Reconstructive urology; incontinence, prosthetics, urinary fistula, neurogenic bladder, urinary diversion. Robotic surgery.

General urology, female and reconstructive urology

Urologic oncology; robotic and laparoscopic surgery of prostate, kidney, bladder and adrenal

DMITRIY NIKOLAVSKY, MD

Pediatric urology, treatment of hernias and hydroceles, robotic surgery, urinary tract infections, penile abnormalities

MATTHEW D. MASON, MD

JC TRUSSELL, MD

Female and reconstructive urology, urinary incontinence in women, pelvic floor treatment and neurourology

Incontinence, urethral stricture disease, vesicovaginal fistula, reconstructive surgery, transgender care

OLEG SHAPIRO, MD

Male infertility, erectile dysfunction, andrology, general urology, prosthetics, and Peyronies

MRI fusion, male health, prostate cancer and kidney stones

TIMOTHY K. BYLER, MD

Urologic oncology and endourology, robotic and laparoscopic surgery of prostate, kidney, bladder and adrenal; kidney stones

Urologic Oncology; robotic and laparoscopic surgery of prostate, kidney, bladder, and adrenal

HANAN GOLDBERG, MD

RUBEN PINKHASOV, MD, MPH Pediatric urology, treatment of hernias and hydroceles, robotic surgery, urinary tract infections, penile abnormalities

ANTHONY J. TRACEY, MD, MPH, FAAP

UROLOGY

FOR QUESTIONS OR TO MAKE A REFERRAL, CALL 315.464.1500 October 2020 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 27

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper October 2020