Mv igh 100 june14

in good June 2014 • Issue 100

St. E’s College of Nursing has new leader Page 17

priceless

Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

Diabetes Is Mohawk Valley facing an epidemic?

Page 4 Shouldering injuries See Page 10

‘10 Years After My Weight Loss Surgery’ Get ‘In Good Health’ at home.

See coupon inside

Summer Health Edition

GMO See Page 13 • Welcome to allergy season • Understanding sunscreens • Beware of ticks!

Visit our interactive online version at MVhealthnews. com

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Got a health-related activity or event that you would like publicized? Call Lou Sorendo at 315-749-7070 or email lou@cnymail.com.

Mondays

Wednesdays/Thursdays

A women’s support therapy group meets from 5:30-7 p.m. Mondays at 1 Ellinwood Court, New Hartford.

Topics of discussion include family issues, stress, depression, anger, relationships and grief.

Cynthia Davis, who has 20 years of experience leading groups, will facilitate the meetings.

Group size will be limited to protect anonymity. To register, call 736-1231, 794-2454 or email cindycsw@ yahoo.com.

There will be a nominal fee to register for these groups.

Is food a problem for you? Do you eat when you’re not hungry? Do you binge, purge or restrict? Is your weight affecting your life?

Overeaters Anonymous meets from 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday in Room 101 (first floor) at Rome Memorial Hospital, 1500 James St., Rome.

It also meets from 7-8 p.m. every Thursday at Oneida Baptist Church, 242 Main St., Oneida. Participants are asked to use the rear door.

There are no dues, fees, weigh-ins or diets.

For more information, call OA at 315-468-1588 or visit oa.org.

Women’s support therapy group to meet

Tuesdays

Support for the grief stricken Grief Survivors meets from 6-7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. Drop-ins are welcome.

This is a faith-based support group for those suffering the loss of a loved one.

For more information, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, tanya@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit online at www. thegoodnewscenter.org.

Overeaters Anonymous plans meetings

June 3

‘Step Up to Stop Falls’ program slated Herkimer County Office for the Aging and Herkimer County HealthNet, along with other community partners, were recently awarded a $50,000 grant from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York.

These monies are used to implement a falls prevention program, “Step Up to Stop Falls,” in Herkimer County.

Part of the program includes offering tai chi classes.

Continued on Page 14

You don’t have to go far to get world-class orthopaedic care

Hamilton Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine has offices in Hamilton, New Hartford, and Rome Total knee, hip, shoulder, and ankle replacements Sports medicine including, but not limited to: Ultrasound guided steroid injections • Plasma Rich Protein injections • labrum repair ACL reconstruction • meniscus repair • hip, shoulder, and elbow arthroscopy Foot and ankle procedures Total revisions for worn out or troublesome prostheses Treatment of spine disease and injuries including, but not limited to: Spinal stenosis • disc herniation • spinal fractures due to osteoporosis

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014

And for your convenience — Sports Medicine Walk-In Clinics Monday mornings at all three locations.

No appointment necessary.

85 College St., Hamilton 1 Oxford Rd., New Hartford 91 Perimeter Rd., Rome

Hamilton – 8:00 am New Hartford – 8:30 am Rome – 9:00 am

315-824-1250 www.hamiltonorthopedic.com

Cover Story

Diabetes Runs Rampant Disease numbers on the rise in Oneida, Herkimer counties

By Mary Christopher

A

dult diabetes cases in the Mohawk Valley — and around New York state — are on the rise and consistent with a national problem of increased diabetes diagnosis.

The number of adults living in Utica, Rome and northern Herkimer county diagnosed with diabetes grew from 37,593 in 2003 to 59,606 in 2008, about 9.9 percent of the population aged 18 and older, according to a survey conducted by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

These growing numbers are “probably related to the inAnderson creasing obesity rate (nationally) or the percentage of people over age 65 in Oneida County,” said Gunnar Anderson, an endocrinologist and internist at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group in New Hartford.

From 20042010, diabetes cases in Oneida County rose from 7.6 percent of the population to 8 percent. The numbers were more staggering in Herkimer County, jumping from 7.1 percent in 2004 to 8.4 percent in 2010, according Aiello to the Centers for Disease Control.

“The problem didn’t explode, it gradually happened,” said Domenic Aiello, a New Hartford endocrinologist. “There have been changes in lifestyle with diet and activity level that predisposed people to developing it.”

One of the biggest changes Aiello sees are more children being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Prior to 2000, if a child was diabetic, he or she was Type 1, he said.

The increase in Type 2 diabetes can be attributed to several factors including relying on television and video games for entertainment, no safe or appealing place to be physically active, limited access to healthy foods, increased portion sizes and greater availability of high calorie goods and sugary drinks, according to the CDC website.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood glucose (blood sugar). Glucose is an important source of energy for cells that make up muscles and tissue and is the brain’s

main source of fuel, according to the American Diabetes Association website (www.diabetes.org).

If a person has any type of diabetes, it means there is too much glucose in the blood and could lead to serious health complications with eyes, feet, skin, kidneys, blood pressure and neuropathy.

Chronic diabetes conditions include: • Type 1 diabetes: Formerly known as juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.

When the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy, Type 1 diabetes occurs.

Insulin must be injected every day to control glucose in the blood.

• Type 2 diabetes: The most common form of diabetes and is when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin. There is no cure for Type 2 diabetes, but it can be managed by healthy eating, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight. If diet and exercise

don’t control blood sugar, then diabetes medications or insulin therapy may be needed.

• Gestational diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and is caused by increased production of hormones that make the body less able to use insulin as well as it should. Most gestational diabetes goes away after birth but does put a woman at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on.

Much has been done to improve testing for pre-diabetics as prevention.

It has been shown that losing 15 to 20 pounds can reduce a person’s chance of developing diabetes, Anderson said.

Technology has also helped improve tools that help control diabetes.

There are apps that allow a person to log blood sugar numbers and foods eaten, devices that test blood sugar every few minutes, smart pumps that give the body insulin as it needs it and texts, calls and emails reminding someone to take their medicine.

Ultimately, “it is the diabetic who has to treat diabetes and the number-one way is through diet,” Aiello said.

Concussions in high school athletes more than double

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oncussion rates in U.S. high school athletes more than doubled between 2005 and 2012, according to a new national study using data on nine team sports.

Overall, the rate increased from .23 to .51 concussions per 1,000 athlete exposures. An athlete exposure is defined as one athlete participating in one competition or practice.

The increase might appear to sound an alarm about sports safety, but the researchers suspect the upward trend in reported concussions reflects increased awareness — especially because the rates went up the most after the 2008-09 academic year.

Around that time, states began passing legislation promoting education about concussions and setting “return to play” guidelines for youth sports. Media coverage about head injuries in professional athletes has also increased over the last five to 10 years.

“It’s scary to consider these numbers because at first glance it looks like sports are getting more dangerous and athletes are getting injured more often,” said Joseph Rosenthal, clinical assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at The Ohio State University and lead author of the study.

“This study is observational so it doesn’t offer any proof about why the rates are going up. But I think in reality it’s showing that concussions that were occurring before are now being diagnosed more consistently — which is important.”

A concussion is an injury to the brain that produces a transient loss of brain function with symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, headache and vision changes.

Typically, nothing will be seen on imaging. Recovery usually occurs within a short time, but previous research has suggested that high school athletes take longer to recover than do older athletes.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 3

Most docs: Patients get too many tests

Meet

Your Doctor

By Patricia J. Malin

Calvin T. Hu

But half of physicians have ordered unneeded Last September, Calvin T. Hu became the first ankle and foot doctor to join tests for pushy Hamilton Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine. Hu recently spoke with patients, survey says Mohawk Valley In Good Health senior correspondent Patricia J. Malin ost physicians believe that doctors order too many medabout kick-starting his career in medicine. ical tests, yet half admit to

M

doing so themselves in response to a pushy patient, a new survey shows.

“Old habits are hard to break, but this research suggests that America’s physicians are slowly making progress in efforts to reduce unnecessary care,” said Richard Baron, president and CEO of the ABIM Foundation, the organization responsible for the study.

“Avoiding unnecessary medical care is important because care that is not needed can be harmful to patients, and unnecessary care raises health care costs for everyone.”

The survey of 600 physicians, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, found that more than half of physicians think doctors are best equipped to solve the problem of unnecessary tests. Just 15 percent of doctors surveyed felt the government could address the problem.

About three-fourths of doctors think the number of unneeded tests and procedures is a very serious or somewhat serious problem. Twothirds think they have a great amount of responsibility to help patients avoid such tests and procedures.

Seventy-two percent of those surveyed said the typical medical doctor prescribes an unneeded test or procedure at least once a week, according to the survey.

Nearly half of the doctors said that a patient asks for an unnecessary test or procedure at least once a week. Seventy percent of physicians said that when they explain why a test or procedure is unnecessary, their patients usually avoid the test. Still, 53 percent of physicians said they’d ordered an unnecessary test when a patient insists.

The survey was part of the ABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely initiative, which urges doctors and patients to avoid overused and inappropriate tests.

“It is a promising sign that an increasing number of physicians are accepting responsibility for reducing unnecessary medical care delivered in the United States,” said physician John Lumpkin, senior vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in a statement provided by the ABIM Foundation.

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Page 4

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Q.: You spent much of your life previously on the West Coast. Why did you decide to begin your practice in the Mohawk Valley?

A.: As medical students, we could rank our preferences on where we wanted to go. The computer matched me up and (the University of) Rochester was high on my list, so I did my residency in Rochester. Also, my wife’s family is from Delaware, and New York state is only five to six hours away. My family is in Arizona now. Living in a big city is not a priority. Then I came here for a visit and the opportunity (to practice) came up.

Q.: What prompted you to become a doctor? Any family influences?

A.: I was always interested in health science and athletics. I competed in track and field and ran cross- country in high school and I had a lot of injuries, a lot of sprained ankles. The doctors who treated me in the past helped me to walk again and give me a quality of life.

I like spending time with patients and helping them understand and cope with a fractured femur, for example. In college, at Berkeley, I did a lot of cycling and mountain biking, and a couple of concussions put me in the hospital for three or four days after surgery. I can empathize with patients after surgery and want to help them get back to what they want to do.

I’m the first member of my family to go into medicine. My parents came from China by way of Taiwan and moved to the United States in 1970. My brother and I were born in the U.S. English is my first language, but I’m also fluent in Mandarin.

Q.: What specific ailments or disorders do you treat?

A.: Diseases and injuries of the feet and ankles.

Q.: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

A.: Making sure we’re doing the right thing. I still keep in touch with my mentors and professors from the past, especially if I encounter something in my practice that I’ve never seen before.

I’ll be honest with the patients. If I don’t know something, I’ll do research in different medical journals.

Q.: What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

A.: Helping patients get back to what they want to do without pain.

Q.: What are the newest developments in your field?

A.: The newest development is total ankle replacements and ankle fusion, especially for people with arthritis. It’s just like total knee replacement in that we use metal and plastic parts. A good candidate is a patient who is older, although ankle arthritis is relatively rare.

In a younger person, we will do ankle

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014

fusion after a fracture. In fusion, we remove cartilage between two bones to avoid pain and merge them into one. It will take about six weeks to heal. After that, the patient will be able to walk normally without a limp.

We also recommend “rocker” shoes after surgery, the kind that transfers your weight motion from the outside of your foot to the inside. These shoes are cushioned and help out with

motion and reduce foot pain.

Putting people in the right pair of shoes can avoid long-term issues. I recommend going to a store that has specialty running shoes.

Q.: How do you keep up with the latest research and developments in healthcare?

A.: Last year, I did a fellowship in total ankle replacement at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Wash. I feel my education is still continuing.

Q.: What challenges do you foresee in the future regarding healthcare?

A.: Personally, I don’t see any problems with the Affordable Care Act. I know we’ll see more people get access to health insurance and people will be able to change insurance plans.

Q.: What suggestions do you have to improve your specialty

in the future?

A.: I want to focus on my entire practice and provide a good quality of care.

Q.: What can be done to alleviate a shortage of physicians in the future?

A.: Patients might have to travel further. Most of our patients come from either the Utica or Rome area. It’s always been hard to attract people to orthopedic care.

Lifelines Name: Calvin Takuo Hu Age: 38 Birthplace: Washington, D.C. Residence: Hamilton Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemistry and molecular biology with honors, University of California Berkeley, 1998; Master of Science, bioengineering, University of Washington, 2002; medical degree, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, 2006; orthopedic surgery residency, research track, University of Rochester Medical Center, 2006-12 Family: Wife, Monica, and two children: Brian 6, and Elias, 4 Hobbies: Running, cycling; helping his kids with t-ball and soccer

Summer Care The Balanced Body

By Deb Dittner

Ahhh-Chooo!

Feeling miserable? It’s time to combat seasonal allergies!

I

so love the sights and sounds of late spring and early summer.

From the warm breezes, the “new” green grass along the countryside, the budding of flowers from daffodils and tulips to the sweet fragrance of lilac bushes. It’s simply amazing.

For many, spring also means that pollens are in the air creating havoc and itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose and headache, plugged ears, and sneezing, all enough to make you feel miserable.

Allergens are otherwise known as pollens and mold consisting of proteins or polypeptides, both of which are composed of amino Dittner acids. When inhaled, they trigger an immune response secreting histamines that lead to inflammation.

All you want is relief.

What should you do?

Let’s start by using strategies to prevent seasonal allergies before they start.

• Consider using nontoxic, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cleaning products and detergents in the home.

By simply using lemon, salt, vinegar and baking soda, you will remove aggravating chemicals to the nasal passages and bronchia.

• Make sure the heating and air filters attached to the furnace and air conditioner are clean or install new versions.

• Using a vacuum cleaner and central air system with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter reduces allergens in the air.

of pollen.

• Foods rich in antioxidants may help to lessen the allergic response.

Eating the colors of the rainbow — red, orange, purple, green, yellow — help to boost the immune system as do probiotics found in yogurt with live cultures.

Eating at least three servings per week of Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, flaxseed and walnuts will help to decrease inflammation. Some foods can increase allergic issues and should be avoided such as bananas, carrots, pears, apples, melons and potatoes.

Other foods may increase mucus production and should also be avoided such as dairy, sweets and wheat.

Allergy fighters

• Consider using a dehumidifier, especially in the basement. Basements tend to be more moist, creating spores that multiply quickly.

• Keep pollen down in the home by removing shoes upon entry, keeping windows closed especially at night, and using an air conditioner.

• Pets also have a tendency to spread pollen everywhere so keep dogs and cats out of the bedroom, and wash sheets and covers regularly in hot wa-

Oneida, Herkimer, Madison and Otsego counties in good A monthly newspaper published

Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper

by Local News, Inc. 20,000 copies distributed. To request home delivery ($15 per year), call 315-749-7070.

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2014 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 • Phone: 315-749-7070 Email: lou@cnymail.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Patricia Malin, Barbara Pierce, Kristen Raab, Malissa Allen, Mary Stevenson, Deb Dittner, Amylynn Pastorella, Mary Christopher Advertising: Donna Kimbrell, Jasmine Maldonado Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Office Manager: Laura Beckwith No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider.

ter to keep down on the dander.

Our bodies can also use some preventive measures: • Drinking pure, clear water helps to thin mucus and hydrates the nasal passages. There are a few different rules of thumb for the amount of water you should consume. One is to drink 8-10 glasses every day. Another is to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water, or another is to drink your total body weight in ounces of water.

• Block out allergens from your eyes with protective sunglasses when outdoors.

• Close the windows during the night and when the lawn is being mowed. On entry into the house, remove shoes, jacket and hat.

• In the car, don’t drive with the windows or top down and turn the air conditioner to recirculate. Check the local weather channel for the day’s pollen count, especially when exercising outdoors.

• Avoid morning and midday as this is when the pollen counts are the highest. Using a Neti pot to irrigate the nasal passages one to two times per day washes away allergens and mucus from the nostrils, decreasing post-nasal drip. This Aladdin’s lamp shaped pot uses pure, warm saline water to cleanse the nasal passages and rinse them clear June 2014 •

There are a few supplements and herbal remedies that may prevent allergies equal to or better than overthe-counter treatments, and without the side effects: • Butterbur is an herb that has been tested in research using a standardized extract and has been found to improve seasonal allergies as effectively as antihistamines without the drowsiness.

• Stinging Nettle is an herb high in bioflavonoids and acts as a natural antihistamine. This herb can be found freeze-dried, tincture and as tea.

• Quercetin is an antioxidant and flavonoid found naturally in apples, onions, tea, red grapes, citrus fruit and berries.

Studies have shown that this may inhibit some substances that trigger allergy symptoms and may lock the release of histamine. Diets high in quercetin may also boost respiratory health. A recommended dose of 200400 milligrams three times daily is suggested.

• Homeopathic remedies which arouse the body’s own natural forces of improvement individualized to each person have been shown to significantly improve allergy symptoms.

Allium Cepa is an onion extract for watery eyes, runny nose and allergic inflammation. Pulsatilla helps with a runny nose and itchy eyes. Sabadilla is used when the top of the mouth is itchy with watery mucus from the eyes and nose.

Consult with a homeopath for the remedies that would best suit your symptoms. For itchy eyes, homeopathic eye drops have reduced redness and itching.

• Vitamin C (500 milligrams daily) has been shown in studies to decrease histamine release and decrease inflammation causing chronic allergies.

• Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner specializing in reiki and holistic nutrition. Check out her website at www.The-Balanced-Body. com.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 5

Summer Care

Tick Attack!

Those nasty arachnids mean business come warmer weather

By Patricia J. Malin

L

ate spring and early summer is upon us, but as far as the parasite population is concerned, it’s Thanksgiving time!

Just as soaring temperatures, budding trees and foliage lure us out of our homes, insects and parasites such as mosquitoes, fleas and ticks also come out of hibernation and feast on warm-blooded mammals, men, women, children and animals, especially pets.

While fleas tend to be a yearround problem for pets only and can generally be detected and controlled with preventive actions, deer ticks are not as evident or fussy. They will attack humans and furry friends alike, bringing the possibility of several types of bacterial disease and illnesses.

Lyme disease was first described in Europe a century ago. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the mysterious disease was discovered in Lyme, Conn. It is still concentrated in the northeastern United States, including New York state.

Ticks in the western U.S. spread Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Contrary to popular belief, ticks are not affected by Central New York’s traditional wintry weather, but have learned to adapt to both harsh and mild conditions. Despite the long, snowy Upstate winter, especially last February and March, deer ticks managed to successfully hibernate. Now they are alarmingly out in force.

Ticks will lay their eggs in mice, deer, dogs, cats and other animals and grow by feeding off the animal’s blood.

Humans don’t serve as hosts for ticks, but can be bitten by deer and dog ticks if they come into contact with a contaminated pet, or spend time outdoors, even in one’s back yard.

Ellen Hilton, one of five veterinarians on the staff at Burrstone Animal Hospital in New Hartford, is already feeling overwhelmed by the number of dogs needing immediate treatment for ticks.

“We’ve seen a lot of ticks this year,” she said. “We don’t know if it’s because of the deer population or the weather.

There are a lot of factors. There is a new species of tick that has come up from the South, from what I’ve heard at conferences and read in the journals and what we see day-to-day.”

Page 6

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Swarm of calls

Hilton, who has been practicing for 20 years, said she started getting “quite a few emergency calls” for ticks in April. She cautioned about pet owners who can get tick bites from living in the same environment as their dogs, particularly if there is a wooded area or a woodpile nearby.

“We have very effective (anti-tick and flea) products for dogs,” she explained. “We have three layers of protection with routine screening for Lyme disease and antibiotics.

The irony is that pets are getting better care than people. But there is also a controversy about the use of pesticides and antibiotics, so we have to be careful about over-prescribing them.”

“Morgan,” a 7-year-old golden retriever with a long, glossy coat, has had multiple run-ins with ticks.

“I found a tick under her chin when she was just 6 months old,” said her owner, Cathy Wilson of Holland Patent, who took Morgan to Burrstone for a routine checkup prior to Memorial Day. “I took tweezers and pulled it off. I tested her later and she was positive (for Lyme disease).”

Large dogs like retrievers enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors and Holland Patent is situated in a wooded area. Wilson said Dr. Roger Thompson recommended a tick collar for Morgan and she leaves it on even during the winter months because that’s when ticks lay their eggs.

Wilson asked the vet if Morgan could pick up ticks from a dog she owned 14 years ago. “No,” he said.

“Brown dog ticks didn’t start appearing here until 12 years ago.”

He showed Wilson examples of ticks and tick eggs he recovered from several dogs, and one cat, in his practice. The ticks differed in size, shape and color and were saved in a test tube for reference.

Thompson, who founded Burrstone Animal Hospital three decades ago, believes a trend toward milder winters have contributed to the parasite problem.

“Thirteen years ago, I remember when we had a no-freeze winter. My wife’s birthday was Feb. 8. The next day, our dog died and I was able to dig up the ground and bury him in our yard. The point is that our weather has

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014

Cathy Wilson of Holland Patent ensures that her golden retriever “Morgan” is tick free at the Burrstone Animal Hospital in New Hartford recently. been modified,” he said.

“Two years ago, the temperature in Utica one day in January was 35-45 degrees,” Thompson added. “I had a woman come in to my office and I saw a tick on her sleeve. I told her to immediately take her children to a pediatrician. Whether you hike or camp or garden or do yard work, you’re exposed.”

Burrstone Animal Hospital provides once-a-month topical treatments, or regular use of sprays, powders, dips,

shampoos, collars, plus oral or injectable medication to combat fleas — in pets, that is.

If you find a tick on your body, it needs to be removed and disposed of carefully. Contact your physician, especially if there are signs of inflammation or a rash around the bite or if you develop flu-like symptoms. A routine blood test can then detect signs of Lyme disease and determine the treatment. Meanwhile, take precautions and enjoy the great outdoors.

Motorcycle accidents claiming fewer lives Statistics show drop in fatalities last year; poor riding weather may be reason why

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otorcyclist deaths in the United States appear to have decreased 7 percent in 2013, which would make it only the second year since 1997 in which there has been a decline, a new report shows.

However, that drop may have been due to bad riding weather rather than improved motorcyclist safety, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

Compared with the first nine months of 2012, motorcyclist deaths over the same period in 2013 were lower in 35 states and the District of Columbia, higher in 13 states, and the same in two states, preliminary data show.

But the report concluded that

weather — not improved riding habits or other safety measures — was the main reason for the decline. The first six months of 2012 were unusually warm and dry across the United States and offered good riding weather, while the first nine months of 2013 were cooler and wetter.

“It’s heartening that motorcyclist fatalities didn’t increase over the past couple of years, but they’re not decreasing either,” Kendell Poole, GHSA chairman and director of the Tennessee Office of Highway Safety, said in an association news release.

“Long-term gains in motorcyclist safety won’t occur because riders are deterred by bad weather, but from consistent use of proven countermeasures,” he noted.

Summer Care

Walk This Way Health benefits of strolling are plentiful

Fitness, Nutrition, Sports Performance, Corrective Exercise

By Mark Richard Luther

E

very human being is a natural born walker.

When we are infants, we learn how to crawl before we begin that transition to walk. After taking those first few steps that are unsteady, somewhat awkward but all in all with persistence, we become walkers. We are giants among babies.

I am a walker born and bred.

Walking is a great way to exercise.

Research has shown that walking has the following health benefits: Luther • Reduces the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke • Lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, colon cancer and diabetes • Lowers high blood pressure (hypertension) • Protects against falling and bone fractures in older adults.

• May help protect against certain types of cancer such as breast cancer • Increases the number of calories your body uses which helps control your weight • Helps control joint swelling and pain from arthritis • Keeps your bones, muscles and joints healthy • Reduces anxiety, depression, and boosts your mood • Feel more energetic • Sleep better • Improves your self-esteem Before I begin my daily walking routine (if you don’t have a walking routine) try walking about five minutes a day for the first week then progress to 10 minutes the next week and add another five minutes every week.

When starting any exercising program, you should consult with your doctor.

Breakfast of champions

I begin my daily walking routine by cooking a great breakfast that consists of two eggs prepared sunny side up. I sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the eggs and also have two pieces of wheat toast and a bowl of cereal. To wash it all down, I make a cup of decaffeinated green tea.

I make sure that I have plenty of water to keep hydrated, a banana, and a couple of granola bars which I store in my backpack. I prepare for my walk by doing some stretching exercises to loosen up a little bit.

You should have a good pair of walking or cross training sneakers that comfortably fit you. Also, your clothing attire should be comfortable casual, either a short sleeve T-shirt — depend-

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Over 38 Years Experience • Prompt • Personal • Professional INCLUDING • Personal Injury • Real Estate • General Practice ing on the weather or season— shorts if you have the legs for it or a pair of sweatpants.

You can wear a hat to protect against the sun. I prefer to wear a summertime fedora.

I almost forgot an important item: You should wear sun block during the summer months if you’re going to walk. If you have an IPod or a portable CD player, so you can listen to music during your walk.

You know the old saying, “Music soothes the savage beast.” For me, music helps me relax during my walk.

I put my backpack on and place headphones over my ears. The music is flowing like an echo through the wind.

I am off to the races so to speak. I begin my walking journey by traveling to the barge canal, walking along the path to the end and then returning to my apartment.

Happy walking!

• Mark Richard Luther is a resident of Herkimer.

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Dr. Graber is pleased to welcome Gregory Dalencourt, MD to the practice Dr. Dalencourt is now seeing new patients for surgical consultation for those considering weight loss surgery Our program has successfully met the highest standards set forth by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and is recognized as an ASMBS Center of Excellence.

Surgeries are performed at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica, and at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. Dr. Graber is the Director of Bariatric Surgery at both hospitals.

To find out more, visit DrGraberMD.com or call 877-269-0355 to discuss how we might help you in your search to find a healthier you!

Advertise in Mohawk Valley In Good Health!

Call 749-7070 today!

June 2014 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 7

Summer Care

New requirements for sunscreens Dermatologist explains new FDA requirements, latest advancements in sunscreen

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onsumers stocking up on sun care products may be seeing some unfamiliar terms and others might be unable to find the types of products they have used in the past.

That’s because this is the first season in which new sunscreen standards and requirements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are in effect.

Accounting for nearly half of all cases of cancer in the U.S., skin cancer is the most common type and more than 3.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with this potentially disfiguring, costly and deadly disease in 2014.

The best way to lower the risk of skin cancer is to practice effective sun safety year round.

Physician Adam Friedman, director of dermatologic research at Montefiore Medical Center, explains what the FDA changes mean and offers tips to help people choose products that feature the latest advancements in sunscreen.

Water resistant

Sunscreens claiming to be waterproof and sweat proof are no longer on the shelves. In their place are 40- and 80-minute water-resistant sunscreens.

“What was once called water/sweat proof is now thought of as water-re-

sistant because these products only offer successful sun protection for a limited amount of time when they are exposed to water,” said Friedman. “Choose an 80-minute water-resistant sunscreen, and

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014

reapply after getting out of the pool, ocean or even toweling off from a good workout.”

A common misconception is that SPF measures the length of time users can be in the sun before getting sunburned. SPF defines the amount of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation needed to cause a sunburn, even while sunscreen is on.

• Sunscreens with SPF 2–SPF 14 can prevent sunburn, but they provide no protection against skin cancer or premature skin aging. Such sunscreens must now carry a warning label stating, “Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.”

• The FDA has yet to rule on whether products with SPF values higher than 50 provide additional

protection compared to products with SPF values of 50.

• In order for a sunscreen to reach its listed SPF, a full ounce needs to be applied. Recent research shows that in real life situations, people only apply 20-25 percent of this amount, unknowingly lowering the protection factor of their sunscreens.

“Skin cancer does not discriminate — regardless of skin type, everyone should apply a healthy amount of a sunblock that is SPF 30 or higher,” said Friedman.

Until the final FDA requirements took effect, sunscreens were only evaluated and regulated for their ability to protect against UVB radiation, as measured by SPF. Now, sunscreens also are evaluated for their UVA protective capacity. Those containing ingredients that protect against both UVA and UVB radiation are labeled as “broad spectrum” sunscreens.

“UVA penetrates deeper into the skin where it can accelerate skin aging and cause skin cancer. I call UVA the silent killer, because unlike UVB, it does not cause sunburns so it is hard to tell if you are getting harmful exposure,” said Friedman. “Broad spectrum sunscreen use should not be limited to beach outings or summer months.

Recent research demonstrated that the skin aging process is significantly slower among people who apply broad spectrum sunscreen daily, year round.”

Sunscreen manufacturers use different combinations of ingredients.

Choose products that have a variety of sun-blocking agents.

Friedman recommends selecting a sunscreen that contains several organic sun-blocking agents such as ecamsule, cinoxate, octyl salicylate, and benzophenones (i.e. oxybenzone).

The different chemicals work in synergy to create greater sun protection than any one ingredient individually.

Resurgence of measles in U.S.

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he U.S. is seeing the largest outbreak of measles in decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In 2000, the disease was considered eliminated from the country thanks to vaccines, but a combination of frequent international travel and a trend against vaccinating children has led to its resurgence.

“I’ve seen a lot of measles outbreaks in developing countries where vaccines aren’t available.

I’ve stood by children’s bedsides and cared for them as they suffered. It is heart-breaking to see these children suffer from a disease that is preventable,” said physician Nadia Qureshi, pediatric infectious

disease specialist at Loyola University Health System. “We are seeing a rise in children in the U.S. with measles because international travel has become so common. People bring it back from endemic areas and because it’s highly contagious. If your child is not vaccinated they are at risk.”

Measles is caused by a virus and there is no specific treatment for the infection. This extremely contagious infection is spread person-to-person through droplets and can live in the air for up to two hours. Most people don’t even know they are already contagious since the characteristic rash doesn’t appear until four days after a person has already been spreading the disease.

Most in U.S. Support Laws to Crack Down on Weight Discrimination Leading Obesity Groups Take Action to Educate on Obesity Discrimination & Weight Stigma

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ew research shows that most Americans support policies that address weight discrimination. In fact, approximately three out of four individuals support efforts to add body weight as a protected class under Civil Rights laws, and the majority of those surveyed (at least 60 percent) are supportive of other policy efforts to address weight discrimination across the nation.

The study, led by researchers at the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity and published in the research journal Obesity, the official journal of The Obesity Society (TOS), is the first to document a positive change in public attitudes toward legal measures to address weight discrimination.

“More than two-thirds of adults in the United States are affected by overweight or obesity, meaning they are also vulnerable to the stigma and discrimination that these proposed policies and laws would help prevent,” said study author Rebecca Puhl, Rudd Center deputy director and co-author of the study.

“Rates of weight discrimination are comparable with rates of racial discrimination, especially for women, and are seen across multiple domains, from healthcare and employment to media and personal relationships. We’re hopeful that identifying these trends in support of action to end weight discrimination can provide backing for current and future policy efforts.”

According to the paper, from 2011 – 2013 researchers observed a 7 percent increase in support for disability protections for those affected by obesity or overweight (61 percent in 2011 to 69 percent in 2013) and a 6 percent increase for adding body weight as a protected class in Civil Rights statutes (70 percent in 2011 to 76 percent in 2013).

10 Years After My Weight Loss Surgery

By Barbara Lambright

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ime sure flies when you’re having fun. But think about it. It flies whether you are having fun or not.

It has been five years since I wrote an article for this publication. May 11 marked my 10-year anniversary of having gastric bypass surgery. Having this surgery was the best thing that I ever did for myself.

There is a very sad thing that I need to address in this article... what if?

What if on this anniversary I put on weight and went back to the old habits of eating and not taking care of myself?

Keep in mind that after surgery losing weight is inevitable. Now, keeping it off is another story. So, five years ago I was on top of it all, a 225 lb. weight loss, on the cover of a magazine, recovered from plastic surgery and what I call “fat girl syndrome” was behind me. I was in my comfort zone. I knew it all — thinking it was safe for me to eat whatever as long as it was in moderation. But then I noticed I was not eating meals that were healthy, grazing was becoming a habit more than an exception. So 5 pounds became 10 and 10 became 20. When the weight crept up to a 50 pound weight gain I still thought I didn’t need help, I can handle this.

Then, of course, the embarrassment of gaining weight was a new issue that I had to deal with.

No one wants to admit failure, and this is what happens when you gain weight, especially after weight loss surgery. Only 5 percent of weight loss surgery patients are successful in keeping the weight off. The tragedy is ignoring the fact that you can find help and get back on track.

Finding others who have put weight back on is not a comfort. OK, you might think it is because you have met four or five others who have gained weight but this is not a club you want to be part of.

The story I have told you is happily, just that, a story. I am one of the 5 percent who kept their weight off. I would not be telling the truth if I said it was easy. It is not, but I am accountable.

I played with 5 and then 10 pounds and then realized that the tool of gastric bypass goes hand in hand with accountability.

I used the story as an example because no one wants to tell a story of failure. The story of being Cinderella or Prince Charming and going backwards and becoming heavy again is not a pretty picture, especially to the person changing yet again. What it does to

‘The best thing that I ever did for myself but most people are not so lucky’ June 2014 •

ones self-esteem is truly heartbreaking.

I have run into so many people who immediately start telling me. “oh I put weight on, because…….” It is the first thing that comes out of their mouth before saying hello. Sometimes I feel embarrassed or uncomfortable because I have stayed the course and kept the weight off. I then find myself wanting to avoid them because I am uncomfortable for keeping the weight off. I’d like to offer help, but then would never want them to feel uncomfortable.

If you find yourself putting weight on there is help. I decided to join Weight Watchers because they keep me accountable, and I make healthy choices when I eat. I also track what I eat because keeping a food diary shows me where and when I can go wrong with my food choices.

Believe me — I do go wrong sometime but get right back on track. I have not, however, learned to be happy exercising. I keep trying new things; my new venture this year is going to be bike riding and getting back to walking in the park (my favorite place).

If you are someone who is gaining weight or has gained weight, don’t be discouraged. Go back to your doctor and don’t be embarrassed. Start over, the only shame is in giving up.

There is no shame in being human.

I am retired, despite being 65 I’m better than I was at 25. I am happy and full of hope and know that I will stay the course. It is 10 years and I still have the “fat girl syndrome” thinking I’m heavy, but remind myself of what I have accomplished, and that all I ever wanted was to be average. You gotta believe!

Believe in yourself and have faith in God. Time — well, it will pass, but what you do while it is passing is up to you. You can never get it back or make it up. Make it count.

Offering help to anyone that needs or wants the benefit of my experience is what I would like to accomplish from this article. So, if I can help, call me.

Good luck and many blessings!

Barbara Lambright can be reached at 315-738-0719.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 9

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Ordinary Basil Full of extraordinary benefits

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asil is surprisingly nutritious. And because it’s one of the few spices that can be consumed in quantity at one sitting — whether draped over a tomato or enjoyed as pesto — we are more apt to reap its many benefits.

Used medicinally for centuries, fresh basil is a natural anti-inflammatory. This benefit stems from a volatile oil in basil that blocks enzymes in the body that cause swelling. Many over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen, work by inhibiting this same enzyme. Some studies suggest that basil may provide symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions.

Basil is good for hearts, thanks to its rich concentrations of beta-carotene and magnesium. A precursor to

imbalance that may lead to cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Another reason to love the leaf: Basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. According to studies published in “Food Microbiology,” washing produce in solutions with basil oil helped to lower the count of an infectious bacteria known to trigger diarrhea. Translation? It makes sense to add basil to more of our recipes, particularly dishes that are uncooked (such as salads).

Last but not least, basil may help reduce stress. Recent research suggests that the phytochemicals in basil may lower cortisol, a hormone secreted when we’re feeling frazzled. Tea steeped with basil, anyone?

Helpful tips

vitamin A and a powerful antioxidant, beta-carotene protects cells from free radical damage and thwarts the build up of cholesterol in vessel walls. Magnesium promotes heart health by prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax, which improves blood flow and lessens the risk of irregular heart rhythms.

Worried about thinning bones?

Bruises? Basil serves up a healthy dose of vitamin K, an essential vitamin that helps maintain strong bones and ensures proper blood clotting. Vitamin K also works to prevent calcium build-up in tissues and arteries, an unfavorable

Whenever possible, choose fresh basil over dried, since it’s superior in both flavor and nutritional value. The leaves should look firm and green, and be free from dark spots or yellowing. Store fresh basil in the refrigerator—wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel (lasts about 4 days).

Dried basil will keep fresh for about 6 months. For maximum flavor, add the herb near the end of the cooking process.

Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Pasta Salad Serves 6

½ pound whole-wheat fusilli (spi-

rals) pasta 6 to 8 plum tomatoes, seeded, coarsely chopped 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-size pieces ¾ cup chopped fresh basil 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon black pepper Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water with a splash of oil to keep it from sticking together.

Boil according to package directions; drain well and allow to cool. Place the pasta in a bowl and add the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.

For the dressing, whisk together the vinegar, oil, garlic, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta and mix well. Adjust the seasonings, adding red pepper flakes, if desired.

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes.

She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

Baseball players shoulder injury burden Physical therapist makes a pitch for preventing injuries

By Barbara Pierce

“

Baseball is huge,” said Ryan Monaco, co-owner of the new SPI Fitness in Utica (Sports Performance Institute).

The other two owners are Marc Giordano and Mike Jarmak.

“It’s a very popular sport in the Mohawk Valley. More kids play organized baseball than any other sport,” he said.

As a physical therapist who specializes in treating baseball players, Monaco is concerned about kids who are playing America’s greatest pastime.

Injuries are a problem from youth sports through the major leagues.

“As far as shoulder care and proper strength and conditioning for baseball players is concerned, there is a lack at all levels in this area,” Monaco said.

Coaches know all the recommendations of pitch count and proper rest but whether they are following these recommendations is a different story. This is one reason why injuries, especially for baseball players, are on the rise.

Injuries in young athletes are on the rise, but elbow and shoulder injuries in children are on the verge of becoming an epidemic, according to stopsportsinuries.com. Thousands of children are seen each year complaining of elbow or shoulder pain, according to the website. Damage or tear to the ulnar collateral ligament is the most common injury suffered and is often caused by pitchers throwing too much.

This ligament is the main stabilizer of the elbow for the motions of pitching.

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When it becomes damaged, it can be difficult to repair and rehabilitate.

A friend of Monaco’s was a great baseball player as a junior in college.

“He was getting looked at by pro scouts,” he said. In the fall of his senior year, he had an injury and required shoulder surgery.

“His ‘stuff’ wasn’t there after the surgery,” says Monaco.

His promising career was cut short due to overuse of his shoulder and the surgery he needed. And he’s not unusual.

“Ball playing year round without the Monaco proper strength and conditioning or overuse can lead to injuries,” cautions Monaco.

In addition to arm and shoulder injuries which can be common in those who are actively in baseball, Monaco points out that hip mobility is also important in injury prevention and also increasing velocity for baseball.

“So much focus is spent on arm strength and its correlation to pitching velocity,” Monaco said. “I feel that the entire lower half of the body and the core are ignored as potential areas where increased strength and corrective exercise can improve velocity, as

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014

well as how a thorough assessment could unveil red flags that could predispose young pitchers to injuries.”

“This spring two local high schools utilized the Sports Performance Institute’s service. Across the board, a common finding was some form of decreased hip mobility, be it internal or external rotation,” Monaco added.

“The most interesting result of the assessment was that every single athlete evaluated was unable to bring the knee parallel with the table due to tight hip flexors.

“Bringing them into hip extension was not possible without a compensation of excessive lumbar lordosis, which can increase the risk for a lower back injury. This is not a surprise as our youths’ full-time job is spending time in a seated position with no emphasis on corrective exercise or proper stretching. This leads to the dysfunction which is not helpful for any athletic performance, especially baseball.”

Hip mobility essential

Here’s the take-home message according to Monaco. Hip mobility is important for pitching not only to reduce risk of shoulder and elbow injuries but also as a way to increase velocity.

Having an assessment that includes a thorough upper extremity and lower extremity portion will help identify any areas that can increase risk for injury but also is a way to effectively choose corrective exercises to improve performance.

At SPI, Monaco combines his love of sports, his doctorate in physical ther-

apy and athletic trainer certification to help those who play sports enhance their performance and prevent injuries.

His program helps those who play sports reduce the risk of injuries and increase their ability to play their sport.

He is knowledgeable about all sports, but specializes in baseball and concussions.

Monaco is especially excited as his business has teamed up with the Field of Dreams Sports Complex in Utica.

SPI Fitness and Field of Dreams will have a grand opening on June 8.

“Bob Cook, owner of Field of Dreams, was a professional pitcher,” said Monaco. “He teaches the mechanics of pitching very well.”

“The role of SPI Fitness will be to teach kids proper strength and conditioning techniques, as well as performing assessments on the young athletes to see if they have any limitations somewhere which could increase risk of injury or hurt their performance.”

The Field of Dreams is a training facility, explained Cook. “We teach kids a variety of sports: soccer, high school football, hockey, Little League baseball.

We teach the mechanics of how to play.

SPI will work with them to prevent injuries. And for kids that have injuries, how to come back 100 percent.”

Monaco specializes in doing full body assessments of those who play sports.

To contact Monaco at SPI Fitness, email info@spiutica.com.

For more information on SPI Fitness, see www.spiutica.com.

Health Briefs LPN named employee of quarter Robert Flannagan, an LPN at St. Johnsville Rehab & Nursing Center, has been named employee of the quarter for April-June.

“Rob always volunteers to cover other shifts which includes working doubles when someone is on vacation or sick,” said Linda Welden, who nominated Flannagan. “He never complains and has a positive attitude. He is a team player and we really appreciate all that he does for the residents and facility.”

Women at the Well to gather Women at the Well will meet from 6:30–8 p.m. June 24 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica.

The faith-based group meets on the last Tuesday of each month. Drop-ins are welcome.

For more information, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, tanya@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.

Confused about annulment process?

The Good News Center will be hosting an informational meeting on annulments at 7 p.m. June 26 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica.

Father Charles Vavonese from the Diocese of Syracuse will be presenting an informative overview of the annulment process.

For more information, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, tanya@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.

Those interested are asked to register by June 23. Walk-ins are welcome.

Teddy’s Restaurant honors luge superstar, supports Sitrin’s STARS Teddy’s Restaurant in Rome held a meet and greet with 2014 Sochi Olympic bronze medalist Erin Hamlin recently. Teddy’s also donated 15 percent from each meal to Hamlin’s charity — the Sitrin Health Care Center’s STARS (Success Through Adaptive Recreation & Sports) program. Nearly $650 was raised. Presenting the check to the star luger is Teddy’s co-owner Lori Bruno. Also pictured are, back row from left, Teddy’s co-owner Brian Miller and Sitrin Foundation Vice President Rosemary Bonacci; front row from left, STARS athletes Vinny Bevivino, Jimmy “Jam” Joseph and Hermin Garic.

Docs generate $1.6 trillion in economic activity

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new report recently released by the American Medical Association (AMA) shows that physicians have a huge influence on national and state economies beyond their role of safeguarding a healthy community and productive workforce. Patient care physicians enable economic growth, opportunity and prosperity by contributing $1.6 trillion in economic activity and supporting 10 million jobs nationwide in 2012.

“Physicians carry tremendous responsibility as skilled healers, trusted confidants and patient advocates, but their positive impact isn’t confined to the exam room,” said AMA President Ardis Dee Hoven, a physician. “The new AMA study illustrates that physicians are strong economic drivers that are woven into their local communities by the jobs, commerce and taxes they generate. These quality jobs not only support the caring role of physicians, but also generate taxes that support schools, housing, transportation and other public services in local communities.”

The report notes that given the changing health June 2014 •

care environment, it is paramount to quantify the economic impact physicians have on society. To provide lawmakers, regulators and policymakers with reliable information, the report measured the economic impact of physicians at the national level and in each of the 50 states and District of Columbia according to key economic barometers: • Output: Each physician supported an average of $2.2 million in economic output and contributed to a total of $1.6 trillion in economic output nationwide.

• Jobs: Each physician supported an average of 13.84 jobs and contributed to a total of 10 million jobs nationwide.

• Wages and Benefits: Each physician supported an average of $1.1 million in total wages and benefits and contributed to a total of $775.5 billion in wages and benefits nationwide.

• Tax Revenues: Each physician supported $90,449 in local and state tax revenues and contributed to a total of $65.2 billion in local and state tax revenues nationwide.

According to the federal government, spending on physician services grew more slowly between 2009 and 2012 than at any time in the last 15 years and accounts for only 16 percent of all health care dollars spent in the U.S. in 2012.

Yet expenditures for physician services have a ripple effect through the economy. Every dollar applied to physician services supports an additional $1.62 in other business activity.

The study found that physicians had a greater national economic impact than each of the following industries: higher education, home health care, legal services, nursing and residential care.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 11

Between You and Me

By Barbara Pierce

From love to commitment

A skeptic makes peace with marriage

I

’ve been divorced for a while now.

I didn’t have a bad divorce; it was just an ordinary, everyday divorce.

Two people agreeing to go their separate ways. No big deal. I’ve done it before.

Now I keep running into reasons why I should remarry. It’s good for my health, says one line of thought. Well, yes, I do think they’re right. Marriage would be good for my health for several reasons.

And when I sit down and look at my financial future, it does seem like hooking up with another person would be a wise course of action.

And, having people you are close to adds years to your life, they say.

Loneliness is worse than cigarette smoking, according to the research. But I’m happy being alone. Even if you’re happy being alone, Pierce they say, you are cutting years off your life.

I’m nearing my expiration date.

We’re all just walking each other home, one of my friends likes to say. Yes, I would like to know there will be someone to walk me home.

All these reasons make a whole lot of sense to me. But I still am not eager to get remarried.

I was eager to read Elizabeth Gilbert’s book “Committed: A Skeptic’s Guide to Marriage.” Gilbert is the author of the best-selling memoir “Eat, Pray, Love” in which she talks about finding herself after her divorce.

At the end of “Eat, Pray, Love,” she falls in love with a Brazilian-born man of Australian citizenship. Resettling in America, the couple swore eternal fidelity to each other, but also swore to never, ever, under any circumstances get legally married. Both were survivors of previous bad divorces. Enough said.

But the United States government intervened, detaining him at an American border crossing. They gave the couple a choice: They could either get married, or he would never be allowed to enter the U.S. again.

Sentenced to wed

Having been effectively sentenced to wed, Gilbert tackled her fears by delving into the topic of marriage in the book “Committed.” She worked to discover how others have resolved the issue of this befuddling, contradictory, and stubbornly enduring institution of marriage.

One thing she found was that it has nothing to do with love: “For most of history it was inconceivable that people would choose their mates on the basis of something as fragile and irrational as love and then focus all their sexual, intimate, and altruistic desires on the resulting marriage.”

I agree. I have not found love to be enduring. It seems to be a slim Page 12

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foundation on which to build a lasting marriage.

“There is not one special person waiting for you somewhere in the world who will make you complete,” Gilbert says. “But there are any number of people right in your community with whom you could seal a respectful bond. People with whom you could live for years, with the hope that tenderness and affection will be the outcome of your union.”

By living with Hmong families, she found that the women marry and have a sex life with their husband and their fortunes are tied together, but other than that, they have separate lives. The women do not expect their husband to be their best friend, their most intimate confidant, their emotional adviser, intellectual equal and comfort.

The Hmong women get that from each other.

Only in the Western world do we expect our spouse to be everything to us, to complete us. And that is certainly not realistic.

“We expect that our partner will be our soul mate, our best friend, our intellectual companion, our greatest sexual partner and our life’s inspiration, “ says Gilbert. “It’s a lot to ask of one mere mortal, and the inevitable disappointments that follow such giant expectations cripple marriages.”

Vulnerable times

Another interesting thing Gilbert says is that people are far more susceptible to infatuation when they are going through “delicate” times in their life.

“The more unsettled we feel, the faster we fall in love,” she says.

“Infatuation is a trick of the endocrine system. When you are infatuated you aren’t really looking at that person.

You’re just captivated by your own reflection,” she added.

Hmmm. That explains why I fell in love with that totally inappropriate guy right after I got divorced.

Factors of marital resilience that Gilbert found include: • Education: The better educated you are, the better off your marriage will be.

• Children: Couples with young children are unhappier.

• Cohabitation: People who live together before marriage have a slightly higher divorce rate than those who don’t.

• Barbara Pierce is a retired licensed clinical social worker with many years’ experience in helping people. If you would like to purchase a copy of her book “If I’m so Fantastic, Why am I Still Single?” contact her at BarbaraPierce06@yahoo.com, or contact her if you have any concerns you would like her to address.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014

Camden woman captures Go Red Power of You Award Camden resident Mary Wing-Marshall, left, was presented with the Go Red Power of You Award at the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Luncheon recently at Hart’s Hill Inn, Whitesboro. The annual luncheon raises funds for the fight against heart disease in women. Sponsored by the American Heart Association and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, the Power of You Award recognizes an individual who over the past year has made positive changes and significant steps toward living a healthier life.

Wing-Marshall, a senior technician in the environmental services department at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica, was recognized as an inspiration to her family, friends and colleagues after having lost over 140 pounds over three years through diet and exercise.

Shown with Wing-Marshall is Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield regional president.

Healthy snacking beneficial

H

ealthy snacking throughout the day can help you maintain your ideal weight or even drop a few pounds in time for swimsuit season.

“When you snack on the right foods, you tend to consume fewer calories throughout the day,” said Patricia Salzer, a registered dietitian and health and wellness consultant at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “You’ll feel fuller longer and be less likely to overeat or reach for unhealthy foods.”

In addition to looking good at the beach, individuals who stay at a healthy weight reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and some forms of cancer, Salzer said.

Rather than snacking on cookies or chips, Salzer recommends having a handful of raw almonds. She divides a day’s serving (about 23 almonds) into snack size bags and leaves them in key locations such as her desk, purse and the beverage cup holder in her car.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following healthy snacking tips: • Try three cups of air-popped popcorn instead of oil-popped popcorn.

You’ll consume 73 fewer calories.

• Avoid the vending machine. Pack an eight-ounce, nonfat, no-sugar added yogurt. That’s 82 fewer calories compared to a package of six peanut butter crackers.

Ask

The Social Security Office

Column provided by the local Social Security Office

The Ragin’ Cajun

By Malissa Stinger

GMO

Welcome to our genetically modified world

Different benefits for your family’s different situations R

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ational Family Month takes place each year from Mother’s Day in May to Father’s Day in June, and coincides with the end of the school year when families are able to spend even more time together. It is the perfect time to spend more time focusing on each member of your family.

Social Security has your entire family in mind when it comes to coverage and benefits. We’re here to help everyone in the family — during every stage of life.

Most people think of retirement benefits when they think about Social Security, and that certainly is a big part of what we do. In fact, most of the benefits we pay go to retirees and their families — about 41 million people. But Social Security is more than retirement.

Just read on.

If you work and pay Social Security taxes during your lifetime, you can look forward to a strong foundation of income in retirement from Social Security. Of course, Social Security was never intended to be your sole source of retirement income. It is a foundation upon which you build with pensions, savings and other income.

But what if you become disabled before you retire and you are unable to continue working to support your family? Social Security has you covered with disability benefits. If you have a disability that is expected to last a year or longer, or result in death, you should apply for disability benefits.

Your work and taxes cover not only you, but your entire family, too. Family

benefits can include retirement, disability and, in the event of your death, survivors benefits. This coverage includes everyone in your family who depends on you for support, such as your minor children who are under age 18, or age 19 if still in secondary school, as well as your spouse. It also can include older children who have severe disabilities that began before age 22. In some cases, parents and grandchildren can qualify for family benefits if they depend on your income and you are their only means of support If you want to learn more about how Social Security benefits the younger members of your family, visit www. socialsecurity.gov/youngpeople. This page has information for you even if you don’t have children and are a young worker yourself.

So whether through survivors, disability, or retirement benefits, Social Security is here to help you and your entire family when the need arises.

And the best way to apply for benefits is online at www.socialsecurity.gov. Perhaps another popular family member—the family pet—can best explain why applying online is the best option for you. Check out our creative videos on our YouTube channel for sound advice from the four-legged members of the family. Just visit www. socialsecurity.gov and select the YouTube button at the bottom of the page.

Want to learn more? Read or listen to the publication, Understanding the Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs.

Q&A Q: I stumbled onto your YouTube channel while looking at funny cat videos. Why does Social Security produce cat videos?

A: It’s just one of many ways for us to connect to people where they already spend time. It’s important for us to let everyone know about all we do for Americans, and we’re especially interested in getting the word out about our easy, convenient, and secure online services. That’s why we look for creative ways to reach people, young and old. Our popular YouTube videos are not only a hit with viewers, but they let people know the best way to apply for benefits — online. See the videos for yourself at www.socialsecurity.gov. Just select the YouTube link at the bottom right side of the page. By the way, the cat videos have already received more than one million views.

Q: When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies,

who is eligible for survivors benefits?

A: Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to: • Widows or widowers — unreduced benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60; • Disabled widows or widowers — as early as age 50; • Widows or widowers at any age if they take care of the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits; • Unmarried children under age 18, or up to age 19 if they are attending secondary school full time. Under certain circumstances, benefits can be paid to stepchildren and grandchildren; • Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled; and • Dependent parents age 62 or older.

Even if you are divorced, you still may qualify for survivors benefits. For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov.

emember back in the days when we ate food that was grown on our family’s land by our parents or grandparents?

This was real food that was healthy for us and had no risk to it whatsoever.

I watched my grandfather grow many fields of corn, peas, greens, and tomatoes, just to name a few.

He also raised his own cattle to take to the slaughterhouse for meat for the family.

Not once did we ever hear about anything diseased.

There were no “mad cows” (well, I am sure they were pretty mad once they realized what the slaughterhouse was).

Never did we hear about Stinger tainted vegetables causing illness. There was sure nothing known as GMOs, otherwise known as genetically modified organisms.

A genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

Scientists have discovered a process of inserting new genetic information into existing cells in order to modify a specific organism for the purpose of changing its characteristics.

GMOs are everywhere today and present in just about everything we consume and use in our daily lives.

This includes animals, plants, microorganisms, and gas, just to name a few.

What this means is scientists take a living organism and genetically alter it using genetic formulas such as cloning, thus creating their own version of the product, whether it be animal or plant.

To make this simple, they make scientific versions of food, plants, animals and even medications.

But, it doesn’t stop there. Flowers, trees, berries, grass and hay are now part of the GMO movement.

What does this mean for farmers?

In the world of farming, crops that have been genetically modified have added bonuses to them. They offer increased nutritional value and amazing resistance to pests and herbicides.

There are also products designed that can withstand the change to their normal environment. Those that could normally not survive in drought conditions now are thriving.

Matter of survival

It doesn’t matter if farmers agree or disagree with the GMO concept. They have to survive in the industry one way or another.

The other route is to stick with organic crops. Individuals are speaking

out against the usage of the GMO protocol. Farmers get paid by the government to participate in growing GMO crops. In a world where we have a shaky economy, it makes for a difficult offer to turn down.

Canada hit the market with the genetically modified Enviropig. This measure was supposed to help to reduce water pollution.

Enviropig is the trademark for a genetically modified line of Yorkshire pigs, with the capability to digest plant phosphorus more efficiently than ordinary unmodified pigs. The benefits of the Enviropig when commercialized include reduced feed cost and reduced phosphorus pollution as compared to the raising of ordinary pigs.

Reduced phosphorus leads to cleaner water. This project ended in 2012.

In 2011, the Chinese produced a genetically engineered dairy cow using genes from humans. The scientific theory behind this was to produce milk that would be just like human breast milk.

For mothers who could not produce breast milk, this would be ideal if they would prefer their child to have natural milk. Other than just for milk production, they also claim the cow is identical to a normal cow. This theory caught on quickly.

Two months later, Argentina produced its version of a genetically engineered cow by mixing human genes.

In 2012, New Zealand introduced their version of a genetically engineered version of a cow. This cow went one step further. It produces allergy-free milk.

Many more animals have followed the lead. Another pig in 2006 was produced to make omega-3 fatty acids by using a roundworm gene.

Genetically engineered goats have reportedly been created that produce milk from spider silk, a protein fiber spun by spiders.

Genetically modified fish have now been created to create a hormone to increase production of many species of fish.

GMO production is everywhere.

We all think it’s just in our food. The truth is, it’s in everything we use today.

• Malissa Stinger is a gluten-free chef and cooking instructor based in Camden. Her “Ragin’ Cagun’ column appears regularly in Mohawk Valley In Good Health.

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June 2014 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 13

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Continued from Page 2 Two eight-week sessions have concluded and the response from its participants has been positive.

The next eight-week session will be from 2-3 p.m. June 3 at Lakeside in Old Forge. If you would like to sign up, call the Office for the Aging at 867-1121.

A community presentation has been scheduled at the Folts Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Herkimer from 5-6 p.m. June 2.

Call to register for the presentation at the Office for the Aging at 867-1121.

This presentation will provide education to older adults and their caregivers on ways to reduce falls.

Home safety assessments can be scheduled by calling The Office for the Aging.

If you have any questions on the community presentation, the tai chi classes, or would like to set up a home safety assessment, call Herkimer County Office for the Aging at 867-1121.

June 3

FSLH schedules blood drive Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 3 in the community room at the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services, St. Luke’s Campus, 1650 Champlin Ave., Utica.

All presenting donors in June can enter to win a daily raffle for a $50 gas gift card.

More than 38,000 blood donations are needed each day in the United States, but only 38 percent of the population is eligible to donate. Just one donor can help save or sustain up to three lives.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 315-624-8259.

Online registration is available at www.redcrossblood.org.

June 4

FSLH stroke support group to meet Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare will host a free stroke support group presentation at 6 p.m. June 4 in the Soggs Room at St. Luke’s Home in the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services, 1650 Champlin Ave., Utica.

The presentation, “Communication After A Stroke: Finding the Right Words,” will be presented by Danielle Furlong, speech pathologist at FSLH. FSLH is the area’s only designated primary stroke center.

For more information, call Laura Love at 315-624-6847.

June 4

Walzing your way through summer “Summer Dance Encounters!” will be featured at 7 p.m. June 4 and June 11 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica.

Gina and Luca Esposito, the area’s Page 14

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foremost dance instructors, will be featured.

The event includes a dance lesson and light refreshments.

The cost is $15 per couple per session, and $8 per person per session.

For more information and to register, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, tanya@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.

June 5

8127 or visit www.stemc.org to register or for more information.

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are affiliates under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

June 8

Separated? Divorced?

There is support The Separated & Divorced Support Group will meet from 5-6:30 p.m. June 8 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica.

The group meets every other Sunday.

The meetings are free and open to all.

For more information, contact Judy at 315-735-6210, judy@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.

Heroin dependency focus of June 8 Ready to explore The Third June Health Night Heroin use is on the rise in Central Option?

New York and organizations like the Rome Police Department, Upstate Poison Center and Rome Memorial Hospital’s Community Recovery Center want you to know about this dangerous drug.

Detective commander Tim Bates, Rome Police Department, and Michele Caliva, administrative director at Upstate Poison Center, Upstate Medical University will provide information about this drug at RMH’s free Health Night presentation at 7 p.m. June 5 in the hospital’s classroom.

They will also provide information about the use of Narcan, a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose.

RMH’s classroom is located on the second floor of the hospital. Guests are asked to enter the North James Street entrance of the hospital.

There will be signs to direct you to the classroom.

Health Night is a free monthly lecture series. Advance registration is not required. Refreshments will be served.

June 6

Knock your socks off at foot clinic Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare’s Central New York Diabetes Education Program is offering a free “Knock Your Socks Off!” foot (podiatry) clinic for people with diabetes at noon June 6.

The event will take place at the CNY Diabetes Education Program office located on the fourth floor of the Faxton Campus of FSLH, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica.

An area podiatrist will conduct a brief educational seminar followed by a personal foot exam. For more information or to register, call CNY Diabetes at 315-624-5620.

June 6

St. E’s, Midstate EMS to hold trauma symposium St. Elizabeth Medical Center’s Trauma Center and Midstate Emergency Medical Services will hold their 28th annual Trauma Symposium from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 6 at the Holiday Inn, Burrstone Road, New Hartford.

Registration fees are $100 for physicians, $50 for nurses, residents, and allied health professionals, and $35 for pre-hospital providers and other attendees.

Call the trauma service at 315-798-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014

The Third Option support group for married couples will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 8 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica.

The group meets every other Sunday.

For more information, contact Tanya at 315-735-6210, tanya@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org.

June 10

Regional Dialysis Center offers program The Regional Dialysis Center at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare is offering an educational program for those who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.

The program will take place from 1-3:30 p.m. June 10 in Weaver Lounge at the Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica.

Registration is required as seating is limited. Contact Cindy Christian, CKD program coordinator, at 315-6245635 or cchristi@mvnhealth.com.

June 10

Tri-County Quits tobacco cessation classes set The Tri-County Quits tobacco cessation program is offering a three-part Fresh Start class to help participants stop smoking.

The Fresh Start program is a group-based tobacco cessation support program offered by the American Cancer Society. The classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. June 10, 17 and 24 at The Regional Cancer Center at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica.

For more information or to register, call the Tri-County Quits tobacco cessation program at (315) 624-5639.

June 11

Baby Care Basics helps expectant parents prepare Parents-to-be can learn about childbirth, newborns and other related topics by attending the upcoming Baby Care Basics program from 7-9 p.m.

June 11 at Rome Memorial Hospital in the classroom.

Sandy Graichen, a maternity nurse

at the hospital, will teach the free educational program.

No advance registration is required for the free program. Refreshments will be served.

Participants are asked to meet the instructor in the hospital lobby, North James Street entrance.

For more information, call 3387143.

June 11

Support for those with diabetes, pre-diabetes The Central New York Diabetes Education Program’s adult support group for those with diabetes and pre-diabetes, “Trading Up,” will host the second meeting of the year at 6:30 p.m. June 11 in the Soggs Room in the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services, 1650 Champlin Ave., Utica.

New members are welcome to attend.

Each meeting includes the most current news and information about diabetes and provides a conversation forum for members.

RSVP by June 10 by calling 315624-5620 or email cjacobus@mvnhealth. com.

June 16

FSLH Foundation ready to tee it up The Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Foundation will hold its 32nd annual Golf Open June 16 at Yahnundasis Golf Club, 8639 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford.

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the outpatient infusion unit in The Regional Cancer Center at FSLH. The $300 per person donation includes 18 holes of golf, continental breakfast, lunch, dinner for the golfer and a guest, and a golfer gift.

Registration and continental breakfast will be at 6:30 a.m. with a shotgun tee time of 7:15 a.m. A lunch buffet will be available starting at 11:30 a.m. with a second shotgun tee time of 12:45 p.m. Hospitality tents will be set up throughout the course along with on-course contests to win prizes.

Following play, a dinner and awards banquet will be held from 6:309 p.m.

Tee times will be filled on a firstcome, first-served basis and are open to men and women.

For more information, contact Stacey Manno in the foundation office at 315-624-5718 or smanno@mvnhealth. com.

June 18

Hospital to host breastfeeding class Rome Memorial Hospital is hosting a free breastfeeding class at 7 p.m.

June 18 in the hospital’s classroom to help mothers-to-be recognize the benefits of breastfeeding and give them the encouragement to overcome some of the obstacles.

The speaker, Sandy Graichen, is a maternity nurse at the hospital with children of her own. She has many years of experience helping new moms learn how to breastfeed.

No pre-registration is required.

Refreshments will be served.

Participants should meet the instructor in the hospital lobby (North James Street entrance). For more information, call 338-7143.

H ealth News MVHS sets nursing leadership

By Jim Miller

Help seniors with computer issues from far away Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any computer software products that you know of that will let me help my parents with their computer issues from afar? They are in their 70s and frequently call me with their computer questions and problems, but I live across town and don’t always have time to get in the car and drive over to help them. What’s available that can help us?

Weary Son

Dear Weary,

Helping an elder loved with their computer questions or problems over the phone can be frustrating and difficult. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available today that offer remote access software that can easily help you assist your parents with their computer issues from afar.

One of the best is TeamViewer, which is completely free to use and works with Windows and Macintosh computers.

To get started, you and your parents will need to go to TeamViewer.com and install their free software on each of your computers. How-to videos are available on their site to help with the installation.

Once installed — and with their permission — you will be able to access your parent’s computer right from your own computer wherever you are. Both machines must have broadband Internet for this to work.

This software will give you the ability to actually see what’s appearing on your parent’s computer screen, and will let you remotely take charge of their computer so you can show them how to do something, or you can do it for them while they watch. Almost anything can be done remotely with this software.

You can even keep a live video chat open at the same time you’re helping them.

If your interested in shopping around, some other free remote access programs worth a look include Chrome Remote Desktop (go to chrome.google.com/webstore and type in “Chrome Remote Desktop” in the “Search the store” box to find it), and SkyFex (skyfex.com), which works only with Windows.

Skype also has a screen share feature (see skype.com/en/features/ screen-sharing) that lets you share your screen and video chat at the same time, but you can’t actually take control of the other person’s computer.

You can only show them what they should be doing by demonstrating it on your own desktop.

Professional tech support If your parents need more tech support than you are able to manage, another option to consider is to sign them up with a tech support company like Geek Squad (geeksquad.com, 800433-5778), which also offers remote access capabilities to help your parents with almost any computer issue.

Whenever they would need assistance, they could call the Geek Squad toll free number anytime, 24 hours a day, or log in to their website. A Geek Squad representative would then help them initiate a remote access session, so they could remotely show them how to do something, or make repairs or adjustments to their computer.

Once the call is completed, the remote control access would be disconnected from your parent’s computer.

In addition to the remote access help, Geek Squad tech support also offers free anti-virus software, they cover up to three computers (or other devices), and provide unlimited phone and in-person tech support at any Best Buy store. Costs range from $200 for one year, $280 for two years or $350 for three years, with a 15 percent discount available to AARP members.

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

Patricia Roach has been named senior vice president/chief nursing officer for the Mohawk Valley Health System.

Roach will oversee nursing services for MVHS, which includes Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica.

She will also oversee the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing and the performance excellence and Roach education departments.

Roach received her Associate in Applied Science degree in nursing from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica and her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and Master of Science in nursing administration from SUNYIT Utica/Rome in Marcy.

She completed the management fellowship for nurse executives at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa., and was expected to complete her post-master’s advanced certificate for family psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse in May. • Kathy Ward has been named director of nursing operations for MVHS. In this role, she is responsible for internal auditing, quality/ fiscal data, matrix reports, clinical quality value analysis and nursing information technology.

Ward received her Ward Associate in Applied Science degree in mursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing, her Bachelor of Science degree in education from SUNY Cortland in Cortland, and a Master of Arts in health care administration from Canyon College in Carmichael, Calif. She also received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and Master of Science in nursing administration from SUNYIT Utica/Rome.

• Nancy Traxel has been named nursing education department manager for MVHS. Traxel will oversee clinical education at SEMC. Traxel received her diploma from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing and her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from SUNYIT Utica/ Traxel Rome.

• Colette Wilk has been named director of clinical education for MVHS. June 2014 •

Wilk will oversee the Keith A. Fenstemacher Center for Continuous Learning at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare.

Wilk received her Associate in Applied Science degree in accounting from MVCC, her Associate in Applied Science degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing, her Bachelor of Wilk Science degree in nursing from SUNYIT Utica/Rome and her Master of Science degree in nursing education from Canyon College.

• Angela Belmont has been named assistant vice president of nursing for MVHS. Belmont will oversee EMS, emergency, trauma and psychiatric services for the system as well as the stroke program.

Belmont Belmont received her Associate in Applied Science degree in nursing from MVCC and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and Master of Science degree in nursing administration from SUNYIT Utica/Rome.

She also completed the American College of Healthcare Executives Program.

• Rita Popeo has been named assistant vice president of nursing for MVHS. Popeo will oversee medical-surgical, pediatrics and bariatric services for the system as well as the inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Popeo Popeo received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and her Master of Science degree in nursing administration from Syracuse University in Syracuse.

She also completed the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School, financial management program for nurses and directors in Philadelphia, Pa. • Lissette Grimaldi has been named assistant vice president of nursing for MVHS. Grimaldi

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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H ealth News Continued from Page 15 Grimaldi will oversee cardiac and critical care services for the system.

Grimaldi received her Associate in Applied Science degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing and her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Neb. She is working toward her Master of Healthcare Administration at Bellevue University with an anticipated completion date of August.

• Heidi Coluzza has been named director of nursing for MVHS. In this role, Coluzza will oversee maternity and diabetes services for the system as well as wound care and the vascular access team.

Coluzza received her Associate in Coluzza Applied Science degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing and her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and Master of Science degree in nursing administration from SUNYIT Utica/Rome.

She has been board certified in medical-surgical nursing since 2004.

• Tom Norton has been named director of the Mohawk Valley Heart Institute and of cardiology services for MVHS. Norton received his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pa., Norton and his Master of Science degree in management with a concentration in health care administration from Wilmington University in New Castle, Del. • Barbara Kantor has been named director of nursing for MVHS. Kantor will oversee perioperative services for the system.

Kantor received her Associate in Applied Science degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth College Kantor of Nursing and her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from SUNYIT Utica/ Rome.

She is working toward her Master of Healthcare Administration degree at Utica College in Utica with an anticipated completion date of August 2015.

• Charles Williams has been named director of perioperative operations for MVHS. Page 16

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Williams received his Associate of Arts degree in health care administration and his Bachelor of Science degree in health administration from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Ariz.

He is working toward his Williams Master of Health Administration degree through the University of Phoenix with an anticipated completion date of June 2015.

St. E’s College of Nursing features graduation The St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica graduated 51 new nurses recently.

Of the 51 graduates, 41 attended weekday classes and 10 attended the weekend program.

The 108th graduation was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica, following a procession across Genesee Street from the college.

The Associate in Applied Science degree in nursing was presented to weekday and weekend graduates by Marian Kovatchitch, president of the college, and Elaine F. Brown, dean of academic affairs.

Weekday classes are held Monday through Friday and the evening/weekend Program, which meets weekends and on Wednesday evenings, allows employed individuals the ability to attend the college on a part-time basis.

Stephanie Bouck and Beverly Plante, class advisers, presented the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing pin.

Scott Perra, president/CEO of Mohawk Valley Health System, welcomed the graduates, faculty, staff and participants.

Barbara Zittel, international nursing consultant, and retired executive secretary to the state board for nursing, New York State Education Department gave the commencement address.

The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., and registered by the New York State Education Department.

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are affiliates under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

St. E’s College of Nursing names top 2014 grads St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica recently announced its 2014 weekday and weekend valedictorians and salutatorians.

The weekday valedictorian is Daniel Freedman of New Hartford. The son of Dr. Peter and Linda Freedman, he is a graduate of New Hartford High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont.

The weekend valedictorian is Hol-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014

ly Sellers of Munnsville. Married to HuDayne Sellers, she is the daughter of Susan Anderson and Ron Cooke.

Following graduation from Madison Central School, she received her massage therapy diploma from Body Therapy Institute, Siler City, N.C. She has two children: son, Gage, 12, and daughter, Meadow, 3.

The weekday salutatorian is Heather Duncan of Clinton. Married to David Duncan, she is the daughter of Sharon LaRue and Richard Hovious.

The weekend salutatorian is Christina Johnston of Rome.

Married to Dale Johnston, Jr., she is the daughter of Joseph Sr. and Pamela Pestar. She is a graduate of Herkimer High School; earned her Associate of Applied Science degree (physical therapist assistant) and Associate of Science degree in athletic/ fitness studies from Herkimer County Community College. She is the mother of a 13-year-old son, Kyle.

She works for Mohawk Valley Health System, St. Luke’s campus, as a physical therapist assistant. She will be employed as a registered nurse at the St. Luke’s campus on the stroke unit.

FSLH and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are affiliates under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

Dr. Edward Gaffney Memorial Award presented James Bramley is this year’s recipient of the Edward Gaffney, M.D. Memorial Award, a recognition St. Elizabeth Medical Center’s medical staff established in 2012 in memory of Gaffney.

Gaffney passed away in 2011 after many years of service to the medical center and its patients. Mark Warfel, president of the St. Bramley Elizabeth medical staff, presented the award at the March medical staff meeting.

Bramley was chosen for his commitment to employing infection prevention guidelines for specific disease treatment protocols. In addition, Bramley is dedicated to family medicine resident education and takes his approach to quality patient care to his teaching of residents. Bramley has a practice with Infectious Disease Associates, LLP in Clinton.

The award is given to an active member of the medical center who represents Gaffney’s ideals and practice of upholding old-fashioned, professional values, which include dedication to high-quality patient care and attention to detail.

The award is administered through the medical staff office and includes a $1,000 donation in the name of the recipient to a cause to be chosen by the recipient from five choices determined by the medical

executive committee, plus a plaque to the individual.

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are affiliates under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

FSLH makes medical staff announcement Shannon Pelletier has joined the Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare’s Adirondack Community Physicians’ Barneveld medical office as a family nurse practitioner.

Pelletier’s previous position with FSLH was as a family nurse practitioner in the emergency department and in the ACP Waterville medical Pelletier office.

Prior to joining ACP, Pelletier held positions as a registered nurse in various departments of local hospitals and at the Child Advocacy Center in Utica.

Pelletier earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing, her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and her Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science degree from SUNYIT Utica/Rome in Marcy.

She also completed five clinical residencies with area physicians.

FSLH offers free hearing screenings In an effort to promote the early detection or potential for hearing loss, the Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Audiology Department in Utica has set a goal to provide 250 free hearing screenings to the community in 2014.

Free hearing screenings for individuals 4 years of age or older will be available during regular business hours in the Hearing and Speech Center at The Regional Rehabilitation Center at the Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica.

Call 315-624-4600 to pre-register, which is required.

Kelberman Center Walk for Autism Raises $130K The Kelberman Center Walk for Autism, which was held recently in Oneida, Boonville, Cooperstown, the Mohawk Valley and Syracuse raised $130,000 for programs at the Kelberman Center.

There were 1,800 people who walked for autism this year in all locations combined.

Autism affects one out of every 68 children in the United States, and it is in partnership with lead sponsors First Niagara, NYCM, Carbone Auto Group & BNY Mellon that the Kelberman Center is able to host this community awareness event.

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H ealth News Continued from Page 16

All money raised stays in Central New York supporting the many families living with autism in our area.

The Kelberman Center is a regional center for excellence for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related learning challenges.

Sitrin offers traveling summer day camp Sitrin Health Care Center, 2050 Tilden Ave., New Hartford, is offering its Traveling Summer Day Camp.

The camp gives children of all abilities an opportunity to have a fun-filled summer and visit different locations every day.

The camp welcomes children aged 6-14, though space is limited and filling quickly.

Field trips include visits to Camp Sitrin, Sherrill Brook Park, Camp Ronald McDonald, and Donovan Park where campers enjoy arts and crafts, swimming, hiking, catch-and-release fishing, and a mixture of other outdoor activities and adventures.

The cost per child is $160 per week.

Families registering more than one child will receive an additional $10 sibling discount.

Children must be dropped off and picked up at Sitrin Health Care Center each day, and they are required to bring their own lunch. Designed for the convenience of working parents, camp hours include weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before-care begins at 7:30 a.m., and after-care is available until 5 p.m.. Both are free of charge.

For more information about Camp Sitrin or to obtain a registration packet, visit www.sitrin.com or contact camp coordinator Cara Bulson Arcuri at 315737-2255.

Oneida Healthcare nursing director receives award Sherry Willis, hospital nursing director at Oneida Healthcare, received the Central New York Leadership award from the New York Organization of Nurse Executives and Leaders at the 2014 annual conference held in Tarrytown.

In her nomination of Willis, Oneida Healthcare Vice President for Clinical Willis Services Janis Kohlbrenner said Willis has held a leadership position at Oneida Healthcare for the past 14 years and, as director of nursing, “has greatly impacted the lives of the patients we serve, the nursing staff with whom she works and the community in which she resides.”

As an example of her effective leadership, Kohlbrenner cited the “NYONE” Best Practice Award Willis received in 2013 for co-developing

the hospital’s education internship program, in collaboration with clinical educator Beth Kelly.

The program provides a structured on-boarding pathway for all new RNs at Oneida Healthcare.

Willis has been an active member of CNYONEL since 2001 and has held the office of secretary of the organization for the last four years.

In presenting the award, CNYONEL President Teresa Bell characterized Willis as an accomplished, dedicated and respected leader.

Mohawk Valley goes ‘red’ for women More than 450 local women and men, many of them professionals with area businesses, packed a room at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro recently to help raise more than $98,180 in the fight against heart disease in women.

Among the faces in the crowd at the annual Go Red For Women Luncheon were five companies that entered teams of employees in the American Heart Association’s 2014 Go Red Corporate Challenge. The teams from First Source Federal Credit Union, AmeriCU Credit Union, Revere Copper Products, Inc., The Arc Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare spent eight weeks engaging in a workplace wellness challenge.

The challenge theme was “Put Some Step in your Spring” and focused on walking. Each team tracked their members’ steps to add up to a virtual walking path to Rio de Janiero. All five teams made it to their destination.

While all of the teams saw improvements in their overall wellness, there were specific awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the battle against heart disease: • Company of the Year — Par Technology • Heart Survivor Award — Sean McMahon, Revere Copper Products, Inc. • Most Knowledgeable Team — AmeriCU Credit Union • Team Spirit Award — The Arc Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC • Most Improved Company — Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Individual Spirit Awards went to: • AmeriCU Credit Union: Stephanie Graziadei • Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare: Patricia Meyers • The Arc Oneida Lewis Chapter, NYSARC: Breanna Miller • Revere Copper Products, Inc.: Karen Arborgast • Par Technology: Valerie Slater The American Heart Association also announced the winner of the Go Red Power Of You Award, sponsored

by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

The award was presented to Mary Wing-Marshall for her efforts to eat better and exercise more after discovering she has heart disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated blood glucose.

For more information about Go Red For Women, please call 1-888-MYHEART (1-888-694-3278) or visit www.

GoRedForWomen.org.

St. E’s College of Nursing names new president

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arinya Sheppard has been named the next president of St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica, succeeding Marian Kovatchitch, who retired at the end of May. Sheppard is a 1984 graduate of St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from SUNY IT at Utica/ Rome in 1998 and her Master of Science degree in nursing administration from SUNY IT in 2003.

She has been employed by St. Elizabeth Medical Center since 1984, having served in Sheppard advancing roles as nursing supervisor, assistant director of nursing, interim vice president of nursing services, and chief nursing officer/vice president, a position she has held since 2006.

Sheppard is also an adjunct professor at SUNY IT, instructing undergraduate and graduate students in nursing leadership and health care

HealthNet seeks group home child care providers Herkimer County HealthNet is seeking group home child day care providers to participate in the 2014 Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care program.

NAP SACC is a tool for early care and education programs interested in building healthy eating and physical activity habits in children. NAP SACC is based on a set of best practices and recommendations that stem from the latest research and guidelines in the field.

Herkimer County HealthNet staff will provide instruction and guidance through various workshops along with giving out incentives for providers who successfully complete the program.

NAP SACC in Herkimer County is funded by the New York State Department of Health, Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work, and Play grant and administered by Herkimer County HealthNet. The purpose of the Creating Healthy Places grant is to prevent Type 2 diabetes and obesity through increasing access to physical activity and nutrition through policy and environmental changes.

Interested group home child day care providers are encouraged to contact Alison J. Swartz at Herkimer County HealthNet, 315-867-1499 or by email at ajswartz@herkimercounty.org.

New hospitalist arrives at Rome Memorial Hospital

Annabi Djalo has joined the staff at Rome Memorial Hospital as a hospiJune 2014 •

policy. She serves on the board of directors for the college and has played an active role in directing the policies that impact student recruitment and enrollment.

“Mrs. Sheppard has accepted the challenge and responsibility for acclimating to the college’s educational environment and learning its policies and regulations,” said Kovatchitch.

Sheppard is anticipating her start as president of SECON. “As a proud graduate of the program, I look forward to the opportunity to return to the college in this capacity,” she said.

“After spending many years in acute care nursing administration, it will be fulfilling to experience the initial phases of nursing education.”

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are affiliates under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

talist.

A hospitalist is a physician who cares for patients only while they are in the hospital, and coordinates their care with their personal physician and specialists.

Originally from the African country of Guinea-Bissau, Djalo came to the United States in the 1990s to pursue his education.

He earned Djalo an associate’s degree in nursing from Helen Fuld College of Nursing in New York City and worked as a registered nurse while pursuing his degrees in political science and pre-medicine from City College of New York and his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine, Portsmouth, Dominica.

Djalo completed his residency/ internship in family medicine at New York Medical College, Brooklyn-Queens Program.

Before coming to Rome, Djalo worked in several hospitals in the Bronx and also worked at Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta and WCA Hospital in Jamestown.

He grew up in rural areas of his native country, so he enjoys the trees, streams and rivers of Central New York. He and his wife, Henriqueda, have three children.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

Ace’s Angle

Show us your KIDS Corner happy side!

Study: 2.5 million hoop injuries to high school athletes in six seasons Study calls for more access to on-site athletic trainers to properly assess injuries

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asketball is a popular high school sport in the United States with 1 million participants annually. A recently published study by researchers in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is the first to compare and describe the occurrence and distribution patterns of basketball-related injuries treated in emergency departments and the high school athletic training setting among adolescents and teens.

The study, published online in the Journal of Athletic Training, examined data relating to adolescents 13-19 years of age who were treated in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) from 2005 through 2010 and those treated in the high school athletic training setting during the 2005–2006 through the 2010–2011 academic years for an injury associated with basketball. Nationally, 1,514,957 patients with basketball-related injuries were treated in EDs and 1,064,551 were treated in the athletic training setting.

The study found that in general, injuries that are more easily diagnosed and treated, such as sprains/strains, were more likely to be treated onsite by an athletic trainer while more serious injuries, such as fractures, that require more extensive diagnostic and treatment procedures were more commonly treated in an ED.

Trainers play pivotal role

“Athletic trainers play a really important role in helping to assess those more mild or moderate injuries and that helps alleviate a burden on the health care system and on families,” said physician Lara McKenzie, the study’s lead author and principal investigator in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s. “They are right there on the sidelines. They are there when some of these things happen. And they can be a great resource for families to evaluate that injury immediately.”

In 1998, the American Medical Association recommended all high school sports programs enlist an athletic medicine unit consisting of a physician director and an athletic trainer, yet as Page 18

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of 2009, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association estimated only 42 percent of high school sports teams met this recommendation. With more than half of U.S. high school athletes not having access to an athletic trainer during practice or competition, a vast majority of injured players wind up in urgent care facilities and emergency departments, some unnecessarily.

McKenzie, also a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, said that while athletic trainers cannot treat every injury, they can make the system more efficient by only sending athletes to the hospital when it is necessary and helping athletes return to play when it is safe.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014

By Amylynn Pastorella

Readers urged to submit their happy memories, stories

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ou may be like me: When something is going on in life, I gravitate toward certain songs or quotes.

A quote I recently related to is: “There comes a time in life when you walk away from all the drama and the people who create it. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good.

Love the people who treat you right.

Pray for the ones that don’t. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life; getting back up is living.”

It’s good, right?

My initial thought of this quote was agreeing that life is too short to worry and stress about things that are or should be.

The point I want to make in this month’s column is that happiness should be at the forefront of our lives.

Amid stress, worry, anxiety and fear, we should immediately put our blessings and enjoyable moments ahead of the negativity.

I know it may be difficult. Too often we hear: “I’m fighting addiction.”

“My marriage is failing.” “My company may lay me off because of budget cuts.” “The doctor’s report was not what I wanted to hear.”

Just because we live around hardship doesn’t mean our lives have to be filled with hardship.

My goal for this month’s Ace’s Angle is to not only reintroduce it, but to recreate this column for you. I want us to live happy, healthy lives.

When I think of being healthy, I think of mind, body and soul health.

If one piece of our puzzle is out of place, our entire being can be placed in disarray.

I don’t have a medical degree, so I can’t give you a health diagnosis, but I can provide answers to your questions based on research, advice for your concerns, and a listening ear if you would like to share any thoughts.

I challenge you to a call to action.

For July, going on the theme of happiness, I beckon you to share your stories of times when you are happy, what makes you happy, or memories or words of wisdom for being happy.

I’ll even start it off. I have many memories. I have probably mentioned that I am a cancer survivor. I am 31 years old and am a 29-year survivor of a rare form of cancer.

Amylynn Pastorella is shown with her beagle, “Samson.”

I feel so good to participate in the Relay For Life in Utica. It’s a great way for me to say thank you to all those who helped me through my diagnosis.

Also, this past year I became the aunt to two beautiful babies. When my niece and nephew smile, all the ugly in my world goes away.

I love to make them laugh, crawl on the floor with them, have a screaming contest with my niece to see who is louder, and talk “goo-goo” with my nephew.

I have to brag and say that my beagle Samson is the best dog to come home to after a long day at work. I recently had to board him for a week and I think separation anxiety away from him was worse for me!

So, now it’s your turn. Send me something you want to share. You are valued readers and I think I can speak for our entire team and say we appreciate the time you take to read our newspaper each month.

That is why I think that happiness can be contagious. The more we spread it, the more people will feel lifted and encouraged. I know we all go through difficult times, but let’s improve our health one step at a time.

Contact me at 315-527-0234 or email me at acesangle@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

• Amylynn Pastorella is a staff correspondent for Mohawk Valley In Good Health.

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Regional Center for Wound Care celebrates Rome Memorial Hospital’s Regional Center for Wound Care recently marked a one-year anniversary of healing. The center, located at 267 Hill Road, began seeing hard-to-heal wound patients one year ago on April 17. On its anniversary, the center celebrated by presenting a special certificate to David Corsette of Bernhard’s Bay, the 111th patient to successfully complete treatment at the center for wound care. Above, Emily Cumber, RN, presents Corsette with the certificate. Other patients who underwent treatment on the anniversary date received a special commemorative scented candle.

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Health Briefs Lutheran Care leader to be awarded Andrew E. Peterson, president and CEO of LutheranCare in Clinton, has been selected by LeadingAge New York to receive its highest honor, the Lawrence E. Larson Memorial Award of Honor.

This award is presented to an individual who is recognized both statewide and nationally as a leader in senior living and services and has an established reputation for Peterson humanitarian achievement in the health care field.

The award will be presented during the association’s annual conference and exposition at a special awards luncheon from 12:45-2 p.m. June 18 at the Saratoga Hilton Hotel and Conference Center in Saratoga Springs.

The mission of LeadingAge is to expand the world of possibilities for aging. Its members touch 4 million lives every day and include 6,000 nonprofit organizations representing the entire field of aging services, 39 state partners, hundreds of businesses, consumer groups, foundations and research partners.

Student artists help RMH prepare for Cancer Survivors’ Breakfast Haley Gatley, left, and Chandni Desai, members of Rome Catholic School’s Art Club, paint Rome Memorial Hospital’s cafeteria windows in preparation for the annual Cancer Survivors’ Breakfast held recently. Nearly 250 cancer survivors and guests were honored for their strength, inspiration and courage. Also volunteering from Rome Catholic School were students Jeri Combs, Tabitha Doak, Hannah Gatley, Sarah Hahn, Nick Jordan, Emma Preski and art teacher Denise Tan. June 2014 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 19

Better Late Than Never Utican, WWII veteran finally recognized for achievements

By Patricia J. Malin

T II.

here was no question that John (Pantola) Allen saw four long years of action during World War

Occasionally, he still spins tales of those days. “I still got it!” he remarked, referring to his memory.

For example, the Utica native vividly remembers his convoy. It was part of the British fleet, coming under attack

by Japanese planes en route to Europe.

“But they missed my boat,” he chuckled. “But we saved some other guys.”

The former Army private spent the entire war, from August 1942 to September 1945, marching through southern Italy. He worked as a cook in the mess hall at a base in Spinazzola, Italy.

Despite getting his legs burned when a gas stove exploded, he didn’t suffer any serious injuries that kept him from reporting for duty.

“Then there was another time we were on a refueling mission when a 500-pound bomb caught fire,” he said.

“No, I was never afraid.”

Returning home to Utica, he worked 30 years as an assembler for Chicago-Pneumatic Tool Co. Now 92 years old, he’s in a wheelchair.

“He often talked about what he did in the war,” said his daughter, Christina Bezak. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that the family realized he didn’t receive official credit for those years of hard service.

It took 70 years, but finally he was rewarded with his World War II Victory Medal, a Good Conduct Medal and Honorable Service Lapel Button World War II during a ceremony in the office of U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna (R-22) in downtown Utica recently.

“I can’t explain how happy I am to get these,” said Allen, smiling wistfully.

“It took a long time to get them.”

Part of the problem was that Allen had changed his name after the war. He was John J. Pantola when he was born and raised in west Utica and attended Page 20

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Utica Free Academy.

Three of his brothers also served in World War II. Frank, who had enlisted in the Navy and spent two years aboard the USS Curlew, is 87 and still living.

Diligent effort

It took D. Jason Phelps, director of Veteran’s Outreach in Hanna’s office, nearly two years to track down Allen’s records. An office in St. Louis that had housed veterans’ records from World War II was destroyed in a fire in 1973, and that led to the difficulty.

Though Allen is grateful for the honor, it’s more important to pass down his legacy to his family.

“That’s what I want the medals for, to leave them for my children and my great-grandchildren,” he said.

Allen and his wife, Genevieve, 94, have been married for 67 years and have four children. Allen lives with his son, Jeffrey Allen, and daughter-in-law in Utica, but Genevieve lives in the St. Joseph Nursing Home in Utica.

The injury he suffered decades ago has taken a toll on his legs. His health is generally fine, “but I wish I could take care of myself,” he said.

“He has some nerve damage in his legs” and some arthritis, said Jeff, “but he’s actually very healthy.”

The Allens have two others daughters, Sue Holden and Sheila Swiderek, who lives in New Hampshire. Allen also has two sisters living nearby, Charlotte Pantola, 92, and Jane Pantola Blaszczek.

The victory medal is 1 3/8 inches in width and portrays a figure of liberation. On the reverse are the inscriptions, “Freedom From Fear and Want,” “Freedom Of Speech and Religion,” and United States of America 19411945.

The Good Conduct Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity in active federal military service and awarded on a selective basis to soldiers who served at least three years after August 1940.

The immediate commander must

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • June 2014

Utican and World War II veteran John (Pantola) Allen, 92, displays his medals and button. approve the award and the award must be announced in permanent orders.

The gold-colored Honorable Service Lapel Button was awarded for

honorable service between 1939-1946.

Only those who served honorably and received an honorable discharge can wear it.

HERKIMER FARMERS MARKET Opening June 2nd through October 13th 1 PM to 5 PM

Support Local, Eat Well, Live Well See our events at: www.herkimerfarmersmarket.com We accept SNAP (Formerly Food Stamps) For any questions Call Cat Macera at 315-895-0138 or email to: cat@herkimerfarmersmarket.com