Mv igh 109 march15

in good March 2015 • Issue 109

Let’s ‘Meet Your Doctor’ See Page 4

Men’s Health Special Edition

Youth and mental illness See Page 8

MVhealthnews.com

free

Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

Finances and health Symbiotic link between cash, wellness See Page 3

HEROIN Dangerous drug ruining lives See Page 9

Pining for Pineapples Perk up those tastebuds!

See Smart Bites Page 10

Abraham House Mohawk Valley’s refuge for the terminally ill See Page 19

Annie Grove, community get involved with ACA

Energy drinks tied to inattention, hyper behavior in youngsters

See Page 20

Page 14

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS!

Internist Associates OF CENTRAL NEW YORK

Affiliated with Crouse Medical Practice, PLLC

CNY Medical Center 739 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210 Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A

s the area’s largest internal medicine practice, we welcome you and your family to our practice of more than 20 highly qualified, board-certified primary care/internal medicine providers — all affiliated with the Crouse Medical Practice care network and conveniently located across from Crouse Hospital.

Monazza Ahmed, MD

Soubhi Azar, MD

Lisa Dorsey, MD

Matthew Marvel, MD

Family Medicine

Internal Medicine

We are pleased to welcome these new physicians to our family, each of whom is currently accepting new patients!

Family Medicine

Internal Medicine

CA L L 315/479-5070 TO S C H E D U L E YO U R A P P O I N T M E N T TO DAY!

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Mondays

Support group for OCD sufferers The Central New York Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, Inc., a registered nonprofit agency, has offered OCD sufferers in the region a weekly support group since 1997.

The group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. every Monday except holidays at St.

Elizabeth’s College of Nursing, firstfloor conference room, 2215 Genesee St., Utica.

Meetings are professionally assisted the third Monday of each month.

For more information, call founder Susan Connell at 315-768-7031, email her at info@cnyocf.org, visit www. cnyocf.org or check out Cen NY OCD Support Group on Facebook.

A speakers’ bureau is available at no cost.

Women’s support group to get together A women’s support/therapy group is meeting weekly from 5:30-7 p.m. on Mondays.

Groups will be held in a confidential location in New Hartford and group size will be limited to protect anonymity.

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

Clinical therapist Cynthia Davis, who has over 20 years of experience, will lead the group.

To pre-register, contact Davis at 315-736-1231, 315-794-2454 or email cindycsw@yahoo.com

support group meeting from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Insight House, 500 Whitesboro St., Utica.

The group is free and open to anyone who is concerned about a loved one’s relationship with alcohol, opiates/heroin, or other substances.

For more information about the group, call 724-5168, ext. 265, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Support for the grief stricken

Insight House offers family support group

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.

Insight House Chemical Dependency Services, Inc. is offering a family

Continued from Page 15

Tuesdays

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

Mohawk Valley Health System unveils new logo hoacny.com

Page 2

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2015

Mohawk Valley Health System was created in 2014 when St. Elizabeth Medical Center affiliated with Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare. In coming months, hospital materials will be updated with the new MVHS logo as in the table banner, above. The logo contains the shape of a valley and stripes in an image similar to a plowed field. Designer AJ Wiswell chose soft green and deep blue colors, which are found in the natural environment and also represent well-being and trust.

Cover Story

The Money Game How to live a happier, healthier financial life

By Barbara Pierce

W

e’re all more stressed out than ever.

For many of us, finances are the No. 1 cause of stress.

According to Abouthealth.com, only one person out of 10 says they are not stressed about money. That means 90 percent of us are stressed about money.

Financial stress is linked to health and sleep problems and a whole host of issues.

Jonathan Clements, writer for The Wall Street Journal, offers five notions that he believes are indispensable for a happier, healthier financial life: • Biggest time waster: commuting “I don’t look back at my career with many regrets — except commuting,” says Clements. “I would love to have back those countless hours spent commuting.

“I have come to view the classic trade-off — accepting a long commute as the price of a big house in the ’burbs — as a pact with the devil.”

Indeed, research suggests commuting is terrible for happiness. One example: A study in Sweden found that a long commute increases the risk that a couple will separate by 40 percent.

• Key to financial success: cheap housing “The less you spend each month on housing, cars, utilities and other fixed costs, the less financial stress you’ll suffer,” says Clements.

Realtor Robert Dellecese of Dellecese and Longo Realty in Utica recommends you not spend over one week’s net income to pay for your shelter. “I always tell people if you can’t swing it with one week’s pay, then you can’t swing it,” he said.

Dellecese other advice on purchasing a house: “Never buy a house you don’t like. Buying a house isn’t like buying a car. If you don’t like a car, you can trade it in. But a house is too expensive to trade in because of transfer fees, closing costs, insurance and other fees. So never buy a house that you don’t like because you want to plan to

live there a long time.”

“And make sure the house you buy fits your needs and it will fit your needs for some time to come. For young couples, babies have a way of coming along — you’ve got to have income to support that. Make sure your income will be OK in the future to support your costs of shelter; you don’t want to lose your home.

Spend less on housing, says Clements, and you’ll have more money to spend for fun things and you’ll be in better shape if you lose your job, and you’ll need less income when you retire.

• Most important, low fixed costs make it easier to save a hefty sum every month.

Saving — more than anything — will drive your financial success. “I’ve met thousands of ordinary Americans who have amassed seven-figure portfolios,” says Clements. “The vast

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. © 2015 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, Traci DeLore Advertising: Donna Kimbrell, Marsha Preston Layout & Design: Chris Crocker Office Manager: Alice Davis No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement — not to take the place of — the recommendations of your health provider.

majority share one attribute: They’re great savers.”

Avoid the acquisition treadmill of bigger homes and better cars, and instead save like crazy in your 20s and 30s. Do that, and you could buy yourself the freedom to spend the rest of your life on your terms, rather than one dictated by car leases, credit card bills and mortgage payments.

• Best way to spend money: Experience Money can buy happiness, according to Clements, but you have to spend with care. Use your spare cash for experiences, not possessions.

Pay for the family vacation.

Go to a concert. Go out to dinner with friends. Possessions seem appealing, because they have lasting value, while experiences leave us with nothing tangible.

But this is also the reason experiences can bring more happiness: We have not only the event itself, but also the anticipation before and the fond memories after — and those memories aren’t soiled by the messy reality of some object that gets dirty, breaks down and is eventually discard-

ed.

The Mohawk Valley has many experiences to explore, much to excite us,and give us a fresh perspective.

There are places rich with history; there is ethnic diversity, sporting events, festivals, parades, unusual businesses, and classes in things you never thought about before.

• Top financial goal: not working for money Unless you have enough saved for retirement, you need an income.

But if possible, never work just for a paycheck, advises Clements. “I believe the keys to a fulfilling life are spending our days doing what we’re passionate about and our evenings with friends and family.”

• Best investment attribute: humility Wall Street wants you to believe you can beat the market because financial firms make money when you try. But there aren’t many who beat the market, says Clements.

Trading stocks may offer an adrenaline rush and buying actively managed funds can allow us to dream of riches, just like lottery tickets. But managing money should be about making money, not entertainment. If you want to notch decent returns, put your ego aside and put your money in broadly diversified index funds with rock-bottom annual expenses.

After Breast Cancer Support Network celebrates milestone

T

he only thing scarier than receiving a cancer diagnosis is feeling like you have nowhere to turn when faced with this news.

When Karen Christensen was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram at the age of 45, she found herself with endless questions and no one to ask. She thought to herself, “There has to be other women out there who are dealing with these same issues,” and from that point on, the After Breast Cancer Support Network became a reality.

On Feb. 3, the ABC Support Network celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Through the years, the group has grown from three women to a network with a mailing list of more than 1,200.

The support meetings have a consistent attendance where educational, inspirational, funny and heartbreaking stories are shared, everlasting friendships have been formed, and people’s anxieties and fears surrounding cancer are eased.

“Information is a key element in calming runaway anxieties,” said Karen Christensen, ABC Support Network coordinator. “Our meetings are designed to focus on education regarding breast cancer topics. We invite experts including radiologists, pharmacists, general surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, psychologists, nutritionists,

March 2015 •

herbalists and, well, anyone who can help us get on with our lives. What seems to matter most, however, is the camaraderie and friendships formed with women who shared similar apprehensions of this disease.”

One woman who came to an early meeting lost a breast in surgery when she went in thinking she was only going to have a lumpectomy. Another needed help with telling her children she had breast cancer.

There are women in the ABC group who have been coming since day one simply because they want more information about this disease.

When asked why they continue to attend meetings, a common response is, “I feel comfortable here” or “I can talk about my deepest fears with this group and know they will understand.”

Perhaps one ABC member described it best when she said, “There is an indescribable comfort in being able to talk with women who have walked the same road I’m walking now. My family and friends have been wonderful, but the women in the support group know what I’m feeling even if I can’t say it.”

For more information, visit www.faxtonstlukes.com/abc, email bfriend90@aol.com or call 315-6245764.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 3

Utica Community Health Center wins award

U

tica Community Health Center, part of the Regional Primary Care Network, is the recipient of the New York State Department of Health and New York State Health Foundation’s 7th Inning Stretch Award for best tip or advice for new assistors.

The 7th Inning Stretch Awards were created for navigators and certified application counselors to share best practices and be officially recognized for their achievements.

“Navigators Yager and CACs, or in-person assistors, are the face of NY State of Health in communities across the state,” said Jennifer Yager, the social work care navigator who submitted UCHC’s winning application.

More than 40 assistor organizations across the state submitted applications for awards in five categories. For each category, one navigator and one CAC were selected.

“I feel that the most important lesson I can share is that you have to listen to your consumer — help them solve problems — and not just the problem of being uninsured,” Yager said.

All RPCN sites have certified application counselors on site to help people qualify for and enroll in the New York State Health Plan Marketplace, NY State of Health as well as the RPCN sliding fee scale discount program: • Livingston Affordable Care Line: 585-243-7847 • Rochester Affordable Care Line: 585-328-7000 • Rushville Affordable Care Line: 585-554-4400/315-279-6705 ext. 7165 • Utica Affordable Care Line: 315793-7600 ext. 7226 or ext. 7281 • Wayne Affordable Care Line: 315-871-3179 Utica Community Health Center is a federally qualified health center that provides primary care medical and dental services.

For individuals without insurance, a sliding fee schedule is available based on household size and income.

The RPCN is a nonprofit network of community health centers with 23 service locations that provide primary medical and dental care across Upstate New York.

Check out our interactive online version at mvhealthnews. com!

Page 4

•

Meet

Your Doctor

By Lou Sorendo

Anthony Lapinsky

Anthony Lapinsky recently joined Slocum-Dickson Medical Group PLLC in New Hartford. He specializes in orthopedic spine surgery. Mohawk Valley In Good Health Associate Editor Lou Sorendo interviewed Lapinsky about his career and views on healthcare.

Q.: What motivated you to focus your career on orthopedic spine surgery?

A.: After 10 years of practice, I realized that one of the most challenging problems for patients is dysfunction related to the spine. The spine is the foundation of the body, and after the lower extremities, the most important in determining activity level, function and quality of life. A thorough understanding of this complex system is the first step to overcoming these challenges and obstacles and I find satisfaction in assisting patients to prevail over their problems.

Q.: Were there any major influences on your career that steered you in that particular direction?

A.: My initial experience within the specialty of orthopedics was broad, encompassing general orthopedics, sports medicine and specialty care for children and adolescents. After years of caring for patients with many disorders and injuries, I found that specialty care for spinal conditions based upon strong fundamentals and state-of-theart technological advances was difficult to access. This realization prompted my dedication to the subspecialty of orthopedic spine surgery in order to provide essential quality care that was needed.

Q.: What do you enjoy the most about your specialty? What gives you the most gratification?

A.: I enjoy meeting each patient, gaining insight into his or her specific concerns and problems and creating an individualized plan of care. Each patient’s unique situation deserves individual focus and personalized care in order to most positively impact their quality of life. The greatest satisfaction is when one of my patients tells me that their pain is lessened or they are able to once again enjoy an activity in their daily life that prior to care, was not possible.

Q.: What are some of your foremost challenges as an orthopedic spine surgeon?

A.: In our ever-expanding world of technology, challenges include separating what is new and improved for patient care, not just new and promising, and determining when the new is actually better and when to adopt these new technologies.

Q.: What kind of conditions do you normally treat? What are the most prevalent?

A.: I am confident evaluating and treating all conditions of the spine. If, in my opinion, I am not the best physician to deliver a specific treatment, I am comfortable referring patients.

The most prevalent conditions are

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2015

associated with the process of aging, usually referred to as the degenerative cascade. This is the pattern of the normal aging process that, along with the health of the individual, determines whether or not a particular problem requires treatment. The most common consequence of aging that requires surgical intervention is nerve compression.

The second is instability of the joints followed by traumatic conditions of the spine.

Q.: What type of treatment options do you most commonly administer?

A.: Physical therapy is my most

prescribed treatment, whether as definitive treatment or pre-habilitation before a surgery. In terms of surgery, the most common types of procedures include decompression of neural structures, realignment and stabilization of spinal elements, and removal of abnormal tissue. Ideally, all of these treatments can be performed in a least-invasive fashion, with less pain from the procedure and the least tissue disruption, as per the concept of minimally invasive treatment.

Q.: What prompted you to practice in New Hartford with Slocum-Dickson Medical Group? What do you enjoy most about the community?

A.: I was attracted to the opportunity to participate as a spine surgeon within a group that provides an integrated and coordinated delivery of care along with enhanced quality and convenience for patients. Under one roof, all the musculoskeletal needs for a patient can be met — from orthopedics, joint replacement, interventional pain management, radiologic imaging, sports medicine, hand surgery, rheumatology, neurology, chiropractic care, state-of-the-art physical therapy and rehabilitation, and general and specialized medical care for patients of all ages.

The integration of the care, with

Continued on Page 14

Lifelines Early years: Finger Lakes area Current residence: New Hartford area Education: Undergraduate, Cornell University, Ithaca; medical school, SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse Affiliations: Mohawk Valley Health System (St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare) Personal: Married, two kids at college Hobbies: Hiking, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing

Men’sHealth Suicide prevention for vets gets boost Resources available for soldiers transitioning to civilian life

By Patricia J. Malin

D

epression, homelessness, suicide and tragedy are words that have come to be closely associated with war veterans of the 21st century.

The reintegration of soldiers into conventional society has become more difficult in 2015 in light of repetitive deployments. And don’t forget, most of these veterans are members of the all-volunteer army.

Such problems prompted U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) to co-sponsor the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act. The bill (S. 167/H.R. 203) was passed unanimously by both the House and Senate and recently signed into law.

Gillibrand visited the Central New York Veteran’s Outreach Center in downtown Utica and a veteran’s center in Watertown recently to discuss new legislation that will provide more mental health services for veterans.

“It provides better resources for veterans transitioning from deployment, and addresses the shortage of mental health professionals by creating new incentives to attract them to the VA,” she said. “We owe it to the heroes who served our country to ensure they get the help and care they need to stop this crisis of veteran suicides.”

The legislation is expected to impact the Veteran’s Outreach Center in Utica and the Donald J. Mitchell VA Outpatient Clinic at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park. Both facilities have mental health counselors on board now, but the bill could provide funding to hire additional professionals. Admittedly though, the funding might not come through until the next fiscal year.

“It is hard enough to lose a friend on the battlefield, but to lose a comrade to suicide is an evil that can and should be prevented,” said Vincent Scalise, executive director of the Utica Center for Development INC./Central New York Veteran’s Outreach Center, referring to a close friend who killed himself.

According to a VA study cited by Gillibrand, an estimated 8,000 veterans a year or 22 each day in the U.S. commit suicide.

Under the Suicide Prevention Act, a licensed mental health professional is required to be present on a discharge review panel for any individual leaving the military and transitioning into civilian life.

The legislation is named for Clay Hunt, a Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient from Houston, Texas, who was deployed at least twice to the Middle East. He committed suicide in 2011 at age 28, two years after his honorable discharge.

His experiences suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder led him to lobby Congress on behalf of Iraq-Afghanistan Veterans of America for better and more-timely

Alessandra Miller, case manager, is shown with Vincent Scalise, executive director of the CNY Veteran’s Outreach Center. delivery of benefits for veterans, but it came too late for him.

The SAV Act has a number of mandates, Gillibrand explained. It will create a “one-stop shop” or a centralized website with wide-ranging services.

The legislation aims to improve the quality of care and enhance accountability by requiring evaluations of all mental health care and suicide prevention practices and programs at the VA. It addresses the shortage of mental health professionals by creating new incentives, including authorizing the VA to conduct a student loan repayment pilot program to attract and retain mental health professionals.

It seeks to develop a community support system for veterans by establishing a peer support and community outreach pilot program to assist transitioning service members with access to VA mental health care.

an Families Grant renewed a $440,640 one-year grant to the center designed to serve at-risk and homeless veterans and their families in Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Otsego, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties through Sept. 30 of this year.

The center’s webpage said the SSVF grant combined with aid from the city of Utica and Mayor Rob Palmieri

will provide housing to veterans and their families.

Scalise hopes the Clay Hunt bill will eventually funnel more outreach workers to the Utica center. “We have a higher number of people coming here for mental health,” he said. “From what I see, it appears to be higher than normal.”

Veterans are immediately assigned to a caseworker. But if an individual exhibits unusual behavior or expresses suicidal thoughts, he or she is immediately referred to mental health professionals at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, Scalise added.

Case manager Alessandra Miller, who is married to a career officer, said the Utica center has seen “a lot of traffic” from homeless veterans, especially with this harsh winter. She said CNYVOC has assisted 41 veterans in the last three months.

The Utica veteran’s center was founded in 2007 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 2008. In the early years, it was primarily a food pantry and social center.

Under the watch of Scalise, an Iraqi and Afghanistan veteran and a sergeant in the reserves, it provides much greater outreach, providing food, legal aid and employment services to all veterans. It has also opened offices in Herkimer and Watertown.

Scalise said the center has an annual budget of $700,000 and has a staff of 10, seven being full-time. It is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Colleen’s Senior Care Colleen Moylan, LPN, 27 Years Experience

IN-HOME CARE TO SENIORS Transportation, Medical Support, Light Housekeeping, Meal Preparation Fully Insured: Professional Liability 3 Cone Circle, New Hartford, NY 13413 Phone #-315-281-4883 Email: colleen@colleensseniorcare.com Website: colleensseniorcare.com

Assists homeless veterans

Homelessness has been a major issue for the veteran’s center in Utica.

“On this day alone (Jan. 28, 2015), seven homeless veterans arrived at the Outreach Center during the course of the day requiring immediate services,” Scalise posted on the center’s Facebook page recently.

But the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Supportive Services for VeterMarch 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 5

Men’sHealth The Ragin’ Cajun

By Malissa Allen

Domestic violence Abuse issue permeates every aspect of society

D

omestic violence has been placed in a harsh spotlight, thanks in part to social media and its magnification of incidents in the sports and entertainment worlds.

On Feb. 15, 2014 a video surfaced that stirred up controversy involving one of the National Football League’s newest rising stars.

According to CNN, on that day, Ray Rice, a member of the Baltimore Ravens, and his then-fiancé, Janay, were enjoying a night at a casino.

As the two left the casino to return to their room, Allen the couple is seen on the hotel’s security camera arguing. Janay walks past Rice and pushes him away.

On a video posted on the TMZ website, the camera shows the couple

Locally grown farm fresh vegetables!

CSA shares Delivery in Syracuse and Utica!

commonthreadcsa.com • 882-0086

entering an elevator. Rice suddenly hits his fiancé, leaving her startled. In retaliation, she jumps at him.

Then with one massive punch, he knocks her out.

Janay is unconscious, with Rice attempting to drag her limp body out of the elevator. Unfortunately for him, this is all played out on the security cameras.

The next day, another odd twist takes place — the couple gets married. On CNN’s website three days later, Janay lashed out at the negative publicity the altercation received and continued to stand by her man.

She goes on to defend her husband, even taking most of the blame on herself, although this is not Rice’s first incident with domestic abuse and other violent acts.

Reluctance to leave

The first question most people want to ask a woman (or man) when the abuse is exposed is, “Why do you stay?”

Most women will quickly say if their spouse were ever to abuse them, they would leave.

However, it’s not that simple. Being on the outside looking in, it seems like leaving is the obvious choice. But

©

Dr. Graber is pleased to welcome January Hill, MD to the practice Dr. Hill 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!

Page 6

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2015

let’s look at the emotional side of the issue.

Www.safehavenshelter.org is a national agency which provides abused women and their children help while getting away from an abusive spouse.

Its website lists numerous reasons that keep women in the environment that threatens their lives. These include fear, religious beliefs, denial and guilt.

Fear comes in many forms in the home riddled with abuse. There’s a fear of being alone and supporting children.

When a woman has been married most of her life and is raising the children, leaving her partner can be a horrifying thought.

On the wall at the YWCA in Rome, a poster states that many women fear not being successful in maintaining a home, working and raising children

alone.

Then there are the ones who fear losing their children or having the abusive spouse harm or take the children away.

Many women feel pressured to remain committed to their marital vows made before God and often feel pressure from their families.

Rome woman discusses her fear

One local resident in the domestic abuse program at the YWCA in Rome discussed her own case.

Sitting face to face with “Precious” (not her real name), this frail, thin lady with a bruised face brings abuse out in the open.

Precious revealed that many women are made to feel as though it’s their fault or that no one will believe them.

Women who live with fear also live in denial that abuse will continue. It is very easy to assume the “mothering” posture, thinking it will be easy to fix the abuser. Believing the abuse will stop if they can just make things better at home is a mistake women often make, according to Precious.

The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence defines domestic violence as a pattern of coercive behavior or tactics that are culturally learned and socially tolerated.

“It can include physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse, and is perpetrated by one person against their partner,” according to the NYSCADV. “Domestic violence can also be perpetrated by and/or against a member of the same family or household.”

For more information, go to www. nyscadv.org/about-domestic-violence/.

• Malissa Allen is a contributing writer for Mohawk Valley In Good Health.

Men’sHealth Between You and Me

By Barbara Pierce

Sexual well-being Advice from a man: Rev up your sex life

“

The only thing I see on TV more than jewelry commercials are commercials for erectile dysfunction,” said Steve to my partner Dave just before Valentine’s Day. “Do I need those pills? Isn’t it normal for sex to get a little blah as you get older? I love my wife, but — face it — it’s sure not the way it used to be.”

“Sounds like you both need to get your motors running faster,” Dave answered.

I listened to Dave’s suggestions on how to do that.

He said the loss of sex drive probably doesn’t have to do with getting older. It probably has to do with the fact that sex Pierce — even the best sex with the best partner — does get to be routine and even boring for most everyone.

So change is always good to get your motor revved up. Change of any kind. Whatever the two of you agree on.

There are different things that turn men on.

A friend found that when her husband came home from a night out with the guys, he’d come home smelling of beer and be all turned on, ready for some action.

She complained to her girlfriend, who suggested she do the same: “Come home smelling of beer, take off your clothes and climb on top of him.

“I did it and he loved it! It really got him excited!”

Anything new and different is usually good.

Uninhibited women are always a turn-on for men. Many women are inhibited; they were taught as children. If they showed even the least of their “private parts,” their hand was slapped. If they explored the differences between the sexes with normal childhood curiosity, they were punished. They learned that sex is dirty and naughty.

So a man may have to help her understand being naughty is a good

Got a story idea?

Please share!

Call 749-7070 today!

thing. Naughty is exciting. Explore this with her; get across to her that you would like naughty.

Some guys buy their wives naughty lingerie: crotchless panties, bras with no front, thigh-high stockings and a hat and nothing else. If you can get her to explore something like this, it can be a real good thing for both of you.

Enhance the sexual experience

Some guys like to watch X-rated videos, hoping that she will do some of the things they see. If you can get her to see that it is good for your sex life, it will be good for her sex life also. And watching X-rated stuff can turn her on.

Surprise her with something new and different, like stroking her with a feather, slowly, or giving her a massage. An all-over-the-body, unhurried massage will get her thinking in intimate terms.

SUPER CHARGE

Your Immune Function

INVIGORATE

Your Anti-Aging Process With Military Micronutrient

A New Standard in Natural Supplement with REAL results!

Call or visit online at:

www.bodyarmored-DNA.com 315-533-2545

Will Moleon, Independent Consultant

I want the woman to have a good time. Many men are “wham bam, thank you ma’am,” and she’s just getting started. For girls it doesn’t work that fast. There are ways a guy can hold back. Think about last week’s ball game. Yes, that is hard to do.

Some positions will work better for her, get her more excited, and don’t get him going as fast.

Lots of men don’t know that women like to use a good sex toy. If you can encourage her to try one, a turn-on for a man is to watch a woman doing her own thing. Most women are too embarrassed so may need support to try.

If a guy could talk his lady into shaving her bikini area, it could be a turn-on. Some girls have resistance to this idea. But, while a wax job does hurt the first time, a razor in her hands won’t hurt.

One of my friends got up earlier than his wife and, when she walked into the kitchen, he was frying eggs in the buff. She liked that a lot. And he told her: “Tomorrow it’s your turn!”

Anything out of the ordinary is good.

Women love a man who cooks.

She’d like it even better in the buff.

Here’s how relationship expert Joe McGee describes a time in his life when sex wasn’t working: “I’d come home from work, eat dinner, watch TV, maybe nap, then I was ready for some action. My wife looked at me like I was crazy. She’d come home from work, made dinner, helped the kids with homework and put them to bed. She was exhausted; she just wanted to go to sleep.

“I finally figured it out. I put on an apron, helped with the dinner and the clean up and putting the kids to bed.

Then when we got to bed, things went real well for both of us.”

Of course there can be real physical causes for the lack of interest in sex from either partner — things like side effects of some medications, performance anxiety, hormonal imbalance, being overly stressed out, or underlying medical conditions. All do need to be ruled out.

What changes could you make to get your libido in high gear?

• 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.

Bruce Stewart, DDS Ultra Modern Dentistry Backed

by Old Fashioned Values

• Advanced Laser Periodontal therapy available.

• Implants placed and restored • CEREC Crowns - beautiful, strong, done in one visit • Digital low radiation x-rays • Root Canal therapy • Natural tooth colored fillings • Complete Smile makeovers • Complete recare services including periodontal and oral cancer screenings Extended Payment Plans through Care Credit March 2015 •

NOW ACCEPTING DELTA DENTAL

321 Main St., Oneida, NY 13421

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

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 7

Mental Health Youth and Mental Illness

Resources available locally attempt to quell mental illness in region

By Amylynn Pastorella

O

ne in every five Americans will experience a mental health issue during his or her lifetime.

In addition, one in every 20 people will develop a serious mental illness.

Half of all mental illness cases begin by age 14 and three-fourths by age 24.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines mental illness as all mental disorders that can be diagnosed and begin in childhood, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, behavior disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and substance use disorders.

Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, research shows many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. Identifying mental disorders in children can be difficult for health care providers; however, children differ from adults in that they experience many physical, mental and emotional changes as they move through their natural growth and development.

They also are in the progression of learning how to cope with, adapt and relate to others and the world around them.

Each child matures at his or her own pace, and what is considered “normal” in children falls within a wide range of behavior and abilities.

For these reasons, any diagnosis of a mental disorder must consider how well a child functions at home, within the family, at school, and with peers, as well as the child’s age and symptoms.

Although symptoms may vary among individuals, signs of a problem might be quite noticeable.

Symptoms in older children and pre-teens can include: • Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol • Changes in school performance, falling grades • Inability to cope with daily prob-

lems and activities • Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits • Excessive complaints of physical problems • Defying authority, skipping school, stealing or damaging property • Intense fear of gaining weight • Long-lasting negative mood, often accompanied by a poor appetite and thoughts of death • Frequent outbursts of anger Symptoms In younger children can include: • Changes in school performance • Poor grades despite strong efforts • Excessive worry or anxiety • Hyperactivity • Persistent nightmares • Persistent disobedience and/or aggressive behavior • Frequent temper tantrums

What does future hold?

With startling symptoms and an unnerving realization that health care professionals will be lower in number in the future, are children with mental illness destined for a life of hardship?

In 2013, 20,923 children under the age of 18 were treated for mental health illnesses in Central New York. This startling information was presented in a study of patient characteristics published by the New York State Office of Mental Health.

The study collected data on the number of people served by age group, region, program category, race, and Hispanic ethnicity. The categories in the study were emergency services, inpatient services, outpatient services, residential and support services children required.

According to the OMH, different factors contribute to mental health in children.

Raising awareness and recognizing symptoms of mental illnesses early can help prevent serious problems, it says.

In an effort to help children suffering from mental illness, OMH has taken steps to increase availability

Herkimer County HealthNet gets $40,000 grant

H

erkimer County HealthNet recently received a $40,000 capacity building grant from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York as part of the foundation’s “Ready or Not: Preparing for Success in Rapidly Changing Times” project.

The scope of work for this initiative is to develop a capacity building work plan with support and guidance from an expert consultant assigned by the Health Foundation.

Herkimer County HealthNet is Herkimer County’s primary source for collaboration, working with its stakeholders to identify and address health and human service needs including, but not limited to, preventing obesity and type 2 diabetes and other chronic Page 8

•

diseases and preventing falls for the aging population.

Adam Hutchinson, Herkimer County HealthNet’s executive director, said since 1990, the organization has grown from being a volunteer-run coalition of a few people to a formal, nonprofit agency.

“We are projecting a new platform for growth over the next three to five years, and we need to build capacity to continue the work that we are doing and to do even more to improve the health and well-being of individuals who live, work, play, and learn in Herkimer County,” he said.

For more information about Herkimer County HealthNet, call 315867-1552 or visit its website at www. herkimerhealthnet.com.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2015

of services. The OMH is shifting its resources to provide better services so children can get assistance sooner rather than later, it says.

“Our offices are committed to helping families — one parent, one child at a time. We have been working extremely hard to improve the quality of life for children,” said Glady Smith, director of children and youth services for the OMH’s Central New York field office.

In past years, services for youth who were having trouble in school, in the court system and with drug and alcohol abuse were much more likely to end up in placements. About 20 years ago, these placements were not in the community where the child was living, but frequently out of state.

To improve services, OMH has created better screening tools that have already been benefiting children.

“Screenings can be done as early as preschool for children who show symptoms of mental illness. Our offices also have coordinators located in every county throughout New York state acting as a point of contact to help families in need,” said Smith.

Single point of access

Those coordinators are a part of the Single Point of Access program through the OMH. SPOA has a coordinator who knows all the services available to a family in a particular county.

“Because of the complexities of children, an SPOA coordinator would know other services to assist families, things like school advocates, food pantries and crisis services,” said Smith.

Along with the OMH, another organization dedicated to helping children with mental illness is Kids Oneida, Inc. Recognizing the seriousness of mental illness in children, Kids Oneida has 60 traditional and non-traditional service options that may include behavior management, psychiatric consultations, intensive supervision and special therapy.

With an office in downtown Utica, Kids Oneida operates numerous programs serving over 600 families in Oneida and Herkimer counties. It is the only OMH-certified children’s assertive community treatment program.

“This model has received state and national attention for its success in offering intensive home and community-based treatment for children with a vision of keeping families together. We were recently awarded a grant through the state Department of Health to begin offering this model to seven new counties,” said Steven Bulger, interim CEO/executive director of Kids Oneida, Inc. As part of the program, traditional services are offered at its Utica offices, but over 90 percent of the services are provided in the home, school and community to children between the ages of 5-12.

Assertive community treatment gives families a team-based approach to address severe and chronic mental illness. Comprehensive treatment plans unique to the individual are developed by the family, Kids Oneida, Inc. providers and various community partners to strengthen and individualize therapy to meet the needs of the family.

“Kids Oneida, Inc. was built on the premise of keeping families together and continues to be very successful in doing so,” Bulger said. “Once the child meets their treatment goals, they can be referred to a lesser restrictive program if such needs persist.”

“I do not have concrete data on whether more children are being diagnosed with a mental health illness as compared to five to 10 years ago.

However, I do feel that trauma and stress have a direct impact on a child’s physical and mental health. As an agency, we’ve had a 97 percent success rate keeping families together and keeping children out of foster care and residential placements,” said Bulger.

The Heroin Scourge More support, outreach offered for heroin addicts and their families

By Mary Christopher

Get help today

H

eroin and opioid addiction in the Mohawk Valley is part of a growing national problem — some say epidemic — that is causing local agencies to offer more community outreach and lawmakers to take action.

Increases in responses to heroin overdoses in Oneida and Herkimer counties have prompted family members of addicts to become more educated on addiction and learn how to administer overdose reversal drugs such as Narcan.

“This really is a life-long disease,” said Nicole Siriano, clinical director at CNY Milestones in Utica. “The ones who have family to Siriano support them tend to do better in recovery.”

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) recently visited Utica to announce he was urging the President’s Office of National Drug Control Policy to designate Oneida County as a federal high-intensity drug trafficking area.

The designation would prioritize funding and other resources for Oneida County and promote greater coordination between local, state and federal law enforcement in the region.

Once designated a high-intensity Kaskiw drug trafficking area, the county would be eligible for funding that would assist intelligence sharing initiatives, support for programs that provide law assistance to law enforcement beyond their normal scope and drug use and drug prevention and treatment assistance, according to a written statement provided by Schumer’s office.

Combating heroin, opiates

Law enforcement and addiction specialists have been well aware of the growing heroin and opioid problem in the Mohawk Valley over the past five years.

Training classes on how to use Narcan (Naloxone) are offered monthly at CNY Milestones for anyone seeking to learn how to administer the overdose reversal drug. Milestones also works along with the Center for Family Life and Recovery to offer weekly family support group meetings for anyone needing help coping with a family member or friend who is struggling with heroin addiction.

It’s easy for relatives to tell a parent of a heroin addict to kick them out of the house, but that is a hard decision for the parent to make, Siriano said. At these meetings, families can share stories, help each other and seek advice from experts and speakers.

“Nobody knows where to go when it’s heroin and a family isn’t familiar with it,” said Terrance Gilbert, a sergeant in the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department. “You have many very

• The next Narcan training will be held at 5:30 p.m. March 26 at CNY Milestones, Suite 210, 502 Court St., Utica.

• Heroin and opiate family support group meetings are held from 6-7 p.m. Thursdays at the Center for Family Life and Recovery, Suite 401, 502 Court St., Utica.

For more information about either meeting, email Milestones Clinical Director Nicole Siriano at nsiriano@cnyservices.org.

The contents of a Narcan sample kit are shown at CNY Milestones in Utica. Those wishing to learn how to administer the heroin overdose reversal drug can do so at a few agencies in the Mohawk Valley, including Milestones. good families in the same bad situation asking the same questions.”

Since 2010, Milestones has offered an outpatient program for recovering heroin addicts. Staff members have seen the same steady number of clients entering for heroin treatment.

“For us, this is not anything new,” said Richard Kaskiw, a physician specializing in addiction medicine. “The public and media are just starting to realize the scope of the problem.”

Kaskiw said despite heroin being a highly addictive drug, a person can successfully quit and enter recovery, but they have to truly want help.

What is causing more heroin use and overdoses?

Once the I-STOP system came into effect in 2013, the creation of an online database that tracks all controlled substance prescriptions in New York, those who were addicted to prescription painkillers turned to the streets for heroin, Herkimer County Sheriff Christopher Farber said.

“Very easily a person with a back injury can become addicted to oxycodone and when they don’t have access to it anymore, they turn to street heroin (and other drugs),” Farber said. “It’s ruining people’s lives.”

Buying heroin of the street brings a whole other set of problems because it can be laced with fentanyl and other harmful drugs and chemicals.

Fentanyl is a painkiller that can be 50 to 100 times more powerful than heroin.

First responders might not know how to immediately treat an overdose at the scene because of tainted drugs.

Narcan, which can be administered in mist form through the nose or intravenously injected through the skin, only works in reversing heroin and not fentanyl or other potentially harmful agents the heroin might be laced with, Gilbert said.

It’s wasn’t easy but Randy Eastman of Clinton went to an inpatient rehabilitation program and then extensive outpatient therapies to beat his heroin addiction.

“The physical pain and mental burdens I put on myself seemed unbearable at times, but I was over it,” Eastman said. “I wanted to be done with heroin. I was afraid of dying and

hurting my family.”

Eastman, who had several failed attempts before taking it seriously and working to stay clean, encouraged anyone wanting to quit heroin to seek help because doing it alone can be dangerous and more difficult.

“Luckily I had a somewhat supportive family and sought help through different programs, but someone who doesn’t have support from family or friends especially needs support from

groups and experts,” he said.

Sarah Petrie, of Chadwicks, shared similar stories about her recovery using different treatment programs. June 26 will mark her one-year anniversary being heroin-free. She credits the program at Milestones for saving her life. Petrie goes to group meetings daily and one-on-one therapy sessions to help maintain her sobriety.

“I reached a point where I wanted to quit. It works if you want it,” she said.

Just going to see a doctor for medications will not cure heroin addiction.

An addict must go to therapy and seek help from groups for support, Siriano said.

Learn more about the treatment of bone defects with

Subchondroplasty® (SCP®):

A Joint Preserving Option for Knee Patients Do you suffer from chronic knee pain?

It may be caused by bone defects called chronic bone marrow lesions (BMLs). The Subchondroplasty® (SCP®) procedure is a new, minimally invasive procedure that helps the body heal defects in the bone.

www.healmyknee.com March 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 9

Diet & Nutrition

Cholesterol Buster Oatmeal is healthy food choice

school.

By Kristen Raab

Be creative with toppings

A

n ideal breakfast is satisfying and easily prepared.

Convenience food is plentiful, but breakfast should also be nutritious. Oatmeal is healthy, filling and it can be cooked quickly.

In the winter months, we often reach for heavier foods to comfort us.

Oatmeal is a tasty, healthy comfort food. Oats contain beta-glucan, which is a type of fiber that research shows may lower bad cholesterol, hypertension and obesity. Some studies have shown the potential to lower LDL — or “bad” cholesterol — by 7 percent.

Unsweetened oats also help keep blood sugar levels stable, help us feel full and may reduce the desire to overeat later in the day.

While it may seem simple to reach for instant oatmeal, there are other options. “Instead of the packet, choose the canister of oats. It’s economical,” said Pat Salzer, health and wellness consultant at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

Steel-cut oats take approximately 20 minutes to cook and they have a

hardier texture. If you prefer steel-cut oats, but you are short on time in the morning, Salzer suggests cooking them for a few minutes at night, soaking them in the refrigerator, and then cooking them for a few more minutes in the morning.

Some people prefer not to consume much food at breakfast time. For those individuals with a limited appetite, “Drink oatmeal in a smoothie; it blends well,” Salzer notes. You will get the same nutrients, but the smoothie can be sipped as you commute to work or

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

The perks of eating pineapples

C

ome March — when snow and ice still have a death grip on our climate—I pine for pineapples more than at any other time of year.

All it takes is a bite and I’m transported someplace exotic and warm.

So long, winter blues: hello, spring joy!

The rest of the year, I reach for pineapples because they deliver the nutritional goods in a big way.

Surprised? You’re not alone.

Pineapples are so yummy that we often forget about what’s behind all that sweetness.

Pineapples are bursting with vitamin C — just one cup gives you more than you need for a day. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. And though studies show that consuming vitamin C can’t actually prevent colds, loading up on this immune-boosting nutrient may help shorten the time you’re sick and reduce the severity of your symptoms. What’s more, vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining healthy, resilient skin.

Concerned about your bone strength? Level of energy? Pineapples may be your ticket to standing tall and feeling peppy. This tropical fruit Page 10

•

Have a sweet tooth? Mix oats with milk, eggs, apples and cinnamon, or blend bananas, eggs, oats and nuts for an oven-baked treat. You can also buy or make muesli — a cereal made with oats, dried fruits and nuts. Salzer recommends mixing it with yogurt or soaking it in milk overnight.

You’ll have a healthy and tasty meal waiting for you in the morning.

If you choose instant oats, make sure to pick the plain variety. Flavored oatmeal tends to contain a lot of added sugar, which may reduce many of the benefits the food offers. Salzer reminds us that oats are a carbohydrate, so we should “be cautious with toppings.”

One option is to add a spoonful of peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon. These additions add great flavor plus protein and healthy fat without negating the health benefits. Other options include grated carrots and raisins.

Your personal preferences and dietary needs should determine what liquid you mix into your oatmeal.

Read the labels to see the amount of fat and sugar you might be adding to your otherwise healthy dish. Water, milk, almond milk and soymilk are all tasty options and you can choose one to add calcium or protein to your meal.

If you prefer savory foods, consider making oatmeal for lunch or dinner.

“Get more creative,” Salzer suggests.

Try incorporating oats into meatloaf or other dinners.

Choosing rich taste combinations such as sautéed mushrooms and goat cheese, as Salzer proposes, prevents boredom, and it opens up the opportunity to incorporate oatmeal into lunch and dinner.

Oatmeal is a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Salzer cautions, “It’s not a miracle food.” Maintain a healthy diet, be active and avoid smoking to reach your optimal health. “It is known to help with cholesterol and weight but it’s part of a bigger picture,” she added.

contains nearly 75 percent of our daily needs for the mineral manganese, which is essential for strong bones and energy production. One study suggested that manganese, along with other trace minerals, may be helpful in preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.

Also great: Pineapples contain significant amounts of bromelain, a digestive enzyme that has a whole slew of health benefits. Unique to pineapples, this well-researched compound aids digestion quells inflammation and may help reduce certain kinds of pain.

For all its sweetness, one cup of

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2015

pineapple chunks contains only 82 calories and has no fat or cholesterol and scant sodium. Like all fruits, they contain sugar: 16 grams per cup. As a comparison, one cup of grapes has 23 grams; a medium apple, 19, and a medium banana, 14.

Helpful tips

Eat fresh whenever possible. Choose firm, plump pineapples with a sweet smell at the stem end. Exterior colors — from green to golden brown — indicate country of origin, not ripeness. Since the pineapple you buy is as ripe as it will ever be, consume within a few days. Sections not eaten right away may be wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator for one to two days. If consuming canned pineapple, select varieties canned only in pineapple juice, not heavy syrup.

Pineapple-Avocado Salsa Adapted from Gourmet

1 cup 1/4-inch-dice fresh pineapple 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice 1 ripe avocado, cut into 1/4-inch dice 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion (optional) 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 1/2 teaspoons minced jalapeño chile (include seeds for extra heat) juice from fresh lime 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil salt and pepper Stir all ingredients together and season with salt and pepper. Terrific with chips or alongside any grilled meat or fish.

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.

The Balanced Body

By Deb Dittner

Preparation reduces food cost Develop strategies that will save you money

I

often hear people say: “It is so hard to eat healthy on a budget.”

“Healthy eating is so expensive.” “I don’t like to cook.” “I don’t have time to cook.” “I don’t want to cook a different meal for each family member.”

The fact is though, we need to take care of our body, as it’s the only one we were given to live our life on this wonderful earth. We are not here all that long so we need to make the best of what we have and use our resources carefully.

In order to eat healthy on a budget, we need to learn that preparation is key.

I love the quote: “By failing to prepare, you are Dittner preparing to fail.”

So prepare we must!

Make this a family affair so everyone is on board with what needs to be done for healthy eating.

• Shop local: Go to the farmers’ market or join community-supported agriculture. Here you will find organic foods usually less expensive than in a grocery store.

There’s no middleman as you are buying directly from the grower. Eating

seasonally is usually cheaper and of better quality than those foods that are out-of-season.

• Record your food expense account: Keep track of what you spend for a few weeks to be best able to set an expense account.

Once set, use that amount of money that has been set aside strictly for food purchases. Once that amount is gone, you are done for the week.

With that in mind, you then need to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with what is available.

• Don’t waste: On occasion, don’t grocery shop for a week and work with what you have in the kitchen making sure to use all produce that is in the refrigerator, frozen foods, and cooking/baking from total scratch.

This way, you use up items in your pantry and there is no waste. Plus you just saved a whole weeks’ worth of money.

• Consider eating more plantbased foods: Meat can be pricey when organic, hormone- and antibiotic-free.

Consider adopting “Meatless

Monday” and possibly even another meatless day. There are a variety of alternative sources of protein including beans, eggs and whole grains plus a variety of vegetables.

• Purchase in bulk: The bulk bins in either the grocery store or health food store can save you money.

Typically these foods have a long shelf life so you can buy large quantities. Store your bulk purchases in glass containers so you can see when you’re running low. These foods usually contain no added preservatives or unknown ingredients.

• Purchase frozen: High-quality produce in winter months can sometimes be difficult to find. When this is the case, head to the frozen food section as that is your next best bet. These foods are picked at their peak and flash frozen, thus retaining more nutrients.

• Plan ahead: Pick a day to sit down and plan your meals for the week.

Then head to the store and purchase only what you need to complete those meals. Consider cooking one meal that will create two or even three different meals. Get creative in the kitchen.

Once you get your food items

home, have family preparation time.

Cut up vegetables and bag them ahead of time. Semi-prepare salads, leaving dressings for meal time.

• Leftovers: Use leftovers for the next day’s lunch or spice it up for another meal during the week. This saves money instead of buying from the restaurant around the corner from the office. This also saves time and doesn’t waste food that is already prepared and ready to go.

• Eat in: Have you recently checked to see how much it costs to eat out at a restaurant or order take-out?

Eating in will save you money.

Coffee or tea in a travel mug from home will save you money. Pure filtered water from home brought in a glass or stainless container will save you money. Snacks consisting of nuts and a piece of fruit or other snack from home will save you money when at the office.

The main message regarding eating healthy on a budget is preparation. You can do it.

• Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner specializing in Reiki and holistic nutrition. Visit her at www.The-Balanced-Body.com.

NOT TAKING YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS AS DIRECTED?

YOU’RE TAKING

A CHANCE.

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

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

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

March 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 11

Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?

Corrine lost 80 lbs. and found her sense of adventure.

Corrine couldn’t find the courage to step out of her comfort zone. Since having weight-loss surgery, she’s stepping into her harness and finding comfort high above the trees. And at Crouse, she’s discovered a support group, along with trusted surgeons and nutritional experts who encourage her quest for a happier, healthier life. Come to our next weight-loss surgery seminar and discover what you can find.

Upcoming Free Seminars: March 2 • March 18 Marley Education Center March 4 Colgate Inn 1 Payne Street, Hamilton To register: crouse.org/weightloss 315/472-2464

crouse.org/weightloss

When your feet feel good you’re in step for the whole day.

Dr. Calvin Hu Foot and Ankle Specialist Procedures offered by Dr. Hu include, but are not limited to: • Bunion and hammer toe correction • Fracture care including stress fractures • Ankle ligament reconstruction for chronic ankle sprains/laxity • Total ankle replacements

Call 315-824-1250 to make an appointment with Dr. Hu at one of our three offices located in Rome, New Hartford, and Hamilton.

Please visit our website for more information www.hamiltonorthopedic.com

Local physician launches her healthcare career Mallory Sullivan, D.O., examines patient Joseph Pisiak, Jr. at the Mohawk Valley Health System’s medical group office in Waterville. Sullivan recently began her career in family medicine at the office located at 117 W. Main St. The office may be reached at 841-4178.

Page 12

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2015

Your Serving of Dairy News

By Victoria Treadwell

Time to butter it up!

Moderate amounts ideal for healthy diet

D

id you know the first creamery in the United States was built in Iowa in 1871, and butter became a commercial product?

Hello, my name is Victoria Treadwell, and I’m the recently crowned New York state first alternate dairy princess from Herkimer County.

I will be spending a year promoting the dairy industry across New York state along with Stephanie McBath, the state dairy princess from Saratoga County, and Courtney Dearnley, the state’s second alternate dairy princess from Columbia County.

Let’s talk butter!

Butter is a concentrated Treadwell source of 80 percent milk fat, along with water and nonfat milk solids.

Butter is made from milk, cream or both milk and cream. Salt may or may not be added. Lightly salted butter is referred to as “sweet cream butter” and butter as “sweet butter.”

There is a variety of butter out there. Traditional butter is made from milk and/or cream. Whipped butter is regular butter but has air or nitrogen gas whipped into it to increase the butter’s volume. Reduced-fat butter contains nonfat milk, water and/or gelatin.

Isn’t margarine better for you than butter?

Not necessarily. Margarine contains the same amount of calories and fat as butter, and doesn’t contain cholesterol. Margarine, however, contains trans fats that can lead to an increase in blood cholesterol levels.

Butter is a source of Vitamin A

and certain essential fatty acids and is low in trans fats. Even though butter contains 33 milligrams per tablespoon of cholesterol, it is well under the recommended limit of 300 milligrams per day. Small amounts of butter can be included in a low-fat diet if the total fat intake is kept within the recommended limits.

Butter in a Jar Recipe Ingredients: — Heavy Whipping Cream, 6 cups makes about 1 pound of butter — Salt, 1/2 teaspoon per pound of butter (optional, used for preserving butter) — Jar with lid, any size Directions: Pour heavy whipping cream into jars no more than 3/4 the way full. It is best to leave room for the shaking and turning action. Next begin shaking vigorously.

It will be about 5 minutes or so until you see results.

Shake about 10 more minutes and you will have yourself some butter!

• Victoria Treadwell is one of 35 county dairy princesses involved in the New York State Dairy Princess and Promotion Program. The purpose of the program is to promote the dairy industry and increase milk and dairy product sales, and is funded by local dairy farmers through their check-off investments in the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Inc.

Want instant results? Advertise with In Good Health! Call 749-7070 today!

Health Savings Accounts Versatility added to consumer choices for coverage

By Patricia J. Malin

H

ealth savings accounts and their forerunner, medical savings accounts, have been widely debated since the 1990s.

HSAs were approved by Congress in 2003 and became law in January 2004.

While some critics argue that it’s a step toward greater government control or “socialization” of American medicine, supporters see the value and practicality of HSAs. Individuals have to sign up first for a high-deductible health plan in order to qualify for an HSA. As Annie Grove of the Bagel Grove of Utica noted, the HDHP is a good option for relatively healthy and younger adults.

Premiums can be much lower in an HDHP, by as much as 50 percent, than in a conventional healthcare insurance plan.

It also helps to have stable employment and the means to save money for one’s future healthcare needs.

HSAs are a form of a savings account, although designated specifically for medical care. Many employers offer this coverage to their employees and will make pre-tax donations to the employees’ HSAs. The signup period (open enrollment) for HSAs is usually in November-December, the same as under the Affordable Care Act. However, individuals, families and employers can make contributions to the HSAs in any calendar year up until the tax deadline, usually April 15.

Allowable 2014 HSA contributions through April 15, 2015 (tax year) Individuals $3,300 Families $6,550 Seniors (55 plus) $7,550 Individuals can deposit as much as $3,300 a year into their HSA and a family can contribute $6,550 ($545.83 a month) to an HSA. The interest and the principal are generally not taxed.

The contributions to the HSA can be deducted from your federal taxes, except if you are enrolled in an employer-sponsored plan. But an important reminder: There is a penalty of 20 percent for early withdrawal or unqualified use of HSA funds.

The benefit to an HSA account is that deposits can be made continuously and the account balance can increase over time. No one is required to spend

Want results?

Advertise in Mohawk Valley In Good Health

By Jim Miller

Do you need to file a tax return in 2015?

the money. The account is portable, meaning it remains in the individual’s hands from job to job, bank to bank or state to state.

HDHP deductibles for 2014* Individuals $1,250 Families $2,500

Dear Savvy Senior, What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? I didn’t have to file last year, but I picked up a little income from a part-time job in 2014, and I’m wondering if I need to file this year.

Part-Time Retiree

* Deductibles can vary based on plan Deductible means that an individual needs to pay this minimal amount out-of-pocket on medical expenses before insurance coverage kicks in.

However, the New York State health exchange offers different HDHP plans with higher deductibles, as well as higher or lower premiums that can be tailored to the individual’s situation.

Out-of-pocket maximum expenses Individuals $6,350 Families $12,700

Dear Retiree,

Source: http://healthsavingsaccountrules.com/2014-HSA-Rules-&Limits.html With a HDHP, individuals and families pay for routine care out-ofpocket. There are no co-pays. It is generally intended to cover catastrophic illnesses. Nevertheless, the government limits the amount an individual or family can deduct for medical bills.

The rules on qualifying expenses for an HSA have changed throughout the years. But in 2014, they included office visits to doctors, dentists, chiropractors and orthodontists; other hospital expenses such as X-rays, lab tests and diagnostic services; prescription medicines and hearing aids.

Again, it’s important to check one’s specific policy. Using HSA funds for other purposes will be regarded as taxable income and subject to an additional 10 percent penalty.

Increases in the contribution limits are based on inflation, so the 2014 HSA contribution limits rose by $50 for individuals and $100 for families over 2013.

Banks and financial institutions offer HSAs while insurance companies sell HDHPs and have the experienced personnel to provide the proper guidelines. The Bank of Utica offers no-fee health savings accounts and as of Feb. 9, those accounts paid 0.996 annual interest.

“We’ve been consistently adding HSAs the last four years or so,” said Barry Sinnott, vice president of the Bank of Utica. He added that HDHPs existed before the Affordable Care Act. “2014 wasn’t much different, as with the ACA, many more people are getting HDHPs.” For further information, go to http://healthsavingsaccountrules. com/2014-HSA-Rules-&-Limits.html or IRS Publication 969, Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans.

• For related story, see Page 20.

Whether or not you are required to file a federal income tax return this year will depend on how much you earned (gross income) — and the source of that income — as well as your filing status and your age. Your gross income includes all the income you receive that is not exempt from tax, not counting your Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately.

Here’s a rundown of the IRS filing requirements for this tax season. If your 2014 gross income was below the threshold for your age and filing status, you probably won’t have to file. But if it’s over, you will.

Single: $10,150 ($11,700 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2015).

Married filing jointly: $20,300 ($21,500 if you or your spouse is 65 or older; or $22,700 if you’re both over 65). age.

Married filing separately: $3,950 at any

Head of household: $13,050 ($14,600 if age 65 or older).

Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child: $16,350 ($17,550 if age 65 or older).

To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing requirements, along with information on taxable and nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the “Tax Guide for Seniors” (publication 554), or see irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ p554.pdf.

Special requirements There are, however, some other financial situations that will require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirement. For example, if you had earnings from self-employment in 2014

March 2015 •

of $400 or more, or if you owe any special taxes to the IRS such as alternative minimum tax or IRA tax penalties, you’ll probably need to file.

To figure this out, the IRS offers a tool on their website that asks a series of questions that will help you determine if you’re required to file, or if you should file because you’re due a refund.

You can access this page at irs.gov/ filing — click on “Do you need to file a return?” Or, you can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040. You can also get faceto-face help at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. See irs.gov/localcontacts or call 800-829-1040 to locate a center near you.

Check your state Even if you’re not required to file a federal tax return this year, don’t assume that you’re also excused from filing state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very different.

Check with your state tax agency before concluding that you’re entirely in the clear. For links to state and local tax agencies see taxadmin.org — click on “State Agencies/Links” on the menu bar.

Tax prep assistance If you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can get help through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, TEC provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, aged 60 and older. Call 800-906-9887 or visit irs. treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate a service near you.

Also check with AARP, a participant in the TCE program that provides free tax preparation at more than 5,000 sites nationwide. To locate an AARP Tax-Aide site call 888-227-7669 or visit aarp.org/findtaxhelp. You don’t have to be an AARP member to use this service.

Editor’s Note: Read the column under Ask Your Social Security for more information on taxes.

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.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 13

Meet

The Social Your Doctor Ask Security Office

By Lou Sorendo

Beauty of Mohawk Valley admired by doctor Continued from Page 4 shared electronic medical records and a cohesive team approach amongst the patient care team, including clinical and administrative staff, are the highlights of the Slocum-Dickson Medical Group that are most appealing to me.

I enjoy the beauty of the Mohawk Valley region with every modern convenience close at hand without the difficulties of a congested urban area, allowing a high quality of life that I enjoy.

Q.: You served as a general medical officer in the U.S. Navy and a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. How did your military experience help shape you as a healthcare professional?

A.: Throughout my military medical experience, the importance of teamwork and patient-focused care were the foundations for shaping my patient care philosophy.

Q.: Are you solely involved in practice or do you also explore research and teaching opportunities?

A.: As a physician, teaching patients and families about their health condition is an important aspect of quality medical care. In addition, I enjoy teaching other health care providers

ways to improve patient care. Currently, I am an instructor for advanced trauma life support courses. In my previous positions, I have helped teach the next generation of orthopedic surgeons to optimize care for their patients.

In addition, I am a member of the evidence-based medicine committee for the North American Spine Society and also participate in the coverage committee of the same organization.

Q.: What do you feel are the keys to being a successful orthopedic spine surgeon? What skill sets are needed in order to succeed in the specialty?

A.: In my experience, patient-focused care for each individual, specific to their problems and needs, provides the best chance for improved quality of life and function.

Q.: What can people do in order to maintain their own orthopedic health?

Are there particular lifestyles or diets that enhance one’s orthopedic health?

A.: In a way, the human body is a living mechanical machine. The best maintenance is preventive maintenance. With respect to the spine, the best predictors of good spinal health are maintaining a high level of cardiovascular fitness and core body strength.

One should pursue each of these to the best of their abilities, in a safe and appropriate manner.

KIDS Corner Be alert to energy drinks

E

nergy drinks are linked to hyperactivity and inattention in middle-school students, a new study reveals.

Yale University researchers looked at more than 1,600 students at middle schools in one urban school district in Connecticut. Their average age was around 12 years.

Boys were more likely to consume energy drinks than girls. The researchers also found that among boys, black and Hispanic students were more likely to drink the beverages than white students.

Children who consumed energy drinks were 66 percent more likely to be at risk for hyperactivity and inattention symptoms, according to the study in a recent issue of the journal Academic Pediatrics.

Energy drinks have high levels of

Page 14

•

sugar and also often contain caffeine, the researchers noted. For the study, the investigators took into account the number and type of other sugar-sweetened drinks consumed by the students.

“As the total number of sugar-sweetened beverages increased, so too did risk for hyperactivity and inattention symptoms among our middle-school students. Importantly, it appears that energy drinks are driving this association,” study leader Jeannette Ickovics, a professor in the School of Public Health, said in a Yale news release.

“Our results support the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that parents should limit consumption of sweetened beverages and that children should not consume any energy drinks,” she added.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2015

A

Putting ‘Security’ into Social Security

t the Social Security Administration, our middle name is “Security,” and every day, we do everything we can to live up to that name. As part of protecting our vital services, we safeguard against all forms of Social Security fraud.

Social Security has zero-tolerance for fraud and those who try to cheat the system. While we can’t prevent all fraud schemes any more than the best police force can stop all crime, we work aggressively with our Office of the Inspector General to investigate and prosecute people who commit fraud.

Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin’s message to those who would defraud Social Security is clear: “We will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we will fight to restore to the American public the money you’ve stolen.”

We provide benefits to one-fifth of the American population, including elderly retirees, people with severe illnesses, and widows and children after the death of a wage earner. Our

Q&A Q: I’m gathering everything I’ll need to file my taxes this month. Do I have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits? Also, where can I get a replacement 1099?

A: Some people who get Social Security must pay federal income taxes on their benefits. Still, no one pays taxes on more than 85 percent of their Social Security benefits.

You must pay taxes on some portion of your benefits if you file an individual federal tax return and your combined income exceeds $25,000.

If you file a joint return, you must pay taxes if you and your spouse have combined income of more than $32,000. If you are married and file a separate return, you probably will have to pay taxes on your benefits.

You can read more about tax preparation in relation to Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/ planners/taxes.htm. Social Security benefits include monthly retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. They don’t include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, which are not taxable. You can also get a replacement 1099 or 1042S when you open your own personal my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount.

Q: I’ve been planning my retirement throughout my career, and I’m

beneficiaries also include wounded warriors and the chronically ill, all of whom tend to be the most vulnerable of our population. Protecting our critically important programs from fraud can be challenging. Yet, our standard is absolute — any fraud is unacceptable.

And, our focus on preventing fraud works.

Our Office of the Inspector General works in concert with our frontline employees to identify fraud and bring offenders to justice. Together, we use a number of tools to help us accurately predict where fraud may occur. By monitoring cases closely, we identify fraud sooner rather than later — and often we prevent it before it happens.

We also have stiff penalties that discourage people from committing fraud, including hefty fines, suspension of benefits, and even jail time for the most severe offenses.

We take our middle name seriously and so should you. If you suspect someone is committing Social Security fraud, we ask that you report it online at http://oig.ssa.gov/report or call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800269-0271 immediately.

finally nearing the age when I can stop working. What is the earliest age I can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits?

A: You can receive Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62.

Keep in mind that if you retire at age 62, we’ll reduce your benefits by as much as 30 percent of what you’d get if you wait until your full retirement age.

If you wait until your full retirement age (66 for people born between 1943 and 1954), you’ll get your full benefit.

You can also wait until age 70 to start your benefits. Then, we’ll increase your benefit because you earned delayed retirement credits.

When you’re ready to apply for retirement benefits, use our online retirement application, the quickest, easiest, and most convenient way to apply. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ retireonline.

Q: I recently retired and am approaching the age when I can start receiving Medicare. What is the monthly premium for Medicare Part B? A: The standard Medicare Part B premium for medical insurance is currently $104.90 per month. Since 2007, some people with higher incomes must pay a higher monthly premium for their Medicare coverage. You can get details at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048).

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

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

Continued from Page 2

Insight House offers family support group Insight House Chemical Dependency Services, Inc. is offering a family support group meeting from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Insight House, 500 Whitesboro St., Utica.

The family support group is free and open to anyone who is concerned about a loved one’s relationship with alcohol, opiates/heroin, or other substances.

For more information about the group, call 724-5168, ext. 265, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Wednesdays/Thursdays

Overeaters Anonymous plans meetings

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.

Saturdays

Hearing, speech resources available on Saturdays Mohawk Valley Health System’s Hearing and Speech Department, located at the Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica, is accepting walkin appointments from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays for patients in need of hearing aid adjustments, assessments or repairs.

Additionally, patients can pre-schedule hearing tests from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

To schedule an appointment, call 315-624-4600 or visit www.faxtonstlukes.com for more information.

March 3

Ready for some free flapjacks?

For the 10th consecutive year, IHOP restaurants nationwide will offer each guest a free short stack of their famous buttermilk pancakes on National Pancake Day, March 3.

The local area’s IHOP, located at 535 French Road, New Hartford, participates in National Pancake Day each

year to raise awareness and funds for the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica.

For every short stack of buttermilk pancakes served on National Pancake Day between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., IHOP guests are invited to make a voluntary donation to CMN at FSLH to celebrate this “Decade of Giving.”

Since 2006, IHOP National Pancake Day has raised approximately $13 million to provide life-saving treatment, programs and medical equipment for young patients, including the children and families treated annually at FSLH. Monies raised from National Pancake Day support women’s and children’s services at FSLH.

March 5

Area parents send message to Albany A local parent group is trying to send a message to Albany: Don’t limit options for people with developmental disabilities.

Parent Advocates for the Developmentally Disabled is hosting a legislator breakfast at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Utica from 9-10:30 a.m.

March 5. This is an opportunity for legislative officers to hear concerns from families on recent proposed changes to the developmental disability system in New York state.

The Arc of Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC is working in conjunction with the group of concerned parents to host this meeting.

Any parent of a disabled child is encouraged to attend at no cost, but must RSVP by calling 315-272-1506 or by email to mentelisano@thearcolc.org.

Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. A breakfast buffet will be served at 8:30 a.m., followed by a brief introduction and question-and-answer session with local politicians in attendance.

For more information about The Arc, visit www.thearcolc.org or call 315-272-1532.

March 5

Lung cancer screening focus of Health Night Lung cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer death in the United States and early detection is a key factor in protecting one’s health, said Lindsey Sampo, clinical coordinator for Rome Memorial Hospital’s lung cancer screening program.

Sampo will speak about the “Lungs for Life” program at the hospital’s Health Night lecture at 7 p.m. March 5.

David M. Kulick, a thoracic and general surgeon from Rome Surgical Specialists, will join Sampo for a question-and-answer session following the presentation.

Health Night is a monthly lecture series, sponsored by RMH. Advance registration is not required. Refreshments will be served.

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

There will be signs to direct you to the classroom.

For more information, call 338-7143.

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.

March 6-8

The annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake, to benefit the local Big Brothers Big Sisters program, will be held at 11 a.m.

March 15 at RD’s Gorge View Lanes in Little Falls as well as at 11 a.m. March 22 at King Pin Lanes in Rome and at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at AMF Bowling Center in Utica.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake, sponsored

by NBT Bank with additional support from Northern Safety, is the signature event for the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization to help raise funds and recruit new volunteers.

Registrants who raise at least $35 in pledges will receive two bowling games, shoe rentals, and a Bowl for Kids’ Sake T-shirt.

For more information about Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2015, or to request registration forms, contact Upstate Cerebral Palsy at 315-724-6907 ext. 2278.

To register online, visit upstatecp. org under “Get Involved.”

Rebuild that hurting marriage “Retrouvaille — Rebuilding Hurting Marriages” will be presented March 6-8, at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica.

This weekend experience lasts from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.

Overnight accommodations and meals are included.

To register, call 1-800-470-2230 or online at www.HelpOurMarriage.com.

For confidential inquiries, contact Tanya at 1-800-470-2230, or email Tanya@thegoodnewscenter.org.

March 8

Separated? Divorced?

There is support The Separated & Divorced Support Group will meet from 5-6:30 p.m.

March 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.

March 8

Ready to explore The Third Option?

The Third Option support group for married couples will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 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.

March 9

MVHS features cancer support group The Regional Cancer Center’s monthly support forum for patients and cancer survivors will be held at 6 p.m. March 9.

The cancer support forum meets on the second Monday of every month in the cancer center’s Fireplace Lounge on the main floor of Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica.

Light refreshments will be served.

For more information or to RSVP, call 315-624-5241.

March 10

Chronic kidney disease program set The Dialysis Center at Mohawk Valley Health System offers an educational program for those who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.

The program will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. March 10 in Weaver Lounge March 2015 •

March 15

Big Brothers Big Sisters ‘Bowl for Kids’ Sake

April 9

Series featured on ‘Smart Stepfamilies’ Smart Stepfamilies, an eight-week series, will be presented from 6-8 p.m. on Thursdays from April 9 to May 28 at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica.

This program helps couples understand how stepfamilies are different, facilitates the “blending” process, finds stepparent solutions and strengthens couples to lead their family.

To register, visit online at www. thegoodnewscenter.org.

For more information, contact Tanya Gomez at tanya@thegoodnewscenter.org or call 315-735-6210, extension 234.

April 11

Annual Walk for Autism scheduled Autism affects one out of every 68 children in the United States.

Autism Awareness Month is celebrated throughout April and the Kelberman Center will host its annual Walk for Autism on April 11 in Boonville (V.F.W.), on April 18 in Oneida (Oneida High School) and on April 25 in Cooperstown (Glimmerglass State Park), Mohawk Valley (SUNY Polytechnic Institute) and in Syracuse (Long Branch Park).

All walks begin at 10:30 a.m. with registration beginning at 9 a.m.

Visit the Kelberman Center’s website at kelbermancenter.org to download pledge forms or to create an online fundraising page. For more information on the Walk for Autism, including pre-registration date and locations, contact the Kelberman Center at 315-797-6241, visit online, like on Facebook, follow on Twitter or email at walkforautism@kelbermancenter.org.

Story idea?

Call 749-7070

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 15

H ealth News Insight House names medical director George A. Kozminski has been appointed medical director of Insight House Chemical Dependency Services, Inc. in Utica.

Kozminski has been a consulting physician at Insight House since 2010.

He attained his medical degree from the Akademia Medyczna in Warsaw, Poland.

Kozminski completed his residency at Flushing Hospital and Medical Center, an affiliate of Albert Einstein College of Kozminski Medicine.

He has practiced internal medicine for over 30 years in New Hartford.

Specializing in opiate addiction, Kozminski will continue to treat those affected by the growing opiate epidemic and resurgence of heroin use.

As medical director at Insight House, he will oversee the agency’s clinical chemical dependency programs and will be responsible for ensuring that agency program medical services comply with federal, state and local regulations.

MVHS names cardiology medical directors Four physicians have been named to medical director positions for Mohawk Valley Health System.

• Hugh MacIsaac has been named cardiac cath lab and interventional cardiology medical director. He is responsible for the diagnostic cath and percutaneous coronary intervention programs at both St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare.

This includes MacIsaac chairing the cath lab committee and the primary PCI committee.

MacIsaac completed his undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Ottawa. He attended the University of California in Davis, Calif. for his three-year residency and oneyear fellowship.

MacIsaac joined CNY Cardiology in 1998. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology.

• Thor Markwood has been named cardiac electrophysiology medical director. He is responsible for the electrophysiology programs at both SEMC and FSLH. Markwood completed his undergraduate education at the United States Markwood Page 16

•

Military Academy at West Point.

He received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa. Markwood completed his internal medicine internship at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colo. and his residency and fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. • Michael Kelberman has been named clinical cardiology medical director for SEMC. • Peter Hotvedt has been named clinical cardiology medical director for FSLH. In these roles, they will provide physician input into Kelberman system-wide efforts to improve the quality and efficiency of care delivered to patients with cardiac disease.

Kelberman completed his undergraduate education at Hamilton College in Clinton and earned his medical degree at SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse.

Kelberman is a native of the Utica area and returned to join CNY Cardiology in 1992. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology.

Hotvedt completed his undergraduate work at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt. He earned his medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, completed a residency in internal medicine at George Washington University in Washington, Hotvedt D.C. and a three-year fellowship in cardiology at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minn.

He joined CNY Cardiology in 1996 and is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease.

FSLH and SEMC are affiliates under the MVHS.

MVHS names quality professionals Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica has made the following staff announcements: • Marianne Baker has been named director of quality management and regulatory affairs for MVHS. In this position, Baker is responsible for overseeing the quality management department, meeting regulatory requirements and coordinating the efforts of identified committees, Baker departments and clinical service teams in providing feedback and input into responses to the New York State Department of Health, DNV Healthcare and other accrediting bodies.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2015

She also functions as the NYSDOH liaison and Liventa/IPRO liaison.

Prior to this position, Baker was director of regulatory affairs for MVHS. She has more than 30 years of healthcare experience beginning as a critical care nurse at Faxton Hospital. She is also a certified emergency medical technician.

• Jennifer Pekola has been named lead quality professional for Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare. In this position, Pekola is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the quality professionals, including the daily operation of the department, assigning investigations, case review and ensuring follow up to issues as they arise.

Pekola has been Pekola an employee of FSLH for nine years as a staff RN, relief charge nurse, assistant nurse manager, quality professional and coordinator of the bariatric surgery program.

Pekola earned her RN degree from MVCC her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Keuka College in Keuka Park and her Bachelor of Science in cytotechnology from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

• Michelle Selden has been named director of clinical data management for MVHS. In this position, she is responsible for overseeing the Midas+ data management system, clinical quality data reports, board report cards and data abstraction for the entire health system. The clinical analysts and clinical data abstractors report to her.

Selden Selden has worked in healthcare for St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Faxton Hospital and FSLH for 26 years in various roles, most recently as manager of clinical data management for FSLH. FSLH and SEMC are affiliates under the MVHS.

MVHS names ED assistant nurse manager Ashley Ruddy has been named assistant nurse manager for the emergency department at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica, according to the Mohawk Valley Health System.

In this position, Ruddy maintains nursing operations to include both clinical and administrative responsibilities for the ED at FSLH. Ruddy has been Ruddy an employee at St. Elizabeth Medical Center since 2013, serving as a staff registered nurse in the emergency department.

Previously, she worked as a staff RN in the cardiac care unit at St. Peter’s

Hospital in Albany, and as a charge RN in the cardiac intensive care unit and step-down cardiac care unit at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Ruddy earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Saint John Fisher College in Rochester.

FSLH and SEMC are affiliates under the MVHS.

MVHS department announces Saturday hours Mohawk Valley Health System’s Hearing and Speech Department located at the Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica, is accepting walkin appointments between 10 a.m. and noon Saturdays for patients in need of hearing aid adjustments, assessments or repairs.

Patients can also pre-schedule hearing tests between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

To schedule an appointment, call 315-624-4600 or visit www.faxtonstlukes.com for more information.

New medical/surgical nurse manager at SEMC Brianna Sangiacomo has been named nurse manager of 3C (medical/ surgical) at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica.

In this position, Sangiacomo maintains nursing operations to include both clinical and administrative responsibilities for 3C. Sangiacomo has been an employee of SEMC since 2008, serving as a ward clerk, moving to Sangiacomo staff and charge RN responsibilities and, most recently, serving as a nursing IT analyst.

She earned her registered nurse degree at St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing at Utica College.

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

New nurse manager of orthopedic unit at St. E’s Karen Coyle has been named nurse manager of 2E (orthopedics) at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, in addition to the neuro/pediatrics unit, of which she has been nurse manager since 2012.

In this new position, Coyle maintains nursing operations to include both clinical and administrative responsibilities for the neuro/pediatrics Coyle unit and 2E. Coyle has been an employee at SEMC since 2005, serving as a staff

Continued on Page 17

H ealth News Continued from Page 16 registered nurse, clinical educator and nurse manager.

She earned her RN from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing and was named valedictorian of her graduating class.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Utica College in Utica.

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

Free colorectal cancer screening available Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and women. It is also one of the most preventable with proper screenings.

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Rome Memorial Hospital is offering free screening test kits that will provide athome results in two minutes.

Men and women 50 and older can pick up a free kit 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays in March, at Mohawk Valley Radiation Medicine, 107 E. Chestnut St., Suite 103, Rome.

Test kits will also be available each weekday in March at: • Boonville Family Care, 13407 state Route 12 — from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Camden Family Care, 5 Masonic Ave. — from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments are not required.

The EZ Detect test is designed to detect blood in the stool that can be caused by bleeding ulcers, hemorrhoids, colitis, diverticulitis, fissures or cancer of the colon.

For more information, call 3380897.

Screening available for high-risk smokers Heavy smokers, even those who may have quit years ago, often have concerns about developing lung cancer.

Rome Memorial Hospital’s Lungs for Life lung cancer screening program is a low-dose CT screening available for eligible high-risk smokers and former smokers who meet guidelines as recommended by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.

The task force recommends annual screening for lung cancer for adults aged 55-80 who are at high risk because they are current heavy smokers or have quit within the past 15 years.

Now, eligible patients can benefit from this screening without any outof-pocket costs such as co-payments, deductibles or co-insurance.

For more information, call 3387253.

Event raises funds to fight heart disease, stroke Hundreds of people joined the American Heart Association to fight against America’s No. 1 killer at the recent Rome Walk & Run and pre-registration for America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk.

A total of 206 people took part in the event, raising $20,655 to fight heart

disease and stroke. The event was held at Rome Free Academy and sponsored

by Rome Memorial Hospital.

The family of Red Cap survivor ambassador Kaitlyn Myers shared her story during the opening ceremony. At 3 months old, Kaitlyn had open-heart surgery to repair a heart defect. Now she is a happy, energetic 5-year-old.

Kaitlyn’s mom Loretta calls Kaitlyn her miracle. She says Kaitlyn is an example of why cardiac research is so important.

A minimum of $30 in pledges for participants 16 years and older is required at registration to participate in the Heart Run & Walk.

For more information on America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk 2015, contact the AHA at 315-580-3964 or visit www.uticaheartrunwalk.org.

VNA Homecare names chief operating officer VNA Homecare, a local leader in home healthcare services, has announced the promotion of Cheryl Manna to chief operating officer.

In her new role, Manna will be responsible for overseeing day-today operations and ensuring company-wide alignment with competitive strategies to enhance marketplace execution and service delivery to VNA Homecare’s 2,000-plus patients.

Manna joined VNA Homecare in 2013, bringing 26 years of home health care experience to the system. She is a graduate of SUNY IT.

She was ‘caught caring’ at STJRNC Loni Saltis has been named recipient of January’s Caught Caring award at St. Johnsville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Inc. Resident Audrey Gutheil nominated her.

“She is a sincere, hard-working person who makes me laugh. Loni got me through five weeks of a difficult time in my life. Her patience and understanding Saltis will keep Loni in my memory for a long time,” Gutheil said.

Caught Caring is a peer program dedicated to highlight STJRNC values of trust, respect and dignity.

St. Johnsville recognizes top employee Renee Foster has been elected employee of the quarter for the months of January through March at St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

“Renee always goes above and beyond to help improve the quality of life for our residents,” a spokesperson said.

“On several occasions, she has volunteered to assist the facility to improve its delivery of care to our seniors. One example was her willingness to assist the dietary department in improving residents’ experience during meals.”

Renee is always willing to lend a hand to help others, and exemplifies the mission and vision of St. Johnsville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Inc.

UCP welcomes new administrators Upstate Cerebral Palsy recently welcomed new administrators in both the human resources department and at Community Health and Behavioral Services, a program of UCP. • Tara Costello is vice president of the behavioral health service division for UCP. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Utica College in 1999, obtained her certified alcoholism and substance abuse credential, and is Costello pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Albany.

Costello has administrative oversight for community-based behavioral health services, which include the Office of Mental Health Community Residences, supported housing, outpatient mental health clinic, homeless care management and CNYHHN, Inc. Health Home Division.

• John A. Martin is the vice president of human resources for UCP. In this position, he is responsible for human resource practices, policies and operations. His areas of responsibility include recruitment and staffing, benefits, compenMartin sation, training and employee relations.

Martin has worked as a professional in human resources for over 15 years, including leadership positions in healthcare, education and nonprofit organizations.

He is certified as a senior professional in human resources by the Society for Human Resources Management and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Franciscan University in Ohio.

LFH employee goes extra mile Jennifer Brelinsky, finance analyst, was recently recognized as a GEM (going the extra mile) at Little Falls Hospital.

The GEM award recognizes staff for going above and beyond their typical job duties and making a significant difference by improving the quality of health for those they serve and exceeding customer service standards with patients, clients, guests and co-workers.

“Jennifer exceeds our customer services standards each and every day. The patient comes first, whether it be getting someone change from the March 2015 •

vending machine or assisting a person with their bill. Jen consistently goes above and beyond for our patients and their families,” says Sandra MacDonald, controller.

Brelinsky has worked at LFH for 10 years. She lives in Little Falls with her husband Dan, son Dan Jr., and daughter Jordan.

New supervisor at senior living community Debra Hemming has been named home care supervisor at Presbyterian Residential Community, a member of the Presbyterian Homes & Services family of services.

Hemming began her career as a home health aide at Presbyterian Residential Community in 1999, and returned after Hemming receiving her Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing from MVCC in the spring of 2014.

Hemming resides in Rome with her two children.

Presbyterian Residential Community is a member of the Presbyterian Homes & Services’ family of services, which also includes Presbyterian Home for Central New York, Presbyterian Homes Foundation, The Meadows at Middle Settlement, and Preswick Glen independent senior living community.

Presbyterian Homes appoints board member Presbyterian Homes & Services, Inc. has appointed Keith Roach as its newest parent board member.

Roach was recently named director of environmental safety and emergency preparedness at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, where he is responsible for a safe, functional environment and coordination of the emergency preparedness program.

Roach Roach has been an employee of FSLH since 1995, most recently as director of clinical engineering and telecommunications for the organization, having served previously as director of telecommunications for Mohawk Valley Health System. He brings to the board 26 years of experience in the electrical engineering technology field, customer service, operations, testing and quality improvement.

Roach, married with three children, is a resident of Ilion. The Presbyterian Homes & Services’ family of services includes the Presbyterian Home for Central New York, Presbyterian Residential Community, Presbyterian Homes Foundation, The Meadows at Middle Settlement, and Preswick Glen independent senior living community.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 17

Health in good

Mary in the Middle MV’S HEALTHCARE NEWSPAPER

EMPLOYMENT Advertise your health-related services or products and reach your potential customers throughout the Mohawk Valley for as little as $80 a month.

Call 749-7070 for more info.

Interested in becoming a friend and mentor to an individual with developmental disabilities?

The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC has FT and PT openings in our residential programs in Oneida County Residence Counselors/Managers assisting the people we support achieve their personal life goals through development of individualized supports to help achieve their desired outcomes. Goals may include housekeeping, money management and other daily life skills. You may accompany them on community outings: sports events, dances and movies. Shifts: mornings, evenings, overnights and weekends.

High school diploma/GED, valid NYS driver’s license.

Apply: 241 Genesee St. Utica, 13501 Email lrpavia@thearcolc.org Fax (315) 272- 1785

Drug free work place and an EOE

www.thearcolc.org

Subscribe to In Good Health Get Mohawk Valley’s healthcare newspaper at home for only $15 a year.

FREE with your paid subscription: the 2015 CNY Healthcare Guide

Name___________________________________________ Address_________________________________________ City / Town__________________State_____ Zip_________ $15 payment enclosed

Clip and Mail to:

In Good Health 4 Riverside Dr., Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502

Page 18

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2015

By Mary Stevenson

Marching into spring New house, fresh horizons

I

t’s difficult to imagine sunny skies, warm breezes and cool drinks when the temperature hovers near zero for what seems like forever.

And the winds? What the heck is that all about?

The end of every February seems like the worst winter ever in Central New York.

It feels like we won’t warm up until July.

Being stuck inside and bundled up gives me time to make plans for the spring and summer. I don’t necessarily mean going to concerts, planning family Stevenson reunions or long weekend festivals. I mean plans for the house.

I recently purchased a fairly large home with fairly large plans for it and me. I am planning on opening it as a bed and breakfast in a couple of years.

I have several bedrooms that I can make cozy, eclectic, romantic or decorate according to decade (a ‘60s bedroom, complete with lava lamps and beaded doors, for example).

I have cut out so many photos from magazines for kitchen ideas; I can’t make up my mind at all. I am trying to find a design that is classic and not a fad that will need to be updated when the next big thing comes out. I want it to be functional and easy to clean yet warm and welcoming.

That is a must.

As I took over the property, little

things started cropping up that weren’t in my design plans. The heating system is a bear of a boiler with cast iron radiators throughout the house. It is a great system — when it works right.

Among the problems I have had? Running out of fuel at the beginning of the season (I didn’t realize how much oil was used to heat this new place), plenty of fuel but no heat (lines clogged with sediment) and plenty of fuel, unclogged lines and no heat because of a part inside the motor that crapped out.

Finally, I had that all taken care of and heat flowed through the house — sort of.

Some radiators were ice cold, and some were too hot to touch. I learned how to bleed them with a special key. That seemed to help for a bit. I have learned to close doors to rooms that aren’t in use. I have learned which rooms are warmer and which ones scream the North Pole is warmer.

I have had to add items to my to-do list that I never thought about before. The big things should be done first to save grief and aggravation later, right? As of now, the big things are the roof, windows and hot water tank.

Am I missing anything? If I am, I am sure the house will let me know when I least expect it.

• Mary Stevenson is a staff writer with Mohawk Valley In Good Health newspaper.

What stresses people the most?

M

oney continues to be the leading cause of stress for Americans, a new survey finds.

Overall, stress in the United States is at a seven-year low, and average stress levels are declining, the American Psychological Association poll found.

But money worries continue to nag at the American psyche, despite the ongoing economic recovery, the association says in its report released Feb. 4, titled “Stress in America: Paying With Our Health.”

Financial worries served as a significant source of stress for 64 percent of adults in 2014, ranking higher than three other major sources of stress: work (60 percent), family responsibilities (47 percent), and health concerns (46 percent).

Nearly three out of four adults reported feeling stressed about money at least some of the time, and about one in four adults said they experienced extreme stress over money during the past month, according to the report.

“Money is a very important

component of establishing a secure life,” said Norman Anderson, CEO and executive vice president of the American Psychological Association. “When people are financially challenged, it makes sense that their stress level would go up.”

The good news is that, on average, Americans’ stress levels are trending downward. The average reported stress level is 4.9 on a 10-point scale, down from 6.2 in 2007, the report found.

Despite this, the association found that Americans are living with stress levels higher than what psychologists believe to be healthy, and 22 percent say that they are not doing enough to manage their stress.

Financial stress particularly affects women, parents and younger adults, the survey found.

For instance, three out of four parents and adults younger than 50 said money is a somewhat or very significant source of stress.

Women are more likely than men to report money as a significant source of stress, 68 percent versus 61 percent.

Spotlight on Nonprofits

Abraham House

Mohawk Valley’s refuge for the terminally ill offers compassion, peace

By Mary Christopher

W

hen Leslie Diven’s family saw how quickly his health was failing last fall during the end stages of dementia and Parkinson’s disease, they knew he needed constant care.

His wife, Pat, inquired about the Abraham House in Utica for him to spend his final nine days and the Diven family is adamant it was the best decision made as he was able to slip away with dignity, peace and the comfort of his family around him.

Pat Diven and her daughters were overcome with emotion when they talked about their experience with the Abraham House and its staff. Often tearful as they explained their gratefulness, the women said family members are treated as well as the guest who is staying at the house.

“Even though my father was here, we felt like he was home,” said Carolynn Diven of Utica “We were able to help how we wanted to yet all of his needs were being met by the staff. We never could repay them.”

‘Love in action’

Set on the corner of Kemble and Eagles streets in Utica, the Abraham House operates as a non-denominational, two-bed comfort care home for the terminally ill. Around-the-clock care is provided to guests — staff does not refer to them as “patients” — who are at the end of life’s journey and wish not to be in a hospital setting.

“The Abraham House is a hidden gem in the community,” executive director Patty Shenberger said. “We are known as ‘love in action’ because every day you see exceptional caring happen here.”

Despite becoming established in 1998, it surprises Shenberger that many in the Mohawk Valley are still unclear on what the Abraham House is or who is helped there, she said.

The organization’s mission is to provide the terminally ill with a secure loving environment, physical care and emotional and spiritual support. As a comfort care house, admission is not based on income even though there is no charge for the guest or his or her family.

The house operates solely on community support through donations, fundraising and volunteers. Along with Shenberger, there are 10 per diem caregivers, a part-time office manager and several volunteers who man the house 24 hours a day, every day.

It is a separate entity from Hospice and Palliative Care, but the two agencies work together to meet guests’ needs. Referrals are taken from Hospice, physicians, healthcare agencies and families.

Last year, the staff tended to the most guests ever — 44 people — during the final days of their lives. In 2013, that number was 27. Lengths of stay varied from several weeks to just

Family members of Leslie Diven and Marsha Brayman and Abraham House Executive Director Patty Shenberger (top right) gathered recently in the living room of the Abraham House to talk about the compassionate care offered at the home for the terminally ill. a few hours, but all passed away in a calm, soothing environment and not in a hospital.

Volunteers always needed

Volunteers keep the comfort care house afloat. Some become buddies to the guest and act as a listener, share stories or bring them a drink or snack while others help in maintaining the physical upkeep of the home.

“All you need is a caring heart (to volunteer),” Shenberger said. “You often hear laughter and it is wonderful.”

But like any home, work must be done and taking out garbage, cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen, and grocery shopping are just some of the chores done on a daily basis.

The nonprofit keeps a wish list on its website (www.theabrahamhouse. org) and Facebook page so anyone looking to help, whether it be a regular volunteer or stranger willing to purchase necessities, can pick up a few items if they are out shopping.

Thankful families

The quaintness of the old house, which was donated by the late Dr. Abraham Shaheen, and compassionate staff help families cope during their final days with a loved one.

A 24-hour open door policy is allowed for family and friends to visit based on the desire of the guest. Relatives are encouraged to stay in a small apartment upstairs or on couches in the living room and take care of their needs during that difficult time.

“We let wives be wives and children be children and we provide the care,” Shenberger said.

As a former volunteer, Utica resident Cathy Hanretty knew that her sister, Marsha Brayman, would receive exceptional treatment at the house during her one-month stay last year.

Brayman was always an independent person and caregivers acknowledged that by letting her do what she could on her own during the times she was able. When she could not do something herself — like cook a corned beef and cabbage meal she was wishing for — the staff made it for her.

“They treated her and my whole family amazingly well, all of us,” Hanretty said. “We will never forget it.”

Hanretty has returned to give back to the house, but this time as a staff member. She added: “I thank (Marsha) for bringing me back to the Abraham House.”

Benefit for Abraham House A benefit featuring the music of Easy Money Big Band will be held for the Abraham House from 3-6 p.m. May 3 at Daniele’s Banquet Specialists in New Hartford.

The Abraham House is located at 1203 Kemble St., Utica. The nonprofit organization is always in need of volunteers and community support through donations and fundraisers.

For more information, call 315-733-8210 or visit its website www.theabrahamhouse.org or Facebook page.

March 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 19

New age of insurance Utica Community Health Center, Bagel Grove team to navigate the Affordable Care Act

By Patricia J. Malin

W

ho knew bagels could be so healthy?

It’s true that the Bagel Grove in Utica serves organic whole grain bagels made fresh daily on the premises. Owner Annie Grove, however, is not only concerned about serving good food to her customers. She wants them to be healthy overall in mind, spirit and body.

The Bagel Grove recently teamed with the Utica Community Health Center to co-host an informational session on the ACA and to encourage local residents to sign up for health insurance on the NYState of Health website before the deadline.

President Obama introduced the Affordable Care Act in 2010 to make healthGrove care coverage mandatory for every American.

It wasn’t until this year, however, that individuals could be penalized for lack of coverage, as high as $2,000 per household.

That penalty weighed on the minds of 10 individuals and families recently who made it to the Bagel Grove despite bad weather and signed up for health insurance with the aid of two patient navigators: Jennifer Yager, a social worker at the Utica Community Health Center, and Lillian Cirasuolo, a facilitated enroller with UnitedHealth Group of Syracuse.

“Given the weather, it was a very good turnout,” said Dianne DiMeo of UCHC. “We got good feedback from Jennifer and Lillian. People were apprehensive about the penalties and they were glad we held an event like this in Utica. And the atmosphere at the Bagel Grove was conducive. Annie would like us to do it again in the fall when there is open enrollment.”

As the parents of two daughters, 13-year-old Arianna and 12-year-old Marisa, James and Dorothy Richardson of Utica were concerned about what would happen to their family if either of them became sick. James is on disability insurance, but his wife just started a part-time job at Price Chopper last year and wasn’t covered by health insurance.

“I’m on medications now and I was worried about a lapse, that I wouldn’t be able to get my medications,” said Dorothy, 37. “I was on Medicaid previously, but then I was told I made too much money to qualify.”

New York state has just expanded Medicaid and revised the income guidelines. “I read about Utica Community Health Center’s sliding fee scale and I can also get dental services there,” she noted.

After Dorothy completed her application with Yager, James, also 37, said he had attempted to sign up his wife for insurance on the ACA website, but found it too hard to navigate.

“I tried calling the 800 number, but either it was busy or I couldn’t get an answer,” he said. “I think the ACA is a blessing, but I needed a professional to help me sign up.”

Rick Boehlert, 63, of Utica, Page 20

•

Jennifer Yager, left, of the Utica Community Health Center, shares health insurance knowledge with James and Dorothy Richardson of Utica at Bagel Grove. breathed a sigh of relief after Cirasuolo signed him up. Boehlert is retired and single. He had lacked health insurance since leaving his full-time job and has no current health problems, but he said he felt it was necessary to get insurance before the penalty kicked in.

UCHC and Grove passed out information packets about the ACA and NYState of Health and presented a list of facts and options for those who registered.

Although the health navigators work for UCHC and UnitedHealth Group, they did not require individuals to sign up for coverage under their plans. Cirasuolo said UnitedHealth does not have a healthcare plan on the state site that covers Upstate residents.

Options available

The attendees had the option of signing up for Medicaid or a range of five individual health plans through the state health exchange, and were given additional information about health savings plans and tax credits.

The handout said the penalty applies to any person who goes without health insurance for more than three months this year.

The penalty is either 2 percent of an adult’s annual income (approximately $325 per person or $162.50 per child), or whatever is higher.

If an adult is uninsured for part of the year, the penalty will be one-twelfth of the yearly penalty or assessed on a monthly basis.

Grove’s interest in helping her community began in November 2014.

She happened to be profiled by The New York Times as part of a story on how the ACA was impacting small businesses.

A Times’ reporter personally visited the Bagel Grove. He detailed in both a written story and video how the boss was struggling to provide insurance for her employees.

“I currently offer a personal plan,” Grove said in the video. “But the

Lillian Cirasuolo of UnitedHealth helps Rick Boehlert of Utica navigate through the NYState of Health website.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2015

premiums were so expensive for my employees. It doesn’t fix the problem (of high healthcare costs).”

Shannon Blount, a full-time Bagel Grove employee, told the Times her premiums were $200 a month. “My earnings are about $250 to $300 a week, and I considered stopping my insurance and getting on Medicaid, but I was told I wasn’t eligible. I need my prescriptions.”

During the recent workshop, Grove, 34, said she has 20 employees now. She is a former Bagel Grove employee who moved here with her ex-husband, Matt, in 2003, to learn the business from her in-laws, who have since retired.

“We’ve always had health insurance for our employees,” she said. “We used to pay 50 percent of the premiums. Then we got tax credits from the ACA and increased our portion to 80 percent and we’re still doing that. But healthcare was still so expensive on the high-deductible plan. It was good for relatively healthy individuals, but the deductions were $5,000 a year.”

Bagel Grove also set up a health savings plan for employees and contributes $100 a year. Grove, who has two children, said she is personally on this plan. She said the plan is economical because of low premiums and it allows her to save money toward her insurance.

Meanwhile, she said New York state revised its income threshold and Blount was able to get on Medicaid through the ACA. The Times’ story spread through the local community and reached Janine Carzo, chief operations officer at UCHC, which is a part of the Regional Primary Care Network of Rochester.

UCHC was established in 2010 as a federally qualified health center designed to provide medical services to disadvantaged communities, especially to individuals lacking insurance or those living below the federal poverty income level.