Mv igh 113 july15

in good

Meet Your Doctor

MVhealthnews.com

July 2015 • Issue 113

Dr. Brian C. Alessi

free

Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

Don’t be Conned

See Page 4

Oral Health

Watch out for the sociopaths among us

See Page 5 When you smile, the whole world stops ...

See Page 14

Kids’ Korner

Women’s Health Edition • Megan Boulerice of Rome, shown at left, has reinvented herself thanks to distance running.

See Page 9 • The ‘Little Pink Pill’ may be female version of Viagra.

See Page 7

Deadliest Days for Teens

• Take the time to unwind and relax by doing things like taking a bubble bath.

See Page 6

See Page 11

A report published by the Centers for Disease Control ranks Swiss chard ahead of kale, the Kim Kardashian of leafy greens. Why the impressive ranking? In a word, Swiss chard is an antioxidant superstar.

Page 10

Catholic Charities Catholic Charities of Oneida and Madison Counties plays vital role in the community.

Page 20

Wanted: Blood

American Red Cross pleads for blood donations

Page 11

Injuries From High Heels on the Rise Most of those seeking ER treatment are in their 20s, study says. Page 15

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.

Mondays

OCD sufferers can get support 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.

Brian’s OCD Support Group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. every Monday except holidays in the Sister Regina Conference Room, first floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, 2209 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 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

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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.

Tuesdays

hoacny.com

Perinatal Network plans scavenger hunt race

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ohawk Valley Perinatal Network, Inc. is planning its third annual “Run, Sherlock, Run!” scavenger hunt race in the Mohawk Valley.

It will be held on Oct. 4 and will start from the St. Francis DeSales Center on Genesee Street in Utica. Clues will be provided to teams of two, three or four runners, directing them to secret checkpoints in Utica. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams finding all checkpoints in the shortest time, and a post-race party will be offered to participants.

Register by Aug. 14 through AcPage 2

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tive.com or by mail, and get a special early bird rate of $25 per person. Participation is capped at 300 runners.

The mailing address is Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network, 1000 Cornelia St., 2nd Floor, Utica, N.Y. 13502.

The Perinatal Network’s mission is to improve birth outcomes and maternal, child and family health, facilitate collaboration among providers and community organizations and advocate for change.

For more information about getting involved in “Run, Sherlock, Run!” visit www.runsherlockrun.com or call the Perinatal Network at 732-4657.

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

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 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.

All calls are strictly confidential.

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

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

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

Wednesdays/Thursdays

Overeaters Anonymous plans meetings

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 help available on weekends 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.

July 7

Smoking cessation classes offered The Oneida County Health Department, in collaboration with the Mohawk Valley Health System, is offering a free three-week series of Freshstart Smoking Cessation classes.

Freshstart is an evidence-based program created by the American Cancer Society. The classes will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 7, 14 and 21, in AC Conference Rooms 1 and 2 at the St. Luke’s Campus, 1656 Champlin Ave., Utica.

For more information or to register, contact Rachel Evans at the Oneida County Health Department at 315-7985486 or revans@ocgov.net.

July 8

Diabetes prevention program offered The Mohawk Valley Health System’s Central New York Diabetes Education Program is offering the National Diabetes Prevention Program

Continued on Page 18

Study: Millions of long-term care workers needed by 2030 Biggest need is in-home and personal care aides, expert says

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t least 2.5 million more longterm care workers will be needed to look after older Americans by 2030, a new study shows.

This demand will remain even if there is a major shift from institutional care to home care, according to the researchers.

“Even if 20 percent of elderly patients move out of nursing homes into home health care, which would be a huge change, the projected increase in demand for long-term care workers would only drop from 79 percent to 74 percent,” study author Joanne Spetz, a professor at the Institute for Health Policy Studies at the University of California, San Francisco, said in a university news release.

“Filling these jobs will be a big challenge under any scenario,” she noted. Spetz is also associate director for research strategy at the Center for the Health Professions.

Policy makers and educators need

to “redouble” their efforts to recruit, train and maintain long-term care workers, the researchers said.

They noted that 20 percent of Americans will be aged 65 or older by 2030. Nineteen million adults will require long-term care by 2050. That number was just 8 million in 2000, the researchers added.

Over the next 15 years, the biggest increases in demand will be for counselors, community and social workers, and home health and personal care aides, the researchers predicted.

“In terms of sheer numbers, the greatest need is going to be for home health and personal care aides, with well over 1 million additional jobs by 2030,” Spetz said.

“The challenge is that these are currently very low-paid, high-turnover, entry-level positions. A lot of people in these jobs are living in poverty while working full time. We have to figure out how to make them sustainable,” she added.

Study: More kids are being exposed to marijuana

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ebates about legalizing marijuana have focused on crime rates, economic benefits and health effects among adults. But a study published today from researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital shows that the risk to young children of swallowing, breathing in or otherwise being exposed to marijuana also needs to be considered The study, published online in June in Clinical Pediatrics, found that the rate of marijuana exposure among children 5 years of age and younger rose 147.5 percent from 2006 through 2013 across the United States. The rate increased almost 610 percent during the same period in states that legalized marijuana for medical use before 2000.

In states that legalized marijuana from 2000 through 2013, the rate increased almost 16 percent per year

Oneida, Herkimer in good

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Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper

after legalization, with a particular jump in the year that marijuana was legalized. Even states that had not legalized marijuana by 2013 saw a rise of 63 percent in the rate of marijuana exposures among young children from 2000 through 2013.

More than 75 percent of the children who were exposed were younger than 3 years of age, and most children were exposed when they swallowed marijuana.

“The high percentage of ingestions may be related to the popularity of marijuana brownies, cookies and other foods,” said Henry Spiller, a co-author of the study, toxicologist, and director of the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s. “Very young children explore their environments by putting items in their mouths, and foods such as brownies and cookies are attractive.”

Madison

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Faxton & Genesee Urgent Cares The places to go for treatment of stuff that hurts, but isn’t really life-threatening.

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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.

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July 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Good News Snacking on peanuts may extend your life

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eople who regularly eat peanuts may live longer, a new study from the Netherlands finds. But before you get too excited, peanut butter doesn’t count.

In the study, people who ate at least a third of an ounce (10 grams) of peanuts or other nuts daily were 23 percent less likely to die over a 10-year period than people who didn’t eat nuts. The biggest reductions in deaths among the nut-lovers were for deaths from respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes, followed by cancer and cardiovascular diseases, the researchers said.

The benefit of eating nuts topped out at 15 grams daily, which is about half a handful, and eating more than that did not bring further decreases in people’s risk of dying during the study, Piet van den Brandt, a co-author of the study and professor of epidemiology at Maastricht University, said in a statement.

But “it was remarkable that substantially lower mortality was already observed” at this level of consumption, he said.

Eating peanut butter, however, despite its high content of peanuts, was not associated with a lower mortality risk. Peanut butter’s salt and vegetable oils, which contain trans fatty acids, may supersede the protective nutrition in the peanuts themselves, the researchers said.

Bad News Exercising mind, body may not protect against Alzheimer’s

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ome studies have linked doing brainy puzzles and physical exercise with a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, or with staving off the cognitive decline associated with the disease. But now, new research suggests otherwise.

The latest study on the topic found that staying physically and mentally fit may help healthy people ward off the normal mental decline that comes with aging, but it doesn’t affect the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

In people with Alzheimer’s, the brain contains abnormal, fuzzy, cloudlike clusters of fragments of a protein called beta-amyloid that surround nerve cells and block their signals.

This leads the person’s brain function — and, in particular, memory — to deteriorate.

In the new study, researchers looked at beta-amyloid and other markers of Alzheimer’s, to see if the levels of these markers in people’s brains responded to physical and mental exercises.

The results indicate that exercising “may possibly be separate from any protection against the markers of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain,” study author Keith A. Johnson, co-director of the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Harvard Medical School, said in a statement.

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Patricia J. Malin

Dr. Brian C. Alessi

Brian C. Alessi of CNY Medicine and Allergy, 1617 N. James St., Rome, balances a busy career as an internist with his hobby as a private pilot. He has turned the hobby into a demanding second career as a Federal Aviation Administration-certified medical examiner at Griffiss International Airport in Rome. The recent tragedy of the GermanWings co-pilot who deliberately crashed a plane into the French Alps, killing 150 passengers and crew, has focused a spotlight on the medical examiner’s job. Alessi recently spoke with Mohawk Valley In Good Health senior writer Patricia J. Malin about his dual careers and lifestyle.

Q.: Why did you decide to practice in the Mohawk Valley?

A.: Because of my family heritage.

It’s also a nice place to live.

Q.: What prompted you to become a doctor?

A.: My father, Edward, and my grandfather (Charles Alessi, an immigrant from Italy) were also physicians in Rome. I took over my father’s practice 25 years ago.

Q.: How did you become interested in aviation?

A.: I always wanted to be a pilot.

When I was growing up, my best friend’s uncle ran the airport at Beck’s Grove (outside Rome) and another friend’s father was a flight instructor.

I’ve had my license since I was 16 and I’ve got 1,300 hours of flight time under my belt. I also fly seaplanes.

Q.: Please describe your role as the examining physician for pilots.

A.: The physical includes a visual health survey, a general all-around physical (height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, heart rate, vision, hearing, physical and cardio conditioning, urinalysis), as well as the pilot’s complete medical history, list of previous surgeries, doctor visits and medications.

An eyesight test includes peripheral vision, nearsightedness, farsightedness and color vision. Color is important because an airport has color-coded traffic signs, including painted lines on the runways.

According to FAA guidelines, a doctor can ask questions about a pilot’s mental health. A diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar disorder, severe personality disorders, substance abuse or dependence on drugs will disqualify a pilot.

Q.: How does a physician become a flight doctor or medical examiner?

A.: The New York State Department of Health takes applications and assigns doctors to the position based on qualifications, which includes having a pilot’s license and being certified by the FAA. There are two doctors-examiners at Griffiss Airport, including Gerald Marketos. Last summer, one of the examiners, Schiele Brewer of Verona, was killed in a crash with an experimental aircraft near Speculator, so that created an opening. I applied for the job and was approved by the health department last December.

Marketos and I will examine some 200 general aviation and recreational pilots (second and third class) annually.

Q.: What type of training did you undergo?

A.: I went to Oklahoma City last summer and spent several weeks at

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

the FAA Academy getting specialized training in the FAA medical certification program.

Q.: In March, the co-pilot of a GermanWings airplane deliberately crashed the plane into the French Alps, killing 150 passengers and crew.

It focused a spotlight on the medical examiner’s job. Has anything changed as to how flight doctors administer the exams or evaluate pilots since the crash? Do you expect physicians to spend more time evaluating the mental health of pilots?

A.: When you’re dealing with people, you never know what can happen, but the FAA process is generally a narrow, hands-on way of evaluating

U.S. pilots. You can’t rule out all potential pilot errors, but this (GermanWings) incident was a fluke, not inherently avoidable.

Despite aggressive screening, people will still slip through the cracks.

Mental illness is sometimes easy to hide. Even pilots have life issues that screening might not detect. It was an isolated event and not a big problem.

We have not had any directives from the FAA since then. We spend a good hour examining the pilot, doing physicals and examining their history, and that exam is usually a good indicator.

NOTE: The FAA guide for medical examiners has not been revised since 2006.

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

A.: Dealing with non-medical issues, such as insurance companies that want doctors to deal with things that don’t help patient care.

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

A.: Helping people reach their health goals by education and providing support.

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

A.: Helping people keep their body weight (normal) and maintaining their health. Allergy issues are getting worse.

Also, there are some strong tendencies for the population in our area to become overweight.

We need to help people adjust their lifestyle and to make changes to avoid passing down unhealthy habits to their children.

Lifelines Age: 56 Birthplace: Rome Residence: Rome Education: Syracuse University, bachelor’s degree, cum laude, 1981; Albany Medical Center, medical degree, 1987; internal medicine residency, Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, 1987-1990 Affiliations: Affiliate fellowship, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, 2001; courtesy privileges, Rome Memorial Hospital Certifications: Designated FAA Airman Medical Examiner, 2014 Family: Wife, Pamela; children Justin, Spencer and Ashley; grandchildren Zachary Brian, Anthony and Ryan (twins); pet dog, Louie Hobbies: Private pilot, single engine land and single engine sea instrument rated

Women’s Health Between You and Me

By Barbara Pierce

Sociopaths Among Us Don’t be duped by con artists

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’d sure hate to be Joyce Mitchell of Dickinson Center right now.

She has been exposed to the world as the maximum-security prison employee who helped convicted murderers escape from the Clinton Correctional Facility — exposed to the world as a woman duped by a man.

More than one man has duped me. I don’t think I’m alone. Many of us have been duped by others — seduced, deceived, conned, taken in.

Mitchell told investigators the prisoner with whom she had a Pierce relationship made her feel “special.”

I get that. The man who duped me big time made me feel special. He made me believe he really “got” me. I believed that he was a rare man who totally understood me — and that is very seductive, believe me.

Mitchell was the victim of a sociopath, also known as a psychopath or a person with the official diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. This is a cunning, deceitful, manipulative, exploitive sociopath — a person without a conscience.

Mitchell’s life as she knew it is destroyed, shattered by a sociopath. The damage he did her is deep and will be lasting. And it is startlingly common.

Yes, Mitchell’s perpetrator was a prisoner. Nearly 80 percent of prisoners are sociopaths. But there are a large number of sociopaths out there who do not break the law and are not in prison.

Sociopaths aren’t just in prisons; they are among us. One may live next door to you, may be in the next office or may even be sharing your bed.

One out of 25 ordinary Americans is a sociopath, says Martha Stout of Harvard Medical School in her book, “The Sociopath Next Door.”

These are people without a conscience. It’s not that they fail to grasp the difference between good and bad; they just don’t care. The difference between right and wrong does not bring on the emotional sirens, flashing red lights or fear of God that it does for the rest of us. Without the slightest blip of guilt or remorse, they can do anything at all, including murder.

The rules don’t apply to them; they believe they are above the rules. And they see other people as wimps who deserve to be preyed upon. Con artists, they entice others and, through subtle manipulations, exploit or defraud them.

They are usually very intelligent so they can figure us out, figure out how to seduce us so we will do what they want.

“A pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others” is how the official manual that psychiatrists use puts it.

What is a sociopath?

Other characteristics of a sociopath: grandiose sense of self worth, pathologMitchell ical lying, cunning, manipulative, lack of remorse, lack of genuine emotion, lack of empathy, fails to accept responsibility for own actions, prone to boredom, parasitic lifestyle, impulsiveness, juvenile delinquency, promiscuous, many short-term relationships.

That person you meet and he or she seems like they are “too good to be true’ and just the kind of person you are looking for? Beware: The chances are he or she is a sociopath playing the role. They are good at playing whatever role will seduce you.

The person who pushes you for quick involvement, presses you to commit to the relationship early on, and makes you feel guilty for wanting to slow the pace? We’re flattered but it is a bad thing. That person could be a sociopath.

The high incidence of sociopaths in our midst has a profound effect on us. They drain relationships, bank accounts and our self-esteem, accomplishments and peace.

Sociopaths are good at recognizing someone who is trusting. That prisoner

knowingly chose Mitchell for his mark.

Worked her for a while. Knew how to make her fall for him. Like all sociopaths, he’s a good actor and has no capacity for love or empathy.

The causes of sociopathy are unclear. Researchers are finding they were born with a brain abnormality.

The part of the brain that is responsible for learning from one’s mistakes and for responding to sad and fearful facial expressions (the amygdala) tends to be smaller and less responsive.

It’s not a curable condition. Sociopaths are usually quite satisfied with themselves and their lives and don’t seek therapy. There is no medication that changes the amygdala.

To protect yourself: • Listen to and trust your gut instinct, even if the other person is in a position of authority. If you’ve fallen in love fast, be skeptical.

• In a new relationship, practice the rule of three: three lies says you’re dealing with a liar; cut your losses and end the relationship. Totally end it.

• You can’t save a person without a conscience. Don’t give him a second chance.

“Survival Signs that Protect Us”

by Gavin DeBecker is a good book to read. For a good fictional account of a sociopath, read “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn or watch the movie. It’s chilling.

• 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?” or if you have any concerns you would like her to address, contact her at BarbaraPierce06@ yahoo.com.

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July 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 5

Women’s Health The art of self-care

Are you in need of some ‘me time?’ Take a bubble bath!

By Barbara Pierce

“

I melt into a state of blissful happiness when I slide into a steaming bath at the end of an exhausting day,” says Chole Metzer online.

Think of a relaxing bubble bath and you may remember a sudsy Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman” — having an awesome bathtub experience, singing, covered with bubbles.

“You deserve some time each day to relax,” advises Kim Ross, functional medicine practitioner and owner and operator of Functional Medicine of Utica. “Turn off the phone, computer, and TV, and enjoy a bath, read a book, play a game — anything that takes your mind off your busy day.”

“Many people, women in particular, tend to feel that if they take time for themselves each day that somehow they are being selfish,” said Ross. “Selfcare is not the same as being selfish. We all will be better people — moms, dads, friends, spouses or caregivers — when we take time to refresh ourselves.”

Self-care means treating yourself as kindly and lovingly as you treat others. Self-care is not being selfish; it is survival. It is necessary.

As the flight attendant tells us: “Be sure that your oxygen mask is securely in place before you attempt to help others.” This is an important rule for survival — If you run out of oxygen, you can’t help anyone else with an oxygen mask.

This is an important metaphor for those of us who run around taking care of everything and everyone but ourselves. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can experience burnout, stress, fatigue, reduced mental effectiveness, health problems, anxiety, frustration,

inability to sleep, and even death.

“Sometimes all that we need — so that we can feel like we set the ‘reboot button’ — is 15 minutes or so. The idea is that this is your time — no kids, no spouse, no friends. This gives your brain a chance to calm down and gives your nervous system the opportunity to come off ‘high alert,’ known as ‘fight or flight’ mode.”

Take 15 minutes in a quiet room to journal about the day, engage in prayer, do complete belly breathing or any calming activity, Ross advises. Or, listen to music, laugh at the comics or something funny on TV or Youtube. com, write down all the things you for which you are grateful, take time to look at the stars or the clouds, snuggle with your pet.

Move up the totem pole

If you are on the bottom of your “to do” list, move yourself up to the top. It’s necessary.

Each person is unique; what helps you reboot and recharge probably will not do anything for someone else.

Only you can figure out what are your “drainers and fillers” — know and choose what drains you and what helps to fill you up. You do need a balance.

One of Ross’ favorite tips for self-care is to have a piece of dark chocolate, 60 percent or more. “Allow the chocolate to melt in your mouth — your brain will get the response and create a sense of calm. Sugar provides a quick response to help calm the brain.”

“This is a great tip that makes people feel good and feel like they aren’t giving up the world,” she added.

Bubble baths have long been a source of solace, romance and enjoyment for women, though dermatolo-

gists might argue that bathtubs should come with a dry-skin warning. To cut down on dry skin, save soap for the end. The main drying culprit isn’t hot water; it’s hot, soapy water. And add a little oil to your bubble bath or use a formula that already has it. Don’t stay in for more than 15 minutes or you’ll get prune-like skin. If you do stay in for longer, moisturize immediately when you get out, before your skin has dried.

Bubble baths are a great way to feel pampered and to dissolve stress, but they can also irritate a woman’s vaginal area. In addition to general irritation and inflammation, women and girls may also develop vaginal problems from bath bubbles.

Soaking in a soothing tub of bubbles may seem like a good way to

Herkimer County food map available

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s part of a campaign for Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work, and Play in Herkimer County, Herkimer County HealthNet and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County are distributing the 2015 edition of the Herkimer County local foods map.

As part of a grant from the New York State Department of Health, the Herkimer County local foods map is a project aimed to increase awareness of local foods produced in the area and to increase healthy eating.

The Herkimer County local foods map has been distributed to organizations and businesses throughout Herkimer County and the Mohawk Valley including all of the Mid-York libraries and farmers’ markets located in Herkimer County.

The map also includes a listing of farmers’ markets throughout Herkimer County and Mohawk Valley.

Adam Hutchinson, executive diPage 6

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rector of Herkimer County HealthNet, said, “This project supports Herkimer County HealthNet’s mission, which is to improve the health and well-being of individuals who live, work, play and learn in Herkimer County.”

Herkimer County HealthNet administers the Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work, & Play grant to prevent obesity and Type 2 diabetes by increasing physical activity and increasing healthy eating.

It has partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County and together they are working with local farmers’ markets and small convenience stores to promote and enhance the selection of healthy foods.

For a list of local foods maps’ distribution points and for more information about Creating Healthy Places in Herkimer County, call Herkimer County HealthNet at 315-867-1499 or Cornell Cooperative Extension, 315-866-7920.

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

R

relieve the itching, burning and pain of vaginal infections, but irritants commonly found in bubble baths can actually make these symptoms worse. And the use of some bubble bath products can cause an abnormal discharge that may result in itching, burning and an unpleasant odor, says the WebMD.com.

Women suffering from urinary tract infections should especially avoid bubble baths because they irritate the urinary tract and slow recovery. Also, a bubble bath won’t cause a yeast infection but can make you more susceptible to one.

In the end, it is as poet Sylvia Plath said in “The Bell Jar”: “There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.”

Resident Shoppers Service earns major accreditation

esident Shoppers Service, Inc. recently was awarded accreditation status by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. for the services of therapeutic shoes and orthotics for diabetics.

Accreditation is a voluntary activity where healthcare organizations submit to peer review of their internal policies, processes and patient care delivery against national standards.

By attaining accreditation, Resident Shoppers Service, Inc. has demonstrated its commitment to maintain a higher level of competency and strive for excellence in its products, services and customer satisfaction.

Resident Shoppers Service offers a Medicare therapeutic shoe program for individuals with diabetes who have Medicare Part B. This program has been offered to the community since 2005.

“Proper footwear is an important part of diabetes management. By starting preventive measures early, it’s possible to avoid later foot complications,” a Resident Shoppers Service spokesperson said.

Located at 5946 Success Drive, Rome, Resident Shoppers Service has a large variety of footwear for both men and women. It also specializes in orthotics that are custom made to a patient’s foot.

There is an ABC-certified pedorthist, John H. Dominic, Jr. on staff as well as certified fitters.

All Medicare, Medicaid and secondary insurance billing is done in-house.

It also offers a large selection of compression wear for those with circulatory problems.

Resident Shoppers Service is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Women’s Health ‘Little Pink Pill’ Could ‘Viagra for women’ become a reality?

By Barbara Pierce

F

or 15 years, Carla Price had a great sex life with her husband. But then things changed.

“Before, I would want to have sex,” says Price, who is 50. “But over the years, my sexual desire has dwindled to nothing.”

She has no idea why. She’s healthy.

She’s not really stressed out about anything. And she’s still crazy about her husband.

Her lack of interest in sex almost wrecked their marriage.

Like Price, more than one out of three women say they have a low sex drive, or low libido, according to a study on the Internet. “Low libido is extremely prevalent in women,” asserts Jan Leslie Shifren, a reproductive endocrinologist. “If you ask women, ‘Hey, are you not that interested in having sex?’ Easily 40 percent will say yes.”

And not just post-menopausal women — women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

The desire for sex is important in intimate relationships; a loss of desire can have a very negative impact on a relationship. Healthy relationships usually have healthy sexual relations.

Women who see their decreasing sex drive as a problem are at the center of an intense, emotional debate that’s been raging for years over whether the Food and Drug Administration should approve the first drug that claims to boost a woman’s libido.

Men can pop a pill if they have sexual dysfunction; we haven’t yet got one for this most common dysfunction for women.

By Aug. 15, the FDA will announce its decision on flibanserin, the female Viagra designed to boost female libido and increase the levels of sexual sat-

isfaction in women. The tiny pink pill has become a topic of serious debate.

There’s a lot of skepticism about flibanserin. The FDA has rejected it twice before, saying there wasn’t much evidence it works. They were also concerned about worrisome side effects.

Cindy Whitehead, co-founder of Sprout Pharmaceuticals, maker of the drug, said the FDA is holding flibanserin to a higher standard than it uses to evaluate drugs for men. And some women’s rights advocate groups agree with her.

The FDA denies any bias.

Differs from the blue pill

Flibanserin takes a totally different approach than the blue pill known as Viagra. Instead of increasing blood flow to the genitals, flibanserin affects the brain, similar to antidepressant drugs. It was originally studied as a treatment for depression.

It is not clear why flibanserin increases sexual desire but researchers point to its ability to increase dopamine while lowering the brain chemical linked to feelings of satiation.

Sprout Pharmaceuticals acknowledges that flibanserin can have side effects, including sleepiness, nausea and dizziness. And some say the drug really doesn’t work. Experts usually describe flibanserin’s effect as ‘‘modest.’’ In studies, women taking flibanserin reported only a slight increase in sexually satisfying events each month.

Sprout wants to market the drug to premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, which is described as a lack of sexual appetite that causes emotional distress.

Because so many other factors affect sexual appetite, there are a number of alternate causes doctors must rule out before diagnosing the condition,

including relationship problems, medical conditions, depression, and mood issues caused by other medications such as sleeping aids and painkillers.

The diagnosis of hypoactive sexual desire is not universally accepted and many psychologists argue that low sex drive should not be considered a medical condition.

“There are many possible reasons that a woman’s libido might be lessened,” a certified sex addiction therapist who requested anonymity advised In Good Health. “Physical, psychological, or spiritual reasons.”

“A woman can lose sexual interest in her partner if she’s been hurt by him,” he continued. “And, feeling stressed out and worried can result in a low libido. Or, a difficult lifestyle.”

Smoking, alcohol or drug abuse can lead to a decreased libido as can some medications or lack of sleep.

Obese women may be deficient in sex hormones.

Since relationship issues are so often involved in a woman’s lack of interest in sex, counseling is often recommended as a first step. “Therapy is the best solution, because this is not a medical disease,” the therapist said.

Other recommendations for those concerned about low libido: Rule out physical causes by a visit to your physician. Learn techniques to reduce stress.

Healthy lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your desire for sex.

Regular exercise will improve your mood, improve your body image, and enhance your libido. Strengthen your pelvic muscles with Kegel exercises.

Kegel exercises involve tightening your pelvic muscles, holding for a count of five, relaxing then repeating.

And remember that fluctuations in your sex drive are normal in every stage of life.

VNA of Utica and Oneida County celebrates 100 years of caring

S

ince 1915, the Visiting Nurse Association of Utica and Oneida County has been caring for the community’s healthcare needs in the comfort of patient’s homes and neighborhoods.

The VNA of Utica and Oneida County serves nearly 2,200 patients and made more than 63,000 home visits in 2014 with more than 21,000 TeleHealth patient transmissions and assessments.

“The VNA of Utica and Oneida County has cared for hundreds of thousands of patients over the past 100 years,” said Kimberly Ellis, executive director for home care services at the Mohawk Valley Health System. “This community is our home and we’re proud to care for patients in theirs.

There’s no better place for a patient

to recover than in the comfort of their environment with loved ones around.”

The VNA of Utica and Oneida County provides patients living in Oneida County with compassionate care and resources that are specially selected by a team of physicians, case managers and therapists. Whether a patient is recovering from surgery or needs help managing a chronic illness, the agency offers and helps coordinate services that include advanced wound care, case management, chronic disease management, high-tech home IV therapy, home health aides, home TeleHealth technology, medical social workers, and therapy, including physical, occupational, speech, respiratory and nutritional.

“The Mohawk Valley Health System’s goal is to provide compre-

hensive care that supports patients every step of the way through their healthcare journey,” said Scott H. Perra, president-CEO of MVHS. “The VNA of Utica and Oneida County is integral to our success in coordinating patient’s care from the acute care setting to their home environment. I applaud our team of highly trained home care professionals who help keep our patients healthy, safe and independent.”

In 2010, Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica received a grant from

New York state to improve long-term and community-based services for Oneida County residents.

For the first time, all of FSLH’s home care service entities — the VNA of Utica and Oneida County, Senior Network Health and Mohawk Valley Home Care — would be housed in a single facility to streamline and improve the delivery of services.

This goal was achieved in January 2013 when the new Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services opened on the St. Luke’s Campus.

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Page 7

Women’s Health Ace’s Angle

By Amylynn Pastorella

Follicle Fallout Balding trend among women can wear thin

M

any of us have heard the phrase, “Your hair is your crowning glory.”

Hair is a part of our personality.

But when people lose their hair or it stops growing, it can have a negative effect on one’s personality.

Hair grows about six inches a year on average and grows in three different cycles: anagen, catagen and telogen.

About 90 percent of the hair on the head is in the anagen or growth phase, which lasts from two to eight years.

The catagen, or transition phase, typically lasts 2-3 weeks, Pastorella during which the hair follicle shrinks.

During the telogen cycle, which lasts around two to four months, the hair rests.

According to webmd.com, about 10 percent of the strands are in transition or resting at any one time. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that most people lose anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair each day. Up to 250 strands of hair can be lost when hair is washed.

Women make up 40 percent of American hair loss sufferers and it can be absolutely devastating for their self-image and emotional well being.

Women can suffer hair loss due to post pregnancy, chemo and radiation treatments, hormone or medication-related issues or just hereditary.

“I’ve heard clients say when they are engaging with people, they feel all they are looking at is their thinning hair,” said Julie Diehl-Caruso, owner and stylist at Julie Diehl Salon in New York Mills.

“This can be so consuming for some people and I’ve found that when women, especially, go through this they are willing to try anything. I have clients that add to the bulk of their hair with hair extensions, not so much for length but for thickness. In extreme

C

Page 8

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False alarm can be unnerving for many

T

he psychological strain of being told that you may have breast cancer may be severe, even if it turns out later to be a false alarm.

This is the finding of new research from the University of Copenhagen, which has just been published in the scientific journal Annals of Family Medicine. Researchers call for improving screening accuracy, thus reducing the number of false-positive mammograms.

“Our new study shows that facing a potential breast cancer diagnosis has a negative effect. So far, we have believed that women who only had to undergo physical examinations or additional mammography would feel mentally better than women who had to undergo biopsy or surgery.

It now turns out that there is no difference between having to undergo a physical examination or surgery.

Being told that you may have cancer is what affects, stresses and worries you,” says Bruno Heleno from the Research Unit for General Practice, University of Copenhagen.

“We must do everything we can to reduce the number of false-positive mammograms. We must also be better at informing women that there may be psychological consequences associated with a mammography screening, and that many women receive false positives. For each woman who dies of breast cancer, there are 200 women who receive a false positive, says John Brodersen, associate research professor at the research unit for general practice, University of Copenhagen.

Women turning to alternative medicine cases the use of a wig or wiglet may be necessary,” she said.

A proper haircut and style can either camouflage areas of hair loss or create thickness in the hair. There are also products that work to stimulate hair growth and aid in the regeneration of hair follicles. While they do cost more than ordinary shampoo, these products can aid in the growth of new hair.

Low-level laser therapy is another method to treat hair loss with no discomfort. It delivers light energy to the scalp, which promotes cellular metabolism and increases blood circulation and oxygen supply to the follicles. This stimulates the follicles from the resting stage to the growing phase.

“Hair salons can do a lot for women who experience hair loss, but

dermatologists are another source for information and treatment,” said Diehl-Caruso.

Looking at hair loss can be like viewing a garden — its success is based on what is underneath it. Outside of uncontrollable or unforeseen circumstances, hair loss can be helped with proper care.

When hair stops growing or hair loss is increasingly noticeable, professionals such as dermatologists and cosmetologists can offer solutions to ease the discomfort.

• Amylynn Pastorella is a contributing writer for Mohawk Valley In Good Health. To reach Amy, send correspondence to In Good Health, 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, 13502 attn: Amy or email her at acesangle@ gmail.com.

Golf outing to benefit Believe 271 Foundation

hurchville Fire Equipment will present the Believe 271 and Oneida County Volunteer Firemen’s Association four-person scramble on Aug. 9 at Twin Ponds Golf and Country Club, New York Mills.

Registration and breakfast is set for 8:45-9:45 a.m., followed by the blessing of the helmets at 9:50 a.m. The tourney starts at 10 a.m.

The cost is $80 per person or $320 per team and includes breakfast, lunch,

HEALTH NEWS IN BRIEF

dinner, greens fees and cart. Sponsors can purchase a hole for $50.

This year’s special event is a putting contest sponsored by VFIS Insurance.

For more information or to register, contact Brian McQueen at 315-552-8245 or email fasnydirector@gmail.com To pay in advance for the tournament, send a check or money order payable to Believe 271 Foundation Inc., c/o Brian McQueen, 10 Bermuda Road,

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

Whitesboro, N.Y. 13492. Include $80 for each team member and each person’s name, address, telephone number and email address.

Deadline to pre-register is Aug. 1.

All entry fees paid on the day of the tournament must be cash or money order only. Proceeds benefit the Believe 271 Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that benefits volunteer firefighters and their families in the Mohawk Valley.

T

he use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing for the treatment of menopausal symptoms but often without the guidance of a clinician.

That’s according to a new study reported online in June in Menopause, the journal of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS).

As a result, the authors suggest that healthcare providers — in particular family medicine practitioners — need to be more aware of the various CAM therapies and take a more active role in guiding patients through their options to more safely and effectively coordinate their care.

Ongoing fear of the potential risks of hormone therapy is cited as a primary reason for the growing use of CAM among menopausal women (including pre-, peri- and postmenopausal) in recent decades, according to the study.

CAM is a general term for healthcare practices and products not associated with the conventional medical profession. Some of the more commonly accessed CAM practitioner groups include massage therapists, naturopaths/ herbalists, chiropractors/osteopaths, and acupuncturists. The more popular self-prescribed CAM supplements/ activities include vitamins/minerals, yoga/meditation, herbal medicines, aromatherapy oils and/or Chinese medicines.

Women’s Health Run Megan Run! Rome woman finds her happy place in distance running

By Kristen Raab

I

t seems as if some people are born runners as they glide down the Parkway in Utica or sail through the local parks with ease.

Their smiles are ever-present during the Boilermaker, and these runners might seem so intimidating that we forget they were once beginners.

Megan Boulerice of Rome embodies the personal growth that often comes from running.

Boulerice, an adjunct professor and mother, started her path to fitness by taking frequent walks. Around her daughter’s first birthday, Boulerice committed to making fitness a priority.

“I decided it was time to start setting a good example for her,” she said.

The shift to running came with Boulerice’s desire to lose weight. “I decided to start running because I’ve been heavy all my life.”

A radio announcement for the 2014 Mighty Mud Run in Utica prompted Boulerice and her friend to commit to running. “We decided we needed to do it,” she said.

They trained together and alone, and after that race they started signing up for 5Ks. “We did a handful of them this winter,” said Boulerice, noting she loves running in snow.

Most of us have days where we want to skip our workouts. Boulerice is no exception, but she usually sticks with her plan.

“I always know I’ll feel sweaty and proud after,” she said.

On those difficult days, Boulerice takes a short walk outside or marches in place while watching TV. In addition, “having a workout partner or two really helps, because I don’t want to disappoint anyone else by not showing up,” she said.

Refusing to give up has led to considerable accomplishments. One year ago she was in training for her first 5K, and last month she ran her first half marathon. She continues to create goals for herself.

“I’m two peaks into being an Adirondack 46-er, too, which is my newest goal,” she said.

Boulerice is optimistic other people can accomplish their goals, too. “I’m definitely one of those annoying ‘If I can do it, anyone can!’ type of people now,” she said.

In two years, Boulerice lost 85 pounds. With family, work and other obligations, many people find it difficult to maintain a workout schedule.

For Boulerice, running at least three times a week is a realistic plan. However, she knows a backup plan is required with Central New York weather.

“If it’s crummy out, I’ll go to the gym, and throw in some strength training, too,” she said.

In the winter, Boulerice runs with Yaktrax, which provide traction on the ice and snow.

Boulerice insists that “there’s nothing like a good outside run,” but she acknowledges that using a treadmill can be beneficial.

Nothing like outdoor run

When she is unable to get outside, Boulerice uses the elliptical in her basement. However, “a workout in a dank, cobwebbed cellar is just not the same as a run outside among crisp autumn leaves or the smell of just-cut grass.”

Boulerice paints a beautiful picture of her outdoor runs.

“In the evenings, I’ll sometimes turn off my music to hear the frogs in the river, which reminds me of home,” she said.

During winter runs, she says, “I like to Boulerice feel my fingers slowly warm up as I make my way around the neighborhood and watch everyone leave for work.”

To avoid getting bored, Boulerice will often seek to find new areas to run.

Boulerice’s advice to beginners is to start slowly.

“When I started running, I followed a modified couch-to-5K program, so I’d walk some, run some, and then walk some more.” Most importantly, do not give up, because it takes time to build endurance.

There will be days when you don’t believe you can succeed. However, “Even a crappy workout is better than no workout at all, so every workout is

a victory,” she said.

Runnersworld.com offers some advice for anyone wishing to move from walking to running in about eight weeks. Sedentary people or those with health problems should get a physician’s approval. Much of the advice offered is practical: Make a schedule, and stick to it.

She advices to always remember to be patient as you will need to start slowly. Boulerice avoids worrying too much about her speed.

“I’m really only in competition with myself,” she said.

In addition, goal setting can help you stay motivated. To lose weight, Boulerice decided on a number and a realm of fitness to reach.

She said, “Then I just had to keep my eyes on the prize.” Though she has lost weight and improved her fitness level, Boulerice continues to reach for new goals.

“I actually recently realized I need to set a new goal to really keep myself on track,” she noted. She will do another half marathon with her friend in October.

According to walkingsite.com, “A sedentary person may only average 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day,” which is well below the 10,000 daily steps guideline. Slowly increasing the step count may improve overall health.

Boulerice progressed from walking to running with determination. “I’m not a fast runner by any means, but I always make sure to hit my 10,000 steps a day, and hey, I’m doing better than the guy on the couch, right?” she asked.

Megan Boulerice is shown at last year’s half-marathon in Pittsburgh, Pa.

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What Works?

11 Weight-loss programs after one year: Which one works?

“It’s important for the public and doctors to know which programs help people to lose weight, but also which ones help to keep it off,” say experts at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Page 3

Waiting for a Cure 9-year-old Maggie Bell of Buffalo, shown holding her siblings, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes five years ago. Since then, her family has worked tirelessly to raise funds to find a cure for juvenile diabetes

Prevent muscle loss

‘Golden Years’ Special

Our Mistake

Supplements Under Attack The April issue of In Good Health ran a story about NYS Attorney General’s decision to ban the sales of certain diet supplements at various retail stores in the state. The attorney general’s office revealed that many of the supplements were found to contain contaminants not identified on ingredient labels. The stores affected by the ban were Walmart, Walgreen, Target and GNC. Because of an editing error, Wegmans was mentioned in the story’s headline, although Wegmans was not one of the stores affected by the ban. We apologize the error.

When I heard that mozzarella cheese has fewer calories and less fat than most cheeses, I nearly choked on my pizza. No way, I thought.

Mozzarella?

Page 10

Giving Back to the Community Russell J. Salvatore, owner of Russell’s Steaks Chops & More, just donated $500,000 to ECMC: “I would love to give everything I have earned back to this wonderful community.’ A profile Page 3

Meet Your Doctor Bethany Calkins, a 34-year-old physician with the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, recognized as “inspirational leader” for work with end-oflife patients.

Page 6 May 2015 •

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Page 9

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Swiss chard packs nutritional wallop

S

ome produce just gets all the press.

Kale — the Kim Kardashian of leafy greens — is one such vegetable. Sure, it’s loaded with benefits; and, yes, it’s a vitamin K and calcium hotshot; but it’s not the only nutritious green out there.

Its humble cousin, Swiss chard, is also packed to the max with health benefits. A recent report published by the Centers for Disease Control that ranked 47 “powerhouse fruits and vegetables,” in fact, placed Swiss chard above kale.

Why the impressive ranking? In a word, Swiss chard is an antioxidant superstar.

Research has demonstrated that chard contains a rare and diverse variety of antioxidants that help reduce both inflammation and oxidative stress.

Because chronic inflammation, especially when coupled with damaging free-radical stress, has been shown to increase our risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers and several forms of arthritis, Swiss chard and its huge entourage of antioxidants seem primed for the limelight.

Swiss chard has been called a “diabetic’s best friend”— for numerous Page 10

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and unique reasons. One, multiple animal studies have shown that one of chard’s premiere antioxidants helps to steady blood sugar, especially following a meal. Two, chard’s good amount of fiber and protein also help stabilize blood sugar levels, since they help regulate the speed of digestion and keep food moving at the right pace through our system. Three, promising research has demonstrated that chard may help pancreatic cells — the cells responsible for the production of insulin — regenerate. And four, repeated studies on animals have revealed that chard may protect the liver from diabetic damage.

Calling chard a “bone’s best friend” would not be out of the question either. Like other leafy greens, Swiss chard is loaded with vitamin K, with one cooked cup providing 700 percent of our daily needs. Vitamin K,

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

which helps blood clot properly, is a key ingredient in maintaining strong, healthy bones. And although chard does contain bone-healthy calcium, it also contains oxalates, which can bind up calcium and make it unavailable to the body. Since oxalic acid is broken down in cooking and doesn’t interfere with the absorption of calcium present in other foods, many nutritionists recommend that we cook our chard and also combine it with calcium-rich foods, like cheese, that can be easily absorbed.

Last but not least, this low-calorie vegetable is a super source of vitamin A, delivering 200 percent of our daily needs in one cooked cup. This workhorse vitamin is needed for normal bone growth, healthy skin, eyesight and proper tooth development.

Helpful tips: When buying Swiss chard, look for firm leaves that are vivid green, not wilted, and unblemished. Stems may be white, yellow or red, with no noticeable flavor differences between the colors.

Do not wash Swiss chard before storing. Place it in a plastic storage bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Braised Swiss Chard with Dried Cranberries and Feta Adapted from Gourmet 1 bunch Swiss Chard 2 large garlic cloves, finely

chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1/3 cup water ¼ cup dried cranberries (or currants) Lemon zest from 1 lemon 1 tablespoon (or more) fresh lemon juice ½ cup toasted slivered almonds 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese Cut stems and center ribs from chard, discarding any tough parts near base, then cut stems and ribs crosswise into ¾-inch-thick slices. Coarsely chop leaves.

Cook garlic in oil in large heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, about 2 minutes. Add chard stems and ribs, salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Add chard leaves and water; stir well, then increase heat to medium and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until leaves are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cranberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, toasted almonds, and feta cheese.

Makes about 4 servings.

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.

It’s in the blood

American Red Cross provides valuable life-saving services

By Amylynn Pastorella

S

ummer and vacation season is here as well as the start of a seasonal decline in blood and platelet donations.

The American Red Cross urges donors to help save lives during their “100 days of summer, 100 days of hope” campaign sponsored by Suburban Propane.

Only 38 percent of Americans are eligible to donate blood with less than 10 percent actually giving blood or platelets. While there may be many reasons people may not be eligible, the need for blood is constant. Every two seconds in the United States, someone needs blood.

Volunteer donors of all blood types — especially O negative, A negative, and B negative and platelet donors — are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients now and during the summer months to meet patient needs.

Donors are also needed in the weeks leading up to summer to help alleviate a decline in donations. For instance, the Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Service Region must collect approximately 1,000 pints of blood each day to meet patient needs.

“High school and college blood drives account for about 20 percent of donations through the Red Cross each year. With college and high school out of session for the summer, donors

don’t schedule appointments regularly because they are busy with summer activities,” said Cara Leyna Noble, external communications manager, Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Service Region.

Blood and platelets are needed for many reasons — accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplants, and those receiving treatments for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

Donating blood comes with specific requirements. Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health are eligible to donate. Individuals at 16 years of age who meet the mentioned requirements can donate blood and platelet with parental consent.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification, are required at a check in.

Selfless component

“The American Red Cross is grateful for the many generous volunteer blood donors who give selflessly to help others. The number-one reason donors say they give blood is because they want to help others. Two most common reasons cited by people who don’t give blood are: ‘Never thought about it’ and ‘I don’t like needles,’” said Nobles.

KIDS Corner ‘100 Deadliest Days for Teens’

T

he Let’s Not Meet By Accident program of Upstate Medical University’s Trauma Center is offering easy tips for teen drivers during what the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety deemed the “100 Deadliest Days for Teens.”

Upstate’s tips include how teen passengers can also help teen drivers stay focused on the road as well as tips for parents.

“Despite progress in car safety regulations and new technology, motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of death for drivers aged 15 to 19,” said Kim Nasby, Upstate Trauma Center’s injury prevention coordinator and Let’s Not Meet By Accident in-

structor. “We at Upstate want to ensure that teens, their parents and the other drivers are properly prepared for the coming months, as well as encourage everyone to start practicing safe habits every day. ”

Tips for teen drivers

The most common distractions for teen drivers include cell phone use and texting, driving under influence of alcohol/drugs, talking with passengers, and the car radio.

Avoid distractions by: • Turning your cell phone off while driving. If not possible, put the phone on safe mode or download one of the many apps that prevents phone use

“If you ask most Red Cross donors, they say it’s a quick pinch, but the reward of helping others is worth it,” said Nobles.

One blood donation can touch more than one life, because that one donation is not only helping a patient in the hospital or transfusion center, but it’s also bringing hope to that person’s family, friends and co-workers.

Patients at hospitals in New York and all across the country do not get summer holidays or vacations because of needing lifesaving blood. The Red Cross relies on volunteer donors for the 15,000 blood donations needed every day to support patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.

The Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Service Region serves all of New York state, including Central New York and parts of Pennsylvania. Blood can be donated every 56 days, and double red blood cells can be donated every 112 days.

Platelets can be given every seven days, up to 24 times a year. For the “100

days of summer, 100 days of hope” campaign, individuals can choose their day to donate to give hope to patients.

“By choosing a day to give blood or platelets, volunteer donors can help maintain a sufficient supply for patients needed,” said Nobles.

Along with its official sponsor, Suburban Propane, Red Cross blood drives will be held throughout the summer to ensure that blood and platelets are available for patients in need during the summer months to improve the lives of those in the community.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support during disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, visit www. redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

while driving. Some apps offer settings that automatically reply to text messages. Also, teen passengers can hold the teen driver’s phone and respond to calls or texts for them. If the cell phone must be used by the driver, pull off the road at a safe distance and use the phone.

• Having a back-up plan to avoid driving, or driving with someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Underage drinking and/or drug use while driving is illegal, dangerous and is proven to be deadly. Teen passengers should refuse to ride in a car with a teen driver who is under the influence.

Remember, parents or other caregivers would much prefer a phone call for a pick-up than a teen driving under the inflence of drugs.

• Limiting your vehicle to one passenger, if possible. Also, there is plenty of time to socialize after the ride, so teen passengers should reduce conversation and movement while on the road with teen drivers. Also, respect the teen driver and do not encourage negative behavior, such as speeding.

• Finding your preferred radio station or playlist before you start the car and sticking with it until you reach your destination. Keep music at a low level and save the dancing for home.

• Reviewing maps and directions before leaving for an unfamiliar destination. GPSs should be placed in

appropriate places that do not obstruct the driver’s view. If a GPS or map needs to be consulted, pull over at a safe distance. Teen drivers and teen passengers should also prepare for travel by checking the weather each day.

• Keeping sunglasses in the car.

The sun may also be an outside distraction for teen drivers. When buying sunglasses teens should opt for sunglasses labeled ‘UV 40’ or polarized lenses, to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like glass or polished metal.

Remember, all drivers, not only teens, should signal when changing lanes, wear a seatbelt, turn on headlights at night and during bad weather and always obey the speed limit. It takes only seconds to lose control of the car so don’t feel pressured by the flow of traffic to speed. Maintain a larger buffer zone with faster speeds.

Let’s Not Meet By Accident is a free interactive injury prevention program designed by Trauma Services at Upstate to enlighten young drivers about the harsh realities of bad decision making behind the wheel. The program is offered once a month for up to 150 students from various schools throughout Central New York. The program services more than 40 area high schools.

— Submitted by Upstate Medical University’s Trauma Center.

July 2015 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 11

Community Information Seminar:

Bariatric Surgery July 8, 2015 • 6:00 pm Presented by

January Hill, MD Utica Business Park 125 Business Park Drive, Suite 150, Utica, NY The offices of William A. Graber, MD, PC

Herkimer County HealthNet and the following communities support Complete Streets Policies and encourage the safe, convenient access and mobility of all roadway users of all ages and abilities.

To register call 315-235-2540 or toll free 877-269-0355

Villages of Cold Brook, Dolgeville, Herkimer, Ilion, Middleville City of Little Falls | Town of Webb www.herkimerhealthnet.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

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Call 749-7070 today Page 12

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

Windows to the World

The Social Ask Security Office

Ocular health essential to having clear vision of your world

By Amylynn Pastorella

S

E

yes are certainly a defining feature for our appearance, and keeping them healthy will ensure a clear vision for the future.

Annual eye examinations, nutrition and minimal use of technology can all help prevent eye care issues in the future. As the old saying goes, “The eyes are the window to the souls,” but the eyes are also the windows to one of the most powerful organs in our bodies.

The eyes are what show us the world, allow us to express emotion and Bono can help us communicate and make connections with others.

More so than just organs, the eyes help us experience many things. Yes, we can still function without them, so why not do all that you can for them?

“Your eye health is very important.

There are many conditions that begin with very few symptoms,” said Katie M. Bono, an optometrist at New Hartford Eye Associates.

Yearly eye examinations are a great way to maintain healthy eyes. You might be one of the many who doesn’t schedule your appointment because your prescription has not changed or you do not need eye glasses.

There are many conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration that, when diagnosed early, can be treated and make a big difference in your visual health.

Nutrition plays a key role in ocular health. A healthy, low-fat diet including brightly colored fruits and vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables, can help avoid macular degeneration.

These fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin, which can lower your risk of developing future problems.

“Omega 3 fatty acids can improve symptoms such as dry eye as well as not smoking. Smoking can be linked to severe problems that could face how well you see if you continue that habit,” said Bono.

A topic that is getting a lot attention, according to Bono, is the use of electronics and devices. Our screen time, whether it is from the TV, computer, tablet or Smartphone, has dramatically increased over the last 15 years. These screens emit blue-violet wavelength light, which can be harm-

ful to the eye. A coating on your eye glasses called Prevencia can stop the transmission of this light into your eyes and protect them.

In general, it is smart to limit your screen time and take breaks every 10 minutes and look away from the screen.

“Studies show that people tend to blink less when they are looking at a computer screen and this can cause dry eyes. I often advise patients to use artificial tears before computer use,” said Bono.

Although computers can cause strain on the eyes, they do have some positive effects. There are some computer games that can help with eye tracking skills and motor skills.

Other conditions and diseases that can plague your vision are amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye; glaucoma; age-related macular degeneration; and systemic disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy and hypertension. These can greatly affect the health of eyes if not taken care of.

A visit to an eye care professional is the best way to take care of your eyes.

Offices, such as New Hartford Eye Associates, are available locally to help you with your eye care needs.

Trained professionals work with patients to get comprehensive eye examinations and to answer any questions and concerns. Even when eyes feel and look healthy, consulting physicians at least once a year can ensure better health for years to come.

It is important to note, especially during summer, to remember to wear sunglasses or spectacles to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays.

Ultraviolet light exposure can lead to cataracts and retinal damage.

Do you have a health-related story idea?

Call us and share!

749-7070

Supporting our youth, protecting our future

ocial Security serves a person for life — from birth, to death, and even beyond, by helping to care for surviving dependents. When a parent becomes disabled or dies, Social Security benefits help to stabilize the family’s financial future in an otherwise turbulent time. And, we pay benefits to adults and children.

In July, the world celebrates World Youth Day. Social Security is no stranger to helping children in need. Every year, about 4.4 million children receive monthly benefits because one or both of their parents are disabled, retired or deceased. Those benefits help with their day-to-day needs.

In addition, Social Security provides vital income for disabled children, including people disabled since childhood, through our Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. To qualify for children’s benefits under the SSDI program, the applicant must be the child of a parent entitled to benefits and meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. He or she must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of disabling conditions, that seriously limits his or her daily activities and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

The SSI program provides pay-

Q&A

Q: I’m 17 and eager to start my first summer job, but my mother misplaced my Social Security card. How can I get another?

A: If you know your Social Security number, you may not need to obtain a replacement card to obtain employment. However, if a prospective employer requests it, in most cases you only need to provide your Social Security number, and you don’t actually need a replacement card. But if you do need the card, you can get a replacement Social Security card by following the steps below. There is no charge for a Social Security card, but you are limited to three per calendar year and 10 replacement cards during your lifetime.

You will need to: • Show the required documents. We need to see different documents depending on your citizenship and the type of card you are requesting. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ ssnumber to find out what documents you will have to show.

• Fill out and print an “Application for a Social Security Card;” and • Take or mail your application and original or certified copies of the original documents to your local Social July 2015 •

ments to blind or disabled children who live in households with low income and limited resources if they meet our strict definition of disability. You can find more information on eligibility requirements by visiting our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The ADA ensures equal opportunity for and equal treatment of people with disabilities at school, in work places, in commercial facilities, and through the services available from state and local government agencies. The ADA requires that government agencies communicate with Americans who have disabilities in the way that fits their needs. This legislation shows our nation’s commitment to all people, despite their physical and mental disabilities.

Since the ADA’s inception, Social Security has been and continues to be at the forefront, providing accommodations for disabled beneficiaries and employees. It’s a natural part of who we are as an agency.

If you think your child may qualify for children’s benefits, you can apply by calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office. You can also read our publication, Benefits for Children, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Security office.

For more information, read our pamphlet, “Your Social Security Number and Card” at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs.

Q: Why should I sign up for a Social Security online account?

A: my Social Security gives you a personal online account you can securely use to check your Social Security information and do business with us.

With a my Social Security account you can: • Keep track of your earnings and verify them every year; • Get an estimate of your future benefits if you are still working; • Get a letter with proof of your benefits if you currently receive them; and • Manage your benefits: • Change your address or telephone number; • Start or change your direct deposit; • Get a replacement Medicare card; and • Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.

• To find all of the services available and set up an account, go to www. socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 13

Oral Health The Balanced Body

By Deb Dittner

Open and say ‘Ahhh’ Symbiotic relationship between oral, overall health

T

here is a very close connection between oral health and overall health.

Your mouth contains bacteria, most of which is harmless. The body’s natural defenses and good oral health care such as brushing your teeth, flossing, and oil pulling will keep the bacteria under control.

Without proper oral care, bacteria can lead to oral infections, tooth decay and gum disease. Medications can also lead to a decrease in the flow of saliva, adding to bacterial overgrowth and inflammation.

Regular dental checkups can help prevent health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease and digestive issues even before they may start.

Chewing tobacco, also known as smokeless tobacco, is no better than smoking a cigarette.

The nicotine is just as addictive and can cause tooth Dittner decay and heart disease. Chewing tobacco has also been known to cause a variety of cancers including lip, tongue, mouth, pharynx, esophageal and pancreatic.

Avoiding cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco is important in oral health care. With chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes come discolored teeth. This can also occur with coffee, tea and wine drinking. A natural way to improve the staining is by “oil pulling.”

Oil pulling is quick and easy to incorporate into your morning routine.

Before stepping into the shower, take one tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil and begin to swish it around in your mouth between your teeth, over your tongue and your gums all the while showering for five to 20 minutes. The oil will become frothy and white.

Do not swallow the oil or gargle with it. Upon getting out of the shower, spit all the oil out.

Thoroughly rinse your mouth and brush your teeth as you normally would. Repeat this process daily for two weeks straight followed by 3-4 times per week as maintenance.

You may also add therapeutic grade essential oils (lavender or frankincense) to the mixture.

Oil pulling will remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums.

This procedure has been used for centuries and has recently become popular in the United States. Some of the remedies that oil pulling has been noted for are preventing and curing dental caries, preventing heart disease, healing bleeding gums, whiten teeth, boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation, to name a few.

Another good practice is brushing your teeth for two to three minutes twice daily.

You want to look for toothpastes that do not contain triclosan, as this was first registered as a pesticide in 1969 and now is widely used as an anti-microbial.

Triclosan is not known to be hazardous to humans. But several scientific studies have come out since the last time the FDA reviewed this ingredient that merit further review.

Good oral hygiene also consists of flossing daily to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush is unable to reach. Flossing also helps prevent gum disease and cavities.

Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months or earlier after obvious wear and tear.

The brush can hold bacteria especially if kept moist in a holder (not recommended) causing bacteria to possibly spread.

Eating a healthy diet consisting of 6-8 servings daily of vegetables and 2-3 servings daily of fruit will provide important nutrients to prevent gum disease. Avoid sugar-laden foods (candy, soda, most processed foods) to prevent

T

Homemade Toothpaste

his recipe is easy, tasty and inexpensive and a natural alternative to store-bought toothpastes: — Combine equal parts coconut oil and baking soda (6 tablespoons each) — Add therapeutic grade essential oil(s) to taste (15 drops) — Cinnamon: antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant — Clove: antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant (may kill candida) — Eucalyptus: antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiinflammatory — Lemon: antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant — Orange: antioxidant, antiseptic — Peppermint: antioxidant — Rosemary: antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral Combine and store in a glass jar.

cavities and added inflammation to the mouth and body.

Whole foods are a powerful offering providing fuel and sustainable energy. Food changes everything.

• Deborah Dittner is a nurse practitioner and health consultant for amateur and professional athletes.

Check out her website at www.TheBalanced-Body.com.

Herkimer County HealthNet presents awards to municipalities

H

erkimer County HealthNet’s Wellness Committee has selected two municipalities to award funding to as part of the Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play in Herkimer County Grant.

Through an application process, municipalities and nonprofit organizations in Herkimer County that have previously received funding under Herkimer County HealthNet’s Creating Healthy Places Program were able to apply.

Page 14

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Both recipients’ applications utilized matching and/or in-kind contributions to strengthen their proposals.

One of the recipients of the 2015 Creating Healthy Places Sub-Award is the village of Herkimer. The village of Herkimer will be working on a project titled “High Hopes for Hoops” in the amount of $7,507. Funding for this project will be utilized to improve basketball and tennis courts at Harmon Park, basketball courts at Basloe Park,

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

and swings, a fitness ladder, basketball court and baseball-batting cage at Lou Ambers Field.

The town of Webb is the second recipient of the 2015 Creating Healthy Places Sub-Award. The town of Webb is working on the McCauley Mountain playground project, budgeted for $7,093.

This project includes the installation of a boat playground structure and sturdy rustic swings at the McCauley

Mountain Playground Complex.

Both municipalities presented maintenance and safety plans in their applications as well as measuring tools that report usage of the playgrounds after the installation of the equipment.

For more information, call 315-8671552, log on to www.herkimerhealthnet.com, like Creating Healthy Places in Herkimer County on Facebook or follow @hchealthnet on Twitter.

Injuries from high heels on the rise

Most of those seeking ER treatment are in their 20s, study says

By Jim Miller

Tame pet care costs Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend to help senior pet owners with their veterinary bills? I have two cats and a dog that are family to me, but their vet bills have become unaffordable.

Fix Income Frankie Dear Frankie, The high cost of veterinary care has become a problem for millions of pet owners today, but it can be especially difficult for seniors living on a fixed income. Routine medical care can cost hundreds of dollars, while urgent/ specialized treatments and procedures can run into the thousands. But, it is possible to reduce your pet care costs without sacrificing their health. Here are some tips that can help you save.

Shop around: If you’re not attached to a particular veterinarian, call some different vet clinics in your area and compare costs. When you call, get price quotes on basic services like annual exams and vaccinations, as well as bigger-ticket items, like to repair a broken leg, so you can compare. Also, check to see if you live near a veterinary medical school (see aavmc.org for a listing).

Many schools provide low-cost care provided by students who are overseen by their professors.

Ask your vet for help: To help make your vet bills more manageable, see if your vet’s office accepts monthly payments so you don’t have to pay the entire cost up front. Also, find out if your vet offers discounts to senior citizens or reduces fees for annual checkups if you bring in multiple pets.

Search for low-cost care: Many municipal and nonprofit animal shelters offer free or low-cost spaying and neutering programs and vaccinations, and some work with local vets who are willing to provide care at reduced prices for low-income and senior pet owners. Call your local shelter or humane society to find out what’s available in your area.

Look for financial assistance: There are a number of state and national organizations that provide financial assistance to pet owners in need. To locate these programs, the U.S. Humane Society provides a listing on their website that you can access at humanesociety.org/petfinancialaid.

Buy cheaper medicine: Medicine purchased at the vet’s office is usually much more expensive than you can get from a regular pharmacy or online.

Instead, get a prescription from your vet (ask for generic) so you can shop for the best price.

Most pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Kmart, Rite Aid and Target fill prescriptions for pets inexpensively, so long as that same drug is also prescribed to humans. And, many pharmacies offer pet discount savings programs too.

You can also save by shopping online at one of the Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, like 1-800-PetMeds (1800petmeds.com), Drs. Foster & Smith (drsfostersmith.com), KV Supply (kvsupply.com), and PetCareRx (petcarerx.com).

Consider pet insurance: If you can afford it, pet insurance is another option worth looking into. You can get a basic policy for under $10 per month, and some insurers provide discounts for insuring multiple pets. See petinsurancereview.com to compare policies. Membership discount plans like Pet Assure (petassure.com) are another way to save, but you’ll need to use a vet in their network.

Look for other ways to save: In addition to cutting your veterinary bills, you can also save on pet food and other supplies depending on where you shop. Target, Walmart, Costco and the dollar stores typically offer much lower prices than supermarkets and specialty retailers like Petco and PetSmart. You can also save on treats and toys at sites like coupaw.com and doggyloot.com.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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.

I

s it time to give your high-heeled shoes the boot? Injuries related to the perilous but fashionable footwear nearly doubled in the United States in a recent 11-year-period, new research finds.

U.S. emergency rooms treated 123,355 high-heel-related injuries between 2002 and 2012, say researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. More than 19,000 of those injuries occurred in 2011 alone.

Sprains and strains to the foot and ankle were the most common complaints, and most patients were in their 20s and 30s, the study found.

“Although high-heeled shoes might be stylish, from a health standpoint, it would be worthwhile for those interested in wearing high-heeled

shoes to understand the risks and the potential harm that precarious activities in high-heeled shoes can cause,” said the study’s lead investigator, Gerald McGwin, an epidemiology professor in the UAB School of Public Health, in a university news release.

Previous studies have found that walking on high heels causes discomfort in the lower leg, ankle and foot, McGwin and his colleagues noted.

High heels also inhibit movement of the ankle muscles and reduce step length and overall range of motions.

They can also cause people to lose their balance.

“Some historians suggest that high-heeled shoes have been around for nearly 300 years, and that medical professionals have been warning wearers about the dangers of such shoes for the same amount of time,” McGwin said.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

H ealth News Red Cross welcomes new regional disaster officer David M. Kunzelman has been appointed regional disaster officer for the American Red Cross’ Eastern New York Region.

Kunzelman will lead the region’s disaster cycle services team, which includes a small group of paid staff and hundreds of volunteers across a 24-county service area. With this team, Kunzelman will work to strengthen the capacity of the Red Cross in all aspects of the disaster cycle, from preparedness to response to recovery.

Kunzelman comes to the Eastern New York Region from Montana where, most recently, he served as disaster program manager and oversaw all aspects of the disaster cycle for a territory comprising 55,000 square miles.

Kunzelman originally joined the Red Cross in Montana in 2005 as a volunteer. He found himself actively involved with the chapter’s disaster and military programs and eventually became the volunteer counterpart to Montana’s regional disaster officer — a leadership position he held for five years before being hired as disaster program manager.

“I am really looking forward to working with volunteers in the Eastern New York Region to advance our disaster program to the next level,” said Kunzelman. “Volunteers make up more than 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce, and having been a Red Cross volunteer for many years, it’s a privilege to now be in this role, supporting volunteers as they help others prepare, respond and recover from disasters.”

• The Alumni Association of the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing clinical award was presented to weekday graduate Jordan Buckbee of Little Falls and weekend graduate Amy Godfrey of Waterville.

• An award in memory of Jaden Zechariah Goico, given to a graduate who demonstrated clinical excellence in the area of obstetrics-gynecology or pediatrics, was awarded to Geoffrey Lawton, weekend graduate.

• The Rose Shaffer Kolmer Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who persevered in the goal of becoming a St. Elizabeth graduate, was awarded to weekday graduate Nicole Somer.

• The Boise/Galvin Memorial Award, given in honor of George and Elizabeth Boise and William and Mary Galvin, was awarded to weekday graduate Elizabeth Zombeck.

• An award was given in memory of Judy Snizek, who was a registered nurse in SEMC’s intensive care unit for 27 years. At the request of her family and co-workers, this award is presented to a graduate who exemplifies Snizek spirit of caring and compassion for her patients. The 2015 recipient is weekday graduate Dana Roes.

• The Rose Trisolino memorial award was presented to weekday graduate Svetlana Huhko and to weekend graduate Nicole Frankland-DeBernardis.

• The Weekend Class of 2013 presented an award in memory of Daniel Cozza to weekend student Douglas Yates.

• The Mary Louise McConnell Kelly memorial award was presented to weekday graduates Alexis Barretta and Anna Garrison.

SEMC welcomes 10 new doctors Nursing grads receive honors The following awards were presented to the top students of the 2015 graduating class at the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing recently.

• The St. Elizabeth medical staff award was presented to weekday valedictorian Amber Dietrich of Nassau.

• The St. Elizabeth Medical Center award in memory of Sister M. Regina was presented to weekend valedictorian Tracy Vincent of Marcy.

• The Guild of St. Elizabeth Medical Center award was presented to weekday salutatorian Ashley Ramsey of Cornwall and weekend salutatorian Jennifer Winchell of Oriskany.

• The Alumni Association of the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing award, given to the student(s) with the third-highest grade-point average, was presented to weekday graduate Sarah Conley of Sauquoit, to weekday graduate Laura Tolbert of Clay, and to weekend graduate Amy Godfrey of Waterville.

Page 16

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Ten new doctors came to the area recently to begin training in St. Elizabeth Medical Center’s Family Medicine Residency Program.

Residency program director Mark E. Warfel said the physicians will train and provide care at SEMC, the Sister Rose Vincent Family Medicine Center on Hobart Street, St. Elizabeth Women’s Health Center and at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare as affiliates of Mohawk Valley Health System.

The family medicine residency has 30 residents in training, 10 in each year of the three-year program.

“The residency program has brought more than 100 primary care physicians to Central New York since its inception in 1975-76,” said Warfel.

“Nearly half of the 257 family physicians completing the program have settled in Upstate New York, helping to alleviate a shortage of physicians.”

The new doctors are: • Matthew Blando — Blando was born in New Hartford and graduated from American University of Antigua College of Medicine. He enjoys scuba diving, reading, martial arts and outdoor activities.

• Saqib Chaudhry — Chaudhry was born in Brooklyn and graduated from Medical University of the Americas (Nevis). He enjoys music production, chess, poker and basketball.

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

Blando

Keen

Chaudhry

Luzic

• Michael Redner — Redner was born in Rome, N.Y. and graduated from University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. He enjoys outdoor activities, archery, racquetball and softball.

• Nirav Shah — Shah is from Elmwood Park, N.J. He graduated from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine (Grand Cayman) and enjoys martial arts, cooking, graphic design and photography.

• Maureen Sullivan — Sullivan was born in Baltimore, Md. and graduated from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. She enjoys playing violin, running, photography and painting.

• Ha Tran — Tran was born in Lagi, Vietnam. She graduated from Ross University School of Medicine and enjoys traveling, cooking, arts and crafts, and watching documentaries.

• Esther Ufot — Ufot was born in Ubulu-Uku, Nigeria. She graduated from Nigeria University of Benin School of Medicine and enjoys karaoke and soccer.

FSLH and SEMC are affiliated under the MVHS.

MVHS names orthopedic program coordinator Mintah

Render

Shah

Sullivan

Tran

Ufot

• Brent Keen — Keen was born in West Palm Beach, Fla. He graduated from American University of Antigua College of Medicine. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading, wakeboarding, surfing, snowboarding and hiking.

• Amar Luzic — Luzic was born in Zenica, Bosnia, and relocated to Utica. He graduated from University of Sarajevo Faculty of Medicine. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading about history and theology, playing chess and soccer.

• Chaille Mintah — Mintah was born in St. Petersburg, Fla. She graduated from Ross University School of Medicine and enjoys playing and composing guitar music, drawing and playing basketball.

Sara Truax has been named orthopedic program coordinator for Mohawk Valley Health System.

In this position, Truax acts as the primary point of contact for the orthopedic program and is responsible for monitoring and coordinating orthopedic services throughout MVHS. Truax has been an employee at St. Elizabeth Medical Truax Center in Utica since 2012, serving as a nurse tech, a graduate nurse and a registered nurse.

Prior to her employment at SEMC, she was a physical therapy assistant at various healthcare organizations throughout the Mohawk Valley. She earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in physical therapy at Herkimer County Community College in Herkimer; her Bachelor of Science degree in health studies and her Master of Science degree in healthcare administration at Utica College; her Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, and her master certificate in Six Sigma Healthcare from Villanova University in Villanova, Pa.

SEMC names ICU nurse manager Garth Sanford has been named nurse manager of the intensive care unit at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica.

In this position, Sanford maintains nursing operations to include both clinical and administrative responsibilities

Continued on Page 17

H ealth News Continued from Page 16 for the ICU. Sanford has been an employee at SEMC since 2000, serving as a staff RN in the special care unit and as a staff RN and charge RN in the ICU. He earned his RN from Mohawk Valley Community Sanford College in Utica and plans to pursue his Bachelor of Science in nursing from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz.

MVHS names director of St. Elizabeth Lab Christine Goldman has been named director of St. Elizabeth Lab at Mohawk Valley Health System.

In this position, Goldman maintains clinical and administrative operations for St. Elizabeth Lab. Goldman has been an employee at St. Elizabeth Medical Center since 1994, serving as a bench technologist, chemGoldman istry supervisor, and, most recently, as laboratory quality management supervisor.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from SUNY-Geneseo.

MVHS welcomes new OB-GYN Jennifer Schwab, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at Medical Arts OB-GYN, PC, has joined the medical staff at Mohawk Valley Health System and has admitting privileges at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica.

Prior to this position, Schwab worked as an attending OB-GYN physician at Beth Israel Medical Center and as an assistant professor of OBSchwab GYN at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, N.J. Schwab earned her Doctor of Medicine degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Ill. and her Bachelor of Arts degree in music at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisc. She completed her residency in OB-GYN at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City and her internship in OBGYN at SUNY Stony Brook.

Before beginning her medical career, Schwab performed as a professional violinist with the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra in Boulder, Colo. and was a violin and viola teacher in Golden, Colo.

MVHS names navigator for breast cancer program Korinn A. Chaffee has been named navigator for the breast care program at Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica.

In this position, Chaffee acts as the primary point of contact for breast cancer patients and their families and is responsible for monitoring, educating and coordinating patients’ care.

Chaffee Chaffee has been an employee at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare since 2004, serving as a registered nurse on the inpatient medical oncology unit and the outpatient infusion unit.

She earned her associate degree in business from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, her associate’s degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Keuka College in Keuka Park.

She is certified in oncology, chemotherapy and biotherapy.

The Arc introduces new assistant director Jennifer Dodge is the new assistant director of employment solutions at The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC. Dodge is a life-long resident of the Mohawk Valley.

She graduated from Frankfort-Schuyler High School and SUNY Polytechnic Institute, receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Dodge began her career at The Arc Dodge in 2006 as an employment specialist.

In 2009, she was promoted to program coordinator for intensive services and most recently was promoted to program manager of intensive services, both positions in the employment solutions department.

The employment solutions department at The Arc consists of employment services, vocational services, and business services, all centered on providing people with developmental disabilities working experiences in both integrated settings and the community.

For more information, visit www. thearcolc.org.

The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC is a nonprofit human services agency accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership International, which provides advocacy and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oneida and Lewis counties.

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

Arc names new director of development, planning Steven Nicotera is the new director of development and planning at The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC. Nicotera began his career with The Arc in 1996 as a vocational rehabilitation coordinator and was promoted to vocational rehabilitation counselor.

Nicotera then left The Arc for a short period of time before returning in 2006 to serve as assistant director of vocational services. In 2012, he was promoted to director of vocaNicotera tional services. Most recently, he served as director of employment solutions.

Nicotera was raised in New Hartford. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hartwick College.

He also holds a master’s degree in health services administration from The New School for Social Research.

In his new role, Nicotera will oversee the department of program development and planning. That department identifies people’s interest in pursuing self-directed services and supports. He will also work with agency teams to develop plans and new options for services.

The Arc names new director of HR Lorraine Izzo is the new director of human resources at The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC. Izzo has over 20 years of experience in the human resources field. She began her career at The Arc 12 years ago and has continued to thrive in her role as human resources generalist during that time.

As director of human resources, Izzo will oversee and administer personIzzo nel policies, wage and benefit programs, and employment and employee relations.

She will also oversee day-to-day operations of the department.

Izzo takes over for long-time director of human resources Faith Burke, who recently joined the executive management team at The Arc as the chief administrative officer.

Arc names director of July 2015 •

Medicaid coordination Frank Coluccio has been named director of Medicaid service coordination at The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC. Coluccio joined The Arc in 2007 as a Medicaid service coordinator. He was promoted to quality assurance coordinator in 2010, team leader in 2012, and deputy director in 2014, all positions within the Medicaid Service Coordination Department.

Coluccio Most recently, Coluccio was named director of development and planning at The Arc. Coluccio holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in psychology and a master’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology in school psychology.

The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC is a nonprofit human services agency accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership International, which provides advocacy and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oneida and Lewis counties.

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

New addition at the Medicine Shoppe Vincent “Vinny” Femia has joined the staff at the Medicine Shoppe in Ilion.

He recently retired from his fulltime position at the Rite Aid in Frankfort and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Medicine Shoppe team.

The Medicine Shoppe is located at 10 Central Ave. in Ilion.

Community members are welFemia come to stop in for free blood pressure or blood sugar screenings as well as free smoking cessation coaching.

LFH plans annual golf tourney Little Falls Hospital-Bassett Healthcare Network will host their 13th annual golf tournament on Aug. 20 at The Cedar Lake Golf Club in Clayville.

Registration will be from 9-10: 45 a.m. and golfers will tee off at 11 a.m. The cost per golfer is $130.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact the administration department at 315-823-5262 or via email at c.daley@lfhny.org.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Continued from Page 2 that focuses on treating pre-diabetes to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

The program begins at 6 p.m. July 8.

Type 2 diabetes threatens one in three Americans and 90 percent of these individuals don’t even know they’re at risk. At the pre-diabetes stage, blood sugar levels are elevated but not so high they can’t be lowered.

For more information or to register, contact CNY Diabetes at (315) 624-5620 or mjenning@mvhealthsystem.org.

July 12

Ready to explore The Third Option?

The Third Option support group for married couples will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 12 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.

Separated? Divorced? There July 13 is support MVHS features cancer The Separated & Divorced Support support groups Group will meet from 5-6:30 p.m. July 12 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.

The Cancer Center at the Mohawk Valley Health System’s monthly support forum for patients and cancer survivors meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of every month in the cancer center’s fireplace lounge on the main floor of the Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica.

The next meeting will be held on

July 13.

Light refreshments will be served.

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

Support forum for cancer patients, survivors The Faxton Campus Cancer Center’s monthly support forum for patients and cancer survivors will be held at 6 p.m. July 13.

The cancer support forum meets at 6 p.m. 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.

July 15

Health fair, farmers’ market in Waterville The Waterville Health Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 15 at the Waterville Firehouse, 222 Main St., Waterville.

Featured will be the Waterville Farmers’ Market.

Breast exams, mammograms and pap-pelvic exams with the Bassett Mobile Mammography Unit are available.

To schedule an appointment, call the Oneida County Health Department’s Cancer Services Program of Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties at 798-5248 or online at OHMcancerservices.org.

The screenings on the coach will be free to women who are uninsured.

You must call to find out if you are eligible before July 15.

Additional services include vision screening, stroke risk assessment, health insurance enrollment and health and wellness information.

For more information, call Terry Rockwell at 404-0265 or Wendy Hunt at 798-5229.

July 17

Make-A-Wish plans ‘Walk on Wild Side’ Make-A-Wish® Central New York will present its second annual “Walk on the Wild Side” honoring the Heitkamp family from 5:30-8:30 p.m. July 17 at the Wild Animal Park, Lakeport Road, Chittenango.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children aged 3-12. Children 2 years of age or under are free.

Call 315-475-WISH or visit cny. wish.org to reserve tickets or for more information.

Aug. 27

LFH Lunch & Learn Series continues The next Little Falls Hospital-Bassett Healthcare Network Lunch & Learn series will be on Aug. 27.

Patti Seifried, infection control nurse, will be the educational speaker on the topic of Immunization. She will speak on why vaccines are so important to safeguarding health.

Seating is limited. RSVP to the community relations department at 315-823-5326.

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

Women take on tasks of ‘chief medical officer’

F

ifty-nine percent of women say they make the healthcare decisions for their families, according to a survey of more than 9,000 people conducted by a NYC-based think tank.

This jumps to 94 percent when women work and have kids under 18.

However, 62 percent of these family “chief medical officers” say they lack time to research and understand healthy habits; 50 percent reported they lacked the confidence to make the right choices for healthcare; and 35 percent actually distrust their providers.

The results of this survey are not new. The industry has to do a much better job of educating and engaging the family “CMO,” especially as reimbursement shifts to pay for performance and outcome.

Impact of penalties on hospitals uncertain. Since 2008, Medicare has penalized hospitals for preventable or avoidable injuries like patient falls, pressure sores and infections.

Hospitals are fined 1.5 percent of their Medicare payments for failure to report. Unfortunately, there haven’t been random follow up surveys to determine if there is a cause and effect.

Are there fewer avoidable incidents as a result of the penalties?

If hospitals focus on reducing these particular incidents, does it come at the cost of an increase in other types of avoidable injuries? The good news Page 18

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for Medicare members is that preventable hospitalizations have dropped 11 percent since 2013. The reduction can be attributed to a lot of factors, including penalties for hospital readmissions within 30 days of initial discharge, Medicare simply not paying for certain admissions anymore and better outpatient management.

Drug costs unsustainable. According to a study sponsored by Express Scripts, ever increasing specialty drug costs will bankrupt our healthcare system. About 576,000 of us spent more on drugs last year than the median household income (about $52,000).

That number is up 63 percent over 2013. Of the 576,000, 140,000 spent over $100,000.

While 98 percent of these costs were borne by insurance, they are ultimately passed on to all of us in higher premiums. Specialty drugs to treat hepatitis C and cancer are primarily responsible for the drastic increases. This is not just a national problem. Global costs for cancer drugs exceeded $100 billion last year.

The American Medical Association and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America are recommending that an insurer’s summary of benefits and coverage provide more detail about what drugs are covered so consumers can make informed decisions.

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

If this does happen, however, there must be an independent authority looking out for insurers who purposely “dump” expensive specialty drugs from their formularies, or significantly reduce coverage, in an effort to steer away at-risk-consumers who require expensive drugs.

No single insurance company could survive if it had to assume all the risk for all consumers who needed an expensive specialty drug. The playing field has to be kept level.

Less choice is not worse care.

Insurance plans that limit consumers to specific physicians and hospitals are nothing new. These “narrow” networks are easier to manage and control and can keep costs down. Like the staff model HMOs of old, burgeoning hospital systems and accountable care organizations will ultimately control both costs and quality by offering finite provider choices for care.

The question has always been does the quality of care provided by 50 cardiologists, for example, differ from that provided by 200 cardiologists? According to a study published in Health Affairs, the average quality of care in narrow or restricted networks is actually higher than that of open-ended unrestricted commercial networks. This is not surprising because there is far better communication, cooperation and familiarity

among a finite or narrower panel of providers.

Premiums for 2016. Depending on your plan, most New York state insurers are once again requesting doubledigit rate increases for 2016. The New York State Insurance Department rarely approves the full request. Commercial insurers traditionally cite increased utilization and higher drug costs as the culprits for the rate increases.

Meanwhile, by comparison, Medicare premiums (for the oldest of Americans) have remained virtually unchanged the last four years at about $105 a month for Physician Part B coverage. The nation’s seven largest insurers (Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Health Care Services Corp, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, United) added 5.6 million members with profit margins over 4 percent. Health insurance stocks hit an all-time high earlier this year.

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

To reach him, email gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

Conquering Cancer Cancer survivors share stories of courage, persistence

By Patricia J. Malin

W

hen Barbara Turner was growing up in the 1940s and 1950s, she was vaguely aware that a family member had died from a mysterious disease.

Her family in Poland, N.Y., discussed the disease in hushed tones or referred to it even without describing it by name, she explained. They felt it was a subject best kept from children.

Then in 1962, while attending college in Washington, D.C., Turner herself became afflicted with a disease that once again no one in her family dared mention. Even her doctor preferred not to discuss life expectancy or give her a clue as to the course of treatment.

“It started with severe headaches,” said Turner, who turned 79 in June. “I wanted someone to take an ax to my head, the pain was so bad. I was going to school and studying nursing.”

Despite her studies, she was still kept in the dark. She eventually learned she had a form of brain cancer.

She was fortunate to be in D.C. where good treatment was available and she survived.

She recovered and graduated from nursing school in 1955. About a year later, though, she suffered sudden, uncontrolled bleeding in her abdomen and was hospitalized.

“My parents had to come down to Washington and brought me home to die,” she said. “It was very hard for me.

My dad felt I couldn’t handle it. They thought I had six months to live. I had chemotherapy every day for six weeks.

Then I was bedridden for about a yearand-a half to two years. I was never left alone.”

Again her parents consulted with her doctors, but initially left her out of the discussions. “They tried to hide it from me. They thought I was too young to know,” she said.

She was 25 years old at the time.

She was sent to a hospital in Syracuse and underwent a complete hysterectomy. But it was a lot longer before she learned she had cervical cancer. When she recovered, she felt it was time to demand answers from her physicians.

Cancer was a dreaded disease at the time and a topic no one wanted to address. As the saying goes, you’ve come a long way.

Recently, Turner was among 300 guests who attended the 28th annual National Cancer Survivors Day at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro, sponsored by Mohawk Valley Health System. She was one of just two individuals who stood up proudly and celebrated being cancer-free for 50 years or more.

The National Cancer Survivors breakfast is celebrated in communities across the United States. It provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer — including America’s 14 million cancer survivors — to connect with each other, celebrate milestones and recognize the healthcare providers, family and friends who have supported them along the way.

“Our employees look forward to the Survivors Day breakfast all year long because it is a chance for us to be with our past patients and see

Barbara Turner recently celebrated her 53rd year of being a cancer survivor. how well they are doing,” said Nancy Butcher, executive director of MVHS’s Cancer Center.

“Cancer touches everyone and these patients have touched our lives in so many ways. We love getting together with them every year to celebrate their personal triumphs over cancer,” Butcher added.

Progress has been made

“The Big C” no longer carries the devastating diagnosis it once did, said Karen Christensen, a 24-year survivor and founder of the After Breast Cancer Support Network who also addressed guests at the survivor’s breakfast.

She distinctly remembers the 1970s and 1980s when doctors were aghast to think that patients could understand the clinical details of their disease and actually wanted input into their regimen of treatment.

“Four years after my diagnosis, I met two other women who had survived breast cancer,” Christensen said. “We felt we needed a much more intense support program to talk about breast cancer among ourselves and other survivors. It was not to commiserate, but how to survive and deal with our fears.”

When she started her support group, she said she met with resistance from doctors who held themselves up as sole authorities on the subject of cancer. Now that the ABC Network has survived and grown in numbers, physicians, pharmacists, nurses and researchers gladly share advances in cancer with the members of the group and the public at large. More importantly, Christensen noted, the “experts” listen to the members and respect their

experiences.

“Thanks to our support group and thanks to you (the survivors). We couldn’t have done it without you,” said Christensen.

Turner survived her battle with cancer and became a registered nurse.

She worked at the old Faxton Hospital in Utica and at Upstate Hospital in Syracuse. She said the cancer deprived her of having children of her own, but she went on to spend most of her nursing career helping brain-damaged children at the Rome Developmental Center.

While those “massive doses” of chemotherapy helped her defeat cervical cancer, it was only one part of the recovery process.

“I believe the power of prayer saved me,” she added. “I had a great aunt who was a nun with the Sisters of Charity and she used to bring a group of nuns to visit me. I knew God would hear those nuns’ prayers.”

Believe271 provides support

There were literally hundreds of success stories among those who attended the annual cancer survivors’ breakfast, Butcher said.

The good news is the number of survivors keeps rising.

The first cancer survivor’s day was started in the U.S. 28 years ago, and then the Mohawk Valley region jumped on the bandwagon about 24 years ago. “I remember when we started and there was just a handful of survivors,” Butcher pointed out, “and now there are 300 of you.”

A special group of survivors was recognized this year. Half the proceeds from the 50-50 raffle at the breakfast was donated to the local Believe271 FounJuly 2015 •

dation which was started by Brian McQueen of Whitesboro. The winner of the 50-50 raffle also donated back to Believe 271.

McQueen is a retired teacher, coach and principal at Whitesboro Central School and a former chief of the Whitesboro Fire Department. Just before Christmas 2013, he thought he was fighting a severe cold. Then on Christmas Eve, he was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

He underwent 20 days of intensified modulated radiation therapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and completed treatments on March 21, 2014.

He credited his faith for helping him, too. He told the survivors at the breakfast that he would attend Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City prior to going to the hospital for treatment. By May 2014, a PET scan revealed he was free of cancer and in remission.

“Cancer didn’t bring me to my knees,” he told the survivors. “It brought me to my feet.” He found a renewed energy and purpose in life and is writing a book about his trials and tribulations.

During his month-long stay in New York City, two firefighters from the Barneveld Fire Department, Chief Brian Healey and Capt. Brian Palmer, offered to provide McQueen financial assistance for his expenses. They decided to sell helmet stickers to fellow firefighters and first responders to offset his travel expenses.

McQueen declined the money, but embraced the concept. He told his friends he would rather take this to the next level. “Make it a little bit bigger, a little bit better, and help out other fire departments and other fire members.”

The Believe 271 Foundation, in honor of his badge number as deputy fire coordinator for Oneida County, was started in 2014 to raise funds for comrades in Oneida and Herkimer counties struggling to pay their medical bills, whether it’s from cancer or other illnesses and disabilities.

A 12-member board of directors, including Healy, Palmer, McQueen and members of other local fire departments, runs the foundation.

They obtained nonprofit status and have already awarded funds to local firefighters with cancer.

McQueen said research has determined that firefighters are at a higher risk of suffering multiple types of cancer — one to two times more likely, compared to the general American population. When fighting fires, they’re directly exposed to chemicals and products used in modern home and business construction.

Firefighters have a greater risk of getting testicular cancer (2.02 times greater); multiple myeloma (1.53); non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (1.51); skin cancer (1.39); prostrate cancer (1.28); malignant melanoma (1.31); brain cancer (1.31); colon cancer (1.21) and leukemia (1.14).

“We need to change the culture in the firefighting community,” McQueen added.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 19

Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?

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

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

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

Jacquie also found a compassionate team at Crouse. From trusted surgeons and nutritional experts to an ongoing support group that’s with her every step of the way. Come to our next weight-loss surgery seminar and discover what you can find.

Upcoming Free Seminars: July 16 • Aug 3 • Aug 20 To register: crouse.org/weightloss 315/472-2464

crouse.org/weightloss

Spotlight on Nonprofits

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities of Oneida & Madison Counties rich community resource for nearly a century

By Mary Christopher

C

atholic Charities of Oneida and Madison Counties wears many hats for its community.

For almost 95 years, the agency has provided services to those who are most in need and its leaders always look for more ways to offer help.

Catholic Charities provides an extensive array of health and human services ranging from residential and mental health care to emergency assistance and youth programming.

“We work to eliminate poverty and work with those most in need in our community, but many still aren’t aware of all we do,” said Denise Cavanaugh, executive director of Catholic Charities of Oneida and Madison Counties.

Fun is also a part of Cavanaugh its core as for more than 60 years, the agency has operated Camp Nazareth in Woodgate and the CYO basketball program that remains popular in the Utica area.

Now with summer in full swing, Catholic Charities is prepared to host young campers at Camp Nazareth while still serving a diverse population of clients.

Its mission

The Utica-based organization is one of six Catholic Charities in the Syracuse diocese. It is a nonprofit agency that has a staff of 130 working in Oneida and Madison counties.

“We are an agency with a spiritual mission and that really impacts the way we do business, but we are non-discriminatory with who we serve and employ,” Cavanaugh said. “We serve everyone.”

Staff is dedicated to empowering and caring for those in need while promoting human development, collaboration and the elimination of poverty and injustice. They believe reducing the stigma of mental health issues and raising awareness will help the quality Page 20

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of life.

“Achieving that comes with embracing, talking and sharing experiences,” Cavanaugh said.

One of Catholic Charities’ fundraisers was held in May, called “A Kiss Goodbye.” Christina Baker Kline, author of the book “Orphan Train,” spoke about the impact of homelessness on children.

“People are not aware that it is affecting kids right in our own community,” Cavanaugh said.

Programs and services

More than material items, staff members offer hope, encouragement, optimism and strength for the future. But if someone were to walk in needing a specific item, they would find a way to provide it to them or refer them to another resource.

An array of housing programs is the most used services in the organization. Residential, community and supported housing options are options for those in need with attention paid to daily living skills, counseling, community integration, substance abuse services and vocational and prevocational activities.

Other programs and services include: — Community assistance with clothing, household and personal items, food vouchers and bus tokens — Counseling services for individuals, couples and family, aged 5 and older — A food pantry located in Rome — Social recreation for people living with mental health issues — Pregnancy, parenting support and education — Adoption support and assistance In Madison County, disaster case management programs are some of the most needed because of flooding problems in that area. “People need to recover and rebuild and that takes time and resources,” Cavanaugh said.

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

Author Christina Baker Kline addresses an audience recently at the “A Kiss Goodbye” fundraiser to benefit Catholic Charities of Oneida and Madison Counties. Kline spoke about how homelessness impacts children.

Memories last a lifetime

Catholic Charities impacted Amy Abraham’s life in a different way.

She spent four summers at Camp Nazareth — as a camper then counselor — and grew as a person from her experiences there.

“I went in as a shy 12-year-old and blossomed from the experience away from home with new people,” said Abraham, who grew up in Dolgeville.

“It gave me independence and broadened my horizons from what I was experiencing in a small town.”

She made friends with other campers from surrounding counties, learned how to swim and excelled to eventually become a lifeguard and mature as a young woman.

“I don’t know what else I would have done those summers if it weren’t for Camp Nazareth,” she said. “If I

lived closer I would send my sons because I’m sure they would enjoy it just as much. It boosted my confidence and self-esteem and I loved every minute of being there.”

An increase in youth services is on top of the agency’s list of future services to enhance. Providing emergency housing and outreach programs for teenagers and young people in their early 20s is needed because that age group “tends to fall through the cracks,” development director Victoria Paolozzi said.

Cavanaugh would also like to expand and improve residential programs so more adults can live in homelike settings and work to reduce the stigma of mental health issues so overall quality of life improves.

“We are there for people when no one else is,” Paolozzi said.