Mv igh 121 march16

in good

Kids’ Health

March 2016 • Issue 121

Leadership has youthful look See Page 3

MVhealthnews.com

free

Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

We’re losing our kids Scourge of heroin, opiates takes toll

Insurance costs keep patients from seeking scans

Mental Health Special Edition

See Page 5

Meet Your Doctor

See Page 14

The big gamble See Page 7 ­

• Dealing with work stress — Page 8 • Hung over? We have the cure — Page 9

Oh Boy, Is Bok Choy Nutritious!

Omni Surgery Center newest addition on Mohawk Valley health care scene

The World Health Organization considers bok choy to be one of its highest nutritionally ranked vegetables.

Check out the ‘SmartBites column, Page 13

See Page 20 March 2016 •

It’s time to meet Dr. Laura J. Borgos See Page 4

Food trends Ethnic dishes like a bowl of Thai food are becoming more the rage See Page 12

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 1

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

A speakers’ bureau is available at no cost.

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

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 315-7687031, email her at info@cnyocf.org, visit www.cnyocf.org or check out Cen NY OCD Support Group on Facebook.

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

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 8:30-4 p.m. weekdays.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Wednesdays/Thursdays

to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby,” Wallace said.

Health Night is a free lecture series sponsored by RMH. Advance registration is encouraged for planning purposes. Refreshments will be served.

Guests are asked to use the hospital’s front entrance. There will be signs directing guests to the classroom.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 337-5309.

March 7

MVHS Wellness Center classes set

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, weighins or diets.

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

The Mohawk Valley Health System Wellness Center is beginning a new session of specialty classes.

Classes run in either six- or eightweek sessions and begin the week of March 7.

Space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participants must register and pay for the entire six- or eight-week session of a class or purchase a pre-paid punch card for per-class entry.

Visit www.faxtonstlukes.com/ wellness-classes for more information on each class. Call 315-624-5484 or email wellness@mvhealthsystem. org to register for classes or to purchase a membership.

March 3

March 8

Overeaters Anonymous plans meetings

Prepare for a healthy pregnancy Dr. Diana R. Wallace, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, will talk about “Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy” at Rome Memorial Hospital’s Health Night lecture at 5:30 p.m.

March 3.

“Planning for pregnancy and Wallace seeking prenatal care early are the most important steps you can take

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

The program will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. March 8 in Weaver Lounge at the Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica.

Registration is required as seating is limited. Contact Cindy Christian, CKD program coordinator, at 315-624-5635 or cchristi@ mvhealthsystem.org.

Continued on Page 11

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In Good Health: Mohawk Valley’s No. 1 source of health news!

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2016

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

Youth: Powerful Volunteer Force Mohawk Valley youngsters give back to their community

By Patricia J. Malin

W

hen she returns home from school every day, 10-yearold Rachel Farnsworth of Frankfort might have more on her mind than just doing homework.

She could be thinking about how to help the hungry and homeless residents of the Mohawk Valley, impoverished families, lonely senior citizens, local veterans and even about children her age who need a helping hand.

Farnsworth was among a group of dedicated young people recognized for their volunteer efforts throughout Oneida County in 2015.

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said 4,421 youth contributed 1,704 volunteer hours to the community through the Oneida County Children Care Initiative last year.

Youth volunteers from The Center for Family Life and Recovery, Cornell Cooperative Extension, The Neighborhood Center, Thea Bowman House, John Bosco House, Utica Safe Schools/Underground Café and Dodge Pratt Northam Art Community all performed community service.

Some of the services included helping in a bicycle giveaway for Utica children; making Christmas cards to send to veterans and service members; cleaning yards for senior citizens; preparing food and serving meals at food pantries, soliciting donations, youth mentoring, and tutoring.

Farnsworth has been volunteering three years through The Neighborhood Center.

“I like to (donate) prom dresses to the House of Good Shepherd.

Some people can’t afford them,” she said. “People donated brand-new dresses and we helped deliver them.”

Farnsworth volunteers during school breaks and vacations. Residents of the Mohawk Valley responded to the appeal by donating 200 prom dresses. “We delivered half of them to BOCES and half to the

House of Good Shepherd [a shelter for young teens],” she said.

“We run a lot of after-school programs and drop-in programs during school holidays,” said Sandy Seroka, executive director of the Neighborhood Center of Utica. “All of our programs have to do with community service. We collect canned goods for the Veteran’s Outreach Center and make placemats for Hope House [a women’s shelter].”

During her summer vacation last year, Gabby Matteo, 11, of Utica volunteered to “clean the streets” and pick up garbage and litter that had accumulated around the homes of senior citizens. Anna Irizarry helped sell popcorn and baked cookies to raise funds for veterans and for The Abraham House. The money was used to buy Thanksgiving dinners for the Abraham House’s terminally ill patients, said Seroka.

“The children (volunteers) run a candy store and the money goes back into the community,” she added.

“The children get together and hold meetings every month and they decide where the money goes.”

The youngsters also solicited donations and participated in America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide, Making Strides to End Breast Cancer, the Multiple Sclerosis Walk, AIDS Hike for Life and several other events.

A total of 760 youth participated in the walks and donated 145 hours organized by The Center For Family Life and Recovery.

The John Bosco House, a shelter for young men, obtained the labor of five young volunteers toward its intergenerational cleanup, which assists senior citizens with housework, raking leaves and other physical tasks.

Forty students spent 200 hours volunteering for the Salvation Army of Utica’s community garden, inter-

Rachel Farnsworth, 10, left, Jacob Mateo, 9, and Gabby Mateo, 11, were among the young volunteers who contributed their time toward a number of community projects throughout Oneida County in 2015. generational fall cleanup and holiday dinner.

The Oneida County Youth Bureau initiative began in 2009.

“This initiative is a testimony to the work our youth-serving agencies do on a daily basis and to the youth of Oneida County, who really do care,” said Oneida County Youth Bureau Director Kevin Green.

The projects begin with a request to the youth bureau for assistance from a local nonprofit agency, for example, the Oneida County Office For the Aging.

“We are continuing to see our youth take ownership and pride

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Picente said young people are learning a lesson from the Oneida County Children Care Initiative “that it is just as important to give back to the community as it is to do anything else. “(It) helps youth understand the benefits of community and volunteer service so that as they mature, they strengthen their community roots and their commitment to service,” he said.

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March 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 3

Rome Memorial names new CEO David W. Lundquist takes reins at hospital

D

avid W. Lundquist is the new president and chief executive officer at Rome Memorial Hospital.

He succeeds interim president/ CEO Darlene Burns.

“From among three exceptional candidates, the board selected Dave because he is a visionary with the experience and qualities needed to bring people together to plan for our future and move the organization forward as we enter a new era of healthcare,” said Chester Patrick, board of trustees’ chairman. “He has Lundquist extensive experience as a trusted strategic thinker leading both small and large organizations through challenging transitions.”

For nearly 25 years, he has served as CEO of hospitals in Oklahoma, New Jersey, and most recently at the Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley in Kingston, where he navigated three hospitals and two residential centers through a successful affiliation and system integration.

Lundquist earned his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering at the University of Oklahoma and a master of business administration degree from Oklahoma City University.

According to Lundquist, it’s the challenge of guiding systems through successful transformation to advance quality and growth that gets him up in the morning.

“I had an engineering professor in college that said there’s no such thing as a perfect system because it will be out of date tomorrow. That’s always stuck with me,” he said.

“We’re always in a state of transition.

It’s my job to unite people in pursuit of a common goal and inspire a team that believes that they can accomplish anything.”

Lundquist will be moving to Rome with his wife, Jane. Married for 44 years, the couple raised three children and has six grandsons.

Mohawk Valley In Good Health: Your source for health news!

Page 4

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Lou Sorendo

Dr. Laura J. Borgos

Laura J. Borgos recently joined the Mohawk Valley Health System as a breast surgeon. Mohawk Valley In Good Health Associate Editor Lou Sorendo had the opportunity recently to interview Borgos about her career and outlook on health care.

Q.: What was your motivation in choosing breast surgery as a specialty? Were there any particular influences that steered you in that direction?

A.: I chose breast surgery because I have a passion for the disease.

Breast cancer is a very complex disease. The treatment is ever changing, which makes it very interesting.

Q.: You established a breast care program at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. What were some of the foremost challenges in creating that program?

A.: It was challenging creating a breast program from ground zero.

There are a lot of basic foundational factors to consider such as installing a digital mammography unit at that time, which was the transition from analog imaging.

I believe the most challenging task is having all of the necessary team members agree on moving forward with a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment of breast disease involves an entire team, meaning each department — such as medical oncology and radiology — must agree to actively participate. We all must join forces to provide the best integrated care for the patient.

Q.: What are some of the more common conditions and ailments that you deal with?

A.: Most people think all breast surgeons just address and treat breast cancer. That is not the case.

I frequently see a lot of patients complaining of breast pain. Breast cysts are extremely common as well.

I address any disorders of the breast that also include things such as nipple discharge and gynecomastia, which is male breast enlargement. I also have seen quite a few patients who really just want to be evaluated due to a significant family history of breast cancer.

Q.: What are some of the more common treatment options that you employ?

A.: Treatment options obviously have to do with what particular disorder for which the patient is being evaluated. For instance, something like breast pain can be treated with dietary modifications and some overthe-counter meds.

Breast cysts usually just require monitoring but may require aspiration. And, obviously breast cancer requires the most treatment of all, which may include lumpectomy, mastectomy and nodal evaluation.

All relevant options are discussed with the patient during his or her office visit.

Q.: What can people do to improve their own breast health?

A.: Some factors related to breast health are out of our control, such as age of first period. However, many are within our control. These include maintaining a healthy weight,

stopping smoking, and adhering to a healthy diet, among others. Living a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your chance of developing breast cancer.

Continued on Page 14

Lifelines Birthplace: New Jersey Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, N.C.; Doctor of Medicine, Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa.; internship and residency in general surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio; fellowship in trauma/surgical critical care, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md. Affiliations: Member, American College of Surgeons; American Society of Breast Surgeons and Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Personal: Husband, George; daughter, Gabriella; brother, Brian, an ophthalmologist Hobbies: Victorian-era antique furniture

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2016

Mental Health

Drug Epidemic Addiction to heroin, narcotic painkillers runs out of control

By Barbara Pierce

O

ur kids are dying. They’re dying in large numbers from heroin and drug-related deaths. It’s an epidemic.

“There’s a tremendous heroin problem, not just here in the Mohawk Valley, but across the United States,” said Stephen McLaughlin, director, McPike Addiction Treatment Center, Utica.

McPike is an inpatient facility operated by the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

McPike provides individualMcLaughlin ized recovery for adults with a chemical addiction.

“I lost my only son two years ago in a tragic accident — though you could say I lost him years earlier when he lost himself to drug addiction,” shared one New Hartford mother.

“When he was killed at the age of 33, he was under the influence of a number of drugs, including Xanax, prescription pain killers, cocaine and heroin,” she added.

Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. have risen steadily since 1970. Heroin is still one of the No. 1 killers of illegal drug users.

“I wanted to die. I felt like such a failure as a parent,” said Gary Cuozzo following the death of his 22-year- old son, killed during a drug deal. Cuozzo, of Naples, Fla., was a pro football player in the 1960s.

The face of heroin abuse in America has changed. Today’s typical heroin addict starts using at 23, is likely to live in the affluent suburbs and may have been led to heroin through prescription painkillers.

The addiction about half of heroin addicts begins with is prescription pain medication, such as OxyContin.

They switch because heroin is easier

Oneida, Herkimer in good

and

Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper

to get and significantly less expensive.

Heroin and opioid pills such as OxyContin all come from the poppy plant. Their chemical structures are highly similar and they bind to the same group of receptors in the brain.

All trigger the need to take higher doses for the same effect — and a craving for the drug in its absence.

Like any drug, the more the addict uses heroin, the more he will need to feel the same high. If he stops using, he’ll go through a world of hurt: depression, nausea, jitteriness and extreme flu-like symptoms. Most addicts can’t bear the symptoms, so they keep using.

Those with money have the means to fund their death. Odds are they will keep buying more heroin until they finally overdose fatally, as did actor Philip Seymour Hoffman not long ago. Those who lack the funds frequently steal from family members or break into homes and businesses to fund their next fix.

Madison

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease, characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.

“How can I explain that desperate hunger, the furious yearning, the excruciating need that grabs you and won’t let go,” wrote William Cope Moyers, son of veteran journalist Bill Moyers, in his book “Broken.”

“Treatment for addiction is very successful,” said McLaughlin. “One thing people have to understand is that treatment, whether in-patient or out-patient, provides the individual with knowledge to overcome his cravings and with better coping skills, but it is up to the individual whether he uses this information. Rehab works if the individual realizes he needs to make changes.”

What should parents look for?

“I should have known,” many

parents say, too late.

“What could I have done differently?” they ask.

No one becomes an addict without warning signs. This is a progressive fatal disease. Young people may start with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, but, all too frequently, their use progresses until it is out of control. A key risk factor is the misuse of prescription painkillers.

Pay attention to significant changes in your family member’s physical appearance, attitude or behavior. McLaughlin offers these suggestions: • Look for changes in behavior: Changes in attitude or personality, moodiness, becoming agitated more easily, nervousness, giddiness.

Withdrawing from contact with family, isolation or secretive behavior.

Change in friends or activities. Drop in grades or work performance. And watch when things go missing.

• Look for physical changes.

Being physically ill with flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, shakes; drowsiness; loss or increase in appetite; unexplained weight loss or gain; small pupils; large pupils.

What can a parent do?

“Talk to them. Always have an open line of communication,” McLaughlin advises.

Ask them about what is going on and listen. They may minimize or deny that there is a problem. Listen to them, don’t argue, but express your concern. Let them know that this is a medical disorder and help is available.

Expose them to options. Getting in treatment is scary. So have them go to meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, get a sponsor, and get involved in weekly outpatient therapy. Expose them any way you can.

You can always call the 24-hour helpline at 1-877-8-HOPENY.

counties

A monthly newspaper published

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

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2016 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, Deb Dittner Advertising: Donna Kimbrell Layout & Design: Eric J. Stevens 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.

March 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 5

Between You and Me

By Barbara Pierce

Leaving an addict Ex-husband’s appetite for opiates turns intolerable

“

You can’t even go to the store and get a simple loaf of bread!”

I cringe as my husband snarls at me because I brought home a loaf of honey wheat instead of whole wheat. “You can’t do anything right!” I duck as he throws the bread at me.

At his look of disgust, I just want to cry. Actually, I want to die. He ridicules and shames me most days. My tension begins when I hear his car pull in the garage.

I don’t relax until I hear it pull out the next day. Then I can begin to breathe again.

One of the characteristics Pierce that drew me to him nearly 20 years ago was that he was mellow, so easy to get along with, so much fun to be with.

What turned that mellow man into this irritable monster? Into a critical tyrant who is impossible to please? Into a bully who has destroyed my peace?

Has to be something to do with his gastric bypass surgery, I thought.

A few years before, he had gastric bypass surgery, and lost over 100 pounds. That is when he became more irritable.

But that doesn’t make sense. I’m sure there is no way that surgery changes your brain.

So what changed his brain, I wonder?

The answer came on our road trip to California.

I had pain from a chronic problem. He said, “Here, try some of my pain pills. They work really good for my neuropathy.”

I resisted; he insisted.

I took his pills. Within two days of taking his pills, I had become extremely irritable. I couldn’t stand him. I couldn’t even stand myself. I felt like I wanted to kill him being cooped up in the car with him hour after hour.

I stopped the pills and quickly went back to normal. And I had my answer.

Prescribed by his physician for his neuropathy pain, he started the OxyContin about the time of his surgery. That is why his brain had drastically changed and he was irritable, critical and impossible to live with.

When I pointed this out to him, he staunchly denied that his beloved medication caused any problems. He had not changed; I had.

I told him I could not live with him anymore. He agreed to stop the medication. A few days later, he started again. I told him I refused to live with him and the medication. He stopped. A few days later, he started again. He could not function without his medication.

Epidemic proportions

I knew his medication was addicting. I knew addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease. It manifests itself by compulsive drug seeking and continued use despite harmful consequences.

Opiate painkillers, such as hydrocodone, OxyContin or oxycodone, are the most commonly abused prescription drugs. The Centers for Disease Control has identified it as an epidemic.

I knew he did not want me to leave; he was desperate for me to stay. But the excruciating need he had for his medication won.

“Nothing else mattered to me,” is how William Cope Moyers describes his addiction in his book “Broken.”

“The desperate hunger, the furious yearning, the excruciating need that grabs you and won’t let go. A howling internal torment that overrides any other need.”

But he couldn’t manage without his medication. That was his priority.

And I couldn’t live that way any longer. It wasn’t just his personality or behavior changes; there were many other things as well that disturbed me.

This man, so very different than the man I married, no longer the kind caring man I married, I can no longer tolerate. I must leave to save myself, I finally decided.

Trips to psychotherapists, together and individually, followed. I stood by my decision — and the day came

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2016

when movers came to take the few items of furniture he let me take.

All I took was a bedroom set and my clothes to the shabby little apartment that became my home. I slept soundly, for the first time in years.

I was at peace. Tons of weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Courage is acting in the face of fear. Courage is taking risks; starting down a path when it is to dark to see the way. Not knowing where the way leads. Taking one step at a time.

I am happy to be on that path, still finding my way, step-by-step, meeting challenge after challenge. I am doing it and I am thankful every day.

I grieve the loss of the man I loved. But he no longer exists. I lost him to his drug. I had to admit that and go on with my life. It was a choice I had to make.

• 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.

Kelberman Center hosts Walk for Autism

A

utism now affects one out of every 68 children in the United States.

Autism Awareness Month is celebrated throughout April and the Kelberman Center will host its annual Walk for Autism April 9 in Boonville (V.F.W.) and the Mohawk Valley (SUNY Polytechnic Institute); on April 16 in Oneida (Oneida High School) and in Cooperstown (Glimmerglass State Park); and on April 30 at Hamilton College (Taylor Science Center).

The Boonville and Cooperstown events will feature both a walk and run. All walks and the Cooperstown Run begin at 10:30

a.m. with registration beginning at 9 a.m. The Boonville Run begins at 10 a.m.

The Walk for Autism is the initiative of a group of parents heightening autism awareness.

Sites will feature music, refresVisit the Kelberman Center’s website at kelbermancenter.org to download pledge forms or to create an online fundraising page.

For more information on the Walk for Autism, contact the Kelberman Center at 315-797-6241, visit online, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or email at walkforautism@kelbermancenter. org.

Mental Health

Gambler’s lament

Making poor choices in life leads to unsavory consequences

By Barbara Pierce

“

I calmly sat back, put my hands behind my head as the NCAA clocked ticked down the remaining last seconds of the game,” Joseph Gagliano recalls. “It was the third game in a row I had bet on where the point spread had to land on a specific number.

“I had millions at stake. Was I nervous? Not at all,” Gagliano says.

“The buzzer sounded,” Gagliano recalls. “I smiled as a cool $5 million went right into my pocket.”

How did he do it? He had just fixed three college basketball games in a row.

At 24 years old, Gagliano quarterbacked the Arizona State point-shaving scandal in 1994, conspiring to have two NCAA basketball players fix the final scores of certain games so that he could beat the projected point spread.

This is still one of the largest scams in sports history.

“No Grey Areas” tells his story — the incredible, true story of the man who outsmarted the sports betting world when he orchestrated the largest sports point-shaving betting scam. But this is only where the story begins.

“I’m a guy with a story that can make a difference — a real difference in your life or the life of someone you know. I’m a guy who is here to shine a bright light on the very painful, dark and public journey that I’ve endured so that I might positively impact others,” said Gagliano about his book.

The book, a compelling read, offers powerful life lessons of the consequences of poor choices.

“I’m a guy who made poor

choices for the sake of greed and success, a guy who applied God-given talents to build wealth and success and then managed to misapply those talents and got a very different end result. A guy who charted a path that took him into grey areas and then had to pay the price for those ill-fated choices.”

Following his arrest, he was sentenced to 15 months and got out in 12. Now he has a felony background.

Being identified as a felon meant there were a lot of walls that Gagliano hit. The road back wasn’t smooth.

But he made it.

“I created a large company, and did well financially. But in the financial crisis of 2007, I got kicked really hard,” he said.

Another poor call

He applied for a loan to save his business. When the loan documents came, they required a co-signer; they required the signature of his father.

His father had cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. So Gagliano forged his father’s signature.

“I got indicted again, on seven counts of bank fraud,” he said. “As I had a prior 20 years earlier, I was low hanging fruit for the government. I was sentenced to 30 months.”

In prison for the second time, he was severely depressed — almost to the point of suicide.

Over the years, he’d had tons of offers from book publishers and movie producers who wanted his story. “But I never wanted to think about it. I never wanted to talk about it. I never wanted to glamorize it. I was never proud of it,” he said.

But, now an inmate in a federal prison for the second time in his life,

Gagliano he began to write his story — sitting on a wooden stool, typing on an antiquated typewriter, with no correction tape.

“My goal was to put life’s journey on paper. Not to publish it, but for my kids. I’ve got four kids. I wrote it for my kids so they would know what their father was all about,” he said. “Bad results did not happen to me overnight, but rather through a series of poor choices and decisions that ultimately resulted in my downfall.

“The bigger message is once you compromise your integrity, you get off center,” Gagliano said. “Then it is extremely difficult to get back.

“It’s not OK to get into the grey areas. There is only black and white.

If you have to ask yourself: ‘Is this OK?’ Then it’s not OK. “You may not be wandering into

that grey area of your life right now.

But, at some point in every person’s life, temptation is placed before you.

What you do with that choice is up to you.

“I chose poorly. All choices have consequences.”

Gagliano said his biggest regret is not the loss of millions of dollars nor his possessions, nor even going to prison. “What I regret most was the wasted time. Wasted, because of time I could have spent being a better father, a better person, a better friend, a better husband,” he said. “Wasted, because I know I could have used my talents in many other ways to do amazing things, to make a difference in the world.”

March is gambling awareness month. Gagliano’s story makes us aware of the dangers of going after easy money.

7 Timmerman Ave. St. Johnsville, NY 13452 Phone: 518-568-5037 www.stjrnc.com

The industry leader in skilled nursing and outpatient rehabilitation services.

March 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Mental Health

Work stress For employers and employees, reducing stress levels should be job one

By Barbara Pierce

A

s employees, we’re more stressed out than ever.

An analysis shows a spike of people with stress, depression and anxiety.

Data of over 100,000 employees who made employee assistance program inquiries from 2012 to 2014 was analyzed.

People with stress, anxiety and depression showed an “alarming” increase, according to the provider.

“What this analysis means for businesses is that if your employees’ emotional wellbeing wasn’t already on the top of your list of priorities, it needs to be,” commented Dean Debnam, CEO of Workplace Options.

When work stress builds up, employees are less productive. Stress-related health care and missed work will cost you a great deal.

What this analysis means for each of us is that we need to recognize the signs of stress overload and decrease it.

When stress becomes overwhelming, it can cause major damage to your mind and body, damaging your health, mood, relationships and quality of life.

For employers: Reduce stress among employees

• Let them come in late or leave early: That’s right, flex time offers employees a sense of independence, which reduces stress even more than shorter hours. As long as they are getting the job done, do you really care when they do it?

• Talk to them: Employees become stressed when they feel they are in the dark. Concerns over pending changes, the state of the company and unknown expectations cause stress. Communicate what you expect of them, what they are doing well, and what’s ahead for the company.

• Encourage breaks: Deadlines and demands lead to stress. The brain needs a break every two hours and the body every hour. Just five minutes will do the trick.

• Pretty up the place with plants: A study shows there is a strong link between plants and workplace productivity, says Bill Waszkiewicz, owner of Chester’s Flower Shop and Greenhouses in Utica. In workplaces that include plants, people have more and better ideas, and their problem-solving skills Waszkiewicz improve.

“There are many easy care plants,” said Waszkiewicz. “Some that come to mind are ficus in the rubber tree or fiddleleaf varieties. Also, Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen) and many Dracaena varieties like marginata, (dragon palm), massangeana (corn plant),

warneckii or limelight are good for an office environment. Yucca plants are also easy to care for.”

• Offer relaxing smells: Pure essential oils to reduce tension and increase mental clarity. “Oils are one of the most common things people use for stress,” said Peter Corn, owner of Peter’s Cornucopia in New Hartford. “Oils have become more popular than ever; they’ve really taken off. They’ve become the No. 1 thing people buy to relieve stress.”

Purchase an inexpensive ultrasonic diffuser and some quality essential oils and sparingly share. Make sure to first inquire about allergies.

Genuine aromatherapy uses higher strength (concentrated) essential oils drawn from herbs.

“Lavender is the No. 1 oil that people use for stress,” said Corn. He also recommends chamomile, geranium, bergamot and patchouli.

For employees: manage stress

• Identify the cause of the stress.

Can you change the situation? If so, do what you can to change the situation then step back. If you can

do nothing to change the situation, accept it and stop stressing over it.

• Talk to a friend: The simple act of talking with another person releases hormones that reduce stress.

• Get moving: Physical activity plays a key role in managing stress.

Activities that require moving both your arms and legs are particularly effective.

• Eat a healthy diet: Start your day with a healthy breakfast, reduce your caffeine and sugar intake, and add plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Have a bag of nonperishable snacks on hand — protein bars, dried fruit and nuts, juice boxes or pretzels.

Don’t let yourself go more than a few hours without eating, as low blood sugar exacerbates stress.

Sugary snacks worsen the symptoms of stress. “Instead of a sugary treat, try some fruit,” said dietitian-nutrition educator Crystal Hein of Herkimer. “Take advantage of the season to try pomegranates, cranberries, or citrus fruits. If you crave chocolate, try a granola bar with a little chocolate in it.”

• Get plenty of sleep: Feeling tired can increase stress.

• Manage your email: Cut down the time you spend reading or sending emails.

Don’t waste a message acknowledging receipt of an email, and put responses in the subject when possible so you don’t have to compose a new message.

• Stretch: This is especially important if you have a desk job. Lift up your legs and stretch them for 30 seconds. This movement reduces the risk of blood clots that can result from sitting too long in one position.

Also, put one arm behind your neck and stretch it by holding on to the elbow with the opposite arm.

Switch sides and repeat.

• Relax and breathe. Just breathe and let go of thinking and planning.

Just concentrate on your breathing.

Health News In Brief Talk set on help for knee pain St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica will host a free, educational event to give the community an overview of the MAKO, a highly advanced, surgeon-controlled robotic arm system used for partial knee surgeries.

The program will be featured from 5-6 p.m. March 2 in the Soggs Room in St. Luke’s Home at the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services, 1650 Champlin Ave., Utica.

John Sullivan, an orthopedic surgeon who performs the MAKO partial knee procedure, will present Page 8

•

information on the system and criteria for appropriate surgical candidates.

Since 2015, SEMC has offered robotic partial knee resurfacing, a minimally invasive treatment option for adults living with early to midstage osteoarthritis that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee.

Use of the MAKO system allows less invasive surgery than traditional, total knee surgery. SEMC is the first to acquire this technology in the region east of Syracuse.

Seating is limited. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 315-624-5608. Light refreshments will be served.

Abraham House presents Meatball Madness Meatball Madness will be held from noon to 3 p.m. March 6 at the Radisson Hotel, 200 Genesee St., Utica.

Guests have the chance to taste the best meatballs in Utica and vote for their favorite.

Over 40 different vendors, food, drinks, live music, and raffles will be featured.

The seventh annual meatball-eating contest will also be presented.

All proceeds from Meatball Madness will help the Abraham House to continue its mission of caring for the

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2016

terminally ill without any financial burdens upon the family.

Tickets are available by calling Abraham House at 315-733-8210. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children aged 6-12 and for senior citizens aged 65 and over, and free for children 5 and under and military personnel with identification.

For more information, contact Gina Ciaccia, The Abraham House, at 315-733-8210 or gciaccia@theabrahamhouse.org; Tony Bartolotti, The Marketing Firm, at 315-796-8059/315733-FIRM or tony@m-firm.com; or Jason Passante, The Marketing Firm, at 315-982-0273/315-733-FIRM or jay@m-firm.com.

Mental Health

Handling a Hangover

Too much booze? Here’s some advice that will soothe that aching head second part of your sleep — which occurs after the sun rises if you go to sleep particularly late.

While you can’t control the quality of your sleep after a heavy night of drinking, you can at least minimize environmental disruptions with a sleep mask that keeps light out of your eyes.

Pop an ibuprofen. “If I really overdid it, I take an Advil before I go to sleep,” Burke says. Anti-inflammatory drugs (anything that contains ibuprofen or Naprosyn) directly attack the inflammation that alcohol causes. Always avoid painkillers that contain acetaminophen though.

You can seriously damage your liver and kidneys if you take them with alcohol.

By Barbara Pierce

“

A little buzz, that’s fine. If you drink more, you will have a hangover.”

That’s what Sam St. Thomas, manager of Bostwick Liquors of Rome, advises to avoid a hangover.

Any expert will agree that the best way to avoid a hangover is to lay off the booze, mostly because there’s no hard-and-fast, research-backed remedy.

But the truth is that sometimes, even experts who know better drink just as much as you do. To fend off the nausea, headache, dizziness, and general misery that often follows an intense night of drinking, try these tricks to mitigate the damage.

The morning after

Before you drink

Double up on multivitamins.

“A big misconception is that hangovers are entirely about dehydration. But the main issues are inflammation and oxidative stress.

And it’s much easier to prevent a hangover than it is to deal with it the next morning,” says Dr. Jason Burke online. Burke is the creator of Hangover Heaven, a mobile medical clinic in Las Vegas that delivers treatments for hangover sufferers. Antioxidants help mitigate the damage, so pop an extra multivitamin, or drink acai or pomegranate juice before you go out.

Order a burger instead of a salad.

A stomach full of food may help keep blood-alcohol content at a lower level. Make sure you eat a meal that contains carbs, protein and fat before you take your first sip of alcohol.

Burke says red meat is best.

While you drink

Splurge on what you drink. “The better quality of the booze, the more toxins have been removed,” advises St. Thomas. The top-shelf stuff is filtered and is devoid of most impu-

rities, so your hangover will be less severe.

Vodka and gin have fewer toxins than dark ones like whisky and rum, adds St. Thomas. He recommends the highest-quality vodkas as Grey Goose, Chopin, Belvedere, Ketel One, or Tito’s, the highest quality gins as Tanqueray, Bombay, or Beefeater.

Skip champagne. The bubbles in champagne will cause you to get drunker faster, said St. Thomas. This produces especially bad hangovers.

Make your roadie a Gatorade.

You’ve probably heard that it’s smart to chug water between cocktails to fend off dehydration and the resulting headache caused by alcohol.

But a sports drink like Gatorade works even better. It replaces your fluids and electrolytes, the nutrients you lose when you drink. Whenever you drink more than two drinks at a time, alternate between booze and a sports drink, and you’ll be good to

go.

Skip the smokes. Researchers found that when college students drank heavily, smoking significantly increased the risk and severity of a hangover.

Before you go to sleep

Don’t overdo it on the water. It’s true that hangovers happen when your body gets too much bad liquid (alcohol) and not enough of the good (water). However, drinking water by the gallon puts undue stress on your body.

And frequent bathroom runs can mess with your sleep. So after a night of heavy drinking, drink a glass of water, and leave a full glass on your bed stand to treat dry mouth in the morning.

Slap on a sleeping mask. While sleep deprivation won’t cause a hangover, it can make your hangover worse. Alcohol does disrupt the

Forget the whole “hair of the dog that bit you” thing. Experts agree that it’s straight-up stupid to booze it up the morning after heavy drinking. It only delays the inevitable: A hangover that’s even worse than the one you’ve got.

Drink Sprite or seltzer. Sprite and regular soda water help speed up the body’s alcohol metabolism, which decreases the amount of time your body is exposed to the harmful chemicals produced when your body digests alcohol.

Refuel at the breakfast table.

Eggs are an awesome source of cysteine, which helps break down a headache-causing toxin that’s produced by alcohol. Avoid greasy bacon or heavy breakfast meats. Choose something with a high glycemic index, like Rice Chex or a French baguette.

Play designated driver next time.

“Drinking in moderation is the only sure-fire way to avoid a hangover,” concludes St. Thomas. Or skip the booze altogether.

Play designated driver for the night even if you’re not actually driving.

MVHS one of 12 organizations in U.S. to offer Varian® Edge™ radio-surgery

H

ave you ever heard of someone having surgery without a knife or incision?

Now cancer patients in the Mohawk Valley have this treatment option thanks to the Mohawk Valley Health System Cancer Center’s latest addition of non-invasive cancer treatment technology, the Varian® Edge™ Linear Accelerator.

The new linear accelerator in the radiation oncology department at the Faxton Campus allows The Cancer Center’s team to deliver radiation treatment to patients with even greater precision and minimal radiation to the surrounding tissues.

Its knife-like beam targets tumors of the breast, brain, spine, lung and other areas that are typically difficult to treat surgically.

“Radio-surgery opens the door for treatment options for patients who may not have had other options.

We are one of 12 hospitals nationwide to have this technology,” said Paul Abbass, chief medical physicist for the MVHS Cancer Center.

“The Varian Edge is the most advanced and accurate linear accelerator I have ever seen,” Abbass said.

“This machine matches any external beam treatment being performed at even the most advanced cancer institutes in the world. I feel so privileged to be one of just a handful of physicists that have the Varian Edge in their tool kit for fighting cancer.”

For more information about the Varian Edge Linear Accelerator, visit www.mvhealthsystem.org/edge or call 315-624-5340.

Carly Sperati, chief radiation therapist for The Cancer Center at the Mohawk Valley Health System, discusses the new Varian® Edge™ Linear Accelerator with a patient.

March 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 9

Business Spotlight

Eye Q of CNY Smart Choice Specialists have vision to launch new enterprise

By Sharon McNerney

“

The timing was perfect for opening our business,” said Diane Engell, owner of Eye Q of CNY in New Hartford.

The new store, which recently opened on Commercial Drive, provides optical care to local customers.

The opening comes on the heels of three similar businesses closing in New Hartford.

The optical department in JCPenney closed last January, and Lens Crafters vacated its Sangertown Square location shortly after. Then Sears closed last July on short notice, cancelling the lease held by the optical company, Luxottica.

Engell had worked as a certified licensed optician at Sears for 15 of her 20 years of practice. The recent closure forced her to make some hard decisions about her future, she said.

So she decided to start her own business utilizing her degree in business public management from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Marcy.

She then teamed up with her former colleague, optometrist Joseph Carrock, at the new business. Now they provide service for their former customers, referencing the database of 4,000 clients they had acquired over their years working together at Sears.

She acknowledged that an unusual set of circumstances enabled

The new Eye Q of CNY is located at 4660 Commercial Drive, New Hartford. her to set up business in a record 90 days.

First, she needed to find a suitable location. Pavia realtors had two open locations from which to choose.

Ron Sperry of Sperry Construction was immediately available to start work remodeling the store to include a new examination room and lab.

Equipped and ready

The most critical need was optical equipment, which usually takes

months to order and receive, Engell said. However, a local optometrist was retiring and another optician was consolidating his practice, each with state-of-the-art equipment for immediate sale.

Even though the optical businesses located in Sangertown Square had closed, that did not deter her from opening her own place. She learned that the opticians closed because the rent at the mall had made it difficult to make a profit. Up until

that time, Luxottica and Sears had benefited from their cost sharing.

But Sears was having the same problem experienced by other large box stores — lots of expensive floor space that is deemed unnecessary in the age of online merchants utilizing warehouses.

She remained optimistic that her business would succeed in view of three business closings. “I knew customers would be looking for new providers,” Engell said.

“We want to provide private service at chain-store prices,” she said.

“My focus is to become an affordable family eye care center.”

She was fortunate to get a registered optometrist to join her. Carrock conducts all the eye examinations at Eye Q. He is a native of Utica, a graduate of New England School of Optometry and in practice for 20 years.

He is available on a part-time basis, potentially expanding his hours as needed. Another optometrist may join ranks as business grows, Engell added.

Eye Q CNY is located at 4660 Commercial Drive, New Hartford, in the plaza housing Men’s Warehouse, opposite K-Mart. For more information, call 315-797-2020, visit www. eyeqofcny.com or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/eyeqofcny.

Hospitals invite medical library services Medical librarian is available 24/7 to CNY hospitals

By Aaron Gifford

P

hysicians can’t memorize every fact they learned in medical school, let alone all of the more recent developments in their field.

That’s where medical libraries come in handy.

But smaller, more rural hospitals may not have the space or resources for a library. That’s where professionals like Angela Thor come in handy.

“You have Thor to be available 24/7,” the Syracuse resident says, “because you never know when you’ll get a call.”

Thor is a medical circuit librarian for Central New York Library Resources Council. She is primarily assigned to assist nurses, physicians and other health care providers at hospitals in Oneida, Rome and Hamilton. She visits those facilities regularly but mostly works from home, where her phone is always on.

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There is no such thing as a typical call. One time, a veteran physician needed a YouTube video that demonstrated the current protocol for a specific surgery. On another occasion, a nurse needed a quick update on the latest standards for preventing infections. Thor stresses that all of the questions directed to her must be relevant to treating a condition, not diagnosing it.

The Central New York Library Resources Council is part of the state-funded Hospital Library Service Program, which assists nonprofit hospitals and is licensed by the New York State Health Department. The state Board of Regents sets the standards of quality.

The job is challenging, Thor said, but not necessarily as complicated as most health care consumers would think. She doesn’t have a repository of saturated book shelves in her home. Much of her research is conducted through two websites — Pubmed for scientific research, and Medline Plus for consumer research.

The New Jersey native began her career as a librarian in 1986, initially

specializing in science and engineering. Thor’s first job in Central New York was with the Simmons Institute of Funeral Services, where she was responsible for building a reference collection and developing information search tools.

While she enjoys the job immensely, Thor said the toughest part is joining the fight against advanced stage cancers where the prognosis for survival is not good. “I find that very hard to deal with,” she said.

One of Thor’s favorite parts of the job is working with senior citizens at health fairs, educating them about diets, lifestyles, and identifying pills. She especially enjoys teaching them how to perform their own research.

“Once they have been made aware that no one is going to ask them for their information, they gain more confidence and seem to be OK searching for information and visiting the right sites,” Thor said.

While Thor encourages health care consumers to conduct their own online research, she cautions that not every website can be trusted.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2016

The Centers for Disease Control and the Mayo Clinic sitea are among the more trustworthy sites. When visiting other sites, she advises, be sure to take note of when it was last updated and who produced the site.

“Ask yourself; is this from a pharmaceutical company that has an obvious interest in trying to sell you something? Who are their sources?”

Thor said. “The other thing to be aware of is reading into the symptoms too much. How many people visit a site and then think right away, ‘I’ve got cancer.’ ” Thor’s co-workers have high praise for her work.

“Since Angela works in several facilities, she is also a wonderful source of what is happening on a local level at other facilities — what works, and [what] doesn’t work,” said Juliana H. Chrysler, director of education/volunteers/employee health at Rome Memorial Hospital.

“She helps us to network with others in this regard.”

The future for aspiring medical librarians is bright.

A recent study by the University of Rochester determined that the quality of care is better with physicians who utilize their hospital’s library and/or librarians.

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

Best jobs

Healthcare jobs fared well in the US News & World Report’s 100 Best Jobs ranking. Five healthcare jobs were in the top 10. Rankings are based on salary, work-life balance, stress levels and opportunities for advancement. The rankings are: No. 4 — nurse anesthetist; No. 5 — physician assistant; No. 6 — nurse practitioner; No. 8 pediatrician and No. 9 anesthesiologist.

Hospital cost cutting

The American Hospital Association is recommending that members cut down on paperwork by reducing and converting as many administrative processes to electronic as they can.

In its report, the AHA estimates that overall, the healthcare delivery system in the United States spends 15 percent to 32 percent on administrative costs.

‘Narrow’ provider networks.

Organized healthcare systems are moving toward narrower provider networks in order to control costs and improve outcomes. The upside for consumers is the providers in the system are much more familiar with each other and work more as a cohesive unit.

The downside for consumers is less choice. The Affordable Care Act is encouraging the development of these more defined delivery systems, or accountable-care organizations.

How the physicians in a network interact and communicate with each other is far more important than

the pure number of physicians in a network. To protect consumers, both federal and state regulators have issued proposals to better regulate narrow insurance and provider networks.

Number of physicians, how well care is coordinated, communications and the average turnover rate are all useful information for consumers.

Satisfied consumers

The results of a poll taken by the Kaiser Family Foundation show many insured Americans are satisfied with their health plan.

Seventy-four percent of those under 65 (non- Medicare) said their coverage was worth what it costs.

Sixty-one percent rated their plan as a good or excellent value. Eighty-seven percent said they were satisfied with the choice of physicians. Only 12 percent said they had to change physicians because of their plan.

Hospital star ratings

Medicare bases its hospital rating system on 113 measures of inpatient and outpatient quality. A survey, called the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, is sent to patients recently discharged from a hospital.

Quality measures are lumped into seven weighted categories: mortality, safety, readmissions, patient experience, effectiveness of care, timeliness of care and efficient use of medical imaging.

Only 7 percent of 3,500 ranked hospitals achieved five stars. Forty

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Continued from Page 2 According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million Americans have CKD and millions of others are at risk for developing the disease.

March 8

National Parkinson’s expert to speak Though many local Parkinson’s sufferers are more than two hours from the nearest Parkinson’s specialist, they have been able to take advantage of a unique telemedicine program at Presbyterian Home for Central New York.

There, patients are able to speak directly to and see doctors at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry who specialize in their disorder.

On March 15, the Preswick Glen independent senior living community is bringing one of those physi-

cians, Dr. Kevin Biglan, to speak in New Hartford.

The event, to be held at 10 a.m. at Preswick Glen, is free and open to the public. Reservations should be made

by March 8 by contacting Lenora D’Apice, executive director of advancement for Presbyterian Homes Foundation, at LD’Apice@presbyterianhome.com or 315-624-9972.

March 11

Exploring effects of addiction “The Sweeping Effects of Addiction Across the Healthcare Setting” will be the topic of Rome Memorial Hospital Professional Excellence Committee’s first annual symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 11 at The Beeches Inn and Conference Center, 7900 Turin Road, Rome.

“Working in healthcare today presents many challenges to healthcare professionals,” said Sandra Mahoney, event coordinator. “Addiction

percent received three stars. The survey intentionally avoids asking patients about amenities that don’t impact quality and outcome like food, telephone and television services, parking, visiting hours, etc.

ACA enrollment

The Congressional Budget Office has lowered considerably its estimates for the number of people insured under the ACA in any month this year from 21 million to 13 million. For the first time, spending on federal healthcare programs — ACA, Medicare and Medicaid — exceeded spending on Social Security.

The $936 billion spent in 2015 was 13 percent more than what was spent on healthcare in 2014. The CBO did predict spending would increase due to the increased life expectancy of baby boomers.

The CBO report will surely add fuel to the debate in Congress over federal healthcare spending.

Geriatrician shortage

Related to increased life expectancy is the predicted shortage of geriatricians. The current supply of 7,000 geriatricians needs to grow to 30,000 by 2030, a recent New York Times’ article pointed out.

Geriatricians focus on the chronic conditions brought about by normal aging such as hypertension, peripheral vascular disorders, dementia, mobility, medication management, depression, nutrition, hydration and social support.

Current compensation issues

is an issue for everyone regardless of age, income, race or education.”

In addition to the featured speakers, there will be open discussion regarding the challenges healthcare professionals are encountering in their day-to-day care.

The cost to attend the conference is $80 for those registered by March 4. The fee includes admission to the seminar, course materials, buffet lunch and a certificate of attendance.

After March 4, the price to attend the conference rises to $90.

For further information, or to sign up for the symposium, contact Sandra Mahoney at 315-338-7100 or visit the hospital’s website at www. romehospital.org.

March 14

Support forum for patients, cancer survivors The Mohawk Valley Health System’s Cancer Center’s monthly support forum for patients and cancer survivors will be held at 6 p.m.

March 14.

The cancer support forum meets at 6 p.m. the second Monday of every month in the Cancer Center’s fireplace lounge on the main floor of Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica.

The forum, led by the Cancer Center’s social worker, offers support to anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis.

March 2016 •

prevent many medical students from specializing in geriatrics. However, compensation may increase as market forces drive up demand for geriatric services.

Malpractice alternative

Hospitals and physicians spend almost $10 billion a year on payouts and associated administrative costs linked to malpractice. That is literally a “drop in the bucket” versus total spending on health care that is more than $3 trillion.

The problem isn’t the expense of malpractice; it’s the perpetuation of the blame shifting and adversarial relationship between patient and provider.

Denmark and New Zealand compensate patients for harm due to medical errors, but then share the data with physicians, hospitals and researchers.

It keeps all parties on the same side so to speak with the main interest being how to prevent the errors from reoccurring rather than simply pointing a finger at someone.

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

To reach him, email gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to RSVP, call 315-624-5241.

April 8

Prohibition party to support SEMC upgrades The St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation and F.X. Matt Brewery will hold the eighth annual Prohibition Party from 6-9 p.m. April 8 at the historic F.X. Matt Brewing Co., 830 Varick Street, Utica.

The event is sponsored by Theresa Flemma, CFP®, senior vice president of M. Griffith Investment Services Inc. Tickets cost $45 per person if purchased by March 25, and $50 per person if purchased after March 25.

Fifty percent of the ticket price is a tax-deductible contribution to the foundation. Proceeds from this year’s event will be used to fund equipment, and patient programs and services at SEMC. A limited number of tickets are available and the foundation anticipates selling out early for the event.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.stemc.org/foundation, call 315-801-4441 or email asquires@mvhealthsystem.org.

Tickets may also be purchased at the SEMC Foundation office, 2209 Genesee St., Utica, or the F.X. Matt Brewing Co. gift shop/tour center, 830 Varick St., Utica.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 11

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Facts about America’s eating habits

Bowl of Thai food. Twenty-eight percent of consumers are preparing ethnic foods more frequently than five years ago, according to an article in Food Technology magazine.

M

ore than ever consumers are identifying themselves as foodies with an on-the-go lifestyle that translates to food choices that are more experiential, convenient and impulse-driven.

In the January issue of Food Technology magazine published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), contributing editor A. Elizabeth Sloan writes about consumers’ mealtime choices and behaviors in 2015.

1.

Forty-seven million adults define themselves as foodies, and 29 million are categorized as being part of a highly involved, serious culinary core group. Millenials account for 36 percent and baby boomers for 32 percent. In addition, those consumers who enjoy food as an “art form” climbed by 20 percent.

2.

Yogurt tops the list of foods/ beverages that are consumed more today than 10 years ago, followed by bottled water, pizza, poultry sandwiches, Mexican foods, fresh fruit, bars, frozen sandwiches, chips and pancakes.

3.

An increase in the number of meals prepared and eaten at home and a corresponding decline in restaurant usage is one the single biggest changes in eating patterns in American’s of the past five years.

4.

One-quarter of consumers ate soup at home at least once a week in 2014. While broth, stew, chowders and chili are Americans’ favorite forms of soup, one-third of consumers would eat more soup if it contained a serving of vegetables, was heart healthy, or high in protein.

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5.

Best sellers in the fresh bakery category are breads, cakes, cookies and rolls. Desserts account for half of in-store bakery sales and specialty desserts and brownies/ dessert bars show the highest sales growth.

6.

When it comes to fast casual restaurants the Asian/noodle sectors is projected to lead growth followed by Mexican, coffee/ café, chicken and bakery café. The pizza, sandwich and burger segments are expected to underperform.

7.

8.

9.

Twenty-eight percent of consumers are preparing ethnic foods more frequently than five years ago.

The Social Ask Security Office Filing taxes just got (a little bit) easier

N

ow that it’s March, your annual tax filing deadline is fast approaching. If you receive Social Security benefits, one of the documents you need to file your federal income tax return is your Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099/1042S).

Your Social Security benefits may be taxable. This includes monthly retirement, survivor and disability benefits. About one third of people receiving Social Security benefits must pay taxes on some of these benefits, depending on the amount of their taxable income. This usually happens if you have other substantial income — such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return — in addition to your Social Security benefits. You will never have to pay taxes on more than 85 percent of your Social Security benefits, based on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules.

To find out if you must pay taxes on your benefits, you will need your Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099/1042S). You should automatically receive it in the mail each January. It shows the total amount of benefits you received from Social Security in the previous year so you know how much Social Security income to report to the IRS on your tax return. The benefit statement is not available for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as SSI payments are not

Q&A

More than half of grocery shoppers buy fresh readyto-eat items like rotisserie chicken, sandwiches and sushi often or sometimes.

For the first time in more than five years, indulgent snack sales outpaced healthy in the $38 billion snack product category.

10

. Vegetarian tops the list

of hot appetizer trends for 2015, followed by charcuterie/house-cured meats; ethnic street food inspired appetizers; seafood charcuterie; and high-end chef-inspired appetizers and ethnic dips.

11

. Nine out of 10 adults say

that information about fruit and vegetable content is important to them in determining if a food is healthy. That is followed by preservative-free, added nutrients or no artificial sweeteners, no antibiotics, unprocessed, natural or hormone free, organic or non-genetically modified and “clean.”

taxable.

Whether you file your taxes early or wait until the deadline, Social Security makes it easy to obtain a replacement benefit statement if you didn’t receive one or misplaced it.

You can get an instant replacement easily by using your secure online my Social Security account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one in minutes. Follow the link below to the my Social Security page, and select “Sign In or Create an Account.” Once you are logged in, select the “Replacement Documents” tab to obtain your replacement 1099 or 1042S benefit statement. You can also use your personal my Social Security account to keep track of your earnings each year, manage your benefits, and more.

You can also obtain a replacement benefit statement by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-3250778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or by contacting your local Social Security Office. If you live outside of the United States, please contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. But by going online you can print your replacement benefit statement immediately and not have to wait to receive it in the mail.

With a my Social Security account, gathering your Social Security information for tax season has never been easier. Open your own personal my Social Security account today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Q: Do I need a Social Security card? I want to get a summer job and my dad can’t find my card.

A: If you know your number, you probably don’t need to get another card. If you find out that you do need a replacement card, the best place to go to find out how to get a replacement is www.socialsecurity. gov/ssnumber. In some states and the District of Columbia, you might even be able to request a replacement Social Security card online. In other areas, you can download the application to print out, complete and submit by mail or in person. If you do get a replacement card or find the original, you shouldn’t carry it with you. Keep it in a safe place with your other important papers. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2016

Q: I just got back from an overseas military deployment and I want to plan ahead. How will my military retirement affect my Social Security benefits?

A: Your military retirement won’t affect your Social Security benefits at all. You can get both. Generally, there is no offset of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. You will get full Social Security benefits based on your earnings. The only way your Social Security benefit might be reduced is if you also receive a government pension based on a job in which you did not pay Social Security taxes.

You can find more information in the publication Military Service and Social Security at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/10017.html. Or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

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

SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating

Oh boy, is bok choy nutritious!

L

ooks can be deceiving, even with food. Consider bok choy.

On the outside, bok choy — also known as Chinese cabbage — doesn’t look like a nutritional powerhouse. Its soft green leaves appear wan next to kale’s; and its rather pale stalks seem devoid of all value.

Ho hum? Hardly. Bok choy is loaded with an impressive array of nutrients, so loaded that the well-regarded World Health Organization considers bok choy to be one of their highest nutritionally ranked vegetables.

A member of the cruciferous vegetable family, bok choy has unique sulfur-containing compounds that help the body fight cancer. These magic bullets launch their attack in one of three ways: by helping the body eliminate carcinogens, by preventing cells from turning into cancer or by altering metabolism to stop the development of hormone-sensitive cancers.

Several population studies, in fact, have shown that people who eat more cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, garden cress, broccoli, brussels sprouts) have a lower

risk of developing lung, prostrate, colorectal and breast cancer.

Bok choy’s remarkable arsenal of antioxidants — from vitamins to minerals to phytonutrients — further boost its cancer-fighting properties.

Antioxidants gobble up damaging free radicals, which have been implicated in many cancers, along with a host of chronic, age-related diseases.

Bursting with vitamins A, C, and K, bok choy plays an important role in maintaining good eyesight and a healthy immune system, keeping our bones strong and our skin elastic, and helping our blood clot properly.

Hearts benefit from bok choy, too, as this tasty vegetable teems with nutrients that keep our tickers tocking longer: potassium, folate, calcium and vitamin B6.

Lastly — and more good reasons to reach for China’s most popular vegetable — bok choy is super low in calories (only 10 per shredded, raw cup), has no fat or cholesterol, and offers up some fiber and a bit of protein.

Helpful tips

Look for firm stalks and crisp, green leaves. Avoid those that appear

wilted, discolored, or distressed.

With proper storage, bok choy can last up to a week in your refrigerator.

To store, place bok choy in a plastic bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible, and put in the crisper section.

Healthy Bok Choy Salad with Sesame Dressing Dressing ingredients: ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2-3 tablespoons olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced ¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted 2 tablespoons soy sauce ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) salt and pepper, to taste Salad ingredients 1 head bok choy, rinsed and sliced (trim off tough base) 1 red pepper, chopped 4 scallions, sliced 2 carrots, shredded ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted

March 2016 •

In small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. Prepare salad ingredients and place in large bowl.

Toss dressing with salad and top with sliced almonds. (Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for three to five minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Toast sliced almonds—spread out on a cookie sheet—in a 350 F oven for five to eight minutes; they easily burn, so closely monitor.)

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.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 13

Meet

Your Doctor

By Lou Sorendo

Surgeon: Women in tune with their breasts Continued from Page 4

Q.: How important is it for people to employ preventive tactics such as self-exams?

A.: The United States Preventive Task Force rendered the breast self-exam useless. Although it has not been shown to improve mortality or survival, I still believe it is a very useful tool.

Women are very in tune with their breasts. They know better than anyone else if something has changed. This should prompt a visit to your physician for a clinical exam.

I think it is very important we take charge of our own health. If we are not our own advocates, who is then?

Q.: Have there been any recent medical breakthroughs in the area of breast health that have made diagnosis and treatment more effective?

A.: I believe the new tomosynthesis/3D mammography is extremely helpful in identifying small cancers in patients with dense breast tissue.

It is a specialized mammogram that has high resolution. It can help a radiologist identify a small cancer that might otherwise be not seen on digital mammography.

Q.: What are some of the more challenging aspects of your profession?

A.: I believe the most challenging aspect of breast surgery is keeping up on all of the advances in diagnosis and treatment. They occur frequently

KIDS Corner

Page 14

•

and are ever changing. This takes a lot of dedication and passion to be up to date.

Q.: Where do you gain the most gratification from as a breast surgeon?

A.: I gain the most gratification as a breast surgeon when I see that I have truly helped a patient deal with her situation.

That may be alleviating anxiety or providing support during a long process during which she may need some help. I believe that piece of it is extremely significant in a person’s daily life.

Q.: What skill sets are necessary in order to master breast surgery?

A.: I believe it takes skill to excise a lesion through a relatively small incision and with as little tissue as possible. It is quite easy to make a large incision and excise a large amount of tissue but to really consider cosmetic result takes some forethought.

Q.: Are medical students choosing breast surgery as a specialty? Is there a shortage of breast surgeons and if so, why?

A.: I believe breast surgery is becoming more popular a choice for medical students considering a career path. Dedicated breast surgeons are becoming more commonplace nowadays but are still not found in every geographical location.

High Deductibles = Fewer Imaging Tests

Insurance costs keep patients from seeking X-ray, CT or MRI scans, researchers report

U

.S. patients whose health insurance plans have high deductibles undergo fewer diagnostic imaging tests, a nationwide study finds.

Researchers analyzed 2010 insurance data from more than 21 million adults nationwide and considered plans with high deductibles to be those with an annual deductible of at least $1,200 for one person and $2,400 for a family.

They found that patients in plans with high deductibles underwent 7.5 percent fewer diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT or MRI scans, than those with other plans.

This resulted in 10.2 percent less in imaging payments, according to the study in the journal Medical Care.

"I think what we found most surprising is the large reductions in imaging use among people with high deductibles. We had hoped to find that patients were reducing use of low-value imaging, but we found they reduced all use similarly," study senior author Kimberley Geissler,

from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, said in a university news release.

Geissler, an assistant professor of health policy and management, noted that a growing number of people are enrolling in high-deductible plans because of the lower premiums.

But, she added, "It seems patients are not informed enough to discern which tests are more optional and which are medically necessary."

Low-value imaging tests are those that are less critical, such as MRIs for low back pain.

The study findings raise concerns that high-deductible health plans "may be a blunt instrument reducing all diagnostic imaging, rather than helping physicians and patients choose high-value imaging," the researchers wrote.

Efforts to reduce diagnostic imaging tests should be combined with improved patient awareness and education about the appropriate use of such tests, the researchers said.

Gains in kids' health coverage continue, but many still uninsured New York still has one of highest percentage of kids with no insurance

D

espite a significant increase in the number of American children with health insurance, many still lack coverage, a new study reveals.

From 2013 to 2014, the number of uninsured children fell from 5.9 million to 4.9 million. In 2013, 7.5 percent of youngsters were uninsured, compared to 6.3 percent in 2014 — a 16 percent decrease.

While the findings show progress, nearly 5 million Americans under age 19 still lack health insurance, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report

prepared by University of Minnesota researchers.

"Despite the politicking around health policy lately, I think we can all agree that coverage for kids is essential for their healthy development," Kathy Hempstead, the foundation's director of coverage issues, said in a news release from the organization.

"The last year has shown continued progress in expanding coverage to children and the reduction of differences by race, ethnicity and income, but there is more work to be done," she added.

The percentage of uninsured children fell sharply in 23 states and no states had significant increases, the investigators found.

The states with the largest declines in uninsured children were Ar-

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2016

izona, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada and Rhode Island.

Nearly half of the 4.9 million uninsured children are in six states: Texas (880,000), California (550,000), Florida (410,000), Georgia (210,000), Arizona (180,000), and New York (160,000).

Of these six states, four had the largest decrease in the number of children without coverage from 2013 to 2014: California (down 210,000), Texas (down 95,000), Florida (down 87,000), and Georgia (down 53,000).

Two states — Massachusetts and Vermont — had fewer than 2 percent of children who were uninsured. In three states, more than 10 percent of children lacked coverage: Alaska (12.3 percent), Texas (11.8 percent), and Arizona (10.5 percent).

Taking bite out of poor dental health SUNY Canton/MVCC program features students providing preventive care

D

isparity in oral health care continues to be an ongoing concern in the United States.

One of the goals of Healthy People 2020 is to promote quality of life, healthy development and healthy behaviors across all life stages.

The SUNY Canton/Mohawk Valley Community College dental hygiene program strives to train and educate dental hygienists who will enter the workforce. They will increase access to care for vulnerable and underserved populations, including children, elders, special needs populations and low socioeconomic families.

Dental hygiene, like most health professions, is a profession in high demand. The Bureau of Labor classifies employment growth in this profession through 2020 as being much faster than other professions.

SUNY Canton graduates between 16-20 students each year and boasts 100 percent job placement for its alumni.

Students completing this twoyear program earn an Associate in Applied Science degree and enter the workforce as licensed dental hygienists.

Although most seek employment in private practice, some choose to work in nursing home or residential living facilities while others pursue positions in community dental health.

A dental hygienist is a health care professional who provides preventive oral health care and educates patients on effective home care habits in an attempt to promote good overall health.

As part of the educational process, each student enrolled in the program spends 8-12 hours a week in the dental hygiene teaching clinic located in the Veterans Administration outpatient medical facility, 125 Brookley Road, Rome.

Community outreach

The students enrolled in this program have provided preventive care

By Jim Miller

to well over 9,000 patients since the inception of the program in August 2006.

Preventive dental care is provided to a diverse population of patients that has not only included veterans but also children, teens, adults and elders from the community who might otherwise have no access to care.

As part of their educational training, the hygiene students perform a medical history review, blood pressure screenings, an oral cancer screening, a cavity check and complete examination of the gingival tissues, exposure of X-rays when indicated, a cleaning, and an application of a topical fluoride to reduce the risk of decay.

When appropriate, pit and fissure sealants are placed on the biting surfaces of virgin teeth to further reduce the incidence of decay in child and teen patients.

Pamela Quinn, program director, said community dental health is a vital component of this education program and SUNY Canton has been the recipient of the American Dental Hygiene Association’s Student Community Service Award on four different occasions since 2008.

The Canton students were selected because of their community outreach programs with the Upstate Cerebral Palsy Center, the Mohawk Valley Community Action Program, the Hillside Work Scholarship Connection and most recently their educational program at Bellamy Elementary School.

The program welcomes anyone wishing to sit as a volunteer patient in its clinic.

To schedule an appointment, call 315-336-3484.

To cover cost of supplies, a $10 donation is requested for a child patient (5 to 12 years of age) and a $15 donation for teen, adult and elder patients.

Since the VA is a partner in this collaboration, veterans are not required to pay for services.

Hiccups: seek medical advice if they last

M

ost of us can remember the Grey's Anatomy episode where Meredith's step mom checks into the hospital for a case of hiccups that won't go away.

The diagnosis wasn't pretty and it may have caused viewers to panic about their health every time they hiccupped.

Everyone gets hiccups in their life. The majority of the time they are completely harmless and are more of an irritant than a symptom of an underlying condition.

However, if you experience hiccups that last more than 48 hours this could potentially signal serious health complications.

"You should seek advice from your health care provider if your hiccups progress from happening every once in a while to becoming persistent or intractable," said physician Timothy Pfanner at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine.

Hiccups happen when the diaphragm and respiratory organs experience a sudden, involuntary spasm.

Persistent hiccups are hiccups that last more than 48 hours but less than 30 days while intractable hiccups are classified as hiccups that last more than 30 days.

Tax filing requirements for retirees

Dear Savvy Senior, What is the IRS income tax filing requirements going to be for this tax season? Due to health problems I stopped working early last year, so I’m wondering if I need to file.

Unintended Retiree Dear Unintended,

There are a number of factors that affect whether or not you need to file a federal income tax return this year including how much you earned last year (in 2015), and the source of that income, as well as your age and filing status.

Here’s a rundown of this tax season’s IRS filing requirements. For most people, this is pretty straightforward. If your 2015 gross income — which includes all taxable income, not counting your Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately — was below the threshold for your age and filing status, you probably won’t have to file. But if it’s over, you will.

• Single: $10,300 ($11,850 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2016).

• Married filing jointly: $20,600 ($21,850 if you or your spouse is 65 or older; or $23,100 if you’re both over 65).

• Married filing separately: $4,000 at any age.

• Head of household: $13,250 ($14,800 if age 65 or older).

• Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child: $16,600 ($17,850 if age 65 or older).

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

Special requirements

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

March 2016 •

in 2015 of $400 or more, or if you owe any special taxes to the IRS such as alternative minimum tax or IRA tax penalties, you’ll probably need to file.

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

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

Check your state

Even if you’re not required to file a federal tax return this year, don’t assume that you’re also excused from filing state income taxes.

The rules for your state might be very different. Check with your state tax agency — https://www. tax.ny.gov/ — before concluding that you’re entirely in the clear.

Tax prep assistance

If you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can get help through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program.

Sponsored by the IRS, TEC provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800-906-9887 or visit irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate a service near you.

Also check with AARP, a participant in the TCE program that provides free tax preparation at more than 5,000 sites nationwide. To locate an AARP Tax-Aide site call 888-2277669 or visit aarp.org/findtaxhelp.

You don’t have to be an AARP member to use this service.

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

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

H ealth News McCall is named VP, CMO at Excellus BCBS Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has named Marybeth McCall vice president and chief medical officer of the company’s Utica region.

She replaces Frank Dubeck, who retired from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield in early January.

McCall has been vice president and chief medical officer of the company’s Central New York and Southern Tier regions since 2009.

She joined ExcelMcCall lus BCBS as associate medical director for utilization management in 2007.

Prior to joining Excellus BCBS, McCall was chief medical officer for Rome Memorial Hospital and previously served as chief medical officer for Crouse Hospital, Syracuse.

She also has served as senior vice president and medical director for Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare and associate medical director for the Masonic Home, both in Utica. In addition, McCall was a physician for the Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Neb., and specialized in internal medicine in private practice.

McCall received her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Manhattan College, Riverdale. She is a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Medicine, Washington, D.C., and completed her internal medicine residency at University Health Science Center, Pittsburgh, Pa. She also earned a master’s degree in medical management from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pa. McCall and her husband Frank Dubeck reside in Utica.

Excellus BCBS awards hospitals Forty-one Upstate New York hospitals and health centers last year earned $22.4 million in quality improvement payments from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield as part of its performance incentive program.

Since 2005, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s program has paid out more than $210 million.

“To provide the best value for our customers, collaboration with our provider partners is more important than ever as we identify new best practices to improve health outcomes and use health care resources more effectively,” said Tony Vitagliano, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield vice president, health system performance.

Nine hospitals in the Utica/ Rome/North Country region participated in this program in 2015, including Adirondack Medical Center, Aurelia Osborn Fox Memorial Hospital, Bassett Healthcare, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Medical Center, Community Memorial Hospital, Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, Oneida Healthcare Center, Rome Page 16

•

Memorial Hospital and St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

In 2015, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s hospital performance incentive program evaluated participating hospitals on more than 241 performance measures. Hospitals that received quality improvement incentive payments achieved 90 percent of all quality improvement targets.

VHS selects employee of quarter Lynn Hocking has been selected as employee of the fourth quarter of 2015 at Valley Health Services in Herkimer.

Hocking joined VHS in November 2005 as a payroll-accounts payable clerk. In June of last year, she accepted the position of human resources assistant Hocking and payroll clerk.

The co-workers who nominated Hocking stated, “Lynn has had many jobs and wore many hats during 2015, all of which she rocked.

“Lynn takes whatever comes her way head-on and works through it all with no complaints.”

Hocking and her husband, Tom, reside in Frankfort with their son, Adam, and two dogs, Bailey and Tucker.

Event raises $18K to fight heart disease, stroke Hundreds of people joined the American Heart Association to fight against America’s No. 1 killer at the Rome Walk & Run and pre-registration for America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk recently.

A total of 211 people took part in the event, raising $18,000 to fight heart disease and stroke. The event was held at Rome Free Academy and sponsored by Rome Memorial Hospital.

America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk Weekend’s fundraising goal is $1,090,817. A minimum amount of $30 in pledges for participants 16 years and older is required at registration to participate in the Heart Run & Walk.

For more information on America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk 2016, contact the AHA at 315-580-3964 or visit www.uticaheartrunwalk.org.

RMH names new nurse manager Jill Halsey has been named nurse manager of the ambulatory surgery, pediatrics, endoscopy and 2 East medical/surgical departments at Rome Memorial Hospital.

“Jill is committed to providing safe, quality patient care to our patients and families and she understands the principles of being a team leader and team player,” said chief nursing officer/vice president of

clinical services Durinda Durr. “Her record as a supportive member of the clinical care staff makes her a great choice for this position.”

Halsey has been a nurse on the medical/surgical unit for the past three years.

Drawn to nursing by a desire to give back to her communiHalsey ty, Halsey said she began her education as a medical assistant. She quickly realized she wanted to be able to offer more and decided to pursue her associate’s degree in nursing, which she earned at Mohawk Valley Community College.

The registered nurse is working toward her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Utica College.

Halsey lives in Camden with her husband, James, and their two children.

RMH names medical imaging supervisor Leigh Rodgers has been named medical imaging operations manager at Rome Memorial Hospital.

Rodgers began working in RMH’s radiology department in 1999 as a tech aide. After graduating from St. Elizabeth’s School of Radiography in 2003, she advanced to a full-time X-ray technologist at the hospital and was named diagnostic Rodgers X-ray supervisor in 2011.

She has also served as medical imaging systems analyst since 2012.

Over the years, Rodgers has seen many changes in the hospital’s imaging department. “The changes in both technology as well as our own physical department,” she said.

“To me, the fact that our small, community hospital possesses the same technology as major medical centers is very impressive. On top of that, our imaging center was recently constructed with the purpose of creating a warm, welcoming environment.”

Rodgers lives in Rome with her children, Ruby, 18, and Aiden, 12.

Sleep Disorders Center names director Steven A. Levine, a specialist in sleep medicine, has joined the MVHS Sleep Disorders Center as its medical director.

Levine has been medical director of the Mohawk Valley Sleep Disorders Center at St. Elizabeth Medical Center since its inception in 1996.

Levine was a partner with Pulmonary Critical Associates from 1991 until his recent departure to become full-time medical director of

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2016

the MVHS Sleep Disorders Center.

He is the founding medical director of the sleep center, which is the longest-standing accredited sleep center in the Mohawk Valley.

Levine earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Levine Old Westbury, his Master of Science in biology from Long Island University in Brookville, and his Bachelor of Arts in microbiology from Rutgers College in New Brunswick, N.J. He completed an internship-residency in internal medicine at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, and a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola.

SEMC medical staff elects officers Urologist Robert P. Fleischer of New Hartford has been elected president of the medical staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for 2016.

Surgeon Paul G. Davidson of Utica has been elected vice president and infectious disease specialist James L. Bramley of Clinton has been elected secretary-treasurer.

• Fleischer attended Duke University in Durham, N.C. for undergraduate work, where he graduated magna cum laude, and he received his medical degree from Duke University Medical School.

He completed a surgical internship-residency at Fleischer Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., and a urologic residency at Duke University Medical Center. He is board certified in urology and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

• Davidson is a surgeon at Surgical Associates of Utica in New Hartford. He received his Doctor of Medicine from The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, New York, and a bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University in Hempstead.

Davidson Davidson — certified by the American Board of Surgery — is chairman of the medical records committee, member of the Mohawk Valley Health System Medical Staff Advisory Committee and is one of SEMC’s trauma surgeons.

• Bramley is an infectious

Continued on Page 17

H ealth News Continued from Page 16 disease specialist who earned his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College in Clinton, and his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Albany Medical Center, Albany, and a fellowship Bramley in infectious diseases at the Brown University Program in Medicine, Providence, R.I. He is board certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases and is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society and the Medical Society of the State of New York.

Bramley has been active in the infection prevention programs of both SEMC and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare since starting practice in Utica in 1988.

MVHS names inpatient rehab medical director Anne Mathews has been named medical director of inpatient rehabilitation at the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services of the Mohawk Valley Health System.

The 24-bed unit is dedicated to the rehabilitation of people with Mathews disabilities from stroke, head injuries, amputation, spinal cord injury, multiple traumas and other disabling conditions.

Mathews received her Doctor of Medicine and completed an internship at Trivandrum Medical College Hospital in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. She completed a residency in internal medicine at Long Island College Hospital and a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, both in Brooklyn.

The American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation certified Mathews. She also has subspecialty board certifications in pain management and neuromuscular medicine.

MVHS names emergency services leaders The Mohawk Valley Health System has made the following staff announcements.

• Dianna Scranton has been named nurse manager for emergency services at MVHS. Prior to this position, she served as assistant nurse manager of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Emergency Department.

Scranton has also held positions

at SEMC as a nursing supervisor, ED assistant nurse manager and as charge nurse in the ED and on the oncology unit.

Scranton received her associate’s degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Chamberlain ColScranton lege of Nursing, St. Louis, Mo. • Jennifer Michel-Farley has been named assistant nurse manager for the ED at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare.

Prior to this position, she served as a staff nurse in the ED at SEMC and at Albany Medical Center.

Michel-Farley received her associate’s degree Michel-Farley in nursing from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica and an associate’s degree in veterinary technology from SUNY Canton.

• Stacey Walton has been named assistant nurse manager for the ED at SEMC. Prior to this position, she served as ED clinician and in the nursing education department at SEMC. Walton received her associate’s degree in Walton nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Utica College of Syracuse University.

MVHS recognized as ‘Fit-Friendly’ worksite The Mohawk Valley Health System has been recognized as a Gold-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association for helping employees move more, eat better and provide greater access to opportunities to improve lifestyle.

“Employee wellness and physical activity are important at the Mohawk Valley Health System,” said Regina Rybka-Lagattuta, assistant vice president of human resources.

“We’re committed to providing the best workplace environment possible. It benefits our employees’ health and produces positive results for our worksite overall.”

Gold-level employers offer employees’ physical activity options in the work place, increase healthy eating options at the worksite and promote a wellness culture in the workplace.

The Fit-Friendly Worksites program is a catalyst for positive change in the American workforce by help-

Mayor’s luncheon raises funds for the Breast Care Center at MVHS

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri and his wife, Susan, recently donated $8,517 to the Mohawk Valley Health System’s Breast Care Center with money raised at their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon held recently at Daniele’s at Valley View. Celebrating the occasion are, from left, city of Utica employee Patti DeCarr; Mohawk Valley Health System Cancer Center Executive Director Nancy Butcher; and the Palmieris. “We chose to give to the Breast Care Center because we know the donation will help patients who live right here in our community,” the mayor said.

ing worksites make their employees’ health and wellness a priority.

The AHA is working to change corporate cultures by motivating employees to start walking, which has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. Many American adults spend most of their waking hours at sedentary jobs. Their lack of regular physical activity raises their risk for a host of medical problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.

For more information, visit www. heart.org.

Athletes raise $1,500 for Breast Care Center Sauquoit Valley High School athletes recently raised $1,500 to benefit local patients and their families receiving care at the Mohawk Valley Health System’s Breast Care Center.

The girls’ junior varsity and varsity volleyball programs hosted their 8th annual “Think Pink” game recently at Sauquoit Valley Middle School. The event featured a special presentation to honor breast cancer survivors, raffles, a bake sale and “Think Pink” items for purchase to benefit local charities.

Former Sauquoit volleyball coaches Lindsay Kidder and Darleen Philpotts began the “Think Pink” fundraiser to raise awareness and

March 2016 •

provide support to those affected by the disease. Both coaches had family members diagnosed with the disease.

Current coaches Meghan Welcher and John Lindberg are carrying on the tradition with guidance by Kidder and Philpotts.

CABVI earns ‘15 employment growth award National Industries for the Blind, the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind, recently honored the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired with the 2015 Employment Growth Award.

The award recognizes CABVI’s efforts to increase employment retention, growth and upward mobility for people who are blind.

“We are proud to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind and visually impaired in Central New York,” said Rudy D’Amico, CABVI president and CEO. “We are honored to serve as an example in the community of the capabilities of people who are visually impaired.”

CABVI has 252 employees, 112 of which are blind or visually impaired.

Employment growth award recipients receive a cash payment

Continued on Page 18

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

H ealth News Continued from Page 17 from a fund created to recognize and encourage NIB-associated nonprofit agencies that grow or sustain employment for people who are blind.

Emphasis is also places on efforts to increase upward mobility in the workplace and job placements.

Boilermaker unveils charity bib participants The Boilermaker Road Race announced the charities involved in the 2016 Boilermaker Charity Bib Program.

Ten nonprofit organizations located in Central New York will be participating in this year’s charity bib program, which has raised over $400,000 for charitable organizations in the community since its inception in 2013.

The program provides nonprofit organizations the opportunity to fund raise by securing the sale of Boilermaker race bibs to runners throughout the nation. During the 2016 season, 125 total bibs will be distributed to the 10 chosen local charities.

Those nonprofits met the qualifications set forth by the Boilermaker Charity Bib Program Committee and are dedicated in selling each bib for a minimum fundraising pledge of $500. The maximum number of bibs any one charity was given in 2016 was 20.

This year’s chosen participants are: The Root Farm, Make A Wish, Food Bank of CNY, Masonic Care Community, ARC of Onondaga County, United Cerebral Palsy, Veterans Outreach Center, Midtown Utica Community Center, Sitrin Healthcare Center and the Muscular Dystrophy Center.

“This year was extremely competitive with nearly 350 bibs requested by 24 nonprofits,” said Tim Reed, president of the Boilermaker Road Race. “For a runner wanting to get into this year’s race, here is a chance to get in while doing something good for the community.”

The charity bib program will open at 9 a.m. March 7.

Participants can sign up for the 15K and 5K races and 3-mile walk.

The Boilermaker Charity Bib registration link will be located at boilermaker.com.

LutheranCare names new chaplain Rev. Janet K. Griffiths was recently installed as LutheranCare chaplain at Our Saviour Chapel on the LutheranCare campus in Clinton.

Presiding over the ceremony was Rev. Gail Wolling, dean of the Central Crossroads Conference of the Griffiths Upstate NY Synod who was joined by clergy from local churches as well as residents, staff, board and family Page 18

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members.

Griffiths joined the LutheranCare staff in November of 2015 after nearly 17 years of pastoral experience at churches in the Buffalo area, California and Iowa.

Her responsibilities include administering the Eucharist to residents, delivering homilies in the on-campus chapels, engaging residents in unit hymn-sings and offering spiritual care whether in times of crisis or daily life.

She resides in Clinton with her two daughters.

LutheranCare is a faith-based health care organization.

For more information, contact Karen Ostinett at 315-235-7104 or kostinett@lutherancare.org.

Family nurse practitioner joins LFH Little Falls Hospital, an affiliate of Bassett Healthcare Network, recently welcomed Sharon L. Harter Pearce, a board-certified nurse practitioner and certified emergency nurse, to its medical staff.

Harter Pearce joins Richard Norcella at LFH’s primary care clinic in Dolgeville.

For the past 12 years, HarPearce ter Pearce has worked in the emergency department at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton. Prior to that, she was a traveling nurse in emergency medicine.

Harter Pearce received a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and earned her master’s degree in adult health nursing with specialties in nephrology and cardiology from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Georgia State University and Arizona State University, respectively.

In 2012, Harter Pearce completed the family nurse practitioner program and earned a master’s degree in community health nursing from Binghamton University.

Little Falls Hospital receives trust fund Little Falls Hospital recently received $9,500 from the Samuel S. Dale Trust Fund to purchase a HoverJack.

The assistive device allows hospital staff to securely lift and transfer bariatric and mobility-impaired patients with minimal risk of injury to either patients or caregivers.

The Samuel S. Dale Memorial Fund has a history of commitment to health care in the city of Little Falls and to LFH. Since 1989, LFH has received $225,248 from the fund to help offset the cost for patients less than 14 years old and over 65 years old in the Little Falls area.

Maplehurst Bakeries presents award to Kelberman Center Maplehurst Bakeries of Frankfort, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, presented a check recently in the amount of $11,792 along with an additional $2,232 pledge to the Kelberman Center. The donation is a result of a yearlong campaign by Maplehurst to support a nonprofit organization serving the greater Utica area. This award is a part of the Weston-Seeding Stronger Communities program. Above, Robert Myers, executive director of the Kelberman Center, accepts the award from Jenifer Daley Parsons, purchasing agent, Maplehurst Bakeries. The Kelberman Center, an affiliate of Upstate Caring Partners, provides services and supports to children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and related learning challenges. To learn more about the services provided by the Kelberman Center, visit www.kelbermancenter.org.

KeyBank grants $5,000 to Little Falls Hospital

SDMG names physician of year for 2015

Little Falls Hospital was recently presented with a $5,000 grant from KeyBank.

The money was awarded to LFH to work with Gelrad consultants to provide LEAN Six Sigma training to key members of management and staff.

LSS is being used in the healthcare industry successfully to improve both clinical and business improvements.

“This training will enable us to focus on reducing variability and defects, as well as improving work flows and reducing waste,” said Michael Ogden, president and CEO of LFH. “Our goal is to train a core group of our staff and provide them with the tools available through this sophisticated management technique.”

The knowledge and skills provided from this training will allow them to lead and implement projects that will improve efficiency, eliminate waste, and deliver even greater patient satisfaction and quality, Ogden added.

Two LSS projects have been started at LFH with encouraging results, including reduced waiting time, increased productivity and better financial returns.

Maria Gesualdo is the outstanding physician of the year for 2015 at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group, New Hartford.

Each year, SDMG acknowledges the effort of a particular physician on behalf of the group and its patients. The outstanding physician is chosen based on his or her substantial contribution to the group, the patients it serves, the quality of care Gesualdo it provides and the community in general.

Gesualdo joined SDMG in 2003 as a specialist in pulmonary medicine and critical care. Gesualdo is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease and critical care by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

She completed her fellowship in pulmonary, allergy and critical care medicine at Penn State Health System, Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa. Gesualdo has over 20 years of experience as a physician.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2016

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"Smoking during pregnancy is double trouble," said lead researcher Sally Curtin, a statistician at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. "There is a mountain of research that shows it does affect the unborn child."

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Smoking leads to premature birth and low birth weight infants, which increases the odds for mental and developmental problems that can affect someone for their whole life, McCabe said.

Premature birth is also a risk factor for cerebral palsy, lung According to the report, smoking was most prevalent among women aged 20 to 24 (13 percent). In addition, American Indian and Alaska Native women were most likely to be smokers (18 percent).

Smoking during pregnancy in most states averaged about 10 percent, ranging from almost 2 percent in California to about 27 percent in West Virginia, Curtin said.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 19

Business Spotlight Omni Surgery Center Opens in Utica Haider family opens new outpatient pain, surgery center

By Patricia J. Malin

I

t’s nearly impossible to miss the new Omni Surgery Center on French Road in Utica.

The center’s modern design and gray and purple façade are eye-catching enough in the daytime. If that doesn’t grab your attention, you have most likely seen the neon-bright lights spotlighting the building at night while driving on the northsouth arterial between Utica and New Hartford.

The new 17,000 squarefoot outpatient facility, owned and managed by Nameer Haider, a board-certified interventional pain surgeon, specializes in pain management and minimally invasive spinal and Nameer Haider disc surgeries.

The center at 498 French Road is opposite Chanatry’s and Parkway Drugs, near Nunn & McGrath funeral home and set back behind Black Cat cafe. The property was formerly occupied by Leatherstocking Sportsplex, but was vacant for many years.

Utica officials jumped at the chance to roll out the red carpet for the Omni center. Haider said he originally wanted to locate the surgery center on state Route 5 in the town of Kirkland, where he already had an outpatient office.

Even though the town planning board approved the surgical facility, he said he kept running into roadblocks that delayed his project for 18 months.

Kirkland’s loss became a big gain for Utica in the form of a $6 million facility built by Hayner Hoyt Construction Co. of Syracuse, plus an anticipated 20 new jobs when the center is fully operating.

Haider, a New Hartford native, will continue to see patients at his office at Spinal and Skeletal Pain Page 20

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The new Omni Surgery Center is located on French Road in Utica.

Medicine at 1508 Genesee St., Utica.

He is also a partner in the new Apex outpatient surgical center on Route 233 in Westmoreland, opposite the Thruway interchange.

His brother, Zain Haider, is director of operations at Omni and at Spinal & Skeletal Pain Medicine.

The Omni Surgery Center uses advanced technologies in surgery, imaging and electronic medical records.

“It’s like a hospital,” Nameer Haider said, showing off the reception area, the recovery area and surgical unit. “This is more convenient [than a hospital] and there’s less chance of getting an infection here than in a hospital where you’re in with other patients who might be sick.”

Omni Surgery Center has eight beds for patients awaiting operations and 21 beds for post-operative.

Outpatient centers trend up

Haider and his staff commonly treat back pain, spinal and skeletal pain and sciatica-herniated discs. His website points out he was the first in the world to perform the Haider Halo 360, an innovative technique to treat migraine headaches.

He also founded KillPain LLC, KillMigraine and the Minimally Invasive Pain Institute in northern

Virginia eight years ago.

More outpatient centers have been popping up in this area recently thanks to improved regulations from the New York State Department of Health. “The state has created the ability to obtain a certificate of need, making it possible for non-hospitals to get a license to offer a better level of care,” Haider explained.

According to DOH’s website, New York’s certificate of need process governs establishment, construction, renovation and major medical equipment acquisitions of health care facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, and diagnostic and treatment centers.

“The objectives of the CON process are to promote delivery of high-quality health care and ensure that services are aligned with community need,” the website states. The DOH’s oversight is designed to avoid duplicate beds, services and medical equipment which in turn limits associated health care costs.

Medicine runs deep in the Haider family. “My dad (Zafar Haider) built Centrex labs,” said Nameer Haider, a 1984 graduate of New Hartford Central School.

“Then in the late 1980s, he sold the business to Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare [now Mohawk Valley Health Services] to avoid having to

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • March 2016

sell it to an outside corporation. But Faxton later sold it to Lab Corporation,” he added.

Farrah Haider, his sister, is an attorney in Washington, D.C., where they once had another outpatient facility. Their mother, Hadiqua, has long been involved in the real estate business. She found the site for the original Omni outpatient center on Route 5 (Seneca Turnpike) in Kirkland.

Haider said he remodeled it a few years ago to suit the town, but he was unable to get additional property, a total of five acres, for his new surgical center. That plaza now sits empty.

“We asked [Mayor Robert Palmieri] for his help when we had issues in Kirkland,” Haider said. “He wants to bring business here. It was easy to locate in Utica.”

The flashy new building represents Haider’s colorful tastes.

“That was my idea,” he said as he showed a visitor the control panel for the spotlights. Purple, pink and blue are the most common colors used to outline the surgical center at night.

The colors can be changed for a holiday or for any other occasion, he said. They have used blue to honor the Utica Comets hockey team, green at Christmas and red on Valentine’s Day.