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in good

Meet Your Doctor

May 2016 • Issue 123

Meet MVHS’s Laszlo Fuzesi See Page 4

MVhealthnews.com

free

Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

Dancing past Disease Jump out on the dance floor and boogie your troubles away!

See story, Page 5

Golden Years Special Edition

Ear buds

Teen Drinking Teenage girls now try alcohol before boys do, says study

Page 12

Exploring causal factors of autism Page 10 ­

Senior citizens grow comfortable maneuvering through the digital age. For story, see page 7.

Mango Mania!

­

Butt out!

Mangoes, the world’s most popular fruit, bring a wealth of powerful nutrients.

Amy Delia of the American Cancer Society gives advice on quitting smoking.

Page 12

Page 15 May 2016 •

Not so friendly when it comes to hearing loss Page 9

Garden Party Enjoy the wonders of nature in your back yard!

Page 20

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 1

FOR THAT SOMEONE SPECIAL IN-HOME

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Call SHARON

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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

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 315-768-7031, email her at info@cnyocf.org, visit www.cnyocf.org or check out Cen NY OCD Support Group on Facebook.

A speakers’ bureau is available at no cost.

Women’s support group to get together Herkimer County HealthNet can help you achieve BIG CHANGES by making small steps.

Our program helps you learn how to change your lifestyle to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

Through the support of a trained lifestyle coach groups will meet weekly for 16 sessions followed by monthly support sessions for 6 months.

• If YOU have prediabetes or are at risk you qualify for our FREE program!

• Without intervention, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years.

Sign up today, find out how to enroll by contacting:

Herkimer County HealthNet:

(315) 867-1552

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

Overeaters Anonymous plans meetings Overeaters Anonymous meets from 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Wednes-

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

day 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.

May 4

MVHS stroke support group to meet The Mohawk Valley Health System will host a free stroke support group presentation from 6-7:30 p.m. May 4 in the Soggs Room at St. Luke’s Home in the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services, 1650 Champlin Ave., Utica.

Featured will be Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a stroke survivor. She wrote a book about her recovery from stroke and the insights she gained into the workings of her brain. The New York Times bestselling memoir is titled “My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey.”

For more information or to RSVP, call 315-624-6365.

May 5

Parents bond to battle addiction A support group — Parents of Addicted Loved Ones — will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of every month at the Canajoharie Fire House, 75 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie.

The support group is for parents with a son or daughter who is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.

The next meeting is May 5.

According to recent research cited by the National Institute for Drug Abuse, opioid and heroin overdose deaths now exceed annual deaths from car crashes.

PAL is incorporated as a nonprofit organization and is run by a volunteer board of parents. For more information on the organization, visit www.palgroup.org or call PAL at 480-300-4712.

May 6

Arc plans hands-on career day High school students interested in pursuing a career that’s considered non-traditional are encouraged to attend a career say from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 6 at the New York

Continued on Page 19

Commentary Prescription drug makers must stop their pricing games

By Mona Chitre

D

rug spending in the U.S. approached $300 billion in 2014, up by more than $30 billion over the previous year. That jump in spending didn’t go unnoticed. Seventy-seven percent of respondents to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll said that the high cost of prescription drugs is their top health care priority.

Here’s an example of what’s fueling public concern. Daraprim is a drug prescribed for 25 million people to treat a parasitic infection that mainly threatens individuals with weak immune systems, including pregnant women and HIV and organ transplant patients. You've likely seen the news coverage about Turing Pharmaceuticals buying the U.S. rights to sell Daraprim last August and immediately raising the price from $13.50 to $750 per tablet.

More galling than the 5,000 percent price increase is the fact that this isn’t a new drug with high research and development costs to recoup (the reason often given by drug makers for raising prices). Daraprim has been

around for 60 years.

Turing is following the example of many drug makers, hedge fund managers and others who purchase the rights to old, cheap medicines, which are the only treatments for serious diseases, and then hike prices.

Typically, when a drug’s patent expires, other manufacturers begin to produce lower-priced, generic versions. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is a leading voice in promoting generic medications as being safe, effective and affordable. The average percentage decrease in cost of a generic compared to a brand-name drug is 85 percent.

In the case of Daraprim, a generic version has yet to come to market, even though the drug’s patent expired decades ago. The State Attorney General's Office reports it is looking into whether Turing may have taken steps to prevent competition by not permitting Daraprim to be sold in retail pharmacies and instead distributing it only through a small number of specialty pharmacies.

This could prevent generic drug manufacturers from obtaining samples to use in bio-equivalency studies, which would inhibit them from obtaining Food and Drug Administration approval for their generic versions.

So what’s to be done about the pricing and distribution games being played by drug makers?

Public outrage is a start, as evidenced by the Kaiser survey. But that needs to be channeled into a national solution, which avoids other problems, such as price fixing, rationing and stifling research and innovation.

This is the time for elected officials, and those hoping to be elected, to join with medical professionals, health care consumers, insurers and even drug makers to find a solution that allows sick people to get the medications they need at prices they can afford.

May 2016 •

Mona M. Chitre, Pharm. D., CGP, is the chief pharmacy officer and vice-president, workplace wellness for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 3

Meet

Your Doctor

By Lou Sorendo

Dr. Laszlo Fuzesi

Dr. Laszlo Fuzesi, a specialist in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, recently joined the Mohawk Valley Health System Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Group. Recently, Mohawk Valley In Good Health Associate Editor Lou Sorendo interviewed Fuzesi regarding his career and outlook on health care.

Q.: Why the choice of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery as a specialty in the field of medicine? Were there any influences that steered you in that direction?

A.: After I attended medical school, I did my residency in general surgery, which exposes you to a lot of specialties. I did my internship and residency in general surgery at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pa., and was really fascinated by cardiac surgery at the time.

It was really a growing field and featured a lot of neat operations. You felt instant gratification because we seemed to really make a patient feel better while saving their lives. I previously had done a lot of work in immunology, which influenced the first part of my career that involved heart transplantation. I don’t do it anymore, but for 15 to 20 years, I worked

with artificial hearts and transplantation, and it was fascinating.

Q.: What attracted you to the Mohawk Valley and what do you enjoy most about the region?

A.: I was recruited here and it is a win-win situation. They wanted some new leadership and someone who could consolidate the cardiac and thoracic programs. I had known the area because one of my girls had gone to Hamilton College and the other is there now. So for years, I’ve been coming up here because of the college. I also knew the area because I worked at Albany Medical Center.

Q.: What are some of the more common diseases and illnesses you treat?

A.: There are three major areas.

First, in the cardiac area is coronary artery disease, which causes heart attacks. There are two ways to treat

diseases of the coronary artery, and one is with stents. However, many people’s stents fail, and we still do a lot of bypass surgeries and put new arteries on the heart.

The second huge group is valvular heart disease, which is still pretty common. We have to put in new valves because they are getting blocked or leaking. Thirdly, in the lung area, cancer is still probably our biggest focus. We get involved in other areas obviously, but those are the three major diseases that we treat.

Q.: What are some of the more common treatment methods you employ on patients?

A.: Everyone thought we wouldn’t be operating anymore when stents became available in the early ‘90s. You could put a little stent in a coronary artery and they worked. But a lot of people still need the actual surgery, because either the stents got blocked or they couldn’t put the stents in.

Stents are the first option for many people, but it’s a progressive disease. Five to 10 years later, blocking reoccurs and surgery comes into

play. We try to alleviate symptoms and prevent further heart attacks, which are still common in our society.

Q.: What are your primary duties as chief of cardiothoracic surgery within the Mohawk Valley Health System Medical Group?

A.: We have the Mohawk Valley Heart Institute here, and my major job is to provide the leadership and organization from a surgical point of view to the heart institute. This is done in collaboration with the cardiologists, who are the ones who see patients in their offices or do procedures in the catheterization lab, where they perform diagnostics or stenting.

Similarly, I work hand in hand with oncologists and pulmonary doctors in managing a lot of lung cancer. My major goal here is to unite all the different specialties and make sure we have a strong surgical department to support that. I’m also on a lot of leadership committees in the hospital because I think heart sur-

Continued from Page 14

Lifelines Birth date: Sept. 9, 1955 Birthplace: Budapest, Hungary. (Note: Dr. Fuzesi came to the United States when he was 1 year old. His family left its homeland during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956.)

Current residence: Rome Education: Undergraduate, Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, Princeton University, Princeton, N.J.; medical doctor, Cornell University Medical College, New York City; general surgery training, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa.; cardiothoracic residency, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, New York City Career highlights: Dr. Fuzesi’s first three jobs were as director of cardiac transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, N.J., Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, and at Albany Medical Center, Albany. His last two jobs were as director of cardiothoracic surgery at Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg, Pa., and now at the Mohawk Valley Health System Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Group.

Affiliations: Society of Thoracic Surgeons Personal: Two daughters, one who graduated 10 years ago from Hamilton College and is a surgeon. A younger daughter is attending Hamilton College and is studying computer science.

Hobbies: Golf, music Page 4

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

Golden Years Dance the Night Away Gina and Luca Esposito sweep clients off their feet

Anybody can do this with just a little work.”

The Espositos offer group dance lessons at Mohawk Valley Community College and other sites including The Good News Center in North Utica, United Dance Academy in Oneida, Hamilton College, Proctor High School and others. Private lessons are available in their home studio in Utica.

By Barbara Pierce

L

et’s dance!

“Dancing is good for you in so many ways — good for your brain as well as your body,” said Gina Esposito of Utica.

Gina and her husband Luca offer dance lessons at several locations in the Mohawk Valley.

“Our son is a scientist who does research on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. He’s found that dancing improves the functioning of your brain on several levels. It’s like your brain renews itself,” Gina said.

Dancing is beneficial for many reasons as it blends cerebral and cognitive thought processes with muscle memory.

That the physical activity of dancing keeps our bodies fit has been long known. But lately, even more benefits have been shown, like stress reduction and increased levels of serotonin, which leads to a sense of wellbeing.

Recently, we’ve heard of another benefit: Dancing maximizes the functioning of our brains, makes us smarter and offers protection against dementia.

A 21-year study of senior citizens, 75 and older, led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City investigated several activities — reading, writing, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and playing musical instruments.

They also studied physical activities like playing tennis or golf, swimming, bicycling, dancing, walking and doing housework.

They found reading caused a 35 percent reduced risk of dementia.

Doing crossword puzzles at least four days a week results in a 47 percent reduced risk.

One big surprise of the study was that almost none of the physical activities appeared to offer any protection against dementia. There can be cardiovascular benefits of course, but the focus of this study was the mind.

Oneida, Herkimer in good

Gina and Luca Esposito Bicycling and swimming led to no reduction in dementia. Neither did golf.

There was one important exception: The only physical activity to offer protection against dementia was frequent dancing. Frequent dancing reduced the risk by 76 percent.

Reduces risk of dementia

The greatest risk reduction of any activity studied, cognitive or physical, was dancing.

Benefits come from learning something new. Dancing integrates several brain functions at once — kinesthetic, rational, musical, and emotional — building a stronger brain.

“It’s really a miracle!” Gina said about these findings.

Gina and Luca Esposito are good

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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.

advertisements for the benefits of frequent dancing. In their late 70s, both are physically fit, attractive and mentally sharp.

“Dancing has been a big part of our lives. It’s central to our lives,” Gina said. “We dance five days a week, a few hours each day.”

The couple has been married for 54 years. “We’ve been dancing since we met. He taught dance at Arthur Murray in North Utica when we met,” she said.

“I have been disrupting aging for quite some time,” says “agingless” online, agreeing there are many benefits of dancing. “My significant other and I dance every weekend night.

We’re very vigorous on the dance floor, doing squats, really boogying down! We’re in excellent shape.

“The most popular class at MVCC is the beginners,” said Esposito. Held on Monday nights, many students come to get ready for an occasion, like a wedding. She recommends this as a good class for those just starting out.

“We teach nightclub slow dancing in that class. At a wedding or a banquet, they’ll always play slow music,” she said. “Parties and weddings are so much more fun if you can dance. And you should know how to do something besides sway to the music — that’s boring. Adding a little dip at the end, or a swirl in the middle spices it up.”

They also teach fox trot to beginners along with swing.

“Swing’s been around forever, and is still popular with kids of all ages, including us. And we teach polka. At a wedding, there’ll always be a polka,” she said.

The advanced class on Thursday nights is also popular. Many students in that class have been coming for years.

Tuesday night is the intermediate class, where they teach Latin dancing, such as the cha-cha, mambo and rumba. “This is our favorite dance,” Gina said. “We’re very much into Latin. They assume we’re Latin, we’re so good.”

For more information on Gina and Luca Esposito, call 315-735-1665 or see their website at www.ginalucadance.com.

For information or to register for dance classes at MVCC, call 315-7925300 or visit mvcc.edu/cced.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 5

Golden Years Between You and Me

Aging with attitude

Don’t let negative stereotypes make you feel older than you are

N

ative Americans in the Mohawk Valley lived into their 20s. By their 20s, they were elderly, with arthritis and other diseases of aging.

White males in this area 150 years ago lived to 35-40. Our greatgreat grandfathers were elderly and dying in their late 30s!

The most important difference between their world and ours today isn’t the Internet or 3D printers or jet planes. It’s our lifespan. Now most of us live to almost 80.

But think Pierce about this: Do the young and the old live in “separate and unequal universes” as SeniorPlanet.org suggests?

Are we as older people being diminished and isolated by a society that is overwhelmingly driven by young people? Are we an alien race?

There is ample evidence to show how negatively older adults are viewed by young people.

If you’re young, I’m dead certain that in the last couple days you’ve gotten frustrated with at least one old person. They drive too slow; they take forever to do things; they’re scared to death of every new idea that comes across their desk; they wear their pants too high — the list goes on and on.

Yes, some old people do wear their pants too high, and some still pay with checks at the grocery store like it’s 1952. And a few decline cognitively.

But are there are many of us that get speeding tickets, wear cool clothes and bring important contributions to our community. But even we are generally viewed as “out of it,” forgetful, declining.

I don’t like it at all! I don’t want to be invisible just because I’m not young. I am still vibrant, still productive and “with it.” But how do you show that to young people?

How to fight the stereotypes of aging? How can we as older adults prove that we are the vibrant, bright persons we always were, with much to offer to our community, much wisdom, and seasoned by the years.

Some suggestions from young people on what would help them change their thinking about those of us with an AARP card: • “Phone calls freak out Millennials. If you call us, we assume it’s the worst news on the planet,” says Abby Elliot online.

Young people have largely abandoned talking on the phone as a Page 6

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social medium. What was once a major indoor sport, taking up hours of many people’s days, is now not only more limited but is going the way of mailed letters.

Virtual discussions

Texting is the way people communicate these days. I happen to believe that real connections trump virtual connections 15 times out of 10.

And it is actually impossible to communicate a complex thought in fewer than 140 characters.

But to prove we’re still with it, lots of us are just as good at texting as

teens.

SeniorPlanet.org’s suggestions on how we can change the way we are stereotyped: • Say “no” to age segregation.

The Villages in Florida, a 55-plus community, is the fastest growing town in the whole United States. The phenomenon of older Americans clustering together in retirement communities with their shuffleboard, bowling and bridge clubs is worrisome.

This promotes segregation by age. Also, when people limit their

social interaction to others mostly of their own age, tastes and interests, they can lose perspective on the needs of the larger community. The natural tendency toward self-absorption becomes more difficult to resist.

• Keep an open mind on social issues, however fast things shift.

Keep updated with what’s going on.

• Stay abreast of changing technologies and try to learn them: “New technologies are largely oriented to people under the age of 50,” said Ken Dychtwald online, CEO of Age Wave. “If you’re older than that, and you don’t work, you have to muster the courage to ask your family how things work.”

Mainstream technologies become even more valuable when we leave the office. There are products available to help 18-year-olds and 80-year-olds alike stay active, informed and entertained, and help keep them in touch with family and friends. Get familiar with these products.

One thing I live by: Don’t play the age card unless you must. If you don’t want to be considered an old codger who needs help to do things, don’t be one. Don’t play into their stereotypes of an inadequate old person. Do it yourself.

Growing up, my black friend was taught she had to try harder because she wasn’t on the winning team. Guess that applies to those of us with more years behind us than ahead of us — we’re not on the winning team and we have to try much harder.

• 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.

FDA approves first wire-free pacemaker

T

he first leadless, wire-free heart pacemaker has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Medtronic’s Micra Transcatheter Pacing System works like other pacemakers to regulate heart rate in people with heart rhythm disorders, but does not use wired leads to make the electrical connection between the device and the heart.

One expert believes the device’s approval is a big win for heart patients.

“The leadless pacemaker is a major breakthrough in the field of heart

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

rhythm management and will benefit patients through its ease of insertion and elimination of the lead,” said physician Nicholas Skipitaris, who directs cardiac electrophysiology at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Traditional pacemakers have a wire or “lead” connecting the device to the heart, and inserting the lead entails minor surgery, Skipitaris said.

“Through a small incision near the shoulder, the lead is guided through a blood vessel and attached to the inside surface of the heart,” he said. “The other end is connected to the pacemaker, which is then placed

in a pocket under the skin. The incision is closed with sutures.”

Unfortunately for patients, “leads may sometimes malfunction or become less reliable over the long term,” he added.

Leads in traditional pacemakers can sometimes malfunction or infections can develop in tissue surrounding the leads, the FDA said, and surgery is then required to replace the device.

But as the FDA explained, the new inch-long Micra device is implanted directly into the right ventricle chamber of the heart, with no wire lead needed.

Golden Years Digging the Digital Age Seniors ditch their fears and take on modern-day technology

By Barbara Pierce

“

The world is whizzing by,” said 86-year-old George Mason of Randolph. “I want to try to keep up.”

Mason is one of many seniors who have recently geared up and learned to use the Internet by taking a class at his library.

“I went from zero knowledge.

I didn’t even know how to get the computer going. But I needed to access knowledge and parts for the projects I’m working on. There are no stores in my area,” he said. “Google is the answer. It opens up a whole world. If I want to build a birdhouse or restore an old tractor, there’s a wealth of knowledge there. Answers I can’t find anywhere else.”

“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to our computer classes and one-toone tutoring,” said Ireland Jocelyn Ireland, digital literacy librarian at the Utica Public Library.

“One of our main initiatives is promoting digital literacy in the community, particularly among the senior population,” she added.

Digital literacy is the capability to use digital technology and knowing when and how to use it.

It is about understanding how to use email, Web browsers, search engines, text, Wiki, blogs, smart phones, word processing programs, etc.

The Internet plays an increasingly central role in connecting us to news and information, government services, health resources, and opportunities for social support. It

affects how we shop, socialize, and connect. It is more and more essential to be comfortable on the Internet.

“Now I can only get refills for my medication by going online,” laments 76-year-old Jackie Wirth. “I don’t go online. My life is complicated enough. I can’t do it. I don’t know how I’ll ever get my meds.”

When it comes to government programs, financial and insurance statements, health information or discount coupons, the assumption is that you’re online.

Even simple tasks like finding phone numbers for local businesses may soon require Web access. How long will there be print Yellow Pages?

How long will there be print newspapers? Without Internet access, older people will feel even more cut off than many already do.

Pew Research Center found that 59 percent of seniors now go online

— an increase of 6 percent in a year — and 47 percent say they have a high-speed broadband connection at home. In addition, 77 percent of older adults have a cell phone, up from 69 percent in 2012.

Among the eldest seniors, or those over age 77, only about a third are online. Yet that’s the group most likely to become isolated by physical limitations, poor transportation and the loss of social connections — those who would most benefit from connecting with the world digitally, for everything from banking and ordering groceries to emailing faraway family and friends.

Overcoming fear

Ireland is sensitive about how to help older people make the leap.

Older adults are easily intimidated and even fearful. They doubt their ability to learn all this new stuff. Like people of any age, older adults learn

best with one-to-one, hands-on showand-tell.

Ireland provides this. She meets people where they are, and teaches them in the way they best learn.

“Utica Public Library is trying to make computer training more accessible to the community. Computer training is available in classes and one-to-one tutoring. Not only do we offer private tutoring in the library, we also collaborate with local organizations to set up computer tutoring at convenient locations outside of the library,” she said.

Ireland will tutor you on how to use your computer, how to connect with the Internet, use your smart phone, your tablet, or whatever you want to know.

“I help people on a case-by-case basis,” she added. “Some prefer oneto-one; some prefer a class. If they don’t want to meet in person, I can suggest online tutorials. I’m flexible.”

Several computer classes are offered at the Utica Public Library each month: computer basics, Microsoft Word, iPad basics, Facebook, and more. For a list of classes, click on computer services at its website: www.uticapubliclibrary.org/.

If you can’t get to a class at the library, Ireland will come to you at your senior center, retirement community, or other organization.

“I meet people where they are,” she says. “Whether it’s at Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement, Acacia Village, Sunset Woods, or the Morris Learning Center.”

“People are always welcome to contact me,” added Ireland. “And if you or your nonprofit organization is in need of a computer tutor, please contact me.”

Ireland can be reached at the Utica Public Library, 315-735-2279 ext. 219.

Stuck with tax penalty for lack of health insurance?

Excellus encourages people to sign up for plans that can cost $0 to $20 a month

I

f you filed an income tax return and paid a penalty because you had no health insurance last year, consider making a move now to reduce your fine for next year.

If you’re currently uninsured, consider whether you qualify for the new $0 or $20 Essential Plan. Those who qualify for the plan and enroll

by May 15 for coverage starting June 1 could have their 2016 tax penalty reduced from $695 to $290 when they file next year’s tax returns.

“This is the time of year when people become painfully aware of the tax penalty for being uninsured,” said Jim Reed, senior vice president, marketing and sales, Excellus BlueC-

ross BlueShield. “But signing up now for the Essential Plan is one way for qualifying individuals to lessen the amount of money they’ll owe next year.”

Those who are eligible for the Essential Plan can enroll in the plan at any time all year long through the NY State of Health marketplace.

Eligibility is based on household size and income.

• You’ll likely pay a $0 monthly premium for the Essential Plan if your annual household income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level ($17,655 for a household of one; $36,375 for a household of four).

• You’ll likely pay a monthly premium of $20 for each adult enrolled in the Essential Plan if your annual household income is between 151 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($23,540 for a household of one; $48,500 for a household of four).

The federal penalty for going without health insurance in 2016 is $695 per person, or 2.5 percent of household income — whichever is greater. If you have health coverage for part of the year, you’ll pay about $58 per month, or 2.5 percent of household income, for each month that you are uninsured. Your tax penalty will increase with each month

May 2016 •

that you are uninsured.

The Essential Plan provides lowcost coverage and valuable benefits, including: • Access to a wide selection of doctors and hospitals • Routine preventive care checkups, screenings and immunizations for a $0 copayment • No deductible • Prescription drug coverage • $400 a year toward a fitness facility or individual fitness class reimbursement To see if you qualify for the Essential Plan, call Excellus BCBS at 888-370-7098 or go to ChooseExcellus.com/ZeroOption.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 7

Heart Health The Beat Goes On

Women face higher risk of heart attacks than male counterparts

By Kristen Raab

S

ometimes a scary statistic cements how serious something is.

The American Heart Association notes one of seven deaths in the United States is because of heart disease. For women, the risk is even higher.

If the statistics for all cancer deaths were combined, the number is not as high as heart disease deaths among women. In order to avoid becoming a part of these statistics, it’s imperative to learn more about the causes and the prospective solutions.

Why do heart attacks occur?

Dr. Patrick H. McNulty explains: “Heart attacks are the result of coronary atherosclerosis, which is McNulty a complex process by which cholesterol circulating in the blood stream enters the wall of coronary arteries in the heart. It is modified by our immune system and by oxidative stress, grows to obstruct coronary artery blood flow.” While that medical definition is overwhelming, the important part to remember is what causes atherosclerosis.

Causes include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, diet high in fat, being sedentary, and genetics.

McNulty is co-director of the Bassett Heart Care Institute and chief of cardiology at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown.

He said some signs of heart attack occur in both men and women. These symptoms include feeling pressure, squeezing or fullness in the chest, pain that occurs in the arm, back, or jaw, and sweating. However, women are more likely than men to just have nonspecific symptoms with a heart attack, like nausea or shortness of breath.

In addition, about a third of both men and women having a heart attack may have no definite symptoms at all, or very mild symptoms like indigestion or heartburn, he noted.

Women may hesitate to seek medical treatment, assuming their symptoms are not serious.

McNulty said it is better to be diagnosed by a doctor.

“We urge any woman who develops sudden symptoms to call 911 and be taken to the hospital for an EKG,” he said.

An EKG (electrocardiogram) recording is the best way to determine if a person has had a heart attack.

McNulty notes, “There is no reliable way for a patient at home to distinguish symptoms of a heart attack from something less important.”

Interestingly, women with high Page 8

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blood pressure or diabetes are at a higher risk for heart attack than men with the same conditions. The reasons for this are not fully understood, but McNulty said it is a subject being studied by scientists.

These conditions are still risk factors for men, but we might someday understand what puts women at a higher risk.

Women are less likely to experience a heart attack at younger ages because of hormones that protect them from atherosclerosis. Men are more likely to manifest coronary artery disease in middle-age with a heart attack caused by a single severely blocked artery, while women on average develop coronary disease 10-20 years later than men and often have diffuse narrowing of all their coronary arteries, McNulty noted.

For both sexes, a heart attack happens when an existing coronary cholesterol plaque becomes inflamed and causes a blood clot to develop.

For this reason, aspirin and statin medicines can help prevent heart attacks.

Differences in gender

McNulty said the reasons for the disparities in cardiovascular care are complex. “Coronary artery disease often presents in more subtle ways in women versus men, and so it may be harder to detect,” he said.

A legitimate reason for treatment differences is because of biology.

Treatments for men such as coronary bypass grafting may not be ideal for women because the coronary arteries are not the same size. Unfortunately, another possible reason for the discrepancy in treatment is that “cultur-

al bias may make some male physicians less effective at understanding women patients, and therefore less likely to offer good care.”

What is worrisome is that there is likely “a subtle, ingrained gender bias in the way many healthcare systems treat women as patients,” McNulty said.

One example McNulty gives is men are more likely to be offered certain types of cardiac diagnostic testing by their cardiologist.

African American men and women are also less likely to be offered such diagnostic testing than Caucasian men.

American Heart Association educational programs are addressing these issues. McNulty said more educated women are helping to break down the subtle biases that once prevented early diagnosis and effective treatment of women with heart disease.

Number of adults with diabetes reaches 422 million worldwide

T

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

In addition, women are becoming cardiologists, which allows patients more options for a second opinion.

Women should take charge of their own heart health.

Maintaining heart health includes remaining at a healthy weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, and exercising for 30 minutes on most days.

In addition, do not start smoking or quit if you are a smoker. For women with high blood pressure or diabetes, retain regular visits with your physician to be in control of these conditions.

McNulty is serving a term as president of the board of advisers of the AHA’s Utica chapter.

For more information on heart disease prevention, research, and events, visit www.goredforwomen. org/ or www.heart.org/HEARTORG/.

he number of adults worldwide with diabetes has quadrupled in the past 35 years, a new report shows.

Climbing from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, the increases were particularly severe in low- and middle-income countries such as China and India, the researchers noted.

Global diabetes rates rose from just over 4 percent to 9 percent among men, and from 5 percent to almost 8 percent among women, the

findings showed.

The price tag for treating and managing the disease and its complications now totals $825 billion a year, the report found.

"Diabetes has become a defining issue for global public health. An aging population, and rising levels of obesity, mean that the number of people with diabetes has increased dramatically," said senior study author Majid Ezzati, a professor at Imperial College, London.

Turn it down!

Little ear buds spell big trouble for hearing

By Barbara Pierce

“

Ear buds definitely cause hearing loss,” said Kim Michalak, hearing care practitioner for Beltone Better Hearing in Oneonta.

Everywhere you look, young people are wearing ear buds, listening to music. Kids, teens and adults of all ages use them.

They provide private listening in schools, gyms, at home and at the workplace — just about everywhere people spend time.

Ear buds are by far the most popular choice for listening — they’re tiny and light, fit into a pocket, and cost next to nothing.

Ear buds, ear phones, headphones, Bluetooth devices — they’re everywhere today — plugged into mobile phones, iPods, MP3 players, computers, tablets, and more.

Those small ear buds are powerful and possibly more dangerous than most people realize, say the experts. These little portable speakers are causing hearing damage at an alarming rate.

“Probably the largest cause of hearing damage is using iPods and smartphones,” says Sreekant Cherukuri, an ear, nose and throat specialist and founder of MD Hearing Aid. “You once had a Walkman with two batteries and headphones that went over your ears,” said Cherukui.

“At high volume, the sound was distorted and battery life was poor.

Nowadays, we have smartphones that are extremely complex computers with high-level fidelity.”

In fact, studies show one-in-five American teenagers already suffers from hearing loss.

A steady onslaught of loud noise, particularly through ear buds, is damaging the hearing of a generation wired for sound, although they may not realize it for years.

“Once you have hearing loss, your hearing won’t come back,” added Michalak. What makes this loss of hearing among young people even more disturbing is that it is not reversible. And, the longer it goes unrecognized and untreated, the faster it progresses.

The damage happens when sound travels from the ear bud deep inside your ear to the cochlea, where some 20,000 hair cells transmit the sound to the brain. But if the sound is too loud, and listened to for too long, it can damage those hair cells and cause them to die off.

Permanent damage happens in minutes, experts say, and when the damage is done, it is irreversible.

Unlike damage to other parts of your body, inner ear damage never heals.

Over time, as more and more hair cells get damaged, your hearing gets worse and worse.

Noise–induced hearing loss is generally caused by two types of noise: sudden, earsplitting bursts, such as gunfire or fireworks; or ongoing exposure, such as factory noise or loud music listened to over time.

Ear buds are primarily used to listen to music, and little thought is given to the amount of time worn, or at what level of volume. It’s not unusual for people to listen to music or the radio at high volumes for several hours per day.

Further, newer iPod and MP3 devices have more memory and better battery life, allowing people to listen longer, without interruption.

Protect your hearing

So what can you do?

“To protect your hearing, don’t use ear buds,” recommends Michalak. It might feel like every phone or music player comes packaged with a tiny pair of ear buds. After all, they’re cheap to manufacture and easy to use.

Instead, if you must listen to personal music, go retro with earmuff-style headphones. There’s a reason they’re making a comeback.

Sometimes old school is better. Most electronics stores have entire sections devoted to headphones.

They’re not as much of a risk as ear buds are because ear buds put the source of the sound in your ear canal and that increases volume. But headphones can also damage your hearing if you use them too long or play music too loudly.

Your best bet is “noise-cancelling” headphones, which reduce or eliminate background noise, so you don’t have to crank up the volume.

You can listen to music at a softer volume for a longer time.

Hearing loss from using ear buds

usually takes a while. Because it happens gradually, a lot of people don’t know they have a problem until it’s too late.

Signs you may have hearing loss are ringing, buzzing, or roaring in your ears after hearing a loud noise, muffling or distortion of sounds.

If you think you have signs of hearing loss, discuss this with your primary care provider. You may be referred to an audiologist, who will likely give you a series of tests to determine how much your hearing has been affected.

Ear buds exist because so many of us love music. You want to protect your hearing so you can continue to enjoy your music. That’s why it helps to know about the risks of ear buds and take steps to be safe.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 9

Autism Awareness The Balanced Body

By Deb Dittner

Autism and the environment

Research indicates environment to blame for disorder

A

utism and Asperger syndrome are general terms used for a number of complicated disorders involving brain development.

These disorders have been characterized by reduced social interactions and verbal and nonverbal communication; difficulties in motor coordination, attention and intellectual ability; repetitive behaviors, increased hyperactive movements, Dittner and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disorders, to name a few.

Ironically, some persons with autism spectrum disorder excel in mu-

sic, the arts, math and visual skills.

Autism appears to evolve in very early brain development but often the signs and symptoms do not appear until between the ages of 2 and 3. Improved methods for earlier diagnosis continue to be researched in order for earlier intervention to take place.

Over the past 40 years, autism has increased 10-fold partly due to increased awareness and improved diagnosis.

What is the cause of autism?

Up until recently, the answer would have been “we have no idea.”

What research is finding is that most autism is caused by a combination of gene mutations and environmental factors influencing early brain development.

So even before a child is born, is conceived, or even thought of, the environment needs to be taken into

What if you could choose?

5 Days or 45 Days

consideration by mom and dad to be.

Overall, it appears that males are four to five times more likely than females to be affected by ASD. Genetic research over decades shows males are at a far greater risk than females for neuro-developmental disorders due to alterations in the X-chromosome.

Chemicals the culprit

According to Canadian research, exposure to phthalate chemicals and flame-retardant chemicals may contribute to autistic behaviors.

Phthalates are considered to be endocrine disruptors and the amount of human exposure to these chemicals can alter the genetic make-up of the person. Clinically, phthalate usage is a preventable risk factor for this major health concern where medically and scientifically, there is no prevention or cure.

Research has shown that phthalates and brominated fire retardants are known endocrine disruptors.

These chemicals are found in the average home and when combined together may produce altered effects on each individual.

If a woman is exposed to phthalates and flame retardants while pregnant, from the furniture cushions she sits upon to the plastics products used in the home, this can affect the mental and motor development of the unborn child.

So what products may contain the endocrine-disrupting phthalate?

• Personal care products: nail polish, soap, shampoo, aftershave lotion, hairspray, perfume, deodorant, almost anything with the word “fragrance”, insect repellant • Home products: vinyl flooring, shower curtains, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, laundry detergent, carpeting, raincoats, plastic toys, furniture cushions, cleaning products • Automobile: dashboard, steering wheel Exposure to endocrine disruptors on a daily basis, even at low doses, may alter the development of the brain while in utero and may lead to autistic tendencies. Women and men should be aware of the risk of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and look into ways to reduce their own exposure and the exposure of their children.

Changing everyday habits can reduce the amount of exposure to these chemicals. When purchasing any kind of product, read the label carefully and research your brands in search for the best you can do to protect you and your children.

• Deborah Dittner is a nurse practitioner and health consultant for amateur and professional athletes. If you’re an amateur or professional athlete looking to increase your energy, boost your performance and shorten recovery time, check out www.debdittner.com to learn how.

hoacny.com

mvhealth.com Page 10

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

MVHS chief medical officer retires

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lmost everyone who works at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica knows who Albert D’Accurzio is.

Whether they had direct interactions with him or not, they saw him in the hospital hallways and heard him speak at events and answer questions about hospital quality in the media. Plus, he worked there more than a quarter of a century. He retired recently.

Before joining D’Accurzio SEMC as medical director in 1989, D’Accurzio had a private practice in internal medicine in Utica. A diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, during his career, he served as president of the St. Elizabeth medical staff, president of the Oneida County Medical Society and chairman of the department of medicine at St. Elizabeth and St. Luke’s-Memorial Hospital.

He played a key role in the cardiac services task force, which successfully campaigned for state approval of the local cardiac surgery program that became the Mohawk Valley Heart Institute.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. D’Accurzio my entire career, both clinically and in administration,” said Robert Scholefield, executive vice president-chief operating officer for the Mohawk Valley Health System. “He has the tremendous quality of being able to

see all perspectives of an issue and provide a fair and balanced resolution. He will be remembered fondly and certainly be missed.”

D’Accurzio was raised locally and graduated from Hamilton College in Clinton where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He completed his medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, a national medical honor society.

He completed his residency in internal medicine at Strong Memorial Hospital and has additional professional education in quality improvement and medical management through the American Association of Physician Leadership.

He spent most of his medical career, 25 years, as vice president-medical affairs and chief medical officer at SEMC. He played a vital role in the recruitment and retention of medical staff and was the champion of clinical quality throughout his career.

When SEMC and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare affiliated under MVHS, he was named the chief quality officer for the system. He is a member of the board of directors of Mohawk Valley Heart Institute and of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Utica Regional Advisory Board.

He lives in Utica, is married and has two sons, one daughter and five grandchildren.

Michael F. Trevisani, previously the senior vice president-chief medical officer for Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, has been named medical director for both FSLH and SEMC.

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The Social Ask Security Office

From the Social Security District Office

R

What is FICA?

eceiving your first paycheck is an empowering milestone.

Do you remember being a little shocked by the taxes that Uncle Sam takes out of each paycheck?

Understanding how important your contribution is takes some of the sting away because your taxes are helping millions of Americans — and financially securing your today and tomorrow.

By law, employers must withhold Social Security taxes from workers’ paychecks. While usually referred to as “Social Security taxes” on an employee’s pay statement, sometimes the deduction is labeled as “FICA.” This stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act, a reference to the original Social Security Act. In some cases, you will see “OASDI,” which stands for Old Age Survivors Disability Insurance, the official name for the Social Security Insurance program.

The taxes you pay now mean a lifetime of protection — for retirement in old age or in the event of disability. And when you die, your family (or future family) may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work as well.

Right now you probably have family members — grandparents, for example — who already are enjoying Social Security benefits that your Social Security taxes help provide. Social Security is solvent now and will be through 2033. At that point, we’ll be able to fund retirement benefits at 75 percent unless changes are made to the law. In the past, Social Security has evolved to meet the needs of a changing population — and you can count on Social security in the future.

Because you’re a long way from retirement, you may have a tough time seeing the value of benefit payments that could be many decades in the future. But keep in mind that the Social Security taxes you’re paying can provide valuable disability or survivors benefits in the event the unexpected happens. Studies show that of today’s 20-year-olds, about one in four will become disabled, and about one in eight will die, before reaching retirement.

Be warned: if an employer offers to unlawfully pay you “under the table,” you should refuse. They may try to sell it as a benefit to you since you get a few extra dollars in your net pay. But you’re really only allowing the employer to deprive you from earning your Social Security credits.

This could keep you from qualifying for any benefits, or result in you receiving less than you should.

Also, don’t carry your Social Security card around with you. It’s an important document you should safeguard and protect. If it’s lost or stolen, it could fall into the hands of an identity thief.

Check out our webinar, "Social Security 101: What's in it for me?"

The webinar explains what you need to know about Social Security. You can find it at http://go.usa.gov/ cdNeY. If you’d like to learn a little more about Social Security and exactly what you’re earning for yourself by paying Social Security taxes, take a look at our online booklet, How You Earn Credits, at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/10072.html.

You can also learn more at www. socialsecurity.gov.

Q: I received a notice from Social Security recently. It said my name and Social Security number do not match Social Security’s records.

What should I do?

A: It’s critical that your name and Social Security number, as shown on your Social Security card, match your employer’s payroll records and your W-2 form. If they don’t, here is what you need to do: • Give your employer the correct information exactly as shown on your Social Security card or your corrected card; or • Contact your local Social Security office (www.socialsecurity.gov/ locator) or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) if your Social Security card does not show your correct name or Social Security number.

For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Q: How do I report a lost Social Security card?

A: You don’t have to report a lost Social Security card. In fact, reporting a lost or stolen card to Social Security won’t prevent misuse of your Social Security number. You should let us know if someone is using your number to work (call 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-800-325-0778).

If you think someone is using your number, there are several other actions you should take: • Contact the Federal Trade Commission online at www.ftc.gov/ bcdp/edu/microsites/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); • File an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov; • Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit by calling 1-800-908-4490, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and • Monitor your credit report.

Q&A

May 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 11

SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating

Those mighty mangoes

M

y mother adored mangoes: the tropical taste, the luscious texture, the yummy smell. And I adored her for adoring a fruit that seemed inconsistent with her crisp, tidy nature. An apple? Yes. A mango? Total surprise. On that sweet note — and because it’s May — I dedicate this month’s column to mangoes, the world’s most popular fruit, and a quite nutritious one to boot.

Thanks to its bounty of a natural sugar called fructose, mangoes are an excellent source of steady energy.

Unlike sucrose (refined table sugar that has been stripped of its nutrients) or the fructose-based sweeteners used in processed foods, the fructose in mangoes — and all fruits, for that matter — is digested more slowly because of the fruit’s fiber.

One cup of sliced mangoes weighs about 3 grams.

The American Diabetes Association supports the consumption of fruits, even fruits that have more natural sugar in them — like mangoes, pineapples and grapes.

Yes, they have carbs; and yes, their intake requires monitoring; but — just like many starchy vegetables — they’re simply too delicious and too nutritious to pass up.

What kinds of nutrients do mangoes bring to the table?

We don’t have space here to review all 20 vitamins and minerals — yes, 20! — but we can talk about the top three: vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B6.

One cup of sliced mangoes boasts 75 percent of our daily needs for vitamin C, 25 percent of our needs for vitamin A, and 11 percent for vitamin B6.

A powerful antioxidant and essential nutrient, vitamin C works hard to keep our tissues and immune system in great shape. Although no studies confirm that vitamin C prevents colds, it may shorten the length of a cold. Vitamin A is needed for proper bone growth, reproduction, eyesight and immune system health, while vitamin B6 plays a “behind the scenes” role in all kinds of key functions, from brain development during pregnancy to helping the body make hormones that affect mood.

On the research front, recent studies conducted at Texas A&M University suggest that mangoes may have cancer-fighting properties. According to physician Susanne Talcott, “Our team found that a compound in mangoes prevented or stopped cancer growth in certain breast and colon cell lines.”

And contrary to what their sweet flavor may suggest, mangoes score fairly low in calories (only 100 per

sliced cup) and super low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol (as in zero). As for carbs, one cup of sliced mangoes has about as much as one medium apple or banana: 25 grams.

Helpful tips

Don’t focus on color when choosing a mango. The red color that appears on some varieties is not an indicator of ripeness. Always judge by feel: a ripe mango will give slightly when squeezed. Mangoes will continue to ripen at room temperature. Once ripe, move mangoes to the refrigerator, where they may be stored for up to five days. Note: Those with a latex allergy may also have a cross-reaction to mangoes.

Mango-Swirled Cheesecake Perfect for Mother’s Day!

Crust: ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon water

Filling: 2 large ripe mangoes 3 (8-ounce) blocks fat-reduced cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 large eggs Garnishes: fresh mango slices, blueberries, toasted coconut Preheat oven to 375 degrees. To prepare crust, combine first three ingredients, tossing with a fork. Add vanilla and water, tossing with a fork until moist and crumbly. Gently press mixture into bottom of lightly oiled nine-inch springform pan. Bake at 375 F. for eight minutes. Remove

from oven, and turn oven down to 325 F. Peel the mangoes and slice off the flesh (discard the seed); transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.

Pour into a small glass measuring cup; set aside.

To prepare filling, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla; beat well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in half of mango puree.

Pour into prepared crust. Spoon remaining mango puree over filling, and swirl together using the tip of a knife. Bake at 325 F. for one hour and 20 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven, and cool to room temperature.

Cover and chill at least eight hours.

Garnish with fresh mango slices, berries or toasted coconut (optional).

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.

U.S. autism rate unchanged at 1 in 68 Kids: CDC

T

he autism rate among schoolaged children in the United States has held steady in recent years, but it's too early to determine whether rates are stabilizing, according to a federal government report released in April.

The autism rate was one in 68 children in 2012, the same as it was in 2010, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC gets its numbers from monitoring autism among 8-yearolds in 11 communities in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah and Wisconsin.

One expert has a theory as to why the numbers haven't budged since 2010.

"This probably reflects the fact that screening methods — which

have been implemented in pediatric primary care as well as in early childhood centers — are identifying the correct number of children," said Dr. Ron Marino, associate chair of pediatrics at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, Long Island region.

He believes that, prior to 2010, there was a "learning curve" among doctors when it came to properly diagnosing autism spectrum disorders.

Study: Teenage girls now try alcohol before boys do

drinking," she added.

Cheng also pointed to advertising that targets girls by promoting sweet, fruit-flavored drinks, such as wine coolers, which are popular among underage girls who drink.

Most strategies to curb underage drinking are aimed at boys, Cheng said. But given these new findings, more policies are needed to reduce underage drinking among girls, she said.

For the study, Cheng and her colleagues collected data on about 390,000 U.S. teens and young adults aged 12 to 24 who took part in government surveys on drug use and health from 2002 to 2013.

The researchers found that in mid-adolescence, girls are more likely to start drinking than boys. After age 19, boys went on to drink more

than girls, the researchers added.

However, a 2015 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found adult women are catching up to men when it comes to using and abusing alcohol.

"We found that over that period of time, differences in measures such as current drinking, number of drinking days per month, reaching criteria for an alcohol use disorder and driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year, all narrowed for females and males," report author Aaron White, senior scientific adviser to the director of the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, said at the time.

"Males still consume more alcohol, but the differences between men and women are diminishing," White added.

KIDS Corner

When it comes to drinking, gender gap disappearing, experts say

I

t's probably not a milestone that will do many feminists proud, but teenage girls in the United States now start to drink alcohol sooner than boys do, a new study shows.

"This is becoming a public health issue," said lead researcher, physician Hui Cheng, an adjunct assistant professor at Michigan State University.

"We really don't know why girls are surpassing boys — that's the next Page 12

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question we want to answer," she said.

Among the possible explanations, according to Cheng: drinking has become more socially acceptable.

Also, because girls typically reach puberty sooner, some start engaging in risky behaviors such as drinking earlier. It might also be that younger girls are spending time with older boys, "so there is more exposure to

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

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

VA privatization?

Recent problems within the VA healthcare system have prompted a special VA commission to consider allowing vets to receive their care at private facilities while the VA begins to close their own hospitals, beginning with the obsolete and little used. Several veteran’s groups have expressed opposition to the proposal saying their opinions have neither been considered nor solicited. The VA operates 150 medical centers and 1,400 outpatient clinics, employs 53,000 licensed professional and cares for 8.3 million vets.

NYS mergers driving up prices

A study by the conservative think tank, the Manhattan Institute, concludes that the 100-plus hospital mergers in NYS have served to only increase costs and decrease competition with no perceptible increase in quality. The institute recommends greater price transparency among hospitals and the establishment of a commission mandated to monitor healthcare consolidation and costs. Mergers that result in price increases would be subject to antitrust litigation.

Accounting firm PWC agrees.

According to its market analysis that included 5,600 hospitals, bigger hospitals have obvious economies of scale advantages over small hospitals; but it doesn’t carry over (so far) when these hospitals merge.

Hospital mergers have not resulted in noteworthy cost savings or improved quality.

Cyber-attacks

The hacking of healthcare data is becoming more frequent and sophisticated. Most of the attacks come from Russia, China and Eastern Europe. Hackers are looking for protected health information and medical technology intellectual property to sell on the black market.

“Ransomware” is designed to destroy backup files and databases unless the victim pays a ransom to have their data unlocked. The FBI is encouraging victims not to pay the ransom as to do so would only encourage the hackers. The defenses against these attacks are costing the healthcare industry billions.

MD assisted suicide

California is moving toward legalizing physician-assisted suicide for the terminally ill. It’s already legal in Washington, Montana and Vermont. Of course, the eventuality of California entering the market has prompted the manufacturer of Seconal, developed over 80 years ago, to gouge the public. In 2009, a lethal dose of Seconal cost about $200. Valeant Pharmaceuticals has raised the price to $3,000.

health insurance. According to the Congressional Budget Office, 57 percent of Americans, about 155 million, will still get insurance through their employer this year. The CBO predicts this will drop slightly to 152 million in three years, but then remain stable through 2026.

The main reason for this stability is probably employees have come to expect coverage through their employer.

Controlling drug prices

In an effort to control spiraling drug prices, Medicare is trialing a new payment model whereby physicians who prescribe drugs that are cheaper but equally effective as the higher priced options will be rewarded. The thought is to have both the physician and patient do the math. Physicians are still free to prescribe the most expensive drug if they truly believe it is in their patient’s best interest.

War on cancer

Employer-sponsored insurance

Many thought the ACA would cause a decline in business-sponsored

percent; leukemia, 15 percent; lung, 24 percent; kidney, 12 percent; liver, 70 percent; oral, 29 percent; pancreatic, 3 percent; stomach, 47 percent; thyroid, 25 percent; brain, 10 percent.

Measuring and reporting “quality” is expensive

Your physician spends about $40,000 a year in staff time and money just to measure progress against several quality measures imposed by Medicare and commercial payers. Many are calling into question the return on investment when it comes to value based payment. What it costs a physician to comply and report almost negates any increased payment or rewards for meeting quality metrics. While measuring and rewarding quality is a laudable goal, the inefficiency in collecting and reporting the data clearly contributes to the negative attitude in the medical profession toward the whole concept.

This is one war we are actually winning. Cancer related deaths have decreased from 215 per 100,000 deaths in 1990 to 166 per 100,000 deaths in 2012. That is a 23 percent decrease in just 22 years. Cancer mortality has dropped across the board for all cancers. Since 1990: breast, 36 percent; prostate, 50 percent; colorectal, 39 percent; nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, 28 percent; ovarian, 22 percent; cervical, 34

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

To reach him, email gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

NOT TAKING YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS AS DIRECTED?

YOU’RE TAKING

A CHANCE.

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

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

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May 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 13

Meet

Your Doctor

By Lou Sorendo

Cardiothoracic expert takes leadership role at MVHS Continued from Page 4 gery is critical to the health system.

Also, we were sending some of our higher-risk patients out and I didn’t see any reason for that; we are truly a tertiary heart hospital. My goal is to make sure every patient in this area can be treated here and we’ve been pretty successful with that.

We really don’t send too many patients away from here and feel we can handle pretty much any situation and any kind of cardiac or thoracic problem. In addition, I have been involved in new, innovative procedures that we have introduced this year.

We now feature a procedure that is a combination of both cardiology and thoracic medicine.

We are now doing some valve replacements using the percutaneous method, which is a new and innovative method for the treatment of aortic stenosis. We can actually put a new heart valve in without opening the chest. This is all done under the umbrella of the heart institute, and we have been very successful in creating a team that works in a collaborative fashion to provide this service.

Q.: What does it take to be an effective cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon? What skill sets are needed in order to master the practice?

A.: There are a lot of specialties we consider cerebral, and a lot we consider technical. But I think cardiac and thoracic really combine the two.

You have to be a pretty good technician. I always tell my patients, “I’m just a fancy plumber.” There is a lot to the so-called 10,000 hours to get good at what we do.

There are a lot of technical things and a lot of procedural things to learn and perfect. At the same time, it’s very cerebral because you need to know when to do these operations, on what patients to do them, and just as important, when we shouldn’t be doing it. Once we do an operation, there also is critical care to get patients through the operation. I think it’s a full spectrum of patient care, which our specialty allows for.

Some specialties may be more technical and they don’t need to do as much patient care. Obviously, there are a lot of medical specialties where it is all about taking care of patients and you don’t need to have a lot of procedures involved. I think in our specialty, we really encompass both ends, from preoperative care, to surgical care to post-operative care.

Q.: What are some of the more gratifying aspects of your profession? What do you enjoy the most about your job?

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A.: We do make a difference in these patients’ lives, and many have symptoms, and after operating on them, the symptoms go away. That’s really gratifying, particularly in this community, where some of the patients are uninsured. I like helping these patients who really sometimes found it hard to find care. This hospital system works very hard at ensuring everyone in the community has access to good healthcare.

I also like the team aspect of what I do. One of my strengths has always been team building. To do heart surgery requires a real extensive team, and I am just a little piece of the puzzle. I think a good, successful program really needs a cohesive team to make it work. I really enjoy that part of it, and most people say I do a pretty good job at it.

Q.: What are some of the foremost challenges you face as a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon?

A.: They are the same challenges that medicine faces every day. It’s getting harder and harder for us to provide care. Economics plays an important role. The Mohawk Valley Heart Institute has earned the Excellus BlueCross/BlueShield Blue Distinction Center for cardiac care.

Basically, the concept is we provide good care at good cost, which is our goal.

We don’t have a blank check, but we still want to provide as good of care as we can, but that’s a challenge.

We always have to weigh the cost and efficacy and it’s getting more challenging on every level of health care. I think this is challenging in a poorer community where patients have less general health care prior to a major illness and may be getting to us sicker.

Q.: What can people do to improve or maintain their own cardiovascular and thoracic health?

A.: It’s pretty simple. No. 1 is don’t smoke. No. 2 is taking a look at yourself and if you are fortunate enough to know your parents, and if you’re parents had heart disease or heart issues, you got a high likelihood to have some no matter what you do.

It’s important to be extra careful and perhaps get some medical care earlier in your life. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you really want to make sure you manage and take care of that.

There are also general lifestyle things, such as getting your basic exercise. It sounds cliché, but is so true.

If you stop smoking, eat a sensible diet, and walk three times a week, you’re probably going to add a lot of years to your life.

By Jim Miller

Booster shots for seniors Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 65 and would like to find out what types of vaccinations are recommended to Medicare beneficiaries, and how they are covered.

Health Conscious Dear Conscious, Most people think that vaccinations are just for kids, but adults, especially seniors who tend to have weaker immune systems, need their shots too. Here’s a rundown of what vaccines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend for seniors 65 and older, and how they’re covered by Medicare.

Flu (Influenza): While you probably already know that flu shots are recommended every fall to all seniors, you may not know that those over 65 also have the option of getting a high-dose flu vaccine instead of a regular flu shot. This vaccine — known as the Fluzone High-Dose — has four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot does, which creates a stronger immune response for better protection. All annual flu shots are covered under Medicare Part B. Td/Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis): A one-time dose of the Tdap vaccine, which covers tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) is recommended to all adults. If you’ve already had a Tdap shot, you should return to getting a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster shot every 10 years. All Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover these vaccinations.

Pneumococcal: This vaccine protects against pneumonia, which kills about 50,000 Americans each year. It’s now recommended that all seniors, 65 or older, get two separate vaccines — Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23 — at different times. Medicare Part B covers both shots if they are taken at least 11 months apart.

Shingles (zoster): Caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, shingles is a painful, blistering skin rash that affects more than 1 million Americans each year. All people

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

over age 60 should get the Zostavax vaccine, even if they’ve had shingles before. All Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover this one-time vaccination, but coverage amounts and reimbursement rules vary depending on where the shot is given.

Check your plan.

Varicella (chickenpox): If you’ve never had the chicken pox, this two-dose vaccine (called Varivax) is recommended to adults, and is also covered by Medicare Part D plans.

Hepatitis A: This is a two-dose series of shots recommended to adults that have chronic liver disease, a clotting-factor disorder, have samesex male partners, illicit injectable drug use, or who have close contact with a hepatitis A-infected individual or who travel to areas with a high incidence of hepatitis A. These shots are covered by Medicare Part D drug plans.

Hepatitis B: This three-dose series is recommended to adults who are on dialysis, have renal disease or liver disease, are sexually active with more than one partner, have a sexually transmitted disease or HIV. These vaccinations are covered under Medicare Part B. Meningococcal: Adults 56 and older, who have had their spleen removed, have certain blood deficiencies or plan to travel to parts of the world where meningitis is common, should receive the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine. This is covered by Medicare Part D. To help you get a handle on which vaccines are appropriate for you, take the CDC’s “What Vaccines Do You Need?” quiz at www2.cdc. gov/nip/adultimmsched. Also, talk to your doctor during your next visit about what vaccinations you should get.

If you can’t remember which vaccines you’ve already had, check with your past doctors to see if they have any records, or contact your state’s health department. Some agencies have vaccination registries (see vaccineinformation.org/state-immunization-programs) that may help you.

If you can’t locate your records, your doctor can give you blood tests to see if you’re immune to certain vaccine-preventable diseases.

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.

M A Y

I S

S T R O K E

A W A R E N E S S

M O N T H

Stroke. When every moment matters, say “Take me to Crouse.”

Is it a stroke? Check these signs FAST: Face: Does the face look uneven? Ask the person to smile.

Arm: Does one arm drift down? Ask the person to raise both arms.

Speech: Does the person’s speech sound strange? Ask the person to repeat a phrase.

Time: Every second, brain cells die. CALL 911 at any sign of a stroke.

crouse.org/stroke

Where there’s smoke …

Quitting tobacco not an easy task, but it can be overcome

By Barbara Pierce

Y

ou smoke. Yes, you know it’s bad for you. You’ve heard it all a million times.

One out of three smokers will die at an early age. Lung cancer kills fast; going through lung cancer is a pretty awful experience, even if you don’t die.

You could have a heart attack.

You’re at risk of getting lung disease that makes it hard to breathe.

You could be one of those people walking around the supermarket with a tube coming out of their nose trailing an oxygen tank, or one of those Delia who has to speak through a tracheotomy in their throat.

Men who smoke suffer from erectile dysfunction, studies show, and smoking causes sagging breasts in women. It also makes it more likely your baby will be born with a birth defect. It also makes puffy dark circles under your eyes and causes wrinkles.

You probably have your own list of reasons why you should quit.

Maybe they include some of the above reasons, maybe because of your kids, your partner, or whatever.

You’ve probably thought about quitting. Maybe even tried.

Recognize that you are addicted to nicotine. Understanding this is the crucial first step. “Accept that you are an addict and that your ‘sobriety’ is something you will have to cling to with determination,” said Dear Abby in recent advice to a smoker desperate to quit.

To quit, you need to realize that you want something else more than you want to smoke. You know your life would change for the better without cigarettes. Identify what it is that you want more than you want to smoke.

It’s hard to quit — nicotine is addictive. Most people try to quit six to nine times before they succeed.

When you smoke, nicotine goes from

your cigarette into your brain in 10-to-20 seconds. Nicotine attaches to nicotine receptors in the brain, and that sends a message to release a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine provides a feeling of pleasure.

But it doesn’t last long. That’s why your body craves more nicotine and why nicotine addiction is difficult to break.

What is the best way to quit?

“Whatever works for you,” said Amy Delia, communications director for the American Cancer Society in Syracuse. “There are several ways to quit.”

“It’s a very personal thing,” she said. “Some people have success with cold turkey; others have success with the gum; others with a nicotine patch.”

use the resources available.”

Addiction to smoking is both mental and physical. For most people, the best way to quit is a combination of treatment and support.

Smokers have more tools than ever to help quit smoking for good.

Talk with your doctor about the right treatment option for you.

As the nicotine in cigarettes leads to physical dependency, this will probably cause unpleasant with-

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Cold turkey style

In a recent study in England, British scientists reported that quitting cold turkey is the best way to quit smoking. “Quitting smoking abruptly is more likely to lead to lasting abstinence than cutting down first, even for smokers who initially prefer to quit by gradual reduction,” the scientists wrote.

Delia doesn’t agree: “While cold turkey does work for some, others need more help. The important thing for smokers who wish to quit is to make a quit plan and stick to it. And for many folks, it may take more than one quit attempt. Stick with it and

drawal symptoms when you quit.

Nicotine replacement therapy gives you nicotine — in the form of gum, patches, sprays, inhalers, or lozenges — that can help relieve some of the withdrawal symptoms. Studies show using nicotine replacement therapy nearly doubles your chances of successfully quitting.

New York State Smokers Quitline offers free nicotine patches, said Delia. See its website at nysmokefree. com or call 866-697-8487. It offers great resources, support and more.

Many former smokers say the support of family and friends was important as they quit. Tell your friends about your plans to quit. Try to spend time with non-smokers and ex-smokers who support your efforts to quit. Talk with them about what you need — for instance, patience as you go through cravings and plans for doing things in smoke-free settings. Find out what you can count on each friend or family member to do.

For more information, contact Peter Cittadino, American Cancer Society of the Mohawk Valley, at 315724-8126, ext. 213. An ACS link for help in quitting smoking: http://www.cancer.org/ healthy/stayawayfromtobacco/index.

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May 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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H ealth News MVHS names senior VP/CMO Michael F. Trevisani has been named senior vice president-chief medical officer for the Mohawk Valley Health System, serving as medical director for both Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

In this role, Trevisani is responsible for overseeing the medical staffs of FSLH and SEMC, credentialing, the medical staff office, family medicine residency program, dental residency program, palliative care and medical libraries.

He will be inTrevisani volved in the quality of medical care delivered as well as responsible for driving quality and safety initiatives throughout MVHS. Trevisani will also work directly with department chairpeople, director of contracted medical groups and hospital-based physicians to coordinate patient care and safety efficiently.

Since January 2014, Trevisani has held the position of senior VP-CMO for FSLH. Prior to that, he served as VP of medical affairs/CMO at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich and UHS Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton.

Trevisani received his bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College in Clinton and earned his Doctor of Medicine from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

Trevisani is a fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery and the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is board certified by the American College of Physician Executives and is a member of the Iroquois CMO Group.

Yoss received his medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla, and completed an internship-residency and fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. He is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary diseases and critical care medicine.

Yoss is a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and a fellow in the American College of Chest Physicians.

MVHS names Sodexo general manager Catherine Callanan has been named Sodexo’s general manager for support services at the Mohawk Valley Health System.

Callanan has been an employee at Sodexo for 25 years and has extensive leadership experience in food and nutrition, housekeeping, transport services and with the Callanan Service Response Center.

Prior to joining MVHS, Callanan was a multi-service general manager at St. Peter’s Health System in Albany, most recently at the Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schenectady.

Callanan earned her associate’s degree in hotel and restaurant management at the SUNY Delhi in Delhi and her Bachelor of Science degree in food and beverage management at Johnson & Wales College in Providence, R.I. She has gained certification through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and by ServSafe, a food and beverage safety training and certificate program administered by the National Restaurant Association.

MVHS names senior VP of FSLH names director of quality volunteers Eric Yoss, a specialist in pulmon-

ology and critical care medicine, has been named senior vice president of quality at the Mohawk Valley Health System.

In this position, he is responsible for overseeing and coordinating various quality programs at MVHS. Yoss has served on the St. Elizabeth Medical Center medical staff since the early Yoss 1990s, including as its president and secretary-treasurer. He has been associated with Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates of New Hartford since 1988 and has served as medical director of respiratory care and of the intensive care unit at SEMC and as medical director of critical care services at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare.

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Delta Rubsamen, has been named director of volunteers for Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica.

In this role, she will oversee all volunteer activities at the Faxton and St. Luke’s campuses, as well as the Center for Rehabilitation and Rubsamen Continuing Care Services. She will also support the Faxton St. Luke’s Volunteer Association and its board of directors.

Rubsamen has been employed at FSLH since 2015 as the volunteer services coordinator. Prior to joining FSLH, Rubsamen worked as an interior design independent contractor in New Hartford.

She received her Bachelor of Arts

Herkimer BOCES adult LPN students stepping up from current healthcare jobs The Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES adult practical nursing program recently recognized students who are stepping up within the healthcare industry from their current jobs to become licensed practical nurses through the Herkimer BOCES program. “People get into healthcare, and they want to further their education, and this is a way to do it while they work,” said Sara Nicolette, Herkimer BOCES nursing program coordinator. Pictured from left are Jessica Loucks of Utica, a ward clerk who is in the part-time day class; Jean Blades of Burlington Flats, a hospital aide who is in the full-time class; and Cornelia McGuilvory, a certified nursing assistant who is in the full-time class. Loucks and McGuilvory work full time and Blades works as a per diem aide. The application process and testing for the September 2016 fulltime, part-time day and part-time evening classes have begun. For more information on the Herkimer BOCES adult practical nursing program, call 315-895-2210 or visit lpn.herkimerboces.schoolfusion.us. degree in psychology from Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pa., and her Master of Science in interior design from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa.

MVHS names VP of operations Shannon Mathewson has been named vice president of operations at the Mohawk Valley Health System.

In this role, she will assume responsibilities for the pharmacy, rehabilitation services, respiratory care, imaging services, the Mohawk Mathewson Valley Sleep Disorders Center and advanced wound care.

Mathewson has been employed at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare since 1996 and served as director of operations for the MVHS medical group since May 2007.

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

She accepted additional responsibilities as the delivery system reform incentive payment program coordinator in September 2015.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in health services administration from Ithaca College, her Master of Business Administration from SUNY Institute of Technology in Utica, and has also earned certification from the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a patient-centered medical home content expert.

Vascular access nurses earn certification Two registered nurses and vascular access specialists at the Mohawk Valley Health System have recently received certification within their specialty area.

As vascular access board-certified professionals, these nurses have demonstrated mastery of specialized knowledge by meeting criteria and passing an examination offered by the Vascular Access Certification Corporation, the credentialing arm of the

Continued on Page 17

H ealth News Continued from Page 16 Association for Vascular Access.

Vascular access specialists assess patients, provide vascular insertion services for inpatients and outpatients, and educate staff and patients throughout the organization about best practices in vascular access.

• Robyn Foster is a 2002 graduate of Mohawk Valley Community College where she earned her Associate in Applied Science nursing degree. She spent the first 10 years of her career at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare as an oncology nurse before transitioning into her role within the vascular access department where she has remained for the last four years.

• John (Jack) Ward is a 1994 graduate of St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing where he received his Associate in Applied Science degree. He spent many years employed at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in the Ward intensive care unit before transitioning into his role within the vascular access department in 2009.

Nephrologist joins medical staffs Isha Gupta, a nephrologist affiliated with Kidney and Hypertension Consultants, has joined the medical staffs of St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica.

She has privileges at both SEMC and FSLH, which are affiliated under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

Gupta reGupta ceived her Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Medicine from B.J. Medical College in Pune, India.

She completed her internal medicine residency at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University and her nephrology fellowship training at Mount Sinai-St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Health System, both in New York City.

She is board-certified in internal medicine and is a member of the American Medical Association, American Society of Nephrology and the Medical Council of India.

Gupta is located at Kidney and Hypertension Consultants, 1450 Champlin Ave., Utica.

Insight House adds counseling staff Sonya Merkle, Amber Difillippo, Stephanie Morehouse, Jamel Moyer and Richard Weston have joined

Insight House Chemical Dependency Services, Inc. as chemical dependency counselors.

Their duties will include providing group, individual and family clinical services.

Merkle, of Canastota, has an Associate of Applied Science degree in computer science from SUNY Morrisville Merkle and a bachelor’s degree in human services and addictions from SUNY Empire State College.

DiFillippo resides in Little Falls and has an Associate of Applied Science degree in occupational studies and alcohol and drug counseling from ICDC College.

Morehouse has an Associate of Applied Science DiFillippo degree in business management from Herkimer County Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in human services-psychology from SUNY Empire State College, and a Master of Arts degree in clinical mental health counseling from Medaille College in Buffalo.

Moyer has a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Utica College. He resides in Utica.

Weston, of Vernon, has Associate of Applied Science degrees in human services and as a chemical dependency practitioner from Mohawk Valley Community College.

RMH unveils ‘patient access’ department Patient access representatives are now assisting Rome Memorial Hospital patients registering for inpatient and outpatient services.

“We have changed the name of the patient registration/admissions department to the patient access department,” said director Nicholeen Shoemaker.

The patient access department connects with every patient that comes through the hospital’s doors.

“From your first encounter with a representative at the information desk, to scheduling, pre-admissions and admissions for any of our services, our department is your access to care,” Shoemaker said. “The new name better reflects the role this department plays in assuring continuity of care for patients when using our hospital and satellite offices for their health care needs.”

“Our patient access department representatives are trained to make your admission process as comfortable as possible for you,” Shoemaker added. “Necessary medical, demographic and financial information for your admission and access to

Hopping down the St. Johnsville bunny trail The St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center recently held its inaugural community-resident/family and staff Easter egg hunt, welcoming in over 50 children and approximately 100 people. The children had age categories for hunting for eggs, and had pictures with the Easter Bunny with the help of activity staff serving root beer floats to everyone. Joining in the excitement with the Easter Bunny are from left, Kiley Felshaw and Mabel “Bonnie” Wadsworth. hospital services is entered into your medical record in the patient access department. The representatives are responsible for making sure your information is accurate, complete and confidential.”

Patient access representatives can help you gain access to portions of your online medical record through the RMH patient portal. The portal provides patients with free personalized and secure online access to portions of their medical records related to their hospital stay or emergency department visit at RMH. For additional information, call 338-7000 or stop at the information desk off the main lobby and a patient access representative will provide directions.

Smart Woman Award recipient selected Maureen Roe has been selected as the recipient of Rome Hospital Foundation’s 2016 Smart Woman Award.

The Smart Woman Award is presented to “someone who shines inside and out — a woman who acts and speaks with kindness, grace and elegance and a woman who gives of

May 2016 •

herself to the community,” according to the foundation.

Roe was described in her nomination as honest, generous and compassionate. According to her nominator, she “approaches all she does with creative vision and limitless energy.

When Maureen becomes involved in a cause, she is completely dedicated to it.”

Roe will be presented the award at Rome Roe Hospital Foundation’s Fashion Show.

The show, presented by Mohawk Valley Women’s Health Associates, will take place at 6 p.m. May 20 at Teugega Country Club, Rome.

Roe has had a successful career as a physical therapist for the past 47 years and was a partner in Trinity Consulting Service. She is actively involved with volunteering at Rome Memorial Hospital and is a member of Palm Twig and served as past

Continued on Page 18

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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H ealth News Continued from Page 17 president of the General Twig.

Roe serves on the board of directors for both the Rome Art and Community Center and the Rome Home.

She is also involved with the Rome Chamber of Commerce and Rome Chamber of Commerce Golf Committee. She has been a part of Rome Hospital Foundation’s Fashion Show planning for many years.

Reservations to the show in advance cost $45 per person or $50 at the door.

To make a reservation, call the foundation at 315-338-7181.

RMH moves lab collection site Rome Memorial Hospital has moved its lab collection site from Rome Medical Plaza, 1617 N. James St. to a new location at Chestnut Commons, 107 E. Chestnut St., Suite 102.

The move will enable the hospital to make better use of its resources while continuing to provide convenient access to routine and diagnostic testing services.

The new lab is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

“The new lab collection site is less than a block away from Rome Medical Plaza and offers plenty of parking, handicapped accessibility and a comfortable, spacious waiting area,” said director of laboratory services Amber Cuthbertson. “Anyone with a physician’s order can use the new Chestnut Commons location for blood work and other lab tests.”

In addition to Chestnut Commons, Rome Memorial Hospital has lab collection sites in Rome, Boonville and Camden for patients’ convenience.

With the hospital’s new secure patient portal, patients can access their test results online by providing a valid email address at registration during their visit.

Patients will receive a personalized invitation via email to verify their identity and create an account.

Through the portal, patients can also access medical imaging results and portions of their medical record if they are hospitalized or visit the emergency department.

RMH administrator selected for honor Rena Hughes, assistant director of rehab therapy services at Rome Memorial Hospital, has been selected as a 2016 Leadership Mohawk Valley “Follow the Leader” honoree.

Each year, Leadership Mohawk Valley selects eight local leaders and two Hughes businesses from among graduates of its business development program to honor Page 18

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with this award. Those selected are individuals and companies in the Mohawk Valley who are making significant contributions to the Leadership Mohawk Valley group and who personify its mission of developing community growth and excellence.

Her supervisor, Manon Gouse, director of therapy services at RMH, nominated Hughes.

“Rena has natural leadership skills which have enabled her to transition easily from staff physical therapist to the role of assistant director of rehab therapy services,” Gouse said. “Even in a leadership role, she is a team player who recognizes the contributions of others and works collaboratively to produce the best solutions to any problem.”

Hughes joined RMH’s staff in May 2009, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation services at Chestnut Commons Physical Therapy, 107 E. Chestnut St., Rome.

A 2014 graduate of Leadership Mohawk Valley, Hughes also joined its board in 2014.

Hughes and her husband Dave are the parents of a son, Tyler, and a daughter, Addison.

Lead-Free MV Coalition sets strategies The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties recently held the first meeting of the LeadFree MV Coalition, bringing together key partners from Herkimer and Oneida counties to address childhood lead poisoning.

The coalition launch is part of the foundation’s $1 million commitment to address the problem, prompted by Oneida County’s incidence of childhood lead poisoning that is among the highest in the state.

“The foundation’s goal goes beyond just mitigating lead poisoning in our communities. We want to identify and eradicate the root cause of the issue,” said Alicia Dicks, foundation president and CEO. In January, the foundation announced a $1 million, three-year investment aimed at eradicating childhood lead poisoning in Herkimer and Oneida counties by 2030.

The foundation-led coalition includes representatives from public health, local government, legal, insurance, healthcare, education, childcare, construction and support services constituencies.

The group plans to meet monthly and will focus on the elimination of lead hazards in pre-1978 housing, as well as expanding testing and community awareness of the problem. Efforts will range from direct outreach and education to strengthening legislation related to property maintenance.

For information about Lead-Free MV, call 315-735-8212 or visit www. leadfreemv.org.

UCP fund raises for stricken family Upstate Cerebral Palsy has created a special fund in memory of Zoey

The MVHS Cancer Center’s 2016 Stomp Out Cancer Telethon raises more than $96,500 The Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Foundation and the Mohawk Valley Health System Cancer Center’s annual Stomp Out Cancer Telethon raised more than $96,500. The telethon was broadcast live from the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services on the St. Luke’s Campus of the MVHS. Above, Daniel Foster, center, and his granddaughter, Braelyn Foster, present a check for $2,000 on behalf of People Against Cancer to Symeon Tsoupelis, telethon co-host, during the telethon. Funds from the telethon will help enhance the Imaging Center at MVHS with lifesaving 3D mammography technology. “A 3D mammography machine will benefit our community,” said Laura Borgos, breast surgeon and director of the breast program at MVHS. “It has been shown to increase detection of small tumors, reduce call back appointments, and provide better imaging for women with dense breast tissue. It is quickly becoming the standard in mammography.”

Brown, the 8-year-old girl who was tragically killed in a house fire recently in Vernon.

Brown had received services from UCP throughout her life and was a student at the Tradewinds Education Center in Utica.

“The Brown family is a part of the family at Upstate Cerebral Palsy, said Louis B. Tehan, president and CEO. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred and will miss Zoey terribly.”

Those who would like to contribute to “Zoey’s Fund” and help her family through this devastating time can visit upstatecp.org under ways to give, where a section on special funds is featured.

For more information or to donate, contact Kathy Hartnett at 724-6907, ext. 2308 or kathy.hartnett@ upstatecp.org.

SDMG courier honored for years of service Slocum-Dickson Medical Group in New Hartford recently recognized Wayne Turkowski, the group’s couri-

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

er, for his 25 years of service.

A celebratory breakfast for all employees was held on recently in his honor.

Turkowski has been a member of the maintenance department at SDMG since joining the group in April of 1991.

As the courier, he is responsible for delivering Turkowski physician hospital orders each day in a timely manner and also making pick-ups and deliveries to various businesses and offices throughout the area.

“He is always willing to help out when needed and is sometimes called on to do outside maintenance work, such as mowing and shoveling,” an SDMG spokesperson said.

“He has proven to be a true team player, always courteous to co-workers and patients alike. Over the past 25 years, Wayne has remained a faithful and dependable employee.”

Health CALENDAR of in good

HEALTH EVENTS

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

Continued from Page 2 State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, New York State Preparedness Training Center, Oriskany.

The event, hosted by the Employment Solutions Department at The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, is geared toward students, both disabled and non-disabled, who would like to find a career path that may or may not include post-secondary education requirements.

Additionally, representatives will be on hand from Mohawk Valley Community College, Herkimer College, Munson-Williams Proctor Arts Institute, and the CollegeWorks program, a two-year college program offered by The Arc, for those interested in continuing their education.

The career day is free and open to all area high school students, with no pre-registration required.

Those looking for more information or businesses that want to inquire about hosting a booth at the event are encouraged to contact Brandi McCanney, Arc school-to-work manager, at 315-272-1693.

May 7

Walk for Wanda event scheduled Join Herkimer County HealthNet and volunteers at the third annual Walk for Wanda three-mile walk set for May 7.

The walk is in memory of Wanda Gifford, lifelong resident of Herkimer County, who passed away in 2014 from complications due to diabetes.

Gifford worked with various local realtors for over 20 years as a real estate agent in the Herkimer County area.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Herkimer County HealthNet Type 2 diabetes prevention activities for Herkimer County residents.

The walk will start at 10 a.m.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and will proceed around the Little Falls High School track, 1 High School Road, Little Falls.

Participants can register for the Walk for Wanda fundraiser by downloading a pledge form at www. herkimerhealthnet.com.

There is no minimum amount for registration. Donations may also be made through HealthNet’s website.

For more information, call Althea Noyes, Walk for Wanda chairperson, at 315-823-4523 or HealthNet at 315867-1552.

HealthNet employees are also available to answer questions about activities that are offered for diabetes prevention.

Herkimer County HealthNet is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation whose mission is to improve the health and

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well-being of individuals who live, work, play, and learn in Herkimer County.

May 9

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.

May 9.

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.

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

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

The program will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. May 10 in Weaver Lounge at the Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica.

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

According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million Americans have CKD and millions of others are at risk for developing the disease. Early detection and intervention help to prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure, known as end stage renal disease.

May 20

Fashion Show to benefit Rome Memorial Rome Hospital Foundation’s Fashion Show kicks off the 2016 event series on May 20.

More than 30 models comprised of community members and Rome Memorial Hospital employees will walk the runway displaying more than 50 different looks of this year’s most current fashion trends.

Rome Hospital Foundation’s Fashion Show is presented by Mohawk Valley Women’s Health Associates, a leader of women’s health services in the area. The event will

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take place from 6-10 p.m. at Teugega Country Club.

Proceeds from the show are used to support women’s health services at RMH. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. and models take to the runway at 7 p.m.

Prior to the runway event, the Smart Woman Award will be presented to this year’s recipient, Maureen Roe. Tickets can be purchased for $45 in advance or $50 at the door.

For more information about Rome Hospital Foundation or to make a reservation, visit www.romehospital.org/Fashion_Show.aspx, email foundation@romehospital.org or call 315-338-7181.

May 2016 •

Mohawk Valley In Good Health newspaper is recruiting drivers to help distribute its popular monthly publication.

The job entails delivering 20-lb. bundles of IGH to various dropoff sites in largely commercial districts. Individual must be hard-working, honest, have a dependable vehicle and be able to lift 20-lb. bundles and walk up stairs.

Interested? Contact Alice at 749-7070. The job pays $9 an hour plus mileage.

May 21

After breast cancer support group to meet The After Breast Cancer Support Group will meet at 11 a.m. May 21 in the community room at the Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services on the St. Luke’s Campus, 1650 Champlin Ave., Utica.

Candace Correa, radiation oncologist, will lead the discussion on who should get chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

ABC Support Group meetings are free and open to the public and were created by women who have had breast cancer.

For more information or to RSVP, call 315-624-5764 or email cancerinfo@ mvhealthsystem.org.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 19

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Diet & Nutrition

Let it grow

Follow these helpful tips for a healthy, prosperous garden

By Deborah Dittner

I

t’s that time of year to begin preparation for the vegetable garden.

If you’re an avid gardener though, you’ve already been scouring seed catalogs and getting excited as to what you will be planting this season. Ordering seeds and seed potatoes has become a winter tradition.

Those of us living in the Northeast (Zone 5) must have patience.

Warm weather may be upon us but we can still have a heavy frost, so we need to prepare accordingly. One year, the weather from April into May was simply beautiful, so much so that I prepared the garden and was ready to go.

There was no sign of cold weather on the horizon so I decided to plant the entire garden one weekend early May. Well, guess what? Sadly, I lost the entire garden that year due to frost about a week later. Lesson learned.

No matter how beautiful and warm the weather becomes, be patient and wait for the no-frost promise later in May. Preparing the garden is an important project.

If you’ve never had a garden before, determining the location will determine its success. If the garden is located in the far back corner of your property, you may forget it’s out there or find it a pain to go to it. Choose a location you frequent whether that is the front yard (you’ll Page 20

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drive past it every day as you come home), at the back door, or near the patio. Another aspect to take into consideration is finding full sun for most of the day. Flowering vegetables — such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and beans — require at least six full hours of full sunlight daily.

Many herbs such as parsley and tarragon and leafy vegetables such as lettuce varieties and cabbage grow in part shade.

Set up your garden any way you choose, either in a four square pattern or rectangular. The layout needs to suit you and your current landscape. In planning the beds, you want to be sure you can comfortably reach to weed and harvest (about 2 feet) without stepping on and compacting the soil.

If the soil is rocky or clay-like, or if you’re looking to create more attractive beds, consider building raised beds. They provide structure to the landscape and indicate pathways.

Design the paths for easy access into the garden and wide enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow.

Dang varmints!

If you’re concerned about visitors to your garden such as deer, rabbits or dogs, consider building a fence, wall or hedge to create a sense of enclosure. Even though I had a fence, the deer would jump it. Frustrating!

They knew where the good stuff was located.

Attention to the soil is another important factor. To improve garden soil, add compost and organic matter to either new or existing beds.

This provides nutrients to the soil, stimulates soil microbes, improves drainage of clay soil, and maintains moisture in sandy soil. To help the soil and production, consider crop rotation. Plant the nightshade family — such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers — in a group.

The following year, rotate these to another bed.

Planting these vegetables in the same bed no more than once every three years will cut down on soilborne diseases. In between vegetable plants, consider planting annuals such as marigolds and zinnias to add color all season long.

A trellis can increase the planting area. Vegetables that can be trained

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

to grow up a trellis are peas, cucumbers, small squashes and gourds.

Annual vining flowers such as morning glories, beans and peas can cover fences and bamboo tepees. Adding a trellis not only adds space, but also adds depth and height, leaving more ground space for other vegetables and herbs.

The following link will help you in deciding what vegetables you would like to grow in your garden — www.almanac.com/content/vegetable-garden-planner.

Some of my favorites not only for eating but for ease in production are tomatoes, basil, potatoes, parsley, zucchini, sugar snap peas, eggplant, kale, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, cucumber, oregano, thyme and pumpkin.

Planting your own garden not only provides you and your family — and possibly neighbors and community — with whole nutrient dense food but also physical activity and soaking up Vitamin D. Gardening is very relaxing and considered a stress reliever. The benefits of growing a garden are bountiful.