Mv igh 127 sept16final

in good September 2016 • Issue 127 MVhealthnews.com

Wellness in the workplace leads to happier employees Page 13

Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

Keeping pets in prime shape

Consider these pet pointers See Page 5

Practice of yoga proves healing for addicts

Men’s Health

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Discover the wonders of nature by hiking in fall season Page 11

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free

Prepare your children for excellence See Page 9

Grapes

Nothing heralds the start of fall in Upstate New York quite like grapes­. Find out why you need to eat them.

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What do Americans fear the most?

The biggest fear many Americans have is blindness.

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September 2016 •

What’s your favorite pickup line?

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The power of touch Simple act of touching, hugging has farreaching implications for one’s health.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 1

CALENDAR of

“Folts and Claxton Manor are the trusting hand you are looking for with your loved ones.”

Whether you are looking for:

Short term in-patient or outpatient physical or occupational therapy Adult Day Services Respite Care Hospice Care Long-Term Care or Adult Care Living at Claxton for those who only need a small amount of assistance.

We are the people you can TRUST. Contact: Barbara McGregor Admissions/Marketing Director 104 N.Washington Street, Herkimer NY 13350 at 315-866-6964 ext. 317

School Breakfast is a great way for kids to energize their morning. Kids who eat a healthy breakfast are more attentive in class, have better memory recall, and perform better on standardized tests. Most schools offer either a free or an inexpensive, well-balanced breakfast to all students, that includes fruit, whole grains, and milk. If morning meals are difficult for your family, let the School Breakfast Program help you out!

SNAP is a great way for families to stretch their food budget! SNAP can help you buy the nutritious food you need to keep your family healthy.

For more information about school meals and/or for a free, confidential prescreening to find out if you or someone you know may be eligible for SNAP, or for SNAP application assistance, contact your Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) Coordinator today.

Maximum gross monthly income guidelines — Effective July 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016

Household Size 1 2 3 4 5

Under 60/Non-disabled Households

Under 60/Non-disabled Working Households

$1,276 $1,726 $2,177 $2,628 $3,078

Disabled, Senior (60+) or Working Families with Dependent Care Costs Households

$1,472 $1,992 $2,512 $3,032 $3,552

$1,962 $2,655 $3,348 $4,042 $4,735

Community Information Seminar:

Bariatric Surgery September 14 • 6 p.m.

Presented by

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

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

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 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 Wednesday in Room 101 (first floor) at Rome Page 2

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

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.

Sept. 1

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 Sept. 1.

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 non-profit 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.

Sept. 10

Parkinson’s Awareness Walk celebrates life Every year, members of the community come together for the Parkinson Awareness Walk on the Presbyterian Homes & Services campus Along with appeals for funding, the event brings together those living with Parkinson’s disease, their families and friends.

Proceeds from the 14th annual event, which takes place at 10 a.m.

Sept. 10 on the Presbyterian Homes & Services campus in New Hartford, go toward Parkinson’s-related programs throughout the campus.

The event features an approximately one-mile walk around the campus, along with free food and drinks, T-shirt, music, and residents cheering and waving as you go.

Pre-registration for this year’s walk will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 9 in the administration conference room at Presbyterian Home.

For more information, contact Lenora D’Apice, executive director of advancement, Presbyterian Homes Foundation, at ldapice@presbyterianhome.com or 315-272-2292.

Continued on Page 14

Reverse Boilermaker

Charity event becomes significant component of annual road race

By Patricia J. Malin

F

or the thousands of participants pounding the hot pavement during the Boilermaker Road Race, it’s hard to believe the race is about more than beer and sweat.

There is another component to the race weekend — raising funds for local charities.

The Boilermaker committee recently presented a total of $92,000 to 10 worthy organizations: The Root Farm, Make A Wish, Food Bank of CNY, Masonic Care Community, ARC of Onondaga County, United Cerebral Palsy, Veterans Outreach Center, Midtown Utica Community Center, Sitrin Healthcare Center and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Since 2013, the Boilermaker has raised nearly $500,000 through its charity bib program in which runners buy a race bib and raise funds for a specific nonprofit.

“To be able to maximize the Boilermaker name to support charitable agencies in our region is simply awesome,” said Tim Reed, president of the Boilermaker Road Race.

A total of 125 bibs were distributed to the 10 charities selected by the Boilermaker committee. The nonprofits sell each bib for a minimum pledge of $500. Each charity is limited to a maximum of 20 bibs.

David Ayoub was the top individual money raiser, generating over $12,000 for Make A Wish Foundation.

“I have been blessed with three healthy kids,” Ayoub said. “While granting wishes to children isn’t medical, there is no doubt kids feel better after having their wishes granted. For me, this is a labor of love.”

In addition, 2016 marked the first official “Reverse Boilermaker” run, an event started by the Mohawk Valley Hill Striders running club and now approved by the Boilermaker committee. It was held on the second Sunday of August, or one month after the original Boilermaker.

Revenue stream for charity

The “Rekamreliob“ (Boilermaker spelled in reverse as noted by Slave to the Traffic Light Running Magazine writer/blogger Jay Flemma) was held for the first time in 2015, and organized partly in jest. All runners

Oneida, Herkimer in good

start at the F.X. Matt Brewery on Court Street and end either at Murnane Field (3.5 miles) on Burrstone Road, the Parkway tennis courts (4.3 miles) or ECR International (the 15K) on Culver Avenue in east Utica.

This year, the goal of the reverse run was to raise funds for the charity bib program. The Hill Striders recently presented $250 checks apiece to the Veteran’s Outreach Center, the Midtown Utica Community Center and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Generosity abounds

There is no registration fee, and alas, no free Saranac beer either for the reverse run. But the participants —50 this year — were enthusiastic about donating to charity. They were “overwhelmingly generous,” said Joe Wilczynski, club president.

Wilczynski has participated in all 39 of the previous original Boilermakers, and both of the reverse runs. The latter is more difficult. It starts with an intimidating uphill on Court Street and includes a severe uphill near the Utica Zoo for those in the 15K, plus the city streets are not closed off, so runners have to observe traffic lights.

He said this year’s reverse race was coupled with hot and humid weather. He had a time of 93:00 in July’s 15K, but the reverse took him

and

Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper

Runners line up to participate in the Reverse Boilermaker held recently in Utica.

Madison

eight minutes longer.

Representatives from the Boilermaker Road Race, Smith Packing and the New York Beef Council presented a $1,211.68 check to the Food Bank of Central New York. These funds were raised during the hot dog sale at the Boilermaker Expo, the day before the

race.

On Sept. 9, some of the Striders will be participating in the second annual CNY Memorial Stair Climb at the New York State Office Building in downtown Utica. The event is not a race, but is meant to pay tribute to the first responders who sacrificed their lives trying to save others at the World Trade Center in New York City on 9/11.

Most climbers wear their personal protective equipment during the stair climb. They will climb the stairs three times, the equivalent of 110 floors at the WTC. All climbers wear the name and picture of a hero who died during the terrorist attack at Ground Zero and the collapse of the Twin Towers 15 years ago.

The entry fee for this event is $50 and all proceeds benefit charity.

In 2015, the beneficiaries were the Believe 271 Foundation, based in Whitesboro; the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Walk of Honor Project; and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

The CNY 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a sanctioned event of the Association of Memorial Stair Climbs, a 501(c)3 organization based in Overland Park, Kan.

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counties

A monthly newspaper published

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

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2016 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: 4 Riverside Drive, Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 • Phone: 315-749-7070 Email: lou@cnymail.com

Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Patricia Malin, Barbara Pierce, Kristen Raab, Deb Dittner Advertising: Donna Kimbrell Layout & Design: Eric J. Stevens Office Manager: Michelle Kingsley 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.

September 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Study: Pay gaps persist for female doctors

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emale doctors in the United States make much less than their male colleagues, a new study finds.

Researchers examined more than 3 million Medicare reimbursement claims received by doctors in 13 medical specialties in 2012. Overall, female doctors got $34,126 less than male doctors, the investigators found.

After the researchers adjusted for working hours, productivity and years of experience, they found that female doctors were reimbursed $18,677 less than their male colleagues.

The study found that the largest gender gaps were in nephrology ($16,689) and rheumatology ($15,405). The narrowest gaps were in hematology ($10,115), critical care ($4,360) and medical oncology ($3,971).

The study was published online Aug. 15 in the Postgraduate Medical Journal.

Tejas Desai of the division of nephrology at WG (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, N.C., and colleagues said their study does not explain why female doctors get paid less than males. But, they noted in a journal news release, the findings show that “the commonly held theories of why monetary disparities exist need to be revisited.”

Health Briefs Physical therapist joins Fitness Forum Kayla Perry recently joined Fitness Forum Physical Therapy’s Barneveld office.

Perry earned her Bachelor of Health Studies and Doctorate in Physical Therapy degrees from Utica College.

She has over four years experience working in outpatient orthopedic physical Perry therapy.

Perry has training in the McKenzie method of mechanical diagnosis and therapy for the spine and extremities.

She resides in Boonville with her family.

Story idea?

Call 749-7070 today!

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Lou Sorendo

Ankur Chawla

Ankur Chawla, a specialist in vascular surgery, has joined the Mohawk Valley Health System Medical Group’s new vascular surgery group office and has admitting privileges at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica.

Q.: How can people maintain their vascular health?

A.: The No. 1 thing people can do to maintain their cardiovascular health is to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is incredibly difficult to achieve. However, the health benefits of smoking cessation are dramatic.

Q.: Are medical school graduates choosing vascular surgery as their specialty or is there a shortage in the field?

A.: Within the last 10 years, there has been a change in how medical students can train to become vascular surgeons, which has led to a modest increase in the number of vascular surgeons that are being trained.

The field itself is relatively stable, although with the aging population, I would not be surprised if there is a shortage of vascular surgeons in the future.

Q.: What is your greatest source of job satisfaction?

A.: Traditional vascular surgical procedures were associated with prolonged hospital stays, high risk to the patient and long recovery periods. With the newest advances in minimally invasive vascular surgical procedures, I can perform these procedures with minimal hospital stays and fairly quick recovery periods.

Often patients have immediate improvement in their pain and symptoms. Seeing their rapid symptoms relieved is a great source of satisfaction for me.

Q.: What particular skill sets are needed in order to be a successful vascular surgeon?

A.: Having good judgment is paramount for success in vascular surgery. Often there are multiple treatment options — including medical and surgical therapy — for the same condition. Knowing which combination of therapies is best for each individual patient leads to optimal outcomes for the patient.

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

A.: The field of vascular surgery has undergone a revolution in the past 15 years. There has been a shift toward minimally invasive vascular surgical procedures that minimize the risk to the patient and allow faster recovery. However, I have the ability to decide which treatment options — medical and surgical treatment strategies — are best suited to the patient.

Q.: What are some of the more common illnesses and diseases that

you treat?

A.: The most common condition I treat is peripheral vascular disease.

Other common conditions I treat include carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm and varicose veins.

Q.: Why did you choose vascular

surgery as a specialty?

What motivated you to pursue this particular path?

A.: I had a particular affinity for anatomy class during my time in medical school. In vascular surgery, we are able to perform a variety of anatomic exposures and we are able to appreciate human anatomy in all areas of the body.

Q.: What do you enjoy most about the Mohawk Valley?

A.: The people of the Mohawk Valley. People in the Upstate New York region are genuine, honest and gracious.

I grew up in Rochester and have grown to appreciate this aspect of Upstate New York over the years, and want my two young children to grow up in a culture like this.

Q.: Why the choice of the MVHS Medical Group?

A.: I believe the future of medical care is the creation of multi-disciplinary groups that can provide efficient, all-inclusive health care to their patients. I believe the MVHS Medical Group is in the process of creating just that. The plans for building a brand new medical center with the latest technology is exciting and a unique opportunity for the area, and I am eager to be a part of its future.

Lifelines Birth date: May 17, 1978 Birthplace: Detroit, Mich.

Current residence: Manlius Education: Bachelor of Science degree in ecology and evolutionary biology, University of Rochester; medical degree, University of Rochester; general surgery residency, University of Rochester; vascular surgery fellowship, North Shore/Long Island Jewish Medical Center Personal: Married for eight years, two children Hobbies: Traveling; watching and playing a variety of sports

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

Pet Health

Pet Peeves Mistakes even the most loving pet owners make

By Barbara Pierce

Y her.

ou love your pet. You do everything for your cat or dog because of your love for him or

But could some of the ways you show your love actually be harmful to your pet?

Overfeeding

“Overfeeding is probably the most common mistake pet owners make regularly,” said Abby Regner, medical director at the New Hartford Animal Hospital.

Many pet owners feel that feeding their animals hardy meals, table scraps, and treats is a sign of love and caring. But overfeeding a cat or dog often leads to many health problems that can shorten or endanger their lives.

An overweight cat or dog is unhealthy. They have less energy and it’s harder for them to get around.

Obesity can lead to diabetes and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, which is quite painful for animals.

You can definitely increase the lifespan of your pet and directly improve the quality of their life by feeding them the right amount and type of food, Regner added.

Most household pets are much smaller than humans and therefore require far fewer calories. Sometimes this can look like “not a lot of food.”

Without using a measuring cup, it is easy to fill the bowl too full.

Determining how much to feed your pet depends on the type of food, how many times a day they eat, their size, their metabolic rate, and the amount of exercise they get.

Look at the feeding guide on the label. Unless stated otherwise, these amounts are the total for a 24-hour period. Most adult pets should eat twice a day (more for puppies and kittens), so you’ll need to divide the amount on the label by the number of meals you are offering.

And leaving the food bowl out all the time is the main reason pets become obese.

Also, many pet owners think: “If I eat it, my pet should eat it,” added Regner. This is not the case and often times leads to excessive calorie intake or even serious medical problems.

The food we eat does not meet their nutritional needs.

Use parasite preventives all year

“Another mistake even the most caring owners make is not using parasite preventives year-round,” continued Regner. “Parasites are in our environment everywhere we look.

They can lead to many illnesses that could have easily been prevented.”

Dogs that only go on the grass or

indoor cats are still prone to parasites — fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites. The cost of treating illness from parasites can be high. Also, some of these parasites can be transmitted to humans.

Check with your vet for recommendations on how best to protect your pet.

Consulting Google for medical advice

Consulting Google for medical advice is another common mistake, said Regner. “While Google is a great resource for many things, pet owners should always ask their veterinarian for medical advice. Every owner should feel comfortable calling their veterinarian at any time so they can be sure they are making safe decisions instead of potentially life threatening mistakes,” she said.

Doctors at New Hartford Animal Hospital provide 24-hour emergency services for their clients.

Purchasing pet medications

Another mistake is purchasing pet medications from a retail store, added Regner. “Your veterinarian knows best and should always be consulted before you purchase what may look like the same stuff he sells,” she said.

“There have been many illnesses, even deaths of pets, caused by copycat products or items that pet owners think will work the same way as the medications their veterinarian recommended,” she added.

Be sure to use only medications that your vet has prescribed for your pet. Just because you can buy it at a pharmacy doesn’t mean it is safe for your dog or cat.

Not using a leash

Not keeping your dog on a leash when you are walking is another common mistake. Even the best-behaved dog cannot be totally trusted.

He may catch a glimpse of a cat or a squirrel across the street and bolt.

Not all dogs are friendly with other dogs and one may be on top of your dog before you know what’s happening.

“We see many dog fights that are simply because two dogs were near each other without restraint and one or both felt threatened or scared,” said Regner.

Any time a dog is in public, it

should be on a non-retractable leash to help avoid injuries, even death, from these unwanted interactions.

“I also recommend fencing for all dog owners to keep those dogs that are off their leash from getting into your yard and harming your pet on your own property,” added Regner.

New Hartford Animal Hospital is the only veterinary hospital in the Mohawk Valley that is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association and the New York State Veterinary Medical Society.

For more information, see newhartfordanimalhospital.com/ or call 315-737-7387.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Pet Health Pet Projects

Having a pet in one’s life a fulfilling experience

By Kristen Raab

T

heir furry faces greet us when we arrive home.

Our sleep is either disrupted or made more peaceful by their snuggling. Our furry friends are a great benefit to our health and well being, so it is important that we take care of them. The happiness pets bring to our life is matched only by the pain and grief we experience when we lose them.

“They are a constant source of unconditional love,” said veterinarian Jessica Price-Seelow, who owns and operates Clinton Pet Vet on Dwight Avenue in Clinton.

Carissa Jones of Oriskany said her dog Bella completed her family.

This feeling is because Jones’ dog fits in with her lifestyle. It is important to pick the right pet.

Choosing the right pet

Price-Seelow recommends frequent travelers recognize that their pets require care, whether it be a kennel or a pet sitter.

The elderly may need assistance with pet care, so that must be factored into the decision. Small children need to be watched closely with pets. In addition, “Certain breeds are high energy and also very smart.

Those breeds need way more exercise than the lower- key dogs that are virtual couch potatoes,” Price-Seelow said.

“I am a big believer in rescue, especially senior rescue, so that is what I have been adopting lately,” she added.

Her choice gives older pets “a nice home for their golden years,” she noted.

Jones was unsure about how well Bella would get along with her oldest daughter Alexandra as well as future children. Terrier-poodle mixes are not always good with children, but Bella was wonderful with Jones’ four children, ranging in age from 2 to 14.

The house always had visitors, and Jones notes, “Everyone that met her knew she was special.” She greet-

ed guests, and promptly rolled over to receive belly rubs.

Of course, taking care of a pet is not always pleasant. They misbehave, have accidents, and sometimes destroy belongings. “Bella tested me like my human children, but regardless of how long I was angry, how long I was gone, she instantly had love for me,” she said.

Benefits for owners

Owning a pet means added benefits for his or her owner.

• Increased physical activity: Dogs are more apt to get people up and moving. Many pet owners walk or run with their dogs. They may also swim with them.

“Some people do harness-walk their cats or hike with them too,” Seelow-Price said.

• Improved health: “The act of simply petting a cat or dog’s fur will lower your blood pressure. The act of petting is calming in itself. Increased physical activity from dog walking can bring down one’s cholesterol,” she added.

Increased social interaction: “They soften the human-to-human interaction so people feel less hesitant to go up to one another,” Price-Seelow said. “I would be way more open to going up to a person that is holding a pet than a person that isn’t.”

Bella loved any person who came into the Jones’ home. During parties or other times when the house was filled with people, Bella would happily sit on the couch, allowing the less extroverted visitors to pet her.

While owning animals is beneficial, it also requires money and time.

Essential care

Yearly exams are necessary. Since the life spans of animals are shorter, medical conditions can creep up faster than a one-year span.

Older animals may even need an exam every six months. Rabies vaccines are required in New York state.

Price-Seelow recommends distemper vaccinations. Other

Bella vaccinations can be given according to a pet’s lifestyle, such as frequent traveling or boarding.

It is also important to save for emergency situations as these unplanned events can be quite costly.

Some pet owners may seek different health care options. Price-Seelow is certified in food therapy and Chinese herbal medicine.

Traditional and alternative holistic therapies can be beneficial.

“I practice acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and food therapy for pets. People look for alternative methods to treat things in their pets in addition to themselves,” she noted.

Losing a pet

“Everyone deals with pet loss differently,” Price-Seelow said.

She has known owners who grieve for a long time and wait years before getting a new pet.

Others cannot stand the loss and bring home a new pet right away.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. “Everyone is different and everyone needs to take his or her own degree of time to mourn,” she

said.

Jones knows the pain of losing a beloved pet. “I’m missing a piece of me forever,” she said.

Bella passed away recently after nearly 12 years of being part of the Jones’ family. “I feel blessed because my family got to experience the greatest dog of all time. There will never be another like her, and that’s OK, because Bella was Bella.”

At this point, Jones cannot imagine getting another dog as Bella was so special to the family.

Price-Seelow said people tend to see their animals as family members, and not just a pet.

When speaking of Bella, Jones said, “She was truly a companion, as dogs usually are, but she also was like my baby.”

The bond one feels with an animal is unforgettable.

“I couldn’t imagine my life without my pets. I look forward to my little pack greeting me at the back door when I come home,” Price-Seelow says.

Visit https://www.facebook. com/clintonpetvet/?fref=ts for more information about Clinton Pet Vet.

FDA bans e-cigarette sales to youths under 18

T

he sale of e-cigarettes to minors has been be banned starting Aug. 8, as part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s long-awaited plan to extend the agency’s regulatory powers across all tobacco products.

The new rules halt the sale of e-cigarettes and any other tobacco product to anyone younger than 18.

The regulations also require photo IDs to buy e-cigarettes, and ban retailers from handing out free samples or selling them in all-ages vending machines.

The rules also cover other alterPage 6

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native forms of tobacco like cigars, hookah tobacco and pipe tobacco.

Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices designed to create an aerosol that delivers nicotine, flavor and other chemicals when inhaled by the user. Manufacturers have marketed the products as a way to help smokers quit cigarettes. But opponents contend that the nicotine-laden e-cigarettes actually encourage people — especially vulnerable teens — to pick up the smoking habit.

“This final rule is a foundational step that enables the FDA to regulate

products young people were using at alarming rates, like e-cigarettes, cigars and hookah tobacco, which had gone largely unregulated,” Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA Center for Tobacco Products, said during a media briefing when the oversight was announced in May. The FDA action earned universal praise from medical associations, which have been concerned that e-cigarettes serve as a gateway drug to draw teenagers into a lifetime of smoking addiction.

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

“Youth use e-cigarettes more than any other tobacco product on the market today, serving as an entry point to more traditional tobacco products and placing kids at risk to the harms and addiction of nicotine and other tobacco products,” Harold Wimmer, national president and CEO of the American Lung Association, said in May. “Ending the tobacco epidemic is more urgent than ever, and can only happen if the FDA acts aggressively and broadly to protect all Americans from all tobacco products.”

A Touching Story Don’t underestimate the power of touch

By Barbara Pierce

A

hug will decrease the stress you feel. A hug can prevent you from getting the flu, even cure your cold.

Hugging — and any nonsexual touching — is powerful.

“Touch is powerful. Absolutely — it is powerful,” said Christine Cougan-Schram, licensed massage therapist and owner-operator of Loosen Up Massage Therapy in Utica.

“There’s a huge list of benefits from massages other than just feeling good,” she added.

Touch decreases the production of stress hormones, decreases pain, lowers blood pressure, calms people down, decreases depression, improves functioning of the immune system, and much more. Touch is good for our entire mental and physical health.

Couples who touch more are happier in their relationship. Lots of touching strengthens a relationship.

Because of the long list of benefits found in the healing power of touch, more hospitals are incorporating massage programs into their care protocols for cancer and cardiovascular patients, among others.

One study compared adults who recorded their hugs and social support, and then were given the common cold, with ones who didn’t receive hugs. Those without hugs were more susceptible to the virus and suffered more severe symptoms.

Doctors who touch their patients are not only considered more caring; their patients have better outcomes.

Basketball teams that engage in more celebratory touching, such as high fives and chest bumps, play more cooperatively and win more games.

Persons leaving a library who were touched on the arm as they left felt twice as good about their experience in the library. Students who received a supportive touch on the back or arm from a teacher were nearly twice as likely to volunteer in class as those who did not.

For centuries, mothers have instinctively known it works — pick up a crying child and he’ll stop crying,

rub your baby’s back and he’ll fall asleep, kiss it and make it better.

Now scientists are also coming to recognize the power of touch — simple things like a hug, putting your arm around someone, holding hands, a touch to the arm.

It’s easy to understand. Our skin is the largest sensory organ of our body. It’s the most sensitive of our organs and the first sense to develop in the embryo.

If newborn babies do not get enough touch, it’s a disaster. Their growth is slowed down and it causes serious delays in the development of their brain and behavior — delays that may never be overcome.

With touch, there is a cascade of events that happen in your body.

Your stress hormones lower and your immune cells increase. A warm touch seems to set off the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps create a sensation of trust, and to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

partner’s hand; exchange back rubs and good night hugs.

Other ways to bring the power of touch into your life: • Get (or give) a massage. A weekly rubdown from a pro can bring long-term pain relief and a big immunity boost.

“A lot of people don’t realize the many benefits of massage,” said Cougan-Schram. “They automatically go to the doctor who prescribes a pill. Medication has its place. But if

you have a muscle strain, taking a pill isn’t the way to go. It’s having the muscle worked.

“Medication isn’t appropriate when touch in place of that has so many more benefits, and there are no side effects.”

“Going to Chris is a complete physical, emotional and spiritual experience,” commented Alicia M., of Vernon, on Cougan-Schram’s website.

“I work full time and stand for up to 12 hours in a highly demanding, stressful environment. Massage is an hour of heaven, and I highly recommend it. If you have muscle pain, high stress and tension, joint issues, fatigue, headaches — whatever it may be — consider massage therapy,” says Alicia M. • Another way to get more touch: Get a dog or cat. Petting it for even a few moments flood your brain with healthy, mood-boosting hormones.

• Go dancing — Dancing involves plenty of touch. Take a class if you can’t dance.

• Touch yourself: No, not like that. PG-rated self-massage techniques offer a cheap DIY dose of stress reduction. Even just rubbing your own skin in the shower can bring you benefits.

What if you could choose?

5 Days or 45 Days

Bring more touch into your life

Make a conscious effort to bring more touch into your daily life and bring more happiness to yourself and those around you. Touch your partner in nonsexual ways; give him or her a hug for no reason. Give your kids a hug when they leave for school and when you all met up again later in the day. Hold your

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September 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 7

Men’s Health Between You and Me

By Barbara Pierce

How to pick up a woman Attracting females is an art form

“

Hey! What’s up?” Is that your usual pickup line?

There’s at least one woman out there who says that is so lame — it doesn’t work for her.

Mel DeLancey, 36, has looked for love online. You can catch her advice on YouTube: “Woman with 150 Tinder dates.”

If you’re single, you probably know about Tinder. “The world’s hottest app,” says Forbes. Tinder has changed the way people meet. It’s a location-based app that makes it easy to find someone who might be interested in you.

Pierce It’s a one-stop shop for people who are looking to date, hook up or simply see who else is out there.

So, where do you start?

“Ask a question,” advises DeLancey. “Something personal.

Something that shows you read my profile.”

If she’s new to the area, ask why and where she’s from. If she likes music, ask what kind. If she’s in school, what classes is she taking?

“Be yourself,” suggests Tinder.

“You don’t want to project some version of yourself that you can’t deliver.”

“You don’t want her falling in love with some version of yourself that’s only half true and you have to spend every moment keeping up the facade that you’ve created,” says “The Player” on Askmen.com. “You want someone to want you for you, and if she doesn’t, it’s no big deal, you’ll find someone who does.”

After three or four back and forths, schedule a date, says DeLancey. Timing is important. Don’t go straight for the date; go back and forth a few times.

Dinner dates are no good for a first-time date. “I don’t want to sit there with you for an hour if we aren’t clicking,” she says.

Plan a casual date — coffee or drinks. Be specific about when and where to meet.

“Always be mentally ready to pick up,” advises The Player. “There are attractive women all around — at the supermarket, waiting on you at a clothing store, in line at the bank.

“Women don’t expect to be hit on as they go about their daily lives and are that much more flattered when it happens.

Seize the moment

“I’ll strike up a conversation based on what’s going on around us,” he said. “If you’re in line, comment on the wait (‘I hope there’s a meal at the end of this line’), or on what she’s buying (‘I looked at that but passed it up. Have I made a mistake?’), or anything really. The point is, you have a few moments to notice a hot woman, then look around, think of a clever line and deliver it in your most confident manner.”

If you’re not naturally confident, follow the motto: “fake it until you make it.”

“Approaching a stranger can be terrifying, especially if she’s attractive,” he said. “But face your fears and man up. What’s the worst that can happen? Rejection? There are plenty more fish in the sea. The best that can happen? The woman finds your confidence and charm irresistible and you score the hottest babe around. You really have nothing to lose, other than your manhood, if you keep acting like a pussycat.”

“Believe it or not, most women will give a less-than-attractive guy a chance if he’s simply charming, funny and gentlemanly, over an attractive guy who acts like a tool with obvious insecurity issues who is probably just trying to overcompensate for something, if you know what I mean,” said ClassyBro.com.

“Women love confidence (not cockiness). If you just be yourself and are a genuinely nice guy, you’re going to be ahead of 90 percent of the rest of the guys,” he added.

“When you’ve spotted the girl you want to talk to, pick out something she’s wearing — the girlier the better,” ClassyBro.com said. “Like bright-colored heels, or a unique handbag. Approach her with a smile and enthusiastically tell her you have the exact same shoes! Or bag, skirt, whatever. It’s a good way to break the ice and hopefully make her laugh.

“It also tells her that you’ve noticed something about her attire.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere, if it’s done right,” added ClassyBro.com.” Girls love to be complimented. So man up, look her in the eye and go for it.”

“What do you have to lose by being turned down?” asks The Player.

“Suck it up. If you go into a pickup fearing rejection, that’s what you’ll project, and that’s what you’ll get.

“What you say is not as important as how you say it, including tone of voice and body language. Look into her eyes and stand or sit upright.

Make your gestures slow and deliberate like James Bond.”

Never leave without at least asking for her phone number or, less threatening, her email address.

But if you don’t end up with some way to at least contact her, all you’ve had is a nice conversation, and a player shouldn’t settle for that.

• 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.

Study: Early prostate cancer diagnoses continue to fall in U.S.

D

iagnoses of early prostate cancer continue to decline in the United States, following the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation against routine screening for the disease, researchers report.

The screening involves a blood test that identifies levels of PSA (prostate specific antigen), a protein produced by the prostate gland.

That test can determine when cancer exists, but it often wrongly identifies nonexistent cancer.

Page 8

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These “false positive” results can cause anxiety and lead to unnecessary follow-up tests. Because of this, the task force issued a draft recommendation against routine screening in 2011 and a final guideline in 2012.

Since then, diagnoses of early prostate cancer in American men aged 50 and older dropped by 19 percent between 2011 and 2012 and by another 6 percent the following year, said lead researcher Ahmedin Jemal.

He is a physician and vice president

of the American Cancer Society’s surveillance and health services research program.

But while many men may have been spared unnecessary anguish, less frequent screening may have a downside. Some experts worry more men will develop potentially fatal prostate cancer as a result.

“Prostate cancer is a slow-growing tumor, so it takes time. We may see it over the next three to five years,” Jemal said.

There is a balance in the task

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

force recommendation, said Anthony D’Amico, chief of genitourinary radiation oncology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, in Boston.

“Some men who should not be treated are not being diagnosed, but that also means some men who should be treated are either losing the chance for cure or presenting later and needing to undergo more treatment and more side effects for a possible cure,” he said.

Back to School School bells chime Get your kids into gear with these back-to-school tips

By Barbara Pierce

“

School starts next week! My kids sleep in until noon every day. How am I ever going to get them up and out the door in time for school?” asks Liz Bober.

“And now they do nothing all day — nothing except play video games or watch TV. How are they ever going to be ready to learn, ready to do their homework? What can I do to get them ready for this big change?”

Bober’s 10- and 12-year-old kids are typical. They are way out of the mode they need to be in when school starts, like most kids.

How do we get them back in gear? And ourselves?

The first day of school is no time for a drastic adjustment of household sleep Stewart schedules. If your kids are sleeping in, ease them back into a school year routine gradually.

Beginning now, start moving them each day onto the time schedule they will need to have when school starts. Begin waking them earlier and earlier, closer to the time they’ll need to get up. Try getting them to bed earlier each day.

A day or so before school begins, make a practice run of getting to school. How will your kids get to school? The first day of school is no time to find out it takes 10 minutes — not five — to get to the bus stop.

If they’ll walk, help them learn the route they’ll take and note the needed time.

Most kids have some anxiety about going back to school. Even if they’ll be returning to the same school, they’ll have a new teacher, new classmates, and more will be expected of them this school year.

If they’re going to a new school, or just beginning school, visit the school if you can. Most schools have an open house where the kids can see their new classroom and meet their new teacher. Do get them there for this.

Let your child know that all kids are nervous about the first day of school. Encourage them to talk about their concerns. Validate their feelings; don’t downplay their feelings. Listen to how your child feels and acknowledge his or her feelings.

Help them feel positive by remembering fun things from the last school year. Remind them that they were worried when school began last year; remind them of how well they did then. Help them build confi-

dence.

Reassure your child that if any problems arise at school, you’ll be there to help resolve them.

Just like clockwork

Make sure your child knows what is expected of them. If they’re young, be specific, don’t assume. Let your child know what their schedule will be like. Tell them what time school begins and ends each day.

You’ve probably assessed the

Is health insurance on your back-to-school checklist?

I

n addition to notebooks, pencils and backpacks, your back-toschool checklist may include one very important item: health insurance for your child.

“Fortunately, there is no reason your child should go back to school without health coverage, especially given all the shots and physicals needed this time of year,” said Lynn Johnson, sales director at Excellus

BlueCross BlueShield.

Uninsured children may be eligible for coverage through one of the discounted government health insurance programs offered through Excellus BCBS. Eligibility is based upon a family’s monthly income and number of people in the household.

“A family of four making about $748 a week, for example, wouldn’t have to pay a monthly premium to

receive comprehensive health coverage for their children,” Johnson said.

The government health insurance programs include: • Medicaid — Children ages 1 through 18 years of age in a family of four, for example, may qualify for Medicaid if their family’s gross monthly income is at or under $3,119.

Income requirements are higher for a child under the age of 1. Families will

September 2016 •

clothing needs for each of your children. Empty their drawers and closets of outgrown or worn-out clothing before adding more.

Mornings will be less stressful if you do all you can the night before.

Figure out what your kids will need to take, pack their backpacks and put them by the door. Help them lay out their clothes for the next day. Plan for their breakfast and lunch.

Would a bathroom schedule help so that everyone gets equal time in front of the mirror?

To get your child ready mentally, read with them each day. Pull out their favorite books or head to the library and let them pick out books.

“Reading to your child is great advice to get your child back into the learning mode,” said Amanda Stewart, early literacy coordinator at the Utica Public Library. “When parents read to children, it helps with countless aspects including language development, critical thinking skills and creativity.”

“Young children absorb so much information in their early years. It is important to expose them to the joy of reading early so they can grow to be lifelong readers,” she said.

A visit to your local library can provide books for every reading level and a variety of interests, suggests Stewart. Many libraries also offer programs over the summer for children.

Librarians are always happy to assist families in finding the perfect book, Stewart added.

Each school year floats on a sea of schedules. School functions. Lunch menus. Scout meetings and music lessons.

Nothing calms school year chaos like Calendar Central: a centralized site for all family calendars and schedules. It’s a place to track activities for all family members, posted in a public place.

A paper calendar with large squares lets you enter information easily; they don’t cost much. Or buy a pre-printed white board calendar.

Color-coding entries for each family member will help keep busy lives straight.

Time to swing into a new school year. not pay a premium for their child’s Medicaid insurance.

• Child Health Plus — Families will either pay no premium, a premium ranging from $9 to $60 per child per month, or the full premium. A family of four with a gross monthly income of $7,088, for example, would pay $45 per child per month.

To see if you or your child qualifies for discounted insurance or to make an appointment with an Excellus BCBS representative, call 1-888-370-7098.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 9

SmartBites The skinny on healthy eating

Good-For-You Grapes Burst with Benefits

A

lthough grapes are available year-round, nothing heralds the start of fall in Upstate New York quite like grapes. From our grape festivals to our grape stomping to our roadside grape pies, everything is all about the grape.

As a child, I liked grapes for their taste; as an adult, I like grapes for their taste, their thirst-quenching qualities — and most importantly —

their bountiful health benefits.

To begin, grapes of all colors — red, green and dark purple — contain an impressive variety of antioxidants known as polyphenols.

Antioxidants promote health and longevity by neutralizing damaging free radicals that have been linked to a host of health conditions and chronic diseases.

Eating a variety of grapes may be especially good for hearts. Human studies have shown that grapes may promote relaxation of blood vessels, which helps to maintain healthy blood flow and reduce heart stress.

Animal studies have demonstrated that grapes may lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Controlling inflammation is particularly important in lowering our risk for atherosclerosis and other life-threatening diseases, such as cancer.

Dark red and purple grapes have high concentrations of resveratrol, a widely researched polyphenol that might be responsible for the cardiovascular benefits of red wine. Exactly how resveratrol might do this is still a mystery, but some researchers suggest that it reduces bad cholesterol, thwarts damage to blood vessels and prevents blood clots. Bring on the merlot, please!

And while grapes do contain more sugar than a lot of fruits, eating colorful, nutrient-rich fruits is crucial to a healthy diet. A 2013 study published in the British Medical Journal, in fact, found that people who ate at least two servings each week of certain whole fruits — particularly grapes, blueberries, and apples — reduced their risk for Type 2 diabetes by as much as 23 percent in comparison to those who ate less than one serving per month.

Low in fat, sodium, cholesterol and calories (only 100 per cup), grapes are also an excellent source of vitamins C and K. Immune-boosting vitamin C helps the body maintain healthy tissues and heal wounds, while bone-building vitamin K aids in proper blood clotting.

Helpful tips

Select firm, plump grapes that are even in color and firmly attached to the stem. Don’t wash grapes when

Health News in Brief AHA/ASA welcome new advisory board members The Greater Utica division of the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association recently announced the addition of two local leaders to its 2016-2017 advisory board.

• Ann Cahill is a surgeon with the Mohawk Valley Health System medical group, specializing in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery.

Cahill Cahill earned her medical degree at Marquette University and completed her residency at Georgetown University Medical Center.

Cahill joined MVHS in 2015.

• John Kelley serves as an attending surgeon and division chief of cardiac surgery at Bassett Medical Center.

Kelley earned his medical degree at the University of Vermont and completed residencies at Albany Medical Center Hospital and Waterbury Hospital Health Center.

Kelley “Our organization relies on the volunteer leadership in the Greater Utica area to advance our mission of building healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” says Jennifer Balog, executive director of the AHA/ASA.

Do you have a story idea for Mohawk Valley In Good Health newspaper?

Call now at 749.7070

Page 10

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you return home, but do refrigerate them in the bag they came in. Rinse before eating in a colander under cold water.

Orzo-Grape Salad with Feta and Mint Adapted from EatingWell 1 cup orzo, preferably wholewheat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 2 cups quartered or halved seedless red and green grapes 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion (optional) Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until just tender, about eight minutes.

Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water until cool.

Meanwhile, whisk oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a large bowl.

Add grapes, feta, mint, onion and the orzo; toss to combine.

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.

Blindness Biggest Fear for Many Americans

Study underlines importance of vision care

B

lindness is what many Americans fear most, a new survey shows.

“These findings underscore the importance of good eyesight to most and that having good vision is key to one’s overall sense of well-being,” said lead researcher Adrienne Scott and colleagues. Scott is an assistant professor of opthalmology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

“The consistency of these findings among the varying ethnic/racial groups underscores the importance of educating the public on eye health and mobilizing public support for vision research,” the researchers added in a news release.

The nationwide online poll, commissioned by the nonprofit health research group known as Research!America, found that 88 percent of more than 2,000 respondents considered good vision vital to overall health. And 47 percent said losing their sight would have the most effect on their day-to-day life.

Overall, respondents ranked losing vision as equal to or worse than losing hearing, memory, speech or a limb. The top concerns associated

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

with vision loss were quality of life and loss of independence.

Close to two-thirds of the respondents said they wear glasses.

But respondents’ awareness of eye diseases varied widely. Sixty-six percent were aware of cataracts; 63 percent, glaucoma; 50 percent, macular degeneration; and 37 percent, diabetic retinopathy. One-quarter of the respondents were not aware of any eye conditions.

While 76 percent and 58 percent, respectively, knew that too much sunlight and family history were potential risk factors for vision loss, only half were aware that smoking puts eyesight at risk.

The study was published online recently in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology.

Diet & Fitness The Balanced Body

By Deb Dittner

Healthy Hiking

Meet the challenges of hiking by being sufficiently prepared

F

all — the colorful changing of leaves on the trees, the crispness in the morning air, picking of apples at the orchard, snuggling in a cozy sweater, building a fire, the pumpkin patch, running through the corn maze, the raking of leaves followed by jumping in the large piles.

The thoughts and smells of fall bring a smile to my face as we prepare for the colder days ahead.

But first, let’s enjoy all that fall has to offer.

Fall hikes either around a lake, up a mountain or along a local trail fill your lungs with the cool, crisp, moist air.

Adequate prepaDittner ration for your hike is important as the temperatures vary and as you challenge your physical endurance.

Have you packed a backpack or did you simply walk out the door?

Let’s look at important ways to stay safe on your hiking excursion: • Begin early — You may like to sleep in on a Saturday or Sunday, but if you’ve planned a hike, it’s best to start early in the day. The earlier you start, the more time you have in cooler temperatures. Hiking will get the heart pumping and heat your body despite the outdoor temperature.

Starting later only allows for increased heat, not only from your body, but the outdoor temperature as well.

• Hydration is an incredibly huge part of our means to survival and who we are. Try living without water for a couple days. From a performance standpoint, hydration can be regarded as the main variable that can make or break the ultimate result and is extremely important in the regeneration process.

The human body is made up of

about 70 percent water. When dehydrated, that number can easily drop to 50 to 60 percent.

Dehydration can slow down your metabolism, elevate stress hormones, and intensify inflammation and muscle soreness. A properly hydrated body ensures your blood is the proper consistency. When the cells are well hydrated, the cells will remain in an alkaline state, which is preferred. Even if you’re not thirsty, you need to drink. You don’t want to become hot and dehydrated.

Switchel is a great hydrating drink you can make and bring along.

Ingredients: — 2 quarts pure water — ½ cup apple cider vinegar — ¼ cup raw honey — 4 slices fresh, peeled ginger Directions: Combine in a pitcher or large jar. Apple cider vinegar may help in lowering blood sugar, is a potent antimicrobial, increases satiety, is a probiotic and may benefit the heart.

Stay fueled up

• Nourishment essentials — Fuel for your body is essential for keeping

your energy up. If you plan to be out for the entire day, bring along many snacks or lunch. Salty snacks are needed to provide proper electrolytes and balance your body to eliminate illness.

Prepare protein bars, trail mix, cucumbers and more.

• Proper attire — Remember to dress in layers including loose-fitting long sleeves and pants. Also wear a hat to protect your face from the beating sun and shield your eyes with some UV-blocking sunglasses.

Hiking boots that have been broken in paired with dry-wicking socks will allow for comfort throughout the day. Pack an extra pair of socks in your backpack as your feet will sweat or if you need to go through a stream or other wet areas requiring a change.

If you begin to feel “hot spots” in your boots, it may be a sign of a blister. Find a shady spot along the trail to sit and switch to a dry pair of socks.

• Bug spray — Bugs tend to like sweaty bodies and yours will be no exception. Bring along a safe bug

spray and apply frequently.

My favorite bug spray using essential oils: Pest repellent for fleas, ticks and mosquitoes — 1/2 tsp Thieves household cleaner — 3 drops purification — Dilute with 2 ounces of water and Spritz or rub mixture on — 3 drops orange — 2 drops lavender — 2 drops citronella — 1 drop cedarwood — 1 drop thyme — 1 drop geranium • Warning signs — Know the signs and symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke as these can potentially be fatal if ignored. Deal with symptoms appropriately to prevent worsening problems.

Symptoms to ask your hiking partner about include: — Thirst — Dizziness — Nausea — Extreme fatigue — Dark urine or lack of urination — Too much or too little sweating, despite hot air temperatures — Muscle cramps — Throbbing headache — Confusion or disorientation If any of these symptoms occur, stop immediately and find a shady spot. Encourage the person to sit down and take small sips of water.

Put a wet rag on the back of his neck, and don’t continue on until all symptoms have subsided.

If symptoms persist, you will need to find a way to get assistance.

• 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.

Report: Drowsy driving causes 1 in 5 fatal crashes

N

early 84 million sleep-deprived Americans take to the roads every day. And, drowsy driving was a factor in crashes that claimed about 5,000 lives last year, a new report shows.

Traffic deaths rose almost 8 percent in the United States in 2015.

Drowsy driving is estimated to cause up to 20 percent of all road fatalities, but the extent of the problem is not fully known, according to experts.

The threat posed by tired drivers prompted the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to expand its definition of impaired driving to include drowsy driving.

The annual cost to society of fatigue-related crashes that cause injury or death is $109 billion, according to a government report.

But there are challenges associated both with measuring and with

combating drowsy driving, GHSA’s executive director, Jonathan Adkins, said in an association news release.

“Law enforcement lack protocols and training to help officers recognize drowsy driving at roadside. And if a crash occurs, the drowsy driver may not report the cause due to concerns about monetary and other penalties,” he said.

Some drivers are at greater risk for drowsy driving.

September 2016 •

“Teens and young adults are involved in more than half of all drowsy driving crashes annually,” Adkins said. “People who work nights or long or irregular shifts are also more likely to get behind the wheel when they are too tired to drive, along with the estimated 40 million Americans who suffer from a sleep disorder.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 11

NOT TAKING YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS AS DIRECTED?

YOU’RE TAKING

A CHANCE.

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

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

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

KIDS Corner 2 kids an hour hurt in strollers, infant carriers

About one-third of these serious, study finds

A

lthough strollers and child carriers may look safe, two children are injured in these kid-movers every hour in the United States, a new study says.

“While these products are used safely by families every day, when injuries do occur they can be quite serious,” study author Kristi Roberts, research associate in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, said in a hospital news release.

Her team reviewed federal government data from 1990 to 2010.

During that time, nearly 361,000 chil-

dren aged 5 years and younger were treated in hospital ERs for injuries that occurred while in a stroller or carrier.

That works out to an average of two an hour, the researchers said.

“The majority of injuries we saw were head injuries, which is scary considering the fact that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions in young children may have long term consequences on cognitive development,” Roberts said.

The most common cause of injuries was falling. Falling accounted for 67 percent of stroller injuries and

63 percent of carrier injuries, the study found. Tipping over was another common cause of injuries. About 29 percent of carrier injuries and 16 percent of stroller injuries were the result of tipping over.

The most commonly injured parts of the body were the head and face.

Many of those injuries were soft tissue injuries, such as bumps and bruises, the study found.

About one third of carrier injuries and one-quarter of stroller injuries were more serious, causing traumatic brain injuries or concussions, the study said.

The researchers also found that stroller-related TBIs/concussions doubled during the study period, and carrier-related TBI/concussions tripled.

Seven percent of children with a carrier-related injury and 2 percent of those with a stroller-related injury were hospitalized, meaning

an average of one child a day was hospitalized with such injuries. TBIs/ concussions accounted for two-thirds or more of those hospitalizations.

“By taking a few simple steps — like making sure your child is buckled up every time he is in his stroller or carrier — and being aware of things that can cause these products to tip over, [you] can help prevent many of these injuries,” Roberts said.

The study was published online recently in the journal Academic Pediatrics.

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

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Wellness in the Workplace Workplace Health Solutions conference helps Utica businesses

By Patricia J. Malin

T

hanks to its nearly year-round campaign of physical fitness, the Boilermaker Road Race could be considered the conscience of the Mohawk Valley when it comes to health matters.

As significant as it has been for the last 39 years on the second Sunday in July, the Boilermaker is no longer just one event in Utica, or even just one weekend. Its mission and vision has expanded well beyond its original boundaries, as the race’s president, Tim Reed, pointed out during a keynote address at the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Workplace Health Reed Solutions conference.

The conference, held recently at Mohawk Valley Community College, was directed at human resources personnel and wellness coordinators from local companies. Reed spoke about corporate responsibility and its impact on employee and overall community wellness.

Reed noted healthy employees contribute to the overall health of a company and the community at large. “It’s good for society, good for profitability,” he said.

Employees who are healthy have fewer absences, obviously, but they’re also more productive and that can enhance a company’s own bottom line. In his power point presentation, Reed displayed an alarming set of statistics. Obesity affects roughly one-third of the adult population in the United States.

“We are fast becoming a ‘supersized’ nation,” Reed explained. As of September 2015, statistics showed rates of obesity exceeding 30 percent in 33 states.

The total cost of heart disease and stroke (the No. 1 killer) in the U.S. is estimated to be $44 billion, according to the AHA/ASA. At least 25 percent of healthcare costs incurred by working adults is attribut-

ed to poor diet and lack of exercise.

Compounding the problem, the AHA said, is a trend among adults to spend more time in the office, an average of 47 hours a week.

Obesity, heart disease and smoking can trigger diabetes and increased mortality, further accelerating the cost of health care provided by employers, insurance companies and Medicare and Medicaid, and which gets passed on to individual recipients eventually. The cost to treat an obese person in America is estimated to cost $1,429 more than the average patient.

Reed said he hoped his presentation would encourage HR professionals to reach out to employees and show concern for their well-being. “I think HR people don’t want to feel like they’re a voice in the wilderness, but they know change is difficult.

There’s a lot more pressure on employees today to be productive, and technology is both a blessing and a curse.

“You can conduct business 24/7 now. Events move so much faster and we communicate faster, but we’re losing face-to-face communication. People are fearful of taking time off,” he said.

Reed is not just preaching exer-

cise. The Boilermaker organization, a nonprofit, puts its money where its mouth is.

Boilermaker weekend Sunday added a team-walking event this year to accompany its popular 15K and 5K runs and wheelchair race, its 3-mile walk, Kids Fun Run, a school challenge, Youth Olympics and various corporate challenges.

It sponsors the annual Boilermaker Expo at MVCC and the fundraising spaghetti dinner the day before the race, and recognizes prominent athletes in the U.S. Distance Running Hall of Fame ceremonies.

The Boilermaker recently announced it awarded $92,000 to 10 local charities through its 2016 “bib” program.

The Boilermaker recently held its annual scholarship breakfast for local high school athletes and awarded scholarships to students for their track and field and long-distance running endeavors.

In late October, there’s the “Boolermaker” race for small children, who are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and run with siblings or parents.

Reflects overall mission

Reed’s background fits the Boil-

September 2016 •

ermaker mission to a “T” as well.

His brother, Earle C. Reed, was one of the original founders and first director of the Boilermaker, which was just a modest local race when it began in 1977 and has since become one of the largest 15K road races in the U.S. The brothers worked for their father’s company, Utica Boilers, still the site of the race’s starting line in east Utica.

Earle Reed later took over Utica Boilers (now ECR International), and when he retired, Tim succeeded him as president and CEO in 1996.

That pattern was repeated with the Boilermaker.

A company in the Netherlands now owns ECR, allowing Tim to be full-time director of the road race.

The Boilermaker added two other healthy endeavors to its roster of activities: a weekly public market on Court Street in Utica in the parking lot of Boilermaker headquarters, opposite Matt Brewery and the Boilermaker’s finish line, as well as an urban garden.

Reed told the conference attendees that the market was started for various reasons, primarily because west Utica is a food “desert,” he said, devoid of any major supermarkets.

Combine that with sparse transportation and it’s a challenge for residents and families from this part of the city to have access to healthy, farm-fresh vegetables.

The mini-conference also had breakout sessions on topics such as safety and wellness, financial wellness, mental health in the workplace, and a discussion on successful worksite wellness programs.

The AHA also recognized companies that have earned the fit-friendly worksites designation. The AHA recognizes fit-friendly worksites as employers who go above and beyond when it comes to their employees’ health and the company’s wellness programs. Nearly 17,000 Utica-area residents are working for the 32 fit-friendly designated companies.

Columbia Place Associates, LLC and the New York Beef Council sponsored the conference.

For more information about the fit-friendly program or ways to improve worksite wellness, contact the AHA at 315-580-3964 or email heartofutica@heart.org.

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Page 13

CALENDAR

The Social Ask Security Office

From the Social Security District Office

Prepare for your disability interview

W

hen a person becomes disabled, it can be a very stressful time in their life. There are many questions and unknowns when you have to transition out of the workforce due to medical issues.

While an employer may offer short or long-term disability, most people faced with a disability will file for benefits with Social Security.

If you’re facing life with a disability and don’t know where to start, we encourage you to visit our website at www.socialsecurity. gov/disabilityssi. You can apply for benefits on our website; it’s the most convenient way. Additionally, you can contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local office if you wish to apply for disability benefits. When applying for benefits, you should be prepared to answer a number of questions including: When your conditions became disabling: • Dates you last worked; • The names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of visits to your doctors;

• The names of medications that you take and medical tests you’ve had; and • Marital information.

In addition, if you plan on applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability payments, for people with low income who haven’t paid enough in Social Security taxes to be covered, we will ask you questions about: • Your current living arrangement, including who lives there and household expenses; • All sources of income for you and your spouse, if applicable; and • The amount of your resources, including bank account balances, vehicles, and other investments.

You can view our disability starter kit at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits.htm.

Remember, we are there when you might be faced with one of the hardest obstacles of your life. Social Security helps secure today and tomorrow with critical benefits for people with severe disabilities, not just during retirement. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

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In Good Health 4 Riverside Dr., Suite 251, Utica, NY 13502 Page 14

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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

Sept. 12

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.

Sept. 12.

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.

Support group to meet at RMH The brain aneurysm, AVM (arteriovenous malformation) and stroke support group meets from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the second Monday of every month at Rome Memorial Hospital’s second-floor classroom.

The next session will be held on Sept. 12.

RMH is located at 1500 N. James St., Rome.

For more information, call Deb Dunn at 315-533-6467 or email RomeNY@JoeNiekroFoundation.org.

Sept. 15

Treatment options for arthritis the topic According to the Arthritis Foundation, nearly one in five adults suffers with arthritis or joint inflammation that causes pain, loss of movement and swelling.

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic joint disease, take the first step to finding relief by attending Rome Memorial Hospital’s

Health Night presentation at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 15.

Joint specialist and orthopedic surgeon Mihail “Mike” Radulescu will make the presentation at the Beeches Inn and Conference Center, 7900 Turin Road, state Route 26 North, Rome.

Arthritis is one of the most pervasive diseases in the United States and is the leading cause of disability.

Advance reservations for Health Night are requested for planning purposes, but not required. Call 337-5309 to make a reservation or for more information.

Attendees will be entered into a drawing for a door prize. Refreshments will be served.

Sept. 20

Insight House to offer Narcan training Insight House Chemical Dependency Services, Inc. is offering a hands-on Narcan (naloxone) training session on heroin-opioid overdose prevention at its family support group meeting from 6:15-7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20.

The session is free and open to the general public, and will be held at Insight House’s main location at 500 Whitesboro St., Utica.

Narcan is a medicine that blocks the effects of opioids and reverses an overdose.

Individuals who complete the training will learn how to administer Narcan, and will receive a free Narcan rescue kit. Seating is limited.

To reserve a place at this training, call 724-5168, ext. 265, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. All calls are strictly confidential.

Insight House Vice President Bonnie Carr started the family support group in 2002, and has been its facilitator since then.

The Insight House Family Support Group meets regularly on Tuesday evenings, and is free and open to anyone who is concerned about a loved one’s relationship with opiates-heroin, alcohol, or other substances.

LPN named employee of quarter at SDMG Leslie Mondi has been named employee of the third quarter at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group PLLC in New Hartford.

Mondi began her career with SDMG in September of 2000 as a license practical nurse in the pediMondi atric department.

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

“Leslie is a reliable and dedicated employee. She is known for her professional, courteous and friendly demeanor with patients and staff alike,” an SDMG spokesperson said.

She earned her LPN degree from Mohawk Valley Community College and has over 39 years of experience as a nurse.

mvhealthnews.com

H ealth News VHS selects employee of quarter Chris Dygert has been selected as employee of the second quarter at Valley Health Services, Herkimer.

Dygert started work at VHS in 1998 in the dietary department. She became a ward clerk in 2005 and was promoted to the position of multiple department secretary in 2011.

Dygert’s primary responsiDygert bility is to provide clerical support for nursing, medical records and social services departments.

“Chris accepts every job assignment very willingly. She is a dedicated employee with a positive attitude toward residents, families and co-workers,” a co-worker said.

Dygert resides in Newport with her husband, John.

The VHS employee of the quarter program recognizes the outstanding performance of VHS employees.

VRS promotes new administrator Jennifer Miller was recently promoted to administrator at Valley Residential Services assisted living facility in East Herkimer.

Miller attended Little Falls High School, continued her studies at Herkimer County Community College and received a bachelor’s degree Miller from SUNY-IT in sociology.

In September 2006, she joined the staff of VRS as a social worker and was promoted to director of social services in 2009.

In her new position, she oversees the operations of VRS as well as strategizes for long- and short-range planning.

Miller resides in Little Falls.

MVHS names assistant clinical coordinator Christy Rice has been named the assistant clinical coordinator for the stroke program at the Mohawk Valley Health System.

Prior to serving in this position, Rice was employed at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare as a staff registered nurse at the St. Rice Luke’s Campus and as a care attendant at Mohawk Valley

Nursing Home in Ilion.

Rice received an associate’s degree in nursing from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica and a bachelor’s degree in bursing from Keuka College in Keuka Park.

2016 President of the Association of Professionals in Infection Control Chapter 118 Heart of New York Chapter and a member of national APIC’s professional development committee.

MVHS names nurse manager for cath lab

MVHS employee receives award

Tanya Streeter has been named nurse manager of the cardiac catheterization lab at the Mohawk Valley Health System.

In this position, Streeter maintains nursing operations to include both clinical and administrative responsibilities for the cardiac cath lab.

Prior to Streeter joining the MVHS, Streeter served as nurse manager at the cardiac cath lab at Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs, and as an assistant nurse manager and registered nurse at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

She also worked as a staff nurse on the special care unit at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for three years.

Streeter earned her Associate in Applied Science from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica and is completing her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Hartwick College in Oneonta.

She is enlisted in the Air National Guard 174th Attack Wing and has been selected for 1st Lieutenant upon completion of her BSN.

Elizabeth Kosakowski, director of health information management for the Mohawk Valley Health System, recently received an award for clinical preceptor of the year from the New York State Health Information Management Association.

She is one of 11 award recipKosakowski ients from across New York state.

Professors at SUNY Polytechnic Institute nominated Kosakowski after they heard positive reviews from health information management students who completed their professional practice through MVHS. “Students are required to shadow employees for 120 hours in order to learn HIM department functions, and often end up working fulltime for MVHS,” Kosakowski said.

“When a college sends its students here and they enjoy the experience and learn so much that they share it with the professors, there is a pride that comes along with that.”

Kosakowski has been with MHVS since 2002, when she began as corporate compliance auditor at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica.

MVHS employee receives doctorate Heather Bernard, director of infection prevention for the Mohawk Valley Health System, recently earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus on infection prevention and environmental safety from Loyola University in Chicago, Ill. She is one of five people in the Bernard United States to receive this degree.

Bernard has worked as an infection preventionist for 14 years and has been with MVHS since 2008.

Bernard said obtaining her DNP degree was the logical path toward achieving her goals of increasing her knowledge in the discipline and acquiring leadership skills necessary to advance the practice of infection preventionists.

In the long term, she aspires to be a national leader in infection prevention.

Bernard earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from SUNYIT in Utica. She has maintained certification in infection control and epidemiology since 2005 and is the

MVHS names urgent care physician William Gaetano has joined the Mohawk Valley Health System Medical Group at Faxton Urgent Care and has privileges at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica.

Prior to joining the MVHS Medical Group, Gaetano served as an emergency Gaetano physician with Team Health at SEMC since 2014.

Gaetano received his Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in public health from Siena College in Loudonville, and his Master of Public Health and Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies.

He completed his residency at the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program, during which time he served as chief resident.

mvhealthnews.com

September 2016 •

MVHS names nurse manager Christine Grabski has been named nurse manager of AC 1 at the St. Luke’s Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System.

In this position, she is responsible for nursing operations including clinical and administrative responsibilities for AC 1, an adult inpatient medical Grabski surgical unit with a focus on bariatric and orthopedic patient populations.

Prior to this position, Grabski held various staff and nursing leadership positions within Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and MVHS, most recently as assistant director of clinical services for the MVHS Medical Group.

Grabski earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Mohawk Valley Community College and a Bachelor of Science in nursing sciences from Utica College.

She is a member of the New York Organization of Nurse Executives and Leaders.

Nurse practitioner joins MVHS Medical Group Colleen Smith has joined the MVHS Medical Group as a nurse practitioner.

In this position, Smith provides nursing assessment and treatment to patients at various sites in the medical group.

Prior to joining MVHS, Smith was employed at the obstetrical-gynecological practice of Smith Aloysius Freeman in Utica, at Adirondack Community Physicians in Ilion, and at Faxton Hospital as a registered nurse in the emergency department, intensive care unit and post-anesthesia care unit.

She earned her family nurse practitioner certification from Community General School of Nurse Practitioners in Syracuse and her Associate in Applied Science degree in nursing from SUNY Morrisville.

She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of the Mohawk Valley Nurse Practitioner Association and the Mohawk Valley Community Action Advisory Committee.

MVHS names new manager Lisa Rocci has been named manager for the nursing supervisors and

Continued on Page 16

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

H ealth News Continued from Page 15 the Transfer Center for the Mohawk Valley Health System.

In this position, Rocci maintains nursing operations to include both clinical and administrative responsibilities for the nursing supervisors. Future plans for the department include increased cooperation and collaboration among the nursing supervisors at the Rocci St. Elizabeth Campus and the St. Luke’s Campus.

Rocci joined St. Elizabeth Medical Center as a staff registered nurse in 1981 and has worked as a housenursing supervisor and a nurse manager for the post anesthesia care unit (PACU), endoscopy, ambulatory surgery, pre-admission testing, the pediatric unit and the orthopedic unit. Most recently, she has served as the lead house-nursing supervisor.

Rocci earned her RN degree at Crouse Irving Memorial School of Nursing in Syracuse and is pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Chamberlain College of Nursing in Downers Grove, Ill.

MVHS names ICU nurse manager Sally Davidson has been named nurse manager of the intensive care unit at the St. Elizabeth Campus of Mohawk Valley Health System.

In this position, Davidson maintains nursing operations to include both clinical and administrative responsibilities for the ICU. Davidson Davidson joined St. Elizabeth Medical Center in 1994 as a staff registered nurse and worked in oncology, ICU and vascular access before becoming a nursing supervisor. She then served as nurse manager of the ICU before again becoming a nursing supervisor.

Davidson earned her RN degree at the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica and is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in nursing at Chamberlain College of Nursing in Downers Grove, Ill.

Miracle Home Makeover tickets on sale Tckets for the 20th annual $100,000 Miracle Home Makeover to benefit the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare are available to purchase at First Source Federal Credit Union, 4451 Commercial Drive, New Hartford, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A ticket sales area will be set up outside the credit union. Tickets must Page 16

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be purchased with cash.

A maximum of 4,300 tickets will be sold and may be purchased for $100 each with cash only.

One person will win a $100,000 Miracle Home Makeover or $100,000 in cash, and all ticket holders will be entered to win one of 10 bonus prize packages.

Tickets can also be purchased with cash at the Boonville Medical Office, Chanatry’s Supermarket, Countryside Stove & Chimney, Erie Materials, First Source Federal Credit Union branches, FSLH, Greenscapes Garden Center and Landscape Co., GPO Federal Credit Union branches, Jay-K Lumber Corp. and the Town of Webb Health Center.

Visit www.faxtonstlukes.com/ mhm or call315-624-5600 for ticket locations.

The drawing for the Miracle Home Makeover will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 12 at the St. Luke’s Campus of FSLH in New Hartford.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, call the FSLH Foundation at 315-624-5600.

LFH employee goes the extra mile Tracy Ortlieb is the recipient of Little Falls Hospital’s 2016 second-quarter “Going the Extra Mile” award.

LFH is an affiliate of the Bassett Healthcare Network.

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

“I like working at Little Falls Hospital because of the people,” say Ortlieb. “My bosses and co-workers are amazing people who are here for the same reason as me: to help others. But they all understand that employees need help sometimes too and are always there when needed to lend a hand, a hug or a laugh. That makes all the difference in the world; I hope to never leave Little Falls Hospital.”

Ortlieb has worked at LFH for seven years and lives in Herkimer with her significant other, Doug.

They have three children, Kyle, Jacob and Brody.

RMH names new chief medical officer Frank Ehrlich has been named chief medical officer at Rome Memorial Hospital.

Ehrlich takes over the CMO responsibilities from Ankur M. Desai, who has served as interim CMO since 2014.

“Dr. Ehrlich has extensive exEhrlich perience in private practice and administration that pro-

Don’s Subaru donates 60 blankets to the Cancer Center at MVHS Don’s Subaru of Utica joined with Subaru of America and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to donate 60 blankets to patients fighting cancer at the Mohawk Valley Health System’s Cancer Center. Subaru retailers across the country came together as a part of their “Subaru Loves to Care” campaign to provide warm blankets and messages of hope to patients undergoing cancer treatment at local hospitals and treatment centers. Taking part in the occasion are, from left, Alex Carbone, Carbone Auto Group co-owner; Nancy Butcher, executive director of cancer services, Brandy Stack, registered nurse; and Chris Cardello, Carbone Auto Group imports manager.

Donations made to the cancer center are raised through the Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Foundation. For more information, call the foundation at 315-624-5600 or visit www.faxtonstlukes.com/foundation. vides him with the critical insights to help support Rome Memorial Hospital’s medical staff as the healthcare environment undergoes transformation,” said David Lundquist, hospital president and chief executive officer.

“Having worked with Dr. Ehrlich previously, I know that his leadership will be a tremendous asset to our hospital.”

Ehrlich most recently served as the CMO at HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley in Kingston, where he was involved in the development of the system’s clinical integration program and population heath efforts.

Ehrlich was born and raised in Buffalo, and earned his medical degree at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

He completed graduate medical education at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa., Naval Hospital Boston in Chelsea, Mass., Boston City Hospital, Boston, Mass. and Lahey Clinic, Boston, Mass.

Board-certified in general surgery, pediatric surgery, emergency medicine and surgery for critical care-trauma, Ehrlich has more than 50 years of medical experience encompassing many aspects of both private practice and administration.

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

Rome Memorial names risk manager Kristin West has been named risk manager at Rome Memorial Hospital.

Risk management includes a focus on safety as well as analyzing processes to identify areas for improvement and minimizing possible risks or losses for the hospital.

By analyzing and improving processes, there is a decrease in potential medical errors, workplace injuries as well as West a potential increase in productivity.

West has nearly 20 years of experience in health care, both as a clinician and in non-direct patient care areas. A certified therapeutic recreation specialist with a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Utica College, West has worked in active therapy and treatment in both geriatrics and children with disabilities.

She holds a master’s degree in education with a concentration in adult learning theories and online learning from the University of Phoenix. West also holds a certification

Continued on Page 17

H ealth News Continued from Page 16 as a certified workforce career coach facilitator from Thomas Jefferson University.

A native of the Mohawk Valley, West was raised in Schuyler, where she continues to live with her husband Jason.

Rome Medical Practice names new administrator Rome Medical Practice has named Giselle Wisdom as new practice administrator of the multi-specialty physician practice, announced Rosemel Atkinson, vice president of physician practices at Rome Memorial Hospital.

An experienced healthcare executive, Wisdom Wisdom has served as a business partner in a physical therapy practice, taught college level non-clinical courses for nurses and healthcare administrators, and had her own private consulting business specializing in the business development of physician-owned private practices and medical groups.

Rome Medical Practice includes the specialty practices of All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rome Surgical Specialists, Rome Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Neurology, Rome Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine and Upstate Urology.

Wisdom is a graduate of Ashford University, San Diego, Calif., where she earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and a master’s degree in healthcare administration.

Interventional cardiologist joins SDMG Vikram S. Bisen will be joining Slocum-Dickson Medical Group PLLC in the specialty of cardiology.

Bisen is a fellowship-trained Interventional cardiologist specializing in coronary and peripheral interventions.

He treats a variety of cardiovascular conditions Bisen including but not limited to coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, and some types of cardiac arrhythmias.

Bisen completed his interventional cardiovascular disease fellowship at Bridgeport Hospital, Yale New Haven Health System in Bridgeport, Conn.

He completed his general cardiovascular disease fellowship and internal medicine residency at the

SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

Bisen also earned his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University where he was a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

Bisen is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Society of Echocardiography.

SDMG adds specialist to team Najam ud Din will be joining Slocum-Dickson Medical Group PLLC in the specialty of hematology-oncology.

Din is a fellowship-trained hematologist-oncologist specializing in cancer and blood-related disorders.

He is trained to diagnose and treat various oncologic conditions including lung cancer, breast cancer, brain tumors, and gastrointestinal tumors as well as blood conditions that include lymphoma and leukemia.

Din orders, co-ordinates and interprets diagnostic studies including blood work, imaging, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Din completed his hematology-oncology fellowship at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse where he managed patients with both solid tumors and hematological malignancies.

Din also completed his internal medicine residency and internship at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

He earned his medical degree from The Aga Khan University in Pakistan. Din co-authored several publications on cancer that have appeared in national medical journals.

Presbyterian Home awards employees Two employees of Presbyterian Home for Central New York have received employee of distinction awards from LeadingAge New York, the state organization that represents nonprofit continuing care providers.

Kathy Welch, health information management assistant, and Bertha Nugent, certified nursing assistant, were recently presented their awards during a ceremony at PHCNY in New Harford.

LeadingAge New York also invited state legislators to the event to present the honorees with a legislative resolution.

Welch has worked at PHCNY in 1980 as a certified nursing assistant, after which she transferred to the therapy department, organizing and maintaining physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to assure compliance with federal and state requirements.

In addition to keeping track of residents’ schedules, she also helped residents exercise, assisting them in their rehabilitation.

Nugent was hired as a certified nursing assistant in 1993. She works on a busy short-term rehabilitation unit, and over the years has willingly worked extra hours to ensure the best care and compassion for residents.

MVHS hosts summer medical camp for Mohawk Valley teens The Mohawk Valley Health System recently hosted a medical camp for teens aged 1518 at the St. Luke’s Campus in Utica. MediCamp demonstrates to teens how a hospital operates and provides them with the opportunity to explore different departments for potential career endeavors. Above, Joshua Raymer, along with other students, learns about the effects of smoking at the event. Fifteen teens participated in the camp, which included tours of the operating rooms, nursery and the inside of an air ambulance.

Students received CPR training, stroke and respiratory education, and practiced their newly acquired skills.

“Her gentle smile, listening ear, and respectful manner provides comfort and support to all,” said Lucy Viti, director of nursing. “Bert is also known as the ‘go-to person’, and can be relied upon to mentor new employees, work extra hours when needed, and countless other acts of kindness that simply come naturally for her. It is an honor to be able to nominate her for this award.”

Kelberman Center relocates in Utica The Kelberman Center is now located at 2608 Genesee St., Utica.

The office is in the lower level of the renovated offices of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and is home to all Kelberman Center staff as well as its clinic.

“We are excited to continue

September 2016 •

to provide state-of-the-art autism services to children, adults and their families throughout our community, and know that this larger space will allow us to do so on a whole new level,” said Robert Myers, Kelberman Center executive director.

The Kelberman Center serves more than 1,000 individuals and their families throughout an 11-county region in Central New York every year.

To learn more about Kelberman Center services, visit www.kelbermancenter.org or call 315-797-6241.

Check out our online version of In Good Health at mvhealthnews.com

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Distinctive Weight Loss Surgery.

At Crouse.

Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You? Upcoming FREE Seminars: September 15 • October 3

Nationally Recognized Surgical Excellence • Crouse’s bariatric surgery program has earned the Blue Distinction Center + and Blue Distinction Center designations from Excellus BC/BS. • We are also a designated United HealthCare Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery and an Aetna Institute of Quality for Bariatric Surgery provider.

• What’s more, Crouse is a Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center as designated by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

To register: crouse.org/weightloss 315/472-2464

Crouse Hospital is designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ for bariatric surgery stapling and Blue Distinction Center for bariatric surgery banding by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Yearning for Yoga

Insight House in Utica uses meditative practice to heal addicts

By Patricia J. Malin

E

ven though yoga was introduced to the United States 50 years ago, it’s only been in the 21st century that research has indicated it can be beneficial for one’s physical and mental well being.

Yoga classes are popping up everywhere. They are not only in community colleges, but in places like assisted living facilities, museums and public libraries.

While not considered medicine, yoga is more likely to be accepted by healthcare experts as an alternative form of treatment, one that provides some benefits to its practitioners.

In Central New York, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has become a major supporter of a program to introduce yoga to one population outside the mainstream — the clients of Insight House Chemical Dependency Services of Utica.

Insight House recently began offering weekly yoga classes to its clients to improve their health with the goal of teaching a healthy coping mechanism to reduce the risk of relapse.

The program is funded by a $3,750 grant from Excellus BCBS and is scheduled to run for 40 weeks.

Stephen Smith, director of special projects at Insight House, said he is unaware of any similar programs previously used at drug and alcohol rehab centers. This program differs because the emphasis now is on promoting a healthy lifestyle through Kundalini yoga. “Many of our clients have long neglected their health while drug and alcohol abuse took its toll,” Smith said.

Blood pressure readings and weight loss statistics will be measured prior to enrollment. The participants can set goals for improving their blood pressure and weight.

After completing the program, their overall progress will be noted.

About 10 participants are each in two groups currently taking yoga classes at Insight House — the fulltime residents of Insight House and others on an outpatient basis.

The clients who register do so voluntarily, although they will strive to complete a minimum of 10 sessions, Smith said.

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Instructor Andree Baillargeon is a specialist in Kundalini yoga.

Instructor Andree Baillargeon is a specialist in Kundalini yoga, a broad-based program that is different from other schools of yoga. This program is highly structured in that her students focus on movement, breathing, chanting, relaxation and gentle meditation.

Calmly and quietly, she sits cross-legged on a mat on the floor at the front of a darkened room, palms facing upward in the usual yoga meditation pose as she monitors the class. In just two months, she has noticed some improvement in her students.

“Sometimes changes are very subtle, like just a shift in posture,” she said. “Sometimes you don’t

always see changes.”

Introspective journey

All students, regardless of background, are treated with the same respect and consideration. “Kundalini yoga, like all yogas, is a process of self-inquiry that has the potential of transforming our very outlook on life,” she explained.

Two outpatients at Insight House, identified as Christopher and Josh, both of whom said they came to Insight House for help with drug dependencies, raved about the yoga program.

Christopher, a well-spoken 35-year-old, is on the verge of turning his entire life around after a nearly two decades-long battle with drug

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

and alcohol addiction. Yoga alone isn’t responsible, of course, for his improved behavior, but it’s a key part of the solution. It enhances his strong resolve to kick his habit, to atone for his crimes, to lead a healthy life, to cherish the support of his family and to finally live a normal life.

“I signed up for this because I was practicing meditation and now I’ve become physically active.

I wanted to expand on my healthy lifestyle,” he said.

His addiction started years ago when he was influenced by his young peers in his hometown to begin drinking, he said. “When I was drunk, I started using drugs,” he added, and that led to further trouble. In September 2015, he was convicted of grand larceny and criminal mischief and got locked up in the Oneida County Correctional Facility for three months, he said. That was the ultimate wakeup call he needed.

“I had a spiritual awakening in jail,” he commented after a recent yoga session at Insight House. “I was alone and had time for self-reflection.

It was my first time, and last time, in jail. I had my freedom taken away.”

When he was released, he became a resident at Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services, a treatment facility in Ithaca, for six months of rehabilitation. Then he decided to continue his treatment at Insight House as an outpatient. He is able to take some educational sessions there.

In his spare time, he said he hits the gym and goes to church in Utica.

Josh, 23, an outpatient from Syracuse, said he was not familiar with yoga beforehand, but hoped it would improve his fitness. “I wanted to be more flexible and hope to sleep better. It’s definitely helped my breathing. It’s awesome,” he said.

He also acknowledged the spiritual component. “We hold our hands as in prayer,” he said.

According to Wikipedia, Kundalini yoga is “a tri-fold approach of devotion, power, and mental power and control” and a means “for humans to achieve their total creative potential. With the practice of Kundalini yoga, one is thought able to liberate oneself from one’s karma and to realize one’s dharma (life purpose).”

Health in good

By Jim Miller

Donating assistive living aids, mobility equipment Dear Savvy Senior, Where are some good places to donate old hearing aids, eyeglasses and mobility equipment? My uncle passed away a few months ago and left behind a bunch of useful aids that could surely help someone else.

Searching Nephew Dear Searching, Donating old, unused assistive living aids or medical equipment is a great way to help those in need who can’t afford it, and in most cases its tax deductible too. Here are some good places to check into.

Hearing Aids

There are several national nonprofit service organizations that offer hearing aid recycling programs.

Hearing aids that are donated are usually refurbished and either redistributed to those in need or resold with the proceeds going to buy new hearing aids for people who can’t afford them.

One of the most popular places to donate old hearing aids, as well as hearing aid parts or other assistive listening devices is the Starkey Hearing Foundation “Hear Now” recycling program (starkeyhearingfoundation.org, 800-328-8602), which collects around 60,000 hearing aids a year. Hearing aids and other listening devices should be sent to: Starkey Hearing Foundation, ATTN: Hearing Aid Recycling, 6700 Washington Ave. S., Eden Prairie, MN 55344.

Some other good nonprofits to donate to are the Lions Club Hearing Aid Recycling Program (go to lionsclubs.org and search for: HARP), and Hearing Charities of America

(hearingaiddonations.org, 816-3338300), which is founded by Sertoma, a civic service organization dedicated to hearing health.

Or, if you’re interested in donating locally, contact your Hearing Loss Association of America state or local chapter (see hearingloss.org for contact information). They can refer you to state agencies or community service programs that also accept hearing aids.

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

The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC has FT and PT openings in our

Interested in becoming a friend and mentor to an residential programs in Oneida County Residence Counselors/Managers assisting the people we support achieve their individual with developmental disabilities? personal life goals through development of individualized supports to help achieve

their desired outcomes. Goals may include housekeeping, money management The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC hasmayFTaccompany and PTthem openings in our and other daily life skills. You on community outings: sports events, dances and movies. Shifts: mornings, evenings, overnights and weekends. residential programs in Oneida County Requirements: high school diploma/GED, clean, valid NYS driver’s license and the desire to make a difference!

Residence Counselors/Managers Apply: assisting the people we support achieve their Apply: Eyeglasses personal life goals through development of individualized supports to help achieve 241 Genesee St. Utica, 13501 One of the best places to donate 241 Genesee St.housekeeping, Utica, 13501 • Email lrpavia@thearcolc.org Email lrpavia@thearcolc.org their desired outcomes.

Goals may include money management old eyeglasses is to the Lions Club Fax (315) 272- 1785 Fax (315) 2721785 and other daily life skills.

You may accompany them on community outings: sports Recycle for Sight program. They colThe Arc is a drug free work place and an EOE lect nearlyevents, 30 million pairs of glasses dances and movies. Shifts: overnights and weekends.

Check us outmornings, at The www.thearcolc.org Arc isevenings, a drug free work place and an EOE each year and distribute them to peoRequirements: high school diploma/GED, clean, valid NYS driver’s license and the ple in need in developing countries.

Check us out at www.thearcolc.org desire to for make a difference!

To donate, look a Lion’s Club glasses donation drop-off box in Apply:You can often find your community. them at libraries, community centers, 241 Genesee St. Utica, 13501 churches, schools and many local Email lrpavia@thearcolc.org eye doctor offices or call your local Fax 2721785 Lions Club for(315) drop-off locations.

See directory.lionsclubs.org forplace contact The Arc is a drug free work and an EOE information. us out at www.thearcolc.org New Check Eyes (www.new-eyes.org/ recycle) is another nonprofit organization that collects unused eyeglasses and distributes them abroad to people in need.

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.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 19

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