MohawkValley IGH Dec 2016

in good December 2016 • Issue 130 MVhealthnews.com

Fitness sensation Pauline DiGiorgio launches new column Page 8

Flour Power Consider the benefit of whole wheat grains, particularly around holiday season!

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Jingle Blues?

free

Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

For many, ‘tis the season for depression See Page 5

Special Holiday Edition

Meet Your Doctor

Keep pets healthy during holiday, winter season

Dr. Amanda Roublick

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Dogged pursuit

SPANKING

Study: Fewer parents spanking their kids. More are relying on timeouts to discipline children Page 19

Winter Care

Diabetes threat That one can of soda a day can lead to pre-diabetic condition December 2016 •

Snow, cold can put a hurting on your body, mind

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 1

CALENDAR of

Present Tense Psychiatry

HEALTH EVENTS

Dr. Brady, DNP, NPP-BC Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

315-853-2125

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Individuals • Couples • Families • Children ages 5+

Medication Management, Psychotherapy/Counseling

Treatment of all psychiatric disorders such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar, Sleep disorders & Behavioral issues 2 Fountain Street, Suite 105, Clinton, NY 13323 (315) 853-2125 phone/fax www.PresentTensePsychiatry.com

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 p.m. on Mondays.

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

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

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

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

Tuesdays

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 Memorial Hospital, 1500 James St., Rome.

Continued from Page 14

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

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Julis Meditation Complementary Health Approach

Working together with conventional medicine in finding a source of balance, inner strength, and resilience to live a more fulfilling life.

Study: Daily can of soda boosts odds for prediabetes

Focused awareness meditation incorporates an evidence-based systematic method of bringing mindfulness into focus.

Instruction by: Julia Aikens, RN. BSN. Certified Meditation Specialist

Specializes in Stress, Anxiety, Pain, Cancer, and Cardiac Management

By appointment only - please contact for scheduling your one-on-one sessions at 315-338-1318 • 505 North James St., Rome, NY 13440

Diet sodas do not pose same danger

D

rinking a can of sugary soda every day can dramatically heighten a person’s risk of developing prediabetes, a “warning sign” condition that precedes fullblown Type 2 diabetes, a new study reports.

A person who drinks a daily can of sugar-sweetened beverage has a 46 percent increased risk of developing prediabetes, said senior researcher Nicola McKeown, a scientist with the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston.

However, a can of diet soda every day does not boost prediabetes risk, the researchers found.

The results show how regular sugar intake can batter a person’s body on a cellular level, McKeown said.

Cells require the hormone insulin to break down sugar into energy, she said. But too much sugar in the diet can overexpose the cells to insulin.

“This constant spike in blood glucose over time leads to the cells not becoming able to properly respond, and that’s the beginning of insulin resistance,” McKeown said.

Once insulin resistance starts, blood sugar levels rise to levels that are damaging to every major system in the body.

Prediabetes is an important landmark on the way to Type 2 diabetes, McKeown said. It means a person has elevated blood sugar — a sign of increasing insulin resistance — but has not entered full-blown Type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes is reversible if a person cuts back on sugar. Sugar-sweetened beverages are the leading source of added sugar in the American diet, the authors said in background notes.

These results show cutting back on sugary drinks is “a modifiable dietary factor that could have an impact on that progression from prediabetes to diabetes,” McKeown said.

U.S. Heart Disease Rates Fell 20 Percent Since 1980s

Making Each and Every Life Better...

Join Our Team of Health Care Professionals!

Upstate Family Health Center is a not-for-prot health care center that has been serving the community for over 20 years and has recently expanded. We are a patient centered care model that aims to provide the “Best in Patient Care” and are looking for team members who are passionate to serve that mission. As we expand our services to our brand new facilities in Utica and Rome we will be hiring the following positions:

• • • • • • • • •

Primary Care Physicians and Pediatricians Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Medical Staff in a School-Based Health Center Licensed Practical Nurses Certied Medical Assistants X-Ray Technicians Medical Record Professional LCSW-R Registered Nurse Flexible Work Schedules - Full and Part Time Opportunities!

Watch for Open Houses coming soon at our following locations. We will be reviewing applications and providing on-site interviews!

Better meds, prevention efforts make difference

N

ew research shows that cases of heart disease have dropped 20 percent in the United States in the last four decades. Experts credit the trend to better detection and prevention of risk factors that endanger heart health.

“That means all the efforts are paying off,” said senior researcher Michael Pencina. He is director of biostatistics for the Duke Clinical Research Institute at Duke University, in Durham, N.C. However, most major heart risk factors — bad cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking — remain strong contributors to heart disease, showing that more can be done to protect patients, Pencina added.

“Coronary disease was the

size of a large pizza, but now it’s a medium pizza,” Pencina said. “But in terms of slices, what portion of the pizza you can attribute to the risk factors, it’s about the same,” he explained.

“There is definitely room for further improvement. We can get maybe to the smaller personal pizza size, to keep to the analogy,” he continued. “Because risk factors still matter, intervening in these risk factors should drive further reductions.”

About 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year — about one in every four deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study was published Nov. 15 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

1001 Noyes Street, Utica 205 W. Dominick Street, Rome

Contact Terry Phillips at

(315) 624-9470 x266 or email resume to (315) 507-2081

terence.phillips@upstatefamilyhealthcenter.org

Program helps expectant parents prepare

P

arents-to-be can learn about childbirth, newborns and other related topics by attending the upcoming “Baby Care Basics” program, scheduled from 7-9 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Rome Memorial Hospital in the classroom.

Sandy Graichen, a maternity nurse at the hospital, will teach the free educational program.

She has experience teaching

December 2016 •

childbirth classes, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and has children of her own.

No advance registration is required for the program. Refreshments will be served.

Participants are asked to meet the instructor in the hospital lobby off the North James Street entrance.

For more information, call 3387143.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Lou Sorendo

Dr. Amanda Roublick

Dr. Amanda Roublick is a pediatrician at the Mohawk Valley Health System’s East Utica Medical Office. She joined MVHS in 2015. Recently, Mohawk Valley In Good Health Associate Editor Lou Sorendo interviewed Roublick regarding her career and thoughts on health care.

Q.: You were educated and practiced in California for many years prior to coming to the Mohawk Valley. How does the West Coast environment compare to Upstate New York in terms of access to quality health care?

A.: It is very similar actually.

Access is generally easier the closer you get to large urban populations, and there is a general shortage of pediatric subspecialties — such as pulmonology, dermatology, etc. — and mental health providers. National programs such as the Children’s Health Insurance Plan have gone a long way in making sure children have access to health care.

Q.: Why the decision to join the Mohawk Valley Health System?

What attracted you to Upstate New York?

A.: My husband is an Upstate New York native and much of his family lives here. Being close to family is important to us and Upstate New York also provides us with the kind of environment we are looking for to raise children in.

I joined the Mohawk Valley Health System specifically because I wanted a diverse patient population and wanted to work for a hospital system rather than a private practice.

Q.: What motivated you to choose the specialty of pediatrics?

What influenced you in that direction?

A.: I really hadn’t truly considered the specialty until I did my pediatric rotation in medical school.

Everything else paled in comparison after. I was drawn to working with the whole family, the innocence and resilience of children, and most of all, how much fun they made (and still make) work.

Q.: What do you feel are the major health threats facing children today? Is obesity still an ongoing concern?

A.: Obesity is still No. 1. Obese children are developing insulin resistant diabetes, fatty liver disease and obstructive breathing problems earlier and earlier. These not only affect their quality of life immensely, but they also put more strain on our already over-burdened health care system.

Q.: What can the medical profession do to address the problem of obesity in children? What will be the keys to making any approach successful?

A.: Partnering with families is huge. Developing a plan for exercise and diet that is feasible for the family is important. Also, making lifestyle changes for the whole family, and not just for the child, helps significantly.

Q.: What are some of the more Page 4

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common illnesses and/or diseases you see while practicing at the East Utica medical office?

A.: Common chronic diseases include asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity. Common acute illnesses include bronchiolitis, hand, foot and mouth disease, ear infections and strep throat.

Q.: What are some of the more prevalent treatment options you employ as a pediatrician?

A.: We are definitely more limited in pediatric care regarding medications, as many medications are not safe in young children or only come in pill form which can be difficult for children to take. We often use nasal saline and bulb suction for nasal congestion from upper respiratory tract infections (colds) in infants and honey in children greater than 1 year old for cough.

Tylenol and Motrin are used often for fever/pain. We also use medications such as antibiotics, albuterol

and steroids as needed.

Q.: What are the most challenging aspects of being a pediatrician?

Do you encounter language barriers while dealing with Utica’s refugee population?

A.: Some of the most challenging aspects of being a pediatrician are your patients often can’t tell you what is wrong, and they can also be difficult to examine due to fear, pain, etc. We also struggle with dispelling misinformation that families have gotten from friends or the Internet.

We definitely encounter language barriers in our patient population. Thankfully, our office schedules interpreters for many different languages to come in with patients, which helps minimize this issue.

Q.: What are the most gratifying aspects of your profession?

What makes you feel good about being a pediatrician?

A.: Making kids feel better is the best. It’s always satisfying to keep a child out of the hospital by managing an asthma attack or giving parents strategies to keep their child hydrated when they have a “stomach bug.” I love being able to make parents feel better. This can be done by making the child feel better when I can; helping the parents understand what’s going on with that child by explaining a disease process or reassuring them when their child is going to be just fine; and even letting them know they are doing a great job. The smiles, giggles and high fives are bonuses.

Q.: Is there a shortage of pediatricians? What is the forecast for students entering the specialty of pediatrics?

A.: There is definitely a shortage of pediatricians, especially in certain areas of the country and certain fields such as pediatric hospitalists and subspecialties. I don’t think students entering the field of pediatrics will have any problem finding a job.

Lifelines Age: 33 Birthplace: San Jose, Calif.

Current residence: New Hartford Education: Bachelor of Science degree in biopsychology and pharmacology, University of California, Santa Barbara (2005); medical degree, University of California, San Diego (2011) Affiliations: Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics Personal: Recently married (September 2016) to Chad Seeber; one cat, KC, who is 18 years old Hobbies: Running/being active, reading (especially science fiction and fantasy)

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

Holiday Health

Riled by holiday rush?

Keep your cool, composure during hectic holiday season

By Barbara Pierce

H

appy families around the Christmas tree, calm, filled with love and joy, are all we see on TV and in magazines.

For many of us, the reality of the holidays isn’t so cheerful.

Between the pressure to get all those gifts, the many activities in which we’re suppose to joyously participate, family dysfunction and loss, and increasingly cold and dark winter days, it’s easy for the holiday season to feel not-so-merry and bright.

Deanna Brady offers tips on how to keep your cool and how to have a less stressful holiday season.

Brady, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, is the owner of Present Tense Psychiatry in Clinton, providing comprehensive psychiatric care.

— “Don’t overspend; stay within your budget,” Brady advises. Financial stress spikes this time of year and it’s no wonder. “The holidays are not about how much we spend.”

Make a plan for how much you’ll spend and how you’ll spend it. Costs for the holidays add up quickly, so as you’re making plans for this year, think about what you really enjoyed in the past, and spend on that. For example, maybe your family loved the Christmas dinner party you hosted, but could happily do without the extravagant light display. Often people realize the best parts of the holidays were the times spent with

Oneida, Herkimer in good

Get out and mingle

“Don’t isolate yourself during the holidays,” urges Brady. “Participate with others, but on your terms.”

Practice forgiveness and acceptance of others. This is most important, she added. When you have an issue with a family member, they won’t change — don’t have any expectations that maybe this year will be better.

Accepting others as they are, accepting them with their weakness-

and

Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper

loved ones, like the afternoon you all went tobogganing down a nearby hill.

Set a shopping cutoff date, a date by which you will have all the shopping done. Though it’s too late to have a cutoff date of Dec. 1, maybe next year you can consider that. Decide now when the gift buying stops so you can start enjoying the holiday season earlier.

— “If seeing your family is stressful, set time limits,” says Brady.

Plan where your get-togethers with them will be. For example, if you’re more comfortable at your mom’s than at your sister’s, choose to go to your mom’s.

And limit how long you’ll stay; just excuse yourself. Think ahead about how you could put limits on the situation until you come up with a scenario that makes you feel comfortable.

Madison

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

es, doesn’t mean being blind to their shortcomings. It just means you stop fighting it. You work around it. You accept them as they are.

— Expectations: Try not to have expectations, Brady recommends.

When they aren’t met, this causes stress. Say to yourself, “It is what it is. What will happen will happen.” If you don’t expect anything, you won’t be disappointed and stressed out.

Go into the holidays not having any expectations.

— Let go of the ‘coulda,’ ‘woulda,’ ‘shoulda’: Things like ”I would have had the house better decorated if I hadn’t had that cold,” or “I should be able to cook a meal as good as my mom,” or “I should have all my holiday shopping done by now.” Just forget about it. We create so much unnecessary and added pressure for ourselves. Instead of beating yourself up about what you haven’t done, focus on what you’ve accomplished.

Don’t fall for the “perfect” representation of Christmas that TV and magazines try to make you believe.

Don’t have expectations of what it should look like; be present and enjoy each moment as best you can.

Be “mindful,” said Brady. Be fully present in the moment, aware of where you are and what you’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around you.

— Eat and exercise like you ordinarily do; don’t have a huge change in your routine, says Brady. Don’t stop going to the gym. Don’t eat all kinds of bad stuff. Do everything in moderation. Continue your usual routine; try to keep your usual sleep patterns.

Brady can be reached at Present Tense Psychiatry at 315-853-2125 or visit www.presenttensepsychiatry. com.

Community Information Seminar:

Bariatric Surgery December 14 • 6:00 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

Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Patricia Malin, Barbara Pierce, Kristen Raab, Deb Dittner Advertising: Amy Gagliano Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas Office Assistant: Kimberley Tyler 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.

December 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Holiday Health Between You and Me

By Barbara Pierce

December got you down?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … maybe

S

ome of us aren’t in a happy festive mood at all.

Many in the Mohawk Valley are not looking forward to anything at all right now. At least one or two out of every five people are more down than usual.

“It’s rainy and dreary here today, and I’m dreading the holidays,” said my caller, a pleasant, friendly man from Ilion. He and his wife both feel down right now.

They lost their son several years ago, and never really recovered from the tragedy. This time of year is especially hard; it is no cause for celebration for Pierce them.

Christmas should be the happiest time of the year, so they say. But Christmas is the time hospitals and police report the highest incidences of suicide and attempted suicide.

And therapists report an upswing in more people coming to see them.

For some, the cold, dreary weather is the cause. Others, like my caller, feel sadder at Christmas because they have suffered the loss of a loved one, or had another significant loss.

Maybe you’re sleeping more than usual, or less than usual, eating more, or don’t have any appetite.

Perhaps you are feeling irritable, snapping at others without good reason. Maybe you are pulling away from being around other people, or you just don’t feel like doing the things you ordinarily like to do.

Being down during the winter months stems from a combination of things — where you live, your genetics, and your individual brain chemistry.

If you’re feeling down, here are some suggestions that may give you some relief: • Get outside as much as you can. It’s hard to do this time of year,

but bundle up and get out there.

Around noon is the best time. The benefits are big: You’ll benefit from both the exercise as well as the sunlight.

• If indoors, let in as much as light as possible, open all the blinds, and trim back the tree branches.

• Sit by a light therapy box for 30 minutes a day. This helps those with seasonal affective disorder.

Regular indoor lighting doesn’t help.

These boxes, with special fluorescent tubes that mimic the sun’s rays, are available to purchase without a prescription and are considered the go-to treatment for those with winter depression.

No time for lethargy

• Break out of the lethargy cycle.

When you’re less active, you become even less motivated and more

lethargic; you don’t feel like moving.

It’s a downward spiral. Do whatever you can muster in the way of exercise to break the cycle. If you can’t get outside, use a treadmill or stationary bike. Don’t ask yourself if you want to; just do it for a brief time.

• Back away from wine and coffee. Alcohol and marijuana are depressants, and the same goes for coffee. Caffeine is a downer when you’re blue, and it increases jitteriness and anxiety.

• Make an effort to eat better.

Nibbling high-quality protein every few hours can stabilize blood sugar and keep your mood even. Cut out the sweet stuff. Your carbohydrates should be complex — fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

• Get out around people. Being isolated can make you more down.

Reach out to family and friends. If

they’re not available, push yourself to go places where people hang out.

Just being among people where you can share a laugh will help.

• Don’t skimp on sleep. Lack of sleep disturbs the chemical balance in our brain. If you’re sleepless, try this: Go to bed and get up the same time every day; your body likes routine.

Don’t drink coffee after 10 a.m. and don’t lie awake thinking. If you can’t sleep, get up, do something boring and then try sleeping again.

• Turn on music and listen to your favorite upbeat songs.

• Think positive. There’s growing evidence that the absence of positive thoughts has a greater negative impact on our well being than the presence of negative ones. That’s really significant: Thinking positive thoughts is a better thing for us to do than getting rid of negative thoughts.

Thinking positive thoughts means gratitude — gratitude and thankfulness, counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures, and acknowledging everything that you receive. It means learning to live your life as if everything is a miracle. I like the words of Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh: “You are here. You are completely alive. That is a miracle.”

• If you are seriously down, consider seeking the help of a qualified mental health professional. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Also consider medication; it takes a while to work, but does help. If one antidepressant medication doesn’t help, try another.

If you have a friend or family member who is seriously down this holiday season, see the related story on Page 5 of this edition.

• 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.

MVHS hospitals win consumer choice award by National Research Corp.

T

he Mohawk Valley Health System hospitals, Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center, were named co-winners of a 2016/2017 Consumer Choice Award by National Research Corporation.

The annual award identifies hospitals across the United States that health care consumers choose as having the highest quality and image.

This year marks the 21st anniverPage 6

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sary of the consumer choice award celebrating the power of a strong brand image in health care.

“For each of the past 21 years, winning hospitals have provided outstanding experiences that have transcended their four walls to build consumer preference, loyalty and trust in their markets. We are honored to congratulate this year’s winners on a job well done,” said Brian Wynne, market insights general

manager at National Research.

Winners are determined by consumer perceptions on multiple quality and image ratings collected in the company’s market insights survey, the largest online consumer health care survey in the country.

National Research surveys more than 300,000 households in the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia.

Hospitals named by consumers

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

are analyzed and ranked based on core-based statistical areas defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, with winning facilities being ranked the highest.

A complete list of winners can be found at nationalresearch.com/ConsumerChoice.

For more information, call 800388-4264, write to info@nationalresearch.com or visit www.nationalresearch.com.

Holiday Health Holidays can harm your health Beware of seasonal factors that just may land you sick in bed

By Barbara Pierce

A

long with the holiday season comes flu and cold season.

It’s a double whammy.

Just when the threat of getting sick is at its highest, we get hit with the holidays.

Experts say that during the holidays, our immune systems take a hit from a number of factors, especially stress and diet.

— We eat more sugar. Christmas cookies, pumpkin latte, chocolates, special drinks, candy and goodies are tough to resist.

Why is this a problem? Sugar consumption lessens our ability to fight off infections. Eating sugar drops your immune system down to all-time lows. It only takes about 75 grams of sugar (two cans of soda) to decrease your white blood cells’ ability to attack and destroy invading bacteria. Even worse, these immune-busting effects last for several hours.

What you eat can impact the health of your immune system dramatically. It might even mean that you spend a week on the couch fighting the flu instead of celebrating.

Indulge in moderation, recommends Kim Ross, a nutritionist and owner of Functional Medicine by Kim Ross in Utica.

A treat here and there is OK. Eat slowly so you savor the flavors and really enjoy Aunt Ida’s Christmas cake that you waited for all year.

When you’re going for that second helping or leftovers to snack on, stop and ask yourself: “Am I really hungry right now?”

Craving sugar can be a stress response. “Sugar provides a quick response to help calm the brain,” said Ross. “So when you find yourself reaching for sugary foods, ask yourself if you are really hungry. Or is there something going on that is causing you stress?”

“If you think you really need sugar, have a piece of dark chocolate. Allow it to melt in your mouth so your brain will get the quick response to create a sense of calm,” suggests Ross.

At your next gathering, skip the cheese-and-cracker platter and go for the protein. Have an extra portion of turkey, chicken or beef with a side of vegetables. Snack on nuts, whole grains or veggies. Without protein, your immune system is depressed.

Drinking more alcohol during the holiday season will almost certainly lower your immunity.

— We’re stuck inside. There’s

a down side to hibernating in your warm, cozy house during these cold winter days. When we’re not exposed to sunlight, we tend to sleep more and exercise less, which contribute to a weaker immune system.

Where’s the sun?

With less sunlight, we also produce less vitamin D. Vitamin D boosts immunity, says Ross. Adults

with low vitamin D levels can get sick easier, and many in our area are deficient. Vitamin D can be found in eggs, salmon, orange juice and milk.

With lots of people gathered in enclosed spaces with less access to fresh air, it’s easier for germs to circulate and for illnesses to spread.

— We exercise less. Exercise is often one of the first things people neglect during busy and stressful times. But exercise is a key to keeping healthy; it boosts the immune system. It increases oxygen in the body; the more oxygen in the body, the better the body runs.

If you don’t have time for a full workout, try to squeeze in a 10-minute walk during your lunch hour or a quick jog after work. Every little bit helps.

Exercise also helps you to sleep better, and sleep is another key to maintaining a healthy immune system.

— We screw up our sleep. We go to parties and stay up later during the holiday season. Lack of sleep makes us more prone to catching colds and the flu. Getting adequate sleep will keep your immune system geared up for attack.

We’re more stressed out than usual during the holiday season.

Stress weakens the immune system.

“Take time each day to relax,” advises Ross. “Turn off the phone, computer, and TV, and enjoy a bath, read a book, play a game, anything that takes your mind off your busy day.”

“Many people feel that if they take time for themselves that somehow they are being selfish,” continues Ross. “Self care is not the same as being selfish. We all will be better people — moms, dads, friends, spouses, or caregivers — when we take time to refresh ourselves.”

“Listen to music, laugh at the comics or something funny on TV or Youtube.com, write down all the things you for which you are grateful, take time to look at the stars or the clouds, or snuggle with your pet,” she added.

For more information, visit www. functionalmedicinebykimross.com or call 315-794-4049.

YMCA recognized for helping employees seek cancer screening

T

he Oneida County Health Department has recognized the YMCA of the Greater Tri Valley for implementing a new health care policy for its employees.

The board of directors of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley voted recently to offer its full-time employees paid time off, up to eight hours per year to obtain screening for any type of cancer.

This includes physical exams, imaging, colonoscopy, skin checks and surgical procedures related to

detecting cancer.

YMCA Executive Director Hank Leo worked with the Oneida County Health Department’s cancer services program of Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties to design a policy and bring the policy and other information to the board for its support.

“At the Y, we consider our employees our greatest asset,” Leo said.

“To those who are members, guests, or volunteers, the staff is the Y. We also consider our staff one large family, and families take care of each

other. There isn’t a day that goes by where cancer doesn’t affect every one of us.

“Personally, I lost my dad to cancer several years ago and several close friends. I know the impact it has. At the Y, we also have the ability to help individuals and their families become and stay healthy, and surround them with support as they struggle with this disease.”

Regular cancer screening has proven effective in early detection

December 2016 •

and even prevention of some cancers.

Some employees find it difficult to access medical facilities that are only open when they are working. Implementation of this policy has eliminated this barrier for the staff of the YMCA and made the Y a leader in the community in terms of promoting the health of its employees.

Employers who would like to learn more about this initiative can contact the cancer services program at 315-798-5248.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 7

Holiday Health Pauline’s Pieces

By Pauline DiGiorgio

Inject happiness into season Pieces for your pocket: Quick and healthy tips for the holidays

T

he holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many it’s stressful — they’re anything but merry.

You’re worried, trying to navigate a dietary minefield, dodging festive yet fattening foods, like sugar cookies, pecan pie, and buttery mashed potatoes.

But depriving yourself will only leave you feeling frustrated. You’ll eventually give in, and that one taste of stuffing will lead to a second DiGiorgio or third helping.

So let me help!

From food to workouts, here are a few tips to plan ahead for the holiday season and focus on having a guilt-free enjoyable season with friends and family.

Your workout

If you’re going to have your cookies, Christmas ham and eggnog, better get a good sweat in beforehand.

Get those preholiday workouts in, and make it hard, intense and heavy.

The more depleted your muscle glycogen stores are going into the meal, the more calories they will be able to store, reducing the chances that some calories get sent to the body fat stores.

You want to focus on a workout that will challenge large muscle groups such as legs, chest, or back.

I created my spin ‘n’ sculpt class at Retro Fitness in Yorkville to combine high intensity interval training along with strength training with weights, focusing on the lower body.

Your gym isn’t open? No excuses. Buy a day pass to a gym that is open, or check out a workout on YouTube.

Use a gallon water jug as a weight, or go to your high school track to do bleachers. Be creative!

Food

What should my plate look like if I want to indulge a bit without feeling overstuffed?

Here are some pointers for that big holiday dinner: — First, pick an appetizer for yourself to “prep” the belly, so you’re not starving when it comes to the more dense calorie foods.

— Enjoy either a small bowl of broth-based soup or a salad with vegetables. And please, don’t ruin it with creamy fat-filled dressings.

Choose an oil-based light dressing.

— Next, you’re ready to feast! Go Page 8

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with a baseball- or softball-serving size of lightly buttered or oiled roasted vegetables, or try a green bean casserole. After all, it is the holidays!

— Now for the main event — your holiday ham!

Stick with the palm-of–yourhand portion, skinless, and go light on the gravy, people!

Next are the mashed potatoes, stuffing and sweet potato casserole.

Let’s try to eat them in that order and focus on a baseball-sized scoop.

When you get to the calorie bombs like desserts, you’ll be filling full.

Sweets

Just choose one dessert. I know that this is hard.

The dessert table comes out and it’s all over in your head — you want it ALL. Eating “real” whole foods is better and your body will thank you in the end. Overeating sweets will end up spiking your insulin levels and probably make you sick for the remainder of the day and night. If you can’t pick just one, pick two small halved portions.

If anyone knows the struggle of deciding between all the amazing pies, cookies and cakes, it’s ME. But remember, desserts will always be there; you can and will be satisfied with a moderate fix.

Tips for the pocket

I bring one of my favorite teas with me, and my current favorite is Yogi Tea Caramel Apple Spice Slim Life. After I’m done eating , I’ll microwave some water in a mug and have a big cup of tea with the sweet.

It really helps fill the stomach and slows you down from eating that “perfectly portioned” dessert in just one bite.

Savor the moment — taste it, enjoy it.

Be mindful in eating. I always take time in between bites to really feel the happiness that a piece of pie can truly bring to me.

Can you tell I have the world’s largest sweet tooth?

Beverages

With just 123 calories for a 5-ounce glass, wine is a calorie bargain compared to other alcoholic beverages, like gin and tonic (164 calories), buttered rum-spiced cider (275 calories), and eggnog (321 calories).

Plus, you’re not as likely to guzzle a glass of wine the way you might a mixed drink.

If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, feel free — but have only one alcoholic beverage before switching to a lower-calorie drink, like iced tea or sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime.

Clear alcohols are often lower in sugar, resulting in a lower calorie

spike.

Want to not feel like death Christmas morning? Shy away from dark liquors. Here’s why — Dark drinks have higher concentrations of congeners, toxic compounds formed when alcohol is fermented.

Dark liquor drinkers experience significantly worse hangovers than those who reached the same blood-alcohol level consuming vodka (bourbon has 37 times as many congeners as vodka does).

Regardless of the drink you choose, try to only pour yourself a half glass full until you sit down to dinner. Alcohol loosens your inhibitions and stimulates your appetite.

By pairing that pinot with a meal, however, you may compensate for those extra calories in your glass by eating a little less of what’s on your plate.

Don’t forget leftovers

Take all the leftovers people are willing to give you, but concentrate on the more nutritious foods when you do this — the leaner cuts of meat like turkey, the complex carbs like potatoes, and vegetables. It beats going to the grocery store and having to cook big meals for yourself.

It’s vacation time for most. Relax and have some cooked meals for the next couple days.

Bringing home dessert

Your body is primed for growth after a workout. Most desserts are filled with sugar, and after a work-

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

out, your body will suck up this sugar just like any other carb and not store it as fat.

In fact, it will increase your insulin levels and help you store protein, which you must pair with the carb.

So only take one or two if you must. I know best — once it’s in your home, it’s hard to make excuses not to curl up by the fire and have nightly pie!

The post-holiday aftermath

Plan to be active after the holidays too. Calendar it in and don’t make any excuses.

Look at your typical workout planned schedule and tack on two extra 20-minute high intensity cardio sessions.

Balance, people; just try to balance out those extra calories. You enjoyed yourself right? Now work for it.

Trust that the bloated and fluffy feeling you experience has a lot to do with your body holding onto water and reacting to the extra sodium intake from salt and sugar.

You can get rid of that in no time!

Remember, it’s happiness and memories — no food guilt here.

Eat well and live well.

Bring a tray of cookies or side dish to share whole-foods, feel-good option for yourself and loved ones!

• Pauline DiGiorgio is a fitness ambassador and Group X instructor at Retro Fitness gyms. Questions?

Email her at ptlifts@gmail.com.

Have a story idea for In Good Health newspaper?

Call 749-7070

Winter Care Fend for your furry friends Keep your precious pets free from danger, anxiety

By Barbara Pierce

A

s you gear up for the holidays, be cautious of the dangers the season can bring to your dog

or cat.

John Treen, shelter manager for the Stevens-Swan Humane Society of Oneida County, offers these tips to keep your pets safe and happy: — Weather: “Keep an eye on the weather as it changes very quickly.

It can go from 62 to below 30 with snow and ice. Watch the weather.

If it’s changing for the worse, bring your pet inside,” said Treen.

— Plants: People are into poinsettias, but they are poisonous to cats and dogs, noted Treen. So are amaryllis, mistletoe and holly. When animals eat these plants, they can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, even cardiovascular problems.

Instead decorate with artificial plants made from silk or plastic.

— Food: A little turkey is OK (not the bones) but don’t overfeed.

Ham is dangerous to animals. Chocolate is dangerous, especially dark chocolate.

“You’re poisoning them if they get dark chocolate,” warned Treen. It causes excessive vomiting and diarrhea and can kill them. Contact your vet immediately if your pet eats dark chocolate, said Treen.

The darker the chocolate is and the smaller your dog, the more dangerous the combination. If a tiny Maltese eats only a few ounces of dark chocolate, he could land in the emergency clinic.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Poison Control Center advises against giving any amount of raisins or grapes to your dog. Also, never give your pet alcohol. Watch for drinks left unattended that a pet could get to.

Put the trash away where your pets can’t get to it. A turkey carcass sitting out on the carving table, or in

John Treen is show with his dog, Vader, a 2-year-old pit bull. Vader is a rescue dog. a trash container that they can tear into, could be deadly for your pet.

Protect your guests

— Guests: When you have guests, most pets will become anxious. Cats can hide themselves away.

But dogs can become destructive when they get stressed and anxious.

It’s best to keep your dog away from

guests, closed in the bathroom or bedroom, recommends Treen.

— Christmas tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall and injure your pet. If you have a real tree, make sure your cat or dog doesn’t eat the pine needles or drink the tree water. Tree water can have chemicals in it. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground

for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea if he drinks it.

Avoid using food such as popcorn or cranberry strands to decorate your tree. If your cat or dog eats them, they can cause blockages.

Place any shiny ornaments, glass bulbs, anything that sparkles, higher up the tree, where your cat can’t reach. Cats and dogs love to bat at tinsel and carry it around in their mouths. Swallowing it can be dangerous.

Signs of pet distress include sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat or dog has these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

“Be responsible pet owners,” advises Treen. “Our pets are part of our family; keep them safe and happy during this holiday season.”

The Stevens-Swan Humane Society of Oneida County has been around for over 100 years.

It is committed to the prevention of cruelty, abuse and neglect of animals, to make possible a better world for all animals by providing shelter, educating the community about humane care and treatment of pets, advocating the welfare of animals and promoting the human-animal bond.

The Humane Society takes in stray, homeless and abused animals and strives to place them in loving, caring homes.

They do not receive any state or county funding, relying heavily on donations, memberships, foundations and corporations who also have a commitment to the health, well-being and socialization of our community citizens and their animals.

“Look at our wish list,” invites Treen. “Check out our telethon in January.”

The Steven-Swan Humane Society can be reached at (315) 7384357 or seen online at https://stevens-swan.org/.

Herkimer BOCES Health and Safety Service coordinates lead testing

T

he Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Health and Safety Service has been working with the 10 Herkimer BOCES component school districts to conduct lead testing and remediation in accordance with a new state law.

Results have been coming in for many of the districts, and similar to other regions across the state, the findings are showing that many school buildings have some water outlets that exceed the state’s action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb).

Where results have come in, water fountains and sinks used for cooking or drinking that are above the action level have been turned off, and

bathroom, laboratory or hand-washing sinks have been labeled that they should not be used for drinking or cooking. All students in the schools still have access to drinking water from other sources.

“The health and safety of our students is a top priority for all of our schools, so we’re working very closely with our districts on a regional level to ensure water sources are turned off or labeled, concerns are addressed and remediation plans are developed and carried out,” Herkimer BOCES Health and Safety Service Coordinator Adam Hutchinson.

Following the water crisis in Flint, Mich., public focus on lead in

water has increased, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently signed a law requiring all public schools in the state test all water outlets currently or potentially used for drinking or cooking purposes for lead levels. The law, which is one of the first of its kind in the United States, is designed to reduce the risk for exposure to lead and make sure all students have access to clean, drinkable water.

The action level of 15 ppb established for New York state is more stringent than the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended action level of 20 ppb.

“These rigorous new protections for New York’s children include the

December 2016 •

toughest lead contamination testing standards in the nation and provide clear guidance to schools on when and how they should test their water,” Cuomo said.

The Herkimer BOCES Health and Safety Service has coordinated with its component districts to have the testing done for each district and Herkimer BOCES by state-approved independent laboratory Adirondack Environmental Services Inc. For results specific to a district or to Herkimer BOCES, go to the district or BOCES website at www. herkimer-boces.org where results are either posted or will be shortly after results come in.

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Page 9

Winter Care The Balanced Body

By Deb Dittner

Winter Care, Naturally Ready for season’s harsh conditions? Bring it on!

W

inter is upon us despite a very mild fall. And with winter comes cold and flu symptoms that seem to appear everywhere.

You’ll find germs lurking in schools, the office, museums, fitness studios, grocery store — you name it. Many of us who are exposed to viruses on a daily basis have a variety of strategies that, for the most part, work extremely well.

Incorporating what you can into your daily life will help keep you and your family healthy. Here are some strategies to help keep you well: — Wash your hands frequently with a non-abrasive soap and Dittner water, pat thoroughly dry then moisturize. Do not touch your face, nose or eyes after touching contaminated surfaces. Stay away from soaps labeled “anti-bacterial” as these contain chemicals washing away the “healthy germs” as well.

— Drink half your body weight in ounces of water for proper hydration. Water helps keep mucous membranes hydrated and flushes toxins out of the body. Drink black or green tea with honey and lemon. The steam from the tea stimulates cilia (hair follicles in the nose), ridding them of germs.

Honey coats the throat and is a natural anti-bacterial. Lemon helps to thin mucus.

— Say no to alcohol as this will interfere with sleep and can be dehy-

drating. If you attend a holiday party where alcohol is served, alternate an alcoholic drink with a glass of water.

This will help to keep you better hydrated and have lesser effects of the alcohol.

— Sleep 7-9 hours nightly. Proper rest keeps our immune system healthy, protecting us from infection. A cool, dark room and a spritz of lavender water on the pillows or diffusing lavender oil encourages restful sleep. Avoid using electronics in the bedroom as these can stimulate the mind, causing restlessness.

— Eat clean and enjoy 8-10 servings of vegetables and 2-3 servings of

fruit daily. Can’t seem to get all that in, you say? Try smoothies or juicing.

A variety of combinations can create a very tasty and nutritious meal. Shoot for two or three veggies and one fruit in your preparation.

Use what you have on hand in the fridge such as coconut water or almond milk, apple, cucumber, kale, broccoli, carrot, spinach, lemon or fresh herbs.

Diets low in protein can also deplete the immune system. Consider adding hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds and nut butter for some added protein. Avoid processed foods as they are nutrient-depleted.

Increase blood circulation

— Self-care such as massage, acupuncture, reiki, and tai chi all help to boost the immune system by distributing more oxygen into the blood, increasing your circulation and creating relaxation.

Breathing techniques will also help reduce stress, keeping you healthy. Start and end each day with a breathing technique, and add more as needed throughout the day. At home, incorporate an Epsom salts and therapeutic grade essential oil bath a few times per week. Reading a book, enjoying a good laugh, and being with family and friends help to boost immunity.

— Physical movement for a minimum of 30 minutes (some research is now actually saying 60 minutes) most days of the week causes us to sweat, releasing toxins from the body.

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

You can also take the stairs, walk the dog, find a buddy to go to the gym with or walk during lunch to get you moving.

— Speaking of movement: Going to the gym can also expose you to many a germ. If you use equipment such as bicycle handlebars, yoga mats, free weights, pull up/chin up bars, towels, balance balls, medicine balls, etc., be sure to clean those areas that you will touch before use.

To eliminate germs as much as possible, make your own cleaner that is toxin-free such as a mixture of water with Thieves Household Cleaner.

The scent is very refreshing and will keep others healthy as well.

— Office and school environments are a huge breeding ground for germs and illness. Areas that need mention are water fountains/coolers, railings, door knobs, microwave, copy/fax machines, elevator buttons, chairs, pens, cell phones, shaking hands, shared charts, and tablets/ computers. Make sure these items are frequently cleaned.

— Sore, scratchy throat coming on? Salt water gargles, zinc lozenges, a teaspoon of raw, local honey with a drop of Thieves essential oil swirled in, water, tea with honey and lemon can all be of help.

— Therapeutic-grade essential oils such as lavender or Thieves are great hand sanitizers. Avoid sanitizers with alcohol and other chemicals as these cause cracks in the skin, allowing easy access for germs.

— If someone coughs or sneezes as you are walking by, breathe out slowly until you are approximately 6-10 feet away, keeping you as free from contaminated air space as possible. If you cough or sneeze, make sure to do so into your elbow and not your hand.

— Nasal congestion? Use a Neti pot with a saline solution to clear away viruses and thickened nasal secretions.

— Be grateful for all that you have. A journal describing gratitude reminds us of the blessings that surround us each and every day. It’s the simple things in life, the time we share with family and friends, the smile we receive from a total stranger, and awakening each and every day is what provides us the best of the winter season.

• 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.

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The Angels of Hospice Volunteers form backbone of group that comforts those in process of dying

By Barbara Pierce

“

I feel at peace when I’m there working,” said 86-year-old Frances Mannino of Utica, who volunteers at Hospice and Palliative Care in New Hartford. “It makes me feel good about myself.”

Mannino lost her husband just over three years ago. He received hospice care at home. “Hospice came and helped us get through,” she said. “They are such wonderful, compassionate, loving, caring people.”

“They are angels,” she concluded about her experience with Mannino hospice.

After her husband’s death, Mannino was grieving, deeply saddened by her loss. “I went to a grieving class for about six months,” she said.

While in the bereavement group, she heard the organization needed volunteers. This caught her attention.

“I wanted to give back to the people who did so much for me and my husband,” said Mannino, who applied to be a volunteer.

After a six-week training program, she began helping in many ways and continues to be an essential volunteer who gives much to the organization.

“I feel like I’m doing something worthwhile — something that makes a difference,” she added.

“Fran is a superstar volunteer,” said Melissa Hardiman, volunteer coordinator. “She’s wonderfully helpful. She’s available at the drop of a hat when we need her.”

Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford provides comfort and support to those who are at the end of their lives, and to their families, by caring for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. They care for patients in many settings, including their own homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and the Siegenthaler Center, the residence next to their main building.

“Volunteers are essential to what we do. Volunteers make so many

important contributions every day,” Hardiman said.

There are many ways volunteers help the organization. Much of her time there, Mannino helps in the office stuffing envelopes, filing, making up nursing bags of medical supplies and doing whatever needs to be done.

All-around helper

She makes and delivers meals to people unable to do their own shopping and cooking.

She spends time with people in hospice care if they need someone to talk with, or just need a person to sit with them. “My friend is in hospice now. I just sat and held her hand.

She’s in a bad way,” she said.

“Yes, it’s a hard thing to do,” she added about sitting with someone in the last stages of their life. “But I know I’m helping someone like I was helped.”

Like Mannino, all volunteers complete a comprehensive training course. The number of classes a person takes depends on his or her choice of what type of volunteer work they wish to do.

Hardiman ensures that all volunteers receive training so they feel comfortable with their volunteer assignments.

There are many ways volunteers enrich hospice. Some provide companionship to a person in the final months and weeks of life, or offer

support to family members and caregivers. Others help with community outreach and fundraising.

Volunteers serve as group facilitators and provide telephone support to the bereaved. Hospice provides support to the bereaved for up to 13 months following the death of a loved one.

Some volunteers work in the office doing clerical things. Others cook and deliver meals. Licensed cosmetologists and barbers help with grooming. Writers help people tell and save their stories.

Gardeners make the gardens beautiful and nurturing. Others provide pet care. Massage therapists

F

Family support group focuses on addiction

amilies who are dealing with the problems of addiction can find help and information at a support group meeting from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 19 in the second floor classroom at Rome Memorial Hospital.

The group meets the third Monday of each month and is free and open to everyone.

Offered by the hospital’s Community Recovery Center, the

December 2016 •

promote a sense of well being in patients.

“We have a volunteer opportunity for everyone,” said Hardiman.

“We have a role designed just for them, and we welcome their ideas for new programs.”

It is not depressing, although it’s sometimes sad, she added. Hospice volunteers have jobs that are full of joy and laughter, hope and sharing.

This work is deeply meaningful because the gift of presence is the greatest gift one can give.

“There are no minimum time requirements. We will take whatever time you can give,” said Hardiman. “No matter how you help, it’s impossible to overstate how much this support means to the patient and family and to the hospice team working with them.”

The hospice team and volunteers serve people in Oneida, Herkimer and eastern Madison counties.

“What’s most rewarding about it is that I’m giving back,” said Mannino. “And that makes me feel good.

“Volunteers are needed. For those who have lost a loved one, this is very good for them,” she added.

“I was in bad shape, on medication, when I started. Now I don’t need any medication; I’m fine.

“I really put my heart and soul into this. I feel so good about it.”

Those willing to volunteer can call Melissa Hardiman, Hospice and Palliative Care, New Hartford, at 315-735-6484. For more information about volunteering at hospice, see www.hospicecareinc.org/.

support group provides an opportunity to discuss issues with others who are in the same situation.

Certified by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, the Community Recovery Center, 264 W. Dominick St., Rome, offers alcohol and substance abuse treatment for adolescents and adults.

For more information about the support group or the Community Recovery Center, call 334-4701.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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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

What if you could choose?

5 Days or 45 Days

hoacny.com

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

Diet & Nutrition SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating

Flour Power: What’s Good, What’s Not

I

s flour good for you? Now that the holidays are here — a time deliciously devoted to baking and consuming products made of flour — we wanted to shine a light on this popular grain.

Let’s begin with our considerable consumption. According to some studies, the average American consumes between 400 to 500 cups of flour a year, which translates into about 1¼ cups (or 10 ounces) a day.

“Six ounces of grains” is what the USDA recommends that we consume each day for all grains, not just flour, with an added recommendation that half of those 6 ounces be whole grains.

So, 10 ounces from flour alone is both sobering and noteworthy.

Because, like many, I get a good dose of my daily grains from flour — from bread (two slices equal 2 ounces) to pasta (one cup equals 2 ounces) — I made a conscious decision years ago to stop eating foods made with refined white flour in favor of those made with the more nutritious whole wheat flour. It’s mostly what I bake with, too.

That’s not to say that white flour, which has been stripped of its bran and germ, has no merits. Much like whole wheat flour, a quarter cup of enriched white flour provides about 100 calories, 3 grams of protein and a slew of B vitamins and some minerals.

Some enriched white flours, in fact,

and Japan have banned the use of these chemicals, but the US has not.

Food in California that contains potassium bromate, however, must bear a warning label. Although the research is still out on the potential health risks of consuming these chemicals, numerous US flour companies no longer use them.

So, is wheat flour good for you?

Yes; although some kinds are better than others. Whole wheat is more nutritious than white; enriched white is better than non-enriched white; and any flour that has not been bleached or bromated is better than the alternative.

Helpful tips

have more iron and certain B vitamins (such as folic acid) than their whole wheat cousins.

What refined white flour doesn’t have, however, is fiber — the nutrient that keeps us regular, helps with weight control, stabilizes blood sugars and assists with the removal of bad cholesterol. Most whole wheat flours provide about 3 grams of fiber per quarter cup.

Health-promoting phytochemicals and antioxidants such as vitamin E are also removed in the making of white flour. Studies have shown that both may help to protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Again, whole wheat flour boasts many of these beneficial compounds.

Lastly, many flour companies add benzoyl peroxide or chlorine dioxide to chemically whiten (bleach) their flours. Some add potassium bromate to chemically strengthen their flours.

Several European countries, Canada

To prolong shelf life, transfer flour from its paper bag to an airtight plastic or glass container. Store refined flour in a cool, dry place. Store whole wheat flour in the fridge or freezer.

Flour that has gone rancid smells sour.

Bakers’ hints for baking with whole wheat flour: Make sure flour is fresh; add two teaspoons of liquid (water, milk, orange juice) per cup of whole wheat flour (to combat dryness); substitute some of the whole wheat flour in a recipe with all-purpose flour (for a lighter texture); and use “white whole wheat flour, “ which is simply whole grain flour that has been milled from white wheat (for a lighter color and milder taste).

Chocolate-Nut Thumbprints Adapted from America’s Test Kitchen; Makes two dozen cookies 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened ½ cup sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 egg yolk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon milk ½ cup pecans, toasted and ground

fine

1 cup white whole wheat flour* ¼ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips ¼ cup heavy cream or milk 1 tablespoon corn syrup

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

With electric mixer on medium speed, beat together butter, sugar, salt and cinnamon until smooth. Add yolk, vanilla, milk and nuts and beat until well blended.

With mixer on low speed, beat in flour just until dough forms a cohesive mass.

Roll dough into 1-inch-thick balls and place 1 inch apart on prepared sheets.

Bake for 10 minutes, remove from oven, and press indent into each cookie using thumb or bottom of rounded ½-teaspoon measure. Return to oven and bake 7 minutes more. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine chocolate chips, cream or milk, and corn syrup, stirring constantly until smooth. Cool 20 minutes. Fill the thumbprints with the chocolate mixture; let sit for another 30 minutes. *New to cooking with whole wheat flour? You may want to start with a ratio of ¾ cup whole wheat flour and ½ cup all-purpose flour for this recipe.

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.

Many who live with diabetes ignore basic recommendations

T

ens of thousands of Upstate New York adults who have diabetes jeopardize their health status by failing to take basic steps to keep their chronic illness in check, according to a recent report by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

An estimated 387,000 adults in Upstate New York live with diabetes, a serious health condition where the body does not produce or properly use insulin to digest sugar (glucose).

Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage many parts of the body, including blood vessels.

Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness, kidney disease and non-traumatic lower extremity amputation. It also is a major contributor to the nation’s leading killer — cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke).

“Physicians can help patients manage diabetes, but patients must be active partners who take charge of their own health in order to maintain or improve overall health status,”

said Matthew Bartels, Excellus BCBS chief medical officer for health care improvement. “Our latest research focuses on whether patients are, by their own admission, adhering to the care recommendations necessary to keep their diabetes in control.”

Using self-reported survey data collected locally and nationally by government health agencies, Excellus BCBS found that 64 percent of adults who have diabetes check their blood sugar at least once a day, as recommended by many health experts, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“That percentage means that nearly 140,000 Upstate New York adults with diabetes are not taking just one of several very important steps for their own health,” Bartels said. Patients who manage Type 2 diabetes with noninsulin medications or with diet and exercise alone may not need to test their blood sugar daily. Many people with diabetes test their glucose levels two to four times

a day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One of the most important steps that a patient can take to improve his or her health is to receive formal diabetes self-management education.

According to Excellus BCBS data, only 45 percent of patients do that.

The Excellus BCBS analysis highlights the self-reported rate at which Upstate New York patients comply with recommendations made by the HHS, CDC and American Diabetes Association.

• RECOMMENDATION: Have an A1C blood test at least twice per year (a blood test that shows average blood sugar level over the previous two to three months) — Compliance rate: 67 percent • RECOMMENDATION: Have a complete eye exam, including eye dilation, each year — Compliance rate: 73 percent • RECOMMENDATION: Have a health provider examine feet for sores or irritations at least annually

December 2016 •

— Compliance rate: 73 percent • RECOMMENDATION: Visit a dentist or dental clinic at least yearly — Compliance rate: 55 percent • RECOMMENDATION: Stay physically active as approved by your doctor — Compliance rate: 53 percent • RECOMMENDATION: Visit a health professional at least yearly for diabetes — Compliance rate: 83 percent • RECOMMENDATION: Get a flu vaccine every year — Compliance rate: 57 percent Learn more about living with diabetes from the Excellus BCBS infographic, “Do you take charge of your diabetes?” viewable and downloadable online at http://tinyurl. com/jgy3far. A short animated video infographic is available at http:// youtube.com/excellusbcbs. Additional information is available from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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CALENDAR

The Social Ask Security Office

From the Social Security District Office

T

Social Security’s holiday gift to children

his is the season of caring. No matter your religion or belief, December is also considered a time to focus on the children we love. Whether we’re wrapping Santa’s gifts, buying Hanukkah treats, decorating the house in celebration of Kwanzaa or volunteering for a toy drive, children add joy to the holiday season. And we at Social Security definitely know a thing or two about helping children.

Often overlooked in the paperwork that prospective parents fill out in preparation for a child’s birth is an application for a Social Security number and card. Typically, the hospital will ask if you want to apply for a Social Security number for your newborn as part of the birth registration process. This is the easiest and fastest way to apply. The Social Security card typically arrives about a week to 10 days after that little bundle of joy!

You can learn about Social Security numbers for children by reading our publication, Social Security Numbers for Children, available at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

A child needs a Social Security number if he or she is going to have a bank account, if a relative is buying savings bonds for the child, if the child will have medical coverage, or if the child will receive government services. You’ll also need a Social Security number for a child to claim him or her on your tax returns.

If you wait to apply, you will have to visit a Social Security office and you’ll need to: • Complete an “Application For a Social Security Card” (Form SS-5);

• Show us original documents proving your child’s U.S. citizenship, age and identity; and • Show us documents proving your identity.

Remember, a child age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number must appear in person for the interview, even though a parent or guardian will sign the application on the child’s behalf.

Children with disabilities are among our most vulnerable citizens.

Social Security is dedicated to helping those with qualifying disabilities and their families through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. To qualify for SSI: • The child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of conditions, resulting in “marked and severe functional limitations.” This means that the condition(s) must severely limit your child’s activities; • The child’s condition(s) must be severe, last for at least 12 months, or be expected to result in death; • If your child’s condition(s) does not result in “marked and severe limitations,” or does not result in those limitations lasting for at least 12 months, your child will not qualify for SSI; and Learn the details about benefits for children by reading our publication, Benefits for Children with Disabilities, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ people/kids to learn more about all we do to care for children.

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(315)724-5168 1-800-530-2741 www.insighthouse.com 500 Whitesboro Street, Utica New York 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 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.

Nov. 30

Lights of Love Remembrance service set St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica is continuing to celebrate its 150th anniversary by presenting the 16th annual Lights of Love campaign.

Following the candle lighting and remembrance service at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Utica, holiday lights will illuminate the St. Elizabeth Campus.

Each light represents a contribution received in honor or in memory of a loved one, to wish someone a speedy recovery, to recognize a special event or caregiver who has provided exceptional care or as a special holiday gift.

Gifts to Lights of Love support the purchase of specialized equipment for the Mohawk Valley Health System cardiac services program located at SEMC. A list of donors and honorees will be on display at the medical center throughout the holiday season.

For more information, call 315624-5574. For a listing of those recognized through Lights of Love, visit www.stemc.org/foundation or www. faxtonstlukes.com/foundation.

Dec. 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 meetings are Dec. 1 and Dec. 15.

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

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

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

Dec. 3-4

Sensory Santa set for children with autism Children with autism spectrum disorders and their families have an opportunity to sit with Santa and have their pictures taken in the center court of Sangertown Square Mall in New Hartford from 8-9 a.m. Dec. 3-4.

This special Santa opportunity before the mall opens, sponsored by the Kelberman Center, allows children with autism to see Santa up close and personal in a sensory friendly environment, including quieter surroundings, no standing in line and interaction with a Santa experienced in working with children with autism.

Contact Leslie at the Kelberman Center at 797-6241 ext. 372 with questions or to reserve a time slot.

Dec. 6

MVHS schedules blood drive The Mohawk Valley Health System will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 in Allen-Calder conference rooms 3, 4 and 5 at the St. Luke’s Campus, 1656 Champlin Ave., Utica.

Attendees are asked to enter through Allen-Calder entrance 7 at the back of the campus.

More than 38,000 blood donations are needed each day in the United States, but only 38 percent of the population is eligible to donate. Just one donor can help save or sustain up to three lives.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 315-624-8259.

Registration is also available online prior to the event at www.redcrossblood.org or the day of the event at www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass.

Dec. 6

Health program information session This fall, Mohawk Valley Community College will host a health program information session to introduce prospective students to the college’s various health care programs, with time to meet admissions deadlines for next year.

The session will occur at 6 p.m.

Dec. 6 in Room 225, Information Technology Building, Utica campus.

Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

Call 315-792-5354 or visit www. mvcc.edu/infosessions to register or for more information.

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

2015 cost of employersponsored care

The annual Milliman Medical Index is regarded as one of the most reliable sources of actuarial, analytical and financial research for employer sponsored health insurance. Here are some of their key findings for 2015.

The average cost to insure a typical family of four was $24,671.

This is three times the cost in 2001.

The cost of care rose 6.3 percent in 2015 due largely to unrestrained/ unregulated increases in drug costs, which increased almost 14 percent from 2014. Since 2001, drug prices have increased at an average annual rate of 9.4 percent — exceeding the 7.7 percent average increase for all other services.

While employers still pay the lion’s share of the premium, (58 percent) an employee’s out-of-pocket cost has increased 43 percent over the last five years while employer costs increased 32 percent.

Of the $24,671 cost for a family, the typical employee paid about $10,400 (42 percent). That includes about $6,400 in payroll deductions ($533 a month) and about $4,000 in out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles and copays.

2015 components of employersponsored care

Physicians and other professionals accounted for 31 percent of all costs, followed by hospitals also at 31 percent, outpatient services at 19 percent, drugs at 16 percent and “other” at 4 percent. Other includes mostly durable medical equipment, supplies, ambulance and home care.

Again, drug costs increase almost 14 percent last year and almost all of this increase was due to price increases vs. increases in utilization.

Physician costs increased only 3.6 percent. Hospital costs increased 5.4 percent. Most notable stat: over the last five years, hospital utilization has increased only 0.5 percent.

ACA exchange costs

The exchanges continue to be the most misunderstood component of the Affordable Care Act, better known as “ObamaCare.”

The exchanges were established to provide individuals under 65, who don’t receive insurance through an employer or Medicare, the ability to purchase an individual commercial plan. Recently, the purported average 25 percent increase in exchange premiums has brought “ObamaCare” under more scrutiny.

Here are some facts and some perspective. 20-plus million people are currently covered by “ObamaCare.” Of the 20-plus million, about 7 million are covered by expanded Medicaid. Consequently, they do not pay any premiums and are not impacted by the 25 percent premium increases.

That leaves about 13 million people, not covered by expanded Medicaid, who do pay for their insurance and are the ones impacted by the 25 percent increase. The average

By Jim Miller

insurance premium offered on the exchanges has increased 2 percent in 2015 and 7 percent in 2016. If you factor in the anticipated 25 percent increase for 2017, that is a three-year average of 11 percent.

The federal government does not set the premiums. Commercial carriers like BCBS, Aetna, Humana, United, Cigna, etc. set their own premiums. The 25 percent increase is due to two factors: The rates were way too low to begin with and the insurers grossly underestimated the health status (sicker) of their new members.

Consequently, rates had to go up in 2017 if insurers were to survive.

The national average premium for a standard “silver” or basic employer type plan in 2016 on the exchange was about $400 a month or $4,800 a year compared to about $6,000 a year or a typical employer-sponsored plan.

ACA exchange carriers

Several commercial plans are pulling out or threatening to pull out of the exchanges because of losses.

(Again, they miscalculated their own rates.) Many are pulling out for other reasons.

First, it is far easier to sell and administer group or employer-based insurance because of clear economies of scale. Individual policies are administratively more expensive and time consuming. Second, there are no sales commissions for their agents on insurance purchased on the exchange.

Third, with hundreds of carriers (local and national) fighting over 13 million people, many may not think the effort is worth it. Many insurers came into the exchanges with artificially and unsustainable low premiums in order to attract more business. Some have gone out of business as a result.

Fourth, all for-profit carriers have stock holders to please. United is a perfect example. They are pulling out of the exchanges claiming losses of $720 million, which is a lot on face value but relatively insignificant when put into perspective.

United reported an overall a profit of $11 billion on revenues of $157 billion, so the exchange is a small portion of its business. CEO Stephen Hemsley earned $66 million in 2014, but that is way down from $102 million in 2010. Many states claim they will be down to one or two carriers next year. The potentially bad news is less competition.

George W. Chapman is a healthcare consultant who works with hospitals and medical groups.

He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse.

Email him at gwc@ gwchapmanconsulting.com.

Thyroid disorders often missed Dear Savvy Senior,

Can you write a column on the overlooked problem of thyroid disease? After struggling with chronic fatigue, joint pain and memory problems, I was finally diagnosed hypothyroidism. Now, at age 70, I’m on thyroid medication and am doing great. Five years of feeling lousy. I wish I’d have known.

Frustrated Patient

Dear Frustrated,

I’m glad to hear that you’re finally feeling better. Unfortunately, thyroid problems are quite common in older adults but can be tricky to detect because the symptoms often resemble other age-related health problems. In fact, as many as 30 million Americans have some form of thyroid disorder, but more than half of them aren’t aware of it.

Here’s a basic overview: The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck that has a huge job. It produces hormones (called T3 and T4) that help regulate the rate of many of your body’s activities, from how quickly you burn calories to how fast your heart beats.

It also influences the function of the brain, liver, kidneys and skin.

If the gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, it causes body systems to slow down. If it’s overactive, and churns out too much thyroid, it has the opposite effect, speeding up the body’s processes.

The symptoms for an underactive thyroid (also known as hypothyroidism) — the most common thyroid disorder in older adults — will vary but may include fatigue, unexplained weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, joint pain, muscle stiffness, dry skin and depression. Some patients may even develop an enlarged thyroid (goiter) at the base of the neck. However, in older adults, it can cause other symptoms like memory impairment, loss of appetite, weight loss, falls or even incontinence.

And the symptoms of an overactive thyroid (or hyperthyroidism), which is more common in people

December 2016 •

under age 50, may include a rapid heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, excessive perspiration, as well as an enlarged thyroid gland. Too much thyroid can also cause atrial fibrillation, affect blood pressure and decrease bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis.

Those with the greatest risk of developing thyroid disorders are women who have a family history of the disease. Other factors that can trigger thyroid problems include: autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s or Graves disease; thyroid surgery; radiation treatments to the neck or upper chest; and certain medications including interferon alpha and interleukin-2 cancer medications, amiodarone heart medication and lithium for bipolar disorder.

Get Tested

If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms or if you’ve had previous thyroid problems or notice a lump in the base of your neck, ask your doctor to check your thyroid levels. The TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) blood test is used to diagnosis thyroid disorders.

Thyroid disease is easily treated once you’ve been diagnosed. Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levothroid, Synthroid and others), which is an oral medication that restores adequate hormone levels.

And treatments for hyperthyroidism may include an anti-thyroid medication such as methimazole (Tapazole), which blocks the production of thyroid hormones. Another option is radioactive iodine, which is taken orally and destroys the overactive thyroid cells and causes the gland to shrink. But this can leave the thyroid unable to produce any hormone and it’s likely that you’ll eventually become hypothyroid and need to start taking thyroid medication.

For more information on thyroid disorders, visit the American Thyroid Association at Thyroid.org.

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

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

H ealth News Physician joins Upstate Family Health Center James Frederick of Community Health and Behavior Services at Upstate Cerebral Palsy will transition to the chief medical officer of the Upstate Family Health Center, Inc. in 2017.

This coincides with CHBS’ primary care services’ name change to Upstate Family Health Center, Inc. Frederick has been a primary care provider in the Utica area for more than 35 Frederick years.

Frederick cares for patients that include developmentally disabled individuals as well as refugee populations and the homeless.

He most recently captured the 2016 Central New York Business Journal’s Physician of the Year award.

Upstate Family Health Center, Inc. will provide the same services as CHBS does, offering specialty health care services to individuals of all ages at various locations throughout the Mohawk Valley.

Its goal is to offer quality primary health care services to children and adults in the community, eliminating the need to travel longer distances and/or the barrier of payment when accessing this care.

For more information, contact Terence Phillips at 315-507-2082 ext.

225.

Insight House names employee of quarter Karina Swanson was recently selected as Insight House employee of the third quarter of 2016.

Employees of the quarter are nominated for their reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and uniqueness of contribution.

Swanson, of Utica, has been Swanson employed at Insight House since 2015, and was nominated by Julia Hubbard, director of the residential program.

As the agency receptionist, she is responsible for greeting and directing visitors, and responding to inquiries from staff, the public, parents and clients.

MVHS welcomes new pediatrician Teresa Martorella has joined the Mohawk Valley Health System Medical Group at its Children’s Health Center in Utica. She is a pediatrician with privileges at both the St. Elizabeth Campus and St. Luke’s Campus.

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LPN honored for 25 years of service with Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Slocum-Dickson Medical Group recently recognized Annemarie Weakley for her 25 years of service. A celebratory breakfast for all employees was held recently in her honor. Weakley joined Slocum-Dickson in 1991 as a licensed practical nurse in the dermatology department. Currently working in Edward Lee’s dermatology practice, she has proven to be a valuable member of the department over the years. Celebrating the occasion with Weakley (center) are fellow staff members, from left, Michelle Sorensen, Michelle Marsello, Jennifer Maggiolino and Caitlin VanValkenburg. Weakley received her LPN degree from Herkimer County BOCES. Prior to joining the MVHS Medical Group, Martorella was affiliated with Montefiore Medical Group in the Bronx as an attending physician in a pediatric clinic.

Martorella earned her Doctor of Medicine from the New York University School of Medicine in Martorella New York City and her Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences summa cum laude from Cornell University in Ithaca.

She completed a pediatric residency at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.

She is board-certified in pediatrics and has teaching experience in conflict resolution and pediatric obesity prevention.

MVHS names hospitalist nurse practitioner Amanda Stewart has been named family nurse practitioner in the hospitalist program at the St. Elizabeth Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica.

Prior to joining MVHS, Stewart served as a family nurse practitioner at Central New York Cardiology and as a registered professional nurse at

St. Elizabeth Medical Center, both in Utica.

Stewart earned a Master of Science in family health at SUNY Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Utica College of Syracuse University, both in Utica.

She is a memStewart ber of the New York State Nurses Association, Mohawk Valley Nurse Practitioner Association, New York State Nurse Practitioner Association and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Stewart is certified in family health and as a New York state child abuse medical provider.

Visitor process changes for maternity unit The Mohawk Valley Health System’s maternity unit, including labor and delivery, post-partum and the nurseries, are all secured areas.

Visitors to the maternity unit will now be asked to show a photo ID before entering for the protection of parents and their children. If visitors do not have a photo ID, their photo will be taken.

The hospital is like many

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

throughout the country that provide security measures for mothers and newborns. MVHS staff routinely reviews policies and conducts drills to ensure that correct procedures are followed in the event of an emergency.

Maternity unit visiting hours are daily between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and between 4-8 p.m. When visiting new moms and babies at MVHS, families are requested to provide supervision for any visitors under the age of 12 anywhere in the hospital including a patient’s room. While in the hospital, children are safest when accompanied by an adult.

For additional visitor information, visit www.faxtonstlukes.com.

SEMC orthopedic unit names nurse manager Sabrina Lindfield has been named nurse manager of 2E at the St. Elizabeth Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System.

In this position, Lindfield maintains nursing operations to inLindfield clude both clinical and administrative responsibilities for 2E, an inpatient

Continued on Page 17

H ealth News Continued from Page 16 orthopedic unit.

Lindfield has been an employee at St. Elizabeth Medical Center since 2009, serving as a staff-nurse on neuro-peds and in the operating room.

Lindfield earned her associate degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Utica College, both in Utica.

SDMG names employee of quarter Daniel Grimes has been named employee of the fourth quarter of 2016 at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group PLLC, New Hartford.

Grimes is a computer operator and offers help desk support.

He began his employment with Grimes the information technology department of SDMG in October of 2015.

“Dan was nominated for this honor because of his positive attitude and willingness to help out whenever necessary,” an SDMG spokesperson said. “The reception staff has come to rely on Dan for his swift response when encountering technical issues and his ability to problem solve. He is committed to finding solutions that will ensure operations run smoothly for patients and staff alike.”

Grimes received his associate’s degree in website design and maintenance from Mohawk Valley Community College.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in communication information and design from SUNY Institute of Technology.

He has several years of experience in troubleshooting and hardware/software instillation.

LFH receives Guardian of Excellence Award Consistently high patient satisfaction scores in Little Falls Hospital’s Dolgeville and Newport medical practices have earned Little Falls Hospital the 2016 Guardian of Excellence Award® from Press Ganey Associates, Inc. The award recognizes top-performing health care organizations that have consistently achieved the 95th percentile or above of performance in the category of patient experience.

“Our staff at the Dolgeville and Newport health centers cares for their patients and family by including them in decisions about their care and treatment, educating and promoting healthy lifestyles and giving them the autonomy needed to take charge of their own well being,” says Tina Silano-Willis, case manager.

The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award® is a nationally

Rome Hospital Foundation unveils physician tree of life at RMH Rome Hospital Foundation recently unveiled a physician tree of life at Rome Memorial Hospital as a way to honor and memorialize the many physicians who have worked at the hospital for their years of service. A small reception was held in the lobby of the hospital for the unveiling of the tree and former Rome Memorial Hospital President and CEO Darlene Burns spoke at the unveiling, highlighting how important and caring each physician was to the hospital’s patients and the Rome community.

Visitors to RMH will find the tree located on the first floor of the hospital, to the right of the patient access area. The leaves represent an opportunity for individual tributes to honor those physicians that have impacted a patient’s life with the care that was provided to them or a family member. For more information about Rome Hospital Foundation, visit www.romehosp.org, email foundation@romehospital.org or call 315-338-7181. recognized symbol of achievement in health care. Presented annually, the award honors clients who consistently sustained performance in the top 5 percent of all Press Ganey clients for each reporting period during the course of one year.

Little Falls Hospital, an affiliate of Bassett Healthcare Network, is an inpatient 25-bed acute care hospital.

RMH physical therapist wins state award Ashley Niebuhr, co-chairperson of Rome Memorial Hospital’s safe patient handling committee, has received the safe patient handling award of excellence from the New York State Zero Lift Task Niebuhr Force for her leadership in improving the safety of the hospital environment for both patients and staff.

The New York State Zero Lift Task Force is made up of health care workers, administrators, patient advocates, union representatives and safety and health professionals who

want to ensure the health and safety of all patients and health care workers in New York state.

Rates of musculoskeletal injuries from overexertion in healthcare occupations are among the highest of all industries in the United States. The single greatest risk factor for overexertion injuries in health care workers is the manual lifting, moving and repositioning of patients, residents or clients, which can result in career-ending injuries.

Niebuhr earned a Bachelor of Science in health and human studies and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Utica College.

She is certified through The Association of Safe Patient Handling Professionals.

Looking to ‘rock’ Parkinson’s disease Community Wellness Partners, an affiliation of LutheranCare and Presbyterian Homes & Services, has launched a new program designed to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Rock Steady Boxing is hosted at Presbyterian Residential Community and open to any local resident that has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

December 2016 •

“Studies have shown that the stretching, footwork and punching movements actually help battle symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors and trouble walking,” said Maurine Farruggia, Wellness Center director.

Three classes are offered per week and class placement is based on an evaluation by staff. Rock Steady costs $10 per month, or $20 per month for the added use of the Wellness Center.

A physician’s release is also required to participate. Classes are held in the Presbyterian Residential Community by the Wellness Center.

Rock Steady is another example of the organization’s renewed focus to serve as a partner in health by enabling the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual wellness of older adults.

Increase your bottom line!

Call 749-7070

IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Veteran insight

Vietnam war veteran instrumental in establishing newly dedicated bench

By Patricia J. Malin

Y

ou might think nothing good came out of the devastating U.S. war in Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s.

John Harrison of Utica, for example, was wounded in action twice, subjected to long-term ill effects from the chemical Agent Orange and suffered post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Back then, in the 1980s, the VA (Veteran’s Administration) didn’t want to help us,” said Harrison, now 73. “They denied that there was anything like PTSD.” The VA’s negligence was due in part to public scorn over a highly unpopular war.

The servicemen were deemed “baby killers,” Harrison recalled.

Harrison is thankful he didn’t experience this reaction personally.

He served only one year in Vietnam, 1965-66, but he felt bad for his fellow veterans who experienced the brunt of later protests.

Harrison often thinks about those dark days when visiting the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial on the Parkway in Utica. On a recent November morning, he sat on the newly dedicated bench adjacent to the memorial. He solemnly looks over a list of 67 names of soldiers from Oneida County who were killed in action and notes, “I knew two of those guys.”

The ornamental, concrete bench was dedicated to visually impaired veterans by the Utica Council of the Blind and the city of Utica in a ceremony recently at the Parkway Senior Center.

Harrison, a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of Central New York, Chapter 490, is legally blind.

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri and state Sen. Joe Griffo (R-Rome) joined Maria Gates, president of UCB, and Rudy D’Amico, president and chief executive officer of the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Utica, at a ceremony held indoors because of rain.

For more than a decade after he came home, Harrison didn’t think much about his days in the service as he focused on earning a living and supporting his family.

Harrison is a native of South Carolina, but he came north with his parents, who were migrant workers, when he was 14 and has lived in Utica ever since. When he got his draft notice in 1964, he was still in high school. He dropped out of Utica Free Academy, figuring if he enlisted, he would only have to serve two years, and he could possibly make a career in the armed forces.

In May 1965, he was shipped to the Dominican Republic as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. The Page 18

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Dominican Civil War was brief — 45 days — and has been long forgotten.

Three months later, he joined the 1st Calvary Airborne in South Vietnam, where the conflict was bloody and brutal. He was shot twice, but his injuries were non-life threatening.

Battle wounds

In the first incident, a bullet entered the left side of his neck and Harrison said it took 18 hours for medics to reach his unit’s location in the “hot zone.” After eight weeks of rehab, he returned to the war front.

In February 1966, the 1st Calvary and a battalion of 600 U.S. soldiers in the central highlands came under fire from 2,000 enemy troops. “Some of my buddies were killed within 40 feet of me,” Harrison said. “Twothirds of my company was either wounded or killed.”

He was hit in the right shoulder by shrapnel. In November 1966, he was sent back to the states and served as a drill instructor at Fort Dix in New Jersey until July 1967 when he was honorably discharged. The Army had left a bitter taste in his mouth, but he survived.

“When I came home, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The enemy was here,” he said, referring to the war protesters.

“But my family treated me like a hero,” he added. His mother was especially caring, helping him through

John Harrison is shown at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Parkway in Utica. his bouts with depression. “I kept my condition to myself,” he said.

He didn’t realize it at first, but she became his role model.

He took some odd jobs in Utica, including a stint as a taxi driver, before winding up with the Utica Fire Department for 20 years.

He had earned his general education diploma while in the Army.

In the mid-1970s, he returned to school on the GI Bill. He enrolled at Mohawk Valley Community College and majored in human services and psychology. He completed his bachelor’s degree in social work at Utica College in 1980. He said he knew he had found his calling.

After retiring from the fire department in 1992, he entered social work. Later on, he earned two master’s degrees at Syracuse University and became a licensed master social worker.

Harrison began working as a social worker for the Oneida Coun-

Maria Gage, president of the Utica Council of the Blind, addresses a gathering at the Parkway Senior Center during the dedication of a bench located adjacent to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Parkway in Utica. Accompanying Gage is Vietnam veteran John Harrison, left, and Rudy D’Amico, president and CEO of the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The CABVI offers classes for those who have become visually impaired.

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

ty Health Department and with a number of private agencies. “There weren’t too many opportunities for minorities,” he admitted.

He occasionally worked with Vietnam War veterans who were coping with PTSD, rejection by the public, depression, substance abuse and other mental health issues.

Memorial fitting tribute

The dedication of the Vietnam War deceased veterans memorial in Utica in 1985 started the vets and the community on the path to recovery.

“Fifteen thousand people showed up,” Harrison said. “It brought families, politicians and the public together.”

Harrison developed astigmatism, probably from exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, before he had even left the service. He survived prostate cancer. He has since been diagnosed with diabetes and glaucoma and has received treatment at the VA Hospital in Syracuse.

“Up until four years ago, I was self-sufficient,” he said. “Since then, I’ve learned a lot about mobility issues for people who have visual impairments.”

He volunteers at the Utica Council of the Blind, which advocates for and provides support services for Mohawk Valley residents. He also serves on the board of directors of the Center for Family Life and Recovery.

UCB obtained funding to install special traffic signals at the extremely busy intersection of Genesee Street and the Parkway in Utica, a block from the Veteran’s Memorial, for the visually impaired. On Election Day, Gates and Harrison and other blind residents cast their votes on specially designated devices at their neighborhood-polling place as required by state law.

UCB is a companion agency to the CABVI, which employs or find jobs for many visually impaired residents of Central New York.

Harrison has no trouble finding the route to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial because his wife, Gloria, drives. He feels like it’s his second home, he said.

“I used to sit in my car at night and pray, but now we have this bench and the memorial is lit up at night. The memorial means a lot to me. Something good came out of a bad experience,” he said.

KIDS Corner Fewer Parents Are Spanking Their Kids

psychology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. “At all income and education levels, parents’ attitudes toward physical punishment have changed over the last 20 years and, very likely, their behavior with their children,” she said.

For the study, Ryan and her colleagues reviewed four national studies of kindergarten-age children — about 5 years old. The studies were conducted between 1988 and 2011.

Although a cultural shift away from physical discipline has occurred, some parents still believe spanking and hitting is the best way to control unwanted behavior, the findings showed.

More low-income parents than high-income parents still believe in hitting children to discipline them.

Yet poorer parents, like richer parents, are increasingly using timeouts, the study authors noted.

Nearly one-third of mothers with the lowest incomes still spanked or hit kindergarten-age children. Almost 25 percent reported using physical punishment in the last week, the researchers said.

Parents with the highest incomes are less likely to endorse or report using physical discipline than those at the bottom of the income scale, the study found.

The report was published online Nov. 14 in the journal Pediatrics.

More are relying on timeouts to discipline children, study shows

S

panking and hitting children to discipline them has been on the decline among U.S. parents — rich and poor alike — since 1988, a new study finds.

According to the researchers, the number of mothers with an average income level who considered physical discipline acceptable decreased from 46 percent to 21 percent over two decades.

At the same time, mothers who felt timeouts were a better type of discipline rose from 51 percent to 71 percent, the investigators found.

“Parents seem to be using more reasoning and nonphysical discipline strategies with children, which is in line with what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended in 1998,” said lead researcher Rebecca Ryan. She’s an associate professor of

Community bonds to help challenged child Continued from Page 20 ing from them.

The team of nurses includes Jennifer Moltrup, Angelique Emmons, Rose Jurkowski, Nancy Schultz, Wendy Purcell and Jessica Thompson.

“Thankfully I have seen Cassidy improve greatly in the time I have been with her,” Jessen said. However, she is very fragile and needs continuous around-the-clock care. Cassidy’s condition has been quite unstable for a few years, and coupled with the family not having a handicap-accessible van, it has made it very difficult for Cassidy to get out for other activities. Cassidy’s symptoms are far

more stable these days and it would be wonderful if she could have an opportunity to get outside of her home and bedroom.”

Cassidy makes 10 trips a year to confer with Daniel Kveselis, a pediatric cardiologist at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, but it’s always been in an ambulance from TLC Transport.

Jessen said D&T transport in New Hartford donated a free ride for Cassidy to the fundraiser.

“We think we will be able to take her places with us (with a van), and maybe we can find ways to keep her heart healthy,” a hopeful Jennifer said.

Health news in brief

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

Dec. 8.

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.

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

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 Dec. 8.

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

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

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In Good Health

December 2016 •

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Cause for Cassidy Family endures through tough odds to sustain child stricken with illness

By Patricia J. Malin

F

or her entire life, all of eight years, Cassidy Salisbury’s view of the outside world has come on limited trips from her home in Verona to her doctor’s office or local hospitals in Oneida and Syracuse.

It’s always been from the back of an ambulance.

Cassidy, who has Down syndrome and additional health problems, is confined to a wheelchair and needs a ventilator to regulate her breathing.

Her parents, David and Jennifer Salisbury, have never been able to take Cassidy with them along with her two older sisters, Jacqueline and Kaitlyn, for such activities as shopping or dining out or for other typical activities for a family of five.

Her family hopes to change that, perhaps in time for Cassidy’s birthday on Dec. 10.

The Salisburys are appealing to their friends and the public for enough money to purchase a van with a lift that can accommodate Cassidy’s wheelchair and medical equipment. Cassidy recently made her first-ever public appearance at the Cause for Cassidy fundraiser at the Verona VFW. David said the benefit raised $2,500, so Cassidy’s special birthday present might be on hold a bit longer.

The family estimates a van with a lift will cost $11,000. Two years ago, he started a crowd-funding website for Cassidy on Facebook.

The idea for the fundraiser came from one of Cassidy’s nurses, Jeneen Jessen, who has known Cassidy for five years.

“I used to work with a family in Poughkeepsie who did a yearly Valentine’s Day benefit fundraisPage 20

•

The Salisbury family is shown at a recently fundraiser at the Verona VFW to support its youngest member, Cassidy, center. They are, from left, Jacqueline, 11; David; Kaitlyn, 10; and Jennifer. er for their daughter,” said Jessen.

“Through that experience, they have changed their daughter’s life. That inspired me to gather the rest of Cassidy’s nurses to pull this together for her. The other nurses thought that the handicap van would be the best goal to start with.”

After having two healthy children, Jennifer’s pregnancy with Cassidy was fraught with problems.

She was expecting twins this time, but the first baby, Hope, died when Jennifer was just 23 weeks along.

At 29 weeks, Jennifer was admitted to Crouse Hospital in Syracuse for observation.

“The fluid from the umbilical cord wasn’t getting through to the baby,” she said. “Cassidy had stopped growing.”

Premature child

At that point, the doctors decided to induce labor. When Cassidy Irene Faith was born on Dec. 18, 2008, she was more than 30 weeks premature and weighed just 2 pounds, 8 ounces. Along with this danger, Cassidy was diagnosed with trisomy 21, Down syndrome, a factor that was unknown while she was in the womb.

While Jennifer was released one week after giving birth, her daughter wasn’t as lucky. Cassidy spent the next four months in the pediatric intensive care unit at SUNY Upstate Medical Center. When she came home, she weighed four pounds

and still required a feeding tube and oxygen, David explained.

“We had no home nursing,” he said. “She spent her days and weeks as normal as we could make it for a one or two-month-old with her conditions.”

For a while, Cassidy seemed to thrive, he noted. However, just a few months later, Cassidy developed pneumonia. At first, she was sent to Oneida Hospital close to her home, but doctors decided she needed more advanced care at Upstate. She was transferred from there to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, a division of Upstate.

At the same time, the doctors discovered a small hole in the wall of her heart that would eventually need surgery for a ventricular septal defect. VSD is a defect in the ventricular septum, the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart.

The hole caused oxygenated blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood, contributing to her breathing difficulties.

She underwent her VSD repair surgery and a tracheotomy at the age of 18 months while still in the hospital. She remained in the pediatric ICU for approximately 6-8 months longer.

Once home, “she began to grow and take her spot in everyone’s heart,” David noted.

Life-threatening moments

But Cassidy had a sudden and devastating setback in December

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

2010. David recalled he was at the store getting groceries when he got a panicked phone call from his wife, who was home with Cassidy and a nurse. Cassidy woke up from a nap.

She started screaming in pain and turning a “dusty” blue, according to Jennifer.

Her oxygen level was decreasing rapidly, but the nurse gave Cassidy oxygen. They called 911 and an ambulance rushed the toddler to Upstate again.

“I recalled her facial expression as she was struggling, her heart rate racing above 150 beats per minute,” David wrote on the Cause for Cassidy webpage. “I was filled with helpless frustration watching her, holding her hand, talking to her.

She was trying to survive until we arrived at the ER. Cassidy survived two pulmonary hypertension attacks just days apart.”

Doctors at Golisano’s pediatric intensive care unit put her into a drug-induced coma. Following an MRI, the doctors concluded she had sustained irreversible brain damage.

When she was awakened, David said they realized Cassidy “would never be the same.”

Cassidy celebrated her second birthday in the hospital. She would continue to have seizures and was placed on morphine. “She was touch and go for a long time,” David said.

“Struggling to cope with her condition, we maintained our hopes in that maybe things would change; they would not.”

Things grew worse for the family. After working for 15 years for ECR International in Utica, David lost his job. He stayed home with his two young daughters, Jacqueline and Kaitlyn, now 11 and 10, respectively.

“I was out of work and my wife wasn’t working either,” he said. “We didn’t have any health care insurance for awhile, but I got severance pay.”

Jennifer added, “When he lost his job, we were in a dark place.”

Fortunately, after just 13 weeks, David got a job at Carrier Corp. in Syracuse. About a year ago, Jennifer took a job with BOCES as a classroom aide in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District.

Cassidy needed a wheelchair fulltime by the time she turned three.

Thanks to David’s health insurance and now with Jennifer’s job, the Salisburys have been able to provide care for Cassidy around the clock with a team of seven nurses. She gets help from therapists who come to her home, and she receives some school-

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