In Good Health: ROC #221 - January 2024

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JANUARY 2024 • ISSUE 221

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER Doing Pilates

Growing in popularity, the practice can help keep you limber and strong

Meet Your Doctor LISA LINCOLN, M.D. Highland Hospital ER attending physician receives ‘Unsung Hero’ award from New York American College of Emergency Physicians, discusses emergency medicine work P. 4 ALSO INSIDE

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

FOOT CARE P.14

COLD WEATHER RUNNING MAY BE EVEN HEALTHIER P. 2

BENEFITS OF CHAIR YOGA Although mostly a seated activity, chair yoga promotes good health P. 10

Cold Weather Running May Be Even Healthier

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reary, chilly winter days might cause some year-round runners to think twice about their jog, but recent research suggests the benefits of cold weather running outweigh those of running in warmer conditions.

Specifically, cold weather can help runners burn more bad fat, lose more weight and feel healthier overall.

“Cold weather doesn't have to force runners indoors and I encourage my patients to continue safely running outdoors,” said physician Joshua Blomgren, an assistant professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. “Exercise is medicine, even in the winter.”

Running in cold weather produces less heat stress on the body, which can make a winter jog easier than one in the summer, Blomgren said. Higher body temperatures are associated with increased exertion and strain on the heart, lungs and metabolism.

On the other hand, winter running can boost your metabolism at a time when cold temperatures are causing your average metabolism to slow down in an attempt to preserve fat, Blomgren explained.

Cold weather jogging tricks the body into stopping that slowdown, helping you maintain a healthy weight.

Scientific evidence also suggests that exercising in cold temperatures can help convert “bad” white fat to “good” brown fat, Blomgren said. White fat can cause inflammation and insulin resistance, while brown fat is metabolic tissue that helps burn calories.

Blomgren does issue some cautions to folks who choose to run in the cold, however: • Dress in appropriate layers • Wear sweat-wicking fabrics rather than cotton or wool • Wear a head covering • Drink lots of water before and after a run • Keep an eye out for hidden ice on running paths • Don a nose and mouth covering to warm the crisp air, making it easier to breathe But even the hardiest cold weather runners should consider staying indoors during sub-zero cold waves, and always remain alert for any signs of frostbite while outside, Blomgren added.

A shared commitment to a healthier community Congratulations to all of our 2023 Health Equity Innovation Award recipients! To view the winners and learn about their innovative initiatives to address health equity issues, visit ExcellusBCBS.com/Community today.

Health Equity

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A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Page 2 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

“My days are filled with friendships and activities, combined with the care I need.”

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January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 3

Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Q: What got you interested in emergency medicine?

A: I really love emergency medicine because every day's a little bit different. You get to provide care for all types of different patients, which makes for a very interesting and rewarding job. When I was in medical school, I enjoyed every rotation I was in. I love learning. Part of the reason I went into emergency medicine is because there's a wide breadth of knowledge in fields that interact. I like taking care of acutely ill patients.

I like the challenge of being ready to meet a complaint that could come into the emergency department at any time.

Vaping Now Outstrips Smoking Among U.S. Young Adults Young adults are now more likely to vape than to smoke cigarettes, with more becoming addicted to nicotine through vaping than traditional smoking, researchers say.

Nearly three in five young adults who vape (56%) have never regularly smoked cigarettes, according to data from an ongoing federal study of tobacco use.

This is the first time that there are more young people who began to use nicotine through vaping rather than smoking, researchers said in a research letter published Nov. 13 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.

“We now have a shift such that there are more 'never smokers' who vape than established smokers,” said researcher Benjamin Toll, director of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health Tobacco Treatment Program. “That is a massive shift in the landscape of tobacco.”

“These 'never smokers' are unlikely to start smoking combustible cigarettes — they're likely to vape and keep vaping,” Toll added in a university news release.

“And it's this group, ages 18 to 24, who are going to forecast future e-cigarette users.”

E-cigarettes could be a less harmful option than smoking, but it's not harm-free, researchers said.

Because of that, it's disheartening to see young non smokers begin to vape.

“If you currently smoke and you've smoked combustible tobacco cigarettes for a few decades — those people are at very high risk of cancer, and so we want to help them to get off combustible cigarettes. Ultimately, we'd like to help them to quit tobacco altogether, but if they're not ready for that, switching to e-cigarettes is at least a partial win,” said co-lead researcher Naomi Brownstein, an associate professor in the MUSC Department of Public Health Sciences.

"Now, if you are an 18-yearold and your friends are like, 'Hey, let's vape some banana bread nicotine,' and you've never smoked, those are the people for whom we think starting vaping is a problem,” Brownstein added.

about the job and their patients. And while I really appreciate that in the emergency department, I think it extends even beyond the emergency department. It makes my job a lot more rewarding, having a great team of hospitalists and providers across the board. I think working in the emergency department gives you a perspective on that because you're working with people in so many fields. I really appreciate them and appreciate the compassionate care that people provide at Highland.

Lisa Lincoln, M.D.

Highland Hospital ER attending physician receives ‘Unsung Hero’ award from New York American College of Emergency Physicians, discusses emergency medicine work Q: You were recently awarded an Unsung Hero Award by the New York American College of Emergency Physicians.

A: I'm very excited about it. I love to practice emergency medicine. I'm excited about receiving this award, but honestly it speaks more to the amazing team that I have around me and the wonderful environment in which I'm able to work as much as anything about me individually.

Q: How did you become nominated for it?

A: I was nominated by my department, specifically Dr. [Timothy] Lum. I think it's an effort to recognize people who go above and beyond to contribute to emergency medicine with compassionate care and providing excellence in care in the emergency department.

who come into the emergency department and to try to decrease wait times. The hospital is trying to find innovative ways to access additional space, to provide patient care.

Q: What kinds of complaints do patients typically present with?

A: That's a hard question to answer because what I do can be very different depending on the day. It's the nature of emergency medicine that there's something different and something new every day. We see a lot of geriatric patients, which I love, and a lot of variety, which I love. I love meeting new people and caring for everybody who comes in regardless of the complaint. It's a unique challenge in emergency medicine that makes it interesting and rewarding.

Q: What kinds of challenges have you faced recently in emergency medicine?

A: I don't think it's any secret that emergency medicine has faced some unique challenges, particularly recently. Large volumes of patients boarding in the emergency department. But I'm very fortunate to be part of a team that's rising to those challenges and making sure we're providing excellent care to patients despite those challenges.

Q: If you were talking to another emergency medicine physician from a different part of the country, what would you say characterizes your patient base somewhat uniquely?

A: We do specialize in geriatric care, so I think that's one of our populations that we pride ourselves on providing excellent care to. But I think what makes Highland unique is the compassionate people who work there and love being part of the hospital.

Q: What kind of tactics are you employing to meet those challenges?

A: We're expanding our provider coverage. We have a physician who is present at triage for most of the day to give initial evaluations to patients

Q: How does that compassion manifest on the job, would you say?

A: The emergency department team is extremely hard working.

There's a palpable feeling that the people working there really care

Page 4 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

Q: What do you like about dealing with acutely ill or injured patients?

A: I like the challenge involved.

You have to quickly determine what's wrong and quickly figure out what you have to do to stabilize them and keep them safe. I like the environment. It's just a totally different field of medicine than primary care even though they both require a broad base of knowledge.

Q: How do you avoid burnout in such a high stress environment?

A: Of the specialties, emergency medicine has a particularly high rate of burnout. The specialty is trying to improve in that regard. I have the privilege of being involved with the simulations for the emergency medicine residents. One thing we're doing with the residents is we've embedded a mindfulness curriculum. The simulations tend to be high acuity, low occurrence concerns because in the emergency room you may encounter something you don't see very often but have to be prepared for. The mindfulness element tries to give residents tools for when they're dealing with challenging scenarios that can help them deal with the stress of the job and hopefully increase the longevity of their careers.

Lifelines

Name: Lisa Lincoln, M.D. Position: Assistant professor of emergency medicine at University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; attending physician in the department of emergency medicine at Highland Hospital Hometown: Rochester Education: Graduated summa cum laude from SUNY Geneseo; medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (graduated with honors in 2009); completed her emergency medicine residency at the University of Rochester, and she served as the chief resident in 2012 Affiliations: Highland Hospital Organizations: New York American College of Emergency Physicians Family: Married, two daughters Hobbies: Running, hiking, kayaking

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January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 5

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

T

Repeal the Affordable Care Act? Please Leave it Alone

wo Republican presidential candidates — so far Trump and DeSantis — are, for some inexplicable reason, pledging to get rid of the ACA, often referred to as “Obamacare.”

Trump calls Obamacare a “disaster” and “terrible healthcare.”

There have already been more than 40 exhausting, politically motivated attempts to repeal the widely popular ACA. So this begs the question, who is lobbying and pressuring the presidential candidates to get rid of this “disastrous” program?

Interestingly, neither candidate refers to the historical health insurance act as the “Affordable Care Act” because they are deliberately politicizing and confusing the issue by referring to it as “Obamacare.”

They won’t call it the “ACA” because it is widely popular, in both red and blue states, especially for those who are covered by it.

By calling it “Obamacare” they are hoping to dredge up some lingering antipathy toward the former president and grab some misinformed votes. Past surveys have confirmed the confusion. When asked should “Obamacare” be repealed, many people’s knee jerk response was “yes.” But when asked if the “Affordable Care Act” should be repealed, the same people thoughtfully answered “no.”

The ACA has been law for 13 years and has grown in popularity every year. As of the end of 2023, 40 million people are covered by the ACA either by qualifying for expanded Medicaid or qualifying for discounted premiums based on household income.

The ACA has decreased the percentage of us without health insurance from around 15% to around 8%.

I can’t imagine it’s the very people that rely on the ACA for coverage that are trying to get rid of it.

Maybe it’s the insurers?

The ACA is administered by some of the same commercial carriers that cover those fortunate enough to be covered by employer-sponsored health insurance, mostly paid for by employers.

Granted, commercial carriers have opted in and out of the ACA market every year, but insurance companies do that in all their markets. It’s not just the ACA. Carriers are prone to exit a particular market

for care; they don’t provide care.)

Fact is, I have not heard or read that any of the various medical associations (AMA, AHA, ANA, etc.) expressing their displeasure on behalf of their members with the ACA, per se.

If there is any displeasure among providers, it is with all payers. So, you can’t single out the ACA. Thanks to the ACA, hospitals and physicians worry far less about uninsured patients (less than 8%) unable to pay for their care. (Early critics and naysayers of the ACA, back when it was first being proposed, predicted it would create pure hell — vandals at the gates — for providers because their offices, ERs and operating rooms would be flooded with people with years of pentup medical problems, Never happened.)

Without the ACA, more hospitals, especially rural ones, would have eventually closed under the weight of unreimbursed care. The ACA is popular in both red and blues states with the former probably having more rural hospitals.

The ACA also made deciphering dozens of insurance plans and making valid comparisons, far easier.

(Just ask anyone in human resources.)

The ACA created three levels of insurance with increasing amounts of mandated coverage: bronze, silver and platinum. Most employees are covered by a medium priced “silver” level.

An individual who purchases health insurance on the exchange would have the same three coverage options. When considering either BlueCross silver or Aetna silver for

‘The Affordable Care Act has been law for 13 years and has grown in popularity every year. As of the end of 2023, 40 million people are covered by the ACA. It has decreased the percentage of us without health insurance from around 15% to around 8%.’

because of low enrollment or low profitability. Most states have around five carriers involved in the ACA. I don’t think insurers are too upset with the ACA. Maybe it’s the providers. Hospitals, physicians and nurses must be behind the idea of nixing the ACA. And to show their utter dissatisfaction, they single out their patients covered by the ACA and provide them with “terrible” sub par healthcare. When someone claims the ACA provides “terrible healthcare” they are insulting every hard-working physician, nurse and hospital in the country. (Insurers, like the ACA, pay

Page 6 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

‘Most importantly and now taken for granted, the ACA finally ended the infamous preexisting condition clause in insurance contracts that basically prevented anyone with a “preexisting condition” from switching plans because any new plan would refuse to cover the condition.’

example, it is apples to apples. Of course, insurers can “spice up” their plans to attract more members, but they must include the minimum mandated benefits for the level.

Most importantly and now taken for granted, the ACA finally ended the infamous pre-existing condition clause in insurance contracts that basically prevented anyone with a “pre-existing condition” from switching plans because any new plan would refuse to cover the condition.

Pre-existing conditions could include cancer, AIDS, pregnancy, cardiac disease or even hypertension.

Pre-existing conditions virtually locked employees into their place of employment. Some people would have to refuse a better job offer at another employer for fear of losing coverage if the new employer offered different insurance.

So, I cannot fathom which of the four major stakeholders in the ACA (insurers, hospitals, physicians, patients) are pressuring the two presidential candidates to get rid of the “terrible healthcare” paid for by “Obamacare.”

Surveys show there are far bigger challenges on voters’ minds like immigration, climate change, inflation, national security, voter rights and reproductive rights to name a few. Surveys do indicate however that voters are dissatisfied with the expense of healthcare in our country and rightly so.

If you want to campaign on healthcare, our entire system needs a fix. Just don’t single out the ACA as the problem.

George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

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Doctors Are Excited, Concerned About AI

merican physicians have mixed feelings on the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) into mainstream medical practice, a new survey shows.

The survey of nearly 1,100 doctors, conducted by the American Medical Association (AMA) in August, found 41% of physicians saying they were "equally excited and concerned" about AI in the workplace.

“Physicians are optimistic about the advantages that properly designed AI-enabled tools can have for patient care, and nearly two-thirds of physicians see an advantage to AI if key requirements are met,” AMA President Jesse Ehrenfeld said in an AMA news release. “The AMA survey illustrates that physicians' greatest hope for AI rests in reducing the crushing administrative burdens that plague modern medicine, which drain health care resources and pull physicians away from patient care.”

That's the "up" side, according to the poll: Sixty-nine percent of doctors thought AI would help with work-

flow efficiency during their busy days; another 54% said they were enthusiastic about AI that might ease the burden around "documentation;" and another 48% hoped it might cut down on the red tape of prior authorization for insurance coverage.

As for actual patient care, 72% thought AI could be helpful in better diagnosing patients, and 61% hoped it might help improve clinical outcomes for patients.

Worries around AI centered on its impact on patient-doctor interactions, with 39% of doctors concerned the technology might harm that relationship. Another 41% had concerns about AI's impact on patient privacy.

AI is already making inroads in hospitals and doctors' office, the AMA survey found: More than a third (38%) of physicians said they were already using it.

While only 11% said they'd used it to so far to help with diagnosis, larger percentages said they'd used AI to help with office paperwork or translation services.

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January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 7

Live Alone & Thrive By Gwenn Voelckers Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

In This New Year, Resolve to ‘Let it Go’

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re you convinced you’ll never find love again? Or regret the way you behaved in your marriage? Still angry at your ex? Or yourself?

Holding on to past hurts, slights, negative thinking or lost opportunities can compromise your sense of well-being and ability to be alone and content. Whereas “letting go” can be the catalyst for a fulfilling and enriching solo journey.

As someone who’s walked this path, I’ve discovered that letting go isn’t just a phrase; it’s a powerful resolution, especially for those navigating life alone after a divorce or the loss of a spouse or partner.

And it isn’t about erasing the past; letting go is about releasing the grip of memories, fears and limiting beliefs that keep us from leading our best lives.

In contemplation of this column, I reached out to several divorced and widowed friends and asked what keeps them stuck in unwelcome thought patterns and behaviors.

Below, I’ve shared their very personal and, in some cases, heart-tugging issues, many of which I’ve struggled with myself.

As uncomfortable as it can be, I’ve found that sitting with and reflecting on my issues has been liberating and life-giving. Under each issue, you’ll find some probing questions that may help you move through the letting go process.

It might be euphoric recall, but I can’t let go of memories of my past family life when we were all together. I worry I’ll never feel that joy again.

• Are you idealizing those past times or not allowing room for new, different kinds of joy in your current life?

• What specific qualities or experiences in that former family life do you miss the most?

• What new activities, connections and traditions could you create in your present situation that would bring you similar joy?

I can’t let go of feelings of insecurity about making big life decisions on my own, decisions such as whether to move or buy a new car or renovate my kitchen.

• What positive experiences have you had in making decisions on your own? Your past experiences can point to successful outcomes!

• Are there resources and experts you can consult when making significant life decisions?

• Can you embrace the freedom and empowerment that come with making decisions independently?

I’m having a hard time letting go of the anger I feel toward my spouse for his betrayal and the upending of our life together.

• How does holding onto this anger impact your mood, your relationships and your quality of life?

• Have you been able to express your anger in healthy ways, either through therapy, writing or other outlets?

• Can forgiveness, for your own peace, be part of your healing journey?

Where did my courage go? I love to travel, but the idea of traveling alone scares me to pieces. I can’t let go of that fear.

• What exactly are you afraid of — is it the logistics of travel? Safety?

Social concerns?

• Would talking with or reading articles or blogs from solo travelers help you reframe solo travel as an

Spotting Epilepsy in Kids Isn't Always Easy: Know the Signs

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eurologist Deborah Holder says she often has parents come to her with kids who've experienced what they call "funny spells."

“Sometimes I start talking to a parent and find out the parent has [also] had 'funny spells' for years, but had no idea they were epileptic seizures," said Holder, who practices at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's Hospital in Los Angeles.

She believes that epilepsy in kids is too often missed as a diagnosis, interfering with a child's learning and development.

Why? Parents believe seizures have to be far more dramatic than they typically are to be deemed to be epilepsy.

Often, according to Holder, a seizure can simply be a child seeming to be unable to talk for a few seconds.

Childhood epilepsy seizures can also

opportunity for personal growth and discovery?

• Can you start small, maybe with a day trip or weekend trip alone to test the waters and build your confidence? Do it; pack your bags!

I live in constant fear of the future, especially when it comes to money matters. My husband (rest his soul) took care of everything.

• What is the source of your financial insecurity? Is it lack of experience or knowledge or is it more about your own self-doubt?

• Could you ask advice from a friend in a similar situation who has successfully managed her finances alone?

• How about seeking the advice of a financial adviser? Your friend may be able to recommend someone.

I fear I will be forgotten. I live alone now. Who will be here to care for me if I get sick or feel lonely?

• What can you do to build a support network or community that you can rely on in times of need?

• How can you cultivate meaningful connections and relationships that transcend your fear of being forgotten?

• What steps can you take to maintain your health and well-being, such as exercise and a healthy diet, to reduce the likelihood of needing extra care?

I’m consumed with regrets. Should I have worked harder to save my marriage? Why didn’t I see trouble brewing?

Why did I let myself go? Help!

• How does dwelling on your regrets hinder your ability to move forward?

• Are there any steps you can take to forgive yourself for past mistakes or regrets, such as acknowledging that you were doing the best you could at the time?

• Can you reframe past experiences as life lessons that have shaped who you are today and offer the promise of a fulfilling future?

I worry I’ll never find love again, especially at my age. Negative beliefs about myself and my aging body have taken up permanent residence in my head.

be confused with other conditions.

“Sometimes children experiencing seizures will see flashing lights or have temporary blurred vision, which leads them being misdiagnosed with migraine,” Holder explained in a Cedars-Sinai news release.

About one in every 26 Americans ends up being diagnosed with epilepsy, which is characterized by seizures and abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Holder offered up some key facts on epilepsy.

First off, a seizure can take many forms, including: • A few seconds of quiet staring (this is the most common form of epilepsy seizure) • Moments where speech/language is tough to process or sounds garbled • Uncontrolled motor activity, such as a twitching arm, leg or one side of the face. This might last for 30 seconds or so • Numbness or tingling in a part of the body, or sensations such as weird smells or tastes in the mouth that come and go.

Page 8 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

• Do you have any examples of older people in your circle of friends who have found love later in life? It could be helpful to chat with them about their experiences.

• What qualities and strengths do you possess that you believe are attractive to others, regardless of age?

• Would you consider affirmations or a meditation practice to help you cultivate self-love and acceptance? You’re worth it!

Letting go isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous process of self-reflection, growth, and liberation. By probing these personal issues and asking ourselves these tough but empowering questions, we can pave the way for a life and a future filled with purpose, joy, and connections.

I wish you and all my readers a Happy New Year. Let it go . . . and let the party begin!

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Alone and Content empowerment workshops for women (now on hiatus) and the author of "Alone and Content: Inspiring, empowering essays to help divorced and widowed women feel whole and complete on their own" To contact Voelckers or purchase her book, visit www.aloneandcontent.com • Convulsive seizure, where the person falls to the ground and their whole body convulses. That's the rarest form of seizure, Holder noted.

According to Holder, once a child suspected of epilepsy is brought to a doctor, diagnosis is often relatively easy, based on symptoms. Sometimes an EEG (electroencephalogram) is performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Family smartphones can help, as well. Often, parents will use the phone to record an episode a child might have at home, and play it later for the physician, Holder said.

"I advise families, if you see a child having a funny spell, get it on a video camera. We are very good at being able to tell by looking at the recording if the event is a seizure or not," she said.

If epilepsy is diagnosed, the condition can often be managed with medications. Tests are pinpointing the genes that drive epilepsy, and in some cases genetic testing can help doctors decide which medications can work best to curb a child's seizures.

In many cases, kids will outgrow epilepsy, Holder noted.

including shootings and car thefts, increased greatly among Rochester teenagers this year. How is Baden Street approaching that problem?

A: Baden Street has been very intentional about providing opportunities for these young people. As we know, research says that it’s between the 3 and 5 [p.m.] hours when kids are unsupervised. That’s when you see a spike in crimes in youth. What Baden Street does is offer after-school programs to fill that time. We provide after-school programming until 7:30 in the evening to provide support for families and youth. They have access to games. They have access to the digital area — computers. They have access to a place where they can just come and get support. Sometimes our families just need somebody to talk to, just somebody to listen to them. There are also different kinds of activities that take place every other weekend.

Q A &

with

Catherine Thomas Baden Street Settlement’s new executive director spent 35 years in human services before taking over the nonprofit in October. She discusses the agency’s work, which touches the lives of thousands of children, teenagers and adults

S

By Mike Costanza

ince it was founded in 1901, the Baden Street Settlement has grown into a community asset that touches the lives of thousands of children, teenagers and adults each year. Families in need turn to Baden Street for help with their rents or mortgages; children enjoy the nonprofit’s after-school programs and seniors come together to share free meals or just socialize. Baden Street also has behavioral and substance abuse counseling programs, respite care services, a day care center, a food pantry and a number of other services.

The Rochester nonprofit occupies six buildings altogether, including its Baden Street headquarters. It has 110 full- and part-time employees on its payroll and a budget of $5.5 million.

Catherine Thomas, Baden Street’s new executive director, spent 35 years in human services before she took over the nonprofit on Oct. 9, including a stint as the director of the Monroe County Children’s Center.

She spoke to In Good Health about her organization, its challenges and the ways it approaches them.

Q: What is Baden Street’s overall purpose as an organization?

A: Baden Street’s overall purpose is to provide services to the community based on community needs from a wholistic approach, “wholistic” meaning all aspects of [the] family.

All of our programs are designed based upon meeting the needs atlarge of the community. They all feed

off each other to create the collective impact for the community at large.

They’re all interconnected to reduce the level of social problems associated with being poor and disadvantaged.

Q: Can you give an example of how that interconnectedness might benefit the community?

A: An infant, a 5-year-old, a 15-year-old, an adult, all aspects of that age range is able to participate at some level of program within the scope of what we offer at Baden.

Seniors as well. If have my grandmother or my mother living with me, we have a senior program that provides services and a place to come and socialize. They play games together, they network, they communicate, they get lunch. It’s a great place to address loneliness in aging.

Q: Three of Baden Street’s programs offer services to youth and children, including the Metro Council for Teen Potential (MCTP). Is that an important focus for your nonprofit?

A: Yes. When that program, MCTP, was created, there was a huge population of teens becoming pregnant. As teens become pregnant, that feeds into poverty, violence, some of the other ills that happen in the community. That program provides education and support for our young teens. You teach prevention. It’s prevention, intervention and education.

Q: The frequency of violent crimes,

Q: What other steps might Baden Street take to attack the problem of youth violence?

A: That has been an ongoing conversation. Just prior to starting here, I was involved with a number of initiatives, working with Monroe County, Pathways to Peace, Rise up Rochester, SNUG (Should Not Use Guns), the Community Resource Collaborative and other community organizations. We all have the same interest in trying to address the level of violence in the community with our young people and the behavior around stealing the cars and so forth.

It’s a community pandemic, if you will. We are all concerned, and working collectively on what we can do.

Q: Has that group of nonprofits come up with a way to attack the problem?

A: There are a number of community issues to address specifically around that population of our young people that are getting involved in those types of crimes. We’re collectively working on an initiative to try to eradicate that behavior. We’re looking at different models, and there has not been a model that we have agreed on and settled on at this point. Is it mentoring? We’re looking at increasing mentoring opportunities. Is it more jobs? Not summer of opportunity jobs but year-round jobs?

Q: What challenges does Baden Street face as an organization right now?

A: The open drug market is a challenge that leads to poverty and violence. 14605, this Zip code, has the highest level of poverty within Monroe County. By providing adequate housing, job opportunities and rebuilding a sense of community through education and support of the families that live in this community, hopefully that would accomplish some level of stability. When the community begins to feel a sense of stability and ownership that would impact the level of violence.

Another challenge that we are seeing right now is the infrastructure.

The infrastructure, the physical plant of two buildings, is ancient. We’re working on kicking off a capital campaign to reconstruct some of our older buildings; one being to totally demolish and reconstruct the Baden Street administration building. We also, in that capital campaign, would be renovating the Vienna Street building. We’re looking at trying to raise about $10 million for the whole campaign.

AI Might Accurately Spot Autism in Early Childhood University of Louisville researchers say they've developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system with a near-perfect record of diagnosing autism in toddlers.

Using specialized MRI scans of the brain, the tool diagnosed toddlers with 98.5% accuracy, according to findings presented at a December meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Research presented at meetings is typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

"Our algorithm is trained to identify areas of deviation to diagnose whether someone is autistic or neurotypical," Mohamed Khudri, a visiting research scholar who was part of the team that developed the system. said in an RSNA news release.

The AI system relies on DTMRI, a special technique that detects how water travels through the brain along what are known as "white matter tracks."

The AI system isolates images from DT-MRI scans and looks at markers revealing the level of connectivity between brain areas. A machine learning algorithm compares patterns in the brains of children with autism to those of normally developed brains.

"Autism is primarily a disease of improper connections within the brain," co-author, physician Gregory Barnes, a professor of neurology and director of the Norton Children's Autism Center in Louisville, said in the news release. "DT-MRI captures these abnormal connections that lead to the symptoms that children with autism often have, such as impaired social communication and repetitive behaviors."

Researchers tested their method with 226 children between 24 and 48 months of age from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange-II. Of those, 100 were developing normally; 126 were affected by autism.

The AI approach was 97% accurate in spotting real cases of autism (avoiding false-positive reports) and it was 98% accurate in identifying children who did not have autism.

It's overall accuracy was 98.5%, the team concluded.

"Our approach is a novel advancement that enables early detection of autism in infants under two years of age," Khudri said. "We believe that therapeutic intervention before the age of three can lead to better outcomes, including the potential for individuals with autism to achieve greater independence and higher IQs."

January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 9

Wellness & Fitness

Benefits of Chair Yoga

Although mostly a seated activity, chair yoga promotes good health

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

F

or people with limited mobility, practicing yoga seems unattainable. But chair yoga may offer an entry point.

Chair yoga is an informal term that may refer to practicing yoga, including some modified poses, entirely while seated or it can also refer to using a chair more like a yoga prop for people capable of standing but who need support to augment their balance.

Makaela “Kay” Colner, doctor of physical therapy, leads the inpatient yoga therapy program at University of Rochester Medical Center department of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

“What we’ve done is we’ve started an adaptive yoga program that’s performed seated,” she said.

“It’s a little bit different than a chair yoga class, where it’s used as a prop.

In adaptive, you’re applying subtle principles in yoga but making it accessible to anyone. Maybe they’re not ambulatory.”

Participants remain in their wheelchair and don’t transfer to a different seat or to the floor. The goal is to promote parasympathetic

activation, the part of the nervous system in charge of resting, repairing and healing.

“A lot of our patients at Strong are stressed because they’re adapting to a life-changing injury, adapting to how they’re going to live their lives,” Colner said. “My group sessions are targeted to help people take a deep breath and rest deeply and help them reprocess what they’re going through and realize that they’ll have a rich life after they get out of the hospital.”

The sessions include breathwork and some modified movements, but achieving a restful state and promoting mental health are the true motivation for offering the class.

Sandra Kurzdorfer, certified yoga instructor and owner of Sunflower Vibrations in Rochester, said that for any person, sitting too much can weaken the pelvic floor and tighten the hips, back, shoulders and neck, leading to misalignment.

“Those of us stuck at a desk, doing stretches helps to alleviate pain associated with sitting so long,” Kurzdorfer said.

Rolling out a yoga mat in one’s cubicle isn’t practical but learning a

Sandra Kurzdorfer is a certified yoga instructor and owner of Sunflower Vibrations in Rochester. She is a proponent of chair yoga. “It’s great for people who can’t do weight bearing exercise such as those who’ve had foot or knee surgery,” she says. few chair yoga moves can help deskbased workers breathe deeper, relax, stretch and strengthen.

“It’s great for people who can’t do weight bearing exercise such as those who’ve had foot or knee surgery,” Kurzdorfer added. “With any lower extremities, you can do all sorts of poses without being weight bearing.”

Elizabeth Hornak, certified yoga instructor at JCC Rochester, leads gentle yoga classes, mostly attracting older participants.

“As we age, our muscles will contract,” Hornak said. “We’re looking to lengthen and strengthen.

Breath is a huge part of yoga. It’s incredibly nourishing and healing for

tissues.”

Hunching over decreases lung activity, but Hornak said that yoga poses can help people learn to breathe more deeply.

She views chair yoga as a way to help keep participants safer, more active and able to explore their potential. Even if a pose isn’t perfect or traditional, it keeps participants moving.

“One of the ‘foundational’ moves is cat-cow,” Hornak said. “You’re on all fours and as you breathe, you bring your spine into flexion and extension. You can do cat-cow seating, standing or on all fours. It’s an incredibly versatile pose.”

active saw the biggest benefit from changing from sedentary behaviors to more active ones.

The findings were published Nov. 10 in the European Heart Journal.

“Getting active isn't always easy, and it's important to make changes that you can stick to in the long-term and that you enjoy -- anything that

gets your heart rate up can help," Leiper said. "Incorporating 'activity snacks' such as walking while taking phone calls, or setting an alarm to get up and do some star jumps every hour is a great way to start building activity into your day, to get you in the habit of living a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Any Activity, Even Sleeping, Is Healthier Than Sitting

T

here is nothing worse for your heart than sitting, a new study confirms.

“The big takeaway from our research is that while small changes to how you move can have a positive effect on heart health, intensity of movement matters," said study first author, physician Jo Blodgett, a research fellow with University College London's Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health.

"The most beneficial change we observed was replacing sitting with moderate to vigorous activity — which could be a run, a brisk walk or stair climbing — basically any activity that raises your heart rate and makes you breathe faster, even for a minute or two,” Blodgett added in a university news release.

However, even standing and sleeping beat sitting when it came to heart health, the study found.

Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In 2021, it was responsible for one in three deaths, and the number of people living with heart disease across the world has doubled since 1997, the researchers said.

“We already know that exercise can have real benefits for your cardiovascular health and this en-

couraging research shows that small adjustments to your daily routine could lower your chances of having a heart attack or stroke," said James Leiper, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the research. "This study shows that replacing even a few minutes of sitting with a few minutes of moderate activity can improve your BMI, cholesterol, waist size and have many more physical benefits."

In the report, UCL researchers culled data from six studies involving just over 15,000 people from five countries. The idea was to see how movement behavior across a 24hour day is linked to heart health, as measured by six common indicators.

Each participant used a wearable device on their thigh to measure their activity throughout the day and had their heart health assessed.

The researchers created a hierarchy of daily behaviors, with time spent doing moderate to vigorous activity providing the most benefit to heart health, followed by light activity, including standing and sleeping.

Sitting came in last.

When replacing sitting, just five minutes of moderate to vigorous activity had a noticeable effect on heart health. Those who were the least

Page 10 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

Wellness & Fitness

The Alexander Technique

How this modality can help improve how you feel through how you move.

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

P

osture habits affect how your body moves and can cause stiffness, tension and stress.

The Alexander Technique, developed a century ago by F.M. Alexander, teaches students about how to improve and self-correct their posture to foster proper movement, improve performance and alertness and relief chronic issues caused by poor posture.

Many of the people seeking to learn through the Alexander Technique are involved in music performance, acting, dance or other performing arts because of the toll these careers take on the body.

Katie Fittipaldi is certified to teach Alexander Technique and instructs at the Eastman School of Music and the Eastman Community Music School. She is also a cello teacher.

“In AT, we acknowledge that our system works as a whole: the mind and body works together and works best when it’s free to move,” Fittipaldi said. “We’re interested in creating gentle conditions for move-

ment to move freely. We don’t stiffen ourselves in a position. We let those relationships among body parts be in a relationship that’s unstuck and dynamic and ever changing. The system knows how to calibrate. We don’t have to manage all of this directly.”

Instead of positioning the body in a stiff postural position, students are free to move and without effort.

Fittipaldi likens it to young children who move freely and without effort or thought about posture. She discovered AT because as a cellist, she wanted to play with less tension and anxiety.

Self-awareness is the first step in AT as students focus on how they’re breathing and how they’re positioned while typing, playing an instrument or doing anything at all. A student may notice he’s holding his breath, tapping a foot or suspending his shoulders. Making the posture more comfortable and easier is the next part of the lesson, along with developing a helpful and healthful habit that holds the body comfortably and without causing problems.

Fittipaldi helps students find the helpful positions and develop the healthful habits.

“It’s about being curious about how we’re responding to live and then letting go of things that aren’t helping us,” she said.

As students continue to learn, they apply AT to other things they do all day, such as sitting in an armchair, walking across the room, standing at the kitchen sink to wash dishes.

“We’re more aware when we’re moving in ways that are hurting us and we can choose ways that are not hurting us,” Fittipaldi said. “If we’re cultivating that kind of relationship with the body, it opens the door to the possibility of pain reduction.

They often come with neck, arm or back pain. It’s helpful for injury reduction and prevention.”

In addition, musicians and athletes often come in to improve their performance. And like their professional pursuit, it takes practice to improve in AT. But Fittipaldi sees AT as a way of approaching everyday movement, whether sitting, standing, walking, riding a horse, washing dishes or anything else.

“AT is a gentle way to bring more presence, calm and choice to what we are doing,” she added.

“And if we find that we are responding to life in a way that is not particularly helpful, AT offers a way to let go of ways of thinking and moving that are no longer serving us.”

This may include tightening, bracing, straining, generally making things harder than they need to be.

Fittipaldi said these responses are often evident during stressful times but can surface at any time.

“Let’s say I’m at Wegmans waiting in line and I give myself some space to stop and tune-in,” Fittipaldi said. “I can ask: Am I moveable? Free to breathe? Gripping the cart? I wonder if this could be easier somehow?”

Musician Kateri Gormley of Rochester also discovered AT through her work as an opera singer.

She began to struggle with TMJ because she practices so many hours a day.

“I was feeling really tense and had performance anxiety,” she said.

“One of my professors suggested AT and I fell in love with it. My singing improved so dramatically. I didn’t

Katie Fittipaldi is certified to teach Alexander Technique and instructs at the Eastman School of Music and the Eastman Community Music School. She is also a cello teacher. know how stiff my neck had become while I was singing.”

She knew she needed to share the modality with others, so she became certified to teach. She also offers voice lessons as voice and movement with Kateri in the Rochester area.

Although she sought AT for her jaw, she noticed positive results in other areas of her body, such as her bunions disappeared, which she attributes to her balance and movement improving.

She enjoys sharing AT with other musicians. They mention spending six or eight hours practicing as a badge of dedication to their art.

However, Gormley said that the quality of the practice time makes a difference, including how it’s done.

“You don’t need to grip the steering wheel hard as you drive,” she said. “It contributes to how you feel in all of your daily activities. AT brings awareness to all your activities throughout the day.”

AT also helped her performance anxiety, as the physical and emotional selves are inseparable. Learning to relax the physical aspect of herself helped her relax emotionally.

“Learning to pause and to make choices in how I want to respond has changed my life in so many great ways,” Gormley said. “Just a course of 10 to 20 lessons can leave you in a much different place than when you began. There are connections to be made and it can be very useful.”

Plant-Based Diets Cut Diabetes Risk by 24%

A

healthy plant-based diet can reduce a person's risk of Type 2 diabetes by 24%, a new study has found.

Eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains has this protective effect even in people with a genetic predisposition for diabetes or risk factors like obesity, advanced age or lack of physical activity, researchers report.

And for the first time, researchers identified specific health improvements from a plant-based diet that would shield a person from obesity, according to their report published in the January issue of the journal Diabetes and Metabolism.

These included improved processing of blood sugars, as well

as better liver and kidney function, researchers said.

That means the protective effects of a plant-based diet go far beyond simply losing weight and dropping fat, researchers said.

"Our study is the first to identify biomarkers of central metabolic processes and organ functions as mediators of the health effects of a plant-based diet," said lead researcher Tilman Kühn, a professor of public health nutrition at the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna in Austria.

However, researchers noted that there's such a thing as an unhealthy plant-based diet. Those that are still high in sweets, refined grains and sugary drinks are associated with

an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, researchers found.

For the study, Kuhn and colleagues reviewed data on more than 113,000 participants in a large-scale British observational study, gathered over 12 years.

They found that normal values for cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation, and insulin are associated

with a low risk of diabetes.

They also found that good liver and kidney function is important in diabetes prevention.

“Our research has now shown that a healthy plant-based diet can improve liver and kidney function and thus reduce the risk of diabetes," Kühn said in a university news release.

January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 11

Wellness & Fitness

in Fai and Bright

Doing Pilates with Kate Wheeler, certified Pilates trainer and owner of Crescent Trail Pilates in Fairport.

Why You Should Consider Doing Pilates

Growing in popularity, the practice can help keep you limber and strong

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

P

opular through studios, videos and online, Pilates provides a system of strength training that helps participants gain muscle and recover from injuries or surgery.

In fact, Joseph Pilates developed the practice in the early 1900s to help bedridden patients develop better strength through breathing exercises and by using springs affixed to their hospital beds.

That rudimentary apparatus became the Pilates Reformer, equipment that current practitioners use.

Numerous styles of Pilates have developed since its founder introduced it.

“It makes it really versatile and accessible for all different types and ages and experience levels, including people coming off of injuries,” said Hannah McMullen, certified Pilates instructor and cofounder of The Re-

formery in Rochester. “Regardless of the style, it’s an exercise system that has a very well-rounded approach to balance, strength, mobility, flexibility and coordination. Instead of having to break up your workouts and get those in different ways, you can have a pretty comprehensive movement experience that benefits your body in a pretty low-impact way.”

She thinks that since cardiovascular exercise is typically left out, people should probably do something else that raises the heart rate for 75 minutes weekly to supplement their two or so days of Pilates training.

Working with a certified instructor one-on-one can help modify Pilates movements to accommodate injuries.

“I think Pilates is unbelievably helpful for almost any person who

starts to do it, but it isn’t a quick fix,” McMullen said. “A lot of times, if you come to Pilates to do something higher intensity like HIIT or CrossFit, you may feel so different after Pilates class. But it will give you so much benefit in a very holistic way. It can be done for your entire life.”

She has clients in their 80s who practice Pilates so they can maintain their active lifestyles.

Chelsey Vice, lead instructor and certified in Pilates at Club Pilates in Fairport and Brighton, calls Pilates a “mind-body connection exercise.

You are working on your breath and controlling your smaller core muscles deep. They’re close to the bone on the inside of the body, the minor muscles versus major muscles.”

Those small, connective tissues are often overlooked with other activities. Vice said that Pilates also

Page 12 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

builds range of motion within the joint itself, which is different and more difficult than stretching before a workout.

“When you have a free weight and you do a bicep curl, you’ll get a burn,” Vice said. “Students new to Pilates but experienced in traditional fitness are looking for that burst. The sensation is more of a lengthening or deep impression, like hanging upside down. When people understand that’s the benefit, the muscle burn is just the cherry on top.”

Much of the equipment used in Pilates is proprietary, such as the Reformer. There’s also the “Cadillac” (also known as the trapeze table).

“It was one of the later inventions of Joseph Pilates,” said Jean Longchamps, certified Pilates instructor and owner of Classical Pilates Apparatus Instruction in Rochester. “It’s

irport

ton,

Doing Pilates with Jean Longchamps, certified Pilates instructor and owner of Classical Pilates Apparatus Instruction in Rochester.

Club Pilates Studio has two locations: Fairport and Brighton.

Jean Longchamps

called that because it was around the time the Cadillac car came out.

People teased him and called it a ‘Cadillac.’”

The raised mat — complete with a framework, springs and other apparatuses — allows instructors to not have to get down on the floor with each student to adjust and correct them. Longchamps explained that the apparatuses aid students who need to improve their physical condition and resistance to challenge them.

Students perform movements on an exercise mat also.

“Mat work is actually pretty good on its own for the work it does, but with other apparatuses, the same exercise is loaded differently,” Longchamps said.

Because Joseph Pilates’ studio was located near a dance school, many dancers came to him to help

Jean Longchamps

them recover from injuries. This early association has caused many people to think that Pilates is a “woman’s activity,” a stereotype with which Longchamps disagrees.

“Joe Pilates was a very masculine ‘man’s man’ and a boxer and gymnast,” Longchamps said. “He wanted to do this for men and his intention was contrology: the art of control.”

By strengthening the core, Pilates helps people improve in many types of athletic pursuits.

Kate Wheeler, certified Pilates trainer and owner of Crescent Trail Pilates in Fairport, finds that both teaching and practicing Pilates “playful and celebratory,” she said. “The human body is incredibly resilient.

Now more than ever, our ability to adapt to life's changes depends on our ability to 'tune in' with ourselves plainly, free from distraction and

judgment.

“Pilates inspires curiosity and purpose, the ultimate exercise regime for ‘tuning in.’ No matter where a person is in their journey, Pilates, with its focus on building strength, control, and stability from deep within, offers a foundation for creating freedom and ease.”

This may include athletes who want to improve to people recovering from surgery, sedentary lifestyle or an injury. And in any case, Wheeler believes that Pilates improves mobility for supporting day-to-day activities.

“The rumors are true: practicing Pilates supports fortified, supple joints and muscles and establishes control from our core but the most invaluable benefit is the mind-body connection,” she said. “It's timeless.”

Boost From Martha Stewart Pilates got a big boost last May after Martha Stewart made history when, at age 81, she appeared on the cover of the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, wearing a white one-piece suit with a plunging neckline and a poufy, peach-colored cover-up. In part, she credited Pilates for staying in good shape.

“I went to Pilates every other day and that was great.

I’m still going to Pilates every other day ‘cause it’s so great,” she said at the time.’

January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 13

5

Things You Should Know About Foot Care

By Ernst Lamothe Jr

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onsistent foot care is often overlooked until it’s too late.

However, decisions you make about your overall health can impact your feet.

Diabetes complications can include nerve damage and poor blood circulation that can affect the feet and lead to amputations if not properly handled.

Peripheral vascular disease is a very common illness that unfortunately affects many middle-aged and elderly adults. This disease can be due to many other illnesses such as diabetes, poor diet, smoking and some genetic disorders.

“People need to understand that footcare is paramount to your quality of life,” says John Turano, podiatrist at Eastside Podiatry in Rochester “In order to keep an active life, you have to take care of your feet.”

1.

Mobility and mood

The National Institute of Health produced a study talking about depression in older people with lack of mobility. There is

convincing evidence that physical disability results in increased unhappiness, frustration and melancholy.

“When you are not able to move the way you want or you feel pain simply walking, we have found that people can become depressed,” said Turano. “Foot care is often seen as out of sight and out of mind, but you have to understand that there is a correlation between your physical aspects of your body and your mental state.”

2.Genetics play a part

A key misconception surrounds how people get certain foot problems.

“Some people think that all their foot problems are caused by improper shoe gear. While that can be the case in some respects, a lot of hammer toe, bunions and other foot issues are caused by genetics,” said Turano.

He suggests that because of genetics, you may be prone to various foot ailments, so it may be best to speak with a podiatrist or a shoe

specialist.

“There are places that still measure your feet and can tell you if you are flat-footed, have arch problems or any other issue,” he added.

3.Seeing a podiatrist

While a podiatrist isn’t someone you need to see every year like a primary care physician, there are some exceptions. A great indicator that you need to see a podiatrist is if you have chronic foot or heel pain.

“If you are diabetic then foot care is a large portion of your treatment and maintenance,” said Turano. “You should at minimum see a podiatrist yearly in that case and depending on how severe it could be more often.”

In addition, if you see something on your feet, it's essential to say something to a professional.”

4.Non-genetic issues

There are a few foot-related things that have nothing to do with genetics. One of those conditions is plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of tissue in the foot used during walking and foot movement.

It can be caused by a number of factors, including type of shoes, foot structure, overuse and types of walking surface.

“Another is heel pain. If you begin to feel that kind of chronic pain, you should see a podiatrist. I would also suggest that if this occurs, you limit the activities that emphasize the pain,” he added.

5.Winter care

The colder temperatures can wreak havoc on your foot. Be wary about being outside for too long in dangerous conditions.

“We see a good amount of frost-

John Turano is a podiatrist at Eastside Podiatry in Rochester. bite in our area during this season,” said Turano. “People think that having two pairs of socks make all the difference in cold weather but it can also limit your circulation.”

It is important to keep moisturizing your feet during the winter.

“Don’t forget to lotion your feet to avoid crackling skin and make sure you spend once a week actually looking at your feet. Take a look at the whole feet including the bottom to see if you notice anything out of the ordinary,” he added. “You may find warts, ingrown nails and other ailments that need to be handled immediately.”

How to Ease the Winter Blues

By Jim Miller

I

f you get depressed in the winter but feel better in spring and summer, you may have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, a wintertime depression that affects roughly 5% of Americans.

In most cases, SAD is related to the loss of sunlight in the winter months. Reduced sunlight can upset natural sleep-wake cycles and other circadian rhythms that can affect the body. It can also cause a drop in the brain chemical serotonin, which affects mood, and can increase the levels of the hormone melatonin, which can make you feel more tired and lethargic.

If you think you may have SAD, a trip to your doctor’s office is the best way to diagnose it or you can take a SAD “self-assessment” test at the Center for Environmental Therapeutics website at CET.org/ assessments. If you find that you have SAD, here are several treatment options and remedies that can help.

up in the morning. Light therapy mimics outdoor light to cause a change in brain chemicals linked to mood.

While you can buy a light box without a prescription, it’s best to use it under the guidance of a health care provider and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Most health insurance plans do not cover the cost.

The best light therapy lamps provide 10,000 lux of illumination, many times stronger than typical indoor light, and have a diffuser screen that filters out ultraviolet rays and projects downward toward the eyes.

Some top-rated light therapy products include the Carex DayLight Classic Plus Bright Lamp ($145); Northern Light Technology Boxelite-OS ($205); and the budget friendly Verilux HappyLight Luxe ($70), all of which are available at Amazon.com.

Light therapy

Even though SAD is considered to be a biological problem, identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns can help alleviate symptoms too. To help you with this, choose a therapist who specializes

The most effective treatment for SAD is sitting in front of a specialized light therapy box for 20 to 30 minutes a day, within the first hour of waking

Cognitive behavioral therapy

in cognitive behavioral therapy and who has experience in treating SAD. To locate someone in your area, Psychology Today offers a search tool at PsychologyToday.com/us/therapists/cognitive-behavioral-cbt.

Antidepressants Some people with SAD benefit from antidepressant treatments too.

Some proven medications to ask your doctor about are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the extended-release antidepressant bupropion.

But keep in mind that it may take several weeks to notice full benefits from an antidepressant. In addition, you may have to try different medications before you find one that works well for you and has the fewest side effects.

Page 14 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

Lifestyle remedies Some other things you can do to help alleviate your SAD symptoms include making your environment sunnier and brighter. So, open up your blinds, sit closer to bright windows and get outside as much as you can. Even on cold or cloudy days, outdoor light can help, especially if you spend some time outside within two hours of getting up in the morning.

Moderate exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga and even tai chi can also help alleviate SAD symptoms, as can social activities.

Jim Miller is the author of the Savvy Senior column, which is published monthly in In Good Health.

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

I

Helpful Tips

The skinny on healthy eating

For maximum vitamin retention—whether fresh or frozen— use quick-cooking methods that don’t include water (or very little): steaming, microwaving, stir-frying or sautéing. Frozen spinach retains more of its nutrients for a longer time than fresh spinach because of the lower temperatures at which it is kept. Lastly, check with your doctor before consuming spinach in any form, as its nutritional profile is not for everyone.

What Gives Spinach its ‘Superfood’ Status?

never liked spinach as a kid, despite my crush on Popeye. But now that I have more candles on my birthday cake, enough to cause a divot, I’ve developed a true fondness for this leafy, green vegetable.

Loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, spinach benefits the body in so many ways, it’s often referred to as a “superfood.”

My devotion to this tasty green ramped up when a scan showed bone loss, and I was advised to increase my consumption of bone-strengthening vitamin K and calcium.

Although spinach has negligible amounts of calcium, it’s a vitamin K superstar, surpassing recommended daily needs in one cup. Vitamin K also helps blood clot properly.

Spinach packs high amounts of vitamin A. This workhorse nutrient may lower your risk of certain cancers, helps keep your immune system humming, reduces the risk of acne, and works hard to preserve your eyesight. Ever experience night blindness? It’s frightening! More spinach, please.

A diet rich in spinach also helps fight oxidative stress, an unhealthy condition that triggers accelerated aging and increases your risk of can-

cer, heart disease, diabetes and more.

Spinach’s myriad of antioxidants— from its vitamins A and C to its many plant compounds—helps reduce the damage oxidative stress causes.

More good news: a recent study found that healthy seniors who had daily helpings of leafy green vegetables had a slower rate of cognitive decline, compared to those who ate little or no greens.

Lastly, spinach is an excellent source of folate, an essential B vitamin that is crucial for promoting a healthy pregnancy, turning carbs into energy, and synthesizing serotonin and dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that keep us happy. So long, cabin fever!

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.

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January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 15

OMEN'S HEALTH

10 Women’s Health Myths Do you believe any of these? Really?

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

aybe it was information passed down to you. Or perhaps you always assumed something to be true. But it’s time to clear up a few myths about women’s health.

Myth: “Pelvic floor problems like sexual issues and leaking urine affect only older women.”

Truth: “It’s not an age or a gender-related issue,” said Liz Loycano, a doctor of physical therapy at Finger Lakes Health.

Myth: “I have had children, so leaking urine when I sneeze or laugh is just part of life now.”

Truth: “Physical therapy can definitely help that,” Loycano said.

“People think about PT for their knee, shoulder or neck but the pelvis gets forgotten. They don’t realize that your pelvic floor muscles are part of your core; it’s not just the belly. You need it for breathing, posture and movement in general.”

Myth: “I’ve had ongoing issues with painful bowel movements or pain with sex since I broke my

tailbone and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Truth: “It could be an injury that happened 20 years ago, but physical therapy can help,” Loycano said. “It's another venue to go down. Medications help with pain but if you want to get to the root of the problem, there’s another option: physical therapy.”

Myth: “What I eat and drink really doesn’t affect my health all that much.”

Truth: “Your diet has a major impact on your overall health,” Loycano said. “You can’t drink however much soda or coffee and think it doesn’t affect you. It does.”

Myth: “The only way to get protein in my diet is by eating plenty of meat.”

Truth: “We teach in our clinic about the benefits of plant-based proteins as a better option,” said Trudy Arsentault, Rochester Regional Health nurse navigator, lifestyle medicine nurse and host of Wellness Wednesdays at the JCC.

Myth: “There’s so much caffeine in green tea that you should avoid it.”

Truth: “Drink caffeinated or decaffeinated green tea three times a day because the polyphenols and antioxidants are so good for you,” Arsentault said.

Myth: “Women don’t need to lift weights to be healthy.”

Truth: “Women need to work on strength training and mobility,” said Elizabeth Hornak, yoga and exercise instructor at JCC Rochester and lifelong athlete. “These are key aspects.

Balance is one thing that we lose as we get older and you need strength for balance. The top reason people end up in assisted living is because they are not strong enough to transfer themselves.”

Myth: “Strength training only builds muscles.”

Truth: “Building muscle helps build strong bones and women, more so than men, are prone to osteopo-

Page 16 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

rosis resulting in being more likely to fracture,” said Jean Sica, owner of Kokoro Fitness and tai chi and mindful movement instructor, leading classes throughout the Rochester area. “In addition, more muscle means a healthier metabolism and more calorie burn.”

Myth: “Lifting heavy weights makes women look bulky and less feminine.”

Truth: “There are two ways to build muscle: strength training and hypertrophy training,” Sica said.

“Most recreational lifters, women as well as men, don't train in a way that would create large, bulky muscles.

And it is especially difficult for most women to build muscle because women lack the required amount of testosterone needed to do so.

Work with your trainer to determine whether you are seeking long sleek strong muscles or larger defined muscles.”

OMEN'S HEALTH

Physician Ajay Chaudhuri is the division chief of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at UBMD Internal Medicine.

Thyroid Disorders Can Affect Women’s Health in a Big Way Women are nine times more likely to have a thyroid disorder

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

T

hyroid disorders are important to treat as this small gland at the base of the neck below the Adam’s apple controls numerous bodily functions.

Without its proper function, people can become more likely to experience potentially deadly blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart issues.

In addition to regulating aspects of the autonomic nervous system for either gender, the thyroid also affects women regarding menstruation, ovulation, cyst development, pregnancy and postpartum complications and early onset menopause. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone; in hypothyroidism, the thyroid makes too little.

Since it increases the body’s metabolism, hyperthyroidism typically causes weight loss, hand tremors and rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Those with hypothyroidism may notice fatigue, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, puffiness in the face, hoarseness, coarse and thinning hair, muscle weakness, muscle aches, muscle stiffness, irregular or heavier menstrual cycles, slower heart rate, depression and memory problems.

Because many of these symptoms can be attributed to many other causes, physician Az Tahir of Henrietta advises people experiencing these

symptoms to seek a blood test.

“Most doctors are not attentive to these issues,” Tahir said. “The main problem in modern medicine is because a doctor isn’t thinking about the thyroid, when a patient says, ‘I’m tired, I have constipation, my periods are irregular and my skin is dry,’ they will give other tests and not test the thyroid.”

About 12% of US adults will develop a thyroid disorder during their lifetime and about 20 million currently have a thyroid disorder, according to www.thyroid.org.

Women are nine times more likely to have a thyroid disorder, likely because Hashimoto’s syndrome, a precursor of hypothyroidism, is more common in women. It’s an autoimmune disorder, a category of diseases to which women are more prone than men.

Tahir said that even among physicians who test the thyroid for their patients, they tend to overlook the need for treating them for thyroid issues if their test results are borderline, even if they experience classic hypo- or hyperthyroid symptoms.

The test measures thyroid stimulating hormone in the blood stream.

“They’ll say your TSH is normal, but it’s not actually normal,” Tahir said. “They won’t listen to the patient and that’s the basic principle of medicine. Hippocrates said to listen to the

patient and the patient will tell you the diagnosis.”

He uses a compounding pharmacy as needed to ensure he can make available to patients the formula that best meets their needs.

Tahir also thinks that although medication is necessary, physicians tend to fixate on medication only without giving enough merit to overall lifestyle. In addition to medication to help control the problem, Tahir recommends improving diet.

“A number of studies link Hashimoto’s with leaky gut,” Tahir said. “I make sure the gut is strong.”

He recommends bone broth for chicken soup to improve gut health, along with foods such as yogurt, kefir and kimchi. Enough water and fiber are also necessary. Tahir said that clear urine that’s not odorous indicates sufficient hydration.

Foods that can support thyroid health includes Brazil nuts; turmeric; garlic, ginger; mushrooms; berries; fish such as yellowfin tuna, halibut, sardines and salmon; meat like ham, pork, beef, and turkey; poultry; eggs and breads and grains, especially those enriched with selenium.

“I advise patients to try to not eat out; cook at home, especially when they’re sick,” Tahir added. “They know the ingredients and eat the least ingredients.”

He also promotes tea made with

Physician Az Tahir of Henrietta: “Most doctors are not attentive to these [thyroid] issues,”

turmeric, ginger, milk thistle, dandelion root, echinacea or rosemary.

Physician Ajay Chaudhuri, division chief endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at UBMD Internal Medicine and Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, advises diagnosed thyroid disorder patients to eat a healthful diet and to exercise to support overall good health.

Beyond prescribed medication, “there’s no real evidence out there if there are other things that can help,” he added. “Selenium, a trace element, has been shown to have some effect, but there’s no scientific evidence.

People often ask if they can change their diet to correct it.”

Chaudhuri warns women planning to get pregnant to have their thyroid level checked first and also early in the pregnancy because babies rely upon the mother’s level of thyroid early in the pregnancy.

“It may not be causing any symptoms, but you don’t want an underactive thyroid while pregnant,” he said.

He also tells patients about to test for thyroid and those who have been diagnosed that they should tell their provider about any other medication and supplements they take, as these can affect the efficacy of their thyroid medicine.

January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 17

Career in Healthcare

Demand for Physical Therapists Remains High

Job outlook between 2022 and 2032 is 15% growth, ranked as “much faster than average”

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

any healthcare providers see their patients only briefly and seldom. That’s not the case for physical therapists. They typically build a doctor-patient relationship and a rapport as they work together on the recovery process.

PTs also work office hours Monday through Friday, unlike some medical professions.

PTs must complete a bachelor’s degree in something such as recreation, fitness or healthcare and then complete a physical therapy program, which typically lasts three years. They usually apply to a PT program through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service. Then they complete one year of residency before they can take a board examination and receive their credential. They must also complete 36 hours of continuing education per three years to maintain their credential.

Liz Loycano, doctor of physical therapy at Finger Lakes Health, thinks that to be a good candidate for this type of work, it takes “someone who has a mind to think outside the box because we’re dealing with people and everyone wants to help their patients and improve their lives,” she said. “You need a creative mind to think about patients as to their job and what they do regularly. Are they a caregiver? Are they driving and lifting a lot? Are they a smoker? You have to fit your treatment into their life. It takes some creativity sometimes to remember all those kinds of

things.”

It’s also helpful to have aptitude in the sciences, such as physics, biology and chemistry.

Loycano said that at times, it’s tough balancing clinical time with patients and the documentation time.

However, she finds that it’s rewarding helping patients.

“I’m a pelvic physical therapist; I don’t treat shoulders and knees anymore,” she said. “This is an area that people don’t know a lot about. I like seeing them progress really well once they learn what to do. It’s life-changing to avoid urine and fecal leakage and pelvic pain.”

Caring for people and meeting such a wide variety of needs attracted Kay Colner, doctor of physical therapy, to her profession. She works at the University of Rochester Medical Center Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

“My purpose has always been to bring a holistic eye to PT practice, which is challenging in any Western medicine setting,” she said.

She feels that her department heads have been “remarkably supportive” of her efforts.

“It’s a great challenge getting people to recognize how their daily habits may be contributing to what’s happening,” Colner said. “Getting people to recognize that is difficult.

When your body is strong and well balanced, its resilience is higher.

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injury. Those regular practices are invaluable.”

Physical therapy work can take place in a number of venues and with people of all ages. Maureen Loyal, doctor of physical therapy and director of Rehabilitation Services for Finger Lakes Health, said that they can work in schools, hospitals, athletes and long-term care facilities.

“Whichever one you pick, you don’t look at the clock,” Loyal said.

“The day flies by as you’re always seeing something new.”

Once PTs achieve the credential of doctorate of physical therapy, they can pursue further education to specialize in geriatrics, neurology, sports, concussion, vestibular (for balance), pelvic floor health, orthopedics and other different certifications.

Loyal felt drawn to the field because she underwent knee surgery as a college student. The recovery

process introduced her to physical therapy.

“It was so interesting how the body works,” Loyal said. “I decided that was my calling. When I went back to school, everyone thought I’d do sports therapy, but I wanted to do rehabilitation. I loved treating people after stroke. The brain is pretty fascinating. There are so many presentations and how you can get bodies moving. We can help them get back to what they want to be doing.

“It’s a great profession for you to have to always challenge yourself to find the best solution for the variety of things that hit you every day.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook between 2022 and 2032 is 15% growth, ranked as “much faster than average.” A physical therapist in Rochester makes a median income of $97,720.

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Page 18 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

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Identify Your Needs Rochester’s HairBenefitsCheckup.org Replacement Specialists is another excellent tool to look for financial To help you determine and priassistance programs that may help oritize the kinds of help you need, a your dad, particularly if he’s lower good first step is to make a detailed income. list of everything you do as your dad’s caregiver and the amount of Technology Solutions time each task takes. Identify the times when you need help the most To help you keep tabs on your and which tasks others might be able dad when you are away at work or to do for you. if he lives alone, there are affordThen list the types of care needable technology devices that can ed, such as simple companionship or help. For example, there are medical doing active chores, like shopping or alert systems and smart speakers running errands. Once you deterthat help with communication and mine this, here are some tips and allow him to call for help if needed. places you can reach out to for help.

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(ALZ.org/help-support/caregiving) There are also a bevy of online that provides information unique services you can use to help you save to the challenges of dementia caretime on certain chores. For example, givers; and the U.S. Department of online grocery shopping and home Veterans Affairs (Caregiver.va.gov), deliveries, and online pharmacy which offers caregiver support sermedication refills and deliveries. You vices to veterans and spouses. can also order meal-kits or pre-made meals online through numerous meal service delivery companies and arrange needed transportation Send your senior with ride sharing services like Lyft or questions to: Savvy Uber.

Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Or, if you can afford it, you may Norman, OK 73070, want to consider hiring someone a or visit SavvySenior. few hours a week to help with things org. Jim Miller is a like cooking, housekeeping or even contributor to the NBC personal care. Costs can run anyToday show and author where from $12 up to $25 per hour. of “The Savvy Senior” Care.com or CareLinx.com are two book.

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January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 19

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How Many Prescription Medications Are Too Many?

Deprescribing helps patients back off medications if they are no longer required

N

By Rebecca Conklin, D.O.

early 40% of adults over 65 use five or more prescription medications, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

So how can people be sure they’re genuinely being helped — and not harmed — when taking so many prescriptions?

Proper prescribing should maximize treatment effectiveness, minimize the risk of side effects and drug interactions, reduce costs and respect the patient’s choices.

Overprescribing is most common in the elderly. As people develop new health issues, see multiple physicians or introduce over-the-counter medicines, the chance of overprescribing increases.

Every added medication can lead to more side effects, more interactions with other medicines, and potentially more emergency room visits.

Taking a lot of pills every day can be overwhelming and increasingly expensive. Managing this “pill burden” can also be very time consuming and can take away from things seniors truly want to be doing, such as spending time with loved ones or participating in activities they enjoy.

Deprescribing helps patients back off medications when doses are too high or stop them entirely if they are no longer required.

The deprescribing process The process of eliminating medications from your daily regimen should be planned and supervised by your doctor. Self-advocacy is essential to its success.

Geriatricians at St. Ann’s Community recommend reviewing and updating all your medications with your primary care physician during every office visit. Be sure to include prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements to help your doctor troubleshoot potential problems and address your concerns.

It can be helpful to bring a family member or friend with you when you go to the doctor’s office. He or she can help you remember what the doctor says or take notes for you. You should try to keep a copy of your medication list with you at all times in case of an emergency.

For every medication on your list, ask your doctor: • Why am I taking this medication?

• What are the potential benefits and potentially harmful side effects?

• Will it interact with my other medications?

• Can it affect my memory?

• Can it cause me to fall?

• How long will I need to take it?

Page 20 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

What’s on the cut list Be aware that as your body ages, it becomes less capable of removing waste efficiently, so medicines can take a longer time to be cleared from the body. Due to this, medicines have the potential to accumulate within the body and cause more side effects.

As people age, doses may need to be reduced or certain medications may need to be stopped altogether to account for this.

Medications that can increase the risk of falls, worsen cognitive impairment or lower blood sugar top the list of which ones to stop.

Eliminating preventive medicines like aspirin, cholesterol medicines, vitamins and supplements may also be appropriate for some individuals.

Wean yourself safely Certain medicines require you to slowly decrease the dose, whereas others you can stop right away. You should work with your doctor to develop a plan for you detailing how to stop a medication safely.

So before you decide to pop another pill, ask your doctor if taking it is really in your best interest. Your pharmacist can also help answer any questions, especially regarding side effects and drug interactions.

Receiving the best medicine for what ails you should leave you feeling better, so you have the time, resources, and energy to enjoy life to its fullest.

Rebecca Conklin, DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) is a geriatric physician at St. Ann’s Community and Pillar Medical Associates in Rochester. Contact her at rconklin@mystanns. com or visit www. pillarmedical.com.

Health News Jewish Senior Life welcomes new adult day health care director

Jewish Senior Life recently welcomed a new director of adult day health care, a medical model program that provides support for people in the community living with various psychosocial, physical and cognitive challenges.

LaTasha Dunbar The program provides assistance with personal care, medication, socialization and more.

The new director, LaTasha Dunbar, recently received a master’s degree in business administration from SUNY Brockport and holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Buffalo State University. She has an extensive background working closely with New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, overseeing staff and programming at residential and group homes and day programs at CDS Monarch and Lifetime Assistance, Inc. “We are incredibly proud to welcome LaTasha in her new role,” says Michele Schirano, senior vice president and administrator at the Jewish Home. “Her experience collaborating with team members and ability to ensure all policies and procedures are handled professionally and without deficiencies is particularly notable.

We are excited to see what she will bring to our adult day health care team and program members.”

New director of practice management appointed at Thompson

Karina Anderson of Pittsford has accepted the role of director of practice management for UR Medicine Thompson Health effective Dec. 4.

Anderson holds a bachelor’s in business administration from ColoraKarina Anderson do Mountain College and a master’s in leadership in health care systems from the University of Rochester. She first joined UR Medicine 10 years ago, serving as manager of OB-GYN, the perinatal center, the nursery and OB education for Highland Hospital in Rochester.

In 2017, Anderson came to Thompson as its patient access manager. Most recently, she has served as a per diem IT analyst in Thompson’s consolidated business office while working as the full-time operations manager for Highland Hospital’s Highland Family Medicine.

In her new role with Thompson, she will oversee 13 primary

care practices spread out over a three-county area. She will assist the health system with continuing to grow its primary care base, which currently encompasses approximately 62,000 patients and is the largest primary care network in the Finger Lakes. In 2024, Thompson primary care practices will be transitioning to a new electronic health record system, with Anderson at the helm.

“During her time with Thompson, Karina has played a key role in several monumental initiatives benefiting both our patients and our associates,” said Thompson Health Executive Vice President and COO Kurt M. Koczent. “She brings a wealth of experience to her new role and we are confident she will provide the leadership our practices require in order to continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

Excellus scores high in national LGBTQ+ index

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has received a score of 85% out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report Sady Fischer measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Excellus BCBS joins the ranks of 1384 major U.S. businesses that were also ranked in the 2023-2024 CEI. “We’re proud to be recognized for our inclusive policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ inclusion, while recognizing we have more to do,” said Sady Alvarado-Fischer, vice president, diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Excellus BCBS. “As a queer woman, I am especially proud to work for an organization committed to creating an environment where our employees and members can choose to be out, and have their identities affirmed and celebrated. The Corporate Equality Index allows us to learn and identify new opportunities for positive change to create more inclusive, affirming, and equitable experiences for all our employees.”

The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars: non-discrimination policies across business entities; equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families; supporting an inclusive culture; corporate social responsibility.

The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.

Thompson has new director of emergency medicine administration Grant Alef of Rochester has been promoted to the newly created position of director of emergency medi-

cine administration for UR Medicine Thompson Health.

Alef first joined Thompson in 2021, as the operations manager for the emergency department at F.F. Thompson Hospital. In his new role, he is overseeing all administrative aspects and operations for the emergency Grant Alef department as well as for Thompson’s urgent care locations in Canandaigua, Farmington, and Newark. In 2022, the emergency department had more than 32,000 patient visits while the three urgent care sites had a combined total of over 36,500 visits.

Alef holds a bachelor’s degree in health management from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, and a master’s in healthcare administration from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, also in Missouri.

“Throughout his career and in other industries, Grant has garnered extensive experience in all aspects of service delivery, growth, and operational management, with a sharp focus on continuous process improvement,” said Thompson Health Executive Vice President-COO Kurt Koczent.

New Director of Case Management/Social Work for Thompson Crystal M. Sawyer of Manchester was recently named the director of case management-social work for UR Medicine Thompson Health. She oversees a team of social workers and case managers who help patients and Crystal Sawyer families throughout the 113-bed F.F. Thompson Hospital.

Sawyer obtained her bachelor’s in social work at Keuka College in 2011 and her master’s from the Greater Rochester Collaborative MSW program offered by SUNY Brockport and Nazareth College (now Nazareth University) in Rochester.

For nine years, Sawyer worked as a comprehensive psychiatric emergency program counselor for Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic. She previously served as the outpatient clinic’s primary therapist for the Clifton Springs-based Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency and as a Medicaid service coordinator for Wayne ARC in Newark. Most recently, Sawyer has worked as a private therapist in Victor.

“Crystal has an extensive background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in mental health and chemical dependency treatment with a diverse population in community, educational, private practice as well

as hospital inpatient and outpatient settings,” said Vice President of Patient Care Services-Chief Nursing Officer Hazel Robertshaw. “We are excited to welcome her to her new role at Thompson.”

New advanced brain injury rehab unit opens at Strong UR Medicine has opened a new state-of-the-art unit that provides comprehensive rehabilitation and support services for patients recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries and other types of acute acquired brain injuries.

The acute brain injury neurorehabilitation unit meets a regional need for these services and is integrated into the hospital’s leading trauma, surgical and intensive care programs, providing a continuum of care designed to help patients recover function and independence.

“The unit is physically designed to appropriately manage patients with cognitive and behavioral deficits and accounts for the clinical, physical, cognitive, communication, and nutritional conditions necessary to create an optimal environment for the brain to heal,” said physician Heather Ma, a brain injury rehabilitation medicine specialist and assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Ma is division chief of UR Medicine’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Medicine service line and is interim medical director and division chief of acute inpatient rehabilitation medicine. “The staff are uniquely qualified to guide recovery, help patients improve or maintain function, and improve overall health and quality of life after an acute brain injury.”

The $7 million, 11-bed acute brain injury neurorehabilitation unit, located in 6-1200 at Strong Memorial Hospital, is led by board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians with expertise in brain injury rehabilitation medicine, the multidisciplinary care team is comprised of rehabilitation nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, recreational therapists, care managers, dietitians, and psychologists. The focus is restoring independence by improving problems with cognition, balance, strength, motor control, vision, swallowing, and other deficits that adversely affect patients' daily lives.

As Western New York’s largest and the Rochester region’s only Level 1 trauma facility, Strong Memorial Hospital is a destination for patients from across Upstate New York that require advanced levels of trauma care.

January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page 21

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