Igh roch 134 oct 16 final

in good

priceless

Mammograms 2-D or 3-D? Start at age 40?

45? 50? URMC physician Avice O’Connell discusses the issue

Pregnancy & Exercise Mothers-to-be are advised to continue exercising but choose types of exercises more carefully

GVhealthnews.com

October 2016 • Issue 134

Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper

CUPPING Grows in Popularity It’s scary to the eyes, but ever since Olympian Michael Phelps appeared on national TV with his body dotted by what appeared to be bruises, the ancient practice of cupping therapy has gained momentum.

It’s recognized for pain relief, fast healing, relaxation. Should you try it?

Page 12

Page 6

On Course to Become No. 1 Killer of Americans

Hospital-owned Physician Practices About a quarter of medical practices are now owned by hospitals. More than 140,000 physicians (40 percent of all physicians) are now employed as of last year. See Healthcare in a Minute inside

Number of People on Gluten-free Diet Triples in Five Years ­

Finally a Kidney, After a Three-Year Wait Paul Bloser of Rochester is set to receive a new kidney Oct. 1. The kidney will be donated by his sister, Susan Boyd.

Whole Grain Bulgur

‘Bulgur — wheat that’s been parboiled, dried and cracked into nibbly bits — is one of my favorite whole grains.’ See SmartBites inside

­

Teen Cyberbullies More apt to happen among friends than strangers

PROSTATE EXAM End finger exam in men, says urologist.

Page 2

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2016

Periodontal

Health Specialists

SMILE AND EAT THE FOOD YOU LIKE WITH CONFIDENCE

Periodontists* *University trained specialists in gum and dental implant surgery

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL FREE DENTAL IMPLANT & PERIODONTAL CONSULTATION Comprehensive Gum Exam & Xrays

585-473-7600

($273 value)

October 2016 •

Expires 12/30/16

Call Today for your Appointment 585.473.7600

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 3

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Oct. 6

St. Ann’s holds seminar on ‘tough conversation’ Talking to a parent or other older adult about making the move to a senior living facility can be difficult.

Strategies for having that conversation will be shared by Deborah Coniglio, a nurse practitioner at St. Ann’s Community, from 1 to 3 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 6, at Chapel Oaks, 1550 Portland Ave. Coniglio will discuss issues related to what she calls “the tough conversation.” Topics will include circumstances that may prompt the move to senior living; starting the conversation and questions to ask; strategies for communicating with compassion and understanding; benefits of senior living; resources available to family and caregivers.

The presentation is free and open to the public. To reserve your space, call 585-697-6604.

Coniglio has been in the nursing profession for 34 years, the last 18 as a family nurse practitioner. At St. Ann’s Community, she cares for residents across the continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and long-term care.

Oct. 6

Hearing Loss Association October Meetings Are you a person with hearing loss trying to cope better in your daily life?

Hearing Loss Association of America Rochester Chapter presents a selection of useful techniques and information at its 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. chapter meetings, Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Presentations will take place in the Parish Hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, East Avenue at Westminster Road across from the George Eastman Museum.

Gleaned from members’ experiences at the HLAA national convention in June, topics include: Listening to music with hearing loss, cochlear implant user experiences, making the most of your audiology visit, technologies that could help us hear better, and relationships/dating with a hearing loss.

Hearing Other People’s Experi-

ences (HOPE), a question and answer group for people considering hearing aids and those using them, precedes the chapter meetings at 10:30 a.m.

Moderated by retired audiologist and hearing aid user Joe Kozelsky, it is held in the Vestry room.

Anyone interested in hearing loss is welcome to any or all of the three meetings.

For more information visit www. hlaa-rochester-ny.org or telephone 585-266-7890.

Oct. 7

Spinal group hosts “Variety Live” show The Rochester Spinal Association will host a variety show community event, called Variety Live, to celebrate its 25th anniversary in the greater Rochester community. Proceeds will directly support RSA’s mission to enhance the lives of people in the Greater Rochester area living with spinal cord disabilities.

The event will start at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, at Nazareth College Callahan Theater, 4245 East Ave., Rochester.

The evening’s entertainment will be made up of variety of acts and performers — both local and national — ranging from music and dancing to comedy and aerial arts.

Physician Brad Berk, professor of medicine, cardiology, and pharmacology and senior vice president for health sciences at the University of Rochester, and Coral Surgeon, obstetrician-gynecologist at Women Gynecology & Childbirth Associates, P.C, are the event’s honorary co-chairmen.

The cost to attend the event is $150 pre-curtain reception and show or $100 for the show only.

For more information on Rochester Spinal Association, visit rochesterspinalassociation.org.

Oct. 7

Cloverwood hosts antiques appraisal event Cloverwood Senior Living, the area’s premier independent senior living community, will host its third annual Antiques Appraisal Day featuring expert antiques appraisers, including three who are nationally

recognized and have been featured on the television program “Antiques Roadshow” and two who are local.

All proceeds from this event will be donated to Holy Childhood, currently celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Guests will bring any precious heirlooms and prized collectibles to Cloverwood and meet one-on-one with these experts to find out what their treasures are worth.

Each attendee can bring up to three items for a verbal appraisal.

Appraisal for each item costs $10 at the door (cash or check only). Items must be small enough to carry into Cloverwood. Photos are accepted for larger items.

The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7 at Cloverwood, 1 Sinclair Drive, Pittsford.

Registration is required for this event. Call Cloverwood at 585-2481100 to RSVP or for more information.

Oct. 7

Day of Hearing held at Nazareth College The Hearing Loss Association of America Rochester Chapter is celebrating Day of Hearing on Oct. 7, which will feature a variety of speakers who will discuss a wide range of topics related to hearing issues.

The event will take place at Nazareth College in the York Wellness Center. There will be signage and assistance on campus for directions.

It’s free and open to the public.

The day will feature free hearing screenings from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. along with workshops and exhibits about assistive devices.

Workshops taking place at the event are: • 9:15 to 10 a.m.: Ramona Stein, Ph.D. “Let’s Talk Tinnitus” • 10:15 – 11 a.m.: audiologist Ron D’Angelo. “A New Spin...Vertigo, Imbalance and Hearing Loss” • 11:15 – noon: audiologist Deborah Sanderson. “An Introduction to Assistive Hearing & Alerting Devices” • 1 – 1:45 p.m.: audiologist John McNamara.

“Does Your Hearing Aid Fit?” • 2 – 2:45 p.m.: audiologist Joe Kozelsky. “HOPE - Hearing Other People’s Experiences” • 3 – 3:45 p.m: audiologist Matt McDonald. “How to Help Your Audiologist Help You” A Day of Hearing is sponsored by the Hearing Loss Association of America, Rochester Chapter, Lifespan & Nazareth College.

For more information visit www. hlaa-rochester-ny.org or telephone 585-266-7890.

Flu Shots Available for Veterans

Oct. 12, 19, and 26

The Canandaigua VA Medical Center and the Rochester VA Outpatient Clinic will provide walk-in flu shot clinics for veterans, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates: • Oct. 3 through 7 • Oct. 11 through 14 • Oct. 31 through Nov. 4 The walk-in clinics will be located at Canandaigua VA Medical Center, building 1 ground floor by the elevator or at Rochester VA Outpatient Clinic, main lobby. No appointment is needed.

Do you live alone? Is it a challenge for you? Living Alone: How to Survive and Thrive on Your Own is a three-part workshop offered for women who want to rediscover joy and contentment, and to gain the know-how to forge a meaningful life on their own.

You’ll meet others in similar circumstances and learn practical strategies to overcome loneliness, rediscover your true self, socialize in

Page 4

•

Those coming for the shots should wear a short sleeved shirt and have VA Health Care ID. There is no cost for veterans.

Veterans that are not enrolled in VA Heath Care are asked to bring their DD214 form.

The Canandaigua VA Medical Center is located at 400 Fort Hill Ave., Canandaigua, phone 585394-2000; the Rochester VA Outpatient is located at 465 Westfall Road, Rochester, phone 585-4632600.

Workshop for women who live alone

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2016

a couples’ world and make the best of this opportunity on your own.

The workshop takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. at House Content Bed & Breakfast in Mendon on three consecutive Wednesdays: Oct. 12, 19, and 26. A daytime workshop may also be offered on Friday mornings (same weeks), if there is interest.

The workshop fee of $135 includes a Living Alone binder, empowerment exercises, and helpful resources you can trust. Home-baked goodies and refreshments are served.

To learn more, contact Gwenn Voelckers at 585-624-7887 or email gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com.

Oct. 25

Fibromyalgia group holds cooking presentation The New Fibromyalgia Support Group will hold a fall cooking presentation and cooking demonstration from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the meeting room of Westside YMCA, located at 920 Elmgrove Road in Gates.

The meeting is free and open to the public. No need to be a YMCA member to participate. Classes are small and registration is needed.

Register with a voicemail by calling 585-752-1562. Speak slowly and clearly. Leave your name and details.

The New Fibromyalgia Support Group provides opportunites to connect with people on the many issues surrounding life with a person of chronic pain.

Nov. 2

Underage drinking town hall at Hilton-Parma HPDICE, the Hilton Parma Drug Intervention & Community Education Coalition, will host a town hall on the prevention of underage drinking from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Nov. 2, at the Merton Williams Middle School, 200 School Lane in Hilton.

The event, titled “Our Community.

Our Kids’ Health. Our Future,” is a first for the community. It’s free and open to the public.

The evening will include time for audience feedback and brainstorming and will host tables where several practitioners and businesses will provide information and services promoting emotional well-being, financial health and healthy lifestyles.

Several panelists will be on hand to discuss a variety of topics related to underage drinking. Opening remarks will be provided by Hilton District Superintendent Casey Kosiorek.

HPDICE, founded in 2014, is a 501c3 nonprofit and is the only one of its kind in Western Monroe County. This event was made possible through sponsorships from SAMHSA-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Hilton Health Care, Hilton Family Dentistry, Hilton Baptist Church, Crosspoint Free Methodist Church, Villageradio.net, Hovey Liquor Store and NCADD-RA’s Finger Lakes Prevention Resource Center.

For more information, contact Laurie Polatas at 585-406-3665 or visit www.hpdice.org.

October 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 5

Cupping Grows in Popularity

Ancient therapy that offers pain relief gained popularity thanks to Olympian Michael Phelps

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

ost recently popularized by Michael Phelps and other Olympians, cupping therapy has been used since ancient times.

The technique involves using a cup to create a vacuum on the skin to pull it upwards, away from the body, and suspend it.

The modality has been recognized for its ability to increase circulation, speed healing and break up scar tissue, all benefits any Olympian would prize. But local experts say that everyday people may benefit from cupping as well.

Les Moore, doctor of naturopathic medicine and director of the Center for Special Medicine in Pittsford, has been trained in multiple disciplines of Eastern medicine.

“Cupping has been used all over the world as folk medicine,” Moore said, “but it’s most often in Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine. The main things it’s used for are reducing pain, promoting relaxation and distressing the body, helping with upper respiratory infection, and improving digestion.”

Practitioners use it for patients with spinal pain, migraines, muscle soreness and rheumatic pain as well.

Moore explained that cupping uses the same points as acupuncture or massage therapy, but instead of going inward, cupping pulls the skin outward to stimulate blood flow and the movement of lymph.

Some cupping points aren’t directly related to symptoms but are more like reflexology, where cupping stimulates nerve endings related to Page 6

•

Photos show two different patients receiving cupping therapy — during and right after the treatment. The technique involves using a cup to create a vacuum on the skin to pull it upwards, away from the body, and suspend it. It’s safe and offers no pain, say practitioners. other areas of the body.

Sessions usually last five to 10 minutes, but are accompanied by other modalities.

“It’s really very safe and can help a lot of people,” Moore said. “Elite athletes are doing this because they see a difference in how they recover to compete at a higher level. Many find it very relaxing. It can break up deep scar tissue.”

Kristen Gilbert, licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medicine

practitioner with CNY Fertility & Healing Arts in Rochester, said that drinking water can improve the results of a cupping session because “cupping helps detoxify the body so drinking water before and after helps in the process.”

As the Olympic athletes evidenced, cupping can leave behind ring-shaped marks; however, Gilbert said that the process isn’t painful.

Clients usually feel a little tension in the skin, but find cupping relaxing.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2016

Gilbert said the marks are part of its therapeutic effect as it improves circulation.

“It’s also helpful to bring clothing that covers where the cupping is performed,” Gilbert said. “Exposure to cold or wind can cause the muscles to constraint, lead to pain and be counterproductive to the healing process.”

Lindsey Bentley, licensed massage therapist for 11 years, said that many patients turn to modalities such as cupping because they want to reduce their use of pain medication.

Bentley performs massage at Integrated Chiropractic and Physical Therapy in Hilton, Irondequoit and Spencerport.

“A lot of the side effects of medication outweigh what you’re taking the medication for,” she said. “I think that people are finding that cupping and other therapies are more beneficial and less harmful. They last longer and are more enjoyable than taking a prescription every night.”

Most practitioners use silicone or glass cups that create a vacuum using a pump. For chronic pain issues, most people require several sessions for a few weeks, and then a maintenance session about every three months.

Bentley said that she learned cupping at a three-day training class meant for licensed massage therapist like her, and also physical therapists.

People without that kind of training “can’t just take the class to get the certificate,” she said.

Susan Onderdonk, a licensed massage therapist with Body Harmony Therapeutic Massage in Churchville, said that she uses cupping therapy with clients often since she began using it four years ago.

“I use it lot for hip or knee replacement clients,” she said. “It helps smooth incision sites and surrounding tissue. By far, it’s the one modality I use every day some form or another. When I saw what it could do, it drew me to it.”

Contraindications include people with wounded, thin or fragile skin; those who are immune compromised; or, for pregnant women, not on the abdomen.

“People are starting to realize combining eastern and western medicine, you’ll have a more complete healing,” Onderdonk said. “That’s why you’re seeing more modalities being incorporated into the medical community. Some people know cupping as ‘vacuum therapy.’”

Some in Western medicine greet many integrative modalities with skepticism; however, cupping has gained credibility.

Christopher Brown, medical director for Rochester Regional Health Sports Medicine, practices at Finger Lakes Bone & Joint Center.

“If you look at some of the [medical] literature out there, there’s some decent support for use of cupping for chronic pain,” Brown said. “The most research is with athletes in an acute settings. I’ve seen it used more on my patients in the past year. A few athletes have come in talking about it.”

He has observed cupping as beneficial for patients who have experienced shoulder surgery and it’s used by some of the physical therapists to whom he refers patients.

“Talk with your physical therapist before undergoing cupping,” Brown said. “It’s generally not used as a solo treatment, but along with other treatment.”

Rehab your

fearlessness.

Jean Phillips, 2015 Graduate

myHeart™ Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program As Jean will tell you, bouncing back from a serious medical issue is as much a mental journey as it is a physical one. At the Jewish Home, you receive personalized treatment from our highly skilled and certified therapy staff while enjoying perks like restaurantstyle dining and massage therapy. So you can quickly get back to being you.

an affiliate of Jewish Senior Life

To learn more or preplan your stay, visit myHeartRehab.org or call (585) 784-6397.

CARDIOPULMONARY ORTHOPEDIC | MEDICALLY COMPLEX | STROKE RECOVERY | WOUND CARE

TCPad_55+mag.indd 1

October 2016 •

6/10/2016 4:45:40 PM 7 IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • Page

Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Avice O’Connell, M.D. Mammography — start at 40? 45? 50?

URMC doctor helps shed light on the issue

Sometimes A Little Assistance Helps You Live Independently With Dignity and Respect Dedicated, Compassionate Companion Care, Dependable, Caring, Friendly Caregivers Locally owned and operated by a Registered Nurse

Non-Medical Home Care Needs

Companionship – Recreational Activities Meal Preparation – Laundry – Errands Transportation – Housekeeping Home Maintenance – Respite Care Alzheimer's Care – Medication Dispenser Hospice/Facility Care – Alert A-1 Monitoring System

MENTION THIS AD FOR FREE HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND HOME SAFETY CHECK PLUS 50% OFF FIRST HOUR

585.485.9277

www.atyourhomeseniorcare.com

IN GOOD HEALTH Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper To advertise and reah nearly 100,000 readers a month, please call 585-421-8109

Q: When should women start getting mammograms?

A: There's some difference of opinion. Several medical societies suggest you start at age 40, the American Cancer Society suggests 45. The US Preventative Services task force suggests starting at 50. The best scientifically supported position is that, annual mammography starting at age 40 saves the most lives. For the best results, it needs to be annual. We recognize, though, that people make choices and if they don't want to have it annually, they don't have to.

Q: What role do risk factors play in adjusting the starting age?

A: Most women who get breast cancer, around 75 percent, do not have any official risk factors apart from being female. So if you don't have any family history and you breastfed your babies, you can still get breast cancer. The fact that you're a healthy person with no history does not protect you. The other relevant number here is that about 20 percent of breast cancer cases will be in women under 50. So that's a lot of cases that can develop before the age where some of the groups I mentioned suggest you start screening.

Q: How about costs and ability to pay?

A: It shouldn't have anything to do with cost at this point. Everyone knows you can get a mammogram for no cost to you. [Governor] Cuomo just signed a bill that will cover all follow-up imaging in New York state starting in January. So that's a nice thing. You won't have to worry about the cost of subsequent testing.

Q: What should a woman do if she gets a letter informing her that she has dense breasts?

A: So that's a law that went into effect years ago, so we have to inform women if they have dense breasts. That still leaves the question of “well, what do I do about it?” And we haven't been that great about addressing that. It means two things, really. The first is that dense breast tissue can hide cancer on mammograms. The second is that it puts you at slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer. So it's kind of a double-negative. So if the question is whether or not you should go in and get additional testing when you have dense breasts, you might consider getting an ultrasound. You have to be very high risk for the insurance companies to pay for an MRI. All of my comments so far have been about women with average risks of developing breast cancer.

What percentage of cases do they account for?

A: Only about 5 to 10 percent of cancers diagnosed have those genetic changes. It's a small number with very high risk factors. If you're in that group, you'll want a mammogram and an MRI every year, and you'll want to start when you're much younger. So there's a whole different set of rules for them.

Q: For women with dense breast tissue, how effective are the second wave of tests at detecting cancer?

A: So the letter just informs you that you have dense breasts and then says you might want to discuss with your provider whether or not you should have supplemental testing. It used to be based on your ability to pay, but starting next year it's going to be more about your anxiety level.

A lot of people talk about the anxiety caused by false positives, but I think that's kind of insulting, assuming a woman can't cope with being told, “Hey, we've found an area of asymmetry and we'd like to have you back for more testing so we can be sure what it is.” So if we have them back and it turns out to be nothing, that's a “false positive.” Most women, in my experience, are really happy to hear that it's nothing. They're not saying, “How dare you call me back and tell me it's nothing.” Really, it just speaks to the limitations of a 2-D mammogram.

Q: To what degree does 3-D mammography address the issue?

A: It cuts way back on those calls I just mentioned by about 30 percent. It's actually a series of 2-D shots that are constructed into a 3-D image by a computer. So it's

Q: You hear a lot about the BRCA genes and how they greatly increase the risk of breast cancer.

Page 8

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2016

pseudo-3-D. But it's a better mammogram. With that being said, it's still only a mammogram. Many patients will still need an ultrasound. I think, as we move forward, it will improve like these things often do. We used to have film mammography, then we moved to 2-D digital. The current step is 3-D. It requires a little extra imaging, but most places are upgrading. That said, I wouldn't tell someone they need to travel 50 miles just to get a 3-D mammogram. A good 2-D mammogram followed by an ultrasound if necessary will still detect breast cancer.

Q: Do you also perform radiation-based treatments?

A: No, we don't do therapies.

We do the screenings and the biopsies, but then we hand them over to the oncology team to decide the full treatment. It's part of a multidisciplinary process.

Q: Do the newer techniques reduce the frequency with which you have to perform biopsies?

A: In some ways. There are still times where you can't make a decision based on the look of something.

We have a number in our heads. If it's obviously benign, you're good for another year. If there's a 2 percent chance it's not, we do a biopsy. If the patient adamantly doesn't want to have a biopsy, we can watch it. It's hard to say whether we are doing less biopsies, because we're finding more things with the newer technology, but it does help with our decision-making. We are cutting down on big surgeries, though. We won't send you to surgery without first doing a minimally-invasive biopsy.

Lifelines Name: Avice O’Connell, M.D. Position: Professor of Imaging Sciences and Director of Women’s Imaging at the University of Rochester Hometown: Dublin, Ireland Education: Trinity College; University of Rochester Affiliations: University of Rochester Medical Center and affiliates Organizations: American College of Radiology; Society of Breast Imaging; American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine Family: Husband (a surgeon), 5 adult sons Hobbies: Walking, reading, music

Number of Americans on Gluten Free Diet Tripled in 5 Years But number of people diagnosed each year with celiac disease has remained stable

G

luten-free diets seem to be the latest fad, yet the number of people being diagnosed with celiac disease hasn’t budged, new research shows.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, in which foods containing gluten trigger the immune system to attack and damage the small intestine, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. Gluten is a protein found naturally in grains like wheat, barley and rye.

People with celiac disease have no choice but to avoid gluten in their diet. If they don’t, their small intestine is damaged every time they eat something with gluten.

Gluten-free diets also appear to have become a trendy way to address any sort of gastrointestinal problem, said lead author Hyun-seok Kim, an internal medicine resident at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, N.J. “People may have a gluten sensitivity or non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms, and simply assume that a gluten-free diet will help their symptoms,” Kim said.

The number of Americans following a gluten-free diet tripled between 2009 and 2014, but diagnoses of celiac disease remained stable during that same period, the researchers found.

It’s possible that decreased gluten consumption could be contributing to the plateau in celiac disease, the study authors said.

Based on their analysis, the researchers estimated there are around 1.76 million people with celiac disease in the United States. About 2.7 million more people adhere to a gluten-free diet even though they don’t have celiac disease, the findings showed.

Around a half percent of survey participants reported being on a gluten-free diet in 2009-2010. By 20132014, that number was closing in on 2 percent, the investigators found.

The results suggest that the gluten-free diet has become something of a fad, Kim said.

The study was published as a research letter in the Sept. 6 online edition of JAMA Internal Medicine.

18 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN MONROE AND LIVINGSTON COUNTIES

Close to Where You Work or Live

Early Morning and Late Evening Hours for Your Convenience LATTIMORE PHYSICAL THERAPY NETWORK AVON PHYSICAL THERAPY 490 Collins Street Avon, NY 14414 Phone: 226-2480 Fax: 226-2494 Co-Clinical director: Jon Gerenski, DPT Co-Clinical director: Leslie Summers, PTA Owner: Mario Melidona, PT DANSVILLE PHYSICAL THERAPY 40 Village Plaza Dansville, NY 14437 Phone: 335-2456 Fax: 335-3494 Owner: Matt Marino, MS, PT

LATTIMORE PHYSICAL THERAPY AND SPORTS REHABILITATION 1655 Elmwood Ave Suite 130 Rochester, NY 14620 Phone: 442-9110 Fax: 442-9049 Clinical Director: Erin Tobin, PT, DPT

LATTIMORE OF FAIRPORT PT 59 Perinton Hills Shopping Ctr Fairport, NY 14450 Phone: 385-0444 Fax: 385-0442 Clinical Director: Matthew Stoutenburg, MS, PT, CSCS

LATTIMORE PHYSICAL THERAPY (Land and/or pool based therapy) 383 White Spruce Blvd Rochester, NY 14623 Phone: 442-6067 Fax: 442-6073 Clinical Director / Owner: Andrew Chatt, DPT, OCS Owner: Cynthia Shuman, MS, PT, ATC

LATTIMORE OF GATES-CHILI PT 5 Fisher Road Rochester, NY 14624 Phone: 247-0270 Fax: 247-0294 Clinical Director: Jeff McGiven, PT

NORTH GREECE PHYSICAL THERAPY 515 Long Pond Road Rochester, NY 14612 Phone: 227-2310 Fax: 227-2312 Owner: Tim Anne, MS, PT, MLD-CDT

LATTIMORE OF GENESEO PT 4577 Morgan View Road Geneseo, NY 14454 Phone: 243-9150 Fax: 243-4814 Clinical Director: Johanna Kaufman, DPT

PIANO WORKS PHYSICAL THERAPY 349 W. Commercial St. Ste. 1275 East Rochester, NY 14445 Owner: Leah Gerenski, DPT, OCS

LATTIMORE OF GRPT 2000 Empire Blvd. Building 2 Webster, NY 14580 Phone: 671-1030 Fax: 671-1991 Clinical Director: Melissa Graham, DPT, OCS

PITTSFORD MENDON PT 20 Assembly Dr. Suite 101 PO Box 212 Mendon, NY 14506 Phone: 582-1330 Fax: 582-2537 Clinical Director: Dustin Maracle, PT, DPT, MS, SCS, COMT,CSCS

LATTIMORE OF GREATER PITTSFORD PT 40 State Street Pittsford, NY 14534 Phone: 387-7180 Fax: 387-7182 Clinical Director: Adam Ellis, DPT

RUSH HENRIETTA PT 60 Finn Road Suite C Henrietta, NY 14467 Phone: 444-0040 Fax: 444-0052 Clinical Director: Karen Shufelt, DPT, CHT

HILTON PHYSICAL THERAPY 1026 Hilton Parma Corners Rd. Suite 1, PO Box 131 Hilton, NY 14468 Owner: Matt Landon, DPT

Substanceabusepreventioncoalitionof ontariocounty.com

LATTIMORE OF IRONDEQUOIT PT 1299 Portland Ave Suite 10 Rochester, NY 14621 Phone: 286-9200 Fax: 286-9203 Clinical Director: Lindsey Yu, DPT, LMT

HONEOYE FALLS LIMA PT 58 North Main Street Suite 200 Honeoye Falls, NY 14472 Owner: David Monsees, MS, PT

LATTIMORE OF SPENCERPORT PT 37 N. Union Street Spencerport, NY 14559 (585)349-2860 Fax (585)349-2995 Clinical Director: Russell Manalastas, DPT, SCS, COMT, CSCS LATTIMORE OF WEBSTER PT 1130 Crosspointe Lane, Suite 6 Webster, NY 14580 Phone: 347-4990 Fax: 347-4993 Owner: Adam Frank, MS, PT

www.lattimorept.com October 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 9

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Living Alone Is No Laughing Matter . . . Or Is It?

W

hen is the last time you laughed till your side hurt?

Enjoyed a carnival ride?

Played with a puppy? Or acted silly?

Sure, living alone can be serious business, what with all the chores and responsibilities that rest solely on our shoulders, but let’s not forget to laugh a little and have some fun along the way.

“Why focus on fun?” you might ask. Because having fun, letting your hair down and relaxing means letting go of your problems and worries for awhile.

When that happens, you have time to “breathe” emotionally. not occupied with troubling thoughts, your mind is free to wander, which can make room for new insights and understanding. You see things in a different light. And what might seem insurmountable at the moment (a Saturday night alone) can become more manageable.

My life was no “barrelful of monkeys” after my divorce. In fact, having fun was a low priority on my to-do list. I was busy trying to

put my life back together as a single person, and finding entertainment wasn’t among my goals.

But then I took a ride that changed everything.

A couple of friends, determined to rescue me from my somber existence, coaxed me to join them on a road trip to Martha’s Vineyard.

Declaring that I would be no fun to be with, I nonetheless agreed to go. We poked around the island for a few days and then found our way to one of its most charming harbor towns, Oak Bluffs. It’s a magical little place that is home to colorful, whimsical cottages.

Oak Bluffs is also home to our nation’s oldest platform carousel.

I stood there admiring it, commenting on the warm patina of its “flying horses” and remarking on how much fun the kids were having.

That’s when my friends elbowed me and said, “Oh, come on, let’s take a ride.” After complaining that I was just too old for that sort of thing, they ignored by protests and lifted me onto a bright yellow horse. It was so much fun! I loved it! I even grabbed

for the brass ring, in hopes of winning a second free ride, but a freshfaced 11-year-old beat me to it.

Riding that carousel made me giggle and laugh and feel like a kid again. It felt foreign and unfamiliar.

But, more importantly, it felt fabulous! I was reminded of how much better my life could be if I just “got back on that horse” and made having fun a priority.

So things changed after my trip to Oak Bluffs. I became deliberate about weaving fun and laughter into my life. And I encourage you to do the same.

Below are a few tips to help you tickle what may be a dormant funny bone: Hang out with fun (and funny!) people. My sister Anne is the funniest person I know. Opportunities to be with her trump almost everything else on my calendar. We laugh, poke fun at each other, and otherwise just enjoy each other’s company.

When I’m with Anne, my cares drift away and life is good. Take a look at the people you hang out with.

While we all need supportive friend with whom we can sort through life’s difficulties, we also need some fun-loving souls. Be sure to connect with them on a regular basis.

Diversify your entertainment. While I love classical music performances and can’t resist the showing of an Ingmar Bergman film classic, those events don’t tickle my funny bone.

No, to have fun, I need to dance till the cows come home or watch people make lighthearted fools of themselves in a karaoke club.

When’s the last time you went bowling, played a midway game or went to a comedy club? There’s no time like the present!

See the humor around you. I’ve also discovered that we don’t have to manufacture our own amusement.

It’s there for the taking, if we just look around. Yesterday, I saw something funny happening right in front of my eyes. A dog was pacing back and forth in the back seat of the car ahead of me, sticking its head out the windows on each pass. It looked ridiculous!

I could have observed this scene with indifference, but I decided to enjoy the moment and embrace its inherent humor. Do the same. Enjoy the absurdity that surrounds us.

And finally, be silly and don’t take yourself too seriously. Oh, come on, you can do it! Let go, let loose. Life is short, time is precious, and, besides that, who cares what other people think?

I’m proud to say I’ve tried contra-dancing, laughed out loud while watching America’s Funniest Home Videos, sung in the shower, and found great joy on a swing, perfecting my leg-pumping and jumping-off skills. You get the point. It feels good to be silly.

There’s nothing like a little fun and a good laugh to brighten your day and lift your spirits, whether you live alone or not. So go for it. Grab for that brass ring. And enjoy the ride!

likelihood of cyberbullying” surprising.

“We believe that competition for status and esteem represents one reason behind peer cyberbullying.

Friends, or former friends, are particularly likely to find themselves in situations in which they are vying for the same school, club, and/or sport positions and social connections,” she explained.

“In terms of dating partners, young people often have resentful and hurt feelings as a result of a breakup, and they may take out these

feelings on a former partner via cyber aggression. They might also believe they can win back a previous boyfriend or girlfriend, or prevent that person from breaking up with them or dating someone else, by embarrassing or harassing him or her,” Felmlee suggested.

The report was published in the September issue of the journal Social Psychology Quarterly.

The findings were also presented Saturday during the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association in Seattle.

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive, empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, New York. For information about her workshops or to invite her to speak, call 585-624-7887, or email gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com.

KIDS Corner Teen Cyberbullies More Apt to Be Friends Than Strangers Competition for status, hurt feelings over breakups provoke wave of aggression via texts, Facebook

C

yberbullying among teens is highly likely to involve current or former friends and dating partners, a new study finds.

Researchers analyzed data from a 2011 survey of nearly 800 students in grades 8 through 12 at a public school in a New York City suburb.

About 17 percent had been involved with cyberbullying in the previous week, the study found.

Nearly 6 percent of those students were victims; about 9 percent were aggressors; and about 2 percent were both. Cyberbullying usually occurred through Facebook or texting, the study authors said.

Girls were twice as likely as boys Page 10

•

to be victimized. The risk of cyberbullying was seven times higher among current or former friends and dating partners than among those who had never been friends or dated, according to the study.

“A common concern regarding cyberbullying is that strangers can attack someone, but here we see evidence that there are significant risks associated with close connections,” lead author Diane Felmlee said in an American Sociological Association news release.

Felmlee, a professor of sociology at Pennsylvania State University, called “the large magnitude of the effects of close relationships on the

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2016

Finally a Kidney, After a Three-Year Wait Rochester Paul Bloser scheduled to undergo kidney

By Katie Coleman

B

ack in March I wrote an article for In Good Health on Paul Bloser, a Rochester resident living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who was anxiously waiting to receive a kidney transplant for almost three years.

His story really touched my heart and humbled me; here is a man who is overcoming so much, staying active and hopeful, and volunteering his time with the National Kidney Foundation to help other people living with CKD. Bloser recently reached out to me with great news.

After struggling through failed surgery attempts, difficulties coordinating with his local hospital, and spending three days a week at dialysis treatments, Bloser’s sister, Susan

Boyd, has finally been medically cleared as a successful kidney donor for her brother.

The surgery is set for October. He opted to have his surgery at Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. “We found out a few weeks ago and the ball just started rolling,” Bloser said. “I’m relieved, nervous, excited and humbled. People around me have been amazing with support, and that’s been a key factor.”

Bloser is on the board of the National Kidney Foundation serving Upstate and WNY, dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of CKD for healthcare professionals, patients and their families.

“Kidney disease changes a person’s life instantly,” said Ellen Scalzo, executive director for the National

Kidney Foundation serving Upstate and Western New York. “It’s a terrible disease and our efforts every day are focused on raising awareness about the risks and providing extensive education to patients, and the healthcare professionals who treat them. We’ve found that many people diagnosed with kidney disease struggle every day with what they should and shouldn’t eat.”

Bloser has worked really hard to help the NKF partner with Palmer’s Food Services Inc., located at 900 Jefferson Road in Rochester, to launch the new patient nutrition education program to teach those challenged by kidney disease how to plan and prepare kidney-friendly diets.

Classes are already taking place and will continue on a quarterly basis at Palmer’s high-tech kitchen. (Those interested in signing up should call Elissa Rowley at 585-598-3963 ext.

373.)

“This program is the first of its kind in the nation,” Bloser said. “The NKF wants to get this going nationwide. I’m excited to help people going through the same struggle as me. It’s been a long road. I’ve already attempted surgery twice for transplants, and they didn’t go through.

I’ll believe it’s happening when they’re actually putting the mask on.”

The NKF reports that 233,480 adults in Upstate and WNY are living with CKD, and 1.4 million more adults are at risk due to high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of CKD. Over 4,000 people in these areas are receiving life-sustaining dialysis treatments, costing $251 million annually, according to NKF. Early detection can help prevent kidney failure.

Are you unable to work because of a severe impairment or illness? I have over 20 years experience successfully obtaining

CALL

Mary Perry,

Social Security Disability/SSI

for those deserving benefits. For best results, let me represent you.

ADR

585-385-6855 | www.disabilityrep.com 57 Monroe Avenue - Suite C - Pittsford, NY 14534

After spending three years on a waiting list, Paul Bloser of Rochester is finally set to receive a new kidney Oct. 1. The kidney will be donated by his sister, Susan Boyd, who was recently medically cleared as a donor. “I’ll believe [the surgery is] happening when they’re actually putting the mask on,” he says.

Kidney Walk Scheduled for Oct. 1 The National Kidney Foundation serving Upstate and WNY invites the public to join the kidney aalk fundraiser event, which will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Frontier Field in Rochester. It will be a fun, carnival-themed walk with a goal to raise $70,000 for NKF locally supporting programs, research, education and patient care. Register at KidneyWalk.org.

To reach the local National Kidney Foundation chapter call 585-598-3963 or email infoupny@kidney.org. Information on the NKF for patients, families, and healthcare providers can be found at www.kidney.org.

October 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 11

Serving Men, Women and Children Schedule your

complimentary, Several Providers throughout Ontario, Seneca & Yates Counties

1.866.422.CANCER(2262) or 315.462.0602 Brought to you by the

Cancer Services Program of Ontario, Seneca & Yates Counties

confidential hair loss evaluation today and see how easy it is to be yourself again!

Call now!

(585) 272-7320

NEW-U

Rochester’s Hair Replacement Specialists

We specialize in both permanent and non-permanent techniques, gradual hair replacement, and system integration. We can provide topical hair loss treatments and laser hair rejuvenation.

Check out Virtual Reality Hair Replacement for Men at Baldness.com.

Affordable Financing. Onsite service and repairs.

1425 Jefferson Rd., Saginaw Plaza, 2nd floor Rochester, NY 14623 • 272-7320

Restoring hair Restoring confidence

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

Hillary vs Donald. The Kaiser

Foundation conducted a poll last month to determine which candidate people believed would do a better job when it comes to healthcare. There were questions regarding women’s healthcare, the future of Medicare and Medicaid, the ACA, access, affordability, the cost of drugs, opioid abuse, Zika virus and AIDS. Clinton led Trump on basically every issue by double digits except the future of Medicare, which was almost even between the candidates. Two thirds of the respondents felt the top health priorities for both candidates should be the future of Medicare, access and affordability. When it comes to the Affordable Care Act, the poll was split 40 percent favorable and 42 percent unfavorable.

Hospital-owned physician practices.

About a quarter of medical practices are now owned by hospitals, according to a report by nonprofit advocacy group Avalere Health.

Hospitals acquired 31,000 practices between 2012 and 2015, which is a 50 percent increase in activity over prior years. More than 140,000 physicians (40 percent of all physicians) were employed as of last year. This trend is greatest in the Midwest where almost 50 percent of physicians are employed. Advocates for private practices believe increasing regulations, costs and payment “reform” favor large systems of care and that smaller, independent practices will go the way of mom and pop stores.

Uninsured.

Through the first quarter of this

year, about 27 million people or 8.6 percent of us are without health insurance. This is an historic low, down from 16 percent uninsured in 2010.

Experts contend that the uninsured rate will go down very slowly from here on unless there is universal coverage.

Single payer system?

Public funding (tax dollars) is by far the dominant payer in healthcare.

According to a study by the UCLA Center for Public Policy, public funds now account for 71 percent of the healthcare expenses in California. In addition to Medicare and Medicaid, tax dollars subsidize employer-sponsored insurance, insurance for public employees, and ACA tax credits for the indigent. (Premiums paid by employers and their workers are tax exempt so the authors of the study argue that these “forgone taxes” could be diverted to a single payer.)

Of the total $3 trillion (figure $10,000 per person) in national spending, 65 percent is funded by taxpayers. The authors argue that since we are close a single payer (government) why not consider one and how much the taxpayer money would save through far less red tape and tremendous purchasing power.

Low-value services.

These are medical services and diagnostic tests that, for the cost, have little benefit or use. Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that about 8 percent of us have received a low-value service.

Among the most expensive low-value services are: spinal injections for lower back pain and imaging for headaches and lower back pain.

While spending on unnecessary or over-used services has declined overall, it is still relatively high in employer-sponsored plans. Patients in consumer-directed plans were less likely to use low value services.

Largest HIPAA fine.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects your health information and privacy.

Chicago-based Advocate Healthcare Network will pay the largest fine, $5.55 million, ever levied against a single entity. Four desktop computers containing information on almost 4 million people were stolen. The information included health, credit card, demographic and insurance information. The investigation by OCR (Office for Civil Rights) revealed widespread HIPAA noncompliance at Advocate.

Aetna challenged.

A letter to the Aetna CEO, signed by several US senators, challenges Aetna’s reason for withdrawing from the exchanges. Aetna seemed committed to continuing to participate in the exchanges up until the point where the Department of Justice started to push back on Aetna’s proposed merger with Humana. All of a sudden Aetna started to claim the exchanges were too risky. The senators accuse Aetna of basically threatening to pull out of the exchanges if their proposed merger with Humana is denied. Through the first half of this year, Aetna grew total revenues by 5 percent to reach $14 billion. Ironically, most of the increase in revenue was attributed to higher premium yields and membership growth — in its government business.

Quality hospitals save money, improve outcomes.

Medicare saves money when procedures are performed at higher quality hospitals. Medicare followed the overall costs resulting from five types of major surgery performed on 100,000 members. Outcome considered 30-day post-surgery mortality rates and patient experiences. The bottom line was Medicare saved an average $2,700 per patient when the surgery was performed at a high quality hospital. Most of the savings were attributed to less post-acute care like rehab and home health care.

Drink more water.

Water is now No. 2 beverage of choice behind soft drinks. Water is critical for maintaining healthy body fluid levels which help with digestion, nutrient absorption, circulation, saliva production and body temperature. Water lowers calorie intake when substituted for soft drinks. It energizes muscles. We should drink two glasses before exercise as well as during and after. Water keeps your skin looking good. It helps your kidneys function efficiently. Finally, water keeps you “regular.”

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

He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

In Good Health — Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper Page 12

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2016

SmartBites The skinny on healthy eating

Whole Grain Bulgur Bursts with Goodness

T

rue confession: For much of my life, I never gave a hoot about whole grains. Happily raised on white bread, white rice, white crackers, and white Twinkies, I ambled along this unhealthy path for decades until I had a wake-up call: children.

Yes, it took motherhood to open my eyes to the importance of eating whole versus refined grains.

Why are whole grains important — so important that the USDA recommends that all Americans make half or more of their grains whole grains? In a word, whole grains, which have not been stripped of their

nutrient-dense-antioxidant-rich bran and germ, are much more nutritious than their refined cousins.

Multiple studies, in fact, have shown that eating whole grains instead of refined grains lowers the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers and obesity. Some studies have even demonstrated that eating whole grains over refined grains contributes to weight loss.

Bulgur — wheat that’s been parboiled, dried and cracked into nibbly bits — is one of my favorite whole grains. I’m fond of this particular grain, a Middle Eastern staple, because it’s a knockout source of some vital nutrients and it’s super easy to prepare. One cooked cup contains 8 grams of fiber, over half of our daily needs for manganese, about 6 grams of protein and a bounty of other vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and essential fatty acids.

On the fiber front, bulgur contains mostly insoluble fiber — the rough stuff that keeps us regular and can also improve bowel-related health problems, like constipation and hemorrhoids. Much

October 2016 •

like soluble fiber, which bulgur also has, insoluble fiber can play a role in controlling weight by staving off hunger pangs.

Bulgur’s protein is complete, with all nine essential amino acids, which means you don’t need to combine bulgur with another protein source to reap this nutrient’s benefits.

Protein is a powerhouse building block for muscles, cartilage, skin and blood, and also plays a critical role in immune-system health.

This versatile whole grain is also a super source of manganese, a trace mineral that plays an important role in many body processes, from collagen production to calcium absorption to blood-sugar regulation.

A final reason to make bulgur your body’s BFF? It’s low in fat, sodium, cholesterol and calories (only 150 per cooked cup).

Helpful tips Store uncooked bulgur in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

It will keep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for five to six months. Frozen, it keeps indefinitely.

Cooked bulgur lasts between three to five days in the refrigerator. If buying bulgur from the bulk section, make sure the bins are covered and there is no evidence of moisture present.

Bulgur Chili with Black Beans Adapted from Mark Bittman; four to six servings 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil ½ onion, chopped 2 bell peppers, any color, chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, diced (option-

al)

2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes (don’t drain) 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 3 cups broth or water (more if needed) 1 tablespoon chili powder ½ teaspoon cumin salt and pepper to taste 3/4 cup bulgur Optional toppings: sliced scallion, chopped cilantro, grated cheese Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, peppers and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, about five minutes. Stir in the tomato paste until it is evenly distributed and then add the tomatoes, beans, broth, chili powder, cumin, and a good sprinkling of salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil and then turn down the heat so the mixture simmers; cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes. Stir in the bulgur and cook for 10 minutes more, then turn off the heat and let it sit for about 15 minutes. If mixture seems too thick, add some water and reheat for a few minutes. Garnish with topping of choice.

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 13

Women’s HEALTH Pregnancy Not an Excuse to Skip Exercising But mothers-to-be are advised to choose exercises more carefully

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

any aspect of a woman’s life change during pregnancy; however, the need for exercise doesn’t. Taking nine months off from fitness doesn’t benefit mom or baby.

“Absolutely we are encouraging pregnant women to get regular exercise,” said Tara Gellasch, obstetrician-gynecologist affiliated with Rochester General Hospital. “The benefits include maintaining cardio endurance and muscle strength, which you’ll need for delivery, flexibility, balance and coordination. It reduces the risk of gestational diabetes and for those with diabetes, it makes it easier to control blood sugar.”

Regular exercise also helps mothers gain a healthy amount of weight

during pregnancy. It can also relieve backache, reduce swelling and improve mood.

Of course, pregnant women should take precautions with exercise. Kicking off a campaign Gellasch to lose weight and getting into shape once pregnant isn’t recommended.

“Exercise for anybody, and especially for pregnant women, depends upon her physical ability to begin with,” said Michael Evans, opera-

Parenting

By Jessica Gaspar

Lots of Firsts for Little Timmy

C

an someone explain how two teeth have mysteriously appeared in my baby’s mouth?

One moment he’s all gums and the next, I’ve got two sharp bottom teeth chewing on my finger or staring at me when he smiles.

Hard to believe!

His first tooth came through July 7 — the day after he turned 6 months old. Then, the little guy started army crawling across the floor. I can’t believe it’s all happening so fast.

He was this little snuggly guy one minute and now, he just crawls and moves. I can’t keep up!

I’ll tell you what, through the teething and everything else, Timmy has not cried or whined one bit. He has been a real trooper through it all. He laughs and smiles through just about everything — except for automatic hand dryers in public restrooms. He hates those!

We learned that while at a rest stop traveling to and from the Outer Banks in North Carolina last month.

That was tough for me. We were supposed to head down as a family on Friday, Aug. 5, but due to a work scheduling error, I couldn’t leave until Saturday. My parents took Timmy down with them on Friday, and I flew down after work on Saturday.

That was nearly two whole days Page 14

•

without my little guy — the longest I’ve ever been away from him. My mom sent me pictures and kept me updated. Timmy sees my parents every day, so they know his schedule and what he likes. I wasn’t worried about that at all, but they were driving and a million tragic possibilities ran through my head, so I typed a two-page list of different things he likes, a feeding schedule, as well as a medical history and attached copies of his medical identification card for my mother.

“The medical card was a good idea,” she later told me, “but I didn’t look at this one time.” Okay. Okay. I might be new at this whole parenting thing compared to my mom’s 40 years of experience!

My little guy was so mellow on the way down to North Carolina that he didn’t cry or fuss once as long as my oldest niece was next to him, my mom said. On the way home, I had the same experience except my parents drove, and I sat with him in the back. It wasn’t until the bitter end when we were about an hour from Rochester when he cried. I think he was just sick of all the travel! And, I don’t blame him at all; I was pretty tired myself.

While his first teeth and his first vacation were both remarkable

tions manager and certified personal trainer at Gateway Nutrition and Fitness, LLC in Penfield.

For example, a pregnant woman accustomed with running miles a day can likely handle more exercise than one who has never exercised.

Women should also avoid any activities that involve contact, such as soccer, martial arts sparring, ice hockey, basketball and rugby.

Activities with a likelihood of falling, such as inline skating, skiing, horseback riding are also ill advised.

Even diving or surfing can place too much impact on the body. Scuba diving is also off limits since babies can experience decompression sickness upon the mother’s surfacing. Women should also avoid lying on their backs after the first trimester.

Evans suggested weight lifting, swimming, spinning and other low impact exercise.

Some activities may be modified.

A yoga routine could be altered to skip positions that involve lying flat on the back or abdomen. Pregnant women should skip hot yoga or prolonged aerobic activity that dramatically raises body temperature.

“Seek out professional advice

milestones, nothing trumps his first Buffalo Bills football game! That’s right! Timmy and I joined my brother, his wife, and his son at to the Aug. 20 pre-season game against the New York Giants.

We can proudly say the Bills won that game, so that will definitely be a proud memory for Timmy’s baby book. (Fingers crossed the rest of the season goes that well. Insert joke about the Buffalo Bills here.)

Right now, Timmy is about 20 pounds and around 27 inches long.

He has his 9-month wellness check in October.

and get a tailor-made program so you can exercise,” Evans said. “Every pregnant woman should exercise almost until delivery. That’s the time to take absolute care of yourself.”

Just as when they’re not pregnant, expectant mothers should make sure they stay well hydrated before during and after exercise. Warming up and stretching should be part of every exercise routine. In addition to aerobic exercise, strength training helps keep bodies healthy.

Doctors generally place more restrictions on pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia, previous premature delivery, cervical or placenta problems, bleeding, severe anemia or growth restricted babies.

Women should stop exercising and immediately contact their doctors if they experience vaginal bleeding or leaking, pain in the calves, feelings of dizziness, headache, undue shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular or rapid pulse, or lowered fetal movement.

Even without elevated pregnancy risks, pregnant women should discuss their exercise plans with their doctors so that they can keep themselves and their babies healthy and safe.

IN GOOD HEALTH Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper.

To advertise and reah nearly 100,000 readers a month, please call 585-421-8109

Do you live alone?

Living alone can be a challenge, especially for women in mid-life who are divorced or widowed. But it can also be the start of a rich and meaningful chapter in your life. Need a jump start?

Living Alone: How to Survive and Thrive on Your Own Wednesdays, Oct. 12, 19 and 26 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm House Content B&B, Mendon, NY

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2016

In the workshop led by Gwenn Voelckers — a women who’s “been there” — you’ll discover how to overcome loneliness and other emotional pitfalls, rediscover your true self, and socialize in a couples’ world. $135 fee includes manual, empowerment exercises and lots of helpful resources.

For more information, call 585-624-7887 or email gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com

Women’s HEALTH

10

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

W

hen it comes to health, women tend to make a few mistakes that can cause bigger problems in the future. Here are 10 of these mistakes, according to three local experts: Laura Fasano, vice president for healthy living at YMCA of Greater Rochester; Molly Ranney, registered dietitian and certified yoga teacher at Breathe in Pittsford; and Jamil Mroueh, reproductive endocrinologist and OB-GYN with Rochester Fertility Care.

1.

Skipping preventive care.

“They may eat right and exercise, but when it comes to prevention — like screenings, yearly mammograms, gynecological exams and vaccinations— some women don’t do a good job.”

2.

Putting others’ health before their own. “Women

are usually the caregiver for the spouse and children. Their health falls to the bottom of the list. Families and societies are stronger when indi-

Mistakes Women Make in Their Health viduals put their health and wellness first. It’s not about putting others in front of you but making sure you’re well and strong to care for others.

Skipping physicals. “Go to your well adult visits and follow the same protocols you do for your children. You want to go through daily living activities strong and set a good example.

3.

4.

Avoiding exercise.

“Be physically active every day.

Women need to keep track of their own health.”

right caloric level for our needs and eat the right foods.

6.

Choosing fad diets for weight control. “The ‘diet’

foods and plans like carb-free and all that should be avoided. I believe if people started eating more whole foods, it will do what it needs to. Eat the way your ancestors did. Any food you can recognize as its original food source is a good food. I’m an advocate for whole foods. It’s an easy fix because it’s so available.

7.

Disconnecting from their needs. “We’re

5.

Eating too little. “I

teach at Finger Lakes Community College and students keep food diaries. With the idea of being healthy and losing weight, I see some who eat 800 calories a day. If you don’t consume 1,500 a day, you won’t consume the micronutrients you need. It’s impossible. The idea we need to eat dramatically less to lose weight is a big misconception. We need to eat at the

so disconnected from our bodies and yoga gives that to us: the ability to connect to ourselves. Anything women find that gives them time to connect to themselves and take care of themselves will help anything and everything they do.”

8.

Obsessing about weight loss. “Some women go

crazy with weight loss. There has been a significant rise in injury

related to pushing [exercise] to the extreme. Being too thin does not really improve the length of your life.

There’s a healthy middle ground.

Ignoring bone density. “A lot of women do not care about bone loss until it is too late. We do not have that much exposure to sunlight so we’re becoming vitamin D deficient. Many also do not have dairy in their diet.

9.

10.

Neglecting urinary incontinence issues. “For

women who have a problem with urine incontinence, something as simple as Kegel exercises is something they won’t do, but will help improve their control. Doing 20 to 30 per day helps improve blood supply to the area and the falling of the bladder or rectum. It helps a lot. you can do it anytime. It’s not like anyone will see or sense it.”

Sources: Laura Fasano, vice president for healthy living at YMCA of Greater Rochester (tips 1, 2, 3 and 4) Molly Ranney, registered dietitian and certified yoga teacher, certified dietitian nutritionist practicing from an office at Breathe in Pittsford (tips 5, 6 and 7) Jamil Mroueh, reproductive endocrinologist and OB-GYN with Rochester Fertility Care (tips 8, 9 and 10)

IT’S ONLY SUPER IF YOU TAKE IT. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 20 percent of patients fail to fill new prescriptions, and 50 percent of people with chronic health conditions discontinue their medication within six months. If you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, taking your prescriptions as directed is essential to healthy living. So remember: If you’re not taking your prescriptions as directed, you’re taking a chance. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com/ TakeAsDirected.

#TakeAsDirected A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

October 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 15

Prostate Exam: End Finger Exam in Men, Says Urologist

T

he dreaded finger exam to check for prostate cancer used to be a mainstay of check-ups for older men. With its value now in question, some doctors share the risks and benefits with their patients and let them decide. So, should they or shouldn’t they?

“The evidence suggests that in most cases, it is time to abandon the digital rectal exam (DRE),” said Ryan Terlecki, a Wake Forest Baptist urologist who recently published an article on the topic in Current Medical Research and Opinion.

“Our findings will likely be welcomed by patients and doctors alike.”

Terlecki said the DRE, referred to by some urologists as a “clinical relic,” subjects a large number of men to invasive, potentially uncomfortable examinations for relatively minimal gain. In addition, it may deter some men from undergoing any test for prostate cancer.

The issue Terlecki’s team explored was whether the DRE is need-

ed when another more accurate test that measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood is available.

PSA is a protein that is often elevated in men with prostate cancer.

“Many practitioners continue to perform DRE in attempts to identify men with aggressive prostate cancer who could die from the disease,” said Terlecki.

“In the era of PSA testing, we wanted to explore whether it’s time to abandon the digital exam.”

To reach their conclusion, Ter-

lecki’s research team reviewed both medical literature and the results of a nationwide screening trial in which 38,340 men received annual DRE exams and PSA tests for three years.

They were then followed for up to 13 years.

Of interest to Terlecki’s team were the 5,064 men who had a normal PSA test but an “abnormal” DRE. Only 2 percent of these men had what is known as clinically relevant prostate cancer, which means it may need to be monitored or treated.

“The DRE does capture an additional small population of men with significant prostate cancer, but it also unnecessarily subjects a large number of men to the test,” he said.

Until 2012, men over 50 (age 40 for African-Americans) were urged to have both DRE and PSA tests annually.

That was before the United States Pre-

Cancer on Course C to Become No. 1 Killer of Americans Report shows it will probably eclipse heart disease as leading cause of death in coming years.

Page 16

•

ancer is on track to become the leading cause of death in the United States, closing in on heart disease as America’s No. 1 killer, a new government study shows.

Heart disease has consistently been the leading cause of death for decades, and remained so in 2014, according to a report from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But the gap between heart disease and the second-leading cause of death, cancer, has been narrowing since 1968, the researchers said.

Cancer actually surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death for 22 states in 2014, the study found.

Back in 2000, Alaska and Minnesota were the only two states where cancer killed more people than heart disease.

In addition, cancer is now the leading cause of death for a number of minority groups, including Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders, the report showed.

“It’s been edging this way for a while,” said co-author Robert Anderson, chief of the mortality statistics branch at the NCHS. “We’ve taken for granted that heart disease is the leading cause of death, but now

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2016

ventive Services Task Forces recommended against routine PSA testing because it could lead to over-treatment of slow-growing, non-harmful tumors. The panel did not address DRE, which was the primary method of detecting prostate cancer prior to the blood test.

As a result of the task force’s recommendation, there has been confusion and controversy about whether men should be screened for prostate cancer. Some organizations recommend against any screening and others recommend PSA screening, but only if men are counseled about the potential benefits and risks.

In previous studies, PSA had been shown to outperform DRE in detecting significant disease. The current analysis confirmed that PSA is superior to DRE as an independent screen for prostate cancer. PSA testing detected 680 cases of significant cancer, compared to 317 cases for DRE. “When PSA testing is used, the DRE rarely assists in diagnosing significant disease,” said Terlecki. “In cases where PSA testing is used, the DRE should be abandoned in common clinical practice.”

There is still a place for DRE testing for certain patients, Terlecki said.

For example, a patient with abnormal PSA who is “on the fence” about having a biopsy, may feel more comfortable proceeding with the procedure if a DRE is also abnormal, he said.

because of prevention efforts and advances in treatment, we’re making substantial progress with heart disease, to the point where now it’s roughly on par with cancer.”

Annual heart disease deaths have decreased nationwide from a peak of just over 771,000 in 1985 to nearly 597,000 in 2011. In the meantime, cancer deaths have nearly tripled from just under 211,000 in 1950 to almost 577,000 in 2011, the report stated.

Physician Mariell Jessup is a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association. She pointed out that new medicines have made it easier for people to control their blood pressure and cholesterol, treatment advances like angioplasty and heart bypass surgery saves the lives of many heart patients, and more people have quit smoking and started eating healthier diets.

“One could argue that we’re doing a better job of keeping people with heart disease alive,” said Jessup, who is a professor at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. “It’s not that people aren’t experiencing heart disease, but they’re not dying from it.”

The report was published online Aug. 24 in the CDC’s NCHS Data Brief.

What’s Involved in Cancer Research Funding Many researchers apply for funds but only about 10-15 percent of all proposals get approved

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

W

hile most people know what the pink ribbon symbolizes (breast cancer), other types of cancer seem less “popular” when it comes to media attention and awareness campaigns.

Cancer research efforts, however, are mostly based upon other factors, according to Martha Ryan, senior director of community engagement for the American Cancer Society (ACS) Western New York, which serves the area from Buffalo to Syracuse.

“We don’t necessarily fund research that is for a specific kind of cancer,” Ryan said. “It’s general, broad-based research, so it will have an impact across the gamut.”

The ACS has invested more than $4.8 billion nationwide in both internal and external research projects and has become the second-largest source of cancer research funding behind the federal government.

Across the state, the ACS currently funds nine research grants totally $6.14 million, including University of Rochester Medical Center, Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, Cornell University in Ithaca and University at Buffalo.

The organization funds research based upon the proposal’s merit. The ACS’s selection process includes a blind, peer review. No demographic or organization information remains

Serving Monroe and Ontario Counties in good A monthly newspaper published

Health Rochester–GV Healthcare Newspaper

by Local News, Inc. Distribution: 33,500 copies throughout more than 1,500 high traffic locations.

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2016 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved.

154 Cobblestone Court Dr., Suite 121 – P.O. Box 525, Victor NY 14564.

• Phone: 585-421-8109 • Email: Editor@GVhealthnews.com

Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Writers: Jim Miller, Deborah J. Sergeant, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, George W. Chapman, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Jessica Gaspar, Ann Marie Cook, Elizabeth Zicari, Kim Petroni (MD), Katie Coleman • Advertising: Donna Kimbrell, Anne Westcott • Layout & Design: Staff designers • Office Assistant: Michelle Kingsley No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.

October 2016 •

on the application so reviewers won’t know who submitted the request.

The stringent process has helped the ACS find “the best and brightest, so whatever their research is, others can use their findings and a lot of times, we may be the initiator,” Ryan said.

A grant from the ACS may also provide a stepping stone for a young researcher to receive additional grants in the future.

The ACS also advocates for additional research funding from the federal government. Once the ACS has depleted its grant money, the organization turns to corporate and private donors to fund promising research projects.

“We encourage young researchers to reach out to us so we can help them in that application process so their proposal is very strong,” Ryan said.

Otherwise, Ryan promising research could be delayed while the researcher has to resubmit his proposal or decide to apply to a different organization for funding.

“Almost every major cancer breakthrough has been associated with one of our researchers,” Ryan said.

She said that private donors can earmark the type of cancer research their donation will fund, usually a type of cancer or promising potential treatment that connects with the donors.

The ACS annual report details research projects and their results.

Ryan said that 75 percent of funds go toward programming, which includes education and research.

“I really do think the organization as a whole does a good job in focusing on what it needs to focus on,” Ryan said. “Compared with where we were 10 years ago, and what’s going on now, we are really making a difference. When we receive a check, we’re going to put it to good use.”

In June, the ACS announced a goal to double its annual funding for

research by 2021, amounting to $240 million.

Jonathan Friedberg, director of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, and director of hematological malignancies clinical research at University of Rochester Medical Center, said that at the federal level, several agencies support cancer research, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI), to the tune of $5 billion a year.

“The NCI lists its funding priorities based upon input from lobbyists, activist groups, citizens and perceived need,” Friedberg said.

“There’s a prioritization list of various areas that the government wants focus on and a big general pool of money one can compete for.”

As with winning ACS funding, researchers write proposals for independent peer review.

“The process isn’t perfect, but it’s equitable for the most part,” Friedberg said. “The quality applications rise to the top.”

Only about 10 to 15 percent of the proposals receive funding, according to Friedberg.

Friedberg feels that marketing can sway private or corporate donors to a certain degree, but most individuals are motivated by a personal story or experience.”

Once researchers receive funding, they must stay within the budget of their grant, but since many times it’s inadequate, “there also needs to be a subsidy from other sources to be sure the work is done at the highest Friedberg level,” Friedberg said.

The work must fall within the parameters of the proposal as well; however, funds for exploring leads outside the scope of proposal must come from other sources.

“There’s very little flexibility in what can be done with government funding,” Friedberg said. “There’s an appreciation that that type of rigidness might impact creativity.”

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Grasta's Beauty and Wig Studio 409 Parma Center Road (Route 18) Hilton NY 14468 • Just minutes from the Greece Ridge Mall

Our goals

To give you the best service and products at the best price.

To treat you the way I want to be treated-with honesty and respect (and a sense of humor when needed).

• We specialize in professional, personal, and confidential service. • We enjoy making clients feel beautiful from the inside out.

Please NO Walk-ins • Appointments Only Hours: Monday - Saturday

Sharon M. Grasta, Owner & Operator: 585-392-7823 • grastasbeautyandwigstudio.com

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 17

Request either or both of our free booklets from our website www.AlbrightBuild.com

By Jim Miller

Meal Service Delivery Options for Seniors Who Don’t Cook Dear Savvy Senior,

James W. Albright, CAPS, GMB, CGR, CGP 5205 Johnson Hill Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424 Cell (5850 230-4280; Fax(585) 396- 5879 albright1.j.s@gmail.com www.AlbrightBuild.com

What types of healthy meal delivery options can you recommend for seniors who live at home, but don’t cook and don’t get out much.

Since mom passed away, my dad’s diet is terrible and I worry about his health.

Long-Distance Daughter

Dear Long-Distance,

There are various healthy meal service delivery options available to non-cooking seniors who live at home, but what’s available to your dad will depend on his location and budget. Here are several to check into.

Senior Meal Programs

Imagine

having a family member with memory loss.

Imagine caring for that person 24 hours a day.

Now imagine the gift of time — a few hours off — to shop, nap, take a walk, or visit a friend.

YOU CAN GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME BY VOLUNTEERING TO PROVIDE RESPITE CARE A FEW HOURS A WEEK.

Training and support through Lifespan and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Call us at 585-287-6372 or email rkeenan@lifespanrochester.org to learn more.

Page 18

•

A good place to start is to find out if there’s a senior home delivery meal program in your dad’s area.

Meals on Wheels is the largest program that most people are familiar with, but many communities offer senior meal delivery programs sponsored by other organizations that go by different names.

To find services available in your dad’s area, visit MealsOnWheelsAmerica.org, which offers a comprehensive directory on its website, or call the area aging agency near your dad. Contact the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 to get the number.

Most home delivered meal programs across the U.S. deliver hot meals daily or several times a week, usually around the lunch hour, to seniors over age 60 who have problems preparing meals for themselves, as well as those with disabilities. Weekend meals, usually frozen, may also be available, along with special diets (diabetic, low-sodium, kosher, etc.).

Most of these programs typically charge a small fee (usually between $2 and $6) or request a donation, while some may be free to low-income seniors.

Online Meal Delivery

Another option that’s a bit more expensive is to purchase your dad’s meals online and have them delivered to his home. There are a number of companies that offer this type of service like Magic Kitchen (magickitchen.com), Home Bistro (homebistro.com), Personal Chef To

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2016

Go (personalcheftogo.com), Good Measure Meals (goodmeasuremeals. com), and many others.

These companies offer a wide variety of tasty meal choices, and will usually post the nutrition information for their meals right on their website. Most companies will also cater to a host of dietary and medical needs, such as low-sodium and low-carb meals, diabetic meals, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options.

Most of the food arrives frozen, but a few companies ship food fresh.

Prices generally start at around $10 to $13 per meal, plus shipping, however most companies provide discounts or free shipping when you order meals in bulk.

Grocery Stores and Restaurants

Depending on where your dad lives, he may also be able to get home delivered meals from local grocery stores or restaurants. Some grocery stores offer a selection of pre-cooked meals and foods, including roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh soups and salads. Contact the grocery stores in your dad’s area to inquire about this option. Or check with some of his favorite restaurants to see if they offer home delivery.

Personal Chefs

Another option for non-cooking seniors with a bigger budget is to hire a personal chef from time to time.

A personal chef can provide your dad with a do-it-all service that will help plan his meals, do the grocery shopping and prepare him several weeks worth (or more) of tasty meals in his home, which he can freeze and eat whenever he wants. Or, they can prepare it in their own kitchen and deliver it. Chef’s fees range between $200 and $300 plus groceries. He may be able to save money by sharing meals with you or another family member, or a friend or neighbor.

To find a personal chef in your dad’s area, check the listings at the American Personal & Private Chef Association (personalchef.com) or the United States Personal Chef Association (hireachef.com).

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

October 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 19

Ask St. Ann’s

What Is an Ulcer and How Is It Treated?

By Kim Petrone, M.D.

A

n ulcer is an open sore on the body caused by a disease state or other medical condition such as diabetes.

The most common ulcer is the venous ulcer, caused by swelling in the legs that may be due to a buildup of venous blood in the legs. Our veins have one-way valves (“venous valves”) that keep blood flowing toward the heart. If those valves are damaged, blood backs up and pools in the vein, building up pressure.

Blood may also leak out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue.

This can lead to a breakdown of the tissue and an open sore known as an ulcer.

Left untreated, a venous ulcer can become larger and cause problems in the leg, directly impacting a person’s quality of life. Ulcers that do not heal within three months are considered chronic. These are especially prone to serious bacterial infections that (literally) threaten life and limb.

Symptoms of a venous ulcer include: • Swollen, achy leg • Dry, itchy skin • Discolored skin (red, purple, brown) • Fluid drainage and blistering

legs

Risk factors include: • Obesity • Smoking • Older age • Inactivity • Pregnancy • History of blood clots in the

Management Most venous ulcers can be healed with good wound management.

The Rochester General Wound Healing Center, an alliance between Rochester General Hospital and St. Ann’s Community, provides sophisticated outpatient wound care services that enhance the healing process.

The center specializes in treatment of complex wounds that can result from a variety of chronic or acute conditions.

When it comes to treatment for venous ulcers, the gold standard is compression therapy. This involves the application of pressure to get blood flowing up the leg again. Done properly, this can alleviate swelling, help with healing and reduce pain.

Ask

The Social Security Office

From the Social Security District Office

A

Providing Disability Benefits For 60 Years

ug. 1 marked the 60th anniversary of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956.

Originally, the program was limited to individuals who were 50 years of age or older. It also had a six-month waiting period, and there were no benefits payable to spouses or children. The disability program has undergone many changes to become the program it is today. Now, people who receive Social Security disability benefits can also receive Medicare coverage after 24 months, and their dependents may be eligible to receive benefits on their earnings records.

There are also work incentives in place to help people with disabilities go back to work.

As of June 2016, there are more than 10 million disabled workers and dependents receiving a portion of the more than $11 billion that is sent each month in Social Security Page 20

•

disability payments. It can happen to anyone: studies show that a 20-yearold worker has a one in four chance of becoming disabled before reaching their full retirement age.

To meet the challenges of providing benefits to so many, the agency has evolved, using technology to operate more efficiently.

Access to online applications for disability benefits, reconsiderations, and hearings have given applicants more service options when applying for benefits. Our health IT initiative allows Social Security to access electronic medical records, including those from the U.S. Department of Defense, which reduces administrative costs, streamlines operations, and speeds up service to veterans.

Social Security is committed to securing today and tomorrow for our millions of disabled workers. For more information about the disability program, please visit ww w.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi.

Compression can be done in variety of ways and with a range of pressures: • Compression stockings are snug-fitting, stretchy socks that gently squeeze your leg to improve circulation.

• Specialty, multilayer bandages are often used in conjunction with absorbent dressings that come in contact with the ulcer but do not adhere to it.

• An Unna boot (pronounced “oona”) is a stiff, multi-layer bandage that works with zinc oxide to aid healing. It can be more soothing to irritated skin than other compression methods.

• Biologics are an “artificial skin” applied under a compression wrap to help close the ulcer faster.

• Negative-pressure wound therapy uses a vacuum pump to apply gentle, concentrated pressure to the wound in a sealed dressing.

Professional help Like cars, there are many different models and prices of compression therapy treatment.

Staff at the Wound Healing Center can help determine which will work best for you and the right amount of pressure. They also work with insurers to see how much of the cost of treatment is covered and what co-pays will be.

Equally important, professionals teach patients how to take care of themselves at home while treatment is underway. This includes changing dressings, cleaning the affected area, and other tips for speeding the healing process.

Q&A Q: Do Members of Congress have to pay into Social Security?

A: Yes, they do. Members of Congress, the president and vice president, federal judges and most political appointees, have paid taxes into the Social Security program since January 1984. They pay into the system just like everyone else, no matter how long they have been in office.

Q: I heard there is a Social Security video available in American Sign Language. Where can I find it?

A: Yes, it’s true. The video is called “Social Security, SSI and Medicare: What You Need to Know About These Vital Programs.” The video is available in American Sign Language and it presents important information about our programs. You can watch the video now at www.socialsecurity.gov/multimedia/video/ asl. The video is a part of our larger collection of on-demand videos and webinars available at www.socialsecurity.gov/webinars and at www.

YouTube.com.

Q: I am 57 years old and I currently receive Social Security disability benefits. Can I still get my regular Social Security retirement benefits when I reach full retirement age?

A: If you are still receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach your full retirement age, we

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2016

Prevention An important factor in the treatment of venous ulcers is the prevention of recurrence. Ulcers are notorious for returning, particularly if the conditions that caused them have not changed.

Certain lifestyle changes can help improve circulation and prevent venous ulcers: • Eat a healthy diet and lose weight if overweight. Staying healthy helps wounds heal.

• Quit smoking. It’s bad for blood vessels and for wound healing.

• Exercise. Even just walking works calf muscles, helping pump blood away from legs.

• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• And for diabetics, keep blood sugar levels under tight control.

Physician Kim Petrone is associate medical director at St. Ann’s Community and medical director of Rochester General Wound Healing Center at St. Ann’s (http://bit. do/woundheal ). She is board certified in internal medicine and geriatrics and is a certified wound specialist. Contact her at kpetrone@mystanns.com or 585-922HEAL (4325), or visit www.stannscommunity.com.

will automatically switch you from disability benefits to retirement benefits at that point. The money amount will remain the same.

Q: How can I get proof of my benefits to apply for a loan?

A: If you need proof you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Medicare, you can request a benefit verification letter online through your personal “my Social Security” account at www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount. This letter is sometimes called a “budget letter,” a “benefits letter,” a “proof of income letter,” or a “proof of award letter.” You even can select the information you want included in your online benefit verification letter.

Q: I served in the military, and I’ll receive a military pension when I retire. Will that affect my Social Security benefits?

A: You can get both Social Security retirement benefits and military retirement at the same time. Generally, we don’t reduce your Social Security benefits because of your military benefits. When you’re ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ applyonline. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply. For your convenience, you can always save your progress during your application and complete it later.

Options for Care at Home Experts: Having the right caregiver at home makes all the difference

By Ann Marie Cook and Elizabeth Zicari

Y

our mom needs care at home, but you work. What is the best way to find someone to help who is trustworthy, competent, kind and has the right training?

It’s a common question — the type of question anyone in the field of eldercare is asked often.

Trying to figure out home care options can feel overwhelming. Cost is often a key consideration, as is selecting the right skills and personality for your situation. Above all, you are entrusting a loved one’s care to another person. You are opening a home to that person. And, unfortunately, we know of instances of financial exploitation and other abuse by caregivers.

Home care has two components — skilled services, which includes nursing care and occupational/ physical therapy; and custodial care, which includes help with daily living activities like bathing, dressing and eating.

You have two options for hiring.

You can select an agency licensed

by New York state or you can hire a private duty caregiver.

Both options have pros and cons.

In New York state, licensed and certified agencies provide both skilled (registered nurse, physician therapist, occupational therapist) and custodial care with home health aides. These agencies are regulated by the Department of Health and they have strict policies about screening, training and supervision.

Good agencies will work with you to ensure that the right caregiver is matched with your loved one to provide safe, effective and appropriate care. Home health aides employed by agencies have had background checks, drug screenings and are supervised by a registered nurse.

Backup for illness and vacations should be provided. Such aides also are bonded, and aides working for an agency must be in a state registry.

Who pays for care? Skilled nursing care provided by a certified agency may be covered by Medicare

or Medicaid under specific circumstances, and, if so, home health aide service may also be covered. When not covered by insurance, expect to pay an agency about $25-$30 an hour.

A private duty caregiver is someone you pay directly. You can find private caregivers through friends, your church and on online sites. By hiring privately, you get to choose who is in the home. But you’ll also need to do a full interview, completely check references and do a background check. Ask about experience with your loved one’s illness.

It is important to ask about experience with personal care. Know the difference between someone who simply provides companion care versus someone who can help with personal care. Have a back-up plan to cover illness or vacation. Know that the IRS considers such arrangements to be employer/employee. You will be responsible for withholding and paying the appropriate taxes and for providing workers’ compensation insurance. Expect to pay $20 to $25 an hour for an experienced caregiver.

Long-term care insurance will pay for privately-hired or agency-provided home care assuming eligibility requirements are met.

For situations like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, where decline is inevitable, you must be prepared for changes in your loved one’s functioning that will require additional time and money.

Keeping a family member at home during an illness often isn’t easy and it’s rarely inexpensive. But if a family is committed to care at home, having the right caregiver(s) makes all the difference.

For information and non-biased information and guidance about eldercare, families in our community can call Lifespan at 585-244-8400.

Stay Home – Stay Happy!

Assisting Angels make it happen

• In-Home Companion Care • House Chores & Meal Prep • Dementia & Alzheimers Care • Errands/Transportation • Medicine Reminders/Supervision

Roc 585-329-4476 • Buff 716-741-1330 • www.AssistingAngelsSeniorCare.com Care available 24/7

PREVENT COSTLY REAL ESTATE MISTAKES! MOVE WITH CONFIDENCE... call Irmgard Hahn, Lic.RE salesperson 350-8810 • ihahn@Nothnagle.com

Working with our seniors.

Call today for a free, no obligation consultation of your real estate needs.

85 S. Union Street • Spencerport, NY 14559 • www.irmgardhahn.com

We BUY TEST STRIPS We will pick up and pay on the spot

Highest Prices Paid We pick up 7 days a week.

One Touch Ultra & Freestyle Lite.

All Brands Considered. Up to $50.

(585)-284-3455

Ann Marie Cook is president and chief executive officer at Lifespan in Rochester; Elizabeth Zicari is president of HCR Home Care, based in Rochester.

Laughter is the Best Medicine ... For Heaven’s sake ...

Call REVEREND MOTHER for your next event.

A ROAST THEY’LL NEVER FORGET.

FRINGE FESTIVAL 2016...

Reverend Mother at SOTA in the Comedy Club...

“Aging Ain't a Laughing Matter !....or is it?!" - 2 shows

www.Revmotogo.com 585-366-4775

“spiritually fractured... deliriously devilish... SHE’S HILARIOUS” October 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 21

Health News St. Ann’s wins award for top performance St. Ann’s Community at Chapel Oaks and Cherry Ridge Assisted Living were named winners of the 2016 Excellence in Action Award in recognition of outstanding resident satisfaction.

They are among only four senior living facilities in Monroe County to receive the award, presented by National Research Corporation.

The Excellence in Action Award recognizes the highest levels of excellence in skilled nursing, assisted living and independent living. Organizations are scored based on McRae overall resident satisfaction, with winners scoring in the top 10 percent of qualifying facilities.

“We are proud to have our communities ranked as top performers in the measure of excellence that matters most: resident satisfaction,” said

Michael E. McRae, president and CEO of St. Ann’s Community. “Our staff demonstrates a commitment to quality and deliver person-centered care every day. It is an honor to have that level of commitment rated so highly by those we are privileged to serve.”

“These organizations have set the bar for other providers with their performance and continued focus on customer experience,” said Rich Kortum, director of strategic partnerships at NRC.

NYCC president announces retirement in ‘17 New York Chiropractic College President Frank J. Nicchi announced he will retire in August 2017 after 36 years of service to the college, with the last 17 as president.

Under his leadership, NYCC evolved from a single-purpose college preparing doctors of chiropractic, to become a premier institution for the education and training of natural healthcare professionals and academicians, according to a new release issued by the college.

“Dr. Nicchi has been an extraordinary leader, speaking out for the college, the educational community

What if you could choose?

5 Days or 45 Days

and the profession,” said David O’Bryon, president of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges.

Nicchi earned his bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University in 1973, his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic College in 1978, and a Master of Science degree in management at Roberts Wesleyan College in 2005. He has been a member of the faculty of New York Chiropractic College since 1980, instructing clinical diagnosis and chiropractic technique and serving as a clinician at the college’s outpatient health center in Levittown. He maintains the faculty rank of professor in the department of chiropractic clinical sciences.

Prior to his appointment as president, he served as dean of continuing education and was a prominent postgraduate seminar and conference lecturer. Additionally, he maintained a chiropractic private practice in New York state for some 20 years.

Highlights of Nicchi’s presidency include the addition of master’s degree programs in acupuncture, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, applied clinical nutrition, human anatomy and physiology instruction, clinical anatomy, and diagnostic imaging as well as a Bachelor of Professional Studies in life sciences.

“As one who embraces the concept of servant leadership, it’s often my role to support the work of others, facilitating processes and providing reNicchi sources,” Nicchi said. “It’s essential that people have an opportunity to contribute and feel appreciated,” he said.

A succession committee has been established and is in the process of selecting a new president.

Dan Mendelson appointed to Konar professorship

hoacny.com

Page 22

•

Physician Daniel A. Mendelson has been appointed by the University of Rochester board of trustees to William and Sheila Konar Family Professorship in Geriatrics, Palliative Medicine, and Person-Centered Care.

Mendelson is a professor of medicine at Highland Hospital and associate chief of medicine and co-director of the hospital’s geriatric fracture center.

The Konar professorship was created to enhance patient-centered care, especially for the elderly and complex patients. According to the William and Sheila Konar Foundation, the awardee will work to improve the health of the geriatric population and the patient experience through medical provider education, utilization of advances in

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2016

information technology, the establishment of dashboards and metrics, a redesign of care delivery systems, and effective role modeling.

“We are honored to support Dr. Mendelson’s lifelong work on behalf of the elderly,” said Howard Konar of the William and Sheila Konar Foundation.

“This is a cause we’re passionate about. We are impressed with Dr. Mendelson because of his dedication, accomplishments, and ability to Mendelson help make meaningful changes in the field of geriatrics and palliative medicine.”

“Dr. Mendelson is an absolutely amazing physician,” said Sheila Konar. “As a Konar professor he will be able to share his expertise as a caregiver with other health care providers to make sure that all patients and their families have the best possible hospital experience.”

Championing the needs of elderly patients and determining the most effective care for them is a key driver for Mendelson whose career at Highland dates back to 1999.

“It’s truly an honor for me to be the first recipient of this professorship and I am grateful to the Konar family,” said Mendelson. “We continue to make great strides in all aspects of geriatrics and palliative care. We continue to have meaningful success in not only improving patient specific outcomes but also improving the experience of the patient and family. I am privileged to work in an environment at Highland and at the University of Rochester where individuals are a priority.”

Thompson honors four of its employees The Service Excellence Team (SET) at UR Medicine’s Thompson Health recently announced the third quarter recipients of the health system’s Service Excellence Awards. The winners are: • Pam Granger of Hemlock, assistant nurse manager, Lakeview in M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center; • Amy Quait-Swift of Canandaigua, clinical service technician, lab; • Valerie Roeland of Clifton Springs, clinical secretary, associate services; • Brittany Tay of Canandaigua, registered nurse, ICU. The award acknowledges Thompson employees who consistently deliver exceptional service.

They are selected each quarter by the SET, which reviews system leaders’ submissions of comments from patients, families and coworkers.

Health News Betty Perkins-Carpenter gets new award

H

ealth and fitness expert, former Olympic diving coach, entrepreneur, author, and U.S. Air Force veteran Betty Perkins-Carpenter recently received the World Acrobatics Society’s 2016 Golden Achievement Award for her extraordinary achievements in diving and significant contributions to health.

The award event took place Sept 11 in Las Vegas.

The World Acrobatics Society is a global organization dedicated to the advancement of education, communication and cooperation among all individuals and organizations interested in fostering the growth, development, and safety of the various acrobatic disciplines and preserving Perkins-Carpenter their histories.

The Golden Achievement Award is presented to an individual who participated in an acrobatic discipline and continued to be involved in a profession or life style that has contributed to our soci-

Health

ety in a significant manner.

“Betty’s accomplishments in the sport of diving were outstanding, qualifying her as an acrobat,” said Don Leas, chairman of the Golden Achievement Award Committee.

“Being the founder of the first international age group diving competition and being the first and only woman from the United States to coach an Olympic diving team is especially noteworthy,” said Leas.

“Betty has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and adults. Her ‘Fit by Five’ program for children 2 1⁄2 to 5 years of age is still being utilized nationally and internationally,” said Leas. “It is significantly impressive that the country of Brazil awarded her with its Gold Medal for adapting her ‘Fit

by Five’ program to children with brain injuries.”

Her 55 years of working with babies, preschoolers, elite Olympic athletes, and seniors on land and in water led Perkins-Carpenter to develop the six-step balance system, which was foundational in developing the guide “Stretching In Bed” and writing the book “How To Prevent Falls: Better Balance, Independence and Energy in 6 Simple Steps.”

in good

EMPLOYMENT ROCHESTER ’S HEALTHCARE PAPER

Reach thousands of healthcare professionals every month. Advertise with In Good Health Call 585-421-8109 for more info or email: editor@GVhealthnews.com

Subscribe today and get 55 PLUS magazine mailed to your home!

$15 — 1 year $25 — 2 years Name___________________________

*NOW HIRING!*

Experienced Diesel Technicians & Licensed CDL A or B Drivers

Dump Truck • Dump Trailer Flowboys • Concrete Mixer

For the Rome, Fulton and Syracuse Plants Home Nightly • Excellent 401K Program • Health Benefits If Interested Call Jim @ 315-433-5115 Ext. 205

October 2016 •

Address_________________________ City / Town_______________________ State___________________________ Zip_____________________________

Clip and Mail to:

55 PLUS

P.O. Box 525, VICTOR, NY 14564

Monroe Community Hospital is seeking

LPNs and RNs for Baylor Program Work 32 hours on weekend, paid for 40.

Weekdays off and full time benefits To learn more and apply, please visit www.monroehosp.org or call 760-6226

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 23

Rochester’s Only Freestanding Transitional Care Center.

Not a hotel.

our beautiful and comfortable rooms (But you’ll feel likeEnjoy you’re in one.) while you can. Because St. Ann’s has the latest

The Wegman Transitional Care Center brings a whole new kind of care to Rochester. It is the first and only freestanding center But in the Recovering from surgery ortransitional a stroke is care no vacation. the area.

In other words, it is separate fromrehabilitative St. Ann’s Wegman Transitional Care Center offers advanced skilled building has ancomfortable. environment care in annursing environment that’sand remarkably with a single focus: helping you gain the Rochester’s onlyyou freestanding care center. independence need to transitional return home.

• Separate from St. Ann’s skilled nursing building.

And the Wegman Transitional Care Center seems • Singularly focused on helping you gain the independence you more like a hotel than a rehab center. With private need to return home. spacious rooms, private baths with personal showers, and flat-screen TVs, you truly feel like one of The Hotel-like amenities.

Important People on Earth.

•Most Spacious private rooms with shower, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TV. • Country kitchen for use 24/7 and on-site bistro.

technology and the most advanced accreditations You’re the boss. to help accelerate Where you go foryour rehabrecovery. is strictly up to you. If you a surgery scheduled, youscheduled? can preplan your stay Havehave a surgery that’s already Remember, withyou us go andfor eliminate decisions—and where rehab last-minute is completely up to you. disappointments.

So preplan your stay by reserving your room at St. Ann’s.

Call 585-697-6311.

Call Or 585-697-6311 for your free visit www.StAnnsCommunity.com Transitional Care Planning Kit or visit www.StAnnsCommunity.com.

Wegman Transitional Care Center

Specialized care to help you get better and get home fast.

• The latest technology and training to accelerate your recovery.

• Experienced, certified staff skilled in state-of-the-art rehab care.

Page 24

•

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • October 2016

1500 Portland Ave., Irondequoit