in good Meet Your Doctor Highland Hospital chief of hospitalists, Youngrin Kim, talks about his career, treating patients in the evening and how he reacted to receiving the hospital’s Distinguished Physician Award
Baldness Treatments Find out about the newest treatment for hair loss available in the area, including micro-tattooing. Men’s Health Issue inside
GVhealthnews.com
June 2017 • Issue 142
priceless
Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper
SUMMER FOOD
Now that the warm weather is here (finally), a wonderful feeling comes across us: we want to eat lighter and fresher. See inside a guide to what to eat and what to stay away from (or eat in moderation). Page 12
Coming This Summer Expect more ticks and a deadly new tick-borne disease. Find out why
Hepatitis C
Girl Power: Running Strong with Girls on The Run
Should all baby boomers get tested for it?
Longevity
Girls in the program are not only taught how to run a 5K, but they also learn life lessons, organizers say
Large disparity found in the U.S.
Strawberry
How can such a sweet li’l thing be so nutritious? Who does it think it is, having more vitamin C than an orange? Enough antioxidants to rival a raspberry? Half the calories of a banana? And as much fiber as an apple? See SmartBites inside
America Really Loves Fast Food Eight in 10 eat it at least once a week, surveys find
Longevity in the U.S.
Location, Location, Location Study found life expectancy differed by as much as 20 years in different counties, states
H
ow long you will live depends a lot on where you live in the United States, a new study of federal health data reveals. Overall, life expectancy increased for American men and women by slightly more than five years between 1980 and 2014, researchers report. But life span can differ by as much as two decades between various U.S. counties, said lead researcher Ali Mokdad, a professor of global health with the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, in Seattle. “You have people here in this country that are living longer than the life expectancy of the best country in the world, and you have people here in certain counties who have a life expectancy similar to some developing countries in the Middle East or South America or Cuba, for example,” Mokdad said. Economic and lifestyle factors appear to account for much of the gap, Mokdad added. A group of counties in central Colorado — which includes affluent cities like Aspen and Breckenridge — have the nation’s highest life expectancy, the researchers found. Summit County,
Colo., topped the list at 86.8 years, followed by Pitkin County (86.5 years) and Eagle County (85.9 years). That’s better than the principality of Andorra, a tiny country wedged between France and Spain that has the world’s longest life expectancy at 84.8 years, the researchers said. Iceland has the next highest life expectancy among countries, at 83.3 years. On the other hand, several counties in North and South Dakota containing Native American reservations had the lowest life expectancy in the United States, the researchers found. And Southern counties along the lower half of the Mississippi, in eastern Kentucky, and in
southwestern West Virginia also had very low life expectancy. Oglala Lakota County, S.D., which includes the Pine Ridge Native American reservation, had the lowest life expectancy in the country in 2014 at 66.8 years — comparable to countries like Sudan (67.2 years), India (66.9 years) and Iraq (67.7 years), the researchers said. Overall, life expectancy in the United States increased for men and women a combined 5.3 years, from 73.8 years to 79.1 years. For men, life expectancy rose from 70 to 76.7 years, while for women it rose from 77.5 to 81.5 years. But this average increase was fueled by large increases in life expectancy in certain parts of the country, such as central Colorado, western California and along the
East Coast. In other parts of the country — most notably eastern Kentucky, central Alabama and southwestern Oklahoma — there were some counties where life expectancy actually fell by one to two years. These numbers show that an environment that promotes healthy living has more of an impact on how long you’ll live than the kind of health care available to you, Mokdad said. “We’re not going to get out of this investing solely in the medical system,” Mokdad stressed. “We have to invest in prevention.” The findings were published May 8 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2017
SATURDAY JUNE 17, 2017 Locust Hill Country Club 2000 Jefferson Road Pittsford, NY 14534 (Rochester Suburb) ON SITE REGISTRATION: Begins at 9:00 am PROGRAM: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Please note that space is limited. For early registration and to RSVP for FREE lunch, contact Terri Likowski at terril@ustoo.org or (877) 978-7866, or Patrick Fisher at (585) 787-4011.
DINNER HOSTED AT VIA MINA (formerly Pomodoro)
Dr. Nathan Riddle, DC, Psc.D is one of Rochester’s leading experts in family welllness, weight loss and metabolic nutrition. Each year, he donates numerous hours educating community organizations such as local support groups, churches, athletic clubs, independent living facilities, and businesses on how to experience true health naturally. Over the past 7 years he has added a revolutionary wellness and weight loss program to his practice, which has radically transformed the lives of thousands of people in the Rochester community. As acknowledged by the Center ofr Disease Control, obesity contributes to various weight related diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Not only has this technology-based system helped individuals lose many pounds of stubborn weight, but the program also has assisted to eliminate the symptoms of these obesity related issues that people have suffered with for years. The program is personalized to assist each individual’s body to heal itself naturally without dangerous drugs or surgery. Dr. Riddle’s ultimate goal is that each individual and family he assists is able to use his expert acumen to live a happy and healthier life. Dr. Nathan Riddle, DC, Psc.D
BEFORE
AFTER
CHOOSE HEALTH & SIGN UP TODAY! CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO RSVP: (585) 348-9838 RiddleWellness.com
Via Mina Italian Restaurant Wine. Dine. Celebrate. 3400 MONROE AVE. ROCHESTER, NY 14618
Pomodoro is now Via Mina, a new restaurant and celebration concept from long-term owner, Sami Mina. “Our menus show our love for Italian American food with a Napa twist. Our Wine list reflects this as well, offering Italian and American wines.” June 2017 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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CALENDAR of
HEALTH EVENTS
June 6
“Ask the Audiologists” at HLAA meeting Hearing Loss Association of America Rochester Chapter presents “Ask the Audiologists” and “Listening Device Hands-on Demonstration” on Tuesday, June 6, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, East Avenue and Westminster Road, Rochester. Each presentation follows an hour long social and business meeting. At the noon meeting, “Ask the Audiologists,” audiologists Christy Monczynski-Hopson and Christine Stein are prepared to field inquiries on all aspects of hearing aids and hearing loss. As hearing aid dispensers, they can comment on new developments in amplification technology, deafness, audiograms, tinnitis, listening devices, etc. Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE), a question and answer group for people considering hearing aids and those using them, precedes the chapter meetings at 10:15 a.m. Moderated by retired audiologist and hearing aid user Joe Kozelsky, it is held in the church vestry room. At the 8 p.m. meeting, participants will have the opportunity to handle and try out a variety of listening devices in a hands-on demonstration. Visit www.hlaa-rochester-ny.org or call 585-266-7890 for more information.
June 15
Learn about health hazards around the home Could your home be making
you sick? Learn how to stay safe, is the topic that will be presented in the Kate Gleason Auditorium at the Central Library, 115 South Ave., Rochester. Presenters are Cait Fallone, community outreach and engagement core program manager from University of Rochester’s Environmental Health Sciences Center, and Jennifer Becker, outreach coordinator from University of Rochester’s Finger Lakes Children’s Environmental Health Center. Parking is available in the Court Street garage, which is connected to the library. There will be healthy snacks and a free raffle. To request specific accommodations, call 585-428-8304. For more information, call 585-224-3068 or send an email to marcia_middleton@urmc. rochester.edu.
June 24
Live Alone and Thrive: New one-day workshop Do you live alone? Is it a challenge for you? Living Alone: How to Survive and Thrive on Your Own is a one-day workshop offered for women who want to rediscover joy, find more contentment and gain the know-how to forge a meaningful life on their own. Participants will meet others in similar circumstances and learn practical strategies to overcome loneliness, rediscover your true self, socialize in a couples’ world and make the best of this opportunity on your own. The workshop takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 24, at House Content Bed & Breakfast in Mendon. The workshop fee of $135 includes information and resources you
Free summer concert series at Cherry Ridge start June 13 Music will be in the air during the outdoor Summer Concert Series at St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge beginning ithis month. The concerts are free and open to the public. St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge is located at 900 Cherry Ridge Blvd. (off Ridge Road near Five Mile Line Road), Webster. The Summer Concert Series lineup: • Tuesday, June 13, Ruby Shooz • Tuesday, July 18, Mark Mazur & The Little Big Band • Tuesday, Aug. 8, The Music Makers Band All concerts begin at 6:30.
can trust, empowerment exercises, and a Living Alone binder. Breakfast refreshments and lunch are included. To learn more, contact Gwenn Voelckers at 585-624-7887 or email gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com.
June 24
Aspen Dental: Free dental care to local veterans On Saturday, June 24, nearly 450 Aspen Dental practices will open their doors to provide free dental care for thousands of veterans across
Picnic fare will be available for purchase beginning at 5 p.m.. Audience members are asked to bring lawn chairs. St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge is an independent living community designed for active seniors. Located on 41 wooded acres in Webster, Cherry Ridge offer stylish apartments and spacious cottage homes, a maintenance-free lifestyle, and a wide range of first-class amenities. Residents also have priority access to the continuum of care that St. Ann’s is known for. For more information, call 585697-6000 or visit www.stannscommunity.com.
the nation. Local veterans can call 1-844-AspenHMM to schedule an appointment at a participating office in the Rochester area. The offices taking appointments are in Webster, Canandaigua and Greece. Appointments are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The June 24 Day of Service will be Aspen Dental’s fourth annual, and is the largest single-day oral health initiative targeted at veterans. It’s part of Aspen Dental’s Healthy Mouth Movement, a community-giving initiative to deliver free dental care to veterans.
Are You Having Trouble Controlling The Way You Eat? You are not alone. Today, there is a solution.
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Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous No dues, fees, or weigh-ins Information Session Hear how FA works and ask questions SATURDAY JUNE 17, 2017 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Unity Hospital 1555 Long Pond Rd, Rochester, NY 14626
Does living alone feel empty? NEW 1-day workshop for women who live alone Living alone can be a real 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 n n
n
Saturday, June 24 9:30 am - 4 pm (breakfast refreshments and lunch included) House Content B&B, Mendon, NY
In this workshop led by Gwenn Voelckers - a woman who’s “been there” - you’ll discover how to overcome loneliness, reconnect with your true self, get a handle on finances, and socialize in a couples’ world. $135 fee includes empowerment exercises and information and resources you can trust.
Author of Live Alone & Thrive column
To register, call (585) 624-7887 or email gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com Page 4
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2017
Navigate the Healthcare System WCNY’s "The Capitol Pressroom" and "Health Navigator NY" radio show and podcasts online, provide healthcare consumers with trusted facts and resources to better navigate and understand the healthcare system.
NAVIGATE NOW If you have questions about the healthcare system, now’s the time to be heard. WCNY’s “The Capitol Pressroom” and “Health Navigator NY” are here to answer them all by providing trusted insight and feedback that educate and inform listeners to become smarter healthcare consumers.
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connected. June 2017 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Youngrin Kim, M.D. Highland Hospital chief of hospitalists talks about career, treating patients in the evening and how he reacted to receiving the hospital’s Distinguished Physician Award Q: You serve as a nocturnist at Highland Hospital. Give us an overview of your practice. A: I see roughly eight patients a night. The patients we see are the ones who are sick enough to be in the hospital but don’t require surgery. I’m basically in charge of their care at the hospital if they are there overnight. Q: You recently received Highland Hospital’s Distinguished Physician Award. How did you react when you heard? A: Oh, it was the greatest honor of my career. The award is recognizing the importance of position that I fill at the hospital. I was selected by a committee made of the hospital’s leadership, all the heads of all the services, who come up with who should be recognized. I guess they felt it was my time. It’s an incredible honor.
Women’s Special Edition Don’t Miss the Next Issue of In Good Health
Q: Since you’re not seeing the same patients daily, how do you bring yourself up to speed on patients who are admitted to the hospital? A: The nuts and bolts of it is that we have access to the electronic records provided by primary care physicians. We read each other’s notes in real time and follow pretty closely. The other side of it is that, when folks are chronically ill, they do unfortunately present to the hospital more than once, so we get to know them in that aspect. Many times they’re pretty well known to us. Q: When you’re interacting with patients in a hospital setting, how
much does fear of the environment play into things? Do you have to address psychological reactions? A: Coming from the patient’s perspective, being a new patient in the hospital can be a very frightening experience. Your health has taken a turn for the worse; you’re in a new environment. There are a lot of people in the environment that you don’t know. Our role as hospitalists is to ensure your safety and well-being, and that includes alleviating fear. We’re in charge of your care from the time you step out of the emergency department onto our floor, until the time you leave the hospital. Even afterwards, it’s our job to make sure you have the care you need when you leave. So we’re your physician, we’re your liaison, we’re your counselor. We help set your goals and expectations and we work very closely with the nursing and support staff. So we’re coordinating the care for many folks we haven’t met before. Q: Since the job has such a large managerial aspect, to what degree does is feel like you’re on the front lines as opposed to more of a strategist? A: We’re tasked with making the right diagnosis, giving the right treatment, and providing good communication with your primary care physician. To do that, we need to know the ins and outs of the hospital pretty well. It’s why our role was created in the first place. We’re a new position. It used to be in the hospital that you’d either see your primary care doctor or someone from a primary care physician’s group, who doesn’t necessarily know the
To advertise, please call 585-421-8109 or email editor@GVhealthnews.com Page 6
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2017
ins and outs of the hospital. So we’re internal medicine specialists who are specialized in hospital-based medicine. We know how it’s run, know the nursing staff, know how get things done efficiently, know what tests can be done on site and know all the specialists involved in your care. We have to know the hospital very well, from top to bottom. Q: Do the reimbursement changes to health care and the move toward outcome-based payments have an impact on your role? A: We’re shielded from the reimbursement aspects. There is absolutely no conflict of interest. We’re not incentivized to order more, or even less, tests. We’re supposed to do the best job we can for our patients. Q: What conditions do your patients tend to present with? A: This flu season was interesting. We had a spike of flu A and then a spike of flu B. Along with that comes with viral illness, pneumonia, bronchitis, gastrointestinal illnesses. We dealt with a huge wave of that this winter. We also deal with a lot chronic issues that can get out of control: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, basically anything that doesn’t require the expertise of a surgeon. Q: Was the flu shot effective this year? A: We always recommend getting the flu shot. We see a lot of the flu because we’re one of the few hospitals in the community. So even the small outbreaks mean we’ll be seeing a lot of patients. I think the vaccine was pretty effective this year. Q: Is there a role hospitalists can play in preventive care? A: A lot of what we do is geared toward helping patients not have to return to the hospital. We like to make sure that people who qualify for the flu shot are getting it. If you qualify for the pneumonia shot, we’ll give you the shot. A lot of patients may be presenting with highblood pressure or diabetes for the first time, so we’ll often provide them with information about their new condition. Q: What made Highland a good fit for you? A: I went to the University of Rochester for medical school and they rotated us through Highland from year one. I really loved the hospital. It’s a small community that delivers big care. At Strong Memorial you have many more people you’re interacting with. Everyone knows everyone at Highland. It feels tight-knit and collegial.
Lifelines
Name: Youngrin Kim, M.D. Position: Chief of hospitalists at Highland Hospital Hometown: Flushing, N.Y. Lives in: Henrietta Education: Cornell University; University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry Affiliations: Highland Hospital Organizations: American College of Physicians Family: Married to Tien Kim, a former Highland ICU nurse. They are parents of two sons, Justin and Jason. Hobbies: Disc, golf
Girl Power: Running Strong with Girls on The Run Girls in the program are not only taught how to run a 5K, but they also learn life lessons, organizers say By Kyra Mancine
T
he lack of a timing clock at a Girls on the Run 5K is no coincidence. It symbolizes that each girl is a winner, no matter how fast or slow she crosses that finish line. Girls on the Run (GOTR) of Greater Rochester is the local chapter of a unique, nonprofit positive youth development program for girls in grades three through eight. “This is more than just a running program,” said Molly Bailey, GOTR’s executive director. “Through specialized games, activities and age-appropriate training, girls are not only taught how to run a 5K, but they also learn life lessons — with topics including confidence, healthy lifestyles, anti-bullying strategies and more.” The local Girls on the Run chapter entered the Rochester scene in 2010. It has grown from just a few schools participating to more than 65 schools currently offering the program in Monroe, Livingston, Ontario and Wayne counties. The parent organization started in 1996 in Charlotte, N.C., with just 13 girls, and has expanded to serve over 200,000 girls annually with more than 225 councils in the U.S. and Canada. The program has two different curriculums based on grade. Both programs take place after school, last 10 weeks and are open to all girls regardless of their fitness level or athletic ability. Girls in third through fifth grade complete lessons centered on running and fitness, but also explore and discuss experiences girls encounter at this age. Topics include teamwork, building healthy relationships and strategies and skills to instill confidence. Girls in sixth through eighth grade participate in a program called Heart & Sole. This structured plan focuses on building the skills needed to run the 5K, but also the emotional aspects of navigating middle school. Topics range from building support systems to learning about setting boundaries. There are also discussions of issues such as Internet safety, cyber-bullying, and tobacco/alcohol use. Both age group programs conclude on race day. Attending a Girls on the Run 5K is like no other. The celebratory atmosphere is felt from the moment you arrive. Parents, running coaches and girls congregate and do their pre-race preparations. Adding to the fun for all the girls, there are stations for temporary tattoos, colored hair spray and many other activities with positive messaging sponsored by local companies and groups. Watching shy, timid and previously inactive girls make new friends, gain newfound confidence and come out of their shell during training and on race day is not only touching, but also inspirational. Seeing families and friends cheer these young runners on as they barrel toward the finish with looks of pride is unforgettable. “My daughter had a great time all season,” said a Penfield parent of
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a student in the program. “The lessons were fun, and the entire 5K-day was amazing. She has been in it for two years, and already can’t wait until next season. She has learned life-long lessons that she will take along with her!” All the coaches are volunteers, giving of their time and expertise at local schools in the weeks that lead up to race day. Coaches get just as much out of the program as the girls they train. “It has changed my life,” said Kelsey Gendron, a first-season coach with the program. “I left practice every night with a huge smile. I absolutely love this organization, and I’m so happy these girls are able to do it! As our last girl crossed the finish, I literally had tears in my eyes. I couldn’t believe how happy I was, and how happy they have made me feel. It truly is something I will remember for a very long time.” Volunteers are always sought, with opportunities going beyond coaching. Besides being a coach (head, assistant or junior), volunteers can also be a race day ‘Running Buddy” (age 16 and up, male or female), help with set up, security, staff a water station or be a supporter/ cheerleader on race day. The program currently has two sessions and 5K events, one in the fall and one in the spring. Unlike most 5Ks, the event itself is non-competitive, so there is no pressure to complete the race in a set amount of time.
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If You Go What: Girls on the Run 5K Where: Monroe Community College When: Saturday, June 10 Cost: $125 but there are scholarships available to any girl in need. The fee includes all training/coaching, the 5K, a T-shirt and a celebration medal. The race is open to the public and families are encouraged to run. Interested in the program or the upcoming 5K, visit http://gotrrochester.org/ to register and find out more. June 2017 •
Brighton • Geneseo • Greece Pittsford • Webster
877.585.GUMS (4867) www.RochesterPerio.com IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 7
Coming This Summer: More Ticks and a Deadly New Tick-Borne Disease People need to be extra cautious when outdoors, with more of the critters after a mild winter
S
cientists have a double-shot of bad news about ticks: There’s a new, and potentially fatal, tick-borne illness called Powassan, and this summer looks like it might be one of the worst on record for an increase in the tick population. “Tick-borne diseases are on the rise, and prevention should be on everyone’s mind, particularly during the spring and summer, and early fall when ticks are most active,” said Rebecca Eisen. She is a research biologist in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s division of vector-borne diseases. Laura Goodman, a senior research associate in population medicine and diagnostic sciences at Cornell University, concurred. “It’s going to be a bad season,” she said. Approximately 75 cases of Powassan disease were reported
in the United States over the past 10 years. Most cases have occurred in the Northeast and Great Lakes region, according to the CDC. Powassan is a virus that can be transmitted through a tick bite. Although rare, Powassan has been spreading, and more cases are likely this year, Goodman said. Signs and symptoms of Powassan can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures and memory loss. Long-term neurological damage also may occur, according to the CDC. There’s currently no specific treatment for the disease. People with severe Powassan often need to be hospitalized to receive respiratory support, intravenous fluids or medications to reduce swelling in the brain. If inflammation of the brain
(encephalitis) occurs, the fatality rate is approximately 10 percent, the CDC warns. There’s no vaccine to prevent Powassan. The best prevention is avoiding ticks. And that may be harder to do this year, experts at Cornell University explained. Because of a milder winter in the Northeast, a dramatic increase in the tick population is expected in that region and possibly across the northern United States. Ticks carry not only bacterial diseases such as Lyme, but also viral illnesses like Powassan and parasitic diseases like babesiosis. To protect yourself from a tickborne infection, the CDC recommends: • Learning which tick-borne diseases are common in your area. • Avoiding places with thick veg-
etation, high grass and leaf litter. • Walking in the center of trails when hiking. • Using repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET on exposed skin for protection that lasts several hours. • Using products that contain permethrin to treat clothing and gear — such as boots, pants, socks and tents — or wearing clothing pre-treated with permethrin. • Bathing or showering as soon as possible after potential exposure, to wash off ticks before they bite. • Removing all attached ticks as soon as possible. • Treating dogs with products that kill and/or repel ticks. • Examining gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats and day packs. • Drying clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. • If the clothes can’t be washed in hot water, tumble dry on low heat for 90 minutes or high heat for 60 minutes. The clothes should be warm and completely dry.
Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman
Understanding Trumpcare It took over seven years, but the House finally managed to get enough votes, barely, to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and replace it with the American Health Care Act (AHCA or Trumpcare). The fate of the bill now is in the hands of a much more moderate Senate. Once enough votes were pledged, the bill was intentionally sent to the floor for a House vote before the Congressional Budget Office could take a look at the bill and figure out what the financial and coverage consequences would be. If you recall, the CBO estimated that the original version of the AHCA would cause 24 million people to lose coverage. The revised bill sets aside $8 billion for pre-existing conditions or for high-risk pools. That sounds like a lot, but it is only $1.6 billion per five years. According to industry experts, about 226,000 people had pre-existing conditions covered by the ACA at a cost of $2.5 billion in 2011.
AHCA pre-existing conditions
The list is far more extensive and pervasive (ridiculous?) than you think. The AHCA would allow all commercial insurers to charge more all their customers for the following: cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, depression, diabetes, Down syndrome, eating disorders, epilepsy, glaucoma, gout, heart diseases, heartburn, high cholesterol, hypertension, kidney problems, mental health issues, sleep disorders, TB and tooth disease, among others. This issue, along with cost sharing reductions, will get the most attention when the Senate takes a look. Page 8
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So the $8 billion proposed by the AHCA would only cover about half the 226,000 people with pre-existing conditions. Employer plans could be impacted by the AHCA by a provision that could jeopardize the current cap on out-of-pocket expenses. The bottom line is sicker people will pay a lot more for their insurance or go without. The latter option means hospitals and physicians will once again be faced with providing uncompensated care to the people who are the sickest and most vulnerable. Almost all of the industry’s major trade associations have expressed their concerns over potential reductions in insurance subsidies (cost-sharing reductions) including American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, American Hospital Association, and American Health Insurance Plans. The CBO analysis of the AHCA sent to the Senate should be out by the time you read this.
Healthcare Dilemma
The healthcare industry has added a lot of jobs to the economy over the last 10 years and most of the jobs are good-paying jobs. The increase in hospital staffing has been in response to an aging population, increased regulatory burdens and increased demand for services as more people are insured. Reimbursements that have not kept up with increasing costs and the uncertainty over the AHCA (Trumpcare) have caused even the largest hospital systems to reduce staff. Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston announced plans to offer buyouts to 1,600 employees. Catholic Health Initiatives will cut 900 posi-
tions through layoffs and buyouts. The Anderson Cancer Care Center in Texas plans to cut 1,000 jobs. NYC Health & Hospitals announced organizational restructuring that would eliminate 600 positions across its system. Before the ACA was repealed, the Urban Institute estimated even a partial repeal of the ACA, let alone a full replacement, would increase uncompensated care to providers by about $1 trillion a year for the next 10 years. Many hospitals will face credit downgrades if the AHCA causes millions to lose their insurance. To make matters worse, as staffing cuts are made, hospitals must deal with increasing physician and nurse burnout.
Drug Prices
Americans use more drugs per capita than any other country. We also pay more for drugs than other country. Drugs now account for 10 percent of total healthcare spending. Recent accounts of price gouging by drug companies has brought the issue to the forefront. Even drugs made right here in the USA are cheaper in most other countries. The simple solution is already on the books. The FDA is empowered by the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act to allow drug imports to the USA, if they are deemed safe and less expensive. The drug lobby has been very effective at preventing anyone in the FDA or HHS from employing this provision. It is ultimately up to the president, who oversees HHS and the FDA, with one executive order.
VA Closures
The VA is contemplating closing more than 1,100 vacant and underutilized facilities in order to save $25 million a year and to shift more care to the private sector. President Trump recently signed a bill extending the period in which vets can seek medical care from private physicians and
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2017
hospitals. The move toward privatization was recently accelerated by reports of long, often fatal, waits for care at certain VA facilities.
We’re No. 37
The World Health Organization ranks the healthcare systems in 190 countries. The rankings are based upon several factors including the overall health of the population; health disparities within the population (poor vs. rich; public insurance vs. private insurance); system responsiveness/patient satisfaction; distribution of responsiveness within the population (uninsured vs. insured; urban vs. rural); distribution of financial burden (who pays: government, employer, self). All things considered, the WHO ranks the U.S. No. 37. The top five countries are: France, Italy, San Marino, (an independent sovereign country within Italy); Andorra, (an independent sovereign country between Spain and France) and Malta. Other notables are: UK, No.18; Germany, No. 25; Canada, No. 30; Russia, No. 130; China, No. 144. In last place at No. 190 is Myanmar. The U.S. remains firmly entrenched as the No. 1 country for highest cost per capita at about $10,500 and percentage of GDP at about 18 percent. In the 1960s, healthcare was 5 percent of the U.S. GDP George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.
Living With Less: The Minimalist Movement Minimalism is about much more than just getting rid of your things By Amy Cavalier
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ard sale season is upon us. Time to clean out. Up for grabs will be everything from that ice cream maker you never quite found time to use and those clothes that didn’t quite fit right, to those crafts supplies for which you had such great intentions. All will be resold at a fraction of what you paid for them. For a while after you clean out, you’ll feel lighter and finding things will be easier. Slowly, though, that extra space will be filled back up with that item your mother was getting rid of but you couldn’t bear to see go in the donation pile or that bargain you couldn’t resist. And by next spring, the vicious cycle starts again. About two years ago, I decided
to clean out for the last time. The process has been ongoing, but it’s getting easier to decipher the difference between actual “needs” and “wants.” As I prepare for yard sale season, I realize I have very little left to get rid of. Living with less is about much more than a clean house though. With less stuff weighing me down, I am finding I have more time and energy to focus on spending quality time with the people I love and doing the things that bring me the greatest fulfillment. In addition to more money in my bank account, I’m finding it easier to be mindful and focused, and I’ve become more aware of the impact that my consumption has on the environment. As a result, I’m more motivated than ever to make my community a better place. That led me to volunteer as the Rochester Minimalists Community
Leader in May 2016. The Rochester Minimalists is a local group of like-minded individuals that meet once a month to share ideas and topics related to minimalism. We are one of many community groups started by “The Minimalists” authors Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn. The two have a blog, podcast and have penned several books about the lifestyle of minimalism, which they define as “a tool that can assist you in finding freedom.” Some might watch their recent film, “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things,” and think that their lifestyle is unattainable or extreme, however, they emphasize the fact that “there is no minimalist rulebook.” “We’re all different,” they write in their blog piece “The Irony of Minimalism.” “The things that add value to one man’s life may not add value to yours. So hold on to that hair straightener, those colorful socks, that collection of angel statuettes — but only if they are appropriate for your life. Only if they serve a purpose or bring you joy.” There are, on average 300,000 items in the average American household, according to the Los Angeles Times — and one in 10 Americans
rents storage space according to New York Magazine. In extreme cases, the inability to get rid of things can turn into compulsive hoarding — estimates show 6 percent of the population or 19 million Americans fall into that category. The question you really need to ask yourself is, do you own your stuff or does it own you? Make this year the last one where you need to have a yard sale.
Amy Cavalier is the Rochester Minimalists Community Leader and an administrator of the Beechwood/ Homestead Heights/ Culver-Winton Buy Nothing Group. Join the group at a FreeFor-All Freecycle and Yard Sale event to benefit Greenovations on Sunday, June 18. Rent a parking space to sell your things for $5 or give away your things for free! Visit www. facebook.com/groups/rochesterminimalists/ for more information about Minimalism or to reserve a space in the June 18th Free-For-All event.
Where to Begin: 10 Steps to Living with Less 1. Set attainable goals to get started. Play the “30-Day Minimalism Game” and get rid of one thing on the first day of the month, two on the second day of the month, three on the third, on until the end of the month when you wind up shedding over 400 belongings. 2. Just because it’s for sale doesn’t mean you need it. Learn to decipher the difference between a “want” and a genuine “need.” 3. Don’t purchase items that only have one function. Learn to share. The average drill gets used as little as
30 minutes in its lifetime. Look for tool shares in your community or ask your friends family or neighbors you can borrow an item you only use once a year. 4. Eliminate duplication. How many coffee mugs do you actually need and how many will you actually use all at once? 5. Make some rules for yourself, like if you haven’t worn it in six months or used it in a year, you have to get rid of it. Authors Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Millburn Fields take the 20/20 approach when it comes
to “just in case” items. If they can replace the item for under $20 within 20 miles of where they live, they don’t keep it around. 6. Detach from your things. There can be guilt associated with keeping items associated with certain people, places or memories. Making space allows for new energy and ideas into your life. 7. Do your research before you shop. Buy products with lifetime warranties or a good reputation for quality. 8. In with the new, out with the old. Whenever you buy something new,
try to find two things you can get rid of. 9. When it comes to clothes, before you buy, ask yourself important questions like does it actually fit or is it versatile to wear with more than one outfit? Will it have more than one purpose? Did you ever consider hosting a clothing swap among friends? 10. Go beyond just things. Clutter takes many forms in various realms of our lives...there’s digital clutter, bad habit clutter, aspirational clutter, work clutter and social clutter.
8 Things Moms Must Know About Braces for their Kids Orthodontist offers info on what parents need to know about their kids getting braces
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or millions of families around the country, braces and childhood tend to go hand-in-hand. This leaves many moms with lots of questions about what life with braces will be like for their child. Common questions range from when kids should first see the orthodontist to what types of food are off limits. The more parents know what to expect, the less they will fear the process, and be able to help their children enjoy and get the most out of their treatment experience. “Getting braces doesn’t have to be a scary process, but it can be if you haven’t had some of the more common questions answered ahead of time,” explains Karson Kupiec, a second-generation orthodontist at Kupiec Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, located in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. “The last thing you want is to go into the treatment process without feeling comfortable. When parents feel comfortable and confident about it, so will the kids. They often mimic their feelings.”
Here are some of the things that every mom must know before their child gets braces: Age. Many people are unsure when a child should see an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist no later than the age of 7. Straightness. Even children who have straight teeth should still be evaluated by an orthodontist. There may be a problem with their teeth that can be detected by the doctor. Early treatment helps to guide proper jaw growth, correct harmful habits, and help guide teeth, and even shape one’s face. Cost. With an average cost for metal braces being around $5,000$7,500, many parents may feel they can’t afford the treatment. However, many orthodontist offices offer payment plans, making it worthwhile to check into what options are available. There are various types of braces available, so discuss them with the orthodontist to determine the best June 2017 •
one for your child and invest in their future smile. Clean Teeth. If your child’s teeth aren’t sufficiently clean before getting braces, your orthodontist will have to clean them with a polishing paste so that the braces can properly be cemented to your teeth. If possible, schedule a regular professional cleaning appointment with your dentist a few days before you get your new braces so the teeth will be plaque-free prior to your braces appointment. Then, brushing with a high fluoride toothpaste — along with flossing and gargling mouthwash before your appointment — can help make you feel more confident and will speed things along with the orthodontist. Expect discomfort. Getting braces is going to create some discomfort, especially once your child first gets them. They can cause sores in the mouth. To help, choose soft foods, such as soup, pasta and bananas for the few days following getting braces. If there is still a high level of discomfort after a few days and it doesn’t go away with ibuprofen or
acetaminophen, call the orthodontist. Regular care. Talk to your orthodontist about proper care of your braces. You’ll need to brush regularly and use a Waterpik to flush out the food particles that can get caught between braces and teeth; you should also avoid sticky foods. With proper care and by seeing your orthodontist regularly for checkups, you can keep your teeth healthy while your braces are in place. Foods. There are some foods that should be avoided when having braces, because they tend to get caught. These include chewy foods, crunchy foods, sticky foods, and hard foods. Specific foods to avoid include sticky peanut butter, popcorn, caramel, taffy, and gum. Also, things you have to bite into, such as an apple or corn on the cob. Choosing a doctor. Opt for an orthodontist, since they are specialists in straightening teeth and have had two to three years of additional training beyond dental school. Meet with the doctor to determine whether or not it will be a good fit for your family.
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Live Alone & Thrive
By Gwenn Voelckers
Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone
New One-Day ‘Live Alone and Thrive’ Workshop: Registration Now Open Forging a new life on your own. Need some help?
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or some women, living alone in mid-life is a welcome change, especially if they are coming out of an unhappy marriage. But for many others, the change is not welcome, and the prospect of living alone can appear on the horizon as a daunting challenge. The ending of my own marriage years ago fell into the latter category; it was not a welcome change. But it was a change nonetheless and one I had no choice but to accept and ultimately to embrace. It took some time and some hard-knock lessons, but I eventually discovered a resourcefulness within myself that enabled me to forge a joyful and meaningful life on my own. It is that same resourcefulness that gave me the confidence to offer support to other women in similar circumstances. “Living Alone: How to Survive and Thrive on Your Own” is a workshop I developed to help women discover the know how to create a satisfying and enriching life on their own. I’ve been leading the workshop for over 12 years now, and often get
questions from In Good Health readers about what the workshop covers and how it is organized. In this month’s column, I am pleased to answer the most frequently asked questions: Q. What is the purpose of the workshop — and what do you cover? A. Because I’ve walked in a similar pair of shoes, I can empathize with the challenges you may be facing. And I can support your efforts and desire to feel more content on your own. In many cases, it starts with a change in attitude, and my workshop will help you think differently about living alone. Specifically, I cover how to overcome loneliness and other emotional pitfalls, banish negative thinking, rediscover your true self and socialize in a couples’ world. The goal is to embrace what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get to know yourself again and create a rewarding life on your own. Feeling comfortable with your independence will improve your chances of finding happiness, and it will improve your chances of finding
Why You May Need a Health Care Advocate Experts say a health advocate can help patients ask the right questions, save on medications, navigate through a complex health system By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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ou receive a stunning medical diagnosis that will require a long, arduous treatment and recovery. Your elderly father lives in another state. He functions well overall, but seems confused about his myriad of doctor's appointments and medications. Your child's health falters and you cannot find the right specialist to give you solid answers and treatment options. Any of these scenarios — and more — could indicate that a health care advocate could help you and your family. While health insurance typically does not cover the cost of retaining a health care advocate, Trisha Torrey, head of The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates in Florida, said that a health care advocate can help patients save money in some cases, such as finding a better price on medPage 10
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ication or guiding patients toward the right specialist instead of paying for care that doesn't help. "What Americans have learned is the health care system is only set up to help patients if they can make money off patients," Torrey said. "The money has gotten in the way." The many changes in the health care and health insurance industries in recent years have left patients reeling. Torrey compares health care advocates with attorneys, as few people would represent themselves in court on an important or highly complex case. Lowered reimbursements have forced physicians to cram more patients into their caseload to ensure they can stay solvent. Torrey said that doctors used to see 20 patients daily, but now try to see up to double that amount. As a result, the patient experience suffers. Health care advocates can help care providers by ensuring
a new healthy relationship, if that’s what you desire. When you feel better about yourself — more self-assured and resourceful — life on your own or with a special someone can be richer and more satisfying. Getting good at living alone takes practice. here’s no magic pill and it doesn’t happen overnight. But it can happen, and good things can result. Q. Who attends the workshop? A. Most of the women who attend the workshop are in mid-life and have come out of long marriages or relationships. Some are on their own for the first time in their lives. All have one thing in common: They want to get a better handle on living alone and to feel more content with themselves and their independence. Many see this workshop as an extension of the support they are receiving from friends, family, a therapist and/or their congregation. Q. I’m still grieving the loss of my marriage/spouse. Is this workshop right for me? A. Good question. My Living Alone workshop is a “nuts and bolts” practical workshop to help women feel more whole and complete on their own. It is not a grief or mental health support group. If you are still in the grieving process and seek support, I recommend grief counseling or the help of a professional counselor. Q. What are your credentials? A. I am not a licensed professional. My expertise is born out of real-life experience. I’ve “been there.” I emerged from my divorce feeling very deflated and very alone, faced with both the practical and emotional challenges of living alone. After some hits and misses, I found my way and now thoroughly enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with living alone. My time-tested experience, resources, tips and techniques have that the patient asks all the questions he needs to ask, understands the doctor's orders and adheres to the orders, too. Torrey added that these steps are hard to do for patients who are in pain or taking some medication. Torrey said that at first, physicians thought advocates would take up valuable visit time; however, many more providers are realizing that advocates actually save them time. Torrey said that the demand for advocates is growing. She has about 250 to 300 independent advocates in the US and Canada. Many come from clinical or social services backgrounds. "You can't understand the health care system," Torrey said. "It's intentionally set up to be obscure. The only way to get through the system with the health care you deserve is to have a patient advocate by your side." Wesley Edwards, a community health advocate with the Center for Community Health Heart Advocate Program, said that his job is to help patients take charge of their health and navigate the health care system. Often, health care advocates act as a liaison between patient and provider. The center is part of University of
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2017
inspired and helped many workshop participants. My workshop has been the jump-start they needed to reclaim their lives. Q. How large are the workshops? A. Ideally, I like to have eight women in each workshop, although, on occasion, I have led workshops with a few more and a few less. A group of about eight gives everyone a chance to actively participate and benefit from the experience. The sharing quickly gives way to a comfortable camaraderie and it’s not unusual for nice friendships to develop among participants. Q. Where are the workshops held? A. At House Content Bed & Breakfast in Mendon, N.Y. House Content is a little historic gem, situated on a picturesque six-acre site, surrounded by horse farms and parkland. Reminiscent of a quaint English cottage, this setting serves as a peaceful and inspirational setting for the workshop. Q. I’d like to sign up for the workshop. What’s my next step? A. I like to speak with potential participants by phone, as a first step. That way, I can answer your questions and you’ll know better whether this workshop is right for you. Just call me at 585-624-7887 or email me at gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com, and we’ll schedule a time to talk. You will find information about my upcoming one-day workshop 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 24, in the Calendar of Health Events included in this issue.
Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of “Live Alone and Thrive,” empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, NY. For information or to contact Voelckers, call 585-6247887 or email: gvoelckers@rochester. rr.com.
Rochester Medical Center. "Very often, patients come in to see their provider to discuss multiple concerns," Edwards said. "The care provider's busy schedule results in less time available to speak with patients during office visits. The advocate provides an additional forum for the patient to discuss all of their concerns, and relays those issues to their provider accordingly." He believes that this improved communication helps patients make better health decisions and aid them in connecting with community resources that can help them. Providers also benefit as they can learn more about their patients and their patients better adhere to their recommendations. "By empowering individuals to become more informed and engaged with their health, we reduce the need for unnecessary visits and allow providers to reach even more patients," Edwards said.
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June 2017 •
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What to Eat This Season Surprising sources of summer weight gain (and what to do!) By Anne Palumbo
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ow that the warm weather is here, a wonderful feeling comes across us: we want to eat lighter and fresher. An abundance of fresh summer produce certainly supports that desire. So hats off to farmers and farmers markets everywhere! But summertime does not automatically equal healthier eating and living. Although people may wish to eat healthier during the summer months, there are “seasonal temptations” that can derail even the best intentions. These warm-weather temptations, many of them caloric to boot, are typically found at festivals, state and county fairs, barbecues and the occasional picnic. Here are some summer foods you want to avoid (or else consume in sincere moderation) and some healthier options for you to consider. Fried dough: Consider roasted nuts or popcorn. Nothing kicks off the festival season quite like a big greasy plate of fried dough. Unbeknownst to many, these caloric bombs weigh
in with about 800 calories and 44 grams of fat, some of which could be the dreaded trans fats. Rumor has it, fried dough’s evil twin, funnel cake, is just as bad. Sure, they’re often divvied up, but still! Figuring you left those carrot sticks at home, opt for sharing some protein-packed roasted nuts or fiber-rich popcorn (minus all the butter and salt, of course). Frappuccino topped with whipped cream: Consider plain iced coffee. Oh, those frozen coffee drinks garnished with oodles of whipped cream: What would summer be without them? A lot less caloric, that’s what. Got a favorite? I did. But after discovering the sweet li’l thing had a waist-expanding 420 calories, 15 grams of fat and 66 grams of sugar, I switched over to plain iced coffee with some skim milk. On those occasions when only a frozen coffee drink will do, go for one made with nonfat milk and ditch the whipped cream: you’ll save hundreds of calories. Creamy potato or pasta salads:
Consider whole-grain salads. Stick-toyour-ribs foods like potatoes and pasta give us the slow-burning energy we need to stay warm in the winter. Come summer, however, we want to stay cool and light on our feet, which is why whole-grain salads are a good choice. Grains like farro, quinoa, buckwheat and brown rice can be prepared ahead of time and made into delicious, nutritious side salads. Still yearning to bring a potato or pasta salad to the family picnic? Dress it with a zesty vinaigrette versus a heavy mayo and add some veggies. Premium ice cream and custard: Consider sherbets, sorbets and low-fat yogurt blends. Ice cream consumption goes up in the summer and it’s no wonder: it’s cool, creamy, and delicious. The problem is — and it’s a biggie if you’re monitoring your intake — many of these premium ice creams (a.k.a. gourmet, artisanal, scratchmade) are loaded with fat, calories and cholesterol. Check the ice cream carton’s nutrition label for some eye-opening stats; and then, if you’re like most people who eat more than a meager ½ cup, multiply the amounts by 2. A cup of chocolate custard, for example, has about 500 calories and 28 grams of fat. Orange sherbet, on the other hand, has about 200 calories and only 3 grams of fat. Jumbo hot dogs with the “works”: Consider normal-sized hot dogs with fewer toppings. The average hot dog is not all that caloric, especially these days with so many lower-calorie and lower-fat versions available. And while hot dogs are not exactly a nutritionist’s favorite food, they can often be a better choice at the barbecue over
Eight in 10 Eat Fast Food at Least Once a Week: Survey
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mericans love fast food — even if they can afford meals that aren’t prepackaged in grease-resistant wrappers, according to a new study. The study found that Americans of all economic classes eat fast food. Middle-income Americans are the most likely to eat fast food, but only by a slight margin from other income groups. Even the wealthiest Americans admit to eating fast food, trailing other groups by just a bit, the researchers said. “It’s not mostly poor people eating fast food in America,” said study co-author Jay Zagorsky, a research scientist at Ohio State University’s Center for Human Resource Research.
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“Rich people may have more eating options, but that’s not stopping them from going to places like McDonald’s or KFC,” he said in a university news release. The study included information from a national survey. The researchers zeroed in on roughly 8,000 people who were questioned about their weekly fast food intake in 2008, 2010 and 2012. The participants, who were all middle-aged, were asked how many times they had eaten food from a fast food restaurant, such as McDonald’s, KFC or Taco Bell, in the past seven days. The answers were then compared to questions about their wealth and
income. The study found that the fondness for fast food transcends economic classes and is shared by rich and poor alike. Overall, the researchers found that 79 percent of the participants ate fast food at least once a week. Twenty-three percent ate fast food three or more times during any one of the weeks examined in the study. The researchers noted that people whose income fluctuated dramatically in either direction didn’t change their eating habits. “If you became richer or poorer, it didn’t change how much fast food you ate,” Zagorsky said. The study was published online in Economics & Human Biology.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2017
a hamburger blanketed with cheese or Italian sausage. The calories begin to add up, however, with larger sizes (jumbo, stadium, bun-length), heaps of toppings, and the inclination to eat more than just one. Some bruisers with chili sauce pack a whopping 400 calories. So, choose your dogs and toppings wisely. Scour labels and opt for varieties that are uncured (nitrate/nitrite free) and lower in fat, calories, and sodium. Consider alternatives to beef — chicken, turkey, veggie — and pair it with a whole grain bun. Lastly, swap some of the traditional toppings for lower-calorie salsa. My favorite? Trader Joe’s Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs. Yum. Barbecued pork ribs: Consider leaner meats sans sauce. Pork ribs, while delectable, have more calories and fat, including saturated fat, than most meats. A half rack of BBQ pork ribs (about 6), for example, has anywhere from 500 to 600 calories and 30 to 40 grams of fat, a third of which are saturated. Saturated fat, as many know, has been linked to high cholesterol and heart disease. The slathered-on BBQ sauce only adds more calories. Select leaner, healthier meats — like skinless chicken or turkey, pork loin or sirloin steak — and use dry rubs for flavor over sauces. Final suggestion: Summer bursts with fresh produce in stores and at farmers markets, so take advantage of the seasonal, healthful bounty. What’s more, freezing produce is easy and preserves most of the fruit or vegetable’s nutritional content. Anne Palumbo is the author SmartBites, a food-related column published every month in In Good Health.
SmartBites
The skinny on healthy eating
The Audacity of Strawberries H ow can such a sweet li’l thing be so nutritious? Who does it think it is having more vitamin C than an orange? Enough antioxidants to rival a raspberry? Half the calories of a banana? And as much fiber as an apple? The nerve of this good-for-you goldmine! Let’s start with vitamin C and why it’s so important to our health. An essential nutrient, vitamin C — which is integral to collagen synthesis — works hard to keep bones, muscles and tissues in tip-top shape. Current research suggests it may even protect against skin wrinkling. And even though this immune-boosting vitamin may not be the cure for the common cold, it has been shown to reduce the length and severity of some colds. A cup of strawberry halves delivers a confident dose: 150 percent of our daily needs. Strawberries are antioxidant superstars, boasting enough of these magical molecules to rank among the top 10 fruits and vegetables for antioxidant content. Antioxidants are important compounds that protect our body from disease and accelerated aging by gobbling up harmful free
radicals — byproducts of the oxidation process that have been linked to cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and more. Strawberries, already crazy-high in vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant!), are boldly loaded with the Michael Jordan of the antioxidant world: phytochemicals. Moving briskly to fiber: Strawberries are a darn good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, delivering about 3 grams per sliced cup. While soluble fiber helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol, insoluble fiber promotes regularity. Both contribute to a full feeling that helps curb snacking between meals, a boon for weight watchers. Think we’re all done with this heart-shaped hotshot? Hardly! This sassy superfruit flaunts an arsenal of “lows”: low in calories (only 50 per cup), fat, sodium and cholesterol; and, also, according to the American Diabetes Association, on the “low end” of the glycemic index. On top of everything, strawberries strut out an impressive amount of manganese, a mineral that’s good for bones and energy production.
Helpful tips
Healthy Strawberry Smoothie 2 cups ripe strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced 1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt ¾ to 1 cup orange juice, almond milk or low-fat milk ¼ teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon sweetener of choice 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds (optional)
Strawberries, once picked, do not ripen further, so choose berries that are firm, plump, and deep red with their caps attached. Medium-sized strawberries are often the most flavorful. Buy organic if possible and consume within a few days of purchase. Place unwashed berries in refrigerator until ready to use. Do not leave berries at room temperature or exposed to sunlight for too long, as this will cause spoilage and possible loss of nutrients.
Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-
nist, 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.
Add the ingredients to a food processor or blender. Process until a well-blended puree forms, about 15 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides of the container once or twice. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetener, if needed. If smoothie is too thick, add water, juice or milk. If smoothie is too thin, add more fruit.
If you think something is wrong with this picture, you should see what’s being served up in stores. Tobacco companies spend billions on colorful signs, special discounts and promotions in stores where kids can see them. And the more kids see tobacco, the more likely they are to start smoking. It’s time for tobacco marketing to hit the road.
Tobacco companies place most of their advertising in stores where
75
% OF
Take action now at SeenEnoughTobacco.org
TEENS
shop at least once per week
facebook.com/TobaccoFreeNYS June 2017 •
@TobaccoFreeNYS
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Free Places to Work Out Abound in Rochester Region By Kevin DeValk
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ant to get to the gym, but that $30 or $40 or more a month for membership just isn’t in your wallet? Working out doesn’t have to be expensive. Western New York offers numerous places where you can get the experience of the gym, either for free or for a nominal fee. You usually won’t get the robust lineup of equipment and convenient hours of the YMCA or Rochester Athletic Club, but, if you’re trying to get in shape, here are four very inexpensive avenues that will shred that gym bill. Schools and Community Centers Some schools offer open gym nights for district residents, before and after school and on weekends, although availability works around the school’s needs. Many community centers have a gym or treadmill room. Earlier this year, Henrietta opened its new recreation center, which, for $10 a year, provides residents with a gym with several basketball courts, and an indoor walking track. The city of Rochester offers free use of fitness rooms in its community centers to residents. Gates-Chili High School offers free use of its gym,
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pool, fitness center and other facilities to district residents at its new field house. The only cost is $15, for a one-time orientation class on the workout equipment. The field house is open on various weeknights from 6 to 9:30 pm and on the weekend. A calendar is on its website, www. gateschili.org Henrietta’s new recreation center, which opened in January on Calkins Road, offers a gym with an upper-level track. Information on offerings can be found in quarterly guides published by most local towns, or at parksandrecreation.henrietta.org. College Gyms If you’re not affiliated with a local college, your best bets are at smaller schools. Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva offer a limited membership to the community at its Bristol Field House, which gives access to the tennis, racquetball and basketball courts, and indoor track, for $70 a year. ($40 if you are over 50). New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls offers community memberships to its fitness center; while most are over $300 a year, it’s only $120 for senior citizens.
WE’RE HIRING! Trillium Health is growing, and we’re looking for candidates like YOU! Currently recruiting: Behavioral Health Counselor, LCSW-R Cert. Billing & Coding Specialist Director, Environmental Services Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and more! To view these positions and others, visit trilliumhealth.org!
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Joggers, bikers and other people can stop to work out at calisthenics parks in and around Rochester with pull bars, incline bars and high bars for muscle-ups. Shown is calisthenics station on the Genesee River trail in Rochester. Local Parks In recent years, exercise equipment has come to the great outdoors. Several local parks offer “outdoor workout stations,” ideal for stretching, chin-ups and other regimens. The Genesee Gateway Park in the South Wedge has a stationary bike, combo press pull and elliptical pull. On the Erie Canal trail, just east of Genesee Valley Park, joggers, bikers and other people can stop to work out at calisthenics parks, with pull bars, incline bars and high bars for muscle-ups, although, under the great canopy of the open sky, none
of these will be much fun when the weather’s bad. Churches Several of the area’s larger houses of worship offer workout programs in their gyms. Victory Church in Henrietta has a workout room and gymnasium and sponsors a variety of programs, including aerobics, karate and weight lifting. All are free. Journey Christian Church in Greece offers free family fitness classes. Each of these is open to anyone; you don’t have to belong to these churches to participate.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2017
FDA Approves 1st New Drug for ALS in Decades Radicava, given intravenously, slows decline in patients with deadly neurological disease
T
he first new drug to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in more than 20 years has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Radicava (edaravone) is taken intravenously daily for 14 days, followed by 14 days without the drug. Subsequent treatment cycles consist of treatment for 10 out of 14 days, followed by 14 days without the drug. “After learning about the use of edaravone to treat ALS in Japan, we rapidly engaged with the drug developer about filing a marketing application in the United States,” physician Eric Bastings, deputy director of the division of neurology products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in an agency news release. “This is the first new treatment approved by the FDA for ALS in many years, and we are pleased that people with ALS will now have an additional option,” Bastings added. The very first ALS drug, riluzole, was approved by the FDA in 1995. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive, always fatal neurological disease that destroys
the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles, including those used for chewing, walking, breathing and talking. Most patients die from respiratory failure within three to five years after symptoms begin. About 12,000 to 15,000 Americans have ALS, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The FDA’s approval of Radicava was based on a six-month clinical trial in Japan that included 137 patients who received either the drug or an inactive placebo, the agency said. After 24 weeks, patients taking the drug had less decline in physical functionEarly Morning and Late Evening Hours for Your Convenience ingIN thanMONROE those taking the placebo. LIVINGSTON COUNTY, ONTARIO COUNTY AND YATES COUNTY, The most common side effects LATTIMORE PHYSICAL THERAPY NETWORK among patients taking the drug were LATTIMORE PHYSICAL THERAPY AND AVON PHYSICAL THERAPY bruising and walking problems, the 490 Collins Street SPORTS REHABILITATION findings showed. nAvon, NY 14414 1655 Elmwood Ave Suite 130 Early Morning and Late Evening Hours for Your Convenience “Radicava is also associated with Phone: 226-2480 Fax: 226-2494 n Rochester, NY 14620 Co-Clinical director: Jon Gerenski, DPT serious risks that require immePhone: 442-9110 Fax: 442-9049 Co-Clinical director: Leslie Summers, PTA diate medical care, such as hives, Clinical Director: Erin Schall, PT, DPT CANANDAIGUA swelling or shortness of breath, and ROCHESTER CANANDAIGUA GENESEO LATTIMORE PHYSICAL THERAPY Lattimore of Canandaigua PT’ [life-threatening] allergic reactions to Lattimore Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation Lattimore of Canandaigua PT of Geneseo PT (Land and/or poolLattimore based therapy) 229 Parrish Street Suite 220 sodium bisulfite, an130 ingredient in the 1655 Elmwood Ave Suite 229 Parrish Street Suite 220 383 White Spruce4577 Blvd Morgan View Road n Canandaigua, NY 14424 Rochester, NY agency 14620 said in the news Canandaigua, NY 14424 Geneseo, NY 14454 drug,” the n Rochester, NY 14623 Phone: 394-3920 Fax: 394-3997 Phone: 442-9110 Fax: 442-9049 Phone: 394 3920 Phone: 243-9150 Fax: 243-4814 Phone: 442-6067 Fax: 442-6073 release. Clinical Director: Nicole Farnand, PT, DPT
20 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
IN MONROE, LIVINGSTON, ONTARIO AND YATES COUNTIES
Close to WhereLOCATIONS You Work or Live 20 CONVENIENT
Close to Where You Work or Live
Clinical Director: Erin Tobin, PT, DPT
Fax: 394 3997
HENRIETTA
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 • We specialize in professional, personal, and confidential Owner: Cynthia Shuman, MS, PT, ATCservice. • We enjoy making Rush clients feel beautiful the inside out. Henrietta Physicalfrom Therapy 60 Finn Road Suite C “TO WHOM IT Henrietta, NY 14467 MAY CONCERN: Phone: 444-0040 Fax: 444-0052 This letter is to verify that Clinical Director: Karen Shufelt, DPT, CHT Sharon Grasts was a self-employed
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Pittsford Mendon Physical Therapy 110 Assembly Dr. Mendon, NY 14506 Phone: 582-1330 Fax: 582-2537 Clinical Director: Dustin Maracle, PT, DPT, MS, SCS, 2017 NEW Styles Exclusively at Grastas One-of-a-Kind COMT,CSCS European French Top Human Hair Wigs We Do Wig HONEOYE Cuts, Styles &FALLS Repairs Too! Honeoye Falls Lima Physical Therapy *Please NO Walk-ins • Appointments Only Hours:58 Mon-Sat Grasta (Russo), NorthSharon Main M. Street Suite 200 Owner & Operator: 585-392-7823 (No Texting) www.grastasbeautyandwigstudio.com Honeoye Falls, NY 14472 409 Parma Center Road (Route 18) Hilton NY 14468 (JustDavid minutes from theMS, Greece Owner: Monsees, PT Ridge Mall) Be sure to look at reviews on our website
EAST ROCHESTER
Serving Monroe in good
Piano Works Physical Therapy W. Commercial St.ounties Ste. 1275 and349 ntario East Rochester, NY 14445 Owner: Leah Gerenski, DPT, OCS
Health Rochester–GV Healthcare Newspaper
O
C
A monthly newspaper published
PENN YAN by Local News, Inc. Distribution:
Lattimore of Penn Yan PT 20733,500 1/2 Lakecopies Street throughout more Penn Yan, NY 14527 than315-536-4051 1,500 high-traffic locations. Phone: Fax: 315-335-3494 Clinical Director: Jason Greco, MSPT, TPI, CGFI
In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2017 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., Kim Petrone (MD), Kyra Mancini, Kevin DeValk • Advertising: Anne Westcott, Debra Kells, Denise Ruf • Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas • Office Assistant: Kimberley Tyler No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.
June 2017 •
DANSVILLE PHYSICAL THERAPY Clinical Director: Nicole Farnand, PT, DPT 40 Village Plaza HILTON n Dansville, NY 14437 Hilton Physical Phone: 335-2456 Fax:Therapy 335-3494 1026Matt Hilton Parma Rd. Owner: Marino, MS,Corners PT Suite 1, PO Box 131 Clinical Director: Aaron Atwater, PT, DPT
Hilton, NY 14468
LATTIMORE OFLandon, FAIRPORT Owner: Matt DPTPT 59 Perinton Hills Shopping Ctr NORTH GREECE n Fairport, NY 14450 North GreeceFax: Physical Therapy Phone: 385-0444 385-0442 515 Long PondMatthew Road Stoutenburg, MS, Clinical Director: NY 14612 PT, Rochester, CSCS
Phone: 227-2310 Fax: 227-2312
LATTIMORE OF GATES-CHILI PT Owner: Tim Anne, MS, PT, MLD-CDT 5 Fisher Road IRONDEQUOIT NY 14624 n Rochester, Lattimore of Fax: Irondequoit Phone: 247-0270 247-0294PT 1299Director: PortlandJeff AveMcGiven, Suite 10PT Clinical
Rochester, NY 14621
LATTIMORE OF GENESEO PT Phone: 286-9200 Fax: 286-9203 4577 Morgan View Road Clinical Director: Lindsey Yu, DPT, LMT n Geneseo, NY 14454 WEBSTER Phone: 243-9150 Fax: 243-4814 Clinical Director: JohannaPT Kaufman, DPT Lattimore of Webster
1130 Crosspointe Lane, Suite 6 LATTIMORE OF GRPT Webster, NY 14580 2000 Empire Blvd. Building 2 Phone: 347-4990 Fax: 347-4993 n Webster, NY 14580 Owner: Adam Frank, MS, PT Phone: 671-1030 Fax: 671-1991 Clinical Director: Melissa Graham, DPT, OCS AVON
Avon Physical LATTIMORE OF Therapy GREATER PITTSFORD PT 490 Collins 40 State Street Street Avon, NY NY14414 14534 n Pittsford, Phone: 226-2480 Fax: 226-2494 Phone: 387-7180 Fax: 387-7182 Co-Clinical JonDPT Gerenski, DPT Clinical Director:director: Adam Ellis,
Co-Clinical director: Leslie Summers, PTA
HILTON PHYSICAL THERAPY Owner: Mario Melidona, PT 1026 Hilton Parma Corners Rd. Suite 1, PO Box 131 n Hilton, NY 14468 Owner: Matt Landon, DPT HONEOYE FALLS LIMA PT 58 North Main Street Suite 200 n Honeoye Falls, NY 14472 Owner: David Monsees, MS, PT
Johanna Clinical Director /Clinical Owner: Director: Andrew Chatt, DPT,Kaufman, DPT OCS DANSVILLE Owner: Cynthia Shuman, MS, PT, ATC Dansville Physical Therapy
NORTH GREECE 40 PHYSICAL Village PlazaTHERAPY 515 Long Pond Road Dansville, NY 14437 n Rochester, NY 14612 Phone: 335-2456 Fax: 335-3494 Phone: 227-2310 Fax: 227-2312 Clinical Director: Aaron Atwater, PT, DPT Owner: Tim Anne, MS, PT, MLD-CDT FAIRPORT Clinical Director: Brian Kinsman, PT, DPT of Fairport Clinical Director: Lattimore Justin McEvoy, PT, DPTPT
59 Perinton Hills Shopping Ctr
PENN YAN Fairport, NY 14450 Lattimore of PennPhone: Yan PT385-0444 Fax: 385-0442 207 1/2 Lake Street Clinical Director: Matthew Stoutenburg, MS n Penn Yan, NY 14527 GATES CHILI Phone: 315-536-4051 Fax: 315-335-3494 Lattimore Gates-Chili PT Cinical Director: Jason Greco,ofMSPT, TPI, CGFI
5 Fisher Road
PIANO WORKSRochester, PHYSICAL NYTHERAPY 14624 349 W. Commercial St. Ste.247-0270 1275 Phone: Fax: 247-0294 NY 14445Director: Jeff McGiven, PT n East Rochester, Clinical Owner: Leah Gerenski, DPT, OCS
GREATER PITTSFORD
PITTSFORD MENDON PT Lattimore of Greater Pittsford PT 110 Assembly Dr. Suite 101 40 State Street PO Box 212 Pittsford, NY 14534 n Mendon, NY 14506 Phone: 387-7180 Fax: 387-7182 Phone: 582-1330 Fax: 582-2537 Clinical Director: Adam Ellis, DPT Owner: Dustin Maracle, PT, DPT, MS, SCS, COMT, CSCS GREATER ROCHESTER
Lattimore of GRPT
RUSH HENRIETTA PT 2000 Empire Blvd. Building 2 60 Finn Road Suite C Webster, NY 14580 n Henrietta, NY 14467 Phone: 671-1030 Fax: 671-1991 Phone: 444-0040 Fax: 444-0052 Clinical Director: Melissa Graham, DPT, OC Clinical Director: Karen Shufelt, DPT, CHT
SPENCERPORT
LATTIMORE OF SPENCERPORT PT 37 N. Union StreetLattimore of Spencerport Physical Therapy 37 N. Union Street n Spencerport, NY 14559 Spencerport, NY 14559 (585)349-2860 Fax (585)349-2995 (585)349-2860 Fax (585)349-2995 Clinical Director: Russell Manalastas, DPT, SCS, Clinical Director: Russell Manalastas, DPT, COMT, CSCS
COMT, CSCS
LATTIMORE OF WEBSTER PT 1130 Crosspointe Lane, Suite 6 nWebster, NY 14580 Phone: 347-4990 Fax: 347-4993 Owner: Adam Frank, MS, PT
www.lattimorept.com LATTIMORE OF IRONDEQUOIT PT 1299 Portland Ave Suite 10 n Rochester, NY 14621 Phone: 286-9200 Fax: 286-9203 Owner: Lindsey Yu, DPT, LMT
COUN
www.lattimorept.com IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Men’sHealth
5
Things You Should Know About Urologic Problems By Ernst Lamothe Jr.
P
roblems with your urinary tract, reproductive system or genitals are often both physically and emotionally difficult. Urologists specialize in providing advanced, minimally invasive treatments for a wide range of urologic conditions, including prostate cancer, bladder cancer, urinary tract infection and erectile dysfunction. “Three of the top 10 forms of cancers deal with conditions that you would see a urologist for,” said physician David Gentile, an associate professor of clinical urology and chief of the division of urology at Highland Hospital. Urologists also are committed to preserving your urinary and sexual function, which are often affected by these disorders. Gentile, who is certified by the American Board of Urology, discusses five types of urologic issues that affect men.
1.
Enlarged prostate As a man ages, his prostate which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis may become larger and start to cause frequent or painful urination. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common urological condition caused by the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in aging men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the condition affects 50 percent of men over the age of 50 and up to 90 percent of men age 80 or
older. “Some of the symptoms are a weak stream and having to get up and use the bathroom continuously at night,” said Gentile. “This is something that happens later in life, and there are a lot of treatments ranging from medication to non-invasive surgical procedures.” Men should see their urologists if blood is seen in the urine or if there is pain or burning with urination. Evaluation with a qualified urologist will include a physical exam, a urinalysis test, and a thorough medical history. Cystoscopy allows the urologist to look directly in the urethra and/or bladder using a small flexible scope. Treatment options include pharmaceutical options and other possibilities, and your urologist can provide an appropriate course of action.
2.
Stone disease
Stone disease is a painful and common condition that affects more than 5 percent of all adults in the US, according to the National Kidney Foundation. It’s estimated that nearly 2 million patients visit their doctors or local emergency rooms because of kidney stones every year. Stone passage produces renal colic that usually begins as a mild discomfort and progresses to a plateau of extreme severity over 30–60 minutes. “It occurs more often in warmer climate that likely leads to increased
sweating,” said Gentile. “Often the stones just pass on their own, but there is also technology using a shock wave machine where a patient lays down on the table and a device is placed against their back and waves are created from the outside to focus on particular stones.” The procedure is performed under sedation or general anesthesia.
3.
Physician David Gentile is an associate professor of clinical urology and chief of the division of urology at Highland Hospital.
Urinary incontinence
There are different types of urinary incontinence in men, including stress incontinence, urge incontinence and overflow incontinence. Some men may have one, two or all three types of incontinence Diagnosis of urinary incontinence in men will involve a medical history and physical exam, and may include keeping a bladder diary. It may also include an ultrasound and urodynamic testing. “Even though this condition is mostly associated with women, men can be affected as well. It can be a situation where simply laughing, coughing or picking up something heavy can cause urine to come out,” added Gentile.
4.
al desire. Because male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessel, erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. “While this can affect a very large portion of people as they get older, there are many types of solutions from oral medication that we have seen advertised in the market like Viagra or Cialis to surgical options,” he said.
5.
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent trouble getting an erection, trouble keeping an erection or reduced sexu-
Infertility
Ten to 15 percent of couples in the United States are infertile. Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant. For men, it could be a combination of hormonal balance or issues with blood vessels in the testicles. “There are some men who have undergone treatment and surgery to repair some of the damages. If you have tried to get pregnant without success, I would recommend first talking to an urologist as well as having a semen analysis. The analysis will check for sperm count, how your sperm moves and look for possible infections.”
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2017
Restoring hair Restoring confidence
Men’sHealth
At Scalp Aesthetics in Rochester, technicians use an extremely thin needle to perform micro tattoos on a man's balding areas to mimic the appearance of a short buzz cut. Shown are, from left, Eric Taylor, Scale Aesthetics sales manager; Bryce Cleveland, Scalp Aesthetics owner; and Cory Humphries, a tattoo artist.
Answers to Men’s Hair Loss New treatments for baldness range from platelet rich plasma to micro tattoos that mimic the appearance of a short buzz cut By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
T
wo out of three American men manifest noticeable hair loss by age 35, according to the American Hair Loss Association based in Calabasas, Calif. By age 50, the number jumps to 85 percent and the hair loss is significant. A whopping 25 percent begin the process of male pattern balding by age 21. Men who want to do something about their hair loss have more options available than ever. Elizabeth Arthur, licensed and board-certified dermatologist and founder of Helendale Dermatology & Medical Spa in Rochester, said that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) represents a recent advance in treating hair loss. Arthur explained that when platelets from the patient’s blood are activated, their growth factors “make our cells think they’re young again.” PRP is injected into the scalp to help hair transplants achieve better results. PRP also is applied directly to the scalp to reduce further hair loss. “As we get older, the growth cycle speeds up so that our hair is a shorter, wispier hair,” Arthur said. “It’s finer and sometimes lighter in color. We want to make the existing hair follicles to produce a much better quality hair.” Hair transplants are still quite in demand. The provider moves the hair and follicle from a donor site such as the back of the head to the thinning area. The results are permanent and since the hair was grown on the man’s head, there’s no chance the body will reject it. “When it comes to a permanent procedure, you have to think about your future and what it will look like
in 10 to 30 years,” Arthur said. Some men want really low hairlines, but she said that won’t look realistic on a man as he gets older, just like overly fluffy, low toupees look artificial. Arthur said that Rogaine and other similar products are still popular. These medications must be taken daily for life or the patient will eventually return to his age- and genetic-appropriate state of hair loss. Helendale also offers micro stimulation of the scalp to increase the energy of the cells. After about six months of twice-weekly treatments, most men come back every other week for maintenance. Arthur said that the treatments don’t regrow hair, but may help promote the health of the existing hair and prevent further loss. Vito C. Quatela, board-certified facial plastic surgeon at the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery and the Quatela Center for Hair Restoration in Rochester, explained the two transplantation methods his office offers. Follicular unit transplantation is often called the “strip method” because it involves the removal of a strip of hair-bearing skin from the back of the scalp. The doctor separates the strip into micro-follicular unit grafts to be transplanted in the same direction of the patient’s natural hair growth so it looks natural. Neograft follicular unit extraction also uses the patient’s own hair but extracts them in multiple tiny circular areas containing follicular units. This method prevents damaging the grafts by pulling or twisting them. June 2017 •
For both procedures, it will take about four to six months to see new growth. The final result can be assessed at one year. Quatela also offers PRP treatments and topical products among its hair loss treatment options. Some men buzz or completely shave their heads to minimize the contrast between balding areas and intact areas. But shaved guys lose the definition that a hairline provides. Some feel that shaving detracts from their facial features. That’s where Scalp Aesthetics may help. Founded in Rochester, the company has spread to 160 locations worldwide. Technicians use an extremely thin needle to perform micro tattoos on a man’s balding areas to mimic the appearance of a short buzz cut. The technician goes only one layer deep with organic ink that matches the client’s natural color. Since the ink contains no metals, it cannot change color significantly. Because the needle doesn’t go deep like regular tattoos, most clients experience little pain. Going too deep makes the ink spread. The rest of the client’s hair should stay cut within one millimeter long to blend with the tiny tattoos. Eric Taylor of Rochester responded to an ad for Scalp Aesthetics to solve his hair woes. He had the procedure done in 2013 and couldn’t be happier with his look. Now he works as the company’s sales and operations manager. He said that many people have told him he should grow out his hair, not realizing that his “full head of hair” was mostly tattooed. For most top-of-the-head procedures, the client receives 15,000 tiny hair replicated dots. Taylor chose a slightly receded hairline which he felt appears more realistic for his age. Taylor said that he likes the permanency of his hair loss solution, and the fact that he doesn’t have to worry about swimming, wind or sweating as with hairpieces. His only maintenance is shaving his remaining hair every 48 to 72 hours and a touch up of the tattoos every seven to eight years, as the ink can fade slightly over time. “It works well with the graying process,” Taylor said. “If someone
has it done in their 30s, he can come back two or three times before they can let it go along with the graying process of the natural hair.” The typical procedure costs $3,000 to $5,000.
New U Hair Replacement: Laser Therapy Helps Existing Hair Improving the quality of the remaining hair is one of the options available at New U Hair Replacemement in Rochester. Owner Ronald Hebner explained that laser therapy treatments, either at home or in-office can help. “They bring blood flow to hair follicles and feed the hair follicles,” he said of the treatments. He recommends laser hair treatments for men in the beginning stages of male-pattern hair loss, among other types of hair loss, because the treatments will strengthen and thicken each strand of hair. Clients receive laser treatments three times per week and they last about 20 to 30 minutes. Within about three months, the client should see some results, according to Hebner. New U also offers topical and oral hair growth treatments, implants and hair grafts, which use genuine human hair integrated into a membrane applied to the scalp non-surgically. “It’s undetectable and is totally flush with the skin,” Hebner said. “It doesn’t interfere with the person’s lifestyle at all. You can use gel, color it, wash it and style it. There’s no scarring and discomfort, and it’s totally reversible.” He encourages clients to explore all their options to make the best decision for them.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 17
Men’sHealth
Treatments for Andropause, the ‘Male Menopause’
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
W
omen aren’t the only ones to experience “the change” later in life. “Andropause” is often used to describe symptoms affecting mature men such as decreased libido, lowered vitality, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass and bone density, anemia, pre-diabetes, depression and increased irritability. Low levels of testosterone are to blame. According to the Urology Care Foundation in Linthicum, Md., “About four out of 10 men over the age of 45 have low testosterone. It is seen in about two out of 10 men over 60, three out of 10 men over 70, and three out of 10 men over 80 years old.” Some of the symptoms of andropause can indicate other issues, so it’s important to seek a medical exam. A blood test can measure testosterone levels.
“It is important to discuss any changes in physical well being with your physician,” said Gina Cuyler, internist with University of Rochester Medical Center. If a medical provider identifies low testosterone as the reason for the symptoms, the provider and patient discuss options and weigh the risks and benefits of various treatments — if that’s what the patient wants. “It is important to understand that not all men with low testosterone require treatment,” Cuyler said. “Only men who are very symptomatic may require it.” For some men, natural health modalities may help alleviate symptoms to manageable levels. Shelley Szymko, licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist at Pathways Acupuncture & Massage in Rochester, said that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may offer relief. She said that these modalities may aid with stabilizing mood, improving libido and energy and low-
Men & Baby Blues By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
B
ecoming a dad doesn’t guarantee an instantly blissful family. According to www.postpartummen.com, as many as 1 in 4 new dads experience some level of “baby blues” or depression when their child is born. While the postpartum depression women experience is partially biologically based, thanks to fluctuating hormones, men can also experience depression symptoms that can persist. Any change, even a positive one, causes stress, whether it’s a job promotion, move or new baby. The entire pregnancy and birthing experience creates plenty of stress for men because so many factors are out of Dad’s hands and, should something go unplanned, he can’t fix it. Steven Sanfilippo, psychotherapist with CrossBridge Counseling in Rochester, said that men are hardwired to be the “fixers” so an experience that’s so far out of their control can become very stressful. “If the child has a disability, there’s a much higher likelihood of issues in the marriage,” Sanfilippo said. “But postpartum depression can happen when they have a perfectly healthy baby.” A new baby may make it difficult for the dad to keep certain friends and hobbies. Staying out late with friends, taking spontaneous trips, enjoying late date nights are much harder--if not impossible--now since his baby and the mom need him. Though usually not the primary caretaker, the dad may be sleeping less, Page 18
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eating poorly and enjoying less personal and intimate time than before. Sanfilippo said that the “big four” areas of life--personal, work, family and health--can easily become out of balance when a baby joins the family. “It affects every aspect of your life, especially money. If someone’s finding that they are feeling unable to function, or that whatever’s going wrong with them is affecting these areas, that’s when therapy is recommended,” he said. The dad may experience anger--even with the baby--as well as inability to sleep, disruption in eating patterns, lack of bonding with the baby and inability to focus. Joining a parenting group, asking family members for help, talking with other new dads and focusing on what they can do with their babies can help men adjust to fatherhood if they’re experiencing a mild case of “baby blues” and not depression. “If the way that someone is dealing with it is unhealthy, they should seek therapy,” Sanfillipo said. Sanfillipo said that talk therapy helps many men. Unhealthy coping may include avoiding the baby, increased alcohol use, drug use, and isolation from friends and family. John M. Aceto, licensed mental health counselor in private practice in Brighton, said that “men, in general, are less likely to seek mental health care. The mental health field has made a lot of strides but there’s still a stigma. Many people won’t see
ering stress and anxiety. She said that mixtures of Chinese herbal medicine may include several herbs and can be tailored to each client’s needs. “Over the course of time, the patients should work with that practitioner for three to four months and afterwards regularly check in to see which symptoms are improving and which areas need further focus or attention,” Szymko said. Brian Adcock, physician assistant with Urology Associates of Rochester, said that patients with higher risk factors, such as Type 2 diabetes, taking opioid pain medication, HIV, AIDs or thyroid disorder, should receive screening for low testosterone. Adcock said that only 19 percent of men with erectile dysfunction have low testosterone levels. For those seeking treatment, several medical options may help. These include testosterone replacement skin gels, injections, implants and skin patches. Adcock said that some side effects can include increased acne
production and mood swings. “We’re always mindful of the fact that although testosterone replacement doesn’t cause prostate cancer, men who are developing prostate cancer should not be on testosterone replacement so we screen for it regularly,” Adcock said. “Family history of prostate cancer should be a consideration, but just a family history alone isn’t a contraindication.” For some men, stimulating their bodies to generate their own testosterone may provide the answer. Typically used with patients of child rearing age who have secondary hypergonadism, oral medication can help their bodies produce more testosterone. Men with primary hypergonadism don’t make any testosterone, so replacement therapy provides the only prescription help. “There is no known dietary or exercise factors to raise testosterone, but a well-balanced diet and exercise are good for everyone,” Adcock said.
someone because they don’t want to admit there’s something wrong with me and someone needs to fix it.” In addition to talk therapy and a good support system, Sanfillipo recommends that new dads try to
exercise and eat a healthful diet. “These are all the things someone with depression should have anyway, and these are critically important if you’re a new dad,” Sanfillipo added.
Shift Work May Put Damper on a Man’s Sex Life Disrupted sleep patterns could explain the link, studies suggest
M
ale shift workers listen up: Two new studies link sleep disorders common in these men to urinary problems and erectile dysfunction. And a third report links the repercussions of shift work to lower-quality semen, which could make it harder for men to father children. The research doesn’t prove that shift work and its accompanying sleep issues cause these problems. However, “men who work shifts, particularly night shifts, should be aware they may be at risk for many health issues, and should be sure to seek care from a physician to help prevent and treat these conditions,” said physician Alex Pastuszak, co-author of the three studies. Pastuszak is an assistant professor with the Center for Reproductive Medicine at Baylor
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2017
College of Medicine in Houston. For the studies, researchers sought to better understand the role of “shift work,” which requires workers to be on the job outside of traditional daytime hours. “We know that shift work can disrupt circadian rhythms and disrupt normal hormonal function,” Pastuszak said. “Shift work can also put people at risk for shift-work sleep disorder, which causes insomnia or excessive sleepiness and a reduction of total sleep time due to a work schedule.” The studies were presented May 13 at the American Urological Association’s annual meeting, in Boston. Research presented at meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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CALL By Jim Miller
Should All Baby Boomers Get Tested for Hepatitis C? Dear Savvy Senior,
I’ve recently read that all baby boomers should get tested for hepatitis C. Is this really necessary, and if so, what are the testing and treatment procedures? Healthy Boomer Dear Healthy, It’s true. Both the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all baby boomers — people born from 1945 through 1965 — get a hepatitis C test. The reason is because baby boomers account for 75 percent of the 3 million or so hepatitis C cases in the U.S. Those that are infected are at very high risk of eventually developing liver cancer, cirrhosis or other fatal liver diseases. Most hepatitis C infections occurred in the 1970s and 1980s, before there were tests to detect them and before the nation’s blood supply was routinely screened for the virus. Hepatitis C is transmitted only through blood, so anyone who received either a blood transfusion or an organ transplant prior to 1992 is at increased risk too. So are healthcare workers exposed to blood, and people who injected drugs through shared needles. The virus can also be spread through microscopic amounts of infected blood that could occur during sex, from sharing a razor or toothbrush, or getting a tattoo or body piercing at an unsterile shop. Most people that have hepatitis C don’t know they’re infected because there are no symptoms until their liver becomes severely damaged. It can actually take 30 years for people to show any signs of the virus, but by then, it may be too late to treat. But if it’s detected in time, new treatments are now available that can cure it.
see your primary care doctor for a basic blood test to determine whether you have ever been infected with hepatitis C. This is a relatively inexpensive test and typically covered by health insurance under routine medical care. If the test is negative, no further tests are needed. But, if the test is positive, you’ll need another test called HCV RNA, which will show whether the virus is still active. If you test positive, you have chronic hepatitis C and will need to talk to your doctor about treatment options. If you’re infected, but have no liver damage, your doctor should monitor your liver at your annual physical. The main treatments for chronic hepatitis C today are several new FDA-approved antiviral medications that have a 95 percent cure rate. Compared to older treatments, these new medications have minimal side effects. Unfortunately, all the new drugs are very expensive — a 12-week treatment course can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $90,000. Not all health insurance plans, including Medicare Part D plans, cover all prescribed medications for hepatitis C. And due to the expensive nature of these medications, most insurance plans require that you meet several requirements in order to get coverage. If your insurance provider doesn’t cover the antiviral therapy your doctor recommends, there are financial assistance options available. To look for help, visit HEPC.liverfoundation.org and put your cursor on “Resources” and click on “What if I Need Financial Assistance to Pay for Treatment?” And for more hepatitis C information, along with a quick online quiz you can take to determine your risks, see CDC.gov/knowmorehepatitis. You can also get information over the phone by calling the national toll-free HELP-4-HEP helpline at 877-435-7443.
Testing and Treatment
If you’re between ages 52 to 72, or fall into one of the previously listed high risk categories, you should
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Ask St. Ann’s
What is HBOT?
By Kim Petrone, M.D.
H
yperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the use of high-pressure oxygen to help treat chronic wounds and other conditions. It can enhance the healing process and is often used to complement other treatments. HBOT has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat several medical conditions. For example, your doctor may suggest it (and your insurance may cover it) if you have: • Complex diabetic foot ulcers • Chronic bone infections such as osteomyelitis • Late effects of radiation therapy • Compromised skin grafts and flaps You may be referred for treatment by a specialist (podiatrist, urologist, etc.) or your primary care provider. Following the referral, you’ll be evaluated by your HBOT team to determine whether the treatment is right for you. A personalized plan is then developed to match the right techniques to your unique needs.
down, can watch TV, listen to music or simply rest. The idea of being in an enclosed space for two hours can sound scary, but the chamber is transparent on all sides and the chamber operator is by the patient’s side throughout the treatment. Further, the chambers we use at the Rochester General Wound Healing Center at St. Ann’s Community are the largest such units in the area, for added patient comfort. The treatment is followed by an evaluation by the HBOT team in collaboration with the patient’s medical specialists (radiologist, urologist, etc.) The need for further treatment or an alternate treatment is determined.
The HBOT team
HBOT is administered by the chamber operator, an individual who specializes in this type of therapy. The treatment is overseen by a physician who specializes in hyperbaric medicine. The chamber operator has been trained in evaluating the patient, assessing risk factors (such as interactions with medication or medical devices), and ensuring patient health and safety. At the wound care center, the chamber operator is a registered nurse who is wound care-certified and trained as an HBOT safety director. She also provides a consistent presence throughout treatment and develops a personal rapport with patients. Physician Kim Petrone is medical director of St. Ann’s Community and the Rochester General Wound Healing Center at St. Ann’s. She is board certified in internal medicine and geriatrics and is a certified wound specialist. She can
How it works
When undergoing HBOT, the patient enters a hyperbaric chamber that has been pressurized with 100 percent oxygen. The atmospheric pressure is gradually increased, the same way air pressure increases for a deep-sea diver when diving. The pressure increase allows more oxygen to dissolve in the blood which enhances the healing process. One treatment generally takes two to two and a half hours. During that time, the patient, who is lying
be reached at kpetrone@mystanns.com. For more information on HBOT at St. Ann’s Community, call 585-922-HEAL (4325) or visit www.stannscommunity.com.
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The Social Ask Security Office
From the Social Security District Office
Social Security Supports National Cancer Survivors Day In 2017, more than a million people will be diagnosed with cancer around the world. This alarming statistic affects people and families everywhere. Chances are, you know someone who has been affected by this terrible disease. On June 4, we observe National Cancer Survivors Day in the United States. In support of this day, Social Security encourages getting checkups to provide early detection, raise awareness through education and recognize the survivors who have gone through this battle or are still living with the disease. Social Security stands strong in our support of the fight against cancer. We offer services to patients dealing with this disease through our disability insurance program and our compassionate allowances program. Compassionate allowances are cases with medical conditions so severe they obviously meet Social Security’s disability standards, allowing us to process the cases quickly with minimal medical information. Many
Q&A
Q: My same-sex partner and I recently married. Will we qualify for Social Security benefits? A: You may be eligible to apply for Social Security benefits. Many factors affect your eligibility for benefits, including how long you worked and your age. Social Security is now processing more claims in which entitlement or eligibility is affected by a same-sex relationship. We encourage you to apply for benefits right away, even if you aren’t sure you’re eligible. Applying now will protect you against the loss of any potential benefits. You can apply safely and securely at www.socialsecurity. gov/applyonline. Learn more about Social Security for same-sex couples by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/ same-sexcouples. Q: I worked the first half of the year, but plan to retire this month. Will Social Security count the amount I earn for this year when I retire? A: Yes. If you retire mid-year, we count your earnings for the entire year. We have a special “earnings test” rule we apply to annual earnings, usually in the first year of retirement. Under this rule, you get a full payment for any whole month we consider you retired regardless of your yearly earnings. We consider you retired during any month your earnings are below the monthly earnings limit, or if you have not performed substantial services in self-employment. We do not consider income earned, beginning with the month you reach full retirement age.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2017
cancers are part of our compassionate allowances list. There’s no special application or form you need to submit for compassionate allowances. Simply apply for disability benefits online, in-person or over the phone. Once we identify you as having a compassionate allowances condition, we’ll expedite your disability application. Social Security establishes compassionate allowances conditions using information received at public outreach hearings, from our employees, who review millions of disability cases each year, from medical and scientific experts, and from data based on our research. For more information about Compassionate Allowances, including the list of eligible conditions, visit www. socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances. Social Security is with you throughout life’s journey, through good times and bad. If you think you qualify for disability benefits based on a Compassionate Allowances condition, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov to apply for benefits. Learn more about the earnings test rule at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/rule.htm. Q: How do I know if I have worked long enough to qualify for Social Security disability benefits? A: You must have worked long enough — and recently enough — under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year. The amount needed for a credit changes from year to year. The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which you earned in the last 10 years, ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. To learn more, see our Disability Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/dibplan/dqualify3.htm. Q: I’m applying for disability benefits, and I read about “substantial gainful activity.” What is that? A: The term “substantial gainful activity,” or SGA, is used to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is “substantial” if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both. If you are working and earn more than a certain amount, we generally consider that you are engaging in substantial gainful activity. In this case, you wouldn’t be eligible for disability benefits. You can read more about how we define substantial gainful activity at www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/COLA/sga.html.
H ealth News MVP Health promotes Kelly Smith to VP, sales MVP Health Care has promoted Kelly Smith to vice president, sales. She will be responsible for identifying and growing MVP’s new com mercial business opportunities. Smith joined MVP in August 2015 as director, new sales and exchange solutions. In her time at MVP she has implemented Smith sales strategies for commercial products in East New York, Hudson Valley and Vermont. She also has worked with national and regional consultants, brokers and employers as MVP takes a lead role in developing private insurance exchanges. Prior to joining MVP, Smith was a senior member of the New York Health Benefit Exchange, publicly known at NY State of Health. Smith is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and is a graduate of the Leadership Institute through the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of SUNYOswego, Smith has a bachelor of science degree in biology.
practice at The Family Medicine Practice of Edith Grannum MD • Member-at-large: Wallace Johnson, an internist and director of the University of Rochester Center for Primary Care; • Member-at-large: Stephanie Siegrist, an orthopedic surgeon in solo practice at Stephanie E. Siegrist MD, LLC; and • Immediate past president: Steven Ognibene, a colon-rectal surgeon at Rochester Colon & Rectal Surgeons, PC. Newly elected Ronchetti outlined his goals for the coming year: 1. Continue to be an advocate for the physicians of MCMS and their patients, both locally and in Albany; 2. Reinforce the value that MCMS provides to the physician community; and 3. Develop and implement a physician wellness program that not only includes resources to provide support to the physicians in our community, but also innovative ways to ensure that any physician get the help he or she may need while removing barriers associated with accessing mental health care. “We can influence payers, hospitals, and governing bodies by continuing to meet regularly with leadership of all of the key stakeholders in our community to ensure your voice is heard,” said Ronchetti. He added, “Providing an avenue for physicians to get assistance for their own wellness will be a top priority,
as well as fostering communication and continuing to meet the needs of medical practices.”
Rattmann elected Excellus BCBS board chairman Thomas E. Rattmann has been elected chairman of the board of directors of Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield and its parent company. He succeeds Thomas A. Hildebrandt. Rattmann is chairman of the board of Columbian Financial Group, a life insurance orgaRattmann nization based in Binghamton, which is primarily focused on the issuance of small-face life insurance products. He retired as Columbian’s chief executive officer in December 2016. Rattmann has been a member of company’s governing board since 2010. He continues as chairman of the regional advisory board of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Southern Tier region. In his career Rattmann has served on boards of directors of leading life insurance industry trade organizations, including as past
chairman of the Life Insurance Council of New York and as a director of the American Council of Life Insurers. He also has served on the boards of directors of various community organizations in the greater Binghamton area.
Louis Papa appointed to board of Excellus BCBS Physician Louis J. Papa has been appointed to the board of directors of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and its parent company. Papa has been a member of the regional advisory board of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Rochester Region since 2008 and will continue to serve on that board. A resident of Rochester, Papa is board Louis certified in internal medicine and is a primary care physician with the Center for Primary Care and Olsan Medical Group. He also is an attending physician at Strong Memorial Hospital and Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Rochester.
Medical society has new president, officers The Monroe County Medical Society (MCMS) welcomed its newly elected 2017-2018 officers at the society’s 196th annual meeting May 3. Physician Peter Ronchetti, was elected 2017-2018 MCMS president. He has been in practice in the Rochester area for 15 years, specializing in surgery of the hand and upper extremity. In private practice at Hand Surgery Associates of Rochester, he is also a Ronchetti clinical assistant professor of orthopedics at the University of Rochester. Ronchetti is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. He has been a member of Monroe County Medical Society since 2002. In addition to Ronchetti, members of the executive committee at MCMS are: • President-elect Surinder Devgun, a gastroenterologist at Rochester Gastroenterology Associates, LLP; • Secretary: Lisa Smith, an internist/pediatrician at Ridgewood Med-Peds; • Treasurer, Edith Grannum, a family practice physician in solo
HCR nurses and officials held a special ceremony at Lillian Wald’s gravesite at Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester. Wald founded the Visiting Nurse Service of New York and Henry Street Settlement in 1893. She was raised in Rochester.
HCR Honors Community Nursing Founder Lillian Wald Lillian Wald, the founder of community health nursing in the U.S., was honored early May by HCR Home Care during the company’s National Nurses Week observance. HCR nurses and officials held a special ceremony at Lillian Wald’s gravesite at Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester (range 3, lot 34, section 11) that included placing a wreath at the site. Staff members have assisted with the upkeep of Wald’s grave, such as planting flowers and maintaining the nearby grounds, for more than 30 years. June 2017 •
HCR also held a remembrance ceremony at the company’s patient memorial garden outside its Rochester headquarters to honor HCR patients who have died or touched the lives of staff members. Wald championed nursing education and a variety of social issues, coining the term “public health nurse” for nurses who worked outside hospitals in poor communities. Listed among the Jewish Women’s Archive’s Women of Valor, Wald also helped found the Henry Street Settlement House — which became the first Visiting Nurse Service in the U.S.
— the National Organization for Public Health Nursing and Columbia University’s School of Nursing. She was raised in Rochester. “Many of us in the nursing profession are deeply indebted to Lillian Wald, and we are honored to follow in her footsteps,” said Elizabeth Zicari, president, HCR Home Care. “HCR will continue to pay tribute to her memory and her legacy as our company’s mission is built on her commitment to preventive health care and the preservation of health.”
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H ealth News Medical Society Announces Award Recipients The Monroe County Medical Society has recognized physician Nancy M. Bennett and Nancy J. Adams with its 2017 Edward Mott Moore physician and layperson awards.These awards recognize individuals whose dedication to the community goes above and beyond the usual call of duty.
n 2017 Edward Mott Moore Physician Award As professor of medicine and public health sciences, director of the Center for Community Health (CCH), and co-director of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), physician Nancy M. Bennett has served the Rochester community for Bennett decades through her current roles and as the former deputy director of the Monroe County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) for 17 years.
Bennett’s interest in improving health for the entire Rochester community has been demonstrated through teaching, mentorship and community outreach in numerous endeavors. Complementing her personal volunteer efforts, she has taken multiple leadership roles in organizations with primary missions to improve community health. One of Bennett’s proudest accomplishments was the creation of the CCH-based Healthy Living Center (HLC), which opened in 2010. This initiative was funded through a $1.2 million NIH award. The HLC focuses on chronic disease prevention and helps individuals improve their health by making meaningful and lasting lifestyle changes. The HLC also works with physicians, health systems and community organizations to develop and test innovative lifestyle management programs. She has served on numerous community boards and committees, including the public health committee of the MCMS and numerous community coalitions. She is an author of more than 100 peer-reviewed articles. She has won a number of awards, including American Heart Association’s Heart of Life Award, the CDC’s Charles Shepard C. Science Award of Scientific Excellence, and the Innovation in Prevention Award from
the US Department of Health and Human Services.
n 2017 Edward Mott Moore Layperson Award Nancy Adams spent 19 years serving as executive director for Monroe County Medical Society, Genesee Valley Medical Foundation and the American Academy of Pediatrics, New York chapter 1. Among her most notable ac complishments, Adams helped to create and oversee a $3.1 million grant-funded electronic medical record implementation project, which assisted medical practices with EMR Adams funding and implementation. She also oversaw a New York State e-Collaborative Regional Extension Center grant to assist 300 medical providers with requirements for participating in the federal government’s EMR incentive programs. Most recently, she oversaw a $600,000 Greater Rochester Health Foundation hypertension guideline implementation grant which included the participation of
45 adult primary care practices and 172 physicians in both system-owned and private practice settings. As executive director of the AAP’s NY 1 chapter she was instrumental in establishing several pediatric councils throughout New York state, as well as bringing together physician leaders and insurance plan administrators to improve the quality of care for children. Adams has served the medical community in many aspects. Her dedication to the role of MCMS executive director helped to educate and inform physicians and administrators regarding constant changes and restructuring of governmental and insurance policies affecting day-to-day operations and future planning. She not only sat on many committees, but also patiently took the time to learn and understand grievances within both private and hospital based practices. She responded quickly to issues and brought them to the attention of the necessary parties. By participating in more than 80 media interviews each year, she helped MCMS become the area’s authoritative voice of medicine. Admas has received numerous awards in recognition of her work, including the American Medical Association’s Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and the Rochester Business Journal’s Health Care Achievement Award for Innovation in 2013.
Excellus BCBS awards to benefit local groups The Boys & Girls Clubs was one of nine Monroe County-based nonprofits chosen from among 200 applications to receive Excellus BCBS’s 2017 Community Health Awards. Each award recipient received up to $4,000 of the $110,500 allocated by the company to help fund health and wellness programs in its 31-county Upstate New York region. Overall, the organizations earned $27,500 in awards. Recipients are: • Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester: It received $4,000 to help counselors continue with a study to better understand the needs of children who’ve undergone trauma, and provide them with the right support. • Borinquen Dance Theatre, Inc.: $3,500 to use dance as a way to help disadvantaged students from Monroe and surrounding counties attain academic success and learn self-discipline, teamwork and leadership skills. • Child Care Council, Inc.: $4,000 to help fund its Asthma Friendly Child Care Endorsement initiative, which trains child care programs in Monroe, Wayne and Livingston counties on ways to safely provide care to children with asthma. • Foodlink: $4,000 to help create a safe and inviting play space next to its Lexington Avenue Urban Farm in the Edgerton neighborhood of northwest Rochester. The play space will serve the children of the community, Page 22
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many of whom are refugees who tend to the community garden. • Mental Health Association: $2,500 for a pilot program in Monroe County that will help those with a mental illness who have been unemployed for more than a year build the skills needed to stay employed for the long-term. • RESOLVE of Greater Rochester: $2,500 to plan, coordinate and deliver a one-day intensive training about intimate partner violence to health professionals during domestic violence awareness month in October. • Samaritan Center of Excellence: $1,000 to provide alcohol and substance abuse recovery and life skills classes to 30 African American, low-income women from Monroe County. • Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach: $4,000 for wellness education for those in Monroe and Orleans counties who were incarcerated and have since transitioned to independent housing. The program will help them decrease stress and their cravings for drugs and alcohol while boosting their confidence and selfworth. • Willow Domestic Violence Center: $2,000 for bus and cab fare to help its emergency shelter residents access health care services. Many of its residents suffer from serious injuries, such as burns and broken bones, or untreated chronic illnesses.
From left, Lisa Lehning, nurse executive for the Canandaigua VA Medical Center; Barb Vandemortel, registered nurse from Geneva; Cathy Lucas, registered nurse, non-clinical role, resident of Penn Yann; Patricia Cooper, nurse’s assistant; Stephanie Ramirez, licensed practical nurse, from Geneva; and Michael Swartz, director of the Canandaigua VA Medical Center.
VA Recognizes Nursing Excellence Several nurses at Canandaigua VA Medical Center and Rochester VA Outpatient Clinic were recently honored at an award ceremony marking their special achievements. They received the 2017 Nursing Excellence, May 10. They were: • Barb Vandemortel received the Award for Excellence in Nursing for a Registered Nurse in homebased primary care; she lives in Geneva. • Cathy Lucas received the
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2017
Award for Excellence in Nursing for an RN in a Non-Clinical Role as the infection prevention coordinator for Canandaigua VA Medical Center; she lives in Penn Yan. • Stephanie Ramirez received the Award for Excellence in Nursing for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Patient Aligned Care Team 2 (PACT) at the Canandaigua VA; she lives in Geneva • Patricia Wilson Cooper received the Award for Excellence in Nursing for a Nursing Assistant. She has a 34-year career at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center working in many patient care treatment areas. She recently retired.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • June 2017