Igh rochester #129 may 16

in good The Revenge of Bedbugs

GVhealthnews.com

May 2016 • Issue 129

They’ve grown thicker skin, which helps protect against pesticides and may explain why population is growing worldwide, scientists suggest

Rochester’s Healthcare Newspaper

STROKE Things You

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Drinking

Teenage girls now try alcohol before boys do, says study

Top Health Issues for Seniors

NURSE’S WEEK: MAY 6-12

Need to Know Now

Page 9 Page 5

Rochester internist discusses some of the top health issues that affect most seniors David Holub has recently been selected as the recipient of Highland Hospital’s Distinguished Physician Award

Living Alone: Create Your Own Perfect Day! ­

priceless

Excellus Pharmacist: Drug makers must stop their pricing games Page 7 NYS Hospital Mergers Driving Up Prices

NICU Nursing: Caring for the Tiniest Patients Page 18

Why You Should Fall for Mangoes

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Mangoes, the world’s most popular fruit (who knew?), bring a wealth of powerful nutrients May 2016 •

A study by the conservative think tank, the Manhattan Institute, concludes that the 100-plus hospital mergers in NYS have served to only increase costs and decrease competition with no perceptible increase in quality. See “Health in a Minute” on page 7

Q&A with Eva Pressman, MD OB-GYN doctor talks about the importance of ‘skin-to-skin’ births even for moms who deliver through C-section. She calls OB-GYN the ‘happy field’ in medicine IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Fighting Back, Bedbugs Grow a Thicker Skin Thicker skin helps protect against pesticides and may explain why population is growing worldwide, scientists suggest

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edbugs may be developing thicker "skins" that help them resist common pesticides, a new study suggests.

This might explain why bedbug populations are increasing worldwide, the researchers added.

"If we understand the biological mechanisms bedbugs use to beat insecticides, we may be able to spot a chink in their armor that we can exploit with new strategies," study author David Lilly, from the University of Sydney in Australia, said in a university news release.

Bedbugs are parasites that feed on the blood of people and animals as they sleep; the insects can pro-

2016 to benefit local support efforts

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

duce painful bites in their victims.

The new findings, published April 13 in the journal PLoS ONE, may lead to the development of more effective pesticides to fight bedbugs, the researchers said.

"Bedbugs, like all insects, are covered by an exoskeleton called a cuticle.

Using scanning electron microscopy, we were able to compare the thickness of cuticle taken from specimens of bedbugs resistant to insecticides and from those more easily killed by those same insecticides," Lilly explained.

The thicker their cuticle, the more likely the bedbugs were to survive when exposed to the insecticides, the study found.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 3

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

May 5, 19

Ontario ARC to host caregiver training series Ontario ARC’s aging services will offer two caregiver training series in May designed to help people care for aging loved ones.

• May 5: “Understanding Occupational Therapy & Physical Therapy” will be presented by Ontario ARC therapists. A myriad of challenges can surface as we age that make independence difficult.

Caregivers may have to help with household chores, assist their loved ones with sitting, standing, walking or even have to lift their loved one.

Occupational and physical therapists can provide in-home modifications, assistive devices, and communication and back protection strategies to help maintain independence and ease the responsibilities put on the caregiver.

• May 19: “Caring for the Caregiver” presented by Nick Vignati from Ontario ARC. The responsibilities of a caregiver are seemingly endless. More often than not a caregiver focuses all their time and energy maintaining their regular responsibilities and caring for their loved one leaving no time to care for him or herself. Learn strategies in this training to keep yourself happy and healthy as a caregiver.

To register for the caregiver training series, visit http://ontarioarc. org/events. For more information, contact Nick Vignati, coordinator of aging services at 585-919-2161 or nvignati@ontarioarc.org.

The cost to attend is $15 per training. All trainings will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Ontario ARC’s

main facility, 3071 County Complex Drive in Canandaigua.

May 15

Vegan Society hosts cookbook author The public is invited to attend the May meeting of the Rochester Area Vegan Society to hear a talk by Mary Lawrence, author of the new cookbook, “Easy Peasy Vegan Eats.”

Lawrence is an executive chef and owner of Well on Wheels, Connecticut’s premier vegan personal chef service. You can follow Chef Lawrence’s culinary creations on her blog, The Traveling Vegan Chef. The event will take place a 7 p.m., May 15 at Brighton Town Park Lodge, 777 Westfall Road in Brighton.

Prior to the program, the society will host a vegan potluck dinner. To participate in the dinner, just bring a dish with enough to serve a crowd, and a serving utensil; also bring a place setting for your own dinner.

Members of the society can help non-vegetarians or others uncertain about how to make or bring a vegan dish; please call 234-8750 for help.

Event is free for Vegan Society members and $3 guest fee for non-members.

May 21

Expert to focus on new way to fight addiction Physician Kevin McCauley, film producer and co-founder of the Institute of Addiction Study, will visit Rochester to speak at a free community event from 1 to 3 p.m., May 21 at Brighton High School. This event

Annual Prostate Cancer Walk Scheduled for August Organization to raise awareness for prostate cancer. In Monroe County 617 men are newly diagnosed with disease and another 64 die from it, according to NYS Health Dept.

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ust as men’s sports teams make headlines wearing pink gloves, pink shirts and pink shoelaces in a show of support for breast cancer, local prostate cancer survivors want a sea of blue at the Second Annual S.E.A. Blue Ribbon Walk for Prostate Cancer, which will take place SaturPage 4

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day, Aug. 20, at Riverbend Shelter in Genesee Valley Park.

“Building on last year’s successful event that welcomed participants with blue balloons, blue bracelets and blue ribbons, this year blue surgical gloves and blue facemasks will also be available for even greater

is hosted by the Family Recovery Network and is open to the public.

McCauley will highlight studies that demonstrate why humiliation and punishment don’t work in treating addiction. “The model of addiction as a disease is much more fruitful when helping people,” says McCauley. “When we consider it a disease, we can then use a lot of the same thinking that we do for other chronic diseases to solve this problem.” Some of McCauley’s evidence comes from little-known programs that were developed to rehabilitate physicians and commercial pilots who were struggling with chemical addictions.

“We can observe that when you take out the punishment, the treatment success rates go through the roof.”

During the event he will feature highlights from his new movie, “Memo to Self: Protecting Sobriety with the Science of Safety,” which pulls together research with new practices in recovery management.

To learn more, and to register for this free event visit: www.familyrecoverynet.org

May 31

How lifestyle changes can reverse heat disease Physician Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., who worked as a researcher and clinician at the Cleveland Clinic for more than 35 years and is the author of “Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease,” will speak on “Reversing Heart Disease with Lifestyle Changes” at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.,Tuesday, May 31, at the Rochester Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Ave., Rochester. There will be an optional meet-and-greet dinner at 6 p.m.

Esselstyn is the third speaker in the nutrition as medicine lecture series, co-sponsored by Rochester Lifestyle Medicine, PLLC and the Rochester Academy of Medicine.

Esselstyn is also an Olympic gold medalist in rowing, and he was awarded the Bronze Star as an army surgeon in Vietnam. impact,” says Patrick Fisher, chapter leader for Us TOO Rochester and event organizer.

The two-mile walk provides friends and families with an opportunity to rally around a shared cause or honor someone they know who’s been affected by the disease. There will be exhibits, raffles and games for the kids throughout the event. Since dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, Pups for Prostate Cancer are invited and there will be a prize for the leash that best represents the blue theme. Due to potential summer heat, dog costumes and fur coloring are discouraged and only their decorated leashes will be considered for prizes.

Unlike walks that raise funds for much-needed research, proceeds from the event go to S.E.A. (Support, Education and Awareness) programs provided by Us TOO Rochester. Us TOO Rochester is the regional chapter of Us TOO International, a nonprofit organization providing educational resources and support services to the prostate cancer community at no charge. The chapter’s educational seminars are led by subject matter experts. Topics cover a variety of treatment options and the seminars enable men to make informed treatment decisions for their cancer no

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

The cost to attend the event is $20 for each lecture and $25 for the informal meet-and-greet cuisine tasting dinner with the speaker. To purchase tickets go to roclifemed. com.

June 11

Trillium Health’s White Party comes roaring back The fourth annual White Party returns this year, ushering in the summer season. Held at the Rochester Academy of Medicine at 1441 East Ave. in Rochester, the event is Trillium Health’s largest annual fundraising event. It supports the health center’s patient care fund, allowing accessible and affordable health care to members of the LGBTQ community.

White parties have a long international history of raising money for HIV/AIDS organizations. White was chosen to symbolize community solidarity in a way that was non-political and non-combative, and represents the kick-off of summer in Rochester. Cities all over the world come together for annual White Party events to celebrate life and to honor and remember those who have been lost to HIV/AIDS. Trillium Health’s White Party also welcomes two new co-chairs this year. Along with Daniel Mejak and Timothy Wright, James Vesper and Graham Brown lend their expertise in event planning and community engagement.

The event is scheduled at 7 p.m., June 11. A VIP champagne reception begins at 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by ACM Medical Laboratories, Bolton St. John & Macy’s.

Tickets are sold exclusively at Parkleigh at 215 S. Goodman St. and at Trillium Health’s website. General admission tickets are $100 and VIP tickets are $150, including a private reception and champagne toast. For more information the event, visit www.trilliumhealth.org.

Free T-shirt or Early Registration Registration for the Second Annual S.E.A. Blue Ribbon Walk for Prostate Cancer is $30. It’s free for children 13 and younger. Save $10 and get a free event T-shirt by registering online at www.seabluerochester.org by 6 p.m., July 14.

matter where they receive urology or oncology care.

This event is made possible, in part, by AbbVie, Astellas, Bayer, Center for Urology, EDCure.org, Trillium Health, UR Medicine (Imaging, Labs, Radiation Oncology & Urology), Us TOO International and the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Parking for this event is available in the University of Rochester Medical Center employee parking lot on Intercampus Drive. Directions are found at the registration website.

Accessible public restrooms are available along the walk.

To register online, go to www.seabluerochester.org. For more information, send email to ustoorochesterny@ gmail.com or call 585-787-4011 and ask for Patrick.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 5

Stuck with Tax Penalty for Lack of Health Insurance?

Excellus encourages people to sign up for plans that can cost $0 to $20 a month

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f you filed an income tax return and paid a penalty because you had no health insurance last year, consider making a move now to reduce your fine for next year.

If you’re currently uninsured, consider whether you qualify for the new $0 or $20 Essential Plan.

Those who qualify for the plan and enroll by May 15 for coverage starting June 1 could have their 2016 tax penalty reduced from $695 to $290 when they file next year’s tax returns.

“This is the time of year when people become painfully aware of the tax penalty for being uninsured,” said Jim Reed, senior vice president, marketing and sales, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

“But signing up now for the Essential Plan is one way for qualifying individuals to lessen the amount of money they’ll owe next year.”

Those who are eligible for the Essential Plan can enroll in the plan at any time all year long through the NY State of Health marketplace. Eligibility is based on household size and income.

• You’ll likely pay a $0 monthly premium for the Essential Plan if your annual household income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level ($17,655 for a household of one; $36,375 for a household of four).

• You’ll likely pay a monthly premium of $20 for each adult enrolled in the Essential Plan if your annual household income is between 151 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($23,540 for a household of one; $48,500 for a household of four).

The federal penalty for going without health insurance in 2016 is $695 per person, or 2.5 percent of household income — whichever is greater. If you have health coverage for part of the year, you’ll pay about $58 per month, or 2.5 percent of household income, for each month that you are uninsured.

Your tax penalty will increase with each month that you are uninsured.

The Essential Plan provides low-cost coverage and valuable benefits, including: • Access to a wide selection of doctors and hospitals • Routine preventive care checkups, screenings and immunizations for a $0 copayment • No deductible • Prescription drug coverage • $400 a year toward a fitness facility or individual fitness class reimbursement To see if you qualify for the Essential Plan, call Excellus BCBS at 888-370-7098 or go to ChooseExcellus.com/ZeroOption.

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Eva Pressman, M.D. OB-GYN doctor talks about the importance of ‘skin-to-skin’ births even for moms who deliver through C-section. She calls OB-GYN the ‘happy field’ in medicine Q: Give us an overview of your practice.

A: I am the chair of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Rochester. My training, in addition to general obstetrics and gynecology, is in high-risk obstetrics. My practice is mostly high-risk obstetrics.

Q: How did you become interested in the field?

A: It’s the greatest field. It’s the only thing patients anticipate and want to be in the hospital for. So in general it’s a field that’s quite rewarding. Certainly things can and do go wrong, but for the most part it’s a pretty happy field.

Q: You’ve been trying to increase the number of skin-to-skin births in your units. Can you explain what that means and why it’s important?

A: For quite some time now, we have been trying to place newborn infants in contact with the mother’s skin after a vaginal delivery to help with temperature regulation, bonding. In general it’s been shown to improve outcomes and even breast feeding rates. With C-sections, that’s a bit more challenging to do for a few logistical reasons: the surgical field needs to be kept sterile, it’s harder for the mother to hold onto the baby in that position. So recently we’ve been working around that by having extra staff available to help the mother hold the newborn above the operative field.

Q: What is the mechanism for those better outcomes? Why does it matter?

A: With temperature regulation, the mother’s body heat helps keep the baby warm, but not too warm.

It also stimulates oxytocin production, which, in turn, stimulates milk production in the mother’s breasts.

It also helps the mother by causing the uterus to contract, which reduces the amount of bleeding. Skin-to-skin contact also starts the bonding process sooner.

Q: How long has obstetrics known this was important?

A: We’ve known about the benefits about skin-to-skin for along time.

Midwives have been doing it forever and even physicians try to do it with stable patients. It’s just not been introduced into the operating room for C-sections until recently.

Q: Can you talk a bit more about how your staff helps in the latter case?

A: It’s just having knowledgeable staff available who can help a mother who is exhausted and under anesthesia hold the baby in a safe position when she might be unable to. It can be challenging for a family member, who might not have a lot of experience, to do it. The other thing we’ve recently changed is we now have a surgical drape with a clear, plastic window, which can allow the patient to view the baby being born through the C-section. We’re just starting with that, but people have been more interested than I expected.

Q: Anything new to help dads deal with the shock factor? The fainting dad is a kind of a stereotype, but is it something you prepare for medically?

A: The dads have always been able to look over the drape, but we do make them sit down in case it’s more than they can handle. We have staff available to tell them to look away if they don’t want to see certain things, but it usually works out pretty well.

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

Q: Do you think this will have an effect on the C-section rate?

A: I don’t think it will have much of an effect on the C-section rate, but it will, I think, make the experience for mothers who need one a much better experience.

Q: How did you become interested in making this initiative happen?

A: My practice is a high-risk practice, so many of the medical conditions I deal with necessitate C-sections, medically. So I had a large number of patients who weren’t able to benefit from skin-to-skin contact.

Q: How often does obstetrics see substantial advances? How much can you improve on the process of giving birth?

A: It is changing relatively rapidly for a number of reasons. One is that research in other fields used to actively exclude pregnant women due to concerns about the health of the mother and child, the new philosophy is that, by excluding pregnant women or children, you’re actually causing more harm over by not allowing the gathering of information that could help those patients. So our approach to research is that, with the proper safeguards, pregnancy should be included whenever possible. The other thing that has led to greater advances is improvement in research techniques that didn’t exist in the past.

Q: How do you create a safe testing environment for pregnant women?

A: You have to start with what you know about the physiology of pregnancy and then what you know about the physiology of whatever disease you’re studying and understanding how they interact, and what you can alter a little bit at a time. It’s a gradual approach.

Q: Any recent demographic changes in Rochester?

A: I think, in general, the age of pregnant women has continued to go up. Part of that is we’ve done a good job of cutting down on teen pregnancies.

Q: Does the age of the mother affect your ability to do skin-to-skin?

A: Not really, unless you have underlying medical problems, which are more likely as you get older. But until you get to the extremes — late 40s, early 50s — there’s generally not a big concern. We encourage women to get as many of their health issues under control as possible before becoming pregnant. In general, women who are older might be more educated about the benefits of skin-to-skin contact.

Lifelines Name: Eva Pressman, M.D. Position: Henry A. Thied professor and chairwoman of obstetrics and gynecology at The University of Rochester Hometown: Bayside, NY Education: Duke University School of Medicine, where she was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society; residency training in OB-GYN as well as a fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine at Johns Hopkins University.

Career: Assistant professor at Johns Hopkins from 1994 to 1999, where she was also associate director of the OBGYN residency program and director of the Fetal Assessment Center, and of the High Risk Obstetrical Clinic. Move to Rochester in 1999.

Affiliations: University of Rochester Medical System Organizations: Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine Family: Married, three daughters Hobbies: Swimming, skiing, movies

Prescription Drug Makers Must Stop Their Pricing Games

By Mona Chitre

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rug spending in the U.S. approached $300 billion in 2014, up by more than $30 billion over the previous year. That jump in spending didn’t go unnoticed. Seventy-seven percent of respondents to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll said that the high cost of prescription drugs is their top health care priority.

Here’s an example of what’s fueling public concern. Daraprim is a drug prescribed for 25 million people to treat a parasitic infection that mainly threatens individuals with weak immune systems, including pregnant women and HIV and organ transplant patients. You've likely seen the news coverage about Turing Pharmaceuticals buying the U.S. rights to sell Daraprim last August and immediately raising the price from $13.50 to $750 per tablet.

More galling than the 5,000 percent price increase is the fact that this isn’t a new drug with high research and development costs to recoup (the reason often given by drug makers for raising prices). Daraprim has been

around for 60 years.

Turing is following the example of many drug makers, hedge fund managers and others who purchase the rights to old, cheap medicines, which are the only treatments for serious diseases, and then hike prices.

Typically, when a drug’s patent expires, other manufacturers begin to produce lower-priced, generic versions. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is a leading voice in promoting generic medications as being safe, effective and affordable. The average percentage decrease in cost of a generic compared to a brand-name drug is 85 percent.

In the case of Daraprim, a generic version has yet to come to market, even though the drug’s patent expired decades ago. The state Attorney General's office reports it is looking into whether Turing may have taken steps to prevent competition by not permitting Daraprim to be sold in retail pharmacies and instead distributing it only through a small number of specialty pharmacies.

This could prevent generic drug manufacturers from obtaining samples to use in bio-equivalency studies, which would inhibit them from obtaining Food and Drug Administration approval for their generic versions.

So what’s to be done about the pricing and distribution games being played by drug makers?

Public outrage is a start, as evidenced by the Kaiser survey. But that needs to be channeled into a national solution, which avoids other problems, such as price fixing, rationing and stifling research and innovation.

This is the time for elected officials, and those hoping to be elected, to join with medical professionals, health care consumers, insurers and even drug makers to find a solution that allows sick people to get the medications they need at prices they can afford.

Mona M. Chitre, Pharm. D., CGP, is the chief pharmacy officer and vice-president, workplace wellness for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

Healthcare in a Minute

By George W. Chapman

VA privatization?

Recent problems within the VA healthcare system have prompted a special VA commission to consider allowing vets to receive their care at private facilities while the VA begins to close their own hospitals, beginning with the obsolete and little used. Several veteran’s groups have expressed opposition to the proposal saying their opinions have neither been considered nor solicited. The VA operates 150 medical centers and 1,400 outpatient clinics, employs 53,000 licensed professional and cares for 8.3 million vets.

NYS mergers driving up prices

A study by the conservative think tank, the Manhattan Institute, concludes that the 100-plus hospital mergers in NYS have served to only increase costs and decrease competition with no perceptible increase in quality. The institute recommends greater price transparency among hospitals and the establishment of a commission mandated to monitor healthcare consolidation and costs. Mergers that result in price increases would be subject to antitrust litigation.

Accounting firm PWC agrees.

According to its market analysis that included 5,600 hospitals, bigger hospitals have obvious economies of scale advantages over small hospitals; but it doesn’t carry over (so far) when these hospitals merge.

Hospital mergers have not resulted in noteworthy cost savings or improved quality.

Cyber-attacks

The hacking of healthcare data is becoming more frequent and sophisticated. Most of the attacks come from Russia, China and Eastern Europe. Hackers are looking for protected health information and medical technology intellectual property to sell on the black market.

“Ransomware” is designed to destroy backup files and databases unless the victim pays a ransom to have their data unlocked. The FBI is encouraging victims not to pay the ransom as to do so would only encourage the hackers. The defenses against these attacks are costing the healthcare industry billions.

MD assisted suicide

California is moving toward legalizing physician-assisted suicide for the terminally ill. It’s already legal in Washington, Montana and Vermont. Of course, the eventuality of California entering the market has prompted the manufacturer of Seconal, developed over 80 years ago, to gouge the public. In 2009, a lethal dose of Seconal cost about $200. Valeant Pharmaceuticals has raised the price to $3,000.

Employer-sponsored insurance

Many thought the ACA would cause a decline in business-sponsored health insurance. According to the Congressional Budget Office, 57 percent of Americans, about 155 million, will still get insurance through their employer this year. The CBO predicts this will drop slightly to 152 million in three years, but then remain stable through 2026.

The main reason for this stability May 2016 •

is probably employees have come to expect coverage through their employer.

Controlling drug prices

In an effort to control spiraling drug prices, Medicare is trialing a new payment model whereby physicians who prescribe drugs that are cheaper but equally effective as the higher priced options will be rewarded. The thought is to have both the physician and patient do the math. Physicians are still free to prescribe the most expensive drug if they truly believe it is in their patient’s best interest.

War on cancer

This is one war we are actually winning. Cancer-related deaths have decreased from 215 per 100,000 deaths in 1990 to 166 per 100,000 deaths in 2012. That is a 23 percent decrease in just 22 years. Cancer mortality has dropped across the board for all cancers. Since 1990: breast, 36 percent; prostate, 50 percent; colorectal, 39 percent; nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, 28 percent; ovarian, 22 percent; cervical, 34 percent; leukemia, 15 percent; lung, 24 percent; kidney, 12 percent; liver, 70 percent; oral, 29 percent; pancreatic, 3 percent; stomach, 47 percent; thyroid, 25 percent; brain, 10 percent.

NYS No. 21

The annual United Health survey of states ranks No. 1 Vermont as the “healthiest” and No. 50 Louisiana as the “sickest.” The study considers factors like diet, smoking, alcohol

intake and obesity in its ranking.

Measuring and reporting “quality” is expensive

Your physician spends about $40,000 a year in staff time and money just to measure their progress against several quality measures imposed by Medicare and commercial payers. Many are calling into question the return on investment when it comes to value-based payment. What it costs a physician to comply and report almost negates any increased payment or rewards for meeting quality metrics. While measuring and rewarding quality is a laudable goal, the inefficiency in collecting and reporting the data clearly contributes to the negative attitude in the medical profession toward the whole concept.

Good Samaritans

A survey of North Carolina physicians revealed that 93 percent took action in a medical emergency outside of their office. The most common place for emergency services was on an airplane.

George W. Chapman is a health consultant who operates GW Chapman Consulting in Upstate New York.

To reach him, email gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 7

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

On Your Own: Create a Perfect Day!

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f you could do anything your heart desired, how would you spend a perfect day? I was presented with this question a while ago, and it got me thinking. I began to fantasize about what my perfect day would include, and the more I thought about it, the more excited I got about making my perfect day a reality. One of the many benefits of living alone is that you have the freedom to choose exactly how you spend your time and energy.

Maybe you’re looking for some introspective time to yourself. Or maybe you’ve had enough “alone time” lately and would enjoy the company of friends.

Perhaps, like me, your perfect day would include a little bit of both.

And so I set out to plan — and then experience — my perfect day (which, by the way, turned out to be wonderful!). I’m sharing it with you here, in hopes it might inspire you to think about your own perfect day and make it happen.

Like anything worthwhile, creating a perfect day takes a little thought and preparation, but I think you’ll find it’s well worth the effort.

My Perfect Day 6:30 a.m. — Rise And Shine I woke up with the sun, its warm

glow gently coaxing me out of a sound sleep. No alarm clock for me on my perfect day! I shut my eyes for a few more minutes, then rolled out of bed and pulled on yesterday's jeans and a top.

I wanted to get up and out for a leisurely walk up the street, with a cup of coffee cradled in one hand and my cell phone in the other. My sister Anne and I enjoyed our daily walk/ talk, which I cherish.

7:30 a.m. — Read the Newspaper Staying connected with the world-at-large keeps me grounded and informed. After my walk, my perfect day included some quiet time reading the newspaper, while sipping a second cup of coffee. I'm old-fashioned that way, and still get a hard copy of the paper delivered every morning.

I feel less alone and more in sync with all that's going around me when I spend a few peaceful minutes each morning catching up on current events.

8:30 a.m. — Make My Bed That's right: I made my bed.

It's a small, but essential part of my perfect day. When I make my bed and straighten up my bedroom, I feel better about myself. It means I'm taking good care of what matters — me! Later today, when I return to my bedroom, I will walk in and feel

comforted by the how nice and neat everything looks.

9 a.m. — Get Moving Nothing like a few miles on the Stairmaster to get my heart pumping and my perfect day off to an even better start. I loved seeing my buddies at the gym and getting a little exercise bolstered my body, as well as my spirits.

Besides that, I knew I would return home later to indulge in some tasty, decadent delight, and gave myself permission to break at least one of my healthy habits!

paper, and weighed it all down with a rock. This small act put a big spring in my step!

4 p.m. — Take A Nap Need I say more?

Noon — Commune With Nature (And a Friend) As much as I love the month of May, it's still too early to plant and I miss gardening with my dear friend Terry. That’s why my perfect day included a trip to the Highland Park (Lamberton) Conservatory. Terry and I met there to stroll through the colorful spring flower display, enjoy the tranquility, and catch up on each other’s lives.

6:30 p.m. — Share a Meal With People I Love On my perfect day, you'll find me at my sister Anne’s home, enjoying one of her incredible gourmet meals and the good company of her family.

No surprise, I was there today. We ate, we laughed and just hung out (until it was time to do the dishes and I made a bee-line for the door.

Kidding!).

It was a perfect and delicious ending to a perfect day. I was with people I love. What could be better?

10 p.m. — Hit The Sack Early to bed, with a book in hand, is the perfect nightcap for me.

So that’s how I wrapped up my wonderful day.

Before I nodded off to sleep, I asked myself: What made this day so perfect? Why do I feel so content?

The answer came quickly: connections. My perfect day was filled with connections — with myself, with the world at large, with nature, my best friend, and with my family.

What’s your perfect day? Whatever it is, make it happen. If you’re like me, you’ll feel renewed and reinvigorated from the inside out. And that’s a perfect combination.

3:30 p.m. — Commit A "Random Act Of Kindness" My perfect day wouldn't be complete without doing a little something for someone else, without expecting anything in return. It’s a goal I have every day, and this day was no different. On my way home from the conservatory, I saw the contents of my neighbor’s recycling box blown helter-skelter.

So I stopped, gathered up the

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive, empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, New York. For information about her upcoming workshops or to invite Gwenn to speak, call her at 585624-7887, email her at gvoelckers@ rochester.rr.com.

10:30 a.m. — Pamper Myself It wouldn't be a perfect day, if I didn't spend some important "me time," getting pampered. On my last birthday, I was given a gift certificate for a Swedish massage. I booked it last week, in preparation for my perfect day, and I looked forward to it for days. It goes without saying . . . it was perfect!

U.S. Autism Rate Unchanged at 1 in 68 Kids: CDC The autism rate among schoolaged children in the United States has held steady in recent years, but it's too early to determine whether rates are stabilizing, according to a federal government report released in April.

The autism rate was one in 68 children in 2012, the same as it was in 2010, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC gets its numbers from monitoring autism among 8-yearolds in 11 communities in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah and Wisconsin.

One expert has a theory as to why the numbers haven't budged since 2010.

"This probably reflects the fact that screening methods — which

have been implemented in pediatric primary care as well as in early childhood centers — are identifying the correct number of children," said Dr. Ron Marino, associate chair of pediatrics at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, Long Island region.

He believes that, prior to 2010, there was a "learning curve" among doctors when it came to properly diagnosing autism spectrum disorders.

Teenage Girls Now Try Alcohol Before Boys Do: Study

drinking," she added.

Cheng also pointed to advertising that targets girls by promoting sweet, fruit-flavored drinks, such as wine coolers, which are popular among underage girls who drink.

Most strategies to curb underage drinking are aimed at boys, Cheng said. But given these new findings, more policies are needed to reduce underage drinking among girls, she said.

For the study, Cheng and her colleagues collected data on about 390,000 U.S. teens and young adults aged 12 to 24 who took part in government surveys on drug use and health from 2002 to 2013.

The researchers found that in mid-adolescence, girls are more likely to start drinking than boys. After age 19, boys went on to drink more

than girls, the researchers added.

However, a 2015 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found adult women are catching up to men when it comes to using and abusing alcohol.

"We found that over that period of time, differences in measures such as current drinking, number of drinking days per month, reaching criteria for an alcohol use disorder and driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year, all narrowed for females and males," report author Aaron White, senior scientific adviser to the director of the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, said at the time.

"Males still consume more alcohol, but the differences between men and women are diminishing," White added.

KIDS Corner

When it comes to drinking, the gender gap is disappearing, experts say

I

t's probably not a milestone that will do many feminists proud, but teenage girls in the United States now start to drink alcohol sooner than boys do, a new study shows.

"This is becoming a public health issue," said lead researcher, physician Hui Cheng, an adjunct assistant professor at Michigan State University.

"We really don't know why girls are surpassing boys — that's the next Page 8

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question we want to answer," she said.

Among the possible explanations, according to Cheng: drinking has become more socially acceptable.

Also, because girls typically reach puberty sooner, some start engaging in risky behaviors such as drinking earlier. It might also be that younger girls are spending time with older boys, "so there is more exposure to

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

National Stroke Awareness Month

5

Things You Need To Know About Stroke

By Chris S. Burke, MD

S

troke is a leading cause of disability in the United States where blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. Studies show that given the choice between a disabling stroke or death, most adults would choose the latter. Here are five things to know about stroke:

n 1. Most People Don’t Recognize a Stroke In fact, only 20 percent of stroke victims recognize the major signs of stroke. n 2. There Are Three Major Signs of Stroke The abrupt onset of any of the following signs indicates a 70 percent chance a stroke is occurring. If there are two or more signs, the chance is greater than 80 percent. a) Facial droop b) Arm (or leg) weakness c) Slurred or incomprehensible speech There are other signs of stroke, including abrupt vision loss, tingling or numbness on one side of the face or body, or severe headache with confusion or any of the above symptoms. n 3. Stroke is a Medical Emergency Few patients arrive at the hospital in time to be treated for stroke, in part from failure to recognize a stroke or act upon it. Each minute during a stroke, up to 1.9 million brain cells die. If you suspect stroke, call 911. n 4. Stroke Almost Always Occurs Without Warning It is called a “stroke” for a reason: You are “struck down” and usual-

ly with no warning. A handful of patients will have a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, in advance of a stroke, where stroke symptoms occur but resolve spontaneously. This is an ominous sign that stroke may be imminent. Patients with TIA, as in stroke, should be seen in the hospital immediately. n 5. Stroke Is Preventable More than 90 percent of strokes are associated with risk factors we can treat. People commonly know medical risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and atrial fibrillation. But there are just as many lifestyle risk factors, including heavy alcohol use, smoking, poor dietary choices and sedentary life style.

See your doctor to assess your risk of stroke and have your medical risk factors treated. Follow a healthy diet, limit alcohol to one drink for women and one to two drinks for men per day, stop smoking and increase your activity. In doing so, you’ll go a long way to preventing what many consider to be a fate worse than death – stroke.

Chris S. Burke, MD, is associate chairman, stroke, inpatient neurology and teleneurology at Rochester Regional Health. He is also the medical director at Unity Stroke Center, Unity Hospital.

Serving Monroe and Ontario Counties in good A monthly newspaper published

Health Rochester–GV Healthcare Newspaper

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

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

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

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

Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Writers: Jim Miller, Deborah J. Sergeant, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, George W. Chapman, Jessica Gaspar, Mona Chitre (Pharm. D.), Chris S. Burke (MD), Ernst Lamothe, Jr., Advertising: Donna Kimbrell, Anne Westcott Layout & Design: Eric J. Stevens • Office Manager: Alice Davis 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.

May 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 9

SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating

Why Eating Mangoes Does a Body Good

M

y mother adored mangoes: the tropical taste, the luscious texture, the yummy smell. And I adored her for adoring a fruit that seemed inconsistent with her crisp, tidy nature. An apple? Yes. A mango? Total surprise. On that sweet note — and because it’s May — I dedicate this month’s column to mangoes, the world’s most popular fruit, and a quite nutritious one to boot.

Thanks to its bounty of a natural sugar called fructose, mangoes are an excellent source of steady energy.

Unlike sucrose (refined table sugar that has been stripped of its nutrients) or the fructose-based sweeteners used in processed foods, the fructose in mangoes — and all fruits, for that matter — is digested more slowly because of the fruit’s fiber.

One cup of sliced mangoes weighs about 3 grams.

The American Diabetes Association supports the consumption of fruits, even fruits that have more natural sugar in them — like mangoes, pineapples and grapes.

Yes, they have carbs; and yes, their intake requires monitoring; but — just like many starchy vegetables — they’re simply too delicious and too nutritious to pass up.

What kinds of nutrients do mangoes bring to the table?

We don’t have space here to review all 20 vitamins and minerals — yes, 20! — but we can talk about the top three: vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B6. One cup of sliced mangoes boasts 75 percent of our daily needs for vitamin C, 25 percent of our needs for vitamin A, and 11 percent for vitamin B6.

A powerful antioxidant and essential nutrient, vitamin C works hard to keep our tissues and immune system in great shape. Although no studies confirm that vitamin C prevents colds, it may shorten the length of a cold. Vitamin A is needed for proper bone growth, reproduction, eyesight and immune system health, while vitamin B6 plays a “behind the scenes” role in all kinds of key functions, from brain development during pregnancy to helping the body make hormones that affect mood.

On the research front, recent studies conducted at Texas A&M University suggest that mangoes may have cancer-fighting properties.

According to physician Susanne Talcott, “Our team found that a compound in mangoes prevented or stopped cancer growth in certain breast and colon cell lines.”

And contrary to what their sweet flavor may suggest, mangoes score fairly low in calories (only 100 per

sliced cup) and super low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol (as in zero). As for carbs, one cup of sliced mangoes has about as much as one medium apple or banana: 25 grams.

Helpful tips

Don’t focus on color when choosing a mango. The red color that appears on some varieties is not an indicator of ripeness. Always judge by feel: a ripe mango will give slightly when squeezed. Mangoes will continue to ripen at room temperature. Once ripe, move mangoes to the refrigerator, where they may be stored for up to five days. Note: Those with a latex allergy may also have a cross-reaction to mangoes.

Mango-Swirled Cheesecake Perfect for Mother’s Day!

Crust: ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon water

Filling: 2 large ripe mangoes 3 (8-ounce) blocks fat-reduced cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 large eggs Garnishes: fresh mango slices, blueberries, toasted coconut Preheat oven to 375 F.. To prepare crust, combine first three ingredients, tossing with a fork. Add vanilla and water, tossing with a fork until moist and crumbly. Gently press mixture into bottom of lightly oiled nine-inch springform pan. Bake at 375 F. for eight minutes. Remove from oven,

and turn oven down to 325 F. Peel the mangoes and slice off the flesh (discard the seed); transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.

Pour into a small glass measuring cup; set aside.

To prepare filling, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla; beat well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in half of mango puree.

Pour into prepared crust. Spoon remaining mango puree over filling, and swirl together using the tip of a knife. Bake at 325 F. for one hour and 20 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven, and cool to room temperature.

Cover and chill at least eight hours.

Garnish with fresh mango slices, berries or toasted coconut (optional).

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

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

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

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

Golden Years Longevity of a 60-year old: A Woman to Reach 84; Man, 81

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

H

ow long should you expect to live? It's longer than it was a generation ago. Susan M. Friedman, geriatrician and associate professor of medicine at University of Rochester Medical Center, said that although it differs among the races, a 60-year-old woman should likely live another 24 years and a man, about 21.

"Since the turn of the last century, overall life expectancy has increased hugely," Friedman said. "In 1900, the life expectancy at birth was about 47 years, and now it is closer to 79."

Reduction of child mortality rates and maternal deaths, as well as improvements in sanitation, environment and the ability to treat infecFriedman tious disease have helped statistically increase the

average lifespan.

Although overall lifespan has increased in the past 30 years, the anticipated longevity once a person reaches age 60 has improved only by two or three years.

"The reason for that is complex," Freidman said. "In part, we have swapped chronic disease for acute disease. And there are some ominous data to suggest that individuals who are middle-aged now are more unhealthy than people of the same age 20 years ago."

She points to increases in sedentary behavior, obesity and poor eating habits as to why people experience issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease which can culminate in heart attack or stroke.

Though the medical community has progressed in treating some chronic diseases, "as people develop multiple chronic diseases and become more frail, they often develop functional impairments that require more than just a strict medical approach to care," Freidman said.

May 2016 •

"The availability and integration of medical and social services becomes increasingly important with age and frailty."

Eating a healthful diet can help prevent many health issues as you age. Friedman encourages eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and plant-sourced foods while eschewing processed foods.

Don't use tobacco products.

Any alcohol consumed should be in moderation.

"Get a good night’s sleep," Friedman said. "Manage stress. Maintain a healthy weight."

Courtney C. Harris, physical therapist and inpatient coordinator with Geneva General Hospital, said that regular exercise can "not only keep joints limber, but your muscles strong. Muscles are helpful in protecting joints. What you don't use, you lose. If you don't move, muscles atrophy and they can't protect joints so they hurt even more when you do move."

Strive to exercise vigorously for 30 minutes most days of the week,

such as briskly walking or playing an active sport you enjoy. Get involved with a fitness program, physical activity class or walking club. The socialization helps you stay motivated and can help you stay connected, which is another factor in aging well.

Registered nurse Pam Taylor, a healthcare coordination project leader for Lifespan in Rochester, encourages retirees to stay social by volunteering, meeting with friends and family, and attending enrichment classes.

"There are lots of free classes at the Taylor Y," she said.

It's also important to remain vigilant about your health. Write down questions you have for your doctor. At routine appointments, ask questions about your health. Follow doctor's orders, and take any prescription medications. Ask the doctor or nurse if you don't understand.

Pharmacists may also help you understand prescription directions.

"If you aren't comfortable with your caregiver, it's okay to change," Taylor said. "A doctor may not be as up-to-date. Or maybe it's time to find a geriatrician."

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 11

Devices Help Those with Arthritis Wide variety of products helps the daily life of those who suffer from arthritis

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Small assistance devices can make a big difference in pain levels for people living with arthritis.

Many items are widely available through websites, specialty catalogs, retailers and large pharmacies and others may be made at home.

For people new to such devices, it may seem overwhelming to think of how to help themselves or a loved one.

Potentially painful small hand movements comprise so many activities of daily living.

That's why experts like Carol T. Van Bork, occupational therapist and certified hand therapist at Rochester Regional Health, underscores the general principles of joint protection.

"Enlarge or extend a handle," she said. "If it's larger, you don't have to grip as hard."

Longer handles also give greater leverage to people using them.

Requiring less effort for tasks helps spare strain on the hands. Simple replacements such as roller ball or gel pens instead of standard ballpoint pens make writing easier since the hand doesn't have to press on the paper so hard.

Van Bork suggested spring-powered scissors as another handy device. She likes the OXO brand of kitchen equipment (www.oxo.com, and at many retailers), which is made with larger diameter handles and universal functionality. Peeling potatoes, opening cans, stirring soups and more chores are much easier.

Arthritic hands grip enlarged pens with foam barrels easier, too. Or, slip a foam curler over regular-sized writing instruments. Larger grips can also augment handles of various kinds, such as canes, walkers, drawer pulls and knobs.

"We suggest larger sizes or foam to slip on," Van Bork said.

She suggests using rubber pads to open jars and bottles. Opening these and pop-top cans challenge many people with arthritis. Devices such as Magic Opener (www.magicopener.com) add leverage and increase the grip without requiring the user to grasp a small cap or pull tab.

Electric openers take the pain from opening cans. Van Bork also suggested reducing effort by using sharp knives, a food processor and a stand mixer.

Pre-cut vegetables, fixing from the store salad bar and potatoes that are frozen or dehydrated can help out when arthritis flares up.

"If you have a bad day, you have other options," Van Bork said.

Use lighter weight plates. Van Bork suggested paper plates or brands such as Corelle ware instead of stoneware. (As a bonus, Corelle pieces are easily replaceable should you break one.)

Choose lighter weight utensils Page 12

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

with larger diameter handles.

Many devices can help you with hobbies, such as playing card holders, larger-handled, ergonomic gardening tools, and spring-loaded pruners.

Split keyboards can help some people type more comfortably, since they keep the hands in a more natural position. Gel-filled wrist rests for keyboard and mouse offer support, too. They're available at most office supply stores.

Courtney C. Harris, physical therapist and inpatient coordinator with Geneva General Hospital, said that cutting up a roll of foam or swimming pool noodle can offer an inexpensive way to build up many kinds of handles. By cutting the length needed and then slitting one side of the pool noodle, it can slip over canes, hair brushes, drawer pulls, and levers of all sorts.

Personal care can suffer if it becomes too painful. April Beckwith, occupational therapist with Geneva General Hospital, recommends nail clippers "with a long and built-up handle; that helps," she said. "You want to focus on built-up handles.

That's much easier."

She also tells clients with arthritis to try a long-handled sponge or soap on a rope as easier options for bathing than gripping a washcloth.

Devices can aid in dressing, too.

"If it's hard to hold onto socks, we use Sock Aid," Beckwith said. "It has large handles on the sides. Long shoe horns can help, too."

Both are available at Walmart stores.

Some people with arthritis with whom she works opt for elastic shoe laces or slip-on shoes to avoid tying.

Zipper pulls and button hooks can make dressing easier as well.

"For women who wear bracelets, Bracelet Buddy makes it easier for putting on and taking off bracelets," Beckwith said. "You can adapt necklaces to be magnetic instead of hooked."

Bracelet Buddy is available at www.braceletbuddy.com and in specialty catalogues. Zipper pulls and magnetic adapters are listed on www.wdrake.com.

Using housecleaning tools with large handles instead of rags reduces stress on the hands. Cat owners can buy lightweight litter instead of the standard clay litter so they can keep their pet healthy and comfortable while going easier on their own hands as they lift the box to empty.

"Joint protection includes respecting pain, resting between work and rest," Van Bork said. "Use joints in a stable position. Avoid positions of deformity. Don't put stress on the thumb side."

Golden Years Diabetes Steals Years, Adds Disabilities Middle-aged adults will lose more than three years because of the disease, study estimates

A

dults with diabetes die earlier and suffer longer with disabilities than men and women without the blood-sugar disease, researchers are reporting.

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes will shorten the lives of 50-year-old men and women by more than three years. And only about 13 of their remaining years will be disability-free, the new study found.

"People with diabetes are spending a significant proportion of life with disability," said lead researcher Dianna Magliano. She is head of the diabetes and population health laboratory at Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia.

Elevated blood sugar levels associated with diabetes lead to blood vessel complications that can cause vision loss, movement problems and amputations. Other disabilities not usually tied to diabetes include a decline in brain functioning, Magliano said.

"We need to undertake research to understand the mechanisms by which diabetes leads to disability," she added. "This will then help with

the development of strategies to prevent disability in diabetes, which in turn may lead to more years lived disability-free."

The researchers estimated life expectancy and years lived with disability using data from Australian diabetes and death registries.

At age 50, a diabetic man can expect to live another 30 years, on average — about 17 of them with disability. A woman that age with diabetes will likely live about 34 years, but she will be burdened with disabilities for roughly 21 of those years, the study authors estimated.

Compared to their healthy peers, diabetic men will lose 8.2 years of living without disability and women 9.1 years, the researchers said.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 13

Golden Years

St. Ann’s: Thinking Outside the Box St. John’s leadership, staff, residents, and special guests cut the ribbon at a dedication ceremony for the Rose Neighborhood at St. John’s Home in March.

The Rose Neighborhood represents the first step in the organization’s Small Homes Project, which aims to reimagine what a nursing home can be.

Home Sweet Nursing Home Rochester-based long-term care facilities empowering residents

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

T

here are so many ways that using the word “home” has become part of the fabric of our language.

Whether it’s phrases such as “home is where the heart is”, “there is no place like home” or the sadder “you can never go home again”, the word has become more meaningful than simply being a place to rest your head.

Nursing home and long termcare organizations understand that concept and are making changes that would have been taboo years ago.

First, St. John’s Home in Rochester is in the midst of its “Small Homes Project” where the massive, six-story building on Highland Avenue is slowly morphing floor by floor from a traditional space into smaller, more personalized homes for residents.

The project features a welcoming dining room table and communal kitchen where meals will be prepared with help from the residents themselves. It washes away the old images of food being delivered on trays.

Residents will get to know one another and their caretakers more easily than ever before.

“When you have one person

who is taking care of your medicine, another taking care of your social aspects, another overseeing your dining and someone else who oversees your mental health, that is often too much fragmented care in long-term services, which really hurts people,” said Rebecca Priest, administrator of skilled services at St. John’s Home.

“That model may work at a hospital where your stay is going to be much shorter, but it doesn’t work at a place you are supposed to call home.”

Recently, St. John's Home held a ceremony with residents to dedicate the first of this large-scaled project that completely re-imagines the nursing room floors. In this case, it was the Rose Neighborhood on the sixth floor of the Reservoir Building that was renovated. It is one of the first of many steps that is changing the look of nursing homes.

St. John’s employee Kris Angevine, who has worked in the healthcare profession for more than a decade locally, said residents should have as many choices and as much autonomy as possible.

“You can’t have a top-down structure,” she said. “You have to empower the residents to take control of their living situation.”

Another change is staff eats with

residents in hopes of forming a more family feel culture. With any change, there is always some resistance, but Angevine has already heard from staff about the positives.

“I had someone come to me and tell me at first she wasn’t necessarily onboard with the new strategy,” said Angevine. “She told me now she is completely onboard, loves the new strategy and for the first time she said her job has true meaning. That was so special for me to hear.”

Cherie Palmer, a St. John’s nurse, loves the new environment at her facility. She has been in the profession for quite some time and views this structure as the best in her career, including residents and nurses eating together.

“I came from the old-school philosophy that if you were eating with your residents, that meant you weren’t working hard enough and it was going to be a negative on you as an employee,” said Palmer.

“Residents do feel like this is their home and not a nursing home. We have to understand seniors feel like so much has been taken away. They have lost so much when they have to leave their original homes and go to longer-term care. We are here to give them back the sense of ownership.”

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People born between 1945-1965 (baby boomer generation) are 5 times more likely to be infected with Hep C. Page 14

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

Susan Murty, St. Ann’s Community administrator, said the organization has continued to think of new, engaging and creative programming for its residents throughout the past few years.

It has given residents more control over their social needs and integrated them into the running of their home. She said because each resident brings value in their own ways, officials are tapping into those skills and even using them as volunteers at the nursing home.

“What we have done here is our residents work in our facility, whether it is in the pharmacy department to organize, count drugs and help our technicians or other departments at St. Ann’s,” says Murty. “This is just another way that nursing homes and long-term care facilities are doing what is needed to embrace and execute the patient-centered culture.

You can tell that our residents feel connected in a more meaningful way because they are part of making their homes run the way they want.”

Murty said too often in past decades, nursing home facilities nationwide focused on forcing residents to do arts and crafts instead of real engagement. The first key was listening to residents and expanding the notion of what a facility can truly be. It has worked well for St. Ann’s and its residents.

“Our residents really are an incredible benefit to our organization,” said Murty. “They also provide an incredible benefit to the community.

We have programs with local schools where we bus children to our homes and you wouldn’t believe the interpersonal connection the residents and kids have for each other. They really establish a connection over the years and the kids look forward to seeing the residents who they have made a connection with and vice versa.”

Murty views the shift in philosophy as a growing trend in the future.

She is pleased that St. Ann’s continues to look at new and viable ways to make their residents feel a sense of involvement. “It is our job to make sure our seniors feel fulfilled and have meaningful interactions and establish strong relationships.”

259 Monroe Ave at Monroe Square Rochester, New York 14607 585.545.7200 | trilliumhealth.org

Meet Your Provider Your hearing affects many aspects of your life that can directly affect your health, safety and longevity. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that hearing loss has been linked to a higher risk of dying for older men, especially from cardiovascular disease.

Here are five ways how the use of hearing aids can contribute to a longer, healthier life. n Balance: Statistics show that falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among the elderly. Even when the falls aren’t fatal, 20 to 30 percent of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as cuts, broken bones and head injuries. n Safety in an emergency: What about the ability to be aware of your environment when it comes to safety? Unfortunately most warnings that keep us safe are high frequency sounds likely to go unheard by a person with hearing loss. Not being able to hear these important sounds can put you at risk, so having hearing aids can help you to hear these sounds and keep you out of danger. n Alzheimer’s and dementia: Research has shown that people who treat their hearing loss are at less risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Since studies have also shown that people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia have about one-half the life expectancy after diagnosis

You already know hearing aids lead to better hearing, and potentially a better quality of life.

But did you know hearing aids might also help to extend your life?

than people who do not have Alzheimer’s, it stands to reason that getting treatment for hearing loss can increase longevity. n Social isolation: When you have hearing loss, becoming socially isolated is a real danger. Whether out of depression, embarrassment or frustration, many with hearing loss cut themselves off. Hearing aids help you communicate with your friends and loved ones, allow you to remain a part of the conversation, and re-engage in life. n Depression and anxiety: Untreated hearing loss often leads to depression and anxiety, as well as other serious mental health issues. People with mental health issues tend to have shorter life spans than their peers that do not have depression or anxiety.

If you think you might have hearing loss, make an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional. Because getting your hearing checked might not just give you a better life; it could give you a longer life as well.

Robert Sinibaldi is a hearing aid dispenser and a native of Kenmore, near Buffalo.

Robert became interested in hearing health in order to make a difference in people’s lives.

He graduated from Erie Community College with an associate’s degree in 1990.

He later graduated from Westwood College with a bachelor’s degree in sales and marketing management in 2010.

A member of the International Hearing Society, Robert most recently worked in the hearing health field with Miracle Ear from 2007 to 2013. With the HearUSA family since November 2013, he is excited to share his expertise with the patients in the Rochester area.

"My goal is to build a relationship with each individual, to improve that person's ability to communicate and, therefore, He lives in the Town of Tonawanda where he quality of life. Helping someone hear better begins with spends his leisure time camping, hunting, fishing comprehensive audiometric evaluation and appropriate and riding his Harley motorcycle. He enjoys taking instrument selection, and continues with ongoing patient in local events and attending bike shows with his care throughout the life of the hearing aids." ~Robert Sinibaldi Harley.

HearUSA • 585-225-1100 • 1100 Long Pond Road, Suite 110 • Rochester

May 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 15

The Social Ask Security Office

Top Health Issues for Seniors

From the Social Security District Office

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

P

hysician Joseph DiPoala Jr., a Rochester internist in private practice and president at Monroe County Medical Society, discusses some of the top health issues that affect most seniors.

1

Physical Activity and Nutrition

“There is nothing more important than physical activity, especially for seniors,” says DiPoala. “Older adults benefit greatly from exercise. I have to oftentimes help patients overcome the misconception that they can be too old to exercise.”

DiPoala says there are diverse reasons why staying in shape becomes essential for seniors.

“It you are somebody who moves, then you are more likely to increase your balance and endurance,” he adds. “Making sure you maintain flexibility is one of the biggest concerns that older adults can have. Even something like regularly walking can make the biggest difference.”

2

Overweight and Obesity

Like exercise, seniors eating habits are often not good if they live and eat alone. It's important for successful aging to eat foods rich in nutrients and avoid the empty calories in candy and sweets. Being overweight or obese increases their chances of dying from hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, dyslipidemia and endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

“We do have a large obesity problem overall and your metabolism slows down as you age,” says DiPoala. “When people stop paying attention of their diet and the nutrients they need, it can lead to diabetes and heart disease, which is the number one killer.”

3

Tobacco

Tobacco is the single greatest preventable cause of illness and premature death in the U.S. Tobacco use is now called "Tobacco dependence disease." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that smokers who try to quit are more successful when they have the support of their physician.

“There are a lot of people suffering from the effects of smoking. It can lead to a higher risk of stroke,” says DiPoala. “There are people dealing with emphysema and blocked arteries.”

4

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse usually means drugs and alcohol. These are two areas we don't often associate with seniors, but seniors, like young people, may self-medicate using legal and illegal drugs and alcohol, which can lead to serious health consequences. In addition, seniors may deliberately or unknowingly Page 16

•

Physician Joseph DiPoala. mix medications and use alcohol.

“This is such a true misconception. As people get older, they don’t modify their drinking,” adds DiPoala. “They keep drinking the same amount as when they are younger and drinking can be a big issue as you get older.”

5

Mental Health

Dementia is not part of aging. Dementia can be caused by disease, reactions to medications, vision and hearing problems, infections, nutritional imbalances, diabetes, and renal failure. There are many forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and some can be temporary. With accurate diagnosis comes management and help. However, the most common late-in-life mental health condition is depression. If left untreated, depression in the elderly can lead to suicide.

“While there still needs to be additional progress made for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, there are plenty of studies that show physical activity continues to strong mental health,” says DiPoala. “What I tell my patients is that they need to do regular physician visits so that any early signs can be seen. You have to identify the start of any problems so you can address the conditions before it gets worse.”

6

Injury

Among seniors, falls are the leading cause of injuries, hospital admissions for trauma, and deaths due to injury. One in every three seniors (age 65 and older) will fall each year. Strategies to reduce injury include exercises to improve balance and strength and medication review. Home modifications can help reduce injury. Home security is needed to prevent intrusion. Homebased fire prevention devices should be in place and easy to use. People aged 65 and older are twice as likely to die in a home fire as the general population.

“Falls are one of the greatest threats to seniors,” says DiPoala.

“That is why we stress the need for strength and balance because it keeps the muscles strong.”

Research indicates that staying physically active can help prevent or delay certain diseases, including some cancers, heart disease and diabetes. It also relieves depression and improve mood.

“Also we tell patients to watch their medication because some overthe-counter prescriptions can cause side effects of people losing balance so that is definitely a question you can ask,” says DiPoala.

R

What is FICA?

eceiving your first paycheck is an empowering milestone.

Do you remember being a little shocked by the taxes that Uncle Sam takes out of each paycheck?

Understanding how important your contribution is takes some of the sting away because your taxes are helping millions of Americans — and financially securing your today and tomorrow.

By law, employers must withhold Social Security taxes from workers’ paychecks. While usually referred to as “Social Security taxes” on an employee’s pay statement, sometimes the deduction is labeled as “FICA.” This stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act, a reference to the original Social Security Act. In some cases, you will see “OASDI,” which stands for Old Age Survivors Disability Insurance, the official name for the Social Security Insurance program.

The taxes you pay now mean a lifetime of protection — for retirement in old age or in the event of disability. And when you die, your family (or future family) may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work as well.

Right now you probably have family members — grandparents, for example — who already are enjoying Social Security benefits that your Social Security taxes help provide. Social Security is solvent now and will be through 2033. At that point, we’ll be able to fund retirement benefits at 75 percent unless changes are made to the law. In the past, Social Security has evolved to meet the needs of a changing population — and you can count on Social security in the future.

Q&A Q: I received a notice from Social Security recently. It said my name and Social Security number do not match Social Security’s records.

What should I do?

A: It’s critical that your name and Social Security number, as shown on your Social Security card, match your employer’s payroll records and your W-2 form. If they don’t, here is what you need to do: • Give your employer the correct information exactly as shown on your Social Security card or your corrected card; or • Contact your local Social Security office (www.socialsecurity.gov/ locator) or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) if your Social Security card does not show your correct name or Social Security number.

For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

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

Because you’re a long way from retirement, you may have a tough time seeing the value of benefit payments that could be many decades in the future. But keep in mind that the Social Security taxes you’re paying can provide valuable disability or survivors benefits in the event the unexpected happens. Studies show that of today’s 20-year-olds, about one in four will become disabled, and about one in eight will die, before reaching retirement.

Be warned: if an employer offers to unlawfully pay you “under the table,” you should refuse. They may try to sell it as a benefit to you since you get a few extra dollars in your net pay. But you’re really only allowing the employer to deprive you from earning your Social Security credits.

This could keep you from qualifying for any benefits, or result in you receiving less than you should.

Also, don’t carry your Social Security card around with you. It’s an important document you should safeguard and protect. If it’s lost or stolen, it could fall into the hands of an identity thief.

Check out our webinar, "Social Security 101: What's in it for me?"

The webinar explains what you need to know about Social Security. You can find it at http://go.usa.gov/ cdNeY. If you’d like to learn a little more about Social Security and exactly what you’re earning for yourself by paying Social Security taxes, take a look at our online booklet, How You Earn Credits, at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/10072.html.

You can also learn more at www. socialsecurity.gov.

Q: How do I report a lost Social Security card?

A: You don’t have to report a lost Social Security card. In fact, reporting a lost or stolen card to Social Security won’t prevent misuse of your Social Security number. You should let us know if someone is using your number to work (call 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-800-325-0778).

If you think someone is using your number, there are several other actions you should take: • Contact the Federal Trade Commission online at www.ftc.gov/ bcdp/edu/microsites/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); • File an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov; • Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit by calling 1-800-908-4490, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and • Monitor your credit report.

By Jim Miller

Booster Shots Recommended for Seniors Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 65 and would like to find out what types of vaccinations are recommended to Medicare beneficiaries, and how they are covered.

Health Conscious Dear Conscious, Most people think that vaccinations are just for kids, but adults, especially seniors who tend to have weaker immune systems, need their shots too. Here’s a rundown of what vaccines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend for seniors 65 and older, and how they’re covered by Medicare.

Flu (Influenza): While you probably already know that flu shots are recommended every fall to all seniors, you may not know that those over 65 also have the option of getting a high-dose flu vaccine instead of a regular flu shot. This vaccine — known as the Fluzone High-Dose — has four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot does, which creates a stronger immune response for better protection. All annual flu shots are covered under Medicare Part B. Td/Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis): A one-time dose of the Tdap vaccine, which covers tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) is recommended to all adults. If you’ve already had a Tdap shot, you should return to getting a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster shot every 10 years. All Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover these vaccinations.

Pneumococcal: This vaccine protects against pneumonia, which kills about 50,000 Americans each year. It’s now recommended that all seniors, 65 or older, get two separate vaccines — Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23 — at different times. Medicare Part B covers both shots if they are taken at least 11 months apart.

Shingles (zoster): Caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, shingles is a painful, blistering skin rash that affects more than 1 million Americans each year. All people over age 60 should get the Zostavax vaccine, even if they’ve had shingles

before. All Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover this one-time vaccination, but coverage amounts and reimbursement rules vary depending on where the shot is given.

Check your plan.

Varicella (chickenpox): If you’ve never had the chicken pox, this two-dose vaccine (called Varivax) is recommended to adults, and is also covered by Medicare Part D plans.

Hepatitis A: This is a two-dose series of shots recommended to adults that have chronic liver disease, a clotting-factor disorder, have samesex male partners, illicit injectable drug use, or who have close contact with a hepatitis A-infected individual or who travel to areas with a high incidence of hepatitis A. These shots are covered by Medicare Part D drug plans.

Hepatitis B: This three-dose series is recommended to adults who are on dialysis, have renal disease or liver disease, are sexually active with more than one partner, have a sexually transmitted disease or HIV. These vaccinations are covered under Medicare Part B. Meningococcal: Adults 56 and older, who have had their spleen removed, have certain blood deficiencies or plan to travel to parts of the world where meningitis is common, should receive the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine. This is covered by Medicare Part D. To help you get a handle on which vaccines are appropriate for you, take the CDC’s “What Vaccines Do You Need?” quiz at www2.cdc. gov/nip/adultimmsched. Also, talk to your doctor during your next visit about what vaccinations you should get.

If you can’t remember which vaccines you’ve already had, check with your past doctors to see if they have any records, or contact your state’s health department. Some agencies have vaccination registries (see vaccineinformation.org/state-immunization-programs) that may help you.

If you can’t locate your records, your doctor can give you blood tests to see if you’re immune to certain vaccine-preventable diseases. Or, they may just give you the shot. It’s safe to repeat vaccines, according to the CDC.

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

May 2016 •

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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

•

Page 17

NURSES WEEK

MAY 6-12

too.

NICU Nursing: Caring for the Tiniest Patients

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

N

urses in a hospital's neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU) care for premature, sick and injured newborns. Because of their patient's needs, their role differs from nurses in other parts of the hospital in a few important ways.

Jean Livingston, nurse manager for the NICU and newborn nursery at University of Rochester Medical Center, said that NICU nurses are "the voice of the babies. They can't speak up for themselves. They're a

protector so that everything goes right for that baby and that family."

Nurses care for the same babies each time they come in so they can recognize patterns. They look for cues and vital sign changes to know if babies are uncomfortable. Since babies don't sleep through the night, the NICU is staffed with the same number of nurses for the night shift as the day shift. Many families room in with the baby, so they need roundthe-clock access to the nurses' help,

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"They become friends with patients' families," Livingston said. "It's the NICU nurses' responsibility to teach the parents about their babies, like feeding help and if the child goes home on oxygen."

Most people possess little familiarity with the NICU environment.

The clear incubators, monitor leads, feeding tubes and beeping monitors may intimidate parents. That's why NICU nurses can help parents understand the aspect of their child's care and ways they can begin parenting right at the NICU. NICU nurses also help parents through the mourning process. At the very least, parents grieve the loss of the normal pregnancy and may face their child's disability or death.

Parents expecting to go home with a healthy baby now face an extended hospital stay fraught with uncertainty. Nurses help keep parents updated about their child's condition, which can change from day to day, and encourage bonding with the child, despite unusual circumstances.

Nurses also help look out for the babies' security. Kidnappings are rare, but still a possibility which NICU personnel work to prevent through various safety protocols.

Though URMC's 68-bed NICU, staffed with 250 nurses, is in the Golisano Children's Tower, which requires a special badge to access,

nurses remain vigilant to make sure only the baby's parents and guest visiting with them may see their own child.

"It's hard to steal a baby from the NICU because nearly all the babies are on monitors; however, we have electronic bracelets and if someone tries to move a baby and we haven't removed the bracelet, the whole unit shuts down," said Patrick Hopkins, University of Rochester School of Nursing professor who also works in the NICU on weekends.

If a baby's monitor leads are removed, an alarm alerts nurses. A receptionist checks who's coming in the locked unit and a security camera records who's coming and going.

Visitors must also sign in.

Legislators enacted HIPAA regulations to protect patients' privacy.

They include the hospital's tiniest patients as well. Though it may seem hard for some visitors to not peek at newborns, they're permitted to see only the babies they have come to visit.

NICU nurses at URMC complete a six-month orientation, half is formal and half involves a mentor who teaches them both about caring for fragile newborns and their families.

Overall, NICU nursing is about caring for patients.

"Our similarities are greater than our differences from other types of nurses," Hopkins said.

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

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Parenting

By Jessica Gaspar

The Best Mom I Can Be

T

here are so many ways you can prepare for a baby. You can buy the right crib, the best diapers and the good car seat. Those are the feel-good things you are expected to do as a parent. Then, there’s the moment you find out your tiny 2-monthold needs emergency surgery, and you find yourself singing him ‘Night Moves’ by Bob Seger to not only soothe him, but to keep yourself from losing it. (And, yes, Timmy loves Bob Seger.)

I wrote last month about Timmy’s emergency pyloromyotomy to correct his pyloric stenosis — a common condition mostly found in baby boys where the pyloric muscle becomes enlarged prohibiting food to pass from the stomach to the intestines. It was the most nerve-wracking moment of my life, but surgeon Christopher Gitzelmann at Golisano Children’s Hospital was absolutely amazing, and Timmy has recovered well. He showed me his strength and fight the day after his surgery when he laid in his hospital crib smiling and kicking his legs. He spent four days in the hospital.

Other moments that have caught my heart off-guard: his smiles, his

first laugh, the way his eyes follow me as I talk to him or the way his face lights up when I walk in the room. All of these little, subtle things that most of us take for granted are so amazing when watching your baby pick them up for the first time.

I can honestly say that up until Timmy was born, I thought I knew how love felt. The truth is, I had no idea. I never knew I could love someone as much as I love him. I never knew I would care more about someone else than I would myself.

And it’s the smiles and laughs and all of his firsts that make me fall in love with him more every day.

His demeanor and personality have really developed, and he’s starting to become his own person. I can’t believe it, but he’s been sleeping through the night since he was about 6 or 7 weeks old. I was absolutely amazed the first night I woke up out of a sound sleep at 6:30 in the morning in a panic because I thought for sure something had happened — he didn’t wake up! Then I looked down at him and saw the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest, and I knew he was breathing.

In mid-April, Timmy was bapMay 2016 •

tized at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Rochester. I’ve been a parishioner there for five years. I converted to Catholicism as an adult when I was 28, and Timmy goes to church with me almost every Sunday. Ironically, the same priest who baptized me in 2012 also baptized Timmy.

Years before I became pregnant, I knew I would want to bring my children up in the Catholic faith. When I was a child, we did not attend church regularly, but the times I had gone to church for weddings or holidays, I always loved the Catholic mass more than any other service. When he’s older, I also hope to send him to Catholic school.

I always thought it would be harder being a single parent — and I know this is just the beginning — but things have been relatively easy for me to handle so far. I truly appreciate being able to make decisions alone.

I am a very decisive person, so I do enjoy ability to make decisions regarding Timmy and his upbringing without having to take into account someone else’s wishes or opinions.

Several of my friends with young children have told me this is sometimes a point of contention in their homes — the difference of opinion between both parents can be contentious. I am glad I don’t have to worry about that, and that I can focus on being the best mom to the best baby.

Timmy

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 19

Health News HCR establishes care management subsidiary HCR Home Care has recently established a wholly owned subsidiary to provide care management services.

HCR Care Management LLC enables the company to expand existing services to support new initiatives that align with Medicaid reform and transformation in the health care delivery system. HCR Home Care has traditionally provided nursing and other therapeutic services as a licensed and certified home health care agency.

“As the health care system moves toward a focus on population health and prevention, HCR Care Management enables us to provide the necessary services to link atrisk individuals with all the social, medical and specialty services that will afford them the support they need to stay well,” said Elizabeth Zicari, president of HCR Home Care. “Our subsidiary will house HCR’s new health home care management line of business as well as other downstream opportunities in new models of care.

Zicari We will build on our expertise and existing networks on the clinical side and extend those relationships to the social side of health care.”

The subsidiary is a contracted provider to four health homes across New York state: Health Home of Upstate New York, serving residents in 22 counties in the Finger Lakes, and Greater Rochester Health Home Network (Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Steuben, Wayne and Wyoming counties); AHI Health Home in the Adirondacks; and Central New York Health Home Network in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Blakemore named director of quality and safety UR Medicine’s Thompson Health recently named Wendy Blakemore of Conesus to the position of director of quality and safety for the health system.

Blakemore has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in medical technology from SUNY Buffalo and a master’s degree in management from Keuka College.

A Thompson employee for more than 20 years, she began at the hospital as a lab Blakemore technician and most recently served as the director Page 20

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of lab services, outpatient diabetes management education and medical nutrition therapy services.

“Wendy is a result-driven professional with a stellar reputation for ensuring our patients and residents have access to top-notch care. With a wealth of managerial experience and an exceptional commitment to process improvements, she will work closely with senior nursing administration and the medical directors of our hospital and skilled-nursing facility to ensure excellent care,” said Thompson Health Executive Vice President/COO Kurt Koczent.

St. Ann’s announces personnel changes St. Ann’s Community has recently announced the following changes: • Rene Barnes is now the new administrator of St. Ann’s Care Center. She is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations at St. Ann’s Care Center, the skilled nursing facility on the Cherry Ridge campus in Webster. A resiBarnes dent of Greece, she previously worked for Episcopal Senior Life Communities as director of community programs.

• Elizabeth Tomaszczuk was promoted to chief nursing officer for St. Ann’s Community. Tomaszczuk oversees all dayto-day functions of the nursing department at St. Ann’s Home, the Wegman Transitional Care Center, and St. Ann’s Care Center at Tomaszczuk Cherry Ridge.

A resident of Webster, Elizabeth has worked at St. Ann’s for 27 years, starting as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Most recently, she was the administrator of St. Ann’s Care Center, the skilled nursing facility on the Cherry Ridge campus in Webster.

Fairport’s Tool Thrift Shop gets award The Tool Thrift Shop, a volunteer-run, donation-based enterprise in Fairport, has recently received the Leading Age New York Innovation of the Year Award, given by Leading Age, a national nonprofit whose mission is to expand the world of possibilities for aging.

“This award is presented annually in recognition of programs which demonstrate vision and creativity thereby promoting quality care and services to the elderly for creating

programs and services that are models of innovation and excellence and that contribute significantly to the quality of life of the individuals served,“ said Emma DeVito, chairwoman at Leading Age New York board of directors.

The Tool Thrift Shop has generated $379,000 in revenues over five years and provides the opportunity for volunteers (more than 50) to make significant contributions to their community. In 2015 the Tool Thrift Shop created a manual and consultation service for other organizations interested in replicating this model and a similar operation was opened by Colonie Senior Services in November 2015.

Legacy residents honored for volunteer work Jeanne Miller and her team, all residents of Legacy at Willow Pond in Penfield, have been honored for their efforts to create 14,000 stuffed bears that have been donated to patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

The event, a luncheon that took place at Country Kitchen at the Legacy at Willow Pond in Penfield, were attended by several people, including Penfield Town Miller Supervisor Tony LaFountain and Councilwoman Linda Kohl.

Miller, 95, has been involved in the bear-stuffing project for about 10 years. She is said to spend hours tracing, cutting and sewing colorful material in the shape of a bear.

Twelve other volunteers help her in the project.

Holub gets distinguished physician award David Holub has recently been selected as the recipient of Highland Hospital’s Distinguished Physician Award.

Holub, a family medicine physician, is associate residency director, University of Rochester Family Medicine Residency and assistant professor, department Holub of family medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

The Fairport resident was nominated for the award by administrators, colleagues, and patients for healthcare excellence. “I am honored to serve as a family medicine physician who has the privilege to work with esteemed faculty and staff, teach bright, eager students and

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

care for families as they experience every stage of life,” said Holub who accepted the award at the Highland Hospital Gala from physician Seth Zeidman, president of Highland Hospital medical staff.

“Dr. Holub embodies what the Highland Promise is all about — dedication to patient and family-centered care,” said Cindy Becker, vice president and chief operating officer of Highland Hospital. “He is a charismatic, compassionate, skilled physician who is greatly admired as a leader, teacher and colleague.”

Holub has only been part of Highland family medicine for six years but has already made an indelible impact on those around him. “He is truthfully a remarkable person and physician, and someone I will always believe in,” says Alana R. Barend, a patient. His colleagues agree. “Dr. Holub is one of our finest clinicians and teachers and is a terrific team player, highly regarded by our staff at Highland,” said physician Robert McCann, Highland chairman of medicine.

Holub received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, completed his residency at Brown University Family Medicine Residency and has served in roles at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. He is married to physician Eva Galka, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The couple has two children, Ryan and Alexandra.

Lattimore PT expands in Canandaigua The Lattimore Physical Therapy Network and physical therapist Mitch Carlson have announced that Premier Physical Therapy of the Finger Lakes, PLLC in Canandaigua will become the newest addition to the Lattimore Physical Therapy Network beginning in May. Premier Physical Therapy provides expert outpatient rehabilitation services at its office in the Lakeside Medical Building on Parrish Street, Canandaigua, and has been led by Carlson since 2004.

Carlson and his staff will continue to see patients at the Canandaigua location and will be joined by Nicole Farnand, a long time Lattimore physical therapist.

“Mitch and his staff are highly regarded therapists in the Canandaigua community,” said John Shuman, a physical therapist and Lattimore’s principle owner. “We are extremely grateful Premier has chosen Lattimore Physical Therapy as a partner.

We look forward to providing the same great experience that Premier has provided since 2004.”

The office will remain at the same location and will be named Lattimore Premier/Canandaigua Physical Therapy. Lattimore Physical Therapy has offered outpatient physical therapy services in the Rochester region since 1982 and has 18 locations in Monroe and Livingston counties.

Health News URMC Geriatrian Cited Nationally for Public Service

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Annette Medina-Walpole earns American Geriatrics Society’s Jahnigen Award University of Rochester Medical Center geriatrician Annette (Annie) Medina-Walpole will be honored with the 2016 Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Public Service Award by the American Geriatric Society (AGS) at its Annual Scientific Meeting in May. Medina-Walpole is a professor of medicine and acting chief in the division of geriatrics and aging.

The award, recognizing Medina-Walpole’s commitment to working with students and advancing Medina-Walpole geriatrics education, is named for the late Dennis W. Jahnigen, a compassionate geriatrician and acclaimed educator who dedicated his life to training future leaders. Throughout her career, Medina-Walpole has worked tirelessly to recruit and educate more professionals equipped to care for an expanding older-adult population — a critical unmet need for one of the country’s fastest

growing groups.

“In the clinic, at the bedside, and the classroom, Dr. Medina-Walpole has led the charge on innovative educational programs to get more students and trainees across health care interested and engaged in geriatrics,” said AGS President Steven R. Counsell, M.D. “We already need 20,000 geriatricians to care for America’s 46 million older adults, yet today less than 7,500 certified geriatricians are practicing nationwide.”

Medina-Walpole joined URMC in 1998 and quickly become the leader of a highly ambitious program to integrate geriatrics into the School of Medicine and Dentistry’s undergraduate curriculum.

Through her efforts, aging became one of six underlying themes for the entire medical student community. More recently, she developed a course to engage medical students in understanding the importance of patient history and physical examination, including in older adults who live in nursing homes. She has served as geriatric medicine fellowship director and currently co-directs the dean’s teaching fellowship, which trains faculty as master educators.

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Dobbins Drugs Honored for Ending Sales of Tobacco Products

Emilie Sisson, manager of Wayne County Rural Health Network (from left); Penny Gugino, director at Tobacco Action Coalition of the Finger Lakes; Sean Dobbins, owner of Dobbins Drugs; Diane Devlin, director, Wayne County Public Health; and Ryan Mulhern, Wayne County Public Health educator and tobacco cessation specialist Members of the Tobacco Action Coalition of the Finger Lakes (TACFL) applaud Dobbins Drugs of Lyons for its decision to end the sale of tobacco in its pharmacy.

“Over the past several years, we have recognized many businesses for their commitment to the health and well-being of their communities: we are happy to recognize Dobbins Drugs for joining the rapidly growing list of businesses who are making health a priority,” said Penny Gugino,

director of TACFL. “While several chain-store pharmacies continue to sell tobacco, the trend is changing.

In fact, more retailers are moving away from tobacco product walls at the cash register and replacing them with tobacco cessation products, healthy food choices, and products that provide the retailer with a higher profit margin.”

Sean Dobbins, owner of Dobbins Drugs, said: “I am hoping to make Lyons a healthier community.”

May 2016 •

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

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585-421-8109 or editor@GVhealthnews.com IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 21

Avon Physical Therapy Phone: 585-226-2480

Lattimore PT - Elmwood Phone: 585-442-9110

Dansville Physical Therapy Phone: 585-335-2456

Lattimore PT - White Spruce Phone: 585-442-6067

Lattimore of Geneseo PT Phone: 585-243-9150

Lattimore of Greater Pittsford PT Phone: 585-387-7180

Lattimore of Webster PT Phone: 585-347-4990

Hilton Physical Therapy Phone: 585-392-8001

Lattimore of Greater Rochester PT Phone: 585-671-1030

Pianoworks Physical Therapy Phone: 585-264-0370

Pittsford Mendon Physical Therapy Phone: 585-582-1330

Lattimore of Gates Chili PT Phone: 585-247-0270

Lattimore of Rush Henrietta PT Phone: 585-444-0040

North Greece Physical Therapy Phone: 585-227-2310

Honeoye Falls-Lima PT Phone: 585-582-0034

Irondequoit Physical Therapy Phone: 585-286-9200

Lattimore of Fairport PT

Lattimore of Spencerport PT Phone: 585-­‐388-­‐0444

Phone: 585-­‐349-­‐2860

18 Clinics across Monroe and Livingston Counties LattimorePT.com

18 clinics across Monroe and Livingston counties LattimorePT.com

Joint Pain?

Direct Access to Physical Therapy

New system makes it easy for patient to see a physical therapist

By John Shuman, PT People suffering from strains, sprains and pain from the neck and back and many other musculoskeletal ailments can now utilize the services of a physical therapist without first getting a prescription from their doctor.

In many cases their health insurance policy will cover the treatments.

It is becoming more and more recognized that the right treatment at the right time can help relieve the pain and disability of many common musculoskeletal problems.

A consult with a physical therapist lasts from 60 to 90 minutes and in most cases involves some treatment during the first visit.

The physical therapist will determine what the problem might be by doing a series of clinical tests that involve range of motion, strength and specific tests that are non-invasive and do not require X-rays or MRIs. A course of physical therapy averages around 10 sessions and patients are expected to do the home

Be a supporter.

BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS Dr. Raymond Stefanich, M.D. Dr. John Klibanoff, M.D. Dr. Robert Little, M.D. Dr. Michael Colucci, M.D. Dr. Steven Posnick, M.D. We welcome Sam Bean, N.P. who comes with over 17 years of orthopaedic experience to Orthopaedic Associates of Rochester, P.C.

ULTRASOUND-GUIDED INJECTIONS X-RAY SERVICES ON SITE IN GREECE Greece: 2410 Ridgeway Avenue Penfield: 10 Hagen Drive

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John Shuman is a co-owner and managing partner of the Lattimore Physical Therapy Network. He has been a physical therapist for 26 years.

He is also a licensed athletic trainer.

EMPLOYMENT

some orthopaedic conditions require immediate attention.

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exercise programs that are designed specifically for each patient. In the event that physical therapy is not working, physical therapists are trained to recognize more severe problems and can refer patients to an appropriate specialist if needed.

Generally, patients have reported that physical therapy is beneficial 85 to 90 percent of the time in helping to relieve musculoskeletal pain and problems.

In any case, physical therapists will communicate with your doctor in regard to each episode of care.

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

Be a positive role-model.

Be a confidant.

BECOME ONE!

Health in good

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Don’t miss the new issue of 55 PLUS, featuring Pittsford resident and former Miss USA. Available at most Wegmans stores and more than 1,000 high traffic locations in the region.

To subscribe, call 585-421-8109 ($15 per year)

roc55.com May 2016 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 23

Rochester’s Only Freestanding Transitional Care Center.

Not a hotel.

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

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

But the the area.

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

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

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

Important People Earth.

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

technology and the most advanced accreditations You’re the boss. to help accelerate recovery.

Where you go foryour rehab is strictly up to you. If you a surgery scheduled, you can preplan Remember, your stay Havehave a surgery that’s already scheduled? withyou us go andforeliminate decisions—and where rehab islast-minute completely up to you. disappointments.

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

Call 585-697-6311.

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

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

• The latest technology and training to accelerate your recovery.

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

Page 24

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