Active Living a guide for senior wellness Oswego Health Fall 2018
Featuring — P. 3 - Genius 3D Mammography P. 4 - Dick Drosse at Great Bear P. 6 - Welcome New Physicians P. 8 - Senior Healthcare System
Welcome to Active Living Fall Edition — Since our last Active Living publication, I am pleased to announce that several key physician specialists have joined us at Oswego Health, ensuring that community members, like you have the best care, right at home.
Healthy at any age Active Living is a magazine dedicated to strengthening a positive attitude, action and knowledge of seniors’ health awareness. A Publication of Oswego Health 110 West Sixth Street, NY 13126 315-349-5511 Michael Harlovic President and CEO of Oswego Health Jeff Coakley Oswego Health Executive VP & COO for Oswego Hospital Marion Ciciarelli Senior Director of Communications Jennifer Martin Director of Marketing Anne Raham Communications Coordinator CORRESPONDENCE: Oswego Health Development and Community Relations 110 West Sixth Street Oswego, NY 13126 dearoh@oswegohealth.org ©2018 facebook.com/oswegohealthcare for Oswego Health community news, events and medical information twitter.com/oswegohealth oswegohealth.org for newsletters, medical information, provider listings and more Information in this issue comes from a range of medical experts. If you have any questions or concerns about specific content that may affect your health please contact your health care provider.
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Many of you may already receive care at Oswego Family Physicians (OFP) which recently became part of Oswego Health’s captive professional corporation, Physician Care P.C. Rest assured that this successful practice will continue to provide exceptional care. The Oswego Health system will complement this great care by providing assistance with day-to-day operational requirements at OFP. Also joining Oswego Health are the physicians from one of the area’s most well-known colon rectal practices and a well-regarded pioneering Syracuse surgeon. You can read more about our new physicians on pages 6 and 7. Our cover story features Dick Drosse, the coordinator of Great Bear Springs. The land is known for its trails that offer an outdoor experience year round. Dick and the other volunteers do an amazing job keeping the eight miles of trails open for the enjoyment of community members. It’s also a great place to walk a dog and I am hoping that my dog, Legend, and I can hike there in the next few months. In closing, as we approach the holidays, I hope you and your family enjoy a healthy and happy season. Sincerely, Michael Harlovic President and CEO for Oswego Health
p. 3 - Genius 3D Mammography Available p. 4 & 5 - Staying Young and Active p. 6 & 7 - Welcome New Physicians p. 8 - The Manor at Seneca Hill p. 9 - Springside, Oswego Health Homecare & Lifeline p. 11 - Foundation presents Fire & Ice Gala
Call 315-349-5540 For Your Next
A More Accurate Screening Exam
Genius 3D Mammography Oswego Health has installed the latest mammography technology offering peace of mind, thanks to grant funding. A state grant provided by State Senator Patty Ritchie is allowing Oswego Health to purchase a digital breast tomosynthesis that has been installed at the Oswego Health Center, adjacent to Oswego Hospital. This equipment is also known as three-dimensional (3D) mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). The equipment is an advanced form of mammography that uses a low-dose x-ray system and computer reconstructions to create three-dimensional images of the breasts. The 3D technology improves the accuracy of mammography and clarifies areas of overlapping tissue. Using tomosynthesis, the breast is compressed as in a mammography exam, but withthe lessGenius pressure. The tube Why choose 3Dx-ray Exam? moves in a circular arc around the • Fewer Unnecessary breast providing one millimeter slices Callbacks that produce greater visibility and more peacetoofseemind. tissue details.
A more accurate screening exam in the fight against breast cancer1-7*
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• Greater Accuracy - and less stress time GRAMMY® award winner The benefits include: • Comparable Compression and Exam Time - to a Sheryl Crow chooses the Genius™ • The 3D mammography exam proconventional mammogram 3D Mammography™ exam. vides better, earlier breast cancer • Better, Detection - an outstanding options across detection comparedEarlier to 2D alone breast densities • The equipment finds between 20 and 65% more invasive cancers • Covered breast by Medicare and many private insurers. Call your than 2D alone insurance provider to find out. • Reduces unnecessary callbacks by up to 40%
Oswego Health
“Breast tomosynthesis is an excellent technology that allows doctors to view the breasts in thin sections as though they are interpreting a CT as compared to a standard x-ray/mammogram,” said Oswego Health Chief Radiologist Matthew Westpfal, MD. “This allows for substantially increased resolution and detection of abnormalities when examining dense breasts.” To make an appointment, please call 315-349-5540. Pictured with the new 3D technology are Multi-Modality Technicians Julia Donnelly, Shelly LeRoux, Stephanie Benavidez and Julie Chamberlain.
WHY CHOOSE THE The Genius™ Exam ™ GENIUS 3D™ 3D™ EXAM? is Offered Here. Ask UsUnnecessary About It. Fewer
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Comparable Compression 3 - Oswego Health and Exam Time 1,5,8
active
Staying young and
It’s one of those beautiful fall afternoons; perhaps one of the last warm days before the weather turns cold. Leading a couple of visitors along the wooded trails at Great Bear Springs is Dick Drosse and his wife, Naneen. Dick serves as the coordinator of the Friends of Great Bear. He, along with about 12 other volunteers maintain the eight miles of trails that make up this popular 450 acre area that is used year round. The trails vary in length and have names such as River’s Landing, Root Hill Beach Cutoff, Turtle and Pump House. There is also a short handicap accessible trail.
In the warm weather months, residents from Oswego County and beyond come to walk, hike and mountain bike. Horseback riding is another option. Come winter, visitors can hike, snowshoe and cross country ski. Dogs are welcome and many visitors bring a dog or two with them. Bird watching is popular all four seasons. It’s estimated that well over 2,000 people use Great Bear each year. Dick is at Great Bear several times a week himself, often with Naneen. “Every time we come we see something different,” he says.
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Dick explains why Great Bear is so popular. “It’s a natural area,” he says “It’s underdeveloped, quiet and there is such a diversity in the wooded areas with different trees, plus there is the Oswego River.” According to Dick, 250 different types of plants and trees have been identified on the property. Many are marked.
Great Bear History For those who may not know, due to a large aquifer under the ground, the Great Bear Spring is a source of drinkable water. In 1894, the water began being drawn from the Spring to be bottled and sold. Since the 1970s, the city of Fulton has maintained wells at Great Bear, which today total seven. Thus the land was left undeveloped for obvious reasons. The property gets its name from a battle several hundred years ago, of course involving a bear. Legend has it that the father of the well-known Native American, Hiawatha, was attacked by a bear while drinking from the springs. A fight between the two ensued with the bear being defeated. The victorious brave then named the springs, Mishemokwa, which means great bear. The property’s history doesn’t stop at bears. Portions of the original Oswego River Canal, built in the early 1800s, are part of the property, including Oswego Canal Guard Lock #2 and its towpath where mules once pulled packet boats traveling on the waterway.
Volunteering at Great Bear Today, Dick reports there are no bears on the property for visitors to encounter. Dick, a retired Oswego City Deputy Chief Fire Fighter, became interested in volunteering at Great Bear about 12 years ago after reading an ad in a local newspaper. At the time, the Town of Volney had acquired some adjacent land and wanted to see more trails built and those that existed revitalized. The result was the creation of the Friends of Great Bear. Through the years, Great Bear has been supported by a core of volunteers, like Dick, who keep the trails cleared, build bridges over the springs and are currently revital-
Great Bear Springs:
Where is it: Route 57 South of Fulton, near Hawthorne Road. Website: friendsofgreatbear.org Current volunteers include: Dick Drosse, Coordinator; Doug Bray, Website Manager and map maker; Margaret Bocsor, Business Manager; Fernando Araya, Arborist; Naneen Drosse, Mary Arnold, Sandy Bonanno, Phil Clift, Tom Hotaling, Josef Hansen, John Pupparo, Rob Jordan, Rena Bastian & Don Hall, Evan Williams and Boy Scout Troop 715. What’s allowed: Biking, hiking and horseback riding in summer; Hiking, snow shoeing and skiing in winter. Prohibited: Motors of any kind, except City of Fulton.
izing the original spring house. The city of Fulton keeps the roadway to the wells cleared, but the trails are not groomed. The Friends group recently acquired a large adjacent piece of property from a family through a fund raising campaign that collected the required $175,000. Along with individual donations, many of the area’s companies, service clubs, banks and the Shineman Foundation made the purchase possible. Many of these same organizations also donate their time and talents to various Great Bear projects. Dick adds that Great Bear is a wonderland for Boy Scout projects. Looking back on the past 12 years and how the trails have expanded, Dick says, “You do a little at a time and Enjoying Great Bear on a recent Friday with their dogs were all of a sudden you have a beautiful area for people to from left Caitlin Lowie, with Ottie; Mamie Hensel, holding use.” Sarge; and Tom Hensel with Gus.
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Welcome to the Oswego Health Medical Staff In its quest to continually expand healthcare services, ensuring residents have the most modern care right at home, Oswego Health is pleased to welcome nine exceptional physicians.
have been providing exceptional primary care services for many years and through the practice we expect to expand access to this care, which is lacking in our community.”
Primary Practice Welcomed
Harlovic stressed that community members who seek care at the practice will see few changes. “They are very successful in delivering outstanding medical care to their patients and we have no plans to change their patient care methods,” he said. “We are fortunate to retain the four physicians who the community has embraced due to the exceptional care they provide. The physicians include Robert Morgan, MD, FAAFP; Douglas Guenter, MD, Mark Humphrey, DO, and Micheal Stephens, MD, as well as the two advanced care providers; Physician Assistant Jessica Digby and Nurse Practitioner, Emily Weston, as well as the support staff.”
Under this collaboration, OFP will maintain its 110 W. Utica Street offices, along with the same phone and fax From left to right standing: Micheal Stephens, MD, Mark numbers. The practice’s website is being redirected Humphrey, DO, Robert Morgan, MD, FAAFP; and Douglas to oswegohealth.org, where patients can find the OFP Guenter, MD, as well as the two advanced care providers; patient portal. Physician Assistant Jessica Digby and Nurse Practitioner, Emily Weston.
“By affiliating with Oswego Health we will be able to concentrate on meeting the healthcare needs of our Joining the health system in September was a well- patients,” Dr. Morgan. “In just the last few years, the known primary care physician practice, Oswego Family regulatory and operational demands on a medical Physician (OFP). The practice became part of Oswego practice have become cumbersome and very time conHealth’s captive professional corporation, Physician suming. Oswego Health will now administer all these Care P.C., which provides physician services in bariat- requirements for us.” rics, cardiology, general surgery, primary care, orthopeAdds Dr. Stephens, “This affiliation will allow us to work dics, and otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat). with their leadership team to recruit more primary care physicians to the area,” he said. “Today, recruitment is “This is an exciting opportunity for not typically a task done by independent physicians. To the health system and for Oswego secure the right candidate takes many months of work. We look forward to Oswego Health helping us recruit Family Physicians,” said Oswego outstanding individuals who will join us in delivering Health President and CEO Michael care right here in our community.”
Harlovic.
“We are pleased to welcome the practice’s four physicians, the advanced care providers and the support staff to Oswego Health. “These medical professionals
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Surgeon Howard Simon, MD Oswego Health is pleased to welcome experienced general surgeon Howard Simon, MD, to its medical staff. Dr. Simon has been delivering surgical care at Oswego Health’s surgery center since July and is now formally joining the providers at Oswego Health’s surgical services office in suite 1300 at the Fulton Medical Office Building. Dr. Simon is an accomplished and well-known surgeon, with extensive surgical experience, who has provided surgical care in the Syracuse area hospitals for most of his career. He earned his medical degree from SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse, as well as completed his surgical internship and residency there. His From left to right standing: John Nicholson, MD, J. Alan surgical trauma/critical care fellowship was completed Ziegler, MD and sitting are David Nesbitt, MD, Michael at SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn. Moffa, M.D.
Colon Rectal Associates of CNY Oswego Health has also welcomed four board-certified colon and rectal surgeons from Colon Rectal Associates of Central New York. Providing care are David Nesbitt, MD, Michael Moffa, M.D, John Nicholson, MD, and J. Alan Ziegler, MD. The board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians are providing colon and rectal cancer screening and care of anorectal disorders in Oswego Hospital’s modern seven-suite surgery center. They have office hours two days a week in suite 1300 of the Fulton Medical Office Building, 522 S. Fourth Street in Fulton.
“Oswego Health has grown as a progressive, high-quality healthcare system with exceptional facilities and staff and this opportunity allows us to treat Oswego County residents,” said Dr. Nesbitt. All four physicians have completed intensive colon and rectal fellowship training: Dr. Nesbitt at Washington Hospital, in Washington, D.C.; Dr. Moffa, at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio; Dr. Nicholson, at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and Dr. Ziegler, at St. Vincent Health Center, Erie, PA.
To make an appointment with the surgeons in their Fulton Medical Office Building office, please call 315-592-3939
Following his fellowship training, Dr. Simon returned to the Syracuse area and developed the area’s first level one trauma center at Upstate Medical University, which he oversaw for 15 years. He would later become among the first in the area to study advanced laparoscopic techniques, performing the first laparoscopic splenectomy, adrenalectomy, nephrectomy, and gastric bypass in Syracuse. He led Upstate’s minimally invasive program for many years. In addition to introducing these cutting-edge care programs, he began Upstate’s bariatric surgery program and served as its director for 15 years. Along with his medical training, he has written multiple publications and is currently writing his third book, a historical novel on World War II.
To make an appointment with Dr. Simon please call 315-592-3939
For more information on our physicians or services please go to our website at oswegohealth.org. 7 - Oswego Health
Senior Healthcare at Oswego Health The Manor
Staff from key departments have also begun to round on residents on all three floors three days a week. The The Manor’s Director of Nursing, Esther Field, perhaps departments have also developed a closer interdiscisaid it best after learning the skilled nursing facility plinary working relationship and work together to drill experienced its best ever NYS Department of Health down when there is a concern. (DOH) survey. “The staff has been working very hard,” Esther said. “We are constantly striving to make improvements to “We strive for 110 percent every day,” care and this awesome survey validates our efforts.”
Esther said. “Because we know it’s someone’s loved one.”
Surveyors from the DOH arrived unannounced in early September for a four-day survey that reviewed a wide range of areas, from the care provided to The Manor’s residents, to the food served and the cleanliness of the facility. “It was a very thorough survey, top to bottom,” said Jason Santiago, Oswego Health VP and The Manor’s Chief Operating Officer. “They want to make sure we are delivering high-quality care to our residents.” During the four-day review, the surveyors indicated that The Manor’s staff was providing excellent compassionate care to the residents. Fields said The Manor’s staff prepares for this survey throughout the year and has implemented other resident care initiatives.
My Rehab Story
Front entrance dressed for a recent holiday
Louis Angelina, perhaps known best for his work with local baseball and Oswego’s Legends Field, turned to the Manor when he needed rehabilitation services for vertigo. “The care at The Manor was beyond good, it was excellent,” Lou said. He added that the staff diligently worked with him daily and offered constant encouragement. His therapy sessions included lots of eye-hand coordination and learning how to walk independently without using an assistive device. Following his therapy, Lou has been able to return to his former lifestyle.
Beyond Excellent - right at home Louis Angelina, perhaps known best for his work with local
8 baseball - Activeand Living Oswego’s Legends Field, turned to The Manor when he needed rehabilitation services for vertigo.
Pictured Selina Kellison, PTA and Lou Angelina.
Renovations coming for
Springside at Seneca Hill
changed since then as have the lifestyles of today’s seniors. We want to mirror those changes and continue to offer the best lifestyle for our residents.”
Lawton added that plans call for Springside’s fitness room to be transformed to offer the newest equipment Oswego County’s premier retirement community, in treadmills and recumbent bikes. “Today’s seniors are known for being an attractive, comfortable place to very health conscious and desire the best and safest fitreside, is about to undergo a facelift, as it modernizes ness equipment and that is what we plan to install.” to keep pace with the carefree lifestyle of its residents. Another enhancement is a more comfortable media Later this year, Springside at Seneca Hill will begin renovation work that will bring a new look to the dining room, with new furniture and flooring, and a fresh coat of paint. Other public areas will also be updated with a fresh appearance. “The residents and staff are looking forward to our new color schemes and furnishings,” said Springside’s Executive Director Kelly Lawton. “Springside was originally built nearly 20 years ago and certainly styles have
area for the residents to gather and watch movies or other programming.
An area architectural firm is assisting with Springside’s redesign. “The selected colors are just gorgeous and I expect it will provide that wow factor when our project is completed early next year,” Lawton said.
Independent Living at Home Piece of Mind for Your Loved One
Recognizing that many seniors want to remain in their own homes as they age, Oswego Health Home Care (OHHC) offers several services that offer piece of mind to both the seniors and their loved ones.
Oswego Health Home Care OHHC extends the arm of skilled services from hospitals, clinics and physician offices into the home. Working under the direction of your physician, services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Going home after surgery can be scary. Our familycentered approach includes teaching patients and their families about their care, coordinating additional services, and researching community resources. This program is noted for its excellent care, as it has consis- Lifeline tently been awarded five, out of five stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which Oswego Health’s Lifeline services offer safe and easyto-use equipment from an auto-alert pendant that monitors programs across the country. immediately informs responders of a medical emerAlong with offering skilled nursing care, the program gency to medication dispensers that assist with proper can assist with chronic disease management and can medication management. also bring physical and occupational services into a home. In addition, OHHC can provide intravenous Lifeline has been providing families with peace-of-mind services for decades. For more information, please call therapy in the homes of area residents. 315-343-1887. For more information on the many available and convenient homecare services, please visit oswegohealth.org.
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Prevention and Self-Care
Dealing with the Flu? As we enter the flu season, remember it’s important to get a flu shot and to wash your hands frequently, which are two of the best defenses against getting the flu. Having the flu is no fun, but there are things you can do to feel better. From home remedies to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, there are a variety of methods to help ease your symptoms.
Antiviral medicines The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several antiviral medications to treat seasonal influenza. These drugs, which you can get with a prescription from your doctor, can lessen the symptoms and duration of the flu.
7 To ease a sore throat, try gargling with warm salt water a few times a day. 7 For a stuffy nose, use saline nose drops to loosen mucus and moisten the skin in your nose. 7 Drink plenty of fluids, such as water and clear soup. This will keep you hydrated and help loosen mucus. 7 Avoid things that could worsen your symptoms, such as tobacco smoke and alcohol. 7 Staying home and getting plenty of rest are also important when you’re not feeling well. If you try to keep up with your normal activities, you could delay your recovery—especially if you have a fever. Resting helps your body fight infection. Staying home will also help keep you from spreading germs to others.
Antiviral medicines work by stopping the flu virus from reproducing in your body. But they need to be taken within two days of the start of symptoms to be the most Over-the-counter medicines effective. Your physician can decide if you should take While over-the-counter medicines can’t cure the flu, an antiviral drug and which one will work best for you. they can help relieve many of the symptoms. But read Antiviral drugs should be given to people who are at the labels carefully. high risk for complications from the flu or who are Some common ingredients in over-the-counter flu very sick and need to be hospitalized, according to medicines include: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 7 Analgesics, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuThis includes older people; young children; pregnant profen, ketoprofen and naproxen. Analgesics can women; American Indians and Alaska Natives; and relieve the aches and pains associated with the flu people with weak immune systems or chronic health and reduce fever. conditions, such as asthma or heart disease. 7 Antitussives (cough suppressants). Don’t take Home remedies these if you are coughing up mucus. Some of the easiest ways to ease flu symptoms don’t 7 Expectorants. These help by thinning mucus, require a prescription. Home remedies can go a long making it easier to cough it up. way toward helping you feel better even if you do take 7 Decongestant nasal sprays. Decongestants shrink an antiviral medicine. For example: nasal passages and relieve congestion. Don’t take them for more than a few days.
When to call the doctor Most people get over the flu without any problems, but occasionally the flu can turn into something more serious. According to CDC, adults should seek urgent medical attention if they have symptoms such as: 7 Trouble breathing or shortness of breath. 7 Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen. 7 Sudden dizziness. 7 Confusion. 7 Severe or persistent vomiting.
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Oswego Health Foundation Oswego Health held its Fire and Ice Gala held in midOctober, raising more than $65,000 for health system initiatives. Nearly 200 people attended the event at the beautifully decorated American Foundry. Welcoming guests to the gala was Oswego Health President and CEO Michael Harlovic. “Our inaugural event was a huge success and the health system graciously thanks the community for its support,” Harlovic said. “It was a sold-out event, demonstrating that community members want the most modern healthcare facilities in their community.” Highlighting the evening were several award presentations. Oswego Health presented its Community Physician Award to Padma Ram, MD, who has been practicing in the community for more than 20 years. She was recognized has having endeared herself to her patients for the exceptional care she provides and for constantly updating her services to meet their needs. Dr. Ram is known to her patients and staff as a tireless advocate for their needs and takes the term “care” to an extraordinary level. Dr. Ram’s commitment to caring for her staff and patients in the Oswego community led her to taking risks and dedicating the countless hours that only the most dedicated entrepreneurs ever experience. Her practice is located on Route 104 East in Oswego.
Welcoming the nearly 200 guests from left were Michael Harlovic and Jeff Coakley, along with honorary co-chairs that included local business owners Elisa and husband, Oswego County Legislator Shane Broadwell; Mary Ann Drumm, CRA CEO and Terri Colone, of CRA CFO.
Oswego Health also recognized Novelis with the Community Partner Award. While the Novelis Oswego plant continues to recruit new employees to produce more than a billion pounds of high-quality aluminum sheet each year, Oswego Health has introduced convenient primary care services, right into the plant to keep Novelis employees, healthy and productive. These services are also available to the families of employees and retirees. Serving as the Visionary Sponsor was CRA Medical Imaging, with other support from Horizon Health, the Kinney Drugs Foundation, Kronos and Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists. The evening’s emcee was CNY Central Meteorologist Molly Matott.
Novelis Recognized with Oswego Health’s Oswego Health Community Physician Community Partner Award Award Presented
During its recent gala, Oswego Health presented Novelis with its Community Partner Award. From left, Novelis Plant Manager Kevin Shutt, Board Chair Ellen Holst and Michael Harlovic.
Oswego Health presented its Community Physician Award to Padma Ram, MD. From left, Oswego Health President & CEO Michael Harlovic, Dr. Ram and Oswego Health Board.
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110 West Sixth St. Oswego, NY 13126
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