Independent Health Foundation, Susan G. Komen to host free educational dinners for women

Events to highlight importance of detecting breast cancer early

BUFFALO, N.Y. (March 26, 2014) – The Independent Health Foundation and Western New York Affiliate of Susan G. Komen invite women to “make their pink promise” and learn about the importance of finding breast cancer early at free educational dinners to be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 at the Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St., Buffalo, and 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 at the Seneca Allegany Casino, 777 Allegany Blvd. Salamanca.

All women ages 40 and older are encouraged to come enjoy an evening of health and beauty, while they hear from breast cancer survivors and experts, and have the opportunity to speak to someone about scheduling a mammogram. Participants will receive a complimentary dinner, health and wellness products, chair massages and beauty treatments.

Space is limited, so women are asked to reserve a place at one of the events by calling the Independent Health Foundation at 635-4959.

Established in 1992, the Independent Health Foundation works to improve the health and well-being of Western New York residents through awareness, prevention, wellness and education programs focused on community health priorities. For more information on the Foundation’s activities, visit www.independenthealth.com/foundation or call 635-4959.

Spring disABILITIES Film Festival April 25!

Spring disABILITIES Film Festival on April 25. Would you be able to help promote that on your Facebook and website if too late for print. The movie is “Raising Matty Christian.” Here is the website link to learn more about the film: http://www.raisingmattychristian.com/home/4581653860

Buying health insurance by March 31? Make sure all of your doctors work with your plan

Planning on doing some spring skiing? Well, if you break your leg, you might pay $3,500 more out of your pocket if you see doctors who are not in your health plan’s network, according to a new Univera Healthcare infographic.

Providers, including radiologists and anesthesiologists, who participate with your health plan are part of its “network,” and you’ll typically pay less for their services than you would for services from out-of-network providers.

“With days left to sign up for a health plan on the NY State of Health marketplace, uninsured individuals still have time to do their homework on their various options,” said Lynne Scalzo, vice president, business strategy and administration, Univera Healthcare. “That includes checking to see if all of their doctors participate with the health plan they’re about to select.”

Individuals have until March 31, 2014, to purchase a health plan through NY State of Health.

“A health plan with a large provider network is more likely to include the specialists you may need tomorrow,” said Richard Vienne, D.O., Univera Healthcare vice president and chief medical officer. “That’s why an important criterion for selecting a health plan should be the breadth of its provider network.”

The Univera Healthcare infographic, Out of Your Pocket, lists examples of possible higher costs for individuals who see out-of-network doctors instead of those who are in their health plan’s network.

· You could pay $10,000 more out of your pocket for a knee replacement if you received services from an out-of-network doctor instead of an in-network provider.

· You could pay $2,500 more out of your pocket for a Cesarean section if you received services from an out-of-network doctor instead of an in-network provider.

· You could pay $500 more out of your pocket for a concussion if you received services from an out-of-network doctor instead of an in-network provider.

Out-of-pocket costs can vary for individuals depending on their type of health plan. If your health plan has a deductible, you’ll have to pay the deductible amount for covered services before the insurer pays all or part of the remaining costs.To view a mobile-friendly version of the infographic, go to http://brand.univerahealthcare.com/infographics/pocket.php. To view a PDF, go to UniveraHealthcare.com/factsheets. 

Billions lost to health care fraud

About $2.9 trillion was spent on health care in the U.S. in 2012, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Of that amount, $1.3 trillion was financed by taxpayers through federal, state, and local governments. Businesses, households, and other private sources accounted for the remaining $1.6 trillion. Not all of that money intended for health care was used for that purpose. 

The FBI estimates that health care fraud siphons off $80 billion a year.

“Imagine the impact an additional $80 billion could have on our nation’s health care system if used for patient care, medical equipment, prescription drugs, or coverage for the uninsured,” said Flora Allen, Corporate Director of Special Investigations for Univera Healthcare and its Rochester based parent health plan.

The federal government dedicates substantial resources for fraud prevention and recovery. Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius report that in 2012, those efforts resulted in a record $4.2 billion in recovered taxpayer dollars.

“Our health plan’s aggressive pursuit of cheaters also produced substantial results in 2012,” said Allen. “Our Special Investigations Unit prevented or recovered $4.6 million in fraudulent claims, or about five dollars for every dollar we invest in fraud prevention.”

Univera Healthcare, like all major health insurers, works closely with law enforcement and regulatory agencies such as the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the U.S. Attorney’s office, the FBI and local district attorneys to identify abuses, recover funds and aid in prosecution.

“Members need to be just as concerned about health care fraud as their insurer, since it’s their premium dollars at stake,” said Allen. She offers some common sense tips: · If you’re shopping for health insurance for the first time, you may not be familiar with all of the companies soliciting your business. Don’t provide personal information to anyone unless you’ve confirmed that the insurance company with whom you’re speaking or emailing is legitimate and licensed to do business in your state. Always request copies of policies and applications to verify your coverage. And follow-up by contacting the insurer to verify your application has been processed, and your premium payment was received. 

· If you already have health insurance coverage, treat your member ID card as you would your driver’s license or credit card: Keep your ID number secret. If crooks can steal your ID number, they can involve you in scams, or steal your medical identity. 

· If you suspect health insurance fraud, call the Customer Service number on your health insurance ID card, or call the New York Attorney General Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau’s Consumer Helpline at (800) 771-7755.
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People Inc. Daffodil Senior Living Hosts Craft Fair and Open House

People Inc. Daffodil Senior Living Apartments will host a Craft Fair and Open House on Friday, April 4, 2014, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 160 Robin Road in Amherst. Seniors in need of affordable housing and family members helping their loved ones are encouraged to attend to receive a tour and learn about income eligibility.

The craft fair will feature a variety of crafts, including: soaps; lotions; candles; scarves; hair bows; jewelry; beaded snowflakes and stars; and dog collars, leashes and other pet items. Free coupons to local businesses for attendees will be available while supplies last.

For independent seniors age 62 or older, People Inc. Daffodil Senior Living apartments include a living room, one bedroom, kitchen with appliances and accessible bathroom. Monthly rent is based on income and some utilities are included. Potential tenants need to meet both the federally mandated income and age requirements at the time of application. The exceptionally maintained apartment building includes a furnished community room, laundry facilities, 24 on-call building services and group transportation to grocery stores. Service coordinators are available to provide connections to services as needed to tenants at no extra charge. For individuals who like to remain active, there are a variety of activities held throughout the year.

People Inc.’s Daffodil Senior Living Apartments in Amherst is centrally located to Clarence, Tonawanda, and Williamsville. The Audubon Library, Amherst Senior Center, churches, restaurants, walking paths and shopping districts are nearby. Tenants can enjoy the beautiful gardens at the apartment building while relaxing in the courtyard.

For more information, call 716-625-6081. People Inc. manages 18 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing affordable and safe housing for independent seniors age 62 and older who meet income requirements. For more information about other locations, call 716-817-9090.

People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Make your health care wishes known

By Patricia Bomba, M.D.

Wednesday April 16, 2014 is National Healthcare Decisions Day, when you are encouraged to initiate an ongoing conversation with loved ones and your physicians about your health care preferences, and also select a spokesperson (proxy) to make medical decisions on your behalf in case you can’t make them for yourself. These steps are part of a process known as advance care planning.

The goals of National Healthcare Decisions Day are simple:

・ To get everyone to select a spokesperson and complete Advance Care Directives. 

・ To increase awareness of MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment). 

 
The MOLST form is a bright pink document that patients with advanced chronic illness and frailty complete with their doctor. The form then stays with the patient so end-of-life preferences will be followed as he or she moves through the health care system ─ facility to facility, physician to physician.

In March 2010, the Family Health Care Decisions Act was signed into law in NY State, enabling a patient's family member ─ including his or her domestic partner ─ to make health care decisions when the patient is not able to do so. However, the law doesn’t eliminate the need for open and honest conversations with loved ones about your wishes and desires for medical care, or for advance care directives to be completed and copies on file with your doctors, your attorney and your family members.

Advance care directives include a health care proxy, a New York State Living Will and a Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment form (MOLST form).

A survey conducted by Univera Healthcare showed that nearly nine of 10 upstate New Yorkers surveyed said it is important to have someone close to them making medical care decisions on their behalf if they were to have an irreversible terminal condition and were unable to communicate or make decisions. Yet, only 42 percent had designated a health care proxy to ensure their wishes are actually carried out.

Free advance care planning tools are available online at CompassionAndSupport.org. The site has informational videos, practical issues to consider, family discussion tips, guidelines for choosing a spokesperson, downloadable Health Care Proxy and MOLST forms, and a free planning booklet that describes Five Easy Steps to follow.Patricia Bomba, M.D., is vice president and medical director, geriatrics, Univera Healthcare. She was recently selected to serve on the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Transforming End-of-Life Care.

Unique Forum Addresses Challenges of Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer

Free event on April 25 features several speakers from medical, spiritual, nutritional and personal backgrounds

Buffalo, N.Y.—The Breast Cancer Network of Western New York announced today that they will sponsor an educational event for patients living with metastatic breast cancer.

“Strategies for Hopeful Living” will take place on Friday, April 25, at Bella Moglie, the home office of the Breast Cancer Network, 3297 Walden Ave. in Depew, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The keynote speaker will be medical oncologist Dr. Liveleen Gill, who will address the medical management of those living with advanced breast cancer. Dr. Michael Krabak from CCS Oncology will discuss blood work results and the indicators medical oncologists examine to help determine the course of treatment for this chronic illness.

Additionally, Sarah Thompson DiPaulo, a registered dietician, will address nutritional strategies and provide healthy food samples. Dr. Teresa Small, a radiologist from Windsong Comprehensive Breast Center, will offer a personal perspective about the multifaceted challenges she faces living with this disease. Spiritual strategies will be offered by Dr. Beth Lenegan , director of the pastoral department at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Rob Jones, who lost his wife Coleen last year to the disease, will offer an inspirational reading.

Light refreshments will follow.

This unique free event is supported by Windsong Comprehensive Breast Center and the Cancer Counseling Service. To register, please call, 716- 706-0060.

Botanical Gardens Great Plant Sale Pre-Orders Due April 1

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens announces their Great Plant Sale Pre-Order. The Botanical Gardens’ gardeners have chosen a unique list of plants and flowers to be a part of this exclusive sale. There is an impressive selection of new plants this year and orders are due April 1.

No need to go out shopping, the Botanical Gardens’ Great Plant Sale Pre-Order offers a wide variety of plants and flowers that would make a great addition to any garden. Boasting unique and hard to get “hot picks”, interesting and award winning perennials and colorful and hardy annuals, this pre-order is just what any serious or not-so-serious gardener needs.

The Hot Picks are in high demand this year and are available in limited quantities. Hot Picks include a bright yellow sage named Carex ‘Banana Boat’, a new purple Delphinium variety from New Zealand named ‘Lilac Ladies’, a new variety of Dianthus with exciting coral colors ‘Coral Reef’, a new fragrant coneflower named Echinacea ‘Secret Affair’ and a new Heuchera variety chosen for its bright and attractive foliage ‘Dolce Cinnamon Curls’.

Award winning and unique perennials include the easy to grow and wide-spreading pink Achillea ‘Saucy Seduction’, a new deep pink Astilbe named ‘Astary Rose’, a stunning award winning Hemerocallis named ‘Huckleberry Candy’, the versatile Heuchera ‘Venus’, a new variety of Hibiscus named ‘Plum Fantasy’, a multiple award winning premium miniature Hosta named ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, a huge Hosta named ‘Empress Wu’, an intoxicating Iris named ‘Strawberry Fair’, an award winning Lavender named Lavandula ‘French Perfume’, a new variety of Nepeta named ‘Cat’s Meow’ that blooms all summer, an award winning Solomon’s Seal that will give a fresh look to your garden named Polgonatum ‘Variegatum’, an award winning Sedum with color into fall named ‘Mr. Goodbud’ and a once rare and unavailable spiderwort named Tradescantia ‘Bilberry Ice’.

Colorful and hardy annuals include a color mix of Aster ‘Perfection Mix’, a fiery-orange, red and broze Coleus called ‘Festive Dance Mix’, a contrasting Dusty Miller named ‘Silverdust Maritima’, a beautiful and large Marigold named ‘African Vanilla’, a purple and white mix of Petunias named ‘Dreams Waterfall Mix’, an award winning Petunia in shades of yellow named ‘Prism Sunfish’, an award winning and colorful Snapdragon mix named ‘Rocket Mix’, the dependable Statice in a beautiful mix named ‘Fortress Mix’, the unique dwarf Strawflower in a unique mix named ‘Bright Bikinis Mix’ (Dwarf) and red, orange, purple, yellow and pink mix of Zinnia in ‘State Fair’.

Orders can be placed online at www.buffalogardens.com. Plants will not be shipped and orders will be available for pick up at the Botanical Gardens’ Great Plant Sale May 17-18.

For more information visit www.buffalogardens.com. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing appreciation for and knowledge of plant life and its connection to people and cultures through its documented living plant collection, historic conservatory, education, research and exhibits.

30 Minute Workout!

Get health and fitness tips at Greatist.com.

Good for the Neighborhood® event to offer resources to help community ‘Eat Right’

BUFFALO, N.Y. (March 3, 2014) – With a theme of “Eat Right,” many tools and resources focused on promoting better nutrition will be available at the Independent Health Foundation’s Good for the Neighborhood® program from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2014, at West Side Community Services, 161 Vermont St., Buffalo.

To help participants develop healthy eating habits, this free event will include a farmers’ market with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a healthy cooking demonstration with food samples. Participants will also be encouraged to attend free cooking classes for four weeks following the event.

In addition, this month’s Good for the Neighborhood® will offer health screenings for blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and body mass index. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with a pharmacist, so they are encouraged to bring a list of their medications and ask any questions they may have.

Good for the Neighborhood® brings health and wellness programs to residents in underserved areas to improve their health. The program is made possible in part by AstraZeneca and The John R. Oishei Foundation. For more information on this event, please contact the Independent Health Foundation at 635-4959.

Established in 1992, the Independent Health Foundation works to improve the health and well-being of Western New York residents through awareness, prevention, wellness and education programs focused on community health priorities. For more information on the Foundation’s activities, visit www.independenthealth.com/foundation or call 635-4959.

Auxiliary commits $100,000 to Cardiac/Stroke Care Center Campaign

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Auxiliary President Jane Grenke, right, and Vice President for Operations Patricia Berggren, center, present a $100,000 Auxiliary gift to medical center Vice President for Foundation & Community Relations Ann Marie Tucker.
The gift will support the Medical Center Foundation’s $3 million Cardiac/Stroke Care Center Campaign. The campaign will fund a new 25-bed inpatient cardiac/stroke center that will feature “smart room” technology, a family and patient resource room, rehabilitation therapy and medical teaching facilities.

The Auxiliary has donated more than $3.5 million to Memorial Medical Center programs, including the patient family resource room on Memorial’s new medical surgical floor.

Improving Communication for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s and Dementia” Presentation at People, Inc. Seniors Unlimited

Presentation on Thursday, March 13 at 6:30pm

March 6, 2014: Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias gradually diminish a person’s ability to communicate, which is devastating for the individual and their family. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, communication with a person who has Alzheimer’s and dementia requires patience, understanding and good listening skills. There are many tips available for caregivers to assist with communicating with their loved one. Caregivers and professionals coping at any stage of dementia are invited to attend the “Improving Communication for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s and Dementia” presentation on Thursday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. by the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter at People Inc. Seniors Unlimited, 2635 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo.

The presentation will review how improving communication with a loved one can improve personal relationships, routines and time management. Creative activities will also be shared. A Laughter Yoga session will be provided by April Caggiano, senior program manager, for People Inc. Seniors Unlimited and a certified Laughter Yoga leader.

More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. "Alzheimer's disease and related diseases causing dementia are neurological disorders," said Leilani Pelletier, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter. A variety of communication methods are important for caregivers to understand and practice. Pelletier shared, "These disorders, affecting over 55,000 Western New Yorkers, not only impair memory, language and thought, but the five senses to varying degrees. Since all of these are used in communication, it is essential for those caring for someone with dementia to learn the best possible communication techniques in order to ensure the highest quality of life for the person they love."

People Inc.’s Seniors Unlimited is a unique social day program created to meet the special needs of those who have developed dementia or memory loss which may have been caused by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, strokes, heart disease or any other illness. Seniors Unlimited benefits everyone in the family, not just the person who attends, providing much-needed respite to their caregivers. Participants receive socialization, activities, exercise, art therapy and a hot meal all in a safe environment.

Tours of the People Inc. Seniors Unlimited program will be available after the presentation. Attendees can meet staff and learn how a loved one can participate in the program. To attend the “Improving Communication for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s and Dementia” presentation at People Inc. Seniors Unlimited on May 13, call 716-768-2371.

People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

VA HOSTS HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA’S 2013 LIVING WITH GRIEF® PROGRAM

Each year the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) presents a nationally recognized distance learning program to more than 125,000 people in 2,000 communities. For more than a decade, this annual educational event has been instrumental in educating health care professionals and families on issues affecting end-of-life care. The information provided by the expert panel will be useful to clinicians, administrators, chaplains, social workers, nurses, case managers, counselors, physicians, addiction professionals, and other staff working in hospice and palliative care, hospitals, long-term care and assisted living facilities.

This year’s Living With Grief® Program focuses on “Improving Care for Veterans Facing Illness and Death.” This program assists end-of-life care provider organizations and health and human service professionals in enhancing their sensitivities and understanding of Veterans and to provide professionals with new interventions to better serve dying Veterans and their families. Attention is placed on Veteran generations now aging and most likely to be seen in end-of-life care (WWII, Korean War, Vietnam). The program also looks organizationally at military benefits and VA systems and will explore the traditions and sensitivities of grieving families and resources that can assist them.

Moderated by Frank Sesno, Director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at The George Washington University, the program will be shown at VA Western New York Healthcare System Thursday, March 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Mr. Sesno will lead the panel of noted authorities that includes: Scott T. Shreve, DO, National Director, Hospice of Palliative Care, Dept. of Veterans Affairs; Deborah Grassman, ARNP, Author, Lecturer, Consultant, Dept. of Veterans Affairs; Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, MDiv, Professor of Gerontology, The College of New Rochelle, and Senior Consultant, Hospice Foundation of America; Paul Tschudi, MA, EdS, LPC, Assistant Professor/Director, The George Washington University, and Vietnam veteran; and Ryan Weller, MSW, LCSW, Palliative Care Program Manager, Portland VA Medical Center.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring this program to the Western New York Community to support our Nation’s Veterans,” said Deborah Medakovich, RN, MSN, ACHPN, Palliative Care Nurse Specialist.

Each year this award-winning, program is produced by Hospice Foundation of America, a not-for-profit organization, which acts as an advocate for the hospice concept of care through ongoing programs of professional education, public information and research on issues relating to illness, loss, grief and bereavement.

ECMC to Receive Keys to Shuttle Van from Basil Family Dealerships

Dealer Group Delivers on Deal to Fill Transportation Void for Mobile Mammography Patients

BUFFALO, NY; March 3 2014—Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation and the ECMC Lifeline Foundation will be the recipients of a new Ford Passenger Van donated by the Basil Family of Dealerships. The Basil Family will present the vehicle to ECMC CEO Jody Lomeo on Monday, March 10, 2014 at 2:30 PM outside of the Ambulatory Center (new building in center) on the ECMC Health Campus.

The 2013 Ford Club Wagon will be used to transport patients of ECMC’s Mobile Mammography Coach to follow-up appointments as well as support other ECMC patient transportation needs.

ECMC’s Mobile Mammography Coach is the only mobile breast cancer screening coach in Western New York and is designed to provide cancer screening to women throughout the region who don’t have access to medical screenings because of lack of transportation or financial hardship. In the past year, over 1400 women underwent screenings on the Coach with over a hundred of them requiring follow-up care. The gift from the Basil Family Dealerships will help to ensure that these women have access to continued treatment for the best possible outcomes.

“Cancer has affected every family in Western New York in some way” says Chuck Basil, President of Basil Ford. “Our family understands the importance of early detection and proper treatment. The ECMC Mobile Mammography Coach is a tremendous asset to Western New York and an important tool in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.” John Basil added “Our family is honored to be able to partner with ECMC in its efforts to provide life-saving screening and care to the women in our community.”

The Basil Family Dealerships joins a long list of partners supporting the Mobile Mammography Coach. The Coach was funded by the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association, First Niagara Bank and the ECMC Lifeline Foundation in partnership with WNY Breast Health.

“The gift from the Basil Family is an important piece in our mission to ensure that every woman in Western New York has access to potentially life-saving cancer screenings and the needed follow-up care. The success of the ECMC Mobile Mammography Coach can be attributed to all our partners in the community and in health care working together for a common goal. We are grateful that the Basil family recognizes the importance of our mission to ensure that world-class care is available to everyone in Western New York,” according to ECMC CEO Jody Lomeo.

The mission of the ECMC Lifeline Foundation is to procure needed resources for the life-saving medical services provided by ECMC. The Foundation supports ECMC programs and services that enhance patient services and care.