Get Healthier With Walks on Wednesdays Open to All!

If you love to walk on your lunch hour, and don't want to walk alone, consider joining the Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo every week at noon. This Wednesday the group meets on June 29 at Kaminski Park at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Registration is at 12:00 P.M., and the walk is from 12:10 P.M. to 12:40 P.M.

Although they don't require an R.S.V.P., they ask that those attending the walk for the first time complete a one- time registration form which can be returned by email or in person the day of the walk.

For your comfort and safety, please remember:

· Wear proper, comfortable footwear

· Watch for eye-level bushes and trees

· Watch for broken concrete, potholes and uneven surfaces

· Obey all traffic signals

· Alert walk leaders and other walkers of unsafe conditions

· Walk leaders have cell phones and should be notified of any incidents so they can summon help if necessary

· Sun protection: sun block, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

Adequate hydration is suggested, as is a reminder to dress for the weather. They also walk rain or shine, unless there's lightening. So far in 2011, they've logged 504,000 steps. Walks are approximately 1.5 miles, and that averages about 3,000 steps, which multiplied by the number of walkers, gives the number of steps per week. Our goal for this season is 1,000,000 steps. So come on out and help us meet or exceed this goal! Call for information at 851-4052.

Fitness for a King or Queen

If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t look forward to going to the gym. Of course I want to be fit, but it takes effort, it hurts the next day, and driving somewhere to get on a machine that I’ve forgotten how to adjust to my five-foot stature can be intimidating. At the end of the day, a good meal is much more appealing than working out!

So visiting the new Jewish Community Center’s (JCC) Benderson Building Fitness Center recently was amazing. I thought it was truly the Disneyland of gyms, with something happening everywhere and people actually enjoying themselves. Jim Morgan, Senior Director of Facilities Operations and Patty Simonson, Assistant Executive, explained that the six million dollar renovation project includes state-of-the-art equipment valued at over $500,000.

The cardio equipment includes touch screen televisions connected to the Internet. Stationery cycles with realistic shift gears and steer handlebars emulate real bikes. They also include stunning graphics, realistic rides, and in-ride games on over 30 virtual courses. Riders can experience the California coast, Peruvian mountains, or outer space! Members almost forget they’re exercising as they steer to stay on course, shift along with ups and downs of the terrain, and pedal hard to chase targets. One game offers strategies to improve while watching for tricky dragons that push you into water. One member says, “It’s cardio, only way cooler.”

The renovation includes rooms for spinning, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. A rocket circuit offers free weight training and education for women. Ongoing classes include Whittle Your Middle, Body Pump, Osteo-Fit, Hi and Low Aerobics, Zumba, and more. Members in the pool can Aqua Boogie, Aqua Zumba, Aqua Kick and Flexorcise. And then there’s the final reward – beautiful dressing rooms, equipped with showers, a steam room and sauna.

Kids young and old can have a blast at the sport wall, which looks like a space station with blinking lights. It provides specific skill and functional fitness training for individuals or groups up to 20. A high-impact modular system, it has 21 targets, two score boards, and a time clock, with hundreds of remote control driven games and drills for individuals, two-players or two teams.

Simonson says, “The JCC is fortunate to have equipment unavailable elsewhere in Western New York that will raise the standards for other facilities in the area. There are only 400 machines in the whole country like ours, and we have 40 of them.” The machines, which are smaller and more comfortable, are ergonomically designed to accommodate those with physical challenges. Patty says, “The JCC is all about diversity. We have recumbent bikes that can accommodate those who need to remain in a wheelchair, and elliptical machines for those who can’t stand, but want to exercise their upper body. “

The JCC is paying attention to everyone—from the youngest to the oldest and those in between. They also know that there are many who are struggling in our challenging Buffalo economy, so offer scholarships when necessary. The emphasis is on total fitness and wellness for all, and with many insurances that assist with gym memberships, and monthly prices that are lower than just about anywhere else that’s a bargain.

WNY Resource

CC Benderson Family Building, 2640 N. Forest Rd., Getzville 716-886-3145

JCC Holland Family Building, 787 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo 716-886-3145

www.jccbuffalo.org

DON’T WAIT FOR THE NEW WARNINGS — QUIT TODAY!

The New York State Smokers’ Quitline, located at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, applauds the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s announced graphic cigarette health warnings. The gruesome pictorial warnings tell the hard truth about smoking in a way that will be hard for smokers to escape.

Importantly, the new FDA warnings also included the government’s 1-800-QUITNOW toll-free phone number, which tells smokers that they have a choice — they can try to quit and get free help to do so. The new labels can be viewed at: http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/CigaretteWarningLabels/default.htm

However, New York smokers don’t have to wait to get help. Smokers can pick up the phone right now and dial - 1-800-QUIT-NOW and get a free quit guide, a starter kit of nicotine patches or gum (most who call qualify), and support from the expert Quitline coaches. If you’d rather click than call, smokers can go to www.nysmokefree.com.

The Quitline is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 9 a.m. until 5 pm. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at http://www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org.

New Marketing Director at BWI Health Promotions

A business executive and educator with more than 35 years of sales and marketing experience, Fred Bristol will direct the marketing strategy of BWI’s health and wellness services. He will concentrate on workforce wellness solutions for organizations in Western New York and across the country, with BWI's online programs available through BWI’s National Health Promotion Training Institute. As Vice President at the Buffalo Niagara Partnership for the past seven years, Bristol re-invented the healthcare insurance benefit program for local chambers of commerce and associations. He believes there is a need to focus on boosting prevention efforts to help keep people well and reduce their dependence on health insurance.Bristol is also a Business Advisor and the Energy Coordinator at the Small Business Development Center at Buffalo State College, where he serves as an Adjunct Professor. He is the President of the Buffalo Niagara Sales and Marketing Executives (BNSME). Bristol, a resident of Orchard Park, obtained his MBA from the University at Buffalo and bachelor’s degree in psychology from Amherst College.For more information, call (716) 992-2732 or visit www.bwihp.com.

Space Technology Comes to Buffalo

Dr. Nick Morris and Dr. Lisa Aloi-Morris are pleased to announce the opening of New Health Chiropractic & Vibration Studio, located at McKinley Commons, 4154 McKinley Parkway, Suite 900 in Blasdell/Hamburg, between Verizon Wireless and Hamburg OB/GYN.

The Insight Subluxation Station™ identifies patterns of neurological dysfunction enabling precise diagnostic ability, recommendations for care, and periodic outcome measures. Two non-intrusive, highly advanced technologies reduce the effects of stress by evaluating and helping to accelerate the healing process.

The TurboSonic® patented technology is registered with the FDA as an exercise therapy device, and is certified by the Space Foundation through NASA. It is safe for all ages. and takes just 10 minutes per session to receive benefits equivalent to 1 hour of conventional exercise.

Whole body vibration technology was originally developed for astronauts and has since undergone over 40 years of research indicating a broad range of significant health benefits from maintaining a healthy body weight, reducing joint and back pain, to helping with the effects of anxiety and depression. Now the same technology that is used by astronauts, as well as professional, world class athletes is being used here in Buffalo. “Don’t we all want our bodies to function the best they possibly can?” asks Dr. Morris. “We are very excited to be able to bring this revolutionary technology to our community, and providing the highest level of non-invasive, alternative care for our patients is the goal and purpose of New Health,” says Dr. Aloi-Morris.

The practice features flexible appointment scheduling throughout the week, including Saturdays for your convenience. Please call 716- 649-8200 or go to www.newhealthny.com for more information or to schedule your visit. The Insight Subluxation StationTM is the only technology of its kind certified by the Space Foundation.

SEND DAD A LOVING AND LIFE-SAVING MESSAGE THIS FATHER’S DAY

BUFFALO, NY — The New York State Smokers’ Quitline is joining with families across New York State to honor and express appreciation for dads on this Father’s Day. To help you celebrate this special occasion, the Quitline, which is based at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), is providing New Yorkers with access to a free e-card that they can send to congratulate those dads who have stopped smoking, and a different card to send to urge dads who are still struggling to keep trying to quit smoking.

The two free e-cards can be accessed at http://www.nysmokefree.com — click on the “Encouraging DADS to Quit Smoking” graphic to view and send them.

If your dad still smokes, tell him to contact the New York State Smokers’ Quitline, 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), or visit nysmokefree.com for free coaching tips for quitting and a starter kit of nicotine patches or gum. Most smokers qualify for the free two-week starter kit of nicotine patches or gum. Call hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at http://www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org.

“Extended Care” Now Part of BMG Patient Services

WILLIAMSVILLE, NY – Buffalo Medical Group primary care patients who require an evaluation or treatment for an injury or medical condition that is not life-threatening, now have another option. Earlier this month, Buffalo Medical Group’s After Hours clinic at 295 Essjay Road in Williamsville, became BMG Extended Care with expanded hours from 9 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday.

Previously, the BMG After Hours clinic hours in Williamsville were 5 to 9 pm daily. BMG Extended Care hours remain 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday both in Williamsville and at the Group’s Orchard Park office at 3345 Southwestern Boulevard.

“Over time, it became apparent that we needed to expand our hours to accommodate the non-emergency needs of our primary care patients,” explained Eileen Leary, BMG’s Chief Operating Officer. “Now, if they have a non-life-threatening condition and cannot arrange an appointment with their primary care physician, they can be seen the same day in BMG Extended Care.”

Ms. Leary noted that BMG Extended Care offers the Group’s primary care patients numerous benefits. “All of our BMG Extended Care providers have access to patients’ complete electronic medical records; imaging services are available to accommodate patients’ radiology needs, and we also have laboratory services on-site,” she remarked. She added that patients can also receive their pre-operation clearances at BMG Extended Care.

After a visit to BMG Extended Care, a detailed report of the patient’s evaluation and prescribed treatment is sent to his or her primary care physician to assist in planning follow-up care. Although walk-ins are accommodated, Ms. Leary recommends that patients contact their primary care physician’s office to schedule an appointment in BMG Extended Care, to minimize their waiting time.

New Breakthrough Treatment for Depression

by Annette Pinder

Depression is a devastating brain illness that affects millions of Americans, their families and even their employers. People with depression may exhibit such symptoms as problems with sleep, appetite, level of energy, and concentration. They may show a lack of motivation, unusual feelings of guilt, and experience sadness or irritability. This is now well understood to be a problem in how the brain is functioning. Despite this, many people still don’t seek treatment largely because of feelings of shame. Unlike strokes or seizures where the signs of brain dysfunction become clearly visible to us, depression is not so obvious. Perhaps this is why people think differently about depression and sometimes attach stigma to the diagnosis.

Recently, a new treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was approved by the FDA for people who do not respond to treatment with an antidepressant. TMS makes use of magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain in a specific area known to be involved with depression. This treatment occurs while the individual is fully conscious right in the comfort of the doctor’s office. It is very well tolerated and produces little or no side effects at all.

The Dent Neurologic Institute’s Division of Neuropsychiatry under the direction of Dr. Horacio Capote is the sole provider of this modality in Western New York. Currently, there are approximately 200 providers across the country. Dr. Capote reports that these first 14 months of providing this treatment have been quite gratifying. “It’s been very satisfying to be able to offer such an effective treatment to people who had almost given up hope. I look forward to helping many more as word of this technology spreads.”

Read more about this treatment that has been proven to be helpful for those who are unable to respond successfully to traditional antidepressants.

New Cancer Treatment Comes to Buffalo

by Annette Pinder

When I walked through the doors of CCS Oncology for a press conference announcing a new $5 million tumor targeting system – one of only ten in the United States, I had no idea what to expect. When I left I felt like I understood why people today may live longer.

As I received the grand tour to learn about the new and most advanced tumor targeting system available today, I had the sensation I was entering the movie set of Star Wars. Clinicians operate three closed circuit television systems and a two-way audio system allowing them to monitor the patient from outside the treatment room. They view the patient’s tumor with precision – even following it as it moves with each breath the patient takes.

In the treatment room stands the imposing futuristic machine that may revolutionize the way physicians can administer radiation with speed and precision, pinpointing the exact location of the tumor. Dr. W. Sam Yi, M.D., medical director at CCS says, “This technology is a real game-changer that will enable us to treat even the most challenging cases with speed and precision. It breaks the mold in just about every dimension, making it possible to offer faster, more targeted treatments to tumors even as they move within the body and change over time.”

Yi explains that when clinicians can actually “see” tumors and target them with sub millimeter accuracy, nearby healthy tissue and critical organs are protected. Other tools synchronize beam delivery with tumor motion, helping to maintain accuracy. Yi says, “Intelligent automation further speeds treatments with a big reduction in the number of steps needed for treating patients compared with earlier technology. Complex radiation treatments may now only take 1/3 the time it did previously. And because the technology is able to generate 3-D images of the tumor faster than was previously possible, it also minimizes the amount of X-ray dose a patient receives.”

The technology, called TrueBeam STx, is a breakthrough that enhances our ability to treat all types of cancer with noninvasive image-guided radiosurgery,” said Dr. Yi. “It represents a quantum leap in terms of the spectrum of options we can offer patients fighting cancer. Now I am able to offer new hope and a better quality of life for many with previously ‘untreatable’ cancers.”

CCS Oncology treats all types of cancer including brain, head and neck, lung, liver, prostate, breast, gastrointestinal and gynecological. Utilizing the latest techniques makes it possible to treat certain types of brain, lung and liver cancers without doing open surgery. Additionally, CCS is the only treatment center in WNY to offer CT-guided prostate seed implanting, resulting in faster treatment and fewer side effects.

WNY Resource:

Board certified radiation oncologists Dr. W. Sam Yi, Dr. Kyu Shin and Dr. Johnny Yap lead a highly qualified staff of board certified medical physicists, medical dosimetrists, nurses, and radiation therapists.

CCS Oncology locations include 2950 Elmwood Avenue in Kenmore, 810 Davison Road in Lockport and a new location at 45 Spindrift Drive in Williamsville. For more information, visit www.ccsoncology.com or call (716) 810-9631.

PETER FREDERICK, MD, TO OVERSEE MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY FOR GYNECOLOGY PROGRAM AT RPCI

BUFFALO, NY — Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) has named Peter Frederick, MD, to a new leadership role within the Department of Gynecologic Oncology.

Effective June 1, Dr. Frederick is serving in the newly created position of Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery for the department, overseeing the use of robot-assisted and laparoscopic techniques to treat gynecologic cancers or related medical issues.

Minimally invasive surgery can be used to treat cervical and endometrial (uterine) cancers, for removal of ovarian cysts, ovarian masses or lymph nodes, and to perform hysterectomies. The use of robotics in these surgeries offers great advantages over traditional “open” surgical approaches: reduced risk of infection, less blood loss, less pain, faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays.

“Dr. Frederick’s extensive experience in laparosopic surgery, his fellowship training in advanced gynecologic robotic surgery and his organizational skills combine to make him superbly qualified for this new role,” said Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, Chair of the Department of Gynecologic Oncology. “We’ve seen a surge in the volume of laparoscopic and robotic surgeries we’re performing since he joined the department, and we’re looking to expand the program further so that more women in Western New York have a trusted option for these complex minimally invasive approaches.”

RPCI launched its robotics program in 2004, when the Institute became the first facility in the region to offer robot-assisted surgery. Since then, Roswell Park surgeons have performed more than 1,500 surgeries using robotics, and the Institute has become a worldwide leader in the field of robotic surgical training.

“The advantage here is our multidisciplinary approach,” added Dr. Odunsi. “We offer the latest and best approaches to give our patients the best possible outcomes, and we come with the full force of the Roswell Park team, which means our patients get full-spectrum care.”

Dr. Frederick is also an Assistant Professor in the Division of Surgical Subspecialties within the Department of Gynecologic Oncology. A graduate of the University of Rochester and the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, he did his residency in gynecology/obstetrics at UB and completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. A Western New York native, Dr. Frederick lives in Buffalo.

For more information, visit RPCI’s website at http://www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org.

Univera Healthcare Report on the Cost of Medical Malpractice Coverage in New York State

Medical malpractice premiums for physicians in different regions of the state can vary as much as five times the amount paid between regions and the difference can exceed $100,000 for some specialties, according to ananalysis issued today by Univera Healthcare.

“Medical malpractice rates for upstate New York physicians are considerably less than those in downstate regions and are similar to the amounts paid by physicians in states that report the lowest premium rates in the country,” said Richard Vienne, D.O., vice president and chief medical officer, Univera Healthcare.

“The Facts About New York State Medical Malpractice Coverage Premiums” shows that the standard malpractice premium for an internist in Buffalo, Syracuse, Binghamton and Utica ($9,874) is significantly lower than for an internist practicing on Long Island ($35,028). A similar differential exists for physicians in other specialties. For example, a general surgeon’s premium rate in those same upstate areas is $32,663, contrasted with a Long Island surgeon’s rate of $115,872; and obstetricians/gynecologists in many upstate regions may pay $52,650, while their Long Island counterparts face a standard rate of $186,772.

Physicians pose varying risks of liability based on their specialty, experience factors and the experience of other physicians in the regions where they practice medicine. Standard rates are reviewed and approved by the New York State Insurance Department.

From the standard rates, discounts, credits, experience factors and other considerations are used to determine the actual premium paid by individual physicians. The data presented in the fact sheet for New York state physicians is based on current standard premium rates of the Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Co., which insures most physicians in the state.

Standard medical malpractice premiums for typical physicians in New York state are referred to as “occurrence policies” that provide up to $1.3 million in liability coverage for a single injury and up to $3.9 million for a single policy year.

“Regardless of the regional differences in premium rates, physicians and hospitals that pay their physicians’ medical malpractice insurance premiums believe that the rates are too high and want to see them lowered by reforms to the state’s tort system,” Vienne said. The fact sheet reviews reports that provide cost estimates on the impact that malpractice insurance coverage and defensive medicine may have on total health care spending.

“We share physicians’ concerns about malpractice premium rates,” Vienne said. Univera Healthcare has advocated, together with such organizations as the Medical Society of the State of New York and The Business Council of New York State, for tort reforms that would help lower medical malpractice costs and other liability expenses faced by businesses in the state.

One step taken this year by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York state Legislature to help address rising malpractice insurance costs – particularly in response to downstate hospital pleas for help – was the establishment of a statewide medical indemnity fund to cover medical expenses for eligible children with birth-related neurological injuries.

The report issued today shows the various rating regions of the state and compares three common physician specialties. It also indicates states that have higher and lower malpractice insurance rates than those in New York.

A free copy of the “The Facts About New York State Medical Malpractice Coverage Premiums” fact sheet can be downloaded at univerahealthcare.com/factsheets.

ECMC Earns American Heart Association Gold Quality Achievement Award

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - June 6, 2011—Erie County Medical (ECMC) Corporation has received the Get With The Guidelines®–Heart Failure Gold Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association. The recognition signifies that ECMC has reached an aggressive goal of treating heart failure patients with 85 percent compliance for at least 24 months to core standard levels of care as outlined by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology secondary prevention guidelines for heart failure patients.

Get With The Guidelines is a quality improvement initiative that provides hospital staff with tools that follow proven evidence-based guidelines and procedures in caring for heart failure patients to prevent future hospitalizations. Under Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure, heart failure patients are started on aggressive risk reduction therapies such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, aspirin, diuretics and anticoagulants while in the hospital. They also receive alcohol/drug use and thyroid management counseling as well as referrals for cardiac rehabilitation before being discharged.

“The full implementation of national heart failure guideline recommended care is a critical step in preventing recurrent hospitalizations and prolonging the lives of heart failure patients,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., chair of the Get With The Guidelines National Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Mass. “The goal of the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program is to help hospitals like ECMC implement appropriate evidence-based care and protocols that will reduce disability and the number of deaths in these patients. Published scientific studies are providing us with more and more evidence that Get With The Guidelines works. Patients are getting the right care they need when they need it. That’s resulting in improved survival.”

“ECMC is committed to making our care for heart failure patients among the best in the country. Evidence of this commitment is our improvement from what was already a very good evaluation last year with a Silver Award, to an excellent evaluation this year with a Gold Award. We will continue to build off of these successes with further implementation of the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure program, which enables our professionals to continue to improve the long-term outcome for these patients,” said Jody L. Lomeo, CEO, ECMC Corporation. Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure helps ECMC’s staff develop and implement acute and secondary prevention guideline processes. The program includes quality-improvement measures such as care maps, discharge protocols, standing orders and measurement tools. This quick and efficient use of guideline tools will enable ECMC to improve the quality of care it provides heart failure patients, save lives and ultimately, reduce healthcare costs by lowering the recurrence of heart attacks.According to the American Heart Association, about 5.7 million people suffer from heart failure. Statistics also show that, each year, 670,000 new cases are diagnosed and more than 277,000 people will die of heart failure.

Farmers' Market at Grider

Farmer's Market Plant Day will take place on Friday, June 3 from 11am-4pm, across from ECMC at 351 Grider Street (between the old Catholic Charities building and Ephesus Ministries), Friday, June 3^rd, 2011; from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., 11:30 AM: How to start your garden by Mike Lee, CAO, 1:00 PM: Enjoy the benefits of Juicing (Free Samples!) by House of Healing ICU, 2:00 PM: Planting Bucket Gardens (Plant and Take Home a Free Bucket Garden!) by Kelly Kowalski, Food For All. To increase access to healthy food; promote healthy lifestyles; create an engaging, interactive community gathering place; and inform/educate the community on health/wellness and green initiatives. Planned activities include gardening instruction; and flowering/vegetable plants, as well as flats, small bushes and shrubs will be available for purchase.Farmers’ Market at Grider sponsors: Community Action Organization (CAO); Durham Street Block Club; ECMC; Food For All; Grider Street Block Club; Healthcare Education Project; Prudence Fuller; House of Healing ICU; Tri-Street Block Club; St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.