Eat Well Live Well Challenge Plans Information Sessions

Participate in the Eat Well Live Well Challenge - Learn More!

Free Information sessions for employers or community organizations interested in participating in the Eat Well Live Well Challenge will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8 and Thursday, Jan. 17 in the corporate office conference room at the Wegmans store located at 651 Dick Road, Depew.

Promoted by the Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo, the Challenge encourages employers and organizations to make a New Year “healthy choices resolution” by participating in the annual Eat Well Live Well Challenge. This results-focused wellness Challenge, provided by Wegmans Markets, empowers participants by increasing physical activity and making better nutrition choices. Together these actions enable individuals to improve their health and lower their risk for unnecessary medical costs from chronic illnesses.

“The Challenge is a proven wellness program that offers employers and community organizations a valuable opportunity to be proactive in improving health and health care cost management,” said Philip Haberstro, executive director of the nonprofit Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo. More information about the Challenge can be found at www.eatwelllivewell.org.

Additionally, Eat Well Live Well training sessions will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 or Friday, Feb. 15 at the Wegmans store located at 5275 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville. A complimentary healthy continental breakfast will be served.

Pre-registration for either the information or training session is required as space is limited. Attendance at an information session is optional; attendance at a training session is required for new participating employers. The training session will focus on how to successfully implement the Eat Well Live Well Challenge. Once launched, the Wellness Institute is available at no cost to participating employers to support their participation and ensure positive results. Visit www.CreatingHealthyCommunities.org to learn more about other Wellness Institute programs.

For information or to register for either an information or training session, please contact the Wellness Institute at 851-4052 or email BeActive@City-Buffalo.org.

Change Your Life With Operation 90 Days

Weight Loss, Group Personal Training and Healthy Competition

by Annette Pinder

This January Operation 90 Days will be in full force at the Jewish Community of Greater Buffalo (JCC) and Fitness Director, Ann Vorburger can't wait. Each year the JCC conducts this highly successful and popular program to help people fulfill their New Year's resolutions and get back on track.

Ann explains, "For three months, Personal Trainers work with small groups for one hour each week. Participants receive personal training, nutrition advice, and fitness homework. At the end of 90 days everyone feels transformed, and prizes are awarded to those teams with the best overall fitness results." Sound like a familiar TV show? It does to me, but what's great is -- it's at a fraction of the cost, and best of all, you don't have to do it alone!

But the JCC isn't just for small groups of people who want to challenge themselves to lose weight. There's one-on-one personal and Pilates training. Members can take advantage of over 50 classes like Tai Chi, aquatics, spinning, body pump, yoga, and zumba. There's something for every age group, and just about every physical condition. The JCC has invested $8 million dollars in renovations, $1 million dollars in new cardio equipment, and $150,000 in new playground equipment.

Ann is especially pleased about the facility's new theracycle self-propelled bike. She says, "It will be wonderful to help people with MS, Parkinson's, and those recovering from stroke or who have difficulty lifting their legs. The theracycle will help encourage personal training for special needs populations requiring this type of assistance."

For those over 65, the JCC is proud of Silver Sneakers™, the nation's leading fitness program, which includes free membership and participation in group fitness and aquatics classes. Ann says, "Silver Sneakers™ promotes social interaction with other members, as individuals take part in wellness and education lectures, special events and trips, or simply enjoying lunch or dinner at the Center Café."

Children at the JCC can take part in summer day camps, seasonal school break camps, early-release days, after-school programs, nursery school, field trips, kids' fitness, swimming, birthday parties, babysitting and more. Some JCC kids even learn how to swim by the age of two! And the new Storm Swim Club and Vacation Clinic for grades K-12 offers fun and healthy competition for children and their families.

The JCC's Getzville and Buffalo locations welcome new members. To learn more visit www.jccbuffalo.org. If you'd like to sign up for Operation 90 Days call Ann Vorburger at 204-2070 in Getzville and Bob Lajeunesse at 886-3172 in Buffalo. Oh, and in case you were curious -- the JCC is not just for those who are Jewish. In fact, nearly 65% of members are not Jewish, who enjoy meeting new people, sharing ideas, and having access to the Center 357 days a year.

WNY Resource:

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo, Inc. (JCC) is located on North Forest Road in Getzville (688-4033), and on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo (886-3145). Learn about the JCC's latest promotion featuring membership at a cost of $19.50 per month for the first six months available throughout January with a one year commitment.

Celebrate the New Year at First Night Buffalo

24^th annual drug- and alcohol-free event kicks-off New Year festivities downtown

BUFFALO, N.Y. (December 3, 2012) – Plans are underway for this year’s ultimate drug- and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration Independent Health Foundation’s First Night Buffalo^®  from 5 to 10 p.m., Monday, Dec. 31, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.

The Foundation and its sponsors gave a sneak peak of this year’s lineup at a press event Monday at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. The annual holiday family tradition, now in its 24th year in downtown Buffalo, offers family-friendly activities for all ages to ring in the New Year including rides and amusements including comedian and stuntman Wacky Chad, juggler Nels Ross, Terry Buchwald’s tribute to Elvis, Bubblemania, The Red Trouser Show, magician Wade Live, laser tag, costume characters, a toddler area, music and a grand finale balloon drop.

“Thousands of Western New York families have celebrated a drug and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve at First Night Buffalo for nearly 25 years,” said Carrie Meyer, executive director, Independent Health Foundation. “The Independent Health Foundation is pleased to continue presenting this fun, affordable and safe event every New Year’s Eve. We’ve got another great lineup of entertainment we think everyone will enjoy this year.”

“Independent Health is dedicated to engaging individuals and families in their own health and First Night Buffalo is the perfect time to consider making healthier choices for the New Year,” said Michael W. Cropp, M.D., president and chief executive officer, Independent Health.  “This annual drug- and alcohol-free tradition provides a healthy, positive and fun environment for families to start the New Year right. It’s been a mainstay event in Buffalo for nearly 25 years and we’re pleased to present this event each year with our dedicated sponsors and volunteers. We hope to see thousands of families at this year’s event.”

Tickets are now on sale at all area Wegmans locations for $8, which include all rides, attractions and activities. Children ages 2-years-old and under are free. Tickets are $10 at the door. Free parking is available for attendees at the Fernbach and Main Place Mall parking ramps thanks to the Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps, Buffalo Board of Parking.

“First Night Buffalo gives city residents and visitors an opportunity to ring in the New Year in a safe, sober and drug free environment right in the heart of downtown Buffalo,” said Mayor Byron Brown. “As an alternative to the traditional New Year’s Eve parties, First Night Buffalo is a great and healthy event for the entire family to attend. I applaud the leadership at the Independent Health Foundation for its continued effort to improve the health and wellbeing of our city by offering dozens of programs and events, including First Night Buffalo, that help people lead healthier lifestyles.”

For more information and a compelte schedule of events, visit the First Night Buffalo website at www.firstnightbuffalo.org, or call (716) 635-4959. Visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndependentHealthFoundation to see frequent updates on this year’s lineup.

First Night Buffalo is presented by the Independent Health Foundation and sponsored by Channel 7, Independent Health, M&T Bank, The Buffalo News, VSP Marketing Graphic Group, and Lamar.

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

What Do Cherries and a Wonderful Destination Have in Common?

Tart Cherries – A Hot Super Fruit

at a Hot Western New York Destination

(FF) Ever wonder why cherries are a favorite for so many? Vivianne and Tom Szulist, owners of Singer Farm Naturals believe, "It's because our bodies actually crave cherries for the health benefits they give us."

Now more than ever, Americans are aware of health and nutrition and look to their diets as a means to get nutrients naturally. According to top trend forecasters, antioxidants remain a major indicator of health-promoting foods, with nine out of ten of adults aware of antioxidants, and one-third making a strong effort to consume more, according to the study “Mintel 2009; Multi-Sponsor Surveys, 2010.”

Known for their powerhouse of antioxidants, tart cherries have emerged as one of today’s hottest super fruits. Today there are more than 50 scientific studies specifically on tart cherries, and with the help of leading health expert Dr. Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, RD, the cherry industry recently launched “The Red Report,” a new scientific look at the power of tart cherries.

“The power of this Super Fruit is undeniable,” said Dr. Brazilian, who says, "It's amazing how far tart cherries have come over the last few years. Cherries have long been associated anecdotally with pain relief benefits, but today there's a strong and significant body of evidence backing that up.” Research indicates tart cherries may ease pain of arthritis and gout and emerging research suggests cherries may offer protection against heart disease, certain cancers, arthritis, gout, diabetes, memory loss, and more. The melatonin in tart cherries also helps maintain and improve sleep cycles. Some of the latest reports call out the tart cherry as ‘the’ Super Fruit to watch,” says Dr. Bazilian.

Tart cherries are available every day of the year in dried, frozen and juice forms. They can be a powerful way to boost fruit intake and meet current dietary recommendations of two daily fruit servings. Experts suggest consuming 1 to 2 servings of cherries daily can help provide some of the health benefits identified in the research. To learn more download The Red Report, where you can find recipes, tips, and learn more about the health benefits of cherries at www.choosecherries.com.

Much of this research was the impetus for Tom and Vivianne Szulist to restore their 1840s eco-barn, which has become home to their dried fruit products, cherry juice concentrate, 60 varieties of gourmet garlic, local farm-fresh goods, and unique gifts. The Szulists are passionate about the health benefits of the products they grow and sell and say they receive calls and orders from people all over the world who report that the addition of tart cherries has made a significant difference in their lives and in how they feel."

Singer Farm Naturals is one of Western New York's best kept secrets, and it is definitely a destination worth visiting. Not only will you be welcomed by a beautifully restored barn filled with all things cherries and garlic, but you will also find unique and beautiful holiday gifts. Best of all, you'll get a wonderful education from the Szulists about the importance of sustainability, the environment and why they work hard to operate in harmony with the wider world.

WNY Resource:

Singer Farm Naturals

6730 Lake Road
Appeton, NY 14008

716-778-7077

www.singerfarmnaturals.com

Independent Health Teams Up with Liazon

BUFFALO, NY – Dec 6, 2012 - Independent Health has begun offering its innovative health care plans through Liazon’s award-winning Bright Choices® Exchange to employers. Bright Choices helps employers control the escalating cost of health care benefits while giving employees greater benefits choices. The program will be available to customers in Western New York beginning immediately.

With Bright Choices, employers use a defined contribution funding strategy to provide each employee with a set amount of money to shop for coverage in the online exchange. Employees can then personalize their coverage to best fit their needs by choosing from a wide variety of benefits options. These options include multiple medical plans from Independent Health along with dental, vision, disability, life, critical illness, accident, wellness, telemedicine, legal services, HSAs, FSAs, and even pet insurance.

Independent Health is a leader and innovator in the health care market, building plans that encourage and reward employees for becoming more engaged and motivated to live healthier lifestyles. The plan options available through Bright Choices vary in premiums and member cost sharing while offering comprehensive benefits. Each of the plans includes a component that gives members a unique level of choice and control, such as out-of-pocket costs, or benefits based on their lifestyle, health care choices or provider preferences. All the plans are supported by Independent Health’s nationally recognized customer service.

“Independent Health shares Liazon’s philosophy that giving employees the power to customize their own benefits leads to greater engagement of people in their own health,” said David Donovan, Independent Health’s vice president of sales. “Independent Health has long believed that a high level of customer engagement and wide-ranging partnerships, such as this one with Liazon, are important components to achieving better quality and lower health care costs in the long run.” The Bright Choices Exchange with Independent Health plans is targeted to companies with 50 or fewer employees.

Bright Choices has been attracting the attention of employers since its launch in 2008 and now serves more than 2,000 businesses nationwide. One of the key reasons for its popularity with employees is the personalized shopping experience that follows a logical flow to help employees understand and select the best benefits for them. Bright Choices walks each user through a questionnaire about health, wealth, and personality in order to recommend the right benefits package for them and their families.

“Typically, small to medium sized organizations had limited to no choice when it came to selecting a health plan for their employees,” said Mark Mortenson, president and CEO of the Buffalo Museum of Science. The museum is one of the first customers to sign on to the Bright Choices Exchange with Independent Health plans. “With the Bright Choices program, I can offer my employees a choice of multiple plans to meet their individual needs instead of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. It also brings in other benefits opportunities for our employees like dental, vision and additional life insurance.”

Bright Choices is available to businesses through select brokers. Contact Independent Health at 716-631-5392 to find out more.

About Independent HealthHeadquartered in Buffalo, Independent Health began operations in 1980 and has consistently been rated among the top health plans in the country for customer service and member satisfaction. Independent Health’s comprehensive portfolio of product and service offerings includes fully insured group products, individual plans, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans, traditional indemnity insurance, consumer-directed plans, and self-funded administration. Independent Health's subsidiary companies include Pharmacy Benefit Dimensions, Reliance Rx, and Nova Healthcare Administrators, Inc. For more information, visit www.independenthealth.com.

About LiazonFounded in 2007, Liazon Corporation operates the market-leading private benefits exchange for small and mid-sized businesses. Its flagship product, the Bright Choices® Exchange, is an online benefits store that is changing the way employers and employees buy benefits. Bright Choices helps employers save money on their healthcare costs by setting predictable budgets while guiding employees to purchase better coverage of health, dental, vision, life and disability benefits. Liazon works with top national and regional insurance providers and supports more than 2,000 businesses nationwide. Liazon has offices in Buffalo, N.Y., New York City and Waltham, MA. To learn more about Liazon and the Bright Choices Exchange, go towww.liazon.com.

Note To EditorIndependent Health will be offering five plans through Bright Choices. The plans provide a range of monthly premiums and cost-sharing options.

FlexFit Select: Allow employees to choose their level of benefits based on lifestyle:

• FlexFit Select provides one plan, one premium, with two options: Family and Active (with variable copayments best suited to meet the lifestyle needs of the individual).

• Individuals and/or families receive a $250 credit that can be applied toward benefits like participating fitness centers, vitamins, acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, tai chi, swimming lessons, soccer, after-school programs and more.

Empower (two options): Enables employees to choose their level of benefits based on their level of engagement and their approach toward healthy behaviors:

• Empower is one plan with two levels: Enhanced (lower out-of-pocket costs) and Standard (higher out-of-pocket costs).

• The plan rewards employees through lower out-of-pocket costs when they take necessary steps towards maintaining or working on a healthier lifestyle.

• Empower focuses on modifiable health risk factors including tobacco use, high body mass index and high blood pressure.

iDirect: Gives employees choice and control over their health care dollars:

• This consumer-directed health plan design gives members greater choice and control over their health care decisions, allowing employees to pay lower premiums and get the benefits they need while taking greater responsibility for their health care.

• iDirect is offered with a tax-savings Health Savings Account (HSA) to help offset out-of-pocket expenses and provide an avenue for long-term health care savings.

Passport Select: Offers employees greater choice and control over the use of in-network and out-of-network providers:

• Passport Plan Select provides employees with a balance of rich benefits and the convenience of predictable copayments once their plan deductible is fulfilled.

• Passport Plan offers high-quality coverage, along with enhanced out-of-area coverage.

Leg Pain from Pinched Nerves in Your Back

Leg Pain from Pinched Nerves in Your Back -- What Can You Do About It? Come to a FREE Seminar on August 21 to Learn More! 

Do you have back pain? Do you have leg pain? Come to a FREE Seminar on Minimally Invasive Spinal Procedures, presented by Board Certified Neurosurgeon, Eric Roger, MD, BSc, FRCS(C). You will have the opportunity to ask Dr. Roger questions. Sponsored by the Amherst Center for Senior Services, 370 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY 14228. FREE Refreshments will be served, Wednesday, August 21 at 5:00 p.m. RSVP to 636-3059. 

By Eric P. Roger, MD, BSc, FRCS(C)

Do your legs hurt when you walk? Do they feel better when you sit down? How about when you lean over a shopping cart? You may be suffering from spinal stenosis.

So what is spinal stenosis? Can something be done about it? First, you need to understand that you are not alone. Even more important, there may be a “quick fix” for your problem.

Spinal stenosis is a medical term that simply means “pinched nerves.” When your nerves are pinched in your back, you might think you would have back pain. The truth is that pinched nerves will hurt in your legs, and the pain will “run down the nerves.” Back pain is usually a result of arthritis, muscle spasm, pulled muscles, or another problem specifically in your back. You may have both.

Leg pain from pinched nerves (spinal stenosis) will hurt in one or both legs, and will typically be worse with standing and walking. The pain usually decreases when sitting down or bending forward. People often say that they can only walk short distances, and then need to sit down for a few minutes before walking again. People also say they are able to walk without leg pain when they lean over a shopping cart. This is because leaning over the cart helps open up the spine, taking pressure off the nerves.

There are many ways to help leg pain as a result of spinal stenosis. Mild medications can be helpful. Physical therapy or chiropractic care can also make a big difference. Epidural injections can give you several weeks to months of relief and really work quite well. If all these things don’t help, or helped initially but don’t work anymore, there may be a role for surgery. People are often scared of surgery, and rightly so. We now have very small surgeries, or procedures, that can be done under 30 minutes and allow you to go home the same day, that really work well to relieve the leg pain from pinched nerves. This is what many patients call the “spacer” surgery.

The “spacers” are little wedges we can place between the bones in your back to open up the space for the nerves. They don’t require any bony removal or actual work “on the nerves.” They take less than 30 minutes, and patients typically go home the same day or the next morning. They work great at relieving the leg pain. Over 300 patients in the Buffalo area have had great success with this small, “minimally invasive” procedure.

If your legs hurt when you walk, and get better when you sit down or bend forward (over a shopping cart), you may be suffering from spinal stenosis. An MRI would help us determine this, and we may be able to help you.

To make an appointment call 716-854-5700. Learn more at www.ericroger.com.

About the Author:

Erie Roger, MD, BSc, FRCS(C) is a board certified neurologist. He focuses on spinal diseases of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, and has special expertise is minimally invasive technologies and advanced spinal instrumentation.

Gelia Wins Global Finalist Award for Independent Health Campaign

NEW YORK (December 7, 2012) – Gelia, Western New York’s leading marketing communications agency, received a Global Finalist Award for its creative work on Independent Health’s consumer television advertising campaign at this year’s Global Awards® ceremony in New York on December 6.

Recognized in the medical service category of “Consumer: Video, Audio, Interactive Media - TV / Cinema Commercial”, Gelia and Independent Health was the only U.S.-based partnership honored for developing healthcare insurance advertising. 

In its eighteenth year, the Global Awards is an exclusive ceremony that grants “The World’s Best Healthcare Advertising™” for compelling, creative work on an international level. The Globals raise the bar from clever headlines and smart design to explore the emotional connections transmitted between the message’s creator and recipient.

Gelia worked together with Independent Health to effectively use member-based, compassionate stories to continue to differentiate the insurance company as a healthcare partner. A mix of television, radio and online advertising was used to communicate these personal vignettes.

The Global Awards are given to those who successfully produce intellectual and emotional attachment through communication, breaking through distance, language and culture barriers.  Countless entries were submitted from healthcare corporations, hospitals, advertising agencies, production companies and design studios all over the world that produce  materials for medical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare related products and services.

“Independent Health is one of the top health plans in the U.S., consistently achieving high ratings for customer service and member satisfaction,” said Jamey Phipps, Gelia president and CEO. “We designed our campaign to demonstrate how Independent Health has earned its reputation through the personal experiences of its members, and we are proud that the Global Awards has recognized the effectiveness and impact of our approach.”

Founded in 1961, Gelia is a full-service agency specializing in strategic marketing communications that drive integrated campaigns with measurable results. The agency supports a nationwide client base with strategic planning, advertising, public relations, new media, direct marketing, market research, and Web site architecture and design. With $53.4 million in annual capitalized billings, Gelia is headquartered in Williamsville, N.Y. and also operates offices in Peoria, Ill., Toledo, Ohio, and Detroit, Mich. More information is available at www.gelia.com.

Volunteer Services Program at Amherst Senior Services Receives Award

Volunteer Services Program at Amherst Center for Senior Services Receives Network in Aging's 2012 Program of Excellence Award

Special volunteers from the Wednesday Community Service Club at the Amherst Center for Senior Services include from l to r: Beverly Zelanzy, Harriet Lindemann, Gloria Baltes, Faye Schmitt and Martha Gullo. These volunteers make hospital shirt covers which are donated to Amherst Adult Day Program and area nursing homes.  In addition, they knit hats and mittens for the Center’s “Giving Tree” effort each Christmas which is donated to young children at School #31 in the City of Buffalo. 

Amherst, New York – The Volunteer Services Program  at the Amherst Center for Senior Services was recently named the recipient of the Network in Aging's 2012 Program Award of Excellence. The award was presented at the Network in Aging’s 32nd Annual Meeting Conference held on November 1, 2012 at Samuel’s Grande Manor in Williamsville.

This impressive award recognized the 1,686 seniors who are a part of the Volunteer Services Program at the Amherst Center for Senior Services, which was established in 1962 with one of its main goals: “To enable members who want to give of themselves to work on community services projects, both in and out of the center.”

That has remained a top goal at the Center which has developed an outstanding Volunteer Services Program for the senior population of this community.  Members of the Center are always invited to be part of the Volunteer Program.  There is a dedicated team on staff at the Center who work with each senior, one-on-one, to make a volunteer placement happen.

“Many seniors don’t know where to start when it comes to volunteering and may not realize what valuable assets they could bring to a position,” noted Jodi Kwarta, Director of Volunteer Services at the Amherst Center for Senior Services.

New volunteers can choose to volunteer right at the Center where there are dozens of options ranging from positions at the Welcome Desk, Gift Shop and Audubon Café.  These volunteers are trained and spend time with current center volunteers “shadowing” them.  All volunteers are briefed in a positive code of conduct that emphasizes respect for diversity.

Volunteers may also choose to work at over 80 agencies in the community where relationships have already been established by the Center.  Staff connects new volunteers with an agency and gets the process underway.  These agencies include American Cancer Society, Buffalo Zoo, Literacy Volunteers, Niagara Frontier Radio Reading, Women & Children’s Hospital, Brothers of Mercy and Shea’s Performing Arts Center. 

These 1,686 senior performed over 96,490 hours of service in the community in 2011.  Based on current minimum wage, that represents $699,552.50 in savings to the community.  These volunteers bring amazing business and life experience to their volunteer work ~ making them far more valuable than any dollar amount. 

“You have changed my life,” Kwarta has heard countless times from volunteers who are enjoying their new purpose and renewed interest in life, thanks to their volunteer work.  The Center honors their volunteers annually at the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon which is held each May and coincides with National Older Americans Month.

The Network in Aging’s mission is to help members enhance their efforts to improve the quality of life for older persons and their families by providing them with opportunities for resource exchange, professional development, and stimulation of interdisciplinary collaboration. For more information, visitwww.networkinaging.com.

For more information or to join the Amherst Center for Senior Services, please call 636-3055 or visit www.amherst.ny.us

New Era Gifts $1.5 Million to Push Phase I of Roswell Park’s ‘Making Room to Save Lives’ Campaign Over the Top

RPCI Moving Forward on Clinical Sciences Center Expansion in Fight Against Cancer

 

BUFFALO, N.Y.— Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) closed out the $40 million Phase I of  ‘Making Room to Save Lives: The Campaign to Build a Greater Roswell Park’ today with the announcement of a $1.5 million donation from New Era during a press conference held this morning at RPCI.

The ‘Making Room to Save Lives’ campaign is RPCI’s strategic initiative to continue to meet the needs of its rapidly growing patient population.  A prominent component is building an 11-story, 142,000 square-foot Clinical Sciences Center at Michigan and Carlton Streets in Buffalo.

“The need for Roswell Park services has continued to grow.  Over the past five years, we have seen a nearly 40% increase in patients and we have seen an almost 60% rise in outpatient appointments over the past decade,” said Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP, Roswell Park President and CEO.  “With New Era’s generous donation and that of previous major contributors, the new Clinical Sciences Center will allow us to meet the current and future needs of our patients," he said.

A supporter of cancer research, prevention and education as one of its four key platforms, New Era’s gift to Roswell Park continues a long tradition of philanthropy.

“At New Era, we strongly believe in giving back to the communities that we work and live in. One important way we do this is by engaging in partnerships and signature programs that focus on finding a cure for cancer," said Christopher Koch, CEO of New Era. "We have had a longstanding relationship with Roswell Park and are elated that we can help with their ongoing efforts."

Joined with the adjacent main hospital building via connecting bridges, the proposed RPCI Clinical Sciences Center will feature many expansion highlights including:

• Breast Center
• New Mammography Center
• New Chemo-Infusion Clinic
• Adolescent and Young Adult Clinic
• Patient Education and Survivorship Programs to reach patients, caregivers, and family members
• State-of-the-art office facilities and space for clinician-scientists to analyze data from clinical studies

A total of $40 million in Phase I has been raised by the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation to support the building of the Center. Construction for Phase I is scheduled to begin in Spring 2013.  An additional $10 million will be raised in Phase II for the Center’s “build out” and shell space requirements.

Dr. Trump gave special credit and thanks for the fundraising success to the “Making Room to Save Lives” campaign committee and its co-chairs Donna M. Gioia and Scott Bieler.

The ‘Making Room to Save Lives’ campaign kicked off in June 2011 with a generous $10 million donation from the ‘Circle of 10’ – a collaborative $10 million gift from 10 well known business and philanthropic leaders in Western New York, including some Roswell Park patients, who each gifted $1 million. ‘Circle of 10’ members include:

• Mr. Scott R. Bieler
• The William and Nancy Gacioch Family
• The Garman Family
• Anne and Richard Gioia and Donna and Anthony Gioia
• G. Wayne and Charline (Bunkie) Hawk
• The Jacobs Family
• Patrick P. Lee
• Stanford and Judith Lipsey
• Lawrence Minet, PhD
• Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.

In total, 435 donors contributed to Phase I of the ‘Making Room to Save Lives’ campaign including:

• Margaret L. Wendt Foundation
• Patrick P. Lee Foundation
• First Niagara Foundation
• Corning Foundation – Corning, N.Y.
• James H. Cummings Foundation
• Paul J. Koessler Foundation
• Eastman Foundation
• Ferguson Electric Foundation
• Individual and anonymous donors
• Faculty and staff at Roswell Park

More About the CSC

The CSC will house a new expanded Chemotherapy Clinic (doubling the size of the current Chemo Clinic) that will offer patients a picturesque view of Buffalo’s skyline; a Breast Center that will for the first time offer community mammography services; and a Patient Education/Survivorship Center for Roswell Park’s 31,000 patients and their families. The building’s presence also will allow many clinics and patient care areas to be expanded and renovated within the existing main hospital. For more information on RPCI’s ‘Making Room to Save Lives: The Campaign to Build a Greater Roswell Park’ campaign visit www.roswellpark.org/giving/donate/capital-campaign.  

Help Keep WNY Hospitals Supplied with Blood

Blood Shortage Downstate Prompts Unyts to be prepared to send supplies

November 8, 2012/Buffalo, NY—Hurricane Sandy disrupted the flow of blood in the NYC area. Though the needs of hospitals were met initially, many scheduled blood drives were forced to cancel, which depleted the blood supply to the point where a major recovery effort is now needed.

The New York Blood Center supplies the majority of blood in the Greater New York area. Like Unyts, the NYBC is a member of America’s Blood Centers. The facility was able to remain open, though an unprecedented disruption to blood supply is forcing a significant appeal for donors. Unyts, thanks to our generous blood donors, is poised to help downstate.

“As a member of America’s Blood Centers it is our responsibility to ensure that our partner Centers are able to provide a safe and adequate blood supply for their communities. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, please remember that the need for blood and platelets is constant. While WNY’s blood supply is sufficient to meet patient needs, we must to be ready to help out our fellow ABC members if needed”. Mark Simon, UNYTS President & CEO.

If you’ve never thought about donating blood before, NOW is the time…

Community Blood Service Locations:

Tonawanda Donation Center
96 Niagara Street
Tonawanda

 

Williamsville

Eastern Hills Mall

4545 Transit Road

Southgate Plaza Unyts Headquarters
1000 Union Road 110 Broadway
West Seneca Buffalo

*Please call 512.7940 or visit www.unyts.org to donate today!

Confused with Medicare Options? Senior Services can help...

Medicare Options Help from Erie County Department of Senior Services

Erie County Department of Senior Services encourages all seniors to understand the health insurance coverage they currently have, and to shop around for plans that may better fit their health needs, and save them money. The experts at Senior Services know what’s available locally, help people find their best options, and can help fill the gaps in Medicare coverage. Medicare enrollees are allowed to make changes to coverage before Dec. 7 during the Annual Enrollment Period.

Many Medicare beneficiaries never shop around for better Medicare coverage because they think they can’t save any money, are confused by Medicare options, or are unfamiliar with the prescription drug “donut hole.” Many people also aren’t aware of extra benefits for eligible individuals, including Medicare Savings Programs which help people with limited income pay for some or all of their Medicare costs, and Extra Help to pay for prescription drug costs.

Free of charge, Erie County Senior Services helps people with health insurance questions year round, but especially now during Medicare’s Open Enrollment encourages individuals to compare their options. Call (716) 858-7883, or many resources are on the website including comparison sheets of local Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental plans at http://www2.erie.gov/seniorservices/index.php?q=health-insurance.

Mercy Hospital 4th Annual Autumnal - The Meaning of Family

Mercy Hospital Foundation’s 4th Annual Autumnal To Benefit Hospital’s New Family Room

WHAT: This year’s 4th Annual Autumnal will celebrate the importance and meaning of family as its theme, while raising funds for a new Family Room at Mercy Hospital that will replace the current surgical waiting room. Bob and Ann Brady are serving as the 2012 Autumnal Event Chairs. Following a cocktail reception and gourmet dinner stations, guests will enjoy a concert by Buffalo Philharmonic violinists and father-daughter duo—Bob and Megan Prokes.

WHERE: The Roycroft Inn, 40 South Grove Street, East Aurora, NY

WHEN: Friday, November 9; reception begins at 6:30 pm; program & remarks at 8:00 pm; followed by the concert

WHO: Scheduled to participate in a brief program are:

2012 Autumnal Chairs, Bob & Ann Brady;

Mercy Hospital President & CEO C. J. Urlaub;

Mercy Hospital Foundation President Gigi Ford;

Former Mercy Hospital patient Laura Rola and her family

About 200 people are expected to attend, including Catholic Health President & CEO Joe McDonald and several local community leaders and distinguished guests

BPO Violinists and father-daughter duo, Bob and Megan Prokes will perform.

Better Breathers Club

Catholic Health Sponsors Better Breathers Club

for People with Chronic Lung Disease 

Catholic Health, in conjunction with the American Lung Association, will sponsor a “Better Breathers Club” for people with chronic lung disease and their families. The club meets the third Tuesday of every month at the Catholic Health Education Center, Suite 48, in the Appletree Business Park, 2875 Union Road in Cheektowaga, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. The next meeting of the Better Breathers Club will be held on Tuesday, November 20.

Guest speakers Nicole Lozzi, Michael Giacotta, and Kara Zielger, fourth-year Pharmacy students from the University of Buffalo, will present “Understanding Your Pulmonary Medications.” They will be discussing different types of pulmonary medications, why it’s important to take breathing medications on a regular schedule, and how to use inhalers and spacers correctly. A question and answer period will follow the presentations.

The Better Breathers Club is free and provides support, education and socialization for people with chronic lung disease – such as COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or lung cancer – and their families or caregivers. Participants will learn new skills, along with information on local resources and activities, to better manage their lung disease and improve their quality of life.  

For more information on the Better Breathers Club, or to register for the next meeting, call Catholic Health’s HealthConnection at 447-6205.

Homewatch CareGivers of Western New York Announces Local Winner of Family Caregiver of the Year Award

Gerald Meyer of Hamburg, NY Becomes Winner of Local Award

Williamsville, NY – November 5, 2012 – Homewatch CareGivers of Western New York, a part of the largest and most experienced international provider of home care services, announced the local winner for the company’s Family Caregiver of the Year award today. Gerald Meyer, age 76, of Hamburg was selected for his loving care of his wife, Shirley, age 72. As the local winner, Mr. Meyer will receive eight hours of respite care from Homewatch CareGivers of Western New York and a restaurant gift card in celebration of National Family Caregiver Month.

In 1992, Mrs. Meyer underwent radiation treatment for a brain tumor, which left her disabled with limited hearing and verbal skills. A case manager with Erie County Senior Services nominated Mr. Meyer for the award, detailing that Mr. Meyer assists his wife with everything from cooking and laundry to bathing and doctor’s visits. Mr. Meyer recently remodeled his bathroom to make it more accessible for caregiving responsibilities. In addition to caring for his wife’s extensive needs, he had to have surgery for carpel tunnel syndrome a few months ago. 

In considering the six nomination entries, Maureen Couche, parish nurse at St. Gregory the Great and one of three judges on the panel said, “Each story is so compelling for the need for respite. Ultimately, the endurance of 20 years of care seemed to override so many other things.” 

“This award, in its first year as a local offering, is designed for people like Mr. Meyer,” said William Gillick, owner of Homewatch CareGivers of Western New York. “As a company dedicated to providing the highest quality home care and helping families who need support providing home care to a loved one, we see the devotion, love and kindness family caregivers provide to their mothers, fathers, siblings, children and spouses. Gerald’s commitment and resilience in providing his wife’s care is a heart-warming and inspirational story.”

The eight hours of respite care provided by Homewatch CareGivers of Western New York will give Mr. Meyer some needed assistance and the comfort of knowing someone is there to provide exceptional care for his wife in his absence. 

The Family Caregiver of the Year winner was announced November 1st to celebrate the beginning of National Family Caregiver Month. For more information on Mr. Meyer or the contest, please contact Christina Bosilkovski at Homewatch CareGivers of Western New York, (716) 565-3103. For more information on Homewatch CareGivers, visit http://www.homewatchcaregivers.com/buffalo/home-care.aspx.

Founded in 1980, Homewatch CareGivers is a large and highly experienced international provider of full-service home care for people of all ages. Caregivers are triple-screened and continually trained and supervised by healthcare professionals to provide reliable, compassionate, and highly skilled services in companion, personal and comprehensive care. Home care services are personalized for each client and customized care plans are administered through an international network of 113 franchise owners with 191 territories in 36 U.S. states including 17 international territories. Each office is locally owned and dedicated to ensuring quality of life for clients and peace of mind for their loved ones. Call 1-800-777-9770, visitwww.homewatchcaregivers.com for company and caregiver information, or learn more at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwSRiMuM2DA. 
For more information call Christina Bosilkovski, Homewatch CareGivers of Western New York at 716-565-3103 | cbosilkovski@homewatchcaregivers.com.

Seasonal Sweet Apple Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Blended fruit and veggie drinks aren’t just for summer. Here’s a delicious combo to celebrate the fall season.

(FF)- It can be challenging to eat right any time, but especially during fall and the holidays, when the entire season seems filled with hearty meals, rich dishes and sweet treats. It’s okay to moderately splurge every now and then.  But, in the long run you will greatly benefit by making smart dietary decisions to ensure a healthy immune system during the fall and winter months.

Drink to Your Health

A simple way to enjoy a healthy season is to make sure you are eating nutrient-dense foods. These will help you produce increased energy levels and decrease cravings for seasonal junk foods, and provide you with greater overall wellness.

Sweet Apple Pumpkin Pie

An antioxidant-rich, protein-packed healthy dessert option so you can enjoy the flavors of the season guilt-free.

            1/4       cup organic silken tofu or organic Greek-style yogurt

            1/2       cup canned pumpkin or cooked fresh pumpkin

            1/2       apple (cut, cored, and seeds removed)

            1          tablespoon raw almond butter

                        Pinch of cinnamon

                        Pinch of ground cloves

            1–2      teaspoons pure maple syrup

            1          cup almond milk

Add ingredients to lblender and make your smoothie!

Nutrient Know-How

How many times have you read a list of nutrients on a food label, but not really known how each works to benefit your body? Following are some nutrient quick tips so you’re better informed during your next trip to the market.

Calcium — Essential for healthy teeth and bones; also important for muscle, nerve and some gland functions.

Iron — Necessary for healthy blood and normal cell functioning.

Magnesium — Needed for healthy bones; also involved in more than 300 enzymes.

Potassium — Helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

Vitamin A — Helps keep eyes and skin healthy; also helps protect against infections.

Vitamin C — Helps heal cuts and wounds; helps keep teeth and gums healthy, and helps iron absorption.

Folate (folic acid) — Helps the body form red blood cells.

Fiber — Helps reduce blood cholesterol and may lower risk of heart disease.

How Much Is a Cup?

To help you gauge how much produce you’re eating, here’s a quick look at what equals a cup:

—1 small apple

—1 large banana

—1 medium grapefruit

—1 large orange

—1 medium potato

—2 large or 3 medium plums

—12 baby carrots

—1 small wedge watermelon

—8 large strawberries

—2 large stalks celery

—1 medium pear

The NutriBullet emulsifies healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains into their most easily digestible state. Learn more at www.nutribullet.com.

Eyeing a Hair-Raising Drug to Cure Baldness

A commonly prescribed glaucoma drug may be effective in treating male pattern baldness and other forms of alopecia.

If you're balding and want your hair to grow back, then here is some good news. A new research report appearing online in The FASEB Journal shows how the FDA-approved glaucoma drug, bimatoprost, causes human hair to regrow. It's been commercially available as a way to lengthen eyelashes, but these data are the first to show that it can actually grow human hair from the scalp.

To make this discovery, Valerie Randall and colleagues from the University of Bradford in England conducted three sets of experiments. Two involved human cells and the other involved mice. The tests on human cells involved using hair follicles growing in organ culture as well as those take directly from the human scalp. In both of these experiments, the scientists found that bimatoprost led to hair growth. The third set of experiments involved applying bimatoprost to the skin of bald spots on mice. As was the case with human cells, the drug caused hair to regrow.

"We hope this study will lead to the development of a new therapy for balding which should improve the quality of life for many people with hair loss," said Randall.  "Further research should increase our understanding of how hair follicles work and thereby allow new therapeutic approaches for many hair growth disorders."

Some in the scientific community believe this discovery could be the long-awaited follow up to Viagra that middle-aged men have been waiting for. Since the drug is already approved for human use and its safety profile is generally understood, it may be a promising discovery leading to another possible way to regrow hair.

Women & Children's Hospital and Roswell Park Plan New Integrated Hematology Oncology Unit

CENTER TO BE LOCATED IN NEW JOHN R. OISHEI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

BUFFALO, NY — In a collaboration that will enhance the quality of care for children with cancer, Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) announced the first step toward building a physician-led, unified pediatric hematology-oncology program in the new John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital.

For over 40 years, the two healthcare systems have operated the pediatric hematology-oncology service for the Western New York region, with separate and complementary services offered at each hospital. With the planning for the new hospital well underway, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Women & Children’s Hospital, a Kaleida Health facility, have initiated a physician-led planning process to develop a single center of excellence for pediatric inpatient/outpatient services.

The two institutions today signed a memorandum of understanding to plan the new center, which will be a dedicated floor of the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. The future hospital will be located at Ellicott and High Streets on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

“We’ve been developing plans for enhancing our program under one roof for many years,” says Martin L. Brecher, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Chief of Hematology Oncology at Women & Children’s Hospital and Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology in the Department of Pediatrics at the University at Buffalo. “Each institution contributes unique expertise and services to children and young adults with cancer and blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, hemophilia and anemia. The new hospital presents a great opportunity to develop a true pediatric Center of Excellence.”

Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo is submitting its Certificate of Need (CON) application for the new hospital to the New York State Department of Health on November 2nd. Roswell Park anticipates submitting the Certificate of Need for the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Center by the end of the year.

“This partnership between the two organizations is an excellent example of the many opportunities the new John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is granting,” said Teresa Quattrin, MD, Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Professor of Pediatrics, SUNY at Buffalo, and Pediatrician-in-Chief, Chief, Division of Endocrinology-Diabetes, Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. “We look forward to continuing to create this integrated Hematology & Oncology Unit to further enhance the care provided to patients and their families throughout Western New York and beyond.”

It is anticipated that RPCI will hold a long-term lease for the Center and will be responsible for medical direction. Currently, Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo provides specialty pediatric services essential to the care of these children including surgery, anesthesia, intensive care, and diagnostic imaging. Roswell Park provides oncology clinical leadership and services including radiation therapy, certain highly-specialized diagnostic services, blood and marrow transplants and clinical trials. The planned Center will continue to capitalize on the unique expertise of both institutions.

“In order to have an outstanding program for children with cancer and blood diseases, we need a very strong and comprehensive children’s hospital in partnership with a very strong and excellent cancer institute,” said James R. Kaskie, President and CEO of Kaleida Health. “Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the new John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital have joined forces in a collaborative model to further expand and improve the diagnosis, treatment and research programs available locally for children and their families who face this most difficult of diseases. Together, and in conjunction with the University at Buffalo academic programs, we will jointly operate a center of excellence for children with cancer and blood diseases where expert clinical services are provided, innovative and pioneering research is advanced to find a cure and improve treatment options, and current and future health care professionals are trained and educated.”

The proposed center will incorporate inpatient beds, an outpatient clinic, isolation beds for blood and bone marrow transplant/high-dose therapy patients, and infusion facilities for chemotherapy and blood products, all in a protected environment on the top floor of the new hospital.

“Management of cancer is best provided in facilities where hospital inpatient beds and outpatient facilities are in close proximity. The relocation of the children’s hospital to the medical campus provides the opportunity to pull together what have been two physically separate outpatient and inpatient units into a single, expanded service comprehensive facility to serve the needs of children of all ages with blood diseases and cancer. There are many advantages associated with the development of a single pediatric cancer center. The planning, implementation and operation of this facility is a complex endeavor that will require substantial time and effort on the part of our respective administrative leaders and clinical faculty,” says Donald L. Trump, MD, President and CEO of Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Both institutions and their respective Boards of Directors recognize that the relocation of Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo to the medical campus presents a unique opportunity to take an excellent pediatric hematology oncology program and make it extraordinary by bringing all the services together in a new state-of-the-art hospital. Philanthropic support for the hospital and for the pediatric hematology oncology center will be required to make the program consolidation a reality.

About Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, a Kaleida Health facility and teaching hospital for the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, is the regional center for comprehensive and state-of-the-art pediatric, neonatal, perinatal and obstetrical services in Western New York and beyond. For more information, please go online at www.wchob.org.

About Kaleida Health
Kaleida Health is the largest health care provider and largest private employer (9,500 employees) in Western New York. More than one million patient visits are recorded annually at the Buffalo General Medical Center, DeGraff Memorial Hospital, Gates Vascular Institute, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, plus the health system’s 90 clinics and health care centers. Kaleida Health operates HighPointe on Michigan and the DeGraff Memorial Hospital skilled nursing facility, plus the nation’s oldest – and original – Visiting Nursing Association. Kaleida Health also operates a major laboratory division as well as the Millard Fillmore Ambulatory Surgery Center. The organization is also affiliated with Great Lakes Health, the entity integrating Kaleida Health, Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation and the University at Buffalo. Kaleida Health’s economic impact on Western New York exceeds $2.2 billion annually. For more information, go tohttp://www.kaleidahealth.org.

The Great American Smoke-Out is November 15

Smoking Cessation Resources in Western New York

The following local organizations have information on the health risks of smoking and on smoking cessation programs.

·         Catholic Health System, Health Connection, www.chsbuffalo.org/services, 447-6205

·         American Lung Association, www.lungassociation.org/stop-smoking, 883-5864

·         American Heart Association, www.heart.org, 614-1980

·         American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org Karen Lynn Hall, 882-9244

·         Roswell Park Cancer Institute Quitline, www.roswellpark.org, 1-866-697-8487 (1-866-NY-QUITS)

·         Erie Niagara Tobacco  Free Coalition, www.tobaccofreewny.com, Jenna Brinkworth/Tony Billoni, 845-3407

·         Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Buffalo, NY, www.buffalova.gov, 877-222-8387

·         The Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo, www.beactive@city-buffalo.org, Phil Haberstro, 851-4052

The annual Great American Smokeout (GASO) will be observed November 15, 2012.

For more information on the Smokeout, please visit www.tobaccofree.org and www.cancer.org/smokeout.

The Wellness Institute will have a GASO information/resources table in the lobby of City Hall on Thursday November 15^th.  www.Creatinghealthycommunities.org