Knitter's Club Sales for Fall

Beautiful, handcrafted knit and crochet items including baby items, sweaters, fashion scarves, hats, mittens and afghans will be sold by the Knitters Club of the Amherst Center for Senior Services this Fall on the following dates:

            - September 12

            - October 3 & 4

            - November 9 & 13

            - December 4 & 5 

The sales will take place on the dates listed above from 9 am – 2 pm in the Lounge at the Center, which is located at 370 John James Audubon Parkway in Amherst.  The public is welcome to attend and start their holiday shopping.  Proceeds benefit programs and services at the Center. 

                                                             

Concussion Symposium October 13

DENT Neurologic Institute will offer The First Annual Concussion Symposium to the WNY Community.  A morning session (8am-12 noon) will be tailored to medical professionals (4.0 CME credit hours) who will be educated on a multitude of areas related to concussion.  This will include Neurologic Evaluation & Pharmacologic Management of Symptoms,  Post Concussion Syndrome, Imaging Research, Dizziness and Balance Disorders, Headaches,
Sleep Disorders and More.

The afternoon session will be tailored to parents, coaches, assistant coaches, trainers and athletic directors.  Attendees will have the opportunity to educate themselves on signs and symptoms of concussion, baseline testing, and return to play initiatives.  The afternoon session is free and open to the public.

Special guests will include the Buffalo Bills Alumni, Buffalo Sabres Alumni as well as the Buffalo Jills and Buffalo Jr. Sabres.

For more information contact Maria Caserta at 716.250.6004 or mcaserta@dentinstitute.com

Celebration of Life Fundraiser for ECMC Trauma Intensive Care Unit

Mike Billoni celebrates 

20 years since being saved by ECMC

BUFFALO, NEW YORK; August 15, 2012—On Monday, September 17, 2012, Mike and Debbie Billoni will host a Celebration of Life fund-raiser for the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU).  The event will take place from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Patriots and Heroes Park in front of Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More, at 6675 Transit Road, Williamsville, New York, 14221. 

“Twenty years ago, a car hit my bike from behind and I flew into the windshield and shattered it,” said Michael J. Billoni, ECMC Trauma Patient, and Marketing and Public Relations Director for the Food Bank of Western New York.  “When I got to ECMC, I went through 17 hours of trauma surgery.  I learned that ECMC is an amazing place with a staff of incredibly caring, highly skilled doctors, nurses, and therapists.  My surgeon, Dr. John LaDuca, performed miracles and constantly encouraged me.  I received great care at the medical center for 44 days.” 

Dr. John LaDuca is the Honorary Chairman of this Celebration of Life event.

Refreshments for the event will be donated by Russell J. Salvatore of Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More; Picasso’s Pizza; Charlie the Butcher; Charlie Ciotta and Wardynski's & Sons, Inc.; Try-it Distributing Premier Wines & Spirits; and Coca Cola Bottling Co. of Buffalo. 

Entertainment will be provided by DJ Jickster of 97 Rock and Richie Derwald.  Sound will be provided by AVAdvantage. 

Admission to this event is free, but donations to the ECMC TICU are encouraged.  If unable to attend, donations may be made payable and sent to: ECMC Lifeline Foundation – “”Celebration,” 462 Grider Street, Suite G-1, Buffalo, NY 14215 or ecmclifeline.org.  Attendees are asked to RSVP by September 12^th to 898-5800 or sgonzalez@ecmc.edu.

Classes for Caregivers Erie County Senior Services

Caregivers Can Still Register for Powerful Tools for Caregivers Classes!

            A six-week educational program designed to provide caregivers the tools needed for taking care of themselves is now being offered.  Through six 2 1/2 hour sessions held on a weekly basis, caregivers learn to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate feelings, and locate helpful resources.  Attendees also learn how to increase their ability to make tough decisions and balance their lives.  Pre-Registration is required - Call 858-2177 or e-mail caregiver@erie.gov for more information about Powerful Tools for Caregivers Classes and to register.  There is a $25 cost for the course, which includes a copy of The Caregiver Helpbook*

Weinberg Theater 2700 N. Forest Rd., Amherst 14068	Wed.	Sept. 12 – Oct. 17, 2012 6 pm – 8:30 pm
ElderWood Village at Rosewood 76 Buffalo St., Hamburg 14075	Tues.	Sept. 25 – Oct. 30, 2012 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
VA WNY Healthcare System Northtown Businesss Center 3131 Sheridan Dr., Amherst (free respite for the memory impaired offered at this site)	Wed.	Sept. 26 – Oct. 31, 2012 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Schofield Residence 3333 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore	Thurs.	Oct. 4 – Nov. 8, 2012 10 am – 12:30 pm
Park Creek Senior Living 410 Mill St., Williamsville 14221	Tues.	Oct. 9 – Nov. 13, 2012 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Amherst Senior Center 370 John James Audubon, Amherst (free respite for the memory impaired offered at this site)	Tues.	Nov. 13 – December 18 12:30 pm – 3 :00 pm

*Complete course cost is covered for all Blue Cross/Blue Shield of WNY and Independent Health members.   

                Additional classes are scheduled.  For more information or to register, contact:

Erie County Department of Senior Services at 858-2177 or e-mail: caregiver@erie.gov

A full class listing is also on our website at: www2.erie.gov/depts/seniorservices.

Supported by a grant from the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York and
co-sponsored by The University at Buffalo, School of Public Health and Health Professions and the Erie County Caregiver Coalition.

Amherst Senior Center National Senior Center Month

“It Happens at My Senior Center”

Amherst, New York – As a new generation of older adults looks to redefine retirement, there is a growing focus on wellness, work, and volunteerism. When it comes to finding tools for staying healthy and involved, senior centers are the place to start. This September, theAmherst Center fort Senior Services invites the community to learn more about its programs and services during National Senior Center Month.

Join the Center as they celebrate It Happens at My Senior Center, the theme of this year’s celebration.  A host of activities are planned including:

Shingles Seminar                     - September 5 at 11 am. Call 636-3050 for information.

Grandparents Show & Tell     - September 7 at 11:15 am

Grandparents Lunch                - September 12 at 12 noon     

Shingles Vaccinations             - September 19 at 9 am – 12 noon.  Call 636-3050 for information.

Fall Speakers Series               - September 19 at 12:45 pm.  Topic: Ronald McDonald House

Fall Prevention Seminar          - September 25 at 10:45 am

Bullying Seminar                     - September 27 at 12:45 pm   

Flu Shot Clinic                        - September 28 at 9:00 am – 2 pm

In addition, the Center is running an essay contest throughout the month of September with the theme “It Happens at My Senior Center”.  Entry forms may be picked up at the Main Reception Desk and each submission receives a free pen.  The top 3 essays will be awarded prizes and all entries will be on display at the Center during October. 

The Center also offers innovative classes including Digital Photography, Guitar Lessons, Current Events, Tai Chi and Yoga.  The Fall 2012 classes begin in September and run through December 19, 2012. 

The Amherst Center for Senior Services was established in 1962 and provides a multitude of courses, programs and services that enrich the lives of area seniors and their families.  Over 800 seniors utilize the Center on a daily basis.  The Amherst Center for Senior Services is open to residents of the Town of Amherst as well as area communities.

“The people coming into our center have deep ties to the community and are excited about sharing their diverse skills and talents,” said Pamela Krawczyk, Director of the AmherstCenter for Senior Services. “Our goal is to provide the tools, resources, and opportunities to help them manage their health and finances and find new ways to contribute.”

To learn more about the Amherst Center for Senior Services, visit www.amherst.ny.us  The Amherst Center for Senior Services is located at 370 John James Audubon Parkway inAmherst, New York.

                                                                    

Botanical Gardens Succulent Show

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society, Inc. is proud to announce the annual Succulent Show which will run September 8 - October 7, 10am-5pm daily, a Medicinal Garden Feature to highlight Cholesterol Awareness Month on September 8 from 10am-2pm and the Fall Plant Sale on September 21 from 9am-7pm and September 22 from 9am-2pm.

Designed by Botanical Gardens’ Gardeners Julie Hughes and Teresa Mazikowski, the Succulent Show was a visitor favorite last year and will illustrate to visitors what can be created with these exciting little plants through creative design concepts. Using common, unusual and exotic varieties, the Botanical Gardens will be full of interesting container gardens, hanging shapes covered in succulents, wreaths, window boxes, small landscapes and many unexpected surprises.  Highlights include a “succulent lady”, a tribute to Buffalo and so much more!

September is Cholesterol Awareness Month and a special Medicinal Garden Feature will take place at the Gardens on September 8 from 10am-2pm. Activities include educational displays about healthy foods from plants that may be beneficial in maintaining a low-cholesterol diet, medications and botanicals which may be helpful in managing cholesterol levels. The Medicinal Garden is made possible by a collaboration with D’Youville College School of Pharmacy and Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, part of Catholic Health.

The second Annual Fall Plant sale will take place on September 21 from 9am-7pm and September 22 from 9am-2pm in the Gardens’ new Administration Building.  This fantastic sale will include fall interest perennials, flowering shrubs, spring bulbs and more!

Flower shrubs include: Aronia mel Viking, Berberis thun Crimson Pygmy, Callicarpa dish Early Amethyst, Cercis chin. Don Egolf, Chamaecyparis pis Gold Mop, Cornus sanguinea Winter Flame, Cotoneaster sal Scarlet Leader,  Hydrangea ’Little Lamb’, Hydrangea petiolaris, Kerria japonica Plentifloria, Magnolia stellate Royal Star, Potentilla Pink Beauty, Spiraea jopon Anthony Waterer and Weigela French Lace.

Perennials include: Ajuga Black Scallop, Anemone ‘Sylvestris’, Campanula c. ‘White Clip’, Carex m. ‘Ice Dance’, Coreopsis ‘Route 66’, Dianthus ‘Raspberry Surprise’, Festuca g. ‘Boulder Blue’, Gaillardia a. ‘Arizona Sun’, Heuchera x ‘Silver Scrolls’, Lupine Russell Nobles Mix, Lysimachia num. ‘Aurea’, Phlox p. ‘Peppermint Twist’, Platycodon ‘Sentimental Blue’, Salvia n. ‘Marcus’ and Tiarella wherryi.

The Succulent Show runs September 8 - October 7 from 10am-5pm Monday-Sunday and the Medicinal Garden Feature will be held on September 8 from 10am-2pm.  Tickets for both can be purchased at the door and prices include; $9 Adults, $8 Seniors (55+) & Students (13+), $5 Kids 3-12, Garden Members and kids under 3 are Free!  The Fall Plant Sale on September 21 and 22 is free to the public and will be held in the Gardens’ new administration building.

All proceeds benefit The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society, Inc., 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. For more information visit the Botanical Gardens’ website at www.buffalogardens.com.  

New Business Director at BWI

BWI National Health Promotion Training Institute Names National Business Director

BUFFALO, N.Y., August 26, 2012 – Thomas P. McNulty of Orchard Park, NY, has been named National Business Director of the BWI National Health Promotion Training Institute. 

With more than 35 years of healthcare management and marketing experience, McNulty will market BWI’s three online health education training programs, targeting organizations and associations across the country that have a stake in promoting healthy lifestyles and progressive-thinking businesses that have a history of demonstrating concern for their employees’ well-being. Courses are the BWI Personal Health Certification, BWI Health Promotion Coordinator Certification and BWI "Be Fit Kids" Instructor Certification.

McNulty, an expert in behavioral health, is president and founder of Success Stories, Inc. Through the management and marketing consulting firm that specializes in the healthcare field, he has witnessed how the number one reason for calling in sick – depression – has an impact on the workplace.

“The health industry is blending physical health and emotional health,” McNulty said, explaining that his new role at BWI will present “opportunities to bring a person’s overall physical well-being in concert with their emotional well-being to the forefront of organizations.”

He serves as an adjunct professor at Hilbert College, where he is an instructor for the Master of Health Administration program, and as host of 96.1 JOY-FM’s “Spotlight on Health” radio talk show since 2003. McNulty is also a member of the Community Health Foundation Fellows Action Network and Leadership Buffalo.

McNulty studied at Florida State University, where he obtained his bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology and master’s degree in counseling psychology and human systems.

The BWI National Health Promotion Training Institute is a subsidiary of BWI Health Promotions, which provides comprehensive wellness management services and health education training programs for corporations, schools and communities. The BWI National Health Promotion Training Institute was developed to offer web-based certificate programs for individuals and/or professionals looking to enhance their personal knowledge in the field of health promotion. As a New York state regional health promotion leader, BWI’s presence is expanding into the national business market with program delivery throughout the United States.

To learn more about BWI’s courses, email traininginstitute@bwihp.com or call 1-800-606-7422 or 716-992-2732. Visit www.bwihp.com for course details and to register online at the BWI e-store.

People Inc. Annual Drive for Disabilities

Lights! Camera! Auction! People Inc. is hosting its 11th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament and Auction on August 20, 2012. But the fun starts right at home from your computer! Now, until August 19, at midnight, you can go online on at https://www.biddingforgood.com/peopleinc to get a head start on the bidding! From Disney Hopper Passes, to a session with a renowned renaissance-style portrait photographer, you don’t want to miss out on bidding on some hot items. Other trips to bid on are Antigua, St. Lucia, Cancun and more to choose from. Eating out? Black and Blue, Jojo’s and Melting Pot are all top notch choices you will find on our auction.

Bidding closes on August 19, 2012 at midnight, so don’t miss out on that Caribbean getaway you’ve been dreaming of!

Get Your Groove Back!

Join Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital to learn how you can put the groove back into your life. Ladies of all ages if you are facing menopausal changes or symptoms, you will not want to miss this event. Bring your friends for a fun evening where experts will show and demonstrate ways to help you get your groove back.

Did you know that 75% of postmenopausal women may experience conditions that impact body image and self-esteem.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012 from 6-8pm

Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
Ground Floor Conference Room
1540 Maple Road, Williamsville, NY 14221

FREE

Space is limited, register today by calling (716) 568-6700

suburban.kaleidahealth.org

Two Physicians will discuss post menopausal conditions, treatment options and a variety of ways to regain your confidence and become a healthier you. A special performance by Sherry Martin Dance will be sure to lift you out of your seat.

AMHERST CENTER FOR SENIOR SERVICES -- HOME OF “SERENDIPITY SWING”

mherst, New York – If you are at the Amherst Center for Senior Services on a Wednesday morning, you’ll hear the sophisticated sounds of “Serendipity Swing” which will take you back to the golden age of glamorous ballrooms and classy supper clubs.

This eight musician ensemble and female vocalist perform music associated with the great American songbook and is very popular at area events, wedding receptions and celebrations.  They have over 200 songs in their music library.

Serendipity Swing holds their open rehearsal at the Center on Wednesdays from 10 am – 12 noon in the Lounge.  The public is welcome to attend and enjoy the great music.  Coffee and cookies are available for purchase in the Dining Room.

The band will perform at the center’s Labor Day Picnic lunch on August 31 from 12 – 1 pm, a member’s only event.  Craig Hodnett, Bassist, is the bands coordinator and can be reached at 716-553-0368 or at cshodnett@aol.com.

The Amherst Center for Senior Services is located at 370 John James Audubon Parkway in Amherst,New York.  The phone number is 636-3050.

     

German Chocolate Brownies

Sound Irresistible Enjoy these German-style brownies made using Betty Crocker® Gluten Free brownie mix with coconut-pecan frosting that are perfect for dessert.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Total Time: 2 Hr
Makes: 16 Brownies

Recipe Details

Ingredients:

• 1 box Betty Crocker® Gluten Free brownie mix
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk (from 5-oz can)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
• 3/4 cup flaked coconut
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla

Preparation Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom only of 8- or 9-inch square pan with cooking spray (without flour).
2. In medium bowl, stir brownie mix, melted butter, 2 eggs and the chocolate chips until well blended (batter will be thick). Spread batter in pan.
3. Bake 8-inch pan 28 to 31 minutes, 9-inch pan 26 to 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool in pan on cooling rack.
4. Meanwhile, in 1-quart heavy saucepan, stir brown sugar, milk and 1 egg until well blended. Stir in cut-up butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat. Stir in coconut, pecans and vanilla. Cool 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Frost brownies. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Nutrition InformationCalories:270; Calories from Fat:120; Carbohydrate Choice:2; Cholesterol:55mg; Fat:2 1/2; Other Carbohydrate:1; Potassium:75mg; Sodium:120mg; Starch:1; Total Carbohydrate:32g; Dietary Fiber:2g; Total Fat:14g; Monounsaturated Fat:3g;Polyunsaturated Fat:1g; Protein:3g; Saturated Fat:8g; Sugars:25g; Fats & Oils:2tsp; Meat & Beans:1oz-eq;

Know About Mini-Strokes: It Can Save Your Life

By Annette Pinder

Did you know the rate of stroke death in WNY is 23 percent higher than the national average, and 70% higher than the entire state of New York?

That’s one reason Vernice E. Bates, M.D. and Fran M. Gengo, Pharm.D. at DENT Neurologic Institute want people in Western New York (WNY) to know about transcient ischemic attacks or TIAs. Also referred to as a mini-stroke, when a TIA occurs symptoms usually last less than 24 hours before they disappear. And, while TIAs generally do not cause brain damage, they are a serious warning sign of stroke and should never be ignored.

Symptoms of a TIA and stroke are basically the same:

· Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, leg, especially on one side of the body

· Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

· Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

· Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Causes of TIA include:

· Low blood flow at a narrow part of a major artery carrying blood to the brain

· A blood clot in another part of the body that breaks off and travels to the brain blocking a blood vessel

· Narrowing of the smaller blood vessel to the brain, blocking flow for a short period of time.

Dr. Bates explains that, “Up to 40 percent of all people who experience a TIA will go on to have a real stroke, and studies show nearly half of all strokes occur within two days of a TIA. During this time, five percent of people will have a stroke, and within three months after a TIA, 10-15 percent of people will have one.”

There is clearly a window of time where the possibility of a deadly stroke may be averted. Drs. Bates and Gengo are focusing on these patients at the new Acute TIA Program at DENT. There, these patients can be seen immediately, rather than having to undergo various lab tests and schedule an MRI. Instead, they are able to have a thorough evaluation, assessment of their medications, and an MRI. “The goal of the Acute TIA Program is to prevent people from having a future stroke, and so far, the data proves that what are doing is paying off,” says Dr. Bates.

Dr. Gengo emphasizes the importance of knowing exactly what medications a patient is taking because some may interfere with others. He explains, “There are many medications that help prevent blood clots from forming. Also, the medicine and therapy we prescribe depends on the exact cause of the TIA.” So what should someone do if they are experiencing stroke symptoms? “Call your primary care physician, and get to a hospital or emergency room immediately,” says Dr. Bates. And if you think you’ve experienced a TIA and your symptoms have disappeared, it is still important to be thoroughly evaluated as soon as possible.

WNY RESOURCE:

Dr. Bates is Medical Director for the DENT Stroke/TIA Clinic, and Dr. Gengo is Director of Neuropharmacology, and Research Director for the TIA Clinic. To learn more or to make an appointment call 716.250-2000 and visit www.dentinstitute.com.

Infertility Not Only a Woman's Struggle

Women are often the first to undergo a battery of tests when conception is slow to happen, but nearly half of all infertility problems are directly attributed to the male. Although low sperm count is the most frequent culprit, surveys reveal that only 17 percent of men ever get tested.

Dr. Lani Burkman, fertility specialist and founder of LifeCell Dx, recommends advanced testing for all men when there is a delay in producing a pregnancy. There are also several things men can do to help boost fertility naturally:

1.   Eat zinc and selenium-rich foods. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, nuts and low-fat proteins help boost zinc and selenium levels. Selenium has been found to contribute to healthy sperm, while a zinc deficiency may contribute to reduced fertility. A good vitamin and mineral supplement is also helpful.

2.   Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine (including the patch) and marijuana, as all of these substances create imbalances that can result in infertility.

3.   Moderate exercise can help keep hormones happy, manage weight, and lower stress, all of which boost fertility. Athletes and men who exercise heavily show a rise in stress hormones.

4.   Limit exposure to heat and chemicals. Exposure to excessive heat affects how sperm are produced. Common chemicals such as pesticides and lawn fertilizers can lower sperm quality. There is an ongoing debate about the possible effects of heat generated from a laptop placed on the lap or a cell phone carried in the hip pocket can impact sperm

5.   Limit exposure to heat and chemicals. Exposure to excessive heat and chemicals, such as pesticides, fertilizers and radiation can affect sperm quality. There is also speculation that the heat from holding a laptop computer on your lap or a cell in your hip pocket can reduce fertility.

6.   Get some definitive answers. Just receiving a basic sperm count will not tell you if you are fertile.  A recent survey conducted by SpermCheck, which manufactures home tests for sperm count, found that 83 percent of men who are planning or trying to conceive assume they are fertile. "Most men make this assumption, but about half actually have issues," says Dr. Burkman. “Many of the men with a good sperm count do not have fertile sperm.”

If you think you may have issues that affect your fertility, Dr. Burkman recommends making an appointment for comprehensive sperm function tests. She explains that standard semen analysis can tell you the number of sperm, and whether they are moving, “but cannot tell you if the sperm are fertile.  At LifeCell Dx rapid and specialized testing provide information that is 90% accurate in predicting a man’s ability to produce a pregnancy.

Fortunately for Western New Yorkers, Dr. Burkman’s laboratory is located in Amherst. However, she is helping people all over the world by introducing sperm telemedicine. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Burkman’s pioneering work in fertility has included research and development within the University at Buffalo, and patent  breakthroughs for the new laboratory near Sweet Home Road.  Patients and physicians can learn more by visiting www.lifecelldx.com.

WNY Resource:

Lani Burkman, Ph.D.,
LifeCell Dx 606 North French Road, Suite 6 Buffalo, New York 14228Telephone: 716-408-3306 and
866-999-3296

What Is Shingles?

By Annette Pinder

Shingles is an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin that is caused by the same virus as chickenpox — the varicella-zoster virus. Anyone who has experienced shingles knows it isn’t fun. It can also be extremely painful, and many people don’t know what’s happening to them until it’s too late to slow the virus progress. So recognizing the symptoms can help prevent the virus from escalating into a painful, itchy, messy experience. 

Signs
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of the first signs of shingles may be burning or tingling pain, numbness or itching, usually in one particular location, and on one side of the body. Often it is a band on one side of the body, and at the trunk and waistline. After several days or a week, a rash of fluid-filled blisters, similar to chickenpox, appears in the area, and pain can be mild or intense. Some people have mostly itching; others feel pain from the gentlest touch or breeze. 

Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles.  Scientists think that, in the original battle with the virus, some particles leave the skin blisters and enter the nervous system.  When the virus reactivates, it moves down the nerve fibers that extend from the sensory cell bodies to the skin.  The viruses multiply and a rash erupts.

Treatment
The severity and duration of shingles can be significantly reduced by immediate treatment with antiviral drugs such as acyclovir. Antiviral drugs may also stave off the painful after-effects of shingles known as postherpetic neuralgia. Treatments for this pain include steroids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical agents. For most healthy people who receive treatment soon after the outbreak, the lesions heal, the pain subsides within 3 to 5 weeks, and the blisters often leave no scars. 

The Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine (Zostavax) is approved for use in people ages 50 to 59 years, but the CDC recommends waiting until age 60 to receive it. Researchers have found giving older adults the vaccine reduces the severity, complications, and number of cases by half. The vaccine is preventative and not a treatment for shingles or postherpetic neuralgia. It should also not be used by those with an allergy to gelatin or any other component of the shingles vaccine. There are also other contraindications for the vaccine, so talk to your doctor for more information.

Is Shingles Contagious?
The CDC says a person with shingles can pass the virus to someone, usually a child, who has never had chickenpox, but the child will develop chickenpox, not shingles. Someone with chickenpox cannot pass shingles onto someone else.  

Current Research
Current research is being conducted at the National Institute of Health, and other institutions across the country to find new methods for treating shingles and its complications. Most insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid provide coverage for the shingles vaccine. To learn more about shingles visit www.cdc.gov.

Myths Associated with Hearing Loss and Treatment

Many people take their hearing for granted. While it's possible to live a lifetime without a single hearing problem, anyone who has attended a concert has probably considered the possibility of hearing loss, be it temporary or permanent. Unfortunately, there are many myths associated with hearing loss and treatment. And The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) wants to educate the public about hearing loss and available treatments to dispel some of these myths, such as:

* Minor surgery can fix my hearing. Though medical treatment or surgery can benefit hearing loss, only 5-10 percent of adult cases of hearing loss are helped by surgery.

* I have one good ear and one bad ear. When one ear is bad, the natural tendency is to begin favoring the other ear when using the telephone or having face-to-face conversations. This creates the illusion that the so-called "better ear" is normal when it really isn't. In fact, BHI says most types of hearing loss affect both ears equally and 90 percent of hearing loss patients are in need of hearing aids for both ears.

* Hearing loss is for the elderly. This is the most common misconception about hearing loss, but is completely untrue. In fact, only 35 percent of people with hearing loss are over the age of 64. Nearly 6 million people in the United States alone between the ages of 18 and 44 have some hearing loss, and more than one million are school age.

* My doctor would have told me if I had hearing loss. According to the BHI, only 14 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. Due to the quiet nature of a doctor's office, it's easy for the physician to assume your hearing is fine because the environment is quiet and you are probably not showing any symptoms of hearing loss. When visiting the doctor for your next physical, ask him to look for any signs of hearing loss during the physical.

* Hearing loss is normal for my age. Hearing loss isn't normal for anyone, no matter what a friend, relative or even physician might say.

* Hearing loss is untreatable. Hearing loss may have been untreatable years ago, but technology has changed that. While surgery might not be the answer, 95 percent of people with sensorineural hearing loss (caused by damage to the inner ear) can be helped with hearing aids. Other types of hearing loss, such as conductive hearing loss, which affects the outer and/or middle ear, caused by ear wax and ear infections, can often be medically or surgically treated. Mixed hearing loss (a combination of conductive and sensorineural) can often be helped with a surgically implanted device called a cochlear implant.

To learn more about hearing loss and treatment options, visit the Better Hearing Institute Web site at www.betterhearing.org. 

Locally, Buffalo Hearing and Speech licensed audiologists provide a full range of services, treatment options, and free educational seminars where participants are able to meet with professionals and get many of their questions answered. To learn more visit http://www.askbhsc.org/content/pages/about-hearing-loss. FP105426

WNY Resource:

Buffalo Hearing and Speech is conveniently located in Buffalo, Amherst, West Seneca,
Fredonia and Wheatfield. Visit www.askbhsc.org or call 885-8

Can Sleep Apnea Cause Cancer? New Research Points to a Significant Risk

By Annette Pinder

We keep hearing about it – sleep apnea. More than 28 million Americans have it, and many are undiagnosed. It is a disorder that disrupts breathing, causes snoring, and is linked to low oxygen levels. It can be serious, and lead to depression, obesity, heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and death.

Two studies presented in June to the American Thoracic Society indicate people who suffer from sleep apnea also have a higher risk of developing cancer. Researchers say low oxygen levels associated with sleep apnea can trigger the development of tumors. The study, conducted by researchers at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health over 22 years, revealed severe breathing problems at night increase the likelihood of dying from cancer by 4.8 times, compared to people who did not have breathing issues. They also found people with moderate apnea had twice the risk of dying.

Similar findings by the Spanish Sleep Network were also presented at the conference. Researchers there assessed the incidence of cancer, rather than the mortality rate, and followed 5,200 people over seven years tracking oxygen depletion. They found that people whose oxygen levels dipped below 90 percent, for up to 12 percent of the total time asleep, had a 68 percent greater likelihood of developing cancer, than people who did not have breathing difficulties at night.

Sleep apnea is already confirmed to be related to diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. And, according to the National Cancer Institute, all of these conditions also linked to cancer. “But this is the first time researchers have found a definite link between sleep apnea and cancer, and the findings seem to be well-documented,” says Dr. Daniel I. Rifkin, M.D., President of Sleep Medicine Centers of Western New York. Dr. Joseph Golish, former chief of medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, said, “Even if future studies reveal the cancer link is not as strong as the proven relationship between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease, it is one more reason to get your apnea diagnosed and treated,” and Dr. Rifkin agrees.

The Wisconsin study also showed that when people who were being treated with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) were removed from the analysis, the cancer association became stronger. This is consistent with the connection between low levels of oxygen and cancer. Meanwhile, Dr. F. Javier Nieto, one of the study’s authors and chairman of the department of population health sciences at the University of Wisconsin, says, “It could be something else, but it’s hard to imagine something we didn’t control for is causing this.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Rifkin says, regardless of future findings, “It is clear that sleep apnea can have a profound impact people’s health, and not breathing while you’re sleeping is a serious problem. People who suspect they have sleep apnea should contact their physician.”

To learn more about the Wisconsin and Spanish Sleep Network studies visit  www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ATS/32936#.

Western NY Resource:

Dr. Rifkin sees patients in Amherst, Buffalo, Dunkirk, Kenmore, Lockport, West Seneca, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and Niagara Falls. Home sleep study kits are also available. Learn more at www.sleepmedicinecenters.com or call 716-923-7326.