Mercy Hospital Receives Stroke Gold Plus Award & Target Stroke Honor Roll

Award demonstrates Mercy Hospital's commitment to quality care for stroke patients

Buffalo, NY – May 31, 2013 – The Stroke Center at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo has received the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s (AHA) Get With The Guidelines® Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and Target Stroke Honor Roll. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards.

To receive the award, Mercy Hospital achieved of 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month intervals and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with six of 10 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Measures, which are reporting initiatives to measure quality of care. These measures include aggressive use of medications, such as antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs and smoking cessation, all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.

In addition to the Get With The Guideline-Stroke award, Mercy Hospital has also been recognized as a recipient of the association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll, for improving stroke care. Over the past year, at least 50 percent of the hospital’s eligible ischemic stroke patients have received tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, within 60 minutes of arriving at the hospital (known as ‘door-to-needle’ time). A thrombolytic, or clot-busting agent, tPA is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the urgent treatment of ischemic stroke. If given intravenously in the first three hours after the start of stroke symptoms, tPA has been shown to significantly reverse the effects of stroke and reduce permanent disability.

“With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award demonstrates Mercy Hospital’s commitment to being one of the top hospitals in the country for providing excellent, proven stroke care,” said Dr. Peterkin Lee-Kwen, Director of the Stroke Center at Mercy Hospital. “We will continue with our focus on providing care that has been shown in the scientific literature to quickly and efficiently treat stroke patients with evidence-based protocols.”

ECMC Farmers’ Market Opens Friday, May 31, with 3rd Annual Plant Day

The ECMC Lifeline Foundation presents the fourth year of the Farmers’ Market at Grider. Opening Day will be held on Friday, May 31st, 2013, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The Market will be open each subsequent Friday through October 31st, 2013. A variety of different vendors, food trucks, giveaways, and activities will be provided each week.

 Free Plant Day, designed to teach about urban gardening and healthy eating, will be featured as the opening day giveaway. 

The Farmers’ Market at Grider offers seasonal and fresh produce from local farmers. The Market’s mission is to provide a neighborhood-based location that offers a variety of approaches to healthy living to improve the health of the Delavan-Grider and ECMC communities. 

New this year, the Farmers’ Market at Grider is featuring the “Delavan-Grider Van to Groceries Services” program funded by the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA), which has provided funding for a three month demonstration project to assist the Delavan-Grider Community with transportation to access healthy foods. The Van Service will also take qualifying riders to Tops on Grant Street on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Those individuals who live in the Delavan-Grider Community and would like to participate in the free van service for grocery shopping should call (716) 218-9889.
[“Delavan-Grider Van to Groceries Service."

This year’s vendors include: East Park Pops featuring their all natural juice ice popsicles; Erdle Farms offering blueberries and grapes; Independence Hills Farms with their fruits and veggies; Kennywood Farms with bushes, flowers, flowering plants, flats; and Leone’s Cookies with Italian cookies, cupcakes, brownies and treats—all returning to the market from past years of vending. New to the market this year are: Arden Farm with seedlings, hanging plants and vegetables; McCollum Orchards with organic vegetables, fruits and herbs; Monique’s Treats with ice cream and frozen treats; and Simone’s Natural Creations with soaps, body butter and lip balms. 

Additionally, the Farmers’ Market at Grider will offer lunches from local food trucks. The trucks will be rotating weeks at the market beginning with The Whole Hog food truck returning with their local and fresh menu. Along with The Whole Hog, a new food truck, Black Market (thebmft.com), will participate featuring a gourmet deli menu with unique sandwiches, soups, and sides. The Whole Hog and Black Market have decided to pair-up at the market and offer their goods on opening day. The following week and every two weeks through the end of the season, Lloyd’s Taco Truck will also be providing lunch at the market.

The Farmers’ Market at Grider is ready for a great new season. There will be food demonstrations again this year by Food For All. Also, on board each month will be Cornell Cooperative Extension and their nutrition education, food demonstrations, give-a-ways and gardening tips. The YMCA’s Jocelyn McEntire will provide fitness demonstrations with groups like the Taoist Tai Chi Society. There will be line dance demonstrations and other fun fitness activities as well as special events.

 
ABOUT ECMC CORPORATION: The Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation includes an advanced academic medical center (ECMC) with 550 inpatient beds, on- and off-campus health centers, more than 30 outpatient specialty care services and Terrace View, a 390-bed long-term care facility. ECMC is the regional center for trauma, burn care, transplantation and rehabilitation and is a major teaching facility for the University at Buffalo. Most ECMC physicians, dentists and pharmacists are dedicated faculty members of the university and/or members of a private practice plan. More Western New York residents are choosing ECMC for exceptional patient care and patient experiences—the difference between healthcare and true careTM.

The Ride for Roswell is June 22!

The 18th annual Ride For Roswell presented by West Herr Automotive Group will take place on Saturday, June 22, at the University at Buffalo (North Campus) in Amherst, N.Y.

The Ride For Roswell weekend begins with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 21. The second annual Ride Opening Ceremony will honor Roswell Park’s patients, survivors, caregivers, riders, volunteers and sponsors who make The Ride one of Western New York’s premiere fundraising events. It’ll be an inspiring evening of tribute, video, and live music followed by a day of riding to remember forever. The Ride Opening Ceremony is free for all riders, virtual riders, volunteers, Roswell Park employees, cancer survivors and patients.

On Ride day, more than 10,000 riders, volunteers and supporters are expected at the event. This year’s routes fall into three categories – Country Rides, River Rides and Family Rides (ranging from 3 to 104 miles) – all on Saturday. There’s also the Extra Mile Club Peloton Ride on Friday night from Roswell to UB for 200 top fundraisers.

Bring the entire family and share the spirit of volunteering for a great cause that touches so many people in our community. Families can volunteer together for many different jobs such as serving lunch, distributing T-shirts, cheering on riders, guiding riders along the routes or marshaling the rides. Or become a virtual rider and raise money without riding and celebrate with everyone all weekend. The Ride’s largest fundraiser last year was a virtual rider! Learn more about volunteer opportunities and virtual riders at RideForRoswell.org.

Mission Statement: The Ride For Roswell is Upstate New York's premier cycling fundraiser to benefit cancer research, and is Western New York's largest biking event. This is an annual cycling celebration of community support for Roswell Park Cancer Institute and its core mission to understand, prevent and cure cancer.

Funds raised through The Ride For Roswell support the cutting-edge research and patient care programs at Roswell park. The Ride has raised more than $20.6 million for Roswell Park Cancer Institute over the past 17 years. Last year alone, more than 8,300 riders and 1,750 volunteers helped raise $3.8 million for cancer research and patient care programs at RPCI.

Supporting sponsors include Wegmans, Praxair, Inc, Dunkin Donuts, New Era Cap Co., M&T Bank, Sahlens, Superior Group, LocalEdge, YNN, WGRZ – Channel 2 and the University at Buffalo.

Ride. Donate. Celebrate. Volunteer. Celebrate. For more information on The Ride For Roswell visit www.RideForRoswell.org, email us at RideForRoswell@roswellpark.org or call 716-THE-RIDE (843-7433).

What's Bad for the Heart Is Bad for the Brain

Increases in heart disease risk factors may decrease brain function.

Brain function in adults as young as 35 may decline as their heart disease risk factors increase, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.

“Young adults may think the consequences of smoking or being overweight are years down the road, but they aren’t,” said Hanneke Joosten, M.D., lead author and nephrology fellow at the University Medical Center in Groningen, The Netherlands.

“Most people know the negative effects of heart risk factors such as heart attack, stroke and renal impairment, but they do not realize it affects cognitive health. What’s bad for the heart is also bad for the brain.”

The Dutch study included 3,778 participants 35- to 82-years-old who underwent cognitive function tests that measure the ability to plan and reason and to initiate and switch tasks. A separate test gauged memory function. The Framingham Risk Score determined their risk for cardiovascular events in the next 10 years.

Researchers found:

• Participants with the most heart disease risks performed 50 percent worse on cognitive tests as compared to participants with the lowest risk profile.
• The overall Framingham Risk Score, age, diabetes, bad cholesterol and smoking were negatively linked to poor cognitive scores.
• Compared to non-smoking participants, those who smoked one to 15 cigarettes daily had a decrease in cognitive score of 2.41 points and those smoking more than 16 cigarettes daily had a decrease of 3.43 points. The memory scores had a similar association.
• Two risk factors — smoking and diabetes — were strong determinants of cognitive function.

“There clearly is a dose response among smokers, with heavy smokers having a lower cognitive function than light or non-smokers,” Joosten said. “It is likely that smoking cessation has a beneficial effect on cognitive function.”

Health professionals need to be aware of cognitive function in patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular risk factors, especially those that are modifiable like smoking and obesity, need ongoing attention from the medical profession, government and food industry, she said. “Smoking cessation programs might not only prevent cancer, stroke and cardiovascular events, but also cognitive damage.”

Beet and Horseradish Wraps

Great for Your Next Outdoor Party!

(FF) - Warm weather is welcome for a variety of reasons, but for many of us it signals the season for dining al fresco. Whether stepping out back onto a porch or patio, or planning a picnic at the beach or park, the food is the star.

Here’s one to try for your next outdoor dining opportunity.

Beef & Horseradish Wraps
Makes 4 servings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes

1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Sliced Pickled Beets
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/2 cup spreadable cheese (such as goat cheese or herb/garlic soft cheese)
2 large soft flour tortillas (about 10- to 12-inch diameter)
10 green onions (green part only)
10 thin slices deli roast beef

Drain beets; chop. Discard beet liquid. In medium bowl, combine beets, carrots and horseradish.

Spread 1/4 cup cheese evenly over each tortilla, leaving 1-inch border. Arrange 5 green onions (do not chop) on each; press lightly into cheese. Place 5 slices beef on each tortilla covering green onions, then sprinkle beet mixture evenly over beef.

Roll up in parallel direction of the green onions. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate up to 4 hours.

To serve, remove plastic wrap; cut each tortilla into 2 pieces

a short course in happiness

What will really make you happy? Research reveals 4 common misconceptions.




By Lynda Wallace

(BHL) - Happiness has been appropriately cited as a goal in political debates on issues from taxation to the social safety net to marriage equality, but the debate is often confused. Some people claim that happiness is all in your DNA or bank account. The truth is that happiness is largely a matter of everyday choices and actions. There are straightforward, well-researched and effective things every one of us can do to create greater happiness in our lives and in the lives of those we care about.”


The essential elements of a happy life are not mysterious. Research shows that the happiest people do four basic things that make the difference: they focus on what is good and positive in their lives; cope effectively with life’s inevitable challenges; develop strong relationships; and pursue meaningful goals.

We can all become happier by putting our efforts into these areas.

One of the first steps we can take is to get past some of the common misperceptions about happiness that can stand in our way. Here are four examples.

• Misconception #1: Happiness is about getting the big things right.

It’s natural to think that if we were suddenly rich, beautiful and living on the beach somewhere, we’d be happy. But that type of good fortune turns out to have a surprisingly small impact on happiness. The happiest people are most often not those in the most enviable circumstances, but those who cultivate positive emotional outlooks and actions. So how can we do it? Take concrete steps to practice optimism, gratitude, kindness and self-compassion in your everyday life. The cumulative effect of those everyday choices can have a tremendous impact on how you experience your life.

• Misconception #2: Happy people suppress negative emotions.

Happy people actually experience sadness, grief, worry and other so-called negative emotions nearly as frequently as unhappy people do. The difference is what happens when those feelings occur. Happier people are generally able to experience negative feelings without losing hope for the future. They give themselves permission to feel sad, angry, or lonely, but they remain confident that things will get better. As a result, their sadness progresses into hope and action rather than regressing into anxiety and despair.

• Misconception #3: Pursuing happiness is self-centered.

The strongest of all conclusions drawn by researchers into emotional well-being is that our happiness is determined more by our relationships with other people than by any other single factor. The happiest people build their lives around good, trusting relationships. If other priorities are getting in the way of your relationships take steps to shift the balance back to where it will really make a difference.”

• Misconception #4: I’ll be happy when I achieve my goals.

Have you ever noticed that when someone wins the Super Bowl or an Academy Award, or when you achieve a long-sought ambition, that wonderful sense of accomplishment and happiness seems to fade faster than you’d expect? That’s just the way our brains work. Committed goal pursuit is one of the keys to a happy life, but most of the happiness we get from striving for goals comes while we’re making progress toward them, not after we achieve them. That’s why it’s so important that we choose goals that are in synch with what we love and value, and that we make a conscious effort to enjoy them along the way.

About the Author

Lynda Wallace left a high-powered executive career with Johnson & Johnson to pursue her real passion – helping individuals and groups achieve greater happiness and success. She holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is the author of the Amazon self-help best seller “A Short Course in Happiness: Practical Steps to a Happier Life.”

Drug Found to Reverse Alzheimer’s Disease

University of Pittsburgh research demonstrates that bexarotene improves cognitive deficits in mice.

(BHL) - An anti-cancer drug reverses memory deficits in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model, according to University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health researchers. Their research reviewed previously published findings on the drug bexarotene, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The researchers were able to verify that the drug does significantly improve cognitive deficits in mice linked to human Alzheimer’s disease, but could not confirm the effect on amyloid plaques.

“We believe these findings make a solid case for continued exploration of bexarotene as a therapeutic treatment for Alzheimer’s disease,” said senior author Rada Koldamova, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in University of Pittsburgh's Public Health Department of Environmental and Occupational Health.

Bexarotene is a compound chemically related to vitamin A that activates Retinoic X Receptors (RXR) found everywhere in the body, including neurons and other brain cells. Once activated, the receptors bind to DNA and regulate the expression of genes that control a variety of biological processes. Increased levels of APOE are one consequence of RXR activation by bexarotene.

“We were already set up to repeat a recent Case Western Reserve University study to see if we could independently arrive at the same findings,” said co-author Iliya Lefterov, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh. “While we were able to verify that the mice quickly regained their lost cognitive skills and confirmed the decrease in amyloid beta peptides in the interstitial fluid that surrounds brain cells, we did not find any evidence that the drug cleared the plaques from their brains.”

The Pitt researchers postulate that the drug works through a different biological process, perhaps by reducing soluble oligomers which, like the plaques, are composed of the toxic amyloid beta protein fragments. However, the oligomers are composed of smaller amounts of amyloid beta and, unlike the plaques, are still able to “move.”

In the Pitt experiments, mice with the Alzheimer’s gene mutations expressing human APOE3 or APOE4 were able to perform as well in cognitive tests as their non-Alzheimer’s counterparts 10 days after beginning treatment with bexarotene. These tests included a spatial test using cues to find a hidden platform in a water maze and a long-term memory test of the mouse’s ability to discriminate two familiar objects following introduction of a third, novel object.

Bexarotene treatment did not affect the weight or general behavior of the mice. The drug was equally effective in male and female mice.

New Research Shows Significant Improvement in Overall Survival Outcomes for Patients Receiving Blood Stem Cell Transplants

Study of 38,000 patients analyzes reasons for better survival

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, survival rates have increased significantly among patients who received blood stem cell transplants from both related and unrelated donors.  Study authors attribute the increase to several factors, including advances in HLA tissue typing, better supportive care and earlier referral for transplantation.

The study analyzed outcomes for more than 38,000 transplant patients with life-threatening blood cancers and other diseases over a 12-year period – capturing approximately 70 to 90 percent of all related and unrelated blood stem cell transplants performed in the U.S. It was led by Theresa Hahn, Ph.D., of Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), in collaboration with the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research® (CIBMTR), the research arm of the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) and Be The Match®.

“This study shows that we are making significant progress, on a national level, in survival after transplantation. Patients across the country have benefited from the collaborative efforts of the CIBMTR, the NMDP and clinical researchers at individual transplant centers," said Dr. Hahn, an Associate Member and Associate Professor of Oncology in Roswell Park Cancer Institute's (RPCI's) Department of Medicine and first author on the study. “Our results demonstrate that these efforts have yielded improvement in early survival rates, and we will continue to work together to further improve long-term survival.”

At 100 days post-transplant, the study shows survival significantly improved for patients with myeloid leukemias (AML) receiving related transplants (85 percent to 94 percent) and unrelated transplants (63 percent to 86 percent). At one-year post-transplant, patients who received an unrelated transplant showed an increased survival rate from 48 to 63 percent, while the survival rate for related transplant recipients did not improve. Similar results were seen for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

“The existence of the CIBMTR, which is a collaboration of the NMDP and the Medical College of Wisconsin, and its database of more than 330,000 patient outcomes made it possible for us to study whether and how the use of blood stem cell transplants, both related and unrelated, have changed over time,” said Navneet Majhail, M.D., co-author of the study and medical director at the NMDP. “The significant improvements we saw across all patient and disease populations should offer patients hope and, among physicians, reinforce the role of blood stem cell transplants as a curative option for life-threatening blood cancers and other diseases.”

In addition to improved survival, the authors note a significant increase in the overall number of patients receiving transplants. Related and unrelated transplant as treatment for ALL, AML, MDS and Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas increased by 45 percent – from 2,520 to 3,668 patients annually. This is likely due to the use of reduced-intensity conditioning therapy and a greater availability of unrelated volunteer donors, a result of efforts by the NMDP and Be The Match to increase and diversify the Be The Match Registry®.

“As evidenced by this data, the transplantation community has clearly made momentous progress toward improving survival rates,” said Jeffrey W. Chell, M.D., chief executive officer of the NMDP. “Together with our research arm, CIBMTR, and our global partners, we will continue advancing the science of transplant to extend the curative power of this therapy to more patients and more diseases and help all patients live longer, healthier lives.”

About the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR)

The CIBMTR collaborates with the global scientific community to advance hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy research worldwide. A combined research program of the National Marrow Donor Program and the Medical College of Wisconsin, the CIBMTR facilitates critical, cutting-edge research that has led to increased survival and an enriched quality of life for thousands of patients. The prospective and observational research is accomplished through scientific and statistical expertise, a large network of transplant centers and clinical database of more than 300,000 transplant recipients.

About the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) is the global leader in providing a cure to patients with life-threatening blood and marrow cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, as well as other diseases. The nonprofit organization manages the world’s largest registry of potential marrow donors and cord blood units, connects patients to their donor match for a life-saving marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant, educates health care professionals and conducts research so more lives can be saved.

The NMDP also operates Be The Match, which provides patient support and enlists the community to join the Be The Match Registry, contribute financially and volunteer.

Learn more at marrow.org/md.

Anniversary Bicycle Ride to Thank ECMC on Sunday, May 26

WHAT: Anniversary (Bicycle) Ride to thank ECMC

49.98-mile bicycle ride including multiple “climbs” totaling some 4,000 feet

WHO: Participants:
Former ECMC Trauma Patient Dan Humiston
Numerous participating riders

WHEN: Sunday, May 26, 2013; 9:00 A.M. to approx. 1:00 P.M.

DEPART FROM: Chestnut Ridge Park, Shelter #5 at 9:00 A.M.

HALF-WAY: Approx. 10:30 AM: 28-mile food/drink-stop in parking lot of Fire Company that answered the emergency call regarding Dan Humiston last year

RETURN TO: Chestnut Ridge Park, Shelter #5 by approx. 12:00 P.M.

ROUTE MAP INCLUDED / ATTACHED

WHY: Former ECMC Trauma Patient Dan Humiston was treated at ECMC following a May 2012 near-fatal bicycling accident. Along with on-location EMS, ECMC’s Emergency and Trauma Units/Staff saved Dan’s life. Dan wishes to thank ECMC by holding this “Anniversary Ride” bicycling event.

CONTACT: Dan Humiston: 716-570-4052 -or- dhumiston@tanningbed.com

mediterranean diet seems to boost aging brain power

Popular diet is seen as better than low fat option for those at risk of vascular dementia.

(TAH) - A Mediterranean diet with added extra virgin olive oil or mixed nuts seems to improve the brain power of older people better than advising them to follow a low-fat diet, indicates research published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

The authors from the University of Navarra in Spain base their findings on 522 men and women aged between 55 and 80 without cardiovascular disease but at high vascular risk because of underlying disease/conditions.These included either type 2 diabetes or three of the following: high blood pressure; an unfavorable blood fat profile; overweight; a family history of early cardiovascular disease; and being a smoker.

The Mediterranean diet is characterized by the use of virgin olive oil as the main culinary fat; high consumption of fruits, nuts, vegetables, and moderate to high consumption of fish and seafood. Those who follow it also eat a low consumption of dairy products and red meat; but have a moderate intake of red wine.

Participants had regular check-ups with their family doctor and quarterly checks on their compliance with their prescribed diet. They followed the diet for an average of 6.5 years, and were then tested for signs of cognitive decline using tests to assess higher brain functions, including orientation, memory, language, visuospatial and visuoconstrution abilities and executive functions such as working memory, attention span, and abstract thinking. The average scores on both tests were significantly higher for those following either of the Mediterranean diets compared with those on the low fat option

At the end of the study period, 60 participants had developed mild cognitive impairment: 18 on the olive oil supplemented Mediterranean diet; 19 on the diet with added mixed nuts; and 23 on the control group.A further 35 people developed dementia: 12 on the added olive oil diet; six on the added nut diet; and 17 on the low fat diet.

These findings held true irrespective of other influential factors, including age, family history of cognitive impairment or dementia, the presence of ApoE protein—associated with Alzheimer’s disease—educational attainment, exercise levels, vascular risk factors; energy intake and depression.

The authors acknowledge that their sample size was relatively small, and that because the study involved a group at high vascular risk, it doesn’t necessarily follow that their findings are applicable to the general population. But, they say, theirs is the first long term trial to look at the impact of the Mediterranean diet on brain power, and that it adds to the increasing body of evidence suggesting that a high quality dietary pattern seems to protect cognitive function in the aging brain.

think twice before jumping in a public pool this summer

CDC study finds fecal contamination in pools

A study of public pools done during last summer’s swim season found that feces are frequently introduced into pool water by swimmers. Through the study, released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers found germs in samples of pool filter water collected from public pools.

CDC collected samples of water from pool filters from public pools and tested the samples for genetic material (for example, DNA) of multiple microbes. The study found that 58 percent of the pool filter samples tested were positive for E. coli, bacteria normally found in the human gut and feces. The E. coli is a marker for fecal contamination.

Finding a high percentage of E. coli-positive filters indicates swimmers frequently contaminate pool water when they have a fecal incident in the water or when feces rinse off of their bodies because they do not shower thoroughly before getting into the water. No samples tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, a toxin-producing E. coli strain that causes illness.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause skin rashes and ear infections, was detected in 59 percent of samples. Finding Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the water indicates natural environmental contamination or contamination introduced by swimmers. Cryptosporidium and Giardia, germs that are spread through feces and cause diarrhea, were found in less than 2 percent of samples. The tests used in the study do not indicate whether the detected germs were alive or able to cause infections. Indoor and outdoor public pools were sampled.

The study did not address water parks, residential pools or other types of recreational water. The study does not allow CDC to make conclusions about all pools in the United States. However, it is unlikely that swimmer-introduced contamination, or swimmer hygiene practices, differ between pools in the study and those in the rest of the country.

“Swimming is an excellent way to get the physical activity needed to stay healthy,” said Michele Hlavsa, chief of CDC’s Healthy Swimming Program. “However, pool users should be aware of how to prevent infections while swimming. Remember, chlorine and other disinfectants don’t kill germs instantly. That’s why it’s important for swimmers to protect themselves by not swallowing the water they swim in and to protect others by keeping feces and germs out of the pool by taking a pre-swim shower and not swimming when ill with diarrhea.”

This study is presented in recognition of Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week, May 20–26, 2013. The goal of the prevention week is to raise awareness about healthy swimming, including ways to prevent recreational water illnesses (RWIs). Germs that cause RWIs are spread by swallowing, breathing in the mists or aerosols from, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs, interactive fountains, water play areas, lakes, rivers, or oceans. To view the report, please visit www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

CDC recommends that all swimmers take the following steps to prevent infections while swimming:

• Keep feces and other contaminants out of the water.
• Do not swim when you have diarrhea.
• Shower with soap before you start swimming.
• Take a rinse shower before you get back into the water.
• Take bathroom breaks every 60 minutes.
• Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Check the chlorine level and pH before getting into the water.
• Pools: Proper chlorine (1–3 mg/L or parts per million [ppm]) and pH (7.2–7.8) levels maximize germ- killing power.
• Most superstores, hardware stores, and pool-supply stores sell pool test strips.
• Do not swallow the water you swim in.

CDC recommends that parents of young children also take the following steps:Take children on bathroom breaks every 60 minutes or check diapers every 30–60 minutes.

Change diapers in the bathroom or diaper-changing area and not at poolside where germs can rinse into the water.

For more information visit CDC’s healthy swimming/recreational water page.

quinoa becoming a popular food

As more and more people embrace a diet that's high in protein, quinoa, a grain-like crop that traces its origins to the Andes, is growing in popularity. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all of the nine amino acids that are needed to support basic bodily function in the human body.

While many health food and exercise afficionados are aware of quinoa's nutritional benefits, they might not know that quinoa traces its roots as an edible food back several thousand years to the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. The Incas believed quinoa was sacred, but those beliefs were eventually questioned by the conquering Spaniards, who suppressed its cultivation and forced the Incas to grow wheat instead.

Quinoa's endurance is something Hispanics can be proud of, and, thanks to its nutritional value, it's also something many people might want to share with family and friends. Those who want to celebrate their Hispanic heritage with a delicious and nutritional meal might want to consider the following recipe for "Saffron Quinoa con Pollo" from Robin Asbell's "The New Whole Grains Cookbook."

Saffron Quinoa con Pollo (Serves 4 to 6)

1/2 lemon

6 whole artichokes

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch chunks

1 teaspoon salt, divided

1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, divided

1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons tomato paste

1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1/2 cup frozen peas or edamame, thawed

1/2 teaspoon saffron threads

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

13/4 cups chicken stock

Fill a large bowl halfway with cool water, and squeeze in a tablespoon of lemon juice. Pull off the leaves of each artichoke, and discard. Pare out the hairy choke, trim around the artichoke bottom, and peel the stem, leaving only edible flesh. Cut each in half vertically, submerge in the lemon water, and reserve.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large, heavy brazier or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and drop in the chicken chunks, then season with a bit of the salt and pepper. Let cook, undisturbed, for 2 minutes before stirring, to get a good sear. Turn the chicken and cook until both sides are browned. Drain the artichoke bottoms, pat dry and add to the pot. Add the onion, garlic, tomato paste, bell pepper, peas, saffron, remaining salt and pepper, and quinoa, and stir to coat. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, to soften the vegetables. Add the stock and bring to a boil, covered.

Put the pot in the hot oven, and bake for 45 minutes, then check to see if the quinoa is done. If the quinoa is tender but there is still liquid in the pot, uncover and bake for another 5 minutes. TF129430

Celiac Disease: New Hope for a Pill Treatment

By Annette Pinder

About a decade ago when my daughter, Amy, was first diagnosed with celiac disease, I found that few health practitioners understood this genetic disorder that affects one out of nearly 105 children and adults.

People with celiac disease (celiacs) are unable to eat foods containing gluten found in wheat and other grains. If they do, an autoimmune reaction results in destruction of the villi in the small intestine, and produces antibodies that attack the intestine, causing damage and illness. Untreated celiacs are at risk for osteoporosis, central and peripheral nervous system disease, pancreatic disease, internal hemorrhaging, and gynecological disorders, among other maladies.

The current treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet which, fortunately reverses damage to the intestinal tract. However, because gluten is a hidden ingredient in many foods and preservatives, the diet can be challenging. And consuming just one milligram of gluten has the same effect as eating 10,000 milligrams. It didn't take long to realize that the days of eating bread, cake, pizza and pasta for Amy were over.

After reading about the Center for Celiac Research, I decided to call world-renowned pediatric gastroenterologist, research scientist, and founder of the first celiac center in the United States, Alessio Fasano, M.D.. I was encouraged when Dr. Fasano predicted that in ten years a pill would make it possible for celiacs to eat gluten. Soon thereafter, Dr. Fasano discovered zonulin, a protein that modulates the permeability (or leakage) of tight junctions between the cells of the walls of the digestive tract.

Now Justin Siegel, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of California, has re-engineered a naturally occurring enzyme called kumamolisin-As. According to Siegel, this enzyme breaks down gluten in the stomach into much smaller protein pieces, called peptides, which are less likely to trigger the autoimmune response that results in celiac disease's symptoms. In fact, the enzyme dismantled more than 95 percent of the gluten peptide thought to cause celiac disease.

Siegel says he hopes the enzyme will someday be available in drug stores as an over-the-counter food additive, much like Beano, and Gas-X. But it could take a decade to develop, particularly if researchers choose to make it a prescription drug, requiring U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. He says, "We did the engineering to change the genes and created the protein. Now we need to show the enzyme is non-toxic and functions as a protein people can safely consume." To learn more about celiac disease, visit the Center for Celiac Research at http://www.celiaccenter.org. To learn about ongoing clinical trials visit www.albatherapeutics.com.

If you or someone you know has celiac disease you might want to know more about local events and support groups visit www.buffaloglutenfree.org or call 432-3338.

University Community Farmers Market Now Open At UB South Campus

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The seventh season of the University Community Farmers Market will open Saturday May 18th on the University at Buffalo South (Main Street) Campus featuring a variety of new and old vendors selling fresh food and local products.

The market will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through October 12th on the Main Street sidewalk at Kenmore Avenue. Attendees can park for free in the Allen, Main and Bailey parking lots on the South Campus, directly behind the market across from the University Plaza.

“The University Community Farmers Market improves the quality of life in our neighborhood by providing an opportunity to buy healthy fresh produce from local farmers, to support local artisans, and to meet our neighbors in a relaxed outdoor environment,” said Gail Willsky, Market Manager and faculty in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Vendors will be selling fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan pasta, breakfast breads, homemade jams, jellies, and relishes, herbs, plants, flowers, and in the fall season mums, pumpkins, winter squash, ornamental corn, corn stalks, and gourds.

The Market Planning Committee needs individuals to help coordinate the market, all are welcome. Vendor applications are encouraged. For more information contact the UB Office of Community Relations at 716-829-6145 or visithttp://www.ourheights.org/farmersmarket/

Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market Opened May 11

Western New York’s most popular open-air market, the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market, will return for the 2013 season on May 11. The market will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, rain or shine, through Dec. 21.

Visitors to the market will discover a few new surprises this year, including several new vendors. Joining the market for the 2013 season are Blackbird Sweets, Bieter and Sons Farm, Plato Dale Farm, T-Meadow Farm and Eveningside Vineyards. Several Western New York wineries will also continue to provide tastings on a rotating basis.

The Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market, a program of the Elmwood Village Association, is a producer-only market, meaning that all vendors grow or produce what they sell — no middlemen and no compromises. Patrons know they are dealing directly with the source, helping to create a diverse and healthy local economy.

The market is turning into a popular entertainment venue as well, with three musical acts booked each Saturday. Local musicians are slated to perform from 8:15 to 9:45 a.m., 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., weather permitting. Entertaining the crowds on May 11 will be singer/guitarist Paul Arata, the talented duet of Dan & Leanne, and singer/guitarist Casey Bolles. Casey recently opened for Teddy Geiger during his recent visit to Western New York!

Community groups will also be part of the farmers’ market landscape once again in 2013, with four to five nonprofits and community minded organizations scheduled to host informational tables each week. Week one will feature GObike Buffalo, Precious Paws, Yelp Buffalo and the SPCA Serving Erie County.

The market would also like to congratulate Melissa Blasz, winner of the annual Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market poster competition. Posters will be distributed to businesses throughout the Elmwood Village area and displayed at the market for the entire season. A limited number of posters will also be available at the Elmwood Village Association table at the market beginning May 11.

The market’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, which allows individuals and families receiving public assistance to purchase products from eligible market vendors, will be in place once again this season. Information is available each week at the Elmwood Village Association table during market hours.

Additionally, the market is once again partnering with the Erie-Niagara Tobacco-Free Coalition to promote a smoke-free environment at the market. The purpose of the Coalition is to reduce the risk of cancer, heart, lung and other tobacco-related diseases in Erie and Niagara counties by reducing tobacco use and reducing the exposure of all residents to secondhand smoke. For more information, please visit www.tobaccofreewny.com.

For more information on the market, please visit www.elmwoodmarket.org. Frequent updates are also available on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/ElmwoodBidwellFarmersMarket?fref=ts.

Roswell Park Researchers Receive More Than $3.3 Million in Grant Support for Cancer Research Efforts

BUFFALO, NY — Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) is proud to announce that several faculty members have received grant funding totaling more than $3.3 million from federal agencies and other sources. These monies will fund important research that helps to further our understanding of cancer, develop new ways to treat it and improve patients’ quality of life. These recent grant recipients are:

Yuesheng Zhang, MD, PhD, Professor of Oncology in the Department of Chemoprevention, received a five-year, $1.7 million grant award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study the molecular basis for why men have a risk for bladder cancer that’s four times higher than women’s risk. The research will also assess intervention strategies.

John Blessing, MD, PhD, Executive Director of the Gynecology Oncology Group (GOG) Statistical and Data Center, received a one-year subcontract award of $300,552 from the GOG and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for a long-term follow-up study of patients at high genetic risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

Kenneth Gross, PhD, Chairman of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Dominic Smiraglia, PhD, Associate Professor of Oncology in the Department of Cancer Genetics, and Norma Nowak, PhD, Associate Professor of Oncology in the Department of Cancer Genetics, received a two-year, $290,839 grant from the NCI to identify genetic mutations and other abnormalities that lead to the genesis and spread of pancreatic islet-cell cancer. Dr. Smiraglia also received a two-year, $165,000 grant from the American Institute for Cancer Research to explore how dietary folate interventions ¾ depletion and supplementation ¾ affect progression to recurrent prostate cancer.

Santosh Patnaik, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, received a two-year year grant of $241,931 from the NCI as co-principal investigator with a collaborator from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to develop microRNA methods to predict prognosis in early-stage lung cancer.

Michael Higgins, PhD, Associate Professor of Oncology in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, received a two-year subcontract award of $209,235, from the United States Department of Defense and the University of Nebraska Medical Center to determine whether abnormal expression of a specific gene, called the BORIS gene, contributes to cancer formation in the ovary.

Vijay Jayaprakash, MBBS, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Dentistry & Maxillofacial Prosthetics, received a two-year grant of $206,066 from Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. to evaluate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18 in oral precancerous lesions and study whether persistent HPV infection is related to the progression to invasive cancer.

Robert Plunkett, MD, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, received a two-year subcontract amount of $146,716 from Buffalo BioLabs LLC and the NCI for work on his project to test a novel anticancer agent, which uses a pathway found in many cancers, against glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor.

Katerina Gurova, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Stress Biology, received a one-year grant of $125,000 from the NCI to test novel anticancer compounds called curaxins against pancreatic cancer.

Elizabeth Repasky, PhD, Professor in the Department of Immunology, received a six-month grant of $23,767 from Cleveland BioLabs Inc. to evaluate the effect of a new anticancer agent from the curaxins family in combination with the FDA-approved drug Tarceva against non-small-cell lung cancer.

Nathalie Zeitouni, MD, Chief of Dermatologic Surgery, received a one-year grant for $7,641 from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery for a project that aims to confirm that non-invasive imaging can accurately measure the depth and thickness of skin tumors.

Skin Cancers of the Feet Are Often Painless

The Centers for Disease Control have declared May as “Skin Cancer Awareness Month” and the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA), which represents more than 1,200 foot specialists across the Empire State, is urging New Yorkers to pay special attention to the skin on both the top and bottom of their feet. While harmful sunrays may be the primary cause of skin cancers on parts of the body that receive sun exposure, skin cancers of the feet are more often related to viruses. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are foot specialists, trained to recognize and treat conditions that present on the skin of the foot. 

Skin on the feet, especially on the bottom, is often overlooked during routine medical exams. According to Dr. Gary Stones, NYSPMA’s President and a practicing podiatrist, skin cancers of the feet have several features in common. “Most are painless, but often there’s a history of recurrent cracking, itching, bleeding or ulceration,” he cautions. “These cancers often go undiagnosed until another issue presents itself near the affected site,” added Stones. 

Checking for warning signs is something anyone can do, paying particular attention to changes such as non-healing sores, bumps that crack and bleed, nodules with rolled edges or scaly areas. Examining the bottom of the foot is critical. 

Basal cell cancers may appear as pearly white bumps or oozy patches that can get crusty like other open sores. On the foot, basal cell cancers often look like non-cancerous skin tumors or benign ulcers. 

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer of the foot. They usually are confined to the skin and do not spread. However, when advanced, some can become more aggressive and spread throughout the body. This form of cancer can begin as a small scaly bump, which may appear inflamed. There can be cracking or bleeding. Sometimes it begins as a hard projecting, callous-like lesion. While painless, this type of skin cancer may be itchy. It can resemble a plantar wart, a fungal infection, eczema, an ulcer or other common dermatological conditions. 

Skin cancers on the lower extremity may have a different appearance that those arising on the rest of the body. So to test, the podiatrist will perform a skin biopsy. This is a simple procedure in which a small sample of the skin is obtained and sent to a lab where a skin pathologist examines the tissue in greater detail. If it turns out the lesion is skin cancer, the podiatrist will recommend the best course of treatment. 

Each year, approximately 2 million Americans are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers. Early detection and treatment are the goals of NYSPMA’s observance of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. To find a doctor-member of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association in your community, visit NYSPMA.org and click on the “find a podiatrist” button or call Toll-free at 866-996-4400.

Kids Run celebrates 25 years at Delaware Park

BUFFALO, N.Y. (May 16, 2013) – Register as a team for this year’s 25th Annual Independent Health Foundation’s Kids Run at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 1, at the Zoofari Courtyard at Delaware Park.

The free event, which is presented by Wegmans, includes a mini-dash for kid’s ages 2 to 5 and a 1.8 mile run/walk for all ages. In addition to registering as a team, participants can create custom shirts and purchase custom road signs to cheer on team/ runner.

Trophies are awarded to the winning boys and girls and each participant receives a medal at the finish line, while supplies last. After the race, all participants can enjoy the Buffalo Zoo with $2 admission per person.

“Twenty-five years after Kids Run started at Delaware Park, it’s become a fantastic tradition for many Western New York families,” said Carrie Meyer, executive director, Independent Health Foundation. “We hope our Kids Run participants see the value of engaging in healthy activities, especially at an early age, and continue exercising as a family year round.”

To register online or download an entry form, please visit www.independenthealth.com/kidsrun. Entry forms are also available at all area Wegmans stores. Completed registration forms should be postmarked or submitted online by May 22 in order to receive official race numbers. Walk-up registration is welcome and open from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the event.

For more information on how you, your family, organization or school can participate in Kids Run, call the Foundation at 635-4959. Kids Run is presented by Wegmans and sponsored by Independent Health Foundation, Channel 7 and GoGo squeeZ.

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

Stop the Aging Process: Peel Back the Clock on Your Skin

by Annette Pinder

Face it! Men and women today are living longer, remaining in the work force for more years, and they are doing what they can to maintain a more youthful appearance. For many, chemical peels just might be a great solution.

According to the Mayo Clinic, chemical peels can improve the appearance of your skin, help skin pigmentation disorders, acne-scarring, age-related wrinkles, melasma (darkening of the skin as a result of skin damage, and help sun damage sustained to the face, neck, chest, arms and legs.

Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian, of Williamsville explains, "Skin cells give your skin color by making a substance called melanin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin. Others affect your entire body. For example, pregnancy and sun exposure can result in skin darkening. If your body makes too little melanin, your skin gets lighter. Some conditions cause patches of light skin, often as a result of infections, blisters and burns.

One procedure available now available in Buffalo is called the Obagi Blue Peel, and no, you don't turn blue, at least not permanently. Obagi Blue makes it possible to replace layers of dead skin cells that exfoliate. These dead skin cells are replaced with healthier cells, resulting in clearer, more transluscent and tighter skin. There is also no increased risk of hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) as a result of the procedure. In fact, the lighter the color of your skin, the less likely is hyperpigmentation to occur with any type of aesthetic skin intervention.

Patients typically drive themselves both to and from the doctor's office. Following the procedure, which lasts about 30 minutes, the peel is washed off and a special soothing cream is applied to moisturize the skin. A very light blue (smurfy) skin hue lasts about 12 hours. However, some patients are able to go out to dinner the same evening.

According to Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian, who is a big proponent of this highly effective procedure, the peeling process actually begins on the third day after a patient returns home, and ends within seven to ten days. Patients say the experience is highly tolerable. The extent of discomfort is typically a mild burning sensation that lasts several minutes, that is helped with fanning. Ibuprofen taken 30 minutes prior to the peel also helps to minimize pain. Although rare, patients who are extremely anxious may be required to take xanax or valium one hour before the treatment.

Dr. Karamanoukian says, "A physician administered medical peel is safe and effective, but cautions that following a chemical peel, skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so it is important to wear sunscreen daily that protects against the sun's UVA and UVB rays. To find out if you're a candidate for the Obagi Blue Peel procedure and schedule a consultation with Dr. Karamanoukian, call 716-568-2139 or visit www.AdvanceYourBeauty.com.

Potential New Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

UB Research Team Testing New Drug as Additional Treatment to Insulin
in Type 1 Diabetes

By Nitesh Kuhadiya, MD, MPH

Since the landmark discovery of insulin by Banting & Best in 1921, advances in the treatment of type 1 diabetes have centered mainly on preparations of insulin with different rates of absorption from the subcutaneous tissue (region beneath the skin). These modifications led to a variety of insulin preparations. Some have prolonged bioavailability like Lantus, Levemir, or NPH. Others have more rapid absorption than human insulin. These include Novolog, Humalog and others. Both types facilitate diabetes management. Use of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems contribute further to management of blood sugars.

With consistent efforts, some patients are able to maintain their HbA1c (A1c) (an estimate of the average blood sugar in last 3 months) at the goal of 7% or under. However, adequate blood sugar control in patients with type 1 diabetes still continues to be a major challenge. Even in patients with an A1c of less than 7%, blood sugars are erratic and have wide oscillations. This leads to frustration for the patient and the treating physician! Thus, novel means are still being sought to improve blood sugar control in patients with type 1 diabetes.

In 2011, research conducted at SUNY Buffalo showed for the first time that a once-a-day injection of a drug containing a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog called Liraglutide (Victoza)) in addition to insulin resulted in the reduction of average fasting and weekly blood sugars. Further, there was a reduction in blood sugar oscillations. Use of Victoza was also associated with a decrease in insulin requirements. There was no change in the frequency of low blood sugars, but A1c levels decreased by 0.5%. The fall in HbA1c occurred in spite of fact that the baseline A1c was 6.5%, implying that these patients were already well controlled. Additionally, there was a weight loss of almost 10 pounds over a period of 24 weeks.


With the use of Victoza our SUNY Buffalo team has also demonstrated similar benefits in poorly
controlled and obese patients. These patients had Type 1 diabetes and an average weight of 212 pounds. This is extremely relevant, since most patients with type 1 diabetes are not well controlled, and over 50% of patients with type 1 diabetes in the United States are obese.

Our results have been exciting, but we still need to do further research. The Endocrinology Division of the University at Buffalo is conducting studies to assess the effects of Victoza (Liraglutide) in patients with type 1 diabetes. If you are interested in participating in this clinical trial please visit our website at www.ubdiabetes. com or call 716-626-7998 for more information.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nitesh Kuhadiya is an endocrinology fellow in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University at Buffalo. Dr. Kuhadiya is a member of the research team of Dr. paresh Dandona that is conducting four randomized placebo controlled trials on the effect of Liraglutide in Type 1 diabetes.

Three Ways to Reduce Cell Phone Radiation

Is cell phone radiation dangerous? Nobody knows for sure, but it might make sense to take precautions

The debate about radiation exposure from cell phone use still doesn't have a conclusive answer, but the World Health Organization (WHO) classified cell phone radiation as a "potential carcinogen" alongside other hazards like lead, engine exhaust and chloroform. That means prolonged cell phone use can possibly increase the risk of specific types of brain cancer and tumor growth, according to WHO.

Although international research, such as the noted Interphone study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, continues to be somewhat contradictory, experts agree consumers may have reason for concern, particularly heavy users and youth.

Cellular radiation, technically referred to as low-level radio frequency, is similar to what is emitted by microwaves. While not as strong as some other sources of radiation -- i.e. x-rays -- the radiation can penetrate the brain, harm DNA and release destructive free radicals. All of those factors increase a person's chances of developing cancer, especially among children who also tend to be heavy users.

Georgetown professor and epidemiologist Devra Davis is concerned about the long-term effects of people who use cell phones for decades or more. She recommends these easy ways to reduce your exposure to cell phone radiation:

1. Use speakerphone, ear buds or other headsets. The goal of these accessories is to keep the phone farther away from your head, which lessens the amount of radiation you're absorbing.

2. Use protectors designed to block radiation. Some mobile phone accessories use unique materials to block the radiation emitted by cellular frequencies. An accessory called Press Shield claims it acts as an insulating shield between your body and potentially harmful microwave radiation.

3. Avoid putting phone in pockets or close to your bed. The farther away your phone is, the better. Belt clips may not be super stylish, but they're a good way to put another barrier between you and your phone. If you must put it in your pocket, don't leave it there for long. Similarly, sleeping with your cell phone underneath or near your head exposes you to radiation as long as you remain asleep.

To learn more visit www.pressshield.com or call 800-983-7610.

Working Out Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk in White Men

African Americans do not seem to benefit, according to a study

A new study suggests that exercise may reduce Caucasian men's risk of developing prostate cancer. And among Caucasian men who do have prostate cancer, exercise may reduce their risk of having more serious forms of the disease. Unfortunately, the benefits do not seem to apply to African- American men. The study is by the American Cancer Society.

Previous research has linked exercise to a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. Studies have also revealed that African-American men have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer and of dying from the disease compared with Caucasians. It is not clear if exercise as a function of race plays any role in these disparities.

To investigate, Lionel L. Bañez, MD, of the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and his colleagues asked 307 men (164 white; 143 black) undergoing a prostate biopsy to complete a survey that assessed their exercise amounts per week. The exercise categories included sedentary, mildly active, moderately active, and highly active. Among Caucasians, men who were moderately or highly active were 53% less likely to have biopsy results indicating that they had prostate cancer compared with men who were sedentary or mildly active. There was no association between exercise amount and prostate cancer among black men.

The investigators also looked to see if exercise influenced the grade of tumors that were detected in men who did develop prostate cancer. Among men with cancer, those who exercised had a 13% reduced risk of having high grade disease, meaning that their cancer cells looked particularly abnormal under a microscope and were likely to quickly grow and spread. When this relationship was further explored as a function of race, it remained significant in Caucasians but not in African Americans.

"These findings that African-American men may not benefit from exercise the way Caucasian men do could be a contributor to why African- American race is a risk factor for prostate cancer and aggressive prostate cancer. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanism behind this racial disparity in deriving cancer-related benefits from exercise which disfavors African-American men," said Dr. Bañez.

Tofu Tikka Masala

A simple swap for a healthier meal

(FF) - Today’s interest in world cuisine has broadened our use of different herbs and spices, as well as globally popular proteins such as soy. Yet many people are unsure how to seamlessly integrate soy foods into their lifestyle, taste preferences and eating habits.

To ensure you’re receiving the maximum health benefits from your soy foods, they should be consumed a few times each week and eaten primarily as whole soy foods like tofu, tempeh and edamame. Soyfoods are low in saturated fat, cholesterol-free, contain high-quality protein, dietary fiber and numerous other ingredients.

“As a qualitarian, I’m always seeking and advising my clients to choose the better quality foods of what’s available, but sometimes that can feel like a challenge,” says registered dietitian Ashley Koff. “Start simple by choosing foods as close to the form they are in nature. Second, focus on nutrients in food, not just its calories. Consider incorporating organic whole food soy as it delivers all the nutrients the body needs for better energy – carbohydrates, fiber, protein and healthy fats.”

For easy ways to incorporate soy foods into everyday meals, try incorporating these simple tips from Koff:

• Skip the store bought pudding and make it at home with organic tofu instead.
• Swap out regular hummus for edamame (soybean) hummus to snack on with water-based vegetables.
• Not all soy products are created equal. To get the optimal health benefits from soy foods, look for organic, whole food products

Tofu Tikka Masala

5 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 gram jalapeno chile, chopped
3 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt to taste
1/2 pound Wildwood Vacuum Pack Tofu
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped in 1-inch long thin slices
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
3-4 tablespoons plain or unsweetened yogurt
1 cup Wildwood Plain Soymilk
Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

In bowl, mix lemon juice, ginger, garlic, green chili, half of cilantro, chili powder, salt and tofu together; mix well and cover. Let marinate for an hour.

In pan, heat oil and slowly add onions. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes on medium heat until translucent.

Slowly add turmeric powder, yogurt, soy milk and remaining cilantro to the pain. Mix well for a few minutes until sauce thickens.

Add tofu mixture into sauce and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with Indian Naan bread or heated rice.

For more recipes and information, visit www.wildwoodfoods.com.

FDA Issues Warning on Tanning Beds

Says the devices can damage skin and increase risk of developing skin cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a proposed order that, if finalized, would reclassify sunlamp products and require labeling to include a recommendation designed to warn young people not to use these devices.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, in those who have been exposed to ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning, and the risk increases with each use. The proposed order does not prohibit the use of sunlamp products by those under the age of 18, but it provides a warning on the consequences.

The order would reclassify sunlamp products from a low risk device (class I) to a moderate risk device (class II).

“Using indoor tanning beds can damage your skin and increase your risk of developing skin cancer,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. “The FDA’s proposed changes will help address some of the risks associated with sunlamp products and provide consumers with clear and consistent information.”

If the order is finalized, manufacturers would have to submit a pre-market notification to the FDA for these devices, which are currently exempt from any pre-market review. Manufacturers would have to show that their products have met certain performance testing requirements, address certain product design characteristics and provide comprehensive labeling that presents consumers with clear information on the risks of use. The order proposes to include a contraindication against use on people under 18 years old, and the labeling would have to include a warning that frequent users of sunlamp products should be regularly screened for skin cancer.

Preordering School Lunches Leads to Healthier Choices

A new Cornell study says students make better decisions about what to eat for lunch if they order before arriving at the counter.

(BHL) - Parents hoping to nudge their children into making healthier food choices should encourage them to pick their lunches before even entering the cafeteria.

A recent Cornell University study found that students who pre-order their lunches are more likely to pick healthier dishes.

In research from the Child Nutrition Programs, 29.4 percent of 272 students who participated in the study selected the healthier entrée when pre-ordering, compared with 15.3 percent when pre-ordering was not available.

The less healthy entrée was still chosen 70.8 percent of the time by students who pre-ordered, but that figure jumped to 85.7 percent by students who ordered in the lunch line.

Previous Cornell studies have suggested that environmental cues can influence food selection, said Andrew S. Hanks, a postdoctoral researcher at the Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics. He added that this study reinforced such findings.

“Students who selected their entrée in the lunch line, where decisions are biased by aromas and sights of tasty, less healthy foods, decreased selection of healthy entrees by 48 percent, and increased selection of less healthy entrées by 21 percent,” Hanks said.

The study is published online as a research letter in JAMA Pediatrics: http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/journal.aspx

For more information preordering meals, visit: http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/outreach/preordering.html

10 Characteristics of Bipolar Disorder

The illness is marked by dramatic behaviors.

by Dr. Kay Bernard

(Special to BHL) - This week Catherine Zeta Jones re-admitted herself into a facility to treat her bipolar disorder. The illness caused the successful actress to have sharp mood swings and periods of dangerous depression. She and other individuals suffering from bipolar disorder, anxiety and/or depression know there are two faces to the condition—the extremely happy face and extremely sad face.

People with bipolar disorder suffer from a life-long mental disease that causes extreme suffering. The signs of bipolar are often evidenced by chaos in one’s life, such as putting ones family at risk, relationship destruction, job jeopardy, excessive sexual activity and spending sprees.

The following characteristics are common in those suffering from bipolar disorder:

Extremely Happy Characterized By:

1) Unrealistic assessment in one’s ability
2) Quickness to anger
3) Wasting money
4) Decreased need for sleep
5) Impulsivity

Extremely Sad Characterized By:

1) Hopelessness
2) Critical of others
3) Tired
4) Self-loathing
5) Suicidal thoughts

If you or a loved one exhibit these characteristics consider seeking professional help.

About the Author

Dr. Kay has 20 years of experience as a counselor and minister. The purpose of her work is to inspire people with bipolar disorder and to bring hope to their families. She has a Masters of Divinity from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary.

What Every Woman Needs To Know About Osteoporosis

No Bones About It: What Every Woman Needs To Know About Osteoporosis

Event Details:

Date Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Time 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Creekside Banquet Facility
2669 Union Rd.
Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Cost Free
Registration (716) 706-2112 or Register Online

Osteoporosis weakens bones over time. 40 million people in the U.S. - mostly women - have osteoporosis or are at high risk, but many don’t realize it until faced with a broken bone from a fall.

Join Catholic Health's Dr. Jennifer Teeter, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician and Dr. Sara Koritz, OBGYN, to take a closer look at osteoporosis and what you can do to keep your bones strong, healthy and intact.

They'll discuss risk factors, prevention, and treatments for bone loss. Kim DeAngelis, Occupational Therapist will review the latest home-modification equipment and techniques to help minimize your risk of falling and breaking a bone.
Who is at Risk for Osteoporosis?

Although osteoporosis is often thought of as affecting older people, it can strike at any age. People at a higher risk are:

• women, who have smaller bones than men
• thin, small-boned people
• those with a family history of osteoporosis
• white and Asian women
• smokers
• older people

Register for This Free Event

Seating is limited. To register, call (716) 706-2112 or click here to register online.

For additional events hosted by Catholic Health, click here to view our calendar.

If You Work With Or Are A Friend or Family Member of Someone With Alzheimer's Don't Miss This Seminar Today at 6:30pm at People Inc. Seniors Unlimited, 2635 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo

“How Dementia Changes Things” Presentation at People Inc. Seniors Unlimited

Leilani Pelletier, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association, WNY Chapter, presents tips

Forgetting is frustrating, whether it is your keys or your friend’s birthday. What if you could not remember where you live or did not know your daughter’s name or remember your husband? Forgetting is frustrating, but Alzheimer’s or dementia is devastating. More than five million Americans are living with the disease.

There is an opportunity for caregivers and professionals to come together at the “How Dementia Changes Things” presentation on Monday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m. at People Inc. Seniors Unlimited, 2635 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo.Learn from one of the area’s leading experts, Leilani Pelletier, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter.

The presentation will include the difference between Alzheimer’s, dementia and senility; how dementia impacts personality and tips to manage daily changes. There will be an opportunity to meet People Inc. Seniors Unlimited staff and tour the new location.

Pelletier has worked in the field of dementia care and geriatrics for over 20 years. For the last four years, she has directed the Alzheimer’s Association, WNY Chapter after serving eight years as the chapter’s program director; overseeing all the care and services the chapter provides to well over 15,000 families per year. Pelletier blends practical, everyday information with humor and tips for success into each presentation.

People Inc.’s Seniors Unlimited is a unique social day program created to meet the needs of individuals with dementia or memory loss which may be caused by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, heart disease, or any other illness. The program provides caregivers with a break while offering each participant socialization and stimulation in a safe environment to help maintain a better quality of life.

Loved ones can attend the “How Dementia Changes Things” presentation as care will be provided by trained staff. To attend, call 768-2371. RSVP needed for respite care.

People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Contact: 

Nicole Forgione

Public Affairs Manager 

Direct: (716) 817-7490

Holistic Alliance Program Friday May 10 at 7:00 p.m. on Bach Flower Remedies

Join us on Friday, May 10th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's Hospital, 2605 Harlem Rd., Buffalo



Come learn about how to use Bach Flower remedies for yourself, your family and your clients. Dr. Suzanne Hall has been consistently using these wonderfully helpful essences for 20 years. They are both simple and profound and a valuable tool to use! This presentation will be short on theory and long on clinical contact.

Bring a clean dropper bottle if you have one (Suzanne will bring her stash as well). She will bring Bach remedies with her so that you will have the opportunity to create a custom blended bottle for yourself. There will be a $15 fee for this.

Come prepared by spending a bit of time identifying 2 or 3 of your emotional issues that need a calming influence. You can be a user of these remedies for your personal gain by the end of the evening. Suzanne will serve as your guide.

Suzanne Hall DDS is a 30 year dentist who ventured out of the mouth 25 years ago as she began to treat TMJ disorder patients. She is presently preparing for the first certification exam for Functional Medicine in September 2013. She has both studied and received homeopathic treatments for 25 years, and takes great joy in introducing others to these powerful healing therapies.

Chetan Malik, MD, Specializing in Interventional Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Joins the Brain and Spine Center

Dr. Chetan Malik, a board certified physician in Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, will join the Brain and Spine Center, a division of Invision Health, in May of 2013. Dr. Malik’s office will be located at 400 International Drive in Williamsville, NY.

As a member of the Invision Health medical staff, Dr. Malik will be treating patients utilizing interventional pain management techniques to treat conditions including, but not limited to: acute pain; cervical, thoracic and lumbar radiculopathy; facet joint and SI joint dysfunction; musculoskeletal sports injuries, automobile and work related injuries. Dr. Malik may prescribe medications, physical therapy and/or interventional techniques such as epidural steroid injections for back pain, trigger point injections for musculoskeletal or myofascial pain, and injections into the joint spaces for joint pain and arthritis treatment.

Dr. Malik holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (1994) and a Master of Surgery in Orthopedics (1998) from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India. In 2004, Dr. Malik completed his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Malik served as an attending physician at various hospitals in Buffalo. In 2010, he accepted the position of an assistant professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Rochester, NY where he completed a fellowship in Pain and Anesthesiology. Most recently, Dr. Malik served as an assistant professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, in the division of Spine and Sports at the University of Pittsburgh.

For more information about Dr. Chetan Malik or to schedule an appointment, please call our main scheduling department at (716) 631-3555 ext. 318.