Do You Have Back Pain? Leg Pain? Come to a FREE Seminar to Learn More

Come to a FREE Seminar on Minimally Invasive Spinal Procedures, presented by Board Certified Neurosurgeon, Eric Roger, MD, BSc, FRCS(C). You will have the opportunity to ask Dr. Roger questions. Sponsored by the Amherst Center for Senior Services, 370 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY 14228. FREE Light Dinner! All are welcome! Wednesday, August 21 at 5:00 p.m. RSVP to 636-3059.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To make an appointment call 716-854-5700. To learn more about spinal stenosis and other common spinal conditions, symptoms, and treatment visit www.ericroger.com.

About the Author:

Dr. Roger is a board certified neurologist. He focuses on spinal diseases of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, and has special expertise is minimally invasive technologies and advanced spinal instrumentation. Dr. Roger is the recipient of the Patient's Choice Award and Compassionate Doctor Recognition.

Melanoma Symptoms Frequently Diagnosed by Podiatrists

New York, NY – July 31, 2013 - When members of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) were surveyed on whether they had ever discovered melanoma or skin cancer during a routine foot examination, 75% of the foot specialist respondents answered positively.

Survival rates are dramatically lower when melanoma is found on the foot since it often goes unnoticed until the patient is having a serious problem. If the melanoma is not caught in the early stages, the fatality rate is about 50% within five years of diagnosis. All the more reason for checking your feet on a regular basis, say doctors of podiatric medicine.

“I’ve diagnosed melanoma through routine foot exams, said Dr. Robert A. Russo, President of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association and a practicing podiatrist. “One example is a patient who came in thinking they had a plantar wart, but the biopsy I ordered proved it to be melanoma,” he added.

Feet that are not regularly exposed to the sun during the year are very sensitive. Skin cancer can occur on the soles of the feet, as well as on the tops, between the toes and under the nails. Podiatrists say that it is important to have routine foot checks to diagnose any abnormalities that could be symptoms of the disease.

The majority of Americans have been conditioned to protect themselves by staying out of the sun or using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. But many times feet, especially toes, are not given proper sunscreen protection. Additionally, sunscreen must be reapplied regularly, especially after going in the water.

Signs of malignant melanoma – one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer - include changes to moles such as itchiness and bleeding. Also, normal lesions are generally one color, with a distinct border, and about the size of a pea or smaller and do not dramatically grow in size. The A,B,Cs of possible melanoma lesions are:

A-Asymmetrical shape.

B-Bleeding or oozing.

C-Change in color.

D-Diameter of the lesion. If it is large or getting larger.

E-Evolving. Changing in size, shape, border, color, itching.

F-Fingernail or toenail bruise that does not grow out with the nail.

For more information, or to find a doctor-member of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association in your area, visit www.nyspma.org and click on “Find a Podiatrist.”

Are You at Risk for Pre-Diabetes?

Come to a FREE Breakfast Seminar on Friday, September 13, 2013 at Templeton Landing Featuring Dr. David Marrero, Director of the Diabetes Translational Research Center at Indiana University, who will discuss the diabetes epidemic and preventive strategies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates one out of every three U.S. adults, or 79 million people over age 20, had pre-diabetes in 2010. To make matters worse, the most people who are pre-diabetic don’t know they are at risk.

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes as a result of pre-diabetes:

· Being 45 or older

· Being overweight

· Having a parent or sibling with diabetes

· Being African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander

· Having diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes) or giving birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more

· Being physically active less than three times a week

Early detection of pre-diabetes is crucial because early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious health issues that diabetes can cause, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, or nerve damage.

You can also take a screening test at the CDCP website at www.cdc.gov, and type the word “pre-diabetes” in the search box. If the test shows you have pre-diabetes, contact your health provider as soon as possible. If you are unable to take the test online, simply call your provider. If you and your provider determine that you do have pre-diabetes, enrolling in an evidence-based lifestyle program can lower your chances of getting type 2 diabetes. People with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by losing 5% to 7% of their weight, which is 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person. Weight loss can be achieved by making lasting lifestyle changes to improve nutrition and increase physical activity.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was created for people with pre-diabetes or those who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes. The program, which lasts one year, covers topics like making healthier food choices, managing stress and staying motivated. Participants get the help and support needed to make and sustain the lifestyle changes that can prevent type 2 diabetes. To learn more and find a session in your area, visit the pre-diabetes prevention website listed above or call 1-800-232-4636 (TTY: 888-232-6348).

The P2 Collaborative of Western New York is hosting a quarterly meeting on Friday, September 13, 2013 on local pre-diabetes and diabetes prevention programs from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at Templeton Landing, 2 Templeton Place, Buffalo New York 14202. Dr. David Marrero, Director of the Diabetes Translational Research Center at Indiana University, will discuss the diabetes epidemic and preventive strategies. Breakfast will be served and all are welcome to attend. Register for the event at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/7491552435 or call 716-923-6572.

The P2 Collaborative of WNY is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of people in WNY by empowering residents to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. Learn more at www.p2wny.org.

A Friend for You and A Friend for Your Mom!

Tim Stevenson Makes Taking Care of Your Loved Ones A Wonderful Experience By Applying What He Learned When He Was In Your Shoes

by Annette Pinder

Tim Stevenson is a pretty amazing person, but he’s not easy to write about. That’s because he does so many things, it’s hard to fit them all into just one paragraph. Suffice it to say, if you’re a caretaker Tim just might be your best friend.

Most of today’s caretakers are women balancing job pressures while caring for themselves, their immediate family, and aging parents. Ask local attorney, Lindy Korn, why she relies on Tim to get her mom safely to medical appointments, the hairdresser, and fun outings with her friends. She’ll tell you that Tim puts her mind at rest when she can’t be there for her mom. And she’ll tell you that her mom absolutely loves Tim.

Here’s what a typical day for Tim looks like:

1. Mom needs to get to a doctor appointment while you’re at work. Depending upon what mom needs, Tim can pick her up, drive her to an appointment, pick her up, and return her home safely.

2. What if mom isn’t so steady on her feet? What if she carries an oxygen tank? Tim will pick mom up, take her to the doctor, accompany her into the waiting room, wait for her, and escort her safely to the car and home. He’ll help with her coat and make sure she is settled comfortably into her favorite chair.

3. What if mom has memory problems, and can’t understand how her condition has changed and what medications she requires? Tim will sit in during the appointment, take notes, record medication changes and instructions, and provide you with a complete report.

Korn calls Tim a senior hospitality consultant. She says, “Everyone loves and trusts Tim. He loves older people and they love him. “An 88-year old woman appreciates old-fashioned gentlemanliness. He even takes my mom to 3-par golf, and once had to take her to Florida for something very important when I couldn’t. He simply waited for her.”

Aside from medical appointments, Tim jokingly breaks down options for clients and up to two friends:

· The Pampered Princess – hairdresser and lunch.

· The Artistic Tour – lunch at Panos or Albright Knox and a tour of the gallery.

· The Buffalo Waterfront Tour – drive down the river to Niagara Street, City Hall, Delaware and Chippewa, Coca Cola field, and the new medical campus, followed by lunch at the Hatch and see some lighthouses.

· The Nightlife Tour – dinner at Hotel Lafayette, followed by Shakespeare in the Park, the Philharmonic, Amherst Symphony Orchestra, or Curtain Up!

Tim also holds and M.S. in Counseling and works with older adults and their families on area choices for assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, and helps facilitate these transitions.

So, whether it’s a medical appointment, a fun outing, or getting a youngster to the orthodontist when you can’t, Tim is truly a caretaker’s dream. And yes, he just might end up becoming your mom’s and your best friend.

WNY Resource: 
Tim Stevenson is the founder of Help for Seniors. You can reach him at 716-948-7829 or tstevenson@HelpForSeniorsWNY.com Learn more at www.helpforseniorswny.com.

Come to a Holistic Health Expo! Sunday, August 18, 11am-4pm - Delaware Park Marcy Casino

The Holistic Community invites you to join them in this second annual gathering. Jill O’Hara, RN, CHHP owner of Nurse Mom Health Consulting is again coordinating this wonderful event and along with others are extending an invitation to the community to attend this free event.

The mind, body, spirit, our social lives, as well as environment encompass the whole of who you are. The members of this community are eager to have the opportunity to present you with a wonderful selection of tools to inspire you to create a healthy life. 

The participants will be sharing their skills, and information that centers on a holistic life style. Each of them brings a unique gift, or item to this event that when applied to your life can assist you in gaining physical, emotional, and spiritual health and well being.

There will be mini sessions offered so you can experience what we have to offer. The day will be filled with speakers and demonstrations designed to provide fun and education regarding what Holistic Healing is all about. The holistic practitioners attending this event will be presenting Massage Therapy, Energy Medicine, Essential Oils, Life Coaching, Laughter Yoga, Reflexology, Chiropractor, Herbal Creations, and Drumming as well as many other services. 

If there are any holistic practitioners interested in a possible vendor slot Jill can be reached at nursemomjmm@yahoo.com .

Know Your Health (KnowYourHealth.org)

Important Health Information for Everyone from Catholic Health

Having the right information is key to making many important decisions. This is especially true when it comes to healthcare. That’s why Catholic Health created a website that provides the most in-depth analysis of healthcare qual­ity in the region, and it’s available for everyone at knowyourhealthcare.org.

Catholic Health’s team of quality and patient safety spe­cialists track thousands of quality measures to make the website a valuable resource for anyone seeking healthcare quality information. John Kane, Catholic Health Vice President of Quality Services, says “The benefits of this painstaking work is an invalu­able tool to help us improve our care and services by helping us know where we excel and where we need to improve. Our goal is to become the safest, most efficient, and highest performing system in the region.”

By providing this infor­mation to the public, Catholic Health is creating a road map for helping patients make informed healthcare decisions. “This will lead to better care, better health and ultimately, a better quality of life for patients throughout the region,” Kane said.

This ever-changing website separates information into four categories:

The Accolades section catalogs quality recog­nitions awarded to Catholic Health by various medical societies and independent organiza­tions, in areas such as hospital integration, value, technology, quality, and community service. 

The Quality and Patient Safety section has information about how Cath­olic Health sizes up against national averages in a wide variety of areas – from patient falls and central line infections, to 30-day hospital readmission rates and ER wait times. 

The Service Lines section tracks quality measures across specialty services, such as Cardiac, Women’s Ser­vices, Vascular, Neurosciences, Musculoskeletal, Oncology and Bariatric. 

The Additional Resources section is an index of third-party and government links to sites that rate hospitals and services on a variety of quality and safety measures.

“This website is just one example of how Catholic Health is leading the charge in healthcare reform and working with its patients to promote wellness and avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions,” Kane added. “The more patients know, the more they feel confident to make better healthcare decisions.”

Mobile Mammogram Coach Exams Exceed Expectations

ECMC Foundation, Sabres and First Niagara bring crucial exams to women

BUFFALO, NY – July 19, 2013 – More than 1,400 Western New York women, most of whom probably would not have otherwise received breast cancer screenings, had mammograms in the first year of the Mobile Mammography Coach’s effort to save lives.

Sponsored by Erie County Medical Center, First Niagara Financial Corp. and the Buffalo Sabres Alumni, the coach deployed two digital mammography units to underserved and under-tested women across Western New York and was dedicated one year ago today.

The service, staffed and operated out of the practice of Vivian L. Lindfield, M.D., in Amherst, completed an average of 13.48 mammograms per day over 105 days. Out of 1,410 exams, 110 women were flagged for more specific secondary exams, and overall, the tests found two positive results.

“This project was always about making a real impact on the lives of women and their families through early detection. We could not be more pleased by the number of women screened and, more importantly, who received care,” said ECMC CEO Jody L. Lomeo. “This a great example of the power of collaboration in our community and I thank the Buffalo Sabres Alumni, First Niagara, and the board of the ECMC Lifeline Foundation for believing in something greater for the prevention of breast cancer in our community. ”

With a combined $750,000 contribution from First Niagara and the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association, ECMC managed the Mobile Mammography Coach. The Erie County Medical Center Lifeline Foundation, which contributed to its operation, owns the mobile mammography coach.

“First Niagara is committed to collaborating with our community partners to make a difference in Western New York,” said Elizabeth Gurney, executive director of the First Niagara Foundation. “Our contribution to fund the Mobile Mammography Coach is helping to save lives and enhance access to cancer care for the underserved. This successful partnership with ECMC and the Sabres Alumni enables First Niagara to help women in our community who might never be screened.”

Western New York had the highest rate of new breast cancer in Upstate New York, according to a 2010 report. In addition, Upstate New York had a higher breast cancer death rate per 100,000 women in 2011 at 24.5 per year, than nationally, 24; statewide, 23.7; or in New York City, 23.9, according to Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

Another partner in the effort is the Buffalo/Niagara Witness Project, which assisted in identifying women in the community in need of screening. The project educates participants on early cancer detection through stories told by breast and cervical cancer survivors in churches and community settings.

All women are welcome to have their annual “screening” mammograms on the mobile mammography coach. Any insurance is accepted and help is offered to find coverage eligibility. New York State requires a prescription for a screening mammogram; should a patient need a health-care provider, assistance will be given to help obtain one.

The mobile mammography coach has visited inner-city churches, community centers, health-care facilities, and public events. It has partnerships and has collaborated with local physician groups to be part of a system of care in patient-centered medical homes.

“We are very proud of the breast cancer prevention and education bus and the work that has been accomplished in the past year,” said Cliff Benson, chief development officer of the Buffalo Sabres and president of the Buffalo Sabres Foundation. “This was a significant, challenging project, but the rewards of better health care for this region’s women are absolutely worth it. We hope to continue making a difference with the bus in our community for years to come.”

There are only a few dozen such buses in use in various regions of the country. One of the first started in 2004 in Western Washington. That program added another in 2008 to keep up with demand.

“The mobile mammography initiative coincides with my mission as a physician specializing in breast health to provide quality care and promote lifelong breast health to all women,” said Dr. Lindfield. “It is an opportunity to reach out to women who for a multitude of reasons would not have the benefit of this service.”

The bus also furthers ECMC’s commitment to the inner-city neighborhoods around its Health Campus. Although the breast cancer incidence rate is 17 percent lower in African-American women than in white women, the mortality rate among black women is 32 percent higher.

Moreover, the survival rate for breast cancer in African American women is 75 percent, compared with 89 percent among white women. Mammography screening reduces breast cancer mortality by 35 percent to 50 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.

Although 70 percent of white and African American women 40 years and older received mammograms in the last two years, only 54 percent of African American women nationwide reported having a mammogram within the past year in accordance with American Cancer Society guidelines.

For more information on the Mobile Mammography Coach, call 1-855-GO-4PINK or 855-464-7465 or seewww.ecmc.edu/mammography/schedule.asp.

Tattoos Getting the Boot With New Laser Therapies

By Annette Pinder

Are you one of those people for whom getting a tattoo seemed like a great idea years ago? Do you wish you had listened to your parents who warned that you might regret your decision someday? Are you apprehensive about going on an interview that may expose your arms or legs? Tattoos in the business world may sometimes be considered inappropriate, vulgar, or unprofessional, and it is not illegal to refuse a candidate’s employment as a consequence. 

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that almost one quarter of Americans between the ages of 18 and 50 have a tattoo. And 50 percent of these people regret having ever gotten one. Research shows that the younger a person gets a tattoo, the more they want it removed. In the past, people who wanted a tattoo removed had to undergo invasive and painful surgery. Fortunately, times and technology has changed, making it possible to have tattoos removed with lasers.

Tattoos are created when ink is injected into your skin by an electrical device that resembles and sounds like a dental drill. The tattoo artist uses the machine to puncture the skin as a needle moves up and down between 50 and 3,000 times a minute. The needle goes in about 1 millimeter and deposits ink below the outer layer of skin. Cells below the outer layer of skin are not replaced or shed, as frequently as the cells of the outer layer of skin, so the ink becomes “permanent.”

Joseph B. Neiman, MD, FAAD, of Williamsville explains that tattoo removal can now be accomplished without damaging the surrounding tissue for aesthetically pleasing results with little or no scarring. During the procedure, highly concentrated beams of laser light are delivered to break up the tattoo ink and fade its color. Different colors of light are absorbed by specific ink colors, so treatment is customized for each patient. Prior to the procedure, ice is applied to the area to minimize discomfort. Most people experience a stinging sensation, and do not typically require anesthesia. Results are visible within two to three months, although larger and more colorful tattoos may require more treatments than smaller, or darker ones. This is because laser light is absorbed better by darker pigments.

Typically, multiple treatment sessions are required, and spaced out for maximum healing. Also, every color of ink absorbs different wavelengths of light. Some colors, such as yellow, orange, turquoise or those that are fluorescent are more difficult to treat. Dr. Neiman says, “While there is no ideal laser to remove all tattoo colors, new technologies are producing better results with fewer treatment sessions.”

Tattoo removal is a medical procedure that should only be performed under a doctor’s supervision and not in a salon type setting. To learn about the newest technology that Dr. Neiman is using for the tattoo removal process, call 716.688.0020 and visit www.neimandermatology.com.

WNY Resource
Neiman Dermatology is located in Williamsville, New York. Dr. Joseph B. Neiman is board certified in dermatology, specializes in the treatment of skin, hair and nails, and is a faculty member of SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine.

Leg Pain From Pinched Nerves in Your Back--What Can Be Done About it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To make an appointment call 716-854-5700. To learn more about spinal stenosis and other common spinal conditions, symptoms, and treatment visit www.ericroger.com.

About the Author:

Dr. Roger is a board certified neurologist at Pinnacle Orthopedic and Spine Specialists. He focuses on spinal diseases of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, and has special expertise is minimally invasive technologies and advanced spinal instrumentation. Pinnacle Orthopedic and Spine Specialists is an award-winning medical center located at 700 Michigan Avenue in Buffalo's downtown medical corridor. It is easily accessible and parking is free.

Show Off Your Legs This Summer!

by Annette Pinder

Half of men and woman ages 50 and older have varicose veins. They are most often seen in those with a family history of vein problems, women who have had children, and men and women that sit or stand for long periods of time at work.

For some, varicose veins are simply a matter of cosmetics, without significant symptoms, other than small spider veins (small, red, purple, and blue vessels easily visible through the skin of the legs or face). For others, varicose veins may be a result of venous insufficiency, a medical condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart. When this occurs, veins become enlarged, gnarled, and resemble the twisted roots of a tree due to the faulty one-way valves in veins that carry blood to the heart. When blood backs up in the vein, stretching it, the vein valves become splayed, worsening the leakage resulting in more varicose veins and more pooling of venous blood in the legs.

According to Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian, of the Vein Treatment Center, "Patients typically see a vein specialist because they are experiencing uncomfortable leg aches and pain, leg heaviness and tiredness, itching and burning from an inflamed varicose vein, leg throbbing and cramping, restless legs and/or swelling of the legs and ankles. The presence of varicose veins or these symptoms are indicative of venous insufficiency which, left untreated, can cause long term consequences such as brown discoloration of the skin, chronic leg swelling and, in some people, leg ulcers."

"For years, primary care physicians wisely told their patients the cure wasn't worth the pain of having a vein stripping procedure, but times and technology have changed, enabling individuals to have healthier legs and a better quality of life. Minimally invasive treatments can be performed in the comfort of a medical office setting,” says Dr. Karamanoukian.

While many technologies remove (ablate) or treat venous insufficiency, few medical centers in the country offer state-of-the-art catheter based technologies. The Vein Treatment Center offers three of these options – EVLT, VNUS Closure and Clarivein™. Clarivein™ combines mechanical and chemical venous ablation to literally obliterate varicose veins. FDA approved, safe and effective, it provides excellent clinical results. There is no risk of thermal (heat) injury, nerve damage or parathesia (uncomfortable sensations), and only a small area of the skin is anesthetized. “Only one needle-stick is required, minimizing discomfort and bruising — 98% of my patients return to work within 24 hours, and resume all physical activities such as walking, jogging, and bicycling immediately,” says Dr. Karamanoukian.

Dr. Karamanoukian wants people to know that there is no reason to live in pain due to venous insufficiency or to hide unsightly spider veins. Access to one of the most comprehensive vein treatment centers in the United States right here in Western New York, provides people with the resources and technology to treat these conditions more effectively.”

WNY Resource:

The Vein Treatment Center is designated as A National Center of Excellence for Vein Disorders. Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian is a member of the American College of Phlebology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Phlebology. He has authored many books about venous disease. His offices are conveniently located in Clarence and Williamsville. Call 716-839-3638 to make an appointment and visit www.VeinGuide.com and www.VeinsVeinsVeins.com to learn more.

Be The Match® - Free Food and Discounts to Save a Life

By Andrew Gaddi

For children and adults with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma or other diseases, a cure exists. It’s called Be The Match®, and it connects patients with their donor match making it possible for them to undergo a life-saving marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant.

Right now there are thousands of children and adults waiting for a match and they need your help, so Tony Walker and Lenahan Dermatology decided to do something about it. They’ve decided to invite you to a marrow drive on July 16 from 4:30-8:30 pm, complete with complimentary food and beverages from Giancarlo’s. It all happens at Tony Walker Men’s Shop, 5110 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221.You’ll also get 10% off any purchases and another 10% will be donated to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).

More important, however, is what you need to know about marrow and blood cell transplants, so here are the facts:

Marrow and blood cell transplants treat leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening blood diseases. More than 30,000 children and adults are diagnosed annually with diseases for which a bone marrow transplant is the only chance for cure. Only 30% will find a matching donor within their family, and you can help by becoming a donor.

A transplant involves replacing the patient’s bone marrow with healthy new blood forming cells that matches the tissue type of the patient.

To become a donor you must be 18 – 44 years old, without any history of cancer, diabetes or heart problems.

Just a simple swab of the inside of your cheek provides the necessary tissue typing information. This is then put into the NMDP computerized registry that records individuals who have agreed to potentially donate marrow or stem cells. From here they are able to “match” potential donors with patients in need.

If you are found to be a match you will receive a call regarding the process. The donor does not have to travel to where the patient lives, as donation can be done locally. Eighty percent of all transplants simply involve donating blood.

There is no cost associated with bone marrow screening. It is completely FREE!

Please consider saving a life by becoming a donor. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help please feel free to call Terrie Carbone at 845-8011 or Michael Garbin of the National Marrow Donor Program at 1-888-298-6571 or www.marrow.org

We look forward to seeing you on July 16. It just might make a difference in the life of a young child or a parent who wants to see their child grow up.

About the Author:

Drew Gaddi is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Biology at the University at Buffalo. He is also a volunteer ambassador with Be The Match®. Drew’s close friend was recently diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma. His physician told him that his only hope for survival is a bone marrow transplant.

Gates Vascular Institute / Buffalo General Medical Center Receive Get With The Guidelines- Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award

 Award demonstrates commitment to quality care for stroke patients                                                   

The Gates Vascular Institute/Buffalo General Medical Center (GVI/BGMC) received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes their commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, according to evidence-based guidelines.

In addition to the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Award, the Gates Vascular Institute/Buffalo General Medical Center received the Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll for improving stroke care.

“This recognition is a source of great pride to the stroke team and is one of many reasons the Gates Vascular Institute is the best place, and the only place-to go for stroke treatment,” said L. Nelson Hopkins, III, MD, president, Gates Vascular Institute. “At the Gates Vascular Institute, we offer the most advanced stroke treatments, not just in Western New York, but in the world. No one in Western New York can do what we can do. No one.”

The Gates Vascular Institute has a worldwide reputation for excellence. Physicians from esteemed institutions such as Harvard, Duke, Cleveland Clinic, and medical centers around the globe, come to the Gates Vascular Institute to learn the latest surgical procedures and interventions from neurosurgeons renowned for their skill, innovation, and patient outcomes.

“The Gates Vascular Institute is one of the premier stroke facilities in the world. There’s no other institution like it,” continued Hopkins. “We have amassed the most talented surgeons, the best technology, and ground-breaking treatment options and building design to enhance patient care through collaboration and optimal patient flow. The team at the Gates Vascular Institute gives stroke patients their best chance at survival.”

Buffalo General Medical Center is a not-for-profit, acute care teaching medical center. It is located in downtown Buffalo, NY, on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, a growing epicenter of top clinical, research, and medical education institutions. As the proud flagship for Kaleida Health, Western New York’s largest healthcare system, Buffalo General Medical Center is a major referral center for the most complex cardiac, orthopedic, bariatric and general surgery services, just to name a few. To learn more visit www.kaleidahealth.org/bgmc.

The Gates Vascular Institute is a combination of the finest researchers, surgeons, physicians, and other clinicians devoted to the study, treatment and prevention of cardiac, stroke, and vascular diseases. Learn more at www.kaleidahealth.org/gvi.

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that empowers healthcare teams to save lives and reduce healthcare costs by helping hospitals follow evidence-based guidelines and recommendations. For more information, visit heart.org/quality.

A Little Bit of France Comes to Buffalo

About Our July 2013 Cover 

by Annette Pinder 

I have no idea where I was all winter to have missed out on Break n’ Eggs Creperie. But like so many of us in Buffalo, it isn’t until the snow melts that we get out and explore.

Break n’ Eggs Creperie looks like a tiny café from the outside, but once you walk through the doors you are immediately transported to another dimension – filled with paintings of small Paris street scenes and cafes, lots of beautiful wood, and an open kitchen. The featured menu item is crepes, very thin pancakes, served rolled or folded, and filled with fruits, nuts, seafood, chicken, vegetables, eggs, cheeses and more.

Traditional and gluten-free buckwheat crepes are available, because owners, Anne and Bob Sweeney want to make sure that they accommodate those who require special diets. Annie says, “Celiac disease is becoming much more common. Two of our servers eat gluten free, and we have a friend who was recently diagnosed. We’re also peanut-free. The only nuts we serve are hazelnuts and walnuts.”

Annie, who is originally from Quebec City in Canada, says, “When I came to the United States, it bothered me that so few restaurants were willing or able to accommodate those with special diets.” Raised in Buffalo, Bob, who loves watching the Food Channel, says, “Annie introduced me to a whole different way of eating, and I loved it. Soon I was cooking elaborate meals at home for just the two of us.”

A former computer expert and sous chef, Bob attended Erie Community College’s culinary arts program. Annie says she was always a “foodie” with an entrepreneurial spirit. She majored in hotel and hospitality management at LaSalle College in Montreal, and worked at many fine upscale restaurants. Together, they planned for five years to fulfill the dream of owning their own restaurant.

“Eventually the stars became aligned,” says Annie. I came home one day and told Bob, “I found the place where we can open our restaurant.” Six months later their dream became a reality and they share space with Trattoria Aroma in the location that was previously Café Aroma. “We have a wonderful mutual relationship with the owners of Trattoria Aroma, built on trust and friendship,” says Annie.

Break n’ Eggs Creperie is a unique and beautiful family restaurant. It’s kid friendly, too. Annie learned many of the recipes from her dad. She says, “We’re not a chain, we’re local, and we’re passionate about what we are doing, and try to convey that passion to our customers. Located at 5235 Main Street in Williamsville, Break n’ Eggs Creperie is open from 7a.m to 3p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. For more information, email breakneggscreperie@gmail.com or call 634-3447.

WILLCARE JOINS HEALTHeLINK

Fourth area home health agency to provide clinical data to Western New York’s health information exchange

BUFFALO, NEW YORK – WILLCARE, a home health care company has joined HEALTHeLINK, Western New York’s clinical information exchange as a data source. Participating physicians now have access to admission, discharge and transfer notices and diabetic measures from WILLCARE patients who have authorized their HEALTHeLINK consent.

“Thanks in part to the Beacon Community grant, HEALTHeLINK has been able to build and strengthen Western New York’s health information technology infrastructure by connecting additional health care sources to expand the amount of data available to participating physicians through our health information exchange,” said Dan Porreca, HEALTHeLINK’s executive director. “With increased data, physicians are able to view a more complete picture of their patients’ body of information at the point of care to determine the most effective and timely treatment, which can enhance patient safety and control health care costs”

A portion of the funding provided to HEALTHeLINK and Western New York through the Beacon Community program by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is being used to connect additional data sources, including home health agencies, long term care facilities, and rural hospitals. WILLCARE is the fourth home health agency that has connected to HEALTHeLINK as a data source.

"WILLCARE is excited to join the HEALTHeLINK collaborative to enhance communication and information across the continuum of health care providers in WNY,” said Todd Brason, WILLCARE’s Chief Executive Officer. “WILLCARE is committed to providing the best possible care for our patients, and the pre-authorized sharing of medical information will be invaluable in meeting the medical needs of our patients and providing optimum care across multiple care settings.”

WILLCARE is a Medicare certified and New York State licensed/private duty home health care company, headquartered in Buffalo, NY and accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program. WILLCARE is a comprehensive provider of home health care services that include skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapies, home health aides, Lend-A-Friend™ companions, and supportive services in Western New York, the Hudson Valley region, Connecticut, and Northeast Ohio. For more information visit www.willcare.com.

Nearly 500,000 Western New Yorkers have already given their health care providers better access to the information they need by signing a HEALTHeLINK consent form. For more information on HEALTHeLINK or to obtain a consent form, visit www.wnyhealthelink.com.

HEALTHeLINK, the Western New York Clinical Information Exchange, is a collaboration among the region’s hospitals, physicians, health plans and other health care providers to serve the eight counties of western New York State. HEALTHeLINK was created to enable the exchange of clinical information in secure and meaningful ways to improve both efficiency and quality, while also helping to control health care costs. Patients who provide consent allow physicians and providers directly involved in their treatment to securely access relevant medical information via HEALTHeLINK, resulting in more timely and effective treatment at the point of care.

HEALTHeLINK has been recognized for its work in building a regional health information technology infrastructure and for testing innovative approaches by both state and federal agencies, including being named a Beacon Community, an effort funded by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. For more information about HEALTHeLINK, please visit www.wnyhealthelink.com.

Celebrating Independence at People Inc.’s Newest Location - Tuesday July 2, 2013 - 10:00am-11:30am

Come to an Open House Event for People Inc.’s Programs 

Visit the new home of the Arts Experience, Seniors Unlimited, Community Active People Program (CAPP), Senior Day Hab, Buffalo Afternoon Respite, Senior Outreach through Erie County and Headway of Western New York on Tuesday, July 2, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. The program begins promptly at 10:15 a.m at 2635 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo (across the street from the Target Plaza).

Meet Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, local elected officials, business owners, People Inc. staff and participants.

Celebrate Independence with us! Two days prior to our great country’s Independence Day commemorations, People Inc. is celebrating its diverse programs and services that provides independence to individuals and their families.

The event includes an opportunity to tour the programs and to get a chance to see the unique resources that these services provide for individuals and their families. A unique feature of this new location is the ability for programs to work together, fostering an environment of continued growth and support throughout the agency. In order to be proactive, People Inc. began consolidating their facilities and resources prior to any cuts in the New York State budget. This new location for numerous programs illustrates People Inc.’s continued efforts to remain budget conscious while still providing quality services and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families all in one location.

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. To learn more contact Nicole Forgione, Public Affairs Manager, People Inc.
1219 North Forest Road, Williamsville, NY 14221 at 716-817-7490, or nforgione@people-inc.org
Website: www.people-inc.org.