FREE Alzheimer's Patient Safety Program November 7

On Friday November 7 from 10am-2pm the Alzheimer's Association and the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons (Masons) will hold a free program modeled after the Amber Alert/Silver Alert Program. The program makes it possible to easily identify patients through photo, fingerprinting and an ID card. All participants will receive an ID card and CD to take with them. Reservations to participate are not required. Program location is at 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, Williamsville NY 14221. For questions about this free program call the WNY Alzheimer's Association at 716.626.0600. To learn more about the Masonic Safety Identification program visit http://www.nychip.org/Welcome.html. 

HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER THURSDAY AS SABRES TAKE ON BLUE JACKETS


Proceeds to benefit Roswell Park; fans at home can support cause through text donations

The Buffalo Sabres will square off against the Columbus Blue Jackets tomorrow night at First Niagara Center, but there’s another fight going on in a special way during the game. It’s Hockey Fights Cancer night in Buffalo, as part of the NHL’s national Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. And Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) is teaming up with the Sabres to raise needed funds for cancer research and patient programs.Special autographed New Era hats will be sold in the arena, as well as Ryan Miller Sockey Caps being sold on Roswell Park’s website. Plus everyone — no matter where you are watching the game — is urged to text CURE to 501501 to make a $5 text donation during or after the game.The Sabres and Roswell Park are hoping it all adds up to a cure.

ROSWELL PARK TO THANK BLOOD DONORS WITH GLEN OAK APPRECIATION BRUNCH SUNDAY

Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) Donor Center Donor Appreciation Brunch takes place on Sunday October 23 from 11-1:30 pm at Glen Oak Banquest Facility at 711 Smith Road in East Amherst. It will feature keynote speaker, Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP, President and CEO of RPCI, and remarks from Mitch Flynn, President of Flynn & Friends and founder of The Ride For Roswell.

Founded by Elias Cohen, MD, in 1964, the Roswell Park Donor Center was one of the first facilities in the country to begin collecting platelets for patient transfusion. The annual Donor Brunch is a way to recognize the center’s most consistent and frequent donors. Those invited to Sunday’s brunch have made 20 or more platelet donations or at least six whole-blood donations.

There is significant, ongoing need for blood and blood products for patients undergoing cancer treatments or surgery at RPCI. The Roswell Park Donor Center is open six days a week, with flexible daily hours of operation. To donate, you must be at least 17 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 716-845-8275 or go to www.roswellpark.org/donorcenter.

Local consumer engagement in health care linked to understanding of health care reform efforts

Studies show more engagement in personal health care on the part of Western New Yorkers and underline need for collective responsibility to drive health care reform

BUFFALO, N.Y. (October 10, 2011) -  Western New York consumers appear well-prepared to continue their role in the national health care reform effort by taking charge of their personal health, based on two recent studies.

The DSS Health Care Engagement Indexä (www.dssresearch.com) finds Western New Yorkers are more fully engaged or involved in their health care than typical health plan members nationally by approximately 38 percent. Further, the DSS findings indicate the proportion of Independent Health customers designated as “engaged” or “involved” in their health care is larger than competitive carriers’ customers by about 19 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Another study on health care reform, sponsored by Independent Health and conducted by Thoroughbred Research Group, found Western New Yorkers increasingly realize the impact of unhealthy behaviors on overall health care costs. Of commercial consumers polled, 65.3 percent cite unhealthy lifestyles as having an impact on rising costs. One year earlier, 58.2 percent believed unhealthy lifestyles affected costs.

“These findings are very encouraging,” said Michael Cropp, M.D., president and CEO, Independent Health. “As the health care law continues its role in the national discussion leading up to the November 2012 elections, Western New Yorkers have shown an increased understanding of the responsibility every consumer has in changing the course of health care costs.”

The survey results also draw parallels between Western New Yorkers’ understanding of health care reform and their understanding of the role of consumers in the health care system. Those who say they understand the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) provisions are also more likely to acknowledge the responsibility of consumers to maintain their own health – a key component to lowering health care utilization and costs. Of commercial consumers who understand the health care reform law, 70.5 percent believe consumers arepartly responsible for “fixing” health care, compared with 43.5 percent among those who say they don’t know much about health care reform.

This annual survey aims to gauge Western New Yorkers’ reactions to health care reform and their perceptions on the role of various participants within the reform effort.

Other key findings include:

▪ Western New Yorkers who understand PPACA are more likely to have a favorable opinion of reform. Of those who rated their knowledge of health reform at the seven to 10 level, 64.8 percent had a favorable opinion of reform, compared with 36.8 percent who rated their knowledge in the one to six range (with 10 being the highest and one being the lowest).

▪ Health insurers continue to be seen as the party most responsible for “fixing” health care among commercial consumers (74.3 percent) and Medicare beneficiaries (64.6 percent), followed closely by government (73.4 percent and 62.6 percent, respectively).

▪ Commercial consumers in particular are increasingly looking to businesses/employers, doctors and pharmaceutical companies to “fix” health care. Perception of the responsibility of these groups increased from the 2010 survey by an average of about 22 percent.

▪ Of those who understand the health reform law, 79.5 percent say it’s important to use electronic medical records, compared to 60.1 percent among those who aren’t confident in their knowledge of health care reform.

▪ Sixty-one percent of all survey respondents say they want to know more about PPACA. The top three topics of interest include the Medicare prescription coverage gap, access to preventive screenings and financial help to low-income individuals who don’t have insurance through their job.

Survey results also indicate Independent Health is seen as taking the lead to deliver affordable, quality care and the health plan offering the most health promotion and fitness activities to better the community.

“We continue to focus on empowering consumers by offering products, services and programs that enable them to become more engaged in their health.  We’re also continuing to partner with physicians on programs that reward quality outcomes, rather than volume of services, thus changing the health care paradigm from reactive care to proactive care. In essence, we’re moving from health insurance to health assurance,” said Dr. Cropp.

“While national reform efforts remain a vital part of reshaping health care, the most sustainable solutions will take place at the local level. Western New York must continue to make progress toward improving the health and wellness of our community by engaging in collaborative initiatives that improve the quality of health care and reduce cost,” said Dr. Cropp. “We all have a role to play in creating a culture of health in Western New York.”

DSS Research is a national marketing research firm specializing in health care. Over the past 27 years, DSS has conducted research and provided insight for health insurance organizations, hospitals and other health care providers across the country. The firm’s services include product development services, satisfaction research, brand analysis and strategy research, ad testing and tracking, market segmentation research and health risk assessment, giving DSS a high-level view of the evolving health insurance business. DSS employs more than 200 health care market research specialists.  More information is available at www.dssresearch.com.

The Independent Health-sponsored survey included 500 telephone interviews, conducted by Thoroughbred Research Group of Louisville, Ky., of local consumers of commercial and Medicare health plans, with the data weighted to better represent the local population. The interviews were conducted from April 28 through May 2, 2011.

Thoroughbred Research Group is an employee-owned company headquartered in Louisville, Ky. For more than 30 years it has worked with clients in a collaborative spirit to deliver Preemptive, Proactive and ProjectiveTM business critical research to a wide range of public and private enterprises. National in scope, personal in delivery, Thoroughbred Research Group has expertise in all types of data collection, web-enabled research, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, analysis and consulting. More information is available at www.torinc.net.

Headquartered in Buffalo, Independent Health began operations in 1980 and has consistently been rated among the top health plans in the country for customer service and member satisfaction. Independent Health’s comprehensive portfolio of product and service offerings include HMO, POS, PPO and EPO products, Medicare and Medicaid plans, traditional indemnity insurance, consumer-directed plans, coverage for self-funded employers, plus health savings account (HSA) and pharmacy benefit management (PBM) services. Independent Health’s extensive provider networks include more than 846,000 physicians, 3,700 hospitals, and 53,000 pharmacies nationally. Combined, the company provides health benefits and services to nearly 375,000 individuals in Western New York and throughout the country.  For more information, visit Independent Health’s website at www.independenthealth.com.

Medical 411: Syringomyelia and Chiari

Syringomyelia (SM) is a disorder in which a cyst forms within the spinal cord, expands and elongates over time, and destroys the center of the cord, resulting in pain, weakness, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, arms or legs. Symptoms can include headaches, inability to distinguish heat and cold, disruption in body temperature, and may adversely affect sweating, sexual function and bladder and bowel control.

SM can be caused by trauma to the spinal cord, congenital developmental problems of the brain and/or spinal, or from trauma as a result of a car accident or serious fall. It may lie dormant and undetected for months or years until symptoms become bothersome enough to warrant medical attention. Many people are not diagnosed until mid-life, but MRI testing has greatly improved the ability to diagnose SM.

Chiari (kee-AR-ee) malformation (CM) is characterized by herniation of the cerebellus through the large opening in the base of the skull into the spinal canal.  The herniated tissue blocks the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain which can result in the formation of a cavity within the spinal cord.  Patients with CM1 may experience no symptoms, or may not appear until adolescence or early adulthood. They often complain of severe headaches and neck pain, dizziness, vertigo, disequilibrium, visual disturbances, ringing in the ears, difficulty swallowing, palpitations, sleep apnea, muscle weakness, impaired fine motor skills, chronic fatigue and painful tingling of the hands and feet. Because symptoms are so complicated, patients with CM1 are often misdiagnosed. CM2, the most prevalent form, is usually as a result of congenital malformation, although some cases are acquired. CM2 and CM3 are more severe malformations that are apparent at birth.

Today SM and CM affect approximately 300,000 people in the U.S. with an estimated 13,000 additional cases diagnosed each year.  In an effort to create awareness of, and to learn more about the causes, symptoms and potential treatment options for SM and CM, Mark and Barbara Kane of West Seneca founded the Column of Hope (COH) Foundation in an attempt to help find answers for their daughter who suffers from both.

Over the past eight years COH has raised more than $430,000 to fund research, with much of it occurring in Australia under the supervision of Dr. Marcus Stoodley, aided by the study of many local patients participating in the ”Out of Phase” portion carried out at Dent Neurological Institute in Amherst.  Today the Stoodley team’s research, focusing on post-traumatic syringomyelia, continues.

On October 15, 2011 John Hiess, M.D., from the National Institute of Health (NIH) informed an audience in Buffalo that further studies are currently underway. The combined talents of researchers in Madison, Wisconsin and Oslo, Norway, are now in the process of studying turbulence in cerebral spinal fluid.

About the Author:

Barbara Woodworth Amherst resident Barbara Woodworth is a freelance journalist who focuses on health, careers, diversity and business. Her more than 1,000 articles have appeared in 50+ national, international and regional publications.

Volunteer to Become a Living Healthy Peer Leader

The P2 Collaborative is seeking volunteers to help facilitate community workshops, and says:

We need you to help put the life back into life for people in Western New York. Volunteer to become a Peer Leader for Living Healthy, an international program developed by Stanford University’s Patient Education Research Center (Stanford’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program).  Living Healthy community workshops help people with chronic disease improve their health and well-being.

As a Peer Leader, you facilitate Living Healthy community workshops for people living with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease.  This free 4 day training will cover the Living Healthy curriculum, which includes topics such as nutrition, appropriate medication use, stress and pain management and exercise techniques. 

The Peer Leader training will be offered October 27 & 28 and November 3 & 4 at the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter, Blood Services Building, 786 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209. 

We want you to be part of the growing movement to improve health care in Western New York, led by the P² Collaborative and the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter.  Fill out an application to become a Living Healthy Master Trainer today!

For questions and to apply please contact:

Melanie Keem

American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter:

786 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

Phone:  (716) 878-2351

Fax: (716) 878-2220

KeemM@usa.redcross.org

Please note that:   Trainees must attend all required days of training, and satisfactorily demonstrate program skills.  Once trained, Peer Leaders must facilitate a minimum of two (2) workshops within six (6) months of completing the training. Once trained, Peer Leaders must adhere to the program and licensing requirements set forth by the Stanford Patient Education Research Center.

Most people feel more positive at the beginning of the day

According to a new study, if you start the day feeling positive but get increasingly sad as the day goes on, you are in the majority. The study used Twitter to track mood swings and found that people have two happiness peaks early in the morning and again at about midnight.

Sociologists at Cornell University tracked tweets from more than 2 million Twitter users across the globe for over two years. Researchers found that the mood swing pattern was the same during the work week that is on weekends. Researchers said this emphasizes the important role of sleep and natural circadian rhythms on determining daily highs and lows.

Scott Golder, a co-author of the study said that Twitter provided them with a unique platform with which to look at these issues of mood swings across the globe. He said, "What was most surprising here was how consistent this pattern was across 84 countries."

VA Center Opens Kids Korner Waiting Room

Veterans who have medical appointments at VA Western New York Healthcare System and need assistance with childcare, can use the Kids Korner Waiting Room, at the Buffalo VA Medical Center, 3495 Bailey Avenue beginning Monday, October 3.  This free service is available weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. by calling 716-862-8802 to make an appointment for children six weeks to 12 years of age. 

In July 2011, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced that Buffalo was one of three VA medical centers in the nation to be a part of the childcare pilot. This pilot program will benefit both men and women Veterans and was established by Congress as part for the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 signed by the President in May 2010.  In a survey, VA found that nearly a third of Veterans were interested in childcare services and more than 10 percent had to cancel or reschedule VA appointments due to lack of childcare. 

Health Association of Niagara County Inc. (HANCI) offers the supervised care for children at the Kids Korner Waiting Room at the Buffalo site. They currently also operate the childcare facility on the grounds of the Buffalo VA for employees. 

“We’ve been looking forward to this opportunity to provide a supervised childcare waiting room for Veterans while they are here for appointments,” stated Kathy Smythe, Program Manager, Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation New Dawn.  “The staff of HANCI has a structured plan of activities while the children wait.”  A ribbon cutting celebration is being planned for Thursday, October 27.  Other VA childcare pilot sites that will be open at a later date are Northport, NY and Puget Sound, WA. 

New Hope for Alzheimer's

For Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Brain Cancers, Cornell Finding May Permit Drug delivery to the Brain

Cornell University researchers may have solved a 100-year puzzle: How to safely open and close the blood-brain barrier so that therapies to treat Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and cancers of the central nervous system might effectively be delivered. (Journal of Neuroscience, Sept. 14, 2011.) The researchers found that adenosine, a molecule produced by the body, can modulate the entry of large molecules into the brain. For the first time, the researchers discovered that when adenosine receptors are activated on cells that comprise the blood-brain barrier, a gateway into the blood-brain barrier can be established.

Although the study was done on mice, the researchers have also found adenosine receptors on these same cells in humans. They also discovered that an existing FDA-approved drug called Lexiscan, an adenosine-based drug used in heart imaging in very ill patients, can also briefly open the gateway across the blood-brain barrier.

The blood-brain barrier is composed of the specialized cells that make up the brain’s blood vessels. It selectively prevents substances from entering the blood and brain, only allowing such essential molecules as amino acids, oxygen, glucose and water through. The barrier is so restrictive that researchers couldn’t find a way to deliver drugs to the brain – until now.

“The biggest hurdle for every neurological disease is that we are unable to treat these diseases because we cannot deliver drugs into the brain,” said Margaret Bynoe, associate professor of immunology at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine and senior author of a paper appearing Sept. 14 in the Journal of Neuroscience. Aaron Carman, a former postdoctoral associate in Bynoe’s lab, is the paper’s lead author. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

“Big pharmaceutical companies have been trying for 100 years to find out how to traverse the blood-brain barrier and still keep patients alive,” said Bynoe, who with colleagues have patented the findings and have started a company, Adenios Inc., which will be involved in drug testing and preclinical trials.

Researchers have tried to deliver drugs to the brain by modifying them so they would bind to receptors and “piggyback” onto other molecules to get across the barrier, but so far, this modification process leads to lost drug efficacy, Bynoe said.

“Utilizing adenosine receptors seems to be a more generalized gateway across the barrier,” she added. “We are capitalizing on that mechanism to open and close the gateway when we want to.”

In the paper, the researchers describe successfully transporting such macromolecules as large dextrans and antibodies into the brain. “We wanted to see the extent to which we could get large molecules in and whether there was a restriction on size,” Bynoe said.

The researchers also successfully delivered an anti-beta amyloid antibody across the blood-brain barrier and observed it binding to beta-amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer’s in a transgenic mouse model. Similar work has been initiated for treating multiple sclerosis, where researchers hope to tighten the barrier rather than open it, to prevent destructive immune cells from entering and causing disease.

Although there are many known antagonists (drugs or proteins that specifically block signaling) for adenosine receptors in mice, future work will try to identify such drugs for humans.

The researchers also plan to explore delivering brain cancer drugs and better understand the physiology behind how adenosine receptors modulate the blood-brain barrier.

Buffalo Medical Group Offers Online Bill Pay

WILLIAMSVILLE, NY – Buffalo Medical Group (BMG) patients using MyBMGChart now have a secure and convenient way to pay outstanding charges online through access to online bill pay.

With just a few clicks after logging onto their MyBMGChart account, Buffalo Medical Group patients may conveniently pay their bills with a debit or credit card. The bill pay process is secure because BMG does not store debit or credit card information.

Online bill pay is the latest feature added to MyBMGChart functionality following the addition of an iPhone application announced in April.

Nearly 26,000 Buffalo Medical Group patients are now enrolled in MyBMGChart, the patient portal in BMG’s electronic medical record system. Since 2008 MyBMGChart has enabled BMG patients to access their own health information from anywhere in the world using a password protected and secure Internet connection.

BMG patients using MyBMGChart can view test results and medications, review, request and cancel appointments, request prescriptions and receive health reminders. Also an email alert is sent to patients when new information is added to their medical chart.

Buffalo Medical Group patients must have an active MyBMGChart account to use online bill pay. If they do not have an account, they should contact their physician’s office to request an access code. Additional information about MyBMGChart is available on the Buffalo Medical Group web site at www.buffalomedicalgroup.com. Interested BMG patients also may call 630-1087.