New York State Health Marketplace Outreach and Enrollment Summit

Learn About the NYS Health Marketplace!

Monday, September 16th, 1:00 - 4:00
1199SEIU, 2421 Main Street, Buffalo New York
At Main & Jewett Ave - Behind the First Niagara Bank drive-through

Guest Speaker: Kyle Kotary, Director of External, Outreach and Marketing for NYS of Health The Marketplace (The Exchange)

TO REGISTER/RSVP:

Contact the Healthcare Education Project at 716-995-3705 or register here (copy & paste into browser address bar): http://www.citizenactionny.org/buffaloexchangesummit

On January 1, 2014, coverage under the New York health insurance exchange will begin providing quality low cost coverage for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. Enrollment will begin on October 1, 2013. 

(The Exchange has now been renamed; it’s the “New York State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace.”) To ensure that The Exchange reaches everyone who will benefit, we must join together in a massive effort to get the word out! Navigators and health advocates, as well as representatives of community groups, insurance brokers, unions, hospitals and other health care institutions, health plans, and small businesses throughout Western New York, are encouraged to attend and learn the latest about The Exchange, hear about best practices, and help in coordinating our efforts.

This is one of a series of regional summits around The State in cooperation with The Exchange. For more information, contact Bob Cohen of the Public Policy and Education Fund/Citizen Action of New York at bcohen@citizenactionny.org. Bill Covington of the Healthcare Education Project at bill.covington@hepny.org or 716-995-3705.

Statewide Sponsors: 1199SEIU, Citizen Action of New York, Coalition of NYS Public Health Plans, Community Service Society of New York, Greater New York Hospital Association, Healthcare Education Project, Health Care for All New York, New York Health Plan Association Council, and Raising Women's Voices for the Health Care We Need

Catholic Health Sponsors Free Vascular Disease and Cancer Screening at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital

Simple, painless tests can detect life-threatening vascular disease

Stroke and Vascular Disease is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Yet, despite the considerable health risks, many vascular conditions often go undetected because there are no warning signs until a serious medical complication occurs.

To help detect vascular disease and alert the public to its potential health risks, Catholic Health is sponsoring a free “Vascular Disease & Cancer Screening Day” on Saturday, September 14 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, 5300 Military Road in Lewiston.

Millions of Americans suffer from some type of circulatory disease. This free screening includes tests for Carotid Artery Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Other screening tests will be offered for breast and thyroid cancer. Participants will also receive a complimentary consultation with a vascular specialist to review their test results.

Other providers charge between $100-$200 for these types of screenings. This free vascular disease and cancer screening is open to anyone over 55, who smokes or has one or more of the following medical conditions: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart or leg ailments, family history of heart disease, and prior stroke.

Participants must meet eligibility requirements and appointments are necessary. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call Catholic Health’s HealthConnection at 716-447-6205.

McGuire Group Announces September Memory Care Support Groups

The McGuire Group’s Harris Hill Nursing Facility, 2699 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville will be hosting two memory care support groups on Wednesday, September 11. A general Alzheimer’s support group will be held at 3 p.m. and a daughter’s support group will be held at 5 p.m.

The support groups are held on the second Wednesday of every month and coordinated by memory care professionals from The McGuire Group in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY.

Support groups are a great way to share caregiving tips and coping mechanisms with others who are experiencing similar situations while caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

For more information, contact Sarah Pietrowski at 632-3700. Information can also be found at www.mcguiregroup.com.

Connecting the Pieces: Addressing the Treatable Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Autism Society WNY Chapter and Autism Services Center for Learning Invite You To Attend A Workshop on Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 8:45am to 12:45pm at Classics V Banquet and Conference Center, 2425 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst, NY.

The workshop will feature Richard Frye, M.D., Ph.D., neurologist, researcher, and the Director of the Autism Multi-specialty Clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

The idea that children with autism can be success-fully treated medically to achieve optimal outcomes has only recently become more broadly accepted. Recent studies have demonstrated an association between autism and abnormalities of several metabolic systems, including disorders of folate, mitochondrial, and glutathione metabolism. These metabolic abnormalities have been associated with a wide range of psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurological disorders.

Safe, well-tolerated treatments for these metabolic abnormalities are being developed that are reported to have positive effects of the symptoms of ASD. Many of these metabolic systems are interrelated so that treatment that addresses one metabolic system results in improvements in another, and vice versa. Biomarkers (biological markers) have been identified that may be used to determine which children will benefit from treatment and potentially be used to detect children with ASD prior to symptoms appearing so that treatment can begin early. Although preliminary, this evidence paves the way for optimal outcomes ranging from improvements in functioning to potential recovery from the disabilities that are associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

At the conclusion of the workshop participants will be able to:

1. List metabolic abnormalities that have shown positive responses to new treatments.

2. Describe how biomarkers of these physiological disorders may increase early identification/diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders.

3. List treatment strategies that target both core and associated symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.

Cost to attend is $10 for Parent/Individual with ASD, $20 for Professional/Student, and $30 for SLP/Audiologist/OT/COTA/PT/PTA. Scholarships are available for parents or individuals with ASD based on financial need.

Call 716.633.2275 or check with www.autismwny.org to learn more. Also learn more and register at www.friendsofasi.org. Walk-ins add an additional $10 to above fees. Fees payable to ASWNY Chapter, 19 Limestone Drive, Suite 1, Williamsville, NY 14221.

Classes for People Helping Older Relatives or Friends

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

Catholic Charities - Garden Room**
128 Wilson St., Buffalo, 14212
(free respite for the memory impaired offered at this site)
Wed. Sept. 11 – Oct. 16, 2013 - 1 pm - 3:30 pm

St. Philips Episcopal Church**

15 Fernhill Ave. Buffalo, NY 14215
Thurs. Sept. 12 – Oct. 17, 2013, 4:30 pm – 7 pm

Amherst Senior Center
370 John James Audubon, Amherst (free respite for the memory impaired offered at this site)
Wed. Oct. 16 – Nov. 20, 2013, 1 pm – 3:30 pm

Holy Cross RC Church
345 7th Street, Buffalo
Tues. Oct. 15 – Nov. 19, 2013, 6 – 8:30 pm

Elderwood at Rosewood
76 Buffalo St., Hamburg 14075
Tues. Nov. 12 – Dec. 17, 2013, 6 – 8:30 PM

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

** Course cost at Catholic Charities or St. Philips Episcopal is covered in full by CHF Cultural Diversity Grant funding for those that are uninsured.

Additional classes are being scheduled. For more information or to register, contact: Erie County Department of Senior Services at 858-2177 or e-mail: caregiver@erie.gov Class listing is always at www2.erie.gov/seniorservices

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

Contact: Lisa Rood – 858-2177

Or

Jennifer Mantione | Project Coordinator (Special Events)
Erie County | Senior Services
95 Franklin St., Room 1341 | Buffalo, NY 14202
P:(716) 858-2117 | F:(716) 858-7259
Jennifer.Mantione@erie.gov | http://www.erie.gov

Wound Symposium - “Multi-System Approach to Wound Healing,

Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center is hosting its first Wound Symposium - “Multi-System Approach to Wound Healing,” on Saturday, September 14, from 7:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. Interested participants should register by August 30, 2013. The registration fee is $25 per person.

The symposium will explore the various systemic and local factors that interfere with wound healing which require a coordinated comprehensive multispecialty approach. Presenters include:

• Judith Maness, CEO of Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital

• Michael A. Parentis, MD, of The Knee Center of Western New York

• Roger Walcott, MD, FACS, of Vascular & Endovascular Center of Western New York

• Robert J. Perry, MD, FACS, Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine

• Kelly A. Spong, RN, BSN, MBA, CWOCN, CHRN, of the Center for Wound Healing at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital

• Charles D. Rice, MD, FACS, UHM, Medical Director of Mt. St. Mary’s Center for Wound Healing

The symposium has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for CME through joint sponsorship with the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center. Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital has been approved through CHS for credits of continuing nursing education by the PA State Nurses Association.

For more information or to register for the symposium, contact Elizabeth Zaninovich, at (716) 298-3012 or elizabeth.zaninovich@msmh.org. More information can be found at www.msmh.org.

Lonny Walter, MD, Specializing in Family Practice, Joins the Invision Health

Dr. Lonny Walter, a board certified physician in Family Medicine, will join Invision Health on August 26, 2013. Dr. Walter’s office will be located at 400 International Drive in Williamsville, NY.

As a member of our Invision Health Primary Care Team, Dr. Walter is equipped to deal with whatever problem a patient brings — no matter how common or rare, simple or complex. Dr. Walter is trained to solve puzzling diagnostic problems and can handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time. In today’s complex medical environment, our Invision Health Primary Care Team takes pride in caring for their patients for life. Together with our other Invision Health specialists, our Primary Care providers coordinate patient care through an integrated health record. From preventative care, to health and wellness education, to the treatment of chronic disease and injury, Dr. Walter provides compassionate and comprehensive care.

Dr. Walter completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at the University of Buffalo. He is a graduate of University at Buffalo School of Medicine and his Family Medicine residency was completed at Deaconess Hospital of Buffalo. Dr. Walter is a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine.

Over the past 30 years, Dr. Walter has practiced Family Medicine in the Buffalo area and he continues to welcome new patients to his Practice.

For more information about Dr. Lonny Walter or to schedule an appointment, please call our Invision Health scheduling department at (716) 631-3555 ext. 318.

Leg Pain from Pinched Nerves in Your Back

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



Do you have back pain? Do you have leg pain? Come to a FREE Seminar presented by Board Certified Neurosurgeon, Eric Roger, MD, BSc, FRCS(C) at Amherst Center for Senior Services, 370 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY 14228. A complimentary FREE light dinner will be served, Wednesday, August 21 at 5:00 p.m. RSVP to 636-3059. Enjoy a concert following the seminar.

WNY Community Health Improvement Status Update Webinar

In its quest to become the healthiest state in the nation, the New York State Department of Health developed the Prevention Agenda 2013-2017, a robust plan to empower communities to address the health needs of their residents. P2 has been actively engaged in the NYS Prevention Agenda process throughout the year, working with local health departments, health systems and the community as a whole to develop strong community health assessments and improvement plans for each County in WNY.

This webinar will present the exciting work (to date) that P2 has been a part of in WNY and will highlight some of the great collaborations which are emerging as a result.

The Webinar will be presented twice to accommodate schedules. Please note space is limited.

#1: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 2pm: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/866678978

#2: Thursday August 16, 2013 9am: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/792613322

New CATALYS Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery is Now Available in Buffalo

New CATALYS Technology Is Revolutionizing Cataract Surgery

By Annette Pinder

 

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in the eye making it difficult to see clearly, affecting 22 million Americans - most of them 40 or older. Often, in summer, people realize they may need cataract surgery due to the bright sun, which exacerbates these symptoms. 

Now, Atwal Eye Care wants Western New Yorkers to know about a new cutting-edge technology that will make cataract surgery even more precise. According to Ephraim Atwal, M.D., “A new FDA approved system called CATALYS, a femtosecond laser, will eventually replace technology that has been used for more than two decades.”

Atwal Eye Care is the only eye care center in the region offering CATALYS. Until now, cataract surgeons across the world have had to use handheld instruments to perform the most challenging aspects of cataract surgery.

“CATALYS combines a femtosecond laser, 3D imaging, sophisticated software and other innovative features that are more precise and highly customize the cataract procedure,” explains Dr. Atwal. “The imaging and laser portion of the treatment take just minutes with little or no discomfort to patients. It is the most precise way to perform refractive cataract surgery for patients wanting astigmatism correction and greater freedom from glasses. We recently performed several of these procedures on our patients, and they are thrilled. With the region’s aging population, cataract surgery is on the rise calling for more cataract surgeries, and this procedure has many benefits.”

Dr. Atwal says, “Custom Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery is the wave of the future for cataract procedures. Although present methods of cataract surgery are a virtual miracle of modern medicine, the new laser-assisted procedure that is only being offered at Atwal Eye Care, promises even greater accuracy and potentially reliable outcomes for cataract surgery patients.

“Our new Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery technology is not only going to increase predictability of the outcome, we know it will also allow us to correct astigmatism and help improve our 20/20 rates, while enhancing our patients comfort and recovery," said Dr. Atwal. “We are excited to have the opportunity to bring this cutting edge technology to this region and to be offering the future of ophthalmology to our patients right now.”

Atwal Eye Care decided to make the significant investment in the new technology because many medical professionals across the globe say this new laser technology will become the standard of care for cataract surgery in the future - just as Laser Vision Correction evolved over the years, a procedure that Atwal Eye Care specializes in, and has treated more than 30,000 eyes.

WNY Reference:

Atwal Eye Care and Buffalo Eye Care Associates has been providing complete eye care services to Western New Yorkers for more than 25 years, and has grown to be one of the area’s top laser vision correction providers. Dr. Ephraim Atwal joined the practice in 2011. Drs. Amar & Ephraim Atwal have performed a combined 40,000 plus cataract procedures. Atwal Eye Care employs more than 70 people in various medical and support positions at its Williamsville, Kenmore, West Seneca, Hamburg and Cheektowaga locations. To learn more about Custom Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, call 716-896-8831. Learn more about the scope of services available at Atwal Eye Care at www.atwaleye.com and sign up for an upcoming seminar on available treatments.

NEXT SEMINAR: August 15, 2013 at 5:30 PM. RSVP at www.AtwalEye.com.