Franciscan Companies is an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health CenterFall 2013
5 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Kelly Quinn Director of Marketing & Public RelationsFranciscan Companies
At the spry age of 99, Ona Smith’s doctor told her she’s the “sharpest little old lady” he knows. That cracks her up.
“I read the newspaper; I’m involved in church service,” she says.
This Syracuse woman isn’t letting her age stop her. But, sometimes her body doesn’t want to cooperate. She uses a walker to get around and lives with a fear of falling. That’s why she subscribes to Franciscan Lifeline.
“I wouldn’t be without it,” she says. “I depend on it a great deal.”
“Falls are a common, costly and real risk for older adults,” says Beverly Lawton, executive director of Franciscan Lifeline. “It is estimated that one-third of all people 65 and older will fall each year and 40% of nursing home admissions are related to falls.”
Smith has the choice between a wrist unit and a necklace. She prefers wearing Lifeline on her wrist and is eager to show it off to her friends and neighbors.
“They ask what’s on my wrist and I show them how to push it,” she explains. “My neighbors are old like me and they need to be able to get help if they need it.”
Smith signed up 16 years ago. She’s one of longest subscribers
currently enrolled, as the Lifeline program prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Loretto opened the Lifeline program and it was later merged with a program operated by St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. That combined program is now managed by Franciscan Companies.
“In the 30 years we have been serving Central New York, we have helped tens of thousands of seniors and at-risk individuals stay safely in the homes that they love,” says Lawton. “We have allowed them to remain vital parts of their communities.”
An anniversary celebration is planned for October. For more information about Franciscan Lifeline, call (315) 492-8175.
Feeling Safe at 99 Years Old
Ona Smith, one of the longest subscribers to Franciscan Lifeline, wears her device on her wrist.
3 WEIGhT LoSS TIPS
2 MEDIcATIon MAnAGEMEnT
HomeSafeIn a fall or emergency, every second counts. Delayed medical attention can jeopardize recovery and have an impact on the ability to remain living independently. Franciscan Lifeline is pleased to introduce Philips’ new HomeSafe Wireless System. This system offers safety to the thousands of people without home phone lines. Customers can choose from a variety of help buttons based on their needs and the Communicator connects them to the Lifeline Response Center without the need for land line telephone service.
HomeSafe will be available in early October. Call Franciscan Lifeline at (315) 492-8175 for information.
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For seniors, approximately 1 out of 10 hospital admissions are the result of incorrect medication use. Franciscan’s Medication Dispensing Service can help prevent this. Franciscan’s customers have a 98.8% compliance rate, therefore increasing their health outcomes and decreasing their risk of readmission to the hospital.
Here’s how it works: family members or caregivers load up to 40 days of medications into the machine. The system sends out an audible reminder and a light flashes telling the user when it’s time to take their medication. If the medication isn’t dispensed, the Medication Dispenser alerts a caregiver. This ensures users stay consistent in their medication regimen and it gives family members peace of mind.
Call Franciscan Companies Lifeline for more information about its Medication Dispensing Service at (315) 492-8175.
Live at Home Longer and Safer with a Medication
Dispenser
Rewarding our ReadersBe sure to read each issue carefully, as the names of three readers are now included in the text of each issue. If you find your name, call 315.458.3600 ext. 123 and
you’ll win a $25 gift card!
Operation WalkFranciscan Companies is once again joining in an effort to provide much-needed joint replacement surgeries to patients in underdeveloped countries. Members of Operation Walk Syracuse, a non-profit organization directed by Dr. Brett Greenky and Dr. Seth Greenky, are traveling to Panama. While there, they will perform 70-80 knee and hip replacement surgeries at no cost. These surgeries would typically cost in excess of $7 million. All services, time, supplies, and equipment are donated.
A force of 50 medical professionals including six surgeons will donate their time during this mission. They will be tasked with setting up all the necessary equipment for complete operating rooms. This allows the four orthopedic OR’s to operate continuously. Marjorie Stevens
For the third year in a row, Franciscan Companies is donating durable medical equipment such as canes, reachers, grabbers, wheelchairs, shoe horns, sock aides and raised toilet seats to make recovery as easy as possible for the patients.
“We are committed to supporting our community,” Franciscan Companies CEO Frank Smith said. “It only makes sense, if we have the capability to support this effort, we should. The doctors and other volunteers have compassion that is typical of the St. Joe’s/Franciscan Companies mission. We’re a team,” he said.
During the mission, the volunteers will also provide education and training to surgeons and clinical staff in Panama.
The Operation Walk Syracuse Team will also partner with St. Joseph’s Hospital this December, for the third year in a row, to provide no cost hip and knee replacement to eligible and needy persons in our own community.
Topics: Home Sleep Studies; Nutrition & Exercise in Respiratory Disease; Pulmonary Rehab;
Complex Sleep Apnea; and Pulmonary Fibrosis
Info: Mary Jane Luke at (315) 422-1455
Fall Pulmonary ForumThursday, November 14th, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
DeFuria Room, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center
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Women & Weight LossKelly Quinn Director of Marketing & Public RelationsFranciscan Companies
Before you go to sleep at night, you give yourself the motivational speech. You know – THE motivational speech. The one that goes like this: “Tomorrow I will stick to my diet. I will exercise and I’ll choke down 8 full glasses of water.” Then morning comes. You start it with good intentions. You even drink some of the dreaded water. Then, somewhere along the way, it goes out the window. It may be a late afternoon visit to the vending machine. It may be dinner you grab on the way home because you’re just too darn tired to cook. Either way, that night you’re back at Square One.
Welcome to the roller coaster of being a woman with a few (OK, maybe more than a few) pounds to lose. We’ve all been there. Harold Bishop
What’s the trick? The magic formula? Ask any dietician, nutritionist or other health professional and they will agree to this: eat lean protein, veggies, complex (or “good”) carbohydrates, drink water and move more. That is the magic formula to lose weight and keep it off.
“No one meal should be comprised of solely one energy source,” says Christopher Owens, Exercise Physiologist for Franciscan Companies. “Eat a little carbohydrate, a little protein and a little fat together. If you’re going to have a cracker, have one with peanut butter. They work better together and cause less of a spike in your blood sugar. You’ll feel full longer.”
So what if your blood sugar spikes? Well, that’s what causes you to crave a candy bar at 3 p.m. Blame it on white flour, which is found in simple carbs.
“Avoid white,” Owens says. “When you get white flour or sugar in food, it sends a very rapid response to the pancreas which produces a larger amount of insulin. The cells take up a lot of the carbohydrates… that’s why you gain weight. Once the cells get what they need, the excess is stored as fat.”
Lean protein, however, makes your body work harder because it’s more difficult to break down. It doesn’t sit on your hips or midsection. Owens suggests lean chicken, pork, beef and egg whites. Pair the protein with so-called “good fats”.
“It’s important to eat a small amount of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids every day,” Owens says. “Salmon
and olive oil are good examples. They are excellent for your cholesterol and overall cardiovascular health.”
We can’t ignore the last component of the “magic formula”: Exercise. Experts say most women tend to do cardiovascular exercise but neglect resistance training. Getting the heart pumping is important, but it’s also essential to use some weights.
“There’s a big exercise myth that if women use weights, they will get bulky,” Owens points out. “But they are doing their body an injustice because resistance training is the key for maintaining muscle mass as we age.” Your body needs the stimulation to maintain bone density. Without it, you’re in danger of developing osteoporosis – a bigger problem for women than men.
So, hit the gym. Or grab a can of green beans and do some curls while you walk around the block. Do whatever you need to do to work your upper and lower body. And, don’t worry if you don’t have an hour to devote to it. Owens says the research shows that shorter workouts more frequently may be MORE effective than longer periods of exercise less frequently. Good news to those of us trying to be superwoman.
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High Blood Pressure and Obstructive Sleep ApneaJennifer Marti, R.R.T., R.P.S.G.T.St. Joseph’s Sleep Laboratory
There are three things that always happen when you visit your doctor: you step on the scale, have your pulse taken and your blood pressure checked. Have you ever thought about why these three measurements are important? Standing on the scale is easy; a drastic change in weight, either up or down, can indicate a serious underlying disorder. Less drastic changes can indicate that a person is having success with their new diet and exercise program or conversely, that they might want to consider a new diet and exercise program. By checking a pulse, your heath care provider is able to assess how fast your heart is beating, as well as its strength and any irregularities in its rhythm. Your blood pressure reading indicates the health of your cardiovascular system, or how well your heart is pumping oxygen and nutrient rich blood to your body’s tissues. Because the heart is our body’s hardest working organ, doctors pay close attention to their patient’s blood pressure reading.
High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke. In the U.S., it is estimated that 30% of adults age 18 and older have high blood pressure. More than likely, the large percentage of Americans with hyperten-sion is directly related to the high prevalence of obesity in our population. In 1948, the Framingham Heart Study was launched in an effort to provide research to identify the common factors or characteristics that contribute to car-diovascular disease. 5,209 men and women ages 30 to 62 were recruited for the study. They received extensive physi-cal examinations and interviews during the first year of the study and subsequently returned every two years after for a detailed medical history. In 1971, the Study enrolled a second generation which included 5,124 of the original participants’ adult children and their spouses. Based on the information gathered from both groups, the researchers have suggested that 65% of the risk for high blood pres-sure in women and 78% in men can be related to obesity.
Obesity and high blood pressure go hand in hand just as high blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnea do. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which the upper airway collapses during sleep, causing breathing to repeatedly stop and start. When a person’s airway is fully collapsed (called an apnea) or
partially collapsed (called a hypopnea), it causes the oxygen level in the blood to decrease, as well as an increase of carbon dioxide. In response, the heart tries to pump harder to counter the buildup of carbon dioxide and low oxygen. As the heart pumps harder, the person’s blood pressure increases. When they arouse and begin breathing again, the work of the heart returns to normal and blood pressure decreases. In severe OSA this can happen hundreds of times per night. Night after night of repetitive highs and lows also cause physiologic changes in the body that lead to hypertension during the daytime. Fortunately, the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) can effectively treat the OSA and decrease the risk of the high blood pressure it causes. Etta Maroney
If you or someone you know has high blood pressure, and especially if they are known to snore or are frequently tired during the day, suggest that they talk to their doctor about testing for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. You might just save their life!
5
Enteral Nutrition in COPD Patients
Kelly Quinn Director of Marketing & Public RelationsFranciscan Companies
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a progressive disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Not only is this disease a major cause of disability, it is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Patients with COPD have an increased risk of malnutrition as the disease progresses; they can experience a loss of appetite and decreased food intake, mostly caused by difficulties in breathing while eating, chewing and swallowing. Some patients become reluctant to eat because they are afraid they will choke. Studies show that 25% to 40% of patients with advanced COPD are malnourished.
“If patients with COPD are experiencing these symptoms of loss of appetite or weight loss, they need to talk to their doctor about alternate forms of nutrition,” says Joseph Nicoletti, RN, executive director of clinical programs at Franciscan Companies. “They don’t realize they are taking in fewer calories and this could hamper their recovery.”
Nicoletti says it is essential COPD patients monitor their nutritional intake. Oral supplements and enteral nutrition often benefit these calorie-comprised patients, preventing weight loss and muscle mass depletion. Franciscan Health Support offers a wide variety of enteral nutrition supplies that can benefit patients who experience malnutrition, are at nutritional risk, or are experiencing involuntary weight loss. Products include PediaSure, Ensure, Jevity, Osmolite, PulmoCare and TwoCal among many other oral use and tube feeding options. Call (315) 458-3200 for more information.
Message from the President
Dear Valued Patient,
I want to take this opportunity to update you on competitive bidding. There is still legislation pending to appeal it and the OIG (Office of the Inspector General) is currently investigating the entire process because some vendors are questionable. Here at Franciscan, we continue to try to service our patients the best we can under competitive bidding, but we don’t have the same control we had prior to it. We are optimistic the government will see the flaws in the program and change it. But in the meantime, there are other options – Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Program, and they can articulate their concerns about the problems with Competitive Bidding.
We are partnering with Fidelis Care, an insurance provider that promotes health through quality, accessibility and services for all. Our two companies’ missions complement each other. Fidelis is a choice for Medicare Advantage. The majority of Fidelis’ Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums and most have $0 or low co-pays and $0 prescription drug deductibles. As a Medicare Advantage beneficiary, you receive better coverage than regular Medicare offers and you can choose your medical equipment provider. You’re not at the mercy of Competitive Bidding.
To enroll in or learn more about Fidelis Medicare Advantage program, call 1-800-860-8707. A representative will meet you wherever it’s convenient to review your options.
The other way you can play a role in the reversal of Competitive Bidding is to make your opinion known. We have received many phone calls from Medicare patients who are concerned about the quality of their medical equipment and service. Here’s what you can do – call Senator Charles Schumer at (315) 423-5471 or write him at 100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse NY 13261-7318. You can also email him through the form available at www.schumer.senate.gov.
God Bless,
Frank L. Smith, Jr.President and CEO,Franciscan Companies
Frank L. Smith, Jr.
special programs6
x
333 Butternut Drive, Suite 100
DeWitt, New York 13214
Calendar of Events
PRSRT STDU.S. poStage
paidSyracuse, NY
permit No. 276
Beyond the Wallsis published by Franciscan Companies
Comments, suggestions or inquiries should be directed to Kelly Quinn, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at 315.458.3600 ext.123 or [email protected].
Franciscan Companies 333 Butternut Drive, Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214www.FranciscanCompanies.com
Franciscan Companies333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214315.458.3600
Auburn Health Support Services333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214315.294.5464
Carthage Area Hospital Sleep Center1001 West Street Carthage, NY 13619315.493.2512
CNY Infusion Services333 Butternut Dr., Suite 102 DeWitt, NY 13214315.424.7027
Embracing Age333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 132141.855.MY.HELP.2 1.855.(694.4572)
Franciscan Licensed Home Care Agency-Cortland165 Main Street Cortland, NY 13045315.458.5600
Franciscan Licensed Home Care Agency7246 Janus Park Drive Liverpool, NY 13088315.458.5600
Franciscan Health Support Services, LLC300 Gateway Park Drive North Syracuse, NY 13213315.458.3200
Franciscan Lifeline300 Gateway Park Drive North Syracuse, NY 13213315.492.8175
Franciscan Management Services, Inc.333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214315.458.3600
Kinney Drugs at Franciscan101 Union Avenue Syracuse, NY 13203315.474.8851
Lourdes Health Support, LLC1155 Upper Front Street Binghamton, NY 13905607.724.0115
Medication Dispensing Service300 Gateway Park Drive North Syracuse, NY 13213315.492.8175
Mountain Lakes Health Support1001 West Street Carthage, NY 13619315.519.6712
Oneida Health Support601 Seneca Street Oneida, NY 13421315.280.6699
St. Elizabeth Health Support Services, Inc.
3899 Oneida Street New Hartford, NY 13413315.734.4407
St. Francis Social Adult Day Care1108 Court Street Syracuse, NY 13208315.424.1003
St. Joseph’s Sleep Lab945 Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13210315.475.3379 and7246 Janus Park DriveLiverpool, NY 13088315.218.9804 and4400 Medical Center Drive Fayetteville, NY 13066315.329.7378
The Sleep Center at Oneida Healthcare601 Seneca Street Oneida, NY 13421315.363.4419
SEPTEMBERHealthy Aging MonthNational Preparedness MonthOvarian Cancer Awareness MonthProstate Cancer Awareness MonthWorld Alzheimer’s Month 28 Family Health and Fitness Day 29 World Heart Day
OCTOBERLifeline celebrates 3o years in CNY! 12-20 Bone and Joint Health National Action Week 14-18 National Health Education Week 20-26 Respiratory Care Week
NOVEMBERAmerican Diabetes MonthCOPD Awareness MonthLung Cancer Awareness MonthNational Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness MonthNational Family Caregivers Month
14 Franciscan Fall Pulmonary Forum 21 Great American Smokeout
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