Winter Safety - Healthy Life Magazine
Transcription
Winter Safety - Healthy Life Magazine
Family Focus: Happy Habits ∙ Diabetes News ∙ Is it S.A.D.? Southern Tier’s Source For Family Health healthylm.com FREE! TAKE THIS COPY! TM WINTER 2015 · ISSUE 46 HOT TOPIC: Winter Safety Should You Join a Gym? HEALTHCARE PLANS HLM • 1 WINTER 2015 · ISSUE 46 Table of Contents: Medical News ∙ 3 Hot Topic ∙ 4 Out and About ∙ 5 Health Insurance ∙ 7 Winter Blues ∙ 8 Should I Join A Gym? ∙ 9 Snow Problem ∙ 11 Diabetes and Obesity ∙ 12 Family Focus ∙ 13 Healthy Recipe ∙ 14 Publisher/Editor Christopher Coyne Staff Writers Christopher Coyne Lisa M. Mayers Stephanie Blodgett Kathryn Fletcher Elise Grose Designer Howard Mitsakos Advertising Sales Jim Blodgett Arnot Ogden Medical Center was recognized by Premier, Inc. as one of only 10 hospitals in the U.S. that set and exceeded goals for the safety of our patients. Printer Carr Printing, Inc. When you consider what’s at stake, why would you consider anywhere else? Healthy Life Magazine is a Division of Ad Elements, LLC 607.238.1560 www.arnothealth.org Come to expeCt the Best To contact Healthy Life Magazine, or for advertising information, email: jim@adelements.net The information contained in Healthy Life Magazine is intended to educate and inform the local population about a variety of medical & health topics. The information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. This publication is not intended as medical, legal or regulatory advice. Healthy Life Magazine and its affiliates disclaim all liability arising from or related information contained in this publication. 2 • HLM Medical News The Minimally Invasive Option by Christopher Coyne If you or any one you know has had back surgery in the past, you know the prospect of having to undergo that type of procedure can be frightening. A major spinal surgery could result in significant scarring and substantial recovery time. The daunting undertaking of back surgery is enough to discourage some people who could really be helped by a procedure, from having it done. Thankfully, advances in equipment, training and techniques are making many spinal procedures quicker and less invasive. With minimally invasive spine procedures becoming more common, the decision to have back surgery is becoming easier to make for patients everywhere. Healthy Life spoke to Dr. Shahnawaz Qureshi, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at University of Rochester, and practicing neurosurgeon at Southern Tier Neuromedicine in Big Flats about the advantages of minimally invasive spinal procedures. Dr. Qureshi, fellowship trained in complex/minimally invasive surgery says that many of procedures that were once only possible through traditional surgical methods are now performed with minimally invasive techniques. For more common procedures like herniated disc surgery, to more advanced spine problems such as disc removal, tumor removal, fractures, infections, spine deformities and more, surgeons like Dr. Qureshi can now treat these conditions via minimally invasive procedures - all of which are now available locally at Arnot Odgen Hospital in Elmira. HLM • 3 With many minimally invasive spinal procedures, the surgeon is able to access the affected region from the patient’s side through a much smaller incision than the much larger chest or abdominal incision required in a traditional surgery. There is also less upsetting of the abdominal organs using this method, taking away some of the complications that can occur. In general, minimally invasive procedures are performed using smaller incisions and specialized instruments such as tubular retractors and a microscope. The procedures results in less tissue disruption which contributes to quicker recoveries. Dr. Qureshi says that in many cases, the patient is able to eat solid food and even walk as early as a day after surgery. The quick recovery time is a major advantage over traditional surgery, and the patient will spend less time in the hospital. Patients feel less pain and discomfort after minimally invasive surgery because there is less tissue disruption, and they won’t be left with a large scar on the chest or abdomen. Minimally invasive procedures are not for everyone, and your neurosurgeon will certainly inform you of the approach that’s best for you, but if it’s your first-time surgery, you have good bone quality and are suitable anatomically for the procedure; you may be an ideal candidate. Contributor Shahnawaz Qureshi, D.O. Southern Tier Neuromedicine 84 Canal Street Big Flats, NY Hot Topic! ENJOY THE SEASON...SAFELY! Some people love winter. They look forward to snowy landscapes and cozy evenings by the fire. Others can’t wait for the cold to go away and for the return of spring. Whichever camp you’re in—or if you’re somewhere in between—as residents of the Twin Tiers, we know what’s coming after autumn’s leaves have all fallen. So we’ll drag out the box of scarves and gloves. We’ll close all the storm windows, put away the patio furniture and tune up the snow thrower. But, even winter lovers need to be prepared for the severe conditions, possible emergencies and dangerous situations that the season can bring. A good resource for a wide array of winter safety checklists is the New York State Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services website (www.dhses.ny.gov), and we’ve compiled some of their most important tips for having a safe winter season whether you’re outside, at home, or in the car. Outdoors: · Dress for the season. Warm, lightweight clothing in layers can act as an insulator, and layers can be removed to adapt to temperature. · Always wear a hat or cap in cold weather; it’s true that much of your body’s heat can escape through your uncovered head. · Mittens are actually better than gloves in the coldest weather, as you fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other. · Slow down when working outside in winter, take frequent rests when shoveling, clearing cars etc. Cold temperatures put an extra strain on your heart, so avoid over-exertion. · Make sure you and your kids practice safe sledding and skating. Only sled during daytime hours and don’t sled on icy hills. Small children should never sled alone; an adult needs to join them. Avoid bumps that could cause a sled to become airborne. · When ice-skating, try to skate only in areas that have been approved and posted for skating. Don’t skate alone; and children especially should never be allowed to skate on a pond without supervision. Ice thickness is never consistent on lakes and ponds, be especially careful near narrow spots, bridges, inlets and outlets—as they’re common spots for thinner ice. At Home: · Have your home’s heating system checked every year. If you heat with wood, clean your fireplace, and have your flue checked for any build-up to lessen the risk of fire. Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. · Make sure your gutters are free of leaves and debris that can hamper drainage. · Carefully follow ALL manufacturers’ instructions when using portable space heaters. · Keep an emergency supply kit ready in case of a winter power outage: Flashlights and extra batteries, battery operated radio, non-perishable foods that don’t require refrigeration, manual can opener, bottled water, extra blankets and sleeping bags, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher. · If power does go out—NEVER run a generator indoors. On the Road: · Did you do a pre-season check on your car? It’s never too late. Most reputable service stations will do a multi-point safety and maintenance check that includes battery, thermostat, lights, exhaust, brakes, heater, and defroster in addition to topping off anti-freeze, window washer fluid and oil. · Make sure you have good winter tires—snow tires or all-seasons. And always keep your gas tank at least half-full in winter months. Drive carefully and maintain focus when driving in poor weather conditions. Minimize distraction inside the car. · Don’t forget to keep a window scraper in your car. And it’s a smart idea to keep a spare tool kit, flares and even extra blankets and bottled water in the trunk, in the event you get stranded or stuck. · In the event you do get stranded or stuck on a snowy road, run your engine for short periods to stay warm. Keep a downwind window open and make sure your exhaust pipe is free from snow. Turn the interior light on at night while the car is running to signal rescuers. Whether you’re a big fan of the winter weather or not, you should do what you can to ensure that you and your family get through the season safely. Source NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services, www.dhes.ny.gov 4 • HLM Out & About in the Southern Tier Here are just a few of the great things coming up this Winter that showcase all that’s wonderful about the Southern Tier Region. Lend Me a Tenor January 22 - February 8, 2015 The Cider Mill Playhouse in Endicott presents ‘Lend Me a Tenor’, a sensation on Broadway and in London’s West End. This madcap, screwball comedy about one frantic,crazy night at the Cleveland Opera is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter. For show times and ticket information go to www.cidermillplayhouse.com. America East Women’s Basketball Championships March 7 and 8, 2015 Binghamton University will play host to this year’s Women’s Basketball Conference Championship, as the Bearcats welcome their rivals from around the league to the Events Center on the Vestal Campus. Come catch the Division 1 excitement as the women vie for a spot in the NCAA Tournament! For information go to www.BUBearcats.com. HLM • 5 The Harlem Globetrotters February 5, 2015 Returning to the Floyd Maines Veterans Memorial Arena, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters have been thrilling families and millions of fans for 88 years, all the while innovating the game in exciting new ways. Bring the kids; bring the grandparents for an evening of amazing basketball showmanship, and good old family fun! For ticket info call (607) 778-6626 or online at www.BroomeArena.com. Binghamton on Tap Craft Beer Festival February 21, 2015 The Festival takes place Saturday, February 21st at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Binghamton. Choose from one of two sessions: 1-4PM or 5-8PM. This event will showcase over 100 releases from some of Americas best craft breweries. Attendees will enjoy samples, a souvenir sampling glass, plus live music, delicious food available for purchase and great vendors. Must be 21 or older to attend. For information go to www.binghamtonontap.com. 6 • HLM The Heath Plan Marketplace What to Know, Before You Enroll Open enrollment for NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace is underway, and selecting the coverage that’s right for you or your family, may seem to be a daunting task, but there are resources to help you make the right choice. Remember important dates Open enrollment runs until February 15 for coverage in 2015, but if you need your coverage to be effective on January 1, 2015, you must enroll by December 15. If you already have coverage through the Marketplace and do not wish to make changes, you do not have to take any action. Most residents are required to have coverage in 2015 or face a tax penalty. Determine the cost of coverage The Marketplace was created as part of the federal Affordable Care Act to help all Americans obtain and afford health insurance coverage. All participating health plans offer standardized products, making them easy to compare. The products are organized by metal levels: platinum, gold, silver, bronze, catastrophic, and child-only. Each metal level offers the same coverage but with different premiums, deductibles, and levels of cost-sharing. Everyone wants to know how much their coverage will cost, but it’s not always as simple as looking at the premium rate that’s listed. Many individuals and families qualify for subsidies or tax credits that can lower their premiums and cost sharing. Many providers offer tools that help you estimate the cost of coverage, including government subsidies and tax credits. For example, Fidelis Care’s Affordable Care Advisor tool on its website only needs basic information to calculate an estimated monthly cost. It can also determine if you may qualify for Medicaid or Medicare Advantage. One regional company that offers plans through the marketplace is Fidelis Care. “Last year, more than 50,000 New Yorkers chose Fidelis Care for their metal-level coverage. And we are happy to now offer coverage in 11 additional counties in 2015, including Broome and Chemung counties,” said Chief Marketing Office Pamela Hassen. If you see a specific primary care doctor or specialist, or prefer to be treated at a certain hospital, find out if they are part of the health plan’s network for Marketplace products. Hassen offers the following tips to anyone in need of coverage: Find out if your doctor participates Meet with a trained representative You can enroll in Marketplace coverage by phone or online, but if you have questions, meet with a plan representative for assistance. They have the training and expertise to answer your questions and help guide you through what may sometimes seem like a maze of information For more information or to make an appointment to meet with a Fidelis Care representative, call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org. Contributor Fidelis Care HLM • 7 S.A.D. More than the Winter Blues The days get shorter, the sun goes into hibernation, and when it’s bitter cold, it’s harder for us to get outside and get some fresh air. It’s the perfect recipe for the winter blues. But for some, it’s more than just a case of ‘the blahs’ when winter rolls around. It’s a more serious mood condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. SAD is a mood disorder that has similar symptoms to depression and is related to seasonal variations of light. As sunlight affects animal activity, SAD may be the way that seasonal light variations are manifested in some humans. SAD is diagnosed in three times as many women as men--a number that’s still a mystery to researchers. The largest affected age group is between 18 and 30, and SAD becomes progressively more common in the populations further north or south of the equator where the most drastic seasonal light changes occur. Fighting Season Affective Disorder: - Consult your doctor to determine if medication or a referral to a mental health practitioner can help. - Full Spectrum commercial lighting can be found on the internet for $225-$550. - Increase your exposure to light. Allow natural light into your house by unblocking windows. Use the maximum size bulb recommended for your lamps. Go outside, even on a cloudy day. Sit near well-lit windows or sunrooms. - Get regular exercise. It can be as powerful as an antidepressant medication for mild to moderate depression. - Stay socially active and involved with your friends and family. - Increase the quality of carbohydrates (whole grains, etc) and proteins in your diet, and see if that helps. - Practice some form of stress-relieving or relaxation exercise such as deep relaxation, meditation or yoga. - If possible, head south for a winter break! - There is some evidence that exposure to the sun can help SAD. For those whose winter blues has advanced to the more intense Seasonal Affective Disorder, the causes can be traced to circadian rhythms, a kind of internal biological clock. This internal clock resets itself in response to the seasonal changes in light, and for those who suffer with SAD, their natural circadian rhythms become out of step with their daily schedules and activities. In many SAD patients there is also an increase in their melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone that’s related to sleep and more of it is produced in the dark. Shorter, darker winter days mean more melatonin, and thus more desire to sleep. Lack of sunlight can also drop our serotonin levels, a mood regulating hormone. Some researchers believe this may also be relevant in patients with SAD. To be diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, you must exhibit symptoms for three consecutive winters, and then have a remission of symptoms in the spring and summer. Symptoms include: depression, anxiety, sleep problems (mostly oversleeping), lethargy, overeating--especially starchy or sweet foods, social and sexual disinterest and others. If you feel that your annual funk is more than just the winter blues, talk to your physician or mental health professional and ask them about Seasonal Affective Disorder. If there is any bright spot for this draining condition, it’s that it’s treatable, and there are even things you can do on your own to lessen or completely alleviate the symptoms. Shed a little light on SAD, and your winter blues could melt away. Source National Mental Health Association 8 • HLM Thinking of Joining a Gym? READ THIS FIRST! by Christopher Coyne You’ve been thinking about joining a gym? Good for you! With winter upon us, it’s harder to get outdoors to get the exercise we need, and we tend to go into hibernation mode if we don’t have a reason to get up and get moving. Joining a health club is a great way to keep up that exercise regimen….IF you join the right one. “ I’ve learned that exercise, like so many life activities, is a deeply personal ritual that differs from individual to individual,” says Brian Nayor of Gas Lamp Gym in Downtown Binghamton, “No two persons’ workout regimens are the same, and likewise, no two gyms should be the same. Some embrace cross-fit or classes, and others feature swimming or sports. An often-overlooked albeit just as important factor in finding a fitness facility, however, is customer service. Do you know the management, and do they know you? Every customer wants to feel valued and know that their name is remembered and their input matters. If you address a concern (be it machinery, pricing, safety, or otherwise) to your gym’s staff or management, do they resolve the issue promptly & courteously?” The whole point of getting a gym membership is to use it, right? If there are things about a particular health club that will potentially keep you from going there, then it’s probably the wrong one for you. Before you sign on the dotted line at that health club, there are some important things you should consider: Where is it? Sure, that great new gym has all the best equipment. It’s clean, the staff is great—and they have the softest towels! But it’s way across town, and there’s always construction on the way there. Don’t let the distance or location of your health club become an excuse that keeps you from going as often as you’d like. When is it open? Seems simple enough, but not everyone has the most ‘predictable’ schedule. You may find that you’re only able to get the gym at odd hours—early in the morning or late in the evening, for example. Make sure you pick a gym that can accommodate you’re busy schedule. How much does it cost? Most gyms make you sign a contract of some length, so make sure it fits your budget. Do a little research and compare gym prices. Sometimes the ‘cheaper’ health clubs aren’t truly less expensive. Read the fine print and consider any add-on charges such as towel fees or maintenance charges. Make sure that the club has a cancellation policy that lets you opt out of HLM • 9 your contract for unforeseen circumstances without a major penalty. Is there adequate parking? Nothing quashes the excitement of going to work out like a half an hour struggle to find a parking spot. Does the club have the features and environment you want? You may have to explore a few places for this one. Most gyms have trial memberships so you can experiment with their equipment, learn about their features and get a sense of the type of environment where you’ll be working out. Is there a good diversity of machines to keep your workouts fresh? Is the club clean and inviting? Are there good amenities? You know what’s important to you and what will keep you coming back. Make sure your health club can meet these needs. Before you sign that contract, take advantage of trial membership. Visit the gym at the times of day that you’ll most likely be visiting in the long term. This will give you a sense of how crowded the club will be or if you’ll have to wait for certain machines or equipment. If you’re new to a fitness club environment, make sure the gym offers the services of an experienced trainer who can show you around and teach you how to use the equipment properly. “My suggestion for curious customers, is to shop around the area and ‘drop in’ at local gyms.” Said Mr. Nayor, “Buying a day pass is commitment free, and it’s the best way to determine which gym best fits your needs! Call your friendly fitness center, and chances are, each facility will charge a minimal fee to work out for just a day. I’ve learned that most people know from their first visit as to whether a particular athletic club works for them.” Joining a fitness club is a great way to stay in shape or to get in better shape, especially in the winter when we don’t have the luxury of just going outside and getting some exercise. But if you don’t do a little homework before you join, your fitness club membership could turn into a frustrating experience that turns you off to working out. A little research can go a long way toward giving you a rewarding and healthy new habit. Go on, you can do it! Contributor Brian Nayor, Gas Lamp Gym 33.5 Court Street, Binghamton, NY healthylm.com When your doctor orders blood work, choose Quest Diagnostics! Binghamton Area, Johnson City 345 Harry L. Drive Johnson City, NY 13790 Mon–Fri 7:00 am – 11:30 am 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Phone Fax 607-798-1041 607-798-1097 To find a location or to schedule an appointment: Quest Diagnostics.com or 1-866-MYQUEST (1-866-697-8378) 10 • HLM Snow Problem! 6 Tips for Clearing the White Stuff Without Wiping Out by Beth M. Dollinger, MD Orthopedic Surgeon, Arnot Health We talked about some winter safety tips on page 4 of this issue, but we thought we’d get a bit more specific and discuss the removal of snow—and how to do it safely. For any seasoned upstate New Yorker, snow is a fact of life. Even so, every year, 16 – 17,000 people are hurt and/or end up in the emergency room due to shoveling or ice removal. Of these numbers, men sustain the most injuries, and children are included as well, with injuries from being accidentally hit in the head by shovels. In addition, about 6,000 people are injured by snow blowers annually. Fortunately, a little common sense goes a long way. Arnot Health offers the following tips to keep you safe this winter as you toil to keep your sidewalks and driveways clear of the dreaded white stuff. 1. Layer up. With shoveling, we have to deal with the exposure to cold. So, of course, wearing layers, gloves, and a hat are necessary to avoid frost nip or frostbite. 2. Give your heart a break. Depending on the amount of snow, shoveling can easily fall into the ranks of strenuous exercise, which then requires warming up, as with any vigorous exercise. Anyone who has a heart condition also needs to keep this in mind, along with the extra stress of the cold, as this will strain the heart and could lead to a heart attack. 3. Don’t put your back into it. As for the strain of the simple act of shoveling, good advice is to pick up smaller amounts of snow at a time, making sure that you lift with your knees and avoid twisting when you dump the snow, since this can injure your back, neck, and shoulders. It also doesn’t help that the design of the shovel has not been updated in a long time. 4. Get a handle on things. There are a few newer ergonomic shovels on the market that feature bent handles. The bent handle reduces the distance you have to bend over to pick up the snow, which reduces the strain on your body. HLM • 11 5. Give repeat performances. Overall, it’s best to shovel repeatedly during a storm, so that you can keep up with the snow, and never be shoveling too much at one time. 6. Be smart about electronics. With snow blowers, again, use common sense. Always read the instructions. Never stick your hands into the snow blower. Instead, shut off the engine and let it sit for a few minutes. If you reach in too quickly to clear a block, there could still be built up energy, which causes recoil and, well, I bet you can fill in the rest. Always be careful when adding fuel; never add fuel to a hot engine. Don’t try to fix the snow blower on your own. If your snow blower requires a power cord, of course be careful never to run over the cord while the snow blower is on. Lastly, never allow children to be on or around a snow blower or snow plow. If you have your child on your lap and you hit something, serious harm could befall them. Diabetes News by Christopher Coyne Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions all over the world; and while that is not good news for the health of our society, one positive that has resulted from the spread of the disease is that research into its causes has increased dramatically. Diabetes is commonly linked to obesity, but that is not the only factor. New clues about how diabetes develops are being discovered with greater frequency; and with more clarity comes a brighter hope for finding a cure. Let’s talk about three recent developments in diabetes research to illustrate this point. They include a genetic mutation; a lesser-known hormone; and the disruption of our body’s natural clock. First, the genetic factor: It’s been known for quite some time that genes definitely play a role in type 2 diabetes, whether through family history, ethnicity or other factors. But a recent study of a gene called PPARG found that one percent of people studied, that had a mutation of the PPARG gene, were seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Now armed with this knowledge, researchers can explore ways to address these particular gene mutations and work on strategies to combat their effects. Another recent study focused on a hormone made in the pancreas called amylin. Amylin is supposed to work with insulin to help our bodies process and use the sugars in foods for fuel. Researchers found, in some cases, some amylin can get deposited around the pancreas forming toxic clumps. The clusters can kill insulin-producing cells, and possibly lead to diabetes. It’s another development worth further research and is another step in the right direction. The third discovery we’ll highlight was recently published online in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. The study contends that the disruptions of our body’s internal clock could be a contributing factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyles that are counter-intuitive to a body’s natural sleep/wake cycles can throw off the body’s ability to function properly—including the breakdown of sugars into fuel. These are just a few of the recent potential breakthroughs that are occurring in the medical research field regarding type 2 diabetes. It’s research like this that gives us a glimpse of hope toward eradicating this epidemic. Source WebMD 12 • HLM Family Focus Retail Therapist When you feel blue, do you decide to go shopping to lift your spirits? Many people get caught up with materialistic things that they forget about what really brings joy. Sure the latest thingamajig may make you feel good for the day, but that high is temporary, and you will soon be looking for your next retail fix. Try getting out to experience something new. Take a weekend or day trip if you can get away. Go to the beach, take a hike, try snow shoeing, anything that takes you out of your routine. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can explore your own city. Try a museum, see a movie, call a friend you haven’t seen in ages for coffee, or show up at a local non-profit to see if you can volunteer. There are so many great things you can do to enrich your life that don’t involve buying one more thing to sit in your closet. Binge Drinker Habits That Create Unhappiness by Stephanie Blodgett There are certainly things that affect our lives that we can’t control, that make us unhappy. But, there are also some habits or behaviors that contribute to our unhappiness that we CAN change. If you or someone in your family fits the description of any the types listed below…make a change, and be happy! Chronic Complainer Is it okay to vent a little to get stress off your chest? Sure it is, but don’t be a chronic complainer! You know the type, the chronic complainer tends to always have something wrong in their life, whether it’s their spouse, job, kids, money, friends, even the weather. Is this you? We all have things to complain about but constant complaining brings negativity to ourselves and those around us. Focus and talk about some of the positive things in your life, and if you have an issue that you chronically complain about, sit down and try to work out a solution. If that doesn’t work, reach out to a friend and seek guidance. Friends would rather be part of a solution than listen to continual complaining. You will both feel happier. HLM • 13 If you are feeling down about a relationship, money or whatever, do you decide to drown your woes with alcohol? Sure, it may loosen you up and make you feel good for the moment, but it is a depressant! It is hard to avoid, since it is available in most social situations. Drinking excessively on a regular basis can wreak all sorts of havoc on your life and it won’t help whatever situation you are trying to avoid dealing with either. You most likely will make a fool out of yourself, you will be hung over the next day and will be unproductive. Binge drinking leads to poor decision making. Call a friend or go for a walk to see if you can work through your issue, if not seek professional help. Hobbyless Yes, ‘hobbyless’ is not a recognized word in the English language, but you know what it means. Is this you? And driving your kids to hockey practice, running to the grocery store and watching television do not count as hobbies. A hobby is an activity that you are passionate about that brings you pleasure or relaxation. People who don’t have hobbies tend to be unhappy. You have to take time out for yourself to find a diversion from everyday life; whether it’s alone or with friends. Save a few hours for things you enjoy such as: yoga classes, playing the guitar, or even wood working. Happy people tend to have hobbies. A hobby gives you something to do with your free time, and time to invest in yourself. If you don’t have a hobby, find one. Figuring out what you are passionate about can be fun in and of itself, just don’t be hobbyless! Anti-Social Do you consider interaction through Facebook, Twitter and text messaging socializing? One of the biggest causes of unhappiness is loneliness, which usually stems from a lack of social stimulation. And being ‘social’ on technology can perpetuate loneliness because you are deficient of real human interaction. Socially insecure people tend to gravitate to online socializing because they have more control over their communications. Unfortunately staying within your comfort zone, limits personal growth, and prevents the development of valuable relationships. Instead of commenting on everybody’s Facebook statuses, give somebody a call and meet up for lunch, a walk, or catch dinner and a movie. Get out and talk to a real human being, face-to-face. You will feel happier. Tuscan Bean & Spinach Soup 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 garlic clove, finely minced 1 shallot, finely diced 3 -4 cups fat free chicken broth or 3 -4 cups vegetable stock 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can white beans (cannellini or other) 1/2 cup whole wheat pasta shells or 1/2 cup shell pasta 1 teaspoon rosemary 3 cups Baby Spinach, cleaned and trimmed 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1 dash crushed red pepper flakes Welcomes In a large sauce pan, sauté the shallots & galic in the olive oil. Add broth, tomatoes, beans and rosemary to pot. Season with black and red pepper. Bring to boil. Add pasta and cook 12 minutes. If the soup seems too thick for your liking add a bit more broth. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese when serving. SEE MORE RECIPES AT HealthyLM.com Shahnawaz Qureshi, D.O. Call 607.301.4141 Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery Fax: 607.301.4140 Brain, Complex Spine and Minimally Invasive Surgery or visit southerntierneuro.com *Specializing in: • Brain Tumors • Pituitary Tumors • General Neurosurgery • Minimally Invasive Surgery Accepting most NYS & PA Insurances • Complex Spine Fusions • Adult Spinal Deformity • Revision Surgery • Spinal Tumors Located at: Southern Tier Neuromedicine 84 Canal Street Big Flats, NY 14814 * Dr Qureshi performs surgery at Our Big Flats Team Gait/Balance Neurology Richard Welles, M.D. Su Kanchana, M.D., Ph.D. Linda Welles, M.D. Neurosurgery Webster Pilcher, M.D., PhD Andrew Wensel, M.D. Robert Replogle, M.D. 14 • HLM Coming up in the next HLM • 15 • Healthy Joints • Glaucoma Awareness • Exciting Local Health Care News “I want a health plan that covers me...and my family.” Quality health coverage. It’s Our Mission. Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable New York Statesponsored health insurance for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. From NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace, to Child Health Plus, Medicaid Managed Care, Medicare Advantage, Managed Long Term Care and more, we have a program that meets your needs. And, with our growing provider network, you can see a Fidelis Care doctor almost anywhere you go in New York State! Save the Dates for Open Enrollment! Product: Enroll From: • Metal-Level Products in NY State of Health November 15, 2014 February 15, 2015 • Child Health Plus • Medicaid Managed Care All Year Long! Products not available in all counties. To learn more about applying for health insurance including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777. We have a health insurance program that's right for you – and the ones you love. 1-888-FIDELIS | fideliscare.org (1-888-343-3547) • To renew your coverage each year, call 1-866-435-9521 H3328_FC 14160 CMS Accepted 16 • HLM