April 2021

Special Supplement to

thelcn.com
2 • April 2021 Health & Wellness

How adults can take active roles in their health care

Metro Creative
Adults play a significant
role in their own health care.
Adults focused on getting
fit may visit various fitness
facilities before signing up
for a membership, and in-
dividuals who want to im-
prove their diets may spend
countless hours poring over
healthy recipes and the lat-
est trends in nutrition. Such
research pays dividends, and
the same commitment can
be applied to choosing the
right health care services.
Adults who are enrolled in
employer-sponsored health
insurance plans may feel as
though their options are lim-
ited in regard to their health
care services. However, there
are many ways for patients to
get more out of their health
care plans.
n Shop around for a pri-
mary care physician. It’s
easy to be overwhelmed
when perusing lists of
in-network primary care
physicians provided by in-
surance companies. Such
lists can seem endless and
it can be hard to distinguish
one physician from another.
Adults in need of new pri-
mary care physicians can
ask neighbors or family and
friends who live nearby for
recommendations. It’s im-
portant to put the time in
when choosing a primary
care physician, as people
who are comfortable with
their physicians are more
likely to schedule annual
wellness visits or book ap-
pointments when they aren’t
feeling well. Such visits can
be life-saving.
n Schedule annual well-
ness visits. Annual wellness
visits are very important,
even for health-conscious in-
dividuals who are not expe-
riencing any signs of illness
or injury. Regular checkups
There are many ways for patients to get more out of their health
care plans.
and screenings can uncover
health problems even when
no symptoms are present,
potentially saving patients’
lives. For example, Hacken-
sack Meridian Health reports
that mammograms have re-
duced breast cancer mortal-
ity in the United States by
40 percent since 1990. Many
METRO CREATIVE
insurance providers cover
annual physicals at no cost
to the patient, and screen-
ings can catch diseases early
when they’re at their most
treatable and treatment
is less expensive and less
time-consuming.
n Be a prepared patient.
Prepare a list of questions
prior to a scheduled doctor’s
appointment. Jot questions
down as they come to you in
the weeks leading up to the
appointment and don’t hes-
itate to ask questions during
the visit.
n Be open and honest
with your physician. Con-
cealing behaviors from your
physician will negate some
of the benefits of visiting
the doctor. For example, if
you live a largely sedentary
lifestyle but tell your doctor
you’re physically active, he
or she won’t offer advice on
how to make exercise a big-
ger part of your life. Being
open and honest with a phy-
sician enables the doctor to
give the best medical advice.
Taking an active role in
their health care is a great
way for adults to improve
their overall health and can
help them reduce their risk
for illness.

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 Health & Wellness April 2021 • 3

Screenings
to be offered
How often should you see the doctor
in Batavia Metro Creative
Routine health checkups are
times a year on average.
n Studies show that poor or
a key part of staying healthy. uninsured people prolong the
BATAVIA – Residents liv-
Older adults may feel like they’re time between doctor’s visits.
ing in and around the Batavia
always visiting one doctor or an- n Individuals with high blood
can learn about their risk for
cardiovascular disease, oste- other. But what is an acceptable pressure may need to see the
oporosis, diabetes, and other frequency for doctor appoint- doctor four times a year to en-
chronic, serious conditions ments? sure medications are working
with screenings by Life Line The answer isn’t always so properly.
Screening. Arc of Genesee cut and dry, and many health n Patients on dialysis see the
Orleans will host this com- professionals have mixed feel- doctor several times a week.
munity event on May 3 at the ings even among themselves Dr. Jennifer Caudle, a family
Arc’s Community Center, 38 over the magic number. The physician and assistant profes-
Woodrow Rd., Batavia. Centers for Disease Control and sor at Rowan University School
Screenings can check for: Prevention recommends adults of Osteopathic Medicine in
n The level of plaque build- over the age of 65 visit the doctor Stratford, N.J., says too often
up in your arteries, related to more than twice as often as 18- METRO CREATIVE people visit the doctor only
risk for heart disease, stroke to 44-year-olds. Adults should see their primary care physicians at least once a when they are really sick. That
and vascular health. According to Paul Takahashi, year to make sure diseases are being properly managed and to works to their disadvantage be-
n Narrowing of the small- stay current on preventative screenings.
a physician at the Mayo Clinic in cause the appointment will fo-
er arteries of your ankles and
feet, called Peripheral Arterial Rochester, Minn., adults should cus only on treating the illness
to health facilties where sick pressure, and other conditions,
Disease. see their primary care physi- instead of addressing other pre-
cians at least once a year to make people congregate puts one at a may need to see a doctor more ventative care and screenings.
n HDL and LDL Cholester- higher risk of illness or infection. frequently than those with no
ol levels. sure diseases are being properly Balance is necessary in regard to
managed and to stay current on Visiting the doctor only when such histories. In addition, pa- health care.
n Diabetes risk.
n Bone density as a risk for preventative screenings. necessary is one way to avoid tients may need referrals to Patients can work together
possible osteoporosis. Visiting the doctor more fre- risky exposure. certain specialists who work with their doctors to develop
Screenings are affordable, quently does not necessarily Doctor visit frequency is not a together to provide an overall screening schedules that are
convenient and accessible for add up to better health, and it one-size-fits-all answer. A year- health plan. That can increase customized to their particular
wheelchairs and those with actually can do the opposite. ly physical or checkup is a given, the number of appointments profiles. These schedules can be
trouble walking. Free parking Dr. Peter Abadir, an associate even for people who are healthy. and shorten the intervals be- modified as health history infor-
is also available. professor of medicine at Johns People with a family history of tween them. Johnson Memorial mation changes or as patients
Pre-registration is re- Hopkins University School of certain conditions, such as sleep Health offers some statistics: age. Doctors can dial back or
quired. There is a cost for the Medicine, says frequent visits disorders, cancer, high blood n People visit the doctor four increase health visits as needed.
screenings.
For information about
screenings, costs, and avail-
able packages, call 1 (877)
237-1287 or visit the website
at www.lifelinescreening.
com.
A dozen screenings to
ask your doctor about
Healthline and WebMD rec-
ommend older adults schedule
these routine tests.
n Blood pressure check.
n Blood test to check choles-
terol and triglyceride levels.
n Colorectal cancer exam
starting at age 50.
n Weight screening to check NYS of Health has extended the special enrollment period for
for gains or losses.
n Prostate cancer screening Health Insurance enrollment due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
for men age 70 and older. If you need help navigating the marketplace call the Wyoming County
n Breast exam and mammo-
gram for women, starting at age Health Department at 786-8890, and one of our certified navigators will
40.
n Pap smear and HPV tests
assist you with a plan that works best for your needs.
at the recommended intervals
advised by a doctor.
n Hearing test.
n Osteoporosis test.
n Shingles and pneumococ-
cal vaccines.
n Eye exam.
n Periodontal exam once per
year.
– Metro Creative
4 • April 2021 Health & Wellness

How ergonomic tools can help gardeners

Metro Creative
Gardening is a rewarding
activity that has been found to
provide a host of benefits be-
yond ensuring readily available
access to fresh fruits, vegeta-
bles and awe-inspiring blooms.
The Centers for Disease Con-
trol and Prevention says many
gardening tasks qualify as light
to moderate exercise, which
means raking the leaves and
cutting the grass can be just as
beneficial as cardiovascular
activities such as brisk walking
or jogging. In addition, a 2017
study published in the journal
Preventive Medicine Reports
found that gardening can help
aging men and women offset
age-related weight gain. And
the health benefits of garden-
ing go beyond the physical. In
2014, a systematic review of
randomized controlled trials
published in Complementary
Therapies in Medicine con-
cluded that horticultural ther-
apy may be an effective treat-
ment for people with dementia.
Gardeners have a host of
tools at their disposal to help METRO CREATIVE
turn their lawns and gardens Ergonomic tools can benefit gardeners of all ages, but they may prove especially valuable for aging men and women.
into fabulous landscapes.
Among those options are ergo- tool for the job when they do with the body, gardeners likely WVUCED notes that princi- when using non-ergonomic
nomic tools. Ergonomic tools not have to adapt the tool. Er- won’t need to take breaks due ples behind ergonomics keep tools.
can benefit gardeners of all gonomic tools should match to aches and pains, which also gardeners using the tools in Gardening is a rewarding
ages, but they may prove espe- gardeners’ heights, fit their grip makes it easier to be more effi- natural positions. That means and beneficial activity. The
cially valuable for aging men and feel comfortable when in cient when working in the gar- gardeners won’t lose power to right ergonomic tools for the
and women. use. den. bending and twisting, enabling job can enhance those benefits
n Ergonomic tools increase them to do more in the garden and make gardening even more
SPECIFIC BENEFITS gardeners’ capabilities. The than they might be able to do enjoyable.
HOW ERGONOMIC TOOLS
DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL OF ERGONOMIC TOOLS
Ergonomic gardening tools
GARDENING TOOLS
Ergonomic gardening tools
are designed in a way that can RA Haitz Co. Inc. specializes in all types of
reduce stress on the body while
are designed to ensure that
using them has as little effect
performing various tasks. Gar- Commercial Buildings.
deners know that aches and
on the body as possible. Ergo-
pains can add up after a day
nomic tools align with how a
spent kneeling in the garden,
person naturally moves his or raking soil and carrying sup-
her body, which can reduce plies from a shed or garage
the likelihood that gardeners around the property. But the
will suffer any strains or sprains WVUCED notes that ergonom-
while gardening or experience ic tools do more than just re-
any aches and pains after a day duce gardeners’ risk of injury.
spent tending to their land- n Ergonomic tools increase ROOFING • SIDING • WINDOWS • METAL ROOFS • POLE BARNS
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Decibel levels
of common noises
The experts at Johns
Hopkins Medicine report
that normal conversa-
tion is usually around 60
decibels. But even com-
mon noises can have
harmful effects on peo-
ple’s overall health.
Consider these deci-
bel levels:
n Jet plane, siren,
jackhammer: Jackham-
mers measure at rough-
ly 120 to 130 decibels,
putting them on par
with noises made by
jet planes and sirens.
Johns Hopkins notes
that unprotected expo-
sure to these noises can
contribute to permanent
hearing loss.
n Personal music
players: Maximum vol-
ume on some personal
music players, includ-
ing smartphones, is 10
times as loud as recom-
mended listening set-
tings. That’s concern-
ing for everyone, but
especially for parents of
young people who grow
up listening to music pri-
marily through personal
music players. Decibel
levels on personal music
players at their loudest
levels average around
110, putting them on par
with chain saws and ra-
dio-controlled airplanes.
Exposure to noises
around 110 decibels can
lead to permanent hear-
ing loss.
n Motorcycle: Many
people have waited next
to motorcycles at stop-
lights. When the light
turns green, the sound
from motorcycles as
they speed off can be es-
pecially loud, averaging
about 90 decibels. That
can contribute to grad-
ual hearing loss over
time. It’s important that
motorcycle riders keep
this in mind, especially if
they don’t wear helmets
or wear helmets with in-
adequate ear protection.
– Metro Creative
The effects of noise on children
Metro Creative
Hearing is easy to take for
granted. Many people are
born and grow up without
ever experiencing compro-
mised hearing. But that does
not mean people, including
children, don’t routinely en-
gage in activities that could
adversely affect their hearing.
According to the Environ-
mental Protection Agency,
children are no strangers to
recreational activities that can
harm their hearing. Children
who attend sporting events,
musical concerts and even
holiday celebrations such as
fireworks shows may be at risk
of losing their hearing. Parents
who are careful and cognizant
of the many ways noise poses a
threat to children, potentially
affecting both their physical
and psychological health, can
put themselves in better po-
sition to protect their young-
sters from noise-related dam-
age.
WHAT IS NOISE?
The EPA defines noise as
any unwanted or disagreeable
sound. Noise is sound that can
become harmful and interfere
with a child’s normal activi-
ties. For example, noise can
interfere with a child’s ability
to sleep and diminish young-
sters’ quality of life.
HOW COMMON ARE HEARING
PROBLEMS AMONG CHILDREN?
Hearing problems in chil-
dren may be more common
than some parents recognize.
The American Academy of
Otolaryngology reports that
three million children young-
er than the age of 18 have some
kind of hearing difficulty.
HOW DOES NOISE
THREATEN CHILDREN?
The EPA notes that noise
can affect kids in some sur-
prising ways.
n Noise can affect kids’ de-
velopment. Repeated expo-
sure to noise during certain
developmental periods can
affect a child’s ability to ac-
quire language-related skills
like reading and listening.
Health & Wellness April 2021 • 5
In addition, noisy environ- ed to stand far back from the sociated with hearing loss.
ments, such as noisy homes, stage and away from amplifi- Noise induced hearing loss
can make it hard for children ers when attending concerts. is preventable. Recogniz-
to learn. Failure to do so can contribute ing the threat noise poses to
n Noise can affect the car- to tinnitus, a ringing or buzz- youngsters’ health is a great
diovascular system. The EPA ing sound in the ear that is as- first step for parents.
reports that children who are
chronically exposed to loud
noise may suffer from elevated
blood pressure and other car-
diovascular ailments.
HOW CAN PARENTS
PROTECT KIDS FROM NOISE?
Though noise can affect
youngsters’ overall health,
the experts at Johns Hopkins
Medicine note that parents
can try various strategies to
prevent noise-induced hear-
ing loss.
n Wear earplugs or ear
muffs when around loud
noise. Earplugs fit into the
outer ear and ear muffs fit
over the entire outside of the
ear. The EPA advises parents
to ensure that children wear
child-sized earplugs or ear
muffs when engaging in or be-
ing around noisy activities or
events.
n Reduce the amount of
time spent on noisy activities.
n Teach kids to walk away
from sources of loud noises.
Children should be instruct-
METRO CREATIVE
Parents who are careful and
cognizant of the many ways
noise poses a threat to children,
potentially affecting both their
physical and psychological
health, can put themselves in
better position to protect their
youngsters from noise-related
damage.
6 • April 2021
Understanding asthma as allergy season returns
Metro Creative
The arrival of spring and
summer is typically welcomed
with open arms. Warm air,
green grass, colorful flowers,
and, of course, vacations are
just a few of the many reasons
to celebrate spring and sum-
mer.
Spring and summer also
marks the return of allergy sea-
son. According to the Ameri-
can College of Allergy, Asthma,
and Immunology, allergies
are the sixth leading cause of
chronic illness in the United
States.
For many people, allergies
are a minor seasonal nuisance
that are overcome by taking
over-the-counter medications
or staying indoors on days
when allergen levels are espe-
cially high. But the World Al-
lergy Organization notes that a
history of allergies is a known
risk factor for developing asth-
ma.
WHAT IS ASTHMA?
The National Heart, Lung
and Blood Institute defines
asthma as a chronic condi-
tion that affects airways in the
lungs. The airways carry air in
and out of the lungs, and when
people have asthma, these
airways can become inflamed
and narrow, compromising a
person’s ability to breathe.
WHO GETS ASTHMA?
Many asthma patients are
diagnosed during childhood.
The ACAAI reports that most
children with asthma exhibit
symptoms prior to their fifth
birthdays. Asthma symptoms
also may appear in adults old-
er than 20, and such instances
may be attributed to adult-on-
set asthma. Certain adults may
be more likely to get adult-on-
set asthma than others. For
example, WebMD reports that
women who are experiencing
hormonal changes, such as
those who are pregnant or in
menopause, may be more like-
ly to get adult-onset asthma.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
OF ASTHMA?
The ACCAI notes that it can
be hard to recognize symp-
Health & Wellness
Six steps to controlling
a child’s asthma
Staff Report
An estimated 8% of children in New York State have asthma, but
there are way for asthma to be controlled.
Dr. Lisa Y. Harris, medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield,
encourages parents to consult with their pediatrician to develop or up-
date a child’s asthma action, or management, plan.
Asthma action plans indicate a child’s daily treatment, including
which medicines to take and when to take them. It also explains how
to identify when asthma symptoms are severe enough to contact the
child’s pediatrician or to take the child to urgent care or a hospital emer-
gency room. All adults and schools who care for a child with asthma
should have a copy of the child’s asthma action plan and understand
their responsibilities regarding the child’s care. METRO CREATIVE
“If you have asthma, you have it all the time, but actual asthma at- Spring and summer marks the return of allergy season.
tacks occur only when something bothers the lungs,” said Harris.
During an attack, airways become swollen and inflamed. The mus-
cles around the airways contract and the airways produce extra mucus,
causing breathing (bronchial) tubes to narrow. Some sufferers liken an
O’Brien’s
asthma attack to the feeling of drowning because it is extremely difficult
to breathe. Mild episodes may last only a few minutes; more severe
episodes can last from hours to days and become a life-threatening
emergency.
Here are six steps to control your child’s asthma:
n Check in regularly with your child’s doctor to make sure medica-
tions are working and available at home and at school. Septic & Portable Toilets
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n Alert school staff regarding your child’s asthma, including details
about triggers and signs of an asthma attack.
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n Teach your child to notice asthma triggers and warning signs.
n Reduce asthma triggers at home by washing bedding with hot water
once a week and using allergy-proof covers on mattresses and pillows. Weddings
n Prevent the spread of germs by encouraging proper hand-washing
by the entire family and making sure that every family member age 6
months and older receives a yearly flu shot. Campsites
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bronchial tubes in infants,
Like pediatric asthma,
adult-onset asthma can be
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toddlers and preschool-aged
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of natural changes in muscles
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So symptoms of asthma could
be mistakenly associated
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toms of adult-onset asthma
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 Health & Wellness April 2021 • 7

A beginner’s guide to mental health
Jessica Roy
LOS ANGELES TIMES
(TNS) – Considering what
we’re living through, we’re all
probably due for some therapy.
If you’ve never done therapy
before, the concept can seem a
little daunting. Are you just sit-
ting in a room (or, these days,
on a video call) with a stranger,
telling them your darkest se-
crets?
Well, yes. A stranger who
knows to ask specific questions,
look for specific patterns of be-
havior and teach you more pro-
ductive ways to manage your
life.
Basically, it’s like having a
deep conversation with a close
friend where you only talk
about yourself, said Joy Harden
Bradford, a licensed psycholo-
gist and the founder of Therapy
for Black Girls.
“The difference is that the
person is trained, so unlike
talking with your friend, there
are certain things that we’re
listening for,” Harden Bradford
said. “We’re paying attention
to your body language. We’re
paying attention to some things
that someone who’s not trained
as a therapist is probably not
paying attention to.”
It’s an opportunity to talk
through what you’re experienc-
ing and how you’re feeling in a
place that’s free of judgment,
with someone who is purely
listening to help. It’s a time de-
What is therapy?
During therapy, a trained professional looks for specific patterns of
behavior to teach you more productive ways to manage your life.
voted entirely to you, where
you can process stressors and
talk though confusing or over-
whelming emotions you might
be experiencing. There’s no
such thing as being “too smart”
for therapy to be effective, or
having issues that are too big or
small to be addressed.
There are lots of different rea-
sons people seek therapy, and
just as many different types of
therapy available. Some people
go with a specific symptom-re-
duction goal, such as reducing
panic attacks or addressing
phobias. Others seek out thera-
py because they feel as though
they have trouble making good
choices or struggle to adapt to
new challenges. For some, it’s
a chance to regularly check in
with themselves.
DREAMSTIME/TNS
You might seek therapy if
you’ve experienced a signifi-
cant event that’s affecting your
mental health, like the death of
a loved one, a divorce, a mis-
carriage, job loss — oh, or a full-
blown pandemic that has up-
ended every aspect of your and
everyone else’s life. A therapist
can’t fix those things but they
can help you learn to adjust and
move forward.
“I think sometimes it can be
helpful to know that you’re not
alone,” Harden Bradford said,
“and I think it can be helpful to
have someone give you some
grounding.”
YOUR FIRST SESSIONS
Once you find a therapist,
your first session will be what’s
known as intake, said Dorian
Traube, an assistant profes-
sor at the USC Suzanne Dwor-
ak-Peck School of Social Work.
Your therapist will introduce
themselves, tell you about their
background and specialty, and
ask what brings you to therapy.
There is no right or wrong an-
swer to that question: “Every-
thing is just a lot right now” is a
perfectly valid reason to seek an
expert’s help.
“A lot of people are reluctant
to seek therapy because what
they’re experiencing can feel
indescribable, so they’re wor-
ried they won’t get what they
need,” Traube said. “A thera-
pist is trained to ask questions
to get to the root of what you’re
searching [for] in the therapy
experience.”
Your therapist might give
you a survey about what symp-
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toms you’re experiencing and
other indicators of your mental
health, like your sleep habits,
employment status and any
drug and alcohol use. These ar-
en’t so your therapist can judge
you; it’s so they can get a fuller
picture of you and your life and
use that to guide their respons-
es.
After intake — which may
last up to three sessions, Traube
said — you move on to regular
therapy sessions. Your therapist
will typically check in with you
about what’s been happening
since your last session.
A lot of what happens then
depends on what type of thera-
py you’re doing.
Generally, you’ll have space
to talk about whatever’s on your
mind and to process what’s
going on in your life. Your ther-
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8 • April 2021 Health & Wellness

When can children brush their own teeth?
Metro Creative
Parents quickly learn that
their children go through a
transition marked by a de-
sire to be more independent.
They’re picking out their own
mismatched clothes and no
longer want any help when
solving puzzles or complex
toys.
That newfound indepen-
dence signals getting older
and can be a healthy thing to
nourish. But what happens
when a youngster suddenly
believes he or she is capable
of brushing his or her teeth
without assistance?
Parents wrestling with
their kids’ can-do attitude
and if it’s wise to allow them
to brush their teeth unas-
sisted can familiarize them-
selves with certain guidelines
to determine their young-
sters’ readiness. According
to Scripps Pediatric Dentist-
ry & Orthodontics, most kids
are at least 6 years old before
they have developed the fi-
nesse and dexterity to han-
dle a toothbrush in a manner
that will effectively remove
plaque. Dentists also may ask
if the child can tie his or her
own shoes, which can serve
as a barometer of readiness
to wield a toothbrush with-
out assistance.
Pediatricians and pediat-
ric dentists recommend that
Most kids are at least 6 years old before they have developed the
finesse and dexterity to handle a toothbrush effectively. Dentists
also may ask if the child can tie his or her own shoes, which can
serve as a barometer of readiness to wield a toothbrush.
children visit a dentist as
soon as a child’s first tooth
starts to appear. This also
is when parents should be-
gin to clean their children’s
teeth. As a child ages, the
natural proclivity to want to
take charge of brushing teeth
takes hold. The child may not
yet have the manual dexterity
to brush alone, but parents
can encourage the child to
brush and then go over the
teeth as a “double check.”
This helps foster indepen-
dence while also ensuring
teeth are fully cleaned.
Flossing may require even
more dexterity than brush-
METRO CREATIVE
ing, but it is essential for
sloughing off plaque that
accumulates between teeth
and below the gum line, ac-
cording to Parents maga-
zine. Moms and dads can
introduce their children to
pre-threaded Y-shaped floss-
ing tools, which are easier to
handle than loose floss.
Parents will have to check
on children even as they age
to be sure they are practicing
good oral hygiene. Parents
who are in doubt about their
children’s readiness can
work with dentists or dental
hygienists to assess skills and
get other pointers.
Why good oral health
is more than a beautiful smile
From Mayo Clinic News Network
(TNS) – Your oral health
is more important than you
might realize. Like other ar-
eas of the body, your mouth
teems with bacteria — and
those bacteria are mostly
harmless. But your mouth is
the entry point to your diges-
tive and respiratory tracts,
and some of these bacteria
can cause disease.
Normally the body’s nat-
ural defenses and good oral
health care keep bacteria
under control. However,
without proper oral hygiene,
bacteria can reach levels that
might lead to oral infections,
such as tooth decay and gum
disease.
Problems with your oral
health also can contribute to
diseases and conditions such
as endocarditis, cardiovascu-
lar disease and pneumonia.
To protect your oral health,
practice good oral hygiene
daily:
n Brush your teeth at least
twice a day with a soft-bris-
tled brush using fluoride
toothpaste. An electric tooth-
brush can be a great alterna-
tive to a manual toothbrush,
especially for children, peo-
ple with disabilities, older
adults, and people who have
arthritis or other conditions
that make it difficult to brush
well.
n Floss daily.
n Use mouthwash to re-
move food particles left after
brushing and flossing.
n Eat a healthy diet and
limit food with added sugars.
n Replace your tooth-
brush every three months, or
sooner if bristles are splayed
or worn.
n Schedule regular dental
checkups and cleanings.
n Avoid tobacco use.
____
Mayo Clinic News Network is
your source for health news, ad-
vances in research and wellness
tips.
___
(c)2021 Mayo Clinic News Net-
work
Distributed by Tribune Content
Agency, LLC

What is gaming disorder?
Billions of people across the
globe are gaming enthusiasts. How-
ever, excessive gaming may be too
much of a good thing.
In 2018, the World Health Orga-
nization added “gaming disorder” to
their International Classification of
Diseases (ICD-11).
According to the ICD-11, indi-
viduals with gaming disorder have
trouble managing the amount of
time that they spend playing video
games and may put gaming ahead
of other activities. Over time, exces-
sive gaming may lead to behavioral
issues akin to addictive behaviors,
such as alcohol use and gambling.
The WHO says for gaming disor-
der to be diagnosed, the pattern of
behavior must be severe enough to
result in significant impairment to
family, personal, social, education-
al, occupational, or other important
areas for at least 12 months.
– Metro Creative
HEALTH & FAMILY CHEW, CHEW, CHEW, IT’S THE SMART THING TO DO
A lot of thought goes into what we eat, whether it concerns
Every Wednesday in The Daily News improving our health, creating delicious new recipes, or recreating an
old favorite. However, we rarely think about how we eat, especially
not how we chew. Chewing has a tremendous impact on our oral and
intestinal health. It breaks down our food to make it easier to swallow
Wills • Trusts • Health Care Proxies and digest, and it increases the amount of saliva in our mouths. Saliva
helps replace the minerals on our teeth and restore and maintain the
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 Health & Wellness April 2021 • 9

Exercise can help you live longer

Metro Creative
There are many reasons
to get in shape. Weight loss
is a prime motivator, as is re-
versing a negative health ef-
fect, such as high cholesterol
or increased diabetes risk.
Routine exercise also can im-
prove life expectancy.
WebMD says exercise
keeps the body and brain
healthy. That’s why exercise
should be an important com-
ponent of daily life no matter
one’s age.
Research published in the
journal Immune Aging found
that how people age is 75
percent lifestyle and only 25
percent genetics, which un-
derscores the importance of
the lifestyle choices people
make.
CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS
Many health experts say
that cardiorespiratory fit-
ness may be just as valuable
a metric to determine overall
health as blood pressure and
lipid levels.
People with a high aerobic
capacity can deliver oxygen
to tissues and cells efficiently
to fuel exercise, according to
data published in 2014 in the
journal Aging & Disease. In a
study involving 11,335 wom-
en, researchers compared
V02 max, also known as aer-
obic capacity, in women with
mortality data. Women who
were fit from a cardiovascu-
lar perspective had a lower
death rate from all causes,
irrespective of the women’s
weight.
MANAGE STRESS AND MOOD
Exercise has direct
stress-busting benefits that
can promote longevity. The
Mayo Clinic says physical
activity can increase the
production of endorphins,
which are the body’s feel-
good neurotransmitters. In
addition, exercise can im-
itate the effects of stress,
helping the body adjust its
flight or fight response ac-
cordingly, and help them
cope with mildly stressful
situations. While engaged in
exercise, people may forget
about their problems as they
are focused on the activity at
hand.
IMPROVE BONE HEALTH
Strength training and
METRO CREATIVE
physical activity can stave off
the effects of frailty and oste- Exercise keeps the body and brain healthy. That’s why exercise should be an important component
oporosis, which affects bone of daily life no matter one’s age.
strength. A study published
in the Journal of Internal health risks. turning protein into energy ways exercise can help older
Medicine in 2017 found that for older adults. adults live longer, healthier
ADDRESSES SARCOPENIA
hip fractures are associated These are just some of the lives.
with diminished quality of Health and wellness re-
life and survival among the source Healthline defines
elderly. One in three adults sarcopenia as the loss of
aged 50 and over dies within muscle mass related to aging.
12 months of suffering a hip Doctors once considered this
fracture, and older adults muscle loss inevitable, and it
have a five- to eight-times can affect stamina and lead
greater risk of dying within to weakness. However, new
three months following a hip indications suggest that ex-
fracture. ercise is the main treatment
Building muscle strength, regimen for sarcopenia, par-
balance and bone density ticularly resistance training.
through exercise can reduce This is designed to improve
falls and frailty, helping to muscle strength and help
prevent fracture-related balance hormone levels by

How you can heal cracked heels

From Mayo Clinic News Network
(TNS) – Cracked heels, also known as fissures,
can be a nuisance and even bleed sometimes, but
can occasionally lead to more serious problems if
left untreated.
Treat them by giving your feet a little more
attention, beginning with moisturizing them at
least twice a day. Look for thick moisturizers (Eu-
cerin, Cetaphil, others). Some moisturizers con-
tain skin-softening agents, such as urea, salicylic
acid or alpha hydroxy acid, which may help re-
move dead skin. They may cause slight stinging
or irritation.
Give your heels extra attention before going to
bed: Soak your feet for about 10 minutes in plain
or soapy water and pat dry. Then gently rub your
heels with a loofah or foot scrubber to help re-
move dead skin. Apply a heavier, oil-based cream
or petroleum jelly (Vaseline, Aquaphor Heal-
ing Ointment, others), then slip on a pair of thin
cotton socks at bedtime to help the moisturizer
work.
Don’t ignore dry, cracked heels, as over time
you may develop deeper fissures, which increas-
es your risk of infection. If self-care measures
don’t help, talk with your health care provider
about other treatment options.
10 • April 2021
Coping with double-burden syndrome
Metro Creative
Double-burden syndrome is
a daily concern for many wom-
en and may have been exacer-
bated due to work-from-home
directives and social-distancing
measures instituted during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Double-burden syndrome
refers to the workload faced by
people – traditionally wom-
en – who not only earn money
through regular employment
but also are responsible for
unpaid domestic labor. Nowa-
days, it often refers to the chal-
lenges many women face when
trying to balance household
responsibilities, childcare and
employment.
Traditional gender roles
once accepted by society have
become more relaxed in recent
years, and by and large both
spouses now work. Data from
the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statis-
tics indicates that among mar-
ried-couple families with chil-
dren in 2019, 97.5 percent had
Understanding type 1 diabetes
Metro Creative
Despite the prevalence of dia-
betes, many people may not be
entirely sure what the disease
entails. While it’s true that diet
and exercise are vital to reducing
risk for diabetes, some people
are born with the disease.
WHAT IS DIABETES?
The Centers for Disease Con-
trol and Prevention defines dia-
betes as a health condition that
affects how the body turns food
into energy. When a person eats
food, much of that food is broken
down into glucose and released
into the bloodstream. Under
normal conditions, when blood
sugar levels rise, the pancreas
will release insulin, which un-
locks the abilities of that blood
sugar so the body’s cells can use
it for energy. Individuals with
diabetes do not make enough
insulin or can’t use the insulin
as they should. Cells sometimes
stop responding to insulin. In
these instances, too much blood
sugar stays in the bloodstream,
leading to serious problems.
at least one employed parent,
and 64.2 percent had both par-
ents employed.
Despite the fact that both
parents now work in many
households, there is still a dis-
parity in the number of hours
contributed to work around the
house – with women taking on a
larger percentage.
COVID-19 has not made the
situation any easier. According
to Women’s Web, a parenting
and career resource for women,
the lockdown has quadrupled
women’s workloads, whether
they have careers or not. In ad-
dition to holding down full- or
part-time salaried jobs, women
are juggling home schooling,
spouses’ remote working and
caring for a household that is
spending an increased amount
of time at home.
A recent survey by Pink Lad-
der, a career enhancement re-
source for women, indicates
that four in 10 women are facing
high levels of anxiety and stress
TYPES OF DIABETES
Doctors have identified three
main types of diabetes: Type 1,
type 2 and gestational diabetes.
About 90% to 95% of people with
diabetes have type 2, which is
when the body doesn’t use insu-
lin well. Typically, a healthy life-
style or lifestyle changes can help
prevent type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is an of-
ten temporary form of diabetes
that occurs during pregnancy.
Type 1 diabetes, though rare,
may be most concerning be-
cause it is thought to be an auto-
immune condition. Also, it must
be managed throughout life.
TYPE 1 DIABETES
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic
condition that occurs because
the pancreas produces little or
no insulin. Very often it appears
during childhood or adoles-
cence, which is why it was once
known as juvenile diabetes.
Some experts think the body at-
tacks itself by mistake, resulting
in the body’s cessation of insulin
Health & Wellness
Double-burden syndrome refers to the workload faced by people
– traditionally women – who not only earn money through regular
employment but also are responsible for unpaid domestic labor.
from current work-from-home
situations, as many women
have been expected to take on
increased workloads from the
office and also tackle a greater
number of chores at home.
Coping with double-bur-
den syndrome involves various
production.
Type 1 diabetes has no cure.
Treatments are designed to
manage blood sugar levels and
prevent complications, which
can affect major organs such as
the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and
heart.
Most type 1 diabetes patients
try to balance their bodies’
glucose and insulin demands
through measured diets, testing
and daily insulin injections.
The American Diabetes As-
sociation says blood glucose
meters and continuous glu-
cose monitoring systems have
made testing more convenient
and comfortable. CGMs work
through a sensor placed on the
skin. They monitor and report
on glucose in real time and alert
when the glucose rises or lowers
to certain predetermined limits.
They are often preferred by those
with type 1 diabetes to reduce
finger pricks throughout the
day. Insulin pumps and other
devices are easier to use and less
invasive. They can deliver insulin
continuously to keep levels even.
switching shifts to make ac-
commodations for household
responsibilities and childcare
needs.
n Scale back hours, if possi-
ble. If work is causing excessive
stress, motivation is dwindling
and/or home needs are suffer-
ing, this may be a case for de-
creasing work hours. Fathers
should consider this as well,
especially if they earn less than
their spouses.
n Attempt to compartmen-
talize professional life from
personal life, especially when
METRO CREATIVE working from home. Defini-
tive lines between work time
and home time may need to
be drawn. This may require
not doing laundry during work
strategies that women can try as hours and not answering work
they attempt to find greater bal- calls during personal hours.
ance. These strategies may help n Recognize there is no need
ease the effects of double-bur- to aspire to perfection. Rec-
den syndrome: ognizing that perfection is an
n Speak with managers unattainable goal because it
about changing shifts. Man- doesn’t exist can diminish feel-
agers may be receptive to ings of stress and dejection.
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Facebook.com/BataviaDailyNews
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SPECIALIZING IN WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE
Offering Progressive
Health Care Across a
Woman’s Life Span
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Krysten Schmidt FNP
108 Bank Street, Batavia
343-6600 • fax 343-6601 • ladiesfirst@verizon.net
Hours: Mon. 8-4, Tues. & Thurs. 7-3, Wed. Closed, Fri. 7-Noon

Keep healthy items on hand for family snacking
Metro Creative
Many families during the
past year have perfected the
balance of managing a house-
hold in which kids may be en-
gaged in virtual learning while
Mom and Dad are putting
in a full day’s work from the
home office. At several points
during the day, families need
to recharge. Having nutritious
snacking choices on hand can
tame hunger in a healthy way.
PLAN AND SHOP
Start with a plan and then
head to the store with a shop-
ping list in hand. You will be
less likely to purchase un-
healthy options on impulse if
you stick to a shopping list.
BALANCE PREPACKAGED AND
HOMEMADE
Homemade snacks are ad-
vantageous because you can
customize ingredients to ac-
count for allergies or other
needs. But commercially pro-
duced snacks are very conve-
nient because they’re ready to
eat right out of the package.
According to Good House-
keeping, many food manufac-
turers have been stepping up
their games and offering tasty
and healthy nonperishable
Quick and easy snacking ideas
Eating more fruits and vege-
tables will help the whole family
stay healthy.
Keep fruits and veggies where
they’re easy to see. For instance,
have a bowl of fresh fruit on the
kitchen table, and remind your
family to wash the fruit before
eating.
Store ready-to-eat fruit and
veggie snacks in the fridge. Here
are some quick and easy ideas:
n Peel and section oranges.
Store in plastic snack bags or
covered bowls in the fridge.
n Store sliced vegetables in
the refrigerator in snack bags or
clear containers and serve with
dips like hummus, tzatziki, baba
ganoosh or guacamole.
n Toss veggies with cooked
pasta and your favorite oil and
vinegar dressing for a healthy,
Having nutritious snacking choices on hand can tame hunger in a healthy way.
foods. Just be sure to read la-
bels, paying attention to so-
dium and sugar content and
other pertinent nutritional in-
formation.
When choosing snacks, pick
a few different options that ap-
peal to savory, salty and sweet
cravings. Portion out these
snacks so the temptation for
ready-to-eat and satisfying salad.
n Make veggie or fruit ka-
bobs: Assemble chunks of mel-
on, apple, orange, and pear on
skewers for a fruity kabob. For
a raw veggie version, use vege-
tables like zucchini, cucumber,
sweet peppers, or tomatoes.
Kids love to dip their foods.
Whip up a quick dip for veggies
with yogurt and seasonings such
as herbs or garlic. Serve with raw
vegetables like broccoli, carrots,
or cauliflower. Fruit chunks go
great with yogurt flavored with
cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Here are some more tasty dip
ideas (1 serving is 2 tablespoons
of dip)
n Honey-Mustard Dipping
Sauce: 1/4 cup fat-free plain yo-
gurt, 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream,
2 teaspoons honey and 2 tea-
Health & Wellness
overindulgence is limited.
CHOOSE AMONG
THE HEALTHIEST OPTIONS
Stock the pantry and refrig-
erator with an array of healthy
snacking options.
n Nuts and their butters:
Nuts are nutritional power-
houses that provide filling
spoons spicy brown mustard. Mix
all ingredients together. Store in
a covered container in the refrig-
erator. Makes 4 servings.
n Curry Dip: 1/2 cup fat-free
sour cream, 1/2 cup fat-free
plain yogurt, 1-1/2 teaspoon
curry powder. Mix all ingredients
together. Store in a covered con-
tainer in the refrigerator. Makes
8 servings.
n Avocado Dip: 2 medium
ripe avocados, 1 tablespoon
lemon juice, 1/4 cup salsa, 1/8
teaspoon salt. Peel and chop av-
ocados. Toss avocado with lem-
on juice in small bowl. Add salsa
and salt. Mash with a fork. Cov-
er and store in the refrigerator.
Makes 12 servings
–––
SOURCE: FINGER LAKES EAT SMART NY.
METRO CREATIVE
protein, fiber, healthy fats,
and many different vitamins
and minerals. Nuts can be
ground at home and made in-
to spreads and dips.
n Popcorn: Plain, air-
popped popcorn is full of fiber,
making it a filling snack. With-
out toppings like butter, pop-
corn can be low in calories.
FOLLOW THE LIVINGSTON COUNTY NEWS
Facebook.com/LivingstonCountyNews
April 2021 • 11
n Fruit: Fresh fruit, frozen
fruit, fruit purees, and dried
fruit are must-haves. Place
a bowl of fresh fruit in reach
of kids so it can be their first
snacking choice. Frozen fruit
can be transformed into sim-
ple smoothies. Dried fruit
keeps longer, and is a great
addition to trail mixes. Cups
of applesauce can easily be
grabbed and satisfy sweet
cravings.
n Sliced vegetables: When
preparing meals, slice vegeta-
bles, including carrots, celery,
cucumbers, and sweet pep-
pers. Later they can be dunked
into homemade dips for an
easy treat.
n Hummus: Speaking
of dips, hummus is filling
and tasty. Made from nutri-
ent-dense chick peas, hum-
mus can be enhanced with
different flavors, from garlic to
ginger to even chocolate for a
dessert variety.
n Whole-grain chips: Opt
for whole-grain chips that
blend a variety of grains into
the mix. Avoid products with
hydrogenated oils.
Healthy snacking is possible
when families think ahead and
know what to look for at the
grocery store.
12 • April 2021 Health & Wellness

Add more exercise to the workday

Metro Creative
Many people can benefit
from more exercise. But after
a long day at work and tending
to obligations at home, mak-
ing time for exercise can be an
uphill battle. Come nighttime,
there may be little energy or
time left to be active.
However, failure to engage in
regular physical activity can be
detrimental to one’s health.
The World Health Organiza-
tion lists inactivity as the fourth
biggest risk factor for global
adult mortality.
Plus, long periods of sitting
inactively may lead to increased
risk for diabetes, cancer, heart
disease, and obesity. Psychol-
ogy Today also says studies in-
dicate mental ability is directly
linked to physical activity.
Without regular exercise, one
may have decreased concen-
tration, poor memory, reduced
mental stamina, and a lack of
creativity.
Finding time to exercise while
at work can help people reap the
rewards of a physically active
lifestyle.
The American Heart Associa-
tion says taking advantage of lit- METRO CREATIVE
tle opportunities to move more Here are some ways to exercise during the workday.
throughout the day can add up
to a significant amount of exer- n Switch out your desk. when coming in, going in and walking brainstorming sessions sitting at your desk.
cise. Here are some ways to ex- Desks come in different config- out for a lunch break, and when or meetings. Take the meet- n Volunteer to run errands.
ercise during the workday: urations and you may be able to leaving in the evening can add ing outdoors if the weather co- Step out for coffee or snacks
n Ride or work a portion of opt for a tall or adjustable desk up over the course of a day. operates; otherwise, take laps during the day, making a con-
your commute. People who live to enable you to stand and move n Start a walking club. Get around the building. certed effort to walk when going
close enough to the office can around a bit while working. If together with coworkers who al- n Store some workout gear for your daily jolt of caffeine.
ride their bikes or walk there. If that’s not possible, stand up and so want to exercise and use your at work. During breaks, do a few Exercise can be included in
the office is too far, think about do some balance or strength ex- lunch hour to walk around. You arm curls with dumbbells or use the work day by making some
getting off the bus or train a stop ercises while on long calls. can always eat at your desk be- resistance bands to work inner minor changes that really add
earlier and walk the rest of the n Take the stairs. Skip the fore or afterwards. and outer thigh muscles while up.
way. You even can park further elevator and go up and down n Schedule walking meet-
away if you drive to the office. the stairs each day. Doing so ings. Whenever possible, host
Thomas Wenhold PT PC
“Physical Therapy with a Personal Touch”
Build an eating plan that reflects your lifestyle
The Livingston County De- fuel to function. Be sure to eat a grain cereal with low-fat milk
partment of Health reminds light breakfast or snack before work as energy boosters to wake
you to build an eating plan that exercise. Try low-fat yogurt, fresh up your brain and muscles.
works for your unique lifestyle. fruit, graham crackers with pea- n Vegetarians & Vegans: Be
Here are some tips: nut butter, a banana or cereal sure to eat protein rich foods
n Career: For desktop din- with low-fat milk. Before, during, such as beans, lentils, peas, nuts,
ing, keep single-serve packages and after exercise, be sure to stay and plenty of soy products. Featuring Aquatic Therapy
of crackers, fruit, peanut butter, hydrated with plenty of water. n Families: Save time by
low sodium soup or canned tuna n Students: Take advantage cooking extra portions of lean In Addition to Land Based Therapies
at your desk. If you are constant- of foods in your cafeteria such as meats, brown rice, beans and
ly on the go, reach for fresh fruit,
trail mix, or whole grain cereals
salads, baked chicken, fish, and
whole fruit. Apples with peanut
vegetables, and save leftovers for (585) 765-2562
a second meal. Have kids help (585) 765-2198-Fax
and crackers. butter, vegetables with hum- prepare meals as a way to get
n Athletes: Your body needs mus, fruit, yogurt, and whole them interested in what they eat. 25 LAKE AVE., LYNDONVILLE, NY 14098

Risk factors for melanoma
Metro Creative
Skin protection takes center
stage each spring and summer.
Though it’s important to protect
skin whenever spending time
outdoors, including in winter,
many people get the bulk of
their outdoors time in when the
weather is at its warmest, mak-
ing sunscreen a must-have ac-
cessory in spring and summer.
Melanoma is a form of skin
cancer that can spread rapidly
to other organs if it is not treat-
ed at an early stage. The Skin
Cancer Foundation notes that
between 70 and 80 percent
of melanomas arise on nor-
mal-looking skin. When skin is
exposed to ultraviolet radiation,
that exposure can contribute to
skin damage. Ultimately, mela-
noma can occur when damage
from sunburn or tanning due to
UV radiation triggers mutations
that lead to uncontrolled cellu-
lar growth.
Because melanoma is inextri-
cably linked to exposure to UV
radiation, it’s understandable
if people assume that it’s al-
ways preventable. However, the
American Cancer Society notes
that there is no way for people to
completely prevent melanoma.
That’s because some of the risk
factors are beyond individuals’
control. However, other risk fac-
tors are within people’s control,
and recognizing those factors
can help people lower their risk
for melanoma.
UNCONTROLLABLE RISK FACTORS
Genetics and skin type are
two significant risk factors for
melanoma that are beyond
individuals’ control. The SCF
notes that one in every 10 mel-
anoma patients has a family
member who had the disease.
In addition, melanoma is found
more frequently in people with
fair skin than in people with
darker skin. Melanoma also is
found more in people with light
eyes, light-colored hair and red
hair.
People with these physical
characteristics and family his-
tories must be especially vigilant
when spending time outdoors.
Applying sunscreen with a min-
Sun protection should start at an early age.
imum sun protection factor
(SPF) of 30 and wearing protec-
tive clothing and hats that pro-
tect the skin from UV radiation
are two ways that people with
fair skin and family histories can
protect themselves from mela-
noma.
CONTROLLABLE RISK FACTORS
Unprotected or excessive UV
exposure is a significant risk
factor for melanoma. Anyone,
regardless of their family his-
tory or skin type, should priori-
tize protecting their skin when
spending time outdoors. The
American Skin Association ad-
vises all people to avoid the sun
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
when the sun’s rays are at their
strongest.
Tanning beds also pose a
threat in relation to melanoma.
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The ACS notes that the idea that
the UV rays of tanning beds are
harmless is a misconception.
Tanning lamps give off UV rays
that can cause long-term skin
damage and the ACS reports
that tanning bed use has been
linked to an increased risk of
melanoma, especially among
people who use such beds prior
to turning 30.
Checking the skin routinely is
another way to combat melano-
ma. The ACS notes that certain
types of moles are more likely
to develop into melanoma than
others. Routine self-examina-
tions of skin can help people
spot new or abnormal moles
or other growths. Recognizing
these abnormalities and report-
ing them to a physician imme-
diately can help doctors treat
them before they turn into skin
cancer.
April 2021 • 13
Remember sun safety
Special to The LCN
Sunburns and tans are a result of too much exposure to ultraviolet
(UV) radiation (rays) from the sun.
Even when a sunburn or tan fades, the damage caused to skin cells
does not, and the effects cannot be reversed. These effects include
skin cancer and early aging of the skin such as wrinkles and age spots.
Exposure to the sun’s rays happens when you’re doing things such
as biking, gardening, and walking. People with jobs that require them
to work outside are more likely than anybody else to get skin cancer.
There are three skin cancers that are most common and include
basal cell, squamous, and melanoma. About 90% of skin cancers are
the result of too much exposure to UV rays. UV exposure adds up over
time, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer, so sun protection
should start at an early age.
Here are a few ways to stay sun safe:
nWear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to get
the best protection. If you’re wearing a baseball cap or short-sleeved
shirt, make sure to put sunscreen on your ears, neck, and arms.
nStay in the shade as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4
p.m., which are peak times for sunlight.
nUse a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 on any ex-
posed skin. Apply the sunscreen to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before
going outdoors and re-apply it every two hours, as well as after swim-
ming, sweating, or toweling off.
nWear extra sun protective clothing around surfaces such as
snow, sand, water, and concrete that reflect the sun’s rays and could
increase your risk of sunburn.
nIf you work outdoors, ask about sun protection at your job, such
as wearing sun-protective clothing.
nFollow these tips on cloudy days, too! Clouds do not block most
UV rays.
nAvoid indoor tanning.
For questions, or more information about how to stay safe in the
sun, call the Livingston County Department of Health at (585) 243-
7299.
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14 • April 2021
Symptoms of testicular cancer and how men can look for them
Metro Creative
Eating right and exercising
regularly can help men live long
and reduce their risk for various
diseases, including heart dis-
ease and diabetes.
Learning about their bodies
and how to detect abnormali-
ties is another step men can take
to stay healthy, potentially help-
ing them catch certain diseases,
including testicular cancer, be-
fore they reach advanced stages.
Men under 50 may not pay
much mind to cancer, but the
American Cancer Society notes
that young and middle-aged
men are more likely than men
over 55 to be diagnosed with
testicular cancer. The ACS re-
ports that the average age at
which men are diagnosed with
testicular cancer is 33.
Learning the symptoms of
testicular cancer and how to de-
tect them may not prevent men
from getting the disease.
However, such knowledge
can increase the chances that
men detect symptoms when
the disease is in its earliest, most
treatable stages.
What are the symptoms
of testicular cancer?
The American Urological As-
sociation notes that testicular
tumors may produce various
symptoms. A painless lump in
the testicle is the most com-
mon sign of testicular cancer,
but men also may experience
swelling of the testicle or a feel-
ing of weight in the scrotum, a
pain or dull ache in the testicle,
scrotum or groin, or tenderness
or changes in the male breast
tissue.
Are symptoms always
accompanied by pain?
The AUA notes that swelling
in the testicle may or may not
include pain, so men should
not ignore swelling simply be-
cause it’s not accompanied by
pain. The AUA reports that very
few men who develop testicular
cancer feel pain at first.
However, men may eventual-
ly experience pain. In fact, pain
may indicate that the tumor is
growing. The experts at Johns
Hopkins Medicine note that se-
rious, acute pain is associated
with rapidly growing tumors.
Feelings of dull scrotal discom-
Health & Wellness
testicular cancer. The AUA rec-
ommends that men conduct
self-exams after a warm bath
or shower, while standing, and
when the scrotum is relaxed.
The AUA recommends this
four-step self-examination,
which is simple and only takes a
few minutes.
1. Check each testicle. Gen-
tly but firmly roll each testicle
between the thumb and fore-
fingers. Feel the whole surface.
The firmness of the testis should
be the same all around. Men
should know that it’s normal for
one testicle to be slightly larger
than the other.
2. Find the epididymis and
vas deferens. These are soft,
tube-like structures above and
behind the testicle. These tubes
collect and carry sperm. Young
METRO CREATIVE men can familiarize themselves
The best time for men to self-examine themselves for testicular with how these cords feel so they
cancer is right after taking a warm bath or shower. can more capably recognize any
abnormalities that may appear.
3. Look for lumps, swelling
fort or heaviness are often de- That’s a mistake, as tumors can
scribed by patients experienc- spread in that time. Any symp- or anything that does not seem
right. Lumps or bumps are not
ing pain. toms, however innocuous they
may seem, should be reported normal, even if they cause no
The importance to a physician. That’s especially pain. Pain also is not normal,
even if it’s only mild.
of reporting symptoms true for any symptoms that have
4. Check yourself at least
lasted for more than two weeks.
Unfortunately, the symp- once per month. Always look
toms of testicular cancer are How to conduct for any changes in size, shape or
not always reported quickly. texture.
According to the AUA, men wait a self-exam Testicular cancer is not com-
an average of five months before Self-exams can help men mon. However, men must rec-
reporting any symptoms or ab- discover any abnormalities ognize the threat the disease can
normalities to their physicians. that may be symptomatic of pose and include measures to
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Incidence rate of
testicular cancer
increasing in U.S.
According to the American
Cancer Society, the average
age at the time of diagnosis
of testicular cancer is 33.
Young and middle-aged men
are the most likely to be diag-
nosed with testicular cancer,
though the ACS notes that 14
percent of cases occur in chil-
dren, teens and men over the
age of 55.
The ACS estimates that
roughly 440 men will die of
testicular cancer in 2021.
Though that’s troubling, tes-
ticular cancer can usually be
treated successfully. The ACS
notes that a man’s lifetime
risk of dying from the disease
is one in 5,000.
However, the incidence
rate of testicular cancer
has been increasing in ma-
ny countries, including the
United States, for several
decades. The rise in incidenc-
es underscores the need for
men to discuss testicular can-
cer, including its risk factors
and symptoms, with their phy-
sicians.
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toms in their health care rou-
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 Health & Wellness April 2021 • 15

Emergency vs. urgent care

From Mayo Clinic News Network
(TNS) – It’s Saturday morn-
ing and your child fell while
playing in the backyard. He
can’t put any weight on his
rapidly swelling ankle, and he
is sweating and crying in pain.
Should you head to the Emer-
gency Department or Urgent
Care?
If you’ve been in a similar
situation and wondered which
option is better, you are not
alone. Although Mayo Clin-
ic Health System has offered
Urgent Care for more than 20
years, many people are con-
fused about when to use it.
This article is written by
Graham King, M.D., a Family
Medicine physician in Manka-
to, Minn.
Here are a few differences
between Emergency Depart-
ments and Urgent Care clinics:
SEVERITY OF HEALTH PROBLEMS
An Emergency Department
treats life- or limb-threatening
health conditions in people of
all ages. It is the best option
when you require immediate
medical attention.
Urgent Care is the middle
What’s the difference?
ground between your primary
care provider and the Emer-
gency Department. If you
have a minor illness or injury
that can’t wait until tomorrow,
Urgent Care is the way to go.
Also, it is a good option if you
have illnesses or injuries with-
out other symptoms, or if you
do not have other underlying
health conditions. For exam-
ple, an earache can easily be
treated in Urgent Care. How-
ever, if it is accompanied by a
high fever (104 degrees Fahr-
enheit or higher), or you have
a history of cancer or are on
immune-suppressing medica-
tion, it is important to have it
checked out in the Emergency
Department.
HOURS AND STAFF
Emergency Departments
are staffed 24/7 with physi-
cians, physician assistants,
nurse practitioners and nurses
trained in delivering emergen-
cy care. The team has quick
access to expert providers in
advanced specialties such as
Cardiology, Neurology and
Orthopedics. Emergency
Departments also have the
There are some differences between the functions of Emergency
Department and Urgent Care facilities
imaging and laboratory re-
sources needed to diagnose
and deliver care for severe and
life-threatening situations.
Typically, Urgent Care clin-
ics are staffed with physician
assistants, nurse practitioners
and nurses. Although, some
Urgent Care clinics have phy-
sicians on staff as well. Urgent
Care providers can order basic
labs and imaging tests, such
as X-rays, to help them pro-
vide diagnoses and develop
treatment plans. Urgent Care
DREAMSTIME/TNS
clinics have set hours and an
established list of conditions
treated. As a result, Urgent
Care clinics often are less ex-
pensive and have shorter wait
times than Emergency De-
partments.
Here are examples of types
of conditions treated in Urgent
Care clinics and Emergency
Departments:
Urgent Care clinic:
Back or muscle pain
Bronchitis
Cuts and minor burns
Diarrhea
Earache
Skin conditions
Sprains or joint pain
Upper respiratory infection
Urinary tract infections
Vomiting
Emergency Department:
Chest pain or pressure
Compound fracture (bone
that protrudes through the
skin)
Head injuries
Pneumonia
Seizures
Severe abdominal pain
Shortness of breath
Sudden, severe headache,
or paralysis or weakness
Uncontrolled bleeding
Always call 911 and don’t
drive yourself to the Emer-
gency Department if you are
having difficulty breathing,
shortness of breath, a life or
limb injury, or signs of stroke
or heart attack.
Mayo Clinic News Network is
your source for health news, ad-
vances in research and wellness
tips.
(c)2021 Mayo Clinic News Net-
work. Distributed by Tribune Con-
tent Agency, LLC

HEALTH & FAMILY. WEDNESDAYS

Dansville urgent care closing The Daily News.

By BEN BEAGLE officials said. their own home with a provider.

ben@livingstonnews.com
UR Medicine | Noyes Health
announced Friday that is will
permanently close the After
Hours office in Dansville at 10
p.m. on March 31.
No jobs will be lost as staff is
being reassigned to work doing
COVID-19 vaccinations, ac-
cording to a hospital spokesper-
son.
The Noyes Urgent Care in
Geneseo will remain open from
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The Emergency Room at
Noyes Memorial Hospital, 111
Clara Barton St., will also be
available to serve anyone in
need of medical care, hospital
“We are not compromising
services,” said Pauline Shaw, di-
rector of Emergency Services at
Noyes Health.
“The services to meet the
public need are still available
24 hours a day, seven days a
week at the Emergency Room in
Dansville, and 12 hours a day at
Urgent Care in Geneseo,” Shaw
said.
Noyes Urgent Care, 50 East
South St., Geneseo offers digital
x-ray and lab services. Walk-in
appointments are available and
no appointments are necessary.
The office also continues to
offere telemedicine appoints,
allowing a patient to meet from
To schedule a telemedicine ap-
pointment, call (585) 243-9595.
Urgent Care typically treats
patients of any age who have
conditions that are not life
threatening, but need to be
taken care of right away. Such
conditions may include abdom-
inal pain, coughs and colds, ear-
aches, minor cuts, flu symptoms
and sports-related injuries.
For more severe of life-threat-
ening emergencies, including
chest pains, bleeding that won’t
stop, labored breathing and
head injuries, patients should
visit the Emergency Room at
Noyes Hospital or call 911 im-
mediately.
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16 • April 2021
Therapy
From T7
apist might look for patterns
and point them out to you, or
work on skills to mitigate neg-
ative feelings you’re having, or
give you homework to put those
skills into practice.
It’s an open space for you to
put your feelings into words
and evaluate whether the cop-
ing mechanisms you’ve devel-
oped are really working for you.
If you’re doing something like
hypnotherapy or EMDR (read
on for whether those therapies
might be right for you), your
therapist will work with you on
that process.
TYPES OF THERAPY
There are more types of
therapies than can possibly be
covered in one article. And all
of these therapies have had en-
tire books written about them.
So consider this a very concise
primer — a starting place for
you to research the kind of ther-
apy that might be best for you.
Often, therapists will com-
bine or draw from multiple
therapeutic approaches. You
can search for a therapist by
what type of approach they
practice, or by what presenting
issues they specialize in, such as
grief or marriage therapy or eat-
ing disorders.
n Talk therapy: Talk therapy,
or psychodynamic therapy, is
the type of therapy you typically
see on TV and in movies. It is a
structured space to talk about
your feelings and experiences
and how your past is shaping
your present. Talk therapy is
suitable for depression, anxiety
and a range of other issues and
conditions. It’s usually more
long-term than the other types
of therapies listed here: You
may resolve things in a few ses-
sions, or you may keep coming
back to your therapist over the
course of months or years.
n Cognitive behavioral
therapy: Cognitive behavior-
al therapy, or CBT, tends to
be a more short-term form of
therapy with a specific goal
you’re looking to achieve, like
identifying and replacing neg-
ative thought patterns or chal-
lenging irrational beliefs. This
can work best for people with
specific anxieties, phobias, ob-
sessive-compulsive disorder,
eating disorders and substance
abuse — issues where there are
beliefs or patterns involved that
the patient wants to change.
Traditional talk therapy is gen-
erally about feelings and emo-
tions while CBT focuses more
on behaviors.
CBT is “more therapist-di-
rected, more focused, more
specific goals, shorter timeline,
[and] observable and mea-
surable goals,” said Emanuel
Maidenberg, a clinical profes-
sor of psychiatry and biobe-
havioral sciences at the David
Geffen School of Medicine at
UCLA and director of the UCLA
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Clinic. It’s “more goal-oriented
or specific, aimed at develop-
ing skills and tools to cope with
life circumstances or stressors
more effectively.”
Trauma-focused CBT and
behavioral therapies such as
aversion therapy and system-
atic desensitization are subsets
under the umbrella of cognitive
behavioral therapy. Dialectical
behavioral therapy is an off-
shoot of CBT that focuses on
regulating emotions.
n Humanistic therapy:
Humanistic therapy is a more
whole-person approach that
helps empower patients to
make choices. It’s particular-
ly beneficial for people with
self-esteem issues or who deal
with indecision or don’t trust
themselves to make decisions.
“Humanistic therapy is a
more existential, long-term
exploratory [therapy], finding
things about yourself,” Maid-
enberg said. “It’s a personal
discovery. It can be very helpful
in dealing with some of the exis-
tential questions that we have.”
n Eye movement desensiti-
zation and reprocessing: Also
known as EMDR, this is a new-
er type of therapy that’s shown
to be particularly helpful for
Health & Wellness
people dealing with post-trau-
matic stress disorder, traumat-
ic memories or disturbing life
experiences. Therapists need
to be specifically trained and
certified to do EMDR, which
involves patients revisiting neg-
ative memories while tracking
the therapist’s hand as it moves.
n Group therapy: Certain
issues might be best addressed
in a therapist-led group set-
ting, said Harden Bradford, the
Therapy for Black Girls founder.
She said that, for instance, if you
have social anxiety or difficulty
relating to others, “Group ther-
apy is going to be the best way to
get at that work, because you’re
going to be able to get feedback
in real time from other people.”
n Art therapy, bibliotherapy,
music therapy, dance thera-
py: “When all of these theories
[of therapy] were developed, it
was primarily by straight white
men,” said Harden Bradford.
“The idea was that talking was
best for everybody.”
Now, we know that’s not the
case. These alternative modali-
ties of community are best suit-
ed for people who struggle to
communicate or express them-
selves in words.
–––
This is not a comprehensive
list of every therapy available.
Nor is it a complete picture of
what these types of therapy en-
tail. This is to help you get started
and to demystify what therapy
involves.
The hardest part of doing
therapy is deciding to seek help.
“The most difficult thing is to
start something,” Maidenberg
said. “Once the process starts,
it’s typically not as scary or over-
whelming as it may feel, partic-
ularly when we talk about sitting
with a new person that you meet
for the first time in your life and
telling them about your life and
your secrets or things you may be
hesitant to tell other people. But
ultimately it pays off.”
Area mental health resources
Don’t be afraid to ask for help,
say mental health professionals.
If you’re feeling lonely, isolat-
ed, depressed or stressed, there
are many local resources avail-
able. They include:
n CARE AND CRISIS LINE:
(585) 283-5200 or text to
741741 in Genesee and Orleans
counties; (585) 283-5200 in Wyo-
ming County.
n GENESEE COUNTY DE-
PARTMENT OF MENTAL
HEALTH: 5130 East Main Street
Rd., Batavia, (585) 344-1421;
www.co.genesee.ny.us/depart-
ments/mentalhealth/index.php.
n LIFELINE: Call 211 for infor-
mation on available resources.
n LIVINGSTON COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL
HEALTH/COMMUNITY SER-
VICES: 4600 Millennium Drive,
Geneseo. (585) 243-7250 or
(585) 335-1711; www.livingston-
county.us/doh.htm. Walks-in
available if in crisis, but call first.
n LIVINGSTON COUNTY SUI-
CIDE PREVENTION TASK FORCE:
Visit www.gvhp.org, or like the or-
ganization on Facebook.
n MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCI-
ATION OF GENESEE AND ORLE-
ANS COUNTIES: In Batavia, (585)
344-2611, and Albion, (585) 589-
1158. The Association offers a
Warm Line that provides non-cri-
sis support to residents of Gen-
esee and Orleans counties from
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. seven days a
week. The Warm Line can also
make “sunshine calls” to people.
For information, call (585) 813-
0072.
n MENTAL HEALTH ASSO-
CIATION OF ROCHESTER: The
Association offers services in
Livingston County, including the
Affinity Place Warm Line which
is 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. The hotline, staffed by peer
support specialist, is available by
calling (585) 563-7470.
n MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCI-
ATION OF WYOMING COUNTY:
(585) 786-0080. Peers Together
of Wyoming County offers a Warm
Line from 2 to 8 p.m. Mondays to
Fridays and noon to 8 p.m. Satur-
days. Call (585) 786-0080.
n NOYES MENTAL HEALTH
and WELLNESS CLINIC: UR Medi-
cine | Noyes Health, 9221 Robert
Hart Drive, Dansville. (585) 335-
4316, www.noyes-health.org. Call
for an appointment.
n ORLEANS COUNTY DE-
PARTMENT OF MENTAL
HEALTH: 14014 Route 31 West,
Albion; (585) 589-7066.
n WYOMING COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL
HEALTH: 460 North Main St.,
Warsaw; (585) 786-8871; www.
wyomingco.net/434/Men-
tal-Health.
n WYOMING COUNTY SUI-
CIDE PREVENTION COALITION:
(585) 786-8871.
STATE AND
NATIONAL RESOURCES
n NATIONAL SUICIDE PRE-
VENTION LINE: 1 (800) 273-
8255.
n NEW YORK STATE MENTAL
HEALTH HOTLINE: Call 1 (844)
863-9314 for free emotional sup-
port, consultation and provider
referral.
n NEW YORK STATE TEXT-
LINE: Text “GOT5” to 741741.
n SUICIDE PREVENTION
LIFELINE: Available 24 hours a
day at (800) 273-8255.
n VETERANS CRISIS LINE: 1
(800) 273-8255.
n Additional information can
be found online at the New York
State Office of Mental Health at
omh.ny.gov.
 Health & Wellness April 2021 • 17

7 strategies to reduce your cancer risk

Metro Creative
Cancer affects people
from all walks of life. The Na-
tional Cancer Institute esti-
mated that, in 2020, roughly
1.9 million new cases of can-
cer would be diagnosed and
more than 606,000 people
would die from the disease.
The most common can-
cers include breast, lung,
prostate, colon, melanoma,
and bladder cancers. Even
the healthiest people are not
immune to these diseases.
However, there are ways for
people to reduce their risk
for various cancers.
1. Skip tobacco products.
Avoiding tobacco in all forms
can greatly reduce a person’s
risk of developing cancer.
Smoking is a major contrib-
utor to various cancers, in-
cluding lung and bladder
cancers.
2. Exercise regularly. Ex-
ercise benefits the body in
various ways, including re-
ducing a person’s risk for
various types of cancers. The
American Institute for Can-
cer Research recommends
exercising for at least 45 min-
utes per day. This doesn’t
have to mean a hard work-
out at the gym. Moderate
Healthy foods that are rich in vegetables and low in animal fats can help people reduce their cancer risk.
exercise through gardening,
dancing, playing with chil-
dren, or walking the dog are
sufficient forms of exercise.
3. Lose weight in a healthy
way. The American Cancer
Society says obesity and be-
ing overweight have been
linked to increased risk for
breast, colon, esophageal,
endometrial, and pancre-
atic cancers. Fat and sugar
metabolism may be mech-
anisms implicating weight
in cancer occurrence. Skip
the fad diets and lose weight
through portion control, a
balance of healthy foods and
exercise.
4. Limit alcohol con-
sumption. Excessive alcohol
consumption increases the
METRO CREATIVE
risk of cancers to the breast,
esophagus, mouth, and lar-
ynx. Harvard Medical School
recommends that those who
choose to drink limit alco-
hol their consumption to no
more than one drink per day.
5. Reduce consumption of
animal fats. Verywell Health
notes that studies point to a
diet high in animal fat as a
contributor to increased risk
of certain cancers. Red meat
is a particular concern.
6. Avoid radiation expo-
sure. Opt for medical imag-
ing tests only when they are
absolutely necessary. Radon
in a home is a factor in cancer
causation, so homeowners
should periodically test their
homes for radon. In addi-
tion, sunscreen and avoiding
the sun during certain times
of day, such as between the
hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.,
can reduce exposure to po-
tentially harmful UV rays.
7. Prioritize safe behav-
iors. Certain viruses can
cause cancer, including Ep-
stein-Barr and human papil-
lomavirus. Hepatitis and HIV
also can increase a person’s
risk for cancer. Practicing
safe sex and avoiding illegal
drug use can lower the risk
of getting cancer from infec-
tious diseases.
Cancer continues to be a
leading cause of death and
affects millions of people. By
examining their behaviors
and lifestyles, people can
make changes that reduce
their risk for various cancers.

COVID-19 vaccine: Should I reschedule my mammogram?
From Mayo Clinic News Network
(TNS) – The vaccine that pre-
vents COVID-19 can cause swol-
len lymph nodes under the arm
in which the shot was given. The
swelling in the lymph nodes is a
sign that your body is respond-
ing to the vaccine and building
up defenses against the virus
that causes COVID-19.
Breast cancer also can cause
swelling in the armpit if cancer
cells spread to the lymph nodes.
Some health care provid-
ers are concerned that having a
mammogram soon after vacci-
nation may cause unnecessary
worry about swollen lymph
nodes. For that reason, some
have recommended waiting four
to six weeks after your final vac-
cine dose before having a mam-
mogram. That way, any lymph
node swelling caused by the vac-
VISIT THE DAILY NEWS ONLINE
cine has time to go away. images. www.TheDailyNewsOnline.com
Others, including Mayo Clin- If lymph node swelling is
ic, recommend that mammo- found on your mammogram
grams continue as scheduled. and you’ve recently received
But be sure to tell your health the COVID-19 vaccine, the ra-
care provider about your vacci- diologist who interprets your
nation, the date it occurred and mammogram images will con-
which arm was affected. This in- sider this when recommending
formation will be helpful for un- whether additional imaging or
derstanding the mammogram follow-up is needed.
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18 • April 2021
How to foster social skills in an era of social distancing
Metro Creative
As the COVID-19 pandemic
stretched on, children still may
not fully understand why they
have had to skip play dates or
avoid sitting together at lunch
tables inside school cafeterias.
Older children may be growing
weary of social distancing and
may have started to question
the benefits of staying home.
Social distancing helps
maintain public safety, but
there’s no denying such mea-
sures have produced some
difficult side effects, some of
which may be felt long after
the pandemic has ended. For
instance, some experts suggest
that social distancing has the
potential to affect long-term so-
cial development.
“When young children are
learning the basics of being so-
cial beings, their parents and
siblings can provide most of
the input they need,” says Amy
Learmonth, Ph.D., a develop-
mental psychologist who runs
the Cognition, Memory and
Development Lab at William
Paterson University in New
Jersey and has studied children
as young as eight weeks old. In
fact, having parents and sib-
lings home much of the time
actually can be a boon for chil-
dren age five and younger.
Conversely, Learmonth says
older children and adolescents
We might need to keep wearing masks into 2022 to defeat COVID-19
Luke Money and Rong-Gong Lin II
LOS ANGELES TIMES
(TNS) – Despite a decline in
coronavirus cases and contin-
ued success with COVID-19
vaccines, it’s looking likely we
will still be wearing masks for
some time to come.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the na-
tion’s coronavirus czar, said it’s
possible masks could be needed
until 2022.
“I want it to keep going down
to a baseline that’s so low there
is virtually no threat,” Fauci said
on CNN’s “State of the Union”
program. “If you combine get-
ting most of the people in the
country vaccinated with getting
the level of virus in the commu-
nity very, very low, then I believe
you’re going to be able to say,
A little creativity can help parents find ways to promote socialization in their children as the world
continues to practice social distancing.
develop social skills by learn-
ing to “navigate complex social
groups of peers.” Prolonged
isolation from peers could be
stripping opportunities to nat-
urally develop social skills, par-
ticularly the longer social dis-
tancing goes on.
Clinical psychologist Laura
Markham, founder of the site
Aha! Parenting, indicates that
kids “practice reading social
you know, for the most part, we
don’t necessarily have to wear
masks.”
Fauci’s comments under-
score what experts have been
saying for weeks: that even as
more people get vaccinated,
masks are still going to be essen-
tial.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, di-
rector of the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Preven-
tion, cautioned against viewing
the downward case trends as a
reason to let up on masking and
other safety precautions.
In an interview with the
Journal of the American Medi-
cal Association, Walensky said
she hoped for the best, but also
warned of a worst-case scenario
— that people will stop wearing
Health & Wellness
cues and learn constructive so-
cial responses – including the
give-and-take of conversation –
how to self-regulate when they
get annoyed at another person,
and how to ask for what they
need in a socially acceptable
way” through in-person en-
counters.
Families can get creative to
help foster social skills in their
youngsters as the world contin-
masks and physically distancing
too early and that many will pre-
maturely declare they’ve had
enough of the pandemic and
won’t get vaccinated.
The CDC says that contin-
ued adherence to public health
measures like wearing face cov-
erings, observing physical dis-
tancing, regular handwashing
and avoiding crowds and poorly
ventilated areas is still recom-
mended even for someone who
has received both required vac-
cine doses.
“It’s important for everyone
to continue using all the tools
available to help stop this pan-
demic as we learn more about
how COVID-19 vaccines work
in real-world conditions,” CDC
guidance states, particularly
METRO CREATIVE
ues to confront social distanc-
ing and its potential side effects.
n Schedule virtual play
dates. While it may not be the
same as hanging out in person,
virtual play dates can provide
one-on-one interaction with
friends and help to maintain
preexisting positive peer con-
nections.
n Plan outdoor activities.
When weather allows, people
because it’s not yet definitive-
ly known “whether getting a
COVID-19 vaccine will prevent
you from spreading the virus
that causes COVID-19 to other
people, even if you don’t get sick
yourself.”
Universal mask wearing, in
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from different households can
interact outdoors, provided
they keep safe distances. This
can be advantageous to teenag-
ers chomping at the bit to hang
out with friends. The Centers
for Disease Control and Pre-
vention says one can become
infected with COVID-19 when
an infected person coughs,
sneezes or talks and those drop-
lets enter the mouth or nose of
another. Outdoor fresh air dis-
perses virus particles and peo-
ple are more able to keep their
distance from others. Sitting in
a backyard, walking a board-
walk or riding bikes together are
some ways for adolescents to
safely maintain social connec-
tions.
n Practice good manners.
When at home, families can
continue to interact and offer
opportunities to talk, listen and
practice social manners.
n Foster game nights. En-
courage social interaction at
home with family game nights
that involve board games or
video games. Teens and tweens
also can do multiplayer games
with friends over the internet
through their favorite gaming
consoles.
A little creativity can help
parents find ways to promote
socialization in their children as
the world continues to practice
social distancing.
particular, is seen as critical in
keeping the spread of the coro-
navirus on a downward trend.
A recent CDC report found that
states that have imposed mask
orders have seen declines in the
growth of COVID-19-associated
hospitalizations.
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How parents can confront colic
Metro Creative
Taking care of a baby is
no small task. Babies oper-
ate on their own schedules,
forcing parents to consis-
tently readjust when they
eat, work and, of course,
sleep.
Various factors can make
such adjustments especially
tiring, and colic might be at
the top of that list.
Understanding colic
The American Academy
of Family Physicians notes
that colic occurs when an
otherwise healthy baby
cries or fusses frequently for
no apparent reason.
All babies cry and fuss,
and it’s important that par-
ents do not misinterpret
normal crying and fussing
as colic. Colic is defined as
crying for more than three
hours per day at least three
days per week for more than
three weeks.
Children who have colic
also tend to cry around the
same times each day, and
may turn bright red and cry
as if they’re in pain. When
crying, babies with colic
may clench their fists or curl
up their legs.
What is the timeline
for colic?
The AAFP notes that colic
can start within a few weeks
of a child’s birth. Symptoms
of colic tend to be the worst
when a child is between 4
and 6 weeks old, and many
children outgrow it by the
time they reach four months
of age.
FIND MORE HEALTH
NEWS EACH WEEK IN
THE DAILY NEWS
Health and Family
appears each Wednesday.
Senior Living appears each Friday.
Look for Lifestyles/Extra
each Saturday.
Various factors can make such adjustments especially tiring,
and colic might be at the top of that list.
Do doctors know
what causes colic?
While researchers have
studied colic, there’s no de-
finitive answer about what
causes it. The AAFP notes
that pain or discomfort from
gas or indigestion may be a
contributing factor. When
a baby cries, the child swal-
lows air, which can give the
baby gas that makes his or
her belly feel tight.
A digestive system that
isn’t fully developed, over-
feeding or underfeeding,
sensitivity to breast milk or
formula, overstimulation,
early forms of childhood
migraines, and emotional
reactions to being afraid,
frustrated or excited are
some additional potential
contributors to colic.
How can colic be treated?
A colic treatment that al-
leviates one baby’s symp-
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METRO CREATIVE
toms will not necessarily
be effective for another’s.
However, the AND notes
that avoiding potential colic
triggers may help parents as
they try to treat their babies.
n Feeding the baby:
Breastfeeding mothers can
document what they’re eat-
ing to determine if there’s
any rhyme or reason behind
their babies’ colic.
Document when the baby
exhibits symptoms of col-
ic as well, and then look for
patterns. If a child tends to
be colicky after breastfeed-
ing mothers eat a certain
food, then moms can cut
that food out of their diets to
see if that’s what is trigger-
ing the episode.
Medicines taken by
breastfeeding mothers also
may trigger colic episodes,
so moms can discuss their
medications with their
child’s pediatrician and
their own doctors.
n Formula: The AAFP
notes that babies may be
sensitive to certain pro-
teins in formula, so treating
colic may be as simple as
changing brands. Slowing
down formula feedings also
may work, as it can ensure
babies are not eating too
much and/or too quickly.
Warming formula to body
temperature and feeding
the baby in an upright posi-
tion also may help alleviate
symptoms of colic.
n Holding the baby: How
a baby is held or rocked may
help reduce symptoms of
colic. Massaging a baby’s
back while holding the baby
across your arm or lap might
work. In addition, holding
the baby in the evening and
while walking also can help.
If a baby has gas, holding
the child upright might al-
leviate the pains contribut-
ing to colic. Using an infant
swing or rocking the baby in
your arms also may help.
n Comforting the ba-
by: Parents can speak with
their children’s pedia-
trician about the various
techniques to comfort their
babies. Many parents have
successfully reduced in-
stances of colic by employ-
ing various movements and
stimuli designed to soothe
the baby.
Colic can make for some
difficult times for babies
and their parents. Deter-
mining what may be causing
colic and trying new ways to
soothe babies can help both
parents and their children.
April 2021 • 19
Brockport pediatrician
joins Oak Orchard Health
Dr. David Tinkelman, a
board-certified pediatrician for
30 years, has joined Oak Orchard
Health at its Brockport location.
He will begin seeing patients
there on April 5.
“Oak Orchard Health was my
first and only choice,” Tinkel-
man said in a
news release.
“I know I can
continue to
provide my
patients the
best of care
there. And it’s
a convenient
location for Tinkelman
everyone.”
Tinkelman joins medical
director and pediatrician Dan-
ielle Renodin-Mead, DO, James
Goetz, MD, MPH, Monica He-
noch, MD, Kelsey Izzo, MD, and
Jan Saxton, pediatric nurse prac-
titioner.
“We’re excited that Dr. Tinkel-
man will be part of our pediatric
team at Oak Orchard Health,”
CEO Mary Ann Pettibon said in a
news release. “All patients have
access to adult medical services,
dental, behavioral health, and
vision care.”
Tinkelman has practiced in
the Rochester area since 1979
and has been in solo practice
since 1991 at Tinkelman Pedi-
atrics. He completed his under-
graduate degree in biology at
Cornell University and received
his medical degree in 1975 from
SUNY Upstate Medical Center.
His residency was completed
at the University of Rochester
Medical Center.
Oak Orchard Health, founded
in 1966, has grown from a mi-
grant health project into an inte-
grated health center with multi-
ple locations serving more than
23,000 patients at 11 locations,
including Albion, Alexander,
Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Lyn-
donville, Hornell and Warsaw.
20 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 Health & Wellness
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