syracuseWomanmag.com :: may 2012 1

may 2012

w w w . s y r a c u s e w o m a n m a g . c o m

crouse’s BreasT HeaLTH naVIgaTIon Team

WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY:

WIn A SPA dAY

for 2 aTTurnIng sTone’s

skana spa

WISEWOMAn:HeaTHer Hay

PART 1:THe skIn cancer

epIdemIc

2 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

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For years, inoperable patients with aortic valve disease have had no other treatment options – until now. St. Joseph’s is proud to be the first and only

Central New York hospital to provide hope in the form of the new Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure – a less invasive alternative

to open heart valve replacement surgery. To learn more, visit www.sjhsyr.org/TAVR, or call 315-703-2138.

For patients who can’t have open heart surgery, TAVR

is more than a procedure.

It’s hope.

St. Joseph’s is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis. Franciscan Companies is a member of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center network.

301 Prospect Ave.Syracuse, NYwww.sjhsyr.org/TAVRSt. Joseph’s Resource Line (Physician & Program Information): 315-703-2138Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: stjosephshealth

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4 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

conTenTs 9

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mayETC 7

PlATTER CHATTER 9

FASHIOn FORWARd 10

W.b.O.C.’S lEAdIng WOMAn 12

SPECIAl FEATURE: bARIATRIC SURgERY 14

MAY FAbUlOUS FIndS 16

WISE WOMEn 19

FOR A gOOd CAUSE 22

SPECIAl FEATURE: IROnMAn 70.3 24

In HER OWn WORdS 26

FITnESS 28

COVER STORY: CROUSE bREAST HEAlTH TEAM 30

HEART HEAlTHY 36

SWM InSPIRE 39

ARTISTS VIEW 44

HEAlTHY WOMAn: SkIn CAnCER PART 1 48

SPECIAl FEATURE: WCnY 50

MAIn EVEnTS/CAlEndAR 54

COSMETIC AlTERnATIVES 56

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LeTTer from THe edITor

These words are beyond wise. Syracuse Woman Magazine, like its sister publication, Rochester Woman Magazine, is known for featuring not just “great” women, but phenomenal women! It’s because of the plethora of talented women that we have an endless list of outstanding stories to tell.

In this edition we focus on your health and wellness. We know how many of you tend to be the caregiver to family and friends, which means you put yourself second. Because of this, we want to remind you to be mindful of your health and wellness. Take some extra time to focus on you. With the evolving environment we live in, it’s important to maintain a healthy eating and an exercise regimen as well.

We at SW Magazine are on the pulse of women’s health. It’s important to us and needs to become a top priority for you as well. Our partnerships with prominent organizations and innovative programs such as the Syracuse Go Red For Women campaign’s BetterU initiative, is a prime example of what we feel should be important to you. As well, you will continue to see us at health-oriented events that raise awareness, such as local ovarian cancer awareness events hosted by Hope For Heather. Also, an exciting venture for the magazine is the tremendous presence we will have (as the exclusive magazine sponsor) at the 2012 Athleta Iron Girl Syracuse. We’ll see you not only at the expo, but we’ll be cheering you on as you run through the “Syracuse Woman Magazine Home Stretch” right on the Oneida Shores triathlon course. We wish all the competitors the best of luck as their training is well underway!

In addition to health and wellness features and tips in this month’s issue, you’ll also find two great giveaways. Cirque Du Soliel’s “Dralion” is coming to Syracuse in June and we have a pair of tickets for you to win! Visit our Facebook page, SyracuseWomanMagazine, “like” us and follow the contest link to win a pair of tickets to the big show at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6. Only one entry is necessary. The contest will close at midnight on Tuesday, May 15, and the winner will be picked at random. Also, win an incredible spa package from Turning Stone’s Skana Spa by turning to page 29, and scanning the QR code to enter. The lucky winner will be chosen on June 1. Good luck!

Recently, I had the honor of participating in the 2012 Dancing With Our Stars Syracuse on April 14 at the Oncenter. My partner, Bill Bliss, and I placed second overall with our Modern Samba routine, “Soy Latino Americano,” after only a few short weeks of practicing together. (By a few short weeks, I mean eight practices!) And hats off to my WCNY-TV colleague, Julie Taboulie, and her superb partner Tristan Reimann, for winning the crown! I had a lovely cheering section of co-workers from both the magazine and the TV station. It was a fun experience and my partner and I had a blast wowing the crowd. If you were there, you saw my finale, it was “split-ingly” surprising!

As usual, this issue contains a multitude of stories on phenomenal women in the Central New York community. You’re all following your hearts, making waves and improving our community. And so, like the wise, rushing Chicago Bear Walter Payton would have said, we are telling you that you’re great and it’s thanks to you that we have a beautiful magazine full of inspiring, professional, talented women. Here’s to you!

Farah F. JadranON OUR COVER…Cindy Bell, of Focus Studio, 900 N. Salina St. in Syracuse, shot our May cover at the Breast Health Center at Crouse Hospital. Photographed is the Crouse Breast Health Nurse Navigation Team: Mary Butler, Margaret Bottino and Laura Rose.

“When you’re good at something, you’ll tell everyone. When you’re great at something, they’ll tell you.”--Walter Payton

adVerTIse WITH us...unlike any other publication in the syracuse area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women.

each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local syracuse women.

ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication. The print magazines will be distributed locally in over 350 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month. The publication is available free of charge.

COnTACT OUR HOME OFFICE 315.434.8889 x3152501 James Street, Suite 100Syracuse, nY 13206info@syracusewomanmag.com

dOWnlOAd OUR MEdIA kIT AT www.syracusewomanmag.com

The magazine is published 10 times a year by InnovateHER Media Group, llc. and Eagle publications, 2501 James street, suite 100, syracuse, ny 13206.

Copyright © 2012 InnovateHER Media Group, llc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers. Rochester Woman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. all such submissions become the property of InnovateHer media group, llc. and will not be returned.

Unlike any other publication in the Syracuse area, our feature

Publisherskelly BreuerBarbara mcspadden

editor-in-ChiefBarbara mcspadden

editorfarah f. Jadran

Creative direCtorkelly Breuer

graPhiC designJessica Batesmelissa meritt

PhotograPhycindy Bellkelly kaneraine dufranedaniel desmaraisToni m. Horracerick policastro

Contributing Writers farah f. Jadranalyssa LafaroJean kessnerann marie stonecyphercaroline Tisdellnicole Wattscarmen e. Zafar

advertising managerdavid Tyler

advertising salesLinda Jabbour renee moonan

our Team...

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Heather Daley, of Movin’ 100.3/96.5’s morning show began a six-week self-defense challenge on April 26 at Syracuse Martial Arts Academy. The Syracuse Martial Arts Academy is located in the Sears Wing of Shoppingtown Mall. Daley took on the challenge to better educate herself on her personal safety and enhance her self-defense skills.

Although the program is underway, Heather encourages women to sign up as soon as they can and take part in as many sessions as possible. Future self-defense series will be available thourhgout the year, too. During this current six-week program, women will learn how to defend themselves with real situations and real people. Each Friday, Daley will talk about her experiences at class on the air.

This isn’t a “cookie-cutter” karate place, says the crew at the Syracuse Martial Arts Academy. The crew is geared up to teach the skills that you should remember. All techniques are practical and are skills that will be practiced on real people, not a mannequin or a punching bag. This will give participants a more realistic feel. “Become street smart and take my Self Defense class with me,” Daley says. You can sign up by visiting the Syracuse Martial Arts Academy or by calling (315) 491-3756.

HeaTHer d’s seLf-defense cHaLLenge

makIng Tracks for ceLIacs

The Syracuse Making Tracks For Celiacs takes place Saturday, May 12, at Jamesville Beach Park in Jamesville. Registration starts at 10 a.m. and the run/walk kicks off at 11 a.m. Participants can choose from a 1-mile walk or a 5k cross-country run. For every gluten-free nonperishable item you bring to donate to the Food Bank of CNY, you will receive two raffle tickets for the basket raffle. Find more information and register at www.celiacwalk.org.

Through ongoing research and clinical trials, the Center for Celiac Research is helping health care professionals to recognize Celiac Disease and helping celiac patients to better manage their symptoms.

Center scientists are developing a non-invasive test for Celiac Disease and investigating possible links between Celiac Disease and other autoimmune diseases.

With events like Making Track For Celiacs happening across the country, the affected are striving toward helping find ways to better manage the disease. The Center for Celiac Research continually works to increase public awareness about celiac disease among healthcare professionals and the public.

Through patient donations, the celiac awareness bracelet program, and events like the International Run/Walk for Celiac Disease, the center is raising money to support celiac disease research nationwide.

Etc...may moVIes...

5/25

6/1

The MIB duo of Agent Jay and Agent Kay are back in action. When the world is threatened by an evil alien, Agent Jay travels back in time to 1969, where he teams up with the younger Agent Kay to stop an evil villain named Boris from destroying the world in the future.

In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen. Starring Charlize Theron, Kristin Stewart and Chris Hemsworth.

5/11

An imprisoned vampire, Barnabas Collins, is set free and returns to his ancestral home, where his dysfunctional descendants are in need of his protection. Directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer.

5/18

Story will follow the relationships of four interconnected couples as they experience the thrills, terrors, surprises, aches and pains of preparing to embark on life’s biggest journey, parenthood. Starring Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez.

8 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

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“menu with lunch and breakfast; dinner is too complicated,” she said, adding it can really cut into the bottom line if you have to throw away lobster and steak at the end of the night. It certainly helps that Custer is by nature an early riser, waking up daily at 4 a.m. Having 35 years experience in the food industry, Custer opened Canal Walk Café in July 2006.

Her first venture, however, was when she and her husband opened Jesters (now Tassone’s Wine Garden) in 1978. “I’ve been in Baldwinsville my entire adult life as a business person.” She was also involved with the building and opening of Lock 24 and she managed the kitchen at Mohegan Manor, both Baldwinsville restaurants. Located along the canal in the village, the café attracts all types of patrons including churchgoers, business people and canal transients all who are regulars.

Canal Walk Café is located at 23 Syracuse St. in Baldwinsville, right next to the canal. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday (breakfast and lunch) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (breakfast only). For catering, call 635-3619 or visit www. canalwalkcafe.net.

simpleTWIsTs on fresH foodBy erIn WIsneskI I pHoTo By keLLy kane Fresh, simple, exquisite. These are the elements that have made Canal Walk Café a popular destination for Baldwinsville residents and visitors alike. That, and owner Dawn Custer’s culinary expertise. “I love food, I think food is the last great challenge,” Custer said.From each client, daily specials and every menu item, Custer constantly takes a fresh look at every aspect of her Baldwinsville business, which includes a catering service and a café serving breakfast and lunch. With tables and chairs that could have come from anyone’s kitchen, the restaurant gives the feel of being at home. And the décor enhances that same cozy atmosphere. “We have a ton of old eclectic things for people to look at here,” Custer said, adding she supports local artists by displaying their work on her walls. The café is also family friendly, featuring a little desk, blackboards, books and toys for visiting children.While the décor sets customers at ease, it’s the food that completes the experience and it’s a fresh, uncomplicated process. Custer arrives daily at 5:30 a.m. to set up for breakfast. She makes one or two fresh soups for the day, as well as roasting chickens and smoking turkeys fresh as needed. Before any preparations are made, however, the weather has to be considered.“I check the weather to determine what we’re doing for the day,” she said, explaining if it’s cold outside, she’ll serve something like apple oat walnut pancakes, something really hearty; and if it’s a sunny day, she’ll serve fresh tomato bruschetta omelets. This, of course, all depends on the fresh ingredients available as very few canned goods are used at Canal Walk Café. In fact, during the warmer months, the café will receive fresh produce every day. “My produce guy tells me we go through more basil than most of his Italian restaurants.” She also prides herself on making most of the food she serves from scratch such as pudding and corned beef hash. “A huge factor is health. I know exactly what is in everything I make.”When it comes down to it, though, Custer likes to keep things pretty simple. “I like to twist food, take it from here to there without being complicated,” she said with a smile. This is one of the reasons she only serves breakfast and lunch. “I think it is easy to have a creative

syracuseWomanmag.com :: may 2012 9

10 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

AUbURn217 grant ave315-255-2223bAldWInSVIllE7905 Crego Rd.315-638-2805

We all have a stylish friend that shows up in a great outfit and boasts that she found it in a thrift store or consignment shop, and we envy them because we never have that kind of luck. How does she do it?

Smart shoppers know that “thrifting” or “resale shopping” is not really new, what’s passé is the stigma that surrounds it. We’re seeing a new generation of shoppers who have a passion for fashion and eco-friendly shopping. Not only are they saving our planet, but they’re saving money. Makes “cents,” but how can we be more like our thrifty shopper friend? You’ll only need a few simple tips to get started and you’ll master “thrifting” in no time.

First things first, know ahead of time what you need or are looking for. No matter what your shopping list may consist of, it’s a better idea to come with a plan so you can avoid over-shopping. However, is that ever a bad thing? Another helpful pre-shopping plan is to create a fashion board on Pinterest and once you’re in the store pull them up on your smart phone. But do keep you mind open for something you never expected. That is the fun of thrifty shopping.

And of course, no fashion trip will be successful, unless you bring your fashionista friends with you to help scour the store and have some fun! (This might be a good time to leave the kids at home!) After you’ve combed each aisle, gather all the items you find of interest and be sure to try things

on. It might be beautiful and inexpensive, but if it doesn’t fit well it will simply be clutter in your closet. So don’t waste your money or the space.

Know your local store’s sale days. Thrifty Shopper has half-off sale days. You should try to shop frequently to discover the newest great finds. The Thrifty Shopper is always getting new merchandise, so it’s wise to make it your regular shopping stop.

Besides helping the Rescue Mission by shopping at the local Thrifty Shopper locations, you also can donate items you no longer wear or need next time you’re in the store. Every Thrifty Shopper store will accept apparel and home furnishings. When you shop at a Thrifty Shopper store, you not only get great clothes and save money, you save lives. Your purchase could mean a meal for a hungry person, a safe bed for someone sleeping outside, a change of clothes, a change of heart.

In honor of the 125th anniversary of the Syracuse Rescue Mission and its dedication to ending homelessness and hunger, Syracuse Woman Magazine will highlight future fashion tips on outfits that have been stylized using great finds at local Rescue Mission Thrifty Shopper Stores.

For more information, call (315) 453-7242 or visit www.rmlifechanging.org.

By ann marIe sTonecypHer I pHoTo By cIndy BeLL

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lIVERPOOl680 old Liverpool rd.315-451-2253nORTH SYRACUSE628 s. main st.315-701-0876

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“It happened by accident really,” explained Allison Haslam, who was recently promoted to a vice president position at Primerica in East Syracuse this past January. Before moving her way up the hierarchal job ladder at the largest private financial services company in the North America, Haslam was in love with her job as a high school chemistry teacher. So, what happened?

“I loved teaching. I thought I’d always be a teacher.” But in the summer of 2006, Allison joined Primerica part time to make a little extra cash while she was off from school. By the end of that summer, however, Allison was completely in love with not only the company, but with the interactions she experienced in working with families who needed financial assistance. “It’s not so much about the money,” said Allison. “It’s about the differences we make for our clients.”

Over the course of the next year (2006-07) Allison decided that she was going to leave her full-time teaching job and pursue a full-time career at Primerica. And in the fall of 2007, Allison attended her very first meeting with the Women’s Business Opportunities Connections. She fell in love with the culture of WBOC right away. The welcoming environment opened Allison’s eyes to the entrepreneurial spirit and encouragement she desired to make the switch into her newly chosen career path.

Just as Allison found success at Primerica and moved up the ranks to a vice presidential spot, she also made transitions in her title at WBOC. After serving on various committees at WBOC for a few years, Allison eventually took over the position of vice president of programs in 2010. Her successes there led to her nomination and eventual acceptance as vice president of the entire organization. And she hopes one day to ultimately become president.

Allison succeeds at Primerica and at WBOC because of the skills she has developed from teaching and her passion for people. Her responsibilities at Primerica involve teaching families how to become properly protected, debt free, and financially independent. “My job is to right the wrongs of the industry because a lot of people can, unfortunately, get taken advantage of in the financial world because they don’t have this basic education. I fell in love with the company way back when I first started because of that educational piece.” Primerica’s goals are not too different from those of WBOC, which strives to educate women about the opportunities and resources available to them in the business world. “The purpose of WBOC is to provide education for women in business. It’s to help them develop a network of people they can trust and that will help them get in touch with the people who can help them further their business.”

In the future, Allison would like to see growth both for herself in her job at Primerica and at WBOC. At work, she hopes to move out of the location she is currently in and open up her own Primerica office, at which she would be completely in charge. In regard to WBOC, Allison strives for membership growth. She also expects to make women more aware of the benefits and resources WBOC offers. “Serving as the vice president of WBOC is about being able to keep the organization going and giving back to the organization for what they’ve been able to do for me,” said Allison. “I would not have been able to grow my business the way I did without WBOC.”

The WBOC is a local non-profit organization that has been providing support to women and access to innovative events and workshops for 20 years. Whether running our own business, working for an employer or launching a new endeavor, women are connected through their entrepreneurial mindset. The WBOC and Syracuse Woman Magazine are exclusive partners and aim to promote each other’s missions. For information on how to become a member, visit www.wboconnection.org.

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syracuseWomanmag.com :: may 2012 15

By carmen e. Zafar

ny person who is overweight is struggling, but in a different way. He or she is looking to reach a healthy, ideal weight according to a physician’s advice. When your regular doctor informs you that you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or some form of organ failure due to being overweight, you must take action and make a change, a lifestyle change.

More than a third (35.7 percent) of adults in the United Sates are obese, and approximately 17 percent of children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 19 also are obese, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. New Yorkers are no exception with a reported 23.9-percent obesity rate as of less than two years ago. Locally, about 28.2 percent of the population in Onondaga County is battling obesity, according to the CDC. Obesity is considered a weight of 20 percent more than the normal weight for a person’s height.

When ‘diets’ and exercise don’t WorkOne local bariatric surgeon believes that besides genetics our modern society has guided many people to obesity. “The way we live in this modern society…genetics haven’t changed but our environment has changed a lot more,” said Dr. Bill Graber, a bariatric surgeon affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. “We get obese from our environment. We drive a lot, work inside buildings, there’s so much food around that we tend to eat when we’re not hungry.” Think about how many work functions or family functions you attend that are dominated by eating, and eating unhealthy foods, no less. Graber says the types of foods we eat are key to the lifestyle we want. Eating “real food” is something Graber and his associates firmly believe in. What’s a real food? “Anything without a label, something that grows on a tree or can be picked from the ground and has a root,” according to Graber.

Graber calls these powerful tools the key to satisfying an appetite but not overeating. While he suggests looking carefully at the labels and the processed foods we take in, this doesn’t mean you cannot have a meal at your favorite restaurant every now and then. Being conscious of what we eat is what saves us from putting on extra, unnecessary weight. “We see many patients that don’t follow a regimen at all. They have tried tons of diets and sometimes exercise just doesn’t work.” He says diets don’t work for some people because they have a hard time following it because of a work schedule or cannot afford to stay on the food plan. In addition, many bariatric surgery candidates that he sees don’t exercise enough, again, because of their work schedules or family commitments. Every person is different. Some people can mange to follow a diet or fit in exercise no matter how busy he or she is, however, Graber says it comes down to the psychological strength of the person. “Everyone tries something, memberships or taking walks…just cannot get enough exercise in on a modern day,” Graber says. Typically, a patient of his will get on a 1,000-calorie diet but still be hungry and eat more, and also they won’t have enough time to exercise. “Now you’re eating more calories than you’re burning. A food and exercise diary makes things real…you see it. You’re more cognizant.”

Making the Lifestyle ChangeApproaching her one-year anniversary of undergoing bariatric surgery on May 19, 2012, Judy Flynn, 52, of Syracuse, says this was her chance. “I decided I needed to change my life,” Flynn said, who was 51 years old on the day of her surgery. She stood 5-feet 2-inches and weighed 240 pounds on May 19, 2011. Since then she has lost 105 pounds and has reached the healthy, ideal weight for her height.

“I feel great,” she says. “And I have so much energy.” Flynn, a registered nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital, said she kept seeing post-op patients on her rounds who just underwent bariatric surgery and she would always talk to them about their experience. As a member of the medical community, Flynn knew she was unhealthy. Fifteen years ago, she was diagnosed with diabetes and experiencing kidney problems. She knew this was brought on by her unhealthy weight. “At work I would always see people dealing with horrible things (such as amputation) because of their diabetes. I didn’t want to be there in 10 years.” Now, she has “felt great for a year” and says this was an important change in her life. “Getting under control is wonderful.”

Bariatric surgery was not her first choice. Accoring to Flynn, she tried it all. “I have lost significant amounts of weight in my adult life,” Flynn said. The first time was when she was in her mid-30s and decided to follow the Weight Watchers regimen and lost 70 pounds. Within a year she gained the weight back and a few more pounds on top of that. At age 45, she got on the L.A. Weight Loss plan and lost 80 pounds. What happened after this big loss? The first occurrence was repeated and she gained all 80 pounds back and a few more. “I just didn’t know how to maintain it moving forward.”

During the last two years, she decided to put herself first. “If you’re even considering the surgery, go to a support group,” she advises. “You can just listen. There are real people that have gone through it, and family members of people who have gone through it as well.”

Flynn went to a consultation at Dr. Graber’s office in February of 2011, and she said that and her support group were two of the best resources she had on this important life decision.

Besides preparing for her surgery, she found out why she ate the way she did. She has struggled with her weight her whole life. “I found out that this

part of the country is not great in the winter, it seems to depress me and I eat comfort food,” she said. “There’s some genetics with being overweight in my family, but this was more of an eating issue. I would eat when I was happy but then became unhappy that I gained more weight. It was a vicious cycle.”

Flynn says that although she may look different now, it’s the way she feels that is most important. “The reason why we do it is for health reasons,” Flynn said. “We need to get healthier. You look better, but this is not a cosmetic procedure, it’s a medical procedure.” Even after surgery, there is work to be done. Like Flynn, staying conscious of what you eat and how often or how vigorously you exercise is vital. Now that Flynn has rid her body of ailments like swollen joints brought on by supporting too much weight, she is a runner, and proud of it.

The planEven a year out of surgery, with strong signs of success, there is still work to be done. Dr. Graber suggests continuing the diary for both exercise and food, but also, a post surgery client must have a strong everyday support system. Whether this is family, friends or a support group, this system must work to follow a positive example as well. “The family needs to get involved,” Graber said. “Eating potato chips in front of someone who shouldn’t be eating them, is not helping them. Everyone needs to be on the same page.”

More information on Dr. Graber’s practice and bariatric support groups can be found at www.drgrabermd.com. Graber says if surgery doesn’t work, then the patient should go back and work with him and nutritionists to figure out the next step.

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16 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

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1IT WORkS!The It Works! The Ultimate body Applicator is the site-specific body contouring treatment that has been in the hands of celebrities at Hollywood events and at the doorsteps of people like you all over the world, exclusively available through It Works! Global. The applicator works in just three steps to help tighten, tone and firm your body. It’s “a new you in just 45 minutes”.

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SHEPHERd’S FRIEnd HAnd CREMEShepherd’s Friend Hand Creme is made right here on the farm in Brookfield. It is formulated for the hardworking farmer, fiber artist, gardener, potter, and crafter. It’s thick, creamy, and will coat and protect your skin while healing and moisturizing your hands, elbows, heels and other crusty spots. Without making any medical claims, the farm’s creme producer has been told Shepherd’s Friend creme makes bug bites and scratches disappear while healing those cracks and torn cuticles. Ingredients include, Shea butter, beeswax, borax, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, essential oil of lavender and Vitamin E.

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super finds for

syracuseWomanmag.com :: may 2012 17

Heather Hay Co-Founder and AssociateHall & Hay Consulting Associates, LLPGrief and Loss Education Specialists

Dr. Heather Hay had the chance

to step into entrepreneurship

with a longtime friend and

colleague: Dr. Cadmona Hall. After

conducting a daylong workshop on

Grief and Loss while in Syracuse,

they realized they shared the same

passion for supporting health and

healing through professional grief

and loss education. Rather than go

their separate ways, they decided

to make their passion their career

and to embark on that adventure

together. Dr. Hay states that having

a partner made starting a venture

less intimidating. “Before working

together, we had already grown

a beautiful friendship, knew we

balanced each other well, and

were each other’s support system,”

she says.

H&H Consulting was born in 2010,

and the two associates have already

established paying contracts and

have even lectured internationally.

H&H Consulting is unique in more

ways than one: the business serves

an almost unmet need, and the two

partners actually live over 600 miles

apart. Dr. Hay is a Family Therapist

in Syracuse, while Dr. Hall is an

Assistant Professor at the Adler

School of Professional Psychology in

Chicago. Hay notes that being apart

makes them even more disciplined

about their engagements. “We

schedule a weekly phone call during

which we assign tasks and establish

our goals and objectives for the

week,” notes Hay. “It keeps us

on track.”

Dr. Hay and Dr. Hall are living

proof that a business can thrive no

matter what the challenges. They

are a perfect example of a great

collaboration and illustrate

how passion and dedication

can bear fruit!

wise words of wisdom…

Featured entrepreneur

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WISE Living the Dream Cindy Bell WHEN: May 2, 5:30 – 7:00PMWHERE: Cindy Bell PhotographyHow do women start and grow their businesses? Find out by visiting the studio of the Syracuse Woman Magazine photographer!

GPS of Building a Business; Getting to YES at the Bank WHEN: May 1, 5:30PM – 7:00PMWHERE: Milton Room, Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University This series, led by area experts, will give you the tips on banking relationships, building and setting up your business financial plan.

“There will be roadblocks. You will be frustrated. Keep the faith, surround yourself with a great support system, and you will succeed.” –Heather Hay

Women’s Roundtable DiscussionsWHEN: May 10, 5:30 – 7:00PM, Ultimate VersionWHERE: WISE Women’s Business CenterAs a woman in business, you value the support of other women. Talk out the challenges with 10 other women over lunch!

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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Small Business Administration.Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. Call (315) 443-8634.

A PROGRAM OF THE FALCONE CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

Dr. Cadmona HallDr. Cadmona Hall

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syracuseWomanmag.com :: may 2012 21

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By Jean kessner

At the end of this year’s June 3 AIDS Walk/Run, if the $220,000 goal is reached, the event will have raised more than $2 million since its beginning in 1993. That is a huge number by any measure, but particularly to AIDS Community Resources’ Development Director Carrie Large. “In 1993, the AIDS Walk/Run raised $32,000,” Large said. “It was amazing then, especially at a time when AIDS was feared. But then as now, our goals are our community’s goals and they back us 100 percent. They amaze me.”

Twenty years ago at the time of the first AIDS Walk/Run, AIDS Community Resources (ACR) was a small agency with a big job: take care of those infected with and affected by HIV in a 10,000-square-mile territory. The original AIDS Walk/Run was set up to help do that: to raise money for emergency services for those dying of AIDS, and to fund the ACR’s fledgling Teen AIDS Task Force whose mission was to prevent the spread of the deadly HIV virus to the next generation.

In 1993, a student intern from Syracuse University, in conjunction with ACR’s then prevention director, put together a high school based initiative they loosely modeled after Students Against Drunk Driving. They christened it the Teen AIDS Task Force (TATF) and set out to provide frank comprehensive abstinence based (vs. abstinence only) information and interventions designed to lead to behavior change. TATF coordinators would meet with a select group of students on a monthly basis to cover HIV/STD basics and other issues like drug and alcohol abuse, sexual and domestic violence, decision making, and peer pressure along with leadership skills development.

ACR Executive Director Michael Crinnin has noted the difficult intervention of establishing a strong presence in the schools. Crinnin says it’s important to create a successful presence and program for youth.

Establishing a presence in schools, especially with an initiative that includes the dissemination of explicit sexual information, is not for the fainthearted. “Especially during the inaugural days,” Crinnin said. “It was not unusual to be met with ‘bible-in-hand’ adults accusing us of having a ‘homosexual agenda’. It was never boring.”

Twenty years into it, the Teen AIDS Task Force program has expanded dramatically: TATF has chapters in high schools, middle schools, after school programs, alternative to school programs, inpatient facilities, church sponsored groups, and LGBTQ youth support groups. In schools where ACR has not been able to establish a chapter we are routinely asked to conduct multiple health classes.

Today TATF members of every chapter raise money and participate in the AIDS Walk/Run, which is still the primary funding source of TATF chapters in Central New York. The participants are joined by hundred of others, who come year after year. Among them are children, parents, running enthusiasts, some attend to remember a loved one lost to AIDS, who share stories tinged with sadness. At the same time, these stories are buoyed by hope that through education, outreach, open minds and open generosity, new HIV/STD infections will fade, and young people will no longer be left with a life short-lived and short-changed by HIV.

Join ACR at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 3, at Beaver lake Nature Center for the 20th Annual AIDS Walk/Run. Call 475-2430 for more information or sign up online at www.AIDSwalkCNY.com. Be sure to attend and witness ACR fundraising beyond $2 million. Jean Kessner is the head of media and community relations for AIDS Community Resources.

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By aLyssa Lafaro

Running a half marathon is challenging. It requires at least three months of training, two pairs of new sneakers, and if you’re anything like me, lots and lots of ice for your knees. Imagine running a half-marathon (yes, that’s 13.1 miles, folks), but you also have to swim 1.2 miles and bike 56 miles prior to that half-marathon. That is what it takes to complete the Ironman 70.3 in Syracuse. Competitors will take the line on June 24.

The race director, Ken Hammond, is exuberant for this year’s competition, which offers a new course, new weather conditions (for the past two years the race was in September), and new opportunities for athletes to use the race in preparation for the July Ironman in Lake Placid. This race will also provide more chances for professional athletes to attend the world championships in Las Vegas. “We increased slot allocations,” explained Ken. “Last year, we gave away 50 slots to qualify athletes to go to the world championships in Las Vegas. We now offer 100 slots for athletes to qualify for Vegas. We’re the only East Coast race that has 100 slots.”

The race’s largest sponsor this year is Fleet Feet Sports, which promotes the Ironman 70.3 in many ways, especially through email blasts that are sent out to about 20,000 people and through promotions on their in-store televisions. “Fleet Feet held a panel to discuss how to prepare for the Ironman 70.3 and things of that nature,” Ken elaborated. “They also have a big volunteer group that comes out to help out with the race.”

Mary Beth Romagnoli, an employee at Fleet Feet and past participant in the Ironman 70.3 Syracuse, encourages women to get involved with the race. Since she has spent a lot of time training for and competing in triathlons in the past, she is more than qualified to hand out advice to new athletes. “There are a lot of women in the over 50 level that didn’t benefit from Title IX in sports,” stressed Mary Beth. “There are women that come in and say, ‘I’ve never put my face in the water.’ And they are going to go out and do a triathlon.” Mary Beth loves to let women pick her brain. “They get their feet wet, and they get the bug and the confidence to finish,” she said.

In terms of training for the race, Mary Beth advises that the most important thing is to have a plan. Women, especially, have to realize how much time it takes to train for a triathlon, calculating in all the other activities that deal with their role as mother, wife, and employee. “I have teenage boys who have sporting events, so I’ll get up and ride at 4:30 a.m. That way I get my training in then without bothering anyone else,” explained Mary Beth.

Brendan Jackson, the director of triathlon training programs at Fleet Feet Sports, encourages beginners to start small, first running a sprint triathlon distance (on average a .47 mile swim, 12.4 mile bike, 3.1 mile run). Then he transitions athletes into an Olympic distance, which is about double the sprint. “One of the things we look at,” explained Brendan, “is we like to assess and see what level people are at and where they can progress.” Many beginners have experience in one or two of the sports involved with a triathlon, so the main focus for the triathlon is truly athlete-specific. Some need to spend more time in the water, while others need to log more miles on the bike.

Lastly, Brendan recommends getting out on the actual course a few times so you know what you’re up against. “I think it’s helpful for people to see what they will be racing on and with that level of confidence,” explained Brendan. He does not recommend, however, repetitively running the course. You need variety. “I’m a huge believer that variety is the spice of life,” he said.

For more informaiton on the Ironman 70.3, visit www.ironmansyracuse.com or visit your local Fleet Feet location at 5800 Bridge St. in East Syracuse.

By nIcoLe WaTTs I pHoTo By raIne dufrane

The air had that warm twinge to it that breathes spring into a weary winter. As a friend and I sipped coffee outside a café on North Salina Street, the image that is embossed on my mind rose to the surface yet again. It’s an image of a procession of people adorned in unique clothing, bearing rich ethnic heritage of places I have never seen mixed in with other Americans. On the sidelines of the street there are bystanders, some casually noticing and others drawn in with intrigue. The delight is contagious, causing people to respond to the beckoning and join us.

That is Hopeprint. It’s a collection of people from all different walks of life, namely resettled refugees and American citizens, journeying together in an effort to leave a mark of hope on one another’s lives. We like to call ourselves a family, a place filled with friends and rich relationships. While you will find us out in the community, the core of who we are and what we do is the Hopeprint Home, a residential home which also serves as a community gathering place.

Programs such as ESL Conversation Groups, preparation for U.S. citizenship, job skills training, children and youth programming, and our College/Vocational School tutoring all seek to empower our community to be all that we can be. They also serve as a platform on which more meaningful, lasting relationships can be born, believing that these relationships are the key to true life transformation.

It all began when I first ventured off the highway via unusual exits and drove the unfamiliar streets of Syracuse’s Northside. I met and befriended a number of resettled refugees from Rwanda, Iraq, Burma, Bhutan and other nations, walking alongside them in their transition to life in the United States. As I did, I learned that in that year alone, Syracuse had welcomed more than 1,000 refugees to make a new home here, adding to the thousands that already are our neighbors. After months of commuting into their neighborhood, I knew it was time to make the move to make their community my own. Soon after, me and four others relocated from the suburbs into the heart of Syracuse’s Northside where we have lived since September 2010.

That decision served as an inciting incident in my life – “The thing that happens to throw your character into their story…into the discomfort and the fear, otherwise the story will never happen,” (Donald Miller, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years). Every moment since, I have had the incredible pleasure of living the best chapter of my life, and watching others do the same as they join the procession of peoples of many nations dreaming of a better story, one that will make a difference.

Each day as I drive the streets of our community, I thank my God that I can live life in this place and have these precious people to call friends. All the things I thought I knew about those who are overcomers of war and trauma, as well as those who have a heritage of urban life, continue to be shaken and re-defined. Within each of us there is a Hopeprint, a unique way that we can leave a mark of hope on the world. As we walk alongside one another in this procession, leaving our own Hopeprints and being marked by others, this image of contagious hope seems to have color breathed into it…a culturally diverse community which offering safety, hope and opportunity to its members, and re-envisioning Syracuse for its possibilities.

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hat inspired me is I saw a picture of a man in a magazine called Chi,” said 82-year-old Jacqueline Belfort-Chalat, member of the Syracuse chapter Taoist Tai Chi Society. “He was leaping over a stone wall with a sword, and he was described as a practitioner and master of tai chi. And he was 108 years old. I thought, ‘That’s for me.’”Laughter filled the room at the tai chi studio in Eastwood, as each member of the group shared his or her story about getting involved with tai chi and the benefits they each received in the process. Tom Wahl, president of the Syracuse chapter, explained that tai chi is often referred to as a “walking meditation,” as it helps reduce stress and strengthens the body’s core. “It’s slow motion, and it adapts to anybody,” said Tom. “If you have a disability or an infirmity we work around that.”

And it really is for everyone. The group has a wide range of ages that practice tai chi. The oldest member is 98, and the youngest is in her early 20s. Members also range in experience. Jacqueline, for instance, has been practicing tai chi for about 20 years, while Diane Rodger, another member, has been practicing for four years. “Everybody comes in with their health stories. It’s like being in a clinic waiting for the doctor. You find out the best stuff in here,” joked Diane. Michelle Brisson, who’s been practicing tai chi for the past two years, noted that tai chi is not only good for a variety of health levels, but it is very accommodating for women. “One of the places where I think tai chi is ahead of the curve is understanding men and women’s physiology and how tai chi can benefit men and women by slightly adjusting the moves,” she explained. And it’s true. Tai chi molds itself for each individual woman in a way other sports, perhaps those inhibited by the pre-Title IX era, do not. Even women who are pregnant can do tai chi by adjusting their movements slightly. It’s also beneficial to practice when going through menopause, as it helps calm your emotions. “It far exceeds your standard western understanding, I believe, of women’s health,” said Michelle. What really makes this group of tai chi practitioners unique is the social aspect, which plays a large role in the group’s dynamic. “I think the word society really is a meaningful part of the name of the organization,” said Jacqueline. There’s always a traditional Chinese banquet when each new group of practitioners completes the 12-week beginner’s class. “One of the ancient objectives of the society is cultural exchange,” explained Steve Hohm, head instructor. For those who cannot always afford the luxuries of a banquet, the group also holds several potlucks right in the studio. “Everyone just brings a dish to pass and comes in to enjoy the company,” explained Michelle.

Founded in 1970, Master Moy Lin-Shin created the 108 steps, which have names like “White Stork Spreads Wings” and “Carry Tiger to Mountain,” of tai chi as a way for people to restore and maintain their health. He also made sure to prevent Tai Chi from becoming a competitive sport. “He didn’t want the competitiveness,” explained Steve. “This was an idea for improving your health. It’s a gateway. Once you have your health, it opens up the possibilities for anything else and everything else.” There are no trophies in tai chi. There is, however, laughter, family, and lots and lots of food, but definitely no inhibitions, no impossibilities, and no trophies.

By aLyssa Lafaro I pHoTo By raIne dufrane

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30 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com Mary Butler, Navigation Team Member

Crouse bREAST HEAlTH navigation Team:

syracuseWomanmag.com :: may 2012 31Mary Butler, Navigation Team Member

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By faraH f. Jadran I pHoTograpHy By cIndy BeLLAs women, we are constantly reminded about specific aspects of our health. There are messages everywhere. We’ve been told to keep an eye on “our numbers” to keep heart disease in check, to screen regularly for HPV or to listen closely to those “silent whispers” of ovarian cancer. The most prominent symbol among all health reminders, without a doubt, is that pink ribbon. It’s unmistakable and hard to miss. It’s breast cancer, but what does this really mean? It might be a disease that has affected millions of women (and even some men) but what do we as women really know about it? Do we absolutely know how to do a self-exam on our breasts? Do we know what “normal” really is when it comes to breast health? Lastly, when do we truly know (and admit) that we need help?

If your answers varied to those questions, it’s OK. While we may tend to be caregivers and put others first, it also is important to put our personal health in perspective. Since our selfless acts come first, where do we turn for guidance when something about our breast health just isn’t right? One strong crew that comes to mind in the Central New York community is the Breast Health Navigation Team at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse.

THe Team & ITs eXperTIseCrouse’s Breast Health Center has created a trio of breast patient nurse navigators. Their title means exactly that. They are three women you will meet if indeed breast cancer is your diagnosis. They’re going to be there every step of the way, and will be available to meet with any woman that has any questions or concerns about her breast health care.

The team members, Mary Butler, Margaret Bottino and Laura Rose, are certified radiology nurses specializing in mammography. They’re certified to perform Clinical Breast Examinations on any woman that requests an examination. “We are called to attend to any woman that has an abnormal mammogram or ultrasound examination,” Mary said. “We explain to them what the concern is and what the next step is that the radiologist has recommended.” From there, the team notifies the physician of the results and sets up an appointment for further imaging procedures, biopsy or office visit with a surgeon. “Most important as a navigator we reassure the woman that we will be there with them for each step it takes to resolve the issue,” Mary said.

Foremost, the team’s commitment is to treat each woman as an individual with specific needs and concerns related to her own life. “We literally stand right next to them during their biopsies,” Mary said. “We offer our hands for them to hold for support throughout the entire procedure.”

mary BuTLerFor 14 years, Mary worked in Crouse’s Medical Imaging Department as a radiology nurse, and then she worked for the radiologists in their private offices for 13 years. As a radiology nurse, she had many personal patient experiences because she was associated with the Mammography Follow Up Program. This

program is mandated to insure every person having a mammogram is notified of the results and receives the necessary follow up. Mary came to the Crouse Breast Health Center four years ago. It was then that Butler began performing MRI breast biopsies, clinical breast examinations and her nurse navigating roles were expanded. “We have established working relationships with primary care physicians, surgeons, oncologists and pathologists,” Mary said. “This allows us as navigators to further individualize the care for each woman and create a partnership between the woman and the health care team.”

As a breast patient nurse navigator, Mary is a part of an important process many women must unfortunately experience. “We do get to see these women on a continuing basis,” Mary said. “One of the goals of a breast health center is to see a woman when they come back every year for their mammogram following their breast cancer treatment.” The attention to post breast cancer treatment is extremely crucial to future breast cancer health. Working so closely with her fellow navigators and the women they serve has made Mary appreciate the powerful relationships that have been created through something as daunting as breast cancer. “It is an honor to work with a group of people who are all so aware and dedicated to the cause of helping woman achieve the best breast health care,” Mary said. “Everyone is always willing to take the time to stop and listen to concerns.”

Although breast cancer has not touched her or her relatives, there are multiple cancers that are prevalent in her family. “Having been personally involved with family members and friends experiencing many types of cancers I am able to relate to the initial uncertainty and stress involved with this diagnosis.” This has helped her to stay focused on the most important part of care, which is sincerity. Mary lives in Syracuse with her husband and two children.

margareT BoTTInoSince 1975, Margaret has been a practicing registered nurse at Crouse Hospital. She has worked in several avenues of health including the Neuro Surgical and Cardio Pulmonary ICU where she spent five years. She also worked for Dr. John Gullo’s oncology practice where she assisted in his office with patients receiving chemotherapy treatments and following their post infusion care. Margaret has also been a member of the Crouse IV team. In 1982, she became the second Interventional Radiology Nurse at Crouse Hospital working alongside her now fellow navigator Mary Butler.

In 2000, a position for a Registered Nurse Case Manager in the Breast Center became available. Margaret took this position and has since been involved in changing and updating this role as breast technology has evolved. Women’s needs also have changed based on new procedures. With this evolution the title of this position has changed to breast patient nurse navigator. Margaret calls the navigation crew a “dynamic team” for evident reasons. “Each navigator on our team is capable of performing exams and teaching the skills involved with breast self exam and breast awareness,” she said. “We are called to interact with any woman (or man) who has questions regarding breast health, an abnormal mammogram or ultrasound or a lump.”

Your support & guide through it allCrouse bREAST HEAlTH navigation Team:

32 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

Through this entire progression (of navigation) Margaret says the team offers constant support for all. “We will be there to support, educate and offer a hand for comfort. Our team is committed to giving care to each patient as an individual.” The team allows time for support during pre procedure interviews for patient and family, standing by the patient’s side, offering a hand or a gentle touch during the procedure, according to Margaret. “Our team has an established relationship between primary care physicians, surgeons, radiologists and oncologists that allow us to ‘customize’ the follow up care needed for each patient.” Because Margaret and her associates become heavily involved with the families of women battling breast cancer, she says there have been countless memorable moments. It means the world to her when a patient says, “Thank you for taking the time to teach me and help me understand what I am feeling for when I check my

breasts.” As well, Margaret says the hugs given, tears shed and support shared and the friends made along the journey make every day at Crouse memorable. Her teammates also make each day memorable. “It is an honor to work with a group of caring professionals that are committed to the cause of breast health care,” she said. “We are all willing to stop, listen and care.”

It isn’t just a career. It’s also personal for Margaret, who recently lost a long-time friend to breast cancer. “This very personal experience has made my commitment to this team’s goal even more important to me.” Margaret lives in Liverpool wither her husband and daughter.

Laura roseLaura has been a registered nurse at Crouse for 11 years and has been a part of the Breast Health Center since January of 2011. Prior to joining the Breast Health Center, she worked in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. She has had a long-term relationship with Crouse as she earned her RN from the Crouse Hospital School of Nursing in 2002. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Roberts Wesleyan College in 2006. A year ago she became a certified clinical breast examiner and this year, she obtained her certification as a breast

patient nurse navigator.

Her role on the team is the same as both Mary and Margaret. She says each member will meet with any woman who has a breast concern, such as a lump or pain or an abnormal mammogram or ultrasound. “This allows us to explain what the radiologist has recommended and answer any and all questions a patient or her family may have.” She says that working closely with the patient’s referring physician and ensuring they are notified of all mammogram results is very important to the process. “We are able to arrange the necessary follow up appointments for the patient such as a biopsy or an appointment with a surgeon,” Laura said. “Following the biopsy, we confirm that the patient’s attending physician is aware of the results and we also make certain that the patient is notified of her results in a timely manner, hoping to alleviate some of the stress that goes with ‘not knowing.’”

Laura says that as a nurse navigator, she is physically in the room with each woman while she is having her biopsy and offers continuous support throughout not only the biopsy but in the days and weeks that follow. “Each member of the team is fully committed to each patient that comes through our door,” she said. “Because we have worked to establish close relationships with attending physicians and other important members of the healthcare team, we are able to guide these women through whatever the next step for them may be.”

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Margaret Bottino, Navigation Team Member

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Because early detection is an important factor in breast cancer survival, it is important for each woman to be aware of her own breasts so that she can detect changes, Laura explains. This personal interaction, both physically and emotionally, has shown Laura that her job is more than just a job. “Just as we touch the lives of our patients, they touch our lives as well,” she said. “Just being able to comfort a woman during her biopsy and hearing her say ‘thank you’ after it is done, or being there when someone hears they have cancer are memorable moments that we are fortunate to be a part of in the lives of these women.” According to Laura, being there when a woman receives unfortunate news is important for a variety of reasons.

Breast cancer touched Laura personally when her mother was diagnosed two years ago while other family members have also endured various types of cancer. “I know all too well that both patients and family members have countless questions when a diagnosis is given. Hearing the word ‘cancer’ can elicit such a wide range of emotions and it affects so much more than just the patient,” she said. “Knowing that as a nurse navigator, I am able to take some of that stress, confusion and fear away from a patient or a family member is invaluable to me.” Laura resides in Camillus with her husband and daughter.

a creW WITH a commITmenTThe memorable moments are when a woman is about to leave after a biopsy and she says, “I could not have done this without you. You helped me get through this. Thank you.” This is the recognition that the breast health navigation team has achieved. “The most important aspect of navigating; being there to hold a hand, give a hug or shed a tear with these women,” said Mary Butler. “Crouse Breast Health Center is a committed team of radiologists, dedicated exclusively to interpreting breast images, radiological technologists, registered in mammography, and three certified nurse navigators.” Margaret Bottino says that it’s always a constant hope that each cancer patient is “cured” and that the team can help her maintain her breast health with a self exam, clinical breast exam, mammograms or an MRI if indicated.

“We encourage all women to maintain vigilance in their breast health care and to be proactive in this routine,” Margaret said. “As stated before, we are here to help guide and partake in any needed steps of their care.” This mission does not cease to go ignored by others leading the way in breast health at Crouse. Dr. Stephen Montgomery, director of Breast Imaging at the Crouse Breast Health Center encourages “women to select where they have their mammograms based not on mere convenience, but on the skill and expertise of the radiologists and clinical staff.” Finding the resources and support needed during a battle with breast cancer can be crucial to the effectiveness and outcome of treatment. If you have questions, the breast health navigation team has answers. And if you need reassurance, a hug or just someone to talk to about your diagnosis…yes, they can provide that, too.

3 STEPS TO bREAST HEAlTH CAREYou should follow these three simple tips throughout your life:

1. Annual mammograms should start by age 40, or younger if you have a high-risk assessment

2. Get an annual clinical breast exam.

3. Maintain self breast awareness. Know how your breasts normally look and feel, and look into any abnormalities.

Margaret Bottino, Navigation Team Member

Laura Rose, Navigation Team Member

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36 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

Cardiovascular disease remains the No.1 cause of death in both men and women despite all advances in technology. Coronary artery disease (CAD) kills more women than all cancers combined. Yet less than10 percent of women recognize heart disease as a main cause of death. So what can women do to protect themselves from this killer? There are many gender differences that exist between men and women surrounding identification and management of heart disease. In many cases, when women enter the workforce they continue to perform many of their previous responsibilities, including caring for family members, tending to household duties and managing their children’s school and extracurricular activities. This leaves little time to maintain a heart healthy way of life and has, in fact, led many women to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Women need to become more proactive in primary and secondary prevention of cardiac disease. The American Heart Association began its five-year “Red Dress” campaign  to spread awareness heart disease in women. Despite media attention to this problem, women still don’t believe that they can die from a myocardial infarction.  The highest risk groups tend to be African American women and Hispanic women.  This has been thought to be related to co-morbid states and lack of medical follow up. Women also

present with atypical anginal symptoms such as back pain, abdominal pain, jaw pain, fatigue, heartburn, body aches and sudden onset of weakness.  So what can women do? Providers need to educate patients and patients need to educate themselves. Women should understand and know their risk factors. They should start by instituting weight loss goals which are attainable. Exercise at least three to four times per week on a regular basis and pick an exercise that is convenient, affordable and that they like. If you have a friend or partner to exercise with, you are much more likely to stick with your exercise program.  Become knowledgeable about your cholesterol profile and glucose levels and what your optimal goal should be. 

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syracuseWomanmag.com :: may 2012 39

syracuse women

By caroLIne TIsdeLL I pHoTo By keLLy kane

Humbling and rewarding experiences have led Lisa Smith to devote the past 15 years to the American Cancer Society. She didn’t hesitate to make ACS her professional home once she experienced the power of people fighting cancer…fighting for their lives.

The ACS is an organization that gives tremendous support as well as hope to millions of people who are fighting cancer. “It’s not about the millions of people we help, its about that one person who calls our 800 number in the middle of the night breaking down for the first time because they don’t have to pretend to be brave while their spouse sleeps,” said Smith. The ACS reaches out to many people who need to be reassured that there is still hope. “It’s about that one person who gets a free wig or a ride to treatment or who enters a clinical trial their doctor didn’t know about.”

Smith has held the position as regional vice president for the last 12 years. This position allows her to oversee everything the organization does. She is involved with raising money, advocating for policy change, educating the community on staying healthy, and promoting their screening guidelines. But most importantly she offers support and services to cancer patients and their families. “I supervise 20 people and feel my most important role is to create a positive supportive environment for staff to be successful and do their best work.”

Volunteers, staff and community partners of the ACS worked vigorously to educate the public and their elected officials on the health risks associated with exposure to second hand smoke and the benefits of creating a smoke free environment. Everyone involved with ACS was ecstatic to see that since the passage of the New York State Clean Indoor Air Law in 2003. Since then, the adult smoking rate in New York state has dropped from 22 percent to 16 percent.

The ACS labels cancer survivors as their VIPs. These VIPs who have battled cancer inspire and motivate everyone that is involved with the organization. Many cancer patients have touched Smith’s life through their bravery, perseverance, and grace. However, there is one memory Smith has held close to her heart. She encountered a mother whose daughter was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. The mother had already lost her sister to this disease but she knew that she had to be strong and fearless because she had to take care of her daughter and grandchildren. Within six months the mother found out that she, too, had breast cancer. It was because of this woman’s courage and persistence that both were able to conquer this difficult time. Today, both mother and daughter are VIPs for their strength in beating cancer. The mother became a volunteer patient navigator for the organization where she meets patients in treatment centers and offers them support and services that helped her and her daughter.

“This is one of many great stories of people I have met,” Smith said. “But sometimes the stories don’t end as well, sometimes all we do isn’t enough, sometimes the best science has to offer isn’t enough.”

LIsa smITHRegional Vice President, American cancer society

Inspire

(continued on page 42)

By aLyssa Lafaro I pHoTo By cIndy BeLL

“I’ve always found the heart cool,” explained Dr. Uzma Iqbal, a cardiologist at St. Joseph’s Hospital. “I’m so nerdy.”

Since she was in medical school, Iqbal has dedicated her time to researching the differences between men and women in regard to heart disease. “One in three women will have heart disease at some point. One in four dies of a heart attack,” a scary thought for women, explained Iqbal. She went to medical school at Aga Kahn University in Pakistan. After finishing, she came to the States to complete her residency, as well as a cardiology fellowship at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Upon finishing her training in 2004, Iqbal took the cardiologist job at St. Joseph’s Hospital and is now in her eighth year at SJH.

Because heart disease is the number one killer of women, Iqbal is driven to do her job and do it well. “Your body is what you put into it,” explained Iqbal, who stresses healthy eating for all her patients. But what cardiologists have to realize, said Iqbal, is how different women are from men. Our bodies go through all sorts of changes from birth to old age: menstruation, childbirth, and menopause. Plus, women are more emotional and experience more stress than men. It’s just in our nature, she said. For example, “Broken Heart Syndrome,” which presents itself like a heart attack (no blockages are actually there), occurs in older women who have, typically, lost a loved one due to death. To spread her desire for more research and her concern for heart disease in women, Iqbal joined the local board of the American Heart Association. “Working for the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women has been my driving force the past few years,” she said.

Iqbal is thrilled that SJH has decided to take part in the Go Red for Women’s BetterU Program. Ten women will be chosen to participate in the 12-week program. “They will have a baseline checkup, which will include blood work, their vital signs will be taken, blood pressure and pulse, and we will check them for things like cholesterol, diabetes.” Once the results of testing are ready, healthcare providers will sit down with each woman and explain what their numbers are and what they need to do to get healthier. During the 12 weeks, each woman will follow her own diet and exercise routine. “And after those 12 weeks we will recheck everything and see how they’ve done, whether their blood pressures have come down or were able to bring their blood sugars down, whether it’s inches lost or able to bring their BMI down to where it should be,” Iqbal explained.

Iqbal hopes the program will raise awareness among females. Women need to learn about the risk factors, she said, because “if you control your risk factors you can reduce your chance of having heart disease.” The program’s purpose is to show this: That regular people, regular women, can change their health in just 12 weeks. Iqbal recommends that all her female patients work toward a healthy and balanced lifestyle in terms of diet, exercise, and decompression. The first two are obvious, eat your fruits and vegetables and try to exercise 30 minutes (continued on page 42)

“I ’ve just been very lucky. I have really good mentors. ”

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40 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

By aLyssa Lafaro I pHoTo By cIndy BeLL

You’ve had an awful day at work, and you’re on your way home, convinced there is no way it will end with a smile. All of a sudden, a familiar song comes on the radio. You can’t help but dance in your seat and scream the lyrics at the top of your lungs, unconcerned with the staring, laughing man sitting at the stoplight next to you. Music is better than therapy, or perhaps, music is a form of therapy.

Clare Arezina is the music therapist at the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse. Every day, she strolls through the hallways of the hospital with a guitar strapped around her chest, pushing her cart full of colorfully painted drums, shiny silver bells, and a plethora of other noisemakers. “The reason that music therapy works as an intervention is because people like music and want to engage in it. Because it does feel good,” Arezina explained. “Your brain likes it.”

She decides when a child needs music therapy by assessing not only the child’s strengths and needs, but how those needs can be transformed into strengths. She also works off a formula she’s created in making the decision. When children are between the ages of six months and seven years they have a higher priority and need for music therapy. It is also a priority when families are not able to stay with children, for children with chronic illnesses, and for children who have been through high-trauma accidents or situations. “There’s a bunch of factors I look for.”

Music therapy became a part of Arezina’s life long before she attended college for it. From the time she was in middle school to the start of college, she volunteered at a camp for children and adults with special needs. Originally, Arezina believed she wanted to be a special education teacher because she really enjoyed working with the children at the camp. But one day, a music therapist came to visit. “Kids were using language, kids were moving, kids were happy in a way I hadn’t really seen outside of a music experience,” explained Arezina. “It was like the band and choir and instrument lessons and everything I had been doing my whole life suddenly made sense. I knew this is what I wanted to do.”

Arezina attended Nazareth College and received her bachelor’s degree in music therapy. “My degree is a combination of basic musicianship classes…basic theory, music composition, instrumental skills, but then there’s also a big psychology development component,” described Arezina, who then continued her education at the University of Kansas, earning a master’s in music education. By the time she graduated in May 2011, Clare had already been offered a position at the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Music therapy, Arezina explained, is less diagnostic and more experiential. It’s a process, a positive and responsive process.

(continued on page 42)

“Music can give children a pathway to just be a kid and have

a positive way”cLare areZInamusic Therapist, upstate golisano children’s Hopsital

syracuseWomanmag.com :: may 2012 41

42 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

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Twenty years ago Smith met a young mother in her twenties who was faced with a complex diagnosis. During her battle, her strength prevailed and she beat the cancer. However, after five years of being cancer free this woman showed immense poise when she found out the cancer had returned. She raised funds, spoke about her experiences and touched many lives. At the 2007 Coaches vs. Cancer Basketball Gala, “she made grown men cry,” when she accepted the Fighting Spirit Award. Unfortunately, at the age of 39 she lost her battle.

ACS prides itself on sponsoring the Relay for Life event, which is a worldwide movement that has been held annually for 27 years. Relay is about a community who takes up the fight and stays over night to remind us that cancer never sleeps. This event celebrates the people that fought and survived and also the people who fought and lost.

“Relay is a life-changing experience and tangible proof that hope exists,” Smith said. “There is grief and sorrow at Relay but also joy and laughter.”

Smith wants to invite everyone to participate in Relay for Life that takes place throughout Central New York. For more information about ACS or Relay, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

per day. The third, decompression, is tougher. “Women have to figure out some way to decompress, whether it’s being with friends or whether they enjoy reading, some kind of hobby that helps them calm down their nerves. For some people it’s just exercise, and if that’s what it is then you’re getting two things done at once,” said Iqbal. For many women, however, decompression is mind-boggling. According to Iqbal, about 70 percent of women play the role of “caregiver,” whether they are taking care of their children, their husbands, their parents, or even a friend. “Caregiving is stressful.”

Iqbal has dealt with stress through the support of her family. Although her mentors in cardiology had warned her that it was a hard profession to dive into for women because many of them want families, Iqbal’s husband, Nasir, stood behind her in full support. “I have a very supportive husband, which makes a big difference.” Iqbal also been very fortunate to find a career she truly enjoys. “I’ve just been very lucky. I have really good mentors. And I found fun stuff to do in cardiology.”

Iqbal’s story teaches us not only why we (yes, us women!) need to work to live a healthy lifestyle, but why we need to work to live a fulfilling one. “I think you have to do what your heart is into,” she said, and ironically enough, for Iqbal, her heart is into hearts.

LIsa smITH (conT)Many times, she has come across children who aren’t developing typically. They lie in bed for most of the day, they cannot watch TV, and they don’t have the attention span to play with traditional toys. “Music can give children a pathway to just be a kid and have a positive way that they can play and interact with the world.” And when kids hear a familiar song it stabilizes them, gives them something for their brains to latch on to and relate to. “You don’t have to be able to play anything. All you have to be able to do is listen, and you’re participating in music.”

Music is not just beneficial for children, but for adults as well. Music is processed in the brain in the same place that processes both emotion and memory. Children have a limited repertoire of memory because they haven’t had as much time where they’ve processed things and their brains have stored them. But adults have years of memories, especially those who are nearing the end of their lives. Music therapists work to process the emotions around those memories. For patients who have suffered from a stroke, who are relearning to walk, relearning basic skills, music can be helpful in accessing the memory of the brain and provide structure to relearn something they already know how to do. “The reason that people take music lessons, the reason that music education should be a part of every school program, and the reason people have made music for so long is the same reason music works. It’s because it’s something that humans do. Our brains are built for it.”

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By carmen e. Zafar I pHoTo By danIeL desmaraIsImagine you’re sitting in the Oncenter War Memorial Arena. There are waves of colors coming over you, each representing a different, unique expression. You’re seated, but the colors trigger your imagination and now you’re feeling the show, too. The fusion of the ancient Chinese circus and the avant-garde style of Cirque du Soleil are too much to ignore.

Since launching the show, “Dralion” (pronounced “Drah-lee-on”), 13 years ago, the style and show’s pizzazz has wowed more than eight million viewers around the globe. The name “Dralion” is drawn from its two main symbols: the dragon, representing the East, and the lion, representing the West. The show’s inspiration was born from the Eastern philosophy, which maintains a perpetual quest for harmony between humankind and nature. Traveling across the country with the large team of performers, technicians, directors, photographers and designers, Julie Desmarais, publicist for Dralion, says the energy is unending.

The international cast consists of 54 world-class acrobats representing 13 different countries, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters. Keeping with the tradition of the Eastern theme, 26 performers hail from China. “It’s a unique experience with high level acrobatics and amazing creations,” Desmarais said. These amazing creations are walls, pyramids and forms all created by the fusion of many acrobats. The story of Dralion is rolled out with the joining of water, fire, air and earth, says Desmarais. “It’s a union of nature that comes into harmony.” Each element is represented by specific color, fire is red, earth is purple, water is green and air is blue. According to Desmarais, the acrobats are hopping, dancing, diving and completing feats you’ll only believe if you see them in person.

Desmarais says Cirque has been “reinventing itself” over the past few years. The performance organization has taken into consideration the crowd’s favorites and has brought back more intricate forms of ancient acrobatics. “Besides the Asian flavor to the theme, the high level of acrobatics and the beats of the music all tell an amazing story of passion and love,” Desmarais said. The music is performed live by six musicians and alos there is an amazing solo and duo performance that Cirque is excited for viewers to see. A few years ago, Dralion was revamped. The creators re-worked the lighting, set design and acrobatics for the show. Also, they created new acts and implemented new music.

Many couples attend Cirque performances, however, Desmarais says many families fill the arenas now because it’s appropriate for everyone and the show is very entertaining and lively for children. “We’ve tested Dralion among many audiences and everyone had a good time,” she said. Kids mostly enjoy the acrobatics and colors, but also the interaction between the comedians, ancient circus clowns and the audience. Desmarais says, “It’s very funny and a great experience for children.” A favorite new stunt is the “Diabolo,” which means “the devil on two sticks.” A diabolo is a Chinese yo-yo and in the show acrobats use two very tall sticks with a chord between them to become a human yo-yo. “The show is just great for everybody,” Desmarais said. “It’s very colorful and amazing to see these performers, working and pushing their bodies…it’s incredible for them to be performing impossible feats.” If you would like more information about Dralion or Cirque Du Soliel, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com. *Costume by: François Barbeau

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This is part one of a three part series addressing the skin cancer problem in America. Our next 2 issues will deal with treatment methods and then prevention of skin cancer.The incidence of skin cancer in this country has reached nothing short of epidemic proportions with no sign of relent. Recent analyses estimate that the number of skin cancers treated annually in the United States approaches 3,000,000, far exceeding that of all other human malignancies combined and these numbers continue to rise dramatically. To put these figures in perspective, this translates to a 1 in 3 lifetime risk of developing skin cancer for fair-skinned Americans. The cost to the health care system ranks skin cancer 5th among human cancers, which is remarkable given that these are treated in an outpatient setting without expensive hospital, operating room, laboratory, or radiological costs, and without the use of traditional chemotherapy.

Contrary to the assumption that northern latitudes are not affected by this epidemic, the Greater Rochester Area has not been spared from the inundation of skin cancer. Our population of farmers, golfers, and snowbirds contributes to an abundance of skin cancer that keeps local dermatology offices quite busy. In fact, the University of Rochester Medical Center Department of Dermatology has two offices dedicated solely to the treatment of skin cancer.

WHAT SkIn CAnCER lOOkS lIkE:There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell cancer (BCC), squamous cell cancer (SCC), and melanoma. Contrary to what most people think, skin cancers are not typically big black ugly marks on the skin. When BCCs and SCCs show up, they commonly appear as a small dome-shaped papule, or a flat scaly pink area of skin located on sun exposed areas of fair-skinned individuals. They occasionally bleed, scab, or become crusted.The first time someone has a skin cancer usually the last thing on their mind is that this is something serious. What usually brings someone into the dermatology office is that this spot that looks like a pimple or small scab just does not go away and slowly keeps getting bigger. If something is bleeding and you do not remember cutting yourself, or you see blood on your pillow from a spot on the back of your ear or on your scalp, there is a good chance that this is a small, growing skin cancer that needs treatment.

WHAT IS SkIn CAnCER?Remember that our skin is our first line of defense against invading micro-organisms like bacteria and viruses as well as our shield from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun (and from artificial sources such as tanning beds). When skin cells accumulate damage from a lifetime of sun exposure, they can begin to grow abnormally and at an uncontrolled rate. These cells do not grow properly and do not attach to one another the way skin cells do normally. If you imagine normal skin to look like a nice organized brick wall of individual cells, cancer cells are disorganized and piled up upon one another in a heap. These cells divide faster than the normal surrounding skin, and as they grow, they invade the surrounding skin and underlying structures such as muscle, bone, and cartilage. As the cancer continues to grow it can potentially spread into blood vessels and lymph channels. Once this happens, then cancer cells have access to other parts of the body and can spread, or metastasize, to other organs. Luckily, the most common types of skin cancer rarely metastasize in otherwise healthy individuals. However, melanoma does have a high propensity of spreading to different organs and once this occurs, current treatment options are very limited.

TYPES OF SkIn CAnCER:Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Basal cell cancer is by far the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases in the United States. The name “basal cell” comes from the type of cell that these cancers originate from – the basal cells are the bottom row of cells in the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis). BCCs can appear in the skin as a small red or pink dome, a small thin scaly area of skin, or a spot that scabs over repeatedly but never heals. These cancers can be tender, bleed, change color, itch or cause crusting of the skin. BCC’s grow very slowly and almost never spread to other areas of the body. However, although they typically do not spread to different organs and are rarely, if ever, life threatening, they can cause a great deal of damage by being locally destructive and ‘eating away’ at whatever they grow into. BCCs continue to grow and grow and cause a great deal of damage and destruction. Remember that these cancers occur in sun exposed areas (80% on the head and neck), which means that they are most commonly found on areas such as the nose, lips, ears, or eyelids, and surgery to these areas to remove BCCs can often be extensive if they are not treated early.

By sHerrIf IBraHIm, m.d., pH.d.

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Squamous cell carcinoma (PRON: skway-mus): SCCs are the second most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 15% of all cases. Because, like BCCs, they start in the outer layer of skin, the two often can look very similar in appearance – small crusted or scaly growths in sun exposed areas that bleed easily and never go away. SCCs differ from BCCs in that on rare occasions, they can invade the blood or lymph vessels in the skin and metastasize to other organs, most commonly lymph nodes in the neck. Once this occurs, additional and often extensive surgery and radiation is needed to control the cancer.With both SCCs and BCCs the portion of the tumor that is visible on the skin may only partially represent the true extent of the cancer, as they often have roots or fingerlike projections that can extend outwards or downwards.

Melanoma:Although melanoma is nowhere near as common as BCC and SCC, it carries a much more serious prognosis. Suprising to most people, melanoma accounts for only 4% of skin cancer but we hear about it so much because it causes about 80% of deaths due to skin cancer. The cells that produce the color, or pigment, in our skin are called melanocytes, and when cancer develops in these cells, it is known as melanoma. In the United States, one person dies from melanoma every hour. It is the seventh most common type of cancer amongst American women, however, it is the most common cause of death due to cancer in younger women and the incidence of this disease continues to increase tremendously. Melanoma is a completely different entity than BCC or SCC and cancers of one type cannot transform in to the other types. Melanoma has a different appearance on the skin than BCC or SCC. These lesions are often irregularly shaped dark (or hyperpigmented) spots that can be either flat or raised. They can but do not necessarily bleed, scab, or crust. A mnemonic exists to help remember the concerning features of a melanoma: ABCDE. A: Asymmetry, B: Border Irregularity, C: Color variation (different colors and shades within the same spot), D: Diameter greater than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), E: Evolution – has the spot been changing? Areas on the skin that meet these criteria can be a sign for concern and should prompt a visit to a local dermatologist. As with any cancer, the earlier melanoma is discovered, the better the chances are for survival. Research has shown that the best predictor for how

a patient will fare is how thick the melanoma is when it is measured by the pathologist. Thin melanomas carry a very good prognosis and have a very low chance of spreading to other parts of the body. Once melanomas have the chance to grow thicker, the chances for metastasis increase. If the cancer spreads to other organs, our current treatment options are very poor and chances for survival decrease.

knOW YOUR bOdY: CHAngE IS EVERYTHIngWith any of the three main types of skin cancer, changes in the skin are most important. Because the skin is on the outside of the body, we have the advantage of being able to see and examine it without the need for x-rays or other medical tests. Being familiar with your skin and detecting new or changing areas is very important for the early detection of areas suspicious for skin cancer. Small bumps that continue to enlarge, sometimes bleed and never heal completely should prompt a visit to the dermatologist. New irregular dark moles or changes to existing moles that meet the ABCDE criteria are also reasons for a skin check. Suspicious lesions can be biopsied by your doctor and evaluated by a pathologist. Those that are confirmed as skin cancer will need additional treatment and these options will be discussed in Part II of this series. In the meantime, the best advice is to get to know your skin so that if any potential skin cancers appear, you will spot them early and have them looked at.

Next Month: Part Two-Treatment of Skin Cancer: Mohs Surgery

FOR MORE InFORMATIOn:Sherrif Ibrahim, MD PhD is Assistant Professor of the URMC Department of Dermatology and the Wilmot Cancer Center. His practice is focused on procedural and surgical dermatology including the management of skin cancer with Mohs surgery.

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50 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

WCNY’s “VISTA” Examines Relationship ViolenceOnce considered the domain of adults, relationship violence is now a common experience for high school and college women. Experts and researchers will show why it’s a growing problem and explain how it can be prevented in “Pain Runs Deep: Relationship Violence’’ on Monday, May 7, at 9 p.m. and Sunday, May 13, at 2 p.m. on WCNY channel 24.1. “Pain Runs Deep’’ is the second installment of “Vista,’’ WCNY’s four-part public affairs series that examines Central New York’s most important issues. Susan Hartman Brenizer, M.A., LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist from DeWitt, is one of the experts who will be featured in show. In thefollowing excerpts from her interview with “Pain Runs Deep’’ producer Doug Moreau, Brenizer discusses the signs of abuse, what a parent can do, and how education is the key to prevention.

Q: What are some of the signs of verbal or emotional abuse?

A: The most common signs of verbal or em-otional abuse would be a continuum of

controlling behavior: putdowns, criticisms, disparaging some-body’s accomplishments, correcting how somebody dresses, going through somebody’s cell phone or email when there’s no provocation. As it gets tolerated, it continues into name calling, putdowns in front of people, jokes at the partner’s expense that the partner feels very hurt by but “laughs along to get along,” is what we call it. If it’s tolerated it moves to the next level. Flashes of intense jealousy graduate into possessiveness, and that’s often demonstrated by separating her from her family and friends. She may – and often does – misinterpret this as, “he really loves me and he wants me for himself.”

Q: From a parent’s point of view, when do you know when your child is in an unhealthy relationship?

A: What victims of possessiveness, controlling behavior, and verbal and psychological abuse do is they tend to minimize

that this is happening. They start to isolate themselves from friends and family; that’s one of the ways parents can tell. She doesn’t call home as often, she doesn’t come home as often, a normally gregarious girl who has great grades and lots of extra interests and friends is no longer doing those extra interests. Trust your gut as a parent. Didn’t you have to trust your gut when they were 2 and 3 and 8 and 12? So at 15, if you suddenly have a feeling that something’s wrong, trust your gut. But here’s the difficult part: You have to pass no judgment if you approach your child about this. If you come on too strong with your child, that could actually push her away from you and towards the boyfriend.

Q: If you had one main point to make to people who’ll be watching the show, what would it be?

A: Fifty percent of all college-age relationships involve some form of physical abuse, which is an outrageous statistic. Edu-cation starts early on: What are healthy relationships and what are non-healthy relationships? Learn that verbal abuse is the fist of the verbal abuser, and teach girls in ninth, 10th grade what is a healthy relationship and zero tolerance for any putdowns or criticism.

Q: Are we doing enough or do we need to do more with that type of education in schools?

A: I think it’s getting worse, to be honest with you. Reality TV shows where people scream “shut up” to each other, to me that’s verbal abuse. Our children are fed a level of verbal and physical violence in the movies as a way of deal-ing with conflict. We might have to start younger, we might have to start at the middle school age, and it’s an uphill battle. We’re fight-ing a whole culture that says it’s OK and it’s not OK.

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WCNY’s “VISTA” Examines Relationship ViolenceOnce considered the domain of adults, relationship violence is now a common experience for high school and college women. Experts and researchers will show why it’s a growing problem and explain how it can be prevented in “Pain Runs Deep: Relationship Violence’’ on Monday, May 7, at 9 p.m. and Sunday, May 13, at 2 p.m. on WCNY channel 24.1. “Pain Runs Deep’’ is the second installment of “Vista,’’ WCNY’s four-part public affairs series that examines Central New York’s most important issues. Susan Hartman Brenizer, M.A., LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist from DeWitt, is one of the experts who will be featured in show. In thefollowing excerpts from her interview with “Pain Runs Deep’’ producer Doug Moreau, Brenizer discusses the signs of abuse, what a parent can do, and how education is the key to prevention.

Q: What are some of the signs of verbal or emotional abuse?

A: The most common signs of verbal or em-otional abuse would be a continuum of

controlling behavior: putdowns, criticisms, disparaging some-body’s accomplishments, correcting how somebody dresses, going through somebody’s cell phone or email when there’s no provocation. As it gets tolerated, it continues into name calling, putdowns in front of people, jokes at the partner’s expense that the partner feels very hurt by but “laughs along to get along,” is what we call it. If it’s tolerated it moves to the next level. Flashes of intense jealousy graduate into possessiveness, and that’s often demonstrated by separating her from her family and friends. She may – and often does – misinterpret this as, “he really loves me and he wants me for himself.”

Q: From a parent’s point of view, when do you know when your child is in an unhealthy relationship?

A: What victims of possessiveness, controlling behavior, and verbal and psychological abuse do is they tend to minimize

that this is happening. They start to isolate themselves from friends and family; that’s one of the ways parents can tell. She doesn’t call home as often, she doesn’t come home as often, a normally gregarious girl who has great grades and lots of extra interests and friends is no longer doing those extra interests. Trust your gut as a parent. Didn’t you have to trust your gut when they were 2 and 3 and 8 and 12? So at 15, if you suddenly have a feeling that something’s wrong, trust your gut. But here’s the difficult part: You have to pass no judgment if you approach your child about this. If you come on too strong with your child, that could actually push her away from you and towards the boyfriend.

Q: If you had one main point to make to people who’ll be watching the show, what would it be?

A: Fifty percent of all college-age relationships involve some form of physical abuse, which is an outrageous statistic. Edu-cation starts early on: What are healthy relationships and what are non-healthy relationships? Learn that verbal abuse is the fist of the verbal abuser, and teach girls in ninth, 10th grade what is a healthy relationship and zero tolerance for any putdowns or criticism.

Q: Are we doing enough or do we need to do more with that type of education in schools?

A: I think it’s getting worse, to be honest with you. Reality TV shows where people scream “shut up” to each other, to me that’s verbal abuse. Our children are fed a level of verbal and physical violence in the movies as a way of deal-ing with conflict. We might have to start younger, we might have to start at the middle school age, and it’s an uphill battle. We’re fight-ing a whole culture that says it’s OK and it’s not OK.

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54 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

1SECOnd AnnUAl HOPE FOR HEATHER FASHIOn SHOWHope for Heather, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting ovarian cancer research, education, and awareness, presented its second annual “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” themed fashion show and brunch on Sunday, March 25, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. More than 200 attendees enjoyed, music, mimosas, brunch, shopping and of course fashion, all to raise money for ovarian cancer awareness. Heather’s parents, frieda and Gary Weeks want to thank the community for supporting this important cause in memory of their beloved daughter.

The third annual shamrock’s celebration to benefit the Shamrock Animal Fund welcomed about 300 supporters saturday, march 24, at King+King Architects. The green, friendly, open space provided a dynamic new backdrop for the cocktail event. Throughout the evening the fabulous rhythmic music of Grupo Pagan entertained the crowd. The emerald city Bagpipers punctuated the evening with a march through the room filling it with the drone of the pipes and thud of the bass drum. Both Jamie pomilio-mulcahy and matt mulcahy would like to thank everyone who donated and attended, but also the people who support the fund year-round.

2THIRd SHAMROCk’S CElEbRATIOn

THe maInEvent

syracuseWomanmag.com :: may 2012 55

more than 1,000 women (and a few men) attended the 10th annual WIse symposium held Tuesday, april 3, at the oncenter. The WIse Women’s Business Center (WBC) is an exciting resource for women entrepreneurs at all stages of business development. This year’s symposium featured a unique panel including women who represented each age group from 10 to 90. The keynote speaker, Barbara corcoran, of aBc’s “shark Tank,” wowed the crowd with her “super bad” attitude and her stories of business battle wounds. Syracuse Woman Magazine was honored to be at the event since the publication is now an exclusive partner with WISE. Congratulations to Lindsay Wickham, Joanne Lenweaver and the WIse symposium committee on a successful event!

10TH AnnUAl WISE SYMPOSIUM

3FOURTH AnnUAl bEllA CASA CElEbRITY FASHIOn SHOWTIME: 5:30 TO 9:30 PMWHAT: To benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of CnYWHERE: Holiday Inn, liverpoolTICkETS: www.cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org; (315) 476-1027

4nAMOW SPRIng gAlATIME: 6 TO 10 PMWHAT: To benefit the North Area Meals on Wheels programWHERE: Double Tree Hotel, East SyracuseTICkETS: www.namow.org, or call (315) 452-1402

6 dUnn TIRE MOUnTAIn gOAT RUnTIME: First of three races begins at 9:15 AMWHAT: Classic 10-mile race through hilly Syracuse!WHERE: downtown SyracuseREgISTRATIOn: www.mountaingoatrun.com

EventsMAY CAlEndAR

12 10TH AnnUAl CAROl M. bAldWIn gAlATIME: 6 TO 11 PMWHAT: To benefit the CMB Breast Cancer Research Fund of CnYWHERE: Turning Stone Resort & Casino, VeronaTICkETS: www.findacure.org

12 SOCk HOP bEnEFITTIME: 7 to 11 PM WHAT: To benefit the Hope for Heather Foundation and North Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. Joey and John band will perform; Swing dance, twist contest, best-dressed contest, pizza, refreshments, dessert and raffles. Also Lindy Hop lessons!TICkETS: $10 in advance; $12 at door; 446-5707WHERE: Center Court at driver’s Village in Cicero

16 HOPE FOR bEREAVEd PAREnTSTIME: 6:30 TO 8:30 PMWHAT: For those who have lost a child of any age by accident, illness, drug overdose, mis-carriage, stillbirth, new born death or SIDS.WHERE: HOPE Center, 4500 Onondaga blvd, Syracuse, 475-9675

24 MOd SQUAd lAdIES nIgHTTIME: 5 TO 8 PMWHAT: Shock Top and shopping event. Enjoy fashion, food and fun.WHERE: Mod Squad boutique, Marketfair Shopping Center, Clay, 409-4666

27 CHIEFS VS. ClIPPERSTIME: 7 PMWHAT: Enjoy a spectacular post-game fire-works show. WHERE: Alliance bank Stadium, SyracuseTICkETS: www.syracusechiefs.com

3Event

The anti-aging breakthrough of the decade, according to many doctors, is a skin-resurfacing treatment known as CO2 fractional laser therapy. Combining the effectiveness of traditional carbon dioxide lasers, long thought to be the gold standard in wrinkle removal, with a new application technique, it delivers powerful results without the traditionally harsh side effects.

How does it work? The natural aging process, combined with exposure to sun and pollution, destroys collagen, which is the main protein of connective tissue that keeps skin plump and line-free. Laser resurfacing uses beams of energy light to bore tiny holes in the skin, which works to put the body’s natural collagen production on fast-forward. Here’s what’s new: Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing does this in a way that prevents damage to the top layer of skin, offering maximum results with minimal recovery time.

The process starts with a consultation to determine if a patient will benefit from the treatment. If they are suitable, the process begins with the application of a topical anesthetic cream, and no other sedation is needed. Once the area is numb, the laser treatment takes 10 to 30 minutes. There is minimal post-treatment discomfort, but the patient will have to stay indoors and apply ointment for the first three days after the procedure. After three days, the skin will appear to have mild sunburn, but makeup can be applied and normal activities can be resumed. Immediate results can be seen, but the skin will continue to improve for three months as collagen is created. It is said to, “reveal layers of beauty.”

By dean deroBerTs, md | pHoTograpHy By cIndy BeLL

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56 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

Lip augmentation creates fuller, plumper lips and reduces fine wrinkles around the mouth. Lips may be injected with fillers or with fat transferred from another site in the patient’s body. Both fillers and fat are absorbed and repeat treatments are necessary to maintain results. The most common way to enhance a patient’s lips is with hyluronic acid fillers (eg. Juvéderm, Restylane). These fillers are biosynthetic complex sugars that are naturally occurring in one’s body already so there is very little risk of allergic reaction. They usually last six to nine months in most patients before re-injection is necessary.

The treatment can be done on the same day of the consultation. Either topical anesthetic cream or a dental block can be done so almost no discomfort occurs during or after the procedure. There are several options for injections that produce different results such

as just the outer edge of the lip can be enhanced, the lips plumped, or lines around the mouth can be filled. Usually the treatment only takes 10 to 15 minutes. Patients can resume all their normal activities immediately with no downtime. The lips may be mildly swollen or bruised for a few days, but it is usually minor in nature.

Further options for lip augmentation include the following: Autologen, which consists of using a patient’s own skin to make an injectable implant. Dermalogen involves donor tissue used to make a Human Tissue Matrix (HTM) implant. Fascia is an injectable implant made from dense white connective tissue. And Radiance is a calcium hydroxylapatite used to make an injectable implant. Laser rejuvenation also can be used for lip augmentation. The laser tightens naturally occurring collagen and elastic tissue within the mouth.

Botox is a brand name of a toxin produced by a bacterium. There are other brand names for this toxin, such as Dysport and Xeomin, but the most widely used is Botox. Scientists discovered a way to use it to human advantage. Small, diluted amounts can be directly injected into specific muscles causing controlled weakening of the muscles. Botox then blocks the signal from the nerve to the muscle. The injected muscle can no longer contract, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. It is most often used on forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eye) and frown lines. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox.

The effects of Botox usually last four to six months. As the muscle movements slowly return, the wrinkles caused by this will also return, so re-treatment is necessary. However, the lines and wrinkles appear less noticeable with time because the muscles become weaker while

they are paralyzed. Although every cosmetic procedure has inherent risks, choosing to have your injectables performed by a qualified plastic surgeon dramatically reduces the risk factor. If you have any concerns you should discuss your questions and concerns with your doctor by scheduling a private consultation.

Botox treatments take only about five minutes and can be done on the same day as your complimentary consultation. The only common side effect is possible minor bruising at the injection site, so aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided for a couple of days before the treatment.

Dr. Dean DeRoberts owns and operates his private practice at DeRoberts Plastic Surgery, 4900 Broad Road inside the Physicians Building South 2G in Syracuse. More information on available services can be found at www.drderoberts.com.

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*Audi pre sense plus is an available driver aid on the A6 3.0T Premium Plus and Prestige models. “Audi,” “A6,” “Truth in Engineering,” the Audi Singleframe grille design, and the four rings and Audi emblems are registered trademarks of AUDI AG. ©2011 Audi of America, Inc. 

The highly intelligent new Audi A6 is here. Built to outsmart the road, including the 38 million drivers who couldn’t pass the driver’s exam today.

And although the A6 can’t remove the driving-challenged from the road, it can help you avoid them

with features like Audi pre sense plus.* This system helps prevent collisions and will take measures to

protect you if a collision is unavoidable. And that’s just a few of the 2,000 decisions the Audi A6 makes

a second. We’re on a mission to smarten up the roads, and engineering the Audi A6 is only our first step.

Learn more at audiusa.com/A6.

The road is now an intelligent place.

The yellow light was invented in 1920.

Almost one hundred years later, 85% of drivers have no idea what to do when they see one.

Burdick Audi at Driver’s Village 5885 East Circle Drive, Cicero NY 13039 315-699-2661

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60 may 2012 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

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