Is Your Heart Broken, Physically?

When tragedy strikes, we often say that we’re heart broken; we use the expression as a metaphor to express the anguish that we feel. But the phrase can also be taken literally, as emotional pain can cause physical heart break as well.

Broken Heart Syndrome stems from your heart’s physical reaction to stress. It mimics the symptoms of a heart attack and is most prevalent in women.

Dr. Vinay Mehta, a cardiologist at Buffalo Heart Group and an affiliate of Catholic Health, discussed Broken Heart Syndrome on Winging It! on CW 23. You can watch the interview below.

How to heal a broken heart

Symptoms of Broken Heart Syndrome

Common symptoms are similar to a heart attack and include:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Squeezing sensation in chest
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in shoulders, neck, jaw, arms or upper body
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Nausea

Do You Have Broken Heart Syndrome?

"Broken Heart Syndrome is virtually indistinguishable from a heart attack," says Dr. Mehta.

In Broken Heart Syndrome, results from blood tests, EKGs and ultrasounds will all be consistent with a heart attack.

Dr. Mehta says that the only way to distinguish between Broken Heart Syndrome and a heart attack is to do a coronary angiogram, where doctors will look at the heart's blood vessels. If you’re having a heart attack, the blood vessels will be blocked. If you have Broken Heart Syndrome, the blood vessels will be clean.

The Dangers of a Broken Heart

"The heart shows significant dysfunction in Broken Heart Syndrome," says Dr. Mehta. "The pump function of the heart decreases significantly from the normal output."

Broken Heart Syndrome can lead to other dangerous heart conditions, such as arrhythmia, an irregular heart beat, and blood clots.

"About 90-95% of the patients, if not more, recover," says Dr. Mehta. "But you should still contact your doctor, because you cannot tell whether it is a heart attack, which needs immediate treatment, or Broken Heart Syndrome."

How to Treat a Broken Heart

"Patients should be admitted to the hospital, observed and possibly supported by pain medications and intravenous fluids," says Dr. Mehta.

Broken Heart Syndrome is only temporary and usually heals with 2 to 3 weeks with treatment.

"A broken heart heals itself if given enough time and support," says Dr. Mehta.


Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women. If you have any symptoms of a heart attack or Broken Heart Syndrome, you should seek medical treatment immediately.

Click here for information about cardiac services at Catholic Health.

Ask Us Anything: Should I Get the Shingles Vaccination?

"I am 61 year old woman and have heard shingles can be painful. I haven't gotten the vaccine yet. What do you suggest?"

Beth Nicastro, Corporate Nurse Educator, Responds:

Also called herpes zoster, shingles is a a painful rash caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Only someone who has gotten chickenpox (or, in rare cases, the chickenpox vaccine) can get shingles. The virus stays in your body and can cause shingles many years later. It is not contagious; you cannot catch shingles from another person with shingles.

A shingles rash appears on one side of the body and lasts for 2-4 weeks. The main symptom is pain. It can also cause fever, chills and headache. On rare occasions, the infection can lead to pneumonia, blindness and encephalitis. For 1 in 5 people, the pain can continue and is called post herpetic neuralgia.

Shingles is more common in people aged 50 years and older. It is also seen in people whose immune systems are weakened due to cancer, steroids or chemotherapy.

A single dose of the shingles vaccine is recommended for adults aged 60 years and older, regardless of previous history of shingles or chickenpox. A usual site is the back or side of the arm.

You should not get the vaccine if you:

• have a weakened immune system due to AIDS
• are receiving cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy
• are on prolonged use of high dose steroids
• are pregnant or could be pregnant
• are allergic to neomycin, have a life threatening reaction to gelatin or any components of the shingles vaccine

Precautions are taken if you are on antivirals (acyclovir) 24 hrs. before vaccination. If possible, delay taking antivirals for 14 days after your vaccination.

Someone with a moderate illness or fever of 101.3 or higher should wait until they recover.

Consult with your doctor on what vaccines are right for you. For more information, visit the CDC’s website, call (1-800-CDC-INFO) or visit the Western NY Adult Immunization Coalition's website.

– Beth Nicastro

Beth Nicastro, PNP-BC, is a women's health community coordinator/educator. She also sees patients as a nurse practitioner at East Aurora Pediatrics.

If you have a question about your health, click here to ask our experts.

Creative Ways to Announce Your Pregnancy

Written by Meaghan Maess, Buffalo State College student and communications intern at Catholic Health

One of the many exciting things about finding out you are pregnant is telling the people you love. Here are 10 ways you can share your exciting news with your friends, family and spouse. 

1. Stencil a Onesie

Pick up a baby onesie and stencil your last name onto the front with fabric paint and a wax paper stencil (click here for a tutorial). After the paint dries, wrap up your onesie and present it to your spouse, with a note that his real gift will arrive in nine months.

2. Have a Game Night

 Have a casual game night at your house and spell out your exciting news in Scrabble.
You could also use Charades, Pictionary or Taboo.

3. Reminisce About Your Childhood

Visit the Treehouse Toy Store and buy toys that you and your spouse loved as children and put them in a gift bag. Give the gift bag to your parents or your spouse, and tell them that you hope your child will love them as much as you did.

4. Bun in the Oven

Put a single bun in the oven and ask your spouse or any friends or family members who may be visiting to check on the oven for you. Take a picture and send it to family and friends as a pregnancy announcement.

5. Capture the Moment

When you are with family members or friends, say you want to take a picture of the group and set the camera to a timer or video. Right before the camera goes off, announce you are pregnant and capture everyone's reaction.

You can also enlist the help of a professional photographer to break the news to your spouse. JMS Reflections Photography specializes in maternity and family photography and can help you capture every moment of your pregnancy, starting with the announcement.

6. Create a Movie or Music Theme

Have a movie night with your spouse, but only watch movies that have the word "baby" in the title. Or make a playlist with songs that include the word "baby" and see if he catches on.

7. Get Crafty

Create DIY pregnancy announcements with supplies from Buffalo Stamps and Stuff. Your announcement might include a family tree, with the new addition to your family and your due date.

8. Host a Dinner

Plan your dinner around foods associated with the word “baby,” such as baby carrots, baby corn and baby spinach. For dessert, consider mini cupcakes, cakes or cookies. Ask your guests if they notice a theme.

9. Send Flowers

Send flowers from Flowers by Johnny with a card to your parents or your spouse's congratulating them on becoming grandparents.

10. Bake

Make cookies or cupcakes and frost them with blue or pink frosting to make your announcement. If you are having a party or family gathering, The Dessert Deli Bakery makes large, specialty cakes with baby themes. You can also pick up cupcakes by the dozen for smaller gatherings or to bring to work with fondant onesies and other baby themes from The Cupcake Orchard.


If you have children, how did you make the announcement you were expecting? What's your plan for your pregnancy?

Ask Us Anything about Pregnancy: C-sections, Midwives

Do you have a question for our staff? Click here to submit it.

Q. How long does it take to prep for a C-section delivery? What time should I arrive?

A. Mary Ann Murphy, Director of Maternal Child Services at Mercy Hospital:

Prep for the delivery will include a blood test, a detailed health and pregnancy history, fetal monitoring and the initiation of an intravenous line to begin IV fluids prior to anesthesia. You will also meet with your anesthesiologist prior to your delivery.

A. Mary D'Angelo, Director of Maternal Child Services at Sisters of Charity Hospital:

Patients are usually given two times: the time they are scheduled for and the time they should arrive at the hospital. The arrival time would be two hours prior to the start time.

Q. What kind of medications do you offer for moms in labor?

A. Mary Ann Murphy, Director of Maternal Child Services at Mercy Hospital:

We offer many different modalities to increase the patient's comfort in labor: massage, hydrotherapy, jacuzzi baths and positioning. We also offer an epidural or an injection of Nubain, which is a pain reliever. The patient's physician will work with her to decide which modalities work best for her.

A. Mary D'Angelo, Director of Maternal Child Services at Sisters of Charity Hospital:

We do not have the jacuzzi tubs at Sisters Hospital, but we do have massage and narcotics, as well as epidurals. The nurses will work with the mom to change position, use warmed blankets, ambulation and birthing balls to facilitate the progress of labor.

Q. Can I bring my own hospital gown to wear while in labor and during delivery?

A. Mary D'Angelo, Director of Maternal Child Services at Sisters of Charity Hospital:

We do permit patients to wear their own gowns, but really prefer that you wear a hospital gown as they are fashioned with snaps at the sleeves for easy maneuvering around IV's. Since childbirth can be a messy business, we can change your gown as needed to keep you comfortable.

Q. I would like to have a midwife deliver my baby. How can I contact the midwife in your hospital?

A. Aimee Gomlak, Vice President of Women's Services:

At this time, the group that provides midwifery outpatient care and delivery is OBGYN Associates of WNY. If you are a patient in our primary care clinics, you will likely will have the support of a midwife at delivery.


You can learn more about childbirth at Mercy Hospital and Sisters of Charity Hospital by visiting our website.

If you have a question about your health, click here to ask our experts.

Athletes: Stay in the Game This Summer by Preventing Injury

Each year, 1 in 100 female athletes injure their knee. Injuries commonly occur to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which helps to keep the knee joint in place.

If your ACL is injured, you could be away from your sport for up to 6 months as you undergo physical therapy or surgery, depending on the severity of your injury.

"Some sports have a higher risk of ACL tears, including soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and volleyball," says Athleticare physical therapist Kira Kremer, who is certified in ACL injury prevention.

In most cases, ACL injuries are caused by changing direction, slowing down while running or landing after a jump.

To keep athletes on the field, Catholic Health’s AthletiCare is hosting two summer camps that can teach you to prevent injury, or if you’re currently recovering from an ACL injury, ease your recovery.

"It’s a great transition from physical therapy to return to play,” says Kira.

Camp Activities

Over the course of six weeks, you’ll learn skills to help you avoid ACL injuries and will receive training in:

• Plyometrics, a program that focuses on jumping techniques to prevent injury and develop muscle control and strength
• Strength
• Agility
• Flexibility

With feedback from instructors, you’ll also improve your speed, endurance, stability and balance.

The camp meets twice each week for 90-minute sessions.

Who Will Benefit

The program is designed for individual athletes, and participants generally range in age from 15 years old to 25 years old. However, both younger and older athletes have participated.

Sports teams can be accommodated by request. If your entire team is participating, instructors can tailor programs to the specific needs of your sport.

Register by May 7th for the First Session

Camps will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, first at Hilbert College in Hamburg from May 14 and June 20 and then at Villa Maria College in Buffalo from June 25 to August 1.

Registration for the first camp is due by May 7, 2013; registration for the second is due by June 18, 2013.

Click here to register.


Don’t let an ACL injury take you out of your favorite sport. Attend an ACL Injury and Performance Enhancement camp to reduce your risk and take your sports skills to the next level.

15 Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day

Written by Meaghan Maess, Buffalo State College student and communications intern at Catholic Health

If you're stumped on how to spend Mother's Day this year, check out the ideas below to jumpstart your planning.

1. Have a Movie Night

Buy your mom her favorite movies or ones she's been dying to see. Grab some blankets and enjoy family time together with a movie night. Consider SUGU snacks for a healthier alternative to popcorn and candy.

2. Go Bowling

If your mom has a competitive spirit, get the family together and spend a fun afternoon at your local bowling alley. Come up with creative challenges, such as bowling backwards or with your opposite hand. Whomever wins can pick meals for the rest of the week or what movie your family will watch next. Most bowling alleys have open bowling on Sundays and offer special family rates.

3. Shop at Vidler's 5 & 10 (East Aurora)

Take your mom on a trip down memory lane at historic Vidler's. With two floors of merchandise, the shop has something for everyone. Products range from gift items to old-fashioned candy. After shopping, take a walk down Main Street.

4. Have Afternoon Tea (North Tonawanda)

Enjoy tea time at The White Linen Tea House. Afternoon tea includes scones, sandwiches, salad and other food items along with a beverage. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Mother's Day is usually busy, so call (716) 731-1685 to make reservations.

5. Volunteer

Some people may be lonely on Mother's Day. You and your mom can write letters to residents in nursing homes who might be missing their families. Ask them about their favorite memories of their mothers. You can also volunteer with Meals on Wheels, which delivers meals to elderly people who want to maintain their independence but cannot shop for themselves.

6. Attend a Wine Tasting (Niagara)

Take your mom to Wine Trail Blossoms, a wine tasting event on Mother's Day weekend celebrating the 11th anniversary of the Niagara Wine Trail. The trail features 17 wineries that specialize in Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Icewine and Syrah. Tickets for this event will include 3 wine tastings at each participating winery, wine charms and commemorative glasses.

7. Have an At-home Spa Day

Pamper your mom this Mother's Day by turning your home into her own personal spa. Buy her candles and bubble bath so she can have a relaxing day. You can also give her a massage or an at-home facial or manicure.

8. Visit the Decorators' Show House (East Aurora)

See how local decorators have updated 50 rooms in the historic Knox Summer Estate, a 14,400 square foot home built in 1916-1917 at Knox Farm State Park. The redecorated house is part of a fundraiser for local charities and is sponsored by the Buffalo News and the Junior League of Buffalo.

9. Visit the Farm (Clarence)

At Kelkenberg Farm, you and your family can enjoy hay rides, pony rides and farm tours. Many of the animals have given birth this spring, so celebrate Mother’s Day with the new moms and their babies. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Food Bank of WNY.

10. Go for a Run (Buffalo)

Get active with your mom by participating in the 4-mile Elephant Run or walk around  Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park. The run also includes a 1-mile fun run or walk and activities for kids and family members. The Elephant Run benefits The Marcena Lozano Donate Life Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to the recipients of organ transplants. 

11. Go for a Hike (Jamestown)

Take a hike at the Jamestown Audubon Center and Sanctuary, a 600-acre wetland preserve with 5 miles of hiking trails, gardens and educational centers. The Audubon Center will host a Wildflower Walk on Mother's Day, which features spring flowers and a hike on the center's trails.

12. Visit the Carousel Museum (North Tonawanda)

Attend the Herschell Carousel Factory Museum's Mother's Day Celebration, which features crafts and activities for moms and kids. The museum also has exhibits and tours that focus on the amusement park industry over the past two centuries. While you're there, make sure to check out the hand-carved carousel animals, photo exhibits of carousel production, music roll machinery, and the museum's two historic carousels.

13. Eat Brunch (Buffalo)

Do something different for Mother's Day brunch this year. The Buffalo Zoo will host an up-scale brunch for moms and families that will include animal presentations. Admission is included, so make sure to check out your favorite animal exhibits after the event.

14. Go to an Amusement Park (Grand Island)

On Mother’s Day, moms get free admission to Martin's Fantasy Island with the admission of one child. Play miniature golf, check out Kiddie Land, ride the gondola wheel or brave the roller coasters and thrill rides, if you're daring.

15. Go for a Drive

Spend quality time together on a mini road trip. Pick a scenic route, such as the 219 or Route 5, and drive. Pack a lunch and pull over for a picnic. Play 20 questions or use the time together just to catch up.


How are you celebrating Mother's Day?

15 Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Instead of making a last-minute dash to the store for your Mother's Day present, consider one of these DIY or store-bought gifts, suitable for any budget or skill level.

 

1. Spice Jars (DIY)

2. Lavender Sachet Pillows ($9)

3. DIY Mother's Day Cards (DIY)

4. Rise and Shine Gift Basket ($49.99)

5. Bath Fizzies (DIY)

6. Chalk Labeled Jars (DIY)

7. Box of Chocolate Covered Pretzels (DIY)

8. Mother's Day in a Bag (DIY)

9. Macrame Bracelets (DIY)

10. Matching Bath Jars (DIY)

11. Mother Daughter Letter Book - 40 Cards to Send and Share ($38)

12. Painted Wooden Spoons (DIY)

13. Pendant Necklace (DIY)

14. Tea Cup Candle (DIY)

15. Locally-made Blue & White Ceramic Vase ($50)

Ask Us Anything: What Treatments are Available for Fibroids?

"What treatments are available for fibroids? Would you suggest a hysterectomy for someone approaching 50?"

Dr. Scott Zuccala Responds:

Treatment for fibroids, also referred to as smooth muscle tumors of the uterus or leiomyomas, varies. If they are asymptomatic, no treatment is needed as the risk of becoming malignant is very low.

If a person has symptoms, such as bleeding issues, or compression symptoms, such as pressing on the bladder or impacting urination, then the treatment options vary.

If a person is done with childbearing, then most people will opt for hysterectomy, as it carries less risk than myomectomy (just removeal of the fibroid), in most circumstances. Other options are:

• Uterine artery embolization – small non-absorbable pellets are injected into the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to "die off"
• Exablate – using radiofrequency waves to "melt" the fibroid
• Electromyolysis – laparoscopic approach using electro-cautery to shrink the fibroid

If you are approaching 50 and the fibroid is causing signifigant bleeding or pain and a cause and effect can be established, then hysterectomy would be a reasonable option. Many of theses can be done with a minimally invasive approach with good recovery.

– Dr. Scott Zuccala

Dr. Zuccala is a gynecologic surgeon at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. He practices obstetrics and gynecology, including minimally invasive surgery, and vaginal and pelvic reconstruction for prolapse and urologic incontinence surgery. He was one of the first surgeons in the Buffalo area to perform minimally invasive gynecological surgery for non-cancerous conditions using the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System.

If you have a question about your health, click here to ask our experts.

Financial Planning for Long-Term Care

Decisions about long-term care can be emotional and complex for everyone involved. Financial worries are a common source of stress when planning for the care of a family member or when planning for your own.

Knowing your options can help to provide peace of mind when it’s time to make your final decision.

Government Programs Can Assist with Costs

If you cannot afford long-term care, two government health insurance programs are available to provide assistance.

Medicare is a federal program available to persons over the age of 65 or to younger persons with disabilities. To learn if you’re eligible, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your social security office.

Medicaid is a state program for persons who cannot afford medical care. You may qualify based on income, if you receive social security, or if you have medical bills that you cannot afford to pay, regardless of your income.

If you're applying based on income, income requirements vary depending on the number of persons in your household. For example, if you live alone and are over the age of 65, your income must be $792 or less in order to qualify for Medicaid.

For more information about Medicaid eligibility in Erie County, call (716) 858-8000.

Services Covered by Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare will cover care in a nursing home, where care is provided by registered nurses, only if it is medically necessary. The amount covered by Medicare depends on your length of stay:

• First 21 days: all costs are covered by Medicare
• 21 days-100 days: you pay up to $144.50 each day
• 100+ days: you pay for all costs

Medicare does not pay for custodial care, which is help with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing or eating.

Medicaid is more comprehensive and pays for long-term nursing home care, assistance with activities of daily living and for some services at home and in the community.

Medicaid requires that you use your income (except for $50 per month) to pay for your long-term care, and Medicaid will pay the balance.

How to Protect Your Assets

Most insurance plans do not cover long-term care, but you can buy long-term care insurance to help with the costs.

Depending on the plan you choose, long-term care insurance should cover the average cost of home care, assisted living or skilled nursing. Plans have a maximum dollar amount that they will cover each day and overall.

Long-term care insurance is best for people who have assets to protect, such as retirement savings and investment plans.

The American Association for Long-term Care Insurance recommends applying for insurance in your mid-50s, when you are less likely to have an existing health condition.

What’s Included in Nursing Home Costs

Basic services included in the cost of your stay are:

• Room and board
• Meals
• Nursing care
• Pharmacy and diagnostic services
• Use of equipment and medical supplies such as syringes, needles and dressings
• Fresh bed linen, which should be changed at least twice a week
• Hospital gowns, if needed
• Laundry service
• Medicine cabinet supplies, including nonprescription medications and personal hygiene items, such as hair care items, toothpaste and skin care items
• Assistance with daily living as needed, including bathing, feeding and moving from place to place
• Equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs
• Social and recreational activities
• Social services, if needed
• Optician and optometrist services

Additional medical services depend on the facility. Some are included in the daily cost, while others require an additional fee.

If you or your loved one has any special needs, ask the nursing home if those services are included in the overall cost.

Affordable Alternatives to Nursing Home Care

The national average for a semi-private room in a nursing home is $205 a day. Monthly, the cost can reach over $10,000.

However, for persons needing long-term care, nursing homes aren’t the only option. Alternatives include:

Home Care

Home Care services allow you to live at home and receive healthcare and social services at your place of residence. Depending on your needs, a home health aide may visit your home daily or a few times per week.

Nationally, a home health aide is paid an average of $21 an hour, according to the National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information. The length of the home care visit will depend on your needs and condition, but on average, expect to pay about $168 per day.

Click here for more information about home care.

PACE / LIFE

A Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, sometimes known as a PACE program, is available to older adults who quality for nursing home care but wish to live at home.

Catholic Health’s PACE program, called LIFE (Living Independently for Elders), offers medical services at the LIFE center, at your home or at an off-site location. Transportation to and from appointments is included.

LIFE pays for all authorized services for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. If you do not have Medicaid, you will be charged a monthly premium to participate in LIFE.

Click here to learn more about LIFE.

Medical Adult Day Care

An adult day care program offers many of the services that you could find in a nursing home, such as physical therapy, nursing care and nutritional counseling. Participants are able to live at home while receiving care at the day center.

At this time, Catholic Health charges $133 per day for this service, although prices are subject to change. Medicaid will cover the cost of adult day care, and some long-term care insurance plans will pay a portion of the fee. Medicare will not cover the cost of this program.

Click here to learn about Catholic Health’s medical adult day care program.


The costs of long-term care can be intimidating, but knowing your options and what resources are available to you ahead of time can help to ease the financial burden. Government programs provide medical assistance to those who cannot afford long-term care. Insurance programs and alternatives to nursing homes are also available to help make your long-term care more affordable.

Ask Us Anything: What Does My Abnormal Pap Smear Mean?

"I am a 54 year old woman and I recently had an abnormal pap smear for the first time. My doctor repeated the smear and the second one was also abnormal. My doctor recommended that I undergo a colposcopy. What does this mean?"

Dr. Ali Ghomi Responds:

Abnormal pap smears are very common in women of all ages. It is somewhat unusual for the abnormality to present itself at the age of 50.

Having said that, the next step of the management would involve colposcopy, as you alluded to. The physician would look at the cervix under magnification in the office and would take small biopsies of the cervix if there are suspicious areas. This is very important to exclude early cervical cancer, the likelihood of which would be extremely low.

Most likely, the cervical abnormality or dysplasia can be managed by  partially removing part of the cervix (LEEP procedure) or closely monitoring the abnormality in hopes of spontaneous resolution by body's immune system.

In conclusion, it is very important for you to follow-up with your doctor. Based on the information provided, you will be fine and don't let this be a source of anxiety.  Good luck.

– Dr. Ali Ghomi

Dr. Ghomi is the Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Chair of The Robotic Surgical Committee at Sisters of Charity Hospital. He is the only physician in Western New York who performs Sacrocolpopexy Prolapse surgery using the da Vinci® robot. Sacrocolpopexy is a proven “gold standard” procedure worldwide to repair severe pelvic prolapse. Click here to learn more about Catholic Health's OB/GYN services.

Dr. Ghomi sees patients at the M. Steven Piver, M.D. Center for Women’s Health & Wellness in Buffalo.

If you have a question about your health, click here to ask our experts.