MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced its North Wing (long term care) has been recognized with the prestigious five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Out of 134 skilled nursing homes in the Western New York region, it is one of only five who received a five-star overall rating and a five-star staffing rating. The overall rating is based on three measures – health inspections, quality measures and staffing levels.

The skilled nursing home commonly referred to as the North Wing is located within Medina Memorial Hospital. Its 30 beds are always occupied, and its stellar reputation has resulted in a waiting list to get in, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health.

“The persistent staffing hurdles confronting healthcare institutions continue to exist,” said Thomas Bloomer, vice president of Human Resources at Orleans Community Health. “Ensuring sufficient staffing to deliver essential care to our most vulnerable is no small feat. This recognition for our five-star staffing levels is a source of immense pride, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our entire caregiving team in the North Wing.”

Rebecca Mannella, a longtime nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital, is the director of nursing for the North Wing.

Marc Shurtz, chief executive officer at Orleans Community Health, expressed his pride in the North Wing and its award.

“Building and maintaining a high-functioning team to care for our most vulnerable is our daily mission,” Shurtz said. “We are extremely proud of the North Wing team for what they have accomplished and for the care and compassion they provide to our residents each and every day.”

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Family nurse practitioner Liz Gurnsey, center, is joined by two medical personnel at the Albion Healthcare Center. At left is Pamela Eaton, adult nurse practitioner, and at right is Marlo Castelo, physician assistant.

ALBION – The Albion Healthcare Center was established in 2012 with the aim of offering prompt medical assistance to the community.

Since then, it has evolved into a convenient hub, offering an expanding array of services, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health.

The site added two more medical professionals to meet increasing demand.

Joining Dr. Syed Raza, physician assistant Cheryl Kast and family nurse practitioner Liz Gurnsey are Marlo Castelo, physician assistant certified, and Pamela Eaton, adult nurse practitioner.

Castelo was born and raised in Puerto Rico, coming to Bethesda, Md. with her parents at the age of 12. She comes to Albion from Bethal, Alaska, a small town 400 miles west of Anchorage with a population of 500 people. She was their sole provider, she said. She treated new babies to 98-year-olds.

“It didn’t matter if they had a broken bone or chest pain, I took care of them,” she said. “It’s the same here. I’ll do whatever needs to be done. We had very little resources in Alaska. We had to improvise and do with what we had. We once made a cast out of bubble wrap.”

Castelo earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and later completed her physician assistant degree at Nova Southeastern University. She recently concluded a fellowship in psychiatry at the University of California at Irvine, maintaining her NCCPA certification since graduation from physician assistant’s school in 2010.

With a diverse medical background, Castelo concentrated on family medicine, geriatric care, women’s health and psychiatry, encompassing areas such as substance abuse, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety during her tenure in Florida.

She spent three years in Alaska before deciding she wanted a change. Influencing her decision to settle in Western New York is the fact her brother plays viola with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. She visited him and liked the area.

“I put out my resume and a recruiter for Orleans Community Health reached out to me,” Castelo said.

She is currently living in Brockport until she can find a place closer to Albion.

Pamela Eaton joined the staff on Jan. 15. Eaton grew up in Middleport and obtained her master of science in nursing with a post master’s in adult and geriatric nurse practitioner. She has 22 years of experience serving the community, eight with Dr. Tom Madejski’s office.

A board-certified nurse practitioner, certified advanced aesthetic nurse practitioner and certified wellness and medical weight loss practitioner, Eaton has practiced in geriatric and adult internal medicine and has also worked for three years in hematology and oncology.

She brings a passion for healthcare, wellness and promoting a sense of well-being to her patients. As the owner of Hometown Wellness Center and Sii Bello Beauty Bar in Medina, she is also an advocate for health and wellness through events in the community.

“I love doing things for my community, and this was another opportunity to do that,” Eaton said.

Because of the influx of patients, the Albion clinic has pulled back on accepting walk-ins. The addition of two new providers will help alleviate that problem.

“We’re excited that we’ll be able to begin expanding walk-in services again,” Robinson said. “While walk-in services for patients who are ill won’t be every day, they can now call (585) 589-2273 to check on availability. This should only continue to improve. Walk-in services are still available for laboratory (blood draws) and X-ray, which do not require any calling ahead.”

MEDINA – The leader of Orleans Community Health said a 3-year labor contract with employees will help ensure OCH will continue to offer healthcare services for years to come.

Marc Shurtz

The new three-year contract covers hospital and clinic workers at Medina Memorial Hospital, the Lake Plains Batavia Dialysis Clinic and the Albion Healthcare Center.

Marc Shurtz, the OCH chief executive officer, issued a statement this afternoon after the union announced the labor agreement.

“This is the outcome we all hoped to achieve and we’re pleased with the end result,” Shurtz said. “During this process, Orleans Community Health conducted extensive market research to make sure that our wages and benefits would help recruit and retain staff in this highly competitive market.

“As the largest employer in Orleans County employing over 300 individuals, we understand the importance of our economic impact to the surrounding communities,” he said. “This contact recognizes that our team is our most valuable asset and its ratification will help to ensure we are here to serve the community for years to come.”

The new three-year union contract provides for a $17 per hour minimum starting rate for new hires. Healthcare workers won general wage increases from 3% to 20% in the first year, and an additional 3% in the second year and 5% in the third year, stated 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

In addition to general wage increases, some positions will see an increase in base rate of pay to help retain and recruit more workers into those positions. Healthcare workers will also get an increase in preceptor pay, the union said in a news release.

“Workers also won increases in shift and weekend differentials, one additional day out of town bereavement, and MLK and Juneteenth as paid holidays starting in 2025,” 1199SEIU said. “Union members will also maintain their access to 1199SEIU Training & Upgrading Benefit Fund.”

Press Release, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

MEDINA – More than 200 hospital and clinic workers at three Orleans Community Health sites in Medina, Albion and Batavia voted to ratify a 3-year labor deal late last month. Hospital and clinic workers are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare workers union.

The new three-year contract covers hospital and clinic workers at Orleans Community Health’s Medina Memorial Hospital, Lake Plains Batavia Dialysis Clinic, and the Albion Healthcare Center.

Wages were a key sticking point in contract talks forcing workers to vote in favor of holding an informational picket, which is now cancelled.

“We fought hard for this contract and it’s great,” said Kagney Bieniek, Radiology Technologist.  “With the wages we won during negotiations, this is the best contract we’ve seen in years.  I hope that it will help us to retain more workers and to get new hires. I love having a hospital like this to serve our community and it’s great that we were able to settle.”

The new three-year union contract provides for a $17 per hour minimum starting rate for new hires. Healthcare workers won general wage increases from 3% to 20% in the first year, and an additional 3% in the 2nd year and 5% in the third year.

In addition to general wage increases, some positions will see an increase in base rate of pay to help retain and recruit more workers into those positions. Healthcare workers will also get an increase in preceptor pay.

Workers also won increases in shift and weekend differentials, one additional day out of town bereavement, and MLK and Juneteenth as paid holidays starting in 2025. Union members will also maintain their access to 1199SEIU Training & Upgrading Benefit Fund.

1199SEIU represents professional, technical and service jobs at all three sites including:  Registered Nurses, Dietetic Technicians, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapy Assistants, Radiology Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Respiratory Therapists, MRI Techs, Surgical Techs, Certified Nurse Assistants, Unit Secretaries, Ambulatory Unit Aides, Activities Aides, Pharmacy Technicians, Aide Porters, Cooks, Cafeteria Aides, Maintenance Workers, Environmental Service Workers, Couriers, Patient Care Technicians, Processor Phlebotomist, and Clinical Technicians.

The new three-year union contract runs through Dec. 31, 2026.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: John Betts and Laura Scarantine from Medina Memorial Hospital’s Respiratory Services Department will be able to perform pulmonary function testing with the addition of that benefit to the hospital.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the latest addition to its comprehensive healthcare services at Medina Memorial Hospital, with the introduction of pulmonary function testing.

This service is now available through the hospital’s Respiratory Therapy Department, continuing their efforts to offer important services all in one location, according to Scott Robinson, director marketing, communications and outreach.

Pulmonary function testing is a crucial diagnostic tool that measures how well the lungs take in and exhale air. This advanced testing allows health professionals to access respiratory function, diagnose lung conditions and develop personalized treatment plans for patients with respiratory issues.

Key features of Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital’s pulmonary function testing service are:

• State-of-the Art Technology. The Respiratory Department at Medina Memorial Hospital is equipped with the latest in pulmonary function technology. This ensures accurate and reliable results for healthcare providers to make informed decisions about patient care.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Care: With the addition of PFT, Medina Memorial Hospital expands on its comprehensive range of respiratory care services. The hospital’s experienced respiratory therapy team is dedicated to delivering high-quality care to individuals with a variety of respiratory conditions.
• Patient-Centered Approach: The addition of PFT services aligns with the goal of Orleans Community Health to make healthcare services more accessible and convenient for the community.

“The addition of pulmonary function testing to Medina Memorial Hospital brings a need to the community that previously was not accessible or convenient for the average individual,” said Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer of Orleans Community Health. “Patients may come in for testing who have asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, shortness of breath, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), constant coughing or other respiratory concerns their doctors might have.”

Orleans Community Health invites the community to learn more about the pulmonary function testing service and other healthcare offerings at Medina Memorial Hospital by contacting the Respiratory Therapy Department at (585) 798-8044.

‘Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in Genesee and Orleans counties and is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.’

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting their first rabies immunization clinic of the year at no charge to participants on Thursday, February 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Batavia Town Highway Garage (3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY).

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per person maximum.

“We encourage all residents to take advantage of our first rabies immunization clinic of 2024 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in Genesee and Orleans counties and is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Please leave wildlife alone and do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats.”

The next rabies immunization clinics are as follows:

Orleans County Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY 14411)

• Saturday, April 13, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 5, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Genesee County Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020)

• Thursday, May 16, from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information contact the health department at:

• Orleans County 585-589-3278 or OCPublicHealth@orleanscountyny.gov
• Genesee County 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us

Provided photo: Orleans Community Health is enjoying the conclusion of a very successful year in several areas, including the establishment of a nurses’ recognition program through the Daisy Foundation. Pictured are those on the committee heading the awards program. From left are Cassie Maynard, Leighann VanAuker (in front), Christine Kropf, Jennifer Morgan, Rebecca Mannella and Kim Gray.

MEDINA – After completing a very successful year, Orleans Community Health is looking forward to more improvements in the new year ahead, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach.

Robinson recapped OCH’s statistics for 2023, citing nurse Rhonda Woody’s recognition as a Healthcare Hero, the Wound Care Center named one of the top 10 in the country, Nicole Chapman winning a “Caring Heart” award, Emergency Room visits the highest since 2016, addition of three new surgeons to the hospital, an increase in patient days by 34 percent over 2022 and Primary Care cases at Albion Healthcare Center up 50 percent, the highest in its history.

Most exciting, according to Robinson, is a planned expansion at Albion Healthcare Center, adding two more primary care providers to keep up with the increased demand.

Robinson credits the addition of healthcare provider and Albion native Cheryl Kast for the uptick at the Albion facility, where announcement of the new providers will be made in less than a month.

“Overall, this shows more members of the community are choosing to receive care at Medina Memorial Hospital and the Albion Healthcare Center,” Robinson said. “We remain a steady hand for the community, and we’re here when we are needed – whether it’s routine or an emergency.”

He said the Transitional Care Unit at Medina Memorial Hospital doubled its numbers from the year before. While ER visits were the highest since 2016, the outpatient services were up 20 percent.

“With our full service radiology and award-winning Wound Care Center, people are hearing about Medina Memorial Hospital and choosing to come here,” Robinson said.

About two weeks into the new year, Robinson said they are already seeing increases continue at Albion Primary Care and Subacute Rehab.

In terms of the year ahead, Robinson said the hospital is approaching 99 years and plans are already underway for a 100th anniversary celebration in 2025.

Workers seek higher wages and more staffing

Press Release, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

MEDINA – More than 200 hospital workers in rural Upstate New York could hit the picket line soon this winter.

Union members at Orleans Community Health’s Medina Memorial Hospital, Lake Plains Batavia Dialysis Clinic, and Albion Healthcare Center voted to authorize an informational picket if no agreement can be reached soon. Rural hospital workers are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare workers union in the country.

Caregivers at three Orleans Community Health sites in Medina, Albion and Batavia have been fighting for living wages and quality comprehensive benefits to help retain and recruit more workers to care for patients.

Services at Orleans Community Health’s Medina Memorial Hospital have expanded and the increase in patients leaves workers without enough staff to provide the quality care patients in the rural community rely upon. Downsizing and service line closures in nearby counties have contributed to staffing issues at the hospital and clinics.

“I have been a Certified Nurse Assistant for 23 years and I’ve worked at Medina Memorial Hospital for 7 years,” said Jessica Skowneski.  “It’s a struggle and with inflation, it’s getting worse. Fighting for a living wage means that I can afford to eat by the end of the week.”

In 2021, during the COVID pandemic, some top leaders at Orleans Community Health earned large salary increases ranging from 15-75 percent.

The three-year union contract covering workers at Orleans Community Health’s three sites expired December 31, 2023.  The union and management have been negotiating since mid-December last year.

A federal mediator from Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services is present during contract talks. Both sides are set to return to the bargaining table on Friday, January 19th.

If the worker led bargaining committee is unable to reach a fair agreement with their employer for everyone, the union can issue 10-day notice to hold an informational picket outside the hospital and/or clinics. Workers are allowed to participate in informational picketing either before/after work or during their lunch or break. An informational picket is a protected job action under the National Labor Relations Board and workers can not be retaliated against for participating.

1199SEIU represents professional, technical and service jobs at all three sites including:  Registered Nurses, Dietetic Technicians, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapy Assistants, Radiology Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Respiratory Therapists, MRI Techs, Surgical Techs, Certified Nurse Assistants, Unit Secretaries, Ambulatory Unit Aides, Activities Aides, Pharmacy Technicians, Aide Porters, Cooks, Cafeteria Aides, Maintenance Workers, Environmental Service Workers, Couriers, Patient Care Technicians, Processor Phlebotomist, and Clinical Technicians.

Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), working in cooperation with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, has opened a Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Family Resource Library.

Relatives of young people with disabilities from Genesee and Orleans counties can make appointments to investigate adaptive devices and other equipment before investing in them, and perhaps arrange a short-term loan of an item.

The Resource Library is for children and their families to be able to test and identify tools and supports that will help their child/ youth in areas such as development, emotional regulation, support with health conditions or disabilities, sensory processing, communication, learning disabilities, advocacy, and more. This is a great way to try items for free, to see what works or doesn’t work before buying.

Supportive Equipment and Assistive Technology: Equipment is expensive, so this is a great way to try different items to see what works, or what does not, with no out-of-pocket expense. Some equipment available includes: sensory toys, busy books, balance seats, tools that can support occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech goals, communication tools, and much more.

Books: We have a variety of books and workbooks that support parents, children and youth of all ages.

For more information, contact April Fearby, CYSHCN Program Specialist at ILGR, at afearby@wnyil.org, or by calling 585-815-8501, extension 401.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Orleans County Health Department (14016 Route 31 West Albion, NY 14411) or by Zoom video conference. Refreshments will be provided.

The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, early intervention providers, child care providers, parents of children with disabilities and other community members. The goal of the LEICC is to afford the opportunity for parents and other members to voice their thoughts and concerns on the strengths and weaknesses of the Genesee and Orleans County Early Intervention Program and to work together to improve the program.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are encouraging parents to attend and to offer input as to how we can best meet the needs of all infants and toddlers in our local communities.

For Zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Deborah Krenzer-Lewter, Director of Children with Special Needs, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5572 or 585-589-2777.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced its partnership with the DAISY foundation to honor and recognize the excellent work of its nurses.

The DAISY Foundation is renowned for its commitment to celebrating the compassion, skill and dedication of nurses worldwide, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at OCH and Medina Memorial Hospital.

Through this collaboration, Orleans Community Health seeks to elevate the recognition of its nursing staff who consistently go above and beyond in providing compassionate and patient-centered care.

“The partnership with the DAISY Foundation underscores our commitment to acknowledge the exceptional work of our nurses who make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and their families every day,” said Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health. “Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and we are excited to join hands with the DAISY Foundation to shine a spotlight on their extraordinary efforts.”

Established in 1999, the DAISY Foundation was created by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 due to complications of the autoimmune disease idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura, or ITP. DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.

A nurse who receives a DAISY award joins a worldwide community of extraordinary nurses, nursing faculty and students. The benefits associated with being a DAISY honoree last a lifetime, according to the Foundation.

Benefits include reduced tuition at selected universities, $2,000 toward costs of attending a continuing conference of the nurse’s choice, eligibility to receive the award-winning StressPal training program at a dramatically reduced fee, a lifetime discount on an annual subscription to SE HealthCare’s Nurse Burnout Program and grants to attend medical missions helping to care for the world’s most under-served and vulnerable people.

Orleans Community Health’s partnership with the DAISY Foundation aligns with both organizations’ shared values of promoting a culture of appreciation and recognizing the vital role nurses play in healthcare delivery, Robinson added. Orleans Community Health looks forward to presenting the first DAISY Award to an outstanding nurse and continuing to foster a supportive environment for nursing excellence, he said.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January as National Radon Action Month.

According to the EPA, an estimated 1 in 15 homes in the United States have high radon levels.

“Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that seeps into your home through cracks in the foundation, walls and joints,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “It can also be found in well water and in dirt floors. Whether your home has a basement, sits on a slab, is old or brand-new, radon can build-up and go undetected.”

Living in a home with high radon levels can be dangerous for your health. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is estimated to cause 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.  According to the EPA, because radon and tobacco smoke damage the lungs, high radon levels are especially dangerous for people who smoke. The risk of lung cancer is 10 times higher than for non-smokers.

Here are a few things you can do to protect your home and family from radon during National Radon Action Month:

• Test your home for radon. A limited number of test kits are available for Genesee County residents at no charge to them. Call the Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555. For residents outside of Genesee County, you can purchase a short-term test kit at your local hardware store.
• Contact your local schools to encourage radon education in school.
• Consider quitting smoking. Call the New York State Smoker’s Quitline at 1-866-697-8487 and talk to a Specialized Quit Coach today.

For more information about National Radon Action Month, click here.

For more information about how to test your home or where to find a test kit, call the National Radon Hotline at 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236).

For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:

• Orleans County: 585-589-3278
• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

A necessary stop for all drivers, gas stations provide consumers with more than just fuel. With an increased number of gas stations providing food, clothing, children’s toys and everyday household items, the need for customer awareness rises.

Below are tips for your next fuel stop:

• Do not smoke near fuel pumps
• Always remove fuel cans from vehicle before filling
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Drive with caution and slow down in parking lots
• Make sure the fuel nozzle is correctly returned before driving off
• Do not overfill your tank
• Do not wedge objects into the nozzle trigger to provide continuous flow
• Take advantage of store reward/loyalty programs

Click here to see local saving opportunities.

“We often see unsafe practices while inspecting gas stations. These potentially dangerous acts of negligence put everyone in the area at risk,” stated Ronald P. Mannella, director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) Weights and Measures Program. “Our goal of consumer protection reaches beyond your wallet. We seek financial as well as overall health and safety for all customers.”

If an incident occurs, notify a store employee as soon as possible. A swift response in an emergency may be the difference between a minor incident and major disaster.

For more information about the GO Health Weights and Measures Program, click here.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

Have you ever wondered how an item that is not good for our health becomes popular? One way is vendors that produce them use clever marketing tactics to make people think they are safe, popular, good for you, and a status symbol.

E-cigarettes or vapes are these types of items. Although there are some regulations in the sale of e-cigarette/vape items, they are currently limited. In the United States, the legal age to purchase any nicotine-containing product, including e-cigarettes is 21. New York State has also banned flavored nicotine vape products to address the use of e-cigarettes among youth.

“According to the Food and Drug Administration, e-cigarettes/vapes are not approved as an aid to quit smoking,” stated Paul Pettit, director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “There is limited evidence that using a vaping device will help smokers quit, mostly because the individuals continue to smoke or use nicotine replacement while vaping, which increases the nicotine levels. Other FDA-approved prescription and over-the-counter medications are safe and effective to help people quit nicotine use. The best way to reduce the risk of nicotine-related illnesses and cancer is to never start using nicotine products of any kind.”

Companies that market e-cigarettes and vaping devices use marketing tools such as:

• “fun” flavors
• deep discounts
• marketing materials that are “youth-oriented” and located where young people go
• brightly colored ads or bright storefronts
• using celebrities who use e-cigarettes

The companies use popular packaging that are attractive to youth such as: flash/USB drives, favorite characters, hidden in hoodie strings, highlighters, backpacks, phone cases, pens, or smart watches.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to have honest conversations with youth about the issues and risks around vaping. Being aware of what is out there will take the glamor out of the product when talking with youth.

Tips on Quitting

• Pick a day on a calendar when you plan on quitting, let friends or family know.
• Download an app that helps you track your sober days, build new healthier habits, and provides motivation. Visit SmokeFree.gov for free apps to download.
• Get rid of all vaping devices.
• Understand what the withdrawal symptoms are such as headaches, hunger, trouble sleeping, and concentrating are just a few.

If feeling the urge to vape? Try these instead: Chewing gum or drinking water, exercise, yoga or meditation, and keeping your hands busy.

The sooner one quits, the quicker the body rebounds and repairs itself. For more help or information, contact your healthcare provider. You can also text, chat or call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487).

For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:

• Orleans County: 585-589-3278
• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555