Provided photo – Students in the Orleans County YMCA after-school program at Oak Orchard Elementary School, include Nathan and Aiden, in front kneeling. In back: Alyssa, Brooklyn, Brennan, Tyler, Jacob, Grace, Elizabeth. Students show support for Kick Butts Day 2015.

Press Release, Tobacco-Free GLOW

MEDINA – Students involved in the YMCA after-school program at Oak Orchard Elementary School spoke out against the tobacco industry on March 17. Their efforts were part of national Kick Butts Day held on March 18, when youth from around the country voiced their concerns about tobacco marketing and the impact it has on their community.

“Tobacco use is still a big problem and we want to be the generation that ends it,” said Courtney Burch, program coordinator for the YMCA after-school program at Oak Orchard Elementary School in Medina. “We know that tobacco marketing is a major cause of youth smoking and we’re asking for help from our community leaders to join with us and declare ‘Enough is Enough.'”

Students from the YMCA program honored the 77 people who die every day in NYS from tobacco-related illnesses by challenging their peers and family members to write letters of concern to local elected leaders and tobacco retailers, asking them to take action on behalf of the next generation.

In addition to this local event, youth from Reality Check, a program funded through the NYS Bureau of Tobacco Control, gathered in Albany on Kick Butts Day to announce the winners of the New York State Youth Advocate of the Year Awards and four regional winners from across the state. These outstanding young advocates have demonstrated commitment, resolve and determination to advocate against the tobacco industry and spend time and energy to make their communities healthier.

According to the 2014 Surgeon General’s Report, if current smoking rates continue, 5.6 million Americans younger than 18 who are alive today are projected to die prematurely from smoking-related disease. In New York State, 108,500 high school students smoke cigarettes and each year more than 13,500 kids under 18 become new daily smokers.

A study released last month by the American Cancer Society has found that smoking’s toll on health is even worse than previously thought. The study found five additional diseases attributable to smoking and estimated that an additional 60,000 people die every year in the U.S. due to tobacco use, bringing the total annual death toll to 540,000.

“Smoking kills and we’ve got to protect kids from the cause,” said Jacob Chiaccia, age 12, student at Medina Central School. “Stores near schools should not have massive tobacco displays.”

In New York State, 82 percent of retailers including pharmacies, convenience stores and bodegas dedicate at least half of the space behind the checkout counter to openly visible tobacco products.

“We’ve seen enough tobacco marketing,” said Jacob. “We want to be the first tobacco-free generation.”

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids sponsors Kick Butts Day. As part of this national day of youth activism, there are more than 1,000 events in schools and communities across the United States and around the world.

For more information about the harmful effects of tobacco marketing in retail stores, click here. You can also contact Tobacco-Free GLOW at 585-219-4064 or email kevin.keenan@roswellpark.org.

Provided photos – Donna Coble, Hospice registered nurse, is pictured with Denzel, a beloved dog of a Hospice patient.

Press Release, Hospice of Orleans

ALBION – “No one wants my dog,” a Hospice of Orleans patient said sadly to his nurse.

A fall had made it necessary for him to move from home to the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence where he could receive 24-hour care.

Donna Coble, a per diem RN, had been providing him home care services for several months and knew him and his dog quite well. She knew that Denzel, a friendly long-haired dachshund, had been his constant companion for more than 10 years and was the most important relationship in his life. A widower with no children, he frequently referred to Denzel as “Danny” or “my baby.”

“They were the best of buddies,” Coble recalled with a smile. “Denzel would stay by his side all day.”

Coble could hear the pain, fear and grief in her patient’s voice as he shared his worry concerning the long-term care of Denzel. Troubled by her patient’s distress, Coble thought about the situation and decided, “I’ll take Denzel if no one in the family can take him.”

She contacted her patient’s relatives who were relieved that she would take the dog as they were not in a position to care for him.

“I’m not really a dog person but I have dogs and, well, I felt bad that he didn’t have anyone to take Denzel,” Coble said. “He loved that dog so much and I loved them both so I decided I should take him.”

After Denzel came to live with her, Coble and her 11-year-old daughter Julie brought him to visit at the Residence twice a week.

Coble took Denzel to visit at the Residence two days before his owner died.

“‘Here’s my baby, here’s my baby,’ he said as he hugged Denzel,” Coble recounted. “I really think Denzel knew that his daddy was leaving him and that he was going to live with me because he seemed sad and then he came and sat by my side. The nursing staff told me that his owner was very much happier and relieved to know that ‘his baby’ was being taken care of and had a wonderful home on a farm.”

Denzel is a long-haired dachshund who found a home with a hospice nurse after the dog’s owner went into hospice care.

The story of Denzel and his owner illustrates the need for the new Pet Peace of Mind program that Hospice of Orleans has launched this month. Pet Peace of Mind allows people to complete their end-of-life journey without worrying about the current or future needs of their pets.

This initiative provides volunteer pet care services for pet owners who are unable to care for their pets while receiving Hospice services. During the first year of operation, services will include: dog and cat care such as walking, playing and waste clean-up; transportation to a veterinarian for medical care and check-ups; fostering; and providing assistance with pet care and pet exercise.

Education and counseling for patients and their families will focus on understanding pet needs and behaviors and planning for the pet’s future.

The program aligns with the Hospice of Orleans mission to embrace those facing advanced illness with optimal levels of comfort, compassion, and expertise. Hospice works with the patient, doctor and family to craft a detailed plan that provides dignity, relief, and strength to those with a life-limiting illness, and support to the ones who love them, including pet companions.

“The exciting thing about this program is that it is in direct response to needs identified by our nursing and aide staff who often encounter situations such as those experienced by our patient and Denzel,” explained Mary Anne Fischer, executive director of Hospice of Orleans. “Every day we see the importance of pet companions to the well-being of those receiving hospice services. Pets are allowed to visit in the Martin-Linsin Residence and pet therapy has been an integral part of our program for more than 10 years.”

Fischer said the Hospice staff has long recognized the importance of the human-pet bond and has wanted to start a pet care program.

“However, without independent funding, that has not been possible,” Fischer said. “Now, with start-up funding we are finally able to offer needed services and recruit volunteers to meet this important need.”

Pet Peace of Mind is a national program developed and funded by the Banfield Charitable Trust. Hospice of Orleans is only the second hospice to start the program in New York State, placing it among a select group of hospice providers across the country that are ensuring this important patient need is met.

“The human-pet bond is incredibly special. If we can help keep a patient and their pet together, we’ve accomplished what we set out to do,” said Dianne McGill, executive director and CEO of the Banfield Charitable Trust.

Volunteers are needed to help provide Pet Peace of Mind services. Applications to be a Hospice of Orleans volunteer are available by clicking here or by calling 585-589-0809.

Schools clubs and service groups are encouraged to contact Hospice of Orleans to assist with fundraising for this important program.

Press Release, National Kidney Foundation

HOLLEY Over 26 million Americans have kidney disease and most don’t know it. That’s one reason why kidney disease kills more Americans than breast and prostate cancer combined every year.

March is National Kidney Month and the National Kidney Foundation is urging all Americans to assess their risk for kidney disease. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney failure, or are over the age of 60, you are at risk and should have your kidneys checked.

The NKF is offering a free kidney screening through its KEEP Healthy program on March 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Holley Elementary School, 3800 North Main Street Rd.

All KEEP Healthy participants will answer a brief health-risk survey and have their height, weight and blood pressure measured. At-risk individuals will have their kidney health checked through a simple, on-site, ACR urine test. The ACR test can identify protein in the urine, which is often the first sign of kidney disease. Free educational materials will be provided and a medical professional will review results and answer questions from participants.

One in three American adults is at risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Attend this lifesaving screening and give your hardworking kidneys a much-needed checkup this National Kidney Month.

To pre-register for KEEP Healthy, contact the National Kidney Foundation at (585) 598-3963 ext. 31 or www.kidneynyup.org.

Urine strips and accessories for KEEP Healthy are provided by Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc. and Quantimetrix Corporation.

Nancy Albanese’s career spanned four decades

Photo by Howard Balaban – Nancy Albanese, left, was greeted by well-wishers this afternoon during a retirement party at Medina Memorial Hospital, where she worked for 40 years.

By Howard Balaban, Correspondent

MEDINA – An employee with more than 40 years of dedicated service was celebrated Friday afternoon at Medina Memorial Hospital when Nancy Albanese said good-bye to her friends and colleagues on staff.

“She’s been a mentor to many of us here, and she’s a real pillar within the hospital,” said Paula Dresser, a fellow nurse who started working with Albanese 30 years ago.

Dresser mentioned how she and Albanese worked together as nurses on every floor and every wing, including the recovery rooms and the intensive care unit.

Cindy Perry, the hospital’s wellness director, said Albanese’s absence will be felt most by the patients for whom she cared.

“Patients absolutely loved her,” Perry stated. “I only ever heard good things about Nancy, and how efficient and professional and caring she was. She’s been a great role model for everyone here and she’s going to be missed.”

The board room at the hospital served as a gathering area for a retirement party for the generational nurse as she mingled with visiting friends and family who stopped by.

Albanese said her decision to hang up her scrubs was made for one simple reason: “It was time.” However, she said a lifetime of providing care to patients at MMH provided her with “great joy” is something she will greatly miss in retirement. Overall, she said the hospital “has been very, very good to me.”

Moving forward, Albanese said she looks forward to enjoying time with her two college-aged grandchildren. She will also pass the time by knitting and doing volunteer work in the community. Additionally, she will continue to serve on the Hospice board.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital announced today that it will file a 90-day notice to end its management contract with Health Tech Management Services and also the company that has been handling billing.

Health Tech, a Tennessee-based healthcare management company, has been providing administrative and consulting services to Orleans Community Health since June 2013 at $20,000 a month. OCH also contracted with Gaffey Healthcare, an affiliated Health Tech company, since April 2014.

Orleans Community Health also signed an affiliation agreement with Catholic Health in June 2014 to help strengthen healthcare services in Orleans County and provide area patients with greater access to other specialty and support services.

“They gave us all kinds of support but we’re getting that with Catholic Health,” said Dawn Meland, vice president of the OCH board of directors. “We don’t need the redundancy.”

The Health Tech contract included the hospital’s former president and CEO, Dolores Horvath, who resigned earlier this month citing personal family obligations. With the termination of the contracts with Health Tech Management Services and Gaffey Healthcare, Orleans Community Health is currently reviewing proposals from new billing companies.

With Horvath’s departure, the Orleans Community Health Board of Directors felt it was a good opportunity to move the organization in a new strategic direction by naming Wendy Jacobson as Medina Memorial’s Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer, Interim President and CEO, according to a statement released by the organization.

Meland said Health Tech provided a transition for the hospital after the departure of Jim Sinner, the former president and CEO, in June 2013.

With local support from Catholic Health, which includes physician recruitment and other service opportunities, Orleans Community Health is committed to the success and sustainability of Medina Memorial Hospital and to providing high quality healthcare to the residents of Orleans County, according to the OCH statement.

Photos by Tom Rivers

GAINES – Orleans Community Health is promoting healthier lifestyles at a series of events this year around the county.

The outreach effort began on Tuesday with a “Healthier U” open house at The Village Inn in Childs. Several local health providers and agencies had displays at the event, which started with a healthy breakfast with no fried foods.

The Albion Urgent Care health center was among the participants with a display at the event. Jennifer Herring, left, is office manager at the site run by Orleans Community Health and Randi Johnson, right, is a physician’s assistant.

About 40 people attended the event. Orleans Community Health is the parent organization for Medina Memorial Hospital. The organization is planning many events at the hospital and Medina this year, and will also be leading health events throughout the county in 2015, said Jim Moody, executive director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation.

“This is a community-wide effort to educate residents on different topics to make them healthier,” Moody said.

Dr. Ahmet Guler, a cardiologist, speaks with Ron Felstead, a member of the Orleans Community Health board of directors. Dr. Guler spoke at the Healthier U event on Tuesday, and highlighted programs for healthier hearts at the hospital and Orleans Community Health.

Orleans Community Health is planning at least a monthly outreach event where residents can connect with health professionals.

The next event, “Ask the Doctor,” will be Feb. 26 at Calvary Tabernacle Church (the old Medina High School).

Jen Maynard, the director of radiology and corporate compliance for Orleans Community Health, also spoke about the benefits of the new CT scan machine at Medina Memorial Hospital. The machine gives hospital staff much improved imaging when scans are taken of a brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis.

The CT scanner replaces one from 2001. The new one is a 64 slice CT scan compared to a 4 slice. Besides better imaging, the new machine exposes patients to 33 percent less radiation, Maynard said.

“It’s something that not every place has,” she said. “We’re fortunate to have it in our community.”

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club wore red today for their regular weekly meeting at The Village Inn. The club wore red to promote heart health.

Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day and people are encouraged to wear red to draw attention to women’s heart health. This day also officially kicks off American Heart Month.

Rotary Club members pictured, include, front row, from left: Fred Nesbitt, Don Bishop, Bruce Landis, Marlee Diehl and Mary Anne Braunbach.

Back row: Richard Remley, Bonnie Malakie, Marsha Rivers, Tammy Yaskulski, President Bill Diehl, Ron LaGamba, Brad Shelp and Maynard Lowry from Lockport Rotary Club.

Federal funding that provides $600,000 annually to Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital is in jeopardy of going away, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said.

Schumer said Low Volume Hospital (LVH) and Medicare Dependent Hospital (MDH) Programs provide $16 million in aid to 24 rural hospitals in New York each year.

This funding is essential because the hospitals are often under serious financial pressure due to a lower volume of patients than their urban and suburban counterparts and they also receive a higher percentage of Medicare beneficiaries, Schumer said.

The annual funding for these hospitals is set to expire in April if it isn’t extended by Congress. Schumer said he is introducing bipartisan legislation with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) that would extend these programs for an additional year.

Schumer said that these hospitals play a major role in keeping quality of care high across New York State and are a critical source of jobs.

“Rural hospitals are both essential to the quality of Upstate healthcare and are the lifeblood of rural communities throughout New York State,” Schumer said in a statement. “These hospitals serve a vital public need, employ several thousand New Yorkers across the state, and they deserve our support in their continuous efforts to provide the highest level of care to residents.”

Besides the $600,000 for Medina Memorial, other rural hospitals in WNY that receive the funding include: Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville, $246,000; Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, $715,000; Nicholas H. Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, $488,000; Westfield Memorial Hospital in Chautauqua County, $57,000; and Wyoming County Community Health System in Warsaw, $800,000.

“If this funding were to go away, it would put our hospitals, patients, and employees in the lurch, and could effectively pull the plug on a lifeline for rural hospitals all over the country,” Schumer said. “The clock is ticking, and that is why I am pushing Congress to pass this bipartisan bill before it is too late. I am going to fight for the survival of this program the same way our upstate hospitals fight for their patients.”

By Nola Goodrich-Kresse, Public Health Educator for Orleans County Health Department

It is holiday time and if you look at TV schedules, you will see a lot of classic holiday shows “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” might come to mind when thinking about how to celebrate the holidays.

If you are not familiar with the story, a mean-hearted Grinch tries to steal Christmas from the sweet, generous residents of Whoville. So what does a Grinch have to do with health? Let’s take a look.

The Grinch did not like that the Whoville community sang and enjoyed one another’s company because he was all alone on top of a mountain. If you are having trouble with being alone, consider inviting family or friends over for a visit. It does not have to be anything fancymaybe a dish to pass and some board games, taking time to enjoy each other’s company.

When the Grinch and his trusty dog Max made plans to stop Christmas, they decided to take everything they thought made the holiday fun. For many, the best part about holiday time is not getting, but giving and seeing the joy of the recipient.

When shopping for gifts, think about the age, likes and needs for those you are gifting. Gifts that are homemade can be cherished for years and be gentle on your budget. Always make sure you check the age guidance for children’s toys for safety sake.

If buying bikes, scooter, roller blades, make sure you remember safety equipment such as helmets and pads. The best way not to be a Grinch after the holiday season is to not over spendset a budget and stick to it. Consider sponsoring a family or child and provide food and gifts to someone who may not have as much as you do.

As the Grinch slithered through the homes, he took all the food including the Who-hash. When hosting meals at your home during the holidays, consider simple meals and/or ask your guests to share their favorite holiday foods.

If you are trying to maintain your weight, have plenty of fresh veggies and drink water throughout the day to have a full feeling. It is OK to sample treats, just remember to limit how much you have.

The last thing the Grinch stole from the Who’s were their decorations. When decorating, remember to follow the lighting directions so you do not overload outlets. Consider putting your lights on timers and never leave them on when you are not at home or while sleeping.

If you have a real tree, make sure it is well watered and if the needles start falling, do not turn the tree lights on as the tree will become a fire hazard. Make sure your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Also remember your pets. Decorations and chocolate treats can make them sick if they eat them.

Later in the morning after the Grinch and Max made their way back to the mountain with all of Whoville’s gifts, food and decorations, he hears the Whos singing joyfully celebrating the day. Realizing he did not stop Christmas, the Grinch returns everything to Whoville and receives a gift in returnthe gift of forgiveness and friendship.

Forgiving someone actually makes you feel better as it takes away the burden of bitterness and unforgivenesseven if you feel you were right, reaching out the hand of forgiveness will give you peace.

Spending time with friends and family does not have to be stressful. Set time limits if you feel you need to be around someone you would rather not be around. Choose wisely who you want to spend time with, some feel the need to add extra stress wherever they go.

Only you can decide whom you want to share your holidays with. When traveling to visit others, plan for the weather, drive wise, put the cell phone away so you are not distracted and never drive after drinking alcohol or when you are too drowsy.

May the hearts of all the Grinch’s you know grow three times the size this holiday season! From all of us to all of you Merry Christmas!

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA Two sisters have been collecting bottles since the summer, with a big push on Dec. 6 at a local redemption center. The effort resulted in a $278.50 donation to Community Partners for its wellness effort through Medina Memorial Hospital.

Paige Smith, 12, and her sister Gabby, 10, handed over a bag of change and dollar bills on Tuesday to Cindy Perry, director of health education, wellness and outreach for Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial. In the top photo, Paige, left, is pictured with Perry and Gabby.

The sisters teamed with Shawn and Anna Callard, owner of Route 104 Redemption, for the “Cans 4 Cancer” drive on Dec. 6. The girls wanted to help battle cancer after their grandmother and grandfather both fought the disease.

Perry said the donation will go towards paying for mammograms and other health screenings.

“Early detection saves lives,” she said.