Photos by Tom Rivers – Nola Goodrich-Kresse, public health educator for the Orleans County Health Department, talks about the sugar content in popular beverages. Goodrich-Kresse said the sugar in soda and energy drinks adds hundreds of calories.

ALBION – Genesee Community College is promoting health at all ages of life during a wellness fair today at the Albion campus on Route 31.

There are 14 vendors at the fair, which was organized by a student-run Wellness Coalition at the college.

“In America we are becoming an obese country,” said student Kassy Sutton of Holley, a member of the Wellness Coalition. “There are alternatives for kids to watching TV and playing video games.”

Danny Anderson, program manager for the Orleans County YMCA, discusses the benefits of exercise and the opportunities at the Y.

Today’s wellness fair runs until 2:30 p.m. It is the biggest project for the Wellness Coalition, but the group has had a healthy snack bake sale with sugar substitutes. It is looking into other activities to promote exercise and healthy living.

“We want people to think about what kind of life do you want to have?” said student Melissa Qualey of Holley, a member of the Wellness Coalition.

A person in good mental, physical and emotional health can be more active and engaged in the community, at work and with their families, she said.

GCC professor Pam Lusk is advisor for the Wellness Coalition. The group organized its first health fair in 2012. It plans to make it a regular event every two years.

Diana Fulcomer, community specialist for GCASA, speaks with GCC students at a health fair today.

County ranks near bottom in many health categories

Photo by Tom Rivers – Paul Pettit, Orleans County Health Department director, talks about the county’s health rankings and a community health assessment and improvement plan during an Albion Rotary Club meeting on Thursday.

ALBION – Orleans County health officials want to engage a broad base of the community to improve many health factors and indicators in the county, which rank near the bottom among the 62 counties in the state.

The Health Department can’t do it alone and needs help from non-profit organizations, civic groups and businesses to have a healthier county, said Paul Pettit, the county’s health department director.

Ultimately, it will come down to individuals making healthy choices, such as not smoking, exercising and eating nutritious foods, he told the Albion Rotary Club on Thursday.

“It will take a group effort and you, as an individual, to move these numbers in a positive direction,” he said.

Orleans fares among the worst in the state for access to primary care physicians and dentists, while its residents have high rates of smoking and adult obesity. An annual County Health Rankings report also says Orleans residents choose fast food at a rate above the state and national averages.

Overall, the report ranks Orleans as the 52^nd healthiest county out of 62.

The annual County Health Rankings report provides a community health profile of about 3,000 counties in the United States. The report looks at health outcomes – rates of premature death, low-birthweight babies and days of poor physical and mental health. The “health factors” category includes alcohol and tobacco use, diet and risky sexual behavior.

Orleans ranked 52^nd in health outcomes, 57^th in health factors, 58^th in health behaviors, 62^nd in access to clinical care, 45^th in social and economic factors and 50^th in physical environment, which includes air quality, drinking water safety and access to recreational facilities, healthy foods and fast food.

A new report is due next week. Pettit was given a sneak peak at the data and he said the county hasn’t shown much improvement in the categories.

Orleans has a plan that will help improve the health of residents, said Nola Goodrich-Kreese, the county’s public health educator. The county finished a Community Health Improvement Plan (click here) and also a Community Health Assessment (click here). Both were done in collaboration with Genesee and Wyoming counties. The three counties together have about 150,000 residents.

The counties established priorities that include preventing chronic diseases; reducing obesity; reducing illnesses, disabilities and deaths related to tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposures; and strengthening infrastructure for mental health.

Orleans is seeking grants for diabetes prevention, is seeking to replicate Genesee County’s Get Fit! community exercise program, is working with Smoke-Free Now to reduce tobacco exposure, and will try to increase awareness of mental health services in the county and in the region.

The three counties surveyed 1,700 residents and they listed their top concerns as cancer, 45.5 percent; heart disease, 44.0 percent and depression, 41.7 percent.

Statewide the following were identified as public health priorities: Prevent chronic diseases; promote healthy and safe environments; promote healthy women, infants and children; promote mental health and prevent substance abuse; and prevent HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, vaccine-preventable diseases and healthcare associated infections.

Provided photo – Kathy Jurs is pictured with characters at Disney World after running a half marathon in January. She raised $5,123 which was the most of anyone from western and central New York.

ALBION – When Kathy Jurs battled Non-Hodgins lymphoma in 2010, she could count on a card in the mail or a treat from Susan Bennett.

Jurs was 29 when she was diagnosed with a cancer of the lymphoid tissue. She lost nearly all of her hair while enduring chemotherapy and radiation. Bennett was always a source of encouragement.

“She would send me notes and gifts,” Jurs said.

Jurs, 32, made a full recovery and returned to work at Poverty Hill Farms in Albion. She has worked there since she was 15. She is the herdsman and calf manager. She arrives at work at 4:45 in the morning and stays until about 4 or 4:30.

Amy Neal is her best friend. Amy is married to Jamie Neal, one of the farm co-owners. She is also Bennett’s daughter.

In June, Bennett was diagnosed with the same cancer as Jurs. Kathy decided she would raise money for research for the disease by running a half marathon at Disney in January.

“I wanted to get into shape, stay healthy and do it for Susan,” Jurs said.

She trained five days a week, including long runs on Saturdays. She joined a group at Mendon Ponds for the Saturday treks. The runners were all raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

In four months, Jurs ran over 400 miles getting ready for the half marathon. The sponsors poured in, with Jurs collecting $5,123, the most of any participant from western and central NY.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Jurs works as the herdsman and calf manager at Poverty Hill Farm in Albion, which is owned by the Neal family.

“I never dreamed we could raise that much money,” Jurs said.

Bennett was popular in the community. She was active at the Barre Presbyterian Church and as bookkeeper at Al Bennett and Sons, a feed and farm supply store in Barre. Her husband Richard was a long-time county legislator.

“Everybody knew Susan,” Jurs said. “She talked to everybody.”

Jurs set out to finish the 13.1-mile run in under 3 hours. She met that goal on Jan. 11. Her euphoria in finishing was crushed after the race when she learned that Bennett had died that morning at age 67.

Jurs intends to keep running, and raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She plans to run the Flower City Half Marathon in Rochester on April 27.

Richard Bennett praised Jurs for her good heart and determination. When his wife was battling cancer, Jurs often sent her notes and gifts.

“Kathy was her constant booster,” Mr. Bennett said. “She encouraged Susan a lot. It gives you faith in the young people today. They are a very giving group.”

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

When was the last time you thought about what you were drinking? Did you know that the rising trend in obesity rates in the nation have followed the rising trend of sugar-sweetened beverages?

Sugar-sweetened beverages are considered any beverage with more than 25 calories per 8-ounce serving. According to the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, research shows that caloric intake from soft drinks has increased by 228 percent between 1977 and 2001, and that the portion sizes have increased from 6.5 fluid ounces in the 1950s to more than 20 fluid ounces today. The average American consumes 50 gallons of soda or other sweetened beverages each year.

Sugar-sweetened beverages are not limited to soda (or pop, depending on where you are from), but also include non-100 percent fruit drinks, sports drinks, flavored water, energy drinks, and pre-sweetened tea and coffee.

These drinks are high in calories, have no nutritional value and include any of the following sweeteners:  sucrose, fructose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fruit juice concentrates, honey, invert sugar, lactose, maltose, malt syrup, molasses, raw sugar, sugar and syrup. Each day the average American consumes 22 teaspoons of sugar, much more than the recommended 5 to 9 teaspoons per day.

Another concern is the so-called “energy” drinks. These are mostly made up of water, sugar and caffeine along with other additives. Not only do these drinks provide empty calories, but the higher levels of caffeine are known to increase jitteriness, irritability and effect normal sleep patterns, which can have an effect on concentration and alertness, when having too many energy drinks.

Studies have shown caffeine can increase blood pressure and increase heart rates. According to a recent MedicineNet article, the average American takes in about 280 mg/day of caffeine. An 8-ounce serving of regular black brewed coffee is about 135 mg and an 8 ounce cup of black tea is 40-70 mg.  Some of the energy drinks have two or three times the amount of caffeine and generally are a serving size of 12 to 20 ounces.

Here are some tips to help you enjoy your favorite beverages in moderation and try some new low/no calorie drinks:

Choose water as your beverage of choice throughout the day, every day.

Add some fruit to your water to give it a little flavor. Lemons, limes, strawberries, even cucumber can give your water a boost of flavor. Be creative.

Drink unsweetened tea or coffee. Add some lemon, lime, or cinnamon stick to your hot or cold plain tea. Add a drop of vanilla, almond or other flavoring to your hot or cold plain coffee.

Drink from a cup instead of a bottle. Most bottled beverages are more than 8-ounces. If you have a favorite glass or cup, find out how much liquid it holds before using it.

If you want to have a sugar-sweetened beverage, only have a limited amount, such as 8 ounces and only 1 or 2 days a week. Check the serving size on the bottle to find out how many calories are in 1 serving and multiply it according to how much you plan on drinking.

If you notice you are having trouble sleeping, seem more irritable or jittery and have trouble concentrating and staying alert, limit caffeinated beverages.

Measure out 17 teaspoons of sugar and put it in a dry 20-ounce beverage bottle to give yourself a picture of how much sugar you are drinking. Keep it near your fridge to remind you of what your sugar-sweetened drinks contain.

Remember any sugar-sweetened beverage should be considered a treat, not a daily choice. Helping limit the amount of these calories can help limit the effects of becoming obese.

Provided photo

HOLLEY – Megan Gotte, a registered nurse who lives in Kent, didn’t let a blizzard stop her from providing care last Wednesday. Gotte rode her snowmobile to see a patient in Holley, who had to be seen that night.

Gotte works as an evening nurse for HCR Home Care, which serves patients and families in 19 counties in New York, including 17 rural counties. Gotte works with patients in Orleans and Genesee counties.

“HCR’s rural health care nurses routinely overcome the unique challenges of providing home care to rural residents,” the company said in a statement. “The latest evidence was during the March 12 blizzard.”

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

This Friday, March 7, is National Dress in Blue Day to increase awareness of colorectal cancer. The Orleans County Health Department is encouraging everyone to wear blue on the 7th, to promote Colorectal Cancer Awareness Week.

So, what exactly is colorectal cancer? It is sometimes called a silent disease because the warning signs may not be noticeable and many feel uncomfortable talking about it. The problem is the longer you go without checking into it, the bigger the problem becomes, literally. So swallow your uneasiness and learn more about this cancer.

The good news however, is colon cancer is 90 percent curable when detected early so colorectal screening can save your life.

Colorectal cancer refers to cancer in two different parts of the digestive tract, the colon and the rectum.  The following are certain factors that increase a person’s risk for getting the disease:

A family history of colon cancer.

A personal history of colon cancer.

A personal history of intestinal polyps.  A polyp is a mass of tissue that develops on the inside wall of a hollow organ such as the colon. Polyps are benign (non-cancerous), but may become cancerous over time. Most, perhaps all, colorectal cancers develop in polyps.

A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease also known as ulcerative colitis.

Aging. Colorectal cancers occur most often in people over the age of 50 and the risk gets higher as the person gets older.

A high-fat or low-fiber diet.  A healthy diet also reduces major sources of fat such as meat, dairy products, and oils used in cooking and salad dressings. A healthy diet also contains fiber from vegetables, fruits, whole grain breads and cereal.

Physical inactivity. It is recommended that everyone engage in physical exercise at least 30 minutes per day most days of the week.

So, how do you find out more about colorectal cancer? If you are 50 and older or any of the above items describe you, talk with your doctor about screening. If you are uninsured or have a high deductible, you may qualify for free cancer screening.

To see if you are eligible call Community Partners / The Cancer Services Program of Genesee and Orleans County at 798-6641 or 344-5497 and for the Wyoming County Cancer Services Program call 786-8890.

The important key to fighting colorectal cancer is knowing your body and being aware of potential symptoms no matter how old you are.  Some warning signs to look for include:

A change in bowel habits

Frequent gas pains

Weight loss with no known reason

Stools that are narrower than usual

A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

Blood in or on the stool

Constant tiredness

Diarrhea or constipation

General stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness, and/or cramps)

One of the tests used to aid in diagnosis is called the FIT (fecal immunochemical test) kit -it is easy, there are no dietary or medication restrictions – just swish the brush (not scoop the poop)!  This test is done in the privacy of your home. It is only a test for blood and not a test that directly detects cancer. This test is used because colorectal cancer may cause bleeding that cannot be seen. Other conditions (ulcerative colitis, intestinal polyps) may also cause bleeding, so having blood in the stool does not always mean a person has cancer.

So do not make any excuses about not being checked for colorectal cancer. If you are at risk or are experiencing any of the warning signs talk to your doctor now. It may be nothing which is great, but if it is something, get it taken care of so it doesn’t get worse. Remember, there is no excuse worth your life!

Pull out your best blues on Friday and join us as we encourage others to be aware of colorectal cancer.

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

Isn’t it fun watching children laughing and smiling? When anyone smiles or laughs in fun it usually lifts the spirit of those who can hear and see the person doing the laughing and smiling.

When someone is having problems with their teeth they don’t feel much like smiling or are embarrassed by the way their teeth or lack of teeth look.

How can you have a better smile? It really starts before you are born by making sure women who are pregnant eat fruits, vegetables and other foods rich in Vitamin D and calcium. Making sure you have good dental care practices before and during pregnancy go a long way in helping your child have strong teeth as they get older.

Taking care of a newborn’s mouth even before teeth are formed can set the stage for continued dental health care. Wiping a baby’s mouth with soft gauze or a clean wash cloth can prevent build up of acid in the mouth from the baby’s food and drink.

Never put a baby down for a nap or to bed with a bottle. Juice, formula and/or breast milk or sugar sweetened drinks causes baby bottle decay which can cause painful dental and tummy problems for the baby.

If your baby must have something to drink give baby a bottle of plain water. As soon as the first tooth appears start using a soft baby toothbrush (talk with your doctor or dentist about whether or not to use toothpaste). Introduce your baby to the dentist between 6 and 12 months of age.

Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. As children get older it may seem a challenge to make sure they keep up with brushing their teeth properly. They may need to see you model good dental health.

Make sure you brush your teeth with your own soft toothbrush (no sharing here!) at least twice a day for about 2 minutes (longer if you have braces or other dental work) and flossing at least once a day. Make sure your whole family visits your dentist twice a year for cleanings and fluoride treatments for strong teeth and to catch any cavities before they get worse.

Consider dental sealants. Dental sealants are different from fillings. Fillings are used to fill in the space from a cavity where the plaque bacteria (the sticky film on your teeth) changes sugar and starch from food and drinks into harmful acids that attack tooth enamel.

Repeated attacks of this acid cause the enamel to break down causing a cavity, which in turn can lead to infections. Proper brushing and flossing helps to remove the acid from your teeth, however teeth that have grooves or deep pits, such as the molars (back teeth) may hold on to the plaque. This is where dental sealants come in to protect the back teeth from decay.

Sealants are easy to apply and only take a few minutes to seal each tooth.  A special thin, plastic coating is painted on each tooth after it is cleaned and prepared for the sealant. As long as the sealant remains intact, usually about five years or more, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Make sure you and your child continue proper brushing, flossing and rinsing as well as visiting your dentist regularly to keep the sealants working to prevent tooth decay.

It is important to protect your teeth no matter how old you are. Having an unhealthy mouth can affect your overall body’s health. Poor oral health, tooth loss and gum disease, can be connected to heart disease, diabetes, cancer and strokes.

Eating healthful foods that have calcium and vitamin D help teeth grow properly.  Limit sticky, sweet snacks that encourage the bacterial plaque to make acid attacks on tooth enamel. Talk with your doctor or dentist about fluoride supplements to help build strong enamel.

Press release, Smoke Free NOW

Starting in October 2014, CVS will no longer sell tobacco and tobacco-related products.  Most drug stores are evolving into being health and wellness providers, offering health advice, giving flu shots and having clinics for customers who visit their pharmacies.

This huge step and monumental change will continue to reduce the social acceptability of smoking and tobacco usage. The power walls of tobacco marketing and products located behind the counter in many drug stores and convenience stores are influential. They attract the attention of current smokers, ex-smokers and impressionable youth by normalizing the product, making it visually accessible and appear interesting.

Eliminating this “power wall” will aid in limiting the exposure of youth to tobacco and lower tobacco usage rates and ultimately lives lost to tobacco related illness. Smoke Free NOW applauds CVS and encourages other pharmacies to adopt similar policies. For more information, contact Kevin Keenan, program director of Smoke Free NOW, at (585) 815-1875.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Today is National Wear Red Day, and people are encouraged to wear the color to help raise awareness about heart disease as the leading cause of death for men and women.

On Thursday, members of the Albion Rotary Club wore red. Rotarians are pictured next to their sign by Tillman’s Village Inn. Cindy Perry is the club president. She also is the director of health education, wellness and outreach for Orleans Community Health.

The Orleans Community Health Foundation will be posting photos of workplaces in the county that are dressed in red. To check those photos, click here.

The Courthouse dome also was red on Thursday night in honor of today’s effort. County employees have been encouraged to wear red, and donate $5 to the American Heart Association if they dress in the color. The Chamber of Commerce also is encouraging its members to dress in red that day.

Perry said heart disease is often a “silent killer” without noticeable symptoms. Heart disease is the cause of death for 38 percent of women, she said.

Orleans County has some of the worse health statistics in the state. The annual County Health Rankings report places Orleans 52^nd out of 62 counties for overall community health.

Orleans fares particularly bad with a high smoking rate, 29.9 percent of adults compared to 16.2 percent state-wide. There are 63 percent of adults in Orleans who are overweight or obese, compared to 59 percent in the state.

Financial Incentive Available for Students

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA, NY – Genesee Community College encourages students who want to quit smoking to join a state-wide study that uses an innovative, internet-based program to help beat the cigarette habit. Conducted by University of Rochester researcher Dr. Scott McIntosh, the study is testing the effectiveness of a promising new tool in smoking cessation, Web-Assisted Tobacco Intervention (WATI).

Dr. McIntosh is looking to recruit 1,440 community college students of all ages from around New York to participate in the study. So far 400 students from SUNY community colleges have signed up.

“Community college students are a growing population, and smoking remains a substantial health concern in their demographic,” Dr. McIntosh said.

Statistics indicate that while 16% of the general population smokes, the number is substantially higher, 28-30%, at community colleges.

Students can register online to participate in the study at wati.urmc.edu or they may call (585) 276-6243. Once registered, they’ll be asked to complete surveys at 1, 6, and 12 months into the program. Each completed survey earns them a financial reward; $10 at 1 month, $15 at 6 months, and $20 at 12 months for a total of $45, whether or not they quit smoking.

“This is a great opportunity for students who want to quit smoking but haven’t figured out what the first step is,” said Dr. Virginia Taylor, GCC vice president for Student and Enrollment Services. “We hope many of our students who smoke will give quitting a try. They have nothing to lose and much to gain.”

WATI requires no special travel and students are able to go at their own pace. All they need is an internet connection. All students who are ready to quit and who want help quitting on the internet will be referred to a FREE treatment website, even if they decide not to join this study. The study is being funded by the National Institutes of Health (National Cancer Institute).

Provided photo – Thanks for the Lift! Hospice nurses Shari Ettinger, left, and Mary Hicks, right, show their new Hoyer Lift to Orleans County Foundation representatives (middle, from left) Hank Lehning, Jerome Pawlak and Andrew Meier.

Press release
Hospice of Orleans

ALBION Patients at the Martin-Linsin Residence at Hospice of Orleans are more comfortable and secure, thanks to the generosity of two local foundations.

The first, a family foundation requesting to remain anonymous, contributed $5,500 that paid for a special transfer chair to ease patients’ transition from wheelchair to therapy tub. Nurse Manager Mary Hicks said this encourages greater usage of the hospice home’s spa amenities.

The Elizabeth Dye Curtis Foundation, working through the Orleans County Foundation, granted Hospice $6,000, which covered the cost of additional equipment, including a Hoyer Lift to safely move patients in or out of their beds or chairs.

“The Hoyer Lift and tub transfer chair not only improve the comfort and safety of the residents, but also of the nursing staff,” said Mary Anne Fischer, Hospice of Orleans’ executive director. “These grants are very helpful in helping us manage the costs associated with the Residence. In addition to our home care services, we are all working as a team to care for our neighbors facing serious illnesses.”

Members of the Curtis Foundation Board of Directors recently came for a tour of the Martin-Linsin Residence, where they saw the equipment and met some of patients and staff for whom it is making a difference.

Hospice of Orleans observed the first anniversary of the Martin-Linsin Residence in December 2013. In October of this year, the organization will mark 20 years as a hospice home care provider.

Press Release, Reality Check and Smoke Free NOW

ALBION, NY – Director of Public Health, Paul A. Pettit and local tobacco-control advocates Reality Check and Smoke Free NOW are drawing attention today to the tremendous health and financial burden caused by tobacco use in our local communities. The United States Surgeon General says tobacco marketing is a cause of tobacco use. The 32nd Report on Smoking and Health will highlight the 50th anniversary of the first Smoking and Health report released in January 1964. The report was the first to hit the American public that identified smoking as a cause of lung cancer in men.

The Surgeon General’s 32nd Report on Smoking and Health, released later this month, provides new findings on the health effects of smoking along with a call to end the continuing tobacco use epidemic. In New York, tobacco use remains the leading cause of premature death and disease, with the highest smoking rates among the poorest New Yorkers who disproportionally suffer the deadly consequences of tobacco use.

New York State is a leader in tobacco control with strong clean indoor air laws, the highest tobacco taxes in the nation; smoke-free outdoor laws, youth prevention initiatives, and cessation programs that together have led to substantial reductions in smoking rates among adults and youth. However, more than 25,000 New Yorkers still die every year due to tobacco use.

“New Yorkers earning less than $25,000 per year and those who report poor mental health are still smoking at significantly higher rates that the rest of the population and helping them quit remains an uphill battle,” said Mr. Pettit. “We need to ensure effective resources continue to be available to protect youth from ever starting, and to help those most vulnerable to smoking (people with lower income and reporting poor mental health) successfully quit.”

In New York State, the smoking rate for middle school students has declined to 3.1 percent and the smoking rate for high school students has declined to 11.9 percent. The adult smoking rate has been reduced to 16.2%, but is much higher in some parts of the state. In Orleans and Genesee County, the smoking rate remains at 29.9% and 18.7% respectively; higher than the state average.

“Research has shown the poorest New Yorkers have the highest smoking rates and as a result suffer more deadly illnesses due to tobacco use”, said Kevin Keenan, project director for Smoke Free NOW; a program of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. Furthermore, some counties in upstate New York have higher than average lung cancer rates largely driven by higher than average smoking rates. The American Lung Association has estimated that if no one in the United States smoked, one-third of all cancer deaths could be avoided.

The New York State Tobacco Control Program effectively reduces tobacco use, saves lives and saves money. The Department of Health estimates that approximately 35 percent of the total decline in adult smoking is attributable to youth prevention strategies. The significant reduction in smoking among young adults will reduce future health care costs by approximately $5 billion.

“It is hard to believe that we are still fighting this deadly product fifty years later,” said Kyla McCormick, Program Coordinator for Reality Check in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties. “We’ve made tremendous progress, but we must continue to tackle the enormous financial and health burden that tobacco use causes our community.”

For more information contact Smoke Free NOW at 585-815-1875 or Reality Check at 585-344-3960.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – It may have been snowing, windy and cold, but a group from the Albion area still got out on Saturday for walks and runs ranging from 0.5 to 3.1 miles.

In the top photo, Thom Jennings (left) and Greg Staines run along the sidewalk on West Avenue as part of their run.

The Albion Running Club kicked off the “Fit in 50” program on Saturday. About 20 participants attended the debut session which will be on Saturdays for the next three months before possibly changing to a different day when the weather gets warmer. The program with group walks and runs will continue throughout the year. Newcomers are welcome to join at any time.

Debbie Restivo, a nurse with the county health department, takes the blood pressure of Kathy Jurs.

Each participant can have their height, weight and blood pressure checked. Restivo and the Running Club will take the blood pressure, height and weight the first month for interested participants to record if there are changes throughout the year.

The data could be used to help the Running Club secure grant funding for fitness and wellness programs.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation has provided a $17,000 grant for the Running Club in 2015, with some of that money helping with the “Fit in 50” weekly program.

People have better success at achieving their fitness goals when they are part of a supportive group, said Brian Krieger (pictured in blue shirt), Running Club executive director.

Wayne Litchfield, 63, of Medina attended the Saturday kickoff. He walked a half mile with a cane. Litchfield was in a health care facility for a year before being released in 2013.

He is working on getting stronger and improving his balance.

“I want to do it in a group with encouragement,” he said. “My goal is more strength, more cardio. My life is just beginning. I have too much to do.”

Kathy Jurs of Albion ran a half marathon a year ago at Disney World. She traveled to Monroe County for many of her group training runs. She is thankful there will be local group for running.

She liked that the group was out along Route 31 in the village on a cold day. She hopes the sight encourages other people to be more active this year.

The debut group poses for a photo before their first “Fit in 50” walk or run on Saturday.

“I thought it was pretty cool to see people walking and running in my hometown,” she said.

Each week the Running Club will gather for a group run, with participants choosing the distance best suits them, whether it be 1.5 miles or longer. There will also be post run gatherings and opportunities for mini workshops. “Fit in 50” will go year-round with two holiday weeks off.

The group is meeting at 2 p.m. on Saturdays at the community room of the GCASA’s building across from the Albion Middle School. (Use the lower entrance of GCASA’s site at 249 East Ave.)

Participants will receive awards for reaching mileage milestones. Members will also be eligible for local race discounts and other area promotions. The Foundation grant covers the cost of the program, making membership free to participants.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation grant also will pay for materials for Run for God, a 12-week training program that starts in March and culminates with a 5K at the Strawberry Festival on June 13.

The grant will also pay most of the cost for a new pair of running shoes for up to 100 people. Participants will pay $20 towards a pair of Brooks sneakers that will be fitted by personnel from the Fleet Feet Sports. The first fitting will be Sunday (Jan. 18) from 2 to 4 p.m. at Hoag Library.

For more information on the Running Club and its programs, click here.

Press release, Alzheimer’s Association

BUFFALO – At some point in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, most people with dementia will inexplicably leave familiar surroundings and potentially endanger themselves.

Extremely cold temperatures can be deadly for vulnerable people who venture outdoors unprepared for the conditions, but there are steps that can be taken to lessen the danger for the person, and avoid anxiety for family members.

The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association can provide valuable resources and information for those with dementia and their loved ones, including ideas for preventing behaviors that could be dangerous, such as wandering from home.

“Watch for triggers, such as increased agitation, fidgeting or pacing, which can indicate their loved one wants to leave.” Chapter Program Director Lesley Kennedy advises caregivers and family members to acknowledge the feelings their loved one may be experiencing and redirect them to a new activity or environment, such as a different room.

It is also critical, and easy, to improve safety in the home. “Motion alarms, which are available at any home supply store, can be easily installed on a door. Moving locks to a higher position on a door where they are out-of-reach is also easy and effective. And camouflaging doors with curtains can divert a person from opening it and leaving,” advises Kenney.

Other suggestions include sticking to a routine or schedule of activities, which can be helpful in keeping those with dementia from becoming overly stimulated and overwhelmed. Wandering is unpredictable and it usually occurs because of disorientation caused by the disease.

“It is very important for caregivers to seek assistance as soon as they realize their loved one has left the home,” says Kennedy.

She recommends immediately calling 911 and indicating that there is a missing vulnerable person. Be assertive and insist that all police agencies, including county and state police, launch an immediate response. Having pictures of the missing person, and a description of their clothing, is also very important and asking friends and neighbors to join in the search or sharing the information through social media, can also be beneficial.

Finally, register with a medical alert program, such as “Safe Return”, which aids first responders by providing them with immediate links to your loved one’s caregivers, medical records, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

“You are not alone in this struggle,” says Kenney. “The Alzheimer’s Association has trained, confidential professionals available at any hour of the day or night to offer tips and guidance at their toll-free Helpline number1.800.272.3900.”