HOLLEY – The Holley Central School District has been awarded $441,000 in the first year of a multi-year federal grant called the Carol White Physical Education (PEP) grant. This grant promotes both physical fitness and nutrition.
Monies provided by the grant will enable the district to focus on after-school, Saturday, and summer recreation and nutrition-based activities involving partnerships with the Holley Recreation Program, the Orleans County Cooperative Extension, Orleans County Mental Health and the district’s own food service vendor, Personal Touch.
This is the second time Holley Central has been awarded the PEP grant. The last time was in 2003 when the district received $392,000 for its “Holley Achieves Wellness and Knowledge” initiative which focused on fitness and life-time activities.
“The link between good nutrition, physical fitness and academic performance cannot be denied,” said Holley District Superintendent Robert D’Angelo. “There is no doubt about it – these are the factors that impact student success and that’s why we pursue opportunities like this so aggressively. We operate on a philosophy that requires us to continually find ways to supplement taxpayer’s dollars in meaningful ways and that’s why we do so with special emphasis on fitness and nutrition. These are the things that greatly matter when it comes to academic success.”
Holley recently received a three-year General Mills grant which helped the district fund a new fitness test called the Fitnessgram. This test will help the district fulfill the evaluation phase of the Pep Grant.
“We are moving in the right direction and teaching students about fitness and nutrition in a way that sticks with them and influences their choices so they’re getting the nutrition and fitness they need to succeed,” said Lisa Campbell, Health and Physical Education chairperson at Holley Central. “Without our superintendent’s support and knowledge in nutrition and fitness to improve learning, we would not have succeeded in receiving this grant.”
Once the PEP money is received later this year, the district will begin to implement programs outlined in its application program which was entitled “Fit 4 U”. The “Fit 4 U” program will serve approximately 1,200 students in Pre-K through grade 12 for up to three years. Programs will take place at Holley Elementary School and the Middle School/High School and will focus on increasing students’ daily activity as well as their consumption of fruits and vegetables.
“Our goal is to keep building on past successes, one after the other, so we can continually move forward,” added D’Angelo. “Thanks to dedicated staff like Lisa Campbell who spearheaded this effort, we are making great strides in positively impacting student success.”
Photos by Sue Cook – Debbie Secrist, Medina Memorial Hospital’s Medical Transcriber, will be making a quilt for this year’s For Women Only event on May 7.
By Sue Cook, staff reporter
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health will be holding its 18th Annual For Women Only event on May 7. The event is a focus on breast cancer awareness for survivors and for all women who should be getting checked for cancer. Approximately 250 to 300 guests are expected at the event.
“Truly, early screening saves lives,” said Wellness Director Cindy Perry. “There is no reason why any woman should not have a mammogram. The goal is to raise awareness for breast health practices. This will also raise money for services for women who are uninsured or under insured that our grant doesn’t cover.”
During the event, quilt squares will be available for $5 each. Once a square is purchased the buyer can write a message using a fabric pen. Local artist Carol Culhane will also be available if the buyer would like her to write the message in a more artistic style.
The quilt is being made from start to finish by hospital employee Debbie Secrist. As a child, Secrist enjoyed sewing, but didn’t branch out into quilting until one day she was walking through the old Lockport Mall. She spoke to the Kenan Quilters and met Gretchen Lang. Lang encouraged Secrist to pursue quilting and to join the Quilter’s Guild.
“This is a passion of mine,” said Secrist. “I love doing it. It brings me a lot of peace and tranquility.”
The quilt will be a vibrant eye-catching wall piece when it makes its home in the Medina Memorial Hospital. The completed quilt will be hung for display in the hospital as a reminder to the community of how important personal health is. The quilt will also be brought to special events.
Employees at the hospital have seen her work before and recommended Secrist to the Community Partners committee. They approached Secrist who agreed it would be a great project. She had saved money she had previously won from the hospital bowling tournament and her bonus from serving at the hospital for 25 years. She used the money toward materials for the quilt.
When Secrist was saving the money, she didn’t have any plans what to do with it. “I didn’t really know what I was going to save it for. I knew it was something special, but then when they asked me if I would be interested in making the quilt I thought this is the perfect way to contribute and give back.”
Secrist says that Lang was the inspiration for the quilt. Lang is a breast cancer survivor and Secrist is using the quilt to show her appreciation and recognition of Lang. Secrist and Lang will be at the event to see the squares being signed. Secrist will also be writing a personal message for Lang on a quilt square.
Perry was very happy that Secrist was willing to provide such an incredible donation. “It’s phenomenal that she is willing to give back for such a good cause!”
Secrist reveals the final pattern of the quilt. The final piece will include 300 quilt squares. She says that it will likely take a few weeks or even a couple of months to put all the signed squares together.
The event will have speakers, Chinese auctions, a 50/50 raffle, wine tasting, appetizers and desserts. There will also be stories from survivors and time will be taken during the evening for survivors to stand up and be recognized. They will also receive a gift as acknowledgment of their fight against cancer.
The evening will also feature entertainment from the group DIVA by DIVA. Their act is comprised of songs, poetry, humor, quotes, and a variety of other performances. The all-female cast includes women from all walks of life with some of the cast sometimes including lawyers, bankers, cancer survivors, teachers and more.
All are welcome to the event, young or old. Despite the event’s name, men are encouraged to attend as well because they are also at risk of getting breast cancer or may wish to acknowledge a person in their life with breast cancer. The event is sponsored by the Community Partners and Cancer Services Program of Genesee and Orleans and also the WNY Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville is hosting the event. Tickets can be purchased by calling (585) 798-9542. Item donations are also still being accepted for the Chinese auction.
Photos by Sue Cook – Head driver Gregory Canham loads a cooler with hot meals into the back of a van. He will drive to each house on the route and drop off a meal while briefly checking a senior’s well-being.
Editor’s note: This story was updated from an earlier version to state there is a suggested donation for the meals and the total served last year was 47,000.
By Sue Cook, staff reporter
ALBION – For over 30 years, Orleans County senior citizens have been able to count on at least one hot meal per every weekday through the Meals on Wheels program.
The program saw a big change in 2009 when the Office for the Aging contracted with the Arc of Orleans County, the largest non-profit organization in the county, to run the program. It had been run by the First Presbyterian Church of Albion.
In five years the numbers of meals prepared at the site has increased from about 30,000 to 47,000 this past year. County officials say there is more need for the program. The change in location to the former Albion grammar school also offers more parking and easier accessibility, said Chuck Nesbitt, the county chief administrative officer.
Many of the disabled individuals who are a part of The Arc use Meals on Wheels. The Arc saw running Meals on Wheels as a perfect fit for the agency.
Some seniors will go on the program only briefly such as during a recovery period after a surgery, or they may be on the program permanently if they are disabled and do not have someone to help care for them. In many instances, the seniors only need the assistance during weekdays until a family member is available on weekends.
“We’re trying to get away from people thinking that it’s for people that are poor, because it’s really not,” said Nutrition Program Coordinator Vicki Havholm. “If you have surgery and you family is working during the day, we can help them during the day, to have that meal. We want to keep our seniors in their homes longer.”
That is one of the major goals of the program. Some families would consider putting a senior into assisted living communities or nursing homes as their health declines, but with the help of the Meals on Wheels program, seniors may be able to remain in their own homes because of the check-ins that drivers do when delivering meals.
Head driver Gregory Canham goes over his route for the day with Nutrition Program Coordinator Vicki Havholm.
Seniors or their families can call to ask for a senior to be added to the program to receive hot meals. A caseworker from the Office for the Aging will come to the person’s home and assess if there is a need for assistance. To qualify, a senior must be age 60 or older, must be homebound, receive insufficient support from family or friends and be unable to prepare food for themselves.
Havholm says that on average 102 seniors a week need the Meals on Wheels service. In the year 2013, Meals on Wheels fed 213 seniors with many only requiring help temporarily. The Nutrifair program served 284 at meal sites. Between the two programs, 47,000 meals were served in 2013.
Residents are suggested to give a contribution of $3 for hot meals, $2 for a cold meal prepacked for the senior to eat in the evening, and $3 for weekend meals which are delivered frozen during the weekday deliveries to be reheated in a microwave later.
Debbie Monnier of Albion is a volunteer driver with her husband Rob.
“It is a very worthwhile program,” she said. “I haven’t exactly done lot of volunteer work, but The Arc helped with our handicapped son when he was alive and we just wanted to give back. It’s run very well.”
Cooks will arrive very early in the morning and prepare all the food that will be used in the Meals on Wheels and Nutrifair programs. The programs share the same menu of what is served each day. The menu is determined by a registered dietician and comes as a low-sodium or diabetic option. The food is then packed into insulated coolers and kept warm to make sure they are served at a safe temperature.
Food is purchased in bulk to provide for both Meals on Wheels and Nutrifair. Food is stored in freezers and pantries until it is needed.
The program is currently seeking more volunteer drivers. They are especially short of help right now while a couple of their regular drivers are out of the area until the weather is warm. Drivers are responsible for a scheduled route of roughly 10 to 15 seniors, which usually takes between 1 and 3 hours.
The driver will arrive at the home, provide the senior with the meal, and also check to make sure the senior is safe and does not need any help. If the senior needs assistance, the driver will contact someone for help, such as the Office for the Aging or emergency services.
Anyone interested in becoming a driver can contact the Meals on Wheels in Albion. They will be asked to fill out an application with three references. They must also have their own vehicle, a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and are required to be at least 18 years old. The drivers must be able to deliver during morning hours, which can make it difficult to find volunteers because many people work during that time.
“It’s very hard to get these volunteers,” said Havholm. She speculates that many of the older generations that normally would volunteer are likely still employed instead of retiring. “Some of them are working still into their 60s and 70s.”
Denise Withey, Community Relations Specialist at Arc, wants people to be aware that they don’t need to worry about the cost of gas because there is reimbursement. “We do pay a stipend for gas. It’s based on mileage. So only the time is volunteer.”
Havholm said volunteers are welcome, even if it’s seasonal or one day a month. She said that for anyone who is under the required minimum volunteer age for drivers, they can inquire about helping out with the program’s fundraising events. She also welcomes monetary donations to The Arc for the Meals on Wheels program.
To volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program, call Havholm at (585) 589-5424 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on any weekday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 March 2014 at 11:13 am
High smoking rate, limited access to health professionals among factors
ALBION – Orleans County ranks as one of the most unhealthy counties in the state for a number of reasons that include adult smoking rates, obesity, poverty, access to medical professionals and other issues.
The county was rated 61 out of 62 counties for “Health Factors.” Only the Bronx fared worse in the annual County Health Rankings report that 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 was rated 61st for Health Factors. The county did better with Health Outcomes, coming in at 49th. That was an improvement from 52nd in 2013. Paul Pettit, the county public health director, wants to see the county’s numbers improve.
“We all have to work together and take our part in this,” he said. “It will take more than one organization.”
Other nearby rural counties were rated much healthier than Orleans. Livingston was the top rated county for Health Outcomes, and was 12th in Health Factors. Genesee was 27th for Heath Outcomes and 26th for Health Factors. Wyoming was 16th for Health Outcomes and 31st for Health Factors.
The Orleans Health Department is working collaboratively with Genesee and Wyoming on some initiatives. While Orleans has about 42,000 people, the three counties together have about 150,000. The bigger population number may help the three secure grant funds for public health initiatives. The funders often direct money to more populated areas where they believe they can have a bigger impact on more people, Pettit said.
Some of Orleans’ dismal rankings are due to poverty issues, and Pettit said those factors will take work and resources from government, non-profit organizations, busineses, the faith community and individuals to improve.
“We need all of the stakeholders working together,” he said.
Orleans ranks 61st out of 62 for access to clinical care, including primary care physicians with 4,262 to 1 (compared to a state average of 1,216 to 1), dentists with 5,088 to 1 (compared to 1,362 to 1 in NY) and mental health providers with 2,694 to 1 (compared to 525 to 1 in NY).
Pettit said that those numbers don’t tell the whole story and only measure clinical professionals within the county. Many residents have reasonably close access to professionals in the Rochester and Buffalo area, which is about a 45-minute drive, Pettit said.
Other factors could be reduced with better personal choices and public education. The county’s adult smoking rate of 29 percent is far above the NY average of 17 percent. The adult obesity rate in Orleans is 32 percent, which also tops the state average of 24 percent. Orleans also exceeds the state average in alcohol-impaired driving deaths, with 32 percent compared to 24 percent in the state.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2014 at 12:00 am
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 March 2014 at 12:00 am
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 52nd 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 52nd in health outcomes, 57th in health factors, 58th in health behaviors, 62nd in access to clinical care, 45th in social and economic factors and 50th 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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 March 2014 at 12:00 am
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.
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.
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 February 2014 at 12:00 am
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 52nd 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.
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.
